John Jay came to Monroe Township in 1803, accompanied by his family of seven sons and three daughters, only one of the sons being married at that time, but the rest took to themselves wives, and the family in a short time became so numerous that they formed quite a settlement by themselves, and were known as the ^"Jay set" Upon their arrival here they entered portions of Sections 25, 36 and 31, which they soon cleared and brought under a high degree of cultivation. Walter D. Jay was the first man who refused to countenance the use of ardent spirits in the harvest field. He was a man noted for his integrity, a stanch Abolitionist, and, as far as was in his power to be. a patron of education.

David Jenkins, was born in Newberry District, S. C, in 1758, from which place he emigrated, in. 1805, reaching this township the. same year. He was accompanied West by Elisha Jones. Mr. Jenkins' four sons, viz., Amos, Phineas, Eli and Jesse, came to the township, and settled near their father, between the years 1805 and 1808. The log cabin used by Mr. J. as a residence when he first came to the township still stands on Section S, and is, without doubt, the oldest dwelling in Monroe Township.

     David Jenkins, Esq., commonly distinguished as "Squire" Jenkins, reached Monroe in 1806, and located on part of Section 20. He was a prominent man in the community, and figured conspicuously in all affairs of a public character in his township. Elected Justice of the Peace in 1818, he was continued in office till his death, in 1858.

George Kerr, from Virginia, located in Monroe Township in 1804. Beside-those already referred to, the names of Layton, Fergus. Westlake. Puterbaugh, Shafer, Furnas, etc., are familiarly spoken of as having been among the earliest as well as the most prominent persons in the township ; and the many advantages now enjoyed by the citizens of the township are due. in a great measure, to the unwearying exertions of these men. who began the work that has been rapidly forwarded by each successive generation.