Robert Millikin
Robert Millikin, residing on his well-developed farm, which is very pleasantly situated on the East Turnpike, six miles south of Plain City, on the fertile lands cof Canaan Township, is one of Madison County's sturdy, thrifty, forehanded farmers, who understands well how to conduct agriculture with good profit.
Mr. Millikin was born in Washington County, Pa., April 15, 1832, and is a son of John Millikin, who was also a native of that county, born on the banks of Ten Mile Creek, August 15, 1807. He was reared on a farm, and became a stock-dealer and a drover of hogs, cattle, and sheep, which he often shipped to Baltimore and other cities. His family history is given in the sketch of his brother James. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Rachel Bane, and she was born in the same Pennsylvania county as himself, her birth occurring December 25, 1811. Her father, James Bane, was likewise a native of the Keystone State, and was of German descent. The parents of our subject were married in their native county in 1828, and located on a farm in that part of Pennsylvania. The mother died in July, 1854, and the father was afterward married to Cornelia Dodd, widow of Lemuel Lewallen. In 1856, he came to Ohio with his second wife, and settled in Canaan Township, where he was actively engaged in farming until within five years of his death, when he retired from business, and spent his remaining days in Plain City, dying February 23, 1881. While a resident of his native county, he had been prominent as a local Democrat, and as an incumbent of various township offices, and he was an able man. He was closely identified with the interests of the Presbyterian Church as one of its most useful members. This is the record of his children, three sons and one daughter, who were all born of his first marriage: James B., born October 3, 1830, died in Union County, Ohio, March 28, 1886; Robert is our subject, and is the second child and second son in order of birth; Annie E. was born October 9, 1835, married S. D. Andrew, and died in Franklin County, February 9, 1889; John L.,born August 18, 1842, resides in Canaan Township.
Our subject was reared in his native place, and obtained his education in the common schools. He remained with his father as long as he lived in Pennsylvania, and accompanied him to his new home in this State, driving the team for him on the way. He still continued with him until his marriage, affording him valuable assistance in the care of his farm. After his marriage, he located on a rented farm in Canaan Township, which he gave up two years later, and bought one of his own two and one-half miles south of Plain City. That farm was his dwelling place until he sold it, in 1882, and bought his father's old homestead, which he still occupies. It comprises one hundred and fifty acres, and is in a fine condition, his father having placed upon it many valuable improvements, including the present commodious residence inhabited by our subject, who is doing general farming. For some nine years, he dealt extensively in stock, buying and shipping cattle to various points during and after the war. He has driven cattle from Madison County to Baltimore for another man, and also to York and Lancaster Counties, Pa.
Mr. Millikin was married December 10, 1867, to Miss Rosa M. Vanschoyck, a native of Franklin County. She was born April 30, 1836, and was a daughter of David and Esther (Bailey) Vanschoyck. Her father was also a native of Franklin County, and was a son of one of its earliest pioneer families, while her mother was a Pennsylvanian by birth. Mrs. Millikin died January 28, 1884, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Plain City. She was a woman of rare merit, whose many pleasant attributes won her high regard, and her memoiy is tenderly cherislied by many besides those of her own household. Mr. Millikin has two daughters as his stay and comfort, Cora A., born December 17, 1868, and Delia J., September 17, 1870.
Our subject is well known as a Democrat, tried and true. A man of high reputation and excellent business qualifications, important local offices have been entrusted to his care, and he has discharged their duties with exactitude and fidelity. He was Assessor three years, Trustee one year, and has been School Director,
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]