My Genealogy Hound

B. J. STIVERS, farmer, P. O. Fincastle. Samuel King Stivers, the father of our subject, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., February 18, 1787. Of a family of eight children, Samuel, Robert, John, James, Washington, Lydia, Matilda and Nancy, he was the eldest. In the year, 1791, his father, John Stivers, emigrated from Pennsylvania to a point near Limestone (now Maysville), Ky., but, after a short residence there, removed to Briar Ridge, Adams Co., Ohio. There Samuel helped his father to “clear out” a farm, making some money himself by teaching school in the winter season. In 1807, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Creed, daughter of Matthew Creed, of Rocky Fork, Highland Co., Ohio. After marriage, he lived in Adams County, following surveying and teaching, until, the year 1812. At that time war was declared between England and the United States, and he at once volunteered his services to his country, and was enrolled in Capt. Josiah Lockhart’s company of Duncan McArthur’s regiment. He served in Hull’s campaign, and was surrendered to the British by that commander, on August 16, 1812. After his parole, he came home, but soon re-enlisted under Gen. Green Clay, of Kentucky, in Harrison’s campaign of 1813. He was second in command of the “Spy Company” of Col. William E. Boswell’s regiment of Kentucky militia, and was made a prisoner of war at the battle of the Rapids of the Miami of the Lakes, on the fifth day of May, 1813. He was one of the number that escaped the tomahawks of the Indians through the timely arrival of Tecumseh, while in the block-house after the defeat of Col. Dudley. Knowing his certain fate should he be recognized by his former captors, he here assumed the name of Samuel Bradford, and was under that name discharged. After his release, he settled on a farm, near the residence of his father-in-law, in Highland County, where he resided until 1820, when he removed to Russellville, Brown County, where he was employed in surveying and teaching, until the year 1829. About that date, he purchased a farm one mile north of Fincastle, Brown County, to which he soon after moved, and here he resided until his death, August 7, 1864. He was widely known in political circles, and was a warm personal friend and strong supporter of Thomas L. Hamer. His family consisted of seven children, viz., Beasley, Amanda, B. J., Elizabeth, Trimble, Lilly and Mary; two of whom, Amanda and Trimble, are now dead. Of the survivors, B. J., the subject of this sketch, was born April 16, 1820, near Hillsboro, Highland County. He was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in a district school. In January, 1843, he married Ellen Borden, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are still living — Jacob B., Samuel K., Beasley, William L., Alpha A., Jane A. and Francis A. She died in August, 1875; he then married, in February, 1878, Olive Reynolds, daughter of Oliver Reynolds. Mr. Stivers contributes liberally to all enterprises which prove, beneficial to the county and the elevation of humanity, and is the owner of 200 acres of land; he resides in the northern portion of Eagle Township.