WASHINGTON COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA - MORRIS/MILLER History Chapters 11 - 29 (published 1873) *********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Maggie Stewart-Zimmerman MaggieOhio@columbus.rr.com November 5, 1999 *********************************************************************** "HISTORY OF THE MORRIS AND MILLER FAMILIES" By Morris Miller 1873 *********************************************************************** Chapter 11 INCIDENTS OF HOME AND ABROAD A few days after our return, Uncle David Morris came over to see us. He had left home with that prospect in view, being desirous to see how we were getting along since he had left us alone almost two years ago all crowded in one house. He, with all laudable zeal and perserverance, had been a foreman among his younger brothers the season before in building a large stone mansion for their father, much of the material having been gathered from the fields some years previous. I mention this circumstance as being honorable for him to see their father in comfortable buildings before he left him, as he was then about 21 years of age. He remained with us a few days, and, seeing all well, returned home. Father resumed his school and taught until late autumn, when his term ended. Father having business over at the old home, took me along, which was a great satisfaction to me, as I always had a propensity to travel and see what I could. We got to Stokes' the first night, finding the old couple rather lonely, as their older son had been called into the military service about a month later than his brother. Grandfather, in order to comfort his lonely friends, had sent over one of his younger sons, Mordecai by name (he being about 11 years old) to live with them and do chores during the winter. Two days later we arrived among our relatives and friends, who were glad to see us and expressed much sympathy that they felt for us during the times of alarms and troubles in the west. Father getting through with his business and short visit, returned home and spent the winter very comfortably. Our friend Stokes' boys returned safe in the spring. As the year 1812 passed with many troubles, we hoped the next would be more propitious, but an incident occurred that year that I can not forbear relating. We three older boys had become of an age and size to be pretty efficient at clearing, and Father feeling a little better in health, we resolved to clear a field for wheat that summer. The timber had been deadened on it for some years before; consequently, it was very thick set with grubs, but we got it mostly clear in the fore part of the season. Father had arranged matters so he could attend the Yearly Meeting at Mt. Pleasant, it being the first one held there. The boys were left to heap up and burn the brush. A few days after he left, brother Isaac was sent on an errand about two miles off, on a young mare supposed to be perfectly safe, but when coming near the place the horse took flight at some hogs near by. When he pulled the reins she reared up, slid him off and fell over on him, breaking his thigh. He was soon discovered by a passing woman, who hurried to where he was going to get the necessary assistance. He was carefully carried in and word was sent to us. Not waiting for counsel, they sent for the most skilled man in the neighborhood - George Brown - as no doctor was nearer than 10 miles, and he was uncertain at that. Brown came about the time Mother and I arrived, and as soon as proper appliances could be prepared the fracture was set, and as not other injuries were apparent, it was hoped that he would get along. The neighbors prepared a bier and carried him home, but upon lifting him from the bier to the bed, a slight jar occurred, which soon subsided, and it was hoped to be all right. The weather being warm, the fracture became very painful, and on the fifth day after the accident it became almost insufferable. The bandage was loosened and the bones were found to be out of place. A doctor was sent for, but could not be obtained, and Brown was again brought. He reset the fracture, although it was a much more painful operation than the former one. By careful nursing and attention he got along very well. This occurred while Father was away and was a great trial to us all, but our kind neighbors and friends did much to comfort and assist us, so as to draw from Father when he came home and saw what happened his most hearty return of thanks and gratitude for their kind attentions. It so happened that Grandfather paid us a visit soon after Father got home, which was very acceptable at that time. The above described accident had much retarded our progress in the new clearing, yet we had succeeded in heaping most of the brush. Robert and I, feeling emulous to please Grandfather, knowing that his greatest delight was to see industrious boys, the evening being pleasant and no wind astir, we went out quietly with our torches, and, running from heap to heap, soon had a greater fire than was generally seen. A large fire then created no alarm, as it was hailed as a mark of perservering industry. Grandfather and all were highly pleased with our night's work. His presence at that time, and our diligence, had much to do in diverting Father's mind from despondency, which was common under adverse circumstances. By dint of perserverance we accomplished, although late, near all we had anticipated in the spring. Isaac, getting along well, left us to enjoy the winter very comfortably and some of us to go to school. Chapter 12 INCIDENTS OF 1814-15 The year 1814 was not marked with any adversity to us, yet our immediate locality was visited in the spring by a very malignant fever, which the doctors could neither name nor cure. It only attacked grown persons. It called away seven, I think, in about 12 days, all within a mile of our home. Four from the heads of families were much missed; the other three were young unmarried persons. This produced a solemn consternation for the time being. Neither family (Morris or Dutton) was attacked, yet the seven cases occurred on all side of us. This was felt severely in our little settlement, as the requisition for military recruits had only recently subsided. In the fore part of the season, Uncle Nathan Walton moved over to Ohio. Cousin John Miller (the second son of Uncle James Miller) being in the teaming business, concluded to bring his uncle over. Brother Isaac went along with him, although an invalid yet from his injuries the previous autumn. They had a very prosperous journey, and Uncle and Aunt were gratefully received by us. Their new home being about a mile from ours placed us in the enjoyment of each others' society. Although they had no children of their own, yet their philanthropic feeling for the destitute and homeless often encumbered them with more children than was agreeable for their comfort. Uncle Thomas Ball moved over that autumn also, and settled about four miles from us. Thus comforted by an increase of relatives, much was added to the enjoyment of our home. Father and those two sisters always had a strong affection for each other, and the fact that he moved first was an inducement for them to follow. During this season we put up the addition to our house, which added much to our comfort, and the winter passed away very pleasantly. The year 1815 was remembered by many as being a propitious one on account of the restoration of peace shortly before its commencement. We were gratified in the spring by a visit from Grandfather and Grandmother Morris. Their friend Stokes came along with them. That was the only time Grandmother was over to see us, and it was truly an enjoyable time among us all. I must now in the course of events speak of Uncle Joseph Dutton. He had been improving his lease and making a comfortable living, but he felt anxious to possess a piece of land of his own, and having had his eye on an unimproved quarter section situated about a mile northwest of our farm, it being the division between two streams, it was thought to be a good locality for fruit. The owner lived some thirty miles distant, but he had an agent who lived adjoining it. Uncle had not said much about the land, but hoped that it might remain until he could sell his lease or raise sufficient funds to purchase it. One day he was informed that a purchaser was looking at the land and the agent was to start that day at noon to make the purchase for the applicant. Uncle felt at first that it was all over about getting the land, but after a few hours' reflection he concluded to try the following plan. He had understood that the owner lived near his old friend William Stokes, and by starting in the evening and traveling all night he could rouse up his friend Stokes at daybreak and perhaps get him to take his means and go with him and secure the land before the agent arrived. He started on the execution of his plan and found Stokes ever willing and ready to assist any member of the family of his friend Isaac Morris. He rose, quickly got his purse and off they went, and had the land bought before the agent arrived. This I record as one of Stokes' generous acts. Feeling much pleased with the result of his efforts, Uncle succeeded soon after in disposing of his lease to the man that he had leased from before, on favorable terms, and being prosperous in his efforts, he succeeded in complying with his stipulated agreements. Hence, in the fall and winter following, he prepared to build and move to his new home in the spring. Being favored with good health, they succeeded in getting up a comfortable cabin-roofed log house to move into against spring. Thus having to go into the woods a second time taxed their energies to the utmost, but by diligent perserverance they succeeded in making a comfortable house of their own in a few years. Their land, as expected, proved to be a favorable locality for fruit, and as soon as practicable a portion was devoted to a peach grove which succeeded very well. As the rising family were all daughters except one (the oldest child being a son), during peach time the girls with their well-arranged dry house could realize more income than the father and son could on the rest of the farm. In process of years their place became much noted for the production of peaches and cherries. We will now leave Uncle and his family for a time and notice some of the others. Nothing of an adverse character transpired among us in the year 1815 that I can now recollect. I believe that Father attended the Yearly Meeting at Mount Pleasant that year, while we boys were busy enlarging the area of our cleared land for farming. In the fall it was arranged for Father and Mother to make a visit over to Westland to their friends, as Mother had not been back since we left there five years before. After procuring a suitable housekeeper they set out on their visit. In about two weeks they returned and found us getting along very well. Hitherto I have not said much about Aunt Sarah Morris, Mother's sister next younger. She remained single about seven years after Mother was married, and near two years after Aunt Mary Dutton was married. Cousin David Miller, the oldest son of James Miller, after marrying Aunt Sarah, became our uncle, and we always called him Uncle afterwards. After marriage they lived mostly on rented farms for several years and he worked at the cooper trade. As they had several sons in the family, they concluded they had better go west while land was cheap, and there being an unimproved quarter section situated about a mile north of Uncle Joseph's late purchase, in the latter part of 1816, Uncle came over to put up a house on it with the prospect of moving late in the fall. Getting his own home ready to move, he returned home, and as Brother Robert had not visited the old home since we left there, he concluded to go along with him and return when they moved. Uncle Samuel Morris, being principal foreman on his father's farm, concluded to bring them over, arriving late in the fall. Thus, the three sisters were located within convenient distance of each other for social intercourse without much traveling. At first starting out, they were all compelled to go on other people's land, but now that they were all freeholders with large families coming up around them, both parents and children felt more encouraged to make convenient and permanent improvements than when on rented property, and they all looked forward with bright hopes of the future. Chapter 13 DEATH OF DEBORAH MILLER AND FOLLOWING INCIDENTS As nothing transpired during the fore part of the year 1816 to mar our regular routine of business, we older brothers occasionally assisted our uncles in their new beginnings, fondly anticipating the pleasure of having another family added to the circle of our relatives. Although cheered with these hopes most of the year, it did not quite close without leaving us sadly bereaved. Mother had been brought to bed by birth of her eleventh child near the close of the eleventh month. She got along as well as usual, but by venturing out a little prematurely she caught a cold, which in a few days resulted in a violent attack of the fever that soon produced a state of mental derangement. Medical aid was promptly resorted to, but all seemed unavailing, and she continued to suffer severely in both body and mind for about a week, when the fever abated and reason was again restored. But she was so exhausted that only with a feeble voice could she call us, one after another, and bid us farewell, with occasionally some kind words of advice. Then gradually her breathing ceased, and she seemed to pass away in a quiet state of mind. This was a great bereavement to Father and his 10 children, the oldest a little over seventeen years and the youngest about five weeks. It so occurred that our friend Mary Heald had her infant called away by death some 10 days before Mother's decease, and she very kindly took the baby and attended to it for a few months, after which we raised it at home. We were all favored with good health during the winter, although sadly lonesome by the absence of dear Mother, as we had a young and inexperienced housekeeper for the first few months. Early in the spring of 1817 Father succeeded in getting a suitable cook, and our home was rendered more comfortable. None of our relatives felt the bereavement more than Aunt Sarah Miller. She had only arrived at their new home in the woods a few days before she was called to the deathbed of a dear sister, for whom she always had a high respect, as they had kept their father's house after their mother's death until he was comfortably settled again. Thus, they had become closely attached, and for the last six years had only one short visit together, both hoping that they might enjoy each other's society for many years to come. We passed the summer as comfortably as could be expected. Father had many sincere friends to sympathize with him, aside from his many relatives. Our friend William Stokes having a large crop of fruit and knowing that we had no trees yet bearing, sent an invitation to our three families to come and get all we wanted. Pleased with the invitation, we hurried our work along and in peach time, Elisha Dutton, Isaac Miller and I, the oldest of the three families - Elisha and Isaac with two horses each [author says (p. 77) that this should read "with one horse apiece, a small cart and yoke of oxen."] and I with a young ox team - went over to the home of our friend Stokes and were very kindly received. We were delayed one day became of a heavy rain about the time we arrived. It raised the creek so high that we could not cross. We spent that day gathering peaches for our friends, then loading ourselves amply, we started for home. We had a pleasant journey and were heartily welcomed with our loads of fruit. Several circumstances occurred the year after Mother's death that rendered us more comfortable than we might otherwise have been. In the spring of the same year Father's cousin Samuel Shaw moved to be our near neighbor. He and Father always had been on friendly and intimate terms, and their families being near the same number and ages added much to our social enjoyment. We were favored that summer with a school taught by a young lady named Morgan. Since she had lived with us some time before, we had become much attached to her, and we were afforded much agreeable company when she boarded with us during the school term. About the middle of autumn our cook left us with the prospect of marriage. We had been expecting this for quite some time, and consequently got another that had been going to school. The school mistress's term continued some time after our former cook left, and that gave the second a little training in her new vocation. Thus situated, we got along very well. Late in the fall Father felt a desire to accompany a couple of ministerial Friends on a visit to a new settlement of Friends in Morrow County and stop at Kendall Meeting on their way. Father was particularly intimate with a man by the name of Roach who lived at that place. Cousin Samuel Shaw proffered to act as steward while Father was away, and was accordingly accepted. Thus, Father had a few weeks' relaxation from the cares of home to enjoy the society of his friends. They got around on their journey very comfortably. Chapter 14 SAMUEL SHAW'S FAMILY As Father's uncle, Samuel Shaw, and his wife Sarah have been very frequently noticed in the preceding pages, I deem it prudent to speak out more particularly of them. Sarah Shaw was a woman much esteemed in the neighborhood, especially among the sick and afflicted. She had a considerable knowledge of the medical properties of various herbs, and kept a little case of medicines on hand and often prescribed and applied with good success in those early times. She was also esteemed in the Society as a very exemplary member, often having a few words to say at the meeting in the way of exhortation, although she never aspired to or attained the stage of a minister. In the autumn of 1817 she was stricken with paralysis that deprived her of the power of speech and use of her limbs on one side, but without much suffering. She retained her mental faculties, but was rendered helpless. Her step-daughter Susanna was yet single and made her home with them so that they were rendered as comfortable as could be under the circumstances. The farm was rented to a tenant who resided on the tract, so that they were untrammelled with its cares. Uncle having good health, concluded when the time came around the following season to attend the Yearly Meeting in Mt. Pleasant. On his way there he was taken violently ill in the vicinity of Smithfield. His son Thomas was sent for, but he had scarcely arrived when his father died. Since it was not prudent to bring his body home at that time of the year, he was buried in the Friends burying ground at that place in the absence of all his children except one. Father was executor of the estate, and the family homestead was soon discontinued. Father took special charge of the afflicted widow and the stepchildren, and provided or looked out for suitable homes for her until Father was married, when it became convenient for him to have her with him as one of the family. She continued with us until her death, which occurred in the summer of 1825. She enjoyed life during her long period of privation of speech with remarkable fortitude and composure, and was favored with good health most of the time. She was the third wife of Samuel Shaw. His first wife had four children: Letitia, John, Thomas and Susanna. His second wife had only one, Margaret. These are all I ever knew of, and I believe they were all born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, nor do I know the year they came west. They first settled in Westland neighborhood, Washington County, Pa., and while there, I believe, Letitia was married to a man by the name of Israel Griffith. The others remained single until after they moved to Ohio, which, I believe, was in the spring of 1807. Thomas was the next to marry, and this occurred in the autumn of 1809. He married Rachel Hale, daughter of Nathan Hale. They lived on his father's farm a few years and then settled on a quarter section of their own. They lived there many years and their family increased to six children, five sons and a daughter. The mother died more than thirty-five years ago, and one of the sons soon after. The others are all living yet so far as I know. The oldest is a son, now living in Michigan and the father of 10 children. His wife died four years since, and he is now living with his children. The sister and the other brothers are yet living in Columbiana County, and with one exception are settled comfortably and are very respectable members of society. Thomas Shaw married a second wife, with whom he lived some ten years, when she was called away by death. In about two years he married another, who lived only a short time. After her death he sold out and moved to Middleton, in the settlement of his first wife's people. His oldest daughter remained single and kept house until his death, which occurred in 18__. His daughter Rebecca lived single until 18, when she became the third wife of a very agreeable companion named Jeremiah Copick. The next marriage was that of his youngest sister Margaret, which took place in the fall of 1814. She had been living two years with her older sister, Letitia, and became acquainted with and married Benjamin Voar. They settled near by his settlement, situated a few miles north of Westland Meeting House. Thus, these two sisters lived near each other for several years until their children began to marry and scatter. I do not know the number that each had nor all their names. The oldest sister, Letitia Griffith, died about thirty years ago. Soon after the other, with her husband and small children, emigrated to the west, since which time I can not tell much about them. Israel remained single to a good old age and died at his homestead about twelve years ago. John Shaw, the oldest of the two brothers, lived single until over thirty years of age. He was a man well informed, and was promoted at an agency at a post among the western Indians, but the War of 1812 changed the relations of the Indian in regard to our Government; consequently, he came in from the charge in the fall of 1812. I am not posted much about the balance of his life. After visiting among his relatives during the winter and spring after the termination of his Indian agency, as nearly as I can recollect, he went to the eastern part of Indiana, and in process of time he married and followed the business of farming. He made a visit to Ohio many years afterward, but as I was away from home at the time, I did not get to see him. He died in the year 1851. Late the same year his eldest son visited Ohio, but I also failed to see or get any important information from him concerning his father. I have recently learned that one of his sons is carrying on an extensive mechanical pursuit in Richmond, Indiana. Susanna Shaw, the year after her father's death, returned to live with her sister on Pike Run, where she remained until about forty years of age, when she became the second wife of a man called Isaac Cleaver, by whom she had two children, a son and a daughter. The latter deceased at the near approach of womanhood. Her husband died also about 12 years ago, after which she lived in a comfortable house adjoining that of her son until she was called away by death in 1870 at the age of 82 years. She had been favored with reasonably good health all through life, and maintained her mental faculties very little impaired until the last. All of Samuel Shaw's family were very consistent members of the Society of Friends. Chapter 15 THE DEEP SNOW OF 1818, ETC. The winter of 1817-18 was marked by several occurrences worthy of notice. The housekeeper Father employed in the fall did not prove to be a very congenial one in all respects. About midwinter he engaged the service of an older sister of his first cook, who stayed with us while needed. The fore part of the winter was considered about as moderate a one as we had ever experienced. On the morning of the third of February it commenced snowing about daybreak. Its descent was a little inclined from the northeast and came in rather small particles, but very compact for snow. It continued descending in the same direction for about 24 hours until it attained the depth of three feet, and there being no snow on the ground before it fell, the writer was particular to measure it in different localities. As there was no wind blowing while it fell, it did not drift. For four days after it fell the weather was calm, but on the fifth a gentle rain descended for about two hours, after which the coldest weather for nearly two weeks that the writer ever experienced. The rain had penetrated the snow very little until the cold congealed it into a crust of ice that would bear up a dog and even small children. It was lucky for those who had roads or paths broken before the freeze. All the deer in our forest were exterminated, as they could not flee from the dogs through the snow. Many other wild animals perished also. Soon after the snow fell we were visited by Uncle Lewis, Uncle David and Aunt Hannah Morris, all from Westland. They had come as far as our friend Stokes' when they were storm stayed. They remained there a few hours until the roads were broken a little, and John Stokes being yet a single man and having never visited us, concluded to accompany them. Their visit was very acceptable. Although the weather was extremely cold, our large wood fires rendered us comfortable and enjoyable. The summer of 1818 passed without any particular occurrences apart from ordinary prosperity. In the latter part of the summer we were favored with a visit from Aunt Phebe Bryant and her husband. They having been absent from their relations then years were kindly received by them all. She had lost her husband by death a few years after they went east, and in process of time she married his brother Joseph. Their visit was particularly intended to me, as she had been an inmate of Father's house from my earliest recollection until the time of her marriage, which occurred when I was about ten years of age. I believe Grandfather paid us a visit that fall also. Having now a good housekeeper, we all remained at home. We three older boys being capable of attending to the farm, gave Father favorable opportunities to go and visit his friends as desire or occasion afforded. In the course of his acquaintance during the fall and winter he became intimately acquainted with a woman named Anna Hole, a resident with an older brother, a younger sister and a niece, all single, and the household consisted of a third sister who had been married a short time previous to Father's acquaintance with them. The brother and sisters lived on a farm for many years until they were considerably advanced in age. They had emigrated from Virginia and settled near a married brother from the same place. They were among the early settlers of Carmel, Columbiana County, Ohio. I have been thus particular, as several family connections have resulted since from the above acquaintance of the Hole family, as will appear by the following pages. Chapter 16 FATHER'S SECOND MARRIAGE, AND MY SCHOOL COURSE Continued Early in the summer of 1819 Father's acquaintance with his friend Anna Hole ripened into a matrimonial engagement. The marriage was consummated at Carmel Meeting near by her residence on the 28th of the sixth month, 1819. His sister, Mary Walton, I believe was the only relation in attendance. The near neighbors were all emulous to make their arrival a very pleasant one. Our aunts had calculated to come and assist in preparing the dinner, but they were superseded by new neighbors, who requested that they appear as special guests. It was an occasion of more than ordinary interest to we 10 children to have a new mother brought home to us that we had never see to know personally. Never were our fond anticipations more fully realized than when we were severally introduced to a very pleasing countenanced person near the same age and stature of our dear departed Mother. The day proved to be a very pleasant one. The uncles and aunts had arrived a little before noon, but the wedding party having to travel near 20 miles, put the dinner a little later than usual. Both relatives and neighbors, ere the day closed, expressed their entire satisfaction in Father's companion, not so much by words as by the pleasing countenance that each one manifested. Although 56 years have passed since that day, the incidents of it are almost as fresh in my memory as the day they occurred. It was feared that a woman who had passed most of her days of womanhood apart from the cares of small children would not be very congenial among them, but this all subsided when she entered into the household duties with the most cheerful and motherly bearing that could be desired. She was favored to maintain these noble qualities through life, greatly to our satisfaction and benefit. The two older sisters having arrived at an age to do much of the house work, further hired help was unnecessary. Time passed smoothly along until the time of Yearly Meeting at Mt. Pleasant came around, and as I had never been much from home on account of the duties that seemed to devolve on me after Mother's death, and I being the oldest had to take charge generally in Father's absence, it was concluded to have a kindred woman to abide with the children while Father and I went to the meeting. The parents went on horseback and I on foot, as these two ways were the only modes of traveling in the primitive times. We enjoyed the meetings very much; also the acquaintances we made. On returning we found all getting along very well. Grandfather and uncles hearing that we were comfortably settled again, sent an invitation for me to come over and attend a term of school during the winter and they would board me and pay my tuition for what chores I could do while there. I concluded to accept the proposition, but being so well pleased with my new mother, I resolved to construct a large two-horse sleigh, capable of carrying six persons, especially for their benefit during the winter. Accordingly, I worked almost day and night for near two weeks to complete it. After I had accomplished my efforts to do all I could to render them comfortable, about the middle of the eleventh month, I tied up a few clothes and several books in a small handkerchief and started on my journey of 90 miles with less than 50 cents in my pocket. Having friends and relations to stop with mostly, I only spent about half my money, arrived safely and passed the time at as good a school as ever I attended. I have mentioned this to show the contrast of getting an education then and now. Chapter 17 VARIOUS INCIDENTS OF BUILDING Early in the spring I returned to assist in sugar making, as that was then considered the most profitable business we could engage in during that season of the year. Finding all well and in good spirits, we concluded that we would build a new barn the coming summer, as we heretofore had gotten along with small round log cabins. The forest being near the desired site for building and our two yoke of oxen coming to an age to go into draft, it was resolved to make the effort, which proved to be a fair success. It was the largest and most substantial one in the settlement. Although built of hewed logs on a good cellar, it has stood the storms of over half a century. With ordinary care and no accident by fire, it bids fair to last another half century or more. Inspired by the summer's success in building the barn, although it required my close application till New Year's to drive the last nail in the roof, I felt emulous while we had a good team to go to the poplar region, about five miles north, and haul in logs as a preparatory step towards building a new house. We had not money then to buy lumber by the carload, as at the present time, But had to make all the trades we could without money. The rule then among sawmills was to saw for the half, and thus lumber could be procured without money. I was successful in my plans, and having good snows to haul on, I supplied two mills with logs that made a good yield. As the summer of 1820 had occupied all hands in building the new barn but the necessary farm work, it was concluded to defer operations in building until more land was cleared. Accordingly, the year 1821 and the former part of 1822 was spent in clearing. The three younger brothers being capable to attend the farm and advance the clearing, it was concluded as I had passes the age of 21 six months before, and had never spent any time from home learning a trade, nevertheless I had picked up much in the carpenter trade, yet I was devoid of insight in many of its principal parts, and knowing that I would have a good chance to improve myself and get some tools by spending most of the coming season in my grandfather's neighborhood, so hoping to get a month or more at school before spring opened for business, I started in the latter part of winter. It so happened that I got a ride there, as a friend of ours wished to have a horse taken over for his daughter, who had been sojourning there, to ride home in the spring. I got along safely, but the school I had hoped to attend was discontinued; consequently I was disappointed in that respect, but as I was there, I turned in with Uncle Jonathon's children to making sugar, as that was the most profitable business we could engage in at that time of the year. I spent the fore part of the summer employed in different departments of carpenter work, and returned on foot a little before harvest, the new barn requiring some interior carpenter work before it would be ready for reception. I found all at home had prospered well, and received as kind a reception from my stepmother as if I had been her own son. I continued at home about six weeks, finishing up the work about the new building. It was very pleasing to me to be the recipient of such kind treatment as I met with, but had I been a wild, reckless youth, likely the reverse would have been the case. As I desired to spent the autumn in Pennsylvania, I concluded to attend the Yearly Meeting at Mt. Pleasant and then go from there. Father and Mother went, as usual, on horseback, while a young Friend and myself took it on foot, traveling 54 miles the first day, which was the greatest day's walk I ever made. About mid-afternoon on our first day's walk, a violent storm came up suddenly from the west, and our course being directly south with nothing but forest in sight, we concluded by quick exertions we might gain its southern limit before the storm, but in this we failed, and ere we had gained a half-mile we were overtaken by a violent storm which brought down a large tree across the road only a few rods behind. Having attained rising ground, we halted and looked back to see how narrowly we had escaped. I mention this circumstance as among many others that I have experienced during a long life wherein a Divine Hand seemed strongly manifested for my special preservation. After a comfortable attendance at the meeting, it so happened that Jonathon Morris, with his stepmother and another woman, were there also. His conveyance afforded an extra seat, which I gladly accepted and accompanied them home. I engaged myself as a journeyman with David Hilles, who then carried on the house carpenter and pump-making business. I received instructions in both of these branches, particularly the latter, as that was coming much in demand in our new settlement. The proceeds of my labor were invested mostly in tools. At the approach of winter I again walked home, finding all well and in good prosperity. Early in the spring I was made supercargo by several families to take a two-horse wagon loaded with clover seed to exchange for dried fruit in the old neighborhood. This gave me an opportunity to bring home my tools. To many of the young folks now, those incidents may seem as stale history, but in those early days of settlement, we had to barter all we could without money. Soon after getting home, I got my pump tools in order for work and did a few jobs with good results, which gave me a great deal of encouragement, as I had devoted but little time in my minor days to either school or trade. Thus passed the fore part of the year 1822 with me. Early in it we three older brothers concluded that if all went well we would unite our efforts after harvest and burn a kiln of brick for a new house, which was then considered the best materials that could be used. We would thus consume much of the dead timber off the fields. Our resolution was strengthened by a sense of duty that we owed to our father, who had been so successful in bringing home such a kind stepmother and comfortable companion. Always having a desire to entertain his friends, and living near the meeting house rendered it more desirable for him to be comfortably situated for that purpose. In addition to those reasons, Father's health had been delicate for a number of years, and never having a turn for embarking in building matters, we concluded that it we disbanded and left, that he probably would remain without a new house for life. According to our resolution, after harvest we arranged ourselves as follows: I was to prepare the mortar; Robert to mould; the two younger brothers, Levi and Samuel, the off- bearing; a hired hand to do the wheeling; Father and Isaac to attend the farm. We were favored with good weather, and ere long we succeeded in making, settling and burning as good a kiln of brick as our country ever produced. We were considered very enthusiastic, as neither of us ever had the slightest experience at brick making. Encouraged by the success of our first effort, we resolved ultimately to have a first class building erected, but to do this would be necessary to advance according to circumstances. The depreciated value of farm products could not be relied upon to get materials or to pay workmen. For such, we had to negotiate as well as we could without the prospect of having ready money to pay with. As good stone for building could not be obtained nearby, I discovered and attacked a rock on Congress land three miles off. Although sadly lacking for appropriate tools, I succeeded in cleaving it and obtaining the nicest quality, in good dimensions for range work, sills and caps. This was done in the autumn and brought home on the sled in the winter. As I was anxious to employ myself during the open part of the winter, I did several jobs at carpentering with good results. As lime could be obtained only by special preparation, we had to go about six miles for the stone; then, to make the process of burning short, we erected a large log heap in the clearing and suitably pulverized the stone and incorporated them in the building of the heap. We were successful in getting clear of the useless logs and had a good yield of lime. Only expecting to get the basement story up that season, we advanced it step by step to suit other business. We were fortunate in employing a young man recently from the east, a stone cutter and mason by trade. He wished to get himself in business and our material being of the best quality, and the front basement being mostly above ground, gave him an opportunity to distinguish himself and gratify us. By getting another mason to assist us, the basement was finished and covered over for the winter. Chapter 18 MARRIAGE AND SETTLEMENT OF THE AUTHOR Apart from my attention to the new building, another branch of business had been culminating about me for some time. I had made the acquaintance of a woman friend near my age (23) during the previous winter, which resulted in an engagement of marriage. Her name was Ann Votaw, daughter of Moses and Mary Votaw of New Garden settlement. The wedding was solemnized at New Garden Meeting, according to the rule of the Society, on the 30th of the tenth month, 1823. My wife was the fifth to marry from a family of 11 brothers and sisters, and I the first from a family of 10. Our parents and a few others made quite a large company for the occasion in those early times. We came home the next day, attended by several young couples, and we received a very comfortable reception. Several of our uncles and aunts were awaiting to receive us. Thus, all passed pleasantly. The rites and festivities all over, in those early times, instead of spending time on a wedding tour to the east or to Niagara Falls as many do now, we used all industry to prepare for housekeeping. In the summer of 1814 Father became the executer of the estate of a deceased neighbor who had owned 110 acres of land adjoining ours on the south. It became for sale, and finding no purchaser, Father concluded to buy it. Land was then at a very low figure, and the heirs being minors gave some time to make the payments. There were two small improvements, good water and primitive cabin buildings. After marriage we settled on 55 acres of it, and by close attention, made a comfortable home. Chapter 19 BUILDING MATTERS CONTINUED After planting time in the spring we all resumed our work at the new building and against harvest had it up and roofed. Here it had to take another stand for a short time, as workmen and materials could not be had without some sure prospect of pay. The farmers could not rely upon getting 25 cents per bushel for their wheat, and other products languished in the same proportion; hence, it was very imprudent to advance any further under the same circumstances. It so happened in the course of the fall that an elderly man, recently from the east and a carpenter by trade, wishing to get into employment, engaged with us to take such things as he might need and could be best spared. Thus the work was started slowly, getting the outer doors hung, the cash made and the windows in before winter. In those days everything in the wood line about building had to be prepared by hand from the stump, and getting a good portion of it in before winter, the work progressed slowly and satisfactorily, our carpenter being a good workman. In autumn we did the plastering and some exterior painting. The latter was a luxury for those early times. The next spring the house was occupied by the family, and this added greatly to their comfort and convenience. The dimensions of the buildings were as follows: The barn was 30 by 63 feet, with an overshot of 8 feet and a stone cellar under the main building. The house was 28 by 40 feet, with a stone cellar 7 feet high, divided into two departments - one a wash house with one end and a front wall of stone. I have been thus particular in detailing circumstances to show the contrast between then and now. Both brothers and sisters felt that we owed this debt of gratitude to our parents and the younger ones before we left them. Father and Mother had left a pleasant home in Pennsylvania and braved the wilds and privations of a new settlement under a sense of duty to their children by bringing us away from the influences of a profane and immoral community. We had passed six years inspired with a hope that our new home had nearly arrived to a point of comfort, but our anticipations were sadly alloyed by the loss of a dear mother. Yet after two and a half years of seeming probation, we were gladdened by Father's success in repairing the loss. We older ones having had time to duly appreciate the advantages we had derived by enjoying so much better society than we had been brought away from, these considerations rendered our obligations more imperative to see Father and his worthy companion comfortably settled in their declining years. About the time the new building was occupied, a good two-horse carriage was obtained so that Father and Mother and two of the younger sisters at least could get out to distant meetings and visit their friends with much more comfort than on horseback. Thus the family passed along comfortably along for several years. Occasionally a brother or sister would leave by marriage, which I shall note more particularly hereafter. The farm work being carried on successfully by the younger brother left Father much liberated from its cares; hence, he could enjoy the company of his friends, both at home and abroad. Mother also had her department so well organized that by her prudent and winning ways it was a pleasure to enjoy her presence and society. Leaving them for a time, I shall say a little about myself. After helping to get the roof on the new house, I had to withdraw most of my personal attention from its further progress, having provided most of the lumber on it and some for myself more than years before. Our house being a very indifferent one to live in, I resolved to tax my energies to the utmost to get a better one. Our little home was much out of repair when we went into it, and having but little means to start with, new buildings advanced very slowly. However, about four years after marriage, we succeeded in getting up a good two-story hewed log house. Although not a very large one, it accommodated us reasonably well for several years, when our increasing family called for more room, which was supplied about eight years after by the addition of 18 feet of a frame building to one end, under which was a stone walled cellar giving ample room. The barn, although a cabin of round logs 20 by 45 feet with a good shingle roof and sheds around it, stands well and is plenty large enough for the small farm, and it is in reasonably good order yet. Chapter 20 FATHER'S LATTER DAYS AND DECEASE Father enjoyed reasonably good health for about seven years after the occupancy of the new house, being relieved by dutiful sons from the cares of the farm. In addition to these home enjoyments, he had the satisfaction of seeing a new brick meeting house erected near where the old one stood, thus realizing the hopes that he had entertained when first settling in these seeming wilds, that he might live to see the time when the native forest would be succeeded by the fruitful fields, and that the old rude structures for homes and public purposes would, by the hand of industry and perserverance, be replaced by more permanent and commodious ones. He lived to see nine of his ten living children comfortably married. Mother and he both enjoyed the society of their companions with mutual satisfaction. After passing his sixty-first year, he was somewhat afflicted with rheumatism, which was and is yet a prevailing complaint among the Miller families in advanced age. Medical aid was resorted to. For a time it acted as a palliative, but finally lost its effect. After it ceased to relieve him he had to resign himself to the house and most of the time to his bed. For near two years before his death he was much afflicted with rheumatic affections and weakness of body, all of which he bore with remarkable patience and composure of mind, often dropping pleasant remarks that he had comfortable hopes that his day's work had been faithfully done, closing them with some kind words of advice. His weakness increasing, he calmly departed this life on the __ of the 8th month, 1838. His funeral was largely attended by relatives, neighbors and friends. Chapter 21 STEPMOTHER'S LATTER DAYS AND DEATH The farm had been carried on by tenants for several years, as the youngest brother had been married near four years previous to Father's death, there being a tenant house on the premises convenient to the other buildings. Several years previous to Father's decease they had adopted a fatherless boy about twelve years of age. He proved to be very dutiful, and gave Father a great deal of satisfaction in doing chores and taking care of stock. He remained with them about four years, and yet looks back with gratitude on the kind treatment and good lessons administered to him while there. He is now at the head of a large family of his own. Stepmother resided on the farm and had it carried on by tenants for almost seven years. The youngest sister remained also until the time of her marriage, which occurred about a year after Father's decease. She was given as comfortable a wedding entertainment as if her Father had been living. Although the sister left, the mother was not alone. She had taken a young daughter of her deceased sister to raise some years before, and coming then to an age of womanhood, gave Mother company until she married and left in a few years after. Mother afterwards had the company of a young woman named Ann Reader, who in process of time married a young man by the name of Mendenhall, a son of Sarah Mendenhall, then the third wife of Joseph Dutton. Thus time passed on until age and infirmities admonished her to retire from the cares of the farm and household. Having a younger sister who had married a man named Cooper and being comfortably situated, Mother made her abode with them until the time of her death. Being sanctified by the comfortable reflection that for nearly twenty years she had been a kind and loving wife and for a period of thirty years, although she had no children of her own, an affectionate mother to the motherless, she departed this life in 185_, leaving her children to mourn the loss of a dear mother and the Society a very consistent member. Chapter 22 THOMAS BALL'S FAMILY Thomas Ball, finding from his growing family that more territory would be essential, sold out the next season and moved to a purchase about four miles north of Levi's location. Situated on one of the principal roads of the country, it afforded a good location for a blacksmith. He was an excellent axe-maker, and this gave him a good run of custom work, as such work was then in great demand. His children also being very industrious gave the farm and shop both the appearance of economy and thrift. He had built a good mansion house for those early times, and was beginning to feel pretty comfortable in his Ohio possessions. About seven years after their removal to Ohio, Hannah (the mother) was called away by death, leaving 11 children, the youngest not quite a year old. Six of them were girls and the others boys; namely, Alivia, Guy, Nancy, Levi, Mary, Rebecca, Nathan, Thomas, Hannah, Abraham and Catherine. No family could miss a kind and affectionate mother more than they did. She had led them thus far by her kind and virtuous example, strictly in the path of rectitude which they were favored to maintain in after life greatly to their credit and comfort. Nancy, the second daughter, had been married and comfortably settled more than two years before. The older daughter also was under a matrimonial engagement which was consummated a few months after her mother's death, thus leaving no girl large enough to prudently manage the household affairs. The father deemed it proper to employ a housekeeper. Another bereavement occurred in the family about ten months after the mother's death. The second brother - Levi by name - was called away by death in his nineteenth year. He was one of the most gifted, like his mother, of any in the family. This was again a heavy stroke on them. The father, in about a year after the mother's death, married the widow housekeeper whom he had employed before. This was an occurrence that does not always result in the best feelings in a large family of children. Although she was kind and courteous toward them, yet they could not quite respect her socially as a mother. As they came to an age to do for themselves, they manifested a desire to scatter. The oldest son, being of age, went over to Washington County, Pa., and engaged as a journeyman blacksmith, but ere he returned, married soon after and settled in the little town near where his father lived. His first wife did not live many years. To them were born twin sons. By his second wife he had two daughters. One is living near Damascus, in Mahoning County, and the other in Salem. I know no other of the twin sons. I believe the father was a widower several years previous to his death. In the course of events I should have noticed Alivia, the oldest of the children. She was married a few months after his mother's decease to a man named Samuel Fugate, with whom she lived about 45 years on a small farm near Guilford. They raised a family of seven children - four sons and three daughters. The three older sons and one of the daughters are married and very comfortably settled. The other three are still on the farm, having taken care of their infirm father who survived their mother about seven years. Nancy, the second daughter (as noted before) was married about two years previous to her mother's death to a man named David Brison. They first settled about two miles west of her father's, but after living there about five years they sold out and went to his native home in Fayette County, Pa., and as near as I can learn, they resided there about 40 years, after which they went west and stayed a few years until her husband's death, after which she returned to Fayette County and is probably still living with some of her children. I was told that she made a visit to Ohio to see some of her relations in the autumn of 1874, but not seeing her or anyone that talked with her, I am unable to say anything about her children. Mary, the third daughter, married a man by the name of _____ and went west, but I do not know what part. I remember of hearing that she deceased many years ago. Neither do I know anything about their posterity. Rebecca, the fourth daughter, married, I believe, soon after Mary. Her husband's name was Harrison Vaughn. They had resided in several different localities, not having acquired extensively of this world's goods. He was a good harness maker and by frugal industry had managed to make a good living. Rebecca was gifted more like her mother and brother Levi, with a different turn of mind from the others. They had only four children that I know of - three sons and one daughter. One of the sons was lost in the rebellion, which was a great trial to the family. The others have much cause to be thankful for a mother's good example and sincere Christian virtues. She was for many years before her death a very consistent member of the Methodist Church, and was regarded by all who knew her as a Christian. She was favored in seeing all her children walking in the paths of rectitude before her death. For some years previous to her decease she experienced declining health, which she bore with remarkable Christian patience, and with but little severe suffering, calmly departed on the 24th of the 4th month, 1874. Hannah was the youngest daughter that lived to be married. After her father's death she resided with sisters and cousins until she came to the age of womanhood. On the 11th of 11th month, 1835, she was married to a young man named Caleb Hawley, after which they settled in the town of Guilford. To them were born seven children - five sons and two daughters. They lived comfortably together more than twenty-seven years, when the mother was called away by death on the 12th of the 3rd month, 1863. The father remained single, making his home with three of his children - one son and two daughters - on the old homestead. Of the other four sons I know nothing, but suppose they are comfortably settled in business. The youngest daughter, May by name, had the reputation of being a very efficient school teacher. So far as I know at this writing, both father and children have pressed forward in an honorable state of respectability, and may they so continue through life, is my earnest desire. Having spoken about the sisters, I shall now speak of the three younger brothers: Nathan, Thomas and Abraham. Some years before their father's death Nathan had devoted much of his time to the carpenter's trade. I believe he never was an indentured apprentice at it, but worked as a journeyman with others. After their father's death, which occurred on the 23rd of the 4th month, 1839, the family and homestead were both discontinued, the widow and her young son James, who was then about six years of age, retiring to abide with her former children. The two younger brothers were apprenticed to trades. Thomas was put at shoemaking and Abraham at the tailoring trade. I believe that Nathan married near the time his father died into a very respectable family living a few miles south of Salem. They lived in several different localities while he worked at his trade. In process of time they acquired means to purchase a small farm situated in Mahoning County. To them were born two sons and three daughters. The mother deceased shortly after the birth of her last child, at what date I am unable to learn. The father still kept house by employing a housekeeper. In course of time he married a woman by the name of Wichersham, of a very respectable family living in the south side of West Township, Columbiana County. They resided on the farm, as he had long adopted its cultivation in preference to carpentering. His two sons were called into the war and both were lost. This was a great bereavement to all the family. He had four children, all sons, by his present companion. Thomas married a woman named Phebe Wright, of a very respectable family living two miles from Salem. They were married on the 8th of 1st month, 1836. They resided near their relations about nine years. In the meantime he worked at his trade with reasonably good results. Having some relatives going west in 1845, they concluded to accompany them, and settled in Williams County, Ohio. Beginning to feel the weight of years and having most of their children comfortably settled, they retired from the farm to a town nearby about two years since, leaving a married son to take charge of the farm. Favored with good health, in 1873 they made a visit to their numerous relatives and friends in Ohio, where they were very cordially received. Abraham, some years after he had completed his trade, married a woman by the name of Johnson, whose parents resided near his father; hence, they were acquainted from their earliest recollection. After marriage he moved to Hanover, where he stayed several years working at his trade in the meanwhile. About twenty years ago his health became much declined, and being unsuccessful at his trade he also grew discouraged. Both he and his wife having relatives in the then new state of Iowa, they concluded to sell out and go there, hoping that a change of climate might renovate his health. Upon arriving there they were both advised and assisted by many persons who felt deeply interested in their welfare. They purchased and moved to a tract of land containing 80 acres in Marshall County, after which his health improved and they prospered beyond what they had really anticipated. In a few years they were in comfortable circumstances, and as time went on they acquired an addition to their first purchase; hence, from what I can learn, they were considered as being among the independent farmers of that state. Their prosperity reminds me of Abraham the patriarch of old. A passing notice is due in this place to the half- brother, James Ball. After his father's death he was left more destitute than the others in consequence of being so much younger. He was of an apt turn of mind, and succeeded in getting a reasonably good education. On arriving near the age of manhood, he aspired to the medical profession, but not having sufficient means to qualify himself at that, he abandoned it and adopted that of school teaching, at which he became an ordinary proficient. He married respectably. Although not gifted for the acquisition of this world's goods, he had lived comfortably, and when his aged mother required a home for retiring, his heart and door were opened to her. She passed several of her latter years in his family. By the even and peaceful career of his life, he had always merited the respect of the general community. Chapter 23 HISTORY OF MORRIS MILLER Having brought the history of my parents down to the time of their decease and devoted one chapter to the family of Father's youngest sister under the head of Thomas Ball's family, I shall now devote a short space to the history of myself, and by so doing, the long thread of Mother's brothers and sisters will be broken. I being the oldest of my father's children, and having brought up the early history of my life with that of my parents, I shall now proceed with the untold portion. For a little more than nine years after marriage, I devoted most of my time to the improvement of my little farm. At first I engaged in the planting of a orchard of choice fruit, which was successful and was a great comfort to my family while they resided there. Occasionally I had profitable callings at the pump business, being then considered the most successful practitioner in that line. Here I shall pass over almost thirty years of my life, mostly blank. I was lured through ambitious views in the spring of 1832 to enter into public contracts that did not result with such profit and satisfaction as expected. To give even a synopsis of the various works that I have been engaged in would not be in accordance with this work; hence, I shall pass them with a remark that the only side I can look upon with any comfort is that I have been an auxiliary in promotion of the great improvement that adorns the present age, although unpleasant is the reflection that it has been the case of so much privation in my family and probably hastened the infirmities of advanced age on me. During the long period that I was so much away from home, my children were very dutiful to a kind and loving mother, who was favored to bring them up in the way they should go. Thus far, they have made a good record, for which I feel very grateful, and hope they may continue so through life. I intend to add a chapter to the appendix devoted particularly to them. After the summer of 1863 I retired from all public works. My children being mostly married and settled and my wife's health somewhat impaired, I was generally about home, although away sometimes at the pump business or moving houses, both of which I had done considerably in my former days, but age admonished me to discontinue them. My wife's health continued to be more indisposed, and during the winter of 1864-65 she was confined mostly to her room. Medical aid seemed to have no effect, and from the suddenness of her departure, it was attributed to heart disease, a complaint that it was supposed our youngest daughter died of several years previously. On the night of her decease a neighbor woman came to stay with me. At usual bedtime, my wife remarked that we all better retire except the woman who would sit by the light and attend to her wants. Thus the whole house would be quiet and she could rest better. All passed off quietly until two o'clock, when she asked the woman what time it was. She told her, and soon after the woman noticed her raise her hands and let them quietly down again. She rose and went to the bed. She was gone. Thus quietly passed off one that was feelingly missed by the whole family. She had been the great comforter of the family for many years. Although a trial for us to part, yet it was rather consoling that she was so calmly called away, without any severe bodily suffering. Her death occurred on the 31st of the 5th month, 1865. The funeral was attended by a large crowd of sympathizing friends and relatives. Being thus left lonely, it happened that about a year previous our youngest daughter had lost her husband, and she and her two children came to abide with us. She was fated to lose the youngest child in less than a year after its father's decease. For the time being she took charge of the household, but being of a delicate constitution it was deemed advisable to release her from the charge. Israel Hole, her sister's husband, an eminent school teacher, making no permanent location, resided in different localities to suit his calling. Although they had improved a home near his father's residence where they resided more than two years, being a distance form the railroad station and my place convenient to it, he was induced to purchase the mortgage and possess it as a home with me. They had two children, twin sons, then about four years old. I disposed of such personal property as I did not need and had a very comfortable home. For several years previous I had been improving the farm, and had it in such elegant trim that they had not been on it more than two years until a purchaser offered them such a large sum, cash in hand, that they could not refuse it. Finding that I did not with to leave my old neighborhood, they made a purchase of 20 acres of land convenient to the station. On it were some old buildings, two of which they renovated, and built a two- story addition to the one-story house. They also built an entirely new barn. In the erection of the new part of the house they appropriated a room on the first floor especially for my convenience. It had a portico door commanding the most extensive and pleasant vier of the surrounding neighborhood. It was furnished with everything necessary to render me comfortable in my declining years. Thus situated, I mention it as being the place and surrounding where this volume is now being compiled. Chapter 24 HISTORY OF ROBERT MILLER Robert Miller, the second brother during his manhood was afflicted at times with the phthisic, but arriving to the age of manhood, it left him entirely. It was always believed that it had a tendency to shorten his stature in growth, as he never attained as great a height as either of his other brothers. He did not aspire to any branch of business, but remained with his father on the farm. It was about the expiration of his twenty-second year when we commenced the experiment of making brick for the new house. Our success at that inspired him with a taste for that business, in which he was much employed many years afterwards. In the latter part of that year 1823 he married a woman named Catherine Hole, eldest daughter of David and Anna Hold, and a niece of our stepmother. They settled on the 55 acres adjoining the 55 that I settled on two years before. There were ordinary cabin buildings on it, having been tenanted by different families since Father purchased it. They had lived on it scarcely a year when Catherine deceased soon after the birth of her child. The child died in a short time. Thus bereaved, he retired to his father's home to live, occasionally being employed in the brickmaking business. He spent one summer mostly in Washington County, Pa., making brick for his uncles, Jonathan and David Morris, both of whom wished to build brick houses. He married Susanna K. Holland, eldest daughter of Samuel and Sarah Holland, near neighbors of ours. With her he lived very comfortably for almost forty years. In a few years after their marriage they erected a good brick house and a frame barn; also other appurtenances necessary for their comfort. They were zealous and regular attenders of meeting and being situated within three-quarters of a mile of the meeting house, they made it a point to entertain all parties traveling in the service of the Society. Soon after Father's decease, Robert was called to the station of elder, which he accepted with great humility, and endeavored to maintain to the general satisfaction of the community. Wishing to keep their house to receive company, it was necessary for them to employ some help. There were most always fortunate to obtain good girls. Such of them that needed a home soon learned that to keep one was to be dutiful and endeavor to please all. Several who served long periods - some of them until called away by marriage - generally look back with satisfaction on the time spent at Robert Miller's. It so occurred that Susan's mother was left a widow for many years. After her children were all married and gone to themselves, she concluded to adjourn housekeeping and make her home with Robert and Susan. They received and treated her with all the kindness an aged and afflicted mother could desire until the time of her death. The son passed along through his years of minority very dutiful and pleasing to his parents and all who knew him. I shall give a particular notice of him in another chapter. Time rolled along smoothly after mother's decease, without any occurrences worthy of not. They enjoyed reasonably good health until the autumn of 1864, when his wife's health began to decline. Although it had been delicate for some time, yet she kept up and was reasonably comfortable until the close of the eleventh month when she was confined to her room and mostly to her bed. Her complaint was a pulmonary one that failed to be reached by medicine. She continued to grow weaker and finally departed this life on the 2nd of February, 1865. She was much missed by her relatives and friends, especially Robert, who had no children settled with whom he could live. It so occurred that a young couple who had been married about 18 months and as yet having no home (she having been an agreeable inmate of Robert's house as a hired girl for a considerable length of time just before marrying) concluded to come and make that their home for the time being, and Robert to make his home with them. The husband was to work the farm on the shares. He being very industrious and economical, blended with a very agreeable affability, rendered Robert's home reasonably comfortable again. Thus being released from the cares of home, he was left to the enjoyment of visiting his relatives and friends. In the early summer of 1866 he made a protracted visit to Iowa to see his two sisters there; also numerous friends and relatives. In the early summer on 1867 he and I made a visit to our brother's home in Clinton County, Ohio, which resulted in general satisfaction. Although he was thus situated, he felt a desire to restore his home with another companion, his son having no prospect of marrying and settling so he could abide with him. For some time previous he had been making the acquaintance of a friend by the name of Mary Hall, who lived in the neighborhood of Stillwater, Belmont County, Ohio. She was a widow and the mother of three daughters, the oldest of which was about eighteen years of age. Their acquaintance ripened into a matrimonial engagement, which was consummated by order of the Society late in the autumn of 1867. After marriage he brought her home where she received a kind reception, particularly from the worthy tenant, Daniel Powell by name, who prepared an elegant repast. The winter being near at hand, it was concluded that they would spend several months at his wife's residence, where they passed the time with much satisfaction. In the spring the tenant moved to another house and they occupied the one he had left. All passed along as well as could have been expected until about midsummer. Robert having been afflicted with weak eyes, his sight about that time began to fail and in less than two months he was incapable of traveling about with safety, hence, he had to be led in critical places. He resorted to an operation by a skillful optician. It was successful, although it required some time for the inflammation to subside, yet his sight was restored and by the aid of suitable glasses he was rendered capable of reading and writing with much comfort. The next spring a house was moved to a suitable locality for the tenant. He proved to be so agreeable that no pains were spared to render him comfortable. Thus time passed on agreeably for near three years and he could enjoy the society of his friends as in former times. The most extensive visit they embarked on was to Iowa, his wife having a brother and he having two sisters, in addition to other relatives in that locality. A short time before they had concluded to return home Robert was thrown out of the vehicle and a painful injury was inflicted on his head. As soon as he was able to make the journey he came home. When the injury became well, all inflammation left his eyes and he had never been troubled with them since. In the summer of 1872 it was concluded to sell the farm to the son and the family would retire to Salem to make their future abode. Two reasons led them to this conclusion: first, Robert was beginning to feel the infirmities of advanced age pressing upon him, and having a sufficiency of means to keep him without the cares of the farm on his mind, it having been enlarged many years since by additions from his father's and father-in-law's farms, which adjoined his, the land was thus rendered very desirable for cultivation. The tenant, Daniel Powell by name, is now saving money and paying his rent than many that have land of their own. A second reason was that two of the daughters wished to engage in the millinery business, and it was supposed that Salem would be a desirable place for that business. Hence, a good brick house was purchased and they moved into it in the fall of 1872. There they enjoy the comforts of retirement with mutual satisfaction. Chapter 25 A SHORT SKETCH OF S. H. MILLER As I promised in the preceding chapter to speak of Robert's son, I shall now comply with my promise. Samuel Holland Miller, named after his grandfather, early in life developed a strong taste for mathematical studies. His father had given him an ordinarily good education and sent him one term to high school at Mt. Pleasant, it being conducted under the rules of the Society of Friends as a finishing point for the young members of that Society. Thus the parents had fulfilled their obligation towards him in regard to getting an education. His father wished to make him comfortable in that respect, as he was likely to be the only heir to the farm when he was gone. He was very quiet and rather reserved in his deportment and appearance, yet his propensity for improvement in mathematics induced him to solicit deep intercourse with some of the best mathematicians our country afforded. Among his Grandfather Holland's things, after his death, was found a case of drawing instruments, which none of his family had any taste for using. Young Holland procured them and in his little study which he had fitted up in his father's spring house loft, he plied them as occasion afforded. Thus his skill in drawing was first known and much admired. In the fall of 1850 the track of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad was laid and a station intended to be built about a hundred rods from his father's house. In a hurry the company laid down a small piece of side tract and put up a rough board shanty to do business until they could build a station house the next spring. The agent whom they had placed there, wishing to retain his position, and it being anticipated that a large amount of produce would be shipped there, conceived the idea of having the station house differently constructed from what it was then, i.e., to have a platform on each side and the roof of the house to project out over each side alike, the side track to be on the opposite side from the main track to get it to the cars on the side. The agent came to me to know how he could get the engineers to adopt his plan, knowing that I had much to do with the engineers in my business. I told him my ultimate plan was, when I desired success, to present a drawing of my idea, as that would lay the matter before them much better than words, as they are a class that do not like to be dictated to. Then he wanted to know if I could execute one for him. "No," I replied, "my fingers have become too rigid to execute a good one." "Who can I get to do it?" he inquired. I told him to get Holland Miller. "Does he know anything about such work?" he again inquired. "Yes," I replied, "get him here and show how thee wishes to have it and he will execute one suitable for the occasion." He did as I advised him, and when the engineer came around in the spring to lay off the work the agent began to tell him how he would like to have the station house constructed. The engineer did not appear to comprehend his ideas, but the agent drew a paper from his pocket and presented it to him, saying, "Here is a drawing I had prepared, thinking it would explain my ideas better than I could by words." The engineer viewed it with marked attention. See him as he observes how gracefully the curves were executed and the attachments to the switches so accurately drawn. He raised his head and exclaimed, "Yes, yes, your plan will do. Who executed this?" "What's he doing here?" he inquired. "He is working on the farm with his father," the agent informed him. "Can he be procured?" was the earnest inquiry of the engineer, seeing at a glance that there was talent manifested in the execution of the drawing that should not be allowed to slumber. Soon after the River Division of that road was commenced, he was invited to accept a situation as an assistant engineer for the location of said road. He accepted the situation and was successful in rising to be one of the principal assistants of the engineer. He faithfully maintained the situation until the road was finished. Thus he was practically qualified for civil engineering much better than any collegiate course could have rendered him. He may be justly considered one of the self-made civil engineers and architects of our country. To even mention the various public works upon which he has been employed for the last 20 years would transcend the limits of this work. For a little over a year past he had been engaged as engineer and architect in the construction of the great arch viaduct between Cleveland and Ohio City. I always claim that such individuals appear to be divinely gifted for such purposes, in which I am strengthened by the following lines: Superior beings when of late they saw, A mortal man unfold all Nature's law, Admired such wisdom in an earthly shape, And showed a Newton as we would show an ape. (From Pope's Essay on Man) Chapter 26 HISTORY OF ISAAC MILLER Isaac Miller made his home mostly on the farm with his father until entering upon his 28th year. He took more interest in clearing than any one of his brothers, and for the last seven years of his service at home he had a share in the grain and also some interest in the stock. Apart from this he cleared a few acres of land for the purpose of raising tobacco, built a cabin dry house upon it and tried a couple crops, but found that it did not reach his expectation; hence, he abandoned the tobacco business, thus leaving the land in a good condition for grain. Thus, by prudent industry and economy he had acquired enough means to give him a little start in the world. He became acquainted with a young woman by the name of Martha Pennington to whom he was married, according to the rules of the Society, the 25th of the 5th month, 1830. Shortly after marriage they settled on a farm adjoining that of his father's on the north, but they did not live there much over a year, when they sold out and purchased a quarter-section east of his father's farm - the same tract that Joseph Dutton first settled upon. Having been occupied by tenants, it was much out of repair, and hence it only commanded a small price. In process of a few years they improved it and erected entirely new buildings, thus rendering it a very comfortable home. To them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, all living to be men and women. Isaac engaged successfully in buying and selling stock, first cattle and then mostly sheep. His farm afforded convenient pasture until a drove was all bought and collected in ready for market. Thus time glided along for more than twenty years, when he became desirous of selling out and going West. He having a brother and his wife with five sisters living there was a great inducement to draw them away. Soon after they left the aged father-in-law and step-mother followed after them. In a short time another brother and sister followed also. I should have mentioned before that three of the Miller brothers married three sisters of the Pennington family. A little further explanation here seems necessary. Two of the elder sisters of the Pennington family had married two brothers - James and John Langstaff - and settled in Cincinnati, and were bidding fair to prosperity. Some years after, Levi Miller, who had married Mariah Pennington, meeting with various discouragements in eastern Ohio, migrated and settled as a renter on a farm near Cincinnati, upon which he ultimately prospered and soon purchased a farm of his own situated in Clermont County. These were the incentives that induced Isaac Miller to leave his home in Columbiana County. He settled in Clinton County, but his former tide of prosperity did not attend him so well in his latter days. Several of his speculations resulted rather unfavorably, yet he did not despair, hoping the future would prove otherwise. In the early part of the spring of 186 . by a little undue exposure, he was seized with a pleuratic attack that defied all medical aid, by which he was carried off in a few days, much to the regret of all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended. My two older sons were in attendance. He was interred in the Friends burying ground in Martinsville, where they had been residing for several years previous. His widow is now comfortably situated in New Vienna, with three of her sisters and their families living near by. Mary Jane, the eldest child, married Taylor Langstaff. To them were born three children, two of whom died in infancy, since which the mother died also. The other child is still living at last accounts. The oldest son, Zadoc by name, is married and had several children. At last accounts he was engaged at telegraphing in New Vienna. Deborah Ann married a man named Parker, with whom she is living in Knightstown, Indiana. They have several children. He is a sculptor in the marble business. Wilma was married about eight years since. He is now station agent at Martinsville. I have no account about his children. Isaac Newton was considered a very expert telegraph operator, at which he is engaged in Chillicothe. It is but justice to say that he extended dutiful care to his aged father-in-law while he lived. Chapter 27 HISTORY OF MARY MILLER Mary Miller, the second daughter, married a man named Moses Votaw in the spring of 1831, if I am not mistaken. They lived most of the summer at his father's until he built a small house on an 80-acre tract on unimproved land situated near the (now) town of Guilford, where they settled and resided about 33 years. In process of time they cleared out a comfortable farm and erected substantial buildings. To them were born five sons and one daughter, all of whom lived except the oldest son, a very promising young man. He was afflicted with consumption which, in a few years, called him away, much to the regret of all who knew him. The names of the children are, respectively, Joseph, Levi, Robert, Rebecca, Morris and Ellmore. They were all industrious and generally favored with good health. Apart from erecting good buildings, they had been prosperous enough to add 60 acres more of improved land to the west end of their farm, thus making it very desirable for agricultural pursuits. Robert engaged as an apprentice at the carpenter trade, but did not continue at it more than a year when the urgent demand was made for more forces in the army, for which Levi, Robert and Morris were called. It was a great trial to the parents, especially the mother, whose health had begun to decline. Two of them were favored to return home, but the younger one, Morris, it is supposed perished in Libby Prison, as he was never heard of after being captured and taken there. In the fall of 1864 the mother's health became more serious, a complication of complaints attended with rheumatic pains, bore her down. She departed this life on the 12th of the 11th month, 1864. Her funeral was largely attended by a sympathizing crowd of friends and relatives. The remainder of the family kept together until they each married and settled to themselves. Here I am at a loss for exact dates, and hence I will have to write from memory. I believe the children all married in less than two years after the mother's decease, leaving the father by himself. Some time after this he made the acquaintance of a lady named Wickersham, a member of a very respectable family formerly from the East. They married and resided on the homestead about three years, when they concluded to retire and leave the farm to the occupancy of two sons, Levi and Ellmore. They having been reared exclusively to farming were the best adapted to the business. The father had engaged the building of a mansion house in the village of Winona, about three miles from the farm. Upon its completion they moved to it, I think in the spring on 1872, where they enjoyed the comforts of retirement for near two years, when the father was stricken with a rather light attack of paralysis which disabled him considerably. Although he was not impaired in speech of mental faculties, yet he is much restricted in his activities. The daughter Rebecca married a man named Henry Thomas. Several years ago they emigrated to Michigan, where they are doing well. She visited her father and others about a year since. Robert, the one who served at the carpenter trade, married in the family with whom he served and is now carrying on the house carpenter business in Canton with energetic ability and satisfaction. Chapter 28 HISTORY OF LEVI MILLER Levi, the fourth living brother of Levi Miller's family, remained at home on the farm until the close of his twentieth year when he went to get some insight in the fulling and cloth dressing business with John Antrim near Salem. After leaving there he made the acquaintance of Mariah Pennington, to whom he was married on the 3rd of the 3rd month, 1831. Soon after marriage they commenced the erection of a small house on a five-acre lot near the southeast corner of his father's land. A water power could be had there. He improved it and erected a fulling mill and convenient sawmill. At first this promised pretty fair until the summer of 1835 a canal was being constructed. This interrupted the water power. Thus, Levi had the honor of bringing the first steam engine to Hanover Township. These changes accrued a considerable expense which became very embarrassing. After running it a few years he sold out and concluded to embark in another branch of business. He had an interest in a vein of coal on the Monongahela River in Washington County, Pa., and he resolved to go there and try his fortune at mining and boating coal down the Ohio. In a few years the business was rendered unprofitable by the adoption of slick water on that river, and it had been so ever since. They felt much discouraged, not having realized their expectations in that business, and eventually returned to Columbiana County. For a time they endeavored to render themselves comfortable by renting and farming on a small scale, but again they were disappointed in advancing as they had hoped. Mariah's health had become so delicate that she was seldom able to attend to her household duties. Thus discourages, they resolved to try the West. Mariah having two sisters, an uncle and an aunt living in Cincinnati, they hoped through their influence they could get on a small farm as renters and attend market with their produce, and by so doing they could make a living easier than where they had no market to go to. They started for Cincinnati in the latter part of the year 1843. They obtained a location about two miles west of the city, where they resided some seven or eight years. Mariah's health became good, and by industry and economy they ultimately prospered, and had the satisfaction of seeing the scales of fortune turn favorably. Again I am at a loss for exact dates, but I believe about 1852 they purchased a farm in the eastern part of Clermont County, where they resided successfully until 1867, when they sold out again and purchased a small farm near New Vienna, Clinton County. Levi has been favored to enjoy good health, free from rheumatic afflictions, longer than any of his brothers. In a recent letter to me he stated that he was able to do as large a share of a day's work as he ever did. Of their children I know but little. The oldest child, William, distinguished himself some years since by his skill in mechanism, by the invention of a hoisting and lowering platform to be used at large hotels. I am not informed how he had been prospering recently with it, but I wish him much success. Their oldest daughter named Mary Ann married Taylor Langstaff, the same person that married Isaac Miller's oldest daughter, who deceased, as before noted. They reside near Bay City, Michigan, where he is engaged in the lumber business. It was his misfortune to be bereaved of parents when very young; hence, he was reared in the family of Benjamin Antrim near Salem. In the autumn of 1872 he and his wife made a visit to Antrim's and called upon us also. Although a brief visit, it was highly interesting to have their company. Mary Ann was especially interested in reviewing the place of her nativity and the changes that had occurred during the 30 years of her absence, in all of which she evinced such fine talents that her company was very interesting to all, particularly her aged uncle, the writer. Levi and his wife were fated, like many others, to lose one promising son in the War of the Rebellion. Chapter 29 HISTORY OF HANNAH MILLER Hannah Miller, the eldest daughter of Levi Miller, married Jacob Reader, an inmate of a very respectable family. They were both members of the Society of Friends, and hence married according to its order, in the early part of 1828. They began entirely in the woods. His father had purchased a quarter-section of wood land, situated on the east side of West Township, which he apportioned to three of his sons. They commenced by putting up a small hewed log house into which they moved and began work much like the first settlers 20 years before. They were favored with good health, and got along with reasonable prosperity for six or seven years. They had planned a good apple orchard, and were just beginning to be comfortably situated in their new abode. They concluded to try tobacco raising, but it was unprofitable. Their children were then coming to an age to go to school, and having then no prospect of one convenient, being somewhat isolated from best society, they concluded to sell their little home, rid themselves of embarrassment, and try renting in a more congenial locality. They accordingly did so, and for a number of years made a reasonably good living besides schooling their children and having much income, as farm products had not been much enhanced in value by public improvement in this locality. Feeling much discouraged by their embarrassment in trying to procure a home in this country, they resolved to emigrate to Iowa. A younger brother of Jacob's had sold his tract of land adjoining their former home and had gone to Iowa with his father-in-law, and they embarked on a steamer for Henry County, Iowa, taking with them, I believe, a span of horses and some implements for farming, that being the business in which they intended to engage while there. They arrived safely and got in a situation as renters, hoping the tide of fortune would turn favorably by and by. But years rolled on without bringing the desired success that they had hoped to realize by leaving Ohio, yet they were favored with a reasonable competency and good health. I went out to see them in the autumn of 1869. They had given up renting some years before and had purchased a few acres of land in the suburbs of Salem, with tolerably good buildings on it. It afforded a pleasant home, being well adorned with good fruit trees. He kept a cider mill, which yielded a reasonable tribute during that season of the year. They had seven children, all of whom lived to be men and women. There were two sons and five daughters: Priscilla, Mordecai, Abigail, Levi, Elizabeth, Deborah and Rebecca. I do not have the dates of their births or marriages, but will give each a passing remark. Priscilla married a man named Taylor a short time before the family went to Iowa. About two years later they also emigrated to the same place. She did not live long after moving there. She expired soon after the birth of her second child. Feeling much discouraged, he came back with his two children to Ohio. I shall speak of them hereafter. Mordecai married a woman by the name of Melissa Grewell, a daughter of Timothy Grewell, formerly of Stark County, Ohio, but latterly of Cedar County, Iowa, where Mordecai married and settled and is now engaged in the teaming and threshing business. The latter during its season is his particular business. He and his wife were on a visit to his father's when I was out to see them. I shall also notice them hereafter. Abigail, the second daughter, was the second of the children to marry. Her husband's name was William Bond. They lived together about seven years, when he was called to resist the Rebellion, from whence he never returned. His wife remains near the home of her father in Salem and she boards the teachers of the high school near by. She then had several children, some of whom are grown. Levi, the second son, was engaged (when I was West) in the blacksmith business some few miles from Salem. Recent accounts say that he is now married and doing well. Elizabeth married a man named Thomas Shampanau, an industrious shoemaker and the owner of a house, lot and shop in Salem. Deborah was abiding mostly with her parents when I was there. I understand recently that she was engaged in the asylum at Mt. Pleasant as assistant matron, a position which her pleasing appearance and affable deportment well filled. Rebecca married a man named Webster Manning, a shoemaker and photographer. He owned a house and good building in Salem. As I promised to notice Priscilla's children, I now subjoin. Shortly after his mother's death, he came back and settled in Mahoning County, where his father has long resided. In process of time he married again. His youngest daughter was married over two years ago. He and his sister paid us a visit recently. She had a small baby two months old. When I looked upon the child, my mind ran its ancestry back to its fourth great-grandmother, with whom I was personally acquainted in early boyhood. She was then very old, being the mother of my grandfather, Isaac Morris, and the elder sister of Benjamin West. Mordecai M. Reader, the eldest son, living in Cedar County, Iowa, was unfortunate when a small boy to fall on a stub of a dry weed, puncturing one eye so as to lose the sight. Some two years since, when feeding a threshing machine, which was his vocation, he felt something like a drop of water strike the remaining eye. It gave no alarm for the moment, but soon the eye began to run out, thus leaving him entirely blind, beyond all hope of recovery. It is supposed that a sharp scale from the machinery inflicted the fatal wound. Thus situated, he truly merits the charity of his friends and relatives. The Reader family always maintained a good record in society, notwithstanding that they were never favored with a bountiful supply of this world's goods.