John Jefferson
John Jelferson, farmer, is a son of Leonard Jefferson, who was born on the eastern shore of Maryland, and whose father came from England with six brothers. He was married in Maryland, to Barbara Nichols, whose ancestors came from Germany, and who was born September 25, 1781. They had six children: Hamilton, born January 23, 1808; Elizabeth, born May '20, 1810; Mary Ann, born February 21, 1813; Phoibe, born December 2, 1815; William, born November 22, 1818; John, born November 2, 1821. Mary, Phcebe, and William, are deceased. Hamilton formerly lived in Illinois, but now resides in the far West. Elizabeth, widow of Isaac Fisher, lives in London, Ohio.
The family came to Ross County in 1810, and in 1812 (during the war) kept tavern at Slate Mills, under the name of "Rodgers' Tavern." They removed to this county in 1822, and settled in Madison Township, on a branch of Wolf Run. They took six teams and men with them, and erected a cabin at once. Wolves abounded, hence the name of the stream. He was a farmer, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a class-leader, and exhorter. His wife was a member of the same church, and both were consistent Christians. He was one of the first of those who prohibited the use of whisky at house and barn raisings.
Our subject was born in Ross County, and came to this county with his parents when one year of age. He lived on the old homestead forty-five years, and then came to his present home. Was married, October 31, 1844, to Harriet A., daughter of Robert Gibson, a native of Kentucky. She was born in this township, May 24, 1821. They had seven children; tliose living are Robert G., Rebecca J., James H., William F., Harley L.; Edgar M., and an infant, are deceased. He displayed his patriotism during the late war by giving financial aid. He and his family are members of the Bloomiugburg Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican, but does not aspire to ofiice. Owns three hundred acres of land on the Columbus pike, seven miles from Washington. It is adorned by a handsome residence, and is one of the most desirable farms in the county. He has lived here many years, and has assisted in making the many changes.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County