Washington Medaris
Washington Medaris was born in North Carolina in 1795. Came to Clermont County, Ohio, in 1804, where he grew to manhood, and learned the blacksmithing trade in Batavia. In 1819 he married Elizabeth Salters. They moved to Shelby County in June, 1831, and lived a short time in the town of Sidney. During this time he entered a piece of land in Perry Township, and moved to it with his wife and six children. He erected a cabin and a shop in the woods. Here he did blacksmithing and gunsmithing, also shoemaking for his neighbors. By this means he got his first land cleared. Not long after his location in Perry, his shop burned together with all his tools. This left him without means of support. In order to maintain his family he put his land into the trust company. He did not get it redeemed until 1847, when the interest on the loan had amounted to more than the principal. In 1843 his wife died, leaving him with ten children. In 1844 he married Matilda A. McDavitt. By this union there are nine children, all now living. Mr. Medaris died July 17, 1881, at the age of eighty-six years, having been a F. and A. M. for thirty-six years. He was also a Sir Knight. He died full of honors and years.
From History of Shelby County, Ohio; R. Sutton & Co, Philadelphia PA, 1883