500 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. some of which are portrayed in the chapter on "Pioneer Life," are well known to all our readers. One would think that under such circumstances there could be but little time or energy left for the greater work of providing for the wants of their higher nature. Not so with these hardy pioneers. They seemed to realize that they were founding an empire, that they were engaged in laying one of the foundation-stones, on which the great States of the Northwest Territory were to be erected ; that they were making history, to be read with profit by posterity ; that a little taper light to be kindled by them in this obscure pioneer settlement would in time unite with other lights, and illumine the great Northwest. They apparently acted under an inspiration like that of the poet, who describes the night ride of Paul Revere, rallying his neighbors to the battle of Concord. " And yet through the gloom and the light, The fate of a nation was riding that night; And the spark struck out by that steed in his flight, Kindled the land into flame with its heat." In 1803 the inhabitants of Ames assembled in public meeting, to consider the subject of roads, which, having been disposed of, the intellectual wants of the settlement became a topic of discus. sion. They were entirely isolated and remote from established schools and libraries, and felt keenly the necessity of providing some means for their own and their children's mental developme The establishment of a library was suggested, and all agreed that this was the readiest way to meet the case, provided funds could be raised and the books obtained. The scarcity of money seemed an almost insuperable obstacle. The little transactions of the colony were carried on almost wholly by barter and exchange in kind. In this great scarcity of money the purchase of books for a library seemed like an impossibility; but the subject was canvassed by the meeting, and it was resolved to attempt it. Before the end of the year, by dint of economy, and using every ingenious device to procure necessary funds, a sum of money was raised. Some of the settlers were good hunters, and there being a ready cash market for furs and skins, which were bought by the agents of John Jacob Astor and others, these easily paid their subscriptions. Samuel Brown was just ready to make a business trip to New England. He was furnished with letters to Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris and Rev. Dr. Cutler, who accompanied Mr. Brown to Boston, and selected a valuable collection of fifty-one books. These books cost HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 501 $73.50, and comprised the following : Robertson's North America; Harris's Encyclopedia, four volumes; Morse's Geography, two volumes; Adams's Truth of Religion ; Goldsmith's Works, four volumes; Evelina, two volumes; Children of the Abbey, two volumes; Blair's Lectures; Clark's Discourses; Ramsey's American Revolution, two volumes ; Goldsmith's Animated Nature, four volumes ; Playfair's History of Jacobinism, two volumes; George Barnwell ; Camilla, three volumes ; Beggar Girl, three volumes, and some others. Later purchases included Shakespeare, Don Quixote, Lock's Essays, Scottish Chiefs, Josephus, Smith's Wealth of Nations, Spectator, Plutarch's Lives, Arabian Nights, Life of Washington, etc. This was the first public library formed in the Northwest Territory, though not, as some have supposed, the first incorporated. The " Dayton Library Society" was incorporated Feb. 21, 1805; a library "at Granville, in the County of Fairfield," Jan. 26, 1807 ; one at Newton, Hamilton Co., Feb. 10, 1808. The Western Library Association was incorporated by an act passed Feb. 19, 1810. On the 2d day of February, 1804, at the house of Christopher Herrold, articles of association were regularly entered into for the government of the Library Association. The amount of a share was fixed at $2.50, and the owner was required to pay in for the lye of the library 25 cents additional every year on each share. The names of the subscribers to the Articles of Association, with the number of shares taken by each, were as follows : Ephraim Cutler, 4 shares ; Jason Rice, 2 ; Sylvanus Ames, 2 ; Benjamin L. Brown, 1; Martin Boyles, 1; Ezra Green, 1; George Ewing, 1; John Brown, r., 1; Josiah True, 1; George Ewing, Jr., 1; Daniel Weethee, 2; Timothy Wilkins, 2; Benjamin Brown, 1; Samuel Brown, 2d, 1; Samuel Brown, Sr., 1; Simon Converse, 1; Christopher Herrold, 1; Edmund Dorr, 1; George Wolf, 1; Nathan Woodbury, 1; Joshua Wyatt, 1; George Walker, 1; Elijah Hatch, 1; Zebulon Griffin, 1; Jehiel Gregory, 1; George Castle, 1; Samuel Brown, 1. Among the subscribers in later years appear the names of Ezra Walker, Othniel Nye, Sally Rice, Lucy Ames, John M. Hibbard, Seth Child, Ebenezer Champlin, Amos Linscott, Elisha Lattimer, Nehemiah Gregory, Thomas Ewing, Jason Rice, Cyrus Tuttle, Perley Brown, Robert Fulton, R. S. Lovell, Michael Tippie, and James Pugsley. The library has long since ceased to exist as such, and has been succeeded by other more modern sources of information. The books 502 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. had accumulated to several hundred volumes—a considerable library for the place and period. Many years later it was divided, and part taken to Dover Township (where some of the original stockholders lived), where it formed the nucleus of another library, which was incorporated by act of the Legislature passed Dec. 21, 1830. The portion retained in Ames Township, was sold by the shareholders in the year 1860 or 1861 to Messrs. J. H. Glazier, A, W. Glazier and E. H. Brawley, and they afterward sold it to Hon. W. P. Cutler, of Washington County. In conclusion we quote from the memorial before mentioned : " The simple history of this unpretending Library Association is sufficient to challenge the admiration and homage of every true American. It was one of the springs which have made up the great ocean of our State and national prosperity. It is to be hoped that an effort may be made to redeem these old historic books, such of them as can be found, and place them in proper form in some secure public place. The worm-eaten and dilapidated volumes are intrinsically of little value, but they are priceless as mementoes of the past." OFFICIALS OF AMES TOWNSHIP. 1802.--Trustees, Samuel Brown, Nathan Woodbury and George Ewing;• Clerk, Daniel Weethee; Overseers of the Poor, Samuel Brown, Josiah True; Fence Viewers, Joseph Pugsley, Nathan Woodbury and Jno. Sweet; House Appraiser, Christopher Herrold; Lister, Daniel Converse; Constables, Daniel Converse and Sylvanus Ames; Supervisors, Samuel Brown and Benjamin L. Brown. 1803.—Trustees, Benjamin Brown, Sylvanus Ames and Daniel Weethee; Clerk, George Ewing; Overseers Poor, Nathan Woodbury and Joshua Wyatt; Fence Viewers, Jno. Brown, Benjamin L. Brown and Samuel Brown; House Appraisers, Jacob Boyles and Edmund Dorr; Lister, Josiah True; Constables, William Brown and Josiah True; Supervisors, Jno. Brown, William Brown and Josiah True. First Grand Jurors from this township were : Silas Dean and Nathan Woodbury; and Petit Jurors, Azel Johnson, George Wolf and John Brown. The same year Ephraim Cutler and Samuel Brown were elected Justices of the Peace. The first Justice of the Peace was Alvin Bingham in 1802. 1804.—Trustees, David Boyles, Azel Johnson and Nathan Woodbury; Clerk, Benjamin L. Brown; Overseers Poor, David Boyles and Daniel Weethee; Fence Viewers, Benjamin Brown, HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 503 Joshua Wyatt and Christopher Herrold; House Appraisers, Silas Dean and Ezra Green; Lister, Ezra Green ; Constables, Hosea Neal and William Green; Supervisors, Samuel McCune, Jason Rice, Edmund Dorr and Edmund Neal; Treasurer, Sylvanus Ames—first Township Treasurer. 1805.—Trustees, Benjamin Brown, Daniel Weethee and Josiah True; Clerk, Harris Parsons; Treasurer, Sylvanus Ames; Overseers Poor, Ephraim Cutler and Nathan Woodbury; Fence Viewers, Moses Everett and Isaac Stephens; House Appraisers, Ephraim Cutler and Josiah True; Lister, Josiah True; Supervisors, Joshua Wyatt, Abel Glazier, Moses Kay, Hosea Neal and Daniel Weethee. 1806.—Trustees, Ephraim Cutler, John Brown and Daniel Weethee; Clerk, George Walker;. Treasurer, Ephraim Cutler; Overseers Poor, Edmund Neal and Jacob Boyles; Fence Viewers, George Wolf and Joshua Wyatt; House Appraisers, Christopher Herrold and Martin Boyles; Lister, Martin Boyles; Constables, Josiah True and Thomas M. Hamilton; Supervisors, Upton Farmer, Nathan Woodberry, William Brown, Isaac Stevens, John McCune, Ezra Green and Frederic Fought. 1807.—Trustees, Abel Glazier, Benjamin Davis and Liberty Griffin; Clerk, Benjamin Davis; Treasurer, Seth Fuller; Overseers Poor, Abram Pugsley and Samuel Beaumont; Fence View.- ers, Nathan Woodberry and George Wolf; House Appraisers, Josiah True and Martin Boyles; Lister, Martin Boyles; Supervisors, William Brown, George Walker, Joseph Pugsley, John Brown, Joseph Fuller, Joseph Ballard, John Mansfield and Thomas M. Hamilton. 1808.—Trustees, Robert Palmer, Reuben Davis and George Walker; Clerk, Martin Boyles; Treasurer, Zebulon Griffin; Overseers Poor, Seth Fuller and John Brown ; Fence Viewers, Benjamin. Davis and Samuel McCune ; House Appraisers, Nathan Woodberry and John Brown,Jr.; Lister, John Brown, Jr. ; Constables, Martin Boyles and Reuben I. Davis; Supervisors, Christopher Herrold, Horace Parsons, Samuel Lewis, Reuben Hurlbut, Joshua Wyatt, Silas Dean, Zebulon Griffin and Abel Glazier. 1809.—Trustees, Seth Fuller, Josiah True and George Wolf; Clerk, George Walker; Treasurer, Zebulon Griffin; Overseers Poor, Robert Palmer and James Fuller; Fence Viewers, Abram Pugsley and Ezra Green. House Appraiser, Jason Rice; Lister, Zebulon Griffin ; Constables, John McCune and Zebulon Grif- 504 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. fin; Supervisors, Othniel Tuttle, Thomas M. Hamilton, William Brown, Samuel McCune, Ezra Green, Samuel Beaumont, Azel Johnson, Reuben Hurlbut and Samuel Mansfield, Jr. 1810.-Trustees, Seth Fuller, Josiah True and GeorgeWolf; Clerk, George Walker; Treasurer, Zebulon Griffin; Overseers Poor, Joshua Wyatt and Robert Palmer; Fence Viewers, Zebulon Griffin and George Walker; House Appraisers, Christopher Herrold and Zebulon Griffin ; Lister, Zebulon Griffin; Constables, Nehemiah Davis, Jr., Zebulon Griffin and James Pugsley; Supervisors, George Ewing, Jr., George Walker, Joshua Wyatt, John Brown, Martin Boyles, Luther Danielson, Daniel Weethee, Solomon Tuttle, Reuben Hurlbut, Joseph Fuller and William Beckerstaff. 1811.—Trustees, Sylvanus Ames, George Ewing and Daniel Weethee; Clerk, George Walker; Treasurer, Seth Fuller; Overseers Poor, Joshua Wyatt and Nathan Woodbury; Fence Viewers, Uriah Tippy and Abel Glazier; House Appraisers, Samuel Brown and Ezra Walker; Lister, Ezra Walker; Constables, William Henry Hass, James Pugsley and Jeremiah Cass; Supervisors, John Wright, Henry Johnson, Abner Connett, Joseph Fuller, Josiah True, Azel Johnson, Reuben I. Davis; District No, 1, Jason Rice; District No. 2, Samuel Brown; District No. 3, Samuel McCune; District No. 4, Martin Boyles; District No. 5, Ezra Green. 1812.—Trustees, Joshua Wyatt, Seth Fuller and John Brown, Jr.; Clerk, George Walker; Treasurer, John Brown ; Overseers Poor, Joseph Linscott and Amos Linscott; Fence Viewers, Ezra Green and Samuel McCune; House Appraisers, William Brown and John Boyles ; Lister, John Boyles ; Constables, Jeremiah Cass and John Boyles ; Supervisors, District No. 1, Jason Rice; District No. 2, Abel Glazier ; District No. 3, John McCune; District No. 4, Joab Hoisington ; District No. 5, Ezra Green ; District No. 6, David Rathbun); District No. 7, Elisha Alderman, Jr. TRUSTEES SINCE 1813. 1813-1815, Ezra Green, Seth Fuller and John Brown, Jr.; 1816 Jason Rice, Russell S. Lovell and Daniel Phillips; 1817,Sylvanusu Ames, Russell S. Lovell and Jason Rice; 1818, Jacob Boar man, Russell S. Lovell, Ezra Green; 1819, Jacob Boarman, John Brown, Ezra Green ; 1820, Seth Fuller, James Cable, James Mitch ell; 1821, Seth Fuller, James Cable and Ezra Walker; 1822-'23 John Wyatt, Charles Cutler, Alanson Hibbard; 1824, John HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 505 Wyatt, Jacob Boarrnan, David Trowbridge; 1825, John Columbia, John Boyles, John M. Hibbard ; 1826, Charles Cutler, Elisha McEvers, Morris Bryson; 1827-'28, Sabinus Rice, L. G. Brown, Morris Bryson; 1829, Absalom Boyles, Jacob Boarman, John B. Brown ;. 1830, James Brawley, Jacob Boarman, Gulliver Dean; 1831, Daniel Cable, George Black, Gulliver Dean; 1832, Silvanus Howe, George Black, Jonathan Buzzard; 1833, John Carter, Sabinus Rice, Jonathan Buzzard; 1834, John Carter, Absalom Boyles, Savanna Howe; 1835, L. G. Brown, John B. Miller, Silvanus Howe; 1836, L. G. Brown, Lewis Rathburn, Daniel S. McDougal; 1837, R. G. Carter, Lewis Rathburn, Daniel S. McDougal; 1838, R. G. Carter, Charles Cutler, Daniel S. McDougal; 1839, Daniel Rose, William Robinson, Daniel S. McDougal; 1840 -'45, John T. Glazier, John Carter, James G. Owen; 1846-'49, John T. Glazier, D. S. McDougal, Solomon Koons; 1850, George Linscott, D. S. McDougal, Solomon Koons; 1851-'52, James Patterson, D. S. McDougal, Solomon Koons; 1853, James Patterson, G. M. McDougal, Solomon Koons; 1854-'55, James Patterson, G. M. McDougal, George Linscott; 1856-'57, Almon Henry, G. M. McDougal, George Linscott; 1858, John E. Vore, G. M. McDougal, George Linscott; 1859-'60, John E. Vore, F. L. Junod, George Linscott; 1861, Moses Curtis, Solomon Koons, E. P. Henry; 1862, F. L. Junod, C. J. Brown, G. W. Wright; 1863, V. L. Junod, C. J. Brown, C. H. Wyatt; 1864-'65, N. P. Hoisington, C. J. Brown, Daniel Fleming; 1866, N. P. Hoisington, Almon Henry, Daniel Fleming; 1867, N. P. Hoisington, Edmund Wheeler, O. N. Owen; 1868, N. P. Hoisington, Daniel Fleming, Ezra Wolfe; 1869, N. P. Hoisington, Daniel Fleming, Ezra Wolfe; 1870, N. P. Hoisington, Daniel Fleming, Ezra Wolfe; 1871, N. P. Hoisington, Daniel Fleming, W. G. Finch ; 1872, Fred Stalder, Daniel Fleming, W. G. Finch; 1873, Fred Stalder, Daniel Fleming, Silas Sayres; 1874, Fred Stalder, Daniel Fleming, Silas Sayres; 1875, Fred Stalder, Daniel Fleming, Silas Sayres; 1876, Fred Stalder, W. H. Curfman, Silas Sayres; 1877, Fred Stalder, W. H. Curfman, Silas Sayres; 1878, Harvey Linscott, Daniel Fleming, C. A. Hines: 1879, Harvey Linscott, Daniel Fleming, J. H. Phillips; 1880, C. A. Hines, Daniel Fleming, J. H. Phillips; 1881, J. P. Bradley, Daniel Fleming, Harvey Linscott; 1882, J. P. Bradley, Daniel Fleming, Harvey Linscott; 1883, J. P. Bradley, Daniel .Fleming, Harvey Linscott. 506 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. TOWNSHIP CLERKS SINCE 1809. 1809-'18, George Walker; 1819-'22, Benjamin Davis; 1823-'24 Sabinus Rice; 1825-'26, David Trowbridge; 1827-'28, George Walker, Jr.; 1829-'30, Wm. R. Walker; 1831, Hiram Cable; 1832 -'44, R. A. Fulton; 1845 to 1879, J. H. Glazier; L. H. Glazier, 1880 to present time. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE SINCE 1802. 1802, Alvin Bingham; 1803, Ephraim Cutler, Samuel Brown; 1805, John Brown; 1806, Daniel Weethee; 1807, George Walker; 1808, John Brown, Jonathan Watkins; 1810, George Walker, Benjamin Davis; 1811, Thos. 'M. Hamilton; 1813, George Walker -served till 1830; 1819, Martin Boyles-served till about 1828; 1828, John Brown; 1831, Wm. R. Walker, John B. Brown; 1831, Sabinus Rice, Charles Carter; 1837, R. A. Fulton; 1840, H. B. Brawley, R. A. Fulton; 1843, R. A. Fulton, H. B. Brawley; 1845, James Bryson, Lewis Rathburn; 1846, Henry Clark, Lewis Rath. burn; 1847, Henry Clark, James Bryson; 1849, J. M. Mitchell, Wm. Mason; 1850, Henry Clark, James Bryson; 1852, J. M. Mitchell, J. G. Owen; 1853, James Bryson; 1855, R. A. Fulton, Jas. G. Owen; 1857, Gilbert M. McDougal; 1858, Robert A. Fulton, James G. Owen; 1860, Gilbert M. McDougal; 1861, Robert A. Fulton, William Mason; 1862, James G. Owen; 1863, F. L. Junod, R. R. Ellis; 1864, Lewis Carpenter; 1865, Frederick P. Kasler, James M. Mitchell; 1866, N. P. Hoisington; 1868, Lorenzo Fulton, David L. Rathburn; 1869, N. P. Hoisington; 1871, A. W. Glazier, W. G. Finch; 1872, N. P. Hoisington; 1874, A. W. Glazier, W. G. Finch; 1875, N. P. Hoisington; 1876, W. G. Finch, 0. N. Owen; 1878, Fred Stalder; 1880, W. G. Finch, O. N. Owen; 1881, Fred Stalder; 1883, A. W. Durfee, W. J. Warrener. AMESVILLE. Situated on a rising eminence in the beautiful valley of Federal Creek, with quite an extended view, comprising that also of McDougal Creek, with the bold outlines of the surrounding hills, there are very few rural scenes that will surpass that of Amesville and her surroundings. Away from the busy world, surrounded by a farming neighborhood, rich in this world's goods, and in manly honor and honesty, Amesville rests in her quiet retreat, willing to take passing events as it finds them, content with her rich soil, HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 507 pure air, and the material prosperity that comes from the daily avocations of life, faithfully and earnestly performed. Settled in the beginning of the century, it was this valley of Federal Creek, nestling among the hills with its varied scenery, bracing atmosphere and a look of quiet repose, that first caught the eye of Cutler, of Ewing and of Ames—men whose names have since become historic, and the impress of whose wonderful characters has been stamped indelibly upon the people. The pleasant valley is still there, and from the few log cabins of primeval days has arisen a quiet village that basks in the sunshine of peace, prosperity, health and happiness. Such is Amesville in the year 1883. WHEN FOUNDED. The village was laid out in the year 1837. James Pattison is now the oldest living resident, as he was the first. Rev. John Hunt came next, then Samuel McDaniel, Mr. Gregg and John Hardy and Hiram Cable. John Pattison, brother of James, came in 1839. The first year of its existence it could boast of one general store, one carding machine, one blacksmith and wagon shop, one tailor shop. It is stated that the second school-house built in the county of Athens was erected upon the present village site of Amesville in 1804, and a man by the name of Moses Everett was the teacher. The next was erected on the farm of Sylvanus Ames, in 1811, and used also for church purposes. Dr. Ezra Walker and his daughter Sophia both taught in this last school-house. The oldest building now in the village is a part of the residence of W. H. Curfman's. It has a handsome and substantial school building which was erected as early as 1852, which has been painted and repaired not long since, and has stood the test of time with great credit to the honesty and faithfulness of its builders. Its cost, at the time of its erection, was $2,000. One fact is referred to by the citizens with pride, and that is the fact that no liquor saloon has ever been opened in Amesville. The village had a population, in 1880, of 159, and it has now about 175. Some improvements are now going on, and, though Amesville will never become a large town, it will probably hold its own, advancing as the surrounding country increases in population and wealth. ITS BUSINESS INTEREST. The following represents the business interests of the village, May 1, 1883: John Pattison, general store; W. H. Curfman, gen- 508 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. eral store; A. C. Painter, general store; F. H. Gibson, drug store; A. C. Young, saddle and harness store; W. Gilligan & Bro., wagon and carriage shop; S. Balderson, blacksmith shop; J. W. Warren, shoe store; J. B. Buckingham, shoe store; J. B. Shoop, planing mill; J. B. Shoop, cabinet shop; V. Lots, butcher shop; Taylor Pattison, house and sign painter; Jas. Crawford, carpenter; Dr. W. A. Adair, Dr, J. Huestis, physicians. There is only one brick store in the village, that of John Pattison. This is a fine building, two stories high, 27 x 75 feet, and is a decided ornament to the town. The Presbyterian church and school building are both creditable affairs, and the village has many fine residences. In this last regard the citizens have displayed good taste, both in their building and their pleasant surroundings. POSTOFFICE. The postoffice is kept at the brick store and John Pattison is the Postmaster, a position he has held for the past ten years. This office was established in 1821, and the following have been the per. sons in charge: Loring B. Glazier, 1821-'29; Robert Henry, 1829-'34; Hiram Cable, 1834-'37; N. Dean, 1837-'41; Loring B. Glazier, 1841-'42; Hiram Cable, 1842-'46; Everet V. Phillips, 1846-'49; Lorenzo Fulton, 1849-'61; A. W. Glazier, 1861-'62; Lorenzo Fulton, 1862-'70; C. L. Warden, 1870-'73; John Patti-son, 1873, present Postmaster. AMESVILLE ACADEMY. It has been and is the pride and boast of Amesville that it has within its limits one of the best educational institutes in the county. The building itself has been referred to on a previous page: The school took its inception from a meeting of the citizens of Amesville in November, 1852, the moving spirits of which were George Wyatt, Robert Henry, J. T. Glazier, James Pattison and A. S. Dickey. These gentlemen were appointed a committee to decide upon the best plan of securing the desires of the citizens. They reported on the 25th of the above month their views and acts upon the important question, which were probably adopted, for it was but a short time before the building was begun and finished, which gave to Athens County, as well as Amesville, one of the most efficient educational institutions in the State, so far as the branches of studies taught are considered. Its Superintendents have been. J. HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 509 P. Weethee, from 1854 to 1856; P. B. Davis, from 1856 to 1857; A. C. Kelly, from 1857 to 1858; Mr. McGonagle, from 1858 to 1860; E. P. Henry, from 1860 to 1861; J. H. Doan, from 1861 to 1862; J. M. Goodspeed, from 1862 to 1864; Miss L. M. Dowling, from 1864 to 1866. Rev. H. C. Cheadle, principal, and Miss M. G. Keyes, assistant, from 1866. CHURCHES. The Presbyterian Church, of Amesville, was organized March 26,1829, by the Rev. John Spalding, of Athens. The original members were Bildad Curtis and wife, Thankful; Elder John Jackson, Hannah McDougal, Abigail, wife of Wm. R. Walker, and John Walker. Bildad Curtis and John Walker were appointed Elders. The fellowship of the church was given by Joseph B. Miles and Charles Shipman, Elders of the Athens church, and David Shields, of the Canaan church. Rev. Charles R. Fisk was the first Pastor. The church at the above date was situated about one-half mile from the present site of Arnesville and was called the Mudsock church. Nabby L. Ames joined the church on the 14th of May following, and the first baptized were Clark, Julia, Henrietta and Abraham Dodd, May 2, 1830. These were children of Andrew Dodd. Chauncy and Patty Ward joined the church in 1830, and Chauncy Ward was made Elder. The Rev. James McAboy succeeded the Rev. Charles R. Fisk, in May, 1832, and was installed as Pastor Dec. 1, 1832, and re-. signed his charge in May following. He dedicated the church which had been erected in 1832. There had been no clerk up to 1832, the moderator keeping the minutes, who was the pastor, but on Feb. 19, 1832, Bildad Curtis was chosen as such, and remained clerk until August, 1836. On the resignation of Rev. Jas. McAboy the church remained without a regular pastor until the spring of 1834, when the Rev. Ebenezer Hebbard was called, March the 18th, and took charge of the church the following May. He continued his pastorate until his death, which occurred Sept. 9, 1835. May 1, 1836, the Rev. John Hunt served as Pastor for one year, but continued his charge for several years, being succeeded in 1844 by the Rev. Luke De Witt. 510 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. E. Ward was appointed Clerk August, 1836, to succeed Bildad Curtis. In 1841 Wm. R. Walker was elected and continued clerk of the Sessions until his death, which took place June 17, 1855. The church records were either not kept or a large portion were lost from 1844 to 1850. In 1836 Wm. R. Walker, Jno. B. Brown and John Jackson were elected Ruling Elders. The records show that John Wyatt succeeded Walker as Elder in 1843, the others remaining. The next Pastor found in charge of the church was the Rev. Roswell Tenney, who took charge August, 1849, and was still Pastor in 1855, and probably remained until 1858, as on April 12, 1858, the Rev. Chas. Merwin was installed. In 1853 the Elders were: John B. Brown, Jas. Pattison and John Wyatt, and they were such in 1858. After the death of Wm. R. Walker, in 1855, there seems to have been no record kept, and when Dr. Merwin assumed the pastorate he was also installed as Clerk of the Sessions, but no record was ever found and the opinion was formed that he had entirely neglected this important duty. The next date had advanced to Dec. 9, 1865. There was a membership of seventy-seven in 1846, and the last record previous to the war was 167 members. The church, which had been irregularly attended and supported during the civil strife, was re-organized at Amesville, and again started to exercise a power and influence for good which had sadly lapsed the few preceding years. In November, 1865, the Rev. H. C. Cheadle was called to the pastorate, and the Trustees in charge were James Pattison, C. H. Wyatt and A. W. Glazier. A handsome church was erected at a cost of $4,000, and was dedicated Dec. 8, 1867. Dr. Cheadle continued his labors until April 1, 1872, when he retired. It was not until July, 1873, that another minister was .secured, but on the twentieth of that month the Rev. L. N. Woodruff was installed and continued until Sept. 30, 1882, since which time the pastorate has been vacant. The present membership is ninety. W. A. Adair is Clerk. The church is in good condition and it is not expected to be without a pastor much longer. The First Methodist Society formed in Ames Township was formed by Rev. Curtis Goddard in 1824, at the house of Gulliver and Mary Dean (his wife). The society was composed of the following persons: Mr. and Mrs. Dean, Mr. and Mrs. Hart and their four daughters were the original class of eight persons. In 1825, under the ministry of Rev. James Laws, there were twelve or fifteen HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 511 persons added to the society, among whom were Mr. Kelion Kaslar and wife, Mr. Rathburn and wife, Mrs. Samuel McCune, Mr. John Bigford and wife, Mr. Hyde, Class-Leader. The only one now living of that society is Mary B. 0. Neal, in her seventy-second year. Among the early pastors were: John Feree, Henry S. Fernandes, Orvil Shelton, Robert 0. Spencer, Martin Kellog, George G. West, Samuel Harvey, Benjamin Ellis, Joseph S. Brown, Levi S. Munsell, James McCutchen. As the society increased in numbers it was removed to a log school-house near where Edwin Lehon preached occasionally (since a Southern Methodist Bishop). The circuit or charge embraced the territory of what is now Stewart charge, Amesville charge, part of Rosseau and part of Chester Hill. In 1844—'5 .a church was built in Amesville, a frame 30 x 50 feet, a king-post roof apparently as solid to-day as when built thirty years ago, and cost $1,300. Colonel Absalom Boyles, Gulliver and Leonard Dean were the building committee. Colonel Boyles framed the building and had a general oversight of the work; Gulliver and Leonard Dean furnished the stone and did the stone-work; Henry B. Brawley furnished the hewed timber, William Johnson the oak flooring, Harvey Goble the plastering lath, other members contributing in like manner as was needed. Abraham Curtlich and Charles H. Lawton were among the first Pastors after the church was built in 1846—'7. Rev. Lawton organized the first Sabbath-school, Henry B. Brawley, Superintendent; John T. Glazier, Secretary ; Gulliver Dean, James Henry and Isaac Hedge; Managers. The Sunday-school has been kept up ever since. The Superintendents since its organization were, in addition to Mr. Brawley: John T. Glazier, R. R. Ellis, G. M. Ross, John L. Brown, William Moore, George E. Henry, John Walsh, L. L. Munsell, John P. Brawley, E. H. Brawley and James Gillian, the present very efficient Superintendent. Miss Kate Brawley was for many years the loving and beloved teacher of the primary class, and endeared herself to the little ones by her thoughtful care and kindness. PASTORS FROM 1847 to 1883. The pastors who have served the church since 1847 are named here in the order they officiated': Rev. Levi Cunningham, afterward Presiding Elder; Rev. Uriah Redferren (he died on the circuit, 1850), Revs. W. R. Litinger and Amos Wilson; 1851, Revs. W. R. Litinger and David Mann; 1852, Revs. Cherrington and 512 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. Catlin; 1853, Revs. Cherrington and Gregg; 1854, Revs. Street and Anderson; 1855, Revs. Hopkins and Anderson; 1856, Revs. Hopkins and Kelley; 1857, Revs. Kelley and Nichols; 1858, Revs. Ryland and Rankin; 1859, Revs. Ryland and D. Ricketts; 1860, Revs. Thurston and Pardon Cook; 1861, Revs. Thurston and D. Ricketts; 1862, Lewis Brothers, who resigned and entered the service of the Union army; 1863, Revs. Wolf and Spencer; 1864, Revs. Wolf and Porter; 1865, Rev. M.' 1). Vaughan; 1866, Rev. L. W. Mensell; 1867, Rev. Lounis; 1868, Revs. Durant and David Morgan, the latter is now living at St. Paul, Minnesota,--and the following in the order named: Revs. Cash, Arbuckle, Morris, Fry, S. B. Ricketts, J. G. Jones, for two years; Rev. T. S. Armstrong, an outspoken defender of the Christian faith, who was a prisoner for a year in Libby Prison, having been taken prisoner while a soldier in the Federal army. The Rev. R. A. Le Maston is the present Pastor. Under the ministry of the Revs. J. Hopkins and A. C. Kelley, there was an active revival, and among those who then joined and became an active member was John L. Brown, now deceased, who afterward was Superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and a young man of talent and promise. The pastorship of Rev. S. B. Ricketts was noted for a gracious revival which added between twenty-five and thirty to the membership of the church, and in 1880 the church was again revived and strengthened by additional members, under the active spiritual work of the Rev. J. G. Jones. PRESIDING ELDERS. The following named persons have been Presiding Elders from 1848 to 1865, inclusive: Uriah Heath, deceased; E. M. Boring, from 1853 to 1856; J. W. Clark, to 1859, deceased; B. N. Spahs, to 1863 ; and J. T. Frewgar, to 1865. Since then S. M. Merrill (now Bishop Merrill) presided several years; also Eskridge Dixon, James Kendall, Henry Gartner and S. M. Frampton, the present Elder. The present Stewards are: William Jackson, J. B. Rhodes, F. L. Junod, R. R. Marquis, Daniel Hixon, Edmund Wheeler and J. P. Brawley. The latter is also Class-Leader. The church is prospering and one of power and influence. LODGES. Amesville Lodge, No. 278, A. F. c A. N., held its first meeting at Amesville, in their present lodge-room, Feb. 18, 185,6, the following officers being in charge: Watson Harris, W. M. pro HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 513 km.; J. G. Woolman, S. W.; A. S. Dickey, J. W.; Job S. King, Treas.; J. P. Harris, Sec.; John Patterson, S. D.; G. W. Pewthers, J. D. The only business before this meeting was the reading of three petitions for initiation, which were properly referred, signed by Hiram Black, William H. Curfman and Francis Ginn. At the meeting of the lodge, Sept. 20, 1856, the following exhibit of work for the seven months of its existence was reported: Number of initiations, fifteen; number passed, fourteen; number raised, twelve. With this, their Grand Lodge report, they met the G. L. at Zanesville, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1856, and asked that body to grant them a charter, which was done, the charter being signed by the following officers of the Grand Lodge: W. B. Dodds, M. W. Grand Master; B. F. Smith, R. W. Deputy Grand Master; M. D. Brock, It W. S. G. W. ; Barton S. Kyle, R. W. J. G. W.; John D. Caldwell, R. W. Grand Secretary. The following names appear upon the charter as charter-members of the new lodge: John Patterson, A. S. Dickey, O. W. Pickering, William Golden, L. Fulton, J. P. Harris, Abner Cooley, D. L. Dana, J. F. Woolman, George W. Baker, J. L. Kessinger. Thus equipped with a charter the lodge began its Masonic life, which has continued harmoniously for twenty seven years. One of the first business undertakings of the lodge was to contract a debt of over $400 for building and furnishing a lodge-room. It was built by a stock company, mostly Masons. Although largely in debt, and the members of the lodge not being wealthy, they began at once to practice that greatest of virtues, charity. Very seldom has a worthy applicant been turned away from this lodge empty handed. This charitable practice has wrought itself so thoroughly into the character of the lodge that they remain contented with a very plain lodge-room to point with pride to their long list of charitable bestowments. The workings of the lodge ran along smoothly, without interruption, receiving into its membership many honorable and intelligent men, until the spring of 1861, when many of her members offered themselves to their country, engaging in the great struggle for the nation's life. No member of this lodge sympathized with the Southern Confederacy. At the close of the war regular meetings, which had been suspended, were resumed, and have been kept up to the present time. 514 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. When labor was resumed some confusion was to be encountered in the affairs of the lodge. Debts had accumulated, the lodge-room had run down, and many of the members had die or moved away. Those who were left equal to the emergency began the work of restoring the lodge; the lodge-room was repaired and refurnished, the lodge placed under new management, and the debt, which had never ceased to grow from the beginning, began gradually to decrease. The entire debt was at length paid, and the lodge is now on a good basis in every respect. In July, 1871, a number of the members who lived near Guysville, Athens County, asked for and were granted permission to establish a lodge at that place. In the establishment of this, Amesville Lodge not only lost some of her best members, but also a large portion of her best territory, which fell into the jurisdiction of the new lodge. In August of the same year the old lodge was again asked to divide her members and territory for the establishment of a new lodge at Bishopville, Morgan County. Although crippling her severely in membership and territory, she gave consent, and Bishopville Lodge was formed. Since the establishment of these two new lodges, owing to reduced territory, the membership of Ames-vine Lodge has not grown so rapidly as before. None of the interests of the order, however, have been forgotten or neglected, the, members are fully alive to their obligations, and each is doing his duty, while perfect harmony prevails. The entire membership of the lodge since its organization, excepting charter members, is 125; of this number seven have died while members of the lodge, fifty-one have been demitted, and thirteen have been expelled, leaving a membership of fifty-four at the present time. BIOGRAPHICAL. Edward R. Ames, D. D., a native of Ames Township, Athens Co., Ohio, born May 20, 1806, was a son of Judge Sylvanus Ames. His early education was plain and practical. A natural taste for reading was fostered by a local library to which he had free access, and when twenty years of age he entered the Ohio University at Athens. There he remained many years, supporting himself mainly by teaching. In 1828 the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church met at Chillicothe, and he attended HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 515 its meetings. Bishop Roberts, the presiding officer, was so impressed with the young man's appearance that he invited him to accompany him to the Illinois Conference at Madison, Ill. He there made the acquaintance of several prominent Methodist clergymen, and opened a school at Lebanon, Ill., which was the germ of McKendree College. In August, 1830, he entered the itinerant ministry, and was licensed to preach by the Rev. Peter Cartwright. He was sent to the Shoal Creek Circuit, which covered an almost unlimited territory, and when the Indiana Conference was organized, in 1832, he went with the new conference, and was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Soule. In 1834 he was ordained an Elder by Bishop Roberts, and was employed in several fields of labor, including two years spent in St. Louis, Mo., till 1840. He was that year appointed a delegate to the General Conference in Baltimore, and was by that body elected Corresponding Secretary of the Missionary Society for the South and West. He was the first Chaplain ever elected by an Indian Council, having served the Choctaw General Council in that capacity in 1842. In 1848 he was elected President "of the Asbury University, Indiana, but declined the honor. In the General Conference in 1852 he was elected Bishop, together with Bishops Scott and Simpson; and he was the first Methodist Bishop who ever visited the Pacific Coast. When the question of the separation of the Methodists came up in 1844, he opposed the division, and afterward did all he could to foster a fraternal spirit. When the ecclesiastical property of the Methodist Episcopal Church South was confiscated for the time being, he was commissioned by President Lincoln and Secretary Stanton to take charge of it. This was a most delicate duty, and in its performance he visited New Orleans and other Southern cities, organizing societies and appointing white and colored preachers. During the twenty-seven years in which Bishop Ames was in the episcopacy, his whole public life was marked by a strict adherence to the rules and discipline of Methodism, and even when the most difficult points came up for settlement he displayed a far-seeing judgment and quickness of apprehension, which enabled him to grapple successfully with them. Although grave arid dignified in manner, there was a magnetism about him which attracted, arid his preaching was always thoroughly enjoyed. He could scarcely be styled an orator, and yet his quiet reasoning, apt aphorisms, pertinent illustrations and earnestness, impressed more than mere declama- 516 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY tion. He died at Baltimore, Md., April 25,1879. He had been twice married, and left a son and two daughters.---Appleton's Annual, 1879. George S. Anderson was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Nov. 11, 1811, where he lived till he was sixteen years of age. In 1827 he went with his father to Guernsey County. When he was eighteen years of age his father died, and, being the eldest son, the care of his widowed mother and the management of the farm devolved on him, which duty he performed faithfully until his mother's death. He was married June 6, 1833, to Sarah Smith, a daughter of English parents. They had twelve children, all of whom lived to be men and women, and ten still survive. His wife died Sept. 17, 1870. He was again married July 3, 1871, to Amanda Beal, a native of Ohio. They have three children. He is a member of the Universalist church, and his wife a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Anderson has held many local offices of trust, having held the office of Township Trustee for thirteen years, and the office of Justice of the Peace for nine years. He came to Ames Township, Athens County, in 1873. George Beasley, farmer and stock raiser, was born Oct. 15, 1811, the eldest son of John and Elizabeth Beasley, who came from Virginia and located in Bern Township, in 1823, where our subject was reared on a farm and received his education in the subscription schools, living with his parents until he was nineteen years of age. He was married April 15, 1830, to Mary A Gardner, a daughter of Thomas Gardner, a pioneer of Ames Township. By this union There were twelve children, eight of whom still survive---Rosanna, Elizabeth, David, John J., Adeline, Sarah E., Calley M. and Charles M. His farm contains 204 acres of improved land under a high state of cultivation. In his chosen avocation, that of a farmer, he has been very successful. John J. Beasley, farmer and stock-dealer,was born in Ames Township, Athens Co., Ohio, April 5, 1847, is the third son of George and Mary (Gardner) Beasley. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the schools at Amesville. At the breaking out of the late civil war, though only a boy, he went in defense of his country, enlisting in Company G, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, in which capacity he participated in many hard fought battles, served until the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge Aug. 13, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to his native village, and the subsequent year he was sick and una- HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 517 ble to attend to active business. After he recovered he engaged in the mercantile business for several years, after which he engaged in the live-stock business, which he has since followed with marked success, and has for several years been identified with the leading stock dealers of Southern Ohio. He was married Aug. 15, 1871, to Mazeppa Hill, a daughter of Solomon Hill, a pioneer of Athens County. They have one child—Austin. Mr. Beasley is the owner of a fine farm containing 235 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation, admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is used—that of raising stock. His residence is in the village of Amesville. Henry B. Brawley, deceased, was born in Brownsville, Pa., Dec. 19, 1806. When he was ten years of age his widowed mother came with her four sons to Ohio and settled in what is now Ames Township, Athens County. Their struggle for a livelihood was a hard one, but it was firmly maintained, and all the sons were reared to manhood. Mr. Brawley was married Oct. 31, 1833, to Elizabeth McCune, daughter of Samuel and Mary McCune. She was born near the present site of Amesville, Feb. 17, 1812. She died June 22, 1863, leaving four children, two sons and two daughters. She had been a member of the Methodist church since fourteen years of age, and was known and honored by all the Amesville circuit for her hospitality and kindness. Mr. Brawley began life without pecuniary help. He first rented land just north of Amesville, but a few years later bought the farm, where he resided till his death. By industry, care and frugality he gradually accumulated a valuable estate. In business transactions and in the discharge of numerous trusts that were committed to him he was perfectly upright and faithful, being as conscientious in the performance of public as he was in private affairs. Considering his early opportunities,he attained an unusual degree of intelligence and culture. Fond of books and diligent in the improvement of his time, his reading was extensive and varied. He had an excellent general acquaintance with history and historical personages. He sought information on public questions with as much interest as if they were private and personal. His favorite kind of reading, especially the latter years of his life, was poetry, and nearly all the standard poets were to be found in his house. With some of them he was very familiar and was fond of making quotations from the large number of passages with which his mind was stored. He was hospitable at home, genial and pleasant in every circle. The children of other persons were in several instances committed to his care. 518 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. He received them into his home and dealt with them as with his own, and they became attached to him as to a father. He was a man of careful judgment and settled convictions. One of the most beautiful things in his life was his tender, but manly, devotion ;o the memory of his wife, whose death preceded his by sixteen rears. He was a member of the Methodist church forty years. [n 1845 he was .appointed Steward, a position he held till his death. He was frequently honored by being a representative to ;he annual conferences, and the punctuality, precision, and efficiency with which he discharged the duties of his post is seldom equaled among church officials. He was not a mere business man of the church; though quiet and undemonstrative, he cherished a deep religious life, and his influence was felt in every part of his circuit A which he was for many years the most conspicuous and widely known member. He died June 5, 1879, but long will he live in the memory of those who knew him. Of his four children, three ire still living—Edward H., M. E. and John P. His youngest laughter, M. Kate, died April 19, 1881. She was a most devoted Christian, and when the Methodist church called for women to labor in behalf of foreign missions, she gave herself, heart and soul, to the work. She was chosen a District Secretary, and for more than eight years gave her time and labor to the cause. Being of a timid and nervous disposition, the position was a very trying one, as she was often called upon to appear as a public speaker, and she never succeeded in overcoming her embarrassment. The amount of writing she did, considering her feeble health and the demands of domestic duties, deserves especial notice. Her correspondence was necessarily extensive ; her preparations for her public efforts required considerable time, and she sometimes wrote for the press, her articles being generally for children and appearing in the Western Christian Advocate, Ladies' Repository, and the Nursery. From the numerous testimonials of her excellence and worth we subjoin the following, passed'at the annual session of the Cincinnati Branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, held in Hillsboro a few days before her death : "WHEREAS, Our beloved friend and co-worker, sister M. Kate Brawley, the efficient Secretary of Marietta District, has in the providence of an All-wise Father been called from doing to suffering his will, HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 519 with the hope that if consistent with his holy will, a restoration to health may permit her to again enter the work she loved so well. “Mary Warner “Mary E. Sosmans, “Committee " Resolved, That we hereby tender our sincere regrets at her absence at this our annual feast, and extend our warmest sympathy "Hillsboro, April 14, 1881." Edward H. Brawley, farmer and stock-raiser, born in Ames Township, Athens Co., Ohio, Jan. 2, 1835, is the oldest son of the late Henry B. and Elizabeth (McCune) Brawley. His youth was spent in assisting his father in the management of the farm and attending the common schools, where his early education was obtained. After he grew to manhood, being ambitious, he attended the Ohio University at Athens for a time. He now has a fine farm of 140 acres. In connection with his farming pursuits he has been engaged in dealing in wool, and has met with good success and won the confidence and esteem of the community. He wits united in marriage April 7, 1862, to Miss Jenny McCollom, who was born in Ohio but at the time of her marriage was a resident of Indiana. They have had six children, three of whom are living—Robert G., Mary Gertrude and Bertha Florence. Mr. Brawley has held many local offices of trust. In 1870 he was appointed Assistant United States Marshal for this district. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Amesville Lodge, No. 278. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. John P. Brawley, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Ames Township, Sept. 8, 1848, the youngest son of the late Henry B. and Elizabeth (McCune) Brawley. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools, residing with his parents until he grew to manhood. He was married Sept. 8, 1875, to Miss Allie E. Wedge, of Coolville, Athens Co., Ohio. They have three children—Jessie, Lizzie and Mamie. Mr. Brawley has a fine farm of 221 acres of good land, a part of the old home farm. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Eli F. Brown was born in Ames Township, April 1, 1814, a son of John and Polly Brown. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm and attending the subscription schools. When he reached the age of twenty-one years he went to Lancaster, where he spent three years with an auctioneer, and subsequently for forty-one years he was engaged as a public auctioneer in his 520 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. native county. Mr. Brown has during his life been actively en. gaged in business of almost every description, and he has gained a wide reputation as an energetic and enterprising citizen. Hens first married Aug. 27, 1834, to Amy Eddie, a native of Providence, R. I. By this union there were three children, only two of whom still live. He lost his wife April 3, 1867. He was again married March 12, 1868, to Nancy A. L. Dean, daughter of Gulliver and Mary (Cutler) Dean, and a granddaughter of the late Judge Ephraim Cutler, who was prominently identified with the early settlement of Ames Township. They have two daughters and two sons—Mary E., Julia A., Abel G., and Walter G. Mr. Brown now lives on the old homestead of Judge Cutler, afterward of Gulliver Dean. It had never been owned by any but the family. He has been elected to many local offices of trust and responsibility. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Amesville Lodge, No. 278. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Archibald Bryson, born in Bedford County, Penn., Aug. 27, 1813, is the son of David and Elizabeth (Kearns) Bryson. He has from a child been identified with this township, his parents coming here in 1816. His father entered a tract of unimproved land, where he reared his children and lived till his death, in September, 1854, aged seventy-seven years and ten days. His wife died in 1864, aged eighty-one years. Mr. Bryson, the subject of our sketch, lived with his parents till manhood. He was married Oct. 11,1835,. to Henrietta Davis,' daughter of John and Matilda ( Atwood) Davis. He purchased the place where he now lives in 1835. At that time there was a small log house and a log stable on it, and but a small portion cleared. He now has 120 acres of the best land in Athens County. Mr. and Mrs. Bryson are the parents of twelve children, only seven now living—David W., John D., Fannie F., Elizabeth J., Morris 0., George W. and Eliza D. Mrs. Bryson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. William Cone, farmer, born in Ames Township, Sept. 11, 1822, is the oldest son of Albert B. and Sarah Cone, who were among the early settlers of Athens County. His young days were spent on a farm, and at the age of twenty he began learning the trade of a blacksmith, at which he worked for several years. In 1856 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, and has since devoted his time to farming and stock-raising. He was first married Dec. 25, 1846, to Miss Mary Ketler. They were the parents of two children—Augustus W. and Mary E. Mrs. Cone died Jan. 17, HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 521 1854. Mr. Cone was again married Aug. 29, 1856, to Ruth McCune. To them were born two children—Julien and Charles. His wife died Oct. 15, 1871, and he was married April 15, 1873, to Mrs. A. P. Lamb, of Marietta. They have one child—Frank W. Mr. Cone is a self-made man and has accumulated his property by his own exertions. William H. Curfman, merchant, was born in Frederick County, Md., March 28, 1832. When he was five years of age he came with his parents, George and Cordelia (Hemsworth) Curfman, to Ohio and located in Morgan County. Here he was reared and educated until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed three years. He then came to Amesville and engaged as clerk with George Walker, Jr., in the mercantile business. He served in that capacity for three and one-half years, when he purchased an interest in the business, which they carried on successfully until his partner, Mr. Walker, died, and our subject being unable to control such an extensive business, sold out and engaged as clerk with Patterson Bros. in the same place, and remained with them two years. He then went to Salina, Athens Co., Ohio, where he continued in the same occupation for a period of seven years. He then returned to Ames-vine and formed a partnership with John Patterson and carried on a successful mercantile business until 1879. At this time they met with a severe loss by fire, amounting to about $10,000. He immediately purchased a stock of goods which he placed in the store he has since occupied. During Mr. Curfman's many years in the mercantile business, he has by fair dealing won the respect and confidence of his many patrons. He has never aspired to publicity, but in 1878 his friends urged him to accept their proffered suffrage for the office of County Commissioner. He was elected by a large majority, and has since held the important position with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. Mr. Curfman was married Nov. 30, 1854, to Julia A., daughter of L. B. and Jane (Henry) Glazier. By this union there were four children—O. A., Louie, Mattie and Maud. Mr. and Mrs. Curfman are consistent members of the Presbyterian church, he being an Elder of the organization. He is a member of the A. F. & 'A. M., Amesville Lodge, No. 278. Henry H Curtis, farmer and stock-dealer, born in Ames Township, Athens Co., Ohio, is the oldest son of Moses and Sophia (Henry) Curtis. He was born June 15, 1837, reared on a farm, and received his education in the common school. Shortly after 522 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY   he reached his majority his father died, leaving the management of a large estate to our subject. He was first married Sept. 9, 1860, to Jane Sundland, of Maryland. By this union were two children, one still living---Edwin C. Antie C. died Jan. 15, 1865. Mrs. Curtis died Sept. 23, 1869. He was again married Oct. 4, 1870, to Miss Sarah E. Sundland, a sister of his first wife. They have one child---Effie B. Mr. Curtis is the owner of 380 acres of good land which is admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is used. His residence is beautifully located in the suburbs of the village of Amesville. Nathan W. Dean, farmer and stock-raiser, is the oldest son of Nathan and Fanny (Lane) Dean, and a grandson of Nathan Dean, who was prominently identified with the early settlers of Ames Township. Our subject was born in Bristol County, Mass., Nov. 1, 1818, and when about six months old came with his parents to Ames Township, Athens Co., Ohio. They made the journey in a wagon, and our subject was suspended from the bows of the wagon cover in a clothes-basket. His father having the contract of carrying the mail from Amesville to Marietta, when our subject was twelve years of age he assisted him in these duties. At the age of seventeen years his father died, leaving his mother and sisters and the management of the farm to the care of our subject. He has since followed assiduously the avocation of farming. He was married in 1846 to Miss Catherine McDannald, a native of Pennsylvania. They had two sons, only one of whom still survives—Nathan Edgar. Henry L. died Nov. 9, 1873, at the age of twenty-two years. He still lives on the old homestead, which contains 224 acres of good land under a high state of cultivation. his son, Nathan E., resides with him. He was married Oct. 11, 1876, to Roena E. Owens. They have two children—Mertie Lee and Linnie May. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising with his father, but in connection with his farming pursuits has for the last ten years been engaged as a public auctioneer. B. A. Ellis was born in Perry County, Ohio, in 1846, and when about two years of age came with his parents, R R. and F. S. Ellis, to Athens County and settled in Amesville, where his youth was spent in attending school and clerking in a store until he was sixteen years old. In response to his country's call, though yet but a boy, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Ohio Infantry for six months but served nine months before being mustered out of the service. Again in 1864, he enlisted in the One Hun- HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 523   dred and Sixty-fifth regiment, where he served for four months, and in 1865 re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment, where he served until the close of the Rebellion. He participated in many severe skirmishes but in no regular engagement. After the close of the war he returned to Amesville and attended school for two years, working on a farm a portion of the time, after which he engaged in painting. which occupation he followed for four years. He was married March 16, 1871, to Lois S., a daughter of Moses and Sophia (Henry) Curtis, who were prominently identified in the early settlement of Ames township. By this union were two sons and one daughter---Frank and Fred (twins), and Edna May. After his marriage Mr. Ellis engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until the spring of 1880, when he accepted a position as clerk in the establishment of John Patterson, where he has won many friends and gained the confidence of his employer. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and he has ever been an ardent worker in the temperance cause. Walter G. Finch was born in Washington County, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1823. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools. He was left an orphan at the age of1 eight years and thrown on his own responsibility. He found a home with Gulliver Dean, of Ames Township, with whom he lived until he reached his majority. He was married Nov. 1, 1849, to Miss Juliette Smith, a native of New York City. They have seven children---Charles, Sarah, Alice, Nina, Edward, Juliette and William. Mr. Finch purchased his present farm in 1855, where he lived for three years, when he sold out and six years later again purchased it. He has 200 acres of good improved land. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace since 1871. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. , Amesville Lodge, No. 278. Daniel Fleming, farmer and stock-dealer, born in Athens County, Ohio, in 1822, is a son of John and Christina Fleming. John Fleming was born in Germany in 1777, and at the age of fifteen years came to the United States and located in New York, and at an early age engaged in the coal business, in which he met with marked success. In 1819 he came to Athens County, Ohio, and purchased an interest in the Ohio Land Company's grant. He having considerable means contributed liberally by his influence and from his personal means to improve the country, which was then a wilderness. After remaining about six years he returned to New York, but still retained his interest in the Ohio lands. He was 524 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY  married March 11, 1806, to Christina Smith, a native of New York City. By this union there were eleven children, six of which lived to be men and women, and three still living---Martin, Jane and Daniel. John Fleming died in New York City in 1841, and his wife died in Ames Township in 1863, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Our subject was reared in New York City, his youth being spent in attending school. At the age of twenty-two years he returned to the place of his birth, where he has since resided, and since his arrival in this county he has followed assiduously the avocation of farming and stock raising and dealing, and by good management he has met with remarkable success. He was married May 16, 1846, to Lucy P. Gardner, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Smith) Gardner, who was born in 1824. Thirteen children were born to them, eight of which still survive---Joseph, William, John, Theodore, Lincoln, Lucy, Julia and Edith. A. J. Frame, Auditor of Athens County, Ohio, the eldest of nine sons and ten children of John and Mary (Nesmith) Frame, was born at Coolville, Athens County, Aug. 21, 1834, where he was reared and educated in the public school and the Coolville Seminary, attending the latter four years. In 1856 he became associated with his father in the mercantile business and so continued until 1865, when his father retired from business. His brother, A. P. Frame, then became associated with him, he himself retiring from the business in 1874. In 1875 he was elected Treasurer of Athens County, and re-elected in 1877, holding the office four years. In 1880 he was elected Auditor of Athens County, and re-elected in 1882. Besides being a county officer he has held the office of Treasurer of Troy Township for many year's. Politically he is a Republican. July 14, 1856, he was married to Harriet Smith, of Racine, Meigs Co., Ohio, who died May 31, 1882. They have three children---R. A. and J. F., both telegraph operators on the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, and E. C., attending school. Mr. Frame is a member of the Athens Commandery, No. 15, Knights Templars. John Frame, deceased, a pioneer of Troy Township, Athens County, was born in Crawford County, Pa., Sept. 20, 1807. Although born and reared on a farm he as an apprentice learned the tailor's trade, serving six years. In 1832 he emigrated to Ohio and settled at Coolville, Athens County, where he followed his trade until 1840, when he engaged in general merchandising and also dealt in wool, grain and produce. In November,1833, he was married to Mary Nesmith, of Dover Township. They were blessed