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NICHELSON, SMITH biography for John and Andrew Nichelson

John and Andrew NICHELSON, farmers; P. O. Plattsburg. These two brothers are sons of the late Andrew NICHELSON, deceased, who was one of the oldest pioneers of Harmony Township. In his day he was one of the leading men of his township. He was a man who became very wealthy before his death. Andrew, Jr., is a native of Harmony Township, having been born on the "old NICHELSON homestead," Feb. 8, 1835; he has continued to live in the township since. He was married, Nov. 20, 1866, to Miss Sina SMITH, a daughter of Wm. SMITH, of Union Co., Ohio; they have had three children born to them - Augusta, born Aug. 28, 1867; Jessie, Aug. 8, 1869, and Charles, July 23, 1873. Andrew is a man who has devoted his time entirely to farming and stock-raising. He is the owner of between 600 and 700 acres of land in Clark and Madison Cos. There are but few farmers in the county who are so comfortably situated as he is. Andrew is the oldest of the family. John NICHOLSON is also a native of Harmony Township, he having been born June 11, 1837. John, like his brother Andrew, made choice of farming, and has continued at it. He is one of the few who believe in single blessedness, he having never taken a partner for life. John, like his brother, is the owner of a large farm of some 700 acres of land, in Clark and Madison Cos. There are five brothers of the NICHELSONS in Harmony, and they are all large land owners; besides the above-named, there is Nathaniel, Lemuel and George. When the late war was going on, the father of the above-named sons was living, but very old - not liable to service - but his patriotism was such, that, as he was too old to fight, he sent a substitute in his place, and three of his sons, who were liable to service, sent three men in their place to fight, that our country might be preserved. Andrew and John were in the Kirby SMITH raid on Cincinnati, and responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the Morgan Raid.

LITTLE, NICHELSON biography for Lemuel Nichelson

Lemuel NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. South Charleston. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harmony Township; his is a son of the late Andrew NICHELSON, Sr., who was one of the earliest pioneers in Harmony Township, and one of its most honored citizens. Lemuel was born Sept. 19, 1846. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura LITTLE, of Madison Township, Jan. 1, 1867. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children (now living) - Minna Maude, born Nov. 4, 1867; Clifford L., Feb. 28, 1869, and Nathan R., Dec. 10, 1871. Mrs. NICHELSON is a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, Ohio. Mr. NICHELSON is the owner of a very fine farm adjoining the town of Lisbon.

NICHELSON, STEWART biography for George Nichelson

George NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, May 30, 1856, and is the son of Andrew and Angeline NICHELSON, whose history will be found in this book. He grew up on the home place, receiving his education in the common district school. He was married, Dec. 15, 1880, in Green Township, to Jane E. STEWART, daughter of Perry and Rhoda STEWART, on of the prominent families of Clark Co. Mrs. NICHELSON was born on the farm where her parents now reside, and received a good education and careful moral training. Mr. NICHELSON is a Republican. At his father's death he received the old homestead and 150 acres of land as his share of the landed estate. This property is located close to the town of Plattsburg, and is well improved, and the prospect before this young couple looks bright and promising.

OLINGER, WILSON biography for George W. Olinger

George W. OLINGER, merchant; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co, Ohio, May 27, 1857, near Brighton; his father, Joseph C. OLINGER is one of the large land owners in Harmony Township, owning over 700 acres of land. His father came to Ohio in 1846 from the State of Virginia. His father was born in 1819. George was raised on the farm and continued to be a farmer until Oct. 1, 1880, when he gave up farming and commenced a mercantile life. He purchased the stock of groceries, etc., owned by Mr. A. T. WILSON, of Brighton, Ohio. Mr. O. keeps quite a stock of goods such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. OLINGER is a young man of industry and energy; should he follow in the footsteps of his father, in the way of economy, he will be one of the wealthy men of the township. He is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives.

BROWN, COOK, HUDSON, NEWLOVE, OXTOBY biography for Henry Oxtoby

Henry OXTOBY, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. This old and respected citizen belongs to another generation, having been permitted by Divine Providence to live longer than is usually allotted to man; but while he has grown old in years, he has also grown honored and reverenced; and while his hair has been whitened by the frosts of many winters, it is but emblematical of the pure life which he has lived. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 24, 1801, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (COOK) OXTOBY, natives of the same place. In 1803, his parents embarked at Liverpool for the United States, and settled close to Geneva, N.Y., afterward removing to a farm on the Genesee River, where they were living during the war of 1812, also owning at the same time 30 acres on which the city of Rochester has since been built. In the fall of 1814, they sold the land and came to Clark Co., Ohio, whither Henry's father had previously been, to look at the country. He entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 33, Harmony Township, upon which he and family settled, and where his wife died April 11, 1836, aged 67, and himself Oct. 23, 1838, at the same age, both dying, as they had lived, faithful adherents of the M. E. Church. There were four children in the family, three daughters and one son. Henry was but 18 months old when his parents came to America, and but 13 years of age when they settled in Clark Co., Ohio. He grew to maturity on the old homestead, attending school at the early log schoolhouse four or five winter terms of three months each, which completed his education. He was married, in December, 1825, in Harmony Township, to Harriet NEWLOVE, very old - not liable to service - but his patriotism was such, that, as he was too old to fight, he sent a substitute in his place, and three of his sons, who were liable to service, sent three men in their place to fight, that our country might be preserved. Andrew and John were in the Kirby SMITH raid on Cincinnati, and responded to the call for volunteers at the time of the Morgan Raid.

LITTLE, NICHELSON biography for Lemuel Nichelson

Lemuel NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. South Charleston. The subject of this sketch is a native of Harmony Township; his is a son of the late Andrew NICHELSON, Sr., who was one of the earliest pioneers in Harmony Township, and one of its most honored citizens. Lemuel was born Sept. 19, 1846. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura LITTLE, of Madison Township, Jan. 1, 1867. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children (now living) - Minna Maude, born Nov. 4, 1867; Clifford L., Feb. 28, 1869, and Nathan R., Dec. 10, 1871. Mrs. NICHELSON is a member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, Ohio. Mr. NICHELSON is the owner of a very fine farm adjoining the town of Lisbon.

NICHELSON, STEWART biography for George Nichelson

George NICHELSON, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, May 30, 1856, and is the son of Andrew and Angeline NICHELSON, whose history will be found in this book. He grew up on the home place, receiving his education in the common district school. He was married, Dec. 15, 1880, in Green Township, to Jane E. STEWART, daughter of Perry and Rhoda STEWART, on of the prominent families of Clark Co. Mrs. NICHELSON was born on the farm where her parents now reside, and received a good education and careful moral training. Mr. NICHELSON is a Republican. At his father's death he received the old homestead and 150 acres of land as his share of the landed estate. This property is located close to the town of Plattsburg, and is well improved, and the prospect before this young couple looks bright and promising.

OLINGER, WILSON biography for George W. Olinger

George W. OLINGER, merchant; was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co, Ohio, May 27, 1857, near Brighton; his father, Joseph C. OLINGER is one of the large land owners in Harmony Township, owning over 700 acres of land. His father came to Ohio in 1846 from the State of Virginia. His father was born in 1819. George was raised on the farm and continued to be a farmer until Oct. 1, 1880, when he gave up farming and commenced a mercantile life. He purchased the stock of groceries, etc., owned by Mr. A. T. WILSON, of Brighton, Ohio. Mr. O. keeps quite a stock of goods such as is usually kept in a country store. Mr. OLINGER is a young man of industry and energy; should he follow in the footsteps of his father, in the way of economy, he will be one of the wealthy men of the township. He is a young man of steady habits, and is much respected in the community in which he lives.

BROWN, COOK, HUDSON, NEWLOVE, OXTOBY biography for Henry Oxtoby

Henry OXTOBY, retired farmer; P. O. Springfield. This old and respected citizen belongs to another generation, having been permitted by Divine Providence to live longer than is usually allotted to man; but while he has grown old in years, he has also grown honored and reverenced; and while his hair has been whitened by the frosts of many winters, it is but emblematical of the pure life which he has lived. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Nov. 24, 1801, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (COOK) OXTOBY, natives of the same place. In 1803, his parents embarked at Liverpool for the United States, and settled close to Geneva, N.Y., afterward removing to a farm on the Genesee River, where they were living during the war of 1812, also owning at the same time 30 acres on which the city of Rochester has since been built. In the fall of 1814, they sold the land and came to Clark Co., Ohio, whither Henry's father had previously been, to look at the country. He entered 160 acres of land in Sec. 33, Harmony Township, upon which he and family settled, and where his wife died April 11, 1836, aged 67, and himself Oct. 23, 1838, at the same age, both dying, as they had lived, faithful adherents of the M. E. Church. There were four children in the family, three daughters and one son. Henry was but 18 months old when his parents came to America, and but 13 years of age when they settled in Clark Co., Ohio. He grew to maturity on the old homestead, attending school at the early log schoolhouse four or five winter terms of three months each, which completed his education. He was married, in December, 1825, in Harmony Township, to Harriet NEWLOVE, daughter of Joseph and Ann (BROWN) NEWLOVE, natives of England, who settled in the county in 1821. Mrs. OXTOBY was born in England May 2, 1799, and had the following children: Marianna, the deceased wife of William J. HUDSON; Robert and John, who reside with their father. Mrs. OXTOBY died March 10, 1848, a sincere believer in the truths of the Gospel. He was again married, Dec. 12, 1858, to Ann B. NEWLOVE, a sister of the first wife, also a native of England, born Sept. 10, 1804. She joined the M. E. Church in 1817, and remained a true and consistent member until her death Aug. 24, 1875. She was a kind, charitable woman, and Mr. OXTOBY was fortunate in his married life, as both wives were ever faithful helpmeets. In 1848, Mr. OXTOBY joined the M. E. Church, and has been sexton of "Fletcher Chapel" for twenty-seven years, giving his services, and "would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than swell in the palaces of kings." He has now retired from active life, and, with his sons, resides on a farm of 200 acres. Robert is engaged in sheep-raising as a specialty, having now 300 ewes on the farm, some of which are thoroughbred merinos. John is at present engaged in the lumber business in Ross Co. Politically, Mr. OXTOBY was a Whig, and afterward a Republican, and has always been in favor of all classes of public improvements, lending his influence and means to the support of schools, churches, and everything the object of which was the benefitting of the community of which he has been so long an honest, uprights, worthy and respected member.

BEALES, PATTERSON biography for Malcomb H. Patterson

Malcomb H. PATTERSON, farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads: he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, Nov. 2, 1839. His father, Charles C., was one of the leading carpenters of Dayton, Ohio. Malcomb went to Illinois in 1859, and Aug. 10, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 123d I. (mounted) V. I., having served in the famous Wilder's Brigade, which, according to history, was never whipped. He was discharged at the close of the war at Springfield, Ill. He was one of the few who came out without a "scar," but he had a bullet to go through his bootleg, one through the top of his hat, and one to glance and strike him over the left eye. In 1865, he went to Missouri. There he was married to Miss Anna BEALES, of Virginia. While in Missouri Mr. P. was engaged in farming. Nov. 18, 1869, he returned to Clark Co., Ohio, and located in Springfield, Ohio. In 1870, he settled in Harmony Township. As the result of his marriage to Miss BEALES, four children have been born to them - Carrie, born in Missouri May 23, 1868; Nettie was born in Harmony Township July 23, 1870; Charles was born in Harmony Township Oct. 1, 1873, and Howard Lee was born in Springfield April 28, 1875. He is situated on a beautiful farm one mile west of Vienna - a man of fine social qualities; in politics, a "stalwart" Republican.

COCHRAN, MCARTHUR, RATHBUN, REYNARD, YOST biography for Rei Rathbun

Rei RATHBUN, farmer and stock dealer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co., Ohio, March 22, 1849. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna M. REYNARD, was also born in this township Feb. 22, 1851. They were married Sept. 11, 1872. They have four children - Netum, aged 6 years; Lena 4 years; Pern, 3 years; Clarence, 1 year. Mr. RATHBUN is an extensive agriculturist. He also deals in stock of various kinds. John RATHBUN, father of Rei, was born in Butler Co., Penn. removed with his parents to Ohio in 1811. Thomas RATHBUN, father of John, was born in Rhode Island, of English descent. John's mother, was whose maiden name was Elizabeth COCHRAN, was born in Pennsylvania of Irish and Welsh parentage. They were the parents of five children - Mary, John, Jeffrey H., Clark and Amos, none of whom are living except John, the father of our subject. John RATHBUN and Mary CURL were married Dec. 27, 1829. As a result of this union, eleven children have been born - Thomas, Jeremiah, Cyntha, Elizabeth, Mary, George W., Azubah, John, Rei, Nancy J. and Beda. Thomas, George W. and Rei are all that are living of this once large and happy family; in the year 1856, Mr. RATHBUN purchased 139 acres of land in Harmony Township upon which he resided and cultivated with his own hands until the year 1875, when he purchased what was known as the MCARTHUR place, where he now lives. This is a beautifully situated tract, lying about one-half mile east of Vienna. His post town is ten miles east of the city of Springfield, county seat of Clark County, Ohio. The living children are married. George W. lives in Missouri; Thomas lives in Harmony Township, on what is known as the YOST farm, while Rei, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, occupies the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. RATHBUN, although well advanced in years, enjoy a fair degree of health, and are spending the afternoon of life in a very contented and peaceful condition of mind.

ELLINGER, FOREMAN, GARDNER, SMITH biography for Dr. Edward H. Smith

Dr. Edward H. SMITH, physician, Vienna Cross Roads. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklin Co., Ohio Feb. 15, 1855. In 1875-78, he attended Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, one of the leading medical colleges of the State. In 1878, he graduated, and, after practicing a short time with his preceptor, Dr. GARDNER, of Harrisburg, Ohio, he came to Vienna, Clark County, Ohio, and commenced the practice of medicine. June 4, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. ELLINGER, grand-daughter of the late Col. FOREMAN, one of the early settlers of the county, and a man of considerable prominence, having served as a Colonel in the war of 1812. Their marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child (a daughter). Dr. SMITH, although practicing in the county a short time, has built up quite a practice. He is a man of skill, and is very industrious. As a gentleman, he is quite pleasant and affable.

BANWELL, BURK, PRICE, RICE, SPRAGUE biography for Darius Sprague

Darius SPRAGUE, farmer; P. O. Springfield, Ohio. The subject of this sketch is the son of the late James SPRAGUE who came to Clark County in a very early day and died in 1846. The subject of this sketch was born March 31, 1817, in Harmony Township on the "old Sprague homestead" adjoining the farm upon which he now resides. Darius made choice of farming when young, and has since followed it successfully. He was united in marriage Feb. 8, 1837, to Sarah RICE, daughter of Edward RICE (deceased), who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County, having come to Ohio from the State of New York. There has been born to Darius and Sarah, twelve children, five of whom are now living, viz., Lucina E., now the wife of Dr. BANWELL of South Charleston; James E. who was born March 15, 1844; Sarah, now the wife of Corwin PRICE of Springfield; Darius A. and William S. of Springfield. Mr. SPRAGUE is the owner of a beautiful farm of 700 acres, all of it being in Harmony Township excepting 160 in Madison Township. Mr. S. has retired from farming, and his son, James E., has the farm rented. Mr. Sprague was at one time very extensively engaged in farming and stock-raising, having as many as 5,000 sheep on his farm, and cattle in proportion. James, who has the farm rented, was united in marriage, May 9, 1878 to Miss Elizabeth BURK, of Harmony Township; there has been born to them one child - Mabel C., Born June 28, 1879.

RALEY, THORPE biography for Robert Thorpe, Sr.

Robert THORPE, Sr. (deceased). In the early settlement of Harmony Township, a number of English families chose it as their home in the New World, and, among those worthy English folk, Robert THORPE was one who undertook the laborious task of making a farm in the dense forest of Ohio. Born in Yorkshire, Eng., in 1773. He was raised to farm life, and there married to Elizabeth RALEY, a native of the same shire, born in 1773, and the daughter of William RALEY, an English physician of much skill in his profession. Of this union were born the following children - Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Margaret, Robert, Raley, Harriet, John and Thomas H., five of whom are now living - Mary Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Raley and Harriet. In 1819, Robert and family, accompanied by his mother and father-in-law, came to the United States, the latter dying at Philadelphia soon after landing. They came down the Ohio River on a flat-boat, and, on reaching Portsmouth, his mother died, and was buried in that town. He had started from England with the purpose of locating in Clark Co., Ohio, where he had some friends who had previously settled here, and, on reaching this county, he purchased 200 acres of land in the southwestern part of Harmony Township, paying $9 per acre for the same, which was a high figure for that early day. He was not a poor man, but brought considerable means with him from England, and being a good practical farmer, soon made his new home comfortable for those pioneer days. His wife being the daughter of a physician, learned from her father many of the secrets of medicine, and by the use of his medical books which he left her at his death, and which she had recourse to in the treatment of diseases, she practice the art of healing, and was loved and trusted by all who knew her, people coming from long distances to get her assistance and medicines in their troubles and sickness. For about thirty years Robert THORPE lived and labored on his farm in Harmony Township, and, on the 18th of April, 1849, peacefully breathed his last, dying as he had lived, a faithful adherent of the Episcopal Church, having passed the allotted time of a man, being 76 years of age, when death claimed him as its victim. His wife was raised in the Presbyterian faith and lived and died a firm believer in that church, passing away Oct. 22, 1852, aged 79. Robert THORPE and wife were true representatives of "Old England," and their lives were marked by that outward, open-handed, generous hospitality in their home and genuine good nature, which are well-known traits of English character. No member of suffering humanity was ever turned from their door hungry, and the poor or oppressed never pleaded in vain to them for relief. At the time of Robert THORPE's death he was the owner of about 470 acres of good land, and this John took charge of, with the exception of 100 acres, which Robert received at his father's death, the balance of the children remaining at the old home as one family. John THORPE was one of the leading stock men of Clark Co.; was a man of energy and ability, who, by good management and the help of his brothers and sisters at home, added to the estate year after year, until, at his death, the family owned about 700 acres of first class land. He died Sept. 7, 1877; Margaret, Aug. 31, 1878; Thomas, Sept. 6, 1878, and Robert, Feb. 1, 1881. The last mentioned is the only one of the children who married, and he raised a family of four daughters and two sons. The family have always adhered to their father's church and those who have passed away, died faithful Christians, with a strong and abiding faith in a blissful immortality. The THORPE family are of Republican proclivities, have always stood among the upright citizens of Clark Co., and they have ever been noted for integrity of character and honesty of purpose.

BROOKS, CHAMBERS, HAMMOND, MILLER, SHRYACK, TROXELL biography for William Troxell

William TROXELL, farmer; P. O. Plattsburg. The grandfather of this gentleman was Peter TROXELL, a native of the Keystone State, of German descent, who was married to Rachel CHAMBERS, a native of Chambersburg, Ind., to whom where born ten children, George, the father of William, being the second in the family. Peter TROXELL was a Revolutionary soldier, and soon after marriage moved to Augusta Co., Va., where he and wife spent the balance of their days. And there George was born, grew to manhood and married Elizabeth MILLER, of that county, and daughter of Adam MILLER, a native of Germany, who had settled in Virginia. George was a soldier in the war of 1812, fighting the same old foe whom his father helped to whip in the Revolutionary struggle. To George and Elizabeth TROXELL were born the following children - Daniel, Andrew, John, William, Hettie, Eli and Elizabeth, all of whom are living, with the exception of the two oldest. William TROXELL was born in Augusta Co., Va. Dec 16, 1816, and was raised to farm life, his boyhood being spent among strangers, laboring on a farm at from $1.50 to $8 per month, his small earnings going to help support his father's family. His advantages for an education were very poor, and in 1836, when but 20 years old, he came with his brother Daniel to this State. Remained about one year in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and, in 1837, removed to Harmony Township, working as a farm hand. He there had the chance to attend school about four months, during which time he learned the rudiments of reading and writing, which have helped him to manage his affairs through life. In 1846, he went to Illinois, where, with money saved previously from his own earnings, he bought 160 acres of land; then returned to Ohio, and Feb. 17, 1847, was married to Mrs. Margaret BROOKS, born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 6, 1800, and daughter of Nathan HAMMOND, a pioneer of Clark County. Mr. TROXELL finally settled permanently on his wife's farm, on which he had formerly worked as a farm hand, and afterward, by buying out the heirs, became owner of the property, and has since lived upon it. His wife died July 26, 1873, a sincere member of the Christian Church of Plattsburg, and he was again married July 28, 1874 to Dora V. SHRYACK, daughter of John and Matilda SHRYACK, natives of Ohio, and residents of Harmony Township. Mrs. TROXELL was born in this township Jan. 18, 1849, and has had the following children: Pearl C., George W. and Jessie M., and she and husband belong to the Christian Church of Plattsburg. The fall of their marriage they went on a visit to Virginia, there to view the scenes of his childhood and ponder over the changes that time had made, as well as interview the friends of his youth. Mr. TROXELL is a Republican, has held the office of Township Trustee for about ten years; been School Director a number of times, and has taken a deep interest in the building of roads, of which he has been Supervisor about twelve years. When he came to Clark County he was not worth $25, but by constant toil and persistent industry, he has accumulated 550 acres of land, besides paying of $15,000 security debts. He has always been a friend to the poor man, and ever anxious to help his struggling neighbor. He and his step-son, A. N. BROOKS, did an extensive business as stock dealers and shippers for about twelve years. Mr. TROXELL is strictly temperate in his habits; is one of the energetic, enterprising farmers of Clark County, and stands as one of its most successful men in farm life. He is respected for his honest and upright character, "his word being always considered as good as his bond."

RATHBUN, WARREN biography for George M. Warren

George M. WARREN, farmer; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of this biographical sketch is a native of Clark Co., Ohio, having been born March 17, 1837. His father came from the state of New Jersey, and settled in Clark County in the year 1827, in Pleasant Township; he died Jan. 27, 1877. The subject of this sketch began to work on a farm when quite young, and has followed farming since. Mr. WARREN was united in marriage Jan. 21, 1858, to Miss Nancy RATHBUN, a daughter of Clark RATHBUN, a son of Col RATHBUN, who was one of the early pioneers of Clark County. Mr. WARREN is the owner of a very fine farm of 109 acres of land adjoining the town of Brighton, in Harmony Township, where he resides, surrounded with the comforts of life. He is a Past Grand in the Independent Order of Odd Fellowship; he is a member of Vienna Lodge, No. 345, and is a member of Mad River Encampment, I. O. O. F. also. Mr. WARREN is a man of fine social qualities; he is an honored citizen.

BATCHELOR, PRICE, SCOTT, WATSON biography for George Watson

George WATSON, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. South Charleston, Ohio. John WATSON, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in England Feb. 25, 1786; he was married there and came to America in 1829; he first came to Cincinnati, and in the fall of 1829, he settled in Harmony Township. Mr. John WATSON while in England was the owner of a farm of 40 acres. He died on the old home place in Harmony Township May 13, 1844, in his 59th year; he left a wife and nine children, three of the children are living now, viz.: George (the subject of this sketch); William, who resides at South Charleston, Ohio, and Sarah, who lives at College Corner, Ind. His wife, Sarah, was born in England, April 11, 1783, and died in Harmony Township, Jan. 5, 1877, in the 94th year of her age. George, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cumberland County, England, Dec. 1, 1816, he came to America with his parents in 1829, and is now living upon part of the farm that his father purchased in that year. He was united in marriage March 4, 1851, to Miss Margaret E. PRICE, a daughter of James PRICE, late of Harmony Township; as a result of this marriage there have been born to them two children - John P., who was born Jan. 28, 1852, and Laura A., was born Nov. 16, 1854 (now the wife of Charles W. BATCHELOR, of Piqua Ohio); John P. is married to Miss Luella E. SCOTT, of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. WATSON is the owner of one of the finest and best improved farms of 520 acres that is in Clark County, it is all in one body in Harmony Township, excepting 8 acres across the line in Madison Township. Mr. WATSON and his son John P. run the farm in partnership, and deals in fine short-horn cattle. He is a Deacon in the Baptist Church at Lisbon, and his entire family are members of the same church. Mr. WATSON is a member of the F. & A. M. at South Charleston, he is also the oldest Past Grand of the Lodge of I.O.O.F., to which he belongs. He is now in his 65th year, a man full of vitality, and, as he says, without an "ache or pain." Socially, he is very pleasant, a man who is given to hospitality; he is a man who is much respected in the community in which he lives, and is an honest citizen.

ELLIS, JONES, SPRAGUE, WEAVER biography for Abraham Weaver

Abraham WEAVER, farming and blacksmithing; P. O. Vienna X Roads. The subject of the following sketch was born in Hampshire Co., Va., Jan. 24, 1823. He was married to Miss Sophia SPRAGUE in 1847; the result of this union was two children, to wit: Theressa, who died Aug. 20, 1849, aged 9 months and 4 days; and Orlando, who died Jan. 20, 1851, aged 3 months and 4 days; and, on July 16, 1851, the mother of the above-named children also passed away. Abraham WEAVER was married to his present wife, Miss Mary Ann (JONES) WEAVER, in 1852. Miss JONES was born Aug., 26, 1828; the result of this union is nine children, all of whom are living, except Nancy, who died in her 9th year; the names of the living children are as follows: Eliza was born Oct. 19, 1852; James E. was born Sept. 11, 1854; Charles F. was born Jan. 14, 1856; Kate was born Sept. 22, 1857; Joseph was born April 13, 1859; Nancy was born Feb. 8, 1861; Harriet was born July 8, 1862; Laura was born Jan. 13, 1865; Frank was born Sept. 20, 1866. The parents of Mr. WEAVER were natives of Virginia, whence they emigrated to Ohio in the year 1829; Joseph WEAVER, his father, was born Jan. 2, 1794; Sarah WEAVER, his mother, was born June 22, 1798. The names of the brother and sisters of the subject are as follows: Eliza was born May 5, 1821; Abraham, the subject, whose age is already given, and Nancy Feb. 13, 1825; the three above named were born in Virginia; Amanda was born in Springfield Township, Clark Co., Ohio, June 8, 1832; George, who is a half-brother of the subject was born in Wisconsin, and connected with which there is a bit of romance. Mr. WEAVER, who was a well-to-do farmer, meeting with heavy reverses by going security, concluded that he would leave his family for a time with the design ostensibly to repair his shattered fortunes, went to the young but growing State of Wisconsin, where fabulous amounts were suddenly realized in the lead mines, stock-raising, etc; he never returned, but married there; the result of the union was one son, George, who came to Clark Co, Ohio, on a visit to his relatives a few years ago; Sarah, wife of Joseph, struggled along with her large family as best she could, supposing her husband dead, an, after a lapse of eleven years, was united in matrimony with Mr. Silas MELVIN, with whom she lived until his death, which occurred in the year 1859. David Jones, the father of our subject's second wife, was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio in an early day and died in this, Harmony Township, in October, 1857; Jane (ELLIS) JONES, his wife, was born in Clark Co., Ohio, and is yet living at the advanced age of 76 years. Mr. A. WEAVER, our subject, has been a resident of Clark Co. since 1829, is in his 58th year, and has watched with a deep interest the rapid transformation of this once wilderness, to what may property be turned the garden of Ohio.

HENRY, JOHNSON, JUDY, WEST, WILSON biography for Michael Wilson Sr.

Michael WILSON, Sr. (deceased). The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble block into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death of the silent sleeper beneath; but time covers the monument with the mosses of decay, and defaces the inscription. As we well know, change is constant and general; generations are rising and passing unmarked away; and as it is a duty to the child and parent, as well as a gratification to the descendants of him who now "sleeps the last sleep," we place on record a brief sketch of the life and character of one of the leading pioneer farmers of Clark Co. Michael WILSON, Sr. was born in Harmony Township, Clark Co, Ohio, March 15, 1814, and was the youngest in a family of three children, viz., Washington, Josiah and Michael. His parents, Michael and Temperance (JUDY) WILSON, were natives of Kentucky, who settled in Greene Co, Ohio, in an early day. On the breaking-out of the war of 1812, his father went into the army, where he served a short time, then returned home, procured a substitute and shortly afterward took sick and died. The widow, with her two oldest boys, came to Clark Co., and soon after settling in Harmony Township the subject of this sketch was born. It is unnecessary for us to speak of the hardships and privations to be endured by the widow with her three small children. Settling in the woods of Harmony Township, suffice it to say that she watched over them with loving care, and lived to see them become leaders of the township in which she settled, as well as large land-owners and respected citizens. Michael grew up in his native township, and was there married by John JUDY, April 12, 1835, to Lavina HENRY, daughter of William and Elizabeth (JOHNSON) HENRY, natives of Kentucky, who came to Clark Co. about 1814, settling in Harmony Township. There Mrs. WILSON was born Jan. 23, 1815, and has never lived outside of her native township. To Michael and Lavina WILSON were born the following children: Jasper N., Temperance (deceased), James T., Elizabeth, Jefferson (who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and there died), Johnson M., Michael B., Lavina (the deceased wife of Edmund WEST), Washington H., Emma D. (deceased), Martha Ann (deceased), John C. F. and Francis S. All of the children are settled on farms of their own with the exception of two, who reside at the old homestead with their mother. Mrs. WILSON is the eleventh in a family of thirteen, as follows: Polly (deceased), John (deceased), Johnson (deceased), Willie (deceased), Martha, Jonathan (deceased), Nancy, Sarah, Benjamin (deceased), Lavina, William (deceased) and Betsey. From childhood, Michael WILSON was noted for his quiet demeanor and steady, industrious habits, and his success in life was due to those leading characteristics which he inherited from his sturdy parents, and which were fostered under the care of a good mother. Beginning in life poor, he began at once to practice economy, and this, coupled with steady, persevering industry, caused him to rise, step by step, and fortune to smile upon him, until at the time of his death, which occurred Feb. 10, 1879, he owned over 1,100 acres of land, all in his native township with the exception of 100 across the line in Madison Co. From the age of 30 until his death, he belonged to the Christian Church, of Plattsburg, and a Deacon of the same for several years previous to that sad event. Politically a Republican, he never took a very active part in politics, but was always an earnest advocate of schools, churches and public institutions generally, and his death was a serious loss to the community of which he was an acknowledged leader. He was a quiet, modest, retiring man, who attended strictly to his own affairs, leaving his neighbor to do the same; but no man was more firm and rigid in upholding a just cause when necessity impelled him to take sides. His life was an upright one, free from those imperfections that are so common among business men; and his character was strongly marked by those noble traits of honesty and charity toward all men which won for him the unlimited confidence and respect of all good citizens.

ALLEN, BAKER, SHICKLE biography for Aaron Allen

Aaron Allen, physician, Catawba. He is a son of Aaron, Sr., native of Plainfield, N. J., who came to Ohio in 1812, and located at Cincinnati; was a machin-ist by trade he afterward went to Pittsburgh. Penn., where be was engaged as foreman in the building of the first steamboat that sailed down the Ohio River to Cincinnati; he was engineer of the boat on the first trip. He worked in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati until 1832, at which time he moved to Clark County and located in Green Township, where he purchased land; he erected a sawmill, and put in the first steam works that were run north of Cincinnati he was engaged in the milling business for thirty years. The subject of' this sketch was born Feb. 22, 1824, in Cincinnati, lived in the city until 8 years of age; when 15 years old, he began the study of medicine, and when he attained his manhood he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and received his diploma in 1850; began practice in Frankfort. Ky.; he is now living in Catawba. He was twice married; first, in 1844, to Sarah Shickle. His second marriage was celebrated Oct. 3,1853, with Miss Lydia Baker. They had four children - Emma, Aaron T., Charles R. and Oliver E.

BIRELY, SHANK biography for L. Birely

L. BIRELY, retired farmer; P. 0. Catawba. He is a son of Philip and grand-son of Lewis, who was a native of Germany; came to America and located in Lancas-ter Co., Penn., in the year 1730; he served in the Revolutionary war. Philip was born Feb. 24, 1780, in Franklin Co., Penn.; came to Ohio and landed in Springfield Oct. 28, 1839. In February, 1840, he moved upon the farm owned now by the subject of this sketch, and lived there until his death, which occurred Dec. 17. 1844. Lewis was born Oct. 2, 1803, in Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Penn.; was raised and educated in the town; when 15 years old, he learned the trade of a shoemaker, and worked at it till his parents came to Ohio; he came with them and began farming, and has been engaged in that way since with exception of the last ten years; he lives retired from hard labor. He was married, May 19, 1829, to Miss Sarah SHANK of Maryland. They had eleven children, of whom nine are living - Philip, Rebecca, Lewis R., Charlotte C., Elizabeth, Margaret, Sarah, Eliza and Henry C.

BLOYER, PINCKNEY, WILDASIN biography for W. E. Bloyer

W. E. BLOYER, physician and teacher, Catawba. Among the physicians of Catawba, who, by a successful practice have established a reputation for skill and ability as a physician, is Dr. BLOYER, who is a native of Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. born Feb. 13, 1853; was raised until 13 years of age in the town, when his parents moved upon a farm in that county; when 16 years old he began teaching school, and has been engaged in that avocation most of his time since. He came to Ohio in 1871, and located first in Moorefield Township, this county, where he engaged in teaching; he began reading medicine under Dr. H. F. WILDASIN, of Plattsburg, this county, in 1874. He married Miss Helen A., daughter of William PINCKNEY, of Vernon, N. Y. Their mar-riage occurred Nov. 2, 1876; they have one child - Maude G. Mrs. BLOYER had been teaching school several years previous to their marriage. He attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from there in June, 1879, and located in Catawba in September following. He has been dependent upon his own resources in the procuring of his medical education. He is a son of Joseph BLOYER, a native of Germany, who came to America with his parents when quite small and located in Chambersburg, Penn., where he is living at the present time.

BODKIN biography for Jasper Bodkin

Jasper BODKIN, farmer; P. 0. Catawba. He is a son of Charles BODKIN, native of Virginia, who came to Ohio with his parents in an early day and located near Cincinnati, where he lived a short time previous to the late rebellion; he moved to this county and located in Pleasant Township, where he lived till his death; he served in the war of 1812, and was at Hull's surrender. The subject of this sketch was born July 29, 1843, upon the farm where he resides; was raised and educated a farmer. During the late rebellion he enlisted in the 16th O. V. A., and served to the close of the war. After his return home, he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and still continues in the business. He owns the old homestead containing 132 acres.

COFFEY, CURL, MCCOY, NEER, ROBERTS, ROMINE biography for William Coffey

William COFFEY, Catawba. The first white man who settled within the borders of Pleasant Township, was Joseph COFFEY, a native of New Jersey, born Nov. 15. 1776, whose father, Joseph, was a native of the same State. of English descent. The family moved to Pennsylvania, where Joseph, Jr., met and married Jane MCCOY, born in the "Keystone State" March 15, 1771, and daughter of John MCCOY, a native of Scotland, who, when a young man, emigrated to Pennsylvania and served throughout the Revolutionary war. Joseph COFFEY, Sr., and wife, resided in Pennsylvania until death, and the family were members of that peace-loving society known as Quakers. Joseph, Jr., with his wife and one son, Tatom, in the spring of 1802, started for the Western wilds; coming down the Ohio River on a flatboat as far as Cincinnati where they remained until the following spring; Joseph in the meantime taking a trip of observation to what is now Clark Co., at which time he decided to settle in this portion of the State. In the spring of 1803, he started through the dense wilderness with his family and worldly effects in an ox-cart, arriving upon the farm which he made his future home May 6, of that year; here he built a "camp," which was a rude three-sided structure of logs with an open front, and thus began his pioneer life in Ohio; he soon afterward erected a cabin, the foundation stones of the large fireplace being yet visible, and, in 1807, built a hewed-log house which had a brick chimney, glass windows, sawed-lumber floor and door, and in fact, was the finest house in the township at that date; this building is yet standing, is in a good state of preservation and is yet used by William Coffey for general purposes; here Joseph and wife labored year after year clearing up the land and trying to make a home, and although it was a severe struggle for mere existence for the first few years, yet time and constant, unremitting toil, made a visible change in the dense forest, and com-fort came with the passing years; their children were Tatom, born in Pennsylvania; Jo-seph, near Cincinnati; John, Sarah and William in this county; the two last mentioned are the only survivors; Sarah being the wife of Enos Neer, of Catawba. Joseph Coffey, although raised a Quaker, died a member of the M. P. Church, Sept. 2, 1838, his wife dying Oct. 2, 1845, dying as she had lived - a sincere member of the Presbyterian Church. Joseph Coffey was well fitted by nature for the life of a pioneer, being a man of large, muscular frame, of an iron constitution, and possessed of an invincible courage and de-termination, which earned him through the trials and dangers of those early days. He served as Township Trustee a number of years; was a much respected citizen, and ever took an active part in all public matters pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he was so long a prominent factor; his wife was always a faithful helpmate, and often in the early days, when his courage would fail him, she would encourage him to still greater efforts, and prompt him onward to success. The subject of this sketch was born in the hewed-log house heretofore mentioned, Jan. 11, 1811, and grew to manhood on the home farm of 280 acres, receiving a very meager education, and helping constantly to fell the forest and clear up the land, which has ever since been his home. He was married, Dec. 15, 1831, to Nancy Curl, daughter of Jeremiah and Cynthia (Romine) Curl, the former being born upon the south banks of the Potomac River, in Virginia. Feb. 14, 1778, and his wife, in Loudoun Co. of the same State, Oct. 15, 1783; her grandfather, Jeremiah Curl, was also a native of the " Old Dominion," his father being an Englishman, who set-tled in that State. Mrs. Coffey's parents came from Virginia to Clinton Co., Ohio, in 1803, coming to Clark Co. in 1811, and settling about half a mile southeast of where Ca-tawba now stands; they had fourteen children, nine of whom lived to maturity; the family being Samuel (deceased), William (deceased), James (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Eliza-beth, Mary, Nancy, Jeremiah (deceased), Benjamin (deceased), Cynthia, George, Temper-ance (deceased), Sarah (deceased) and Lewis. Mrs. Coffey was born within sight of her pres-ent home Feb. 28, 1811, and has had four children - John, who now resides in Iowa; George, who lives on a portion of the home farm; Mary, the wife of Thomas Roberts; and Jere-miah, who, while a soldier in the rebellion, took sick at Milliken's Bend, dying in March, 1863, his remains now resting in the National Cemetery at Vicksburg, Miss. Mrs. Cof-fey, like most of the pioneer women, is well versed in the use of the spinning-wheel, having spun flax-tow, cotton and wool, and she has woven hundreds of yards of all classes of household fabrics, and yet spends her leisure moments at the old wheel. Politically, Mr. Coffey is a Republican, and has served as Township Trustee twelve years, and Township Treasurer three years; he has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since Aug. 24, 1847; he witnessed the Presidential election of 1820, in Pleasant Township, and the law requiring the ballots to be strung on a thread, but the clerk of the election being out of thread, he used a timothy straw for that purpose, an incident which demonstrates the shifts often necessary in those early days. Mr. Coffey began in life a poor man, inheriting less than $800 from his father's estate, but by buying out the heirs, he became the owner of 196 acres of the old homestead, which the family yet own, besides 176 acres in Iowa. In his home, he is kind, generous and the soul of hospitality, and all will find there a hearty welcome - free from cold formality on the one hand or utter neglect upon the other; in every public movement, he has been looked up to as a safe adviser, and all good citi-zens trust, honor and respect him for his moral integrity, his invincible honesty and his unswerving rectitude in all the relations of life. For nearly fifty years, he and the partner of his joys and sorrows in life's battle, have walked hand in hand, and now in their declining years are as trusting as in the days of their youthful vigor, while the lingering sunset of life casts its shadows back over long years fruitful of good and usefulness.

COFFEY, FERGASON biography for George Coffey

George W. Coffey, farmer; P. O. Catawba. George W. Coffey was born July 26,1837, upon his father's farm in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated a farmer, and has been engaged in that way and raising stock most of his life. After He attained his manhood, he went West and taught school several terms while there. He returned and enlisted in Company D, 3d O. V. I., and went forward to battle for this great and glorious Union. He was engaged in a great many hard battles, and was in the Belle Isle Prison a short time. After his return from service he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of Joseph and Jane Furgason, of this county. Their marriage was celebrated Oct. 24, 1865; they have had three children, viz., Bert, Mary and Kemp. He owns a nice farm of 42 acres one mile south of Catawba. He is a son of William Coffey, whose sketch will be found in this work.

DAVIDSON, JONES biography for George C. Davidson

George C. Davidson, farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Lemuel Davidson, a native of this county; was born Nov, 23, 1843, in this township; was raised and educated as a farmer, and has always been engaged in that way. He was married, Oct. 24, 1865, to Miss Elizabeth J. Jones; they had six children - John M., Lawrence K., Minnie, Myrtie, Lou, Nettle and Elmer. He owns a good farm in the eastern part of the township, containing 75 acres under good cultivation, with good improvements upon it.

EVERHART, ROPP biography for Israel Everhart

Israel Everhart, retired farmer: P. O. Catawba. He is is son of William Everhart, of Loudoun Co., Va., where he lived and died. Israel was born May 6, 1811, in Loudoun Co., Va.; was raised and educated there; when 18 years of age, he learned the trade of a carpenter, and worked at it over thirty years. He was married, Dec. 8, 1836, to Miss Maria Ropp, of his native county; they had seven children, of whom six are living, viz.: William C., John A., Thomas F., Edgar S., George H. and Eliza-beth M. In 1861, he came to Ohio and located two miles south of Catawba, in Pleas-ant Township, Clark Co. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, with good farm build-ings upon it. Mr. Everhart is a highly respected citizen; he and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CLARK, GILBERT biography for S. C. Gilbert

S. C. GILBERT, retired farmer; P. O. Vienna Cross Roads; a son of Allen Gil-bert, a native of New York, who came to Ohio in the year 1814, and located in Harmony Township, this county, where he lived till his death, which was caused by milk sickness in August, 1819. The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 6, 1811, nine miles southeast of Albany, N. Y. was raised upon a farm; when 18 years of age, he learned the blacksmith trade, and worked at it all his life, with exception of the last ten years, he has paid more attention to farming. He was married May 29, 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Clark, of Harmony Township; they had nine children. Mrs. Gilbert died Feb. 18, 1879, leaving seven children living - Allen, William, Mary, Lydia A., Austin, George and Charles. His farm is located near the south line of Pleasant Township, with good improvements.

BIRELY, HARDMAN biography for William Hardman

William HARDMAN, farmer and stock-dealer; P.O. Catawba. His father, Jonathan Hardman, was a native of Clarksburg, Va., who came to Ohio in the year 1806, and located in Greene Co., near Fairfield; lived there until death. Was a minis-ter of the M. E. Church. He was connected with the military; was Colonel of a reg-iment. William Hardman was born Feb. 28, 1831, in Pleasant Township; was raised and educated upon a farm has always been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married Oct. 29, 1856, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Lewis Birely, whose biog-raphy appears in this work. They had four children, viz., Miner W., Belle, and a pair of twins, Eddie and Ella. He has 94 acres in his farm, under good cultivation.

BALES, HOUSTON biography for W. L. Houston

W. L. HOUSTON, farmer and stock raiser; P. O. London, Madison Co. Is a son of Thomas F. Houston, who was born Oct. 7,1818, in Clark Co., Ohio; was a saddle and harness maker. He carried on the business in South Charleston for twenty-six years; afterward moved upon his lands in the eastern part of Pleasant Township, and lived there five years. He then moved to Springfield and embarked in the harness and collar business, and continued in it until death, which occurred June 28, 1874. Mr. Houston was well-to-do; most of his wealth he made while in business in South Charleston. He was a kind husband and father, and a consistent member of the M. E. Church. Those who knew him longest knew him best, and his death was an irreparable loss to the community in which he lived. W. L. Houston was born Dee. 25, 1843, in South Charleston, this county. Was raised and educated in the town until he was 18 years old, at which time his father moved on his farm. He then began till-ing the soil, and has been engaged in that way since. He was married, June 1, 1871, to Miss Jennie, daughter of Colvin Bales, of Madison Co. Mr. Houston, though raised in town, is strictly temperate - never tasted intoxicating liquors of any kind, or tobacco. He has bean very successful in farming and stock-raising; owns a farm of 375 acres, under a high state of cultivation, with a fine residence and other good buildings. They bad two children - Lawrence C. and Maurice. Mr. and Mrs. Houston are members of the M. E. Church.

GOODLOVE, HOWELL, HUNTER, MCCONKEY, SKILLMAN biography for Milton R. Hunter

Milton R. Hunter, physician, Catawba. Of the great number who repre-sent some profession, and especially that of the medical, there are comparatively few who, by hard study and constant devotion to their practice, have reached a more perfect degree of security in their profession than that already attained by Dr. Hunter. His grandfather, Jonathan Hunter, was a native of England, who emigrated to Phila-delphia, where he learned the tailoring business, afterward moving to Virginia, where he remained until 1805, when he removed with his family to Pleasant Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and entered Sec. 22, in the western part of the township, where he resided until his death. Jonathan, Jr., the father of Milton R., was one of his sons, and was born in Loudoun Co., Va., March 14, 1786; came to Ohio with his parents, and served in the war of 1812, which broke out a few years after their coming to this State. He followed farming all his life; came into possession of the old homestead, and continued to live in the same section until his death, Nov. 18, 1845. Milton R. was born upon his father's farm, in Pleasant Township, March 24, 1817, and his early life was spent assisting in the farm labors and in attendance at the district school. Upon attaining manhood he began teaching, and in his leisure time read medicine, studying under Dr. J. S. Howell, of Springfield, Ohio. He began the practice of his profession at Cataw-ba, in 1840, and, after attending lectures at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincin-nati, Ohio, he graduated in 1852. He was married, Dec. 27, 1842, to Miss Nancy J. Goodlove, daughter of C. Goodbye, she dying April 3, 1852, leaving two children - Mary C. and Franklin C. The Doctor was again married, Nov. 6,1860, to Mrs. Sa-rah McConkey, the daughter of D. C. and Sarah Skillman, from which union they have had three children born to them, viz., Mary, Frederick M. and Sallie C. Dr. Hunter has now been practicing medicine in Catawba more than forty years, and has always done the biggest portion of the professional work in his vicinity. He is a well--read, we1l-informed gentleman, courteous and generous toward all with whom he comes in contact, pleasant and affable in his manners, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of the warmest friends, who respect his ability as a physician, and admire his manly integrity in all things. Has been a member of the M. E. Church for forty-one years; believes in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and that the Bible is a revelation of God.

HENDRICKS, HODGE, HUNTER, MARSH, NEER, SAGER, TAYLOR, YEAZELL biography for L. Hunter

L. Hunter, retired farmer; P. O. Catawba. Mr. Hunter was born in Pleas-ant Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1814, and is the son of William and Blanche (Hendricks) Hunter, natives of Virginia, he being born in Loudoun Co. Sept. 9, 1777, and died Oct. 4,1862; and she born in Jefferson Co., Feb. 28, 1787, and died March 26, 1860. William's parents, Jonathan and Nancy Hunter, were born in Maryland, where they were married, and then moved to Virginia, from whence they came to this county in 1805, settling in Pleasant Township, where both died. They had the following children: John, William, Jeremiah, Jonathan, George, James, Elizabeth, Nancy, Mary and Rachel, all of whom are now dead. Blanche, the mother of our subject, was the daughter of William and Susan (Taylor) Hendricks, natives of Virginia, who settled in Sec. 28 Pleasant Township, in 1804. Here she died, and her husband moved to Champaign Co., where he remained until death. William came with his parents, and here married Blanche Feb. 1, 1807, and had by her the follow-ing children: John W. (deceased), William (deceased), James M. (deceased), L. Jonathan, Vincent, Mary Ann (the wife of Nathan Neer) and Miranda (the deceased wife of John Sager, of Union Co., Ohio). Both belonged to the M. E. Church, and died in that faith. The subject of this sketch grew up in his native township, attend-ing the primitive log schoolhouse of early days, farming and using his strength for the work of clearing and breaking the new ground. He was married, March 1, 183, to Nancy Marsh, who was born on the farm where Mr. Hunter now lives, Oct 6, 1816. She was the daughter of Israel and Sarah Marsh, natives of New Jersey, who moved to North Carolina where they were married, and from whence they moved to Champaign Co., Ohio, in an early day. They came to Pleasant Township in 1811, where they died, he Sept. 5,1842, aged 71 years, both being in the Baptist Church until their death. They had five children - Noah, Samuel, Susan, Sarah and Nancy; all are now dead but Samuel and Mrs. Hunter. Mrs. Hunter has had seven children - Mary Ann (the wife of J. M. Hodge), William, Lewis (deceased), Sarah J. (the de-ceased wife of James H. Yeazell), Eli, Miranda B. (also deceased wife of James H. Yeazell) and Bruce (deceased). Mr. Hunter has always lived in this township. In politics he is a Republican, and has been Township Trustee two years. He owns 700 acres of land in Pleasant Township, and 290 in Moorefield Township. He is an ex-tensive stock-raiser, and the largest portion what he now owns is the result of his own industry, economy and shrewd business sagacity. He is a man of few words, but many deeds. His honesty, integrity and worth are verified by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

JACKSON, RICHARDS biography for W. P. Jackson

W. P. JACKSON, minister; P. O. Catawba; was born Jan. 16, 1835, in Warren Co., Ohio, was raised and educated upon his fathers farm, midway between Pleas-ant Plain and Level. He attended the Lebanon, Normal, Mainville Academy, and the Ohio Wesleyan University. When the late war began he enlisted in the 12th O. V. I., and went forward to fight for his country. He was engaged in a great many severe battles; served three years and three months. After the close of the war, he entered the Cincinnati Conference, in September, 1865; was ordained as local Deacon; was transferred to the Holston Conference in 1866, and labored in the traveling connection in Tennessee. In 1870, he was retransferred to the Cincinnati Conference; was ordained minister in October, 1869. He is at present Pastor of the M. E. Church at Catawba. He was married, Nov. 27, 1867, to Miss Maggie E., daughter of James Richards, of Brown Co. Ohio. They had five children, four living.

JOBES, PEARSON, SILVERS biography for William Jobes

William Jobes, Justices of the Peace and Postmaster. He is a son of Richard Jobes, native of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana in the year 1819, and located in Wayne County, and lived there ten years. then moved to Warren Co., Ohio, and located near Lebanon. While living there he served fifteen years as Justice of the Peace. He afterward returned to Wayne Co., Ind., and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1866. William, the subject of this sketch, was born June 17,1829, in Wayne Co., Ind.; was raised and educated near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. There he attained his manhood. He returned to his native State, taught school and clerked in stores in different towns in the State until 1866. He moved to Champaign Co., Ohio, and began farming near Mechanicsburg, and continued there five years; he then came to this county and farmed until 1876. He then quit farming and began clerking for Joseph Pearson, and holds that position at present. Since he came to Catawba he was elected Justice of the Peace, and is serving his second term. He was appointed Post-master in 1877, and still holds the position. He was married, Jan. 13, 1852, to Miss Sarah J. Silvers; they had four children, viz., Alonzo, Joel, Luther and Luella M.

LANE, ROLLINS biography for J. W. Lane

J. W. Lane, proprietor of saw-mill, Catawba. The subject of this sketch was born Dec. 17, 1831, at Danville, N. H.; was raised mostly in the town; he worked some on a farm, then went to Rockland, Me., and worked there a short time in shipyard. After-ward went to Lowell, Mass., and began the trade of a machinist, and worked at it until the spring of 1854. He then came to Ohio, and located in Champaign Co., July 31, 1854. He married Miss Princess A. Rollins; they had nine children - Sarah J., Ida E., Willie O., Charlotte M., Drucilla M., Jacob W., Princess C., Alva D, and Sylvester L. September following his marriage they returned to Massachusetts, and remained there until 1861. They came back to Ohio and located in Pleasant Township, this county. He has been engaged in the willing business in Champaign, Madison and Clark Counties since his return. Since 1873, he has been stationary in Catawba.

CURL, MCCLINTOCK biography for A. S. McClintock

A. S. McClintock, farmer; P. O. Catawba. He is a son of Alexander McClin-tock, a native of Westmoreland Co., Penn., who came to Ohio in 1822, and first located in Licking Co.; lived there four years; then moved to Knox Co., and from there to Delaware, and from Delaware to Marion Co., where he lived until his death, which occurred May 23, 1880, at the age of' 87 years. The subject of this sketch was born Sept. 21, 1824, in Licking Co.. Ohio. He was raised and educated upon a farm. His marriage was celebrated March 21, 1852, with Eliza, daughter of Henry Curl. They had five children - Lucinda J., Mary M., Wm. H., Clara A. and Ulysses G. Mr. McClintock came to this county in the spring of 1845. He has a beautiful farm of 98 acres, located two miles southeast of Catawba.

CARTMELL, FISHER, MCCONKEY, NEER biography for Nathan M. McConkey

Nathan M. McConkey, farmer and superintendent of the Orphans' Home; P. O. Springfield. This well-known citizen of Clark Co. was born in Pleasant Township April 6,1827, and is the son of Daniel and Matilda (Neer) McConkey, he a native of Kentucky, and she of Virginia. He is the grandson of Archibald McConkey, who settled on the farm yet owned and lived upon by Nathan M., in 1805. He grew to manhood on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools of his township, afterward attending a select school at Mechanicsburg, Ohio, and began teaching at the age of 19, and has taught in the schools of Clark Co. about thirty years. He was married Oct. 19, 1848, to Mary J. Cartmell, daughter of Thomas J. and Amanda (Fisher) Cartmell, of Pleasant Township, to whom has been born three children - Mary F., Milton M. and Thomas G. In August, 1862, Mr. McConkey went into the army, but before going to the field was elected 1st Lieut., Co. G, 94th O. V. I., serving until mustered out at the close of the war, in 1865. He served through Rosecrans' campaign in 1862-63, went with the Fourteenth Army Corps in Sherman's march to the sea, participating in all the battles in that noted campaign, and what was singular, in his service of nearly three years, was never wounded. He was at the grand review at Washington, in 1865, and at that time was Senior Captain of his regiment. He, wife and family are members of the M. P. Church, and he has represented his church in several of the Annual Conferences, in 1867; was a delegate to the General Confer-ence at Princeton, Ill., and also a member of the General Conference in 1880, at Pittsburgh. Penn. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Politically he was a Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party, he has voted that ticket; he has filled the office of Township Clerk one term, Trustee several terms, Justice of the Peace one term and was one of the County Com-missioners from 1870 to 1876. In the fall of 1879, he was elected to the legislature, and took his seat in the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, and in April, 1880, he was appointed Superintendent of the Orphans' Home, which position he is now filling. Mr. McConkey is a well-informed, pleasant gentleman, who has hosts of friends throughout his native county.

CUNARD, GOLDEN, HENDRICKS, HUNTER, NEER, TOLAND biography for Nathan Neer

Nathan Neer, farmer; P. O. Catawba. The above-named gentleman was born in Pleasant Township, close to the pre sent site of Catawba, Aug. 15, 1822. He is the son of Amos and Sarah (Cunard) Neer, natives of Loudoun Co., Va. He was born March 3, 1787, and she June 9, 1794. Amos was the son of Henry Neer, who was born in Virginia in 1748, and came to Clark Co. at an early day, locating land where Catawba now stands. He died Feb. 3, 1828. Amos and wife came to this township in 1817, and first settled on the land entered by his father, but about 1825 be bought a small tract, where his son Nathan now lives, adding to it from time to time, until he owned 160 acres. They were members of the M. E. Church. He was a sol-dier of the war of 1812, and died April 25, 1843, aged 56 years. His first wife died Feb. 25, 1828, in her 33d year. They had seven children - Jonathan, Elizabeth, Ann, Susannah, Jane, Nathan and Matilda. After the death of his first wife he married Mrs. Hannah Golden, who was born Jan. 30, 1799, by whom he had three children - Joseph H., Amelia (deceased) and Hannah (deceased). His second wife died April 1, 1835, and he was again married to Nancy Toland no issue. The subject of this sketch grew up in the pioneer days, receiving the aver-age education at the time, and enduring all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. He was married. April 25, 1845, to Mary A. Hunter, daughter of William and Blanche (Hendricks) Hunter, whose sketch will be seen in L. Hunter's biography. She was born March 1, 1823, and has had the following children: Levi (deceased, from disease contracted in the army), William H., Miranda E. (deceased), Luther, Charles F., Alonzo and Laura. Mr. Neer, when a young man, received from his father's estate $180, which was his starting-point in life. Two years after marriage, fire consumed what little he and his wife had accumulated. Since that time, by well-con-sidered economy, he has gathered together, year after year, most of the property he owns to-day. He now has 400 acres, which he made for himself, and 100 that his wife got from her father's estate. Politically, Mr. Neer is a Republican, and, although he has been Township Trustee one term, yet he neither desires or has sought official posi-tion. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church most of their lives. Mr. Neer has always been in favor of schools, churches, and all classes of public benefits. He is an affable, pleasant gentleman, and the soul of honor. And it is said by those who know him that his word is as good as his bond, and nothing could tempt him to violate either. In his views he is keeping pace with the progressive spirit of the nine-teenth century, and by his example is one of the leaders of his township, although in his unassuming modesty he does not care to he recognized as such.

PAGE, RUNYAN biography for J. H. Page

J. H. PAGE, farmer; P. O. Catawba. Was born April 10,1827, in Moorefield Township, Clark Co., Ohio. Was raised and educated a tiller of the soil, and has always been engaged in that pursuit, with the exception of three years that he taught school when a young man. He was married. March 25, 1852, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of George Runyan, of Catawba. They were blessed with four children - Joseph W., Charles B., Isaac C. and John W. Mr. Page owns a splendid farm of 120 acres, with good farm buildings upon it. He held the office of Trustee for three terms. He is a son of James C. Page, native of Kentucky, who came to Ohio in an early day and located in Moorefield Township, this county.

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