Monroe Scothorn
Occupying a high place among the pioneers of Pickaway County is the gentleman whose name we place at the head of this sketch. He is at present residing in Walnut Township, where he has a finely-improved farm and is living in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early toil. He is held in reverence by all who know him and his name will be long remembered when earth shall know him no more.
Monroe Scothorn was born March 20, 1830, in Walnut Township, and is the son of Joseph and Hannah (Crum) Scothorn, natives of Virginia. The paternal ancestors of our subject were of Scotch birth, while those on the maternal side are said to have been German. Joseph Scothorn was born March 4, 1796, and was nine years of age when his parents emigrated to Ohio, locating in the eastern portion of Walnut Township. There the elder Mr. Scothorn died, and Joseph made permanent settlement on a portion of the farm which is the property of his son, our subject. It was then in a wild state, but Mr. Scothorn set himself industriously to work to prepare a home for his family and clear and cultivate his land. He endured all the hardships known to that early day, and has watched the gradual evolution from the original wild state of the land into its present prosperous condition.
Ten cliildren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scothorn, of whom we name the following: Elizabeth became the wife of Jackson Hoover; Monroe, Frank A. and Thornton. In the death of Mr. Scothorn, Pickaway County lost one of its progressive, successful and wide-awake citizens. The original of this sketch was reared to man's estate in the neighborhood where he is at present residing, and with which all his early associations are connected. The hardships which they were called upon to pass through in their early settlement here have made a lasting impression upon his mind, Monroe Scothorn has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, and that his persistent industry and good judgment have been rewarded is assured by a view of the beautiful farm on section 8, His education, like that of most of the pioneer youths, was limited, he being permitted to attend the house of learning only a few months during the winter.
February 12, 1852, he of whom we write and Miss Margaret Morrison were united in marriage. Mrs. Scothorn was born in Lancaster County, Pa., April 23, 1833, and was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Crawson) Morrison. She accompanied her parents on their removal to Fairfield County, this State, being at that time only three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison resided in the above-named place for several years and then came to Walnut Township, this county, where they were numbered among the early residents, and where they passed their last days. They were the parents of a family of nine children, only five of whom survive, viz: Mrs. Scothorn; James; Rachel, Mrs. Wilson Newton; George and Samuel. Mr. Morrison was Justice of the Peace in his community, and was otherwise warmly interested in all township affairs.
To our subject and his estimable wife have been born six children, all of whom, with one exception, are living, namely: Ollie, Mrs. P. E. Hoover; George; Emma, the wife of J. L. Hoover; Lida C., who married C. F. Brinker, and Ira M. Mr. Scothorn is the possessor of an estate which includes one hundred and forty-nine acres of valuable land. His progressiveness and enterprise have led him to place that entire amount under good cultivation, which not only makes a beautiful spot in the landscape of Walnut Township, but is the source of a handsome income to its owner. He is practically self-made, as his accumulations are the result of his good judgment and industry. With his wife, he is a member in good standing of the United Brethren Church, in which body he is an active worker. In politics, Mr. Scothorn votes the Democratic ticket, and is in favor of all measures tending to upbuild and benefit his community. For eighteen years he held the responsible office of Justice of the Peace, and for three years was Township Treasurer and Township Trustee for a period of two years. He is now in advanced years and is passing his last days surrounded by his children and friends, enjoying the confidence of all who know him.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]