| Notes |
- A FEW LINES ON THE LIFE AND CHARACTER OF GEORGE W. AND NANCY STAFFORD, AND
THEIR FAMILY: by Martha J. McNeal of Troy, Ohio.
"George W. Stafford is a son of Thomas and Catherine Williams Stafford.... [He and Nancy] were married in 1836 by Rev. Samuel Mitchell at the home of George Mitchell in Miami County. They took their wedding trip to Giles County, Virginia, among their friends and relatives, making the trip on horseback in 13 days. They returned by the same mode of conveyance bringing with them a feather bed and a number of quilts, wedding presents from their friends. In 1844, they made a second trip to Virginia, this time going in a carriage and accompanied by his father.
At the time of their marriage, Thomas Stafford conveyed to George W. 80 acres of land located in Section 22 Town 3 Range 10 Pike Township, and in later years George purchased 80 acres adjoining the lands conveyed to him by his father, from his brother James for the sum of $400.00. He was then the owner of 160 acres which he retained during the remainder of his life. The purchase from his brother James was on installments and solely an agreement of honor as no note or mortgage was given to secure the purchase price of said land....
George and NANCY Stafford, immediately after their marriage, located on the 80-acre tract above referred to and there built a log house in which to reside. This structure was in line with the usual log house of the day, consisting of one room downstairs and one upstairs, made chiefly out of hewed timber, mostly poplar. It was located at or near the house now standing on said tract, which was later erected in 1845. The barn, erected in 1853 by George is still standing [1927] and is one of the substantial structures of that character in Pike Township.
When George and NANCY Stafford located in their new home, they had two horses, a few farming implements, a meager amount of household furniture and kitchen utensils. Only ten acres of land were cleared at that time, the rest being primitive forest. At this time the forests abounded in game of all kinds. Wild turkeys were plentiful and it is said of George W. Stafford that he was one of the best rifle shots in the country and that he killed many wild turkeys as well as other game.
They wove the blankets necessary for their use out of wool which was picked and carded then spun into yarn by Mrs. [NANCY] Stafford; she used to color it with walnut bark and hulls and other barks, producing the various colors she desired. The old mill where she took her wool for carding was located on Honey Creek in the NE quarter of Section 30, Pike Twp, being about 2-1/2 miles south of their residence. She operated a loom on which she wove blankets. She spun the flax, making table cloths, towels and other household articles and also jeans clothing for her husband.
They traded principally at Christiansburg, Champaign County, where they generally went on horseback. At the time of their marriage there was not a cleared farm between their home and said village. She sold her butter for seven cents per pound and her eggs at five cents per dozen, which in those days was considered a good price."
Census:
- Listed as a retired farmer with wife.
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1810 - 1894 (84 years)
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