Benjamin Franklin Jamison
A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling induence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor. investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. The reputation of Benjamin Franklin Jamison, one of the leading older citizens of Union township, Fayette county. having been unassailable all along the highways of life, according to those who know him best, it is believed that a study of his career will be of benefit to the reader, for it is not only one of honor but of usefulness also.
Benjamin Franklin Jamison, successful farmer, residing on his excellent farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres located about two and one-half miles from Washington C. H. on the Leesburg road, was born on October 19, 1834, the son of Jacob and Drusilla (Harrison) Jamison. Jacob was born in Kentucky and when he was a small lad of six years, his parents came to this state and settled first near Frankfort. They, however, remained there but a short time and then came direct to this county, with the history of which the family has since been identified.
The immediate subject was the youngest in a family of eight children, the others being Jacob, William, Abraham, John, Merritt, Samuel, Isabelle and Benjamin, the subject. Mr. Jamison enjoys the unique privilege of having passed his entire life on the same farm, his birth having occurred in a house which stood on almost the same spot where his present elegant and commodious dwelling now stands, He received his education in the common schools of the district, taking advantage of every opportunity this section at that time afforded and he remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, when he began life for himself. He spent three years in Illinois, then returned and bought the old home and gradually increased his possessions until he reached his present gratifying state. Throughout his career he has shown perseverance and determination of a high order, coupled with excellent business ability and this, with his undoubted honor and integrity, not only won him material success, but an enviable place in the esteem of his fellow-men.
On September 12, 1865, Mr. Jamison led to the hymeneal altar Emily Jane Taylor. daughter of Edward and Mary (Smith) Taylor, the former of whom was a native of the state of Kentucky. In early manhood he emigrated to this state and settled in this county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of ninety years.
While not a member of any church, Mr. Jamison is deeply interested in the cause and contributes from time to time to such benevolences as appeal to his sympathy. Politically, he has always been aligned with the Democratic party, although never taking more than a passive interest in such matters. Mr. Jamison is now in his eightieth year and is enjoying excellent health and is in full possession of all faculties. He is an interesting conversationalist and the doors of his handsome home open wide to admit both stranger and friend to such genuine old-fashioned hospitality as is not always met with. Mr. Jamison is properly numbered among the substantial citizens of this locality, having contributed in many ways to the advancement of his fellow citizens. He is known as one of the most successful raisers of live stock in these parts, but has practically given over the active management of his business to others, retaining, however, a complete control of affairs. He has, in the course of an honorable career, been successful in business affairs and is in every way deserving of mention in a biographical history of his county.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)