600 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. The township has nine school districts, with an average of about sixty-six pupils enumerated in 1883. Sub-district No. 1, Buckeye School, has eighty-five pupils; Sub-district No. 2, Cove School, has eighty-two; Sub-district No. 3, Miller's School, has sixty-six; Sub-district No. 4, Dixon School, has fifty-two; Sub-district No. 5, Baker School, has sixty-three; Subdistrict No. 6, Fairview School, no report; Sub-district No. 7, Grahamsville School has ninety-four; Sub-district No. 8, White School, has forty-five; Sub-district No. 9, Crabtree School, has forty-seven. The New Zion Protestant Methodist Church was organized in the spring of 1879, and built their church in the fall of the same year. The pastor was the Rev. Gaines Tyra, and the Trustees were: Perry Yeager, Adam Yeager and James Halterman. The membership numbered about thirty. Rev. Wm. Hollinshed is the present pastor. The Trustees for 1883 are: Wm. Swanson, George Lamb and Harvey Moseberger. At present the congregation is not quite as large as when organized. Services are held every two weeks. The value of the church property is $600. The church is located on section 1. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1845 by Rev. Daniel Clark and Rev. Mr. Warwick. The members at that time were: Kelley Daniels and wife, Thomas Morgan and wife, Tints Hanna and wife and Samuel Vaughn and wife. They held their meetings in the residences of the members for awhile, and then in the school-house up to the year 1862, when they built a church. Rev. John R. Prose was pastor of the organization at the time they built the church. The Trustees were David West, Ely Tope and Amos Tope. The membership was about fifty. About a year after the completion of the church it was burned down, having been set on fire. After the church was burned they again held their meetings in the school-house until 1878, when they built the present building. The pastor at that time was the Rev. David Storer, and the Trustees were: Joseph Armstrong, Lewis Gilland, James Vandivort, E. Jordan and Joel Wiseman. The Rev. Samuel A. Crosby is now the pastor; and the Trustees are Joseph Armstrong, Lewis Gilland and Joel Wiseman. At present there are about seventy members. Sabbath-school every Sunday; Superintendent, S. B. Vandivort; Secretary, Charles Hunter. The average attendance is fifty. Value of church property, $700. The church is located on section 4. The Protestant Methodist Church, known as Looman's Chapel, was organized in 1859, by the Rev. Jacob Nichols, at Mr. Vincent Crabtree's residence. The members were: Vincent Crabtree and wife, Mrs. Rachel Sfinebaugh, Mrs. Annie Crabtree, Miss Jane Anderson and Mr. James McQuality. The meetings were held at Mr. Crabtree's house until 1876, when they built the present church edifice, which was dedicated by the Rev. Perry Orr. The Trustees were: Philip Russell, Samson C. Nye and Jacob Smith, and the membership was about twenty-three. The present pastor is the Rev. Wm. Hollinshed, and the Trustees are Vinton Crabtree, Benjamin Garrett and Samson Nye. They have now twenty-eight members. It has a regular Sabbath-school. The Providence Free- Will Baptist Church was organized Dec. 17, 1843, by the Rev. Isaac Fullerton. The members were Robert Clem, Miss Polly Bennett, Mrs. Mary Keller, Mrs. Matilda Crabtree, Miss Elizabeth Keller. They held their meetings at the homes of the members. The church was built in 1865, and dedicated. by Rev. Isaac Fullerton, the same pastor who organized it twenty-two years before. The members had increased during that time to about forty. The Trustees were: Enoch Crabtree, Wm. E. Crabtree and John HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 601 Coles. The present membership reaches fifty-five, Rev. Samuel McDonald being the pastor. The Trustees are: Enoch Crabtree, Jesse Osboru and Edward Enslow Crabtree. Services are held once a month. The church is located on section 31. The German Presbyterian Church was organized in 1839 by Rev. Mr. Tlanarber, with about eighteen members. They built a log church the same year on the place of William Wade, on section 20, the Trustees at that time being Henry Lesser, Jacob Phleger and Henry Weaver. They held their meetings there until 1877, when they built a new frame chnrch on Jacob Lesser's farm, on section 21, the pastor being the Rev. Mr. Stahgo, and the Trustees; Henry Baker, Jacob Gahm and Henry Gahm. When they built the new church their membership had increased to thirty-five. The present pastor is Rev. John Grado. The Trustees are: Jacob Gahm; Frank Wilking and Conrad Miller. Services are held every two weeks. The membership is about the same as in 1877. Sabbath-school is held every Sunday, and has an average attendance of thirty scholars. Superintendent, Henry Gahm. VILLAGES. Lewisville, situated on section 27, has a general country store and a postoffice kept in the store. Lewis Nye is owner of the store, and Postmaster. Petersburg, located almost in the center of the township, has a country store and postoffice, both kept by Jacob Flaker, and a blacksmith shop. Grahamsville has a store and blacksmith shop, store owned by Jacob Pierce, located in southwestern part of the township. A portion of the Ohio Southern Railroad runs through the northern part of the township, and has two stations within its limits, viz: Whitman's and Cove's stations. A tanyard was established in this township at a very early day by William Lyons. It was on section 24, on land now owned by William Howard. It is said to have been the first tannery established in the county. The saw and grist mill now owned by Enoch Crabtree was built by David Walton in 1823. Mr. Walton sold it in 1829 to Daniel White; Mr. White sold it in 1834 to William E. Crabtree, and he sold it in 1852 to its present owner, Mr. Enoch Crabtree. BIOGRAPHICAL. William Henry Butcher, farmer and dealer in stock, Scioto Township, is the second son of Adam and Nancy (Adams) Butcher. He was born Feb. 16, 1854, in Pike County, Ohio, and lived on a farm with his parents till he attained his majority. At the age of twenty-one years he began farming and dealing in stock in Pike County, and in 1878 was elected Assessor of Marion Township, Pike County, and re-elected in 1879.r In 1881 he purchased a farm north of Jackson, Jackson County, which he sold in 1883 and bought the farm where he now resides. He was married June 15, 1880, to Matilda A., daughter of John and Margaret (Johnson) McMonagal, of Pike County. One son has been born to them —Guy E. His wife died Jan. 7, 1883, aged twenty-five years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Butcher is a Republican in politics. He is a member of Trowel Lodge, No. 132, F. & A. M., Jackson Enoch Crabtree, farmer and owner of the grist and saw mill on Little Scioto River, was born Sept. 21, 1824, in Jackson County. He was educated in the subscription schools and followed farming till 1854. He then removed to his present farm, where he has since been engaged in farming and milling. His mill is run by water-power, and was first built by David Walton in 1823, being the first one in Scioto Township. It was re-built by William 602 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Crabtree, and in 1854 was again re-built by our subject. He was married Nov. 30, 1845, to Mary, daughter of Peter and Mary (Carpenter) Keller. Of the five children born to them four are living—Edward K., Serena, Matilda and Sarah M. His eldest child, William, died at the age of fourteen years. His wife died in July, 1865, aged forty-two years, and he was again married Jan. 31, 1867, to Mrs. Minerva (Brown) Kirkpatrick. They have had four children Rebecca L., Bertie A., William W. and Ganes Carr. His wife is a member of the Protestant Methodist church. He belongs to the Free-Will Baptist church, and in politics is a Republican. Jehiel Graham, son of John and Catherine (Rickabaw) Graham, was born in Jackson County, near where he resides at present, April 29, 1819. He lived with his parents till twenty-two years old and helped clear the farm from an unbroken forest, experiencing all the privations of pioneer life. At the age of sixteen years he and two brothers worked at the Clinton Furnace. He was employed about public works till 1839, when he worked at the Jackson Furnace nearly two years, and part of the time worked on lands he had previously purchased. In 1840 he went to New Orleans and spent the winter chopping wood in the State of Mississippi. He returned home in the spring of 1841 and worked on his farm till 1853. He then removed to the farm entered by his father, where he has since resided. He was married Oct. 28, 1841, to Rebecca, daughter of Hugh and Rebecca (Martin) Gilliland. Her father came to Ohio in an early day, and died in 1859, aged seventy-two years. Her mother is in her ninety-second year. Nine children were born to this. union, eight of whom are living—Emeline (wife of John H. Lloyd), Nathan, Caroline (wife of John Brady, of Missouri), Johnson, Warren, Rebecca J. (wife of John Henson), Willis L., Elmira (wire of A. Q. Parks), James M. (died when one year old). he and wife are members of the Christian church. He served three years Township Trustee. He was originally a Whig but is now an adherent of the Republica party. His first vote was cast for Zachar Taylor. His parents were natives of Pen sylvania and Virginia respectively, and settled where the town of Jackson now stands. The afterward located in Jackson and engaged the manufacture of salt a number of yea after which he settled on Congress land o section 30 in 1812. He served in the war 1812. In 1817 he entered a quarter section of land on section 35, where our subject w born. Thomas Hays, eldest son of Thomas and Nancy (Bonun) Hays, was born in Jackson County, June 30, 1842. He lived at home till manhood and attended the common schools until seventeen years of age, after which he spent two terms at the Jackson Academy and the two following winters attended the com mon schools. At the age of twenty years he began teaching school and taught through the winter and farmed during the summer seasons for eleven years, with the exception of 1867, when he was employed as salesman in the Star Furnace store for a year. Since 1874 he has devoted his time to farming, at which he has been very successful. He was married March 19, 1874, to Margaret J., daughter of Adam and Nancy (Stephenson) Lackey. Their children are Stella F. and Chalmers G. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is Elder. He is also Superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Van Buren Johnson, son of Samuel R and Susan (Ward) Johnson, was born Jan. 23, 1833, in Jackson County. He was reared a farmer and acquired a liberal education at the common schools and by private study. He worked at furnaces till he was twenty-five years old, after which he engaged in farming for three years in Franklin and Bloomfield Townships. In 1859 he purchased his pres- HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 603 ent farm and located on it in 1860, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. May 2, 1864, he enlisted as Second Lieutenant of Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-second Regiment, Ohio National Guards, and served on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, and Charleston, W. Va., guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. He was discharged at Gallipolis, Sept. 2, 1864. He was married Jan. 18, 1857, to Elizbeth, daughter of Arthur and Jane (Stephenson) McClure. They have had twelve children, seven of whom are living-Asa 0., Van Buren E., Morton M., Clara A., Elizabeth M., Amy M. and Edwin S. Those deceased are-Samuel A., Emma J., William M., Marga C. and John H. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is Trustee. He is Steward of the Beaver Circuit, Portsmouth District of the Ohio Conference. He was elected Commissioner of Jackson County in 1872 and served till 1878, having been re-elected in 1875. The County Infirmary was erected under his supervision as one of the Board of Commissioners. He is a member of Lodge No. 465, A. F. & A. M., Lucasville, Scioto Co., Ohio. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. Franklin Township, organized in 1816, was one of the three original townships, and the first one which had its name and bounds described by the county commissioners. It covered at that time about one-third of the county, being most of the south and southwestern portions. There were quite a number of townships made at the second term of county commissioners' court, June, 1816, and some of them cut seriously into the territory of Franklin. These new townships caused the citizens of Franklin to look after their boundary line and a petition was presented by the inhabitants of the township asking that said township remain incorporated under its old name, and to have its bounds as follows: " Beginning at the northeast corner of section 1, in township 6, range 18, and running south along the said range line to the southeast corner of section 36, in township 6, range 18; thence west to the northeast corner of section 3, township 5, range 18; thence south with section line to the county line; thence west along said line to the southwest corner of section 36, in township 5, of range 19; thence north along the section line to the northwest corner of section 1, in township 6, of range 19; thence east to the place of beginning." This petition was presented July 16, 1816, and granted by the commissioners. According to these boundaries the original township of Franklin contained the whole of the present township, two-thirds of Jefferson and six sections each from the east side of Scioto and Hamilton townships, which made it exactly the size of two congressional townships. SURFACE AND MINERALS. The surface is not so hilly as some of the other townships, and these hills are not so high. It is the best agricultural township in the county, but it is not so rich in coal and iron ore. The coal stratas are thin, varying in thickness from twelve to twenty inches, while the veins of iron ore are not worth the working in many places. Fire-clay in considerable quantity and some limestone are found. There is enough of these articles to pay for developing, and plenty of coal for local purposes, but neither coal nor iron ore has yet been developed to cause that industry to be carried on. The township being agricultural, its increase in population has been slow, the gain in forty years being less than 500, although in 1870 it had reached over 600. Its population by decades is given: 1840, 1,055; 1850, 1,295; 1860, 1,434; 1870, 1,665; 1880, 1,502. 604 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. From the time of the early settler the cultivation of the soil was their chief labor. Four miles by two of the old Salt Reservation lies in the northwest portion of this township. Salt Creek itself rises within its limits and waters its central portion, and there is yet considerable timber within its border. Its transportation facilities are good for the Portsmouth Branch R. R. passes nearly through its center from north to south, while the -narrow gauge railroad passes within an average of three-quarters of a mile of its entire eastern border. THE OLD PIONEER. Its old settlers were a hardy race of pioneers and among the number of those who settled in the township were : David Sheward, Samuel Traxler, Levi Mercer, Jacob Wishow, John Strapes, Hugh Gilliland, Jno. Burnside, Jacob Shoemaker, Wm. Buckley, Joseph Westlake, Peter Bunn, Nottingham Mercer, Samuel Bunn, Thomas Craig, Jacob Shellenger, Ezekiel Boggs, Ezekiel Masters, C. Karr, John Lackey, George Faught, Silas Like, Abijah Dawson, Wm. Clark, James Dawson, Joseph Baker, Joseph Mercer, Sr., Joseph Mercer, Jr., Jonathan Trexler, Isaac Wishow, Daniel Spriggs and J. J. Evans. Among many who are still living are found Samuel Claar, J. R. Meacham, Peter McCain, Jacob Jacobs, Daniel Harrel, Captain James Johnson, Wm. H. Cherington, Job Buckley, Evan Evans, Morgan Morgan,Benjamin Callaghan, John Wilson, Armstead Scurlock. These and others within the township can look back to the time when it was in reality a wilderness, and through their labor and that of their neighbors the troubles and trials of pioneer life have been swept away and the latter part of the nineteenth century proves as cheerful, pleasant and prosperous as its early days were filled with poverty and discomfort. Mr. Peter McCain and wife are the oldest married couple in the township, having been married on May 11, 1823. They both bid fair to live many years yet. They have had four. teen children. The first mill erected and run by water-power in Franklin Township was put up by Emanuel Traxler, in 1816. The next mill built was by Jacob Worsham; both of these mills were on what was called Fonr-mile Run. This last mill was put up in 1822. CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. Mt. Zion M. E. Church, located in the northwestern part of Franklin Township, was organized at the residence of James R. Meacham by Rev. Wm. Warwick in the year 1830. The church building was erected in1835. The members at that time numbered about twenty-six. J. R. Meacham, Benjamin Branscom, Silas Lick, Charles Meacham and' Lafayette Hatton were the Trustees. The class was changed over to the Jackson class some years ago, bnt they still hold their meeting at the old place. They have services every two weeks, the Revs. Cherington, Whetsel and Long being the ministers on the circuit. Trustees, James R. Meacham and Charles Meacham. The membership at present is about twenty. Sabbath-school every Sunday ; Superintendent, Mrs. Elizabeth Scurlock; average attendance, forty-five. The Church of Christ was organized in Jackson, Aug. 14, 1852. The following Trustees were elected: John L. Behem, Wm. B. Rice and George Stiffier. A committee of three to employ an evangelist was appointed consisting of Wm. S. McCormick, George Stiffier and John L. Behem. The Elders were : Thomas Nally, Thomas Gorsuch and John L. Behem; the Deacons, Henry Stiffler and Reuben Dickison. The membership was 154. In 1861 the members in Franklin Township built a church in the south- central portion of section 17, at a cost of about $1,000. The pastor employed was the Rev. R. J. Back- 1 us. In February of 1876 they reorganized and cut loose from the Jackson church and appoint- HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 605 ed the following officers : Trustees, Samuel Claar, W. H. Brunton and Henry Hughes; Decons, Hiram Sheward, Wm. Claar, Peter Mercer and Henry Hughes; Elders, R. J. Backus, Henry Stuffier and D. J. Sheward. At present the membership is 177. The Rev. Geo. Van Pelt was the last regular pastor. Services are held once a month and social meetings every Sunday: Sabbath-school every Sunday. The Freedom Christian Church, formerly a part of Antioch, was organized in the Salt Creek Conference by Rev. Jas. Spriggs, in 1840, the year in which Antioch Church was built. In 1867 the split occurred in the organization, and in 1868 Freedom was reorgan ized and built a church in the south-central part of section 19. Deacons: Jacob Jacobs and Samuel Jacobs; Preachers and Elders, Joel W. Reynolds, Wm. Brunton and G. W. Masters; Trustees, Jonathan Trexler, Daniel Harrel and Jacob Jacobs. The officers of the church for 1883 are as follows: Elders, Geo. W. Masters and Jacob Jacobs; Deacons, Samuel Jacobs and Harrison Canter. The last pastor was the Rev. James B. Taylor, they being at present without a minister. The present membership is about fifty-two. Services once a month. The Franklin Valley Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized in 1833 by Jacob Delay at Jephtha Cherington's residence, with the following members: Jephtha Cherington and wife, William H. Cherington and wife, Lorenzo D. Cherington and wife, Clinton Cherington and wife, William Cherington and wife, Evan Evans and wife, Benjamin Arthur and wife, William Jenkins and wife, Samuel Carrick and wife, and John Lackey and wife. In January, 1848, they built a log church. At that time the pastor was the Rev. Charles Furguson. The present church was built in 1867, at a cost of $2,108.40. The Trustees were: John S. Stephenson, W. S. Schellenger and J. W. Vaughn. Rev. J. T. Finch was the pastor, and the membership reached about eighty. The present pastor is the Rev. M. D. Vaughn; Trustees, Marcus Shumate, John McClure and J. W. Vaughn. Services are held every two weeks and. Sabbath-school every Sunday. Superintendent, Marcus Shumate. Antioch Christian Church, located in the southwestern part of the township, was founded by the Rev. Joseph S. Spriggs in 1836. He continued its pastor up to the date of his death in 1854. The organizing members were thirteen in number, viz.: Joseph S. Spriggs and wife, Andrew Fleming and wife, Peter McCain and wife, Rebecca Gilliland, S. Spriggs, and rive others whose names are not now known. As founded the congregation belonged to what was known as the Salt Creek Conference, but has since been changed to the Ohio Christian Conference of the Bible Christian church. In 1867 a split occurred in the church, but the majority of the members remained with the old church. The present pastor is Rev. J. J. Spriggs; Deacons, Peter McCain and John Shoemaker. There are nine school districts in the township, numbered and named as follows: Sub-district No. 1, Hale School; Sub-district No. 2, Buckley School; Sub-district No. 3, Spriggs School; Sub-district No. 4, Chestnut Grove School; Sub-district No. 5, The Four-mile School; Sub-district No. 6, Franklin Township School-house; Sub-district No. 7, Franklin Valley School; Sub-district No. 8, the Cross-Roads School; Joint Sub-district No. 11, the Brick School. There is a store and a postoffice, the latter called Banner Postoffice, J. W. Vaughn, Postmaster, and John Keller, a blacksmith shop. It is at Vaughn's Station. At Irwin's Station Mr. Baldwin Evans has a general store, and is the Postmaster at this time, and at Clay Station, George W. Johnson is Postmaster and station agent. George Rubert keeps a 606 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. general store, and David Jones the blacksmith shop. Keystone Switch is a flag station. The Franklin Grange, No. 1,193, was organized in 1875 with fourteen members. The following were the officers of the lodge: Master, James Hayes; Overseer, Abraham Karr; Secretary. Lancelot Campbell; Treasurer, John Hixton; Elector, E. W. Jacobs; Chaplin, Jacob Jacobs; Steward, Sylvester Hixon ; Assistant Steward, Reuben Farrar; Lady Assistant Steward, Miss Theresa Jacobs; Ceres, Miss Ruth Hixon; Flora, Miss Lucy Hawkins; Pomona, Miss Gelina Farrar; Gate-Keeper, Christian Hawkins. At present the lodge has about thirty-six members, and the officers now are as follows: 0. N. Perkins, Master; Abraham Karr, Overseer; Reuben Farrar, Secretary; Miss Emma Jacobs, Treasurer; A. Q. Parks, Elector; Mrs. Rachel Campbell, Chaplain; Jacob Jacobs, Steward; Ezekiel Masters, Assistant Steward; Miss Margaret Stephenson, Lady Assistant Steward; Jackson Malony, Gate-Keeper; Mrs. Catheline Lyons, Ceres; Mrs. Drucilla Malony, Flora; Mrs. Lettice Karr, Pomona. The lodge room is located on the eastern central portion of section 19, on the farm of Jacob Jacobs. The grange owns the lodge room, which is a substantial frame building. BOUNDS, AREA AND WEALTH. Franklin Township is bounded on the Lorth by Lick Township, on the cast by Bloomfield and Madison, south by Jefferson, and west by Scioto. It is a congressional township of six miles square, with a land area of 23,040 acres, and is assessed for 13,146 acres. Its personal property in 1880 was valued at $183,559, and it has rapidly increased since. Its real estate in 1882 was valued at $243,881; personal property, $202,724; total, $446,605. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP OFFICERS. 1842. Trustees, George Newell, Thomas Alexander and John Farrar; Treasurer, Mordecai McClung; Clerk, Samuel R. Johnson; Assessor, Samuel Carrick; Constables, Joshua E. Stephenson, Richard Daniels and Samnel Gray; Justices of the Peace, Joseph Spriggs and George W. Hale. 1860. Trustees, John Ward, Job Buckley and W. S. Schellenger; Treasurer, Sam'l Claar; John D. Davis; Assessor, Jacob A. Claar; Constables, W. W. Buckley, Uriah Titus and Vinton Spriggs; Justices of the Peace, Wm. H. Cherington, W. D. Higgins and Joseph Spriggs. 1883. Trustees, D. B. Harrel, Peter Radclift and George H. Downs; Treasurer, Wm. Claar; Clerk, Wm. Schellenger; Assessor, Wm. H. Brunton; Constables, Samuel J. Brown and Daniel C. Spriggs; Justices of the Peace, Armstead Scurlock and Joseph J. Spriggs. BIOGRAPHICAL. Albert Smith Brady, second son of Thomas J. and Margaret (Stephenson) Brady, was born Dec. 22, 1861, in Scioto County, Ohio, When three years of age he came with his parents to Jackson, where he attended fhe common schools and worked on the farm till he was fourteen years old. He then clerked for Richards & Sons, at the Cross-Roads,a few months, after which he was employed as clerk in a furnace store two years in Carter County, Ky. He was again employed by Richards & Sons for a time, and after being employed by various parties he attended school; at the same time purchased ore for the Jackson HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 607 Furnace until October, 1882, and prepared himself for the teacher's profession at the Oak Hill Academy, and is at present teaching school at Glade, Jackson County. Mrs. Emily Brady, daughter of David and Rachel (Virgin) Enslow, was born in Pennsylvania, March 19, 1801. Her parents settled in Muskingum County when she was an infant. Her father served as Captain in the war of 1812, after which the family moved to Scioto County, settling where Wheelersburg now stands. She lived with her parents till she was twenty-five years old, helping with the housework and working on the farm. July 4, 1825, she was married to Levi Brady, who died Jan. 5, 1862, aged sixty-five years. He was a boatman on the Ohio River, and while he was away she would do the farm work. Her father-in-law, William Brady, built the first house where the city of Portsmouth is located. Of the thirteen children born to them twelve are living—King D., Thomas J., Samuel W., Levi, Caroline (wife of Daniel Underwood), Robert K., William H., Mary E. (wife of Rev. J. B. Tracy), John T. (Captain in late war), Reason E., Emily (wife of Harry Adrian) and Ornamenta C. (wife of John Ziug). The second son, Thomas, died at the age of three years. All the sons belong to the Republican party. Mrs. Brady is widely known as a successful physician—especially in the cure of cancers. She joined the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of thirteen years, and when forty years old joined the Baptist, of which she is still a member. Thomas Jefferson Brady, second son of Levi and Emily Brady, was born in Scioto County, Aug. 20, 1829. He lived on the home farm till his twenty-first year, and attended the common schools. At that age he began burning charcoal, which he followed till 1851. He then went to California and engaged in mining till the fall of 1853, when he returned to Scioto County and again engaged in the coal business. He was Assistant Superintendent of the Bloom Furnace in Scioto County, and Manager of the Diamond Furnace, near Jackson, two years, the Orange Furnace one year, the Fulton Furnace one year, and the Limestone Furnace for the same length of time. He then superintended the Charlotte Furnace, in Carter County, Ky., four and a half years. He then returned to his farm in Jackson County, where he is at present engaged in farming. Feb. 2, 1856, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Smith and Mary (Varian) Stephenson. Five children have been born to them, four of whom are living—Robert K., Albert S., Eva and Charlie. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She died April, 1871. Mr. Brady has held the office of Trustee of Franklin Township two years. Harmon Bunn, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Jackson County, near his present residence, Nov. 12, 1846. His father, Samuel Bunn, was a native of Maryland, but reared in Greenbrier County, Va., and came to Ohio in 1800. He married Elizabeth Nelson, a native of Kentucky, who came to Gallia County when seven years old, and in 1812 came to Jackson County. Our subject was reared a farmer and attended the common schools. He has managed the farm since his father's death, which occurred in 1865, at the age of eighty-two. He has had the care of his mother since, who is still living. May 14, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. He was discharged Sept. 14, 1864, when he returned home, since when he has been improving his farm and dealing in stock. He was married Dec. 26, 1866, to Esther M., daughter of Thomas Frasure, by whom he has had six children, of whom four are living—Ira E., Getty E., Blanche and Benny. Ernest H. and Maud both died at the age of two years. 608 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Henry Clay Bunn, farmer and dealer in stock, is the third son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nelson) Bunn. He was born in Jackson County, June 1, 1827, and lived on the home farm till he reached his majority, and received a liberal education at the subscription schools. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself, and in 1854, he with his brother Harvey and others constructed a merchants' grist-mill in Jackson, to which they afterward added a woolen mill. The business was conducted under the firm name of Bunn, Walterhouse & Bunn for three years, when it was changed to Bunn Bros. They also had a dry-goods store in connection with the general business. The business continued till 1870. In 1867 he and his brother Harvey purchased interests in the Fulton Iron Furnace, and in 1870 became sole proprietors, and in 1873 sold his interest. During the years he was in business he devoted his time to his farm and stock, in which he is still engaged. May 4, 1856, he was married to Millie A., daughter of Major George W. and Mary (McCall) Hale. They have three children living—Howard S., Charles and Jessie. Myra B. died at the age of three years. Peter Bunn, farmer and stock-dealer, is the eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Nelson) Bunn. His father was a native of Maryland, but reared in Virginia. He came to Jackson County in 1800, and engaged in the raanufacture of salt for A number of years. At an early age he purchased land and began dealing in cattle, becoming an extensive land owner. He was in the war of 1812. He was married in Jackson County, where our subject was born, Aug. 5, 1820. Peter Bunn, at the age of twenty-one years, began his present business, in which he has met with success. Oct. 17, 1864, he enlisted in the Second Independent Battery, Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Johnson's Island, guarding prisoners of war. Dec. 22, 1864, he was dis charged at Cleveland, Ohio, and returned home. He was married in September, 1842, to Maria, daughter of Thomas Frasure. Three daughters have blessed this union—Elizabeth, wife of William Schellenger; Frank, wife of John Price, of Jackson; Josephine, wife of Edward Swanson. His wife died at the age of forty-seven years, Oct. 26, 1865. He was again married Sept. 14, 1866, to Nancy J., daughter of Annas and Martha J. (Keer) Swanson. They have been blessed with three children—Althea M., Peter H. and Carrie E. He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he is Deacon, Trustee and Treasurer. He has filled the office of Treasurer of Franklin Township twelve years. In 1874, at the opening of the County Infirmary, he was elected a Director of that institution. He has been re-elected twice, and is still filling that position. Abraham D. Edwards, farmer and dealer in stock, is the third son of David and Hannah (Evans) Edwards. His parents emigrated from North Wales to the United States, and settled in Gallia County, Ohio, in 1839, where our subject was born March 12, 1841. He lived there on a farm till he was nineteen years old. He was educated in the common schools, and spent some time in his father's grist-mill. He first began business for himself as a teamster during the late war, when he was engaged with the army in West Virginia during the winter of 1862. He spent the summer of 1863 in his father's grist-mill, and the following winter he was with the Army of the Cumberland, as a teamster. He returned home in the spring of 1865, and engaged in milling with his father till 1866, since when he has been successfully engaged in his present business. Dec. 19, 1865, he was married to Nancy J., daughter of J. C. and Lucinda Cremeens. They have had three children. Josiah D. and Hannah R. are ing. Willie 0. died when two years old. He HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 609 and wife are members of the Methodist church, and he is a member of Trowel Lodge, No. 132, A. F. & A. M., Jackson, Ohio. Baldwin Brazee Evans, dealer in dry-goods, groceries, hardware and general merchandise, at Irwin Station, Jackson County, was born in Jackson County, Aug. 22, 1835. He lived on the farm with his parents, Evan and Polly B. (Cherington) Evans, until manhood, and was educated at the common schools. At the age of nineteen he began teaching school, and was engaged in teaching during the winter and working on the farm with his father during the summer till he was twenty-five years old, when he established his present business. He has been Postmaster at Cambria since the office was established, and has also been agent for the C., W. & B. Railroad Company, and also for the Express Company since 1868. He was elected Auditor of Jackson County in 1880 and is still holding that office. He was married July 18, 1861, to Sarah J., daughter of Job and Rebecca (McClure) Buckley. They have a family of five children—Corella, Albert V., Leonora, Herbert C. and WalterR . Mr. Evans and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Evan Evans, eldest son of Evan and Susannah (Jones) Evans, was born in North Wales, June 19, 1814, and when three years old came with his parents to the United States. They settled in Gallia County, Ohio, where he worked on the farm and attended the common schools. When twenty-one years old he purchased some uncultivated land which he cleared, and is still residing there, engaged in farming. Oct. 9, 1834, he was married to Polly B., daughter of Thomas and Sarah Cherington, of Gallia County. Twelve children were born to them, of whom eight are living —Baldwin B., Clinton D., Wellington C., Timothy J., S. E., R. R., Thomas J. and Minnie. Those deceased are—Susan, Sarah A., Susan J. and Mary A. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in - 39 - which he as served as Steward a number of years. William Henry Handley. farmer and blacksmith, was born in Cabell County, W. Va., Sept. 20, 1836. He is the eldest son of Sampson and Susan W. (Billups) Handley, and early learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop, who followed that avocation. He was educated in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-two years he began to receive wages from his father, with whom he worked a year. He then established a shop of his own where he worked at his trade and was Postmaster of the office at Thorndike until 1862. He was a Union man, and when the Postmaster-General of the Confederacy ordered him to make his official reports to the Confederate States he said he knew no such Government and immediately came to Ohio and made his report, returning his postal paper to the proper authorities at Washington. He was married Nov. 8, 1859, to Melinda A., daughter of Moses and Mary J. (Garrett) Cremeens, of Cabell County. They have had nine children, five of whom are living—May P., Albert W., Julia J., Nora I. and Arthur M. Sampson E. died at the age of fifteen; Addie and Olga died in infancy, and Jennie A. when two years old. Mr. Handley and wife are members of the Methodist church. He has served as Trustee of Franklin Township three terms and has taken an active interest in the management of the schools in his district. Deming Hoskins, farmer and stock-raiser, Franklin Township, is the eldest son of Job and Mary (Donald) Hoskins. He was born in Chillicothe, Ross Co., Ohio, Oct. 31, 1831, and when a boy his parents removed to Pick-away County, where he lived on a farm and attended the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he began farming in Pickaway County, where he lived till the spring of 1876. He then rented a farm in Jackson County and dealt in stock till the spring of 1880, when 610 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. he purchased the farm where he now resides. Oct. 4, 1866, he was married to Emma, daughter of Wilson and Martha (Poor) Dickerson. of Jackson County. They have had five children, of whom four are living—Homer, Eddie D., Harry and Lena. Their eldest daughter, Birsel, died when ten years of age. Mr. Hoskins and wife are members of the Methodist church. Samuel Harrison Johnson, son of Samuel R. and Susan (Ward): Johnson, was born April 30, 1839,in Franklin Township, Jackson County, near his present residence. Sept. 15, 1862, he enlisted as a private to serve three years, in Company G, Seventh Ohio Cavalry. He was engaged in the battle of Crab Orchard, Ky., in March, 1863, after which his company was detailed as body-guard under General Gilmore in the Twenty-third Army Corps. He was on duty during the siege of Knoxville, Tenn., after which he was confined in the hospital with small-pox until June, 1864. He then rejoined his company and went with Sherman to Marietta, Ga.., and was present at the capture of Atlanta. He participated in a number of important battles and was discharged at Raleigh, June 12, 1865, after which he returned home where he has since followed the avocation of a farmer. Oct. 28, 1866, he was married to Lottie A., daughter of J. W. and Emily (Burris) McClure, of Jackson County. They have one son—Willie Elmer. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Johnson is a member of Lodge No. 132, A. F. & A. M., and of Chapter No. 70, R. A. M., of Jackson, Ohio. Lorenzo Wilson Kinnison, was born July 13, 1834, in Jackson County. He was reared by his grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Kinnison, who came to Ohio from Greenbrier County, Va., in an early day. He worked on the farm and attended the country schools until he was nineteen years old when he, in partnership with S. W. Spencer, opened a grocery and notion store at Berlin, Jackson County, the firm name being Spencer & Kinnison. After a short time he sold out his interest and farmed one year with his uncle, A. J. Kinnison. The following winter he taught school and in the spring again became Mr. Spencer's partner in the general merchandise trade. After being thus engaged eighteen 1 months he sold his interest and for a short time clerked in a store. During the summers of 1857–'58 he worked on the farm, teaching school during the winter months. In the spring of 1859 he removed to his farm and began experimenting in plant propagation. May 4, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second National Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government stores and transports until Sept. 15, 1864, when he was discharged and returned home, and in 1865 began making plant propagation a speciality. He has steadily increased his business till he now has beds of sweet potatoes covering from 6,000 to 7,000 feet of surface and supplies Jackson, Pike, Scioto and Vinton counties and other localities. He produces plants by the millions each season. He raises other vegetables and also house and foliage plants to which he gives his entire time during the plant season. He was married May 20, 185S, to Mary A., daughter of William H. and Eleanor (Williams) Cherington. Seven children were born to them, five of whom are living—Icephene 0., wife of Isaac F. Barton; Ulysses L., Ira E., W.11- iam L. and Ernest E. Elden E. E. died at the age of nine years and Carrie E. aged four years. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an active 1 worker in the Sabbath-school and a strong supporter of the temperance cause. He has served as Clerk of his township and held the office of Township Trustee two terms. George Washington Lake, third son of Silas I and Eliza (Schellenger) Lake, was born in Jackson County, Feb. 13, 1825. His father, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 611 a native of New York State, was of English descent, and his mother was born in New Jersey, of German descent. They were the first settlers of Jackson County, where our subject grew to maturity and was educated in the common-schools. He was engaged in farming till 1864,rwhen in November of that year he enlisted in Company B, Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, as a private for one year. While fighting before Richmond he received injuries from which he never recovered. He was at the siege and capture of Petersburg, and was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court-House. During the summer of 1865 he was stationed at Hanover Court-House, Va., and Nov. 1, 1865, he was discharged at Louisa Court-House, Va., when he returned home and has since been engaged in farming. In 1854 he was elected Township Trustee and served one term. He was married March 12, 1852, to Susannah, daughter of George and Margaret (Stephenson) Newell, of Jackson County. They have had eight children of whom seven survive—Eliza E., George N., Margaret A. (wife of Bishop Gragg, of Kansas),Flora J., Eleanor E.,Oliver C. and Charles W. William J. died when one year old. Mr. Lake is a believer in the doctrines of Swedenborg, and his wife is a member of the Chrisfian church. James Mayhew, farmer and stock-raiser, is the eldest son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Wilson) Mayhew. He was born in Washington County, Pa., Jan. 2, 1838, where he lived till he was seventeen years old, being reared a farmer and attending the common schools. In 1855 he removed with his parents to Jackson County, Ohio. At the age of twenty-two he entered into business with his father, who was a carpenter, and they constructed many buildings and bridges in the county besides contracting and furnishing large amounts of timber for railroad bridges, etc. He is still engaged as a contractor in connection with his farming operations, and through industry and economy has become a well-to-do citizen. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee three terms. His first vote was cast for President Lincoln. He enlisted in the late war May 14, 1864, and was First Sergeant of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards. He was on duty .at Gallipolis guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivet* and received his discharge Sept. 15, 1864. He was married to Ira N., daughter of Henry and Hannah Howe, of Jackson County, by whom he has had five children—Ida T., Franklin, Inez S., Charles and Ernest. Allison James Nelson, third soil of Oliver J. and Martha Nelson, was born in Jackson County, Jan. 15, 1853. His father died in the late war, and our subject lived with and cared for his mother till her death, which occurred when he was nineteen years of age. He then began working on the farm of L. W. Kinnison, with whom he continued seven years. During that time he purchased the farm where he now resides, on which he located in 1879. He is a progressive business man and has won the confidence of his fellow-citizens, who have elected him Trustee of the township. Dec. 29, 1878, he was married to Mollie C., daughter of Hamby and Lucinda Barton. They have been blessed with two sons—Roy B. and Dwight B. Mr. Nelson and wife are. members of the Methodist Episcopal church. George Rupert, dealer in general merchandise, Cross Roads, Jackson County, was born in Scioto County, May 1, 1847. When five years of age he came with his parents, Joseph and Magdelina (Ammon) Rupert, to Jackson County, where he lived with them till manhood, working on the farm and attending the common schools. When twenty-one years of age he began huckstering in Scioto County, after which he worked in iron ore till 1870. He then purchased property at the Cross 612 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Roads and engaged in the grocery business, to which he soon added dry-goods. In 1881 he bought out his competitor's store, in which he is doing a good business. July 14, 1870, he was married to Mary, daughter of Martin and Mary (Dentler) Robb, of Jackson County. Seven sons have been sent to bless this union, of whom five are living — Joseph, Martin, Charles, Frank and Fred. Benjamin F. and Henry D. died in infancy. Mr. Rupert and wife are members of the Catholic church. Charles Warren Schellenger, farmer, is the third son of W. S. and Eliza (Ward) Schellenger. He was born May 26,1842, in Jackson County, and lived on the home farm and attended the common school till he was twenty years old. Aug. 2, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, as a private for three years. Shortly after his enlistment he was appointed Corporal of his company, and on Jan. 3, 1864, was promoted to Sergeant. He was promoted to First Sergeant Dec. 16, 1864, which position he held till the war closed. He participated in the battles of Fayetteville, Lynchburg, Va., Winchester, Charleston, Cedar Creek, and a number of others. He was mustered out June 24, 1865, and returned to Camp Dennison, Ohio, where he was discharged J une 30, 1865. He then returned home and engaged in farming, and in 1870 purchased the farm in Franklin Township, where he still resides. Jan. 10, 1867, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Caleb and Mary J. (Callahan) Alexander, of Jackson County. They have one son—Clarence W. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Armpstead Scurlock was born Nov. 3, 1827, in Jackson County, and is the second son of George and Elizabeth (Hanna) Scurlock. His father was born in 1800, in North Carolina, and came to Ohio with his mother when six years of age and settled in Jackson County. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common-schools till he was twenty-one years old, after which he completed his education at the High School of Albany, Athens Co., Ohio. He was then engaged in teaching school during the winter for eighteen years and following the pursuits of a farmer during the summer seasons., He was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and was called into service May 14, 1864. He was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government stores and transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers, and was discharged at Gallipolis, Sept. 15, 1864. He then returned home,where he has since been engaged in farming, stock-raising and wool-growing. April 24, 1862, he was married to Clarissa, daughter of Samuel L. and Mary (Hartley) Hull, of Jackson County. They have a family of seven children—Sherman S., Effie M., Elizabeth F., Alice C., Carrie A., Emerson and George W. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is an active worker in the Sabbath-school and a warm advocate of temperance. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace continuously since 1865. Rev. Joseph J. Spriggs, second son of Joseph and Rebecca (Bond) Spriggs, was born March 1, 1827, in Jackson County, near his present residence. His grandparents came from Pennsylvania to Belmont County in an early day, and his father, after living a short time in Kentucky, came to Ohio, and entered the land where our subject resides, in 1818. He received a common-school education and assisted his father in clearing lands and by working on the farm till he was twenty-two years old. He was then apprenticed to Andrew Robb to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he served three years, after which he was engaged in farming. He joined the Christian church at the age of fifteen years, and when thirty years of age became au ordained preacher of that denomination and has been preaching ever since, his sons working HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 613 the farm. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace eleven years, and has served one term as Township Trustee. He was married, July 26, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joel and Louisa (Morgan) Reynolds, by whom he had seven children, of whom four are living—Joseph 1L, Mary C. (wife of John Davis), Sarah E. and Benjamin F. , all living in Jackson County. Isabel died at the age of eighteen years; Eliza died in infancy, and Rebecca J. when twenty-eight years old. His wife died in 1868, aged thirty-six years, and in November, 1869, he was married to Mrs. Nancy S. Dupre, daughter of Adriel and Anna (Price) Huntly, of Gallia County. Vinton Spriggs was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, June 19, 1830, and is the eldest sou of Daniel and Maria (Fitsmorris) Spriggs, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania respectively. He was four years old when his parents removed to Jackson County, where he was reared on Symmes Creek and attended the common schools, and is now one of the best read men in his community. He began teaming at furnaces when twenty-one years old, and followed this occupation two years. He then engaged in farming and carpentering till 1862, when he was engaged as post teamster in the late war, and was at Point Pleasant until January, 1863. He received injuries at that place which caused him to returu home. In the summer of 1863 he assisted iu raising a company, and in May, 1864, was mustered into the United States service, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards as a Corporal to serve 100 days. He was on guard duty at Gallipolis, where he was discharged, Sept. 15,1864, theu enlisted as a private for one year in Company A, Sixty-Second Ohio Infantry. He participated in several battles and received his discharge at Richmond, Va., Jane 27, 1865. He then resumed his former occupation and has also been engaged in mining iron ore on his farm. March 19, 1852, he was married to Florina, daughter of Moses and Sallie (Clark) Dawson. Their children are nine in number—William H., Alexander S., Josephine (wife of Philip Gilliland), Daniel W., Moses T., Edward C., Crayton R., Vinton F. and Phil Sheridan. He and wife are members of the Christian church, and he has been a zealous worker for the Republican party since its organization,. William Henry Steele, farmer, stock-raiser and dealer in stock, is the second son of John and Philoma (Kern) Steele. He was born in Jackson County, April 15, 1842. At the age of twenty-two he engaged with his brother, Majer K., in farming and dealing in stock, under the firm name of W. H. & M. K. Steele. In 1867 our subject engaged in the dry-goods business in Jackson, but not meeting with success he sold out in 1870, since when he and his brother have steadily increased their business. and to-day rank as the leading land-owners and stock-brokers of Jackson County. He was married June 15, 1870, to Sophia L., daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bunn) Ratcliff. Of the three children born to them, two are living—Majer B. and William. Alma M. died at the age of five years. James W. Vaughn, dealer in general merchandise, farmer and stock-raiser, was born Jan. 23, 1826, in Jackson County, Ohio. He is the fourth son of Thomas and Rebecca (Dunham) Vaughn, natives of Virginia, the former being born Sept. 2, 1787, and the latter Jan. 23, 1796. After their marriage they lived in Pennsylvania for awhile, and in 1822 came to Jackson County, Ohio. Our subject attended the common schools, and completed his education at Delaware College, which he attended in 1850–'51. He lived at home till he was twenty-eight years old, when he embarked in the mercantile business at Winchester, where he remained two years. He then sold his store and purchased the farm 614 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. where he resides. He was again engaged in merchandising from 1857 till 1864, when he enlisted in the late war. He was First Lieutenant of Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-second Ohio National Guards, and was on duty at Gallipolis, Ohio, guarding Government transports on the Ohio and Kanawha rivers. He was discharged at Gallipolis Sept. 15, 1864, when he returned home and resumed his business, which he has successfully conducted to the present time. Aug. 14, 1859, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Poor) Willmore. Two children have blessed this union—Thomas S., a graduate of Delaware College, now reading law with C. A. Atkinson, of Jackson, and Minnie B., at home. Mrs. Vaughn was born June 20, 1842, and died Feb. 13, 1871. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Vaughn is a member of the same church, and has been leader and Recording Steward of the circuit nearly twenty-five years. William Ross Watts, son of James M. and Mary (Waddell) Watts, was born March 10, 1847, in Gallia County, Ohio. He lived on the home farm till he was twenty-one years old, and attended the common schools. He began dealing in stock at an early age, continuing in that business in Gallia County till 1873. He then purchased a farm in Franklin Township, Jackson County, where he has since resided, engaged in stock-raising and dealing in stock. He was married Sept. 1, 1870, to Harriet E., daughter of Thomas J. and Julia A. Crull. This union has been blessed with two children—Jennie and Rndolph M. Samuel Crull, grandfather of Mrs. Watts, was Associate Judge of the courts of Scioto County for thirty-eight years, and represented his county in the Ohio General Assembly. CHAPTER XXXI. MILTON, COAL, WASHINGTON AND JACKSON TOWNSHIPS. MILTON TOWNSHIP. Milton was one of the three original townships of Jackson County, the other two being Lick and Franklin. In July, 1816, the inhabitants petitioned the county commissioners that the township be reduced to and remain co-extensive with congressional township 9, range 17. The additional tier of sections on the north, belonging to township 10, was added afterward. This addition of six sections gives the township a surface of forty-two square miles-26,880 acres. With reference to Jackson County, this township occupies the northeastern corner, although Washington Township extends two and one-half miles further north on the west. It is hounded on the north by Clinton Town-Ship, Vinton County; east by Wilkesville Township, Vinton County; south by Bloomfield ,Township, and west by Lick, Coal and Washington townships. TOPOGRAPHY. The eastern part of Milton Township is extremely broken and hilly; the western part is not so rough. Raccoon Creek, with its branches, drain the township. The head branches, resembling the branches of a tree, unite north of the center and the stream continues southward, leaving the township east of the middle of the southern boundary. Throughout its entire course Raccoon Creek is noted for its winding course, narrow bot toms, high and steep hills and narrow gulches That portion of it within this township is no exception to the general rule, Along the smaller streams and especially near the headquarters of the creek the scenery is quite interesting, even romantic in the gloom of its cavern-like ravines and gulches. Although the Raccoon bottom is very fertile and in places wide enough to make favorable fields for cultivation, on which large crops are raised, as a general thing but little attention is paid to farming or grazing, the industry being generally coal and ore mining and the manufacture of pig iron at the furnaces. There are six blast furnaces in the township. Many acres of hill land have been stripped for the ore and left with the rough and bare earth exposed. In minerals it is one of the richest townships in the county, having at least nine strata of iron ore and in some places seven of coal. There are also large deposits of cannel coal or candle coal. SETTLEMENT. This was one of the earliest settled townships in the county, although at the first assessment for taxation, in 1816, it ranked the lowest in taxable property. The first Lister was Joshua Scurlock. In 1817 Joseph Crouch was Lister; tax assessed, $39.50. In 1818 Henry Jones was Lister; tax, $43.50. In 1825 the township polled sixty-six votes. At the present time the township polls about 1,000 votes. - 615 - 616 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Population in 1840, 912; in 1850, 1,472; in 1860, 2,367; in 1870, 2,372; in 1880, 3,404. SCHOOLS. The township has 879 pupils and thirteen public schools. The average price paid to teachers is about $40 a month. The attendance is about the same as in other parts of the county, and the schools rank about with the average. FURNACES. Buckeye Furnace was the pioneer in this township. It was built in 1851 by a stock company composed of Daniel Isaminger, a Mr. Hoop and others who owned in the vicinity about 4,500 acres of land. In 1862 the furnace was bought by Hon. H. S. Bundy, the veteran furnace man of the county, and run 1)37 him two years, when he sold to Terry Austin & Co. This company ran it until 1867 when it was bought by the Buckeye Furnace Company, who are running it now. In connection with the furnace is a tract of 3,800 acres with three distinct beds of coal, one, five and six feet respectively; also a two-foot bed of cannel coal. The ore, coal and limestone used in the manufacture are all taken from the land belonging to this company. The capacity of the furnace is about 25,000 tons of charcoal iron a year. Cornelia Furnace, located on section 35 of this township, was built in' 1853—'4 by Thompson, Laslie & Co., at a cost of about $112,000, including the purchase of 5,000 acres of land. The furnace was run by this company until 1858, when it was purchased by a company of men incorporated under the name of the "Iron Valley Furnace Company." By this company it was leased in 1861 to Messrs. McGhee & Ratcliff, and ran by them until 1863, when McGhee bought the interest of Ratcliff and continued to run the furnace under the name of Lincoln Furnace until his death. In 1876 it fell into the hands of William' McGhee's heirs, who, at this time, changed the name to Cornelia Furnace, and are still running it. The furnace produces about 4,000 tons of iron yearly. The owners of the furnace own in connection with it 4,000 acres of land, which furnishes the material for its consumption. It contains seven beds of coal, with an aggregate thickness of twenty feet. Latrobe Furnace, situated on section 20, was built in 1854 by William McGhee and others. It was built under the supervision of a man by the name of Latrobe, whose name it took. With the exception of two or three blasts, this furnace was kept running continually up to the present year (1883), yielding about 3,000 tons of iron a year, and has now only stopped temporarily. For the last twenty years the Hon. H. S. Bundy has been the proprietor. The lands belonging to this furnace (3,000 acres) have been mostly cleared off, and this present season 1,000 acres have been planted to corn for an experiment. Milton Furnace was built in 1873-'4 by the Milton Furnace Company, and has been running successfully ever since. A small per cent. of lake ore is used with the native ore in this furnace. It has been very successful, producing between 5,000 and 6,000 tons of iron, of the best quality, annually. During the money panic of 1878—'9 this was one of the very few furnaces which continued to work. The owners are known as the Milton Furnace and Coal Company, of which H. S. Willard is President, and J. E. Ferree, Secretary. Wellston Furnace was built by the Wellston Coal and Iron Company, organized in 1873. The capital stock of this company was 1 $500,000. The furnace was built at a cost of about $100,000. For a time the furnace was not run successfully, and suspended entirely from 1876 to 1879. In the fall of 1879 operations-were again commenced with Hon. H. S. Bundy, President of the company, and Theodore Fluhart, Secretary. The company HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 617 began the operation of coal mines in 1881 and are now putting out about ten car loads ,a day besides the sixty-two tons consumed daily by the furnace. Eliza Furnace was built in 1878 by Harvey Wells, the founder of Wellston. The furnace was run by Mr. Wells about nine months and then rented to John C. H. Cobb, and, after being run by him for a few months,, was closed on account of the panic in 1879. From that time until 1881 nothing was done on account of a pending law-suit, but in that year, having passed into the hands of H. S. Bundy, it was repaired by him and set to work. This furnace gives employment to from sixty to 175 men, owing to the demand for iron. The coal consumed by this furnace is taken from a shaft at the depth of eighty-one feet. The furnace was named "Eliza," in honor of Mrs. Eliza J. Wells, wife of the builder, and daughter of Hon. H. S. Bundy, the present owner. The iron produced, which is made from the raw ore just as it comes from the mine, is known in the market as the American Scotch pig iron. WELLSTON. Wellston is a town of about 1,500 inhabitants situated in the northwestern corner of Milton Township, on section 6. It belongs to that class of towns common to mining districfs called " mushroom," having sprung up in a few years on ground formerly occupied for agriculture and grazing. The plat was made in the early part of 1874 by Harvey Wells, on the Porfsmouth Branch of the M. & C. (now C., W. & B.) R. R., and called Wellston. The plat contained 271 acres laid off into 784 lots. The land belonged to the Wellston Coal and Iron Company, but had been recently purchased from Mr. Wells, who, as a part of the contract, agreed to lay out a town. The first buildings were the store of fhe company and houses built by them for their hands. The building of the furnace in 1874 and the opening of the coal mines soon brought laborers and business men of all descriptions. Dec. 8, 1875, a petition was sent to the County Commissioners praying for the incorporation of the town of Wellston. In February, 1876, the petition was amended so as to include only that part originally platted by Mr. Wells, and, being favorably acted upon, was signed by sixty-five voters. The town was then incorporated by the State Legislature, May 9, 1876. The first election of town officers resulted as follows: Mayor, George M. Stewart; Marshal, Y. Lynch; Clerk, G. L. Monahan; Treasurer, R. W. Goddard; Council, V. M. Ogle, Harvey Wells, G. A. Leach, Joseph Gooding, George White and William O'Rourke. The government of the town was inaugurated May 10, 1876. The additions made to the town since its incorporation are Austin's Addition, made in July, 1874; Laslie's Addition, made in September, 1874, and Scott's Addition, made in May, 1875. Wellston is rapidly growing, and bids fair to soon grow to a town of large proportions. lts location in the midst of a rich mineral field and at the intersection of three railroads—C., W. & B., T., C. & St.L. and Ohio Southern—can hardly fail to secure for it a bright future. Value of real estate, $56,159, and of chattel property, $31,510, for the year 1882. POSTOFFICE. In 1873, before Wellston came into existence, the spot was designated by a flag station for the accommodation of Milton Furnace. A postoffice was soon established and kept at the Milton Furnace Co.'s store, called Milton P. 0. The first mail was received Jan. 6, 1874. J. E. Ferree was Postmaster. On his resignation Mr. Sylvester was appointed and the office kept at his drug store in the Scott Building, corner of Main and Willard streets. 618 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. During this administration the emoluments of the office were about $20 a month. John Blair succeeded in the office in the latter part of 1878, but held it only for a short time, when the present Postmaster, L. H. Bingham, was appointed. It was made a money-order office Aug. 7, 1882. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. April 2, 1877, a School Board was elected in Wellston, the district set apart, and what was formerly known as the town school became the Wellston public schools. The school building, which contains six rooms, was built for the town school in 1875. In 1879 two additional rooms were added. The first School Board was composed as follows: George Reese, Michael O'Rourke, J. E. Ferree, Harvey Williams, W. B. Lewis and George White. The Superintendents have been as follows: J. M. Lively, 1877–'80; J. W. Delay, four months; J. E. Kinnison, four months; G.W. Fry, one year; J. H. Ray, one year (1882–'83), and G. M. Powell, present Superintendent. In 1877, when the graded school was established, there were 215 pupils; in 1882, 568, with an average attendance of 290. Wellston School district numbers 3,447 acres of land, valued at $144,389, and the value of chattel property was placed at $89,568. CHURCHES. Methodist Episcopal.—As early as 1819 the Methodist Episcopal church had an organization where Wellston is now located. Meetings were held at the residence of James Dempsey,a log house of those primitive days; it stood at or near the place where the house more recently known as the Musgrove house stands, at the corner of Main and Cline streets, in the town of Wellston. There preaching was held a number of years, as also were the regular meetings of the church. Fifty-two years ago James Phillips, who is yet a member, joined the church; at that time Rev. Jacob Delay was preacher in charge of the circuit; David Paine was Class-Leader and James Dempsey and wife, Cornelius Dempsey, Jonathan Dempsey and family, Thomas Phillips and family, and the Paine family, were among the members of the church. The circuit was known as the McArthurstown Circuit, and was composed of the following, among other appoint. ments or preaching places: McArthurstown, Wilkesville, Jackson, Piketon, Richmondale, and an appointment four miles beyond Richmondale. Among the preachers of those early days were Revs. Jacob Delay, Salmons, England, Hansee, R. A. Arthur, Orvil C. Shelton, in 1845, Dickson, Fox, Brandult, A. Cartlitch, Hill and R. 0. Spencer, who was Presiding Elder in 1844. Among the Class-Leaders we have been enabled to procure the names of David Paine, William Rowell, Douglass Paine, James Ray and James W. Phillips. Meetings were continued to be held in the dwelling of James Dempsey until about 1843, when what was known as the Rowell School-house was built on the farm of William Rowell, just south of the present southeast corner of the town of Wellston, in a field now owned by James W. Phillips. In 1855 Jackson was made a station, with Rev. C. H. Warren, pastor, and Rev. N. Westerman, Presiding Elder of Jackson District; Revs. William Wallace and Timothy Wones, pastors. In the meantime the class at what is now Wellston had gone down. During the year 1856 the class at this place was re-organized, at the brick school-house, and that made a regular preaching place. In 1857 John Stewart was Presiding Elder of this, then the Jackson District, and Rev. T. Wones and F. S. Thurston, pastors of Jackson Circuit. 1857, Jackson District, John Stewart, Presiding Elder. Jackson Circuit, Revs. William S. Benner, F. S. Thurston, pastors. 1858, Jackson District, John Stewart, Presiding Elder. Jackson Circuit, D. H. Cherington and J. R. Prose, pastors. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 619 1859, Jackson District, John Stewart, Presiding Elder. Jackson Circuit, D. H. Cheringtou aud J. W. Wakefield, pastors. 1860, Jackson District, A. M. Alexander, Presiding Elder, and the circuit was changed to the Berlin Circuit, with Revs. C. H. Warren and E. H. Jones as pastors. In 1861 the district was changed to the Gallipolis District, with A. M. Alexander as Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, J. W. Wakefield, pastor. 1862, Gallipolis District, A. M. Alexander, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, Rev. William Grantham, pastor. 1863, Gallipolis District, A. M. Alexander, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, Rev. J. T. Fiuch, pastor. 1864, Gallipolis District, H. Z. Adams, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, J. T. Finch and J. Robinson, pastors. 1865, Gallipolis District, H. Z. Adams, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, J. T. Finch, and one to be supplied, who from the best data we could obtain was a Brother Jones. 1866, Gallipolis District, H. Z. Adams, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, Benjamin Tresenrider and Brother Mathews, pastors. 1867, Gallipolis District, H. Z. Adams, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, D. Mann, pastor. 1868, Gallipolis District, J. T. Miller, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, D. Mann, pastor. 1869, Gallipolis District, J. T. Miller, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, D. Mann, pastor. 1870, Gallipolis District, J. T. Miller, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, R. Doughty and S. Wambaugh, pastors. 1871, Gallipolis District, John Dillon, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, W. H. B. Fisher, pastor. 1872, Gallipolis District, J. Dillon, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, W. N. Middleton and D. Morgan, pastors. 1873, Gallipolis District, J. Dillon, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, W. N. Middleton, pastor. 1874, Gallipolis District, J. Dillon; Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, P. B. Davis, pastor. 1875, Gallipolis District, J. W. Dillon, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, Joseph Morris, pastor. One or two years before this the circuit had been divided and Franklin Valley Circuit and Berlin Circuit were made out of the territory. Before that time it was embraced in the Berlin Circuit. The parsonage of the old circuit at Berlin was sold and the proceeds divided between the new circuits, and a house rented for the preachers at this place, and this year a new and commodious parsonage was completed at Wellston and occupied by Mr. Morris, a short time before the close of his conference year. 1876, Gallipolis District, J. W. Dillon, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, B. E. Thomas, pastor. 1877, Gallipolis District, T. H. Monroe, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, B. E. Thomas, pastor. 1878, Gallipolis District, T. H. Monroe, Presiding Elder. Berlin Circuit, B. E. Thomas, pastor. 1879, Gallipolis District, T. H. Monroe, Presiding Eider. Berlin Circuit, J. G. Hall, pastor. 1880, Gallipolis District, T. H. Monroe, Presiding Elder. Wellston Circuit, J. G. Hall, pastor. 1881, Gallipolis District, Z. W. Fagan, Presiding Elder. Wellston Circuit, J. Cam: Hall, pastor . 1882, Gallipolis District, Z. W. Fagan, Presiding Elder. Wellston Circuit, L. C. Haddox, pastor. During this conference year, on June 4, 1882, a new and commodious church was dedicated at Wellston; until this time all the meetings were held in the school-house, but no night meetings were allowed to be held 620 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. there, and halls had been rented a few times in which to hold protracted meetings in the winter seasons. But now the church for the first time since its organization in or before the year 1819 is enabled to- enjoy the privilege of a house of its own in which to hold its meetings; and another great blessing to the sociefy, and one that will be much in its favor and contribute much to its success, is, the church was dedicated free of debt, with nearly enough on its subscription lists to build a fence around the lot and make other outside improvements. The building alone cost $2, 439.06, seated ready for use. The lot, which was two town lots, was donated by H. S. Bundy and the Wellston Coal and Iron Company; the building committee was J. E. Ferree, H. G. Lasley and E. B. Bingham; the plans were furnished by the Church Extention Society's architect. The congregation at Wellston had so increased that the good of the church seemed to demand that a change be made in the regular order of preaching once in two weeks; accordingly, a petition was sent up to the Elder at conference, fall of 1882, to make such changes in the circuit as would give Wellston preaching each Sunday. Accordingly such a change was made, making two circuits out of the old Wellston Circuit, leaving Wellston and Salem appointments in Wellston Circuit, and making Coalton Circuit out of the residue of the old circuit. Among those who were members here at the time of re-organization in 1856 were Jonathan Dempsey and wife, Isaac Dempsey and wife, James W. Phillips and wife, H. F. Austin and wife, Samuel Foster and wife, all of whom are yet members except H. F. Austin, who has gone to reap the reward of his work here. Many of those who were members in the early days of the church have gone to their reward beyond this world. Of those living many have gone to other States to assist in building up the church of Christ in new localities. Of the family of Thomas Phillips, six of the children are yet living, the youngest of whom is seventy-two years of age. United Brethren.—The congregation of this church was organized at Wellston in January, 1881, with about eighty members. A subscription for building a church was begun in January, 1882, and a house was built the following summer at a cost of $800. The present membership is about 100. Pastor, Rev. G. W. Mason. Catholic Church.—This church was founded in the fall of 1881 by Rev. T. P. Theimacher, who still remains in charge. The original congregation consisted of forty families, but has now grown to seventy-five. Meetings were at first held in Sylvester's Hall until the spring of 1882, when their present church edifice was constructed at a cost of $1,700. Services are held every alternate Sabbath. SOCIETIES. Lodge No. 701, I. 0. 0. F., was established July 20, 1881, with ten charter members. The following names appear as making up the first corps of officers: G. L. Monahan, Alonzo Phillips, James Winkleman, Lon. Campbell, Thomas Dawson, Hubert Gwinn, E. Patrick, H. T. Stoneburner and George Andrews. At the first meeting following three members were initiated: Joseph Gooding, James Daniels and William Phillips. The membership is now fifty-three, with $580 in its treasury. Wellston, Lodge, No. 170, K. of P., was instituted Aug. 29, 1883, by Special Deputy Grand Chancellor C. M. Morris, assisted by Knights from Myrtle Lodge, No. 27, and Thurman, No. 92, and the following officers duly installed for the ensuing term: P. C.,C. M. Williams; C. C., G. 0. Richardson; V. C., F. M. Smallwood; P., J. G. Vandevort; M. at A.. B. C. Ridgeway; K. of R. and S., E. E. Ferree; M. of F., W. B. Vallette; M. of E., T. F. McClure; I. G., Robert Burns; 0. G., John F. Bertsch; Trustees, J. G. Vandevort, A. Hobb and Thos. McGuire; Repre- HISTORY OF LOWER SC'IOTO VALLEY - 621 sentative to Grand Lodge, F. W. Evans. The lodge starts out with a fine list of officers and nineteen members. NEWSPAPER. Wellston Argus.—The Argus was started in Wellston in the spring of 1883 by Messrs. Smallwood & Cameron. May 7, 1883, the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Smallwood remaining with the paper. From an article in the paper of that date from the pen of Mr. Smallwood we quote the following as an aid to a knowledge of the nature of the paper: "In presenting this the first number of the Argus to the people of Wellston we have but few words to say. * * * We have been known to most of the citizens of Wellston for a number of years, if not personally, through the medium of the Hamden Enterprise, of which paper we have been the publishers since it was founded. Suffice it to say that we intend making the Argus a good local home newspaper—one that will upon every occasion advocate everything that will best enhance, interest and help build up our town. In politics we shall stand independent, believing such a course on our part will be better suited than if we were to run our paper in the interest of any party. A glance at our advertising columns will convince the reader that most of our merchants have extended to us their patronage, etc." PROFESSIONS. The practicing physicians at Wellston are Drs. G. L. Monahan, W. J. Jones, Wm. Sylvester and E. B. Merrill ; lawyers, E. B. Bingham. and M. T. Vanpelt. BUSINESS INTERESTS. A stranger approaching Wellston would be at once attracted by the din and stir of its active business. The active work about the coal mines and the seething and rattling noise of the furnace and its machinery is ever present to the ears of the inhabitants. The most extensive business is that of the furnace, described in another place. The Theo. Fluhart & Co. Limited Coal Works is a concern of considerable magnitude. The stock company, of which Mr. Fluhart is the center, was organized through the efforts of that gentleman in June, 1881. One hundred and fifty acres of coal land were purchased on the southern limit of Wellston and the mines at once opened. A seventy-two-foot shaft was sunk reaching a four-foot bed of superior coal, well known as the Wellston shaft coal. The coal here at this great depth is a firm and pure bituminous coal which has decided marks of merit, being of the same quality that recently stood the Cincinnati waterworks test. Operations were begun in April, 1882, and have been continued constantly to the present time. About forty hands are constantly employed. The out-put is about 30,000 tons yearly. Planing Mill and Lumber Yard.—This industry was established here in the summer of 1882 by Gooding, Edwards and others, under the firm name of Gooding & Co. The original investment in machinery and lumber was $6,000, since raised to $12,000. A leading feature of the business is the construction of new houses, they having constructed seventy-four in the last year. STORES. The following are the mercantile houses doing business at the present time : J. G. and J. M. Vandervort, dry-goods; Atkinson & Evans, dry-goods; R. W. Goddard, general store; M. W. Mills, groceries; Evans Bros., groceries; Harper & McCartney, groceries; J. H. Roop, tin and hardware; Johnson & Co., hardware; W. J. Jones, drugs ; A.Brooks, drugs; J. W. Patridge, jewelry; H. T. Stoneburner, stationery and books; C. M. Richards, furniture; A. Hobt, saddles, etc.; M. Remby, bakery and restaurant; Mrs. L. E. Roop and 622 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Mrs. Jones, millinery; J. B. Payne and Frank Kelly, meat shops; F. F. Swanson, machine agent. Besides the above are the supply stores of the furnace and coal companies. There are two hotels in Wellston, the Walker House and Bundy House. The Walker louse was built in 1874, by J. C. Elliot, at a cost of about $3,600. It was run a while by Mr. Elliot, then by Mr. Jeffreys, ,then by Dr. Monahan. In 1879 A. B. Walker bought the house and still runs it. The Bundy louse was built by Harvey Wells at a cost of $10,000 and afterward bought by Hon. H. S. Bundy. In 1883 it was rented by John Glanville, who now runs it successfully. BERLIN. This little hamlet, formerly known as Berlin Cross-Roads, has been in existence since 1842. It is situated in the western part of the township, at the crossing of the C., W. & B. and T.,C. & St. L. railroads. The plat was made by Charles Kinnison on what was then known as the Kinnison farm. The first house erected was that of J. E. Whitman, for a dwelling and store. The number of inhabitants grew to about 200, at which it has remained with slight variations for a great many years. There are at present three stores, a postoffice, church and one physician in the village. The M. .E. Church at this place was established in 1854, with but a very small congregation, but it became strong enough in the following year to build their present fine church building, which cost about $2,000. The congregation now numbers about fifty members. Trustees at present : Henry Kisenger, David McGiffin, M. C. Keenan, Dr. Sylvester and Wilson Hawk; pastor, Rev. L. L. Magee. MIDDLETON. This hamlet, though smaller, is older than Berlin. It was laid out as early as 1827 by Oliver Tison and consisted of only a few lots. In early times the location was a collecting place for travelers, being near a mill known as the Dawkins Mill. The town is about midway between Jackson and Wilkesville, hence was called for many years, Middle-town. The postoffice retains the name of the old mill, being Dawkins Mills Postoffice. In 1870 the census returns showed a population of seventy-one in Middle. ton. The number has remained about stationary since that time. Middleton is situated very near the center of Milton Township. Salem Church, situated one-half mile west of Middleton, was built in 1838, although the organization had been formed some time prior to that date. The Hawk and Lott families were among the first members. The membership at present is about sixty. Present Trustees, W. J. Kirkendall, W. Hawk, A. Pettinger and C. S. Kinnison; pastor, Rev. L. C. Haddox, of Wellston. Mt. Carmel U. B. Church.—The society was formed as early as 1825, but for a great many years held meetings in dwellings and school-houses. In 1865 money was raised and the present neat frame church building was built on section 11, at a cost of $1,200. The present congregation numbers about fifty members; pastor, Rev. Mr. Lower. The land valuation of the township is given in the assessment of 1882 at $256,923, and the chattel property at $168,439; total $425,362. The personal property assessment is put down at a very low figure, certainly not over twenty-five per cent. of its valuation, as there are no less than six furnaces in blast at this time (1883). BIOGRAPHICAL. A. A. Austin, farmer.and dealer in stock, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1836, a son of William and Sarah (Irwin) Austin, who were natives of Maryland and of HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 623 English descent. he received his education at the public schools of his native county till fourteen years of age, after which he went to school at Madison, Ind., and after a time entered Marietta College, which he attended one year. He then attended the Ohio University two years and graduated in December, 1856. He then dealt in real estate in New Orleans till the following spring. He enlisted in 1863, in Company H, Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and was captured and held prisoner for a time at Harper's Ferry, and was then paroled. Soon after he was commissioned First Lieutenant of the Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, and served till he was mustered out at Delaware, Ohio. He then engaged in farming and dealing in stock, and has at present 160 acres of land near Berlin. He was married in September, 1861, to Mary Montgomery, a native of Ireland. They have had nine children, of whom seven are living—Irwin M., Charles H., William A., Robert D., Benjamin G., John C. and Agnes S. David L. and Francis R. are deceased. Mr. Austin is now United States Storekeeper of the Eleventh District of Ohio. He is a member of Mineral Lodge, No. 701, A. F. & A. M., and is a charter member of Colonel Dove Post, G A. R. E. B. Bingham was born Aug. 26, 1844, in Morgan County, Ohio, and is a son of Solomon and Susannah (Weeks) Bingham. He worked on the farm till he was eighteen year old, and attended the schools during the winter months. Sept. 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, under Captain John A. Ashberry, and was in the battle of Somerset, Ky., and in the siege of Knoxville, Tenn. After serving over a year he was appointed Mail Carrier for the Department of the Ohio, which position he held till he was mustered out July 9, 1865. He then farmed three summers and attended school in the winters, and afterward taught in the public schools. In 1870 he began the study of law in connection with his duties as a teacher, and was admitted to the bar at Ironton, Ohio, April 22, 1873. He immediately began the practice of law at Wellston, and is now known as one of the leading attorneys of the county. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Milton Township, Jan. 1, 1879, and re-elected Jan. 1, 1882, for a term of three years. He is at present Mayor of Wellston, having been elected April 2, 1883. He was married Sept. 16, 1869, to Susan M., daughter of D. D. and C. A. Evans, of Wellston. Their children are—Eadfred, Loueva and Cara G. Freddie M. died at the age of seven months. Mr. and Mrs. Bingham are members of the Methodist church, of Wellston, he being Trustee and Superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He was elected a member of the School Board in 1883 for a term of three years. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of I. 0. 0. F. fraternity, No. 101, at Wellston, and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His grandfather came from :Vermont and settled in what was then Guernsey County, now Noble County, in an early day. His mother died in 1881, aged seventy one years. L. H. Bingham, a son of Solomon and Susannah Bingham, was born April 13, 1846, in Milton Township, Jackson Co., Ohio, His grandfather came from Vermont in an early day and was one of the early settlers of Southern Ohio, where he made a good farm out of the wilderness. Our subject's educational advantages were limited, he being able to attend school only a few months during the winter and afterward attended the Ewing-ton Academy in Gallia County, Ohio. He worked on a farm till he was seventeen years old, when he enlisted June 23, 1863, in Company H, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, under Captain W. J. Evans. He served till he was mustered out July 25, 1865, at Knoxville, Tenn. Dec. 29, 1869, he was married to Mary E., daughter of Rufus and Lucinda White. They have had six children, of whom 624 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. five are living—Mary L., Annie M., Algeria G., Rufus E. and Linnie M. William L. died at the age of two months. Mr. Bingham and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church about seventeen years. He was elected Clerk of the Corporation in 1878 and served two and a half years. April 1, 1879, he was appointed Postmaster and still holds that position. Rufus Braley was born in Milton Township, Jackson Co., Ohio, in 1834, a son of Newell Braley. His education was received in the old-fashioned log school-house. He is an esteemed and influential citizen of his township, public spirited and liberal in forwarding all enterprises of interest to his township. He was married in November, 1858, to Euclid McClintick. They have a family of five children—Eva, James, Newell, Maggie and Ripley. In religious faith Mr. Braley is liberal and he is not connected with any church. Albert Brooks was born May 22, 1856, in Athens County, Ohio, and is a son of John, Sr., and Emily Brooks, who came from Pennsylvania to Athens County in 1853. He attended the public schools of his native county till he reached the age of fourteen years, when he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade. He worked at his trade till he was twenty-two, after which he engaged in the drug business with Dr. G. L. Monahan in Wellston, the firm name being Monahan & Brooks. At the end of a year Mr, Monahan sold out to Mr. Brooks, who still carries on the same business on Broadway, east side of the railroad. On Oct. 12, 1878, he was appointed Marshal of Wellston, and re-elected the following spring, and also elected to the office of Constable at the same time. He was elected Mayor in 1881, serving two years, and in the spring of 1883 was elected Clerk of the village. Feb. 11, 1882, he was married to Mary, daughter of L. D. Hutchinson, of Centerville, Ohio. One child has been born to them, called Maudie. Hon. H. S. Bundy, Wellston, Jackson County, is a son of Nathan and Adah M.(Nichelson) Bundy, his father a native of Hartford, Conn., and his mother of Dutchess County, N. Y., where they were married, but soon after, in 1816, settled in Marietta, Ohio. Two years later settled near Athens where he leased college land, and took it from a dense wilderness to a good degree of improvement, and then learned that the title was worthless. He was one of the pioneers of Athens County, coming here in 1818. He was killed in 1832 by the falling of a tree. His wife died in Jackson County, Ohio, in 1880, aged eighty years, three months and nine days. Of their three children, H. S. is the eldest and the only one who reached maturity, the others dying in infancy. He was born Aug. 15, 1817, in Marietta, Ohio. In 1834 he came to McArthur, and soon after went to Wilkesville, where, in 1837 he married Lucinda, daughter of Zamri Wells. In 1839 they moved to McArthur, where Mrs. Bundy died in December, 1842, leaving three children— William K; Sarah A., wife of Major B. F. Stearns, of Washington, D. C, and Lucy J., now Mrs. J. C. H. Cobb, of Jackson County, Ohio. From 1839 to 1846 he was engaged in the mercantile trade in McArthur. In 1844 he married Caroline, daughter of Judge Paine, of Jackson County, and in 1846 moved on the Judge's farm, which he after ward b might and still owns, being his present beautiful residence. His second wife died in 1868 leaving two daughters—Julia P., wife of Judge J. B. Foraker, of Cincinnati, Republican candidate for Governor of Ohio, and Eliza M., wife of Harvey Wells. Mr. Bundy was married in 1876 to Mary M. Miller. In early life Mr. Bundy attended a short term of private school under the tutorship of David Pratt, of Athens, but his educational privileges ceased when he was fourteen years of age. His natural talent and home study combined with his uprightness of principles