HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 375 age of three years, and Levi C., who was killed at the battle of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8, 1862. Mr. Pickering is a Master, Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason. Simon Woodrow Pickering, son of Levi and Susannah (Crozier) Pickering, was born in St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., 0., Feb. 4, 1819. He received his education in the common schools of his native town and at the Franklin Institute, Harrison Co., 0. He lived at home until he arrived at manhood, clerking, when a boy, at intervals, in his father's store. After becoming of age he clerked for his father till 1845, when he became associated with him as a partner, under the firm name of L. Pickering & Son. In 1851 he withdrew his interest and came to Athens and formed a partnership with his brother, Samuel Pickering, and R. W. Corley, the firm name being Pickering. Corley & Co. In 1856 W. L. Brown succeeded Messrs. Corley and Samuel Pickering, changing the firm to Pickering & Brown. In 1858 he withdrew from the mercantile business and became connected with the Big Sand Furnace Company in Vinton County. In 1860 he was elected Auditor of Athens County, and held that office by re-election till 1871. From that time till 1881 he was connected with the Columbus & Hocking Valley Railroad Company, being one of the Directors. During the same time, from 1875, he was engaged in the milling business at Zanesville, 0., a member of the firm of Pickering, Grant & Co., proprietors of the Casel Flouring Mills. In 1881 h retired from business, except dealing in real estate and being a stockholder in the Nelsonville Coal & Coke Company. He has served several terms in the City Council of Athens, and also as a member of the School Board. Since 1880 he has been a Trustee of the Athens Asylum for the Insane. June 20, 1843, Mr. Pickering married Miss Elizabeth Collins, of St. Clairsville, 0. They have three children—Charles C., in business at Columbus, O.; Ella, wife of H. C. Will, of Columbus, and Woodrow S., Assistant Paymaster of the Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad Company. Mr. Pickering is a Master and Royal Arch Mason, a member of lodge and chapter at Athens. Theodore Marcus Pickering, born April 7, 1844, near St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., Ohio, is the second of eight sons of Levi and Susannah (Spiller) Pickering. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, and served till the close of the war. A month after going out he was promoted to Corporal. He participated in the battles of Murfrees- 376 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. boro, Overall's Creek and Kingston; was discharged at Columbus, 0., July 5, 1865, and returned to Athens County, and attended the Ohio University nearly four years. Aug. 20, 1870, he married Sarah J. Talbott, of Ashley, 0., who died June 29, 1875, leaving one child—Pearl. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Athens Township, where he lived till 1875, when he came to Athens and engaged in the coal business with his brother, Francis 0., at the same time carrying on his farm. From 1878 to 1880 he carried on the coal business alone, an. .,once that time has been dealing largely in produce in Athens. March 15, 1877, he married Charlotte White, of Athens. They have one child—Mary Nellie. Mr. and Mrs. Pickering are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Athens. He is a member of Athenian Lodge, No. 104, K. of P., of which he is Past Chancellor, and of Columbus Golden Post, No. 89, G. A. R. Thomas Murray Drake Filcher, manufacturer of sashes, blinds and furniture, and dealer in furniture, at Athens, was born in the vicinity of Athens, April 22, 1832. His parents, John and Laura (Warren) Pilcher, both died before he had reached the age of sixteen. At that age he came to Athens and was apprenticed to W. B. Bartlett, to learn the trade of cabinet-maker, serving three years. He then engaged in furniture-making at Athens, remaining in the business one year, when, in December, 1851, he went to California, where he mined and worked at the carpenter's trade at Jacksonville until September, 1851. He then returned to Athens and soon after went to Logan, Hocking County, engaging in the clothing business for about six months, when he sold out and again went to Jacksonville, Cal., working at the carpenter's trade until 1856, when he returned to Athens, and the same year became associated with W. B. Bartlett in the furniture business, under the firm name of Bartlett & Pilcher. Our subject retired from the firm in 1857, and went to Logan, engaging in the furniture business there until Nov. 8, 1861, when he received a recruiting commission as Second Lieutenant, and assisted in recruiting Company H, Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Upon the organization of the company h was selected for Captain, and so commissioned by Governor Tod. He served until May, 1863, when he resigned on account of ill health. He returned to Logan and was soon after employed by Joseph Herrold as superintendent of his coal mine at the mouth of Monday Creek, in Athens County. In 1866, he became associated with Mr. Herrold in a planing-mill at Athens, under the firm HISTORY OF HOOKING VALLEY - 377 name of Herrold & Pilcher. In 1867 Mr. E. H. Moore became Mr. Herrold's successor, the firm name being changed to T. M, D. Pilcher & Co. They built an extensive factory, which was burned down in March, 1879. The following April Mr. Pilcher built his present commodious factory at Athens, and has continued in the manufacturing business ever since. May 20, 1856, he married Martha B. Herrold, daughter of Joseph Herrold, of Athens. They have three children—Charles A., now an employe in his father's factory; Thomas Milroy, now a student in Ohio University; and Hastings Moore. Mr. Pilcher and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Athens. Our subject has served as Class-Leader, Trustee and Steward many years. He is a member of Sereno Lodge, No. 479, I. 0. 0. F.; and of Columbus Golden Post, No. 89, G. A. R., at Athens. William Hull Potter, grocer, Athens, was born at Providence, R. I., Feb. 9, 1818, where he was reared and educated in the private schools. At the age of sixteen he went to Edwardsville, Ill., and clerked in the store of S. Kidmore & Hall for a short time, when he returned to Providence and entered his father's store as a clerk, and was so employed until his father's death in 1839, when he became his successor. He discontinued the business in 1843, and in 1844 he removed to Pittsburg, Pa., and engaged in manufacturing cigars until 1845. He enlisted in Company K, First Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, called the De Quense Greys, Colonel Wyncoop, and served during the Mexican war. He participated in the besiegement and capture of Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Huamanta and the investment of the city of Mexico. After being mustered out of the service at Pittsburg, Aug. 22, 1847, he resumed manufacturing cigars. The following year he came to Athens and engaged in the same business until 1852, when he discontinued it, and since then has been in the grocery business. June 24, 1839, he married Eliza, daughter of Jeremiah Whipple, of Providence, R. I., who died at Athens, Feb. 5, 1855. They had six children, two of whom are living—Lizzie, wife of C. D. Norris, Superintendent of the Ohio & West Virginia Railroad, at Cincinnati; and Charles W., insurance agent of Athens. He is an ancient Odd Fellow, and one of the charter members of Sereno Lodge, at Athens. Judge Samuel B. Pruden spent forty-eight years of his manhood a resident of Athens County. His wealth, all acquired by honorable industry, his great business ability and his public enterprise 378 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. justly place him in position of eminence in this work. He was the son of Silas and Rebecca Pruden, born near Morristown, N. J., Jan. 17, 1798. Of his early education there, little is definitely known, but he never graduated from any institution of learning, having acquired his education principally by private study and reading. The family came to Athens County, 0., in 1S15, where they became well known, one of the daughters becoming the wife of Governor Brough. Samuel B. Pruden was married to Miss Mary Cranston, of Athens, in 1821. On entering business he was careful and industrious, and successful from the first. Among other business interests his attention was principally given to the milling and wool-carding business in the .Bingham Mills, west of Athens, for ten years following 1826. In 1836 he transferred his business to his own permanent establishments about two miles south of Athens, on the bank of the Hocking River, the location being since known as Harmony. Here h erected an oil-mill, a grist and saw mill and in 1840 bored wells and began the manufacture of salt. A coal bank was opened for the use of the salt furnaces and for years the product of sat here and at Mr. Pruden's works at Chauncey was many thousand bushels annually. His business at Harmony gradually extended until a village grew up around him, occupied mostly by people in his own employ. He was elected by the State Legislature a Trustee of the Ohio University in 1851. As was his habit in his own business, he was punctual and judicious in the discharge of this trust, taking a deep interest in the welfare of the institution to the end of his life. Though not a man of collegiate education, yet by much reading, his literary, and especially his scientific, attainments were highly creditable. He was elected to the Ohio Legislature to represent Athens County during its second session under the new constitution in the winter of 1854-'5, and served one term as Associate Judge on the Common Pleas bench. He also held a number of minor offices, among them that of County Surveyor for a number of years. In the Masonic fraternity h passed through the successive degrees until he became Commander of Athens Encampment of Knights Templar. He was ever gentlemanly in his bearing, and in every position honorable in the highest sense of the term. He died Dec. 10, 1863. Alonzo Blair Richardson, M. D., Superintendent of the Athens Asylum for the Insane, was born near Portsmouth, Scioto Co., Ohio, Sept. 11, 1852, a son of Edward W . and Mary (Blair) Rich- HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 379 ardson. He was educated in the public schools of his neighborhood, and the Ohio University, at Athens. At the age of sixteen he began to teach school and taught while pursuing his literacy and professional studies, and while pursuing his medical studies, in 1873, taught as Principal of the public schools at Ravenswood, W. Va. In the fall of 1872, immediately after leaving the University, he began the study of medicine under Dr. D. B. Cotton, at Portsmouth. He graduated as M. D. from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, in the spring of 1876, after taking two courses of lectures. He afterward also graduated from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati. In March, 1877, he received the appointment of assistant physician in the Athens Asylum for the Insane and filled that position until May, 1878. He then went to Portsmouth and practiced until March, 1881, when he was appointed Superintendent of the Athens Asylum for the Insane. Oct. 25, 1876, he was married to Miss Julia D., daughter of J. W. Harris, of Chillicothe, Ohio. They have three children—William Waddle, Mary Bertha and Edith. Dr. and Mrs. Richardson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Athens. John Ring, born in Somersetshire, England, June 30, 1814, was a son of John and Bridget (Long) Ring. His parents removed to Devonshire when he was still an infant, where they both died before he was seven years old. He then lived with his grandfather, William Ring, till h was fifteen years old when he went to Taunton, Somersetshire, and was apprenticed to learn the butcher's trade, serving four years, after which h remained with his master as an employe about ten years. From 1842 to 1856 he pursued farming and butchering at Creech St. Michael, near Taunton. He then came to America, settling in Athens, Ohio, where he was employed by Abraham Newton two years. In 1858 h bought Mr. Newton's interest and established his present business. May 24, 1842, he married Amelia Watson, of Taunton. They have two children—William and Ellen (Mrs. Ezra Phillips, of Amesville). Mr. and Mrs. Ring are by education: Episcopalians, but Mrs. Ring is now a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Athens. Mr. Ring has served twice in the Athens City Council. Alonzo Lawrence Roach, grocer of Athens, was born near Lowell, Ohio, Aug. 22, 1828. His parents were John and Anna (Roach) Roach. His father dying when he was but two years old, h remained with his mother until he was seventeen, when h was employed as cabin-boy on a steamboat on the Muskingum River. 380 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. He passed through all the grades of steamer-life, from cabin-boy to second mate. In 1859 he quit steamboating and attended school, and was variously employed until October, 1853, when he came to Athens, where he worked at the carriage trade until February, 1859; then engaged in the hardware, stoves and tinware business at Athens. He followed this business until 1869, and during that time was in partnership, at different periods with H. J. Topky, Oliver Childs and James Ballard. In January, 1869, he established himself in his present business, his sons, Frank S. and Harry M., being associated with him, they keeping two groceries in Athens. He married Maria Louisa, daughter of Oliver Childs, of Athens, Oct. 5, 1853, three children being born to them—Frank Spencer, Emma Louisa and Harry Milton. Feb. 1, 1858, h married his seconu wife, Mrs. Clarissa Eleanor Post, daughter of David Goodsp3ed, of Athens County, and widow of the late John Post, Esq., who left two daughters—Lizzie Noble, who died at Athens, March 20, 1865, at the age of five years, and Cora Anna. Charles Perry Rose, born July 4, 1840, in Canaanville, A (hens Co.,Ohio, is the youngest of the five sons of Mathias and Lydia M. (Dewey) Rose. When an infant his parents removed to Coolville, and when h was nine years of age they went to Barlow Township, Washington County. When fifteen years of age he came to Athens and went into his brother Cyrus's shop, with the intention of learning the saddler's trade, but was obliged to abandon it on account of weak eyes. He then attended the High School a year, defraying his expenses by serving as janitor. He afterward attended the Ohio University a year, receiving the free tuition due one from each county in the State. He then returned to Washington County, and remained till the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, in August, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, First West Virginia Cavalry, re-enlisting in November,1864, and serving till the close of the war, being mustered out July 9, 1865. He was in the battles of Wincheater, second Bull Run, Culpeper, Hagerstown, Monterey and numerous others. After his return home h attended the Atwood Institute, at Albany, four months. He then came to Athens where he was variously employed until 1873, and since then has been foreman of the stables at the Athens Asylum for the Insane. June 14, 1867, he married Matilda Duncan, of Athens Township, who died Nov. 6, 1882. He has three children—Jessie L., Alice Irene and Mattie May. Mr. Rose is a Master Mason, a member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, Athens; is Past Chancellor of Athe- HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 381 nian Lodge, No. 104, K. of P., and a member of Columbus Golden Poet, No. 89, G. A. R, Athens. Cyrus Rose, saddler and harness-maker, was born near Watertown, N. Y., Feb. 4, 1831. his parents came to Ohio when h was four years of age, living at Athens, Chillicothe and Coolville. When he was fifteen he went to Marietta and learned the saddle and harness-maker's trade with Charles Cambers & Co., serving an apprenticeship of four year:, after which he attended the Harmar Academy a year and the Wesleyan University at Delaware two years. He then worked at his trade in Hamar a year, and in 1853 he came to Athens and worked for E. P. Jewett a year. In 1854 he established his present shop, where he is doing a good business. He was married Sept. 20, 1853, to Cornelia S., daughter of Major Reed, Esq., of Reedsville, Meigs County. They have six children—Edward T., Justice of the Peace, Athens; Alice L., graduate of the Athens Union School, class of 1877; Charles Otis, Belle, Frank C. and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Rose are both members of the Methodist church. He is a local preacher; was ordained Deacon by Bishop Thomas A. Morris, Sept. 30, 1866. Frederick Roth, proprietor of Athens Tannery, was born in Mecklenburg Schwerin, Germany, Oct. 23, 1838. When sixteen years of age he came with his father to America, going first to Harmony, near Springfield, Ohio, where they worked in a tannery about three years. In the meantime his mother and the remainder of the family had followed them to America. They then went to Jeffersonville and established a small tan yard, working together about twelve years. In 1870 Frederick withdrew his interest in the business and went to farming near Jeffersonville. In 1875 he sold his farm and came to Athens, where h is now extensively engaged in the tanning business. June 16, 1869, he married Margaret Coons, of Fayette County, Ohio. Mr. Roth is by birth and education a Lutheran, and though a member of no church adheres to the faith of the Lutheran church. James W. Sands, Deputy Sheriff of Athens County, was born Oct. 22, 1854, in Ogle County, Ill., son of William H. B. and Nancy A. (Sanderson) Sands. When he was eight years old his parents removed to Zaleski, Vinton Co., Ohio. h received his education in the schools of his native town, New Plymouth, Ohio, and the Ohio University, graduating from the latter in the class of 1879. He was employed in the freight and telegraph offices of the M. & C. R. R., at Zaleski and Roxabell, a short time, and in the 382 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. fall of 1879 came to Athens and commenced the study of law, tinder the preceptorship of lion. C. H. Grosvenor. In January, 1880, he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, by Sheriff Tim. B. Warden, and is now serving in that capacity, still pursuing the study of law. He is a Master, Royal Arch, and Knight Templar Mason, and a member of the lodge, chapter and commandery at Athens. Jacob Shafer, merchant tailor, Athens, born in Munich, Germany, Feb. 23, 1847, is a son of Nicholas and Madlaine (Moore) Shaffer. He was educated in the business college of his native city and learned the trade of a tailor. In 1879 he came to America, first bcopping in New York City about three months. He then came to Athens and worked for Enneking & Bunnemire four months, after which he went to Portsmouth, Ohio, and from there to Rushville, Ind., returning to Athens Oct. 1, 1880, when he established his present business. Sept. 1, 1881, Mr. Shafler married Miss Donne Bodine, of Rushville, Ind. He is a member of the Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M. Portsmouth Lodge, No. 416, I. 0. 0. F., and Athenian Lodge, No. 104, K. of P. Jan. 1, 1883, he was elected a member of the Board of Directors of the People's Building and Loan Company, of Athens., Christopher Remington Sheldon, City Clerk of Athens, was born at Pawtuxet, R. L, July 15, 1823, the son of Christopher and Amelia (Holmes) Sheldon, with whom h came to Athens County, Ohio, in 1835. Previous to that time he had attended the schools. of. his native town, and after arriving at Athens he attended school two terms. In 1837 ( then being fourteen years old ) h went to Coshocton, Ohio, and clerked two and a half years when he returned to his father and pursued farming on the homestead farm until 1852. He then removed to Athens where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1861, after which he was in the grocery business until 1880. In April, 1861, h was elected a Trustee of Athens Township, and being re-elected served four years. In 1866 he was appointed Clerk of Athens Township, to fill a vacancy, and in the subsequent spring was elected to the same office. Since 1870 he has been City Clerk of Athens. He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Melvina Rice, of Athens, whom he married Nov. 30, 1846, and who died in September, 1850, leaving him two sons—Thomas H., of Colorado, who has been Teller and Cashier of the First National Bank seventeen years, and Charles A., now a farmer of Athens Township. He married his second wife, Miss Ann E. Childs, of Athens, Oct. 12, 1851. They have three HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 383 children—George F., of West Liberty, Iowa; Christopher C., Cashier for Selig & Co. , of Athens, and Ida C., wife of H. E. Dickason, Cashier of the First National Bank, of Jackson, Ohio. Frank C. Steadman, junior member of the firm of W. H. Brown & Co., wholesale grocers, Athens, was born in this city March 13, 1853, where he was reared and educated. He is a son of Frederick and Louisa (Golden) Steadman. When sixteen years of age he commenced to clerk for W. H. Brown, and in 1873 became associated with his employer, under the firm name of Brown & Steadman. In 1876 he withdrew his interest and went to Philadelphia and carried on a hotel for the National Surgical Institute till 1880, when he returned to Athens and again became associated with W. H. Brown in the wholesale grocery business, under the firm name of W. IL Brown & Co. Aug. 1, 1880, h married Etta Crouse, of Philadelphia. Mr. Steadman is a member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., Athens. Hoit Spencer Stimson, M. D., son of Dr. Stephen and Abigail (Shaw) Stimson, was born March 18, 1823, in Jericho, Chittenden Co., Va. When he was nine years of age his parents came to Ohio, living a year at Mt. Vernon and then going to Homer, Licking County. He received his education at the High School in Homer, and a seminary in Delaware, Ohio. His father being a physician he early had a desire to study the same profession, and spent considerable time in his father's office. When seventeen years of age h began the actual study of the profession, remaining under the preceptorship of his father till twenty years of age. In 1843 he went to Nelsonville and was associated with his brother, Dr. B. C. Stimson, three years. He then went to Guysville and practiced three years, and in 1849 came to Athens, where he has built up a large practice. Nov. 20, 1846, he married Amanda, daughter of Abraham and Lydia (Lawrence) Cornish. Dr. Stimson has served as a member of the City Council of Athens seven pears. John Leign Strahl, proprietor of South Planing Mill, Athens, was born in Athens County, Ohio, April 12, 1854, a son of John and Hannah Jane (Smith) Strahl. When he was two years of ago his parents removed to Vinton County and lived three years; then removed to Albany, Athens County, where he grew to manhood. When nineteen years of age he engaged in the cabinet and undertaking business, following it till 1876. In 1875 he added a planing mill to his other business. In 1880 he moved his mill to Athens. Nov. 20, 1880, he married Phoebe Aurilla Rigg, of Al- 384 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. bany. They have one child—Fred. Mr. and Mrs. Strahl are members of the Baptist church at Albany. Alexander Bothwell Scott, deceased, was born at Putnam, Ohio, in October, 1808, of Scotch-Irish parents, they both emigrating from Ireland when very young. When he was quite young his parents removed from Putnam to Harmar, thence to Belpre, Ohio, and later to McConnelsville, where he lived until 1858, and was variously employed. At one time he ran a general store, and during that time carried on the mercantile business one year (1840) at Chauncey. In 1842 he took charge of the flouring mill of Doster & Cassel at McConnelsville, and was so employed for thirteen years. He was again variously employed until the spring of 1853 when he took charge of the Herrold Mills, of Athens, removing his family to that city in the spring of 1859. He remained in that position until the spring of 1864 when he took charge of Stewart's Mill near Athens. He died Jan. 3, 1866, at his home in Athens, having, been in failing health for t No years. Dec. 29, 1839, he was married to Miss Susan Rutledge, of McConnelsville. They had four children—William H., President of Ohio University; John R. Winfield, freight and ticket agent for the Washington & Baltimore R. R., at Athens; Anna M., who died in infancy, and Wilbur F., express agent at Athens. Mr. Scott was a member of the M. E. church the greater part of his life. He was well informed, being a great reader, and above the average in intelligence. h was devoted to his family and took great pains to educate his sons, placing in their hands the best literature. Wilbur Fisk Scott was born at McConnelsville, Morgan Co., Ohio, Dec. 25, 1850, the youngest son of Alexander B. and Susan (Rutledge) Scott. Soon after his birth his parents came to Athens, where his father died when he was fifteen years old. He received a common-school education and was variously employed until his twentieth year, when he entered the M. & C. R. R. office as clerk under his brother, W. Scott. He was married March 3, 1881, to Sadie, daughter of George E. and Eliza (Carpenter) Whipple, of Athens. They have one child—Nellie. Mr. Scott is a member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., Athens. Rev. William Henry Scott, Professor of Mental, Moral and Political Science and President of Ohio University, Athens, was born in Chauncey, Ohio, Sept. 14, 1840. When about one year old his parents, Alexander B. and Susan (Rutledge) Scott, removed to McConnelsville, Ohio, where he attended school until he was six- HISTORY OF HOOKING VALLEY - 385 teen. At that age he began to teach school and taught two years in the meantime preparing himself, by private study, to enter college. In the spring of 1859 he entered Ohio University, from which he graduated in the class of 1862. The last two years of his attendance at the University he taught in the Preparatory Department. Immediately after graduating he was elected Super intendent of the Union Schools of Athens and filled that position until February, 1864, when he was appointed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of the Ohio University temporary Principal of the Preparatory Department, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Prof. E. H. Guthrie. In the following June he was chosen as permanent Principal by the B )ard of Trustees. In June, 1865, h resigned that position to enter upon the ministry, having previously, in October, 1864, been ordained by Bishop Ames, and connected himself with the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His first charge was the Main Street M. E. Church, of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he officiated until the fall of 1867, when he was sent by his conference to the Towns Street Church, Columbus, Ohio. In the summer of 1869 he was elected Professor of Greek by the Board of Trustees of Ohio University. He filled that chair until the summer of 1872 when he was appointed by the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, Acting President, vice Dr. Solomon Howard, resigned. At the next meeting of the Board of Trustees he was elected President and still holds that position. Aug. 9, 1863, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Felton, of Athens. They have six children—Charles Felton and Emma, students at the Ohio University; Bertha, Herbert, Ernest and Dudley. Winfield Scott, freight and ticket agent of the Cincinnati, Washington & Baltimore R. R, at Athens. was born at McConnelsville, O., Feb. 3, 1846. When twelve years of age he removed to Athens with his parents, Alexander and Susan (Rutledge) Scott, living there until he was seventeen. He was educated in the schools of his native town and Athens. He left home in January, 1863, enlisting in Company A, Thirty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, serving until August, 1865. He was with his company in the engagement at Atlanta, Ga., and also in Sherman's " march from Atlanta to the sea." After his discharge at the expiration of his term, he returned to Athens and became associated with his father in the milling business, remaining in the business until 1868, when he obtained the appointment of freight and ticket agent for - 25 - 386 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. the Cincinnati, Washington & Baltimore R. R. Company, and he has held this position ever since. Nov. 15, 1870, he was married to Miss Anna F., daughter of George E. Whipple, of Athens, six children being born to them—Guy, Anna, Winfield, Jr., Paul, Grace and Homer. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an Odd Fellow, a member of Sereno Lodge, No. 479, and Encampment, No. 175, at Athens; also a member of Columbus Golden lost No. 89, G. A. R., at Athens. William Austin Thomas, Superintendent of the Athens County Children's Home, was born near Chillicothe, O., Sept. 9, 1835, the youngest of seven sous of James and Tamzon (Wilkins) Thomas. His mother died when h was five years old. He received his rudimentary education in the common schools, completing it at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, and Ohio University, Athens. In August, 1861, he enlisted in the Regimental Band of the Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and served nearly a year, when, by an order from the War Department, all regimental bands were disbanded. He then returned to Ohio and taught in Ross County till December, 1862, when he came to Athens and engaged in the grocery business two years. Feb. 25, 1861, he married Ella A., daughter of John R. and Maria (King) McCune, of Athens. In May, 1864, he enlisted to serve 100 days, in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-first Regiment Ohio National Guards. At the organization of the regiment, his company having an excess of men, he was transferred to Company G, and promoted to Orderly Sergeant, bat served as Post-Adjutant at Guyandotte most of his time of service. At the expiration of his time he returned to Athens and the same year was elected Justice of the Peace, holding the office six years. During this time h studied law with Knowles & Martin, and was admitted to the bar at Marietta in 1867. He soon after went to Hamilton, Butler County, and with his brother B. F. formed the law firm of B. F. & W. A. Thomas, but did not remain there long. Returning to Athens, h dealt in musical instruments and taught vocal and instrumental music till January, 1883, when h accepted the Superintendency of the Athens County Children's Home. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have one child—Mabel. They and their daughter are members of the Methodist church, Mr. Thomas having been a local preacher since 1870. He is a member of Sereno Lodge, No. 479, I. 0. 0. F., Athens. Emmett Tompkins, Prosecuting Attorney of Athens County, was born in McConnelsville, Morgan Co., Ohio, Sept. 1, 1853. HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 387 His parents were Hon. Cydnor B. and Mary A. (Fouts) Tompkins; both died before his eleventh year. In his twelfth year he came to Athens County and was reared by his guardian, W. B. Vorhest, with whom he lived until manhood. He was educated in the Ohio University at Athens. After leaving the University he began the study of law with Hon. C. H. Grosvenor. He was admitted to the bar by the District Court of Vinton County, Sept. 7, 1875. He then established himself in the law practice at Athens. In the spring of 1876 he was elected City Solicitor of Athens and served the term of two years. In 1878 he was elected Mayor of Athens, which office he resigned in 1879 to accept the office of Prosecuting Attorney, to which he was elected that year. He was elected his own successor in 1881 and is still the incumbent of that office. Sept. 21, 1875, he married Martha L., daughter of John M. Welch and granddaughter of Hon. John Welch, late Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio. They have one child—Cydnor Welch. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a Master Mason and member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, Athens, and of the Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity. Hon. Chas. Townsend, ex-Secretary of State and attorney at law, Athens, Ohio, was born Dec. 22, 1834, at Harrisville, Belmont Co., Ohio, but was reared on a farm in the vicinity of Athens. In his seventeenth year he entered the Ohio University from which he graduated in the class of 1861. He defrayed the expenses of his education by teaching, receiving no assistance. He had substantially completed his college course in 1857, but graduated at the term before mentioned. At the breaking out of the late war he was Principal of the Decamp Institute, Meigs County, Ohio, but relinquished his position, and, without appointment or commission, recruited 120 men for the Union service, who were enlisted in Company C, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, and mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July, 1861. On the organization of the company he was elected Captain and received his commission from the Governor of Ohio. He was immediately assigned to duty with his company under General Rosecrans in West Virginia, and next under General Pope, with whom he served until after the second battle of Bull Run. He then served under General Geo. 13. McClellan until the battle of Antietam, when his regiment was transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, where he served in Sherman's corps until the siege of Vicksburg and the battles around and about that city. He served with his regiment in the 388 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. same corps in Georgia, having been promoted to Major. He was tendered a Colonel's commission to take charge of another regiment, but preferred to remain with his own. He was through the Atlanta campaign, and while storming a battery at Nickajack was seriously injured by the explosion of a shell from which he was so disabled that he was obliged to leave the service and return home just as the war was about to close. In 1866 he graduated from the Law Department of the University at Cincinnati, Ohio, and immediately entered upon the practice of law at Athens. In October, 1869, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Athens County and re-elected in 1871 and 1873. In 1876 he was elected a Representative in the Ohio Legislature and re-elected in 1878. In ,1880 he was elected Secretary of State of Ohio, his term of office expiring January, 1883. In October, 1859, he was married to Miss Margaret J. Allen. They have three children—Helen M., Charles and Mary. Mr. Townsend is a Master, Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason. Franklin Tichenor Towsley, eldest son of Darius and Mary E. (Clogston) Towsley, was born Aug. 5, 1843, in Marietta, O. He worked with his father at the trade of carpenter and bridge-builder from his eleventh year till after the breaking out of the late war. March 26, 1862, he enlisted in Battery K, First Ohio Light Artillery. During his three years' service he participated in many prominent battles and forced marches, among which are the battles of McDowell, Franklin, Shenandoah Valley, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain. Sept. 1, 1864, he was appointed by General Thomas. Postmaster at Stevenson, Ala. On one occasion the mail agents refused to take the mail to Huntsville, a distance of seventy miles, on account of the danger, the road having been in the possession of the rebels for some time. He telegraphed to General Thomas at Nashville, offering his services, which were accepted, and with a locomotive, tender, and one box car, and no guards, he made a successful run down and back. March 11, 1865, he was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to Marietta, 0., and again took up his former occupation. The latter part of that year he, with three other mechanics, loaded a flat-boat with the materials for building a dwelling in Memphis, and after a pleasant voyage arrived in that city during the great riot between the ex-slaves and rebels. He was an eye-witness to the murder of several negroes, and twice refused to fall into the ranks of the rebel mob. For more than a week the city was illuminated with the burning of the Government HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 389 barracks occupied by the negroes. After his return to Marietta he was employed as carpenter on several of the river boats. He has, since then, built or helped to build a number of river steamers now plying the Ohio, Cumberland and Kanawha rivers. In March, 1873, while making a trip on the Arkansas River, the boat struck a snag at midnight, and sank in thirteen feet of water and immediately caught fire, burning to the water's edge. Of fifty-one souls on board seventeen were lost. F. T. Towsley was highly complimented by all the river newspapers from Pittsburg to New Orleans for his heroic conduct in saving the lives of the passengers and crew. Having lost all his clothes and tools he returned to Marietta and worked at his trade until November, when he came to Athens and assisted in finishing the asylum for the insane. Since then he has assisted in building many of the finest buildings in the State. June 24, 1881, Columbus Golden Post, G. A. R., was mustered in at Athens, and h was appointed Sergeant-Major, holding the position till 1883, when h was appointed Adjutant. Feb. 9, 1882, he was appointed mustering officer of the Thirteenth District, composing the counties of Athens and Morgan, and since then he has mustered in T. R. Stanley Post, Zaleski; Stewart Johnson Post, McConnelsville; Wesley Weller Post, Deavertown ; Thomas Dew Post, Buchtel. Previous to this he had assisted in mustering in Hill Post, at New Straitsville. In February, 1883, he was appointed mustering officer of the Ninth District, corn: prising Athens and Hocking counties, and has re organized Phil. Kearney Post, Nelsonville; Chilcotte Post, South Bloomingville; and mustered in the Thomas F. Wildes Post, Coolville, and Luther Devoe Post, Carbon Hill. He was a delegate from Athens to the Departmental Encampment at Youngstown. Jan. 1, 1883, he married Jennie F. Ulmer, and is now living on the McGill property recently purchased by his father-in-law. George Weaver Towsley, contractor and builder, of Athens, a son of Darius and Mary E. (Clogston) Towsley, was born at Marietta, Ohio, June 23, 1850. He was educated in the schools of Marietta. His patriotism developed itself at an early age, as when only eleven years of age, in 1861, he went out with the Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as drummer boy and served six months. While out he was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, when General Miles surrendered that post to the Confederates, and was released on parol. In 1862, with his drum, he aided in producing martial music that inspired young patriots to enlist in 390 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, he himself enlisting as Drum-Major. His father objecting, he reluctantly yielded to parental authority and remained at home. However, in 1864, after earnest entreaties, he was permitted to enlist in the One hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio National Guards, as a drummer boy, for 100 days, and was on duty in front of Petersburg during his whole time of service. After his discharge he returned home and began to work at the carpenter and joiner's trade under his father, remaining with him until 1870. He then came to Athens and worked for Henry O'Bleness as journeyman and foreman until 1877, when h began to contract for himself. April 15, 1874, he was married to Mary M., daughter of W. M. Vorhess, of Athens. They have two children—Mabel and Jessie. Mr. Towsley is a member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., at Athens. He is a member of Columbus Golden Post, No. 89, G. A. R., of Athens. Peter Ulmer, carpenter and joiner, was born in Nockamixon Township, Bucks Co., Penn., Aug. 17, 1824. His mother dying while he was an infant, he was adopted by Jacob Bougher, with whom he lived in Bucks and Allegheny counties until 1844, when he came with him to Ohio and settled in Lodi Township, Athens County, remaining with him until attaining his majority in 1845. In boyhood he worked in the cooper shop of a son of his foster . father and learned that trade. In 1846 he built a shop in Lodi Township and carried on coopering there until the fall of 1860, when he removed to Harmony, Athens Co., and worked for S. B. Pruden until 1868. In the latter year he came to Athens and opened a shop and worked at the cooper's trade during the winter months, and at the carpenter and joiner's trade during the remainder of the year until 1878, when h abandoned the cooper's trade. April 12, 1847, he married Miss Mary Jane Saddler, of Lodi Township. They have four children—Jacob, Josephine, Jennie and Effieanettie. Hon. Nelson B. Van Vorhes.—Among the eminent dead of the Hocking Valley, Nelson H. Van Vorhes stands in the front rank, doubtless the foremost in public life. From the time he was a young man up to the date of his death, Dec. 4, 1882, ha has been held in high esteem, regarded as worthy of filling almost any position of trust. Not only has he been worthy of the public honors conferred upon him, but by the faithful and honorable discharge of every trust he has deserved the perfect confidence of his fellowmen HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 391 and his life has been well honored with public positions. At the age of twenty-one he assumed the editorial control of a newspaper; at twenty-six was a member of the Ohio Legislature, having been nominated without opposition, and elected by a majority exceeding that of his ticket. At thirty-four he was Speaker of the !louse and the choice of his party for a seat in the National Cohgress, and though failing of election at this time, he was, later in life, twice elected to that body. He was born in Washington County, Pa., Jan. 23, 1822, whence he removed with his father's family to Athens County at ten years of age. His father, Abraham Van Vorhes, was a man of unusual strength of mind and character, and, like his son, had been honored with public positions, among them a seat in the State Legislature. He first settled on the present site of Hebbardsville, which town he founded. After four years' residence here he became the proprietor and editor of the Western Spectator, published at Athens, and removed to that place. At this time young Nelson entered the newspaper office as an apprentice, having had but little schooling and that only such as was then afforded by the district schools. While in this position his father became a member of the House of Representatives, and he was left in control of the paper. In 1844 he and his brother, A. J. Van Vorhes, purchased the paper, the Athens Messenger and Hocking Valley Gazette as it was then called, and he became the leading editor and manager. A few years later S. N. Miller bought one third of the paper when the firm name became N. [I. Van Vorhes & Co. Mr. Miller withdrew in a short time, as did also Mr. Van Vorhes a few years later, but only temporarily on count of failing health. He returned to the paper again in 1856 and continued its editor and proprietor until 1861, when he sold out and entered the Union army. He was one of the first to respond to the call for troops, entering the first company organized at Athens, as a private. He was in active duty nearly two years when his failing health compelled him to resign. During this time he was successively promoted through a number of subordinate offices to that of Colonel, which he held at the time of his resignation. In 1865 he formed a partnership with W. D. Bartlett in the hardware business, the business and the partnership continuing up to within a few months of his death. His entrance into public life was in 1850 when he was elected by the Whigs to represent Athens and Meigs counties in the State Legislature, He continued to represent Athens County until 1854. In 1853 he was 392 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. nominated by his party for Secretary of the State, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket. The following year he was elected Probate Judge, but before the expiration of his term he resigned, to enter the House of Representatives, having been again elected in 1855. During this term he served for the first time as Sneaker. In 1857 he was again elected a Member of the House. The following year he was a candidate for Congress from his district but, although running ahead of his ticket, was not elected. In 1869 he was again chosen to the Ohio House of Representatives, and still again in 1871, when he was a second time made Speaker. In 1874 he was elected to Congress and in 1876 was re-elected. Much against his own inclination he was made a candidate for a third election in 1878 but, the district having recently been made strongly Democratic, he failed of election, General Warner, of Marietta, being the successful candidate. During all his public career he was never even suspected of complicity in anything the least dishonorable. He retired from public life with clean hands, as much a public favorite as ever. Throughout life he was feeble in health, having a delicate constitution, but by his upright and mild nature and his cordial fidelity to all, he secured and retained the confidence and friendship of all with whom he became associated. Mr. Van Vorhes was married to Elizabeth B. Foster, Oct. 23, 1845. He was the father of three children—Charles, who died in 1851; Louis A. and Nellie H. who, with their mother, still survive him, John Varley, section boss of the C., H. V. & T. R. R., was born in Galway County, Ireland, Nov. 9, 1821, and is the eldest of five sons of Martin and Bridget (Gilmore) Varley. When twenty years of age he carne to America, landing at New York City, April, 16, 1841. He first went to Morrison County, N. J., where he was employed as foreman stone cutter, but not liking the climate he went to Portland, Me., and was foreman on the Maine Central R. R. two years. He then went to Hartford, Conn., and worked in the same capacity on the Hartford & Waterbury Railroad eighteen months. From this time till 1856 he was at Bridgeport, Port Chester; White Plains, Haverstraw, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg and Parkersburg. In 1856 h came to Ohio, and during that year was employed as foreman of the stone cutting on the M. & C. R. R. In 1857 he purchased a farm near Fleming, where he lived till 1864, being during that time employed as foreman of the hands that dug the four-mile tunnel on the M. & C. R. R. From 1865 to 1868 he was section boss on the sane road. HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 393 During 1868 he had charge of the track of the Junction Road from Cincinnati Junction to Cambridge City. From 1868 to 1872 he was employed by the contractors as foreman on the Cincinnati & Hocking Valley Railroad, and since 1872 has been section boss of the same road Aug. 4, 1853, he married Ann Costello, of New York City. They have had six children, five now living—Thomas, train dispatcher of the C. & H. V. R. R., At Columbus; Martin, telegraph operator at Athens; Katie. John and William. Sarah died at Nelsonville, March 2, 1870, aged fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Varley are members of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Athens, of which he is Trustee. Archibald B. Walker, son of Dr. Ezra Walker, was born in Poultney, Rutland Co., Vt., Oct. 15, 1800, and came to Ames Township with his father's family when ten years old. In this excellent neighborhood he enjoyed the advantage of good common schools in the winters, and was occupied most of the year in assisting to open and cultivate a small farm, thus forming well established habits of industry, and acquiring a relish for early pioneer life. In 1825 he married Lucy W., daughter of Judge Silvanus Ames, and in 1826 they removed to the town of Athens, where they have since resided continuously over half a century, and reared a family of two sons and four daughters. On coming to Athens, Mr. Walker spent a few years in the clerk's office as Assistant Clerk which proved of great advantage to him in all his subsequent life. This was followed by an extensive business, for those years, with his brother-in-law, Mr. James J. Fuller, including pork-packing and buying and selling produce. To this was added, about the year 1839, the manufacture of salt at the furnace opposite Chauncey, afterward owned by Judge Pruden; and soon after they bored the wells and erected the furnaces at Salina, since owned by M. M. Greene & Co. For a period of twenty years the firm name of Fuller & Walker was well and favorably known in the valley and in the central and southern parts of the State. The partnership was dissolved in 1853. Since that time Mr. Walker has not engaged in active business on his own account. During his long residence in the county he has always been prompt to embrace and ardent in the support of every useful local enterprise. At home and abroad, in personal intercourse and through the press, he has ever been ready and efficient in advocating the development of the county, and presenting her claims. He was one of the original Friends, and for several years a Director of the 394 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, and an early and strenuous advocate for the construction of the Hocking Valley Railroad, which has been subsequently built under the energetic control of younger men, and which he is gratified to have been spared to see completed, and witness its wonderful success. Those who are familiar with the history of Athens County and the Hocking Valley are unanimous in according to Mr. Walker a large measure of credit for the faithfulness with which he has worked for the welfare of the valley in all things. He is universally respected as an upright citizen and a true Christian. Mr. Walker has had, as is stated above, two sons and four daughters. Of the sons, the eldest is Charles M., editor of the Indianapolis Times, who is mentioned more fully in connection with " Walker's History of Athens County." The second son is Ezra M., a merchant of Athens at the present time. He is unmarried, and resides with his father. The eldest daughter, Laura, is now Mrs. James Ballard, residing in Athens. Miss Augusta resides at home. Alice is now Mrs. Frederick L. Ballard, of Philadelphia; and Helen, the youngest, also resides at home. George Ralph, Walker, dealer in books, stationery, pictures and picture frames, and musical instruments, was born in Athens, Dec. 29, 1850. His parents were William and Matilda (Claxton) Walker, with whom he lived until manhood. He was educated at the Ohio University, graduating in the class of 1872. He then began the study of medicine, and after studying some eighteen months was obliged to abandon it on account of too close application impairing his eye-sight. In October, 1873, he established himself in his present business at Athens. Dec. 9, 1874, he was married to Miss Ida M. Mingus, daughter of Gideon Mingus, of Bowling Green, Ky., by whom he has one child—Lelia M. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Athens. He is a member of Paramuthia Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M., of which he is Secretary. He is also an Odd Fellow and member of the subordinate lodge and encampment at- Athens, and is Past Grand and Past Patriarch. John Henry Walker, undertaker, was born in Athens, Feb. 6, 1836, a son of William and Matilda (Claxton) Walker. He was reared and educated at Athens and lived with his parents until his sixteenth year, when he went to Coolville to serve an apprenticeship of three years with Isaac A. Dinsmore, to learn the carpenter's trade. He then worked at the trade-until the spring of 1859, HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 395 when, in connection with carpentering, he took charge of his father's farm in the vicinity of Athens, until 1862. In September of that year he enlisted in Company I, Seventh I. V. Cavalry, under Captain A. Norton, going out as a Corpora]. Feb. 28, 1863, he was promoted to Sergeant, but acted as First or Orderly Sergeant from September, 1863, to April, 1864. He participated in the battles of Dutton Hill, West Farm, Monticello, Mount Sterling, Blue Spring, Raytown, and many others. He was discharged at Nashville, July 8, 1865, and returned to Athens and worked at the carpenter's trade until 1867, when he was employed in the Pilcher Furniture Factory at Athens, in which he worked eight years. In 1875 he established his present business. March 7, 1860, he married Amelia Crippen Higgins, of Athens County. They have six living children—Adie M., Nettie M., Edward H., Frederick B., Bertha C. and Nellie H. They have lost one, William H., who died June 30, 1'279, at the age of eighteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens. He is a Master and Royal Arch Mason, and member of the lodge and chapter at Athens. He is a Past Master of his lodge. He is an Odd Fellow and member of Sereno Lodge, No. 479, of which he is a Past Grand. He is a charter member of Columbus Golden Post, No. 89, G. A. R., and has filled the position of Officer of the Day since its organization. William Walker, deceased, was born in Yorkshire, England, . Dec. 30, 1808. In 1819, when eleven years old, he came with his parents to the United States, settling at Athens. His father being a horse-shoer by trade, William learned that part of the blacksmith's trade with him. When nineteen years of age, with only $6 in his pocket, he went on foot to Cincinnati and completed his trade, and returned to Athens when he was twenty-one. He then established himself in the blacksmithing business an I followed it until 1856, when he removed to a farm one mile south of Athens, where with farming he also carried on blacksmithing until 1857, when he had the misfortune to lose his right arm in a threshing machine. He then pursued farming until 1866, when, retiring from business, he returned to Athens where he lived until his death, Dec. 3, 1877. He was noted for his skill in blacksmithing, especially in making edged tools. Sept. 8, 1831, he married Matilda Claxton, daughter of Thomas and Mary J. (Blatch) Claxton. She was born in the Northern part of London, England, June 24, 1810. When an infant her parents emigrated to the United States, set- 396 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. tling at Baltimore. At the breaking out of the war of 1812 they came to Ohio and settled at Chillicothe, and lived there until 1820, when they came to Logan where she lived with them until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Walker had six children, only three now living. Mr. Walker became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church when he was nineteen years of age, and was a consistent member of that church until his death, and for many years officiated as Class-Leader. His wife, who still survives him, is also a member of that church. Thomas Walsh, a farmer and resident of Athens and lately a merchant of that city, was born in County Longford, Ireland, in May, 1844. When he was four years of age his parents, James and Catherine (O'Riley) Walsh, came to the United States. They settled in Athens Township, Athens Co., Ohio, where he was reared a farmer and given a good common-school education. His father dying when he was fourteen years of age, he continued to live with his mother and had charge of the farm for her until becoming of age. He remained on the homestead farm until 1875, when he came to Athens and engaged in merchant tailoring until 1879. He is now engaged in overseeing his farm in Canaan Township, but resides in Athens. Sept. 5, 1878, he was married to Uphema McGravy, of Logan, by whom he has two children —Katy Estella and Jessie Genevieve. Himself and wife are members of St. Paul's Catholic Church, of Athens. Timothy Burr Warden, Sheriff of Athens County, was born at Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., 0., Aug. 25, 1848. He is the son of Henry P. Warden, who was for some fifteen years freight agent for the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark Railroad, via the Baltimore & Ohio, at Sandusky. He lived with his parents at his birthplace until his fifteenth year, when he removed with them to Sandusky. At the age of twenty, in 1868, he came to Amesville, Athens County and became associated with his brother, C. H. Warden, in the mercantile business, under the firm name of C. H. Warden & Brother. In 1871 they removed to Athens where they engaged in shipping produce, and are doing an extensive business. In 1879 Mr. Warden was elected Sheriff of Athens County on the Republican ticket. The election was warmly contested, there being four candidates in the field, he receiving a majority of 267 votes. He was re-elected in 1881 by a majority of nearly 1,500 votes. During his term of office in 1881, the lynching of the notorious Charles C. Davis by a furious mob took place at Athens, a history of which HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 397 can be found elsewhere in this volume. Sept. 15, 1871, he married Miss Augusta, daughter of Dr. Lorenzo Fulton, of Amesville, by whom he has four children—Harry F., Ella W., Mary E. and Winnie A. He is a Master, Royal Arch and Knight Templar Mason, and member of lodge, chapter and commandery at Athens. He is also an Odd Fellow and member of Sereno Lodge, No. 479, Athens. Hon. John Welch, ex-Judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio, belongs pre-eminently in the honorable rank of self-made men. He shared the hardships of pioneer life, struggled against ill health, and wrenched success out of the hard hand of poverty. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1805. The region was then, to a great extent, a wilderness, and John's father was one of the earliest pioneers who undertook the task of subduing it, and converting it into a cultivated and productive land. He was a poor man with a large family, consisting of seven sons and four daughters. The child of such a household who would have prosperity, manifestly must work it out for himself. It certainly would not be thrust upon him, no matter how ardent the parental love, or how strong the parental wish to have things better than they are, for those who come after. John Welch was one to work out results for himself. He had early set his heart on success, and his purpose never faltered, no matter how discouraging the obstacles that presented themselves. He worked with his father upon the family farm until he was eighteen years of age, and during that time he acquired such education as was to be gained by attending the country district school during the winter months. These opportunities were not very great for scholastic attainments. Meager as were the facilities offered in the common schools of that day, and the short period of three months out of each year for attendance, does not mean much compared with the school privileges of the present day. Such opportunities were made the most of in this case. When he was eighteen years of age be was "given his time " by his father, and then he began in serious earnest to obtain the education he had early determined to procure. He taught school, that he might earn money, and the money earned was spent in the prosecution of liberal studies, under the best auspices within his reach. He had entered Franklin College, Ohio, and for five years, by this system of alternate teaching and attendance upon school, he maintained himself in that institution, and in September, 1828, graduated from that college with honors. He had decided upon 398 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. the law as his future profession, and in January, 1829, commenced his legal studies under Hon. Joseph Dana, of Athens, Ohio. Excessive study and sedentary habits impaired his health long before his course of study had been completed, and for a time it seemed as if his cherished purpose of becoming a lawyer must be abandoned. His physician assured him that the surest means of restoring his broken health was to resume the active and laborious habits of his boyhood. In compliance with this assurance, he accordingly engaged in attending a saw and grist mill. This engagement offered a double advantage: It not only promised to restore his lost health, but would also, in a very desirable manner, reinforce the finances of the young student, who was in great need of such reinforcement. The mill work did not come altogether as an interruption either of his legal studies, as it is said that the studious mill-hand would " set the saw and then read Blackstone while it was running through the log." Be this as it may, he continued his legal studies in connection with his mill work ; and so, while he was gaining new health and renewing his store of money, he was also drawing nearer to the object of his endeavors. He continued thus to work and study, until 1833, and in the meantime he had taken a wife, marrying Martha Starr, daughter of Captain James Starr, formerly of Connecticut, but at this time a resident of Ohio. The marriage took place soon after he engaged in the milling business, and on the 3d of June, 1833, when he gave .up that business, his family consisted of a wife and two children. With this family h removed to the town of Athens, where he established his residence and where he has ever since continued to reside. In the month of November of the same year he was admitted to the bar, and at once began the practice of his profession. His practice grew rapidly, and h was boon established as a prosperous lawyer, with important and laborious work always on his hands. He brought to the practice of his profession the same ability, diligence, energy and fidelity that had marked his preparatory career, and they are qualities which win ready recognition and yield material results. In his case they were recognized, and yielded results outside the immediate circle of his profession. In 1845 he was elected a member of the State Senate of Ohio, and served a term of two years in that body. In 1850 he was elected to Congress as the successor of Hon. Samuel F. Vinton. During his term the Congressional District from which he was elected was changed, and, in consequence of this fact, he HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 399 failed of re-election in 1852. During his sitting in the National Legislature he made two important speeches, one on the Tariff, the other on the Public Land Question. Both were able, thorough, and marked by the clear sagacity and the straightforward honesty that characterized the man. The speech on the Public-Land Question attained the honor of a publication in full in the columns of the National Intelligencer, of Washington. In the year 1852 he served as a delegate in the Baltimore Convention which nominated General Winfield Scott for President of the United States, and in 1856 he was a member of the Electoral College which cast the vote of Ohio for John C. Fremont. In 1862 he was called from the bar to the bench, having been, in February of that year elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He sat upon the bench of the Common Pleas Court until February, 1865, when he was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court, vice Hon. Rufus P. Ranney, resigned. He remained upon the Supreme bench until 1878, hav ing been re-elected to the position three times. Since his retirement from the bench, Judge Welch has continued to practice law up to the present time. He now spends the most of his time in his library and garden, but continues to take an active part in politics and the affairs of life. He has been an industrious reader all his life, and has a very extended knowledge of literary and scientific subjects. He attends a reading club in Athens, occasionally delivers a lecture in the University Chapel on " Mathematics," on "Religion, and Morality," on "Mob Law," etc. He lately wrote a "History and Memorial " of the Amestown Library, the first library established in the Northwest Territory. He has now in the hands of the printers for publication a work to be entitled " Mathematical curiosities," consisting mainly of new and original rules, puzzles and surprises, and including an interest table on an entirely new plan. Soon after his first election as Judge of the Supreme Court, his alma mater, Franklin College, conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL. D. As a writer, Judge Welch has an easy and elegant style, and his productions, by their clearness and originality, are always full of interest. His opinions while on the Supreme bench take rank among the first authorities on legal questions. Johnson Morton Welch, of the law firm of Welch & Welch, Athens, was born in Rome Township, Athens Co., Ohio, April 20, 1832. He is the son of Hon. John and Martha L. (Starr) Welch. When he was fifteen months old his parents removed to Athens,