PAGE 986 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

URI BEACH, son of Uri, the pioneer Beach to Madison County, and his wife, Hannah (Noble) Beach. was born in Canaan Township, where Amity now stands, January 13, 1826. He received such education as the common schools and his limited facilities afforded. He was the oldest of the three brothers, and was left an orphan by the death of his father when only six years of age, and his services were early demanded in helping his mother care for a large family of children. His father organized a Sunday school in Canaan Township in 1826, and he also organized a subscription

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 987

school in that township, for the support of which he was the most liberal of his means of any man in the township, and he probably imbued his little child with something of his own spirit and enterprise. On the 6th day of March1845, he married Eleanor Downing. born in Canaan Township, Madison County. Ohio. November 22, 1825, daughter of Timothy and Elizabeth (Hayden) Downing. He shortly thereafter purchased a farm, in Brown Township. Franklin County, Ohio. adjoining the Jonathan Alder farm, but on the opposite side of Big Darby, where he continues to reside. He is an extensive shipper of live stock to Eastern markets, having made this enterprise a specialty for the past thirty years. He has been the Assessor of his township for twenty-five consecutive years. His children are Timothy Downing Beach. M, D.. of Catawba. Clark County. Ohio: Isaac Beach, Plain City. Ohio: Eva Noble (Beach) Simms, A. B.. wife of Rev. Joseph Simms, A. B. of the Northwest Ohio Conference, M. E. Church; Elizabeth Hayden (Beach) Converse, wife of Henry B. Converse, of Canaan Township: John, died in infancy: Mary Ettie. now in her junior year at Wesleyan Female College, Delaware, Ohio, and Uri.

JOHN NOBLE BEACH. son of Uri and Hannah (Noble) Beach was born in Amity, Madison County. Ohio, January 20, 1829. His youth was passed in Amity and on a farm, one mile west of where John Taylor now lives. At the age of thirteen, he went into the store of Charles McCloud, of Amity. then the principal store in the northern part of the county. He remained with him two years, attending school during the winters. At the age of fifteen, he taught his first school, the old log schoolhouse standing about one hundred yards south of where Solomon Cary's elegant residence now is. For this service he received the munificent salary of $8 per month and board. though the la ter item was not of interest to the community, or teacher as he boarded with his mother. For the next three years he taught school winters, spending the summer of 1846 in school at the University, Delaware. Ohio. and the two summers following reading medicine with Dr. Charles McCloud, and the winters of 1848-49 and 1849-50 attending lectures at the Starling Medical College. Columbus, Ohio, whence he graduated an M. D. February 25, 1850. In the spring of 1849, after his first course of lectures. he commenced practice at Unionville Center. Union County. Ohio, and returned there after his graduation a year later. Retrained there until the fall of 1851, when he went to New York for the further prosecution of his studies, attending a partial course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, but giving most of his time to study in the hospitals. After an absence of six months, he returned to Unionville again, where he remained another year, removing to Pleasant Valley (now Plain City) in 1853, and to Jefferson. Ohio, in 1858. April 14, 1862, he was commissioned Surgeon of the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, then in Eastern Kentucky. On the 19th day of the same month, he joined the regiment at Piketon. Ky.. and remained on duty with it until the following September, when he was assigned to staff duty. From that time until the close of his service, although giving much personal attention to his regiment, he was on continuous staff duty, as follows: Surgeon of the Third Brigade, army of the Kanawha. in the fall of 1862, at Gallipolis, Ohio: Medical Director of the District of Eastern Kentucky, in the winter of 1862-63, at Catlettsburg. Ky.; Medical Director of the Third Division (Gen. Baird's), Army of the Ohio, in the spring of 1863, at Franklin, Tenn. ; Surgeon of First Brigade, First Division, Reserve Corps. from July 24. 1863. until the re-organization of the army, after the battle of Chickamauga. and from that

988 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

time until his muster-out. December 6, 1864, he was Surgeon of the Second Brigade (Gen. Whittaker's), First Division, Fourth Army Corps. Upon'; the opening of the Atlanta campaign in the spring of 184, in addition to his staff duties, he was assigned as one of the three operating surgeons in the hospital of the First Division, Fourth Army Corps, a position he retained until after the fall of Atlanta. After his muster-out of the service. he returned to Jefferson, where he has continued to reside. Upon the organization of the Columbus Medical College, in 1875, he was elected by the Trustees Professor of General Pathology, a position he resigned a year later, the duties of the chair interfering with other engagements. In 1875, was elected a member of the Ohio House of Representatives. In 1848, he was commissioned Surgeon of the Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guards. a position. he still retains. In January 1880 he was appointed on the military staff of Gov. Charles Foster, as Surgeon General of Ohio and in 1882 as honored by a re-appointment to the same position. Is a member of the State Medical Society. and was elected one of its Secretaries in 1668. Is a member of the Central Ohio Medical Society and was its President in 1881-82. Is a member of the Madison County Medical Society, and ha been its President. Married. June 1, 1858. Eliza J., daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kiser) Snyder, of Champaign County, Ohio by whom he had the following children: Edith. born in Jefferson, Ohio, February 16, 1860: Anna, born in Jefferson, Ohio, July 26, 1865.

ELIJAH BELL. farmer- P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of Joseph and Nancy (Shubridge) Bell, the former a native of Pennsylvania, where he was raised. and the latter a native of Virginia, where she was brought up. They were married in Morgan now Noble County, Ohio, where they were early settlers. In that county both lived and died, he January 7, 1866 and she February 13, 1870 both members of the Baptist Church. and he through life by occupation a farmer. Their children were thirteen in number. and seven are now living, viz.. John W., in Oregon: James. of Athens County, Ohio: George, in Oregon; Elijah, our subject: Leander. of Noble County, Ohio; Clarissa C., of Oregon. and Charlotte C.. of Athens County.. Ohio. Elijah was born in Noble County, Ohio. in 1832. He was raised t farm life and acquired a common-school education. He remained in hi native county until 1853, when. he came to Madison County and commenced teaching, which claimed his attention several years. In 1857, he married Mary, daughter of the pioneer David Sidener. of Jefferson Township. where she was born. They have ever since resided in Jefferson Township, where he now owns a good farm of 150 acres and where he is an enterprising and well-to-do farmer. He and wife are the parents of eight children, of whom four are now living. viz.. Joseph M., David C., Nancy E. and Lucy J. Elijah's twin brother. Elisha, is deceased.

WEBSTER BIDWELL. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, son of Ephraiw Bidwell, was born on the farm where he now lives March 28, 1853. H, was raised to farm life. aud, under the care of religious parents, he matured and received a common-school education. His parental roof was his home until his marriage. April 7, 1877, with Sarah. laughter of George Buswell. of this township. She was born in Jefferson Township in 1853. They settled on the farm where he now owns 163 acres of good land. He devotes considerable time to raising and feeding stock. He and wife have a family of three daughters. viz.. Ada M.. Minnie A. and Edith B.

NATHAN BIDWELL. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of Elisha and Dorotha (Nigh) Bidwell. both natives of Vermont. where they matured

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 989

and married, and where they had born to them two sons. Early in the present century they came to Ohio and settled on the present site of Columbus, where he helped to grub a part of the land now occupied by that city. While erecting his cabin there, he became crippled in his right arm for life. His residence in that vicinity only marked a short period, when he settled in Madison County in what is now Canaan Township, purchasing land at $1.25 per acre. His death occurred in 1849, in Monroe Township, Madison County, where he had lived a few years only. His widow returned to Canaan Township with her oldest son, Uriah. In 1856, she. Uriah and another son. Washington, died of small-pox. She and Elisha were the parents of seventeen children, viz., Uriah, Isaac, Dorotha, Ephraim, Mahlon, Nathan, Addison, Polly or Mary, Jackson and Washington. twins, Augustus, Joseph. Benjamin, Leonard and Elisha. The youngest was the strongest of the family, and he and Benjamin were both killed in the war of 1861-65. Nathan was born in Canaan Township September 6, 1820. and was raised to farm life in his native township, among the pioneer privations. He had few school privileges, and possesses only a limited education. He remained at home until his majority, when he engaged as a farm hand until September 5, 1844, on which day he married Eliza J. Kennedy. She was born and raised in this county and died January 15, 1855; she was the mother of five children, two of whom died in early life. Mr. Bidwell married, for his second wife, Elmira (Hall) Thomas, widow of Roland Thomas. This union has been blessed with two children. Mr. Bidwell has always followed farming and stock-raising, and, in 1850, he settled in Jefferson Township. where he now owns 134 acres of good land.

GEORGE W. BLAIR. farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is one of the pioneers of the county and a grandson of Alexander Blair. who was a native of Virginia, of Scotch parentage. He matured in his native State, where he married Elizabeth Vestal, of English birth. They settled in Kentucky in 1788 and, in 1801, in Franklinton, Franklin County. Ohio, where Elizabeth died. He subsequently came to Madison County, where he died in 1825. Of his eleven children, John (the father of our subject) was the eighth child and was born near Harper's Ferry, Va.. September 19, but from infancy he lived in Kentucky. when we find him in Ohio. He matured in Franklin County, and entered the war of 1812. from Franklinton. serving until Hull's surrender, when he was captured, but soon after paroled and sent him home. He hunted deer and other game and male Sugar from the maple orchard that once occupied the grounds of the present beautiful city of Columbus. He learned the hatter's trade in Franklinton. and then settled in London, Madison County. in 1814, where he embarked in that business. In the latter part of the same year, he married Jennie. daughter of John Thompson. who was a pioneer settler on the lot now owned by Dr. Toland Jones. John Blair and wife remained in London until 1825, when they located on the Glade Run, and, in 1843. in Jefferson Township, where she died, in 1868, and he in 1870, both being interred in the Blair Cemetery. John was a man of tall and slender form. very wiry and energetic but the last thirty years of his life he was unable to perform physical labor. He died aged eighty-two. and his wife seventy-eight. Of John Blair's seven children, four are now living, two in Madison County. of which George W. is the eldest; he was born in London May 20, 1817, and has since bean a resident of his native county. He early imbibed the principles of farming, which he still follows. In 1841, while living on the Glade Run. he married a daughter of George and Rebecca Goodson.

990 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

In 1843, George W. Blair and family settled on his present farm. which now consists of 300 acres. At the time of his settlement the land was near all covered with either the original or second growth of timber. He has been a resident of the county almost from the time of its erection, and has watched its rise and progress. From 1868 to 1870, he was connected with the building of the Blair pike of which he completed three miles. He claimed the honor of owning and operating the first steam thresher in Madison County. and of the introduction of the first reaping machine in the county. His children were ten in number. two died in early life-one. Mary E., at the a age of twenty-four. and seven are now living, viz.. John, George G., Charles W., William F., Uriah H., Belle and Emma C. This family as well as the ancestors. are adherents of the Methodist Church. John, a native of Deer Creek Township, has always been a resident of the county: he is by occupation a farmer and machinist. He was three years in the late rebellion. participating in the battles of Vicksburg, Jackson. Miss., and many others. He was taken prisoner at Guntown, Miss., and was nine months in Prison. He then returned home and married Mary A. Ray. a native of Indiana, who was raised in South Charleston. Clark Co.. Ohio. Their children are two sons and three daughters. George G. Blair; as well as all the younger ones, is a native of Jefferson Township. where he was raised to farm life. and entered the service of the late war, in Company K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry with his brother John, and returning after a service of three years. He married Esther A. Clark. a native of Springfield, Ohio, of Irish parentage. They have one son and two daughters. Charles W.. the third son, is a farmer and machinist; he entered the United States Navy in 1863 and was assigned to the gunboat " Tawah." He was subsequently wounded at Clifton, Tenn.. resulting in the loss of his left arm. His military service covered a period of one year. He afterward was appointed to and filled the position of Postmaster at West Jefferson. He was married to Isabelle G. Melvin. a native of Jefferson. They have two sons and three daughters. William F. Blair has always resided at home, save eighteen months spent in Kansas. and devotes his time largely to machinery. U. H. has always followed farming; he married Margaret, daughter of George Buswell. whose biography appears in this township. Two children are the fruits of this union-Belle is the wife of Jesse M. Mills, of Warren County. Ohio. his occupation is that of saw-miller; Emma C.. is the wife of Jacob H. Knouff, a native of Washington County, Md., but since 1863 a resident of Ohio, and since 1S72, of Madison County.

D. W. BLISS, grocer, Jefferson. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a son of Ezra Bliss. who was a native of Vermont, where he received his education and studied medicine. Soon after reaching manhood, he commenced the practice of medicine, and while thus engaged two of his sons, viz., Ezra and Hiram, studied medicine under him and became practitioners. One on his way home from Europe died in Canada, and the other died in Massachusetts, Ezra. Sr.. in 1846. was induced by one of his sons, who then lived in Jefferson. Madison County, Ohio. to locate there but he was growing old. and only followed his profession a few years. He and wife both died here. she being his second companion. He was the father of twelve children, three of whom came to Ohio-D. W., whose name heads this sketch is a native of Vermont, where he was born April 23, 1835; from 1839 to 1846, he was a resident of Indiana, but since the last date has resided at Jefferson, having come with his father from the Hoosier State; he was educated mostly in the schools of Jefferson, during

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 991

his early life; at the same time he had experience as clerk in the store of his brother, thereby gaining a knowledge of business. He subsequently served as the first telegraph operator in Jefferson, and as freight, ticket and express agent, a period of fifteen years. In 1872, he took a trip to Europe to see a sick brother, and, after a stay of considerable time, he returned. In 1880, he opened out business in Jefferson similar to that which he is now conducting, but sold out to Hoe & Martin, and, in 1881, opened in his present stand, in which he carries a full line of groceries, provisions, glass and queensware. His wife was Amelia Stutson, to whom has been born four children, all deceased, and three died in infancy, one, Ormie H.. at the age of eighteen years.

QUINN BRADLEY, druggist, Jefferson. is a son of Daniel Bradley. who was a pioneer and native of Monroe Township, Madison County. where our subject was also born in 1843 He was left fatherless at an early age. and reared by a widowed mother. As soon as he was large enough. he was hired out as a farm hand, and thus continued until May 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving until the expiration of his enlisted term, one hundred day. In 1863, he re-enlisted in Company C, Second Ohio Cavalry, and remained in service until the close of the war. He participated in the common hardships connected with military life. He returned home and resumed farming, and, in 1869. married Miss Kate Zinn, of Franklin County. Ohio. The issue of this union is one child--Elta. Farming was Mr. Bradley's pursuit until the centennial year when he located in Jefferson, and, two years later. opened a drug store. He carries a full line of drugs, druggists' sundries. paints, oils, varnishes and stationery.

LESTER A. BURNHAM. farmer, P.O. West Jefferson. James Burnham, who is more fully spoken of in the history of Jefferson Township, was the father of our subject and a son of James and Tama (Holt) Burnham He came to Jefferson Township in 1817. and, in 1823, married Mary Ann Jones, whose family were from Pemberton. N. J. In 1857, Mr. Burnham died. leaving his widow, who survived him nine years, and three sons and a daughter. Of these. the eldest, James C.. is editor and publisher of the Index a weekly paper at Minneapolis, Kan.: the second is the subject of this sketch; the third son, John, is located at San Jose. Cal.; the daughter Emma died in 1861. Besides these children, two daughters had died in infancy, and a third. Mary. in 1848, two years after her marriage to Thornton Ross. The subject of this sketch was born at Hampton, Jefferson Town ship, April 15, 1833. and remained at home with his parents until he reached his majority, in the meantime attending the common school of his neighborhood. After leaving home. he, for a time, engaged in milling. In 1862, he married Miss Sarah Johns. a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Snowden) Johns. of Greene County. By this marriage four children were born, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Edward S., deceased and Emma. Mrs. Burnham died on June 6. 1882. Mr. Burnham has engaged in several occupations. but his life hag been principally spent in farming. He was a Democrat until of late years. when he has cast his lot with the Prohibitionists.

GEORGE BUSWELL, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a native of England and a son of Thomas and Catharine Buswell. both natives of England. the former bring by occupation a farmer. They both died in their native country. Their family consisted of eight children, of whom George. the fourth was born September 21, 1820. He was brought up to agricult-

992 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ural pursuits. which he has always followed. His home was in his native country until April 18, 1855, when he embarked for the United States; landed at Jefferson, Madison Co.. Ohio. on June 19, of the same year. He worked as a farm-hand about two and one-half years. and then leased seve acres from Edwin Roberts, which he worked four years. Two years late' he became a land-owner, and now has a farm of 336 acres. He was married. August 25, 1861, to Nancy Toops. To this union has been given family of six children. Mr. Buswell is always interested in all improvements of the county, and in the welfare of the community in which he sides.

THOMAS CARTMILL, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of William and a grandson of Thomas Cartmill. The latter with his family moved Virginia. to Bath County. Ky., about 1788. He and wife both died in that State at advanced ages. Of their eleven children. William, the sixth. was born in Virginia. in 1788, but from early boyhood lived in th county where his parents died. About the year 1807 he was married, an. five years later located near Georgesville. Franklin Co.. Ohio. About 1821 or 1822 he settled near London, Madison County. where he buried his wife in 1859, and where he died in 1873. He was through life a farmer, an excellent marksman and a great hunter. One of the incidents of his life we record, though it occurred in Kentucky: One evening, while watching a flock of turkeys, as they were going to their perch for the night he chanced to hear a slight noise behind him, and. turning. saw, several paces up the hill from where he stood. a panther lying flat. ready to leap upon him. His gun was immediately leveled on the panther. which had seemingly al. ready began to leap, but the death shot entered the animal's heart, and so vicious was its leap. that, with a death-grip it clung fast to a tree several feel above Mr. Cartmill's head." He also passed through some narrow escapes while hunting in Ohio, being a venturesome pioneer. His wife was a noble assistant in rearing the seven children. She spun and wove the fabric. and made all their own clothing and attended to her domestic affairs besides As a companion she was true and amiable. and as a mother kind and affectionate and highly esteemed by her neighbors. Of the seven children al. save one are now living. Thomas, the first born. was a native of Kentucky but, in 1812, when he was five years old. his father came to Ohio, since which Thomas has been a resident of the Buckeye State. After remaining on his father's farm until the age of twenty two. he entered upon the duties of the carpenter trade, which he followed continuously until 1857, in whirl Year he erected a grist-mill on Little Darby. This he conducted until 1881 when his successor, the present owner. took charge of it. He has been land-owner in this township since 1851 and superintended his farm in connection with the mill. He now owns 200 acres, highly improved and well cultivated. He is a well to-day citizen, and has his daughter living wit] him.

J. T. COLLIVER, physician. Jefferson. is a son of Dr. John Col liver. who was born in Kentucky in 1811. He was raised in his nativ State to farm life. which he followed in connection with trading. Hi marriage with Matilda Robinson was celebrated in 1831, and, ten year later, they moved to Ohio, locating in Madison County. Soon after reaching the latter county, he commenced reading medicine, and in due time was prepared and began practicing on the Eclectic system, in Mechanicsburg Champaign Co., Ohio. After a successful practice of ten years, he, in 1855, located in Amity, Madison County, where the whole family was attacker

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 993

with small-pox, resulting in the death of one, a young lady, and severely marking the remainder. Dr. John Colliver practiced there until 1857, when he located in Jefferson, where he practiced until his death, in 1865. His widow still survives, aged sixty-eight years. Their children were twelve in number seven of whom are still living. Dr. J. T., the fifth, was horn in 1841 in Kentucky, but from infancy he was reared in Ohio. He commenced reading medicine under his father. and began practicing in the fall of 1862. in Jefferson, where he has carried a heavy practice ever since. He graduated at the Eclectic College. of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864. In 1869, he married Frances, daughter of Dr. W. W. Adams, of De Witt County, Ill. Four children are the issue of this union.

JOHN CONKLIN. deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and he was raised in his native State, where he married Jane Andrew, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1803. In 1830, they with three children came to Madison County. Ohio. and bought a farm of 160 acres. one mile north of the present site of Jefferson. The family lived in Now Hampton a few weeks, while a log house was being constructed. In the fall of 1831, he assisted Col. Millikin to survey the lots of Jefferson, and be saw it grow from a hazel brush patch to a good-sized business town. He worked hard. was economical, and at his death owned 285 acres of land, which he had mostly cleared. He and wife lived together until October, 1873, when his death severed the union: she died in February. 1881. Their children were eight in number. four are now living. viz., Mary. wife of F. Waddle: Emily, D. S. and Amos. Emily was born on the farm where she now lives in 1833: she was raised and cared for by her parents and remained in single life at home: she now owns a part of the farm and resides on it. D. S. was born on the farm in 1845. has ever resided in this township. and has followed farming for a livelihood. He now owns a good farm and raises a fair class of horses. cattle and sheep. and is one of the well-to-do farmers. He received a common-school education. which enables him to appreciate the cause of public schools. with which he has been officially connected for several years. He was married. May 1, 1872, to Frances Carter, by whom he has two children--John and Jessie. Amos. the youngest, was born in was raised to farm life and remained at home until 1868, when he engaged as baggage master on the Little Miami Railroad, which he followed five years. He then resumed his boyhood occupation, farming on the old homestead. a part of which he now owns. He was married, to Miss Jennie Carter. October 18. 1877.

JOHN DICKENSHEETS. miller, Jefferson. was born November 21, 1831, in Maryland. but from five years of age. lived in Montgomery County. Ohio. where his father operated a grist-mill on Stillwater a number of years. While residing there, the parents. David and Sidney (Smith) Dickensheets both died. John worked for his father, and under his instruction until after his majority. Subsequently he labored in different mills, in Dayton. then in Richmond, Ind., and various other places until 1879, when he came from Circleville. Ohio. to Jefferson. his present situation. He was married. on Christmas. 1856, to Charlotte Jackson. a native of England. born December 4, 1836. In 1853, her parents settled in Dayton, Ohio, where both died. She is the second of a family of eight children. Mr. Dickensheets and wife have a family of four children, all now living viz.. Mary F., Mattie M., George W. and Luther M. The Dickensheets name is of English and German origin.

994 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

A. J. DICKERSON. teacher and farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, born in Harrisburg, Penn.. February 14, 1833: He is a son of Alexander and Catharine (Bigler) Dickerson. The former was Secretary of the office at Harrisburg at the time of his death and his father, who was Irish parentage, was a native of Pennsylvania where he lived and died and a General in the war of 1812. Catharine Bigler. above mentioned, now residing in Philadelphia. and is a cousin of ex-Gov. William Bigler of Pennsylvania and ex-Senator from the same State. She is also a cousin to ex-Gov. John Bigler, of California. Her grandfather Bigler came from Germany. and married Catharine Pancake. of German descent. Our subject was raised in his native State where he was educated, and when tweet years of age. he engaged in teaching. which he has followed in connection with farming ever since. His residence in Madison County. Ohio. dat back to 1865: since that time he has taught almost every winter in fort different districts. He owns a good farm, which ho cultivates. He is among the leading embers of the Foster Chapel Methodist Church and a class leader. His marriage was solemnized in Pennsylvania with )Ii; Rachel Andrew.

WILLIAM DURFLINGER. farmer. P. O. Lilly Chapel. is a grandson of Henry Durflinger. a native of Germany. who came to America prior to the Continental war, in which he was a patriot. He settled lived and died in Virginia. Of his five children. Thomas, the father of our subject, and the second child, was born in Loudoun County. Va , in 1773, and died in Jefferson Township, Madison County, Ohio, in 1851. He was raised to farm life in his native State, where he married Susan Gouldsberry and about 1803, with one child came to Ross County, Ohio. He bought land near the present town of Frankfurt, cleared and improved it and remained there until 1825. when the family settled in the Galaway Survey. of Jefferson Township, Madison County, and there bought 330 acres of land, on which one little field was cleared. but no house built. A log house was quickly erected, and they enjoyed the new home six years, when it was sold and another tract of land bought. most of which lies in the northeast corner of Fairfield Township. On this farm he died, having lived a widower from 1822. He was industrious and economical was three times in life reduced to limited circumstances by placing confidence in those not worthy of the '' trust. He was the father of nine children. Of the survivors. William and Daniel are the only two living in this state. William was born November 15, 1812, in Ross County, Ohio and since 1828, was a resident in this township. He now owns 182 acres of good land. He was married. November 11, 1838, to Clarine, daughter of Levi Hann, by whom he had five children, viz.. Mary, died July 14, 1841: George, Thomas. Sarah. deceased March 20, 1850. and Cash M. The youngest daughter now resides home. Mrs. Durflinger's parents, Levi and Sarah Hann settled in Madison County about the same time of the Durflingers. They lived and died in Madison County. Their children were eight in number, one of whom. Jacob, died the next morning after settling in Jefferson Township. Their children all settled in Madison County, but one, who now reside; in Indiana and one in Webb City, Mo. The other three are still residents of Madison County.

DANIEL DURFLINGER. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. Of Thomas Durflinger's children. Daniel. the sixth was born in Ross County, Ohio. August 10, 1846, but since twelve years of age has been a resident of Madison County, where he has always followed farming. He now owns a

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 995

good farm of 250 acres, and considerable land in Ottawa County, Kan. He is one of the well-to-do citizens, industrious and economical, and believes in furthering the interests of the county. His marriage with Margaret Anderson has resulted in the birth of nine children, seven are now living-two are in Kansas, and five are in their native county, Madison.

W. W. FELLOWS, retired merchant, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Ebenezer Fellows, who was a native of Hanover, N. H., where he followed farming through life. His wife was Deborah Ross, sister to Isaac Ross, who is the father of Editor George E. Ross. of London, Ohio. Of Ebenezer's seven children. three are yet living, all residents of Madison County, Ohio. viz.. Isabelle. wife of W. H. Chandler; Arabelle, twin sister to Isabelle, and wife of J. Swetland. and the subject of this sketch, who is the youngest of the three. He was born in Plainfield, N. H., in 1818, and was raised and educated in his native State, where he imbibed the principals of farming, but, in 1830. came to Jefferson. Madison County, where, for three years, he was engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1839, he took his stock to Marysville. Union County, where, after one year's experience, he sold out and began clerking in London. In the latter town, he bought out his brother Harvey's stock, in 1843, and formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, W. H. Chandler. Three years later, he took the total responsibility of the store upon himself, and conducted it until 1858, when he sold to Jonathan Arnett. and was induced to take his sons to the farm, in Oak Run Township. After an agricultural life of nine years, he located in Jefferson. and, with his son T. B., engaged in the dry goods trade, but, in 1872, he retired, leaving the business to his son, who is now doing a fair business. Since 18 72, he has devoted most of his time to his farm, near Jefferson. where he still resides. In 1839, while engaged in business in Marysville, he married Lydia Hebbard, a native of Maryland, who was born in 1823. The issue of this union was thirteen children, three of whom died in early life. three when nearly grown, and seven are still living, viz., T. Byron; W. W., Jr., minister, of Michigan; Ida L., of Columbus, Ohio; Lucy, of Lebanon, Ohio; Eugene. attorney of Muskegon, Mich. ; Ada L., of London. and Villa A. Mr. Fellows, though not possessing an extra education himself appreciates the value of that important feature, and has given his children school privileges, by which they are enabled to mostly earn their own livelihood. The total expenditure on their education was about $16,000. He now owns about 300 acres in the vicinity of Jefferson.

P. C. FULLMER, Notary Public, Jefferson, is a son of George and Sophrona (Thresher) Fullmer, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Vermont. Their marriage was celebrated in Wisconsin about 1850, this being his second marriage. Four years after the union then settled in Madison County, Ohio. where our subject was born the same year being the second and youngest of the family. He was raised to farm life and acquired the rudiments of an education in the common schools during the winter season. after which he attended the National Normal University at Lebanon. Warren Co., Ohio. He has devoted considerable time to reading medicine. and. since 1880, has lived in Jefferson, where he is serving as Town Clerk and conducting an office of the leading fire insurance companies. He is also Notary Public and collecting agent.

J. H. GILBERT. farmer and teacher, P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of Samuel and Rebecca M. (Harlan) Gilbert, natives of Maryland., where they were married and lived until 1837, when they emigrated to Ohio and settled in Franklin County. near Hilliard's Station. He was by occupation

996 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

a farmer throughout his residence in the last-named county. where he and wife both died. Their children were eight in number of whom seven are now living. Our subject. the fourth. was born in 1836, in Maryland, hat from one year old lived in Franklin County, Ohio. where he acquired a fair education, while growing up on the farm under the guidance of his parents. In 1863, he first came to Madison County. where he now has a farm of nearly one hundred acres, on which his summers are mostly devoted. For the past fourteen years, he has devoted most of his winters to teaching school. He has been twice married, first, to Lucy Baker. who died in 1874, leaving three children. He was married, to Mrs. Harriet McCollum. in 1878. They reside on their farm five miles northwest of Jefferson.

JAMES GILLIVAN, hardware merchant and dealer in all kinds of agricultural implements. Jefferson, is a son of Patrick J. and Ann (Caloo) Gillivan. both natives of Ireland. where then married and died. he in 1838, and she in 1853. He was by occupation a house carpenter. which he followed through life. His family consisted of eight children. The subject of this sketch was born in Ireland in 1832, and emigrated to America in 1848, settling in Columbus, where he engaged in learning the tinner and coppersmith's trades. After completing his trade, he traveled as a journeyman until 1866. when he located in Jefferson and established his present business. He deals extensively in hardware, stoves, wagons, buggies, farm implements, paints, oils, tin and hollow ware. etc.. and his annual sales amount to about $15,000. He was married. in 1853 to Miss Mary E. Manifold, by whom he has five children living and three deceased. Two brothers of Mr. Gillivan's came to America: one settled in Burlington Iowa, and the other in Kentucky.

GEORGE GOODSON. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of Thomas Goodson, a native of Virginia, and a patriot in the Continental war, who died in his native State. His wife was a native of Ireland. George, the father of our subject. was among the eldest of their family of several children. He was born in Franklin County, Va., July 9, 1783. He married, in 1805, Rebecca Wilson, a native of the same State. who was born October 16, 1787. Three years later, he and his small family came to Ohio and settled on Big Darby in Franklin County where he bought land in the dense wilderness, surrounded by the Delaware Indians. He improved and cultivated this farm. and lived on it until his death October 2, 1851. His widow died October 14, 1853. He was by occupation a blacksmith. His farm consisted of 135 acres. He had eleven children, viz.. Sarah. Mary, Jane, Thomas, Malinda, Elizabeth, William, Rachel, Robert, George and John. Of those, William and John died in early life. and now all are do ceased save Elizabeth. Rachel and George. The latter was born February 3, 1824. in Franklin County, where he was raised to farm life and mar ned Eliza Huffman, of Pickaway County, Ohio, where she was born on the same day of her husband. They remained in Franklin County until November, 1851 when they settled on their present farm which consists of 255 acres. The farm has been mostly cleared through the efforts of its present owner. He has been associated with the School Board a number of years, and is interested in all public improvements. He and wife both adhere to the United Brethren Church. They have a family of five children. viz., Thomas, Sarah. Rebecca (deceased), Alice and John W., all married except the youngest.

A. A. GREGG. banker and farmer, Jefferson, is a son of John Gregg, who was born October 14, 1783, in Loudoun County. Va

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 997

When but a child, his parents moved to near Brownsville, Penn., where they died, and where John matured. On June 24, 1812, he was married to Margaret Allen, who was born January 18, 1790, in Virginia. John followed agricultural pursuits until his death. which occurred about nine years after his marriage, when he left a widow with three fatherless children. About the year 1827, she, with her three children, moved to Ohio, settling about six miles west of London, Madison County, where she bought a piece of land, all in the dense forest_ A double, hewed-log house was soon erected, into which they moved. Her three sons, Carlton E., Ashton A. and Thomas. did noble work in opening this farm, of which each of them now own 100 acres. They are all heads of families. The old lady remained on the home farm until her death, April, 1881. having lived a widow over sixty years. Ashton A., whose name heads this sketch, is one of the elderly citizens of Madison County. He was raised to know the hardship connected with pioneer life, and now owns considerable land. For the past six years, he has been a resident of Jefferson. where he is conducting a commercial bank. and at the same time superintending his farms. His life has mostly been devoted to farming. His marriage was celebrated May 7, 1846, with Mary M. Pearce, who was born June 11, 1826, at Chillicothe, Ohio. They have a family of nine children, one of whom died when twenty months old, and eight are still living.

ISAAC H. HAMBLETON, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, and Director of the Madison County Infirmary, is a son of Stephen G. Hambleton, who was born near Philadelphia, Penn., though mostly raised in Erie County, N. Y., and in early manhood came to Ohio with his cousin, and settled in Columbiana County. where he married Sarah Galbreath, of that county. Her father, James Galbreath, settled in the year the State was admitted to the Union, in 1835 they moved to Erie County, N. Y., and, five years later, in Miami County. Ohio. In 1843, they settled near Georgesville, Franklin Co.. Ohio, and subsequently bought a farm in the same county, where he died March 25. 1860. His widow still survives, in Dayton, Ohio, with her son-in-law, Richard Van Horn, Stephen G. Hambleton was a stout, hearty man. possessing a robust constitution, six feet high, and weighed about one hundred and seventy-five pounds. He was one of the first in Central Ohio to advocate the principle of the Underground Railroad and in consequence thereof. became an early advocate of the newly organized Republican party in 1854 to which he closely adhered through life. He died of cancer of the face. Of his twelve children, eight are now living-three sons and five daughters. Isaac H., the second child, was born in 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio. Since 1840, his residence dates unbroken in Ohio. and, since 1854, in Madison County, where he now owns 119 acres. He also owns ninety-six acres in Franklin County. He is one of the well-to-do farmers, willing to encourage all enterprises having for their effect the good of the community. He was married, in 1853, to Jane Reynolds, of Franklin County, Ohio, where her father was a tanner of an early day. Mr. Hambleton and wife have two sons and two daughters. He has been connected with the Board of Trustees, and is now one of the Directors of the County Infirmary. He adheres to the Republican party. He started in life alone and empty-handed, but, by industry and economy, he has accumulated a neat competency.

OWEN HARBAGE. farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Joseph and Sarah Harbage. natives of England. where they were married and had born a family of eight children. in 1854, they all started for America.

998 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

but while on the ocean, one child died. The family finally reached Madison County, Ohio. and settled in Jefferson Township where they all have lived since, save one child which returned to England and one now residing in Indiana. Our subject was born in England in 1839, but since fifteen years of age has been a resident of Jefferson Township, where he married Minerva F., sister of Ezekial Arnett, of Jefferson. This union has been blest with a family of seven children. Mr. Harbage is by occupation a farmer, which was the vocation of his ancestors in England for several generations back. He is the owner of 323 acres. under good cultivation, and is an enterprising citizen. He has always taken a deep interest in the schools of his township. and has repeatedly served as local Director, now being President of the Board of Education.

E. G. HAYNES. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. A. R. Haynes, father of our subject. was born in Virginia August 30, 1799. At the age of seven years, his parents settled at Chillicothe. Ohio. where both died, and where A. R. remained until 1824. when he went to the State of New York. remain ing four years. In the meantime. he married Hannah Bateham, of English birth, who was born in 1809, and emigrated to America in 1825. A. R. anti wife reached Ross County. Ohio. in 1829, where he owned a saw-mill and farm. These he superintended. and at the same time conducted his trade coopering. Thus he continued until 1855, when he located in Franklin County, and, four years later, in Madison County, near Jefferson. He there bought nearly two hundred acres of land, which had been settled many years although but little improved. He was a robust and hearty man ready to meet all emergencies. He was industrious, and strictly devoted his attention to farming after reaching Madison County. From the age of twenty five years to the day of his death, August 3, 1881 he was a close follower o the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for the greater part of the time was officially therewith connected. He and wife had twelve children, five of whom died in early life. Seven reached maturity, and six are now living One lost his life in the late war, at the battle of Guntown, or Brice's Cross Roads. Miss. The subject of this sketch, the second eldest son living, was born July 24, 1838, in Ross County, Ohio. Since 1859, he has been a resident of Madison County. By occupation he is a farmer, and now owns farm of fifty acres, under good cultivation. He married Miss Rachel Bolds of London, Ohio, by whom he has one child living, Louie. Mr. and Mrs Haynes have for the past twenty-seven years both been members of the Methodist Church.

E. B. HAYNES, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of the late A. R Haynes, and brother of E. G. Havnes above mentioned, was born in Ross County. Ohio, in 1836, and came with the family to Madison County in 1859. In the latter county he now owns a farm of 103 acres, which he cultivates. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. save four months spent in the late war In 1881 he donated the lot for the Methodist Church now in progress of erection, known as the Blair Chapel To this church he and wife both belong. They have a family of five children, all now living. Mr. Haynes is especially interested in all public improvements of his county or township.

JOHN HEATH, stock-dealer, P. O. West Jefferson, was born in Pleasant Township February 29, 1822. He is the son of David and Nancy (Thomas Heath. The former, who was raised near Chillicothe, came to this count; about sixty years ago, and settled in Pleasant Township. where he married and where he still lives. They had ten children-four boys and six girl

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 999

of whom three boys and four girls still survive. One subject remained at home until April 19. 1856, when he married Sarah A. Anderson. a native of Pleasant Township. and a daughter of Stephen and Margaret (Blackwell) Anderson. both natives of Kentucky, where they married in 1851, and, shortly after, moved to this county. They had five boys and five girls, of whom four boys and four girls still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Heath have had four children, viz., Emma. wife of Frank Howard, of this township; Alice. wife of Israel Brown, of Mechanicsburg; Louie. wife of John W. Burns; and Charley. Mr. Burns devoted his time largely to farming. but., in the last few years he turned his attention to raising, buying. trading and shipping cattle. which he carries on extensively. He is a Republican in politic. Mrs. Heath is a member of the Methodist Church.

CHARLES G. HIGH. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of Hosea and Mary Ann High, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Washington, D. C. Her father in 1803 settled on the present site of Columbus, Ohio. where she grew up. married. and continued to reside until 1840, when Mr. High and family moved on their farm, seven miles north of Columbus. Fifteen years later, they settled in Brown Township, of the same county. where he died in 1875. His widow returned to Columbus, where she resides, aged about eighty years. Their children were eleven in number, eight of whom are still living, two in Madison County. Our subject, the second eldest of the family, was born in Columbus. Ohio. in 1826, and was raised there until the age of fourteen in the meantime enjoying the privileges of the schools of that city. After moving to the farm, he, being among the eldest, was deprived of educational advantages, and kept constantly busy in the clearing-up of the land and in its cultivation. Thus he continued until his majority, when he went West, engaged as farm hand in different Western States. and settled in Missouri in 1859 having, two years previously, married Martha Brown. In the fall of 1864, he came to Madison County, Ohio, where he has since resided, and now owns a fine :arm of 150 acres, which he cultivates with good success. Since residing here, he has filled the capacity of Township Trustee several terms. His ideas of religion are in accordance with the Universalist Church, to which he belongs. He is also one of the Trustees of the Alder Chapel property. He and wife have a family of four children, all now living. She is a daughter of the late Israel Brown. and a great-granddaughter of the late Rev. Lewis Foster. founder of the Foster Chapel Methodist Church.

ABNER JOHNSON. deceased, son of Jacob and grandson of Michael Johnson, who are both mentioned in the pioneer history of this volume, was born in Madison County. Ohio. August 16, 1812. and died in his native county March 23, 1882. He was raised to farm life, and made farming his occupation through life. He was a man of strong constitution. which enabled him, even although he started almost empty-handed in life, to accumulate a neat competency. Apart from the land owned at his death was his original purchase. which was all in the wilds of nature. He at one period in his life followed butchering for fourteen years in Jefferson, which resulted favorably. He was married, in 1836, to Mary Lapin, grand-daughter of the early pioneer. William Lapin, elsewhere mentioned in this work. She was born in Madison County April 25, 1819. Their children were ten in number, viz.. Lewis. Jacob. James, Rebecca (deceased). Abner (deceased), Charles (deceased), Thomas J.. John W., Albert and Alphis. Of these, Jacob. the second, was born January 1, 1839, and through life has been a farmer. Soon after his majority, he spent eight months in Illinois. but re-

1000 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

turned to Ohio, and, in 1864, married, but from 1868 to 1872 he lived in Franklin County. At the last date given, he bought his present farm of fifty acres. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is now one of the Township Trustees. Mrs. Johnson is Elizabeth A., daughter of John Crego. She was born in Madison County in 1842, and is a member of the Methodist Church.

JAMES JOHNSON. farmer. P. O. Vest Jefferson. third child of Abner Johnson. deceased, who is represented in these pages, was born in 1841, and was raised to farm life, which he has ever since followed. He now owns 155 acres of land, under fair cultivation. He devotes some time and attention to stock-raising. He was married, in 1867, to Sarah, daughter of George Goodson, whose biography appears in this volume. She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1847, and by her Mr. Johnson has four children, all now living.

ABNER JOHNSON, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Abraham and a grandson of Jacob Johnson. Abraham Johnson was born in Jefferson Township September 20, 1808, and died in his native township January 14, 1874. He was raised through the pioneer trials and difficulties when schools and many other privileges that the present generation so abundantly enjoy were not to be had. By occupation he was a farmer through life. He cleared considerable of the farm now owned by W. P. Olney, but about 1850 settled on the farm where our subject now resides, and put on nearly all the improvements now seen. On this farm he was living at the time of his death. He was married, January 7, 1844, to Elizabeth Seen, who was born August 20, 1825, and died July 10, 1861, and by her had eight children, one of whom died in early life; seven are now living, and five are in Jefferson. their native township. His second wife is now living with our subject. She was Lydia, widow of Judson Olney, mentioned in sketch of W. P. Olney, of this township. She was born in Georgesville, Franklin Co.. Ohio, in 1826.. Abner, whose name heads this sketch, was born November 4, 1845. He was brought up to the pursuits which he still follows, and he now owns 175 acres of land. His marriage with Emma J., daughter of Judson and Lydia Olney. was celebrated August 8, 1860. Abner Johnson has represented his township in the Board of Trustees and as Assessor, discharging his duties with unwavering fidelity.

LEWIS JOHNSON. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, son of Jacob and grandson of Michael Johnson, was born in Jefferson Township, Madison County, April 20, 1820. He was raised to farm life, and assisted in the pioneer duties of supporting his father's family. He remained at home until 1844, when he married Eliza Gardner. by whom he has had six children, four now living, and married, viz.. Mary J.. wife of J. W. Booth; Margaret A.. wife of Calvin Bradley: Joseph H. and Luther W. The two latter both married daughters of Samuel Biggert. of Georgesville. Lewis Johnson. himself one of Jefferson Township's pioneer representatives, has always worked hard, and now owns a good farm of 243 acres. He has for a lumber of years been connected with the School Board. He is favorably inclined to all improvements of the county or township. Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Thompson) Gardner, natives of Russ County. Ohio. where she was born January 15, 1829. From eleven years of age. her parents resided in Madison County, where she still lives. Her mother now resides with her. but her father died in Illinois. Mrs. Johnson's mother is a grand-daughter of Margaret (Tiffin) Gardner. sister to the first Governor of Ohio.

.JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1001

LUTHER JOHNSON. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a descendant of the early pioneer, Michael Johnson, who came to Madison County in 1797, and a son of Jacob Johnson. who is mentioned elsewhere in these pages. Our subject was born in Jefferson Township January 16, 1826. He was raised a farmer boy, and enjoyed only the privileges of the common schools. His attention through life has been more or less given to farming. but for a period of twenty-one years he made a specialty of handling and shipping stock. He owns a good-sized farm. and now gives his entire attention to it, save the time taken up in the duties of his office, Justice of the Peace. He has been publicly connected with the township more or less for several years. He married Mary A. Thompson in 1444, and by her has had six children; four only survive.

CHARLES C. JONES, banker, Jefferson is a grandson of Samuel and a son of Isaac Jones, who were both natives of New Jersey, where the former matured and married. In 1819. he, wife and several children came to Ohio, locating in Jefferson Township, Madison County, purchasing land now occupied by Jefferson. His land joined Samuel Sexton's land, out of which two pioneers. on July 5. 1822, laid out New Hampton. just south of the present residence of John Heath. On September 15, 1823, Samuel ones buried his wife, in the fifty-fourth year of her age. He soon after returned to New Jersey, where he married his second wife. On November 17. 1830, he and wife, Mary, deeded 110 acres of land, on the National road, just west of Little Darby, to his son Isaac. Isaac was born in New Jersey in 1802, but, from seventeen years of age, was a resident of Ohio. In 1821, he married Eliza, daughter of John Mills. She was born in New York April 30, 1804. He and wife settled in New Hampton. The north line of the 110 acres deeded to him by his father was the northern limit of Jefferson which town he laid out into sixty-four lots in the fall of 1831. Early in life, he joined the Baptist Church. and. during the third decade of the present century. he was ordained as a minister in that church. Through his efforts the original church was organized at New Hampton. He labored long; and faithfully. and, on the 22d of September 1842. died. He was a zealous Christian worker. of unwavering fidelity and unswerving integrity. He was licensed to solemnize marriages on July 9, 1830, and, on March 20, 1840. William Shannon, Governor of the State. appointed him Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Madison. in which capacity he served until his death. He was interred in the Hampton Cemetery where a suitable monument has been erected to his memory. His widow survived him several years. They had born to them eight children. viz.. Sarah. wife of Dr. Col. Crabb. of York, Neb.: an infant, deceased: Charles C.; Thomas P.. who served as Quartermaster of the Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the late war: Col. William Jones. whose biography appears in Union Township: an infant. deceased; Samuel. who died in 1842. aged nine years: J. M., who left Oberlin College and enlisted in the late war. but now is a resident of Clark County. Ohio. and Isaac C.. Jr., who was also a student in the same college. but. seeing the need of men to protect our country. left school. and, at Cincinnati. Ohio. enlisted in Company C, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He rose to Lieutenant Colonel, participating in some of the severest battles. but, on November 27, 1863 while engaged in the battle at Ringgold. was mortally wounded, and, while lying in the last agonies of death, he said to his comrades. " I am happy to die for my country: " Of the entire family of Rev. Isaac Jones. four are now living. William and Charles. in Madison County. The latter was born

1002 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

in New Hampton October 7, 1826. He grew up in his native county. whore he has always resided. He started in life with no means. but is now among the wealthiest citizens of Jefferson. He has devoted thirty-two years to auctioneering in which he has been successful. He connected himself with the Baptist Church many Years ago, and is now one of its Trustees. He has been associated with the interests of the township in various capacities: since 1874 has been. a Republican. He and wife have had a family of eleven children. seven of whom are now living.

GEORGE KELLER. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Peter and Rebecca (Vandyke) Keller. natives of Pennsylvania. The former was a son of Mitchell Keller. who was of German parentage, and also native of Pennsylvania. where he lived and died: by occupation. a farmer. Peter was raised a farmer boy in his native State, but about the time of his majority he drifted into Maryland, where he married. Three years after marriage, his wife died, leaving two children. viz.. Mary wife of Josiah Mellvin, of Union Township, Madison County: and Elizabeth, widow of Jonah E. Laman. of Jefferson Township. Madison County. Peter's second marriage was celebrated in Maryland. with Rebecca (Vandyke) Herbert. They came to Ohio in 1834 settling in Deer Creek Township. Madison County. where he became a land-owner. and where both lived until their deaths; he died in 1845 and she in 1849. They had a family of four children, one of whom is now living, viz.. George, our subject. who was born in Washington County. Md., in 1828, but, since six years of age, has been a resident of Madison County. Ohio, where he owns a good farm and devotes his time to its cultivation. He started in life with no means, but by industry and determination he has accumulated his present handsome property. He was married in 1858 to Eliza Fitzgerald, a native of Virginia, by whom he has had four children, viz., Ida C., William H., Edward J. and Mary J. Mr. Keller only possesses a common education, though he fully appreciates the value of a good education and, in consequence, takes a decided interest in the schools of his township. Mrs. Keller is a daughter of William Fitzgerald and wife, who came from Virginia in 1830. with a family of three children. and settled in what is now Fairfield Township. He has ever since been a resident of the county- and has followed farming. On October 21, 1879, he buried his wife. who was the mother of eight children. Mr. Fitzgerald is by occupation a tanner. although he never followed it in Ohio.

W. W. LEWIS. ex-Mayor. Jefferson. The father of our subject was George W. Lewis, who was born February 11, 1807, in the settlement of Brush Creek, Adams Co.. Ohio. He was a son of Philip Lewis, a native of Virginia. from where he came to Adams County, Ohio, in an early day. In the fall of 1807, he, wife and one child, George, came to what is Madison County, and settled near the present site of London. His first residence was on the lot of Speasmaker's hardware store where he kept tavern. He was among the first settlers in the town of London. where he died, leaving his second wife. who died about 1879. By his first marriage, he had five children, and by the second. one. George W. was the eldest of the family, and, from six months old, lived in London. Ohio. He acquired an education which was in accordance with the privileges and facilities of those early days. At an early age. he was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, which he completed in Xenia, Ohio. On October 7, 1830, he was married to Mary T. Melvin, who was born July 11, 1812, on what is known as the "Upper Glade." Madison Co.. Ohio. four miles east of London. In the

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1003

spring of 1831 they moved to New Hampton. the first efforts toward a town in the vicinity of Jefferson. which was laid out that fall, and, in the spring. of 1832, they settled in the new town. Jefferson, on Lot No 19 of the original plat. where he ever after lived, save two years spent on his father-in-law's farm. He was the first man to set up a forge in the new town. He was a fair mechanic enjoyed a good patronage, and continued his trade until shortly before the late war, when he abandoned it to recruit the sight of his eves. Subsequently, he was variously engaged, from 1861 to 1865. on a mail route from Jefferson to Springfield, Ohio. His death occurred August 28, 1878. He was always ready to assist in furthering the interest of the village. and died a worthy citizen. His widow survived him two years, having spent a life of fidelity to the Methodist Church. Of their seven children. three died in early life. and four are now living, and heads of families, viz., John M.. born June 22. 1833; Virginia M., August 19, 1836; B. H.. August 11, 1839: and Wallace W., March 12, 1843 in Jefferson. where he matured, and enjoyed the village schools. In the summer of 1862, ire taught three months but. soon after the close of the term, enlisted in Company K. Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout his enlisted term-three years-but was only in actual service until the battle of Guntown. Miss., where his right lower limb was injured June 10, 1864 and amputated the following day, by a rebel Surgeon. as he was taken prisoner while lying wounded on the field. He served in the rebel prisons seven months, returned home in May of 1865 and was mustered out on August 14 of the same year. He has been in the post office of London five years and. since 1871 has been a permanent resident of his native town, in which he has been chosen to fill the office of Mayor and Town Clerk, each one term and Township Clerk two terms. He was married, May 3, 1876, to Nannies L. Slothard. a native of Madison County. Two children are the fruits of this union.

JOHN M. LEWIS. blacksmith. Jefferson, was born June 22, 1833, in Jefferson. His education was acquired in the schools of the village. He partly. learned his trade under his father, and in all has now wielded the sledge about twenty-five years. of which twenty years have been under his present employer. Jacob McNeal. He served 100 days in the late war, in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio National Guards, commanded by Col. Robert Stevenson. and returned home September, 1864. On October 5, 1873, he was married to Frances Toops, a native of Jefferson at the residence of John White, in London, Ohio. Two children have been given to this union, viz.. Quinn B. (deceased) and Gracie.

DAVID R. LUCAS, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of .John and a grandson of Capt. Thomas Lucas. The latter was a native of Ireland, but, prior to the war of Independence, he. with one brother. came to America. and became a patriot in the great conflict that soon followed. His efficiency as a soldier soon gained for him the commission of Captain, in which rank he served through the struggle. He then married and settled in Franklin County. Penn.. where he died at an advanced age. During his life. he obtained a grant for a survey of military land in Ohio. but never settled on it. His family consisted of six children, two of whom, one son and one daughter, settled in South Carolina. where their posterity still reside. Three daughters. and John. the youngest, came to Ohio. The girls settled in Franklin County. and John in Madison, about the year 1835. He married Eliza McAfee. a native of Franklin County, Penn., of Scotch parentage. On coming to Madison County. he settled in Jefferson Town-

1004 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES

ship, on the military land of his father. He ever after remained a resident and farmer of this township, and at his death he owned nearly four hundred acres. He was a hardy and well constitutioned pioneer. He and his wife; were for a number of years members of the Presbyterian Church. They both died in 1855. They had a family of seven children, three of whom are now living, viz., Anna, wife of F. C Knaga, of Jackson County, Mo.; James and David R., both of Madison County, Ohio. David R., the youngest, was born in 1836. on the farm he now owns. and where he has ever since resided. He is by occupation a farmer and stock-raiser, and owns 351) acres of good land, under a high state of cultivation and well improved. He is an enterprising citizen, and has officially been associated with the Board of Township Trustees and Board of Education. He is manifesting a special interest in the education of his children, who are six living and four deceased. Mr. Lucas was married, in 1862. to Miss Maria Thompson, of Delaware County, Ohio.

W. T. McCOY, liveryman, Jefferson, is the proprietor of the only livery stable in the village. He keeps a good class of rigs, which are al. ways found in good repair. His business is pleasantly located in the rear of the Mantle Hotel. Mr. McCoy is a native of Harrison County, Ohio, but. since the centennial year, has been a resident of Jefferson. and, since 1878. has carried on the livery business. He was elected Township Assessor in the spring of 1882. His military life amounted to about two years, nine months of which he was a prisoner at Andersonville and other rebel prisons. His wife was Hattie Huggett, of Franklin County, Ohio.

JACOB McNEAL. carriage-manufacturer, Notary Public and conveyancer. Jefferson, is a son of Jacob. Sr., and Matilda (Fought) Me. Neal. both natives of Pennsylvania. where they matured and married. He was of Scotch-Irish descent. and she of German. They came to Ohio in May. 1837. with a family of nine children. The great National pike was then completed to about the center of Madison County, Ohio. They had traveled the road many miles. and had not decided where they would settle until they reached Jefferson. There learning that they were nearing the end of the great road, they thought they could not leave such a convenience. and accordingly located a short distance west of Jefferson, where he purchased a well-improved farm of 120 acres. He remained on the farm a number of years. but finally removed to Jefferson and engaged in the grocery business which he followed until his death. He was a good citizen and at the time of his death. was serving his twelfth term as Township Trustee. His widow still survives, at the age of seventy-seven years. Of their nine children, our subject. who was the only son, has now five sisters living. Jacob. Jr.. was the second child. He was born in Cumberland County. Penn.. December 16. 18 25. but, from a boy of twelve years. he lived in Ohio. His father, different from some men, regarded a trade an indispensable possession, and accordingly had Jacob to commence learning the trade of his choice at the age of eighteen years. He served his apprenticeship in Jefferson with John McCrea, and completed his trade in 1816, since which he has conducted a business of his own. and is now the only manufacturer of the kind in the village. He employs usually about seven hands. He has served as Township Clerk several terms, and has been otherwise connected with the interests of the township. At present, he is a Notary Public and conveyances. He and wife have a family of five children living and four deceased. Mrs. McNeal is a daughter of the venerable pioneer, Nehemiah Gates. elsewhere mentioned in this volume.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1005

REV. B. M. MULLER, Catholic priest, Jefferson. was born March 31, 1850, in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America in May, 1853. His early training was in accordance with the Catholic Church, and in 1862 he was confirmed, and received his first communion at St. Francis De Sale's Church, on East Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. His college education was acquired at St. Francis Gymnasium, Cincinnati, Ohio. His philosophical and theological education was received in Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio. where he received minor orders at the hands of the Rt. Rev. Edward Fitzgerald. Bishop of Little Rock, Ark., on September 21, 1871. He was ordained Sub-Deacon April 5, and Deacon April 6, 1872, and priest March 8, 1873. by the Most Rev. J. B. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati, . Ohio. On the 14th of the same month, he was appointed rector at Jefferson, Madison Co., Ohio, and, since the 23d of the same month, has been a resident of the village of Jefferson. To his labors much is due for the present condition of the church at Jefferson.

JAMES MILLIKIN, hardware merchant, Jefferson, is a son of James and a grandson of James Millikin. The latter was born in Ireland, of English parentage. and came to America in early life, with two brothers. He settled in Washington County, Penn., where he married Dorotha McFarland, of Massachusetts. Both died in Washington County, Penn., he aged sixty-five years, and she aged about ninety years. Ten of their children became heads of families, viz., Daniel, Mary, James, John, Jacob (farmer near Plain City. Madison Co., Ohio), Samuel, William, Robert, Andrew and Abel. John, Abel and William were farmers. The latter died in his native State. Nine of the family came to Ohio. John located in Richland County, and Abel finally settled and died in Decatur. Ill. Daniel, Samuel. Robert and Andrew all settled in Butler County, Ohio. The three former were practicing physicians, and Robert. who had, joined with his medical skill, a good general knowledge, was also a politician and legislator. Andrew was a professional stock-dealer. James, the father of our subject, came to -Madison County, Ohio, in 1830, and bought 600 acres of land for $400. He subsequently bought 1,600 acres more for less than $2 per acre. He was by occupation a surveyor, farmer and stock-dealer, and was more commonly known as Col. Millikin. His stature was large, and he had a strong constitution. He was frugal and industrious, and succeeded well. He possessed the sporting characteristics of the pioneer in general, and devoted considerable time to hunting. He surveyed the original lots of Jefferson in September, 1831 and also laid out the town of Amity, in Canaan Township. He was married in the year 1800 when only eighteen years old, to Elizabeth Cook. He died aged eighty-six, and she aged seventy-five years. They raised a family of nine children, of whom our subject was born in Washington County. Penn.. December 22, 1816 but, from fourteen years of age lived in Madison County, Ohio. He remained on his father's farm in Canaan Township until 1840 when he married Rachel Cary, a descendant of an early pioneer family of the county. To this union six children have been given. He owns a good farm in Canaan Township, which he cultivated Until when he moved to Jefferson and embarked in the hardware trade. He passed out of the office of County Commissioner in 1881, after having served two successive terms, to which he was elected by both parties, although he is a Democrat.

A. C. MILLIKIN, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, son of James Millikin whose biography appears above, was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co., Ohio. September 29, 1844. He was raked to farm life. but. from

1006 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

eighteen to the age of twenty-two, was engaged in yaw milling. His succeeding occupation for five years was handling stock in Kansas. In 1871, he returned to Ohio but one year later, went again to the West. In the fall of 1876. he accepted the position of railroad agent at Plain City. Madison Co.. Ohio. where he remained three years. and, during the same time. was engaged with R. H. Andrews in buying and shipping grain from that point. In 1879, be again engaged in the cattle trade in the West. and in the fall of 1881 returned to Ohio. and. on September 15 of the same year, married Elizabeth (Converse) Smith. widow of Butler Smith. He at once engaged in farming, and feeding and raising cattle. hogs and sheep.

JOHN MILLS. deceased, was born in New Jersey June 24, 1774. and remained in his native State nearly thirty-eight years. On December 28, 1797, he married Sarah Pruden. who was born in New Jersey July 9. 1779. In 1812, they, with four children. emigrated to Tuscarawas County. Ohio. where he became a land-owner, and where he remained until the fall of 1817, when they sold their land, and with the proceeds purchased a large tract near Jefferson. in this county. on which they settled. He here operated a crist-mill that had previously been built by Nehemiah Gates, on Little Darby. about one mile below the present site of Jefferson. He soon afterward added apparatus for sawing lumber, and as he was a carpenter, he, in 1818, built himself a frame house, probably the first frame house erected in the township. He sawed lumber for and assisted in building many of the houses in the township. He remained a resident of the county until his death, which occurred about 1850, he having previously buried his wife. Their family consisted of eight children, viz., Sarah, Eliza, Hannah, Amos, David, Mary A., Jedediah and Ruth, of whom three are now living. Mary A., the only one who is a resident of this county, was born in Tuscarawas County November 22, 1815, and was two years old when her parents came to Madison County, since which time she has been a resident of this county. She occupies a comfortable home half a mile west of Jefferson. where her parents both died. She and her sister Ruth resided at home. caring for their parents through life, but the latter has since moved to Nebraska, Mary A., was married, June 4, 1854, to William Vickers. by whom she had two children-Charles and William M. Mr. Vickers was born in Dorchester County. Md., April 16, 1796, and, when a child. came with his widowed mother to Clark County. Ohio, where he became a large land-owner. He there married, but, upon the death of his first wife, he was united to Miss Mills, and moved to Madison County where he died January 9, 1873.

W. P. OLNEY, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. is a grandson of Jersey Olney, who was a native of Connecticut. where he married, and, about the year 1830, with his family came to Madison County and bought a farm just east of Jefferson. now owned by James Peene and J. H. Sceva, on which he and wife both died. Of their four sons, Judson, the father of our subject, was the youngest, and a native of Connecticut. but from infancy matured in Madison County. Ohio, where he became a land owner and farmer. He lived about one mile northeast of Jefferson, where he died. His wife, Lydia. daughter of John Ayle, is now residing with Abner Johnson. She and Judson Olney had two children, of whom Webster P.. the youngest. was born in 1852 in Jefferson Township, Madison County. He was reared to farm life, and enjoyed the common schools only. He owns 175 acres of land, under good cultivation, and utilizes his early established principles in its cultivation. His marriage was celebrated in 1874, with

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1007

Margaret, daughter of Isaac Bidwell, of Canaan Township, where she was born. This union has resulted in a family of three children.

JAMES PEENE, grain-dealer, Jefferson, was born April 25, 1834, in Kent County, adjoining Sussex, England, forty miles south of London. His parents, William and Mary Ann (Nell) Peene, emigrated to Canada in 1834, and, after remaining there three years, moved to Newark, Ohio, where they remained one year, after which they moved to Columbus. The father died near Mechanicsburg, and the mother at the house of our subject. Mr. Peene came to Jefferson Township in 1857, and located on the farm where he now resides. He was occupied by farming until 1878, when he embarked in grain-dealing. He purchased a gristmill, which he has converted into an elevator, and now devotes his time almost exclusively to grain-dealing. In 1857. he married Mary Ann Zinn. daughter of Adam Zinn, of North Columbus, and by her has had three children-Charlie W.; Ida, died aged nineteen months: and James, died at the age of three months. Mr. Peene owns eighty-five acres of good and well-improved land.

JOHN W. PENNY. farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Reason Francis. a native of Virginia, who came to Ohio about the year 1800, and settled near the present site of Jefferson. About 1805, he moved on the farm one mile north of Jefferson, now owned by James Davis. During the war of 1812, he settled on the farm now owned by George W. Blair, and finally on the National road, in the western part of Jefferson Township, where he died during the fifth decade of the present century, well advanced in years. He was a large, portly man, jovial, and of many peculiar characteristics. His wife preceded him to the shores of eternal bliss. They had five children who grew to maturity-four sons and one daughter. The latter was born in 1814, and became the wife of Henry Penny, and died in 1862, the mother of three children, all now living. Henry Penny was born July 15, 1804, in Pennsylvania, but in 1810 his parents came to Madison County, Ohio, and settled in Monroe Township, where Henry was left parentless when only eight years old. He was then raised by one of the Johnsons, on the farm where James Peene now resides, near Jefferson. He was the eldest of a family of five children, of whom but one survives. Henry was a pioneer farmer and frontier woodsman. About 1827. he settled on his farm, about one mile due north of where the Urbana road branches off from the National road. There he cleared and farmed until his death. April 6, 1880. He was three times married-first to Cynthia Johnson: second, to Elizabeth. only daughter of Reason Francis: and lastly to Mary, a sister to his first wife, and daughter of Jacob Johnson. John W. Penny, to whom this sketch is dedicated, was born September 9, 1835, in Jefferson Township, since which his residence dates unbroken in his native county. Since 1877, he has been a land-owner of Jefferson Township. He was married to Margaret Norris. of Franklin County, Ohio. who is three years his junior. The issue of this union is two children. He is one of the well-to-do farmers, and is now filling the office of Township Trustee, with which he was honored at a recent election.

G. W. PRUGH. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of George W. Prugh, who emigrated from Maryland to Deer Creek. in Somerford Township, Madison Co.. Ohio, in 1812, where he and wife both died. Of their eight children. Samuel. the father of George W.. was the second, and. from one year old, lived in Madison County. where he now resides. Of his thirteen children. George W. is the fifth, and a brother to S. M. Prugh, Count% Auditor George W. is a native of Somerford Township.. where he

1008 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

was born in 1842. He matured on his father's farm. and has through life followed agricultural pursuits, save three years spent in the late war. He enlisted, in 1862, in Company B, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Jackson, Miss., Vicksburg, siege of Jackson and many others, and lastly in the battle of Guntown, Miss., or, as historically known, Brice's Cross Road where he was captured. and subsequently lived six months in the Andersonville Prison, and three months in other rebel prisons. He was one of the few fortunate ones who lived and returned home uninjured at the close of the war. He was married, in 1869, to Martha A. Heffley. and has two children-Addie and Charley. - Mr. Prugh is one of the well-to-do farmers of Jefferson Township. and has 110 acres of well-improved land.

H. S. QUINN, physician, Jefferson. is a son of the Rev. Isaac Quinn, who was born of Irish parentage, in Pennsylvania in 1784. He was raised in his native State, and, early in life. embraced the religion of the Episcopal Church. He received an education, and was licensed to preach in the church of his choice. early in the present century riding a circuit for ten years. In the meantime. he married Cynthia Witten, who was born in Tazewell County. Va., in 1790. During his ministerial labors, he prepared for the practice of medicine, and began practicing in Virginia soon after the close of the war of 1812, remaining in that State until 1830, when he. with his family of six children, settled in Highland County, Ohio, where he continued the practice of medicine until his death, in October. 1843, leaving a widow and nine children. The widow survived until 1867, and five of the children are now living, of whom H. S. is the youngest. He was born February 28, 1839, in Highland County. Ohio. where he received the rudiments of a common-school education. He subsequently attended the Greenfield Seminary, where he took up more advanced studies, after which he read medicine under Dr. John H. Quinn, of New Vienna, Clinton Co., Ohio. He subsequently graduated at the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati. in 1862. The same year. he located at Jefferson, Madison Co.. Ohio. where he has ever since resided and attended to the duties of his practice. His political affiliations are in behalf of the Democratic party, and in 1877 he was elected as a member of the Sixty-third General Assembly of Ohio. At home. Dr. Quinn has held many local positions of honor end trust. His marriage with Bettie B. Putnam. a native of this county, was celebrated in 1870.

ABNER A. RIDDLE. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. is a son of Abner and Sarah Riddle. of Pleasant Township. They were the parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this memoir is the eighth; he was born in Pleasant Township October 16, 1833, and was reared to farm life, which he still practices. He received a common-school education in the winter terms. He was left fatherless at an early age, and was reared by a widowed mother. On November 6, 1869, he married Elizabeth Gilliland, who was born August 4, 1849, in Madison County. Ohio. They have had born to them two children, viz., Ella J. and L. Gertrude. When Mr. Riddle started in life he commenced as a farm hand, at $6 per month, at which he worked for nine years at increased wages. By toil and personal energy, he has accumulated a handsome property of 292 acres of land. under good cultivation and improvement. He is one of the well-to-do farmers, willing to assist in all valuable improvements of the country and takes a special interest in the schools of his township, being now a member of the School Board of his district.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1009

JOHN E. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson. is a grandson of Thomas and Susan (Prisel) Roberts. the former a native of Virginia. of Irish parentage, and the latter a native of Virgnia, of German descent. They were married in the East, and about 1798. they came to Ohio with one child-John. They settled near Martinsburg, now Darbyville, Pickaway County, where they squatted for a short time only, when they pressed on to Franklin County, where he bought a large tract of land, and, in 1812, laid out Georgesville. He finally bought about 1,500 acres in Madison County. where he subsequently settled, probably about 1843. They had a family of eleven children, viz.. John. Margaret, James, Bazel, Elizabeth. Nancy, Sabastian, Elias, George, Mary R. and Edwin E. Nancy and the two youngest are yet living. Thomas Roberts was, when reaching Darbyville, Ohio, destitute of everything save $3 in cash, but he was a wonderful worker, of industrious and economical habits, which soon placed him among the well-to-do citizens. He was a large cattle dealer and drover, taking many trips with stock over the mountains to Eastern markets. In this branch of business, he was eminently successful. In the prime of life. he had a good constitution, but for thirty years previous to his death, he suffered from consumption. In an early day, he operated a still-house at Georgesville, and bought corn for 10 cents per bushel. He and wife both died in Jefferson Township. in the year 1864 aged, respectively, eighty-nine and eighty-five years. Of their children, Sebastian, the seventh. was born in Franklin County. Ohio, September 8, 1814. He was raised in his native county, where, in 1839, he married Tacy A. Holt, who was born and raised near Philadelphia. Penn. Two of their sons are now living, viz., John E. and T. B. Sebastian and wife came to Madison County in 1842; subsequently. he became a large land-owner and solid farrier. He was a man of medium size, possessed rather delicate health. and died May 18, 1869, leaving two sons and a widow, the latter still bearing the name of her departed husband. John E., the youngest of the sons. was born in 1843 in Jefferson Township, where he has always resided, and devoted his summers to farming and his winters attending the district schools, save two years spent in the retail dry goods trade in Jefferson. He now owns a fine farm of 368 acres, one mile west of Jefferson, pleasantly located and under a high state of cultivation. He was married, in 1865 to Clara L. Stutson. a native of Zanesville. Ohio. One son is the fruit of this marriage.

W. E. ROBERTS. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, grandson of Thomas Roberts and son of Edwin E. Roberts, was born in .Jefferson Township, Madison County. Ohio. in 1853. He received a common-school education. was reared on a farm and has thus far followed rural pursuits. His farm consists of sixty acres, which he cultivates well. He was married in December 1877, to .lice Johnson. a descendant of the pioneer Michael .Johnson, elsewhere mentioned, and a daughter of Luther Johnson. By this union two children have been born.

THOMAS J. ROBERTS. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. is a grandson of Thomas and son of Edwin E. Roberts. The latter was born in Franklin County, Ohio. where he was raised. He. as well as the other children of Thomas Roberts, received some land from home. which placed him in fair circumstances to begin life. In early life, he received a common-school education, but his entire life has been devoted to farming and dealing in stock. driving the latter over the mountains before the means of transportation were so rapid as now. He has managed by fair means through life to possess a neat competency, which he has liberally divided with his seven

1010 - BIOGRAPHICAL. SKETCHES

children. He resides in a beautiful home on the London & Jefferson pike and is now nearing the allotted time of man. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of the county, and has always voted the Democrat' ticket. His first wife was Mary, daughter of John Thomas. an early toll gate-keeper on the National pike, east of Jefferson. She was born in Port' Wales in 1821, but from two years of age was a resident of America; she died in 1847. leaving one child, our subject, Thomas J. His second wife was Maria Thomas, a sister to his first wife. She is still living, having raised a family of several children, the most of whom are represented in' this volume. Thomas J. was born in 1846. in Jefferson Township, where he has always resided, and followed farming and stock-raising. His farm contains 171 acres under good cultivation. He was married to Matilda, sister of Dr. J. T. Colliver, of Jefferson by whom he has had three children all now living.

T. B. ROBERTS. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson. The above gentle. man is a son of Sebastian Roberts and brother of John E. Roberts, who, sketch appears in this volume. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, January 15, 1840 but since two years of age has been resident of Jefferson Township, Madison County. He was raised to farm life and acquired such an education as his facilities warranted. His entire life has been devoted to tilling the soil, and now owns 271 acres of good land, which he cultivates and pastures with his cattle; to the latter he devotes considerable time, ant also pays considerable attention to the raising and handling of hogs. He has a beautiful home, which is the old homestead of his grandfather. He remained at home until November, 1862, when be responded to the President's call for troops by enlisting in Company K. Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Daugherty. and served until almost the close of the war, participating in some of the severest battles. Soon after his return, he married Lucinda H. Zinn, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, where she was born February 20, 1841.

B. F. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Charles and Harriet Roberts, who are mentioned in Union Township of this volume. Of their family, our subject, the fourth, was born near London. Madison Co., Ohio, in April, 1840. His residence in his native county is unbroken save one year spent in Franklin County. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Eighty-second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving to the close of the war, and participating in the battle of Nashville, Tenn. After his return home. he engaged in saw-milling and farming, which he has followed to the present. He owns 175 acres of land, which classes him among the well-to-do farmers of the township. He does not indorse the theory of some authors, that "it man unmarried is only half a man." but has seen fit to thus far live a life of singleness.

LEWIS SIDENER. firmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, grandson of the pioneer. Philip Sidener and a third child of David Sidener. who are both mentioned in the history of this township, was born October 12. 1824, in Jefferson Township. where he matured and now lives. He was raised to farm life, and has always followed that pursuit. His hard work, combined with economy and prudent management. has placed him in fair circumstances. His educational privileges were very meager. yet his appreciation of the value of an education are fully indicated by the interest he takes !n the educational welfare of his children. He was married, November 1848, to Catharine Anderson. by whom he had seven children. five living Mr. Sidener has served in several different township offices.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1011

WESLEY SIDNER. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, is a grandson of Philip Sidner and a son of Jacob Sidner. The latter was born in Kentucky November 17, 1799 and in infancy was brought to Ohio, but his parents returned to Kentucky during the first decade of the present century. and, after a brief stay, again came to Ohio and settled near where Jefferson now stands. Jacob was the second youngest son, and was almost entirely raised in Jefferson Township. In 1817, he bought a farm four miles west of the present town of Jefferson, to which he added until he owned about 900 acres of land. He was twice married-first, to Mary Ewing, who was born May 17, 1804, and a daughter of the pioneer, Charles Ewing, of Deer Creek Township. To this union five children were born. She died in 1833, and he married for his second companion Margaret Erwin, born near Newark, Ohio, in 1813. To this union eight children were born, of whom five are now living. Jacob Sidner and his second wife trod the path of life together until February, 1880, when his death severed the link of earthly relation, and in August. of the same year she too, died. They were both members of the Methodist Church. Of his children, Wesley. the second by the last marriage, was born in 1836 in Deer Creek Township, where he was raised and received a common-school education. He has been a life-long farmer, and now owns 140 acres of good land, in Jefferson Township, where he resides. His marriage with Lydia. daughter of William Jones was celebrated in November, 1856. Seven children are the fruits of this marriage. He and wife are both members of the Methodist Church.

J. J. SIDNER, farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, son of Wesley Sidner and grandson of the late David Sidner. was born in Deer Creek Township. Madison County, in 1857, but from infancy lived on the farm he now occupies. He received a common-school education, and has devoted some time to teaching. He was married, in 1879. to 'Mary Roberts, of Jefferson Township, by whom he has had two children.

J. T. SIDENER, physician, Jefferson, son of Lewis and Catharine Sidener, and grandson of the late David Sidener, of Jefferson Township. was born February 27, 1856. He received a common-school education while on his father's farm and at the age of nineteen, entered upon a business course at the Iron City Commercial College. of Pittsburgh. Penn.. but finding this too confining he returned to the farm. On March 23, 1876 he was married to Mary E.. second daughter of Robert and Ruth Fullerton, of Fairfield Township, and grand-daughter of the late John Johnson, of Range Township. Mr. Sidener followed farming until 1879, when he took up the study of medicine and the preceptorship of Dr. John N. Beach, of Jefferson. and, in September 1880 he entered the Starling Medical College of Columbus. Ohio, taking a two years' course. He graduated March 23, 1882 settled in Jefferson and commenced the practice of his profession April 24 of the same year.

JOHN SILVER. deceased. was a son of Richard and Ann Silver, who were both born in Pennsylvania. where they married and died. having raised a family of six daughters and two sons. One son and one daughter are still living in their native State: one daughter. Rebecca, was married to a Mr. Stoockey whom she buried in Pennsylvania. she dying in Illinois. leaving a family of eight children. The other four daughters-Sally, Elizabeth. Susan and Hannah-all married in Pennsylvania-Sally. to Joshua. son of Rev. Lewis Foster. after whom Foster Chapel is named: Elizabeth. to John Crissman; Susan. to Samuel Wallace. and Hannah. to Thomas Timmons. They all settled in .Jefferson Township, and were among the earl

1012 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

settlers, doing much toward clearing up the country. Thomas Timmons and wife both died in Jefferson. as did Mrs. Crissman also. but the rest all moved to Illinois in the spring of 1849. John Silver, another of the family, was born on the Juniata River. in Pennsylvania. July 1. 1800. He reached his majority in his native State. and. about 1825. he set out in life by conducting a blacksmith and wagon-making shop and tavern. In 1827. he married Mary Koontz. who died October 21, 1832. leaving three sons, two of whom are still living. His second wife was Catharine Speaker, who was born in Bedford County, Penn., February 12, 1809 of German descent. In 1835 he purchased about 500 acres of land in Jefferson Township. Madison County. Ohio. where he settled in 1837, with wife and five children. The first house erected by him in the wilderness serves as a part of their present residence. He improved his farm and added to it until he owned about 1,000 acres, of which 960 are still in the name of the Silver family: he was industrious and frugal and lived to the age of eighty-two years and fifteen days. He was energetic and economical, but above all. his charity was never exhausted. He embraced the religion of the Baptist Church, at Jefferson. in November, 1854 and soon after was elected Deacon, in which capacity he served without ceasing until his death. He grasped every opportunity to promote the interest and welfare of the church. and to his liberality it is indebted for much of its prosperity. He was always ready to personally liquidate the unpaid salary of the minister, rattler than have it unpaid. He was the father of eleven children. of whom five are now living, viz., Richard, Asa. Mary M., George T. and John W. Richard now resides in Nebraska. and the other four live in Ohio. two of whom are yet single, viz., Mary M. and George T.

G. P. SIMPKINS. harness-maker. Jefferson. is a son of John W. Simpkins a native of Maryland. who. early in the present century, settled at Franklinton. near Columbus, Ohio. where he commenced his business prior to the war of 1812. While engaged in his trade. Gen. Harrison and his troops were on the way from Sandusky to Marietta, Ohio. and stopped with Squire John Simpkins. using his hatter shop for a barracks. For the intrusion, Harrison subsequently appointed Squire Simpkins Commissary, and henceforward he acted in military service until the close of the war, devoting considerable time with Gen. Gaines. after whom our subject is named. About the close of the war of 1812. he and family settled near London. where, in 1815, he buried his wife. His second wife was the widow of John Guy nn. While the National road was in process of construction. he settled in Jefferson, where the American Hotel formerly stood. Here he bought a lot in the wilds of nature, cleared and grubbed it and erected on it a building in which he opened a tavern. The building was small, and he expected to build an addition, but before doing so. he sold and moved to London and kept the Cowling House. but subsequently returned to Jefferson, where he died in the spring of 1861. He served Madison County as Associate Judge several years. and Jefferson Township as Justice repeatedly. He was a man of sound mind and an esteemed citizen of the county. Of his four children one only is now living. viz., Gaines P.. who was born in July. 1815, near London. He in early life went to Springfield, Ohio, where he learned his trade, but since 1835 he has been a resident of Jefferson, where he has mostly conducted his trade. Soon after coming to Jefferson. he was instrumental in forming the military home company. He furnished two sons for the suppression of the rebellion, one of which survived. In 1836. he married Eliza Sidener, of the pioneer stock elsewhere mentioned in this work.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1013

Their union has been blest with a family of eight children, four of whom are still living.

CHARLES SNYDER, physician, Jefferson. is a son of Gen. Daniel Snyder, who was a native of Virginia and an early settler near Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio. He was a pioneer woodsman and farmer of that county, where he died. His wife was Anna Kiser, who also died in Champaign County, Ohio. Of their fourteen children, thirteen are now living, one a practicing attorney in Chattanooga, Tenn. Dr. Charles Snyder was born in Champaign County. Ohio, in 1848, and raised to farm life. during which time he received the rudiments of a common-school education. Subsequently, he was three years in attendance at the Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. In 1867, he came to Jefferson, and took up the study of medicine under Dr. John N. Beach. of that place as his preceptor, and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, in the spring of 1870. Immediately after graduating. he received an appointment as physician in the State Prison at Columbus, Ohio but at the expiration of one year resigned the position and located in Jefferson. where he has ever since enjoyed a favorable practice. He was married, in 1873. to Mary. daughter of Moses Beals of Madison County. Ohio. They have a family of three children.

S. M. STICKLEY, grocer, Jefferson. is a son of Isaac Stickler, who was born in Virginia. where he married Henrietta Beals. In 1849, they. with a family of three children, came to Ohio, and, in 1851. settled in Jefferson Township, Madison County, where Isaac buried his wife in 1864. having had by her eight children. He married for his second wife Mary Stutson. and, in the summer of 1882, they moved to the village of Jefferson. To the last union one child is given. Our subject. his father's eldest child, was horn on the South Branch of the Potomac River, in Maryland, in the year 1843, but, since eight years of age. has been a resident of Madison County. where his summers were devoted to farming, and his winters to the district schools. He enlisted, August 7. 1862, in Company K. Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battle of Richmond. Ky.. but was discharged in the spring of 186:3, and, in 1S114, re-enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but. after passing through one battle. he returned home in the fall of the same year. He devoted some time to clerking in Jefferson, and in 1871 he began on his own account by opening out his present business stand. He has been identified with the interests of this town. and served as its Treasurer five years. He was married in 1867 to Eliza Garrabrant.

Z. R. TAYLOR. druggist, Jefferson. Among the professional business men of this village we record the name of Z. R. Taylor. son of John Taylor. of Scotland, where the latter was born. When a child, his parents emigrated to the United States, and settled in Champaign County, Ohio. where John has resided for the past sixty years. He married Miriam Daniels. of Champaign County, about thirty-seven years since. Of their four children Z. R.. the second. was born in the last-named county in 1850. His boyhood days were spent on the farm and at the district schools during the winter seasons until 1867, when he entered the Urbana University. One year later, he commenced a course in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. where he devoted his time until 1872. at which time he took up the study of medicine under Dr. H. C. Pierce, of Urbana, Ohio, and graduated at the Starling Medical College, Columbus. Ohio. in the spring of 1873. He at once located in Jefferson. and engaged in the drug business, where

1014 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

he has since remained. He carries a full line of all articles kept in a drug store. He was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Burrows, by whom he has had two children. Mrs. Taylor is a native of Illinois. She was educated at Peoria, where she subsequently taught two years, and finally taught one year in the Jefferson schools of Madison County. Ohio.

DAVID J. THOMAS. farmer, P. O. Lilly Chapel, is a son of Robert and Mary (Lewis) Thomas, natives of Wales, where they matured and mar tied. In 1820, they, with one child, came to America and settled in Oneida County. N. Y., from where they moved to Delaware County. Ohio. ix 1831. Fourteen years later they settled in Brown Township, Franklin County where she died in 1866 and he in 1877. He was a land-owner any farmer by occupation. They were both members of the Baptist Church Of their eleven children. nine are now living, of whom our subject is the sixth: was born near Utica, N. Y., May 29. 1828. Since three year: of age he has been a resident of Ohio. save a short interval spent in Iowa and Illinois. Since 1870, he has resided in Jefferson Township, Madison County where he owns a farm of ninety-nine acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and fairly improved. He received a common school education, and has devoted his entire life to farming. His political ideal are in favor of the Republican party. His marriage with Anna M. Hodgkins was celebrated March 19, 1863. She is a native of Indianapolis Ind., where she was born in 1839. This union has been blest with a family of six children, living, viz.: Charlie L., Mary, Elizabeth, Katy, Annie and Robert J.

THOMAS TIMMONS, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania. where he was born December 9, 1800. He was a son of Peter and Sarah (Taylor) Timmons and in 1833 came to this county and settled in Canaan Town ship. where he remained until his death. October 5, 1862. On November 27, 1830, he married Mrs. Hannah (Silvers) Peebles, a widow lady by whom he had eight children. viz.: Rebecca. Richard, Mary, Thomas F., Laura. Rachael S., Clay and Winfield. Mr. Timmons lived a Iona anti useful life. He was a Universalist in belief, and was actively interested in building the church of that denomination in his neighborhood. He died] respected by all who knew him.

A. T. TIMMONS. farmer. P. O. West Jefferson, son of Thomas am. Margaret (Alder) Timmons, and a great-grandson of the noted pioneer Jonathan Alder. was born in Jefferson Township in 1857. He is the youngest son and only child of his father now living. He was raised to farm lift and enjoyed the common school privileges. In the year 1880. he married Laura. daughter of Andrew Miller. of Jefferson. Her father is one of a family of seven children. and a native of Baden, Germany. He is the only one who came to America, and he settled in Jefferson in 1848. He learned his trade (painting) in Germany, and is a good mechanic. In De. December, 1849, he married Nancy Francis, of Franklin County. Ohio. Of their five children. two are now living, viz.. Henry and Laura.

ALEXANDER WILSON (deceased), son of William D., and grandson of Valentine Wilson. elsewhere fully mentioned in this work, was born February 22, 1831, and died January 29, 1881. He was a native of Canaan Township. where he was raised and acquired a common school education, but he became a very Accurate and reliable business man. In 1854, he married Martha J. Millikin and settled near his father. Six years later, he moved to Plain City, and in 1863. bought 152 acres of hand' near Jefferson. and settled on it. Here he devoted his time to farming. dealing in and rais-

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 1015

ing cattle, sheep and hogs. When he first embarked in this branch of business he drove several times through to Eastern markets. but erelong railroad facilities offered their conveniences close at hand. and he for one was not slow in embracing the privileges. He was successful through life, and gradually added to his original land until he owned about 3,000 acres at his death. He was a man of six feet two inches high, and weighed about 150 pounds, but with delicate health. He filled an important position in the social and business circles of Jefferson and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had a family of four children, viz.: Henry C., Louvina. Grant (who died in infancy) and Albert W. Mrs. Wilson, a daughter of Daniel Millikin, was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1829, but in infancy was brought by her parents to Ohio. Her father not liking Ohio, returned to the Keystone State and again to Ohio in 1842 settling in Canaan Township, Madison County. About thirty months later, he moved to Iowa. where he and wife both died, leaving a family of five children, of whom Martha J. was the eldest. Soon after their death, Henry Alder, an uncle to the children, went from Madison County to Iowa and brought them to Ohio. where four are still living. Mrs. Wilson is a lady of considerable taste, and is nicely located near Jefferson on the National road.

JASPER N. WILSON, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, is a son of Michael and Louvina (Henry) Wilson. the former a native of Clark County, Ohio, born March 14, 1814, and the latter a native of Kentucky, but from infancy a resident of Clark County. Ohio. where they were married, and where be died February 10, 1879 and where she still resides. He was a man of medium size, quite ambitious and industrious, though possessed with delicate health. His economy combined with prudence and hard work, gained for him a neat competency. He and wife were of many years members of the Christian Church, of which he was Deacon. Their family consisted of thirteen children, nine of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch being the only one living in Madison County. where he settled in 1866. He was born in Clark County, Ohio January 5, 1836. and was brought up by Christian parents. On December 29, 1859, he was married to Ellen, daughter of Samuel Prugh, of Somerford Township, Madison County, where the Prugh history will be seen. She was born April 19,1836. In August, 1862, he entered the service in Company K, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, participating in the battles of London, Tenn., siege of Knoxville, Philadelphia, and Monticello. While engaged at Knoxville, he was slightly wounded. He served three years. when he returned home, resumed farming, and soon after came to Madison County, where, in 1871, he purchased land and now owns 275 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have 'a family of four children, all living.