John J. Scarff

As printed in 1881

JOHN J. SCARFF, breeder of thoroughbred stock; P. O. New Carlisle. Although not a native of Clark Co., Mr. Scarff occupies a very prominent position in it, being one of the most extensive breeders in the county, and perhaps in the State. His reputation in this respect is equaled by few, as none of his sales thus far have failed in giving satisfaction. His motto, when commencing life, was to have only the best of whatever he might possess, and with this object in view, and with a will to succeed, could it be wondered at that he occupies the proud position that has so meritoriously been vouchsafed him by his neighbors, and the discriminating public ? Mr. Searff worked for his first dollar, and energy and perseverance have been rewarded, ashy his industry and business tact he is now the owner of many broad and fertile acres, and is accounted one of the most scientific farmers in Bethel Township. Having a great love for stock, he has invested largely in thoroughbred cattle. Devons, of which he has the finest herd in the State, taking sweepstakes at the State Fair, at Columbus, in 1880, over all breeders of cattle. He also has a fine herd of Jerseys; his sheep are of the celebrated Cotswold and Southdown breeds, and his hogs, Berkshire and Polands. Other kinds of stock, poultry, ducks, geese, swans, etc., are reared in large numbers, and his list of premiums is greater. perhaps, for the length of time he has been in the business, than that of any man in the State. Clark Co. has reason to be proud of her sons, but especially are those deserving of credit who have done so much, not only for the improvement of the: county, but also of those who have, by the most careful management, brought up her stock to that high grade that defies competition with any of the neighboring States. Mr. Scarff’s parents, Joshua and Lydia Scarff, were natives of Virginia, coming to Miami Co. in 1830. Their children were named Emanuel, May, John J., James M., Diana, Elizabeth, Bernard and William H. H. Scraff. All the daughters are deceased, and the parents also. The marriage of Mr. J. J. Scarff and Miss Mary Neff was celebrated May 23, 1848. Her parents, Daniel anc Leah Neff, were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1838. They raised a large family, three sons and four daughters—Benjamin, Isaac, Barbara, Mary, Rebecca,

Cyrus and Matilda. Mrs. Neff died in 1839, and her husband married Miss Julia Herr, in 1845 or 1846, by whom he had four children—Charlotta, Harriet, Fanny and David. Mr. Neff died in 1866; his widow still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Scarff have five children—Flora, James T., Mark T., William N. and Grace T. The children give evidence of their careful training, and will surely do their parents honor. Mr. Scarff was appointed, in 1877, County Commissioner, and was elected to that position in 1878, and is an excellent official. He has, for a number of years, been a member of the Agricultural Board of Clark Co., all of which are filled with credit to himself and honor to the public. He was a volunteer during the war of the rebellion, in Co. B, 147th O. V. L, serving as 2d Lieutenant. His is a record in which his children can feel a just pride, and we are glad to have the means of perpetuating it. He has surrounded his home with everything that makes life pleasant; books, music and works of art show their love for their children, in making their home the most attractive spot on earth. Theirs is assuredly a place where the stranger, as well as the friend, is welcomed.

As printed in The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.