USA > Ohio > Fayette County > History of Fayette County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all other authentic sources > Part 86
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those days, but they were borne, then amid reproaches and general exposure, now to their honor and glory. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction of duty, realized in but few of the best communities of this state. The Presbyterians were ar- dent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834, held a series of meetings at which this question was discussed. One of the vil- lage merchants, Mr. James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the growing sentiment, refused to attend these meetings ; but prevailed upon by his clerk to go one evening he took a back seat, as if ashamed of his presence there. He soon became interested, leav- ing the assembly fully convinced of his wrong attitude, and the next day drafted the constitution for, and was foremost in the or- ganization of the anti-slavery society-an indication of the manner in which the whole community was united to promote the cause of human freedom.
Slave-hunters, generally, had but little expectation of finding the fugitive upon reaching Bloomingburg, the cabin, the garret, stables, hay-ricks and barns, as well as kitchens and parlors were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom; and hundreds of them in need of food, clothing, and money, found good Samaritans here. It was well understood, and no questions were asked when the con- ductors came round-that a call was made that must be met at once. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange epi- sodes in individual experience ; the skillful maneuvre in an act of kindness, was often made a Christian duty to one of a poor and despised race. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in a dark way with the heart bur- dened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the senti- ment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored fugitives recognized their benefactors, and after the war closed, many settled in their midst.
THE LIQUOR QUESTION.
To a stranger, unacquainted with the history of this village, it would appear, that then, as now, it enjoyed an era of quietude and sobriety. This is an error. The pioneers brought with them the
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receipt for making rum, and when opportunity offered, it was man- ufactured. It was an article found in every household, and, indeed, many in the church regarded the traffic in ardent spirits, so long sanctioned, as consistent with Christian character. The use was deemed lawful, as the expression of friendship in the social circle, and essential to the hospitality of that period. So-called political economy justified the manufacturer, the vender, and the farmer, in its use, because it gave employment, and opened up a market. Merchants enticed their customers to trade through its influence. It is said that in early days there were a number of peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and about Bloomingburg, were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays, a number of persons were in the habit of gathering at the various dram shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and upon becoming bois- terous, usually retired to the rear of the old Baptist Church to "fight it out."
This state of affairs continued until the moral portion of the community became alarmed, and began making preparations to wipe out this existing evil. Foremost among these was Judge Gillespie, who, at the sacrifice of much time and labor, gathered statistics showing the amount expended in the county for whisky, and had them printed. The quantity was so enormous as to throw a doubt upon his veracity, and his friends, in order to exculpate him from so unworthy an aspersion, repeated the collection of facts, and found his statements to be correct, thus giving the advocates of temperance reform an impetus which raised a heavy mass of prej- udice.
It was a long and hard struggle, but gradually public sentiment grew stronger in favor of suppressing the evil; venders and drink- ers becoming restve and irritable as public sentiment grew imperi- ative, and fierce antagonism arose. A member of the Presbyterian Church continued to sell, and justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion, the question was asked, if Jesus would keep a rum shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quit a traffic so detrimental to the spirit of Christianity. The entire com- munity then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from their midst-the standard of Bloomingburg so- ciety for more than forty years-and this gained, it was an easy matter to abolish corresponding vices.
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To-day, it is a matter of pride to the citizen, that not a rum shop can be found within the corporation limits; and furthermore, and to their credit be it written, many persons, some of whom were at one time victims to the wiles of the fiery monster, have not touched a drop of ardent spirits for many years.
WOOLEN MILL.
In 1826, or 1827, Philip Dodridge, who afterward removed to Circleville, and there was connected with somewhat extensive man- ufacturing of woolens, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, and continued the business about one year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a general practical manufacturer, who, being de- sirous to locate permanently, sold to a Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington, to engage in the same business, and Mr. Parker soon after sold to Mr. Carr, who removed the machinery to Indiana.
CARR'S MILLS.
Nearly a half century ago, William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint Creek, about one mile south of the county line. The building, though small and primitive, attracted the attention of people from far and near, hence the machinery, which was propelled by water-power, was kept in constant motion. It continued to serve the purpose for which it was erected for a number of years; eventually, however, the persistent efforts of the residents to inaugurate a perfect system of drainage, weakened the stream, and the former means of, propelling the mill were aban- doned, and the building stood idle for several years. It has since been torn down, a smaller structure has been erected on the site, which is fitted up with the latest improved machinery, and is owned by John Martin. It consists of a saw-mill and corn-grinder; there are no facilities for grinding wheat.
In the erection of Carr's Mill, the nucleus of a small settlement was formed, which has steadily increased. The population is now
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one hundred, the business interest being represented as follows : Two blacksmith shops, one dry goods and grocery store, one gro- cery and notion store, one boot and shoe store, and the mills. The town is included in the ninth school district, the building being embraced within its limits. In the year 1880, a one-story frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, Walter Yeoman, pastor.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
MOSES BALL.
Moses Ball was born in Bloomfield, New Jersey, July 1801. His father was Isaac Ball, a descendant of Edward Ball, one of the sixty-three men, who in 1666, purchased the land from the Indi- ans upon which the city of Newark, New Jersey, now stands. His mother was Sarah Jacobus, of Holland extraction. Isaac Ball and Sarah Jacobus were married about 1795. Their family consisted of three sons and six daughters, who all lived to marry except Abby, who died at the age of seventeen.
Moses, our subject, united in marriage with Miss Jane Campbell, of Bloomfield, in 1829. They came to Ohio in 1837, and located for a time in Champaign County, but removed, however, in 1839, to this county, and settled in Bloomingburg, where they still re- side. Ten children blessed this union, of whom but four sons and two daughters are living. These are all married except Sarah, who cheers the home of her parents in their declining years.
In politics, Mr. Ball has been a life long Republican, and a staunch temperance man. His four sons stepped to the front when their country was in danger, and although their garments were riddled by the enemy's shot, they lived to see the country saved. John has since died from disease contracted in the army. One daughter and three sons are in the west; all have homes and are doing well. Isaac, the father of our subject, served as captain in the war of 1812.
JOHN J. BLUE.
John J. Blue was born, October 16, 1820, in this county, where
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his early life was spent. On February 13, 1845, he united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret, daughter of William and Martha Ra- born, of Madison County, Ohio. The first three years after their union were spent in Madison County. From there they removed to Fayette, and located in Paint Township, where they have ever since resided. They have five children living : Martha J., Clinton D., Marcus L., Lizzie B., and William C. Clinton and Marcus are married, and settled on part of the home farm.
John's father was a native of Virginia, and came to this county about the time the territory was formed into a county. He mar- ried Miss Pensie Reeves, of Pickaway County, by whom he had eight children-five living. He served his country in the war of 1812.
John, our subject, owns a farm of nearly three hundred acres, well improved, in Paint Township, upon which he resides. In pol- ities he is an uncompromising Democrat.
Mrs. Blue's father was born in Ross County, but her grandfather Raborn was a native of Virginia.
Mr. Blue's brothers, Josiah and Wesley, are dead. His sister Margaret died young. The living sisters are : Elizabeth, married to John Yates, of Pickaway County ; Ann, married to Casey, of Indiana ; Mary, married to Little, of this county, and Jane, who married David Baker, of Illinois. Her husband and son died in the army.
S. W. BROWN.
S. W. Brown was born, January 7, 1839, in Pickaway County, Ohio, where he spent the early part of his life. On January 24, 1861, he married Mary E., daughter of Benjamin and Martha Har- rison, of Madison County, Ohio, by whom he has one daughter and one son ; Emma A., twelve years of age, and Harry F., eight years old, both bright and promising children.
Mr. Brown's parents were natives of Delaware, and relatives of ex-President Polk. Mrs. Brown was born, April 12, 1838. She is .the grand daughter of Batteal Harrison, whose ancestors were among the early settlers of the colony of Virginia. Her great- grandfather, Benjamin Harrison, was a man constantly employed in active service. He was a member of Congress from 1774 to 1777. He voted for the Declaration of Independence in July,
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1776, and signed it in the following August. In 1777 he resigned his seat in congress, but was immediately elected a member of the House of Burgesses, and elected to the speaker's chair. In 1782 he was elected governor of the state, which position he filled for two successive terms. He had just been elected to a third term when death ended his career-April, 1791.
Mr. and Mrs. Brown are both members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. Politically, Mr. Brown is a conscientious Demo- crat, and a strong temperance man.
HENRY CASEY.
Henry Casey, son of George and Catherine Casey, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1837. His father's family consisted of six sons and five daughters, all living except two, Daniel, who died March 19, 1865, from disease contracted in the army, and Elizabeth, who died March 2, 1879.
Henry, our subject, came to Ohio, November 1860, and located in the neighborhood of Bloomingburg; entered the army on the 8th of September, 1861, and continued in active service until the 17th of July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. During this term of service he was in thirty-two engagements, and was one of the one hundred and twenty men who run the blockade at Vicksburg. He married Catherine W., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Holland, of Paint Township. Five daughters and two sons, was the result of this union : Eva M., Frank S., Carrie E. M., Ollie C. E., Calvin H., Cora I., and Myrta F., all living and in fine health.
Politically, he has been a Republican since the war. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They live in the house in which Mrs. Casey was born-the homestead of her parents.
Mrs. Casey's father, Charles Holland, was one of the pioneers of this county. When first married, his property consisted of an ax, maul and wedge. At his death, which occurred in 1870, in addi- tion to the fifteen hundred acres of land divided among his chil- dren, he left a fortune of sixty thousand dollars. Throughout his life he was regarded as a man rigidly honest and truthful. Mrs. Casey's mother was a native of Virginia, came to Ohio in 1806, with her father, Joseph Wendel, and settled on Paint Creek, on
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the farm now owned by Barton Vesey. She is still living, but quite feeble.
JAMES M. EDWARDS.
William Edwards was born in South Carolina, May 7, 1788, and left the South because of his hatred to slavery. He came to Cin- cinnati, where, on the 22d of March, 1812, he was married to Char- lotte Brown, who was born in England, February 9, 1792. The re- sult of this marriage was eleven children: John M., of Marlboro, Massachusetts; Benjamin F. and William B., of Plymouth, Illinois; H. H., Sarah C. Coffman, Esther A. Larimer, and James M., of this county, are living; the youngest, William B., being now nearly fifty years old. William and Charlotte are both buried in the Washing- ton Cemetery.
William Edwards was among the early agitators of the anti- slavery question of this county, and, in 1842, was egged at the elec- tion, for voting the only abolition ticket cast in Wayne Township, in this county.
James M., our subject, was born in Bellbrook, Greene County, December 16, 1821. In the spring of 1832, he removed with his father to Pike Spring farm, four miles east of Washington. At nineteen years of age, he left home, and went to school at Bloom- ingburg, blowing and striking in a blacksmith shop, to earn money with which to pay his board. At twenty, he went to Winchester, . taught school, and read law two years with A. R. Eaton. From Winchester he went to Cincinnati, where he taught school till August, 1844, when he came to Bloomingburg, and engaged in teaching.
He married Sarah, daughter of Archibald Stewart, who died in 1850, leaving one daughter, Mary F., who still lives with her father.
In 1822, he was married to Jane Ammerman, who was born in New York, in 1829. This marriage resulted in two sons being born to them : Erk S., who is still at home, and Benjamin F., who is now a student at Hanover, New Hampshire.
Our subject has served, with credit to himself, eighteen years as justice of the peace; has been coroner of the county, mayor of Bloomingburg for many years, school examiner, and in the board of education. He was Ohio State Messenger to the army, during the rebellion, for three years, and commissioner of exemption from
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draft for this county; was mustered into the United States service as second lieutenant, and was afterward revenue assessor. He has always been a staunch anti-slavery Republican, an earnest temper- ance man, and is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has taught the same class in the Sabbath-school for thirty-five years, which position he still occupies. He practiced law twenty years before he was justice of the peace. But few who do their part for good more nobly than has James M. Edwards.
NATHANIEL EDWARDS.
Samuel Edwards was a native of Pennsylvania. He came to Ohio in about 1809, and settled in Ross County. In 1810, he mar- ried Miss Mary Ann Roberts, of Pennsylvania, and, in 1816, re- moved from Ross to this county, locating in what was afterward Perry Township, where he died, in 1842. Mrs. Edwards' death occurred in 1877. Their family consisted of nine sons and five daughters, seven living : Elisha is a farmer, and his home is in Da- vis County, Kansas; Elias is in Green County, Indiana, practicing law; Silas lives on the Columbus road, five miles north of Wash- ington; Eliza married Tillman Wright, and resides in Indiana; Elizabeth and Tabitha are unmarried, and reside at the homestead ; Enoch lost his life in the army.
Nathaniel, our subject, was born in Perry Township. He was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Nathaniel and Eleanor Squires, of this county, in 1857, and settled in this township, on the Lewis pike, four miles north of Washington. Here he owns a nice farm, of over one hundred acres, upon which he resides. Nine children have blessed this union : Lora E., William A., M. Ella, Jessie M., Ivy A., Nathaniel E., Florence J., Bertha D., and Annie A. All are at home except Lora E., who married Isaac Larrimer, and lives in Union Township.
Mr. Edwards has invented a "patent corn-loader," which is prov- ing a valuable thing to farmers. He is a Republican, a staunch temperance man, and is connected with the Prairie Grange. Him- self and wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
ALBERT GROVES.
Albert Groves, farmer, was born in Indiana, January 19, 1846,
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where the early part of his life was spent, some of the time in teaching school. January 9, 1872, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Frederick and Mary Selsor, of this county. Three months after, they came to this county, and for four years Mrs. Groves kept house for her father.
In 1876, they took possession of the fine brick mansion built by 'Squire Tway, where they still reside. Their family consists of three little boys: Fred, Frank, and John Homer.
Daniel Groves, Albert's father, was born in Jackson County ; a son of William Groves, who, for many years, kept a house of en- tertainment in that county. His wife was Miss Amanda Lightfoot, of South Charleston, Ohio. Their family numbered two daughters and two sons: Catharine L. married G. W. Brown, Mary E. mar- ried Henry H. Conrad, and both are living in Anderson, Indiana; George W. is single, and lives with his mother on the home farm, in Indiana; and Albert, our subject. The father died in January, 1875.
Mrs. Albert Groves was born in Madison County, Ohio; came to this township in the fall of 1852, and located on what had been long known as the Rankin lands, where she remained until her marriage. She was the granddaughter of William and Mary Rankin, of this county. Her mother died, May 4, 1852; her father is living. at this writing, and strong for one of his years.
Mr. and Mrs. Groves are happily mated; their outlook for the future very flattering. Their children are healthy, promising, and very interesting. Mr. Groves never used tobacco in any form, never tasted any kind of liquor, except one glass of beer, and never swore but one oath in his life. He is a Republican, and a staunch temperance man. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
J. W. HAYS.
J. W. Hays, is a son of John and Catherine (Winebright) Hays, and was born in Paint Township, this county, August 20, 1838. The early part of his life was spent on the home farm, laboring and caring for the stock that was constantly on hand, often in great numbers; acquiring his education during the winter when he could be spared from home. His time at school was limited, as his father was a driving business man, with always sufficient work on
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hand for all the force he could rally. It may be said in truth of J. W. Hays, that, although the son of a rich man, he never ate any "idle bread." He is now, however, reaping the reward of early toil, having inherited a large estate from his father.
On April 5, 1860, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Able and Jane (Kirkpatrick) Armstrong, of this county. Two sons and four daughters blessed this union : Nora, Alta, Frank, Cora, Dora and Ellis ; all are living except Nora, who passed to the spirit-land when very young.
Mr. Hlays lives five miles north of Washington, on the Lewis pike, where he owns five hundred and twenty acres of rich and beautiful land. Like his father, he is very fond of fine and fast horses, and has in training four or five that will tell on the track the coming season.
John Hays, our subject's father, was born in Kentucky, Decem- ber 28, 1788, coming to this state in an early day, and finally settled in Paint Township, this county, where he died August 10, 1860. In many respects Mr. Hays was a wonderful man. He commenced life poor, and at the time of his death was the owner of more than three thousand acres of as fine land as could be found in the coun- ty. He possessed controlling power over those with whom he associated. Had he been a man of letters and early mental train- ing, he could have stood beside the Nation's ablest statesman.
An incident may serve to illustrate. the style of man he was : A neighbor had made a large purchase of land in Missouri, and spent the summer in improvements. When he came home in the fall, Mr. Hays called to see and hear about his Missouri purchase, when the following conversation ensued : " Well Jack ! I have built sev- eral hundred panels of fence, and put a stone under every corner." " What kind of a stone?" said Mr. Hays. " A flint stone," he re- plied. " Your land aint worth a damn !" was the response. Time proved this rough expression to a great extent true.
He married for his second wife, Kate Winebright, by whom he had six children : Willis, Coleman, Letitia, James W., Crosby, and Lucinda. All lived to have families ; only three living at this writ- ing : Willis, Letitia and James W.
Mrs. John Hays died December 4, 1872. Mrs. J. W. Hays' fath- er died in Clinton County, Indiana, in 1864 from a hurt, received in defending his son, who was a Union soldier, from a mob of rebel sympathizers. Her mother preceded him many years before.
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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
J. M. HAYMAKER.
Mr. Haymaker was born September 12, 1823, in this county, where he has spent his entire life. He commenced his education in an old-fashioned log school house, situated three miles north- west of Washington, in a school taught by William Devlin, sr., and completed it in the village of Bloomingburg, which at that time was considered the educational point of this county.
After spending four years driving stock to the eastern market, he at length purchased a farm of four hundred acres on the state road, where he located, and upon which he still resides. Mr. Hay- maker takes great pleasure in handling fine stock, and does a suc- cessful business on his farm.
On January 2, 1862, he united in marriage with Miss M. J. Klever; six children have blessed this union, of whom five are living ; three sons and two daughters : Elmer E., Herman R., Harry K., Cora E. and Lora E. Levi E. passed to the spirit-land, December 26, 1872, aged four years.
Mr. Haymaker's parents were natives of Virginia, but came to this state in the early part of 1800, and settled in Union Township, this county. Here his father died, in about 1859, and his mother in 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. His mother was a sister of Colonel Samuel Myers, one of the pioneers of Fayette. His father, Joseph Haymaker, served in the war of 1812, and was in Hull's surrender. Mrs. M. J. Haymaker is the daughter of Michael and Mary (Thompson) Klever, of this county. She was born in Paint Township, March 9, 1842.
CHARLES D. HAYS.
Charles D. Hays was born in Ross County, this state, in 1826. When about four years of age, he went with his father's family to Pike County, and settled on a farm near the town of Piketon, where he spent seventeen years of his youth assisting on the farm. In 1847, he came to this county, and for nearly three years lived in Union Township. In 1849, he purchased a farm three miles north of Bloomingburg, and in 1850 moved upon it, where he still resides. He has made many improvements; among them the erection of a commodious residence.
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He united in marriage, in 1848, with Miss Catherine, daughter of John and Mary A. Parker, of Paint Township, Rev. William Dickey officiating. Six children blessed this union ; three sons and three daughters : John, George, Grant, Mary A., Emma and Mar- garet; all living at home except John and George, who are mar- ried. George resides in Fayette, and John in Clinton County.
Charles' grandfather was a native of Ireland. (See biography of Morgan Hays.)
James, Charles' father, was born in Kentucky. When ten years old he came to this state with his parents, and to the farm now owned by C. D. Hays. When about twenty years of age he went to Ross County, and made his home with his brothers-in-law, Charles and John Davis.
In August, 1823, he was joined in marriage, to Miss Margaret, daughter of Robert and Priscilla McGuire. The result of this union was seven sons and three daughters: D. M., C. D., William - C., James W., George L., Peter B., John, Harriet, Margaret L. and Keziah D .; all living in this state at this writing, except Wil- liam C., who keeps hotel at Pueblo, Colorado, and Harriet, living in Washington Territory. The father died in Pike County, April, 1855.
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