Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 10 of 18)

Dr. Stewart passed his boyhood days on the homestead farm and early began to contribute his quota to the work of the same, while his educational training was secured in the public schools. Fie first attended the district school and later the school in Monroe, and in 1889 he began the work of preparing himself for his chosen profession by entering the office of Dr. E. G. Logan, a prominent dentist of Middletown, where he devoted a year to preparatory work and then entered the Ohio Dental College, in Cincinnati, where he completed the prescribed course and was graduated on the 9th of March, 1892. with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. On the 1st of the following August he opened an office in the Daily News building, in Hamilton, where he remained until February 1, 1896, when he located in his present attractive and finely equipped offices, at the southwest corner of Third and High streets. Dr. Stewart has been successful in his profession, has built up an excellent practice and is held in high esteem as a citizen and as a skilled dental surgeon. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he renders valued service as a member of the choir, while he is also a zealous worker in the various departments of the church, particularly the Sunday school. In politics he holds to the ancestral faith and is a stanch supporter of the principles and policies of the Democratic party. The family genealogy is of Scotch-Irish derivation. The original American ancestors located in Pennsylvania, in the early colonial epoch. The old homestead farm of the Stewart family is located in Lemon township and comprises one hundred .and ninety acres of highly improved and valuable land. The parents of the Doctor were bom on adjoining farms and on leaving the respective parental homes to walk side by side down tbe pathway of life each "came half way." settling on the farm on which their long and ideal married life was 'passed, the mother being now in her seventy- eighth year. Dr. Stewart remains a bachelor.

Marcellus Thomas

Xhe Thomas family has been thoroughly identified with the history of Ohio since the birth of the state. The paternal grandfather of Marcellus Thomas emigrated from New Jersey to the Northwest Territory in 1802, the year of Ohio's admission to the sisterhood of states. He located upon land which subsequently became a portion of Fairfield township, Butler county, and there ended his days. On this farm Squire L. Thomas, the father of the subject, was born and also spent his life in agricultural pursuits. He was born in 1813, and died in T863. He married Miss Sarvain Ewart, who was a native of the same locality as himself, and also descended from New Jersey ancestors. She survived her husband eight years, and died in 1871, at the age of fifty-eight years. Squire L. Thomas was a successful farmer and stock raiser and achieved enviable success in his chosen vocation. He was a man of many excellent traits of character, and though his death occurred before the birth of the present generation, he is remembered by the older citizens of the county as a man of sterling integrity and uprightness of character. He was an incessant toiler, careful and frugal in his habits of life, and a warm friend to the distressed and unfortunate. His wife was his counterpart in all which went to render the home happy and the surroundings comfortable. She was devoted to her family, an exemplary mother and counsellor and in the later years of her life stood in the relation of both father and mother to her young and growing family.

Marcellus Thomas, of this review, was reared on the parental farm, and remained at home until he attained his majority, in 1863, the year of his father's death. He then began fanning independently, and leased land until 1871. the year of his mother's death. Mr. Thomas had scarce reached his majority when he began to take an active interest in political affairs. The sixties were stirring times, both at home and at the front. Men. and women too, were prone to take sides in the great controversy, which was costing the nation oceans of blood and millions of treasure. There were stern duties for all to perform. The civilian contributed the fruits of his toil to the support of armies in the field, and to that extent was as great a patriot as those who bore the guns. But in 1871 Mr. Thomas received tangible recognition of his efforts along political lines, and was appointed deputy sheriff under W. H. Allen. This began a long record of political and official life. He served four years as deputy 'Sheriff, and in 1875 he was the choice of the Democratic party of the county for the higher position, to which he was twice elected, serving as sheriff from January, 1876, until January, 1880. On retiring from that office, after practically eight years of continuous service, lie left behind a record for efficiency, capability, integrity and promptness seldom equalled by either predecessor or successor. While still in the sheriff's office Mr. Thomas bought a farm in Fairfield township, which he occupied as a home from 1883 until 1886, and, aside from this temporary absence, his home has been in Hamilton since January, 1872.

In the fall of 1879 Mr. Thomas, in company with four other business men of Hamilton, organized the Miami Ice Company, of which he was business manager. They constructed a pond covering nine acres of land and erected near by four commodious buildings for storage purposes, the capacity being ten thousand tons. The product was principally sold in Cincinnati, being shipped on the canal. This enterprise proved to be a profitable venture in its time, but was succeeded by the introduction of artificial ice plants.

Mr. Thomas has represented the fifth ward on the board of education, being elected from a Republican ward, which emphasizes his popularity at home. He also served on the school board in Fairfield township during his residence there. In 1887 he was deputy internal revenue collector of Butler county, and declined the office of land appraiser for the fifth ward, to which he was elected in 1889. In the year last mentioned Mr. Thomas was appointed chief of police in the city of Hamilton, and served in that capacity through a long series of years, gaining strength and popularity with each succeeding year. As a public official, in whatever sphere he was called to serve he was always the same genial, obliging and painstaking officer. He was prompt and fearless in the discharge of his duties, yet never officious in assuming authority in matters not legally before him. Probably the crowning work of his life was in his administration at the head of the city's peace guardians. His thoroughness and systematizing methods brought order out of chaos, and his methodical arrangements greatly simplified and at the same time strengthened the efficiency of the police force. Since retiring from the office of chief of police Mr. Thomas has been living a semi-retired life, though he has not been wholly inactive. His familiarity with the needs of public officials in the line of office supplies, and the difficulty in obtaining promptly what is wanted, led him to investigate the propriety of opening a store devoted exclusively to this line of goods. The result was that the Hamilton Office Supply Company was established and his son William F. placed in charge. This enterprise has proved a wise venture in the business world, as well as a source of satisfaction to the patrons and of profit to the enterprising - promoters. There is scarcely - a city of twice the population of Hamilton which can boast of such conveniences along this line. Every article for office use, from a pencil to a typewriter or fine desk, is to be found in the carefully selected stock, including all kinds of stationery, blank books, office cutlery, mechanical drawing instruments, pens and inks of all kinds, cylinders, novelties, etc. Though a decided departure from all lines of mercantile pursuits, the Office Supply Company has come to stay and is growing in popularity every day.

lost an iota of interest, and is as active and influential today as when in the heyday of young manhood, seeking the suffrages of the people for personal honors or profit. He has served long years as a member off the Democratic central committee, has been a delegate to congressional, judicial, county and state conventions, and, in fact, the delegations are hardly considered complete if his name does not appear on the list. Mr. Thomas has carefully held aloof from party bickerings and internal dissensions, at least to the extent of possibility, in view of his high standing in the councils of the party.

The subject was married on the 22d of December, 1864, when he chose for his life companion Miss Ellen F. Sheley, of Fairfield township. She was born and reared on the farm which subsequently became the property of her family. This has been a most happy union, blessed with the advent of three promising sons, Marcel lus B., who was born August 8, 1871 ; William F., born February 14, 1874, and Mark C., born December 18, 1886.

Mr. Thomas is prominently associated with various social orders, having been an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1872, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen since 1875, a Knight of Honor since 1878 and a member of the Royal Arcanum since 1880. The family is one of prominence and high standing in the community. Its record is not a transitory one, but has rounded out a full century and more as a distinguishing element in the history of Butler county. Very few of the present-day citizens of the county have been so long identified with its history, assuredly none have a more worthy place in its annals.

The subject's maternal grandfather, Joseph Ewart, came from Pennsylvania and landed in Cincinnati on the first day of May, 1800. He was then thirteen years old. He was the founder of the Ewart family in Butler county. He was a soldier throughout the entire war of 1812, returned after the war and established the first woolen mill in Butler county, which he continued to operate until 1845, when he lost his eyesight. He spent the last twenty-five years of his life sightless, yet he could go five miles to Hamilton, driving a team as well as those who could see. He died in his ninety-seventh year. He was a man of exceedingly strong constitution. He was a member of the subject's parents' family for the last twenty-five years he lived, and the subject remembers him with a great deal of pleasure, as the connecting link between the past and present generations. He relates with great satisfaction many of the incidents of his early life, especially during his grandfather's days, and reverts with pleasure to his boyhood days, when the innocent neighborhood sports satisfied the young people of his day better than expensive balls of the present.

Fred E. Bisdorf

The subject of this sketch has been deputy sheriff of Butler county since January, 1900, and has recently been reappointed under a new principal. His brother, Peter Bisdorf, held the office of sheriff for four years, and retired on the first Monday in January, 1904. The subject is a native of Hamilton and was educated in the city schools, and while quite young apprenticed himself to the jeweler's trade. Five years were spent in that line of work, but the close confinement was neither congenial nor conducive to health, and he left that business and learned the trade of a house carpenter. He had been thus employed for ten years when called to the position which he now holds.

Hon. Robert S. Woodruff

Robert S. Woodruff, prosecuting attorney of Butler county, was born in Hanover township January 20, 1869. He is descended from New England stock, established in this county in the early part of the last century. Some of the family are known to have been born in Butler county, as early as 1804, while others bearing the family name came from New Jersey in 1800. It is probable that the immediate ancestors of Robert S. Woodruff followed an earlier settlement of the family in this county, since Ephraim L. Woodruff, his father, was born in New Jersey. His mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Stevenson, is a native of Pennsylvania. Both are now living on the farm where the subject was born. The father has spent his life in agricultural pursuits. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter, the subject being the third in order of birth. The brothers are Charles E., an employe of the Cincinnati, Dayton & Toledo Electric Railroad, and Clinton W. is an engineer in the employ of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad Company. Ida is the wife of Samuel Sauer, a prosperous young farmer in Hanover township. The brothers are all married and the heads of happy families.

Robert S. Woodruff was born and reared on the parental farm in Hanover township. There his early years were spent as the farm lads usually are - attending school in season'. and working on the farm. He made rapid progress in his studies and early decided upon a professional career. Attending various institutions of learning, he rap-. idly developed along educational lines, and in 1891 he took up the study of law. After some preliminary stucty he entered the Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated in 1894. Being fully equipped for his chosen profession, Mr. Woodruff opened an office in Hamilton and became a regular practitioner at the Butler county bar. His fine attainments and special adaption to the profession readily brought him into prominence as a rising young attorney. After eight years of successful practice, he was selected by the Democratic primaries as the party's candidate for the office of prosecuting attorney, and was triumphantly elected at the general election of 1903. The contest before the county primary election was an animated one, hotly contested by four aspirants. Mr. Woodruff s selection as the party's standard bearer is especially complimentary to him. in that he received eleven hundred votes more than his highest competitor. The anti-primary canvass was prosecuted vigorously, and perhaps not without some bitterness, as is usually the case in closely contested campaigns. But Mr. Woodruff became the candidate of the "people," and not of any political faction, hence he is untrammeled by the influences which often dominate the factional nominee. He entered upon the discharge of his official duties on the first Monday in January, 1904, with a fixed determination to perform his whole duty* in the light of his ability and judgment, thus becoming a public servant in the true sense of that term. It is the expressed opinion of those familiar with the qualifications of Mr. Woodruff that the high standing of his office will be fully maintained and that he will round out an administration in every way complimentary to himself and satisfactory to the people whom he serves. He brings to the position the accomplishments of a thorough lawyer backed by years of successful practice, and the further characteristic of being a broadminded and intellectual gentleman.

Mr. Woodruff is a man wholly selfmade, as that expression is understood. He never had a dollar of any man's money save his own, and launched out into his professional studies in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Endowed with a robust constitution and willing hands, he bravely met the inconveniences of being selfdependent, and rather than go in debt he employed his muscles as well as his brain in the attainment of the desired end. He is one of the men who realize that honest labor is more honorable than dishonest debts.

Mr. Woodruff was married on the 9th of October, 1901, when he led to the altar Miss Bessie, the only child of Mr. John C. Weaver, a well-known civil engineer and surveyor in Hamilton. She is a lady of culture and refinement, a graduate of the Hamilton high school and for some time a student at Oxford College. This is a most happy union and the domestic fireside is surrounded with the blessed influence of perfect love and peace.

campaign is the fact that the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff was born and died during the anteprimary campaign. A robust, healthy son was born on the first of June. 1903. Twelve days later, and when the mother and child appeared in perfect health, that dread disease small-pox attacked the mother and was transmitted in the natural way to the child. The mother recovered, but the little flower from the shores of paradise was unable to withstand the ravages of the terrible malady, and joined the angels on the other shore. Mr. Woodruff was under quarantine for three weeks just preceding the primary election, and this, coupled with the anxiety and concern about his afflicted family, was enough to have prostrated a person of less vigorous constitution. But the beloved wife was spared to him, and his political affairs were not seriously jeopardized by his enforced confinement. Advantage was taken of this misfortune and the public was warned to "not vote against their own interests through sympathy." Mr. Woodruff publicly disclaimed any right to support on those grounds, and announced that he stood before the people on his own merits; but the sting of the accusation through political wire-pulling will not soon be forgotten.

The subject is a prominent member of various social orders, being a past chancellor commander of the local lodge, Knights ' of Pythias, and past exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He also sustains membership in the Improved Order of Red Men. As may be properly inferred from what precedes this sketch, he is an active working Democrat in his political affiliations, and an honest and fearless advocate of the party doctrines. But he stands aloof from the various factions within the party in Butler county and denies collusion with party machinery.

Harry A. Junkin

Harry A. Junkin, the very efficient deputy clerk of the courts of Butler county, was born at Peru, Miami county, Indiana. He attended school at Peru, Indiana, for six years, and at the Hamilton public schools for a like period. He mastered the business of photography and later learned the trade of a picture frame finisher. He was a clerk in a hotel for about one year, and was so employed when John L. Hoffman, the present clerk of courts for Butler county, appointed him his deputy.

Charles. W. Gath

The subject of this article was born at Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, on the 21st of October, 1853. He was reared in the educational atmosphere of that now historic village, his education being acquired in the public schools and at Miami University. Mr. Gath is descended from English ancestors, his father, the late Samuel Gath, being born in Yorkshire on the 5th of April, 1807. He was reared and educated in his native land and then learned the trade of a cabinetmaker. He worked at his trade as a journeyman for seventeen years, being employed all this time by Benjamin Wood, his preceptor, and Samuel Taylor in the city of Halifax. He then formed a partnership with his younger brother and was prospered in business. After a few years his savings amounted to .three thousand five hundred dollars and with this he came to America. He arrived in Oxford, with his wife, on the morning of July 3, 1844, having been married the year previously to Miss Mary Telley, a native of Yorkshire. They had a tempestuous voyage across the ocean, being five weeks on the "Patrick Henry" before reaching New York city. The trip from New York to Hamilton, via the Erie canal to Buffalo, thence across the lake to Toledo, and south on the canal to Hamilton, consumed almost a month of time. Today the same trip could be made while getting a night's repose in a sleeper, without change of cars. But this is not the only evidence of progression during the last sixty years.

Arriving in Oxford with their personal baggage, the young couple located temporarily on a farm three miles north of the village. But an opportunity soon opened whereby Mr. Gath purchased a half interest in a furniture store owned by a Mr. Merrill. Eight months later he purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. The store and shop combined, an unpretentious frame building, stood on the west side of the public square. As the years passed, and prosperity smiled on the zealous worker, a substantial brick building was erected on the old site and there the business was carried on successfully for many years. With the encroachments of age and infirmities, Mr. Gath finally transferred the business to his son, Charles W. The undertaking business finally became a prominent feature and there Charles W. Gath, of this sketch, laid the foundation of his future business career. While yet a small boy, he would accompany his father on his professional rounds and assist him in the performance of his solemn duties. As he attained to man's estate he continued in business on his own account at his father's old stand. In 1880 he sold out to his brother Harry and moved to Hamilton and became a claimant to public patronage. He is located on the west side and has established a large trade. His long experience in the business, and special adaptation to it, have brought him into prominence, though his visits are always fraught with the sorrows incident to such occasions, they are nevertheless welcomed in the full confidence that the last sad rite will be properly performed. Mr. Gath has been a close student of his profession and is thoroughly conversant with the his was one of the pioneer families in Butler county, Samuel Lintner being the founder of the family in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gath have a son and daughter, named in order of birth as follows: Mary, now the wife of Thomas Steadman Stephens, a mechanical engineer in New York city, who have one child, Charles Steadman, by name. The son is Andrew Lintner, a representative of the Chambersburg Engineering Company, with headquarters at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The daughter is a graduate of the Hamilton high school and of Oxford Female College. The son has a scientific and technical education. Mr. Gath and his wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Hamilton.

minutest details. His courteous and gentlemanly manner, together with his sympathetic nature and kindness of heart, are characteristics greatly appreciated while in the discharge of his professional duties. He has been highly successful in his business, and upon merit alone. His stock, appliances and vehicles have always been the best in the city and are carefully maintained at this high standard. Mr. Gath is very prominently connected with the business interests of Hamilton and has high standing in the commercial world.

He sustains exalted relations in the time-honored fraternity of Freemasonry and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum. In political views he is Democratic, though not aggressive in politics.

Christian Pabst

Christian Pabst, the popular incumbent of the office of county auditor of Butler county, Ohio, is a native of the province of Rheinish Bavaria, Germany, where he was born on the 6th of December, 1853. The first twelve years of his life were passed in the fatherland, and there his early educational discipline was received in the national schools. In 1865 he accompanied his parents on their immigration to America and the family took up their permanent abode in the city of Hamilton, Ohio. Here the subject completed his theoretical education, which was greatly augmented by his early apprenticeship to the "art preservative of all arts," for it has been consistently said that the training of a printing office is equivalent to a liberal education. Mr. Pabst continued to be identified, in a practical way, with the printing and publishing business until his entrance upon his public career, in 1893. He became an expert job printer and achieved much success in his chosen calling. He is a representative of that numerous class of German- Americans who are noted for their industry, thrift and sterling qualities, and who often succeeded where others would fail. He served his apprenticeship in the printing establishment of L. B. De La Court, but subsequently was' employed as a job compositor in the office of Jacob Long, of Hamilton. A few years before entering politics Mr. Pabst became associated with his father and brothers in the manufacturing and bottling of mineral waters, under the firm name of J. Pabst & Sons, and an extensive and profitable business was built up, the enterprise being still continued by members of the family and receiving a representative support in this section of the state.

Mr. Pabst is thoroughly qualified for clerical work of an official nature and, though disinclined to enter the field of politics, he was finally persuaded to accept the position of clerk of the courts of Butler county, entering upon the discharge of the duties of that exacting and responsible office in February, 1893. At the August primaries of 1895 he received a total vote of eight thousand and forty-nine, this being the largest vote ever given a candidate in the county, his majority over all competitors being three thousand six hundred and eleven. Plis nomination by the Democracy of the county was equivalent to an election, yet his signal triumph at the polls was beyond the most sanguine expectations of either himself or his friends. Mr. Pabst did much to systematize the work of the office of clerk of the' courts, to which he was thus elected, and gave the people a clean and intelligent administration, entirely above criticism of an adverse nature. His record was so thoroughly satisfactory that the way was opened for his election to other positions, after he had served the statutory term in the clerk's office. This came in the form of his triumphant nomination and election to the office of county auditor, in November, 1900. He was duly qualified and entered upon the duties of this office on the 21st of October, 1901, while in the election of November. 1903, he was chosen as his own successor, again receiving a most significant and flattering majority at the polls. It goes without saying that the office of county auditor is one of the most important within the gift of the people. Its duties are diversified, and absolute accuracy, promptness and efficiency are demanded on the part of its executive incumbent. Mr. Pabst has surrounded himself with trustworthy, obliging and competent assistants, and has inaugurated a thoroughly systematic conduct of the office, a system well in keeping with his methodical and precise business principles. He is extremely popular in the county and is everywhere recognized as a useful and influential citizen.

Mr. Pabst "is a stanch supporter of the public-school system and an ardent friend of the cause of education in general. In 1882 he was chosen one of the trustees of the Lane Free Library and served in that capacity for many years. His record as a citizen is clear and untarnished and his social and domestic life entirely above reproach. t He has been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party from the time of attaining his majority,' and has ever manifested the courage of his convictions, believing firmly in the principles of the party as exemplified by its founders. He is well known to the people of the county and is accorded the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem. Fraternally, he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Royal Arcanum, and the Modem Woodmen of America, while both he and his wife are valued members of the German Evangelical church.

On the 15th of April, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Pabst to Miss Catherine Gerlach, of Cleveland, this state, her father, Peter Gerlach, being a well-todo and prominent citizen and manufacturer of the beautiful Forest City of Ohio. To them three sons have been born as follows : Robert P. and Warren J., twins, bom on November 12. 1898, and Herbert G., bom April 15, 1901.

The world has little use for the misanthrope. The universal brotherhood is widely recognized, as is also the truth that he serves God best who serves his fellow men. There is no profession or line of business which calls for greater self-sacrifice or more devoted attention than the medical profession, and the most successful physician is he who through love of his fellow man gives his time and earnest attention to the relief of human suffer ing. The successful physician is bound to make friends wherever he is

William A. Lucas was born in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, on the 19th of 'April, 1873, and is the son of Benjamin P. and Rhoda (Sutphen) Lucas. Benjamin P. Lucas was also a native of this county and was reared on a farm. He obtained h\s preliminary education in the common schools, which was supplemented by attendance at. Antioch College, where he took the literary course. However, a promising career was cut short by death at the early age of thirty- four years, his widow and two children being thus deprived of a husband and father's loving support and protection. The two children referred to were Charles, of Middletown, and the subject. The mother is still living and makes her home in Middletown.

The subject is indebted to the common schools of Middletown for bis early education and during young manhood he was for a year employed in the capacity of assistant mailing clerk in the Middletown postoffice. He then entered the employ of the Cleveland Lumber Company, being assigned to the estimating department. He had long entertained a desire to enter the medical profession and during his employment as aforesaid he had employed his leisure moments in the reading and study of medicine. The lumber company's plant was destroyed by fire in July, 1893, thus throwing him out of employment, but this apparent misfortune really but hastened the culmination of his desire, for in the autumn of the same year Mr. Lucas entered the Ohio Medical College, where he pursued his studies for three years, being graduated in 1896. Immediately upon receiving his degree of Doc- tor of Medicine the subject located in Columbus, where he was actively engaged in the practice, but a year and a half later, in September, 1897, he located in Middletown, where he has since remained. He has been* accorded a liberal share of the public patronage and is today numbered among the most successful professional men in the county. In order to better equip himself for any demands that might be made upon him, the Doctor took a thorough course in the Illinois Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Infirmary at Chicago and by a constant attention to the most recent advances made in the healing art he has acquired a skill in the treatment of diseases that has easily placed him in the front ranks among the physicians of his county.

1 In politics the Doctor is a stanch Republican, but the demands of his profession have precluded his taking a very active part in the campaign work of his party. He is, however, keenly alive to the leading questions of the day and is able to intelligently discuss the great measures which from time to time confront the American voters. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also a charter member of the K. of A. E. O.. which was instituted here in 1901 and in which he has held official position.

On the 8th day of September, 1 897, Doctor Lucas was united in marriage with Miss Edna V. Bonnell, who was born at Middletown, Ohio, on November 7, 1875, being the daughter of J. V. and Emma Bonnell. Her father is a prominent resident of Middletown and a member of the city officiary for twenty years. Mrs. Lucas received a good education in the schools of Middletown, which was supplemented by a liberal musical education. To the union of the Subject and his wife has been born one child, Louise, born August 31, 1899.

Dr. Lucas is a man of genial disposition, affable and companionable. He is a man whose sympathies are easily aroused and who ever responds with alacrity to calls from the suffering, whether it be beneath the humble roof of the cottager or within the home of wealth. Still comparatively young in years and in his profession, he has all the requisite ability to rise to still greater emili- - ence in his profession and his many friends predict for him a brilliant future.

Daniel W. Charles

Daniel W. Charles, one of the leading business men of Hamilton, is a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, born at the foot of the Alleghanies on the 19th of March, 1852. He is a son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Johnson) Charles, natives of Perry county, of Holland and Irish ancestors respectively. When the subject was a lad of nine or ten years old, he came with his parents to Mount Healthy, Hamilton county, Ohio, and there completed his education, commenced in his old Pennsylvania home. His parents died at Mount Healthy, the father at the age of seventy-three years and mother at sixty-nine. They had a family of eight children, three of whom, Benjamin F., Wesley and Lillie, died in infancy. The surviving members of the family are David M., of Cumminsville, Ohio; Daniel W., of this sketch; Mrs. Mary Wert, a widow residing at Mount Healthy; Samuel E., a

After completing a common-school education, Mr. Charles began his independent career as an apprentice to the broom-maker's trade. Some five years were spent at this trade, when he abandoned it and became a clerk in a general store at Mount Healthy, in the employ of Henry Moser. His salary was small and he sought an opportunity to grow in the business. He reached Hamilton in 1875, 'yith fifty cents in his pockets, the sum total of his earthly store, excepting only his indomitable energy and business ability. He entered the employ of John S. Whitton on a salary of six dollars per week, and paid five dollars a week for his board and room. But his meager salary was increased from time to time until he received a fair recompense for his labor during a portion of the time he remained with Mr. Whitton. After six years thus employed Mr. Charles accepted a position with the late William C. Frechtling as manager of the retail grocery department, and remained under this engagement for five years. He was married in September, 1878. to Miss Lida B. Sullivan, of Hamilton. With increasing home interests it seemed necessary for Mr. Charles to make a venture in business on his own account and thus augment the meager receipts with increased revenue^. On the 26th of October, 1886, Mr. Charles purchased a stock of goods then in the same room which he now occupies, at the northeast corner of Third and Court streets. His predecessor was the late M. Shellenbach. The consideration was fourteen hundred dollars, and Mr. Charles had saved one thousand and twenty dollars from his earnings up to that date. He necessarily began business with a small stock, but soon demonstrated his ability as a buyer and salesman, and the stock has been constantly growing and the trade expanding. The "Dan" Charles corner is a favorite designation of his locality, and the volume of goods handled at that point is very large. It is surely one of the busiest corners in the city, with six clerks and three delivery wagons kept busy selling and delivering goods. The capital invested is turned many times each year, owing to ttye staple character of goods handled. Several lines of goods, notably flour and coffee, are put up expressly for Mr. Charles and bear his name. From the small beginning of fifty cents, Mr. Charles has developed a business industry equaling that of the largest retail grocery house in Hamilton. He handles all the staple lines of groceries and provisions, including many specialties and novelties. The large storeroom is full of goods from the floor to the ceiling, with a basement, equally as large, full of surplus stock not needed on the shelves. Mr, Charles has invested his surplus earning in other interests and is rated very well-to-do. He is an extensive stockholder in the Ohio Valley Grocery Company, of Cincinnati, a well known wholesale house, and is also a stockholder in the Miami Valley National Bank of Hamilton. Other and varied business interests receive his attention outside of purely mercantile pursuits. One of these is the Sanitary 'Manufacturing Company, of Hamilton, in which he is an extensive stockholder. Mr. Charles recites with pleasure and satisfaction some of his early experiences in securing positions in Hamilton, and how one big firm offered to' put him to work as an "errand boy" and general roustabout. Doubtless his immaturity and diminutive size led to the conclusion that he was in reality "only a boy," but the same firm were glad to have him as a man and placed him in a responsible position, requiring a man's ability and endurance. Mr. and Mrs. Charles have two promising sons, Walter B. and Clifford C. They have been carefully and liberally educated and prepared for life's duties on tl^eir own account. Walter is a talented musician and a teacher of that' entrancing art, while Clifford is assistant manager of the Ohio Valley Grocery Company, with headquarters in Cincinnati.

Mr. Charles is pre-eminently a business man. While he takes an active interest in public affairs, and is intelligent and well informed on current history, he has never found time to take an active part in political and social affairs. He is a Democrat in his views and therein transcended paternal authority, going to the polls and casting his first vote for the Democratic candidates, jocosely remarking to his father that he had killed his vote. He is a genial, pleasant gentleman, active and energetic in everything which his hands find to do, and, withal, a prominent and influential citizen. No man in the city has a wider acquaintance in Butler county than the genial "Dan" Charles.

Among the highly respected and wellknown citizens of Butler county, Ohio, is he whose name appears above. He is the son of Gilbert Maulsberry Reed (or Read), descended from a family by the name of Read that settled in Massachusetts during the seventeenth century, and Catharine Cumming Reed, nee Stockton, daughter of John Noble Cumming Stockton, born at Princeton, New Jersey, in 1774, and Jane Van Schaick Stockton, both dying in 1839 near Pisgah, Ohio. The parents of the subject of this sketch came to Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, about 1816, where they first met and \vere married in 1820, but in 1825 they came to Union township. Butler county, and settled near Rialto paper mills, on lands belonging to the Stockton estate but now owned by Mrs. Ayres Bramble. In 1833 they removed to Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, where the father, at the age of sixty-five, died in i860, and twenty years later the mother died at the age of eighty-four years, at Carmi, White county, Illinois. Of their issue, John Stockton Reed, born December 10, 1821, died in Jersey county, Illinois, in 1899: William Tenent Reed, born August t2, 1823, died in infancy ; Richard Cumming Stockton Reed, born February 2, T825, lives at Stockton, Ohio; Garret Readin Reed, born March 7, 1827, died at Los Angeles, California. September t8, 1904; Jane Elizabeth Reed, born May 25, 1829, died in infancy and was buried at Pisgah, where her grandparents (the Stocktons) were interred ten years later; Harriet Ann Reed, born September 30, 1831, died in 1858 and was buried at Euphemia, where her father was laid by her side two years afterward ; Lucius Nelson Reed, born May 28, 1834, many years a contractor and builder at Kendallville, Indiana, lives at Fulton, Illinois.

Dr. Reed attended common schools in Butler and Montgomery counties and continued his preliminary education at a private academy and under private instructors.

in connection with teaching at Preble, But-' far these conditions are departures from natler, Hamilton and Warren counties, in the ural laws. To aid in obtaining a more perorder named, beginning in 1842 and ending feet knowledge of disease and its treatment, in 1850. In 1845 he commenced the study he has invited consultations, examined textof medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. books, read medical journals, and joined lo- C. H. Thomas, of Sharonville, continuing cal, district, state and national medical ashis medical studies under Dr. S. P. Hunt, sociations. Nor has he been as a sponge - of Morrow, and Dr. Isaac Kay, of Lewis- always absorbing and never parting with burg, but now of Springfield, Ohio. In anything except under pressure. In his lec- and a review of all his medical studies, in through the Cincinnati Medical News, of Starling Medical College, at Columbus, which he was associate editor from 1872 to Ohio, he commenced the practice of medi- 1880, he has freely imparted whatever he becine at Wolf Lake, Noble county. Indiana, lieved would benefit the sick and protect the In i860, at the end of a course of lectures well ; whatever would elevate the medical

Surgery, he received from that institution back the enemy of all flesh. During the the degree of Doctor of Medicine,, and began many years he was dean of the faculty of the the practice of medicine at Stockton. The Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery next year after receiving his degree he was he kept faithful watch over the interests of elected a member of the faculty of his alma society, the college and the medical profesmater and in 1862 was assigned to the chair sion. Within the time of this service the of materia medica and therapeutics, to college entered upon the co-education of the which, in 1882. state medicine was added, sexes, being the first "regular' medical col- The teaching and practice of medicine be- lege in Cincinnati to matriculate ladies for ing thus united, became his life work for the doctorate and it was during this service more than thirty years. He is still a mem- he arranged for the delivery of a course of ber of the faculty, but his relation is emer- didactic lectures (he assisting) to a class of itus. Dr. Reed, in the development of his nurse students, being chiefly students nurspaternal endowments, has been a painstak- ing for members of the faculty in their priing student. He has been a careful teacher vate practice. It was the first effort of the and a faithful doctor in all things he be- kind ever made by a college faculty or. problieved true and. realizing the responsibility ably, by a hospital staff west of the mounthey imposed, he has often repeated, "Woe tains. "Our effort,' says Dr. Reed, was a to me if I teach for truth that which is er- success for our purpose, that of making ror, or neglect to prescribe for the suffering those assisting in the sick rooms of our pathe right remedy at the right time, or fail trons better nurses. The hospital, the onh to cease treatment when enough has been proper place for such an institution, at the given." He has been a close observer at the end of the session took the plant and supplebedside of the sick, seeking to know the mented the effort and now a graft from it is

In about 1882 Dr. Reed secured the introduction into the general assembly of Ohio of a bill for a state board of health, of which bill he was the author. It was the first, as he believed, presented in the state, making ample provision for the protection of society from the charlatan doctor and the unscrupulous vender of food products - and advocated its passage in the Cincinnati Sanitary News, of which he was owner and associate editor from 1882 to 1884. The bill did not become a law. It died with that session of the assembly, but its influence lived.

In politics the Doctor is a Democrat in the strict sense. He was with the Republican party at its organization and he has remained with it ever since. In religion he is a Christian. In 1844 he joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church, but in after years drifted away and now he is not a member of any church organization.

Dr. Reed married, first, in 1852, Miss Nancy, eldest daughter of Hon. John Clark and Elizabeth Clark, nee McClelland, of Milford township, Butler county. Ohio, who died, at the age of twenty-seven years, in 1856, leaving two sons. Dr. John Gilbert Reed, a successful doctor located at Elmwood Place. Ohio, and Dr. Charles A. L. Reed, of Cincinnati, author, teacher, surgeon, ex-president of the American Medical Association, etc. Mrs. Reed had an amiable personality. Her friends were everyone who knew her and every friend loved her for her helpful and generous kindness and unswerving devotion to convictions of duty. Before her marriage, not unlike her associates, she had given no thought to the next generation and when confronted with the conditions of maternity lamented her insufficient knowledge. "I can not believe in passive motherhood," she said. "Tell me what I must do." She became an attentive student of biologic subjects, especially that relating to the transmission of ancestral life to the next generation. She learned to believe one generation can make the next better or worse than itself. That the vitalized parent cell is made up of germs from which development and growth must proceed and apply, alike, to physical, moral, intellectual and special sense conditions. They belong to the mother who must divide and increase their number to meet constructive requirements, but she can make them many or few, strong or weak, good or bad. She felt that the end of the breathless period marks the end of the mother's opportunity to endow and after the first breath has shut off the maternal blood current it would be as impossible to add germs to strengthen moral or intellectual power as it would be to grow a fourth finger on a hand born with but three. Education can furnish nothing. It only develops what is. The highest grade of success comes to the mother who. early, organizes a community of ideals and dwells with them, representing the highest conception of perfection of mental power and moral excellence, and not only dwell with her ideals but wrestle with them for the blessing, as did Jacob with the man of God. She believed maternity is a business requiring the whole head and heart and is governed by business principles the same as other branches, where the most faithful afe the most successful.

Waterhouse, of Glendale, Ohio, who died in 1900, at the age of sixty-eight years, leaving five children, namely : Robert Warwick McClelland, of Dayton, Ohio, and Mary E. Seward, nee McClelland, wife of I. Howell Seward, a prosperous farmer near Hamilton, Ohio, children by her first husband, and Horace Greeley Reed, of Hamilton, Ohio, Kate Reed Field, wife of Major D. W. Field, of Los Angeles, California, and Dr. William Stockton Reed, a popular and successful doctor located at Stockton. Mrs. Reed was of a loving and quiet disposition and for forty-two years a model wife and mother.

Dr. Reed went to California in 1894, but returned to the old homestead in Stockton in 1901, where he now (1904) resides, quietly waiting for the summons to go through the valley of the shadows, lift the dark curtain and enter the great beyond where he hopes to find light, life and immortality.

Patrick E. Welsh

Patrick E. Welsh, the subject of this article, was born in Hamilton on the 21st of January, i860. He received a good education in the public schools, and during his youth entered the printing establishment of the late Jacob H. Long, where he mastered the "art preservative." For a number of years he was superintendent of the job department of the Butler County Democrat. Mr. Welsh has occupied positions of prominence in the city, being councilman from the fourth ward for several years, and also served as health officer under the city board of health. For six years he was partner with Peter A. Claire in conducting a cafe and sample room on Third street. He then started in business alone and now owns and operates one of the leading houses in the city. He caters to a high class of trade and conducts the Mecca on a high plane of business rectitude. The place is a favorite, resort for gentlemen who desire to pass a pleasant hour with the social glass and congenial companions.

Mr. Welsh was chief of the Hamilton fire department from April, 1894, until April, 1903, in which capacity he fully demonstrated the wisdom of the choice and the propriety of his long continuance in that important position. He is an uncompromising Democrat in his political views, active and aggressive in the interests of his party Mr. Cone, in his history of Hamilton, desig nates him as a "Democrat of the thirtythird degree," which to the initiated means exalted honors in the councils of Democracy Mr. Welsh is descended from Irish ances tors, who were adherents to the creed of Catholicism. In this faith he was reared and still maintains allegiance to the church of his ancestors. In his social relations he is a member of various fraternal and benefit cial organizations, among which may be mentioned the Benevolent and Protect ive Order of Elks. Fraternal Order of Eagles, Ancient Order of Hibernians and Catholic Benevolent Legion.

Mr. Welsh is a social, pleasant gentleman, generous to the afflicted and always true to his friends. He was married October 28, 1896, when he chose for his companion on life's journey Miss Mary Murphy, a native of Hamilton. This happy union has been blessed by the advent of one daughter. Miss Mary, now six years old.

James K. Thomas

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life and characteristics the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Middletown and has by his energy and progressive business methods contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the city and county. He has in the course of an honorable career been most successful in the business enterprises with which he has been connected and is well deserving of mention in the biographical history of Butler county.

James K. Thomas is a native of the city of Hamilton, Ohio, having first seen the light of day on the 29th of September, 1829. He is a son of James B. and Lydia (Jones) Thomas, the former of whom was a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, bom in September. 1792. In early life he removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, and served as a private soldier all through the war of 1812, participating in the battle of Lake Erie. He was a carpenter by trade and after the close of the war he went to New Orleans and there followed his trade for a time. Subsequently he came to Hamilton, Ohio, and resided there during the remainder of his life. In 1828 he was appointed postmaster of Hamilton by General Jackson, retaining the position until 1848, when he resigned and for a while served as deputy postmaster. He was a man of pronounced ability and energetic temperament and stood high among his associates.

James K. Thomas received his education in the common schools and was also for a time under the instructions of a private tutor, becoming thus fairly well equipped for life's struggle. Upon the completion of his education he accepted a clerkship in a private bank, in which position he was enabled to acquire an insight into practical business methods which was of inestimable value to him in later years. As soon as practicable Mr. Thomas engaged in business upon his own responsibility, by engaging, with others, in the milling business. After conducting this enterprise for six years, with fairly satisfactory results, the subject went to Cincinnati and for six years was there engaged in the commission business. In 1866 he moved to Middletown and the following year established the firm known as the Wardlow-Thomas Paper Company, with which he is still connected. This firrii has acquired a splendid reputation for the high grade of products it puts on the market and is enjoying a high degree of prosperity. Not a little of this prosperity is due to the indefatigable efforts of the subject, who has given the major part of his time to the business. The company employs a large force of efficient workmen, the pay-roll amounting to about six hundred dollars per week, while the mill output amounts to an average of twenty thousand pounds daily. It is one of the foremost enterprises of Middletown and because of the progressive spirit evinced by the promoters they have won the confidence of the business world.

Mr. Thomas was united in marriage, October 27, 1852, to Miss Harriet A. Mc- Maken, a daughter of M. C. McMaken and a native of Butler county. Her father was also a native of this county and was the father of five children, four, daughters and a son, the latter being at the present time the secretary and treasurer of the company with which his father is connected. Mr.

Thomas was the father of three daughters and one son. Mr. Thomas is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Middletown and has taken an active part in religious matters from his youth up. He takes a deep interest in everything looking to the advancement of the material, moral and educational interests of his community and contributes liberally of his time and means to all worthy objects. Politically he is a firm advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, having formerly been a Democrat and having cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles and of upright life and by all is esteemed for his genuine worth.

Wendel P. Butterfield

The subject of this review is a typical representative of sterling New England manhood, and combines many of the sturdy characteristics for which the people of that section of the Union have been long distinguished. William Butterfield, the father, was a native of Massachusetts and the mother. Elizabeth Robinson, was descended from an old family that figured in the earlv settlement of Vermont. After their marriage these parents lived in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where William Butterfield followed shoemaking, working at various places in those states.

VYendel P. Butterfield was born in New Hampshire, December 29, 1849, anc^ spent his early life in a small country town and attended the public schools until his sixteenth year. In 1861 he went to Covington.

Kentucky ; thence, a little later to Cincinnati, and in the spring of 1866 came to Middletown, Ohio, to which place his mother also removed about the same time. On coming west Mr. Butterfield turned his attention to farm work, but afterwards took up the carpenter's trade, in which he soon acquired skill and efficiency, and which he followed in Middletown and vicinitv until engaging with the Oglesby Paper Company in 1873, entering the employ of the latter concern as superintendent of machinery, in which capacity he still continues. Mr. Butterfield is not only a skillful mechanic, but is also an accomplished machinist and his services in the important position which he holds have been eminently efficient and highly appreciated. The company with which he is identified is one of the leading industrial enterprises of Middletown, and the high esteem in which he is held by the management shows him the possessor of wise, able and honorable business qualities, which win and retain confidence and achieve a large measure of success. Aside from his immediate calling, Mr. Butterfield manifests a lively interest in the affairs of the community, being energetic and publicspirited and an earnest advocate of all progressive measures for the material prosperity of the city of his residence. In like manner he encourages everything in the nature of social improvement and moral reform, stands for what makes for the best interest of his fellow men and his influence has long been a forceful factor in bringing such movements to successful issue.

In politics Mr. Butterfield accords an unwavering allegiance to the Republican party, but his activity never verges on offensive partisanship, nor can he be called an office seeker, although called at different times to positions of honor and trust. In the spring of 1903 was elected a member of the board of public service by the largest plurality ever given a candidate for that place, and in addition thereto he has also served three terms as water-works trustee, discharging the duties of both positions in an able, business-like and eminently satisfactory manner.

Mr. Butterfield stands high in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, at Middletown, and Chapter No. 87, at the same place, in both of which he has been honored with important official stations, being a trustee of the former organization at the present time. He is also connected with the National Association of Stationary Engineers, and in religion subscribes to the Methodist Protestant faith, belonging to the church at Middletown and holding the office of trustee in the same.

Mr. Butterfield is a married man and the father of an interesting family of seven children, his wife having formerly been Miss Elizabeth Hughes, daughter of .Edward Hughes, who for some years was superintendent of the Oglesby Moore Paper Company, and whose son now holds the same position. Mrs. Butterfield was about one year old when her parents moved to Middletown and with that exception her life has been spent in this city. Like her husband, she is widely and favorably known, stands high in the social circles of the community, and within the sacred precincts of home reigns with a gentle dignity, which bespeaks the devoted wife, loving mother and true lady. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Butterfield :

Edward, a machinist of Middletown; Elizabeth; Wendell; William, who holds a clerical position with a large dry-goods house in Cincinnati ; Charles and Albert, who are working at the machinist's trade, while Ralph and Raymond, the youngest of the family, are still with their parents.

Nathan G. Oglesby

The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; vet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have known him so long and well.

Nathan G. Oglesby is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been -born near Richmond, Wayne county, Indiana, on the 30th of March, 1831. He is the son of Joseph and Mary A. (Adleman) Oglesby. The family from which the subject springs is of Scotch ancestry and the immediate antecedents of the subject emigrated to Indiana from Chester county, Pennsylvania. On the maternal side the subject is of German descent, and his parents were married in

Pennsylvania. The father was a toolmaker by trade and after coming west he was engaged in a sickle and tool factory near Jacksonburg, being also engaged in farming. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom the subject is the one now living.

- Nathan G. Oglesby was brought to Middletown when he was but fourteen years of age and here attended the graded schools, acquiring a fair education in the common branches, which he has since supplemented by wide reading and close observation. For a time after leaving school he was employed as a clerk in a store conducted by a brother, being employed in this capacity until he was twenty-seven years old. In 1861 he was nominated by the Republicans of his county for the responsible office of countv treasurer and was successful at the polls, serving one term in the office. Subsequently he served one term as deputy treasurer under his brother, W. B. Oglesby, who also was elected to the office of county treasurer in 1881. He also served as secretary and collector for the Middletown water-works for eleven years, resigning that position to go to Chicago, where he remained for five years. Returning to Middletown at the end of that period, Mr. Oglesby was again appointed to his former position, and has ever since served in that capacity, nineteen years in all. On the 6th of April, 1903, the subject was, under the new code, elected to the office of auditor of the city of Middletown, being now the incumbent of this office. His majority in this election was four hundred and thirty-eight, especially gratifying because of the fact that it was the largest majority given any candidate on the ticket. Mr. Oglesby has proved a faithful and competent official in every public capacity in which he has served and has won in a large degree the confidence of the public. &

On the 5th day of August, 1857, Mr. Oglesby was united in marriage with Miss Catalina D. Chistanse, the daughter of Peter and Eva Chistanse, her mother being of German descent. Mrs. Oglesby was born at Fonda, New York, in 1840, and came to Middletown, Ohio, with her parents in 1852. To the subject and his wife have been born the following children : J. S. is engaged in the real estate business in Middletown ; Nathan E. has charge of the stock room for the Decatur Buggy Company; William E. is the secretary for an insurance company in Chicago ; Ralph C. is at home ; Clara E. is the wife of a Mr. Lyman, of Northampton, Massachusetts. In religion the subject affiliates with the Methodist Protestant church and takes a deep and abiding interest in all movements having for their object the upbuilding of society in general. Because of his many sterling qualities he has earned the regard and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact and he is counted among the substantial and progressive citizens of his city and county.

Libern Martin

The honorable distinction which the subject of this review has acquired in educational and business circles indicates ability of a high order, while his influence in the industrial affairs of Middletown stamps him as one of the city's most enterprising and successful men of affairs. Libern Martin is a Kentuckian by birth and one of six chil- dren whose parents, Thomas and Margaret (Mardis) Martin, are natives of Virginia and the Blue Grass state respectively. Prof. Thomas Martin has been identified with the educational interests of Kentucky and Ohio for a number of years, his especial line of work being commercial and general business training, in the prosecution of which he long since achieved honorable repute. In addition to organizing and managing business colleges in Cincinnati, he established similar institutions at various other points, notably in the cities of Covington and Newport, and of recent years he has traveled quite extensively throughout the United States as a popular lecturer, being a pleasing and popular speaker and a favorite on the platform. His home at this time is in Covington, Kentucky, but his duties as an educator and lecturer keep him on the#road the greater part of the time, his interests being wide and varied and his life one of constant devotion to the lines of work in which he is engaged.

Libem Martin was born on April 11, 1865, and received his early education in the schools of Cincinnati, subsequently finishing a full business course in a commercial college of which his father was proprietor and manager. When a young man he accepted a position in the public schools of the above city, where he taught for some time as principal of the business department, and later became interested with his father in commercial educational work under the style of the Thomas Martin & Son Business College Company.

In addition to this, Mr. Martin was connected for some time with the Charles Scribner Son's Publishing Company of Cincinnati, but in 1890 he left that city to accept the position of bookkeeper and salesman with the W. B. Oglesby Paper Company at Middletown, subsequently taking full charge. After continuing in this capacity for several years he became president in 1902 and of which he is now one of the largest stockholders, owning a fourth interest in the enterprise, besides sustaining the relation of general business manager, a position entailing many exacting duties and responsibilities. in all of which he has acquitted himself ably, creditably and to the entire satisfaction of his associates.

Mr. Martin is an accomplished business man and prepared himself for the important post which he now holds by thorough training and valuable practical experience. His duties are so systematized as to make his work comparatively easy, and it is not too much to say that the continued success of the company, ever since he took charge of his present position, is largely attributed to his sound business methods, mature judgment, familiarity with the details and superior executive ability. He has few equals as an accountant, and possesses the faculty of doing thoroughly whatever he undertakes, and so the remarkable advancement he has made and the high reputation achieved in the industrial circles may be easily accounted for.

Mr. Martin is a Republican in politics and since taking up his abode in Middletown has become deeply interested in municipal matters as well as public affairs in general, having served two terms in the common council, where his business-like course led to the adoption of much important local legislation. He has been an active and untiring worker for his party, is frequently selected as a delegate to city, county, district and state conventions and in these assem- blages as well as in the management of campaigns his influence and leadership have had much to do in formulating policies and promoting the success of the ticket.

In his social relations Mr. Martin is deservedly popular and has many warm friends whose loyalty can always be trusted. He enjoys, to a remarkable degree, the esteem of his fellow men, and by a life in which devotion to principle has ever been dominant has made himself eminently worthy the confidence in which he is universally held. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and for several years has been a leading and influential member of the Middletown lodge, in which he now holds the title of past exalted ruler.

Mr. Martin has been twice married, the first time to Miss Mollie Nichols, of Kentucky, who bore him five children, Alsia, Earl, Buford, Geneva and Jessie, the oldest being seventeen and the youngest nine years of age. Some time after the death of the mother of these children he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Alice Brown, an intelligent and cultured lady of Indianapolis, Indiana, the union being without issue.

George Wolverton

Among Butler county's native sons and representative citizens is the prominent farmer and stock raiser whose life story is briefly outlined in the following paragraphs. George Wolverton occupies a conspicuous place among the leading and influential men of his community, and it isy a tribute to genuine worth to number him with the large and eminently respectable class of people who by deeds rather than words do so much to advance the material interests of the country and whose influence is always on the side of right and for whatever tends to the moral welfare of those with whom they associate. Like many of the early families of Butler county, the Wolvertons came from Pennsylvania. The subject's grandfather settled in Lemon township in an early day, purchased land and cleared a good farm, becoming one of the substantial citizens of his community. He died many years ago where he originally located, leaving several children to perpetuate his name, among the number being a son by the name of John, who was born on the family homestead, December 25, 1839. John Wolverton was reared a tiller of the soil and on reaching the years of manhood - bought of his father a fine tract of one hundred and forty acres in Lemon township, on which he made many improvements and which under his labors and judicious management eventually became one of the most productive farms in the county, as well as one of the most valuable. The maiden name of Mrs. John Wolverton was Sarah Jones ; her parents, Reuben and Mary ( Sheets) Jones, were among the early settlers of Lemon township, both brandies of her family being represented in Butler county in pioneer times. After acquiring a competency for his declining years, John Wolverton retired from active life and his death occurred in 1900, at the age of sixtyone years. He was a local politidan of the old Democratic school, an excellent man and in many respects a leader among his neighbors and fellow citizens. In addition to farming he did a thriving business for some years as a manufacturer of brooms and to him also belongs the credit of founding and pushing to successful organization the first building and loan association of Middletown, of which enterprise he was not only the father, but the leading spirit as long as he lived.

George Wolverton, child of John and Sarah Wolverton, was born in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, December 12, 1872. During his childhood and early youth he received a good education in the graded schools of his native city and after finishing his studies in the high school, began tilling the soil, which honorable calling he has always followed, being at this time one of the largest and most successful farmers of Lemon township, also a stock raiser of much more than local reputation. Mr. Wolverton's place, which consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres of fertile, well-cultivated land, is beautifully situated and admirably adapted for agriculture and live-stock purposes and, with its fine improvements and excellent condition, is easily one of the most valuable and attractive suburban homes in a county which has long been noted for the attention which advanced farming has received and for the pains which have been taken to make rural life pleasant and desirable. Energetic, enterprising and progressive, Mr. Wolverton is thoroughly abreast the time in all matters relating to agriculture and by diligent attention, commendable thrift and superior business ability he has continually added to his possessions, until he now occupies a leading place among the financially strong and reliable men of his community, while as a citizen he is publicspirited, being deeply interested in whatever makes for the material welfare of his township and county and an earnest advocate of all movements having for their object the general good of his friends, neighbors and associates. In his political views Mr. Wolverton is a decided Democrat, but while active in promoting the success of his party, he has persistently refused to stand for office, although by nature and training amply qualified to fill successfully important public trusts. Mrs. Wolverton was born in Lesourdsville, Ohio, and after finishing the grammar grades of the Middletown schools, entered the city high school, from which she was graduated in 1890. She is a lady of many accomplishments, a true helpmeet to her husband and' a loving and devoted mother, her family at this time consisting of two children, one being deceased. The names of those living are Mary E., who was born May 8. 1898, and Dortlia Louise, whose birth occurred on August 6, 1902. John A., the second of the number, was born January 24, 1900, and died July 25, 1901.

The old and reliable firm of Caldwell & Iseminger, established at Middletown, Ohio, in 1858. is still the leading establishment of the kind in the city, doing a large and lucrative business in contracting and building, also manufacturing on an extensive scale, making a specialty of veneered doors, hardwood interiors, bank and office furniture and fixtures and all lines of work in which skill and a high degree of artistic taste is required. J. M. Iseminger, junior member of this firm and a business man of wide repute, was born in Morgan township, Butler county, Ohio, on February 14, 1857. He received his educational training in the public schools and at the age of nineteen years started out to make his own way, his first position being a clerkship in a general store at Okeana, Ohio, where he remained for a period of three years, acquiring during that time a practical knowledge of business and a familiarity with the underlying principles of commercial life. At the expiration of the time noted he severed his connection with his employer and took a position with T. V. Howell & Son, of Hamilton, with whom he remained during the ensuing five years, the last eighteen months of which he was general manager of the firm. Resigning this place in February, 1854, Mr. Iseminger became manager of William Caldwell's manufacturing and building interests at Middletown, which responsible position he held until 1898, on January 1st of which year he purchased a half interest in the establishment and from that date to the present time he has been an equal partner in the business. He still retains the position of manager and it is but just to state that under his able supervision the interests of the firm have been greatly augmented, until, as indicated in a preceding paragraph, their establishment has grown to be not only Jhe leading enterprise of the kind in Middletown, but also one of the largest, best conducted and most successful in the southern part of the state. Mr. Iseminger is an accomplished business man, of sound judgment and executive ability of a high order, and, possessing remarkable energy, he lays his plans wisely and never fails to carry to successful issue any undertaking in which he may engage. To his foresight and correct methods is the firm of which he is executive head indebted for its advancement and continuous prosperity, and the ripe experience which has aided him heretofore and his present influential standing in industrial circles may be taken as prophetic of a still larger and more prosperous business career in years to come.

While permanently interested in his own affairs and making every other consideration subordinate thereto, Mr. Iseminger has not been unmindful of his duties as a citizen or of his obligations to the community in which he lives, being deeply concerned in the welfare of the latter, as is attested by the manner in which he encourages every laudable enterprise for its material development, also co-operating with all legitimate efforts for the social and moral improvement of his fellow men. He enjoys to an eminent degree the esteem of those with whom he mingles, and by an upright, manly course of conduct has shown himself worthy of the high esteem with which he is regarded by the public. Mr. Iseminger is a » married man, his wife being Laura E., daughter of his business partner, William Caldwell, the ceremony by which they were united in the bonds of wedlock having been solemnized on February 5, 1884.

Harry Walburg

Holding prestige among the successful business men of Butler county, Harry Walburg, of Middletown, has had much to do in advancing the material interests of the city of his residence and making it one of the important industrial centers of southwestern Ohio. The study of such a life as his can not fail in interest and incentive as he is distinctively representative in his sphere of endeavor and has contributed in no small measure to the prosperity of the community which has so long been his home and the field of his operations. The subject's paternal grandfather was a native of Germany, but came to America in an early day and, settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, spent the remainder of his life in that city. Bv occupation he was a tanner and for a number of years did a flourishing business in the manufacture of leather, in due time becoming not only quite wealthy but also an enterprising and public-spirited man of affairs. Henry Walburg, the subject's father, was born in Cincinnati, and in early life learned the tanner's trade and devoted his attention to the same until retiring from business, at a comparatively recent date, since which time he has been living a retired life in his native city, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of successful toil. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Sorg, bore him ten children, of whom the following are living : Harry, Anthony, Mary, Paul, Anna and Ada.

Harry Walburg was born in Cincinnati on June 5, 1863, and spent his childhood and youth in his native city, receiving his edu- - cational training in the parochial schools of the same. At the early age of eleven years he was thrown upon his own resources and from that time until his twenty-second year worked at any kind of honorable employment to which he could turn his hands. In 1885 he came to Middletown and entered the employ of the P. J. Sorg Tobacco Company, with which he continued for a period of eleven years, during which time he rose from a comparatively honorable position to that of bookkeeper and later was advanced to the post of correspondent.

Severing his connection with the above firm, Mr. Walburg, in November, 1897, took charge of the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company, of Middletown, with which he has since been identified, and at this time he holds the responsible positions of secretary and treasurer of the concern, in addition to discharging his duties as general manager. Under his able and judicious direction, the company has made rapid advancement and it is not too much to say that its continued prosperity is largely due to his sound judgment, wise foresight and correct business methods. Possessing executive ability of a superior order and an innate capacity for large undertakings, he has been untiring in his efforts to promote the success of the enterprise with which he is connected, and that he has succeeded in this laudable desire is sufficiently attested not only by the high standing the company has achieved in industrial circles, but by his own reputation as an energetic manager and thoroughly safe and reliable business man.

Mr. Walburg is a splendid specimen of the aggressive, wide-awake American of today and from the beginning his career presents a series of successes such as few men of his years attain. Broad-minded and liberal in his views of men and things and progressive in all the term implies, he is sel dom mistaken in judgment; vigorous in action. resolute in purpose and with a will that hesitates at no opposing obstacles, he has made his presence felt as an important factor in the affairs of his city and county and the confidence reposed in him by all classes and conditions of his fellow citizens shows the high esteem in which he is held by the public. In politics he is a Democrat and as such has been influential in promoting the interests of his party, although not in the direction of holding office nor has he ever been an aspirant for leadership. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he now holds the title of past exalted ruler; religiously he was born and reared a Catholic, of which church he has ever been a faithful and loyal member.

Mr. Walburg has mingled much with men in different capacities and has also seen a great deal of the world, having traveled quite extensively, not only in the United States, but in various parts of Europe. In 1889 he made a tour of the' old country, during which he traveled over the greater part of Germany, England. France, Belgium and Holland, visiting all the great cities and more important places of interest, and corning in- close contact with a number of the leading men of those countries.

The domestic life of Mr. Walburg dates from the year 1884. when he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Margaret Farrell, daughter of Frank and Margaret (Nugent) Farrell, both parents natives of Ireland. Mrs. Walburg was born May 6, 1865, m Cincinnati, Ohio, received her education in the Catholic schools and her married life has been blessed with five children, May, Harry, Jr., Pearl, Frank and Paul. The first named was bom on the 2d day of May, 1885, and is an intelligent, welleducated young lady, being a graduate of the Holy Trinity Catholic School, of Middletown, also an accomplished violinist and pianist; Harry, Jr., whose birth occurred in August, 1886, was also educated at Holy Trinity and at this time is head bookkeeper for the Cycle Manufacturing Company, of this city; Pearl was bom in the month of March, 1888. and is now prosecuting her literary studies in the above institution, besides receiving instruction in music, for which art she manifests decided talent; Frank was born February 29, 1892, and Paul, the youngest of the family, first saw the light of day in March, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Walburg. with their children, belong to the Plolv Trinity Catholic church of Middletown, being among its most highly esteemed members.

Leon Levy

The welfare and substantial prosperity of a city depend very largely upon its business and industrial enterprises. It is the progressive, wide-awake man of affairs that makes the real history of a community and his influence in building up and directing important enterprises is difficult to estimate. The well-known subject of this review is one of the leading business men of Middletown and as such has contributed greatly to the materia] advancement and financial standing of the city, besides taking an active and influential part in its public affairs. Leon Levy is descended from an old German family, the history of which is closely interwoven with the troublous times of Europe during the Napoleonic wars. His grandfather served for many years in the army of the great emperor, participating in many campaigns and bloody battles and earned a distinguished record as a brave and gallant soldier. Nathan Levy, father of Leon, was a captain in the German army, and after coming to the United States es- ' poused the Northern cause and did valiant service in defense of tfye national union. He entered the army at the beginning of the war as first lieutenant of Company H, Ninth Ohio Volunteers, subsequently was transferred to the Thirty-second Indiana, in which he rose to the rank of captain and as such served until the downfall of the Rebellion, taking part in a number of battles and minor engagements and receiving two severe wounds while fighting for his adopted country. For a number of years he was a wholesale butcher in the city of New York, and later engaged in business in Cincinnati, where he finally became quite well-to-do. He was prominent in the Grand Army circles of the latter city, took an active interest in George H. Thomas Post, and at different times was honored with important official positions in the organizations. When a young man he married Miss Bettie Solomon, who bore him nine children, eight of whom are living. Nathan Levy was a man of sterling character and high business and social standing and his death, which occurred in March, 1896, was deeply lamented by all who knew him. Mrs. Levy was also highly esteemed by. a large circle of friends and she survived her husband but a short time, departing this life in July, 1896.

Leon Levy was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, September 26, 1862, and grew to maturity in that city. After receiving a preliminary training in the graded schools he entered the Woodward high school, where he spent two years, during which time he made substantial progress in the higher branches of learning and made a creditable record as a student. After finishing his education in the latter institution, he took up a manual occupation and in due time became a proficient workman. He was employed for several years in the different shops of his native city, but finally discontinued his trade and engaged in the insurance business, rising in 1890 to the position of superintendent of the local agency, with which he was connected.

Disposing of his interests in Cincinnati in 1892, Mr. Levy came to Middletown and two years later engaged in business in this city, beginning with a very meager capital, but with excellent credit. For a while his progress was quite slow, but little by little he grew in favor until within a comparatively short time he had a well-established trade, which has steadily increased with each recurring year. Mr. Levy handles all kinds of house furnishing goods and at this time has a large and thoroughly stocked store, the leading establishment of the kind in Middletown, and his patronage is second to that of few business houses in the place. His financial success has been commensurate with the energy and enterprise with which he has prosecuted the business and his reputation for honorable dealing has been such as to gain him not only the unbounded esteem of his numerous patrons but of the public as well. By close attention and judicious management he has succeeded in accumulating a handsome competence and is now one of the well-to-do men of his community, being in independent circumstances, with favorable prospects for continued prosperity in years to come.

influence and support to all enterprises and progressive measures for its growth and development. He is looked upon by all who know him as a man of good judgment, high character and sterling worth, and his influence in business circles has won him much more than local repute, while his excellent social standing has drawn to him a large number of warm personal friends, whose loyalty and fidelity will not admit of doubt. In national and. state affairs Mr. Levy is a Republican, but in local matters he cares little for party, giving his support to the candidates best qualified for the offices to which they aspire. He is a careful reader and close observer, well informed concerning current events and keeps in close touch with the leading questions and issues of the times.

In June, 1891, Mr. Levy was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Pollock, of Cincinnati, the union resulting in the birth of two children, Sydney, born June 22. 1845, who died at the age of three and a half years, and Alvin, who was born January 13, 1893, and whose death occurred in the year 1896.

William A. Newton

William A. Newton, general agent of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company for southern Ohio, is one of the leading insurance men of Butler county, and since taking charge of his present responsible position in j893 he has built up an extensive and lucrative business, larger perhaps than that of any other company in this part of the state. A man of energy and great determination, he has persevered in his present sphere of endeavor, rising from a subordinate station by overcoming obstacles calculated to discourage and impede his progress until he now occupies a prominent place in the insurance circles of Ohio, besides earning an honorable reputation by the activity and influence he has displayed in promoting enterprises and movements having for their object the good of the city and county of his residence. Born on the 21st day of January, 1872, in Princeton, Highland county, Ohio, William A. Newton is the third in a family of four children whose parents were J. XV. and Harriett (Henderson) Newton, both parents natives of this state, the father descended from Virginia ancestry, the mother a daughter of Charles Henderson, one of the first pioneers of the county of Highland. Ansa Newton, the subject's paternal grandfather, was bom and reared in the old Dominion state and in an early day moved to Highland county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life as a mechanic, having been a skilled worker in wood from his youth up. J. W. Newton first saw the light of day in Highland county and after obtaining an excellent education engaged in teaching, which profession he followed for thirty consecutive years, earning during that time an enviable reputation as an educator. At the expiration of the period noted he discontinued educational work and, purchasing a farm in Highland county, devoted his attention to agriculture until acquiring a competency, when he retired to Princeton, his present place of residence. The names of the four children constituting the family of J. YV. and Harriet Newton are as follows : Ida J., wife of William Cochran, of Clinton county, Ohio; Ella F., widow of the late Myron A. Smith, for many years a prominent teacher and at the time of his death principal of the schools of Westborough, this state; Prof. Charles W. Newton, one of the leading educators of Highland county, and William A., whose name furnishes the caption of this review.

On the family homestead in the county of Highland William A. Newton spent his early years, and when not engaged in the labor of cultivating the soil and harvesting the crops he attended the public schools, where lie made rapid progress in the common branches of learning. Actuated by a commendable ambition for more thorough scholastic training, he subsequently entered a normal college at Covington. Indiana, where he prosecuted his studies several terms, and on leaving that institution engaged in teaching, to which work he devoted the ensuing two years.

Not being pleased with the prospects which the schoOl-room presented in the matter of financial emolument, Mr. Newton abandoned teaching at the close of his second term and accepted a position with a dress-cutting establishment at Bloomington, Illinois, which he represented on the road for a period of two years, traveling during that time over the states of Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and Arkansas, and doing quite an extensive and lucrative business. Severing his connection with the above concern, he entered the employ of the Manhattan Life Insurance Company of New York and in the year 1900 took charge of the local agency at Middletown, where he soon won recognition as an energetic, resourceful and exceedingly successful solicitor. He continued at the head of the business in this city until

December, 1901, when he was made general agent of the company for southern Ohio, since which time he has located agents at various points and established an extensive business, which under his efficient management is steadily growing in magnitude and far-reaching influence, the Manhattan having a larger patronage in the territory comprising his jurisdiction than any other company operating in this part of the state. As already indicated. Mr. Newton is recognized as one of the most successful underwriters in southern Ohio, and the vast amount of business done in his territory within the last twelve years demonstrates his peculiar fitness for the noble work in which he is engaged. At the present time he controls fifteen local agencies, each in charge of a man of ability and wide experience, and he is constantly extending the influence of his company by individual work and the establishment of new agencies, and, judging by what he has already accomplished, the day is not far distant when the Manhattan will have a comparatively free field in the several counties now under his management.

Mr. Newton is essentially a man of action and since becoming a resident of Middletown has manifested a lively and abiding interest in everything making for the city's material advancement. He is progressive and public-spirited and whatever is calculated to promote the general welfare receives his hearty endorsement. He votes the Democratic ticket and stanchly advocates its principles, but is not a politician in the strictest sense of the term and has never taken a very active part in party affairs. He is a very active member of high standing in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Lodge No. 178, at Lynchburg, Highland county, which he joined several years ago, and in all of his business transactions and social relations he exemplified the sublime principles and precepts which it is the aim and purpose of this ancient and honorable order to inculcate. Mr. Newton is a married man and has a pleasant and attractive home; the' lady who bears his name and shares his fortune was in her maidenhood Miss Josie Harris, of Illinois, and the ceremony which united them in the bonds of wedlock was solemnized on July 31. 1896.

George L. Lane

Success in the learned professions is not the result of pretentious circumstances, neither does it depend upon the smiles with which fortune frequently regards her favorites. A lucrative business may sometimes come through inheritance or gift, but in what are known as the higher walks of life advancement is gained only by individual effort, hence prestige in the dental profession is the legitimate outgrowth of strong mentality, close application, thorough mastery of the principles of the science and a delicacy and accuracy of mechanical skill hardly known in any other calling. The possession and utilization of these attributes in a marked degree by Dr. George L. Lane, of Middletown, has given him worthy prestige among the leading dental surgeons of Butler county, and it is with pleasure that the following brief record of his career is presented. A native of Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, Doctor Lane was bom on October 11, 1866, being the son of Arthur and Nancy (Chamberlain) Lane, both parents of Ohio birth, the father of Butler and the mother of Warren county. By occupation Arthur Lane was for some years a merchant and subsequently turned his attention to manufacturing. Still later he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and to the latter calling devoted the greater part of his life, meeting with fair success in the matter of material advancement and earning honorable repute as a worthy man and publicspirited citizen.