Rafe Durham
Though not an early resident of this county, has lived in its immediate vicinity for more than sixty years. A native of Berkshire County, Virginia, he immigrated to this state with his family and aged father in 1816, locating at New Holland, in Pickaway County. He removed to his present place (survey No. 8119, Marion Township) in 1835-6. The vicinity was then but thinly settled, every one living in peace and quietude. Property was considered safe, and locks and keys were comparatively unknown. He was well acquainted with the participants in the great Funk fight, being a member of the rifle company commanded by Captain James Mills, and pressed into service on that occasion. Prior to his departure from Virginia, he entered the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Elliott, with whom he lived happily for sixty-seven years. The pair were not separated from each other for more than ten days at any one time, until death parted them for the time being. She was aged eighty-seven at the time of her death (August, 1880), being several months older than her husband, who lives quietly in the old home, realizing that his days are numbered, and that he will soon be reunited to the companion of his youth.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County