My Genealogy Hound

JONATHAN TEAFORD, farmer; P. O. German. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is one of the large farmers of German Township; he was born Feb. 3, 1825, near the place where he now resides; is the son of George Teaford, one of the early pioneers of this township. Mr. Teaford, Sr., was born in Augusta Co., Va., and when quite young emigrated to Fairfield Co., Ohio; here he remained several years, engaged as a laborer upon a farm; he emigrated to German Township with the Ketrings, who constituted one of the first families in the township; he found this country then almost untouched by the hand of civilization; the “sons of the bow and arrow” still lingered around, and wild game was abundant. April 6, 1820, he celebrated his marriage with Miss Magdalena Ketring; she was also one of the early pioneers of the township, and a native of Pennsylvania. Shortly after his marriage, he moved to the place where the subject of this sketch now resides, his father-in-law having previously bequeathed him the land, then all in the woods; here he erected a cabin and resided till a few years before his death, when he took up his abode with his son Barney. Mr. and Mrs. George Teaford were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Jacob, born Feb. 10, 1821, deceased September, 1826; Rebecca, born Feb. 1, 1822, deceased, October, 1825; George, born Sept. 24, 1823; Jonathan and Barney, twins, Feb. 3, 1825; Hester, July 26, 1827; Elizabeth, Oct. 23, 1828; Amelia, March 28, 1830; Sarah, Feb. 18, 1832; Susannah, born March 12, 1835, deceased, December, 1838; David, born Sept. 28, 1836, deceased Aug. 5, 1838; Aaron, born June 16, 1838, deceased June 24, 1839. Mrs. Teaford departed this life Feb. 13, 1861; her husband survived her till Jan. 29, 1874, when his death occurred. Thus we record the death of two more of the early pioneers of German Township, who passed away leaving a large circle of acquaintances and a large family to mourn their loss. Mr. Jonathan Teaford was raised a farmer, and early became accustomed to its arduous duties; he remained at home assisting on the farm till he grew up to years of maturity; he then, with his twin brother, engaged in farming on rented land; they formed a partnership thus early in life, which existed till a few years ago, when the property, consisting of several large farms, which were jointly held and managed by them, was divided. Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Smelker March 8, 1848; she was born in Preble Co., Ohio, and at the age of about 6 years she came to this county with her parents. (Her parents receive notice under the sketch of A. B. Rush.) After the marriage of Mr. Teaford, he rented a farm about one mile east of where he now lives, and farmed it about six years. He then, in connection with his brother, purchased 80 acres of land just west of his present place; by their habits of industry, they added farm after farm to their possessions, till they owned a half-section of land in one body; they then made a division, each taking a quarter-section; since then, he has added other farms to his possessions, and has them all well improved; he has one of the finest brick residences in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Teaford are the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living.