Jesse Rowe
Left his home in Louisa County, Virginia, at the age of forty, accompanied by his family of eight children—four boys and four girls—most of whom were married: he came to this state locating temporarily at Frankfort, in Ross County. In the year 1808 he removed to this county, settling on Wabash Creek, seven miles south of Washington, where he purchased about fifteen hundred acres of land which was divided amongst his children. It is said of him that he was a very stout, hale and hearty man, being blessed with good lungs and a loud voice. On one occasion several horses strayed from a pasture-field, and two of the boys were directed to go in search of them. When they were about three miles from the house the horses returned. The old gentleman proclaimed this information to the boys, and though nearly three miles distant they heard him and returned to the parental roof. He died in 1845. The following sketch of his life was contributed to the Western Christian Advocate, February 20, 1846, by John W. Keely, Esq.:
"Departed this life, at his residence in Fayette County, Ohio, September 15, 1845, Jesse Rowe, senior, in the ninety-first year of his age. He emigrated to Ohio in 1808, from Virginia, and for the last sixty-three years was an acceptable and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His house was long a preaching place and a home for the wayfaring itinerant. The first Methodist class formed in the county was at his house.
"He gave evidence of his love for religion and the church of his choice, by his untiring efforts in promoting the cause of Christ, and sustaining the peculiar institutions of the chnrch. At his own expense he erected a very neat and comfortable meeting-house in his neighborhood, and directed in his will that it should be deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, by his executor, for the use of the society worshiping in it. At the same time he willed to the stewards of Washington Circuit, fifty dollars in trust to be invested in some safe way at six per cent interest to be applied as follows Two dollars to be paid as quarterage, and one dollar as table expenses annually.
"This old and much loved veteran of the cross lived to see the fourth generation. He had nine children, forty-eight grand-children, sixty-three great grand children and one great great grand child. Many of these are following in his footsteps and imitating his example. 'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.'"
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County