Abijah C. Millikin
A. C. Milliin, farmer, P. O. West Jefferson, son of James Millikin, whose biography appears above, was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co., Ohio, September 29, 1844. He was raised to farm life, but, from eighteen to the age of twenty-two, was engaged in saw-milling. His succeeding occupation for five years was handling stock in Kansas. In 1874, he returned to Ohio, but, one year later, went again to the West. In the fall of 1876, he accepted the position of railroad agent at Plain City, Madison Co., Ohio, where he remained three years, and, during the same time, was engaged with R. H. Andrews in buying and shipping grain from that point. In 1879, he again engaged in the cattle trade in the West, and in the fall of 1881 returned to Ohio, and, on September 15 of the same year, married Elizabeth (Converse) Smith, widow of Butler Smith. He at once engaged in farming, and feeding and raising cattle, hogs and sheep.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]
Abijah C. Millikin owns one of the finest pieces of property in Jefferson Township, Madison County. The tract, which consists of four hundred broad acres, is pleasantly located, and the lay of the land, together with the improvements which have been made upon it, entitle it to the reputation it bears. The farm is supplied with a well-built dwelling, ample barn and other conveniences, and Mr. Millikin raises mixed crops, and the usual domestic animals. He occupies a high position in local affairs, and in the fall of 1890 was elected County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket.
James Millikin, the father of our subject, was born in Washington County, Pa., December 22, 1816, and in 1830 came to Madison County in company with his father, who also bore the name of James. He was reared to manhood in Canaan Township and in 1840 was married to Rachel Cary, a native of this county. The father of our subject was engaged in farming in that township until 1879, when he came to West Jefferson and established himself in the hardware business. He was looked upon as one of the progressive citizens of his community, and served two terms as County Commissioner.
Of the parental family of three sons and three daughters, our subject, who was born in Canaan Township, September 29, 1844, was the second in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm, and remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority. His father had an interest in a sawmill near their home, and also in various places in Canaan, of which Abijah C, when eighteen years of age, took charge. He was thus engaged for some four or five years, and while in the southern part of Kansas had his right hand caught in a saw and received sucli injuries that he was compelled to give up that line of work. Returning to Madison County, he followed farming for three years and then again going to Kansas, operated a farm for a twelvemonth, and the four years following made a specialty of handling stock. Mr. Millikin at the end of that time again returned to Madison County and in company with R. A. Andrew purchased a warehouse at Plain City, in which place he was appointed Freight Agent for the Panhandle Railroad. After a residence of three years in that city, Mr. Millikin returned West and engaged in the stock business, but a year later came to this county, which has been his permanent home since that time.
September 15, 1881, the original of this sketch was married to Mrs. Elizabeth A. (Converse) Smith, the widow of Butler Smith and the daughter of James Converse. She was born in Canaan Township September 4, 1847, and after her marriage with our subject located on the East Pike in this township, where they have since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Millikin are the parents of three children, viz: Curdy, who died in infancy, Gracie and Robert C.
Our subject has taken a very prominent part in local affairs and has held the office of Township Trustee, of which position he is still the incumbent. Socially, he is a Mason, and as an Odd Fellow is connected with West Jefferson Lodge No. 412. Together with his wife, our subject is a member of the Universalist Church, in which denomination they have high standing.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]