484 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY CHAPTER X. JACKSON TOWNSHIP, THIS township occupies the northeastern corner of Union County. Marion County bounds it on the north and east, Claibourne Township on the south and Washington on the west. Rush Creek is the only stream of any importance. It enters from Washington on the west, flows southeastwardly till it reaches the interior portion of the township, then bonds sharply toward the north and crosses into Marion County. It is said that the stream received its name from the abundant growth of rush along its banks in early times. The soil is generally of a clayey composition. In the first bottom along the stream it is a black loam, and on the ridge above, or second bottom, is found considerable limestone and gravel. The surface may be described as slightly rolling. Back from the streams existed a number of ponds in pioneer days, but these have mostly been drained and converted into productive fields. One of the largest was known as Beaver Pond, in the northwestern part of the township. It embraced about forty acres, but scarcely a vestige of it now remains. Walnut, hickory, white ash, sugar, burr oak, red oak, elm and beech were the most plenteous varieties of timber. Few springs exist and a good limestone water is found in wells at a depth of from twenty to forty feet. In the bottom lands, corn, wheat and grass are the principal crops. Back from the creeks grass is chiefly grown. A petition was presented to the Commissioners of Union County, March 3, 1829, by Ebenezer Cheney, praying or a now township, to be named Jackson, to be laid off the north side of Leesburg Township. The Commissioners granted the petition and defined the boundaries; of the now township as follows: "Beginning at the county line eight miles south of the northeast corner of Union County; thence running west parallel with the north line of the county of Union to the east line of Liberty Township; thence with the Liberty Township line north to the northern boundary of the county of Union; thence east to the northeast corner of said county of Union; thence south eight miles to the place of beginning." At the same session, the Board of Commissioners ordered that it be surveyed by Levi Phelps. June 3, 1829, the following entry is found on the records: " The Commissioners of Union County reconsidered the order for the running of the township of Jackson, and ordered that said township shall be laid off, beginning two miles and one-half north of the first mile tree north of Bokes Creek on the eastern boundary of the county of Union; thence west parallel with the JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 485 southern boundary of said county of Union to the boundary line between Liberty and Leesburg-all north to be considered as the township of Jackson." The same day an election of township officers was ordered, to be held June 16, 1829. As thus constituted, the township embraced the greater portion of what is now Claibourne Township, and also the Miller settlement in York Township. At the election held for State and county officers, October 12, 18 29, twenty-one voters were present, viz.: George Clark, Joseph Wilson, Nathaniel Wilson, John Smith, James Clark, Eleazur Rose, Jacob Reed, Henry Swartz, Henry Clark, John Clark, David S. Allen, Benjamin Carter, Hugh M. Stevens, Jonathan Miller, Charles Miller, Joseph Miller, Harvey Moore, Ira Bernett, Adam Imbody, Ebenezer Cheney and James Cameron. Of these, only six resided in what is now Jackson Township, viz.: Benjamin Carter, Jacob Reed, David S. Allen, Harvey Moore, Ebenezer Cheney and James Cameron. Henry Swartz, George Clark, and Jacob Reed were the Judges of the election, and Eleazur Rose and James Clark, Clerks. The township was reduced to its present limits by the erection of Claibourne, in 1834. Where the first election was hold is not known; it was probably somewhere in what is now Claibourne. In 1832, the place of election was changed to the house of David Carr, and in 1838 it was ordered that the Township Trustees that elections be held at Michael Blue's house. In 1843, the schoolhouse at Essex became the voting place, and the elections have ever since been held at Essex. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. Until 1834 some of the Justices resided in what is now Claibourne Township. Among them were Henry Swartz, whose commission expired January 19, 1833, and Philip Plummer, whose commission was dated August 15, 1833. As complete a list as can be obtained of those belonging to Jackson proper is as follows: Thomas Cheney, 1832, resigned June 1833; John Scott, 1833; James P. Scott, 1836; John Scott, 1836; Dennis Welch, 1839; ,John Cheney, 1839; Dennis Welch, 1842; John Cheney, 1843; Tabor Randall, 1845; Francis Baldwin, 1846; Tabor Randall, 1848; Francis Baldwin, 1849; Tabor Randall, 1851; Francis Baldwin, 1852; Tabor Randall, 1854; John Cheney, 1854; Harvey Mather, 1855; John Cheney, 1857; Harvey Mather, 1858; Simpson Price, 1860; Harvey Mather, 1861; Francis Baldwin, 1863; Harvey Mather, 1864; J. L. Axtens, 1866; John M Blue, 1867; J. L. Axtens, 1869; William Miller, 1870; John M. Blue, 1872; L. P. Axtens, 1872; Harvey Mather, .1875; C. W. Burgoon, 1875; H. M. Hall, 1878; C. W. Burgoon, 1878; H. M. Hall, 1881; C. W. Burgoon, 1881. VOTE FOR GOVERNOR. The full vote of Jackson at each gubernatorial election since the organization of the township is herewith presented: 1830-Robert Lucas, 14; Duncan McArthur, 7; total, 21. 1832-Robert Lucas, 26; Darius Lyman, 3; total, 29. 1834-Robert Lucas, 1; James Finley, 16; total, 17. 1836 -Joseph Vance, 31; Eli Baldwin, 1; total, 32. 1838-Joseph Vance, 14; Wilson Shannon, 16; total, 30. 1840-Thomas Corwin, 25; Wilson Shannon, 24; total, 49. 1842-Thomas Corwin, 21; Wilson Shannon, 34; total 55. 1844-Mordecai Bartley, 23; David Tod, 33; total, 56. 1846-William Bebb, 18; David Tod, 35; total, 53. 1848-Seabury Ford, 20; John B. Weller, 38; total, 58. 486 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. 1850-William Johnson, 24; Reuben Wood, 45; total, 69. 1851--Samuel F. Vinton, 24; Reuben Wood, 53; total, 77. 1853- -Nelson Barrere, 25; William Medill, 47; Samuel Lewis, 19; total, 91. 1855-Salmon P. Chase, 52; William Medill, 39; total, 91. 1857-Salmon P. Chase, 44; Henry B. Payne, 59; total, 103. 1859-William Dennison, 58; Rufus P. Ranney, 55; total, 113. 1861-David Tod, 68; H. J. Jewett, 67; total, 135. 1863-John Brough, 80; C. L. Vallandigham, 66; total, 146. 1865-J. D. Cox, 79; George W. Morgan, 74; total, 153. 1867-R. B. Hayes, 80; Allen G. Thurman, 93; total, 173. 1869-R. B. Hayes, 74; George H. Pendleton, 92; total, 166. 1871-E. F. Noyes, 98; George W. McCook, 89; total, 187. 1873-E. F. Noyes, 93; William Allen, 92; I. C. Collins, 2; Gideon Stewart, 3; total, 190. 1875-William Allen, 112; R. B. Hayes, 103; Jay Odell, 8; total, 223. 1877-William H. West, 126; R. M. Bishop, 122; total, 248. 1879-Charles Foster, 138; Thomas Ewing, 150; G. T. Stewart, 11; total, 299. 1881-Charles Foster, 130; John W. Bookwalter, 137; A. R. Ludlow, 17; total, 284. SURVEYS. The original surveys of land in the township and the original proprietors are as follows: John Williams, No. 3,473, 400 acres, surveyed August 15, 1831, by Cadwallader Wallace: Maria Bell and William Bernard Scott, No. 4,569, 500 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, April 14, 1822; John Woodsides, No. 7,863, 100 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, May 3, 1824; William Conner, No. 7,863, 100 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, May 3, 1824; Ann Gholson, No. 9,898, 800 acres, surveyed January 8, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; John Swan, No. 9,898, 200 acres, surveyed January 8, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; Peyton Mason, No. 9,899, 833 1/3 acres, surveyed January 9, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; John Swan, No. 9,899, 166 2/3 acres, surveyed January 9, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; James Neilson, assignee nee, No. 9,900, 1,000 acres (partly in Marion County), Surveyed November 18, 1821, by Thomas J. McArthur; Edward Stubblefield, assignee, Nos. 9,901 and 10,780, 1,299 1/2 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, September 3, 1821; Thomas Miller, assignee, No. 9,909, 1,000 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, May 8, 1822; John Swan, No. 9,920, 1,000 acres, surveyed by Samuel Forrer, January 5, 1820; Nathaniel Triplett, No. 9,921, 400 acres, surveyed by Samuel Forrer, January 15, 1820; George Weedon, No. 9,921, 600 acres, surveyed by Samuel Forrer, January 15, 1820; John Blackwell, Jr., James Taylor and Alexander Breckenridge, No. 9,922, 1,000 acres, surveyed by Samuel Forrer, January 17, 1820; Edward Smith, No. 9,940, 400 acres, surveyed October 16, 1830, by E. P. Kendrick; Francis Muir, No. 9,941, 533 1/3 acres, (partly in Marion County) surveyed January 22, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; John Swan, No. 9,941, 266 2/3 acres (partly in Marion County), surveyed January 22, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; Phineas Sanburn, No. 9,941, 200 acres (partly in Marion County), surveyed January 22, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; Mayo Carrington, No. 9,942, 277 1/2 acres, surveyed January 23, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; Abraham Buford, No. 9,942, 194 acres, surveyed January 23, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; James Taylor, David Stephenson and Anthony Singleton, No. 9,943, 888 acres (partly in Marion County), surveyed January 24, 1820, by Samuel Forrer; representatives of Charles Porterfield, No. 9,944, 1,000 acres (partly in Marion County), surveyed January 24, 1820, by Samuel JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 487 Forrer; Alexander Drummond, No. 10, 193, 200 acres, surveyed by D. Thomas J. McArthur, April 22, 1822; John Welch, No. 10,194, 200 acres, surveyed December 14, 1830, by E. P. Kendrick; Sawney Whistler, No. 10, 195, 200 acres, surveyed December 14, 1830, by F. P. Kendrick; Lewis Fox, No. 10,196, 100 acres, surveyed December 14, 1830, by E. P. Kendrick; William Hook, No. 10, 197, 100 acres, surveyed December 14, 1830; Cadwallader Wallace, John Watts, Clough Shelton, No. 10,240, 3,565 acres (mostly in Marion County), surveyed November 15, 1821, by Thomas J. McArthur; Nathaniel Sawyer, No. 10,408, 1,000 acres (partiy in Marion County), surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, November 17, 1821; Joshua Grist, Nos. 10,704 and 10,705, 2,000 acres, surveyed November 19, 1821, by Thomas J. McArthur; Robert C. Bruce, No. 11,043. 200 acres, surveyed by Thomas J. McArthur, May 5, 1824; Allen Latham, Nos. 11,099 and 13,766, 233 1/3 acres, surveyed by E. P. Kendrick, May 14, 1836; Charles Harrison, No. 12,188, 509 acres, surveyed January 25, 1824, by Thomas J. McArthur; H. Bowman, No. 10,031, 1,000 acres (mostly in Marion County); H. Pottins, No. 10,952, 50 acres; Joseph S. Watkins, No. 14,294, 75 acres, surveyed by E. P. Kendrick, April 30, 1839; James Taylor, No. 14,559, 45 acres, Surveyed July 18, 1840, by James Taylor. EARLY SETTLEMENT. The first settler in the territory now comprised within Jackson Township was Benjamin Carter. He was born in Tennessee February 25, 1787; emigrated to Ohio in 1805, and settled in Champaign County; he there married Mary Owen, January 24, 1812, and served a short time in the war that shortly ensued. He came with his family to Jackson Township, December 25, 1826, and purchased 160 acres in Survey No. 9,899, southwest from Essex, the place now owned by W. G. Cowgill. Mr. Carter was an industrious farmer, and spent the remainder of his life in clearing and cultivating his farm. He remained a life-long citizen of Jackson Township and died March 5, 1866; his wife, who was born in 1796, died in 1871. Their children are Worret O., a farmer, who married Polly Chapman in this township, removed to Lima, Ohio, and there died; Cyrus, a Methodist Protestant minister, married Elizabeth Chapman, and is now preaching in the West; Ebenezer O. who married Nancy Dysert, and was afterward accidentally drowned at Columbus; Levi, a farmer, who married Jane Jones, of this township, and died in the army; James a physician, married to Anice Pooler, of Broadway, now practicing at Lincoln, Neb.; Sarah J., married to Hamilton Bigley, a Methodist Episcopal minister; and John P., who married Rosa Roberts. Harvey Moore, a young unmarried man, accompanied Benjamin Carter to the township. He was born in this State in 1805; married Magdalena Ivans in 1833 and settled down to the occupation of a farmer. His wife was born in Wales in the year 1809 and died in 1878. Mr. Moore died in 1867. His children were Elizabeth, Margaret (Grant), Thomas, deceased, John, Magdalena, Nancy (Aikens), Cyrus and Martha Ellen (Taylor). Ebenezer Cheney made the next settlement in this township. He was born in Harrison County, Va., January 15, 1777, and married Elizabeth Owen, who was also a naive of Virginia. He emigrated to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1807, and in 1827 settled in Jackson Township just south of Essex, now the W. Harriman place. Mr. Cheney was attracted to Jackson Township by the game that abounded in the wilderness. He was passionate ly fond of hunting, and when not engaged with his farm duties was always traversing the forests, gun in hand. The route by which he, and Mr. Carter before him, reached their future homes, was by an Indian trail from Fulton Creek north 488 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. to Rush Creek, which almost followed the line of the present pike. They came by ox team and often were obliged to stop and cut logs away in order that their team might pass. The cabins were raised by assistance obtained from far and near. The cabin of Ebenezer Cheney was built mostly by men from the Scioto River. The day was fixed for the raising, and as the distance was considerable, the men threaded their way through the woods the evening before, in order to be on hand early in the morning. They built a large fire and camped on the spot, resting as best they could on heaps of brush. It was a jolly crowd of men which wooed sleep in vain, and at last abandoning all hope of slumber, the men rose and went to work by the fitful gleam of camp fire, and by daylight had the cabin erected as high as they could reach with uplifted hands. Mr. Cheney killed many deer and was also a noted bee hunter. While engaged in his favorite pastime, he met with the misfortune of losing the brushing an eye by the brushing of a tree branch against his face. He died July 15, 1833. His wife preceded him to the grave five years. Their children were Keturah, who married David S. Allen, in Champaign County; Thomas; Mary, who married David Carr; Elizabeth, who was the wife of Tabor Randall; John, a farmer, who died in this township; Francis, who died in Marion County; William, now living near Lima, Allen County; and Jane, who died in this township. Thomas Cheney was born in Harrison County, Va., in 1804. He came with his father to this township in 1827, but soon after returned to Champaign County, where, in 1829, he married Martha Carr, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. In 1829, they settled in Jackson Township, and Mr. Cheney became one of its prominent and respected citizens. He died March 19, 1865; his widow survives and is living at the residence of her son, Lorenzo Cheney, in this township. David S. Allen came with the Cheneys in 1827, and settled just west of Essex. He was born in Luzerne County, Penn., November 23, 1799, and married Keturah Cheney, in Champaign County, Ohio, March 22, 1821. Mrs. Allen died here December 19, 1834. Their children were, Daniel, Elizabeth, Anna, Thomas, Matilda and Amy. Mr. Allen subsequently married Elizabeth Love, and in 1844 removed to Illinois, where he died March 17, 1865. Jacob Reed was born in Harrison County, Va., March 14, 1807. He came to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1825, and August 14, 1828, married Elizabeth Cameron, who was born in Pennsylvania in March 1809. In the fall of 1829, he came to this township and built himself a cabin about one and a half miles south of Essex, on what is now known as the W. W. Smith place. While thus engaged, he voted at the first election held in Jackson Township. Returning to Champaign County, he moved his family in the spring of 1830 to his new home, and there engaged in the arduous labors of a pioneer. His wife died in 1835. After following farming for a short time, Mr. Reed became a storekeeper at Essex. He sold out his store, and in 1851 emigrated to Mahaska County, Iowa, where he died in the spring of 1880. The permanent arrival of Joseph Cameron in the township also was in the year 1830. He accompanied his brother-in-law, Jacob Reed, to the site he had selected for his forest home in the fall of 1829, and likewise built himself a cabin about three miles from Essex, and voted at the first election in Jackson Township. He was born in Philadelphia County, Penn., in 1807, and four years later emigrated with his father, John Cameron, to Champaign County, and was there reared to manhood. He was married to Sarah Reed, March 26, 1829; she was born in Harrison County, Va., in 1809. Mr. Cameron continued his residence in this township up to the date of his decease, which occurred in June 1872. Page 489 - Picture of James Herd Page 490 - Blank JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 491 Samuel Sanders was born in Maryland in 1766. In 1785, he married Nancy Reed, who was born 1767. In 1830, they settled in Jackson Township about a mile north of Essex, where he died in 1846. His wife survived him five years. John Price settled about a mile north of Essex in 1830. He was born in Pennsylvania June 7, 1797, and April 20, 1824, married Phoebe Sanders, who was born November 15, 1802. Mr. Price died September 19, 1848; his wife August 25, 1854. Jacob Collins, in 1829 or 1830, built himself a cabin and cleared a little place about two and one-half miles west of Essex, on the farm since owned by A. R. White. He was not the owner of the land, only a squatter. He also built a little blacksmith shop here and become the first blacksmith. When not engaged at the forge or anvil, he was generally hunting game, at which he was very successful. He finally sold his squatter's claim to Ebenezer Davis, who afterward removed to Washington Township and left for parts unknown. David Carr was born in Bradford County, Penn., in 1802, and emigrated to Champaign County, Ohio, with his father, Absalom Carr, in 1817. He married Mary Cheney February 22, 1826, and in 1831 came to this township and settled southeast of Essex, where he died May 1, 1874. Tabor Randall was born in Windsor County, Vt., November 5, 1806, the Bon of Joshua and Keziah (Hawley) Randall. They removed to Essex County, N. Y., and thence Tabor emigrated with his father in 1818 to Franklin County, Ohio, coming by team, the only way then practicable. In his youth he became a schoolteacher. He taught a term in Mill Creek Township in 1825, and also taught in Jerome Township and in Morrow County. In August 1831, Mr. Randall came to Jackson Township for the purpose of teaching a school. He married Elizabeth Cheney January 1, 1832, and settled on a little place west of Essex, lately owned by Harvey Moore. He remained here four years, farming in summer and teaching in winter. He then removed to the village of Essex and tended store for Jacob Reed about a year; and for William Wurl about the same length of time. He also taught school and farmed to some extent until 1854, when he was elected Clerk of the Court for Union County. He removed to Marysville and retained the office fifteen years. He has since served in different capacities at the Marysville court house and is today a valuable and efficient official, though he has years ago passed his allotted three-Poore years and ten. Jesse Bell was born in Pennsylvania August 15, 1801. and in 1822 married Margaret Sanders, who was born in 1804. In 1832, they settled in Jackson Township and here Mr. Bell, besides farming, followed blacksmithing. In 1855, he removed with his family to Marion County, where he died in 1872. John Scott, who was originally from Pennsylvania, moved about 1830 to the place in the southern part of Jackson Township, now owned by Lorenzo Cheney. He was a zealous hunter and subsequently removed with his family to Van Wert County. Ira Bennett, about 1830, came from Franklin County and settled about two miles south of Essex. He remained only a few years and then moved West. Albert R. White was born in Bradford County, Penn., August 12, 1801. He came with his parents to near Mill Grove, Warren Co., Ohio, in 1819, and the following year they moved to Brookville Township, Franklin Co., Ind. In a short time, Albert, in company with another young man, made a trip afoot to Pennsylvania. There, in Bradford County, in 1823, he married 492 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. Anna Allen. They settled in Indiana, and in 1831 moved to Champaign County, Ohio, near Mechanicsburg. Two years later, they became residents of Jackson Township. Their children are Jesse A., Daniel A., David R., Anna (Cheney), Olive, who married Charles Copeland, and Delilah, wife of Jonathan Williams. Mrs. White died in July, 1853; Mr. White is still living in the eighty-second year of his age. Jason Chapman was born in Frederick County, Va., April 13, 1793. He was married December 13, 1813, to Miss Sarah Nutter, who was born in 1797. In March 1825, Mr. Chapman came to Ohio, and after spending two years in Jackson County removed to Champaign County, and there remained until 1833. In that year he made a journey to Jackson Township and built a cabin, and early in the following year moved into it with his family. His farm was located about a mile west of Essex, where his son Jason now resides. There was no clearing on the place when he came. He continued to live on this farm until his death, which occurred November 18, 1880. He was a stanch Whig and a leading member of the Methodist Protestant Church. During the war of 1812, he served eight months in the Northwest army under Gen. Harrison. He was present at the building of Ft. Meigs, and his only active service was in skirmishes with the Indians. Mrs. Chapman died in August, 1855. Of their eleven children, six died in infancy or youth; Joseph was killed in battle at Missionary Ridge, November 25, 1863; John, Jason N. and Julia A. (Benedict) reside in Jackson; Mary, wife of Lincoln Davis, resides at Lima, Allen Co., Ohio. Michael Blue was born in Virginia in 1801. He was married November 20, 1820, to Eleanor Arahood, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1802. They came with their families to Jackson Township in September, 1833, and settled a short distance northwest from Essex, on a farm of 150 acres, which Mr. Blue had purchased previous to his arrival, from Samuel R. Sanders. A slight improvement had been made on the place. He afterward increased the farm to 352 acres. Mr. Blue died in 1857; his wife survived until 1876. Southworth Mather was born in New Jersey, and when young moved with his father, Daniel Mather, to Virginia. Thence they came to Ohio. Southworth was married in Union Township, this county, to Philena Rice. About 1831, he removed with his wife and two children to Jackson Township, squatting on a piece of land about a mile west of Essex. He afterward purchased land in Washington Township and lived there for a time. He then removed with his family to Logan County and ultimately to Allamakee, Iowa, where he died. Mr. Mather was one of those restless border spirits, fond of hunting, and only content when dwelling on the extreme frontier. Increase Mather, his wife Anna (Conine), and children, came to Jackson from Allen Center in 1831. He was a brother to Southworth Mather, and resided in this township until his death in the winter of 1838. Mrs. Anna Mather died in March 1832, and Increase took for a second wife Sarah Dilsaver. By the first marriage there were five children, of whom Harvey, of Jackson, is the only survivor; by the second marriage there were three, two of whom are yet living. The foregoing names are believed to include all who were among the earliest settlers, up to about 1834-35. The following were residents of the township in 1840, and probably all of them came some time between the years 1835 and 1840; Henry Bennett, Francis Baldwin, Ira Bennett, Jesse Bowen, John and Henry Baldwin, Benjamin Bradshaw, Daniel Bell, Michael Deck, John Dixon, Absalom Forbes, Samuel Grant, Jacob Honaker, Peter Hinkle, David Jones, William Lockhart, Hiram Keeler, George Kightlinger, Samuel Merrit, Reuben Redding, Thomas Temple, Nicholas Van Buskirk, David Washburn, David, Dennis and Benjamin Welch. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 493 Only a brief mention is possible of these pioneers. The Temples and Merrits made the first permanent improvements in the western part of the township. Thomas Temple came about 1834-35 and settled in the wilderness where Joseph Temple now lives. His son, Joseph, soon after followed him and located on an adjoining place. Samuel Merrit came from the vicinity of Mechanicsburg. He always lived upon the farm he located, and died and was buried there. Michael Van Buskirk, in 1836-37, leased land from Mr. Merrit and occupied a cabin which stood near the site of the Disciple Church. He acquired no land here and changed his place of abode frequently. He died at Marion several years ago. Reuben Redding settled in the woods in the western part of the township. He afterward removed to Marion County and there died. John Dixon, a Virginian, on his first arrival took a lease in the western part of the township. He and his son John then purchased a little property, and there he passed the remainder of his life. David Jones settled about a mile west of Essex. He died in the township. David Washburn occupied a place for awhile in the same vicinity, then removed to another county. Jesse Bowen was born in Virginia, six miles from Harper's Ferry, December 18, 1805. When eight years old, he came with his father, Jonathan Bowen, to Ross County, Ohio. They had scarcely arrived when his father's team was impressed by the military to haul corn to Franklinton, Franklin County. About, 1822, they came to Union County and settled on Mill Creek about three miles below Marysville. Jesse there married Susanna Spurgeon and in April 1835, he removed to a farm of 150 acres, one and a half miles northeast of Essex, which he had purchased at Chillicothe from Allen G. Latham. At this time the eastern portion of Jackson Township was devoid of any settlements. Mr. Bowen is still a resident of the locality he first occupied forty-seven years ago. Also in April 1835, Francis Baldwin came from Madison County and established himself in a wilderness home about one mile northeast from Essex. He spent the rest of his life here. John Baldwin and his son Henry settled in the north part of the township. Daniel Bell settled about a mile north of Essex on the Larue pike. In the northeast part of the township Samuel Grant was one of the earliest settlers. He came from Big Darby Creek and died here, within a few years of his arrival, of "milk sickness." This part of the township was very wet and marshy at first, and much sickness prevailed. Jacob Honaker settled in the same vicinity, first in Marion County and then in this township. He was from Virginia, and besides farming he followed gun-smithing, his trade. He died on his farm. Benjamin Bradshaw, also a Virginian, settled on the Grant farm and married Mrs. Ann E. Grant, the widow of Samuel Grant. Michael Dock, from the State of Virginia, came with Mr. Bradshaw and Mr. Honaker, and built his log cabin on a fifty-acre farm northeast from Essex. William Lockhart, from Greene County, settled on a farm soon after 1835, about two miles northeast of Essex. He died on the same place many years later. Dennis Welch, about 1835-36, settled on the site of Essex. He afterward removed to Van Wert County and died there. His brothers, David and Benjamin, were also early settlers of Jackson. Hiram Keeler, a Vermonter, settled just east of Essex. He lost his property by some means, and afterward purchased another home deeper in the wilderness. He is remembered as a very eccentric character. George Kightlinger and his brother Abraham in 1840, or shortly before, removed from Morrow County and settled near Essex. Afterward they went to Marion County. Peter Hinkle made the first improvement in the southeast part of the township on the road leading east from 494 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. the Richwood pike. He afterward removed to Mahaska County, Iowa. Absalom Forbes came an unmarried man from Marion County; here married Sarah Blue, settled in the southern part of the township and a few years later emigrated to Logan County, Ill. Henry and Ira Bennett, from Licking County, settled in the southern part of the township. Henry died here and Ira removed to Paulding County. INDIANS. The Indians lingered among their hunting grounds in this vicinity until 1833. Traces of their former occupancy have been revealed in several burial grounds. On the farm of Jason Chapman, in a gravel bed situated between the road and the creek, six skeletons were dug up in 1834, and other evidences were discovered of an Indian camping place. On the farm settled by Joseph Cameron, now owned by W. F. Cheney, was a large mound which had served as an Indian graveyard. The mound or knoll was composed' of sand and gravel, and on the north, east and south rose rather abruptly, while on the west it sloped gradually to the loamy soil below. It covered perhaps two acres. When the gravel and sand was removed for roads and building purposes, a number of skeletons were exhumed. Arrows, beads and other trinkets were also discovered. The Indians who inhabited this region were the Wyandots. They were expert bee-hunters. Ebenezer Cheney, while on a bee-hunting expedition, once found a large bee tree. The hive, however, was in an upper limb and inaccessible to him without chopping down the tree, which was the usual course adopted by white hunters. While debating in mind whether it would pay to fell the mammoth oak, an Indian hunter approached and obligingly offered to procure the honey for him. The offer was gladly accepted. The brave drew his tomahawk and felled a small sapling, so that its top fell against the lower branches of the bee tree. He ascended on this to the lower branch of the oak and then proceeded to cut and trim a limb with a hook at one end. He caught the hook in a limb overhead and climbed up to it hand over hand. Throwing away the hooked limb he cut off the branch containing the honey. Then balancing himself, he leaped down to the lower limb and descended to the ground by the same means he had employed in ascending. On another occasion an Indian appeared at the cabin of Ebenezer Cheney and desired to obtain a gun lock, to replace his own which was lost. He exchanged a cotton shawl for one, and when he had finished hunting, returned to the cabin and wanted to " trade back." Only a daughter of Mr. Cheney was then present, and to the demand of the red man she exclaimed "no swap. " "Swap any how," said the hunter, and taking the shawl from the wall he drew down the gun-lock and strode out of the door. Miss Cheney, displeased with this procedure, set the dogs at the retreating Indian, but the boys working in the field and not knowing the cause of the disturbance, called them off. Many of the Indians became Christianized. After the race had about disappeared from the township, an Indian minister, named Manonku, camped out in the woods, and while here attended a Methodist meeting, then in progress, and at his own invitation participated in the religious exercises. When grain was first produced here, the only market for it was at Lake Erie. The only highways were mud roads. Wheat ranged in value from perhaps 60 to 75-cents per bushel, and the farmers usually teamed it to Portland, taking from thirty to forty bushels at a load, and consuming an entire week in making the trip. David Price was the first shoo-maker in the township; Albert R. White the second. The first blacksmith was Jesse Bell. The first marriage was JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 495 that of Tabor Randall to Elizabeth Cheney, January 1, 1832. The first child born in the township is said to have been Harvey Cameron, March 8, 1830. The first ground prepared for seed was dug by John Cheney with a mattock and sown in beets. Daniel A White brought the first tile into the township. MILLS. Though Jackson was one of the last townships to be settled, milling facilities were no better for its pioneers when they came than they had been in earlier settled districts. It was not unusual for the first few families to unite and send a four-horse wagon filled with grain to mill near Mechanicsburg, thirty miles distant. After a few years, however, mills were built nearer home, and for awhile a mill on the Scioto at Millville, sixteen miles away, was patronized by this community. Within the limits of Jackson there have been no mills of note. It has, however, had several "corn-crackers" that were employed only in preparing coarse meal, and only then when the streams ran high. William Britt, about 1840, built a small grist and saw mill on Rush Creek, about a mile below Es sex, and operated it for a few years. Several years later, Warner Bridge constructed a saw mill about two mile's west of Essex, and soon after attached a small pair of buhrs, which, during high waters, were able to reduce grain to a coarse meal. A stationary steam raw mill was built at Essex by John B. Stout. Sprague & Hayes purchased it and added a grist mill. It is still in operation. For a short time, a distillery was operated in connection with it Jacob Collins, about 1838, operated a small horse mill about three miles west of Essex. It ground only corn William Callahan, in Essex, owned and operated a saw and grist mill for some time, probably twelve years ago. EDUCATIONAL. Elizabeth Cheney taught the first school, in 1830 or 1831. It was a summer school of three months' duration, and contained twelve or fifteen pupils. It was held in a log cabin, which stood on David Allen's farm Tabor taught the next school, in the same house. He began the term in August 1831. The pupils were David and Elizabeth Allen, Worret, Joseph and Ebenezer Carter, Frank and William Cheney, Simpson, Levina and Levi Price and a few others. At that time schools were not held in every settlement, and the pioneers sometimes sent their children to schools five or six miles distant. This schoolhouse was about fifteen by eighteen feet in size, built of logs, with clapboard roof, and the customary paper windows. Reading, writing and arithmetic were the branches taught; the text-books were Webster's Elementary Spelling Book and Pike's and Smiley's Arithmetics. Mr. Randal next taught on the Francis Baldwin place, and elsewhere a little later. Thomas Cheney was the next teacher. His school was hold in a new school building, some what larger than the old, and provided with better accommodations. In the old log schoolhouse, just north of Essex, Keziah Jane Randal and Caleb Roberts were early teachers. There are now ten school districts in the township. CHURCHES. The pioneer religious society within the bounds of Jackson was a small Methodist Episcopal class, organized about 1830 at the cabin of Ebenezer Cheney. Prior to this date, two exhorters, Mr. McCorkle, an Irishman, and John Millise, a German, from near Mechanicsburg, held meetings here, 496 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. which, though unattended by any conversions, left a good impression in the community. The class organized with Thomas Cheney as leader. It included the names of Ebenezer Cheney, Thomas Cheney and wife, Benjamin Carter and wife, Mary and David Carr, Jacob Reed and Joseph Cameron and wife. Some of these had been members of other Methodist congregations before their emigration to Jackson. Others joined it, without any religious experience, from a desire to see the community, which they were forming, a Christian one. Within a short time after the organization, regular services were held, once in two weeks, at Ebenezer Cheney's house, and afterward at the cabins of David Carr and others. Schoolhouses were then brought into requisition. The present church, situated on the Hamilton pike, about two miles southwest from Essex, is located on land donated to the church by Jonathan W. Hedges. It cost about $1,640.Lorenzo Cheney, John W. Hedges and Daniel Herron were the heaviest contributors to its erection. Rev. Andrew J. Frisbie was pastor in charge at the time, it was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Roberts, then of Lima, Ohio. Rev. John Graham is the present pastor. The membership exceeds one hundred. A Sunday school was held in the schoolhouse before the church was built, and has been regularly maintained during the summers ever since. It has a membership of about sixty. The Essex Methodist Protestant Church was organized in 1840, by Rev. John Hunt, at the house of John Cheney. It started with only six members - John Cheney and Sarah, his wife, Thomas Chapman and Hannah, his wife and David S. Allen and his wife Elizabeth. Services were continued at the residence of Mr. Cheney for a few years, and were then transferred to the Essex Schoolhouse. A log meeting house was built in 1846, on a lot situated just east of the present Essex Schoolhouse. It was donated to the church by Thomas Chapman. The church here erected was a large hewed-log building, and the material was furnished, and the greater part of the labor performed, by the members. Thomas Chapman received, for finishing it, the sum of $60, which included the hardware bill. The congregation continued to worship in this church until 1869, when the present frame church was built. Its cost was about $1,400; the cost of the lot upon which it is erected, $100; and the cost of the bell, $125. It was dedicated in May, 1870, by Rev. J. H. Hamilton, of Tuscarawas County. The members who contributed most liberally to the new church were J. A. White, John Chapman, Rev. T. B. Cheney, D. A. White, D. R. White, Jason Chapman, George Temple, Jonathan Cheney, R. R. Randall and H. Roberts. The following list of pastors in charge of this church was prepared by two of the old and leading members, and is, perhaps, as free from errors as any list that can now be obtained: John Hunt, 1840-41; J. I. Devore and John Inskeep, 1841-42, J. I. Devore and O. P. Stephens, 1842-43; Revs. Edwards and O. P. Stephens, 1843-44, James Webster, 1844-45; Isaac Ensminger, 1845-46; J. B. Peat, 1846-47; T. D. Howe, 1847-48; 0. P. Stephens and J. M. Flood, 1848-49; J. M. Flood, 1840-51; O. P. Stephens, 1851-53. J. W. Giddings, 1853-54; W. B. Warrington, 1854-55; E. J. Winans and Hain, 1855-56; R. Hussey and T. T. Kendrick, 1856-58; O. P. Stephens and A. M. Ravenscraft, 1858-59; I. N. McVay and O. P. Stephens, 1859-61; W. B. Evans and George Brown, Jr., 1861-62; W. B. Evans, 1862-63; R. Hussey, 1863-64; Daniel Kinney, 1864-65; R. Hussey, 1865-66: Revs. McDonnell and Stephens, 1866-57; J. M. Adams, 1867-69; J. W. Case, 1869-70; J. W. Shultz, 1870-73; A. M. Hall, 1873-74; A. M. Ravenscraft, 1874-75; W. S. Sansom, 1875-76; T. H. Wilson, 1876-77; T. B. Graham, 1877-79; J. W Spring, 1879-81; C. Cadwallader, 1881-82.William Hamilton, of JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 497 Claibourne Township, was a local preacher of considerable note in early times. The church belonged to the Richwood Circuit till 1870, when it and the Davis church were united and denominated Rush Creek Circuit. In 1877, Rev. I. N. McVay conducted a revival, under the influence of which more than one hundred accessions were made to the church. The present membership* is about one hundred. A Sunday school was organized about 1842, by John Cheney and Margaret Chapman, in the Essex Schoolhouse. It was the first Sunday school ever held in the village, and for many years was under the control of no one denomination, but was purely " union " in its character. It has been maintained every summer since. Mr. Cheney remained in charge till 1849, when M. M. Camp became Superintendent. Under his guidance, the school was very successful and prosperous. Within a few years it has been under the management of the Methodist Protestant Church. Union Regular Baptist Church, located in the western part of Jackson Township, was organized a few years preceding the war of the rebellion by Rev. Jacob Dye, with a membership of eleven. The earliest meetings were conducted in an old log schoolhouse, situated in Washington Township, for ton or twelve years, and then in the frame schoolhouse, which succeeded the log house, in the same district. About 1870, the church building now in use was erected on a lot donated to the society by Joseph Temple. The cost of the edifice was about $1,000. The congregation has flourished and maintained a large and active membership. A few years ago a branch or arm was formed at Bell's Schoolhouse, north of Essex. A subscription paper was circulated, and a large fund secured for the erection of a house of worship in that vicinity, but there are no present prospects that this will be done soon, and it now seems probable that all the members of the brunch will return to the parent church, as many of them have already done. Rev. David Thomas is the present pastor. A Sunday school is one of the leading features of Christian work in this society. It is held only during the summer. The Rush Creek Christian, or Disciple, Church was organized June 18, 1865, by Rev. Michael Riddle. The first members were John Stanard, Joseph Cameron, Sarah Cameron, William Allen, William Sprague, W. D. Cameron, Ann G. Sprague, Marv Burnett, Temperance Osborne, Catharine Chambers, Jane Blue, Mary Bailey, Susan and George W. McLain, Shannon Bailey, Abraham McLain, James Stanard, John Bazard, Eliza and Elizabeth Price, Anthem Bailey, Benjamin Temple, Sarah Smith, Elenora L. Cheney, Sarah A. Allen, Lucretia Price, Jane Stanard, M. M. Stanard and Phoebe Merrit. John Stanard and William H. Allen were elected the first Elders; G. W. McLain first Deacon; and W. D. Cameron and Shannon Bailey, Assistant Deacons, subsequent Elders have been William D. Cameron, G. W. Merrit, J. M. Blue, T. W. Bridge and Joseph Price; Deacons, Thomas L. Poulk, Emery P. Bridges, John M. Blue, John Moore and Frank Cameron. The meetings were hold in a schoolhouse until 1875. A frame church was then erected. It is 38x45 in size, and cost about $2,200. It contains a gallery and a reception room, is surmounted by a belfry and bell, and is finely furnished. Taken all in all, it ranks among the finest country churches. The building was dedicated by Rev. William Dowling, then of Kenton, Ohio. Rev. Dana Call was the pastor in charge during its erection. Other recent ministers are Revs. John Stanard, G. W. Kline and R. T. Davies. At present the society has no regular minister. The membership includes 108 souls. A Sunday school is in operation during pleasant weather. A noted revival occurred in 1856, which is usually referred to as the "Wiley Schoolhouse Meeting." It began with a little Methodist prayer meet- 498 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. ing, conducted in Wiley's Schoolhouse, Claibourne Township. The meetings increased in interest, under the preaching of Rev. William Boggs, and were transferred to the Swartz Schoolhouse, in this township, where the Methodist Episcopal society then held services. Again the place of meeting was changed; this time to Essex, where, night after night, for weeks, the meeting house was filled to overflowing, and between one and two hundred conversions professed. Among the number were five young men, who afterward became ministers of the Gospel, viz., Hamilton J. Bigley, Ebenezer Cheney, Thomas B. Cheney, Thomas J. Mather and David Wynegar, the latter of Claibourne Township. At Essex, the meetings were conducted jointly by the Methodist Episcopal and the Methodist Protestant societies, and large accessions were made to both churches. The first burial-place was on the farm of Ebenezer Cheney. In 1828, only three families resided in the township, and that year each family lost a member. The first death was that of little Johnnie Carter, the son of Benjamin Carter. Mary Allen and Elizabeth Cheney were the other two victims of the fell destroyer. All three were buried on the farm of Ebenezer Cheney. This graveyard is still small, but has been used, to some extent, ever since it was first dedicated to this sacred purpose. Price's Cemetery, about a mile north of Essex, is the largest, and the one most generally used. It is finely located on rolling ground. There are, besides these, several private burying grounds within the limits of the township. ESSEX. The village of Essex was surveyed September 2, 1836, by William C. Lawrence, Deputy Surveyor, for John Cheney, the proprietor. The lots were forty in number. The streets running east and west were named Water and Essex; those running north and South, Mulberry and Marion. At the time the village was platted, it was hoped by those interested in its welfare that a new county would be formed, and Essex made the seat of justice. Some efforts were put forth for the accomplishment of this enterprise, and the expectation of success was given circulation, but had little effect in building up the village. For a year or two no houses were erected. Dr. David Welch is said to have built the first cabin, about 1838. The name of the village was selected by the surveyor, at the request of the proprietor. Tabor Randall was the first Postmaster, the office taking the name of Rush Creek. M. M. Camp succeeded him in the office. Subsequent Postmasters have been Sidney Hogden, John A. Peasley, Richard Davis, S. E. Williams and Richard Davis again, the present incumbent. The first store consisted of a few goods sent to the place by L. H. Hastings, then a merchant of Richwood. It was placed under the management of Thomas Cheney, and continued eighteen months. James Stout was the next merchant; Jacob Reed followed; then William Wurl, Camp & Search and others. For a time, two stores of general merchandise were in operation; at present there is but one, conducted by Richard Davis. There is also a grocery, owned by Cheney & Hoffman, the flour and saw mill of W. A. Hall & Son, a blacksmith shop, a repair shop and a shoe shop. The population consists of sixteen families; formerly there was a larger number. Early mechanics in the village were Jacob Honaker, a gunsmith and black Smith, and Absalom Carr, a wagon-maker. Lewis Hack, the son in-law of Dr. Welch, was engaged for some time in making potash. Dr. David Welch was well advanced in life when he settled at Essex. After a practice of perhaps fifteen years, he retired. Dr. S. E. Williams, hailing from Licking County, located in the village in 1848, and has been in continuous practice since. Drs. Virgil Anderson and J. C. Corruthers each Page 499 - Picture of Jon J. Gabrich Page 500 - Blank JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 501 had in office for a short time. Dr. P. W. Lee practiced for about two Years during the war. Dr. G. J. Skidmore, in 1882, terminated a practice of seven or eight years in Essex, by removing to Pharisburg. Several other physicians have transiently stopped at the village in quest of a good location, but their stay was usually of brief duration. Dr. Williams is now the only resident practitioner in the township. Dennis Welch taught one of the first schools in the village. For a number of Years, the youth of Essex received their instruction in the districts to the east and west of the village. A schoolhouse was then built. Tabor Randall, Margaret Chapman, Peter Smith. Jesse A. White and Caleb Roberts were, early teachers. Rush Creek-Lodge, -No. 629, I. O. O. F.. was instituted at Essex June 20, 1876, with sixteen members. viz.: E. L. Randall. S. H. Grant, G. S. Robertson. M. M. Mather. D. D. Mather. J. D. Mather. Levin Price, Levi Roseberry, Asbury Cheney, E. D. Horton, Richard Davis, Philip Bender, Simpson Price, C. W. Burgoon, John Price and John Vestal. The first officers were M. M. Mather. N. G.; E, L. Randall. V. G.; Levi Roseberry, Sec.; R. Davis. Per. Sec.; P. Bender, Treasurer. The hall in which the lodge conducts its meetings was built during the autumn of 1875, by a joint-stock company, in anticipation of the organization of the lodge. It cost about $500. The shares were purchased, from time to time, by the lodge until it acquired the sole ownership of the hall. Meetings are held every Saturday night. The present membership is fifty-two; the present officers are J. D. White N. G.; D. D. Mather, V. G.; Jonathan Cheney, Sec.; C. W. Burgoon, Per. Sec.; E. D. Horton, Treasurer. Rush Creek Grange, No. 710. Patrons of Husbandry, was organized at Essex in the spring of 1874. It continued in active operation only a few years. Woodland is a post office and a station, in the northeastern corner of the township, on the New York, Pennsylvania V Ohio Railroad. It contains a large planing mill, operated by Henry Hazen, and a store, started about 1866, and still owned by Ed Hazen. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)JACKSON TOWNSHIP - 501 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. MRS. ANTHEM BAILEY, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born January 27, 1842, in Morrow County, Ohio. Her parents were Nathan and Eleanor Clark, natives of the Empire State. On November 1, 1860, in Delaware County, Ohio, she married David Harden, with whom she came to Jackson Township, this county. He was a son of Isaac anti Lydia Harden, and by her there was an issue of four children-Josephine, Clara J., Charles L. and William N. He died in August, 1867, and September 2, 1869, she was united in marriage with Manoah Blue, son of Michael and Ellen Blue, early settlers of this county. To them were born four children, of whom two are now living, viz.: Cora E. and Elva A. He departed this life in March 1881, and in November 1881, she was again married, this time to Mr. Anthem Bailey, who was born in this county in March 1845. His parents were Edward and Mary Bailey, who also were among the early settlers of Union County. Our subject is a lady of rare intelligence and of a social, conversational disposition. She is esteemed by all, and is the owner of 100 acres of valuable land. JOHN B. BENEDICT (deceased) was born in October 1820, in Herkimer County, N. Y. His parents were Jeremiah and Elizabeth Benedict, with whom, when a child, he came to Champaign County, Ohio, where they remained till their decease. On March 4, 1843, in Union County, he married Miss Julia A. Chapman, who was born in Harrison County, Va., February 22, 1822. She was a daughter of Jason and Sarah Chapman. By this union there has been an issue of four children-Sarah M., William H., Mary E. and Arthur F. About the year 1846, he settled in Jackson Township, where his widow now resides. Having settled in the woods like all early settlers, he endured many hardships and seif denials. In September 1861, he enlisted in the Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry and subsequently saw considerable active service. He died in March 1862, at Lebanon, Ky., having succumbed to the dreaded typhoid fever. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and his widow is also a member of the same denomination. In his death, Jackson Township lost an upright man and 502 - HISTORY UP UNION COUNTY. worthy citizen. Mrs. Benedict, who is now more than sixty years of age, is a lady of intelligence, and is very active for one of her age. COLUMBUS W. BURGOON, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born November 16, 1837, in Knox County, in this State. He is a son of Upton W. and Mary (Lash) Burgoon, his father a native of Germany and his mother of North Carolina. In 1854, with his parents, he came to Claibourne Township, this county; he received a liberal English education, and for several years taught school. On July 27, 1862, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. Benedict, who was born March 6, 1846; she is a daughter of John B. Benedict (deceased) and Julia A. Benedict, of whom we have made mention in this work. To them have been born three children - Wilson S., born June 5, 1868; Annie E., born November 4, 1870, and Clare, E. (deceased). In April 1861, he enlisted in the Seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being a resident of Illinois at that time. His regiment operated principally in Missouri and Kentucky, and he continued in the service until the following September. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township, and at present officiates as Justice of the Peace. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. M. fraternities. JOSEPH CAMERON (deceased). Among the pioneers of Union County there are none whose memory is more worthy of perpetuation in the history of our county than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pennsylvania January 3,1807, and was a son of John and Dorotha Cameron. His father and two brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. On March 26, 1829, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Reed, who was born April 1809, in Virginia. She was a daughter of Jesse Reed, a soldier of the war of 1812, and Christiana Reed. When nineteen years of age, accompanied with her two brothers, Jacob and William Reed, she rode on horseback a distance of 250 miles, from Virginia to Champaign County, Ohio, where, in the following spring, she wedded our subject. By this union there has been an issue of thirteen children, seven of whom are now living, viz., Erastus R., Eliza O., Elvira M., William D., Jesse L., Frank M. and Carrie; Harvey A. (deceased), one of their sons, was a soldier in the late war of the rebellion, and the first white child born in Jackson Township. In 1830, they came to Union County and located in the southern portion of Jackson Township, until 1852, when they settled where the widow now resides. Our subject had seen much of pioneer life, and endured many hardships and trials. It is said that the first public prayer in Jackson Township was offered in his cabin home in the southern portion of the township. He was deeply imbued with the spirit of uprightness and Christianity, having been a zealous member of the Christian Church, with which denomination he also officiated as local preacher. After devoting a life of usefulness to both church and State he quietly and peacefully, on June 20, 1872, passed away. By his death, his family lost a faithful husband and father, and Union County one of her best citizens. He left to his widow, now in her seventy-fourth year, eighty-seven acres of land. JAMES CHAMBERS, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 29, 1828. His parents were John and Elizabeth Chambers, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America about the year 1801, and for a short period located in Pennsylvania. They subsequently came to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they settled and remained until their decease. Of their family of five children four are now living, viz.: James, Alexander, John and William. On November 80, 1852, in Hocking County-formerly Fairfield County - he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Brown. She was a daughter of John and Mary A. Brown, of Hocking County. To them were born fourteen children, twelve of whom are now living, viz.: George A., Emma A., Mary L., Viola C, Ida E., Inez L., Myrta E., John W., Edward F., Edwin F., Oliver L. and Edith A. In 1859, with his family, Mr. Chambers came from Hocking to Union County and located in Claibourne Township until the spring of 1869, at which time he came to Jackson Township and settled where he now resides. He is the owner of 100 acres of tillable land, and an ardent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JOHN CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born November 5, 1816, in Harrison County, Va. His parents were Jason and Sarah Chapman, and with them, when twelve years of age, he came to Champaign County, Ohio, where they located a few years. In 1834, they came to Union County and settled in Jackson Town3hip. Two sons and two daughters, viz., John, Mary, Julia A. and Jason N. are all that remain of his father's family of ten children. In November 1836, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Dysert, daughter of John and Mary Dysert. By this union there has been an issue of ten children-Joseph H., Jason D., John W., Mary A., Thomas, Francis M., Lorenzo C., Sanford F., Sarah E. and Amanda (deceased). Having lived a quarter of a century, with his faithful consort, and enjoyed the comforts of wedded life, in December 1861, she peacefully passed away. In March 1863, he married Rebecca Wade, daughter of Garland Wade, and with her he lived until June 1882, when she, too, departed this life. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township, is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and of the F. & A. M. society, and the owner of 230 acres of land in a fine state of cultivation. JOHN W. CHAPMAN, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch was born October 29, 1842, in Jackson Township, Union County, this State. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (deceased) Chapman, of whom we have made mention in this work. From his youth up, he has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. In September 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently was engaged in JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 503 the battles of Perryville, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Goldsboro, Kenesaw Mountain and many other minor engagement and skirmishes. He continued in the service until June 1865, when he was honorably discharged. In March 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Munson, daughter of Theodore and Hester Munson, of Claibourne Township, this county. By her he had one child-John T. She departed this life in October 1878, and in September 1880. He was married to Miss Maggie Berry, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Berry. This union has been blessed with one child-Sumner G. Mr. Chapman is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church will of the F. & A. M. society. He is the owner of ninety-eight acres of land in a good state of cultivation and resides in the northern portion of Jackson Township. JASON N. CHAPMAN, fainter. P. O. Richwood, son of Jason and Sarah Chapman, was born April 10, 1842, in Union County, this State. In his youth he received a fair English education, and for perhaps one year taught a district school. In August 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was attached to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in numerous battle, and engagements, some of the Principal lines of which were Perryville, Franklin and Shelbyville, was in Sherman's grand march to the sea and at the siege of Savannah, and the surrender of the confederate Gen. Joe Johnston's army. He was honorably discharged in June 1865. In 1866, he married Miss Mary O. Hodgden, a lady of rare intelligence, born October 14, 1849, in Delaware County. She is a daughter of Charles Hodgden (deceased) and Annie Hodgden. To them have been born four children - Annie F., born April 4, 1867; Minnie E., born July 31, 1869; Earl, born October 15, 1876; and Clyde (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are both members of the Methodist Protestant Church and honored members of the society. He is also a member of the F. & A. M. society, and the owner of 100 acres of land. LORENZO CHENEY, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. Thomas Cheney (deceased), a pioneer and the father of the subject of this sketch, was born May 3, 1804. in Virginia. His parents were Ebenezer and Elizabeth Cheney. When four years of age with them he came to Champaign County, Ohio, where they located until about 1826, when they came to Union County. In March 1829, he married Martha Carr, who was born May 16, 1813, in Pennsylvania. She was a laughter of Absalom and Dorcas Carr, with whom when four years of age, she came to Champaign County, this State. To them were born fourteen children of whom seven are now living, viz.: Lorenzo, Absalom, Asbury, Dorcas, Mary f.. Emily E. and Christiana. In 1829, he settled near where out, subject now resides. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and departed this life in March 1865. Our subject was horn September 27, 1831, in Jackson Township, this county. He was reared amid the scenes if pioneer life, and received a common school education. On February 27, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna N. White an estimable lady, born October 9, 1837, and daughter of Albert R. and Amy (deceased) White. This union has been blessed with eight children, viz.: Charles S., Eva, Elva Martha, Alona, Wesley G., Sylvester S., and Rush. Mr. Cheney is at present serving his fourth year as Treasurer of Jackson Township. In October 1872, he was elected a County Commissioner and entered into the duties of' this office on the first day of January following and served three years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the owner of 671 acres of land, and a member of the I. O. O. F. society. He is recognized as one of the leading, substantial agriculturists of Union County. GEORGE W. COWGILL (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born in Ross County, this State, July 14, 1811. His parents were Alexander and Mary Cowgill. When about fifteen years of age with his father, he come to Union County, and settled in Leesburg Township, near what is now known as Magnetic Springs. In 1835, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Smart, by whom he had five children, three now living. viz.: Isaac, Sarah and Martha. Shortly after, he purchased a farm of 200 acres on Fulton Creek in Claibourne Township, on which farm he resided until 1876, in which year he moved to Jackson Township, where his family now resides. Just when life was becoming pleasant, he was called upon to part with the companion of his youth, leaving him with several small children. In March 1849, he was again married, to Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, widow of the late J. Robinson of Logan County. By her he had four children, of whom three are now living, viz.: Marian, Reuben and George W. Mr. Cowgill was taken sick in church on Monday evening January 10, 1881--he was stricken down, as it were, almost in a moment, and was carried home only to die on the following day, January 11, 1881. All was done for him that loving hearts and friends could do, but he lingered only about twenty-three hours, when his spirit took its flight. He had been a zealous member of the Christian Church for thirty years, and front the time of uniting with the church, until the day of his death, he lived a consistent Christian life. He had been a member of the Masonic fraternity at Richwood, for many years. During his last hours his brother masons afforded him all the aid in their power, and when life had fled they interred his remains in accordance with the usages of the order. The funeral sermon was preached by the Rev. Williams of Newton, this county, to a large and sympathetic audience, after which his remains were interred in the Bethlehem cemetery. He was a loving father; a good and obliging neighbor, and respected by all who knew him. Thus passed away one of Union County's early pioneers. His bereaved widow resides at the home of one of her sons in Jackson Township. George W. one of the sons 504 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY., of our subject was born in September 1854, in this county. In April 1881, he married Miss Inez Harraman, daughter of Lafayette and Martha Harraman of Marion County. They have one child Ira E. Reuben Cowgill, brother of the above, was born in Union County, April 18, 1852. He was reared to man's estate on a farm. In July 1875, he married Josephine Hurd, daughter of William Hurd (deceased) and Jane Hurd, now Mrs. Abraham Linsley of Summersville, this county. They have one child-George W. He owns fifty-six acres of land well cultivated. LEONARD DAUM. farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany, in March 1838. He is a son of Simeon and Catherine Daum. When eighteen years of age, he emigrated to America, and by way of New York came to Ohio. In his youth he learned the trade of shoe-making, which he followed several years. In May, 1858, at Marysville, this county, he married Catherine Hachendorfer, by whom he had six children, five now living, viz.: Mary M., Barbara M., Peter G., John S. and Elizabeth. In 1872, with his family he settled in Jackson Township, where he now resides. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and tire owner of 224 acres of land. RICHARD DAVIS, merchant, P. O. Rush Creek. Richard Davis the leading merchant of Essex, this county, was born May 10, 1828, in Delaware County, Ohio. His parents were John R. and Margaret Davis. In his youth he received a fair English, education and for about four terms taught school. On June 1, 1851, he married in Union County, Miss Euphronius R. Swartz, daughter of William and Nancy Swarts. For several years prior to entering the mercantile business, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He deals in general merchandise and dry goods, and since 1870, has served as Postmaster. Mr. Davis has established a good patronage, being courteous and obliging to his customers. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are now living, viz.: Arthela. A., Ethalynda O., Edith E., Rua V., Ora I. and Richard M. They are both active and useful members of society. Mr. Davis is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and of the M. P. Church. He has served as Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer of Jackson Township. JOSEPH B. DECKER, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born March 16, 1852, in Marion County, this State. He is a son of John and Elizabeth Decker, of Marion County. His parents have eight children-Elizabeth O., Lucinda J., Joseph B., James F., William A., John A., Mary O. and Amanda E. His father has served as Trustee and Justice of the Peace in Pleasant Township, Marion County, and is of high standing in the community where he resides. Our subject, in his youth, received a common school education. On December 10, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Brown, who was born March 24, 1853, in Marion County. Her parents were James M. and Sarah Brown. This union has been blessed with one child, viz.: Emmet G., born October 18, 1874. In the spring of 1879, Mr. Decker came from Marion County to Jackson Township, this county. He is the owner of 100 acres of land in a good state of cultivation. JOHN R. DIXON, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born August 12, 1827, in Virginia. His parents were John and Frances Dixon, with whom, in the spring of 1839, he came from Ross County, Ohio, to Union County, and settled in Jackson Township, where they remained until their decease. Of a family of twelve children, six are now living-Lucy A., Elizabeth, Frances, Martha J., Nancy A. and John R. In October, 1854, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sabria. V. White, who was born in October 1829, in New York State. When three years, of age, with her parents, Paul and Mary White, she came to Portage County, Ohio, and subsequently to Marion County. This union has been blessed with nine children, six of whom are now living, viz.: James F., Lucy F., Susan A., Philip T. M., Olive J. and Nancy E. Mr. Dixon has seen much of pioneer life, having settled, comparatively speaking, in the woods. For twelve years he has served as Assessor of Jackson Township, and, in 1880, was appointed Enumerator of the Census in his township. He is the owner of fifty acres of land in a good state of cultivation. JAMES M. DUTTON, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch was born November 26, 1837, in Marion County, Ohio. His parents were David and Sarah A. Dutton, natives of Delaware, who came to Marion County at quite an early day. Our subject, in his youth, was trained to the pursuits of farming, and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. He was married, in Marion County, Ohio, to Miss Helen Keeler, who was born January 20, 1835. She was a daughter of Hiram and Velina Keeler, both deceased, of Jackson Township. This union has been blessed with three children, viz.; William R., born June 18, 1861; Ads M., born November 20, 1862, and Sarah B., born September 9, 1864. In the spring of 1876, from Marion County, with his family, he came to Jackson Township, this county. He is the owner of forty-one acres of tillable land, in the northern portion of the township. JAMES L. FISH, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born November 6, 1847, in Mill Creek Township, Union County, Ohio. His parents are Cornelius E. and Elizabeth R. Fish. He was reared to manhood on a farm and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. On November 16, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Susan McElroy, who was born April 3, 1845. in Ireland. She is a daughter of William McElroy (deceased) and JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 505 Elizabeth McElroy. When a child, with her parents she came to America, and by way of New York came to Union County, this State. Their union has been blessed with three children - Washtella, born November 6, 1873; Carrie E., born January 10, 1876; and Chauncey C., born March 25, 1881, Mr. Fish is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and the owner of 100 acres of land. He resides in the southern portion of Jackson Township. WILLIAM A. GODFREY, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born February 27, 1844, in Ross County, Ohio. His parents were Isaac Godfrey, a native of Maryland, and Elizabeth Godfrey. In 1854, with his father, his mother having died, and other members of the family, he came to Jackson Township, this county. Of a family of nine children, four are yet living, viz.: Nancy, Mahala, Annie and our subject, who is the youngest child. On May 3, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa Austin, daughter of Mark and Cynthia Austin. By this union there has been an issue of three children, two of whom are now living-Chauncy, born September 18, 1876; Nellie, born August 12, 1877; and Eugene (deceased). In August 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and subsequently participated in the battle of the Cedars, Kingston, N. C., and the burning and evacuation of Decatur, Ala. He was honorably discharged in June 1865. Mr. Godfrey is a member of the Baptist Church and the owner of fifty-two acres of land. He resides in the northern portion of Jackson Township. JOSEPH J. GOLDSMITH, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born July 1, 1828, in Franklin County, Ohio. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth Goldsmith, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Ireland. When two years of age, with her parents, his mother emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where she married a Mr. Chambers, by whom she had two children, both of them now deceased, and with him she came to Franklin County, where he died. She here married, after the decease of Mr. Chambers, Thomas Goldsmith, father of our subject. To them were born seven children, five of whom are now living. Thomas Goldsmith was born in Kentucky, and, when a young man, with his parents went to Virginia. He came to Franklin County a short time prior to the breaking out of the war of 1812. Our subject was reared in Franklin County, where, in August 1848, he married Miss Eliza A. Thompson, daughter of William Thompson, a native of Scotland, and Susannah Thompson. This union has been blessed with six children, two of whom are now living, viz.: William C. and Oliver H. In the fall of 1853, he came to Union County, and, after living in different parts of which, he finally, in the spring of 1881, settled in the southern portion of Jackson Township. He has served as Treasurer of York Township and Trustee of Claibourne Township. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and owns fifty-one Acres of land. WATSON A. HALL, miller, P. O. Rush Creek, was born in Portage County, Ohio, January 10, 1839. He is a son of Henderson Hall, deceased, and Mary Hall, now of Delaware County. When five years old, with his parents, he went to Delaware County, where he married, in March 1859, Miss Eliza J. Farver, daughter of Nelson and Eliza J. Farver, by whom he has one child, viz.: Almer E. For twenty-two years Mr. Hall has been quite successfully engaged in the Law and grist-milling business. He remained in Delaware County until the spring of 1881, at which time he came to Essex, this county. In August 1862, he enlisted, in Delaware County, in the Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Haines' Bluff, Arkansas Post, and the siege of Vicksburg, and received an honorable discharge in July 1865. He is of an active, stirring business disposition, and a respected member of society. HENRY M. HALL, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin County, Ohio, September 11, 1846. He is a son of John and Keturah Hall, of Franklin County. In his youth he received a liberal English education. On December 28, 1870, in Franklin County, he married Miss Frances 1. Walton, who was born October 1, 1849; she in a daughter of Gideon and Rebecca Walton, of Franklin County. To them have been born four children, viz.: Charles M., born May 30, 1873; John J., born April 28, 1875; Martha R., born July 31, 1879, and Josephine, born August 9, 1881. In the fall of 1875, he came to Union County and settled in Jackson Township. He is the owner of fifty-five acres of land, and is serving his second term as Justice of the Peace. As an agriculturist, Mr. Hall is meeting with success. GEORGE W. HANDLEY, farmer, P. O. Richwood. This venerable citizen of Jackman Township was born June 14, 1814, in Loudoun County, Va: He is a son of Daniel and Annie Handley, and when about five years of age, his father died. When twelve years old, with his mother and several other members of the family, he came to Licking County, Ohio. From his youth up he has devoted his attention to farming, and received but a rudimentary education. On December 8, 1836, in Perry County, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Bugh, who was born July 1, 1818. She was a daughter of Israel and Amelia Bugh, early settlers of Perry County. To them have been born ten children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: John T., Eliza J., Melinda C., Amelia A., Martha E., George V. and Martin. The names of the deceased are Mary F., David E. and William H., In the spring of 1876, with his family, from Licking County, Mr. Handley came to Claibourne Township, this county, and located in said town- 506 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. ship until the spring of 1882, when he came to Jackson Township, where he now resides. He is the owner of 113 acres of land in a high state of cultivation. GEORGE B. HANDLEY, farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch a young agriculturist of Jackson Township, was born July 11, 1856, in Licking County, Ohio. He is a son of George W. and Catherine Handley, whose sketch appears in this work. He was reared to manhood on a farm and received a common school education. On March 2, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Eva Cheney, daughter of Lorenzo and Anna M. Cheney, of whom we have also made mention in this work. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 71, at Richwood, and of the Fourteenth Ohio National Guard Regimental Band, and the owner of seventy acres of land. WINGET HARRAMAN, farmer. P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch, a prominent agriculturist of Jackson Township, was born April 3, 1846, in Marion County, Ohio. He was a son of David and Nancy Harraman. When twelve years of age, with his father he came to Jackson Township, this county. In his youth he had the opportunities of receiving but a meager education. He participated in the battles of Red River, Little Rock, the siege of Vicksburg and other engagements in the war of the Rebellion, with the Fortieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and received an honorable discharge from the service. In November 1867, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Martha J. Baldwin, daughter of Henry Baldwin (deceased) and Edith Baldwin. To them have been born six children, of whom five are still living -William ff., John Olin F., Clarenie L., Florenie A., Carrie A., and Jesse (deceased). Mr. Harraman has been remarkably successful in, business ; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. society, and the owner of 498 acres of land. HENRY HAZEN, lumber merchant and farmer, P. O. Woodland. William P. Hazen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in May 1817, in New York State, and when twelve years of age came to Ohio. He married Maria L. Langdon by whom he had six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Our subject being the oldest, Edward E., Phoeba A., Philander F., and Martin L. His wife died in 1853, and he was married in December of the same year to Mrs. Charlotte J. Vincent, a widow. About the year 1838, at Deerfield, Portage County, he engaged in the foundry business, having learned the trade of a molder in his youth. He there continued in business until 1840, when he opened a foundry at Rosenna, and carried on the business successfully until 1848, in which year he formed a partnership with his brother, under the firm title of W. P. Hazen & Co. They carried on the business until 1851. In 1851, he embarked in the lumber trade at Atwater, Portage County, where he continued his business until 1860, in which year he went to Warren, Trumbull County. He here carried on the lumber business successfully until 1862, when he admitted as a partner our subject. In 1863, they closed up their business at Warren and came to Jackson Township, this county. In 1866, they admitted as a partner Edward E. Hazen, and the firm henceforth transacted business under the title of W. P. Hazen & Sons, until 1880, in which year the partnership was dissolved. William P..Hazen affords to us a striking illustration, of what a poor boy can do if he puts to work his brains and muscle with a determination to succeed. At the time of his arrival in Ohio he had according to his own statement "a few shillings in his pocket," and today he is the owner of 1,500 acres of land in Union County, 700 acres in Florida and other vast possessions. He was in his day one of the most active and stirring business men which Union County possessed. Our subject was born July 11, 1838, in Portage County, Ohio. In January 1864, he married Miss Alice E. Wells, who was born in February 1842; she was a daughter of John F. and Dorotha Wells, of Portage County. To them have been born six children - William P., Charles E., Maria L., Benjamin W., Lettie A. and John F. His business career has been principally in connection with that of his father, as shown in this sketch. In connection with his forming, at present he is also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising and lumbering. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township. Through his exertions was secured the post office at Woodland, where he officiated as Postmaster several years. He is a member of the F. & A. M. society and of the I. O. O. F. society. EDWARD E. HAZEN, merchant and lumber dealer, Woodland, was horn in Portage County, Ohio, April 14, 1843. He is a son of William P. and Maria L. Hazen, of whom we have made mention in this work. He received a fair English education in his youth. In October, 1862, he married Amelia Herst, by whom he had four children, three now living, viz., Charlotte J., William P. and Edward F. After her decease, he in married Lydia Robinson, of Marion County, by whom he has one child, Daniel E. For many years, with his father and brother, of whom we have made mention, as partners, he transacted business. He is at present extensively engaged in the mercantile trade, and still more extensively to the lumbering business. He is the owner of 597 acres of land and other valuable properties. He has been exceedingly successful in business. JONATHAN W. HEDGES, farmer, P. O. Richwood, vas born March 3, 1829, in what was formerly known as Fairfield, now flocking County, Ohio. His parents were Catch and Polly Hedges, natives of Maryland, who came to Fairfield County at quite an early day. He spent his youthful days in the quietude of farm life, and received but a common school education. On February 28, 1854, he married Rebecca M. Brown, who was born in May 1833, a daughter of John JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 507 and Mary Brown, of Hooking County. To them have been born eleven children, seven of whom are yet living, viz., John A., Gaylord, Wilfred N., Orpha, Eunice, Effie and Ray C. In 1855, Mr. Hedges moved his family from Hooking to Delaware County, where he located two years and came to Union County He settled in the southern portion of Jackson Township, where he now resides. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township, and with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the owner of 231 acres of land. EDGAR D. HORTON, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born in Licking County, Ohio, September 5, 1836. He is a son of Thomas and Mary (deceased) Horton, natives of Vermont, who came to Licking County, Ohio, about the year 1834. Of their family of twelve children, nine are now living, viz., Edwin, Orson, Thomas, Paschal I., Charlotte M., Sophia J., Emily A., Helen M. and Edgar D. When thirteen years of age, our subject entered his father's store at Fredonia, Licking County, as a clerk, and he continued with him until he reached his twentieth year. In March, 1865, at New Dover, Union County, he entered into the mercantile business for himself, and continued in the same for some five years. He subsequently spent a short time in Iowa, and came to Jackson Township, this county, in 1871. He is at present engaged in agricultural pursuits. In August 1862, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and became attached to the Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Chickamauga, he received a gunshot wound in the right arm, which somewhat disabled that member. He continued in the service until February 1864, at which time he received an honorable discharge at Camp Dennison. On April 23, 1864, he married Miss Sarah U. Criswell, daughter of William and Tacy Criswell, both of whom are deceased. This union has been blessed with six children, three of whom are now living-Frank, Lottie A. and Thomas J. He has served as Trustee and Assessor of Jackson Township, is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and the owner of fifty acres of valuable land. WILLIAM R. HUGHES, farmer, P. O. Woodland, was born in Cambria County, Penn July 30, 1828. His parents were Thomas Hughes (deceased) and Hannah Hughes, his father a native of Wales and his mother of Pennsylvania. When six years of age, with his parents, he came to Marion County, Ohio, where his mother still resides. He remained in Ohio until 1849, in which year he returned to Pennsylvania, where, in December, 1853, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Rachel S. Ritner, who was a daughter of Maj. Peter and Rachel S. Witner, and a niece of Joseph Ritner, who at one time was Governor of Pennsylvania. By this union there has been an issue of five children, viz.: George R., Thomas H., Everett L., William L. and Alice, the latter two of whom are deceased. Mr. Hughes remained in Pennsylvania, until 1875, in which year, with his family, he returned to Marion County, where he located until the spring of 1881, when he came to Jackson Township, this county. In June 1861, as Captain of Company E, he enlisted in the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battle of Antietam and others, and was discharged in the following September. He re-enlisted in May 1863, in the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as Captain of Company B. He subsequently was engaged in the memorable battle of Gettysburg, and continued in the service until September 1863, when he received his final discharge. While in Pennsylvania, he at one time was a candidate for State Senator, but was defeated by his opponent, Lewis W. Hall, by a small majority. He has also served as Mayor of Wilmore, Cambria County. Mr. Hughes is a gentleman of culture and education and a member of the F. & A. M. society. JOHN C. JOLLEY (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born October 3, 1819, in Union County, Ohio. He was a son of John and Hannah Jolley. he was reared to man's estate on a farm and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. On October 7, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Keyes, an estimable lady, born March 8, 1828, in Madison County, Ohio. She was a daughter of Daniel and Betsy Keyes, with whom, when a child, she came to Union County. By this union there has been an issue of three children-Homer, born January 22, 1854; Preston, born April 3, 1856; and Emily D., born June 21, 1861. In 1856, he settled in Jackson Township, where he remained until his decease in August 1862. To his family he was an indulgent husband and father, and with his fellow men he dealt with a spirit of generosity and uprightness. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; his bereaved widow, who still resides in Jackson Township, is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the owner of ninety-four acres of land. WILLIAM KEELER, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born June 12, 1844, in Jackson Township, this county. His parents were Hiram and Velina Keeler, natives of Vermont. About the year 1836, they came to Union County and settled in Jackson Township, where they spent the remainder of their days. Of their family of eight children, five are yet living, viz.: Orlando, Helen, Amelia V., Melissa E. and William. On October 31, 1880, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Sells, daughter of Peter and Catharine (deceased) Sells. They have one child, viz., George W., born August 10, 1881. He resides in the northern portion of Jackson Township, and is the owner of sixty acres of land. RUSSELL B. LANDON, farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born July 8, 1831, in Delaware County, Ohio. His parents were James and Elizabeth Landon, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Michigan. They came to Delaware County 508 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. at quite an early day. Of their family of eight children, six are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, Sarah, Darius, Mary J., Catherine F. and Russell B. Our subject was reared to manhood in Delaware County. On October 16, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Sabrina Rodgers, who was born October 27, 1835, in Virginia; Elie is a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (deceased) Rodgers. When a mere child, with them she came to Delaware County, where they located several years, and subsequently moved to Marion County, By this union there has been an issue of seven children-Elizabeth H., Martha O., Joseph B., Arthur R., Corp M., Orange G. and Emma G. In the spring of 1868, with his family from Marion County, Mr. Landon came to Union County, and settled in Jackson Township. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and the owner of seventy acres of land, in the southern portion of the township. LEVI E. LEWIS, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born May 23, 1833, in Worcester County, Md. His parents were John and Uneta Lewis, natives of Maryland, the latter deceased. About the year 1840, they came to Pickaway County, Ohio, where his mother died when our subject was eleven years old. His father afterward married Mrs. Martha Mitchell. They subsequently moved to Franklin County, where they remained until 1880, in which year they came to Union County. Our subject spent his youthful days in the quietude of farm life, and received a fair English education. On August 18, 1853, he married Miss Susan E. Morten, who was born June 2, 1836, in Pickaway County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Seth Morten (deceased) and Sarah Morten, natives of Connecticut, who came to Pickaway County about the year 1832. This union has been blessed with eight children, viz.: John W., Seth L., Sarah A., Edward M., Susan M., Uneta J., Franklin B., and Mary E. In 1880, from Pickaway, with his family, Mr.. Lewis came to Union County and settled in Jackson Township, where he now resides. For twelve years, as a local minister in the Christian Church, he has labored zealously for the advancement of the Master's cause. Ile is the owner of one hundred acres of land. S. C. LOVE, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born October 9, 1846, in Morrow County, Ohio. His parents were Leonard and Catherine Love. When about seven years of age, with his father, stepmother and two sisters, he moved to Delaware County, Ohio, where his father settled and remained until his decease. Our subject served a short period in the late war of the rebellion, in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was attached to the Army of the Cumberland. On December 15, 1870, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Criswell, who was born November 24, 1848, in Licking County, Ohio. Her parents were William and Tacy Criswell. To them have been born three children- Carrie, born August 6, 1871; Valentine, born March 7, 1873, and Wilfred C., born September 19, 1878.. In the spring of 1876, our subject settled in the northern portion of Jackson Township, this county, where he still resides. He is a self-made man, having procured all he has by his industry and strict adherence to business. He has served as School Director, and is the owner of sixty-four acres of land, the greater portion of which is under a state of cultivation. HARVEY MATHER, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born in June 1820, in Delaware County, Ohio. His parents were Increase Mather, a native of New Jersey and Anna Mather. When about three years of age, with them he came to Union County. He was reared to man's estate on a farm and received the rudiments of an English education in a district school. In November 1840, he married Miss Jane Dysert daughter of John and Mary Dysert. This union has been blessed with seven children, viz.: Daniel D., John D., Oliver B., Mieton M., Aaron A., Mary L. and Thomas J. (deceased ). In 1849, Mr. Mather settled in Jackson Township, near where he now lives. He has served as Justice of the peace in Jackson Township for fifteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the owner of 120 acres of land. As an agriculturist, he has been successful, owing to his industry and judicious management. THOMAS MOORE (deceased) was born in January, 1834, in Union County. Ohio. His parents were Harvey and Magdalena Moore, who had a family of eight children, seven of them are now living, viz.: John, Elizabeth M., Margaret, Cyrus, Nancy M., Martha E. and Magdalena. In June 1856, our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Ellen Moore, daughter of William and Ann Moore, of Claibourne Township, this county. To them were born six children, of whom five are now living, viz: William H., Mary E., Phila, John H. and Olive I. He served in the late war of the rebellion perhaps sixteen months, but was an invalid during the greater portion of the time To his family Mr.. Moore was an indulgent father and loving husband. He was a member of the Disciple Church and peacefully departed this life in November 1878, respected by all who knew him. He left to his widow, who still resides in Jackson Township, and who mourns her irretrievable loss. seventy-eight acres of land. JOHN MOORE, farmer P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, this State, September 22, 1836. His parents were Harvey and Magdalena Moore early settlers of this county. On April 3, 1859, he married Miss Catherine Markley, who was born in May 1842, in Marion County; she was a daughter of Aaron and Margaret Markley To them have been born six children, five of whom are now living, viz.: Emma M., Thomas C., Cyrus A., Margaret A. and Ida M. In 1870, he settled in the northwestern portion of Jackson Township, where he now resides. He served as Trustee of Jackson Township. He is the owner of 240 acres of land, and a zealous member of the Disciple Church. Page 509 - Picture of John Markill Page 510 - Blank JACKSON TOWNSHIP. - 511 ISAAC NOGGLE, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born in Hooking County, Ohio, June 14, 1835. He is a son of John and Hannah (deceased) Noggie, of this county. In his youth he received but a rudimentary education. In November, 1861, he enlisted in the Forty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the siege, of Corinth, the capture of Island No. 10, the battle of Iuka and numerous other engagements. He was discharged, and re-enlisted in December 1863, in the Forty-third Ohio Veteran Infantry. He subsequently was engaged in the battle of Decatur, siege of Atlanta, siege of Savannah, the grand march to the sea, and the surrender of Johnston's army. He continued in the service until July 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. In February 1867, he married Miss Jane E. Matteson, daughter of Joseph K. and Mary (deceased) Matteson. To them have been born four children, viz.: Minnie D., Annie M., William F. and Joseph A. (deceased). He is the owner of sixty-seven bored of land, and resides in the northern portion of Jackson Township. FRANCIS M. PARISH, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch was born February 5, 1848, in Madison County, Ohio. He is a son of George Parish, a native of England, and Rachel Parish. About the year 1853, with his parents, he came to Jackson Township, this county, where they settled and still reside. He was, from his youth up, trained to the pursuits of farming, and received but a rudimentary education. In January 1868, he married Miss Sabrina Randall, who was born April 24, 1851, in Delaware County, Ohio. She is a daughter of Rodney R. and Louisa. Randall, now of Jackson Township, this county. To them have been born four children, three of whom are now living-Elva A., born November 1, 1869; Louisa, A., born September 6, 1872; Lelia A., born December 4, 1874; and Blanchard F., deceased. He resided in Jackson Township until the spring of 1876, when he moved to Marion County, and resided one year, at the expiration of which time he returned to Jackson Township. In November 1881, he moved to Columbus, where he was employed by the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railway Company. In October 1882, he again returned to Jackson Township, this county. He has been moderately successful in business, is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and the owner of eighty-nine acres of land. SAMUEL T. PATTERSON, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born March 22, 1837, in Belmont County, Ohio. His parents were John and Hannah A. Patterson, his father a native of Maryland and his mother of Virginia. They come to Belmont County at quite an early day. When seven years of age, his father died, and when fifteen years of age, with his mother, he moved to Franklin County, where she died in November 1877. Four of a family of five children are still living, viz.: Samuel T., James, Sarah A., and Martha A. On January 27, 1857, in Franklin County, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Lott, who was born December 28, 1836, in New Jersey. She is a daughter of Elijah and Anna Lott, who came to Franklin County, this State, about the year 1856. This union has been blessed with nine children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Chester W., born December 18, 1864; Charles E., born July 4, 1867; Harry E., born September 6, 1869; Lillias G., born July 15, 1874; Alvin, born August 3, 1875; and Blanche M., born May 19, 1880. In November 1874, with his family, Mr. Patterson came from Franklin to Union County and settled in Jackson Township. He and his wife are both members of the M. P. Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge and the owner of a fine farm of seventy-two acres, pleasantly located in the northern portion of the township. GRANVILLE S. ROBERTSON, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born May 19, 1826, in Virginia. He is a son of Joseph R. and Nancy Robertson. When sixteen years of age, his mother died, and shortly after, with his father, he came to Union County, this State. From his youth unto the present time, he has been engaged in farming. In February 1851, he was united in marriage with Louisa Andrews, daughter of Horace and Ann Z. Andrews, and by her he had one child-William H. (deceased). She died in September 1853, and in March 1856, he was married to Elizabeth Bell, of Marion County, this State. To them have been born eleven children, nine of whom are now living, viz.: Joseph S., Isaac N., Jesse B., Hannah M., Margaret E., John H., Samuel S., Mary E. and Robert R. He has served as Trustee of Jackson Township many years, and also as Assessor. He is a member of the Baptist Church, in which denomination he officiates as a local preacher. In 1865, he settled in Jackson Township, where he still resides, and where he is the owner of 171 acres of land. ANDREW SCHMELZER, farmer, P. O. Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in August 1813, in Prussia, Germany. He was a son of Andrew and Catherine Schmelzer. In 1844, he emigrated to America, and spent several years in New York and Newburg Cities, and then came to Ohio. About the year 1854, he came to Union County. In 1848 married Caroline Kircher, by whom he has ten children, viz.: Andrew, George W., Charles, Jacob, Lewis, Alice, John L., Henry G., Frank and William, He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and the owner of 137 acres of land. He is industrious and energetic, qualities which have secured for him success, and resides on the western portion of Jackson Township. SAMPSON R. SNOWDEN, farmer, P. O Richwood. The subject of this sketch was born in Greene County, Ohio, March 11, 1841. He is a son of James Snowden (deceased), and Mary A. Snowden. He was reared to man's estate on a farm, and received but a limited education. In August 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Ohio Volunteer 512 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. Infantry, and participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Kingston and other lesser engagements, and continued in the service until June 1865. On March 14, 1867, he married Miss Mary F. Flesher, who was born in December 1847; she is a daughter of John and Lena Flesher, of this county. By this union there has been an issue of four children, viz.: Albert E., William A., Cora M. and John A. In 1872, he came to Jackson Township; and settled in the southern portion of the township, where he owns ninety-six acres of land. He is a member of the M. E. Church. GEORGE W. STEPHEN, farmer, P. O. Richwood. George W. Stephen is a prominent farmer of Jackson Township; was born in Delaware County, this State, October 30, 1850. He is a son of Zachariah Stephen (deceased) and Miry A. Stephen. Of their family of ten children, seven are now living, viz.: Ephraim, Hugh M., Elizabeth A., Joseph Z., William C., George W. and Nancy J. His father died in September 1877; his mother still resides in Delaware County. On October 21, 1873, he married Miss Olive E. Perry, daughter of Henry and Martha Perry, of Logan County. To them have been born four children-Bertha, Effie L., Jessie Al. and Grace. He has been moderately successful in business, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is the owner of 114 acres of land, and resides in the northwest portion of Jackson Township. DAVID SWARTZ, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek. The subject of this sketch was born in Delaware County, Ohio, December 26, 1839. He is the youngest child of Abraham and Hettie Swartz. In his youth he learned the trade of carpentering, which he followed for several years. In September, 1874, in Delaware County, he married Miss Levine Smith, daughter of William W. and Polly (deceased) Smith. To them have been born two children-Mary E., born July 17, 1876, and William A., born August 21, 1879. In August 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was engaged in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Perryville, the siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, the grand march to the sea, and the surrender of Johnston's army. He received an honorable discharge in June 1865. In 1874, he come to Union County, and located at Richwood until the spring of 1878, when he came to Jackson Township. He has served as School Director, and is a member of the Christian Church. He is the owner of forty acres of land. JOSEPH TEMPLE, farmer, P. O. Richwood, was born May 6, 1827, in Adams County, Ohio. His parents were Joseph and Margaret Temple, with whom, when fifteen years of age, he came to Union County, and settled in Jackson Township, where he now resides. On July 6, 1849, he was united in marriage to Lucy A. Andrews, who was born August 20, 1825, and a daughter of John H. and A. Andrews. By her he had six children, viz.: John M., Henry G., Louisa J., Surrilda A., Lucy C. and Edith C., deceased. Mrs. Temple died in June 1871. On July 3, 1872, he was married to Leonora C., daughter of Theron Eastman (deceased) and Nancy Eastman, of Madison County, Ohio. To them have been born three children. Mr. and Mrs. Temple are both members of the Baptist Church, and useful members of society. He has served as School Director, and is the owner of 242 acres of land. JESSE A. WHITE, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born in Franklin County, Ind., August 31, 1828. His parents are Albert R. White and Amy White, deceased. When five years of age, with his parents, he came to Union County. He was reared amid the rural scenes of farm life and received a liberal education, which enabled hint for two years to teach school. On April 10, 1851, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Angeline Dysert, daughter of John and Mary Dysert. They are the parents of four children-John D., Charles A., Mary E. and Anna M. Mr. White has met with success in a financial sense, being of a stirring, business disposition, and is the owner of 100 acres of good land. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He has served as Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer of Jackson Township, and for twenty years has been Recording Steward of the Rush Creek Circuit of the Methodist Protestant Church. DANIEL A. WHITE, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, was born in Franklin County, Ind., February 20, 1830. He is a son of Albert R. White and Amy White, deceased. In 1833, with his parents, he came to Jackson Township, this county. In his youth he received rather a limited education, but by continual reading, and having a love for good books written by standard authors, he has made himself familiar with many of the important topics of this day. In December 1830, he was united in marriage with Emily Bennet, daughter of Henry and Mary Bennet, and by her had two children, both of whom are deceased. She died in December 1853. On October 8, 1854, he was married to Minerva Bennet, by whom he has eight children, six of whom are now living, viz.: Albert S., George A., John W, Mary M., Martha E. and Jesse W. Mr. White is at present the efficient Superintendent of the Creek Gravel Road. He is the owner of 188 acres of land, and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1854, he settled where he now resides. DAVID R. WHITE, farmer, P. O. Rush Creek, the subject of this sketch, was born October 6, 1832, in Champaign County, Ohio. He is a son of Albert R. White; he received a common school education, and on June 8, 1856, was united in marriage with Miss Alice A. Bosart, who was born November 20, 1838, in Champaign County. She is a daughter of John and Elizabeth Bosart, early settlers of Champaign County. They have four children, viz., Jennie, born YORK TOWNSHIP. - 513 August 29, 1857; Elenor, born January 14, 1862; Emery, born July 10, 1867, and Mary, born March 28, 1874. Mr. White has served as Assessor of Jackson Township, and is the owner of sixty acres of valuable land. With his wife, he is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and, for seven years, has been the efficient Superintendent of the Essex Sabbath School. Mr. and Mrs. White reside on their farm, which is pleasantly located on the Rash Creek Gravel Road, in the western portion of the township. SAMUEL E. WILLIAMS, physician and surgeon, P.O. Rush Creek, was born March 4, 1823, in Licking County, Ohio. He is a son of Bliss and Sarah Williams, natives of New Jersey, who came to Licking County about the year 1819. After receiving a liberal English education, in 1846, he entered for a five months course, the Cleveland Medical College, and graduated in March of the following year. On December 8, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miriam Brookins, daughter of Jonathan P. Brookins (deceased) and Murilla, Brookins, formerly of Marion County. This union has been blessed with six children, of whom four are living, viz., Jonathan P., William, Sarah M. and Elbert S. After his graduation, for a short time, he practiced at Hartford, Licking County, and then went to Middletown, now Prospect, Marion County, where he located four years, at the expiration of which time he came to Union County, and located at Essex. Mr. Williams is of a courteous and obliging disposition, successful in his profession, and has established a lucrative practice. He is a member of the F. & A. M. society. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)