James M. Baughn
Some of the most thorough and efficient agriculturists of Ohio are those who have devoted themselves quite exclusively to the cultivation of the soil and are rapidly making this State headquarters for the grain-producing region, thus gaining for her a reputation in the marts of the world. The gentleman of whom we write is residing on a good farm in Jasper Township, Fayette County, which he has labored industriously to bring to its present productive state.
The subject of this sketch is the son of Lister and Margaret (Hitt) Baughn, natives of Virginia, where they were farmers. They were married in that State and, coming to Ohio at a very early day in its history as a State, located in Union Township, this county, where the father improved a farm and departed this life in 1820; his good wife died some years later, greatly respected by all who enjoyed her acquaintance. To them were born a family of eight children, two of whom are living: our subject and Lister.
James M. Baughn was born in Union Township, July 4, 1814, and was reared to farm pursuits on his father's farm. His advantages for obtaining an education were very limited, for after the death of his father the mother found it necessary to keep him at home to aid in conducting the farm. He was thus engaged until reaching his twenty-fourth year, and March 15, 1840 [Fayette County marriage records state that they were married March 13, 1838], was married to Elizabeth Bush, the daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Baughn) Bush, natives of the Old Dominion. Her parents accompanied their respective families to Ohio early in the nineteenth century, and met and married in Union Township, where they continued to make their home until their death, the father departing this life in 1831, and the mother about 1880. Of the nine children born to them, eight are now living, Mrs. Baughn's birth occurring September 13, 1816.
After his marriage, our subject and his young bride resided for nine years in Union Township, at which date they removed to their present farm, when it was in its original wildness. He has made this tract his home for almost half a century and has in his possession now ninety-two and one-half acres of valuable land, which he has placed under the best methods of improvement and added to its value by erecting there good and substantial buildings.
Mr. and Mrs. Baughn have been granted a family of eleven children, seven of whom are living. They are William M., who married Catherine Hynes, and lives in Jefferson Township; Elisha H., who took for his wife Lavinia A. Bush, and makes his home in Jasper Township; Berryman married Isabella Rupert, and also lives in this township; Lister married Ella V. Fernow, who died in May , 1889; Susan A. is the wife of Oscar Yeoman and resides in Wayne Township; James N. married Mary A. Sutton and makes this township his home, as does A. Ezra, who became the husband of Maggie Ellis.
Our subject has been very active in religious matters and with his good wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, in which denomination he is Trustt. In politics, he is a stanch (sic) Democrat, casting his first vote for Martin Van Buren. Three sons of Mr. Baughn served during the Civil War, William M. and Joseph H. in Company C, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry. The latter was killed in the battle of Nashville, Tenn., after having served his country a period of three years. William served the entire time of his enlistement, three years, and returned home safely. Elisha H. was a member of the One Hundred and Sixty-eith Infantry and aided in capturing the enemy at Cynthiana, Ky. The family of Mr. Baughn are classed among the best citizens of this section and have aided greatly in its development and upbuilding.
from PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES
Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1892