DAVID T. NASH.

DAVID T. NASH—For almost a third of a century David Thomas Nash has resided in Allen County, the period of his connection with agricultural interests of Elm township covering thirty years. He was born in Delaware County, Ohio, July 18, 1839, and was the second son of Samuel L. and Catherine (Early) Nash. His paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland and located in Pennsylvania at an early day. Both he and the maternal grandfather served their country in the war of 1812. Samuel Nash was born in Pennsylvania in 1801. Going to the South he became overseer of slaves on a Kentucky plantation, and while in that State he married Miss Early, a relative of General Early, of Civil war fame. Subsequently he removed to Ohio, and there reared his family upon a farm in Delaware County. He had two sons and two daughters, David T.; Henry, a resident of Delaware County, Ohio: and Mrs. Amanda Gregory and Mrs. Anna Hall, who are also living in that county.

Upon the home farm David T. Nash aided in the labors of field and meadow until he had attained his majority, when he responded to the country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion, and enlisted as a member of Company C, of the Fourth Ohio Infantry. He served for three years and three months and was ever found at his post of duty, loyally defending the stars and stripes. His regiment was organized under Colonel Andrews who three months later was succeeded in the command by Colonel Mason. It was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and Mr. Nash participated in twenty-one engagements. On one occasion he could easily have shot General Robert E. Lee, but not daring to expose himself he remained concealed until the General had passed by. In 1864 he was mustered out of the service and with a creditable military record returned to his home. He continued farming in Ohio until 1870, when he came to Kansas. After spending a year in Iola he located upon his present farm in Elm township, and has since devoted his time and energies to the further cultivation and improvement of his land. His home is presided over by a most estimable lady, who in her maidenhood bore the name of Louisa F. Gunn. She was born in Edwards County, Illinois, in 1845, a daughter of Tyler and Jemima (Root) Gunn, the former a native of Massachusetts.

Their three childreh[sic] are: Mrs. Nash; Henry, of Perkinsville, Indiana, and Nelson B., of Elmwood, Indiana. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Nash was celebrated in 1865, and unto them have born born seven children: Mrs. Rosa E. Walker, of Coffeyville, Kansas; Mrs. Ada Lemaster, of Carlisle, Kansas; Samuel L., a locomotive engineer, of Springfield, Ohio; Mrs. Ida F. Ellison, of Drexel, Missouri; Mary E.; Lulu Pearl and Nelson Ray, both at home. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Nash has belonged for eighteen years, while his wife has been a member for nearly forty years. For five years he served as trustee of Elm township. His long continuance in that office indicates his faithful service and the confidence reposed by his fellow townsmen in his ability and tustrworthiness.[sic]

Previous | Home | Next