XENIA — John Sale was a Methodist minister born in 1769 in Virginia. He inherited several slaves, but was against slavery so he came to Ohio where his slaves were freed. “Woe to me if I preach not the Gospel” he said. He traveled considerably in his ministry, earing $64 per year. He was a Presiding Elder in 1805. He died in Piqua in 1827 and is buried In the Bonner Graveyard south of Xenia. John Sale Manor is named in his honor.