REV. ELI ASHBROOK.   This gentleman is the oldest citizen of Licking County.  He was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, September 23, 1781, united with the Baptist denomination in April, 1806, began to preach in 1812, and continued in the ministry for sixty-three years, a period longer than he has ever served any other man in the State, if not in the country.  He preached his last sermon in January, 1875, in the vicinity of Johnstown, this County.  He was then aged ninety-three years and four months.
     His wife was Caty Peters, of Loudon County, Virginia, whom he married January 5, 1802.  His family numbered seven sons and seven daughters; two died in infancy, the others became heads of families.
     Mr. Ashbrook came to Ohio in October, 1810, resided in Fairfield County some twelve years, and in 1828 moved to Johnstown.  A large part of his life has been spent as a traveling preacher, and as such he has visited nine different States.  He has been a very energetic, active man, and has faithfully consecrated the energies of his long life to labors for the welfare of his fellow-men, and the glory of his Master.  His wife died January 1, 1871.  She was a devoted Christian woman, a fit companion for a man so worthy.  Mr. Ashbrook lingers in his ninety-fourth year, "Only waiting by the river," for summons of "the boatman pale," to cross the stream and join the loved ones on the other side.
† Source:  Combination Atlas Map of Licking County, Ohio," published by L. H. Everts in Philadelphia. 1875
(Contributed by Sheryl McClure)