(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 332 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO BUCKSKIN. This township was set off by order of the county commissioners, which order was recorded in their book of records, August 10, 1807, as follows: "Ordered, that a part of Paint township, and a part of Concord township, beginning on Paint creek at the lower end of Nathaniel Bunnell's land in Paxton township; thence to Robert Greenlee's, and continuing the same course until it will intersect the line of Twin township; thence along said line to the east line of William Rankin's land; thence to the mouth of John Clouser's spring run; thence to the old Miami trace, including where George Miller now lives; thence along said trace until it strikes Paint creek; thence down said creek to the place of beginning—to be known as Buckskin township. The place of holding elections to be at the house of John Robbins." John Reubens, qualified as a justice of the peace for Buckskin township, August it, 1810, to serve three years. John Wallace was also qualified to the same office August 20, 1810. The officers of the township for 1879 were John H. Kerr, S. J. Parrett, Joseph Fernow, trustees; J. M. Coder and Robert Mathews, justices of the peace; J. C. McLean, constable; J. A. McLean clerk. NAME. Buckskin township was named from the creek of the same name. The tradition of the naming of Buckskin creek is that some white men who were a part of a surveying party, or hunters, surprised a company of Indians on its banks, and captured the buckskins they were curing and dressing. Another story is that the Indians, who had a town at what is now Frankfort, made a raid among the settlers and stole a number of horses, with which they fled. They were followed and surprised in their camp near the south line of the township, where stood a large, hollow sycamore tree, in which they had built a fire, and were drying their buckskins. There is a slight discrepancy in these two accounts, but the probability is that the latter is the correct account, and that instead of tanning and curing the skins procured in the chase, they were simply drying them over a fire in this place. True it is, that such a hollow sycamore tree stood near the spot indicated, and there are several of the older settlers and their descendants now living, who have visited and examined this tree, which is one of the things of the past. It is said that the cavity was so large that a ten-foot rai could be turned end for end inside the tree. STREAMS. From the west center of the township to the corner below, the boundary is Paint creek, a stream at this point large enough to be designated by the name of river. Hop run empties into Paint a short mile and a half from the southwestern corner of the township, and in the southeastern corner is a branch of lower Twin creek. In the northeast quarter is a tributary of the north fork of Paint creek, while the two branches of Buckskin creek flow in a nearly parallel course from the northern and northwestern line of the township, until they unite just above the village of South Salem, and from there follow a southwestern course until the stream enters Paint township a short distance west of the residence of James Irwin. Besides the above mentioned streams, there are numerous rivulets that help to swell the volume of these streams. SURVEY. The land surveys in Buckskin township are arranged in such a manner that the only possible way to definitely locate the point where each pioneer settled, is by giving the number of the survey. This difficulty is experienced in all the territory included in the Virginia Military district. A history of the origin and reason for the reservation of these lands by Virginia, will be found under its own appropriate heading, in that part of this work devoted to the general history of Ross county. Holders of land warrants were not restricted as to the form of their survey, and could locate as many acres as their warrant would hold, in any part of the Military lands, which were surveyed as the owners of titles desired. In consequence of this loose order of affairs, those who came to the new country first had a great advantage in the choice of lands, which they generally located on the bottoms and rich lands, leaving the hilltops and high lands to those who came later. Thus the surveys run in every imaginable direction, and are num- HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 333 bered with great irregularity. In the southeast corner of the township is the irregular shape of the lots most noticeable, owing to the rough nature of the land, which is here very hilly. SURFACE. A great portion of this township lies in a fine location, with hills and valleys, the former of moderate height and with a long slope; at the foot is spread out a rich bottom land, at this time (January, 1880,) covered with a fine growth of wheat. Most of the land included in Buckskin township is of this character, though in the south and southeast the character changes to very hilly and rough, with small valleys of good arable soil between the hills. SOIL. The soil is mostly limestone and gravel in the western part, and in the eastern more slate and sand, while on the hills it is mostly clay. The valleys consist of a fine black loam. TIMBER. The timber was originally poplar, walnut, beech, sycamore, oak, hickory, ash, elm, and black locust. Most of the valuable timber has long since been removed, and but little can now be obtained that is fit for timber. SETTLEMENT. The settlement of Buckskin township was attempted under the same difficulties that were encountered in making homes in all portions of this county and State. The ground was covered with heavy timber, and was the home of innumerable wild animals and all the varieties of game native to this section of the country. Bear, wolves, panthers, wildcats, foxes, deer, wild turkey, and other game were plenty. Venomous rattlesnakes made their hiding places in the rocks and hills, and the wild Indian roamed the forest through in search of game, and sometimes with the purpose of driving the white intruders from what he considered his own domain. It has always been claimed by the pioneers and their descendants, that at least one white family lived in the township, on the bank of Buckskin creek, in 1779. This was a family who dared the perils, hardships, and diseases of the country twenty years before any other person came with the intention of making a home and opening up the country to the onward march of civilization. This family settled among the Indians, with whom they hunted trapped and lived. Their cabin stood on the bank of the creek, but of its owners little is known. They have long since passed away, and only the oft-repeated tale of their life among the savage beasts and the wild Indian, as it has been handed down to the present time, is known of their previous existence. The first settlement in the township was made by James Wilson, who built a house on Buckskin creek, near South Salem, in 1799. He was followed by Noble Crawford, who built near by in 1800, Very soon after this, Abram Dean built a log house near by. These houses would be called rough cabins in these days of advanced ideas regarding the style of building and architecture, but at that time were considered comfortable houses. They were formed of round poles, or of roughly hewed logs, notched at the corners, and rolled together in a nearly square form. Roofs were formed by laying poles lengthwise of the building, which was first raised to the desired height, and covering these poles with bark, or with clapboards rived from a solid, straight grained oak, and fastened to their places by laying still other poles across them. A hole was sawed or chopped through one end of the cabin to serve as a doorway, and a large stick chimney was built in the other end, which provided the means of securing warmth, and cooking the necessary food. The spaces between the logs in the building was chinked up with chips and sticks, after which it was daubed over with mud, when it was considered really a comfortable house. When first used, a blanket often served as a door, until clapboards could be split, pinned together with wooden pegs, and hung on wooden hinges. Most houses were built in that day without a nail being used in their construction—wooden pins had to answer the purpose, where every article used was brought so many miles on the rivers, or on horseback, to its destination. Noble Crawford made his house near the present location of Lyndon station, where he built the second house in the settlement. It was built of round logs, scutched down, and since weather-boarded, and is still occupied as a dwelling house. Mr. Crawford sold to Frederick Free in 1800, and removed to Paint township, where he afterwards made his home. Mr. Free came to this country during the war of the Revolution, as a Hessian soldier in the service of King George. He soon after deserted the service of the English king and espoused the cause of the patriots, in whose ranks he fought during the war. He married in the east and lived to receive a pension for his services. His children were: John, Frederick, Philip, George, and others, nearly all of whom settled in this vicinity,.where their descendants now live. Frederick made a home in Iowa. Robert Willson, a son of James Willson, settled in the southwest corner of the township, on Paint creek, where he made a home, and died. The property is now owned by his son, A. L. Willson. His family were Anderson, William, Newton, Frank, Alfred L,, and several daughters. Newton lives in Greenfield. John H. Willson, also a son of James Willson, married Elizabeth Finch, and settled on survey two thousand two hundred and ninety-five, where he died. His children afterwards scattered to other parts, and the property has since been sold. One son was a physician, and died in New Holland; another, Josiah R., became a dentist, and settled in New Orleans. William and Thomas Oliphant settled near Salem, about 1800; they remained a few years and removed to another part of the country. Jacob Davis settled on the west side of Buckskin creek about 1800. He remained on the land he located for many years, until about 1855, when he went to the west. He owned here some seven hundred acres of land, which he divided among his children, who squan- 334 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. dered it, and he passed the last days of his life in a poorhouse. A family named May made a home on Twin hills, in the southeast corner of the township, about the year 'S00, They remained some four or five years, when they sold to Francis Tullys, whose wife was Elizabeth Wayland, of Virginia. Tullys remained there many years, and died, leaving a large family, which have since removed to distant parts. Alexander Harper made a temporary settlement on Pickaway plains, in about 1798. He first raised a crop on the plains before bringing his family, and afterwards remained two years. In 1800 he removed to the north part of Buckskin township and settled on survey number two thousand two hundred and ninety-one, where he purchased some six hundred acres of land. He raised five sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and two daughters are now living Robert, Joseph, and a sister (Mrs. Coder), in the township. Another sister, Mrs. Anna Cool, lives in Greenfreld, and a brother in Madison county. James and Robert Harper, brothers of Alexander Harper, came a year or two later, and settled on the same survey. James had two children, one of whom died in infancy; the other removed to Indiana in about 1833 or '34. Robert Harper had a wife, but no children. Both Alexander and Robert died in 1843. Joseph and Leamon Waugh, brothers, located in the northeast corner of the township as early as 1800. They owned land in surveys 4,036 and 3,975, which they improved and occupied many years. A daughter of one of the brothers, Mrs. Strader, with her husband, now lives on a part of the land, but all of the name of Waugh have gone elsewhere or died. James McConnell made a home near the Waughs at about the same time. One of his sons now lives in Greenfreld, Highland county, where another died smile time since. John, the one now residing in Greenfield, established a tannery on his land in about 1825, and which he kept in operation several years. William Mains and Jacob Davis came to Ohio in 1799 or 1800. Davis bought a part of the Tibbs' survey, from which he sold Mr. Mains one hundred acres, located in the west part of South Salem. Mr. Mains married Mary Hixon and settled on his land, which he cleared and improved, and where he made his home until old age forbade his remaining by himself, and he removed to the home of his son, Washington Mains, where he died. His children, six in number, settled here for a time, when one son and two daughters went west. Another son died in 1841, and a daughter died recently.. But two of his children are now residents of this State—Mrs. Jane Devoss, in Fayette county, and Washington Mains, in Buckskin township. Robert Braden emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1800, and settled on survey 2,292, where he cleared a farm of one hundred acres, on which he lived forty-two years, when he died. He was in the war of 1812, and at the time of his death was seventy-one years of age. His children settled in the township, where one, Samuel, has lived many years. The original farm of Robert Braden is now owned by Samuel Hitchcock. Mr. Phillips, a son-in-law of James Willson, came to the county about 1800, and located on what is now the Irwin place, where he had a farm and died. His family left this vicinity many years since. James Robinson settled on survey six hundred and fifty-three soon after 1800. William McMillan and his family settled on the same survey in 1812 or '13. Their children were James and Robert, besides several others whose names cannot now be recalled. This part of the property fell into the possession of Robert, who, with James Robinson, laid out a town which they called New Alexander. The town never grew, and was a failure; it is now a part of the farm owned by N. Grove. William Taylor opened a clearing on the bank of Paint creek about 1800. Made a home, improved a farm, and died there. His family are all gone, with the exception of one daughter, Eliza, who married John Morton and still resides in the township. John Cumpton married a daughter of James Willson and settled on survey number two thousand, two hundred and ninety-two, soon after 1806. The property is now owned by the Moon heirs. Mr. Cumpton raised a family, who married and settled about here; some still reside in Buckskin. John Proud emigrated from New Jersey to Ohio in 1801, and for two years remained in Paint township, He then settled in Buckskin, a mile and a half west of South Salem, where he built a cabin, before bringing his family. After bringing his family, he returned for more of their goods, and, being detained, his wife was obliged to remain in the cabin alone all night, with no door but a blanket, and with no weapon to protect herself from the howling wolves except an axe. One daughter, Mrs. Matilda Hitchcock, now lives on the place. James McGinnis came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1861. His son James also came at the same time. Both were shoemakers and worked at their trade in their home. The elder McGinnis was a soldier in the war of the Revolution for six years, and was wounded in the thigh by a ball which he carried to his grave. A son of the younger James McGinnis, Alexander, was a local preacher of the Methodist church, and died here in 1878. Among the early settlers was John Clouser from Pennsylvania, who came into the township in 1861, with his family, and settled on survey 3698, where he owned some four hundred acres. He improved this land, and from it, gave two of his sons, John and David, farms, and built for himself a brick dwelling house,. which is yet in use. He afterwards sold and removed to Indiana, and from there went to Missouri, where he died. David Clouser also sold his farm and now lives in Illinois, as does his brother George. Joseph married Mary Crowen, and settled on part of the home farm, where he died. The property is now owned by his son, John S. Clouser. James Edwards was a resident in the north part of the township, where he settled with his father as early as 1802. He was a wagoner, and made a business in conveying salt to the settlement from Zanesville. He re- HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 335 mained here during his life. Margaret Edwards, his sister, married Thomas Ewing in 1806, and went to Chillicothe where they located. Isaac Devause settled on survey 14101 in 1803, with his father, Joseph Devause, who owned the land. Another brother, John, also lived on the same place, and together they opened a quarry on Paint creek, from which they supplied stone for building foundations and walling cellars. Robert McGinnis married Elizabeth Watkins, and settled on survey 3417 in 1802. He was a son of James McGinnis; was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was an early constable in Buckskin township. His widow survives him, and lives in South Salem. She draws a pension for the service he rendered in the war. Robert Young and family located on survey 242, on the farm now owned by A. Stinson, in 1802. He died on the land, and his family scattered to other parts, Samuel and Elizabeth Davis came into the township in 1802, and settled on survey 3698. He was by trade a carpenter, and assisted in the erection of many of the early houses in the settlement. John Wallace and family lived on survey 2909 in 1800 or 1802. He served as justice of the peace in 1811, and several years thereafter. His farm is now owned by his son, John Wallace. Henry Hester came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1804 and settled in the southeast corner of Buckskin township, on Lower Twin creek, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of the Abram Shepherd survey, number twelve thousand, five hundred and sixty-six. He brought one child, Zacheus F., and after settlement had seven others—Henry, Charles M., James D., Rebecca, and three who died in infancy. Charles remained in the township many years, and now lives in Twin. James lives in the southeast part of the township. Zacheus was a carpenter, and had .a saw-mill in the southeast part of the township. Rebecca married in Indiana. Henry was born in the township in 1808, and when a young man learned the trade of blacksmith, which business, together with wagon-making, he has since followed. Henry Hester, sr., was by trade a millwright, and two years after his settlement started an oil-mill on his place, which he kept in operation six years, during that time transacting business with very many of the pioneers of his own and adjoining townships. In 1812 he went to the defence of the frontiers with the army, and during his absence his wife, with the assistance of her sons, converted the oil-mill into a grist-mill, and from the custom received sustained her family. After his return Mr. Hester continued the grist-mill until about 1832, when he sold to his son Zacheus, who kept it in operation until 1856, when he gave it up. He then put up a steam mill, which was run six or seven years and given up. Henry Hester and his wife died of cholera in 1833. Andrew and John Mathews settled on survey five thousand, eight hundred and thirty, about 1804. Here they made homes and died, leaving families. Robert Mathews, a son of Andrew, still resides here, and holds the office of justice of the peace. David Edmeston and wife, with eight children, emigrated to Buckskin township, where they arrived in 1804. They lived in a camp for some time after they settled, and one of the first things done was the planting of an orchard. They lived a mile east of South Salem, where Mr. Edmeston died. His family consisted of John, Elizabeth, Thomas, Hannah, Robert, Matilda and two others, all of whom were identified with the early settlement of the township in which they lived and died. Many of their descendants live in the vicinity, and one daughter, Matilda, who married Satterfield Scott, resides in South Salem. Josias Finch and family located on survey two thousand, two hundred and ninety-one in the north part of the township, sometime before 1804. They raised a family, most of whom died when comparatively young, but left descendants who now remain in the vicinity, and on the original place. The Armitage family lived in the township for a few years after 1805, but afterwards moved to some other part of the country. Archibald Hamilton married Sarah Willson, and lived on the farm now owned by the Lavery heirs, as early as 1805. He died there, and his family dispersed in various directions. Joseph Boggs rented land in the eastern central part of the township, survey three thousand, three hundred and ninety-eight, where he lived and died. A grandson, Marcus Boggs, lives in Chillicothe. James Caldwell, an early school teacher on Buckskin creek, came to Ohio from near Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, arriving here in 1805. He taught a school soon after his arrival, and made that his profession during the most of his life. During the war of 1812, he served in Captain Kilgore's company as first sergeant. His wife was Mary, daughter of James Willson, by whom he had a family of nine children, all of whom moved to other parts as they arrived at maturity, until but one, John G., now remains in this vicinity. Hugh Milligan settled on survey number five thousand eight hundred and thirty, not far from the year 1804. He married Mrs. Kilgore, whose former husband, Captain Kilgore, was killed during the war of 182. They raised a family and passed the remainder of their lives in the township. A son, Hugh C. Milligan, now owns and occupies the old farm. Richard Junkins, with his wife and eight children, settled in Muskingum county, in 1805 or 1806, where they remained until 182. In that year they removed to Buckskin township, and Mr. Junkins took a lease of land of Benjamin Brackney. His children were: Nancy S., Joseph and Mary (twins), William, Rachel, Stafford, and Iva. They cleared much of the land on which Salem now stands. Nancy was twice married; frrst, to Thomas Edmeston, and after his death, to Alexander Dickey, She now lives in the village of South Salem, with the two youngest of her sons, at the advanced age of eighty- one years. John Bryan lived on survey 2292, in about 1806, where he raised a large family and died. His daughter 336 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. Hannah married Washington Mains. Another daughter, Margaret, lived at the home of William Kerr. Daniel Hixon married Peggy Cunningham in February, 1807, and settled on survey 4139, where they made a home and died. Joseph Hixon lived on the same place in 1811. Robert Cunningham was in the township before 1807, in which year he owned a farm on survey 8940. One of his daughters married James Kerr and now lives north of Lyndon station. Andrew and Michael Simmerman settled in the southeast part of the township, on land now owned by Asher and Barleon, about 1807 or 1808. Both lived and died on the property, after which their children went to Logan county. John Morton owned the farm now in the possession of Aaron Cox, on which he settled in 1806 or 1807. Here he passed the remainder of his days. His children also married, and some of them died here. James married Iva Junkins, and died in Iowa; John had for his wife Eliza Taylor; Samuel A, married a daughter of Rev. William Dickey, and after her death married Mary Wentworth, of Huntington township. He was a physician, and for many years practiced in South Salem, where he died. Alexander Morrow also lived in the township as early as 1807, but after a few years removed to Highland county, where he made his home. Wingate Massie married Polly Cumpton, in 1808, and soon afterwards settled on land now owned by Henry Haney, on survey 372, where he made a home and died. Another family of Harpers, of which James was the head, came into the country in 1806 or 1807. They first settled in Fayette county, where they remained a few years, when they came to Buckskin township and settled on land now owned by a son, Samuel Harper, who is a prominent man in the township, Abraham and Isaac Black settled on the land now owned by James W. Kerr, where they made homes and passed the remainder of their lives. Charles Black also came very early, and settled on the farm now owned by his son, John W. Black. James Watt settled in the north part of the township, about 1819. His son Alexander, now an old man, lives on the pike east of Greenfield, and a daughter lives in Greenfield. Isaac Cook, with his family, came into the township in about 1808, and located on survey three thousand, one hundred and twenty-two. He was the pioneer nail manufacturer in the Scioto valley country, and established a small shop on his premises, in which he worked. He cut nails by means of a machine which he run with his foot, procuring the iron for this purpose from Chillicothe, and conveying it on his horse to his home. After cutting his nails, he would fill his saddle-bags and again start out on horseback to sell them among the settlers. These nails, and those made at the various smith shops in the country, were all the early settlers had to use in the building of their rude but comfortable homes. John Cassel came about 1809 or '10, and located on survey two thousand, nine hundred and nine, where he cleared a farm, which he afterwards sold, and moved to other parts. James Clark lived near Cassel at the same time. His wife died, leaving him with a family, and he soon after removed to other parts. George Frame also settled in the south part of the township, where he owned a small farm and rented land in addition. What became of him and his family is not now known. Matthew and Margaret Simpson, brother and sister, came in about 1812. He was a teamster, and, after a time, removed to some other place, Robert Steel and Mary, his wife, settled on survey number three thousand, one hundred and twenty in about 1810. He was a house carpenter, and, besides, had a cabinet-shop in which was made much of the furniture used in early days. He employed several workmen in his shop, which was situated on his farm. In connection with his cabinet-shop, he carried on a general undertaking business, and made many coffins in which were deposited all that was earthly of those of the settlers who succumbed to the hardships of pioneer life. His family consisted of two children, James C. and Margaret. The latter married John Edmeston and died in South Salem. James C, was long known as Colonel James Steel, from his connection with the early State militia. He removed to Kansas, where he served in the legislature and died. The first wife of Robert Steel died, and he married a Miss Williamson, by whom he had two sons and three daughters. But one of the latter, Lydia Ann, now lives here, She married Alexander Warnick, and resides a mile below South Salem. The other children removed to the west, or are deceased. Andrew Knox came about the same time as Robert Steel, and lived on the farm adjoining, on which he died. His children sold the land and removed to other parts, Reuben King married a daughter of Jacob Davis, and settled on his land in about 1811. His family have scattered since his death, and none remain. Billingsly Brown built a blacksmith shop near Lyndon in about 1813, in which he worked a few years. Adam Kerr settled on survey 6,831, in the southeast corner of the township, in 1814. His farm was on the border of the township, and has been included in both Paint and Buckskin townships, but is now within the latter. Mr. Kerr raised a family here, among them being James, Moses, John H., and Aaron. John H, is one of the trustees of the township. Frederick Parrett and Elizabeth, his wife, came to Buckskin township in 1814 or 1815. They made a home on survey 3,698, where they raised a large family, who hay; been intimately connected with the history of the place since that time. Many of their descendants remain in the vicinity. Philip Robbins owned a farm on survey 1,055, in 1814, on which he settled several years previously. His son Moses had a farm near by, as did another son, Charles. Daniel Robbins lived with his father on the home place, HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 337 while another son, James, practiced medicine in Green: field. Jacob Hyer came into the county some years before this date, and settled on survey 14,427, where he made a home and died. His children were Job, Jacob (who was a colonel in the late war), William, John and Samuel. Some of his descendants now live in the township. Edward Shields rented land on what is now known as the Kline farm, in 1812. He cleared a portion of the land, and afterwards went to other parts. Captain James Collier enlisted in the patriot cause in 1776, at which time he received a commission as first lieutenant in a company raised in his native county. They rendezvoused at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from whence they marched to New York, and-participated in the battle of Long Island, and in the various skirmishes up the North river. They also fought in the battles of White Plains, Trenton and Brandywine. In 1778 he was commissioned captain, and raised a company to guard the frontier, and in 1779 was commissioned to raise a company of rangers, which he commanded until the close of the war, He was presented by General Lafayette with a fine sword, which still remains in the family, His son, William Collier, also has in his possession a sword captured from a Hessian officer at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. In 1814 Captain Collier and his family emigrated to Buckskin township, where he purchased two hundred acres of land, lying on the east bank of Paint creek, opposite the town of Greenfield. His family at this time consisted of four daughters and six sons, all of whom married and settled near by, but have since scattered. But three of his children are now living. William and Mary (Mrs. Crawford) in Buckskin, and Rutherford in Highland county. In 1815 Alexander B. Dickey came to the township from Giles county, Tennessee, and settled just south of South Salem, on a farm owned by his brother, Rev. William Dickey, His wife died some years after his settlement, leaving a family of five sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Alfred S. Dickey, became common pleas judge in 1858, and served in that office until his death, in 1873. The other children remained in the vicinity many years. John is a Methodist minister, and has a home in Bloomingsburgh. Mr. Dickey, sr., married for a second wife, Mrs. Nancy Edmeston, who survives him and lives in Salem. Two sons were the fruit of this second marriage. John Fernow and family settled in the township three years later, on survey six hundred and seventy-eight, where they made a home. They came to Ohio from Barclay county, Virginia, where he made a home soon after the close of the war of the Revolution. He came to America as a soldier of King George, and was made a prisoner of war at the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, but when released preferred to remain in this country, in which he afterward passed his life. On his arrival in Buckskin he bought a piece of land from James Blain, who had made a clearing and built a hewed log house, into which the family removed. Mr. Fernow raised a family of thirteen children, all of whom lived to maturity. Of these, but two are now living—Samuel, in Fayette county, and Joseph, in Buckskin township, Ross county, two miles north of Lyndon. SCHOOLS. Among the first schools was one near the present residence of Aaron Cox, which was taught by John Organ in about 1815. A man named Nesbit opened a select school near Salem as early as 1820; this was called Nesbit's college, and afforded instruction in the higher branches and in the languages. A school was taught on Waugh's farm, near the present site of Waugh's chapel, in 1808, by Samuel Buck. This school was continued during the winter season for several years. One of the Waugh's, a Scotchman, taught school for a time. A school-house was built not far from this in about 1818, and one a little southeast of Joseph Harper's, about 1818 or '20. This building was used until the present fine brick school-house in this district was recently built. A school was also taught on Hop run in about 1812 or '14. In the latter year Benjamin McClure was the teacher. This school was also taught by Hugh McKenzie and James Caldwell, and was finally given up about 1818 or '20, There were, probably, other early schools, some before the dates above given, but no information can at this time be obtained regarding them. INDUSTRIES OF THE TOWNSHIP. The early settlers of Buckskin seem to have depended to a large extent upon the mills in the adjacent country for their supplies, and few were the grist-mills hereabout. One of the first industries was the oil-mill of Henry Hester in the southeast part of the township, which is more fully mentioned in connection with his settlement. This mill was changed to a grist-mill in 182, and as such was continued for a considerable length of time. Benjamin Brackney built a grist-mill and saw-mill on Buckskin creek, near Salem, about 1820. This was kept in operation some twenty years, and then given up. Joseph Morton had a small horse-mill on the property now owned by D. S. Coyner, in about 1830. There have been several small still-houses in different parts of the township, but none were run for any great length of time. The community who settled in this vicinity were of a moral and religious tendency, and, though in those days brought up, and accustomed to see liquors used freely, very soon saw the evil it produced and discouraged its manufacture and sale. John Wallace had a small still just east of Salem, in about 1812 or '14, which was operated a few years. Jacob Davis also had a still near by at about the same time. Another still was run near Lyndon very early. A man named Howard had a bucket still north of Lyndon, in 1818. There have been several tanneries in the township at one time and another. James Blain owned one east of Greenfield, in 1814; sold to John Adams, in 1816, after which it was run two or three years. One of the Wallaces also had a tannery near Salem, many years since, which was in operation a short time, There have been but few taverns, or places of public 338 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO entertainment in Buckskin. Probably the first was that of Frederick Parrett, in 1815 or '16. Reuben James also kept tavern on the Greenfield pike, in about 1830. Robert Steel and John Sample had taverns at South Salem, in 1845-6, Since that time there has generally been a place of public entertainment in this village; one at the present time is presided over by Mr. Gilman. TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES. The first temperance society was organized by Rev. James Dickey, of the Salem Presbyterian church, in 1816, and included among its members many of the members of that church, In 1831 and 1832 farmers in the vicinity of Salem excluded liquor from the harvest fields, and since that time there has been but a small amount of liquor used in the township. No liquor has ever been sold in Salem since its organization, and public opinion is strongly in favor of temperance. Several societies have been organized in the past, but none are now in existence. MAILS. A mail route was established through the township from Greenfield and farther west, to Chillicothe and Zanesville very early, but in what year cannot at this time be ascertained. The carrier traveled on horseback, and after a time led an extra horse loaded with mail. When a passable road was laid out through Bainbridge, a regular line of stages passed over that route, which drew off the line through Buckskin. In early days this road was much used, but after other routes were established, they were used instead. POST-OFFICE. For many years the inhabitants of Buckskin township obtained their mail from the office at Greenfreld, on the west bank of Paint creek. In about 1842 Hugh McKenzie opened a small grocery in the present village of South Salem, and whether commissioned by the post- office department or not, obtained the mail for people living in that vicinity, as a matter of accommodation. He sometimes made the trip on foot, and at other times, on horseback. It is probable that he was commissioned postmaster, as it is said that the department once directed him to make out a quarterly statement of the business transacted at his office, which he was unable or unwilling to do, and instead bundled up his receipts and vouchers which he forwarded to Washington with a letter, telling the officers that if they wanted a statement, they could make it out themselves. After McKenzie followed John N. Steel, A, E. Bush and S. M, Pricer. The latter administered the office ten years or more, and was succeeded in 1860 by Levi Pricer, who has been in charge sine that date. Another post-office was established at Lyndon station in about 1856, soon after the completion of the Marietta and Cincinnati railroad. The first postmaster here was Samuel A, Langdon. Since his time the office has been in charge of R, C. Hull, George F. Sonner and S. V. Wright, who is the present incumbent. A third post-office was established about 1860 at Harper's station, on the same railroad, and in the eastern part of the township, with W. D. Booten as postmaster. .Since that time the office has been administered by several different persons, and is at present in charge of A. J. Stuckey. SOUTH SALEM. This village was laid out by John Sample, about 1846, to provide for a Want caused by the establishment of the academy a few years previously. It grew quite rapidly for about two years, when it had very nearly reached its present proportions, and having attained to what was at first intended—the means of accommodating the students who came to attend the academy—nothing remained but for it to continue in a stationary stage of existence. It was several years since incorporated, with power to elect three trustees or directors, for the purpose of improving the streets and alleys. The population is from three hundred and fifty to four hundred. Among the first merchants of the place were Hugh McKenzie, Thomas P. Cady, Joseph Giterman, James Bell, Samuel Pricer, James C. Steel, Bush & Sperry, Noah Grove, Gilbert Marshal, Levi Pricer, and at present, Pricer & Co., and William Morgan. LYNDON. The small village of this name which surrounds Lyndon station, on the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, was laid out by John N. Huggins, in about 1853, and was by him named Zora. It retained this name a few years, when the Langdons bought the land and changed the name to Lyndon, the name of their native town in Massachusetts. In 1852 a building was commenced with the intention of making of it a warehouse, but before its completion the plan was changed and it was converted into a grist-mill, for which purpose it has since been used. Among the different merchants and business houses since the first inception of the village, have been Samuel A. Langdon, Price & Scott, John Huggins, Hull & Wallace, Hull & Co., A. & C. W. Price, Wright & Sonner, Wright & Son, Howard & Co., W. A. Cox, John M. Coder, Pricer & Th0mas, W. T. Frye, and perhaps others. CHURCHES. SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.* The Presbyterian was the first church organized in this settlement, in 1802, although meetings had been held, and a church was recognized by Washington presbytery as having some sort of a congregational existence, previous to this date, The original name of the congregation was Buckskin, from the creek of that name which passes through the township. Quite -a number of the founders of the church—the Wilsons, Irwins, Edmestons, Wallaces, Taylors, and others—emrgrated that they might be rid of the curse of slavery, which existed in that part of the country from Which they came. Revs. Dunlevy and Marquis were the first ministers to visit the infant settlement, and the first preaching service in the township was held by them under an elm tree near the present residence of James C, Irwin. The church was organized by Rev. Dr. Ralston, of Pennsylvania, on *The history of Salem Presbyterian church is condensed from an historical discourse giving its history, and delivered by Rev. Robert K. Campbell, on Thanksgiving day, 1874. HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 339 the twenty-seventh day of October, 1802. On the first roll were placed the names of thirty members, who chose John McConnell, David Edmeston, John Edwards, and Abram Dean, as ruling elders. Many 0f these first members lived in what is now Buckskin township, while some were in Paint, Twin, and Concord. Four days after the organization the communion and the Lord's supper was celebrated in the woods, near the present residence of Mrs. James A. Wallace. For two years they had no house of worship, but met for services under the trees and in cabins of the settlers. In 1804, a log horse was built near the place where the first communion was observed, where it remained one year, but a mere central location being desired, it was torn down and rebuilt on the lot where is now the grave-yard, adjoining the present village of South Salem. The church was considerably enlarged when it was rebuilt, and was occupied until the year 1828, when a large new brick church was erected and a Sabbath-school was established, This Sabbath- school was rather a "bone of contention" for a time, many of the church members being opposed to such an organization. Its inception was due to Robert Steele, who had been accustomed to meet the children of the neighborhood at the house of Mrs. Nancy McMunn, on Sabbaths, when there was no preaching service. The perseverance of David Edmeston, who was also much interested, overcame every obstacle, however, and in a few years this school was regarded as a valuable auxiliary to the church, by even its most bitter opposers. In 1854, the work of building a new brick church was commenced, on a new site, in the village of South Salem. This was not completed until 1856, since which time it has been continuously occupied. During the first three years of its existence the church was ministered to by Revs. Stevenson, McGinnis, Patterson, and Johnson. In May, 1805, Robert B. Dobbins came among the people, and remained three years, The following three years there was no regular pastor, but in August, 1811, Rev. James H. Dickey was ordained and installed as pastor, remaining as such thirteen years. Rev. H. S. Fullerton succeeded Mr. Dickey, and continued pastor of the church twenty-six years, when he died and was succeeded by Alexander H. Young. Mr. Young continued as pastor until February, 1869, when he resigned, and the church was without a regular pastor until November, 1870, when the present pastor, Rev. Robert K. Campbell, was installed as pastor, in which relation he has since remained. On account of the intense interest taken by the members of this church, in regard to the slavery question, some of them deemed it best, the more forcibly to emphasize their views, to organize a Free Presbyterian church, which was done on the twenty-second of February, 1858. On that day twenty-seven members withdrew from the old church, and organized a society under the above name. This society maintained its existence for eight years, having in all fifty-three mames on its roll. During a revival, in 1866, the organization disbanded, and the members returned to their old relation. The original name of Buckskin Presbyterian church was dropped after the laying out and building of the village, and has since that time been Salem Presbyterian church. PISGAH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was organized as a mission church by the pastor and members of Salem church in the year 1810. This church remained a mission, under the care of the pastor of the above church, until 1817, when it became strong enough in members and means to employ its own pastor and maintain an independent organization. The first house of worship was abandoned and a new one rebuilt. The present building, a frame of good size, has been occupied many years, and has for some time been under the charge of Rev. John Barrett, the present pastor. ASSOCIATE REFORMED CHURCH. A church with this name was organized on Hop run sometime between the years 1812 and 1816, under the ministration of Rev. Caruthers. The pastor joined the general assembly of the Presbyterian church about 1818 or 1820, and the organization was given up. The congregation afterward united with others on the west side of Paint creek, and organized a church in Greenfield, which is now in existence. WAUGH CHAPEL, Methodist Episcopal church, was organized in about 1810, at the house of Joseph Waugh, from whom it obtained its name. Preaching services had been held for some years previous to the organization by Rev. James Havens and Rev. James B. Finley, who were the pioneers of Methodism in this vicinity. The first church, a rough log cabin, was built on the farm of Joseph Waugh. The first members were Joseph Waugh and wife, Mathew Hopkins, and others. A frame church-was built some years later, which was replaced by a large brick church in 1878. There are at present connected with the church some two hundred members. CARMEL MHTHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized a little northwest of Salem, in 1804. Meetings were held in private houses for a number of years, and in about 1820 a l0g church was built on the Wright farm, where the graveyard now is. The early members were Samuel Davis and Elizabeth, his wife, Jacob Davis, Daniel Robbins, Michael Hare, Daniel Tharp, and others. The membership was never large. A church building was erected in Salem about 1850, in which services were held until the summer of 1879, when the organization was given up. THE NEW CARMEL Methodist Episcopal church was built at Lyndon in about 1841, and was used until 1850 or 1851, when it was torn down, after the building of the church at Salem, ROE'S CHAPEL Methodist Episcopal church was organized about 1855, by William Roe, a local preacher. He was instrumental in building a small church, which was in existence until sometime after 1861, when it was given up. The building was sold in 1879, and has been moved away. This church was located in the southeast part of the township. 340 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO THE PROTESTANT Methodist church was organized at Salem, in about 1851, in which year a church building was erected. It was in existence some eight or ten years, when the organization was given up, and the building was sold to the Baptist society (colored) in 1878. MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (colored) was organized in Salem, in a building which stood on the ground now occupied by Henry Tester's blacksmith and wagon-shop, in about 1856. Preaching services were held in private houses some three or four years before the organization. The church was organized by Elder John Bolles, and the first preacher was Robert Seldon. A church was built and occupied for some years, until in 1878 the congregation purchased the church of the Protestant Methodists, which they now occupy. SALEM ACADEMY. In the year 1842, Rev. H. S. Fullerton, pastor of Salem Presbyterian church, called together the members of his church and neighborhood to consider the question of establishing an academy in the place. At the meeting, the project met with favor, and subscriptions to the stock were at once received. Work was commenced on a stone building, which was pushed forward as rapidly as possible. In the fall of the same year the academy was opened, under charge of Messrs. James S. Fullerton and John Huston (both of whom afterwards became Presbyterian ministers), assisted by Miss Martha J. Fullerton, who, many years later, became a missionary to the western Indians. In the fall of 1843, Rev. John C, Thompson (a Baptist minister) was elected principal, in which office he was continued five years. His colleagues were Rev. Joseph T. Irwin and Rev, J. A. I. Lowes, both ministers in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Thompson resigned in the summer of 1848, and was succeeded by Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, with Rev. J. C. Thompson as his colleague for one year, and also with Rev. R. W. Wilson and James Long as assistants. In addition to these, Miss Elvira McCune, Eliza D. Baird, and Sarah Ann Lowes, in succession, had charge of the female department. Mr. Lowes resigned in the summer of 1858, and Key. I. J. Cushman was elected principal, in which office he continued until December, 1859, when Mr. Lowes was again elected principal, A short time previous to this time, in the spring of 1859, by a vote of the stockholders the institution was transferred to the care of the Chillicothe presbytery, since when it has been managed by that body. In the fall of 1870, Rev. J. A. I. Lowes again resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. Heber Gill, who remained three years. Rev. Thomas J. Dague was the next principal, and had charge of the institution several years. The present principal is Thomas S. Huggart, assisted by his wife, Mrs. Maggie Huggart, and Miss C. E. Fullerton. Since the erection of the first academy building, a substantial brick building has been erected on the same lot. Since its organization, fifteen hundred students have received instruction in this academy, quite a large number of whom have entered the ministry. WORK AND AMUSEMENTS. The early settlers had their times for enjoyment and jollity, among which were gatherings for log rollings, house raising; corn huskings, etc. At such times rhymes were made and sung, in which the names of most of the settlers were brought in, something as follows: "I see a bear, Said Jacob. Hare; Shoot him down, Said George Brown; He's very poor, Said Ben. McClure; Poor as carrion, Said Sam Irwin; Throw it to the dogs, Said. Alex. Scroggs;" Etc., etc. Among the young people, the girls had quilting parties, singing schools, and other social gatherings, where the young men would be sure to gather in the evening, and, at a proper hour, escort their fair companions to their lonely homes. HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO = 240A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, MRS. MARY KELLEY. This venerable lady was the first child of Samuel and Eleanor (Cating) Pierce, born in a pioneer home near the present site of Londonderry station, on the nrneteenth of August, 1808. She is consequently one of the oldest natives of the Scioto valley, now surviving, and residing in it. Her father had emigrated from Loudoun county, Virginia, to the valley five or six years before. He was a farmer, of Welsh descent; the mother was of Irish stock. They were married in Liberty township in 1806 or '07. He died when Mary was but seven years old. She survived until 1833. Their daughter, the subject of this sketch, received the rudiments of education in such schools as the neighborhood and the time afforded, and remained at home until her marriage, December 15, 1832, to Nicholas Kelley, a farmer on the Chillicothe and Richmondale road, near the south line of Liberty township, upon the farm, and in the identical house where his widow still resides. He was the son of Nicholas and Rachel (Kelley) Kelley, also pioneers, and was born upoU that place in 1808. They were of the Pennsylvania German blood. Here Mrs. Kelley has since resided continuously, sharing the toils and cares of her husband until his death, March 12, 1844, and since managing the property herself. Her life has been singularly quiet, peaceful and uneventful. She lives much respected by her neighbors and the community, honest in her dealings, and free from serious troubles in her contacts with the busy world. Her children are: Mary Ellen, born April 15, 1834, now wife of James Clarke, a farmer of Grundy county, Iowa; Nicholas, born March 12, 1836, a farmer residing near her mother; Eliza, now Mrs. Henry Peppers, and also residing near her mother, born December 6, 1838; William, who died in 1843, at the age of two years, and Harriet, deceased in 1844, when eleven months old. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON SETTLEMENT.* James Wilson and his wife Sarah were among the earliest settlers of the western part of Ross county, They came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and settled on the waters of Buckskin, where James Irwin now lives. They had a large family, consisting of Sarah (Hamilton), Margaret (McMunn), John, Martha (Phillips), Elizabeth (Morrison), Robert, Eleanor (Holliday), Nancy (Smalley), Mary (Compton), and Letitia (Taylor). Of these, only one is living Mrs. Compton a resident of this township. Robert Wilson, son of James, died in 1875 at the age of ninety-four. He came to the township in 1804. He was married to Esther Anderson, and raised a family of ten children, five of whom are still living, viz.: Amanda (Matthews), in Indiana; Esther A. (Wills), in Piketon, Pike county; A. L., in Buckskin township; Franklin H., in Lawrence, Kansas ; and O. N., in Greenfield. Hugh Milligan and his wife Ellen (McMillen) came, in 1807, from Sherman's valley, Pennsylvania. They lived the first winter in Madison township, Highland county, on the Duncan farm, and bought land on Clear creek, in the same county. In 1808, however, they removed to Buckskin township, to the farm where their son Hugh now lives. The house which Mr. Milligan built that year is still standing, and is, doubtless, the oldest in this part of Ross county. Mr. Milligan was born in 1776, and died July 22, 1860. His first wife" died in 1819. They had six children: Susan (Robinson), now in Oregon; Sarah (Smith), now in Iowa; Samuel, deceased; Nancy (Idner), in Indiana; and George and John, both * These items reached us too late to be inserted in the proper place; they consequently appear here. deceased. In 1821 Hugh Milligan married the widow of Captain William Kilgore (nee Corcoran), who had come with her father from Kentucky in 1797. She was born in 1782, and died in 1871, at the age of eighty- nine years. There were two sons by the second marriage, Hugh C., the well-known farmer of Buckskin, and William Allen, who died in 1846. The Hyers—Jacob and Mary (nee Homan), were from Virginia, and their parents from Germany. They settled in 1811, upon the waters of Herrod's creek, north of the Fayette county line, but soon after moved to Buckskin, and after living there for many years, made their residence in Greenfield. Both lived to a good old age. Jacob died in 1866, at the age of eighty-four, and his wife in 1861, They raised a large family, of whom six are living. The following were the names of the children: Job, Absalom and Isaac, deceased; John located in Indiana; Jacob and Levi in Missouri; Mary Ann Toilbart, in Madison county, Ohio; William W., a farmer in Buckskin township, has also been engaged in the practice of medicine; Jackson is deceased, and Samuel, living in Springfield, Ohio. James Harper and his wife, Margaret (Free), from Bartley county, Virginia, settled some time prior to 1812, where their son now lives, after having lived for two years on Indian creek, in Fayette county. Mr. Harper died in 1833, at the age of sixty-one. His children were: Jane, now deceased; Mary, living in Fayette county; Margaret (McCoy), in the same county; Mazah and Sarah, both deceased; John, in Fayette county; Maria (Waugh), in Highland county; Hannah (Waugh), in Indiana; Nancy (Waugh), in Highland county; Susan (Mc- Corkin), in Fayette county; Elizabeth, deceased; Samuel, a resident of this township, and Robinson, in Texas. Samuel Harper married Elizabeth Rodgers, daughter of Hamilton Rodgers, an old settler in Fayette county. Morton Grove, from Virginia, was an early settler near the Bush mill on Paint creek,' four miles above Frankfort. He moved to Fayette county in 1824, and died there in 1855. He married Margaret Coyner, by whom he had seven children,, viz: Elias and Joseph, deceased; Noah, a resident of Buckskin; Isabelle (Cripse), of Fayette county; Christina and Elizabeth, deceased, and Marton, now in Fayette county. Noah Grove came from Fayette county to Buckskin, and married Eleanor P. daughter of John Holliday, who settled in 1809, the farm where Mr. Grove now lives. Holliday was from Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in Buckskin in 1858. The children of himself and wife, Eleanor, were: W. C., a minister in Iowa; R. H., a minister, now living at Findlay, Hancock county; Margaret (Patterson), and Eleanor (Grove), both now living in Buckskin. In 1814 Frederick Parrott whose family were of Swiss descent, came to the township from Shenandoah county, Virginia, and settled on the farm, where Henry Parrott now lives, which he bought of Samuel Davis, one of Massie's scouts, and a very early settler. Parrott's wife, Elizabeth (Keller), came with him. She died at an early day, and was the first person buried in the South Salem 240B - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. burying-ground. Frederick Parrott died in 1842, His oldest son, John, settled in Fayette county in 1813, and he brought with him four other sons and seven daughters, as follows: Joseph, George, Augustus F., Henry, Mary (Harper), Rachel (Ware), Sally (afterward the wife of John McArthur), Rebecca (Fernon), Elizabeth (Hulphrey), now in Iowa; Barbara (Harper), still living in Buckskin, and Catharine (Harper), now in Fayette county. Of these, only Henry, and the last three named are living. Henry lives upon the old place. Joseph and George both died in the township. Augustus F. married Elizabeth Wallace, daughter of an early settler, and in 1859 moved to Champaign county, Illinois, where he died in 1865, at the age of seventy-three. His children were: Eliza Jane (Mrs. David Clouser), and John, residents of Buckskin, and Alexander and Hannah (Mrs. Robert Sutherland), in Fayette county, Alexander Kerr and his wife Sarah (Peoples), of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, came about 1816 and bought the farm on which William Kerr now resides. James Kerr, a brother of Alexander's, came a little later, and soon afterward married Mary Cunningham, by whom he had a large family of children. Alexander Kerr's children were Robert, who is now in Illinois; James P., a resident of the township; Alexander, deceased; Caroline (Hogshead), in Illinois; William, a resident of the township, and Samuel, in Illinois. James P. Kerr married Mary Patterson, whose parents, James and Isabelle (Rogers) Patterson, were among the pioneers of Fayette county. The children of James P. and Mary Kerr are as follows: Alexander, who died from disease incurred in the army; Isabelle (Mrs. John Mowbry), in Fayette county; Caroline (Mrs. S. F. Frazier), in Fayette county; Nancy E. (Mrs. James Black), a resident of Buckskin; Sarah, deceased; Will, in Fayette; James, in Madison, and Samuel, at home. In 1818 John and Mary Lavery came from Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. They at first located in Greenfield, and then near the present residence of the widow of Robert Lavery. Mr. Lavery was a farmer and a brick-mason, but also taught school and performed valuable service in that line. He died in 1849, and his wife in 1857. They had three children, Robert M., born June 13, 1815, died December 1, 1879. He was married to Margaret Bonner, the daughter of Nathaniel Bonner, an early settler in Fayette county, by whom he had seven children. William F. Lavery, born October 24, 1817, was married to Mary Jane Murray, and they reared a family of seven children, all of whom are still living. Mr. Lavery was killed by the cars at Lyndon station July 11, 1874. Reuben James, born in Delaware in 1797, came to Ross county in 1829 from Martinsburgh, Virginia, and settled in Concord township. Soon after, he removed to Buckskin, and for four years kept hotel where George Allemang now lives. He then moved to the farm where his sons now reside. He died in 1877, aged eighty years. He was married to Mary Sheefster. Their children were Isaac and William, both now deceased; Elizabeth, Strauder, George W. Evans, Milton, Reuben, Mary (Haldron), John (deceased), Missouri, Mancy E. (Bowser), and Nelson. Robert Coyner and his wife Margaret (Twin) came in 1847 from Augusta county, Virginia, and settled in the Waugh neighborhood. Mr. Coyner's wife died, and he was twice married afterwards. His second wife was Martha Edmiston, by whom he had one son, Edmiston Fullerton, now living in Illinois. His third wife was Fanny Wallace. By his first wife there were several children, four of whom are still living, viz.: Elizabeth Susan (Ghormley), in Illinois; David S., a prominent farmer in this township; John M., in Salt Lake, and Robert C., in Illinois. Robert Coyner, sr., was born July 15, 1794, and died July 27, 1874. He was a soldier in the war of 182. Alexander Warnock, of Buckskin township, although he has been a resident only since 1850, is the representative of one of the oldest families of Ross county. His father, William Warnock, and mother, Gracie Nelson, came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and settled near the Rapids forge, in Paint township. They reared a large family, among them and still living, being Alexander, Warnock, William, Anna, Grace (Binder), and Sarah (Wilson). Alexander Warnock married, as his first wife, Maria Waters. His present wife, Lydia Ann, was the daughter of Robert Steele, who was originally from Pennsylvania, an early settler in Chillicothe, and an occupant of the D. D. Diggs farm, in Buckskin, as early as 1809. George Brown, sr., settled in Paint township, but the family is represented in Buckskin by a son. He was born near Mifflin, Pennsylvania, about the year 1764. His wife Margaret (Stuart) was born in the same locality in 1766. They were married in 1788, and immigrated to Ohio in 1799, settling temporarily at the Pee Pee bottoms. In 1800, however, they removed to Paint township, of Ross county, and located permanently on Upper Twin creek, on the farm where their son William now lives. Mr. Brown lived here until his death, in the spring of 1852. His wife died in 1839. They had, before they came to Ohio, five children, Elizabeth, Jane (Weir), Grace (Pricer), Fannie (McMunn), and Sarah (Pricer). The first named died an infant. Those born in Ohio were Rachel, Mary (Wilson), William, Alexander, Stewart, Elizabeth (Kizer), Rebecca (McMunn), and Margaret (Middleton). Eight children are still living, four in Ross county, and four in the west. George Brown, sr., in the year 1825, built on Upper Twin creek a saw-mill, which was in use for about fifty years. Jared Irwin and Jane, his wife, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1757, immigrated to America in 1779, settling in Bedford county, Virginia, where Samuel Irwin, their son, was born in 1782. The family removed to Ross county, Ohio, in 1797, settling first in Paint, and afterwards in Buckskin township. William T. Irwin, the son of Samuel, and grandson of Jared, is the representative of the family at present in Buckskin township. His wife's grandfather, James Wilson, settled in the township at an early day, on the farm where William Irwin now lives, where, or near where, at this time reside those of the sixth generation descended from James Wilson and wife.