William T. Washam was born in Pittsylvania County VA 27 April 1840, and is a son of William and Fanny (Collins)Washam, the former of Scotch and latter of Welsh descent. He was left an orphan when very young, and when four years old came with his sister, Mrs. Dove, to Jackson County, Ohio. He obtained a good education by attending the common schools, and worked at brickmaking till the breaking out of the late war. 20 September 1863 he enlisted in Company F, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery, and was on duty at several different places. He participated in the battles of Strawberry Plains, Bull's Gap, and Athens, TN, and in 1864 was a delegate to the Ohio State Convention that elected Cox for Governor. He was mustered out of service at Nashville TN and was discharged at Columbus OH 29 September 1865, when he returned home and followed farming till 1868. He then engaged in the mercantile business in Jackson and in 1871, his nephew became a partner, the firm name being Washam & Co.. until 1873. In that year, he purchased one-eighth interest in the Ophir Iron Furnace, and soon after purchased three-fourths of the stock, and ran the furnace eighteen months. He then sold his furnace and mercantile interests and has since been engaged in farming and manufacturing brick. 31 December 1857 he was married to Tabitha, daughter of Benjamin and Tabitha (Seward) Branscom. Five of the six children born to them are living: John J., William T. Jr., Nellie O., David and Stella B., Harry B. died aged three years. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He has served his township as Treasurer two years, and for the past several years has held the office of Township Trustee. In 1870 he was elected a member of the Board of Equalization, and re-elected in 1880, his present term expiring in 1890. He is a member of Trowel Lodge No. 132, A.F.&.A.M., of Jackson, and member of the Chapter R.A.M. of the same place. He is also a member of Salt Lick Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Jackson, and of the Ancient Order of Red Men, and of the Knights of Labor.
HISTORY OF LOWER SCIOTO VALLEY, OHIO, Lick Twp, Jackson Co., Ohio.