HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 425 of the township were David Mitchell, Geo. Hutton, Geo. McKinney, Jno. Tucker, Abraham Tucker, Sr., Jesse Williams, Thos. Cooper, Solomon McCall, John Calloway and Middleton Harmon. SCHOOLS. The following are the school districts and teachers of Niles Township; Buena Vista School, special district—Teachers, Mr. Bradshaw, principal, and Miss Mary Frizell teacher of the Primary department; number of scholars, 115. Sub-district No. 1, Friendship School —Teacher, J. S. T. Lavinder; number of scholars, fifty-eight. Sub-district No. 2, Pond Run School—Teacher, not engaged; scholars, fifty. Sub-district No. 3, Leatherwood School—Teacher, E. M. Evans; scholars, thirty-five. Sub-district No. 4, Elm Tree School—Teacher, La Fayette Jones; scholars, sixty-six. Sub-district No. 5, Upper Turkey Creek School—Teacher, Frederic Ball; scholars, seventy-six. Sub-district No. 6, Twin Creek School —Teacher, R. W. Russell; scholars, forty-four. Sub-district No. 7, Oder Creek School—Teacher, Miss Rose Brouse; scholars, sixty-nine. Sub-district No. 8, Rabbits Run School—Teacher, Charles Cole; scholars, seventy-four. Sub-district No. 9, Brushy School —Teacher, S. S. Cooper; scholars, forty-nine. These districts were laid out in 1840. The first teacher who taught in Nile Township was Jno. Horner in 1814. ITEMS OF INTEREST. The first store, if not in the township was the first at Buena Vista, was kept by G. S. McCormick, who opened it in 1848. The first Postmaster in the township was D. W. Murphy; postoffice, Buena Vista. The first carpenter in Nile Township was Abraham Tucker. The first Justice of the Peace was John Tucker, who was appointed by Gov. Tiffin in 1804. The town of Buena Vista was laid out by John McCall in the year 1840. A survey of the hamlet of Buena Vista was made by William McCohn, Surveyor, April 5, 1849, and recorded Sept. 3, 1850. The first meeting toward building or to take into consideration the building of the Portsmouth & Buena Vista Turnpike was held a t the Twin School-house Aug. 27, 1859. The next move was the opening of the books to take stock in the above turnpike road. The books were opened Nov. 12, 1859. The road became an accomplished fact, and is now a free pike. There are freestone quarries on Turkey Creek, and also on Cary's Run, in Washington Township, that are from four inches to forty-two inches. The ledges crop out along the Ohio River and its tributaries. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS AND VOTING PRECINCTS. The township covers such a large extent of territory that it has been given two voting precincts by the county commissioners. The first voting precinct is at Buena Vista, in the extreme southwestern corner of the county, and the other is at Friendship, some eight miles in the northeasterly direction from Buena Vista, on Pond Creek, about one mile from the Portsmouth pike. The present officers, 1883, are: Trustees, John Sullivan, Josiah Spencer and William Welty ; Justices of the Peace, Henry McCall, E. A. Bridwell and Eri Allemaug; Treasurer, Henry McCall; Clerk, J. S. T. Lavinder; Constables, George Rogers and Elza Ross. BUENA VISTA. This is one of the prettiest little villages on the Ohio River, lying in the extreme southwest corner of the township and county. It has a fine view from its river front, and massive, rugged hills give it a background that shelters it from the the northern and northwestern blasts. It is eighteen miles from 426 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Portsmouth by the turnpike and about twenty by the river. It has a few good business houses and pretty residences, and the place is the principal shipping point for the numerous stone quarries in its neighborhood. The shipping of freestone is its principal business. The Buena Vista Freestone Co.was the first company, and is known as the " Old Freestone Co." It was organized in 1853, and they ran the business till 1864, under the management of C. W. Caden. The present Freestone Company was organized in 1876; G. Paden, President, and W. Z. Caden, Secretary. They have all the machinery necessary for cutting stone, and their trade in block and sawed stone reaches from $50,000 to $65,000 per year. Capital authorized, $50,000 ; capital stock paid in, $28,500. Their business is divided into about two-thirds blocks and one-third sawed stone. The President of the company resides in Cincinnati, and the firm is one of the most enterprising and successful in Southern Ohio. They give employment to from fifty to eighty men, and hold a lease on some 9,000 acres of land or freestone. Their stone is carried on an iron tramway from the quarry to the mill. The John M. Mueller Freestone Co. are large dealers in block stone, doing their sawing in Cincinnati. Mr. Mueller was the contractor, a few years since, to furnish the stone for the Chicago Custom House. He works from forty to sixty hands. Another firm commenced operations in the spring of 1883, by the name of Hayes, Rogers & Co. They opened a quarry on the Chris. Wegherst place, on Upper Twin, and are stripping stone, preparing for a large business, and are also building a stone saw-mill at Mr. A. F. Givens' landing. Hugh D. Stewart has a mill for sawing stone and is doing a safe busin ess. OTHER BUSINESS INTERESTS. The business or mercantile interests of the village are conducted by G. S. McCormick, John Miller, the Caden Brothers, general stores; Martin McNamer, grocery store; Leonard Dumback and William Sullivan, saloons. The restaurant is well kept by Joseph Nabel. Physicians, Drs. W. A. Frizell and James S. Frizell ; Postmaster, John W. Deovoss. The chattel property of Buena Vista was assessed in 1882 at $35,029. CHURCHES. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1857 and their edifice built in 1858. Rev. Daniel Tracy was the officiating minister, Rev. John W. Dillon, junior pastor, and Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder. The original members of the church were—Jesse Williams and wife, Joseph Smith and wife, D. W. Murphey, wife and daughter, Miss Anna; Thomas Williams and wife, David McDermot and wife, Mrs. S. B. McCall, Miss Mary Pitts and Dr. W. A. Frizell and wife. Trustees elected were Jesse Williams, Joseph Smith and Dr. W. A. Frizell. The church has grown with its increasing years until now its membership will reach 100. The present pastor is the Rev. S. M. Donahue and the Trustees are G. S. McCormick, Martin McNamer and 'William Harrison. The church property is valued at $2,000. German Presbyterian Church.--This church was organized at Buena Vista and the building erected in 1871, under the pastorate of the Rev. John Hickman. Those who joined at its organization were John Miller and family, Adam Heller and wife, Conrad Roth and wife, Joseph Nabel and family, Adam Heller and family, Nicholas and John Roth and wives, William Sonney and family, George Baker and family, Henry Dorn and family, George Stembach and family and Henry and John Shisler. The present pastor is Rev. Elias Benzing, and its Trustees are William Dinshman, Michael Whelan and Adam Heller. This church has prospered and now numbers HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 427 150 members, with a church property valued at $3,000. The Catholic Church was one of the early churches, being organized in 1863. Their building was given to them by John N. Mueller, and in the following year (1864) was remodeled into a church. The priest officiating at that time was Father March. Those joining were—Peter Klein and wife, L. Dumbach and wife, Michael Wolf and wife, and Nicholas Neusas and wife. The membership now numbers twenty families. Its present officiating priest is the Rev. Father Mertian. Their church property is valued at $2,000. FRIENDSHIP. This small hamlet is located in a pleasant little valley on the bank of Turkey Creek, and about one mile north of the Portsmouth & Buena Vista Turnpike. It does quite a good business and is the trading point for the Turkey Creek settlers, and, being a voting precinct, is the headquarters for that part of the township, or the east side. Its business is conducted by the following persons: Mrs. Mary Nolder, Eri Allemaug, David McCall and H. Hinkle and brothers, all having general stores. H. C. Tatman and Solomon Evans are blacksmiths; W. P. Williams, wagon-shop; Charles Worley, David McCall, James Lowry and H. Hinkle & Bros. all run cooper shops. Wesley Chapel is the oldest church organization in the township which now survives. It dates back early in the thirties, and its church building was erected in the year 1835. The church is under the pastoral charge of Rev. H. Burkstresser, with regular service every other Sabbath day. The present Trustees are Mitchell Evans and John Vaughters. They have a large Sunday-school attached to the church, well attended and in a flourishing condition. There is connected with the church a cemetery called the "Wesley Chapel Burying Ground," and near the hamlet of Friend- ship. It is a quiet, pretty spot, surrounded by hills, whose tops of living green cast their shadow over those who sleep beneath. Union Church.—This church edifice was erected in 1878 by a few earnest spirits of the Christian church. It is located on Pond's Run, and service is held once a month under the charge of the Rev. O. N. Jones. A Sunday-school is also held every Sabbath day and is well attended. The church is a small one but is in good condition. There are two other church organizations in the township, which have no regular service, but held as often as the opportunity occurs. These are known as McKindry Chapel and Asbury Chapel, the Rev. S. M. Donahue occasionally presiding at McKindry Chapel. This latter is on the Buena Vista pike; Asbury Chapel is located on Pond's Run. BIOGRAPHICAL. Eri Allemaug was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1840, a son of John and Jane (Nolder) Allemaug. In 1861 he enlisted in Company 0, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, and was appointed Sergeant. He was in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Atlanta, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and with Sherman to the sea. At Stone River he was wounded in the leg, which seriously disabled him. At Chickamauga he was taken prisoner with 150 others, but escaped to the Union lines the same night. He re-enlisted in 1864 and served till the close of the war. After his return home he became engaged in merchandising. In 1877 he established his present place of business. He keeps a full line of fancy and staple groceries. In April, 1883, he was elected Justice of the Peace. He is a member of Bailey Post, G. A. R., Portsmouth. In 1865 he married Isabelle Gregory, daughter of Moses Gregory, who died in 1869, leaving two children—Mary and William. In 1870 he married Mary M., daughter of Samuel Brouse. They 428 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. have four children—Alice, Clarence, Morris and Harry. Mr. Allemaug's father came to America from France in 1828, and located at Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was married in 1837. He died in 1879, aged seventy years. His wife died in 1871, aged sixty-three years. Six children were born to them—Eri, Philander, Josephine, Melford, John and William. Philander and William both enlisted in Company C, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry. Philander was wounded at Chickamauga, and at the same battle William was taken prisoner and incarcerated at Libby and Belle Isle, and afterward at Danville, where hue died in 1864. H. N. Bridwell was born in Adams County Ohio, in 1835, a son of James and Mary (Humble) Bridwell. His father died in 1858. He came to this country with his parents in 1841, and lived on a farm till the breaking out of the Rebellion. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, for three months. He was discharged Aug. 19, and Oct. 21 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry. He passed through the different promotions till he was discharged as Second Lieutenant. He re-enlisted Jan. 31, 1864, and served till April 25, 1866. He was in the battles of Port Gibson, Sabin Cross Roads, Champion Hills and others. At Champion Hills he received a wound in his right arm which paralyzed it, disabling him from further service. He was largely on special duty, often acting in courts of inquiry. He was an efficient and intrepid officer and has many records and testimonials of his invaluable aid to his country. He now lives a quiet life, being disabled for manual labor, maintained by the generosity of his Government. He was married in 1863 to Mary M. Hall. Of the seven children born to them but four are living, three dying in infancy—William. E., Charles S., Elma A. and Anna H. W. C. Brooks was born in 1836 in Vermont, a son of Cyrus and Sophia (Hassetine) Brooks. His father died in New York, July 9, 1858. His mother is living in Covington, Ky. Their children are—W. C., E. C., of Ironton, and L. H.,of Cincinnati. W. C. Brooks was the first man to enlist in the late war for three years,west of the Scioto River, in Scioto County. He enlisted in Company I, Twenty-sixth Ohio Infantry; was captured by John Morgan in 1862. He was discharged with recommendations for the Adjutancy of the Fifth Virginia. In 1865 he re-enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Fortieth O. N. G. He was appointed Orderly Sergeant and was on guard duty in West Virginia. When sixteen years of age he began teaching and after his return from the war resumed that occupation. From 1871_ till 1876 he was on a steamboat running from Cincinnati to New Orleans. In the latter year he moved to the farm where he still resides. He was married New Year's Eve, 1858, to Eliza, daughter of John C. Hutton. But four of the six children born to them are living—Elizabeth, Albert, William and Frederick. Mary and Frank are deceased. Mr. Brooks has held most of the township offices. He is a member of Bailey Post, G. A. R., Portsmouth. Mrs. Brooks's father was born in Nile Township, Dec. 12, 1808, a son of James and Elizabeth (Harmon) Hutton. His parents had a family of eight children—Sarah, George, John C., Henry, Isabelle, Mary, James and Middleton, the latter being the only one living. He is a resident of Jones County, Iowa. John C. married, June 13, 1828, Frances Burris. They had a family of nine children, but five now living—James, Mary, Eliza, Rachel and Lucretia. Middleton, Sarah A., John and 0 tho are deceased. Middleton and John enlisted in Company D, Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry. The former was discharged on account of ill-health and the latter died at Helena, Ark., in the fall of 1862. Mr. Hutton was a prominent man of Nile Township. He died April 26, 1870. Mrs. Hutton died July 15, 1877. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 429 W. C. Brouse, farmer, was born in Scioto County, March 22, 1849, a son of James S. and Ada J. (Baldridge) Brouse, and grandson of Johu Brouse. He attended the district school in early life, and later graduated at a commercial college. He now resides on the old homestead, to which he has added 100 acres since his father's death. He now has 113 acres of excellent land which he has been farming for several years. He was married March 25, 1873, to Eliza, youngest daughter of Dr. C. W. Veach. They have two children—Adah May and James Stanley. Dr. Veach was born in 1809, and was married in 1832 to Elizabeth Burrep, of Mount Carmel, Ky., who died in 1849. They were the parents of nine children, of whom four are living—Holland T. and Sarah, residing in Kansas; Horatio, in Indian Territory; and Eliza, in Scioto County, Ohio. Those deceased are—Ruth, John E., Eliza, and twins who died in infancy. The Doctor was the first physician of Nile Township, Scioto County, and was beloved by all who knew him. He attended the Medical College in his early life, and thoroughly understood his profession. He died in October, 1850. Daniel W. Cole was born in Nile Township, Scioto County, Ohio, June 7, 1807, a son of Thomas and Rachel (Parrish) Cole, his father a native of Maryland, born in 1782, and his mother a native of Pennsylvania. His parents came to Scioto County in 1804, where his father died in August, 1834, and his mother in August, 1853, aged sixty-six years. They were members of the Methodist church. They had a family of ten children, nine born in Nile Township. Four are still living—John P., of Lewis County, Ky.; Mrs. Rachel McKinney, of Nile Towuship; Mrs. Amanda Owen, of Columbus, Ind., and Daniel W. Thomas, Nancy, Samuel, Mary, Millie A. and Harry are deceased. The subject of our sketch worked at the shoemaker's trade with his father till twenty-three years of age. Since then he has worked at shoe-making, harness-making, fanning, boat-building, etc. He is a natural mechanic, and was capable of performing any labor that required talent and genius. He has held some of the township offices but has generally declined to serve, preferring to live a quiet life to one mixed with public duties. He was married Sept. 26, 1833, to Mary J., daughter of Henry and Mary (White) Burris, who came to Ohio from Kentucky in 1827. Nine children have been born to them, six still living—Francis M., Nancy, Mary, Martha, Atlanta B., and James H. Atha Ella, William J. and Henry are deceased. They have thirty-four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In 1876 Mr. Cole took the contract to carry the mail from Friendship to Portsmouth and has never lost a trip since that time. J. W Devon, Postmaster and Notary Public, Buena Vista, was born in Rockville, Adams County, Ohio, Feb. 20, 1843, a son of David and Rachel Devoss, natives of Ohio. He learned the blacksmith's trade of his father. He located in Buena Vista in 1869, and worked a year for the Buena Vista Freestone Company. In 1870 he established himself in business and has since worked at his trade. He was appointed Postmaster June 6, 1881, by President Garfield, and Notary Public in 1882 by Governor Foster. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, and was appointed Sergeant of his company. He was injured accidentally and was unable to do active duty. He was married in 1868 to Susan M. Bragg, a relative of General Bragg. They have three children—Mary A., Libbie and Minnie. Politically Mr. Devoss is a Republican. He served one term. as Trustee of Lower Nile Precinct. John Evans, deceased, was born in Bracken County, Ky., June 21, 1817, a son of Abraham and Esther A. (Turner) Evans. He married Rebecca, daughter of David and Dyanna (Mc- 430 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Lee) Storer, July 9, 1843, and settled in Nile Township, where he bought the 100 acres of land where Mr. Cunningham now lives. He died Feb. 25, 1872. He was a prominent man of the township and served in most of the offices. He was successful in a financial point of view, and left his family in good circumstances. He was a member of the Methodist church, and had been a Class-Leader two years. But two of his five children are living—Hester Ann, wife of John Rogers, of Sandy Springs, Adams County, and Rowena, wife of E. O. Cunningham, of Clarke County, Ohio. Jasper, William and Richard C. are deceased. William enlisted in Company F, Thirty-sixth Ohio Infantry, Feb. 4, 1864. He participated in eight hard-fought battles and was taken prisoner, but made his escape. He was discharged in July, 1865, and died Sept. 10, 1866. Mrs. Evans was married Nov. 17, 1881, to Middleton H. Hutton. She was born in Nile Township, Feb. 23, 1823. Mitchell Evans was born in Bracken County, Ky., in 1820, a son of Abraham and Esther A. (Turner) Evans, natives of Maryland. His father died in Kentucky in 1826, and in 1827 his mother and her children came to Ohio, where she died in 1833. Her children were—Sarah, Mary, Eleanor, Charity Ann, Solomon, John, Mitchell and Nancy. Mitchell and Solomon are the only representatives of the family now living. Our subject worked on flat and steam boats on the Ohio when a young man, and then bought 175 acres of land where he now resides, and which he now has under an excellent state of cultivation. He has served his township as Treasurer, Trustee and Clerk. His family are members of the Methodist church, a society he has been connected with since 1857. He was married in 1851 to Maria H., daughter of Abel Bradford. They had three children—Charles B., Emory F. and Maria. Mrs. Evans died in 1867, aged thirty-six years. In 1868 Mr. Evans married Ella R., daughter of D. N. Mur phy. They have three children—Ernest, William D. and Anna. His son Emory resides in Dakota. W. A. Frizell, M. D., was born in Lewis County, Ky., Sept. 20, 1827, a son of Josephus and Mary (Savage) Frizell. He passed his early life on a farm, attending the district school, after which he attended the High School at Maysville, Ky., one term. He then taught school, and thus obtained the money to enable him to attend college. He entered Transylvania College, completing his sophomore year. He then taught school and began reading medicine under Drs. J. W. and J. C. Kennedy, of Felicity, Ohio, studying with them three years, after which he entered the Ohio Medical College, from which he graduated in 1853. In December, 1853, he located in Buena Vista, but during the winter term of 1855–'56 attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College. He is a member of Scioto County Medical Society, Scioto Valley Medical Society, and Ohio State Medical Society. He is one of the successful practitioners of the county. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. April 3, 1856, he married Artemisia Kenyon, of Adams County, Ohio. To them have been born four children —James S., a graduate of the medical college, and now practicing with his father; Mary, Ellen and William A. Dr. Frizell's father came to this county from Kentucky in 1792, with his father, Jacob Frizell. The latter was the first Sheriff of the county. He afterward returned to Kentucky, where he died. Josephus came to Ohio again after his marriage, and spent the latter years of his life at Dr Frizell's. He died Aug. 2, 1880. His first wife was Mary Savage. They had four children, three of whom are living—James S., a wholesale druggist of Dayton, Ohio; Margaret and W. A., twins, the former of Mason County, Ky. Mary is deceased. His second wife was Nancy (Evans) Truxworthy. His third was Mary Smith. They had "one child HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 431 —Anna, of Kansas. Mr. Frizell was a soldier in the war of 1812. Allen F. Givens was born in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1820, the sixth son of William Givens. When seven years of age his parents settled in Scioto County, where he was reared and educated, remaining at home till he became of age. He was married in 1841 to Mary, daughter of James Smith, and settled on the farm where he still resides. He owns 242 acres of valuable land, 132 acres being bottom land. He has by his own industry been successful in life and has given his children good homes. Nine children have been born to him, but five now living—John W., Rachel, Mary E., Rilla F. and Victoria. James H., Allen and two infants are deceased. During the war Mr. Givens was a liberal supporter of the Union cause. He and wife are members of the Methodist church, and take an active interest in all that pertains to Christianity and the good of mankind. Mr. Givens has held the office of Trustee for a number of terms and was Real-estate Appraiser in 1881. James B. Givens was born in Jackson County, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1818, a son of William Givens, and accompanied his parents to Scioto County, in 1826. He was married May 4, 1847, to Margaret R., daughter of Henry Burress, and settled on the farm where his son William now resides. He was a public-spirited man but devoid of political aspirations. He was a devoted member of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Givens had a family of five children, three now living—J. W., Charles F. and Thomas E. Ella and Robert are deceased. Mrs. Givens died Feb. 20, 1871. She was born July 28, 1824. April 20, 1872, Mr. Givens married Mrs. Elizabeth (Royce) Teeters. Mr. Givens died Jan. 10,1877. His son J. W. was born Sept. 19, 1857, and was married Dec. 14, 1881, to Susan, daughter of Charles Wortman. They have one child--Jessie. Charles F. was born Sept. 10, 1859, and was married Oct. 5, 1878, to Elizabeth, daughter of George Hinkle, who was killed during the war by guerrillas. They had two children, both deceased. His wife died, and Feb. 12, 1883, he married Drusilla Barber. He resides in Kansas. Thomas E. was born Sept. 10, 1861, and was married Oct. 8, 1881, to Retta, daughter of David McCall. Politically Mr. Givens was a Republican. William Givens was born in Jackson County, Ohio, July 31, 1811, the eldest son of William and Rachel (Stockham) Givens. When sixteen years of age his parents settled in Nile Township. In early life he assisted his father in the various kinds of labor to be performed in a new country, receiving but a limited education. He was married Oct. 14, 1834, to Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin and Isabella Elliott, and since then, with the exception of two years, has lived on the place where he now resides. He has 102 acres of good land, fifty of it lying in the Ohio bottoms. During the war he did all in his power to suppress the Rebellion; was Township Trustee at the time. Politically is now a Republican. He has been a member of the Methodist church since twenty-one years of age, his wife being also a member of that denomination. Nine children have been born to him, but six now living—Cynthia Ann, wife of W. Cross; Sarah Ellen, wife of R. A. Bryan; Mary Jane, wife of M. Herd-man; Eliza Catherine, wife of George Williamson; David Creighton and William Alexander. Martha Susan, wife of Rev. S. M. Donahue, Margaret Belle and an infant are deceased. Mr. Givens's father WAS a native of Pennsylvania and removed to Kentucky with his maternal ancestors when but ten years of age. He subsequently removed to Scioto County and then to Ross, now Jackson, County, Ohio. He was married Oct. 23, 1810, to Rachel, daughter of William and Susan (Paine) Stockham. In 1826 he re- 432 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. moved to Nile Township, near the place where his son William now lives. He died June 26,1863, aged eighty years, nine months and eight days. His wife died Feb. 18, 1865, aged seventy years, nine months and fifteen days. They had a family of eleven children, but three now living— William, Allen, and Thomas J. David, John, Samuel, George, Cynthia, Mary, Jane and James H. are deceased. Mr. Givens was an Associate Judge of the county, on the bench with Judge Moore. He served several terms as Justice of the Peace of Jackson County, and represented that county in the Legislature. He was an officer in the war of 1812. Politically he was an old-line Whig, and one of the party's earnest supporters. In later life he became a member of the Methodist church. James C. Hamilton was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in 1815, a son of Reuben and Elizabeth (Cahail) Hamilton, natives of Maryland. His early life was spent on a farm, and when sixteen years of age he commenced supplying steamboats with wood, an occupation he followed twenty-seven years. Since then he has been very successful, and notwithstanding some very severe losses, has accumulated a good property. He was married in 1839 to Phoebe Horner, who still survives him. They had a family of nine children of whom four are now living--Catherine, Amanda, Rosa and Ida May. Huldah, Reuben, Richard, Robert and Mary Emma are deceased. His sons all died within seventeen weeks. Mr. Hamilton's father came with his parents, John and Catherine Hamilton, to Ohio when he was quite small, and remained there until his death, which occurred in Nile Township in 1852, aged sixty years. His wife died in 1875, aged ninety-five years. They had a family of six children, of whom four are living—Ignatius B., William and Wesley, of Oregon, and James C. They were all members of the Methodist church and good zealous Christian workers. Mr. James C. Hamilton's grandfather came to Ohio in 1792. He died in Indiana in 1836. His wife was the first person buried in Turkey Creek Cemetery. Benjamin L. Jefferson, deceased, was born in Ross County, Ohio, a son ofJames Jefferson, a Virginian by birth and an early settler of Ohio. When nineteen years of age Mr. Jefferson went to Portsmouth and was employed as clerk for John McDowell, and subsequently went to Jackson, where he was similarly employed. He afterward studied theology and was ordained a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church and preached fourteen years in the Ohio Conference. He then on account of ill-health located in Portsmouth, where he was engaged in the mercantile business twenty years. He was married in 1839 to Maria, daughter of Judge Joseph Moore. They had a family of ten children, but four now living—Mary J., John C., Sarah I. and Frank B. Joseph, William, Wilhelmina, Benjamin L., Laura and James L. are deceased. Mr. Jefferson died Nov. 25, 1873, aged sixty-four years, four months and fourteen days. G. A. Klein, merchant and jobber in sewing machines, was born in Wirtemberg, Germany, Feb. 25, 1847, a son of Martin and Rosa (Nollenberg) Klein, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1852, and located in Hamilton County, Ohio. His father died in January, 1878, and his mother in July, 1881. Until fourteen years of age Mr. Klein attended school. He then was employed as bookkeeper in a factory in Cincinnati. In January, 1868, he came to Buena Vista and was employed as clerk for the Buena Vista Freestone Company until 1873, when he became established in business for himself. He was married in 1871 to Anna Kirker. They have three children—Stella, Rosa, and William. Henry Kress, deceased, was born in Germany in 1828, a son of Henry Kress, also a native of Germany, who came to America HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 433 when the subject of our sketch was a child, and settled in Brown County, Ohio. The latter was reared in Brown County and learned the trade of a carpenter, which he always followed for a livelihood. He removed to Buena Vista in 1865. He was married Nov. 20, 1853, to Julia A. Crum. Eleven children were boru to them, nine now living—Henry, Charles, Katie, Otto, Mary, Gusta, Lucene, Frederick and Robert. Elizabeth and John are deceased. During the war Mr. Kress was a member of the Ohio Home Guards. He was School Trustee several years. He died Aug. 24, 1877. Rev. J. S. T. Lavender was born in Wythe County, Va., in 1842, a son of John S. and Jane (Baker) Lavinder, natives of France. His early life was spent in school. Later he attended college at Charlottesville and Richmond, Va., and graduated at Lebanon, Pa. In 1862 he enlisted in the Second West Virginia Cavalry, Company B; was in the commands of Sheridan and Custer. participating in the raids planned by them. He was in the battles of Wytheville, Lewisburg, Cheat Mountain, Lynchburg, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Appomattox and many others. At the battle of Five Forks he was wounded in the right hip by a piece of shell. He had a horse killed at Wytheville, one at Lynchburg, one at Bunker Hill and one at Stanton. He was captured June 27, 1863, and taken to Libby Prison; was paroled in August, and exchanged in December. At Bunker Hill he and fifteen others were captured twice the same night, but escaped both times. He was discharged June 30, 1865, and resumed teaching. He has taught in several States of the Union and in 1875 came to Scioto County, where he is now a teacher in the public schools of Friendship. Since 1882 he has been Clerk of Nile Township. He was married June 28, 1873, to Ameria F. Fry. They have four children —Sarah G., Wilford W., Jessie M., and Floyd H. Mr. Lavinder was ordained a minister of - 28 - the Christian church in 1879, and for three years was regularly engaged in the ministry. He is and has always been a Republican. Henry Lockhart, farmer and Notary Public, postoffice Pond Run, was born in Jackson County, W. Va., in 1829, a son of Isaac and Sarah (Sheppard) Lockhart. When nineteen years of age he began to teach school, an occupation he followed ten years. He was married in 1859 to Rebecca, daughter of Wm. S. Trickett, of West Virginia, and settled on a farm in Wirt County, W. Va. In the spring of 1865 he bought eighty acres in Scioto County, Ohio, which he sold in 1869, purchasing his present place of 201 acres. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1867, and discharged the duties of that office twelve years. He was Postmaster of Pond Run ten years, receiving his appointment from President Grant. In the floods of 1883 his farm was left completely bare. His wife died April 10, 1875, aged thirty-seven years, leaving six children—Cora B., Sarah F., William P., Samuel A., John H. and Charles R; an infant is deceased. Politically Mr. Lockhart is a Republican. He is a member of Scioto Lodge, No. 31, I. O. O. F., Portsmouth. David B. McCall, deceased, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, April 13, 1818, a son of John and Sydney (Clark) McCall,and grandson of Solomon and Sarah McCall. His father died in 1836, and his mother Nov. 22, 1867, aged eighty-four years. They had a family of three children—David B.; Maria, wife of S. B. Slocumb, deceased, and Martha, deceased. David B. was reared a farmer, but in later life also worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married March 3, 1852, to Mary I., daughter of Cornelius and Mary (McCall) Anderson, and settled on the farm where Mr. McCall and his children now reside. He was a quiet, unpretentious man, and had no political aspirations, though he served his county as Constable. Ten children were born to him, nine now living—Jennie, Joseph S., Sophia 434 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. (now Mrs. Buell), America, Iretta, (now Mrs. Givens), Grant, Arnie, Artie, Olive M. and Bertie. The latter died April 16, 1883, aged nine years, one month and fourteen days. Mr. McCall died Dec. 20, 1881. Politically he was a Republican. Solomon B. McCall, deceased, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, July 2, 1821, a son of William and Delilah (Moore) McCall. His grandfather and uncles developed the extensive quarries at this point, and he early became interested in that enterprise. He married Jane Dunn, by whom he had two children —Robey M., a clerk on the steamer Bonanza, and Dora Jane, deceased. Mrs. McCall died and in 1851 he married Maria M., daughter of Levi and Amanda Moore, of Portsmouth. He settled in Nile Township, and subsequently moved to the place where Mrs. McCall now lives. He was widely known and universally respected. He united with the Methodist church about three years prior to his death, and was actively engaged in the work of the church, being a Class-Leader and Superintendent of the Sunday-school. He died April 22, 1883, of heart disease. He was the youngest of five children—John, William, Cynthia A., Sarah and Solomon B. His grandfather had a family of ten children—Duncan, Moses, Solomon, David, John, Mary, William, Millie, Sarah and Martha.' G. S. McCormick was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1822, a son of James and Hannah (Hawk) McCormick, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Adams County about 1808. His father died in 1854 and his mother in 1841. They were the parents of nine children, but five now living—Mrs. Margaret Freeman and our subject, of Scioto County, James P., William and Mrs. Hannah Mitchell, of Adams County. The deceased are Mrs. Jane Page, Mrs. Elizabeth Freeman, Mrs. Mary Wamsley and Charles. Mr. McCormick was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served under General Harrison in the defense of Fort Wayne, Ind. G. S. McCormick obtained a practical education in the common schools, and then attended the Ohio Wesleyan University two terms, and when nineteen years of age began teaching and taught at intervals for six years in Adams and Scioto counties. In 1847 he built the second house in Buena Vista, put a stock of goods in it and became the first merchant of the place. In 1849 he removed to Rome, Adams County, and in 1859 purchased a farm in Upper Nile Precinct, where he lived till 1868, when he removed to Portsmouth and for two years was engaged in the grocery business. In 1870 he returned to his farm and in 1875 came again to Buena Vista, where he still resides. In connection with his other business he has dealt extensively in lumber, tan-bark, staves, etc. He has been very successful in business, and now owns 1,700 acres of land, 225 acres being valuable bottom lands. He has a fine residence in Buena Vista and other town property. He was married in 1847 to Nancy, daughter of Joseph Fleak, of Cincinnati. Seven children have been born to them, only two now living—Charlie A., in business with his father, and Alfred F., a student at Ohio Wesleyan University. William A. (twin of Charlie), Euella, John J., Mary F. (twin of Alfred), and an infant are deceased. Mr. McCormick is a member of the Methodist church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. J. M. Miller, son of J. M. Miller, Sr., was born in Germany, Nov. 19, 1831 (same birthday as President Garfield's). He came to this country when twenty years of age, and spent the first year in Pennsylvania. He came to Buena Vista in 1853, and worked in the quarry the fore part of the season, and the latter part in the stone saw-mill of the old Bue. na Vista Freestone Company. In 1854 he was given the foremanship in sawing stone for the same company, which position he held till 1858, and the same year J. W. Mueller, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 435 of Cincinnati, bought the Buena Vista Freestone quarries, and he then became manager for the same, which position he still holds. The quarry gives employment to seventy-five hands, and has employed as many as 250. The stone quarried is of the best quality, and has been used in some of the finest buildings of the country, among which are the Custom House at Chicago, Ill., the Chamber of Commerce at Chicago, Ill., the Custom House at Omaha, Neb., the Custom House at Parkersburg, W. Va., the State House at Columbus, 0., and all the principal buildings in Cincinnati. They have a large stone-yard and two extensive mills in Cincinnati, and do an annual business of about $75,000. Mr. Miller was married in 1854 to Frederica Uckley. They have four children—Charles J., Carrie M., Gustav A. and William P. He has been Township Treasurer for two years (or two terms), and a member of the school board for many years. Politically he is a Republican. He and family are members of the Presbyterian church. He is the founder of the German congregation in Buena Vista, and was the leader in building the church. He has also been in a successful mercantile business for many years, and is now assisted by his sons. Burris Moore, deceased, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, May 31, 1815, a son of Judge Joseph Moore. He was married Dec. 8, 1837, to Catherine, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Edwards, natives of Kentucky, who settled in Adams County, Ohio, in an early day. To them were born ten children, but four of whom are living—William A., Sophronia ;widow of E. E. Stedman), Wilson C. and Elnora. The deceased are Sarah, Laura A., Joseph L., Mary, Celia M. and Jesse. Soon after his marriage Mr. Moore located on the farm where Mrs. Moore and her children now reside. He was a member of the Methodist church, of which he was Steward and Class-Leader. He was a prominent and useful man of the township, and accumulated a good property, leaving 202 acres of valuable land. He died March 1, 1861. William A. is married and resides on the homestead, Colonel Joseph Moore was born Feb.13, 1790. His father was of English and his mother of Scotch descent, but were both natives of New Jersey. They were married near Philadelphia, and had a family of twelve children. They subsequently settled in Hampshire County, Va., and in 1790, in company with several other families, came down the Ohio River on a fiat-boat, and landed at the post and fort known as Limestone, now Maysville. They took up their line of march in the direction of Lexington, through a dense forest and cane-brakes, abounding with all kinds of wild animals and Indians. They bought land in Mason County, Ky., and built block-houses to protect themselves from the Indians. The Indians would occasionally slip into the settlement and murder the settlers, till they finally became discouraged and left their lands, crossed the Ohio River and settled in Ohio. Mr. Moore settled in Adams County, on the waters of the Ohio Brush Creek. They were members of the Methodist church, Jos. Moore, Sr., being a local preacher, and religious services were held in their house. When they erected their first church, Judge Moore, then a boy ten years old, rode the horses when hauling timber for its erection. After the organization of the church Mr. Moore was appointed leader and preacher in charge. Judge Moore's early education was very limited, there being few schools or teachers in those early days. Subsequently by his own industry and studious habits he acquired a fair education. He remained with his father helping to clear the farm till old enough to learn a trade. He then went to a small village two and a half miles east of West Union, Adams County, and worked for a Mr. Phillips till he had learned the stone-mason's trade. He then built the stack and did all the stone-work on the old 436 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Brush Creek Furnace, and afterward helped to build the steam furnace. Before he was twenty years old he was appointed Captain of a company of militia. When he was twenty-one years of age he went to the vicinity of Portsmouth and built a stone house, still standing, on the road running from the County Infirmary to Union Mills, and also helped to build the old Smith house, a mile below Portsmouth, on the bank of the Ohio River. He then went to 'Squire Lawson's, a mile and a half up the river from Portsmouth, and boarded there several months, working at his trade, and Jan. 16, 1812, married the 'Squire's daughter Mary. She was a sister of Rutha Kendall, recently deceased, and of the wife of General Harrison Kelly, of Lawrence County. Soon after his marriage he enlisted in the war of 1812 and served one year. After his return home he settled in Rockville, situated just over the line of Scioto County, in Adams County, and bought all the land now owned by J. C. Laughry, and built a small stone residence, which is still standing. There was a fine quality of freestone in that vicinity, and hue quarried some specimens and took them to Cincinnati to a stone-cutter named Jemison. He pronounced them very fine, and,in company with other gentlemen, returned to Rockville with Mr. Moore and prospected the stone quarries since so extensively worked. An agreement was entered into that Colonel Moore should quarry the stone and ship it to Cincinnati, where they should prepare it for building purposes. There being plenty of timber they made rafts, and after hauling the stone to the river with oxen, slipped it on the rafts by means of crowbars and skids, and with the wild grape-vines for cables floated it to Cincinnati. They then had either to walk or push a dug-out home. After a few years a small kind of steamboat similar to a barge was built, but with those it took five or six days to make the trip from Rockville to Cincinnati, a distance of ninety-two miles. Colonel Moore worked the quarries fifteen years and then sold out and bought the present homestead, where he has lived since 1829. There were but a few acres cleared, and but a small cabin, in which they lived till he could clear away the timber and build a house. He planted a small orchard on the land cleared, and then he and his wife went to work to make the brick to build them a house, and in a short time the house now occupied by him was built. Soon after this he was selected as commanding officer of the Scioto County militia, a position he held many years, hence his title of Colonel. He was subsequently elected Associate Judge of Scioto County, and served seven years, and afterward had both titles, Colonel .and Judge. July 24, 1838, his wife died. They had a family of eleven children—William, Mariah, Burris, Mary Jane, John C., Nancy, Susan, Joseph L., Manerva, Thomas B. and an infant. There are now only four living—Mrs. Mariah Jefferson, of Portsmouth; Mrs. Mary J. Valodin, living on the homestead; John C., of Mississippi, and Joseph C., living on a portion of the homestead. John C.'s wife died several years ago leaving him four children—Joseph V., James K., Hester and Lelia, all now grown, and two of them married. Joseph L. has a family of three sons and four daughters. Aug. 6, 1839, Colonel Moore married Isabella Elliott. She died May 30, 1848, and Feb.15, 1849, he Married Sarah Chenoeth, who died Feb. 2, 1878. In 1812 while he was away from home his wife was converted. When he returned he made up his mind to go with her, and they united with the Methodist Episcopal church. He was for over forty years a Class-Leader and also served the church in every capacity. He has now been a member of the church seventy-one years. After his removal to Scioto County, the year before his wife died, the people concluded to build a church, there being none here at that time, and he went to quarrying stone and hauled it and laid the HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 437 foundation, and it was not long before was erected the comfortable frame church they still worship in, known as McKendree's Church. Colonel Moore has never belonged to any secret society. Politically he has always been a supporter of Democratic principles, and has voted for every Democratic candidate since the first campaign of Andrew Jackson; has never aspired to office, but has been content to live a quiet, retired life. He has always been temperate in his habits; has never used tobacco in any form or any narcotics. He has nearly reached his ninety-fourth birthday, and does not know of an enemy on the earth; his character is to-day without a spot or stain. He has lived to see Scioto County come from a wilderness to a state of civilization and culture. He is the last representative of his father's family, and the patriarch pioneer of Scioto County, having lived here longer than any one now living. Ezra H. Noel was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1822, a son of Solomon and Mary (Hueston) Noel. His father was a son of Philip and Susan (Putnam) Noel, who came to Ohio from Virginia in 1794. Of his ten children six are still living—Ezra H., P.W., J. H., Telemadius P., Solomon D. and Isaac H., all but Ezra residents of Clay Towuship. Joseph P., Eliza J., Jacob P. and Josephus S. are deceased. Mr. Noel died in 1841, aged forty-seven years. His wife died in 1858, aged fifty-eight years. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving a limited education, frequently having to walk two and three miles to attend school. He remained with his mother four years after his father's death, helping to clear off the indebtedness on the arm. He was married in 1846 to Louisa, daughter of Uriah and Rachel (Beard) Barber. Two children were born to them —Winfield Scott and Oscar A., the latter deceased. Mrs. Noel died April 18, 1864. In 1871 he married Lou Hutton. They have wo children—Blanch and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Noel are members of the Methodist church. Politically he is a Republican. He owns a fine farm of 328 acres, all well cultivated. John Nolder, deceased, was a descendant of an old family of Scioto County. He was a prominent man of Nile Township, and was much esteemed for his generous and liberal views. During the war he was always mindful of the families of soldiers, never denying any call upon his bounty. He died March 30, 1870, aged forty-nine years, four months and twenty-five days. He was married Oct. 13, 1856, to Mary Hutton, a daughter of John C. and Frances (Burris) Hutton. They had a family of five children, only three now living —Cary T., James K. and Mary T. John E. and Jennie are deceased. Nelson Odel was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1818, a son of Ransom and Lydia (Barlow) Odel, natives of Tennessee, who came to Ohio in 1815. Of their eight children, but three are living—Benajah, Nelson and James, the latter of Idaho. Mary, Thomas, Moses, Miranda and Chauncey are deceased. Mr. Odel died in 1856, aged seventy-six years, and Mrs. Odel in 1866, aged seventy-six. Nelson Odel was married in 1840 to Sarah, daughter of William Walker, and settled on the farm where he still resides. He has been successful and now owns 500 acres of valuable land, all well improved. Of thirteen children born to him eleven are living—James, George W., Elizabeth, John, Charles W., Nelson, Jr., Thomas J., Sallie Ann, Andrew J., Joseph and Martha. William and Polly Ann are deceased. James enlisted in 1863 in Captain Cole's company and served till the close of the war. Leonidas Piles, farmer, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1842, a son of William and Ellen (Brous) Piles. In 1862 he enlisted in Battery L, First Ohio Light Artillery, and served till the close of the war. He participated in the battles of Antietam, Winchester, 438 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, New Hope Church and many others. Upon his return to Ohio he resumed the labors (Of the farm, and since 1867 has resided in Nile Township, where he owns a farm of fifty acres, part of which is bottom land. He has held the office of Towuship Trustee ten or twelve years; has been a member of the State Board of Education, and in 1881 was elected Infirmary Director. He was married in 1866 to Mary, daughter of Mathew Burris. To them have been born seven children—Alice B., William A., Sidella F., Mary L., James E., Anna M. and Harriet E. Mr. Piles's father was a son of John Piles, an early settler of Washington Township, who died in 1837. He was married in 1837 to Ellen, daughter of John A. Brous. Of their four children, but two are living—Allen and Leonidas. Almira and John Andrew are deceased. Mr. Piles died in 1847, aged thirty-two years. Mr. Piles's father was born in Pennsylvania in 1795, a son of Nathan and Sarah (Bradkit) Burris. His parents came to Ohio in 1827 and settled in Scioto County, where they both died, his father surviving his mother but eleven days. They reared ten of eleven children born to them—Rachel, Mary, Mathew, Solomon, Horatio, Ruth, Maria Lucy and Nancy, Matthew being the only one now living. He married Mary, daughter of Littleton and Mary Bradford. Of their eight children—Maria, Sarah, twin sons, Harriet, Nathan, Horatio and Mary—the latter is the only one now living. Mrs. Burris died Sept. 5, 1881, aged sixty-five years. John, Swearingen was born in Kentucky, Dec. 1, 1821, a son of Marmaduke and Mary (Stratton) Swearingen, and grandson of John Swearingen. When eighteen years of age he located in Adams County, Ohio. In 1846 he came to Scioto County and rented land two years, and in 1848 purchased sixty-seven acres, adding to it from time to time, till he now owns 276 acres, 120 being under culti vation. At the time of coming to this coun ty he had by 62 1/2 cents and a few head of stock, but by industry has accumulated a good property. He was married in 1841 to Mary Ann Loveland, of Scioto County. Of the eight children born to them, but five are livingF. A., Alta F., Laura A., John W. and Anna. Thomas J., Lovania and Mary are deceased. F. A. enlisted in 1862 in Company E, Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, and served in Sherman's army; was discharged in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen are members of the Methodist church, of which he has served as Trustee and Class-leader for many years. He has served several terms as Township Trustee. J. B. Valodin, farmer, was born in Greene Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, in 1817, a son of Francis and Nancy (Slater) Valodin. He lived on the farm till fourteen years of age, when he learned the saddler's trade, working at it till he earned enough to enable him to obtain a practical education. He then taught in Kentucky and Ohio till 1873. He has been Township Clerk several years. In 1844 he married Mary J., daughter of Joseph Moore. Of the eight children born to them but two are living—Alice and John M. Agnes, Sarah E., Joseph M., Minerva M., William and Francis are deceased. Mrs. Valodin was born in Scioto County in 1822. Mr. Valodin's father was a native of France, born in 1765, and when a young man came to America. He first married Gabrielle Laforge, by whom he had two children—Francis and Agate, deceased. His second wife was Nancy Slater. They had eight children, four of whom are living—Addell, Orriett, Jerome B. and Dennis. Denpanter, Alexander, Esther and Henry are deceased. Mrs. Valodin died in 1825 and Mr. Valodin in 1826. John Vaughters, farmer, postoffice Friendship, was born in Virginia in 1814, a son of John and Catherine (Masson) Vaughters, his father of English and his mother of Scotch descent. After his father's death his mother, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 439 with part of her family, came to Ohio and located in Ross County, and the next fall, 1831, removed to Jackson County, settling near Coalton. Mrs. Vaughters died in 1833. Her children were—Thomas G., Richard, William, John and Mary. Our subject in early life was obliged to depend upon himself. In 1844, with his brother, William, he came to this county and rented land, but in 1850 bought land and settled where he now resides. He has been successful and now owns 502 acres of valuable river bottom land; In 1848 he married Mary Dautch, of Kentucky. Of their five children but two are living—George A. and Mary C. Nancy, A. and Albert M. are deceased. Mrs. Vaughters died in April, 1860, and in December, 1860, Mr. Vaughters married Mrs. Ada J. Brous. Politically Mr. Vaughters is a Republican. Allen Wikof was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1821, a son of Peter and Matilda (Prather) Wikoff. He was married Jan. 17, 1843, to Mary Phillips. They had six children, four now living—Nancy J., Joseph M., Lewis A. and Ella M. Sarah M. and William Allen, Jr., are deceased. Mrs. Wikoff died in 1868, and in 1869 Mr. Wikoff married Almira F. McCall. Mr. and Mrs. Wikoff were both reared in the Methodist church but are now members of the Christian Union church. Mr. Wikoff has held the office of Trustee several terms and Assessor one term. He owns a good farm of 140 acres, all well improved. Mr. Wikoff's grandparents, Peter W. and Sarah (Beekman) Wikoff, natives of Virginia, the former born in 1745, and the latter in 1751, went down the Ohio to Bourbon County, Ky., in 1797, and two or three years later removed to Adams County, Ohio, where he died in 1819, and she in 1826. Their children were John, William, Peter, Mary, Samuel, James, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah and Nancy. Peter was boru -in 1786 and was ten years of age when his parents came down the Ohio. He died in 1843 and his wife in 1859. They have had four children—Allen, Elizabeth S., Miner and William W. who was killed by the cars at Columbus, Ohio, in July, 1883, at the soldiers' re-union. Daniel Worley was born April 13, 1827, in Mason County, Ky., a son of Samuel A. and Delilah (Sullivan) Worley, who settled in Nile Township in 1833. His father was a school-teacher and also an expert miller. He died in July, 1848, aged forty-eight years. His mother died in April, 1878, aged seventy-six years. Of ten children, but three are living—Daniel, Pharsalia and Leonidas, and the subject of our sketch is the only one living in Scioto County. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-first Ohio Infantry, and served until the close of the war, being discharged July 30, 1865. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, siege of Atlanta, and was with Sherman to the sea. He was married Sept. 22, 1871, to Amanda F. McKinney, daughter of George W. McKinney. To them have been boru four children—Grace Ellen, Wm. A., Rachel and Maggie. The latter is deceased. Mr. Worley's brother, Leonidas, enlisted in Battery L, First Ohio Light Artillery. He was wounded at Cedar Creek; was discharged in 1865. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, originally Union Township, or a part thereof, is about as old settled as any portion of the county. There is only a few months difference between the settlement of what is now Washington Township and those settlements on and near the Little Scioto and the French Grant. It is a township old in ancient history, for it was once the home of the Mound-Builders and later of the earliest white settlers north of the Ohio. The last hostile Indian killed in Scioto County drew his last breath near John Craig's, at a deer lick. It was John McDonald or his brother, probably the latter, who did the killing, for he claimed to have built the first cabin ever erected where 440 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. the waters of the Scioto mingled with that of the " La Belle Riviere." Mr. McDonald came near being the victim, for the Indian got the first sight, but in his haste to get in his work was not careful enough with his aim and he missed. In the summer of 1797, Thomas Parket who had been a Colonel in the Revolutionary war, located his land warrants, for he had two or more, at and near the old mouth of the Scioto River, his brother Alexander laying off the town. The following is of record: " I do hereby certify that this,: plan contains the in and out lots of the town of Alexandria laid out by me and laid down on the scale of twenty poles to an inch, done by the order of Colonel Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Va. " Alexandria, June 3, 1799. E. LANGHAM." "I do hereby certify that this plan contains the lots in the town of Alexandria, which I have sold as such for Colonel Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Va., situated in the county of Adams, in the territory northwest of the Ohio. A. PARKER." " Sale of the lots in Alexandria will commence at 12 o'clock, at the corner on the river of Thomas street, on lot No. 19. " Filed in the Recorder's office, June 4, 1799. JOHN BELLI, " Recorder of Adams County." This was the first town laid off in Scioto County, and it was settled in the fall of 1796. The first school taught and the first schoolhouse erected and the first donation of land or lot for school purposes in Scioto County, was in Washington Township as now known, and in the town of Alexandria, now unknown, except by the traditions of the past. Scioto's first county seat was then located here. One of the first associate judges, John Collins, lived here. When it was first settled it was a part of Adams County, the fourth organized county in the State, or rather Territory, of Ohio, which was in 1797. When Scioto became a county, in 1805, Washington Township was known as Union; afterward Nile was a part of its territory. It was not until 1814 that Washington Township came into existence and under the following: A petition for a new township, to be made out of Union and Nile, came before the commissioners at the August term, 1814, and it was granted on the first day thereof. It read as follows: "Ordered, That the township prayed for be bounded as follows: Beginning at the mouth of Turkey Creek; thence up the Ohio River with its meanderings thereof, to the mouth of the Scioto River; thence up the Scioto River to the mouth of Pond Creek; thence westerly course with Thomas Wilcox on's upper line to the dividing ridge between Pond Creek and Carey's Run, and following said ridge to the head of Stony Creek; thence down said creek to Turkey Creek; thence down Turkey Creek to the Ohio River. And it is further ordered that said township be called WASHINGTON." THE OLD PIONEERS. Among the pioneers who first settled in Washington the names of many will be found in the list of settlers in Union Township history, and some are here given who were known to have settled in this township. All their immediate locations could not be given, though some in, the Union list were known to have lived in this. Among those not mentioned except in the pioneer county list, were —Lemuel Moss, James Andrews, Joseph and Thomas Williamson, Levi Moore, Francis Cleveland, David Roup, Sylvester Veach, Stephen Carey, Isaac Williams, Anthony Clifford, Mrs. Milly Moore, John Worley, James Edison, William Carey, Hiram Devers, John F. Smith, Miss Rebecca Smith, Roswell Crane, Abel Bradford, Isaac Worley, Joshua Nurse, Samuel B. Nurse and .a few others whose names were forgotten. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 441 TEACHERS. Among the early teachers besides William Jones, of Alexandria, in 1800, are found the names of Andrew McClaven, Samuel Williamson, traverse Redd, Joshua Nurse, Abraham Baines. Mr. Nurse's brothers, were Josiah Lewis, Uriah and Reuben. They were descendants of John Rogers, who was burned at the stake in England, and all men of energy who made their mark upon the township's progress. SCHOOLS-1883. The following are the school districts of Washington Township, with the teachers now employed: Sub-district No. 1, Dry Run School; teachers, Mr. Follett; number of scholars, sixty-five. Sub-district No. 2, Higean School; teacher, Mr. Repps, principal; Miss Ida Beaty, primary department; number of scholars, eighty-one. Sub-district No. 3, Lower Carey's Run School; teacher, Merrick Cherington; number of scholars, fifty. Subdistrict No. 4, Sugar Grove School; teacher, Harry Ball; number of scholars, thirty-eight. Sub-district No. 5, Upper Carey's Run School ; teacher, unemployed; number of scholars, twenty-one. Colored school known as the Flatwood School; teacher, Miss Kate Cook; number of scholars twenty. The township was organized into districts as early as 1837, and the teacher of the first district organized was Adam Dempsey. The first stone quarry opened in Scioto County and Southern Ohio was in Washington Township, and on the farm now occupied by W. C. Brooks. It was limestone and the stone was taken to build a dam across the Licking River in Kentucky; and from that quarry was also taken the stone which was put into the first stone court-house built in Cincinnati. This quarry was opened by Josh- ua and Silas Phillips, but the year is not stated. A CHANGE AND MORE TERRITORY. At the time Washington Township was first organized the Scioto River was made its eastern boundary, but at a later day, the mouth being up stream about one mile, left a strip of territory which was once on the east side of the Scioto River placed on the west side. As there were no bridges the settlers on the strip concluded they would rather be a part of Washington Township with no river to cross than to belong to what was then Wayne Township. The settlers who lived on the strip. being unanimous for the change, the county commissioners granted their petition, notwithstanding several citizens of Portsmouth and the Common Council put in a remonstrance. This last was not signed by the citizens of the strip and so they carried it as against outsiders with a river between them. The commissioners made the following record: " It is therefore Ordered, That the boundaries of Washington Township be so changed that all that portion of territory lying west of the present termination of the Ohio Canal and east of the old mouth of the Scioto River, and between the old bed of said Scioto River and the mouth of the Ohio River, be stricken off from the township of Wayne and attached to the township of Washington, and that the auditor of this county issue a copy of this order to the clerks of each of the townships aforesaid, and make the necessary record thereof in his office." Dec. 6, 1842. AREA, VALUATION AND POPULATION. Washington Township has an area of 12,233 acres of laud, and is bounded on the north by Rush and Union townships; on the east by the Scioto River, which separates it from the township of Clay and the city of Portsmouth; 442 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. on the south by the Ohio River, and west by Nile Township. Carey's Run rises in the northwest and flows southeasterly and empties into the Ohio River. Dry Run, in the northeast, is the only other stream. The valleys of the Ohio and Scioto rivers are rich and productive, and give it in rank the sixth in wealth of the townships in the county. After passing the hills lying back from the river the surface of the township will be found uneven, and in many places rough. The township has an abundance of freestone, which crops out on the Ohio and on Carey's Run in ledges varying in width from six to forty-two inches in thickness. The valuation of the real estate in 1882 was $283,550; of personal property, $124,816, Total value, $408,366 The population of the township in 1840 was 653; in 1850, 676; in 1860, 920; in 1870, 1,085; in 1880, 1,131. The only settlement in this township is Union Mill, about three miles northwest of Portsmouth, and having a population of 200, its principal features being the mill and distillery located at that point. Lemuel Moss started and built the mill in 1834, Waller & Coles renting it and running it until 1838, when it was burned down. Waller & Coles then rebuilt it just below the old site, and continued to run it until 1851, when they sold out to L. N. Robinson, who continued the business till 1860 and then sold to George Davis, the present proprietor. The distillery was started in 1857 by David Gibson, N. L. Robinson, Louis Robinson, Joshua Robinson and Joseph Cheesman, who, after running it a number of years, also sold it to Mr. Geo. Davis, its present owner. Mr. Davis is the proprietor of quite a large cooper shop located at that point. There is a blacksmith shop owned and run by Timothy Calver. George Davis & Son is the name of the firm who keep the only store in the settlement. TEMPERVALE is the name of a new hamlet laid out on Carey's Run only a short time since. If it lives it can have its history recorded in the next work of this kind, and take the year of its birth, 1883, from this volume. CHURCHES. Old Town Methodist Episcopal Church.—This is an old church organization, the oldest in the township. Just when it first came into being is not given, but it began the erection of a house of worship in 1837, and had the same finished the following year. When completed it was dedicated by the Revs. Reuben Plumber and Ansel Brooks. A Board of Trustees was elected composed of the following members of the church at the time: John D. Smith, Isaiah Smith, George Graves, Philip Moore, Thomas Williamson, Charles Hunt and Isaac Williams. It had a membership of forty. Unfortunately the old church was burned in 1853, and the present structure erected in the summer of that year. The new church was dedicated by Bishop Clark, and at that time had over 100 members. The Trustees then elected were: John Boldman, Thomas Williamson, Peter J. Smith, Joel H. Smith, G. W. Coffrin,Wm. Earley and Isaiah W. K. Smith. The church pulpit has continued to be regularly supplied, and service held every other Sabbath-day. Its present pastor is the Rev. H. Berkstresser. There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected with the church, with an average attendance of thirty-five scholars. The present Trustees of the church are: J. P. Corlin, George Williamson, W Earley, Wm. F. Smith, Roy Smith, Wm. E. Cook and Silas Clark. Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church.—This church is of a later date, its organization hay ing been effected in 1870. The first pastor in charge was Rev. Wm. Bateman, while the HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 443 present one is Rev. H. Berkstresser. The Trustees of the church now in charge are: Henry Barlow, John Vaughters and Ewell Williams. They have a well-conducted Sunday-school. Service is held every other Sabbath-day. The County Infirmary is the only public institution within its border, and a description of that home for the unfortunate will be found in the county history. TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. The township officers for 1860 were: Trustees, Andrew Noel, Moses Gregory and Stephen Smith; Treasurer, C. F. Bradford; Clerk, S. H. Holmes; Assessor, T. G. Vaughters; Constables, George Reynolds and William Earley. The present officers, 1883, are: Trustees, Charles Hacquard, Firman Smith and John Craig; Justices of the Peace, William Earley and John R. Foster; Clerk, Henry C. Gunn; Treasurer, John K. Briggs; Constables, Thomas Crane and G. W. Coffrin. BIOGRAPHICAL . David Allison, farmer; postoffice, Portsmouth; was born in Allegheny County, Pa., Dec. 30, 1818, a son of Archibald and Margaret Allison, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio, settling in Brush Creek in 1840. They had a family of seven children—Matilda, Mary, Sarah, Susan, Jane, John and David. Mr. Allison spent his boyhood days on the farm, and since twelve years of age has had to earn his own livelihood. He was married March 10, 1842, to Fatima, daughter of Tonley Smith. They had two children—Mary E. and William M. Mrs. Allison died and in 1875 Mr. Allison was again married to Miss Hannah Alaway. He has a fine farm of thirty-five acres, all well improved. He pays special attention to the raising of fine stock, having some fine Alderney and Jersey cattle, and Berkshire and Poland hogs. Politically he is a Republican. Daniel Bodmer, farmer, was boru in Switzerland in 1841, a son of Henry Bodmer, and when twelve years of age came with his parents to America. In 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, and in 1863 re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company, serving till the close of the war. He participated in many hard-fought battles, among them Iuka, Pittsburg Landing, Corinth. He was discharged in 1865 and returned home and located on the farm where he now resides. He was married in 1868 to Mary Ann Pick. They have five children—Anna E., Lena E., Frederick W., Edward D. and Charles A. Mr. Bodmer has served as School Director. His brother, Godfried Bodmer, was born in 1843. He enlisted in 1861 in Battery L, First Ohio Artillery, and served till the close of the war. He now resides in Lawrence County, Ohio. Jacob Bodmer, farmer, was born in Switzerland in 1822, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Bodmer, who with their family emigrated to America in 1854, landing in New York July 6, and came direct to Portsmouth, Ohio. He was married in 1854 to Catherine Troxler. They have had fifteen children—Jacob, Matilda, Emma, Tena, Wilhelmina, Josephine, Gotleib, Frederick, Mary, Charles, Albert, John, and three died in childhood. Mr. Bodmer came to this country a poor man, but by industry has accumulated a good property. His father's family consisted of nine children —Jacob, Mary, Daniel, Godfried, Susan, Mary Ann, John, Barbara and Elizabeth. His father died in 1879, aged eighty-three years. John K. Briggs, Treasurer of Washington Towuship and farmer, was born in 1826, a son of Samuel C. and Rebecca (Timbrooks) Briggs. He has 120 acres of excellent land all well-improved. He has been Treasurer of the township twelve or fourteen years. He has been married three times. His first wife was 444 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Mary Miller. They had a family of five children—Aaron, Laura, Mary M., Charles and Frank. His second wife, Jane Smith, left one child—Bertha. His present wife, Mary M. (Smith) Miller, was a sister of his second. Mr. Briggs's parents were natives of Virginia and early settlers of Scioto County. They were members of the Methodist church and zealous workers in the cause of Christianity. To them were born eight children, of whom five are now living—John K., William H., Hannah, Henry and Rebecca. The eldest and youngest are residents of this county. Aaron and children are deceased. Mr. Briggs had been previously married, his wife living but a short time. After the death of his second wife he married Sarah Barber, who died soon after marriage. He then married Marinda Barber. They had a family of three children —Sarah, Joseph and E., all living in Scioto County. Mr. Briggs died in 1856, aged sixty years. Samuel Brous was born in Washington Township, Scioto County, Ohio, in 1821, a son of John A. and Hannah Brous. He lived on a farm until after becoming of age, when he was a steward on a steamboat and flatboat some time. He returned to the farm, where, with the exception of four years spent in merchandising in Clermont County, he has since lived. He owus ninety acres of highly cultivated land. He was married Jan. 13, 1848, to Eliza, daughter of Solomon McCall, an old settler of Nile Towuship. Six children have been born to them—Maggie, Amos M., Rosa, Birdie, Eliza A. and Emma (deceased). Mr. Brous's father was a native of Virginia, and in 1803 came with his family to Ohio, settling on the farm adjoining the one where his son now lives. He bought a small farm on which he lived a number of years, then bought seventy-five acres in the lower part of the township. He served in the war of 1812, and was once taken prisoner by the Indians. He received land warrants for his services to his country. He assisted in building the first frame house built in Portsmouth. He died in 1858, aged seventy-eight years. His wife died in 1859, aged seventy-two years. Their children were—Elizabeth, Nancy, Ellen, Hannah, Cynthia, Letitia, Mary, James, Samuel and Andrew. Nancy resides in Iowa, Letitia in Kansas, Sarah in Clermont County, Ohio, and Ellen and Samuel in Scioto County. The others are deceased. T. Calver, blacksmith, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1844, a son of Hugh B. and Catherine W. (Wiltcher) Calver, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia. He came with them to this county in 1851. He learned his trade at Unionville, and in 1867 located permanently in the town. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, and participated in many of the important battles of the war, his regiment being in thirty-five engagements. He was wounded at Chickamauga, and at Stone River was taken prisoner, and was in Libby Prison three months and seven: teen days. Ile re-enlisted in 1864, and was then detailed a member of the First Division Band, Fourteenth Army Corps. He was married in 1867 to Josephine, daughter of Stout Morris. They have two children—Morris and Hugh B. George W. Coffrin, farmer, was born in Lewis County, Ky., Sept. 2, 1821, a son of William and Sarah (Hultzman) Coffirin, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Maryland. His parents were married in Canada, and were among the early settlers of Adams County, Ohio. They afterward removed to Vanceburg, Ky., where they died. They had a family of seven children—Delila, George, Jane, Lavinia, Constantia, William and an infant. By a former marriage, Mr. Coffrin had three children—Stotts, Tenicke, and Laura. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm, receiving but a limited education in the subscription schools. March 28, 1841, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 445 he married Barbara Ann Wilcoxson, and located in this township, where, with the exception of ten years spent in Pike County, Ohio, he has since resided. In 1855–'56 he was Sheriff of Scioto County, and in 1880 was Land Appraiser, and has been Assessor four years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Portsmouth. He is a member of the Methodist church, and was licensed to preach in 1853. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Coffrin have had twelve children, but seven now living—C. F., Virginia E., Berdella, John W., Olla, Orrin and Etta. Mary L., William T., Belle, Carrie and Anna are deceased. C. F. enlisted in the late war when the first call was made for troops, in the three months' service, and at the expiration of his term re-enlisted in the three years' service, in Battery L, and served till the close of the war. A son-in-law, Taylor Temple, enlisted in the same battery, and served three years. George W. Cole was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, in 1823, a son .of Silas W. and Elizabeth (Huestin) Cole. He had the advantage of a good common-school education, his early life being passed in town. At the age of thirty-five he removed to the farm where he has since resided. He was married in 1845 to Prudence S. Alford. They had a family of ten children, only five now living—George, Silas C., Sabrina, Harry and Grant. Those deceased are—Charles O., who died July 14, 1847; Harriet E., May 12, .1854, Frank A., Feb. 18, 1858; Mollie S., April 27, 1865, and Ella E., Oct. 16, 1874. Mrs. Cole died May 1, 1864, aged thirty-nine years. In 1871 Mr. Cole married Maria T. Barber. He has a farm of 500 acres, 300 acres under a good state of cultivation. He has served his township as Clerk, Trustee and Justice of the Peace. Mr. Cole's father was a native of New York, and when twenty-two years of age, about 1820, emigrated to Ohio and soon after married Elizabeth Huestin and settled in Portsmouth, where he worked at the trade of wagon-making. In 1833 he abandoned his trade, and in 1839 moved to a farm in Union, now Rush, Township. In the spring of 1844 he returned to Portsmouth and the next year settled in Clay Township. He accumulated a property valued at $50,000. He had a fam ily of nine children born to him, eight of whom are living—George W., William C., A. B., Charles O., Caroline, Silas W., John and James M. Our subject had six brothers in the late war—William C., A. B., Charles O., John W., James, and Henry, who was killed at Chattanooga, Tenn., in 1863. Mr. Cole died in 1876, aged seventy-seven years. Silas S. Cole, Superintendent of Scioto County Infirmary, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1839, a son of Silas W. Cole. His early life was spent on the farm and in attending the district schools, where he obtained a practical education. He has followed the vocation of a farmer through life, and in March, 1882, was appointed to his present position. He was married in 1861 to Margaret Davidson, daughter of A. Davidson, a native of Adams County, Ohio. They have a family of seven children—Hattie J., Flora E., Orville D., Mattie E., Mary M., Nellie T. and Alice B. Oliver Dole, deceased, was a native of Essex County, Mass., and there married Abigail Carlton. He died Jan. 1, 1816, leaving five children—Greenleaf, Samuel, Joshua, Eben and Mary. In 1818 Mrs. Dole and her children removed to Portsmouth, Ohio, where they lived eight years, when, with Greenleaf, Joshua and Mary, she removed to Cincinnati. She afterward removed to Madison, Ind., where she died in 1837. Samuel and Eben remained in Scioto County. The former married Margaret (Steele) Hammel in 1835. They had no children. He was County Surveyor a number of years, but died in 1856, aged fifty-nine years. His wife died in 1870, aged eighty years. Eben married Eliza Carroll in 446 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. 1824, and to him were born ten children - Rhozinna C., Oliver, Mary Q., Joshua and Harriet J. (twins), Margaret A., Samuel, Elizabeth E., Lavina S. and Isola. He and wife in early life were members of the Presbyterian church, but afterward joined the Methodist church. He died in 1868, aged sixty-seven years, and his wife in 1880, aged seventy-four years. Greenleaf Dole married Salina Titcomb, of Massachusetts, and to him were born six children, three now living—Salina, Josiah and Elmira. He died in Madison, Ind., in 1835. Joshua Dole, the only representative of the family, was born in Essex County, Mass., Sept. 4, 1799. He lived in Cincinnati from the time he went there with his mother till 1837, when he returned to Scioto County. He was married in 1833 to Betsey Little. They had two children, both now deceased—Celestia and an infant. His wife died in 1873, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Dole has been a member of the Baptist church for the last twenty-five years, and for thirty years previous belonged to the Presbyterian church. He was for fifty years a leader of the choir, and for many years was a teacher of vocal music. William Earley was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1816, a son of Michael and Ann Desire (Williams) Earley. fie came to Scioto County in 1830, and in 1838 settled in Washington Township. He has held the offices of Trustee, Constable and School Director a score of years each, and is serving his third term as Justice of the Peace. He was married Jan. 1, 1838, to Mary, daughter of Jesse Oard. They had a family of seven children, four only now living—Malinda J., Lucinda A., Julia A. and Lavina B. Mrs. Earley died Nov. 9, 1875, aged sixty years, four months and fifteen days. May 22, 1878, Mr. Earley married Harriet E. Ripley, widow of Benjamin McFarland. He and family are members of the Methodist church. His father was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1791, a son of William and Eva (Thomas) Williams, his father a native of Ireland and his mother of Germany. His father died in 1835 and his mother four or five years previous. Of their eleven children but one, Solomon, is now living. Michael died in 1835. Of his ten children seven are still living—Mrs. Lavina Hambleton, Mrs. Mary Wilcoxson, William, Mrs. Elizabeth Osborne, Mrs. Amanda J. Wamsley, John and Daniel. Michael and his brother George were soldiers in the war of 1812, and their father was in the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Michael Earley was boru in Maryland in 1794, and died in 1869. Her parents, John and Mary (Duncan) Williams, came to Adams County, Ohio, before the admission of the State into the Union. They had a family of eight children, all deceased. They were members of the Methodist church, as was also Michael Earley and family, the latter's father being a Presbyterian in religious faith. J. R. Foster was born in Maysville, Mason County, Ky., in 1824, a son of Joshua and Eliza (Frizell) Foster, natives of Kentucky. His early life was spent on a farm, and when thirty-seven years of age, in 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Iuka, siege of Vicksburg and Little Rock. The year 1864 was spent in scouting in Arkansas. He re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company in 1864 and served till September, 1865. Feb. 25, 1872, he married Lydia Craine, a native of Scioto County, born in 1838. They have two children—Rachel M. and Oscar R. Mr. Foster. owns 120 mires of land, and makes a specialty of grazing. He has been Justice of the Peace since 1882. He is a member of Bailey Post, No. 164, G. A. R. His parents came to Ohio in 1852 and located in Washington Township, where his father died May 29, 1862, aged fifty-eight years, and his mother, July, 3, 1862, aged fifty-five years. They were members of HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 447 the Christian church. They had a family of eight children, of whom five are living—W. S., 0. D., James M., J. R., Mrs. Emma If Piles. Alice,wife of D. A. Miller; and two infants are deceased. George Freeman was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1842, a son of Jackson and Sarah (Randall) Freeman. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, for three years. He participated in many hard-fought battles, and at Perryville was wounded in the thigh, which rendered him unfit for service, and he was discharged July 16, 1863. He was married in 1863 to Hester A. Shaw. They had a family of eight children, seven of whom are living—Harry, Maggie, Orville, Elsie, Amos, Rhoda and Ernest. John 0. is deceased. Mr. Freeman's father, Jackson Freeman, died in 1847. He was twice married. By the first marriage he had a family of three children—William, George and John.. His second wife was Sarah Smith. They had four children—Alfred M., Ara and two infants. He was the eldest of eight children of William Freeman, who came to this county from Virginia in 1833 and died in 1848, aged one hundred years. His mother also died at an advanced age. Their children were—Jackson, Isaac, William, John, Nancy, Martha, Mary and Amanda. Charles Hacquard, wagon-maker, postofflce Portsmouth, was born in France in 1827, and when twenty-one years of age came to America, locating in Portsmouth, Ohio. In 1849 he began learning his trade, and worked at it in Portsmouth till 1854, when he removed to Washington Township and located on Carey's Run, remaining there eight years, and in 1862 located at his present stand. In the past he has manufactured wagons, but at present is occupied chiefly with repairing. In 1863 he joined the State Militia and participated in the John Morgan raid. He was taken prisoner but soon after exchanged. In 1864 he enlisted in Company I, One Hun- dred and Fortieth 0. N. G., and served four months, doing guard duty in West Virginia. He was married Jan. 19, 1854, to Rosella Du Cotey. They have had a family of ten children, eight now living—Emma Beatty, Clara Malone, Mary, Albert, Rosalie, Fanny, Anna and Ernest. Those deceased are Lewis and Alice. Mr. Hacquard has served five years as Trustee of Washington Township and is now President of the Board of Education. Luther R. Jones is a native of Virginia, a son of George and Frances Jones, who settled near Wilmington, Clinton Co., Ohio, in 1836, where the former died in May, 1881, aged eighty-six years, and the latter in 1866, aged sixty-six years. Of their twelve children Luther R. is the only one living in Scioto County. He came to this township in 1860, and in 1861 enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third Ohio Infantry, and served till the battle of Perryville, when he was shot through both legs. He lay on the field forty-eight hours before relief came to him. He was discharged in September, 1863. July 21, 1864, he was married to Louisa J., only daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Williamson. Of their five children but two are living—Nora T., born Dec. 25, 1865, and Edna B. Frank S., born Nov. 2, 1868, died Oct. 26, 1871; Fanny, born Feb. 16, 1871, died the same year; Gracie E., born Nov. 12, 1875, died Nov. 3, 1878. Politically Mr. Jones is a Democrat. He has held the office of Township Trustee and Constable. He was Second Lieutenant of Company C, Ohio State Militia, but resigned on account of disability. Mrs. Jones's father, Thomas Williamson, was born in this township May 21, 1798, a son of Joseph Williamson, who settled here in 1792. He was married Dec. 29, 1831, to Lucinda, daughter of Joseph and Jerusha Oard, and settled where Mrs. D. Williamson now resides. He was a member of the Methodist church fifty years. His wife died Dec. 4, 1851, leaving three children —Eliza J., Isaiah C. and Louisa J., the latter 448 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. being the only one now living. Mr. Williamson afterward married Mrs. Dusilla (Wilcoxson) Smith. He died Sept. 5, 1874. E. J. Kirby, merchant and Postmaster at Dry Run, Ohio, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1854, a son of Isaac Kirby. In 1878 he became established in business at Dry Run, and in the fall of 1882 located at his present place. He carries a full line of goods, having a stock valued at $2,000, and doing an annual business of $5,000. He was appointed Postmaster under President Hayes's administration. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools, receiving a practical education. July 4, 1883, he married Miss Lizzie E. Arnold. His father, Isaac Kirby, was born in Baltimore, Md., in 1802, and when twenty years of age shipped as a sailor on the ocean; a part of the time was Captain of the Antelope. He was cast away during a storm, but was rescued. He then abandoned the sea, and in 1836 located in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he engaged in the grocery business. He served as Justice of the Peace fifteen years. He afterward removed to the farm now owned by Mr. Salladay, where he died in 1865. He married Rhozinna Dole, and to him were born six children—John R., Charles H., William E., James A., Edward J. and Ida M. V. Charles enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Ohio Infantry, in 1864, and served till the close of the war. He contracted disease while in the army which resulted in his death in 1869, aged twenty-two years. Mrs. Kirby married James Keys in 1866. They have no children. D. V. Larkin, farmer, postoffice Portsmouth, was born in Galena, Delaware Co., Ohio, Aug. 20, 1826, son of Stephen Van R. and Mary (Rosecrans) Larkin, his father a native of Albany, N. Y., and his mother of Essex County, N. J. Sept. 18,1850, he married Margaret Johnson, of Ross County. Twelve children have been born to them; but seven now living —Alice, Lilly, Carey, Charles, Henry, Maggie and Effie. Marshall A. died Sept. 27, 1854; Anna Belle, Aug. 26, 1864; Jessie, Feb. 13, 1882, and two died in infancy. In 1853 Mr. Larkin settled in Scioto County. He has 160 acres of valuable land, with a fine residence, overlooking the city of Portsmouth. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., subordinate lodge I. O. O. F., No. 31, and Orient Encampment, No. 28. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth Ohio National Guards and served four months. He has served several terms as Township Trustee. Mr. Larkin's father came to Ohio when a young man and settled in Delaware County. Afterward removed to Fairfield County, where he died, Feb. 18, 1845, aged forty-eight years. His wife was a daughter of Jacob Rosecrans—a brother of Crandall, the father of General Rosecrans. She died June 27, 1871. They reared a family of six children — Joseph E., D. V., Amy, Sarah, William C. and James M. Joseph E. enlisted in 1861 in Battery L, First Ohio Light Artillery, and was captured at Warrenton Junction, Dec. 24, 1863. He was imprisoned at Libby and afterward at Anderson-vine, where he succumbed to the infamous treatment of the fiend Wirtz, and died May 25, 1864. His remains rest in the National Cemetery, Andersonville, Grave No. 1,364. He was born Jan. 26, 1825. James M. enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth Ohio Infantry, in the early part of the war; served as Orderly Sergeant. He was wounded in July, 1864, at Atlanta, in the shoulder. He was granted a furlough, but died at the home of his brother, D. V., Aug. 15, 1864. William C. enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Fortieth Ohio National Guards, and served four months, and afterward re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio Infantry and served till the close of the war. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 449 Cornelius McCoy was born in Pennsylvania, June 21, 1795, a son of John and Barbara (Hoe) McCoy, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Germany. From fourteen till nineteen years of age he served as an apprentice at the tailor's trade. He then worked two years in Pittsburg at the machinist's trade. In 1817 he came to Ohio and located at Portsmouth, where he worked at the tailor's trade till 1829, accumulating enough to build a house which he opened as a hotel, which he carried on till 1845. About this time he was elected a Justice of the Peace, an office he held twenty-eight years, at the same time serving as a Notary Public. In 1873 he returned to private life. He served a number of years as member of the City Council. In 1878 Mr. McCoy removed to his farm, a pleasant place five miles below Portsmouth, on the banks of the Ohio, where he owns 120 acre. In 1819 he married Ellen Patton, of Philadelphia, Pa., who died leaving three children—Virginia, Sarah H. and Benjamin F. The latter, with his brother-in-law, Captain Cook, went to California at the time of the gold excitement and was murdered for his money. Mr. McCoy married Melinda Martin, of Kentucky. They have had a family of eight children, but five now living—Cordelia, James, Mary, Frank and George, all residents of Scioto County. William, John and Henry are deceased. Emanuel Moore, farmer, was born on the farm where he now lives, in Washington Township, Scioto County, Ohio, in 1833, a son of Evan E. and Cynthia (Piles) Moore, and grandson of Amos and Jemima Moore, of Pennsylvania, who settled in this county in 1797. His father died in 1833, .aged twenty-five years and seven months, and his mother in 1859, aged fifty-one years. His only brother, Clinton, died in Arkansas. He was married in 1859 to Lavina, daughter of Eben Dole. To them were born two children —Mary and James. Mrs. Moore died in 1865 - 29 - and Mr. Moore afterward married Lydia, daughter of N. H. Mapes. They have six children—Sarah L., William E., Zora A., Nora M., Ethel B. and Claude A. Mr. Moore has served his township as Trustee. He owns a good farm of fifty acres on the Ohio River. Andrew Noel, deceased, was born in Scioto County, Ohio, in 1820, a son of Nicholas and Nancy Noel, who emigrated. from Pennsylvania to Ohio at an early date. They had a family of six children—Mathias, Andrew, David, Sophia, Tabitha and Eliza. David and Eliza are now living in Iowa where their father removed and died. Andrew was married in 1845 to Sarah, daughter of Ora and Lydia Cranine, and a native of this township, born in 1822. They settled in Nile Township, but a year later removed to Washington Township. In 1862 they went to Indiana, returning in 1873 and settling on the farm where Mrs. Noel now lives. To them were born six children—Orson D. (deceased), Laura, Oliver H. (deceased), Florence W., Rhoda and Lydia. Mr. Noel held the offices of Township Treasurer, Trustee and Clerk. He died in 1873. Corydon Piles was born in Washington Township, Scioto Co., Ohio, in 1845, a son of Jeremiah and Philimena (Cole) Piles. He owns forty acres of valuable land near the county infirmary. He was married in 1868 to Emma Foster. Six children were born to them, but four .now living—William, Walter, Leroy and Laura. Ellsworth and John are deceased. Mr. Piles's father was born in Pennsylvania, a son of John Piles, who located near Carey's Run in 1813. He was extensively engaged in farming, milling and tanning. He served as Justice of the Peace, Township Clerk and Trustee many years. He was also a teacher of vocal music, having a very fine voice. He died in March, 1853. His wife died Oct. 17, 1881, aged nearly eighty- two years. Of their five children, but