HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 825 This very same Sam Tilden, Whom the rebels did support, When we were fighting rebels, boys, Lay laughing at the sport; When we had them almost whipped And forced them to the wall, His sympathies were great for them, For "quarter" he did call. But the boys in blue, with hearts, so true, Rushed on to victory, They have died that we might live To enjoy sweet liberty; To overthrow this Government Sam joined heart and hand, He never will be President To rule this loyal land. Thousands of our bravest men Died martyr to the cause, And in the rebel prison pen Were starved by these outlaws; They have gained a glorious victory, Our flag still waves on high, And we'll maintain the liberties For which the brave did die. These hostile Northern rebels Helped inaugurate the war, But they all lit out for Canada When they heard the cannon's roar; They skulked among the hills and rooks. And through the lofty pine; What noble soldiers they would make With their breast-plate on behind. The great rag baby suddenly died, And another child Was born, Sam Tilden was its daddy, And they christened it reform; The child, it was a come-by-chance, 'Twas born without a mother, It had no teat to suckle, So it died just like the other. We've sent them up Salt River now, With all their motley crew, Skedaddlers and repeaters, Likewise pea-hullers, too; We've elected Hayes and Wheeler, We are in a splendid fix, Good-bye to you, Sam Tilden, Farewell to you Hendricks. CHAPTER XLI. SCIOTO, NEWTON, SUNFISH AND CAMP CREEK TOWNSHIPS. SCIOTO TOWNSHIP. Scioto Township Was not organized until June 4, 1851, and is therefore the youngest of the municipal divisions which compose the county of Pike. It was formed from Seal Township, and lies directly east of, and on the Scioto River, the latter being its west boundary. On the north is Seal Township, on the east Union, and on the south Scioto County. It has an area of only 15,069 acres, which gives it the rank of tenth in size, four other townships being a few acres smaller. It is five miles from north to south, and a trifle less than that from east to west, its western line being irregular from the meanderings of the Scioto River. TOPOGRAPHY. It was principally settled by Virginians, who at first settled well back from the river, upon the second elevation, leaving the bottom to the overflow. It was only shunned on that account, the richness of its productive wealth being well known. And so the high lands and ridges were taken up, and the river bed left as a swamp for the ravages of the annual or semi-annual floods. However, as the years went by, the avoided bottoms began to take here and there the look of a farm, and a few venturesome spirits took up the richest lands of the Scioto Valley. Alter leaving the bottom lands the first ridge is found lighter soil, and on reaching the hills it is too thin for profitable cultivation. At least three-fifths of the township is good, arable land, and in point of agricultural wealth is equal to its sister townships. The hill known as " Sam's Hill," back of the farm of Dr. Bliss, is an immense gravel bed, with a bed or quarry of sandstone on its summit. There is probably some mineral to be found in these hills, evidences of iron ore and coal, and also traces of oil. The township is watered principally by Big Run Creek, which flows westerly through the south central part of the township, and empties into the Scioto River, and a small tributary, called Salt Creek, is in the south, which empties into the other, near Big Run Hamlet. There is in the east a large amount of timber, and railroad ties are cut to a profit. BIG RUN is on the line of the Scioto Valley Railroad, and is the only hamlet in the township. There were six acres surveyed, but the outlook did not promise well, so the hamlet has never been platted. The survey was made in 1881 by C. W. Bailey. The principal business is done by the Cutliffs. OLD SETTLEMENT. The family of John Barnes, who came in 1801, settled first in Pee Pee Township, but afterward purchased land in Scioto. Miss Lizzie Barnes, at present living on the homestead, is a daughter of John Barnes. This purchase was among the first in the township. - 826 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 827 Mr. Barnes was elected twice a member of the Legislature, a Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and was a prominent man in county affairs for quite a number of years, being a man of strong sense and great energy of character. Another of the old settlers was a Mr. Boydston. He was a native of Virginia. Then Levi Moore, well known in those early days, another native of Virginia, was born April 29, 1788, and arrived soon after Pike County was organized. Two of his sons, John and Alfred, are now living. Captain Elisha Peters came from Ross, and then settled in Scioto Township. He took part in the war of 1812. Not long afterward came Captain Towner, William Collins, John Vulgarmoore and Lloyd Howard. EDUCATIONAL. The educational interest of Scioto Township is secured through the six school districts which are found within its limits. Its population of school age numbers 374, and there are six school-houses whose aggregate valuation is placed at $2,400. CHURCHES. Free Methodist Episcopal Church.—This body was organized in 1835. For many years they had no building for worship, but finally there was a log house built which served their purpose for many years. The old house was dedicated by Rev. Free, and named in honor of him. This building was used until some ten years since, when they erected the present building at a cost of $1,800. The present minister is the Rev. J. M. Adams; Trustees, George Hauk, Robert Morgan, John F. Parrel, Ralph Doty. The Mt. Gilead Church, of Christ in Christian Union, was organized in 1864, by Alfred Moore, at his house, with fifteen members. The following year, 1865, they erected a substantial frame church at the total cost of $1,000. Their first minister was Rev. G. W. Culp, the house being dedicated by Rev. J. F. Givens. They have prospered, and have now some forty members. The present pastor is Rev. R. F. Wamsley. Baily Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized about 1838. Their church, a frame building, was erected in 1847, at a cost of about $1,000. It is a neat little building, located in the eastern part of Scioto Township. The Trustees at this time are: Milton Peters, Charles Peters and William Talbott. Barnes Methodist Episcopal Chapel.—This was the first organization in Pike County. In 1835 they erected the old building known as the " Barnes Chapel." They held their services here until 1874, when it was discontinued, the members mostly going to the Methodist Episcopal church, of Piketon. POSTOFFICES. Wetmore postoffice was established with G. W. Coffrin as Postmaster, in 1860. He was followed by a Mr. Reynolds, and he by Mary Stanforth. Then came Charles Boydston and T. G. Vaughters, followed by the present Postmaster, J. D. Gibson. There is no hamlet. Wakefield postoffice is kept at the station by that name, on the Scioto Valley R Lilroad, and, like the above, is simply a postoffice. It was established in 1880, with Thomas Taylor appointed to take charge, and he is still Postmaster. G. A. R. POST, NO. 245, was inaugurated as such in July, 1882, with twenty charter members. It has flourished exceedingly since its organization and has a membership now of thirty-seven. Meetings are held twice a month and strong interest felt in advancing to a front rank among the posts of the county and section. The offi ;era are: Commander, David Burnside; Quartermaster, --- ; Chaplain, Rev. J. H. McCoy; S. V. C., H. Russede; J. V. C., George March, and Adj , W. A. Horn. 828 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. As previously stated, the township was organized in 1851; the following is the record: June 4, 1851. "Scioto Township formed from Seal, described as follows: " Beginning on the Scioto River on the county line between Scioto and Pike counties, running thence with said line 'eastward to Union Township; thence north with the line between Seal and Union townships, to the southwest corner of section 13, township 4, range 21; thence westerly with the section lines to the Scioto River; thence down the river to the place of beginning. "Election ordered. June 17, 1851, at the house of C. W. Bailey." BOUNDARY CHANGES. It was some ten years after its organization b fore a change was made. One was made and recalled placing the line back to its original boundary, but the following was granted and the township conforms in its present line without any changes: " Commencing at the northeast corner of section 9 (being the northeast corner of Scioto Township), running one-half mile west; thence south to the Scioto County line." The petition signed by John H. Towner and Phillip Baldman, Trustees of Scioto, and George A. Hall and Sprouse, Trustees of Union. Granted Nov. 1, 1861. OFFICIAL. The first township officers in 1851 were: Trustees, John H. Towner. I. N. Barnes and Henry Priest; Assessor, Samuel Johnson; Treasurer, C. W. Bailey; Clerk, Ansel Santford. The present officers (1883) are: Trustees, John Stewart, W. A. Horn and Henry Shy; Assessor, W. L. Taylor; Treasurer, Thomas Taylor; Clerk, D. W. Dailey. The township has a voting population of a little less than 200. The population of the township was, in 1860, 696; in 1870, 772, and in 1880, 921. VALUATION. Scioto Township had, in 1880, a valuation of chattel property to the amount of $138,614. This was exceeded by but three other townships in the county, viz.: Pee Pee, Seal and Jackson. The assessed valuation of the township in 1882 was as follows: Real estate, $294,561; personal property, $150,645; total, $445,206. BIOGRAPHICAL. Dr. George Webster Bliss, son of Ellis and Mary Bliss, was born in Bradford, Vt., Oct. 17, 1811. He attended school most of the time till he was thirteen years old and at that early age began teaching in the public schools and followed the profession during the winters, till he was twenty-one years old. In the meantime he had been reading under Dr. John Poole. He then entered the United States Hospital, of Massachusetts, where he remained one year, and in 1837 he attended the medical department of Middlebury College, where he graduated Sept. 3, 1837. He then practiced medicine a short time in Portsmouth, after which he practiced ten years in Lucasville, Ohio. He then moved to Pike County where he has since followed his profession with much success. He was married in 1842 to Priscilla, daughter of William and Lydia Peters. They had seven children, of whom only one survives—Newton. Mrs. Bliss was born Jan. 24, 1822, and died Oct. 22, 1848, and in 1850 Dr. Bliss was again married, to Elizabeth Peters, who was born Dec. 29, 1819, and died May 25, 1872. George Cutlip was born Feb. 13, 1822, in Beaver Township, Pike County, and is a son of Samuel and Jane Cutlip, the former a native of Virginia, of German descent, and the HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 829 latter a native of Ohio, of Irish descent. They made their home in Pike County until their death, the mother having died in 1868 and the father in 1873. Our subject attended the public schools until he was twenty-two years of age. He was reared on the farm and has always followed farming pursuits, and now owns 298 acres of fine land which is well adapted to farming and stock-raising. He was married March 3, 1853, to Permelia, daughter of David and Sarah Wilson. They have had fourteen children of whom eleven are living. He has served as Justice of the Peace for six years and Township Clerk for twelve years, and has served five years as Constable. Captain M C. Peters, son of Elisha and Drusilla (Guthery) Peters, was born May 5, 1830, in Scioto Township. He was reared on the farm and attended the public schools during the winter till he was twenty-one years old, since which he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married Oct. 5,1851, to Ruth, daughter of Stewart Slavens. They have had ten children, eight of whom are living—Alice (wife of Elijah C. Williams), Carrie I., Sarah J. (wife of John Cockral), Louella, William R., Nellie C., Charles S. and Nora M. Sept. 4, 1861, Captain Peters enlisted in Company E, Thirty-third. Ohio Infantry, as a private, and twelve days later he was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and at the end of six months was discharged for disability. In Febrnary, 1865, he raised a company, of which he was chosen Captain, and served till the war closed, being mustered out Nov. 4, 1865. He is a member of Colwell Post, No. 245, G. A. R. His father was a native of Virginia and came to Ross County, Ohio, in 1812, and his mother was born and reared in Pike County, Ohio, and was the granddaughter of Colonel Guthery. They were the third family to settle on Howard's Run. Thornton W. Sargent, son of Eli and Elizabeth Sargent, was born March 19, 1806,in Pee Pee Township, Pike Co., Ohio, and died Sept. 25,1883, at the family residence in SciotoTownship, and was one of the oldest farmers in the county. His father, Eli, laid out the town of Piketon, and is the son of Snowden Sargent, who was about the first of the pioneer settlers in the county, coming from Maryland in 1796. He died in Coles County, Ill., May 24, 1834. Thornton W. Sargent was married in 1830 to Elizabeth Mustard, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of the county. They had six children—Samuel, Elizabeth, Lydia, Mary, Harriet and Henry W. In politics the entire family affiliate with the Republican party. Benjamin Talbott, son of William and Ann (Boydston) Talbott, was born May 4, 1810, on the old home farm, where he still resides, and has been engaged in farming since he grew to manhood. He was married May 15, 1831, to Jane Paschal, who was born June 14, 1812, a daughter of William and Sarah Paschal. They were the parents of six sons and seven daughters—Lemuel G., John H., Joseph P., Pressley T., William L., Benjamin E., Elizabeth H. (wife of John Keath), Maria L., Sarah J., Nancy E., Lydia A., Mary C. and Rebecca J. Mrs. Talbott died Oct. 13, 1877, at the age of sixty-five years. Our subject's parents came from Virginia to Ohio in a flat-boat, in 1799, being about the first settlers of Scioto Township. They lived near Waverly a short time, when they moved to the old home place, where the father died in 1829, and the mother's death occurred in 1846. Samuel Taylor, son of Levi and Rachel Taylor, was born March 9, 1811, in Pittsburg, and when four years old moved with his parents to Marietta, Ohio, and shortly afterward settled on the old homestead, which is now owned by our subject. He was educated at the common schools and was reared a farmer, which avocation he has always followed, 830 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY being one of the leading farmers in Scioto Township: He was married Jan. 1, 1834, to Mary, daughter of William and Elizabeth Stewart, who bore him nine children, of whom five are living—George W., John, Rachel, Sarah and Thomas. Mrs. Taylor died May 11, 1850, and in May, 1851, Mr. Taylor was married to Mrs. Abigail Gaston, widow of Joseph S. Gaston, and mother of Hon. Joseph Gaston, who was elected to the Ohio Legislature in 1883, and daughter of Joseph and Rosina Dewey, who came to Ohio in 1818, where the father died June 4, 1839, and the mother, Jan. 19, 1877. This union was blessed with five children, of whom three are living—Rosa A., Mary C. (wife of William Talbott) and William L. Mr. Taylor and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Samuel Ward was born June 15, 1843, and is a son of John L. and Sarah A. Ward, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-ninthOhio Infantry, and served four years and twelve days, and was mustered out July 9, 1865. He was in a number of battles, the most important of which are New Madrid, Corinth, Kenesaw Mountain, and was with Sherman to the sea. He was married Aug. 4, 1867, to Edith, daughter of Vachel and Sabina Castor. They have eight children—William H., Jacob E., James A., Frances D., Mary E., Gertrude, Sarah E. and Lavina L. NEWTON TOWNSHIP. SOIL, PRODUCTION AND BOUNDS . This township lies west of the Scioto River, and being one of the valley townships it is rich in its agricultural resources, though in the west it is somewhat broken. It has an area of nearly thirty square miles, with an average width of nearly six miles, while from north to south it is five miles. Its northern boundary is Pebble and Pee Pee townships, south, "Camp Creek, and west, Sun fish. After leaving the valley of the Scioto it is somewhat broken. It has the main body of Sunfish Creek passing through it from south and east through the township, and numerous creeks and small tributaries, which are lined by hills and high bluffs, giving it little agricultural advantages. Sunfish Creek empties into the Ohio River, and with its tributaries, creeks and springs it is a well-watered township. With the valley of the Scioto for its agricultural resources and its hills and gulches, it is a good stock township, and combined should make it a more valuable township than its assessed valuation now gives it. No Name Creek is another- quite large stream that finds its way across the township, and, like its larger sister, empties into the Scioto River. Panther Knob, just below Jasper, has an elevation of 663 feet, rough and ragged in its outline, and massive and solid in its proportions. It is conical in shape, coming almost to a point at the top. It takes its name from the fact that the last panther killed in that section found her lair near the top of this somewhat famous peak, and she and her brood were hunted to their retreat and killed there. Jasper Knob, which takes its name from the bright and prosperous village of that name, is the next highest elevation, lacking but a few feet of reaching the altitude of the first named; and then comes Yankee Hill, named after a colony of New England settlers. TIMBER. The cliffs are covered with a dense forest of timber of great value, and of all the varieties Which go to make up the wooded growth in digenous to the soil and climate—all the varieties of oak, hickory and maple, the chestnut, walnut, locust, and the pine are the principal kinds, and a large business is done in tan-bark, railroad ties, fence posts, hoop-poles, staves, etc. Peter Skill, a native of New Jersey, was among the first settlers of the township off HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 831 from the river bottoms. He settled some six miles west of Jasper, near the line now dividing Sunfish and Newton. John Merritt was another of those who brought sunlight into the barren places. POPULATION AND VALUATION. The population of Newton Township was, in 1840, 337; 1850, 461; 1860, 956; 1870, 1,138; 1880, 1,369. Newton has an acreage of 17,887 acres upon the assessment roll. This personal property of the township was given in 1880 at $52,757; the real estate valuation for 1882 was, $123,682, and the personal property, $65,401; the real and personal o Jasper Village, $41,800; total, $230, 883. JASPER VILLAGE. This village had the honor of being laid out by Governor Robert Lucas in the year 1833, and the plat was duly recorded. It was named after the brave Sergeant Jasper, of Revolutionary fame, and with its name and founder represents two choice spirits of eary days and of enduring fame. It lies on the canal in the northeastern part of the township, and as it deals largely in timber, railroad ties, hoop-poles, etc., it has a large business, and two or three canal-boats are loaded almost daily during the season of navigation. It was, unfortunately, during the late civil war, on the line of march of General John H. Morgan's raid of Confederate cavalry, and suffered to the extent of pretty much all of portable value. One of its citizens, a Mr. McDougal, on his return from Piketon was killed. Its first business firm was Phelps & Alexander, and the next was Cutler & Curry. Soon after came W. H. Truesdell & Jones. This, with a saloon, blacksmith shop, etc., constituted its business interests for many years. At this time, 1883, the business of Jasper is in the hands of S. N. Cutler & Son, J. McGowen, L. A. Dewey and Stephenson & Wills, all doing a general business. W. F. Truesdell represents the drug business, and there is a grocery store, blacksmith shop, a harness shop, a saloon and a few other business interests usually found in a village of 200 inhabitants. The medical profession is well represented by Drs. McPherson and Hooper. The law is without a representative. The postoffice was established in 1837 with John G. Alexander as Postmaster. It is now in the hands of J. W. Stephenson. PUBLIC SCHOOL. The school of Jasper has always been well kept. The old log school-house flourished in early days, and then came the frame with more of modern conveniences. It was not until 1880 that it rose to rank of a graded school, when a special tax was levied for a new and still more convenient and commodious building, which was completed and furnished at a cost of some $1,200. The Superintendent that year was G. W. Roy, succeed ed by J. L. Cutler, and in 1883 by E. J. Zeiglar, with Miss Emma McPherson as assistant. The population of Jasper Village is not far from 200. In 1840 it claimed sixty-nine inhabitants, and in 1870, 181. VARIOUS MATTERS. The township was organized about 1825, the loss of the records preventing the giving of the exact date. There are in the township outside of Jasper seven public schools, the valuation of the property being placed at $4,000. The number of children of school age, is 405, of which about three-quarters are enrolled. The township officers in 1838 were: Trustees, Nathan Hitman, John Alexander and Joshua Adams; Clerk, J. G. Alexander. In 1883 the Trustees were: Andrew Ward, Theodore Moore and Amos Hoffer; Clerk, W. R. Payne; Treasurer, W. E. Dunn; Justices of the Peace, J. W. Stephenson and James Peetrill. 832 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Fruit grows well and grapes could be made a very profitable crop. It is a natural fruit and grape growing country. BETHEL. In the southern and western part of the township there is a small hamlet by the above name. It was laid out in 1860 by the Rev. Hampton and named by him Bethel. The postoffice was established in 1876 and named Pike. There is only one general store and the postoffice is kept in that. The first Postmaster was John Entler, who was succeeded, in the order named, by B. F. Steadman, Henry Bays, G. W. Rose and W. R. Sharp. CHURCHES. Pleasant Valley Methodist Protestant Church,.—This class was organized in 1831, by a few of the old pioneers, who had no church prior to that time of that denomination. In 1858 they erected a small building at a cost of about $300, and gave it the name of Pleasant Valley Church. Jonathan Flood is supposed to have been the first minister. They now number about fifty members, under the care of Rev. Isaac Brundage. Their Sunday-school is superintended by William McKee, and both church and school are thirly prosperous. Methodist Episcopal Church of Jasper.— This church was organized in the year 1845, a few persons coming together and forming the class. Among these the names of Rev. John Booten, Joseph McDougal, Thomas Shropshire and C. B. Smith are remembered. The church struggled along with such poor accommodations as could be secured in -the cabins of the members or the log school-house until 1857, when a subscription was started by the Methodist Protestant church, but failed to secure the desired amount to finish the church building, when the above named congregation of the Methodist Episcopal church bought it and finished it in the year 1858. The church has grown and strengthened in succeeding years, and has at present a mem. bership of ninety, its present pastor being Rev. W. Morris. S. N. Culver and St. H, Glower are Class-Leaders; Trustees, S. N. Cutler, J. W. Stephenson, C. B. Smith, J. W. Rose, B. W. Lauman, J. Dewey, St. H. Glower, Dr. L. McPherson and W. F. Truesdell. BIOGRAPHICAL. Hugh C. Addy, son of James Addy, was born Dec. 4, 1820, in Guernsey County, Ohio, He was reared on the farm, and his educational advantages were very limited, but by his own efforts he has obtained a fair education, He was married May 2, 1842, to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph and Jerusha Penisten, who were very early settlers of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Addy are the parents of one son—Joseph, who is married and. at present living on the home farm. Mr. Addy cast his first vote in 1840 for Van Buren, and has ever since affiliated with the Democratic party. In 1862 he was elected County Treasurer, and re-elected in 1864 by a rarge majority. His father came to Ohio as early as 1800, and died March 9, 1881. His mother's death occurred March 6, 1880. L. D. Bancroft was born Sept. 7, 1830, in Chenango County, N. Y., and lived on the farm till he was eighteen years of age. He then went to the fisheries on Lake Michigan, where he was engaged some years, after which he was 'a Captain on a canal-boat for several years. He then engaged in farming, which avocation he still follows, and owns a farm in Newton Township of 223 acres. During the war he was a photographer, and carried on an extensive business. He was married June 1, 1856, to Susan E., daughter of Eli Smith. They have had seven children,of whom five are living—William, George, Gertrude, Dora and Dellaphine. Mary E. and Frank are deceased. George W. Brodbeck, Commissioner of Pike County, was born Nov. 2, 1842, in Ports- HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 833 mouth. His parents, Stephen and Rosa Brodbeck, were natives of Germany, and came to America in 1832, and several years later engaged in the mercantile business in Portsmouth, being one of the leading merchants there till his death, which occurred in July, 1873. His wife died about 1858. George W. attended the public schools of Portsmouth until he was sixteen years old, and during vacations was engaged in his father's store. He then attended the Commercial High School in Portsmouth until he graduated, after which Ile obtained a position as bookkeeper, but was obliged to leave on account of his health. He was then engaged in boating on the canal and river for several years, when he bought 100 acres of land near Jasper, Ohio, and has since followed farming. He was married May 24, 1864, to Mary J. Hall. Mr. Brodbeck has held several offices of trust, and in October, 1883, was elected County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket by a majority of 382 votes. Samuel N. Cutler was born near Wheelers-burg, Scioto Co., Ohio, May 9, 1825, a' son of Pliny and Philinda (Bliss) Cutler. His father was born near Brattleboro, Vt., Oct 4, 1779, and was the father of thirteen children, nine bays and four girls, only two now living—Harvey, and our subject, who was the youngest of the boys. Pliny Cutler emigrated to Ohio soon after the war of 1812 and settled gear Wheelersburg, Scioto County, where he resided' for perhaps twelve years. He then moved to a point on the east side of the Scioto River, about three miles north of Portsmouth, where he engaged in farming to some extent and operated a grist-mill for about five years. He then purchased a farm situated on the west side of the Scioto River, fifteen miles north of Portsmouth, where he remained the rest of his life, and which, after the Ohio Canal had been completed, became known as Cutler's Station, from the fact that the canalboat teams were stationed there. He, at the - 53 - digging of the canal, was engaged upon and excavated about three-fourths of a mile of the same. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was about six years old when his father removed to the aforementioned farm, and it was here that he obtained, all the school education that it has been his lot to obtain, and as is generally known, the facilities at that time were quite limited. It is also notable that the benefits of public preaching were also limited; public worship was almost invariably observed at his father's house. He remained here doing farm work, and Aug. 31, 1848, he was married to Rusina D. Hadley, by whom he had one child—Laura J., born Sept. 27, 1849. She died Feb. 7, 1853, and her mother followed the next day. After the death of his wife and child he made a sale of all his personal property and removed to Jasper, Pike County, and there hoarded with his sister, Jane Hadley, who then was keeping the hotel at that place. In a few months thereafter he purchased the stock of merchandise of Reed Bros. and engaged in the mercantile business, which he still follows. Nov. 7, 1853, he was united in marriage to Ann M. Reed, who died Aug. 7, 1875, and by whom he had two sons—George R., who is a partner in his father's mercantile business, and Harry A , both living. Dec. 23, 1877, he was united in marriage to Kittie A., daughter of James and Phoebe Rodgers. They have two children—Mabel, five years old, and Helen, one year old., In politics he is a Republican, having been formerly a Whig. He has filled various public positions, being Postmaster for a time, and later was Internal Revenue Assessor for about three years. He is a Master Mason and a member of Orient Lodge, No. 321, F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a Class-Leader, and is Superintendent of the Sabbath-school . At the time of the Morgan raid in 1863, he was a member of the County Military Committee and engaged in his official 834 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. capacity under orders from Major-General Burnside in obstructing the public roads in order to hold in check the rebel raiders. At this time he suffered a loss by said raid of about $6,000 in merchandise as also other property. J. W. Dewey, merchant at Jasper, Ohio, was born April 15, 1831, in Scioto County, and is a son of Joseph and Rosina Dewey. He was reared on the honie farm and educated in the common schools till sixteen years of age, after which he followed farming till 1865, since which he has been engaged in the mercantile business in various places. He was married Dec. 15, 1856, to Louisa Slattery, who was born July 12, 1836, and died March 20, 1883. She was a daughter of John and Julia Slattery, who were natives of Ohio. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dewey, of whom three are living-Alice, wife of V. H. Bond, Charles, and John, who is in business with his father; Willie died at the age of nine days. Mr. Dewey helped organize, and was a charter member of, Idaho Lodge, No. 620, I. 0. 0. F., and has taken all the degrees. His father was a native of Connecticut, and came to Ohio when a young man. He was engaged in school teaching and in the practice of medicine, and died in Harrisonville, Ohio, in June, 1839, aged forty years. Samuel Dinsmore was born in Center County, Pa., Dec. 23, 1811, and is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Dinsmore, who came from Ireland in 1800. They landed in Philadelphia and settled in Center County, where they lived till their deaths. The former died in 1831, and the latter in 1868, at the advanced age of eighty-flve years. Our subject lived with his parents till he was seventeen years old, when he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed, and is one of the best in the State. His educational advantages were very limited, he having received most of his education by his own exertions after attaining his majority. He has lived in Ohio since 1856, and owns a good farm of 210 acres. He was married in 1815, to Julia McLellan. They have had four children-John, Caroline Bolden, Nancy Legg and Elizabeth Chain. Mr. Dinsmore acted as Justice of the Peace several years. He has passed the first chair of Juniata Lodge, No. 117, I. 0. 0. F. W. H. Flowers, farmer at Jasper, Ohio, was born Aug.. 18, 1824, in Jackson, Ohio, where he attended the public schools till he was sixteen years of age. He was married June 9. 1846, to Eliza A., daughter of John and Nancy Green, who were natives of Virginia. They have had seven children; of whom six are living-John W., born Dec. 3, 1846; Mary A., Dec. 7,1818; Rochcelena, born July 2, 1851; Eemerilis, born Oct. 3, 1853; Edgar S., born May 4, 1856, and died Aug. 15, 1867; Effie J., born Oct. 9, 1861, and Frank, born April 7, 1871. Mr. Flowers has always been a Republican in politics and has served as Township Trustee a few years. He owns a farm of 208 acres of land. His parents, William and Elizabeth Flowers, were among the first settlers at Jackson salt works. The former died at Jackson in 1867, aged sixty-six years,and the latter's death occurred Aug. 10, 1855, at the age of fifty-four years. Dr. W. H. Hooper was born Sept. 5, 1810, in Adams County, Ohio, and is a son of James R. and Ursula (Pemberton) Hooper, the former a native of Pennsylvania, of French descent, and the latter a native of Ohio. W. H. was reared on the farm and attended the public schools until he was about twenty years of age. He then attended the High School at West Union for a time, after which he taught school for one year. Jan. 27, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Seventeenth Ohio Infantry,as a private. He was appointed First Sergeant March 21,1862; was appointed First Lieutenant Oct. 19, 1861; was promoted to Captain Dec. 18, 1864. He was mustered HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 835 out at Little Rock, Ark., Aug. 14, 1865, and returned home. He then engaged in merchandising till 1870, at which time he entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, and a short time after began practicing his profession at Jasper, Pike Co., Ohio, where he has built up a large practice. He was married Sept. 27, 1865, to Martha A., daughter of Jesse and Catherine Kendall. Five children were born to them, four now living—Lalla R., Iona Dell, Ragan and Orville. Harry was killed by a horse kicking him. Mrs. Hooper was born Feb. 22, 1841, and died April 17, 1878. The Doctor was nominated for the office of Sheriff on the Republican ticket, but failed to be elected. F. E. Jeffries, son of Joseph and Emma Jeffries, was born May 31, 1857, in Jackson, Ohio, where he lived till he was nine years old. He then moved to Waverly and attended the schools of that place a short time, after which he went to Sharonville and attended the public schools there for three years. He then began the mercantile business in Jasper, and is at present superintending a store on the canal fir S. N. Cutler. March 20, 1881, he was married to Sarah Rodgers. They have one child—Nellie, aged one and a half years. James McGowan, eldest son of Michael and Catherine (Hopkins) McGowan, was born Jan. 8, 1839, in County Sligo, Ireland. In 1850 part of the family emigrated to America, and in May, 1852, our subject and the remainder of the family landed in Quebec, and arrived at Waverly, June 21, 1852, where the father died Feb. 22, 1854. The care of the family was then left to James, and although but a boy he maintained his mother and the family. After several years he bought a ferry-boat at Sharonville, which he ran for three years, when he sold it and purchased property in Jasper and engaged in the mercantile business, which he still follows with success. He has considerable property in Jasper. His first tax receipt was $1.25, and now amounts to $175.00. He was married April 13, 1869, to Ella, daughter of Patrick and Mary O'Hara. They have been blessed with six children—Mary F., Joseph I., John M., Margaret M., Catherine T. and Annie B. Mr. McGowan is a member of the Roman Catholic church. L. McPherson, M. D., son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hart) McPherson, was born Oct. 21, 1837, in Morgan County. He spent his youth in working on the farm in summer and in attending school in winter, and at the age of eighteen years he entered the Ohio University, where he attended eleven terms. He then read medicine under Drs. Sparrow and Black for three years, and in the fall of 1862 began the practice of medicine at Berlin, Ohio, where he remained about five years. In May, 1868, he moved to Jasper, Ohio, where he still follows his profession. Under the law of 1868 he received a certificate from the Pike County Medical Association, under which 'ne practices medicine and surgery. He was married Dec. 5, 1860, to Matilda J. Bane, who is of Irish descent. Eight children have been born to them, of whom five are living—Emma M., William B., Edward C., Joseph E. and Herman. Carrie B. and two infants are deceased. Mr. McPherson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a Trustee. W R. Payne was born in Pike County, July 8, 1856, a s in of John and Martha H. Payne, who are natives of Ohio. He was reared a farmer, and his education was received at the common schools till he was twenty-one years old. He then attended the Mount Joy Norm it School, and afterward the Waverly High School, and since leaving school he has followed teaching in Pike County. In 1879 he was married to May H., daughter of Allen Corns, who is a native of Ross County. Mr. Payne was elected to the office of Township Clerk in 1883. His paternal 836 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. grandparents came from Virginia in 1825 to Ohio, where they lived till their deaths. W. R. Sharp was born Aug. 29, 1857, in Jackson County, Ohio, a son of J. W. and Cynthia Sharp, who are natives of Ohio, of German descent. He was reared on a farm, and attended school during the winter till he was twenty years of age, after which he followed farming pursuits for five ,years. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Bethel, Ohio, and is now engaged in merchandising at Pike, where he has built up a good trade. He was married March 20, 1879, to Fannie, daughter of Thomas and Polly Bondurant, who are natives of Ohio, of German descent. In 1882 Mr. Sharp was appointed Postmaster of Pike, which office he still holds. J. W. Silcott, son of Jacob and Tamor Silcott, was born June 2, 1835, in Loudoun County, Va., and in 1836 his parents came to Pike County, Ohio, where they remained several years. They then moved to Highland County, Ohio, where the father died in 1815, and the mother in 1874. Our subject lived on the home farm till he was fourteen years old, after which he clerked in a store for five years. He then, with Perrin, Gould & Co., began dealing in grain, and after some time he accepted a position with R. Lloyd & Co., where he remained one year. In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battles of Antietam, Cloyd Mountains, and a number of others, and was mustered out at Camp Dennison, July 26, 1865. He was engaged in stone contracting with R. S. Winn about twelve years. In 1865 and 1866 he was engaged by a New York company to superintend the boring of the oil wells in Scioto County. In 18E7 he was married to Effie, daughter of Baker and Hester Wisbon, who were natives of Ohio. They have five children—Harry, Frank, Violet, Arthur and Maud. Mr. Silcott is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 221, A. F. & A. M., and has been through the Blue Lodge. Prof. C. B. Smith, son of W. D. and Elizabeth Smith, was born June 22, 1826, in Blacksburgh, Montgomery Co., Va. He was reared on the farm, and his educational advantages were very limited, but he obtained his education by his own industry and perseverance. In December, 1819, he began teaching school, and, with the exception of a few terms, has followed that profession for twenty-nine years. He was married June 13, 1850, to Lucinda, daughter of William and Sarah Campbell. They were the parents of four children—John A., Samuel W., Henry C. and Robert J. Mrs. Smith died in July, 1863. Aug. 11, 1862, Mr. Smith enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, as a private, and was soon transferred to the heavy artillery. At the expiration of his term of service he was mustered out at Knoxville, Tenn., and returned home. In 1867 he was again married fo Catharine, daughter of Charles and Ann Jones, of Ross County. They have had two children—Annie E. and Laura A. (deceased). Mr. Smith is now engaged in farming, and owns 100 acres of fine land, on which he has one-half mile Of stone fence. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. J. W. Stephenson, son of John and Mary Stephenson, was born May 6, 1847, in Oak Hill, Jackson County, Ohio. He was reared on his father's farm and received the benefit of the public school till he was sixteen years old, after which he entered the mercantlle college at Portsmouth, from which he graduated July 13, 1867. In 1869 he entered the State Normal School, where he remained one year, when he left on account of his eyes failing him. He then taught school till 1877, and since then has been engaged in the mercantile business. He was married in 1874 to Jennie L., daughter of J. L. and M. O. Wills, of Jasper. They have had five children born HISTORY OF LOWER SUIOTO VALLEY - 837 to them, of whom four are living—Charles and has held several other offices of trust, and E., Joseph W., Raymond H. and Jennie V. He has been Justice of the Peace seven years, Mary E. is deceased. In his political views Mr. Stephenson has always been a Republican. is at present Postmaster of Jasper, Ohio. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William F. Truesdell, a son of John P. and Catherine (Palmer) Truesdell, druggist, was born Sept. 3, 1837, in New York City, where in and near the city he attended school until he was about fifteen years old, when he came to Greene County, Ohio, and entered a seminary, graduating there at sixteen years or age. In 1854 he came to Jasper, Pike Co., Ohio, where he has since resided for a period of twenty-nine years. The most of the time he has been engaged in the mercantile business, a part of the time in partnership with his uncle, Wm. H. Truesdell, now deceased. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in what became Company A, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, as a musician, but was afterward detailed for the Quartermaster's Deparfment. July 17, 1862, he was honorably discharged for disability, and came home and resumed his business, which had been continued by his partners while he was in the service. Nov. 4, 1862, he married Mercy E., daughter of Thomas and Mercy McLellan: They have three children—Henry S., Katie M. and Hattie McL. Mr. Truesdell has been Postmaster at two dlfferent times, serving in that capacity for over twelve years: He has filled one term as Justice of the Peace, and is now an acting Notary Public, having filled that office fbr about ten years. He is a member of the Piketon Lodge I. 0. 0. F., No. 323, and also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been actively engaged in the temperance cause for many years, filling a Grand Lodge office in the Good Templars for several terms. In his political views. he is a Republican, at present being a member of the Republican Central Committee for Pike County. At the time of the Morgan raid he lost a half interest in a stock of about $4,000, the property of himself and his uncle, W. H. Truesdell's estate. Since 1872 he has been engaged in the business of druggist. W. H. Truesdell, deceased, was born near North Salem, Westchester Co., N. Y., in 1809, and was a son of Samuel Truesdell, who was an Adjutant under George Washington in the Revolutionary war, where he received a saber cut in the knee from a British cavalryman, and which became a running sore and continued to his death, which was at an advanced age. When a young man our subject came to Ohio and engaged in wood-chopping near Cleveland, Ohio, but afterward went upon the Ohio Canal as a driver, but afterward became master of a boat. This he continued to follow until 1843, when he came to Jasper, Pike Co., Ohio, and engaged in the mercantile business, which he continued to follow until his death, July 3, 1863, at the age of fifty-four years. He held several offices of trust in Newton Township, and at one time was Postmaster. He was an enterprising man and always alive to the best interests of the place in which he lived. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. At the time of the Morgan raid, in 1863, his estate, by his will, was still carrying on the mercantile business in partnership with his nephew, Wm. F. Truesdell. They lost by the raid over $4, 000 in merchandise, together with a stable and other outbuildings which were burned by the raiders. James W. Warne was born June 4, 1840, in Muskingum County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Mary A. Warne, the former a native of New Jersey, of German descent, and the latter born in Ohio, of Irish descent. They moved to Buchanan, Pike County, and engaged in the mercantile business, and built 838 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. the first house in Buchanan. Since 1855 our subject has followed agricultural pursuits and now owns 300 acres of fine land. He enlisted in the late war in 1862, in Company H, Ninety-first Ohio Infantry, as a private, but was soon promoted to Orderly Sergeant. He was in the battles of Floyd Mountain, Panther Gap, Fayetteville, and a number of others of less importance, and was mustered out in June, 1865. He was married Sept. 8, 1865, to Mary A., daughter of John and Mary Row. They have six children-1141nnie, Lillian, Benjamin C., Oscar, Annie and Ettie. Joseph L. Wills, son of Peter and Sarah Wills, was born Feb. 7, 1823, in Newton Township. He was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools till he was nineteen years of age, after which he taught school one term. In 1847 he was appointed Deputy Auditor of Pike County, which office he filled a long time, when he resigned on account of failing health, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married March 30, 1848, to Miss Marvin, who was born on Long Island, May 2, 1828, and is a daughter of William and Nancy Marvin. They have had two children—Jennie, born Nov. 14, 1853, now the wife of J. W. Stephenson, and George A., born April 28, 1850, and died June 22, 1873. Mr. Wills and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. His parents were natives of New Jersey and moved to Ohio in 1818. His father died Oct. 15, 1867, at the age of eighty-three years, and his mother died May 1, 1874, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. Wills's parents were of English descent and came to Ohio in 1830, where her father died March 15, 1856, aged sixty-two years, and her mother is still living in this State in her eightieth year. SUNFISH TOWNSHIP. SOMETHING OF ITS EARLY DAYS. Prior to 1798, Sunfish Township was a portion of Paxton, as first organized by the County Commissioners of Ross County. Paxton was afterward shorn of all its southwestern territory and the name of Mifflin Townshlp given to it, and when Pike County was formed Sunfish became one of the first townships; yet the creek by that name does not lle or flow through or within. its limits, barely touching its northeastern corner. The only streams with names within the township are the Chenoweth Branch or fork of Sunfish Creek and Carter's Run. TOPOGRAPHY. The township is very hilly and in a large measure rough and broken. The small valleys, are fairly productive, the soil being good, and easily worked. There are also some good upland farms which yield well. In the valley of the Chenoweth Branch are found quite a number of productive farms, and here and there are valleys, hardly large enough to be called such, yet not exactly ravines, which form some of the best corn and grass land in the township. Thus the township may well be called hilly and the crests of these hills are not productive. Of timber, the township has a vast quantity, and it is of every description, the oak, hickory and locust leading. The township carne near be. ing a triangle in shape, running to a point in the northeast and spreading out, its east line running due south, while its west line runs southwest. Its south line runs due west until it reaches about half its width where there is a bend to the northwest. This gives it an area of about thirty-one and a half square miles, or an acreage of 20,109 acres. This ls given a valuation of only $69,627, or a little over $3.40 per acre on the assessment roll, the smallest land valuation in the count:- The assessed valuation of the township in 1882 was: On real estate, $69,627; on personal property, $69,559; hamlet of York, $4,743; total, .$143,929. Its business interest, in a HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 839 mercanfile view, is conducted by Messrs. Garman & Moorhead, on the Chenoweth Fork, and a postoffice is located there, Enoch Steadman, Postmaster. It was established in 1871 and called Elm Grove postoffice, Air. Steadman remaining the only Postmaster. The other postoffice within the township is Poplar Grove, established in May, 1872, and Sampson Shanks appointed Postmaster. It is in the northwestern part of the township and the present Postmaster is Wm. Reno. OLD SETTLERS. The township was settled in about 1817 to '18. The settlers came mostly from Virginia, some few from North Carolina, and some from Pennsylvania. They located along the Chenoweth Fork or branch of Sunfish, and in the small , valleys, which were found cosy homes, with lofty hills and rugged outlines as their daily view. The names of some of the early pioneers are: Samuel Mustard, James Henry, Fenton Legg, William G. Humphrey, Timothy Allen, John Shanks, Christopher Beekman, Peter Cartwright, William Henry, B. F. Henry, Richard Rittenhouse, Howell Humphreys, Samuel Carter, John Smith, Benjamin Chesnut, James Smith, Enoch Steadman, R. Wilburn, William Starritt, Samuel Cooper, James Jones, Joseph Van Meter, Joseph Mustard, John Edwards, William Starkey, Joel Jones, Robert Alexander, Richard Stan-forth, William Peniston, Jacob Strickland and Elijah Grooms. BOUNDARY LINE CHANGES. Sunfish had few changes in her history, but when Newton Township was formed some re-arrangement of the line between the two townships was desired on both sides and made as follows: " Commencing where said line crosses the county road leading to Brush Creek; thence to run in an easterly direction to the bridge- across Sunfish Creek; thence up the creek to the mouth of Chenoweth Fork, and with the north line of P. Adams's farm to the aforesaid township line, taking about five-eighths of a mile from Newton, and adding it to Sunfish." POPULATION. The township had a population, in 1840 of 325; in 1850, 371; in 1860, 495; in 1870, 628; in 1880, 976. CHURCHES. White Oak Chapel Christian Church was organized Dec. 25, 1878, by Presiding Elders Winfield S. Beekman and Allen Smalley. The following were the original officers: Deacons, Newton F. Beekman and Charles C. Beekman; Treasurer, Winfield S. Beekman; Secretary, William S. Beekman. The church, a log structure, was built the same year, and is located in the northwest portion of the township. The present pastor is Rev. A. J. Watts; Elders, William G. Beekman, Thomas Moler and Newton F. Beekman; Deacons, Charles C. Beekman and Aaron A. Beekman. Membership, fifty-six. Services are held once a month. A Christian Church was organized at Victory School-house, in Sub-School District No. 6, in 1880, by Rev. William J. Allison, with about thirty members. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Cunningham, holding services once a month. In 1881 Rev. William J. Allison organized another class in the Marvin. School-house, in District No. 5, and is now the pastor. At present they have about twenty members. Services are held there once a month, and Sabbath-school every Sunday. The Mount Zion Christian Union Church was organized July 18, 1867, by Rev. Uriah Milburn, and a church was erected the same year. The Elders were: William Reno, James Ferguson and James Satterfield. The membership was thirty-six, and Rev. Alfred 840 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. Moore was the first pastor. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Shoemaker. Services once in two months, and Sabbath-school every Sunday. The Mead School Christian Union Class was organized Aug. 17, 1879, by Rev. John Treat, with thirty-five members, the Elders being Howell Humphreys, William Humphreys and Jackson Riley. The present pastor is Rev. John Newland; Elders, Jackson Riley, William Humphreys and John W. Satterfield. There is a membership of sixty-four. Regular service is held once a month, and Sabbath-school every Sunday. SCHOOLS. There are six school districts in the township, as follows: Sub-district No. 1, Henry School— Teacher, Milton Steadman; scholars, sixty-one. Sub-district No. 2, Smith School—Scholars, twenty-one. Sub-district No. 3, Combs School—Teacher, Howell Reno; scholars seventy-seven. Sub-district No. 4 has been dropped. Sub-district No. 5, Marvin School— Teacher, Wilford Payne; scholars, seventy-one. Joint Sub-district No. 6, Victory School — Teacher, Mathew Beekman; scholars, fifty-seven. SUNFISH OFFICERS. The officers for 1838 were: Trustees, Samuel Henry, James Henry and Samuel Mustard ; Treasurer, Christopher Beekman; Clerk, Samuel Mustard; Constables, Washington .Henry and Thomas McGhee; Supervisors, Benj. F. Henry, John Shanks and. Daniel Jones; Overseers of the Poor, Timothy Allen and Jovan Beekman; Fence Viewers, Peter Cartwright, James Henry and Samuel Mustard; Justice of the Peace, Samuel Henry. The present officers., 1883, are: Trustees, JamesW. Current, Joseph Williams and John H. Davis; Treasurer, Milton Rankin; Clerk, George E. Beekman; Constables, Cyrus N. Murphy and Wm. Henry; Assessor, Wm. J. Allison; Justices of the Peace, J. Q. Jacobs and Peter Mead. BIOGRAPHICAL. Ira Garman, senior member of the firm of Garman, Moorhead & Co., dealers in dry. goods, groceries, and general merchandise, is the only son of John H. and Magdalene (Stookey) Garman, both of German ancestry. He was born in Highland County, Ohio, Sept. 4, 1847, and attended the common schools. He followed farming until 1873, when he engaged in merchandising in connection with his farming at Sinking Springs, Highland County, until 1883. He then removed his stock of goods to Elm Grove and associated with him Mr. Moorhead. They are meeting with success. June, 1871, he was married to Cynthia, daughter of Henry and Maria (Shelpman) Cutler, of Scioto County. They have three children—Rosa J., John H. and Vivia N. Mr. and Mrs. Garman are members of the German Baptist church. Samuel Violet McAllister, merchant, was born near Burlington, Iowa, Aug. 10, 1847. His father, Daniel C. McAllister, was born and reared in Pennsylvania. He settled in Iowa in 1840, where he married Rebecca B. Violet, who was a native of Pike County, of French descent. Our subject remained is I Iowa with his parents till twenty-one years of age, when he came to Coopersville, Pike Co., Ohio, and clerked in the store of Violef Bros., his uncles, three years. He then engaged in merchandising nearly two years, under the firm name of Wheeter & McAllister, after which he and his uncle, Samuel Violet, owned and ran a canal packet between Portsmouth and Chillicothe six months. He then clerked for Mr. Wheeter, but soon after purchased and carried on the business one year, when he, in 1876, sold out and engaged in the mercantile business in Idaho one year. He then returned to Coopersville, but at the end of six months went to Kansas. In 1879 he HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO. VALLEY - 841 returned to Idaho and purchased property and engaged extensively in merchandising until the spring of 1883, when he sold his stock of goods but still retaining his property. He was married Oct. 24, 1875, to Josephine E., daughter of Robert and Eliza (Saddler) Pool. They have one son—Earl S. Mrs. McAllister belongs to the Methodist church. Mr. McAllister has served one term as Township Treasurer. He is a member of Lucasville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M., Scioto County, and also belongs to Piketon Lodge, No. 333, I. 0. 0. F., Pike County. William V. McCoy, owner and proprietor of the saw-mill, manufacturer of and dealer in lumber, Sunfish Township, was born April 26, 1832, in Pike County, Ohio, a son of Thomas and Jane McCoy. He was the oldest child by the second marriage, and remained on the home farm with his parents until Sept. 14,1853,when he married Amy, daughter of Josiah and Mary Pillers, of Pike County, Ohio, and settled on a farm of his own and followed farming until 1878, since which he has been engaged in the milling and lumber business. He owns 600 acres of land in Mifflln Township which is farmed by tenants, and 500 acres in Sunfish Township that he bought for the timber. They have four children: Savina, Mollie J., Louisa and William V., all of whom are living. Savina, the eldest, married Ira S. Rolfe, of Pike County, and lives on the home farm. They have three children. Mollie J., married C. 0. Moorhead, of Sinking Springs, Highland Co., Ohio; he formerly was a school-teacher, but he is now engaged in the mercantile business at Elm Grove, Ohio. They have two children. Louisa married C. L. Rhoads, of Highland County. They still reside with her parents. He is head sawyer in the saw-mill. William V., or Toni() as he is commonly called, is fifteen years old and is going to school. Calvin Otway Moorhead, junior member of the firm of Garman, Moorhead & Co., dealers in general merchandise, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1855, and is the eld est son of I. M. and Susan (Zuck) Moorhead. He was reared in Highland County, Ohio, and attained a liberal education at the common school, and when twenty years of age taught school. At the age of twenty-three years he and William V. McCoy became associated in saw-milling and lumbering and did an extensive business till the spring of 1883. He then sold his mill interests and since Aug. 1, .1883, has been carrying on a successful mercantile business with Mr. Garman. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Our subject was married Aug. 24, 1879, to Mary J., daughter of William V. and Amy (Pillers) McCoy, of Pike County. They have two children—Lelia May and Charles Leslie. Milton Rankin, farmer and stock-raiser, Elm Grove, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Oct. 25, 1840. His parents, Peter and Margaret (Haynes) Rankin, were born and reared in Virginia, and came to Ohio in an early day. In 1849 they moved to Scioto County, where the father died about 1851, and when our subject was sixteen years of age his mother married again. He then left home and purchased a team of oxen and followed teaming during the summer and attended school in the winter till he reached the age of twenty years. Feb. 8, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Seventieth Ohio Infantry, as a private for three years, and afterward re-enlisted as a veteran and served over three years and a half altogether. He was at the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Mission Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain and a number of others. He was discharged at Camp Dennison in August, 1865. While in the war he cast his first presidential vote for George B. MacClellan, and has always voted th3 Democratic ticket. After the war he purchased 120 acres of land and spent two years in the lumber trade and in buying and selling land. Since 1879 he 842 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. has devoted his time to his farm and stock, and now owns 900 acres of farming lands in Sunfish and Benton townships, Pike County. He was married July 8, 1860, to Martha, daughter of Allen and Latha J. (Sanderson) Humble, of Adams County. They have had seven children born to them—Louisa A., Luella B., Albert C., Clive L. and Mermena I. Charles B. and Luna M. are deceased. Mr. Rankin has been Township Trustee a number of years, and is at present Township Treasurer. Edward. Perry Stubbs, eldest son of John and Margaret (Cunningham) Stubbs, was born in Pittsburg, Pa., Nov. 18, 1835. His parents were born in Ireland, and came to America and settled in Pittsburg in 1829. Our subject began working in a rolling-mill when very young and was employed in mills until 1858, when he removed to Jackson County and engaged in farming. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Company M, Seventh Ohio Cavalry, of Jackson County, as a private, for three years. He was in the Army of the Cumberland and was on detached duty at Stanford, Ky., one year. He was with Sherman to Atlanta, and at the battle of Franklin, Tenn. He was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., in July, 1865, and returned to Jackson County. In 1868 he removed to' Pike County, where he has since been engaged in farming. He was married Oct. 28, 1858, to Margaret J., daughter of William and Jane (Jones) Dulaney, of Jackson County. They have had six children of whom three are living—Charles A., Mary E. and Anna M. Mr. Stubbs has been Township Trustee two years. He is a member of Idaho Lodge, No. 620, I. 0. 0. F., Pike County. his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Samuel Benton Violet, merchant, near Elm Grove, was born July 22, 1837, in Pike County, and is the youngest son of Samuel and Eunice (Phillips) -Violet. His father was born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1799, and in 1805 came-with his parents to Ohio. Our subject removed to Iowa with his parents in 1845, where his father died the same year, aged forty-six years. Nine years later his mother sold the farm and settled in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he attended college nearly six months. He then returned to Ohio, and he and his brother John kept store two years. He was married Dec. 20, 1855, to Jane C., daughter of John and Julia (Crull) Slattery, of Scioto County. They have had two children—Medora B., wife of Branson Holton, of Scioto County, and Anna C., who died at the age of twelve years. In 1856 Mr. Violet returned to Iowa and farmed three years, after which he farmed in Scioto County two years. In 1862 he enlisted as a private, and Aug. 22, 1862, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company F, One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio Infantry, and served nearly eighteen months, when he was promoted to First Lieutenant of Company A, Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was on detached duty in Kentucky and East Tennessee. He was on garrison duty at Knoxville, Tenn., when the war closed and was discharged in June, 1865. He then engaged in merchandising at Wheelersbnrg, Scioto County, three years, and two years of that time was Postmaster at that place. he then farmed and carried on a mercantile business in different places till 1875, since whlch he was in business with his son-in-law, Branson Holton, till March, 1883. He is now engaged in farming and running the store by himself. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served several terms as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of Lucasville Lodge, No. 465, A. F. & A. M., Scioto County, and also belongs to the chapter, Royal Arch Masons, of Portsmouth, Ohio. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 843 CAMP CREEK TOWNSHIP. BOUNDS AND AREA. This is one of the southern trio of townships lying on the west side of the Scioto River, and having that stream as its eastern boundary. On the south and west is Scioto County, and on the north Sunfish and Newton townships form its boundary line. It is rather a small township, its area being 17,579 acres, with an assessed valuation of $85,966, a personal property of $79,239; total, $165,205. The township is irregular in form, being some three miles in width from north to south on the west end at it widest part before it runs to a point in the extreme northwest part of the township, while on the east side it is but two and a half miles in width. The canal passes through the township near the river, a distance of two and one-half miles. Its length from east to west is also at variance, being about ten miles long on its northern border and eight and -a half on its southern. It was named after the principal stream of water within its border, Camp Creek. TIMBER AND WATER. Camp Creek is the only stream within its borders and rises within its limits. It runs in an easterly and then a southeasterly course, flowing into the Scioto River near the southeastern corner of the township. The western boundary of the township is also the western boundary of the county as far as the township extends, and the old survey followed a ridge without any regard to section lines or any other, which caused considerable trouble in early times, but was finally settled by adopting the old survey or ridge line. There is some excellent land along the Scioto bottoms and also in the narrow valley of Camp Creek. The western portion of the township is rough and broken, and its hills and gulches are well timbered. THE SETTLEMENT. The first settler in Camp Creek was Hezekiah Merritt, who settled there about 1801, removing from near Lucasville, where he had settled Dec. 24, 1795. At that time Camp Creek Township belonged to Scioto County; a few years later when that county was formed it was known as Seal Township. Afterward it became a part of Union Township, Scioto County, and in 1815 a part of Sunfish Township, Pike County. About 1825 Camp Creek became one of the municipal divisions of Pike County. The farm settled by him is now occupied by Moses Merritt, who is still living at the age of seventy-two years. Mr. Merritt lived several years here before ne had any very near neighbors. What is now known as the Star farm was settled a feet years later, and then they came in more rapidly, and formed a neighborhood along the creek. COOPERSVILLE. Camp Creek Township may be said fo be strictly an agricultural one, for there is but one small hamlet, Coopersville, within its limits. It has a store, is located on the canal, and is in the southeast corner of the township, just above the mouth of Camp Creek. It numbers some twenty souls. It was named after a person by the name of Cooper, who had a trading-boat on the canal and remained there for some time. This was in the year 1857. He finally built a small shanty and sold goods. A few years later a post-office was established, but was discontinued. It was re-established, however, but located about a mile west of the old place on the canal, but given the same name, so that the hamlet and postoffice are about one mile apart. EDUCATIONAL. Camp Creek is not well provided with schools. But four school districts are in the 844 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. township, with 340 children of school age. The school-houses are not large enough to accommodate over 200 pupils. The school property of the township is valued at $1,600. CHURCHES. Henry Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal Church was organized during the civil war, in 1863. In 1876 they erected a very neat church, plainly but comfortably furnished, at a cost of $600. There is now a membership of forty with Rev. Morris as pastor. A Sabbath-school is connected with the church and is fairly attended. Mt. Etna Church is of the denomination of the United Brethren and was organized in 1874. The church edifice was erected in 1877. Among its first members were G. W. Dieter-jell, W. J. Brown and their families, and their present pastor is the Rev. George Morgan. The membership has grown steadily, is not even now very large, but has a healthy and it is believed a prosperous future. Howard Chapel.—This is the name given to the place of worship of a small congregation of some twenty members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a like membership of the organization of United Brethren. The building was erected in 1848, by the citizens of the neighborhood, of logs, and cost about $125. It was used for a number of years as a school-house, but is now exclusively given to church purposes. The United Brethren church was organized in 1843 and the Methodist Episcopal church not long after. The former church is under the charge at this time of the Rev. W. Morris, and that of the Methodist Episcopal in the care of the Rev. G. W. Morgan. There is a Union Sunday-school. TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS. The officers of the township in the year 1839 were: Trustees, James Starr, Henry Dieterich and John Merritt; the Clerk was A. J. Westfall and the Treasurer, Henry Starr. The present officers (1883)are: Trustees, Homer T. Totten, C. B. Dunham and William Long; Clerk, D. W. Starr; Treasurer, Stephen Dieterich. POPULATION. In 1840 the population was 299; in 1850, 389; in 1860, 738; in 1870, 743; in 1880, 947. There is a good flouring mill in the township on the line of the canal, run by waterpower, and owned by Messrs. Gwinn & Son. It has been run for a number of years and not only makes an excellent article of flour, but is of great benefit to the people of the surrounding country. BIOGRAPHICAL. A. J. Dieterich, son of Henry and Elizabeth Dieterich, was born Sept. 20, 1825, in Scioto County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm, and when eighteen years old went on the Ohio Canal as Captain of a boat, which occupation he followed till he was thirty years of age, since which he has been engaged in farming, now owning 1,000 acres of fine land. He was married Sept. 20, 1845, to Sarah A., daughter of Benjamin and Mary Coffman, who were natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. They had one son—Stephen, who died in 1872, aged fourteen years. Mrs. Dieterich died in 1872, and in 1876 Mr. Dieterich married Mrs. Nancy Weeder. Mr. Dieterich acted as Infirmary Director for six. years. His father was born Jan. 1, 1794, and his mother March 4, 1794. They were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. They moved to Scioto County, Ohio, about 1820, and some years later moved to Pike County and cleared the farm now owned by Stephen, and where they spent the rest of their lives. The father died June 18, 1862, and the mother May 30, 1857. Stephen Dieterich, farmer and stock-raiser, HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 845 was born Aug. 11, 1833, on the farm where he now resides, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Dieterich, who were natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent, the former born Jan. 1, 1794, and the latter March 4, 1794. They came to Ohio in 1820, where the father died June 18, 1862, and the mother May 30, 1857. Since he grew to manhood Stephen has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now owns a farm of 321 acres of land, where he has a good assortment of all kinds of stock. He was married Feb. 14, 1862, to Celeslean Wolford, of French descent. P. T. McLellan, merchant, and Postmaster of Coopersville, Ohio, was born Feb. 24, 1842, in Pike County, and is a son of Thomas and Nancy (Wills) McLellan. Sept. 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fifty-third Ohio Infantry, as a private, but was afterward promoted to Sergeant-Major. He was at the battle of Shiloh and with Sherman on his march to the sea; was discharged Aug. 2, 1865. After returning home he engaged in the mercantile business, and now carries a stock of about $2,000, with sales amounting to about $9,000 a year. In 1872 he was married to Jane, daughter of James and Phcebe Rodgers. They have had three children-Delia, Florence and Flora. Mr. McLellan is a member of Orient Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M., and has been through the Blue Lodge. He also belongs to Colwell Post, No. .245, G. A. R. His father was a native of Maine, and was of Dutch and Irish descent. He was one of the first settlers of this county, remaining here till his death, which occurred in 1870, at the age of seventy-five years. H. H. Merritt, son of John and Prudence Merritt, was born Jan. 1, 1822, in Pike County, Ohio. He was reared on the farm and attended the old log-cabin schools till he was twenty-one years old, after which he devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, and by hard labor has accumulated 160 acres of good land. He was married Sept. 29, 1844, to Levise, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Coffman, who were of German descent. They were the parents of thirteen children- Stephen, born Dec. 22, 1846; G. W., Nov. 11, 1847; Mary J., born Feb. 24, 1851, wife of D. C. Bathell; Milton, March 12, 1853; Sarah E., Dec. 24, 1856, wife of Mr. Bakenhester; J. D., Jan. 26, 1859; Theodore R., Oct. 27, 1860; Ida A., Aug. 15, 1866; Emma E., Nov. 3, 1868; infant, Feb. 14, 185G; John, Aug. 24, 1854; Alonzo, Aug. 16, 1866; and Allen B., Oct. 30, 1863. Mr. Merritt has held several township offices, and politically is a Republican. His parents were among the first settlers of Camp Creek Township. His father was born Jan. 9, 1786, and died in this township in September, 1871. Milton Merritt was born April 9, 1834, in Pike County, and is a son of John and Annie (McDonnell) Merritt, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Southern Ohio. He attended the public schools in the county till he was eighteen years old, and at the age of twenty-five years he took a trip to the West, but soon returned and followed boating on the Ohio Canal till a few years ago. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Seventy-sixth Ohio Infantry, under Captain Scott. He remained in the army till the close of the war, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in June, 1865. He was married in 1876 to Louisa Wolford, who is of French descent. His grandfather, Ezekiel Merritt, was one of the pioneers of Ohio, coming from Kentucky in a very early day and locating in Scioto County, where he built the first floating boat that was ever run on the Scioto River. G. W. Noel, farmer, was born April 26, 1825, in Pike County, Ohio, and was reared on his father's farm. His parents, Abraham G. and Mary Noel, were natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. He attended the public schools during the winter till he was eighteen years old; and at the age of twenty- 846 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY. one began boating on the Ohio Canal and Ohio River. He was Captain of the Scioto and Oregon boats fifteen years, since which he has followed farming pursuits. He was married March 3, 1853, to Mary J., daughter of Benjamin and Mary Coffman, who were natives of Pennsylvania, of Dutch descent. Ten children were sent to bless this union, of whom only four survive-Sarah J., wife of John T. Adams; Louisa Frances, C. Eddie and Olive Gertrude. Mr. Noel has served as township officer a number of terms, and held the office of Land Appraiser for twenty years. He is an active member of the United Brethren church. Isaac G. Noel, farmer, near Coopersville, Ohio, was born July 30, 1819, in Scioto County, Ohio, and is a son of Abraham and Mary Noel, natives of Virginia, of German descent, who emigrated to Ohio in a very early day. When a young man Isaac G. worked at the tanner's trade three years, and also worked on the Ohio River and Canal about twelve years. In his younger days he was a great sportsman, and has killed many wild animals which used to abound in the country. He was married March 24, 1844, to Minerva, daughter of James and Nancy Wallis, who were of Irish descent. They have five children-Melinda, Mary J., wife of Daniel Wilson; James, Margaret and John. As the result of his industry Mr. Noel owns 600 acres of land, where he now resides. He also owns two pieces of land in Scioto County and a farm in Missouri, and is one of the leading farmers of Pike County. He also owns a number of hogs, sheep and cattle of a fine grade. In his political views he has always affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the United Brethren church. Andrew Shock was born Nov. 10, 1811, in Greenbrier County, Va., a son of Henry and Mary Shock. His father was born in Virginia and emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, in 1815, and the following spring moved to Pike County, where he remained till his death, which occurred Sept. 30, 1842, aged sixty-seven years, four months. His wife died at the age of eighty-eight years and nine months. Andrew Shock was married Nov. 24, 1836, to Amanda Shoemaker, who was born Oct. 23, 1815. Their children are--Martha, born Sept. 28, 1837, and married to I. W. Givens, in the fall of 1861; John, born Nov. 27, 1838, and died March 12, 1839; Mary Ann, born Nov. 8, 1840, and married James Raden in the fall of 1861; Henry, born Aprll 30, 1843, married to Mahala Armintrout, in 1871, and died Oct. 17, 1872; Andrew, born Dec. 23, 1844, and died Aug. 17, 1847; Catherine, born Nov. 1, 1846, and married Cyrus Givens in January, 1880; Elizabeth, born Dec. 1, 1848, and married Coonrod Vallery in the fall of 1872; Amanda, born Feb. 7, 1851, and married Frank Rodell in 1876; Frances, born March 14, 1853, and married David Givens in 1875; Peter, born April 30, 1855, and died Aug. 5, 1879; Isaac, born March 19, 1859, and died Aug. 5, 1879, and William, born Dec. 9, 1862, and died May 15, 1863. Mr. Shock is of Dutch descent, his great-grandfather having come from the River Rhine, in Germany, to the Shenandoah Valley, Va. Mr. Shock has served three terms of three years each as County Commissioner. He has also served as Justice of the Peace, Township Assessor a number of times, Land Appraiser and other minor offices. Mrs. Shock's father, Peter Shoemaker, was born in Loudoun County, Va., and came to Ross County, Ohio, when quite a boy. He was married in Ross County, and moved to Pike County, Ohio, in the fall of 1827 or '28, remaining there till his death, July 11, 1867, at the age of eighty-three years and eight months. His wife died Nov. 15, 1870, aged eighty years and six months. They ware of Dutch descent. William Shoop was born Jan. 3, 1837, in HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 847 Scioto County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Julia (Scott) Shoop, who were natives of Ohio. He was reared on the farm and attended the public schools till he was about twenty years of age, after which he was engaged boating on the Ohio Canal, from Portsmouth to Cleveland, for fifteen years. When the war broke out he enlisted in Company C, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, as a private, but was soon promoted to Orderly Sergeant. He served till. the close of the war and was mustered out at Knoxville, Tenn., in August, 1865. He soon after engaged in the mercantile business, which he still carries on at Coopersville, Ohio, where he has a large trade. He was married March 15, 1859, to Mary A., daughter of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Bradford) Hart, who are natives of Virginia, of German and Scotch descent. In 1863 our subject's father moved to Kentucky, where his death occurred in 1882. D. W. Starr, merchant, was born May 30, 1846, in Camp Creek Township, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Lee) Starr; the former a native of Ohio, and the latter is a descendant of Richard Henry Lee, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. His parents were among the first settlers of Southern Ohio, and are yet living in Camp Creek Township, being the oldest couple in that vicinity. Our subject, when he grew to manhood, read medicine under Dr. Penn, of Galena, Ohio, for two years, after which he learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed about five years. He then followed farming for some time, after which he engaged in his present mercantile business. He was married in 1869 to Margaret, daughter of William and Julia Winterburn, who were of English descent. They have five children—Cora L., Mary A., Henry W., Annie F. and Lida M. In 1876 he was elected .Constable, and is at present Township Clerk. CHAPTER XLII MIFFLIN, PERRY, BENTON AND PEBBLE TOWNSHIPS. MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. ITS ADVENT TO INDEPENDENCE. When Ross County was organized in 1798, two townships were formed which represented all of what is now Pike County west of the river, and to what afterward became the Scioto County line. These two townships of Ross County were Paxton and Pee Pee. From Paxton Township Mifflin Township was formed Oct. 26, 1806. All south and west of Pee Pee Township composed Mifflin, out of which Sunfish, Perry and Benton were formed, and part, if not all, of Pebble. Mifflin Township then dates from 1806, and next to Pee Pee is the oldest township organization in the county. BOUNDS, VALUATION AND POPULATION. At this time Mifflin has been shorn of much of her territory, but she is still the second in size in the county, Jackson Township alone having a larger area. The number of acres in the township upon the assessment roll is 27,987, or an area of a little over forty-three and one-half square miles. The township is bounded, commencing with Perry Township on the north and then east etc., by Perry, Benton and Sunfish townships, Adams County and Highland County and lies in the southwest part of the county, its western and a portion of its southern line being the county lines of Highland and Adams. The assessed valuation of the township in 1882 was: For real estate, $131,481; personal property, $71,091; village property, $5,993; total, $208,565. The population of Mifflin was, in 1840, 645; in 1850, 546; in 1860, 821; in 1870, 1,108; in 1880, 1,230. Benton Township being taken from a part of Mifflin in 1842 accounts for the loss during that decade. SOIL, TIMBER AND TOPOGRAPHY. Mifflin Township is not rich in its agricultural resources, although there is some good land and rich .soil in the township. The soil is varied and on the hills extremely thin or light, while along the valleys of the several creeks are to be found some excellent corn, wheat and grass lands. There is a good deal of excellent timber in the township. It is rolling along the valleys and hilly back of them, and it is in many parts both rugged and broken. The township is a healthy one, for its surface has a drainage unsurpassed. Its principal creeks are Sunfish, Kincaid, Drybones and Grear Fork, the first mentioned being the main stream in the township, and the others its branches. Brush Creek of Scioto County has a branch that takes its rise in the township. On the banks of these, streams and through the narrow valleys in which they run are found some fine farms well cultivated, and of a quality of soil that gives rich re- - 848 - HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY - 849 turns to the husbandman, but the uplands are by using phosphate and other soil-renewing now being added to them producing qualities articles. Still there is a future for Mifflin, if her people, who are mostly agricultural, will, while raising cereals and vegetables upon the rich valley lands, look after" theproduction of stock, fruits and grapes upon their uplands and side hills. This will make barren places of value, and a varied industry is needed to bring forth wealth from a varied soil. BYINGTON is a very pretty little place situated on the bank and in the Valley of Sunfish Creek, near the center of the township, and has probably a population of fifty souls. It has two general stores that do a good business with the surrounding country, kept by Humphreys & Pennisten and Emanuel Holton, and one blacksmith shop, owned by S. H. Phillips, all on Front street. A tannery is carried on by the Manger Brothers, which was established in 1848 by Enoch Reed, on Poplar street. There is a postoffice, and G. W. Pennisten is Postmaster. This postoffice was the first one established in the township, and its first Postmaster was Isaac Holton. LATHAM is a small but rather an enterprising little hamlet, located in the east central portion of the township, and has a population of about seventy-five. Its business interests are conducted by G. W. Legg, who keeps a general store on the corner of Chillicothe and Cincinnati streets, and is the present Postmaster; Christian Manger, I a general store on Chillicothe street; Wesley Legg, a drug and general store on the corner of Valley and Chillicothe streets;. Joseph Hazel baker runs a general store and also hotel on the corner of Valley and Pemberton streets; C. H. Day is the proprietor of the only blacksmith shop in the place, on Cincinnati street. The only - 54 - saloon is on Valley street. The Latham post-office was first established in 1854, and F. G. Parker was appointed Postmaster. The first letter was mailed by J. G. Genther. SOME OF THE OLD PIONEERS. Milton Township, or the north and central portion of it, was settled about the year 1800, and in giving the names of its oldest and first pioneers some may have settled in what is now Benton, Perry, Sunfish, etc., which were once all a part of Mifflin Township. The exact location of each could not well be ascertained. The following named persons, however, were early settlers of Mifflin Township: John McCord, John Barton, Asher Leyton, Reuben Bristol, William Davis, John Kincaid, Peter O'Brian, William Pillars, Abraham Beekman, William Parker, William Beekman, John Beekman, Gabriel Beekman, Neil Dougherty, John Grove, Joshua Johnson, Alexander Cross, Thomas Gardner, Robert Montgomery, John Campbell, Joshua Davis, Burgess Eiliott, Isaac Pennisten and Jacob Foster. These old pioneers were followed by their sons and others, who, reared in the wilderness, became the native pioneers of the township. Peter Lytle, the oldest person known in the township, is 105 years old, and lives at Latham, where he tends his own garden and chops all his wood. Benjamin Johnson, seventy-six years of age, and James West, sixty-five years of age, were both born and reared in the township. William G. Beekman, who is also well along in years, was born and reared in the township, and never voted out of it, and still lives in the same house where he was born. Samuel Scanden still lives in the, same house where born, and never voted out of the township, and is past his sixtieth year. John Holton lives on the farm where he was born, and is over sixty years of age. Robert Leeper, Abraham Gall, Taylor Barton, Stephen Beekman,