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** RETURN TO BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX ** ** RETURN TO HISTORY CONTENTS **   ISAAC VAIL - Page 500, Liberty Twp.   THOMAS VAN CLEAF - Page 485, Fairfield Twp.   NEHEMIAH VAN HISE - Page 591, Union Twp.   W. L. VAN HISE  - Page 592, Union Twp.   WILLIAM B. VAN HOOK was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on the twenty-sixth day of October, 1795. His parents were Dr. Benjamin F. Van Hook and Catherine Van Hook, who were Hollanders, and who had emigrated from New Jersey to the Northwest Territory at a very early period. Mr. Van Hook remained in Cincinnati until the last war with Great Britain, when he enlisted as a private in Captain David Oliver's company, and served as a soldier until peace was declared. He moved from Cincinnati to Hamilton in the year 1818, where he continued to reside until his death, which took place in 1871.      He was by trade a carpenter, which he followed for many years. He had more than ordinary skill as a mechanic and builder. About 1818 he and the late James B. Thomas went from Hamilton to New Orleans on a flat boat, where they remained for several months; working together at the carpenter business. Mr. Van Hook and the late Colonel Ball, of Trenton, walked all the way back to Hamilton through the then Indian country. He was shortly afterwards married to Julia Ann Stephens, who survived him, and who died in June, 1882.      In early life Mr. Van Hook exhibited quite a taste for the theater, and, as an amateur, played with and assisted the since eminent tragedian, Edwin Forrest. The circumstances are related elsewhere. Mr. Forrest never forgot his old friend, and never visited Cincinnati afterwards without sending for him. Mr. Van Hook was a man of more than ordinary merit, and filled with ability offices of public trust. For several years he was a member of the Ohio Legislature; was speaker of the House of Representatives, and was warden of the Ohio penitentiary. He was at various times a member and president of the city council of Hamilton. During the late rebellion he was deputy provost marshal of the Third Congressional District. In politics he was always an unwavering and ardent Democrat, but during the war of the Rebellion acted with the Union party. For more than half a century he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died at his home in Hamilton, Ohio. At the time of his death he was probably the oldest citizen of this place. He was a highly respected, useful, and honored citizen.   JOHN VAN SCOYK - Page 501, Liberty Twp.   THE VAUGHNS came to America in 1801, and in 1802 removed from Pennsylvania to Morgan Township.  Mr. Vaughn married for his second wife Ruth (Crosby) Comstock, of Yankee extraction, in 1807.  She was born in Connecticut, 1766, and died August 5, 1825, leaving no family.  He married the third time, to Mary Wardell June 14, 1828, widow of William Brightwell.  Mrs. (Wardell) Vaughn was born March 17, 1765, and died June 24, 1853, without issue.  By his second wife he had no children.  Mr. Vaughn died September 4, 1825.  His son, William, was born August 16, 1803, in Morgan Township.  He married Mary Bebb, November 4, 1825, who was born January 12, 1806, in this township.  This marriage resulted in five children, one dying in infancy; four of whom grew to maturity, John Green Vaughn was born January 21, 1827, and is married and lives in Marion county, Illinois; Martha Ann, born November 12, 1832, is now the wife of Abner Francis,  of Ross Township; William Crosby, born February 25, 1835, is unmarried, and lies with his mother, in New London; Mary Bebb, born October 28, 1846, is the wife of Rees H. Evans, of this township.  William Vaughn received from his father about ninety acres of land, on which he commenced life for himself, rising constantly in the estimation of his fellow-citizens.  He was chosen captain of the State militia, and served as the first postmaster of Paddy's Run, which office he held until about 1847.  At the time of his death, November 22, 1851, he owned two hundred and twenty acres of land. . GEORGE VINNEDGE - Page 592, Union Twp. . BRICE VIRGIN - Page 501, Liberty Twp.   HENRY T. VOORHEES - Page 593, Union Twp. .   NOTES: