John Jarvis
John Jarvis, of Washington Township, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, in December, 1819, a son of John and Mary Ann (Dye) Jarvis, natives of Virginia, former of whom was born in Fauquier County in 1730. In 1817 they moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, and seven years later to Holmes County, where the father bought sixty acres of land, nearly all of which was covered with a heavy growth of timber. This small farm was the home of the family a number of years, was then sold, and 160 acres of land bought, which is now the home of our subject. The father died in 1845, aged sixty-four years, having lived the life of an industrious farmer, and by the assistance of his sons accumulated a good property. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His family consisted of nine children, seven of whom--three sons and four daughters--lived to maturity.
John Jarvis, Jr., was reared on the farm where he now lives, which he assisted to clear and cultivate, and after the death of his father he bought the interests of the other heirs. He was given as good advantages for obtaining an education as the common schools of his day afforded, but this was meager, amd the greater part of his education has been practical. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his country, and is one of the best informed men on subjects of general interest in the community. He is a Republican in politics, being a strong anti-slavery and Union man, and has always adhered to the principles of his party. Mr. Jarvis was married, April 14, 1848, to Elizabeth, daugther of Covington and Elizabeth (Jolly) Way, and they have had nine children, six of whom are living: Mary Ann, Cordelia, Nettie, Arthur James, Covington Grant, Schuyler Canfield. Flora died at the age of thirteen; C. Jane, at the age of six; Sylvia E. in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Jarvis are members of the Brethern Church.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889