History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jefferson

S.J. Donaldson, of Dexter City, was born in Washington County, Pa.., in 1831. His parents, John H. and Delilah (Johnson) Donaldson, both natives of Pennsylvania, removed to Muskingam County, Ohio, in 1836, and to Noble in 186. Came to Dexter City in 1875. Mr. Donaldson enlisted in August, 1862, in Company A, Seventy-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He was in the battles of Port Gibson and Raymond, and in several skirmishes. At Raymond he was wounded and taken prisoner; was removed to Libby Prison, and after his release therefrom was never fit for full service. He is a Republican, a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served as town marshal. In 1851 he married Nancy Callendine, who died in 1884. For his second wife he married Nan Dyer. Three boys and three girls were born to the first wife, and one boy and one girl to the second.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jefferson

Minor M. Dye was born in Lawrence Township, Washington County, in 1844, and is a stock dealer by occupation. He enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, September 6, 1864, and was discharged July 10, 1865.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jefferson

Daniel N. Brown, merchant at Dexter City, was born in Washington County in 1838. He enlisted in September, 1861, in Company I, First Ohio Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in March, 1863. He married Phebe Caywood in 1864, and is the father of two children.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jefferson

Edward P. Sullivan, one of the representative business men of the county, was born near Clarksburg, Harrison County, Va., September 22, 1829. His father, Strawther Sullivan, was an industrious mechanic. By two marriages he had a family of ten children, whom he supported by daily labor. At the age of eleven years Edward met with that irreparable loss, the death of his mother. After her death he was apprenticed to a shoemaker. His master was exacting and severe, and the apprenticeship of the boy was attended with many hardships and struggles. At the age of sixteen, having acquired his trade, he began life as a journeyman shoemaker in his native town. About 1848 his father died, and the support of the family devolved upon him, and for four years he was their entire support. His stepmother marrying again, he was relieved from his position as head of the family. Up to this time his life had been replete with poverty and privation, without education, except what he received in the school of observation and experience, and with little prospect of either social or business preferment, life seemed to be shorn of its pleasures, but despite the obstacles which beset his way, he was determined to better his condition in life and to conquer success at any cost. Soon an opportunity was offered to engage in business. A gentleman by the name of Joseph L. Robinson, an uncle of John W. Robinson, of Louisville, Ky., proposed to furnish the capital ($100) for the establishment of a shoe store. Edward to take charge of the business. The offer was eagerly accepted, and from this time he began to prosper. The co-partnership existed for about three years, in which time he accumulated $750, a sum that seemed to him a competency. With his little fortune he came to Middleburg, where a brother, Dexter W., had already settled. Deeming it to be a good location he returned to Virginia, closed up his business and returned to Middleburg, where he remained for seventeen years. By industry and close attention to business he soon became forehanded, and he began to take a conspicuous position among the business men of the county. He 1872 he came to Dexter City, where he engaged in merchandising, in which he has since been successfully engaged. The life of Mr. Sullivan can justly be termed a successful one. Reared in poverty, without education, his way was so obstructed that one less resolute would have given up in despair. His career evidences the inevitable result of perseverance, industry and integrity. While Mr. Sullivan has obtained a well-won competency he has also been successful in the building of an enviable reputation, and it is but just to say that but few, if any, stand higher in the public esteem. He has been called at different times to the occupancy of positions of trust and responsibility. In 1861 he was elected county commissioner and upon the expiration of his term was re-elected. For over twenty years he has been the village magistrate. In his political convictions he is a Republican; originally, however, he was a Democrat, but the issued involved in the war placed him in the Republican ranks. He is a Methodist in religious belief, and a patron of all charitable and religious enterprises. During the war he took an active part in forwarding any war measures, and his time and money were always at command. Four of his brothers, Dexter W., Isaac, Ebenezer and William A., were Union soldiers. The last three gave up their lives in defense of the cause. Mr. Sullivan has been twice married. His first wife, Miss Martha Ogle, whom he married in 1858, died in 1871. In 1873 he was again married to Miss Amanda Humiston, of Washington County, Ohio. By the first union there was one child - Cora M. (Mugrage); by the second, two; Mattie C. and Ernest E.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jefferson

Aaron Hughes was probably the first settler of the township. He was a native of Hardin County, Va., and a thorough backwoodsman. He came to Ohio in 1804, and located on Will's Creek, in Guernsey County. After making considerable improvements there, he sold out and removed to what is not Center Township, Morgan County. He sold his property on Will's Creek for $500, and the money was stolen from him soon after, while he was stopping at a tavern. He lived two years on Olive Green Creek, in Morgan County, then sold out his improvement for $150, and with $80 of this made an entry of the land in Jackson Township, on which he lived and died. The year of his settlement in this township was either 1811 or 1812. He was chiefly engaged in hunting and trapping, and was expert in the use of the rifle. Equipped with a gun and a pocket compass and accompanied only by his faithful dog, he was at home anywhere in the forest. He killed deer and sold venison hams at twenty-five cents each; got $2 and upward for the scalp of each wolf killed; and from skin, bounties and meat made more money than any pioneer could who devoted himself solely to farming. Hughes killed four large buck elk after coming to this township, and his son James killed another. These were the last elk ever seen in the western part of the county.

Aaron Hughes had a family of seven sons and five daughters. The names of his children were: Phebe, Josie, Polly, Lucy, Rebecca, James, Amos, Gabriel, Aaron, Jonathan, William and John. Of these Gabriel is the only one now living in the county. William, John and Lucy still survive, and are residents of Iowa.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Gabriel Hughes was born in Hardin County, Va., in 1801, and has resided in Ohio since he was three years old. He has had far more experience in dealing with the world than usually falls to citizens of a new country; also more extensive acquaintance with the difficulties and hardships that pioneers have to encounter. Mr. Hughes is still vigorous and healthy and delights to narrate his early adventures. For fifteen years he peddled bells for the Keiths, traveling through northern Ohio and parts of Indiana. At first he went on horseback; then as business grew better, with a wagon. The bells found a ready sale almost everywhere and the business was profitable. Mr. Hughes has owned and conveyed a very large amount of real estate during his lifetime.

In his boyhood Gabriel Hughes followed hunting with as much enjoyment as that occupation afforded to his father. Once his father shot and killed an old bear not far from his home, and the cubs which accompanied her, ran up a tree. Returning home for an ax, he went back to the place where the dead bear lay, attended by his sons, Amos and Gabriel, and his brother Jonathan. The cubs were seen on the ground but ran up a tree as the party approached. The three was soon felled and four cubs were secured - three alive and one dead. Gabriel took a cub in his arms to carry home. After he had walked some distance the young bear became uneasy, manifested a desire to get down, and finally bit its captor. Gabriel threw it down and kicked it to death. One of the cubs was kept until it was three years old, becoming very tame so that it could be led about by a rope around its neck. Mr. Hughs finally sold it for $3 and a pen-knife.

When a boy of sixteen, Gabriel Hughs was accidentally shot by Timothy Gates while the two were deer-hunting. The boy was shot in the face and his jaw broken. His companion carried him to the nearest cabin, where he remained until the next morning, when he was carried home on a quilt and featherbed. He was five miles from home when the accident happened. Mr. Hughs still carries the scar.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Jonathan Hughs was a brother of Aaron, and came to the township a few years later. He married in Muskingum County, settled in Guernsey County, and came thence to Jackson Township, where he served many years as justice of the peace. His children were Sarah, Leah, Eliza, Mary, Rebecca, Abraham and James.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

In 1817, the arrival of several English families nearly doubled the population of th township. The members of this colony were Peter Taylor and his family, his brother John, a bachelor, Thomas Taylor, with a large family, Peter Cadwell and his family, together with his brothers, Richard, John and James, single men, two sisters, Margaret and Alice, and their mother, Mary Cadwell, Peter Gore and one son and two daughters. In all there were over thirty persons. Three only of these immigrants are now living - John Taylor, of Crooked Tree; Mary Keith (nee Taylor), of Keith's, and James Taylor, son of Thomas, now in Illinois.

These English pioneers left Liverpool on a sailing vessel, and were sixty days on the ocean. They landed at Philadelphia, and after remaining about two weeks making preparations for their journey into the western wilds, started for Pittsburgh in two road wagons, each drawn by six horses. At Pittsburgh they bought a flat-boat, loaded themselves and their goods upon it, and started down the Ohio, some of the men rowing a part of the time to make better speed than the current afforded. They were intending to go to Cincinnati, then in the "far West," but falling in with one of the Keiths at Marietta, were led to abandon their purpose, through his account of the cheap and fertile lands yet unentered in Jackson Township. Accordingly, they sold their flat-boat at about one-half its original cost, and all came to the township and began the difficult and laborious task of subduing the forest and making themselves a home. Their inexperience caused the difficulties and hardships of pioneer life to assume mammoth proportions; but relying upon the old maxim, "Where there is a will there is a way," they betook themselves bravely to their unfamiliar tasks, and soon had their cabins and clearings made and in good order. During nearly a year Thomas Taylor and his wife with their ten children, John Taylor, the bachelor, and Peter Taylor, his wfie and two children all lived in the same cabin. In the day time they could get along quite conveniently, as sone members of the family were usually out of doors at work, but at night they found their quarters to be rather close.

Thomas Taylor settled on Big Run the year after he came, and there lived and died. His sons were John, Thomas, Peter and James. John amassed a good property, and died on Big Run.

Peter Taylor's children at the time of his arrival were John and Margaret. A son, Peter, was born later, and is still living in the West. John Taylor, oldest son of Peter Taylor, Sr., was born in England, January 1, 1814, and is still living. He has been a resident of Jackson Township since 1817, and is a worthy and respected citizen. His uncle John, who was one of the pioneer immigrants, died a bachelor.

Peter Gore was a widower when he came to this country. He lived on the creek near the old Hughs farm. His children were Henry, Mary and Ellen. James Cadwell, after his marriage, settled where John Wilson now lives. Peter Fernley came from England a few years later, married one of the Cadwell girls and settled in the township. James Britton, another Englishman, came to the township soon after the Taylors. He was an elderly man, and died shortly after his arrival. One day as he was out with a neighbor looking through the woods, chancing to hear a cow-bell, he said in all seriousness, "I was not aware that you had a church here."

According to the recollection of John Taylor, the Hughes, Keiths, Carrolls, Wilbur Sprague and his family, the Merritts, and perhaps one or two others, were all that had settled in the township prior to 1817.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

George Carroll, a fine old man, who had served his country in the Revolutionary War, came from Will's Creek, in Guernsey County, and entered three quarter-sections of land on Reasoner's Run. He used to say that at the battle of Brandywine he and another comrade were the sole survivors out of all his regiment. His sons were Henry, Joseph, William and Aaron. A few representatives of the Carroll family still remain in the township.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Lewis Waller was an early settler, and lived on the school section. He was originally from Pennsylvania, but came here from Will's Creek. His brothers, Jesse, David, John and William, lived for a time on Big Run. Most of the Wallers went West. The Merritts also came from Will's Creek and were intermarried with the Waller family. Daniel Merritt married Jane Waller, and John Merritt married Polly.

Moses Grandstaff, one of the first justices of the pecase, was only a brief resident of the township. He married a sister of Lewis Waller.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

The Keiths - Peter and Benjamin, were early settlers. They came about 1817, and took up farms. They were Pennsylvanians, and had lived on Tick Hill for a short time before removing here. Both were blacksmiths and bell-makers. Benjamin was the grandfather of W.B. Keith, Esq.

Separate entry
Among the early settlers of the township were Peter and Benjamin Keith, from Pennsylvania, the former a soldier of 1812. They took up a quarter section of land, which is still in possession of their descendants. They were blacksmiths and bell-makers. They made many bells, which were sold to the early settlers for miles around. Peter was twice married - first to Miss Dickey, by whom he had four children: Benjamin, Robert, Elizabeth and John; and second, to Miss Mary Taylor, who bore eight sons and two daughters. Mr. Keith was a very devout man, and through his efforts an early church was erected at Keith's.

Philip W. Keith, next ot the oldest of the children of Peter and Mary Keith, was born in Jackson Township in 1827, and resided in the township until 1873, when he removed to Dexter City, his present home. He was for a time engaged in oil-producing. Mr. Keith married Miss Mary A. Shinn and is the father of two children: Charles W. (deceased) and Henrietta. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

The great-grandfather of Pardon C. Keith was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and spent his fortune for the patriot cause. His grandfather was an early settler near Beverly, and his father a pioneer of Jackson Township. Pardon Cook Keith was born at Keith's in 1834. In 1857 he married Elizabeth Wilson, who died in 1859, leaving one child - William Elvin. In 1860 he married Susan Coffee. Children: Clara F., Leon W., Mary E., Lewis, Charles, Willard O., Orien W., Asa A., Pardon E. and Raymond C. Mr. Cook is a Democrat and a member of the Odd Fellows and Masons. He has held the office of justice of the peace and other township trusts.

W.B. Keith, a well-known citizen, was born September 11, 1856, on the farm which he now owns and where his parents and grandparents lived before him. His grandfather, a native of Pennsylvania, entered the land and reared his family here. W.B. Keith is a Democrat, and a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge and Encampment. He has served as justice of the peace for seven years. In 1883 he married Sarah A. Reed, of Sharon, and they have one child - Harry W.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

The Jordans were early settlers on Will's Creek, about five miles from Cambridge. Afterward he removed to the headwaters of Duck Creek, near Hiramsburg, where their descendants still remain. Jacob was the father, and he came to Jackson Township. He had nine sons and two daughters. Jacob and Isaac (twins), Elijah and David, were among his sons who resided serveral years in this township.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

John B. Sprague is a descendant of one of the early pioneers of Washington County, who came to Ohio when the settlers were in constant peril from the Indians. His father, Wilbur Sprague, a native of New York, came to Ohio at the age of fifteen, and lived at the fort or block-house in the vicinity of where Beverly now is. One morning when milking he was surprised by nine Indians, eight of whom fired at him. One bullet hit his back and passed entirely through his body, carrying a brass button from his garments ahead of it. This took place near the entrance of the garrison. He was carried into the fort by his uncle. He recovered after two years of suffering. He married and settled in Jackson Township among its early pioneers. J.B. Sprague was born in 1818, on th farm where he now lives. In 1843 he married Harriet Thorla. Children: Violetta, Eliza, Phebe M., Sarah S. and Benjamin W.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

John Smithson, or Squire Smithson, as he is familiarly known, was born on mile below Macksburg, Washington County, in 1828. He was reared as a farmer, which avocation he has since followed. Although he is not a politician, he has given proper attention to political matters. In 1880 he was elected county commissioner, serving one term of three years. He is a worthy member of the Free and Accepted Masons.

He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Adeline L., daughter of James Dalton. She died in 1871. For his second wife he married Miss Jane J., daughter of John Hutchins. By the first marriage there were two boys and five girls; by the second, one son.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Angus McDonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1829, and came to America with his parents in 1832, arriving at Olive Green Creek August 10. Mr. McDonald has followed farming, and is a minister of the Christian church. He married Rachel Stevens in 1852, and they have seven children living. Mr. McDonald enlisted October 9, 1861, in the Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry; veteranized in January, 1863, and was mustered out a captain at the close of the war. He participated in the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, sieges of Corinth and of Vicksburg, Decatur, Resaca, Kingston, Kenesaw and in Sherman's march to the sea. At Decatur, Ga., he was twice wounded. Few Noble County soldiers have a better military record.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Reuben Simons, son of a Revolutionary soldier, settled in 1835 on the farm which he still occupies. He was born in Washington County, Ohio, in 1805; married Esther Wells in 1829, and is the father of seven children, five of whom are still living: Thomas (deceased), Patience (deceased), Alfred, Content, Atha, Mary and Serene. Mr. Simons has been a member of the Christian church from early manhood. His father was a pioneer at Marietta, and while in company of R.J. Meigs (afterward governor), was shot and severely wounded by an Indian.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

David R. Way was born in Jackson Township November 5, 1846. His parents were natives of England. Mr. Way has followed farming. He was married in 1866 to Rebecca J. Smith, of Sharon Township, and their children are Cora, Charles and Emmet. Mrs. Way is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Way is a Republican and a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.

William M. Way was born in 1862, on the Way homestead. His father died suddenly in 1880, while on his way from Dexter City to Marietta. In 1885 W.M. Way married Mary Reed, daughter of Isaac Reed, of Sharon Township. They have one child - Catherine A. Edward E. Way was born in 1851; married Tacy Mathews in 1872.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

John Delancy was born on Will's Creek and came to Jackson Township in 1835, when one year of age. His father cast the first Whig vote that was ever cast in the township. There were other Whigs, but until the advent of Mr. Delancy they were not permitted to vote. In 1858 John Delancy married Elizabeth Mitchell. Children: Ada, Boyd and Margaret.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

William Henry Mayguckin, merchant at Ridge, Jackson Township, was born in Pennsylvania in 1843, and came to Jackson Township with his parents in 1849. He has followed farming, and for nine years has been engaged in the mercantile business. In 1866 he married Martha E. Willis, of Jackson Township. Their children are Mary C. and Clara W. The family belong to the Methodist church. Mr. Mayguckin enlisted in October, 1861, in Company D, Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He was never absent from duty for a day, and never asked for a leave of absence. He was in many noted engagements, among which were New Madrid, the battle and siege of Corinth, Decatur, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, etc.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Philip M. Smith was born in 1829. His ancestors were from New England and his paternal grandfather and one son were drowned in the sound of Martha's Vineyard. His father and his grandfather, Tilton, came to Steubenville, Ohio, in 1819; and thence to Olive Township. Mr. Smith has been a farmer and a merchant. In 1854 he went to California, where he remained five years. In 1863 he married Margaret Taylor. Her father, John Taylor, settled in this township in 1816. They have one child - Millie E. The family are member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Smith is a Republican.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

George H. Nichols is a descendant of an old family, his grandparents having settled in Ohio about 1826. He was born in Beverly, Washington County, in 1857, and for several years has been a successful teacher in Noble County. He also works at carpentry. Mr. Nichols is a Republican, but has served as township clerk in Jackson - a sufficient proof of his popularity.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Robert M. Kelley was born in Sharon Township in 1842. His father was a native of Maryland. At the age of eighteen, in October, 1861, Robert enlisted in Company K, Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged after serving four years and seven months. He was at Pittsburg Landing, Iuka, Corinth, Holly Springs, Little Rock, White River, Mark's Mill, Saline River, Mobile, and in many other engagements. He lost his health in the army, and his sight became seriously impaired. In 1868 he married Martha A. Foreman. Children: Elmer J., born 1869, died 1880; three infant boys, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)

Mahlon A. Look was born in Noble County in 1858. His father was a native of Massachusetts, and is mother of Maryland. They came to this county from Guernsey. Mahlon has been a teacher and a farmer. In 1869 he married Venora C. Dixon of Washington County. Their children were Elza M. and Elsie M. Mr. Look is a Republican, and has been township clerk. He is at present the teacher at Crooked Tree (November, 1886).

History of Noble County, Ohio Published by L.H. Watkins & Co. of Chicago 1887
Jackson (originally Olive Green Twp.)