Washington [Township]

David Thatcher was born on the 14th day of December, 1805, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. He was the third of seven children, whose parents were Evan Thatcher and Nancy Larue. In the fall of 1814, his father with all his family came to Ohio, and settled in Warren County, where he lived till his death. The early education of David was obtained in the log school-house. At the age of twenty-one he began life as a saddler in Warren County, where he remained until 1829, when he came to Montgomery County, and settled in Centerville, Washington Township. He lived in Centerville till April, 1844, pursuing his trade of saddler. In this year he moved onto his farm in Washington Township. For fifteen years of his residence in Washington Township he was magistrate. Such offices as Trustee of the Township he has more or less held. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Politically, he is a Republican; his first vote was for Henry Clay. When the Civil War was in progress he was remarkable for the enthusiasm with which he favored its vigorous prosecution. On the 27th day of March, 1832, he was united in marriage to Mariam Russell, a daughter of James Russell, one of the early settlers of the County, and a man who represented this County in the Legislature, and who served as Magistrate of Washingotn Township for twenty-four years. In March, 1854, Mr. Thatcher lost his wife. He now (1874) lives on his farm in Washington Township, as the advanced age of sixty-nine, respected by all who know him. It will be proper to observe that he has always led a life of integrity and usefulness.