Notes:
Data source is the 1990 book, "Moomaw-Mumma-Mumaw-Mumaugh Genealogy" compiled by Robert Austin Moomaw (deceased).
Excerpt from
A History of Ross Co., OH, from the Earliest-Days, with Special Chapters on the Bench and Bar, Medical Profession Educational
Development, Industry and Agriculture and Biographical Sketches. HENRY HOLCOMB BENNETT, Editor, MADISON, WIS., SELWYN A. BRANT, 1902
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John A. Moomaw, trustee of Paint Township, has long been conspicuously identified with the educational interests of Ross County. He is a son of Jacob B. Moomaw, a veteran of the civil war and much-esteemed citizen. His mother, whose maiden name was Vashti C. Morton, was the daughter of natives of South Carolina, of the noted Morton family of that state, that took a prominent part on the patriot side of the Revolutionary war. The family originally came from Ireland as a result of religious persecutions, and after the Revolution migrated to the Northwest Territory to get away from the curse of human slavery. John A. Moomaw received his elementary education in the common schools and subsequently took a course at the Salem academy. At a very early age he had become interested in the cause of education and conceived an honorable ambition to be one of the grand army engaged in its advancement. In 1873 he took charge of a school which he taught with success and since then has been in constant touch with teachers and their work. He is known all over the county as a successful and enthusiastic educator, having had charge of schools in many different townships. Nor have his efforts in this useful calling been confined to his native county. The neighboring county of Fayette has had the benefit of Mr. Moomaw's skill and experience, with the result of extending and confirming his reputation as a teacher. As the township trustees in Ohio are intimately connected with the schools, it was natural that when a vacancy occurred in this office in Paint Township, Mr. Moomaw's name should be suggested for the place. He was accordingly appointed and in 1899 was regularly elected to the position by the popular vote. Since then, as trustee of his native township, he has been able to demonstrate his administrative ability and familiarity with the needs of the school system. Still other and higher recognition in the same line came to Mr. Moomaw when he was elected by the Chillicothe presbytery to membership of the board of education of the Salem academy. He has also found time to pay some attention to politics and is regarded as one of the sensible advisers in all that concerns the local organization of his party. In 1881, Mr. Moomaw was married to Sarah Reighle, of Bainbridge, whose mother was a member of the well-known Dewey family of Pennsylvania origin. Their eldest son, who gives promise of great future usefulness, is one of the brightest students at the Salem academy, of which institution he will soon become a graduate. Mr. Moomaw is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Modern Woodmen of America. The entire family are members of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Moomaw has long been an elder.