Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 12 of 18)

On his arrival at his new home he christened it Glen Ellen, in honor of his wife, Ellen G., to whom he was married before leaving Dayton. She was the daughter of Isaac and Lucy Wright Gere, who moved to Oxford, in 1809, from Williamsburg, Massachusetts. Mr. Gere was a merchant and manufacturer of woolen cloth, but hearing of the wonders of the Ohio country and his health being poor, he hoped this wonderful Ohio climate might give him a new lease on life. He bought the farm on which Mr. and Mrs. Bonham live. Mrs. Gere and six daughters and two sons survived Mr. Gere and kept up the home until Mr. and Mrs. Bonham came to it, in 1872. The change from city to country and from school to farm life gave Mr. Bonham the expected new lease on life. Until his health was restored the farm land was tilled by Joseph Morton, a successful farmer and breeder of Poland China swine. Glen Ellen farm adjoins the stock farm of D. M. Magie, and it was not long before neighbors Magie and Bonham found 'pleasure visiting fine herds in Butler county and other counties and states. With Magie as teacher, the new neighbor was readily enlisted in the business of breeding Poland China hogs. He was not long in the business before he saw the need of a reliable record of pedigrees. Hon. John M. Millikin espoused the cause and soon the Ohio Poland China Record Company was formed, in 1875, the first record of any American-bred hog. Mr. Bonham served as secretary to start the record, but declined to continue, as the work was too confining. After the death of John M. Millikin, Mr. Bonham became president of the company and served in. that capacity until January, 1904, when he declined re-election. His college mate, Murat Halstead, induced him to become agricultural editor for the Cincinnati Commercial Gazette. He also wrote for the first number of the Breeders' Gazette and is yet a regular contributor. He was a contributor to the People's Farm and Stock Cyclopedia, the Ohio Farmer, and several other agricultural and stock journals. In 1883 he was elected member of state board of agriculture and in 1886 he was elected president of that body, and in 1887 secretary, and served for eight years. He was the author of the bill which put farmers' institutes on a more solid basis and enlarged their usefulness by furnishing support from the general fund of each county. As a lec- turer he was welcomed into every county in the state and was high authority on the science of breeding. He served as a member of the Miami University board for many years, and resigned after becoming secretary. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and considers the support of the church one of the fixed charges of his business. Up to when, in a runaway, he had his hip broken he was active in every good work of a public nature. He found time to keep his farm in prime condition, to serve his church as elder and for the public was a leader in the good roads movement. He was one of the committee from the National Live Stock Association to prepare and secure the passage of the bill creating the bureau of animal industry, which has become a power to prevent and control contagious diseases among domestic animals and to prevent the home use and export of diseased meat. He wrote the history of the Poland China hog, which was approved as the official history by the National Swine Breeders' Association. He was chairman of the committee appointed by the Poland China Association to prepare a scale of points or standard of excellence for the Poland China hog. This standard has been modified as views of breeders changed and is in use at every agricultural college and by every swine expert in the show ring and has led to more distinct and uniform ideals among the breeders of swine. Prior to the preparation of this standard there was no uniformity in color or style of Poland Chinas. Breeding to one standard, the type has been well defined and is as uniform as that of almost any other breed of animals. He believes that every farmer owes the public more than merely his road and school tax, and if each does his part cheerfully and fully, better schools, better roads and stronger churches naturally follow. He was a charter member of the Oxford Farmers' Club that was organized in 1874 and whose constitution he wrote and which has been the model for hundreds of other clubs in Ohio and other states. He and his wife have not in thirty years missed a meeting of this club except when sick, and they never fail to furnish the paper or part assigned them. They claim that the club has been to them an unfailing benefit and source of pleasure and has knit them to a bond of friends whose memory will never die.

Frank Insco Whitehead

The subject of this sketch is a "Hamilton boy" by birth, though he has long since outgrown the narrow fields of usefulness afforded in literary work outside of a great metropolis. All old residents of Hamilton will remember with feelings of deep regard William R. Whitehead, who was born in this city July 18, 1836. His parents were Robert W. and Lavina (Wilsey) Whitehead. The former was a native of Plymouth, Massachusetts, born of English ancestors, in 1806. His wife's people were formerly from New England, though she was bom at Albany, New York, in 1802. William R. Whitehead was reared and educated in Hamilton. He early evinced an aptitude for drawing, but his father apprenticed him to the cabinet and pattern maker's trade. He followed that business for a number of years, but finally abandoned that for photography, an art in which he could.

in .some degree, exercise his talents for painting and drawing. He operated a gallery for some years, but finally gave up that profession and was thereafter, until his death, prominently connected with the sewing-machine business. He was among the first to introduce the Singer machine into the state, and was assuredly the first to start a sewing-machine wagon. Distributing offices were established by Mr. Whitehead in Hamilton. Richmond and Dayton, with promise of successful business career, but the irrevocable laws of nature decreed otherwise, and he was called to another state of existence in middle life.

William R. Whitehead was a man of somewhat limited educational advantages, though any deficiency in that line was fully made up in after years by careful reading and study. He was a devout and active Christian and a zealous worker in the cause which he so ably advocated. As a Sunday school organizer and teacher, he was perhaps the best known man of his day within the circuit of his labors. His church relations were with the First Baptist church in Hamilton, where he had charge of the primary department of the Sunday school at the time of his death, December 6, 1880. Mr. Whitehead was probably among the first Sunday school workers to introduce the blackboard and off-hand drawings in illustration of the scriptural texts. This feature of his work was a strong leverage in favor of prompt and regular attendance, as well as in popularizing a dry and uninteresting subject among the majority of Sunday school attendants.

5th of May, 1857. She was a representative of a numerous family of early pioneers who came here from Pennsylvania. Her death occurred on the 19th of August, 1879.

Frank Insco Whitehead, of this review, was born in Hamilton, February 14, 1858. His early years were spent in school after the manner of most boys of his day. He discontinued his studies one year before graduation, and learned the printer's trade, but returned to the high school and was graduated with the class of 1876. A year later he became the Hamilton correspondent to the Cincinnati Commercial, under the guidance of the well-known writer, Murat Halstead. Continuing the journalistic work, he took up the study of law under the tuition of the late Hon. John C. McKemy, and was admitted to the bar in 1879. In August of this year his mother died, and in December of the following year he found himself doubly orphaned and the eldest of a family of seven children. Becoming thus the active head of a somewhat dependent and helpless family, he abandoned the possibilities of a coming law practice and de- voted his energies to journalistic work, with its sure recompense. Mr. Whitehead had already developed a taste for newspaper work and other lines of literature, hence the enforced change in his plans was not as serious a disappointment as it otherwise might have been. In the early seventies, however. Mr. Whitehead had been led by a popular fad. of the day. into establishing and editing a small monthly journal entitled "The Novelty." This experience and Ins knowledge of the "art preservative" now stood him in good part, as it familiarized him with many important details of the printing office. He became local reportei on the Hamilton Daily News when that paper was established and subsequently served as reporter on the same for a number of veais. He was also local editor of the Hamilton Daily Democrat for a time. But from 1877 until May 1, 1891, he retained his connection with the Cincinnati Commercial and Commercial Gazette. During these years he did considerable political work in various state and congressional campaigns. This experience broadened his field of observation and led to acquaintance and recognition in a higher sphere of labor.

On the 1st of May, 1891, Mr. Whitehead was called to a lucrative position on the Washington Post and transferred his residence to the seat of national government. After a year and a half on the Post, he accepted a place on the United Press, for which news-gathering institution he did the United States senate work for five years. While thus employed, he established confidential relations with influential senators and made a reputation as a gatherer of executive session news and debates conducted behind closed doors. While with the United- Press Association Mr. Whitehead was also a member of the Washington staff of the Cincinnati Enquirer and (more recently) on the staff of the New York American. Since 1900 he has been engaged on special lines of work at state and national conventions.

To say that Mr. Whitehead's life has been a busy one in the newspaper world would be superfluous, in view of the facts above recorded. Equally so would be any attempt to speak of his attainments in the literary world. The facts are before the generous reader, and. with feelings of pride

The subject of this sketch was married April 29, 1885, to Miss Ida Maud Badgely, of Cincinnati, daughter of Robert Wright Badgely and Matilda Ann Stevens. Her father was a member of one of the first families that settled at Losantiville, afterwards Cincinnati. The Stevens family were well known in the early history of Butler and Preble counties. Mrs. Whitehead is a native of Oxford, Butler county. Two daughters have been born to this happy union, the eldest of whom died January 31, 1891, at the age of four and a half years. The second daughter is Miss Dorothy Winnifred, born August 18, 1892.

Edgar Bard

The subject of this sketch occupies the position of extra or special engineer in the employ of the Cincinnati, Dayton & Toledo Traction Company. His duties are onerous, in that he is required to go to any station on the line where for any reason the regular engineer is unable to attend to his duties. The selection of Mr. Bard for this responsible position is a high compliment, not only to his ability, but also to his integrity and faithfulness. It is a virtual admission upon the part of his employers that they recognize in him a man upon whom they can always depend in an emergency. He is at present employed at the Lindenwald power station, where he owns a pleasant home, the result of his own industry and economy.

county, Kentucky, near the city of Greenville, April 23, 1874. His parents, Luther and Idella E. (Steger) Bard, were natives of the same county. The Bard family is closely allied with the pioneer history of the Blue Grass state, the city of "Bardstown" being named in honor of some of the early families of this name. The mother of Mr. Bard died in July, 1889, at the age of forty-nine years and six months, while the father, a prosperous farmer, is still living on the old home farm where the subject was bom. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are now living. The eldest is William H., who is a well-to-do farmer and merchant in his native county; Ida S. became the wife of Zehring Ashlock and together they are seeking their fortunes in Oklahoma territory; Elmer Luther, who was a farmer in Kentucky, died in young manhood, leaving a wife and two children. Edgar of this sketch was the next in order of birth. Charles is married and is living on the home farm, and Joseph G., a young man unmarried, * is also at home with his father and brother.

The subject of this article was reared and spent his early manhood years on the home farm. He received a good commonschool education in the district schools, and employed his time on the farm until twentyseven years of age. He came to Hamilton, Ohio, August 9, 1900, as an employe of the company with whom he has since been associated. The first year of his sojourn here he was employed as a car repairer and during the succeeding two years he was fireman for the company at the Symmes' Corners power plant. He readily adapted himself to the business and made rapid progress in the handling of the complicated machinery. After two years of this practical apprenticeship he was promoted to the position which he now occupies, with increased salary and responsibilities. For the past several months he has been engineer in charge of the power house at Symmes' Corners.

Mr. Bard chose for his life companion Miss Adell DeKinder, of Rockport, Indiana. She was born in Cannelton, that state, and is a daughter of John and Eliza De- Kinder. The marriage was solemnized on the 2d of April, 1901, at the home of the bride's parents. Her father is a well-to-do business man at Rockport. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Bard is John Wilbur, bom August 27, 1903. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Lindenw'ald and a young couple who have bright promise of future usefulness and prominence in the social and religious world.

Mr. Bard is a Democrat in his political views, though taking greater interest in maintaining a happy home than in healing the nation's woes.

John A. Butterfield

This gentleman, who is numbered with the enterprising farmers and substantial citizens of Morgan township, Butler county, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 17, 1859, the son of Jeremiah and Sarah Jane Butterfield, both natives of the Buckeye state. The subject's grandfather, who also bore the name of Jeremiah, was one of the pioneers of southern Ohio and the family has been well known in the counties of Hamilton and Butler from a very early day.

Jeremiah Butterfield, Jr., was born in the former county March 6, 1811, grew to manhood a tiller of the soil, which vocation he followed all his life, and died on March 25, 1892; his wife, whose birth occurred on the 29th of November, 1822, departed this life January 2, 1899.

The, subject of this review was brought up on his father's farm in Hamilton county and after finishing the common-school course entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, where he prosecuted his studies for some time with the object in view of fitting himself for teaching. On leaving the above institution he engaged in educational work and continued the same during the ensuing four years, meeting with encouraging success as an instructor and disciplinarian and earning the reputation of being one of the able and popular teachers of this county. The financial inducements of the profession not being very flattering, Mr. Butterfield at the expiration of the period noted decided to abandon educational work; accordingly he returned home and taking charge of the farm continued its cultivation until the year 1900, when he was elected real estate appraiser of his township. The duties of the position, being responsible and onerous, required all of his time, and he applied himself diligently to the same until the close of his term, when he purchased a farm in Morgan township, Butler county, to which he at once moved and on which he has since lived and prospered. Mr. Butterfield has increased the value of his place by bringing it to a high state of cultivation, and adding a series of substantial improvements, sparing no efforts in any of these respects to make it one of the finest and most attractive farms of the township in which it is situated. He has labored diligently to bring about the results that now obtain, the excellent condition of his fields, buildings and other improvements and the spirit of thrift apparent in every part of the premises demonstrating unusual capacity on his part as an enterprising tiller of the soil, as well as the lively interest he manifests to keep fully abreast the times in all matters of modem thought in the domains of agricultural science. His persevering industry and devotion to duty have brought their reward in the beautiful home and comfortable competency now in his possession, while his upright course of conduct and the desire always to do as he would be done by have won him a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.

The domestic life of Mr. Butterfield dates from February 4, 1897, at which time he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock with Miss Lillian Atherton, daughter of Israel and Jane Atherton, of Ohio, the father for many years a well-to-do farmer and representative citizen of Hamilton county. This union has been blessed with one child, Helen, around whom all the wealth of the parental affection is being thrown and in whom are centered many fond hopes , and bright anticipations for the future. Mr. Butterfield affiliates with the Democratic party. Although a member of no church, he has profound respect for religion and exemplifies the vital principles of Christianity in his daily life and conversation, which in the sight of reasonable men is of greater weight and influence than ostentatious profession. He is an attendant of the Presbyterian church, to which his wife belongs, and contributes generously to its support, , besides giving liberally of his means to further the interests of all charitable and benevolent enterprises of whatever name or order. Mr. Butterfield is a genial and pleasant companion, of a cheerful and lively disposition, and in his domestic relations is as happily situated as he is popular among his fellow men, being respected by all classes as a gentleman of integrity and honor. He possesses a strong will, is energetic and determined in carrying forward any undertaking which he considers just and right, at the same time exercising that control of self which under all circumstances is the surest evidence of personal power. He has lived as nearly as possible according to his ideals of manhood and citizenship, and with others of his type and class is deserving of a place in a volume dedicated to the representative men of his adopted county.

M. E. Miller

The representative farmer and estimable citizen of whom the biographer writes in this connection is a native of Pennsylvania and a son of William and Mary (Davis) Miller, the father born in the Keystone state and the mother in Indiana. These parents were married in Pennsylvania and speilt the greater part of their lives in that commonwealth, their union resulting in the birth of eight sons and three daughters. Five of the children have always lived in their native state, the subject and a sister, Mrs. Pleasant Cook, of Somerville, being the only members of the family in Butler county.

23, 1844, was reared a farmer and enjoyed the advantages of the district school, which he attended as opportunities afforded until acquiring a thorough knowledge of the fundamental branches. He remained on the family homestead until 1864, when he came to Butler county. Ohio, to visit a brother and sister who had previously removed to this part of the state, and, being pleased with the country, he decided to make it his permanent place of abode. To earn a livelihood he worked for a considerable length of time as a farm hand and in this way supported himself until his marriage, which was solemnized in 1867 with Miss Miranda Cook, who was born in this county in 1847, her parents moving here a number of years before from their native state of South Carolina.

Immediately after taking with himself a wife Mr. Miller rented a farm in Milford, which he now owns and cultivates and, setting up a modest domestic establishment, addressed himself to the task of making a home of his own. After farming a number of years for a share of the proceeds, he succeeded by persevering industry and economy in saving sufficient means to purchase the place on which he lived, since which time his progress has been very commendable, as he is well situated to enjoy the fruits of his frugality and thrift, his farm being in excellent condition, with many substantial improvements, and his home plentifully supplied with the comforts and conveniences calculated to make country life not only prosperous but a very pleasing and desirable experience as well. The career of Mr. Miller has been that of a common, unassuming man. a man of the people, whose industrious habits, sterling integrity and sturdy worth have gained the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens and bound them to him in bonds of friendship like unto bands of steel. . Honesty and devotion to duty and right are among his more pronounced characteristics, to which may be added mature judgment, sound common sense and other estimable qualities of head and heart that never fail to win the good will of all with whom he has relations of a business or social nature. Mr. Miller's political creed embodies the principles and doctrines of the Democratic party, which he has earnestly endorsed and supported ever since old enough to exercise the rights and privileges of citizenship. He served six years as trustee of Milford township and discharged the duties of the position with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public, his administration being straightforward and business-like, and he left the office without a stain upon the record which he so faithfully and honorably made. Mr. Miller has served a number of terms on the board of education, of which he has been a member for the period of three years His fraternal relations include membership with Lodge No. 665, Knights of Pythias, at Somerville. in which he has passed all the chairs, his present title in the order being that of past chancellor. He also belongs to Covenant Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Somerville, in which lodge he has filled all the chairs. *

Mr. Miller's mind early yielded to the gentle but powerful influence of religious training and for many years he has been an earnest and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, holding at this time the position of elder in the local organization to which he and his wife belong. Mr. and

Mrs. Miller have had three children, all daughters, the oldest of whom, Florence M., was born in 186c) and died in the bloom of young womanhood in the year 1888; Anna O., whose birth occurred in 1871, is pursuing her studies in the Normal University at Valparaiso, Indiana, and Della B., born in 1873, departed this life in 1892.

Albert W. Hinsey

The family of which the subject of this review is a representative has been identified with the history of Butler county ever since the pioneer period, his grandfather having been one of the earliest settlers of what is now Milford township. John Hinsey, the progenitor of the American branch of the family, was a native of Wales; he came to this country prior to the war of the Revolution and settled in Delaware, where he reared his family, among his children being a son by the name of Cornelius, who was born in that state. Cornelius Hinsey married Sarah Crawford and early in the nineteenth century moved to Butler county, Ohio, locating in Milford township, of which, as already indicated, he was one of the first settlers. He improved a farm in the above township, lived a long and useful life and at its close was laid to rest in the old Darrtown cemetery, where so many of the early pioneers of this part of the country sleep. There were four children in the family of Cornelius and Sarah Hinsey, namely : William, John, Albert and Sarah, all of whom have followed their parents to the silent land. Albert, the third of the family, whose birth occurred in the year 1804, is said to have been the first white child bom within the present limits of Milford township. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and in due time became quite a thrifty and successful farmer, owning at the time of his death over three hundred acres of fine land, the greater part of which was cleared and improved by his own labor. He was an excellent citizen, originally an ardent Whig in politics, later a zealous Republican and for many years an influential member of the Baptist church. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Morris, was a native of Butler county and of his ten children, eight sons and two daughters, nine grew to years of maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Hinsey departed this life some years ago and were buried in the Somerville cemetery, the only surviving members of their family beings three sons, Edward, of Somerville; M. D., of Dayton, and Albert W., whose name heads this article.

Albert W. was born in Butler county, Ohio, July 12, 1846, grew to manhood on the home farm in Milford township and during his childhood and youth enjoyed the best educational advantages the public schools afforded. In May, 1864, when but little past his eighteenth year, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixtyseventh Ohio Infantry, for the hundred-day service, during which time his command was principally engaged in guard duty at the national capitol and in various parts of Virginia and other states. Receiving an honorable discharge at the expiration of the period noted, Mr. Hinsey returned home and resumed farming in Milford township, which vocation he continued quite successfully for a number of years and in which he still has large interests. On April 25, 1867, was solemnized his marriage with

Miss Sarah L. Antrim, of Milford township, the union being blessed with one child, Cornelius, whose birth occurred on July 5, 1868. Cornelius A. Hinsey was educated in the Somerville high school, of which he is a graduate, and for some time past has held an important position with the Colonial Salt Company, of Akron, Ohio, being the western agent of the concern with headquarters in the city of Chicago. He is a young man of excellent habits and fine business qualifications, enjoys the confidence of his employers and his present high standing in the enterprise with which he is connected is indicative of a still larger sphere of action in the future.

Mr. Hinsey is one of the leading Republicans of Milford township and his ability and influence in political circles have contributed greatly to strengthen and promote the success of his party in Butler county. In recognition of his valuable services he was appointed by President Harrison postmaster of Somerville, which position he still holds, having been reappointed by President McKinley, his management of the office being business-like and efficient and eminently satisfactory to the public. Aside from his official duties, he manifests a pardonable pride in the growth and welfare of the town, encourages all laudable enterprises with these objects in view and lends his influence to every progressive measure for the advancement of the community along social, educational and moral lines. He holds membership with Mitchell Post, No. 361, Grand Army of the Republic,. Camden Lodge, No. 59, Free and Accepted Masons, and Covenant Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in all of which he is an active worker and in the lat- ter an honored official, having passed all the chairs in the organization besides filling im7 portant, positions in the other two at different times. Religiously Mr. Hinsey and wife are Methodists, belonging to the church at Somerville. They are deeply interested in all departments of good work under the auspices of the congregation, contribute freely to all public and private charities and are highly esteemed members of society, moving in the best circles of the town.

Mr. Hinsey has always been an industrious worker, prudent and thrifty, and it is a source of much gratification to him at this time of life to be in possession of sufficient means to insure him and his faithful companion against every contingency of want and privation. He is an honorable man and a praiseworthy citizen whose ability and worth are deeply appreciated by the public and whose sterling integrity and many estimable qualities have won for him the' high esteem in which he is held and the commanding position which he occupies.

John R. Williamson

The family of which the subject of this review is a representative is well known in Butler and the adjoining county of Hamilton and for many years its members have been honored and respected in their various spheres of life. John Williamson, the subject's grandfather, a native of New Jersey, came to Ohio a number of years ago and settled in Hamilton county, where he purchased land on which he spent the remainder of his days as a fairly prosperous farmer, and he also enjoyed excellent standing as an enterprising, public-spirited citizen. Among his eight children was a son by the name of Benjamin, who grew to manhood on the family estate and a little later came to Butler county and engaged in the manufacture of flour, purchasing a mill on Seven-Mile creek not far from where his son John R. now lives, which he operated for some time in partnership with one of his brothers, meeting with gratifying success in the business. He also devoted considerable attention to agriculture and in the course of years became the owner of several valuable farms in Butler county. He now lives in Collinsville with one of his family. Benjamin Williamson has always been a man of sterling worth and his family is one of the most highly esteemed in Milford township. He is a Democrat in politics, and a devout member of the Presbyterian church, being an elder in the congregation at Collinsville, which position he has held for many years. When a young man he married Miss Rebekkah Scott, who is still living and who has borne him three children, namely : Jennie, an inmate of the parental home; Charles, who departed this life in 1891, and John R., whose name introduces this sketch.

John R. Williamson was bom in Milford township, November 2, 1864, and spent his early years on the family homestead, attending at intervals during his childhood and youth the district schools of the neighborhood. He subsequently entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, where he prosecuted his studies until obtaining a good education, after which he resumed farming and has since devoted his attention to the same.

Somoyer, of this county, daughter of one of the leading farmer and prominent citizens of Milford and for a number of years a trustee of the township. Mrs. Williamson was educated in the public schools and in the higher institutions of learning at Lebanon and Oxford, and possesses a bright, cultivated mind, being highly esteemed by all who know her and a favorite in the social circles in which she moves. She is the mother of one son, Charles, whose birth occurred in 1892.

Since his marriage Mr. Williamson has lived on a farm of one hundred and eighty acres. He is progressive in all the term implies, and believes in modern improvements. Since his twenty-first year he has been a pronounced supporter of the Democratic party.

Hon. M. T. Mustin

This venerable citizen, upon whose head rest the sifted snows of eighty-eight winters, has had an eminently honorable career and -is now spending the evening of his days in the enjoyment of that quiet content and peace which are the best return for a life of integrity and usefulness. M. T. Mustin is a native of the old historic commonwealth of Virginia, where his birth occurred on September 22, 1816, having first seen the light of day on the ancestral homestead in Frederick county. From the paternal side he inherits the blood of a long line of sturdy Irish ancestors, and from his mother, the sterling attributes for which the German people have for ages been distinguished. His grandfather Mustin came from Ireland and settled in Frederick county, Virginia, in Colonial times, and his mother's father, who was also a pioneer of the Old Dominion state, was a native of Germany. John L. Mustin, father of the subject, was bora in Virginia and became one of the wealthy and influential planters of Frederick county, also one of the leading citizens of the community in which he lived. His wife, Mary Weaver, also a member of a well-to-do and highly esteemed family, was descended from one of the early German settlers of Frederick county and is remembered as a lady of intelligence, great force of character, and many estimable qualities of mind and heart.

M. T. Mustin spent the first four years of his life in his native state, and about 1820 accompanied his grandparents upon their removal to Hamilton county, Ohio. A few years later they changed their abode to Butler county and purchased the farm in Morgan township on which the subject was reared and near which he received his educational training. Possessing a vigorous intellect and a naturally inquiring mind, young Mustin made rapid progress in his scholastic work and being fond of reading, eagerly perused all the books and papers that he could buy or borrow, in this way becoming in due time one of the most intelligent and widely informed young men of the community. Well qualified teachers being difficult to secure, Mr. Mustin when a mere youth was induced to take charge of a school in his neighborhood and so capable did he prove and so successfully was the term conducted that he decided to devote his life thereafter to educational work. His experience as a teacher covered a period of forty consecutive years, during which time his labors were confined principally to the four of Morgan, Reily, Hanover and

Mr. Mustin's superior intelligence, ability and peculiar fitness for the discharge of important public duties early made him a power in local politics, and while still a young man he became one of the Democratic leaders in Butler county. Many years ago he was elected assessor of Hanover township and in the fall of 1849 was chosen to represent the county in the state legislature. He served with distinction during the sessions of 1850, introduced a number of important bills which became laws ; had places on several of the leading committees, and in the general deliberations of the house was an active and influential participant. He stood well with his party associates, commanded the respect of his political opponents, and by devotion to the interests of his county and state won the confidence of his constituents and made a record of which they, as well as himself, felt justly proud.

In the year 1841 Mr. Mustin contracted a marriage with Miss Rebecca Hand, who was bom and reared in Butler county and whose parents moved to this part of Ohio in an early day from the state of New Jersey. Five children were the fruits of this union, John L., Mary A., Hannah, Harriett and one that died in infancy, the only one living at this time' being John L., whose birth occurred on the 26th of March, 1843. arid who has long been a prominent farmer and leading citizen of the township of Reily. The wife of John L. Mustin was formerly Miss Agness Dalzell and their two children, Charles E. and Cenith E., live in the city of Hamilton.

pursuit, his advanced age and the infirmities incident thereto making a life of retirement imperative. For one so old he is remarkably well preserved, retaining much of his erstwhile physical force, while his mental powers are as clear and strong and he is still able to keep in touch with the times in matters of public interest and to attend to certain business affairs requiring his attention. Few men in Butler county have lived as long as Mr. Mustin and to few have been accorded the privilege of so filling their years with deeds of kindness and usefulness. Among his former pupils are many men and women who have grown gray beneath the burden and the heat of life's conflict, while others who received their first instruction from him are now filling honorable positions in various capacities, being the leaders of important enterprises in this county and elsewhere. Mr. Mustin's career has been fraught with great good to his fellow men and his influence has ever been on the side of right. His aims have always been laudable, his ideals high and his purposes honorable, and now as his sun is slowly and tranquilly sinking amid the gathering of the evening shadows, it is his fortunate privilege to look back over a well-spent life in which there is little to cause regret, but much to make the remainder of his journey bright and cheerful. Mr. Mustin was at one time captain of a company of Ohio state militia, known as the Milville Blues.

Tobias Finkbine

This well-known and successful farmer of Oxford township is a native son of the county and has here gained a position of independence and prosperity through his own well-directed efforts, while his is also the distinction of being one of the valiant sons of the republic who aided in perpetuating the Union when its integrity was placed in dire jeopardy through armed rebellion. Mr. Finkbine is one of the sterling citizens of the county and is well entitled to consideration in this compilation.

Tobias Finkbine was born on a farm in Oxford township, this county, on the 14th of October. 1841, being a son of Robert and Elizabeth (Stebbins) Finkbine. Robert Finkbine came of stanch German lineage and was born and reared in the old Keystone state. About the year 1802. as a young man, he came to Butler county, Ohio, and settled on a pioneer farm in Oxford township, not far distant from the present homestead of our subject. He was a shoemaker by trade, and followed this in connection with the work of improving and cultivating his farm. He was married in this county, his wife having been born in New Jersey, whence she came with her parents to Ohio in an early day. In 1857 Robert Finkbine removed with his family to Shelby county. Illinois, where he continued his pioneer experiences, being there engaged in farming until his death, which ocurred in about 1877, while his devoted wife passed away in about 1870. Their four children are all living.

The subject of this sketch was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and received such educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools of the day. He was about sixteen years of age at the time of the family removal to Illinois, and had not yet attained his majority when the dark clouds of civil war cast their gruesome pall over the national firmament. In

August, 1862, he manifested his intrinsic patriotism by enlisting as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to the command of which Colonel Jesse H. Moore was assigned. The regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland and saw long and arduous service, participating in many important engagements, including the battles of Chattanooga and Chickamauga. It then was sent forward to take part in the Atlanta campaign, but before reaching its destination was recalled to take part in the movements against Hood's forces, while later the regiment was with General Thomas in the second battle of Nashville and also took part in the battle of Franklin. Mr. Finkbine was ever found a faithful and loyal soldier and continued in service until victory had crowned the Union arms, being mustered out in June. 1865, Springfield, Illinois, and receiving his honorable discharge. He receives a pension in recognition of disabilities resulting from his military service.

After the close of the war Mr. Finkbine returned to Illinois, where he remained alxmt one year, and in T867 he came once more to his native township in Butler county, where he has ever since resided. He began his active business career here as a farmer and was without financial reinforcement at the time of beginning operations, so that it is the more gratifying to note the success which is his, since it has come as the diametrical result of his own assiduous labors and discriminating management. He is now the owner of three farms in Oxford township, the aggregate area of the farms being one hundred and ninety-one acres, and all are maintained under a high state of cultivation and have those substantial improvements which indicate the energy and progressive spirit of the owner. In politics Mr. Finkbine is a stanch adherent of the Republican party, and he has ever shown a proper interest in public affairs, particularly those of a local nature, though he has never sought or desired official preferment.- He is identified with Millikin Post, No. 228, Grand Army of the Republic, at Oxford, and is past commander of the same, while both he and his wife are prominent members of the United Presbyterian church.

On the 14th of February, 1867, Mr. Finkbine was united in marriage to Miss Mary H. Wallace, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, and who is a sister of William B. Wallace, a well-known citizen of Oxford. Of the five children of this union four are living, namely: Helen E., who was graduated in the Oxford, high school and who is now a successful and popular teacher in the public schools at Rushville, Indiana; Robert. who is a skilled mechanic and who is employed in the shops of a large manufacturing concern in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania; William, who is married and conducting one of his father's farms, and Anna B., who remains beneath the parental roof.

William B. Wallace

He to whose life history we now direct attention is incumbent of the office of postmaster of Oxford, as well as that of treasurer of the Butler County Agricultural Society, and is a representative of one of the sterling and honored pioneer families of this section of the Buckeye state.

Mr. Wallace was born on the old homestead farm, in Oxford township, this county, on the 2d of October, 1841, being a son of Alexander and Helen (Brown) Wallace, both of whom were bom and reared in Campbelltown, Scotland, where both had been previously married, two children having been born of the first marriage of Mr. Wallace and one to Mrs. Wallace, while three children graced the second union, two of whom are living, William B., subject of this sketch, and Mary E., who is the wife of Tobias Finkbine, of Oxford township, this county. The parents emigrated to the United States about the year 1831 and took up their residence in Ohio, the father becoming one of the successful farmers of Butler county, where both -he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives, honored by all who knew them.

William B. Wallace was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and his early educational training was secured in the district schools, while he later attended the Grundy Commercial College, in Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1861. In August of the following year he gave evidence of his intrinsic loyalty and patriotism by tendering his services in defense of the Union. He enlisted in the United States navy and served on the magazine boat Illinois," on the Mississippi river, until 1863, when he received his honorable discharge. On the 2d of May, 1864, he enlisted as a corporal in Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to guard duty in West Virginia, where it was principally stationed until the close of his enlistment. Mr. Wallace receiving his honorable discharge, at Hamilton, Ohio, on the 8th of September, 1864.

After the termination of his military career Mr. Wallace returned to Butler county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the prominent and progressive representatives of the farming industry in Oxford township where he acquired and improved a fine estate of one hundred and fifty-seven acres, which he still owns. The farm has long been maintained under a high state of cultivation, and while giving it his personal supervision Mr. Wallace also devoted special attention to the breeding of shorthorn cattle and registered Poland- China swine, and this branch of his farming enterprise is still maintained at a high standard, recourse being had to his slock for breeding purposes. In politics Mr. Wallace has ever given a stanch allegiance to the Republican party, his first presidential vote having been cast for Abraham Lincoln, and he has taken an active and zealous interest in the promotion of the party cause. He served for a number of years as supervisor of his township, and was given other unmistakable evidences of local confidence and esteem, since he was called to the offices of township trustee and school director. He removed from his farm to the village of Oxford in 1888 and there lived practically retired until July 20, 1900, when President McKinley conferred upon him the office of postmaster, of which he has since remained incumbent, giving a most able and satisfactory administration. He has ever retained a deep interest in the great basic art of agriculture and its allied industries, and has been one of the enthusiastic supporters of the Butler County Agricultural Society, of which he has been treasurer since about 1898. Fraternally he is identified with Oxford Lodge, No. 187, Knights of Pythias, of

On the 24th of December, 1867, Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Wright, who was bom and reared in Oxford township, this county, where she passed her entire life. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 19th of January, 1889, and is survived by her two children, Rosella Alma, who was born March 16, 1870, and who is now the wife of Otha E. Kumler, railway mail clerk, their home being in Oxford; and Charles R., who was born November 18, 1873, and who is deputy postmaster under his father. On the 9th of February, 1899, Mr. Wallace married Mrs. Alary E. Golder, nee Howard, of Hamilton, Ohio, she being a daughter of William and Elizabeth Howard.

Hon. Isaac E. Huffman

Hon. Isaac Ellsworth Huffman, is a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, born at Springdale, December 31, 1868, and is a son of Allen and Elizabeth (Wain) Huffman. The father is a native of Butler county, his birth occurring near Jones' Station on the 1 6th of January, 1830. He is a representative of one of the earliest pioneer families, being a son of Job Huffman, who located in Butler countyr in a very early day, and here married Miss Margaret Wilkinson, who was born on the farm where her . life was spent. Her birth occurred on the 20th of October, 1797, and she passed away January 26, 1886. Job Huffman purchased a farm which his father-in-law had entered from the government, and there the father of Isaac Huffman was born and spent his life. Allen Huffman was a prosperous and successful farmer, his ambition being to excel in this time-honored avocation.

The subject of this sketch received his elementary education in the 'district schools of Springdale. This was supplemented bv a thorough course at the Ohio Weslevan University at Lebanon. He then entered the ranks of Butler county's educators, and followed the teaching profession for eight years. In this he was phenomenally successful and made a record for himself as a thoroughly practical educator. It was largely through his efforts that the public schools of Oxford township were classified . and a course of study introduced whereby the country schools were placed on an equality with the graded schools of the cities and towns, and a graduating course of study introduced.

But, like many others of the promising young people of modern times, Mr. Huffman did not enter the teaching profession with a view to ^permanent occupation, but rather as a stepping-stone to something beyond. From early boyhood he had an ambition to become a lawyer and all his early efforts tended in the direction of a gratification of this ambition. He was employed as a teacher from 1890 until 1898, devoting the same time faithfully to his work and attending to some preliminary work along the line of his chosen profession. He took a threeyears course in the Cincinnati Law School and was graduated with the class of 190 t.

recognized as a local leader among his companions. He had scarcely established his law office when his Democratic friends began to urge his candidacy for the office of representative from Butler county in the Ohio legislature. He does not deny having had political ambitions, and gratified that this signal honor should be so early thrust upon him, even though reluctant to leave, temporarily, the profession so recently espoused, he yielded to the importunities of his iriends and entered the race before the primary election, on the first Saturday in August, 1901. The campaign which closed on the date above written was an exceedingly vigorous one and active, but Mr. Huffman received a majority of nine hundred and ten votes over his competitor, thus becoming his party's nominee. At the general election, following, he received a majority of two thousand three hundred votes over the Republican candidate. On the organization of the seventy-fifth general assembly Mr. Huffman was placed upon several of the standing committees, among which may be mentioned municipal affairs, labor, fees and salaries, and blind asylum. In the deliberations of each of these he took an active and intelligent part. At a special session of the legislature, convened to revise certain laws, Mr. Huffman was appointed on the special code committee. The enactment of the new code has created some confusion in municipal affairs, but the general sentiment is commendatory, and officials are better pleased with it as they become more acquainted with the simplified conditions and practical workings. Mr. Huffman was re-elected in 1903, after an active campaign, wherein he was confronted at the primaries by his former Democratic opponent. The results at both the primary and general elections were practically unchanged, he having twentyseven more votes at the former and a hundred less at the latter, which was over four hundred more votes than was polled by the head of the ticket, a very complimentary recognition of his services. During the session just closed Mr. Huffman was a member of the finance, railroad and telegraph, and library committees. Besides his services on these, he also took an active part in some special legislation and in the enactment into laws of a number of bills introduced by himself. He secured the most liberal appropriation ever given to Miami University. This is an achievement worthy of high commendation, in that it required constant work and vigilant watching since rival institutions without state support were jealous of Miami's claim for public recognition and aid. Mr. Huffman was the author of the Saturday half-holiday law and the law exempting from taxation all gifts and bequests to cemetery associations. He also championed the bill dispensing with grade crossings on all railroads hereafter to be built in the state, being the author of this ' law. Many other measures were passed, or . defeated, through his efforts and the friendly co-operation of his colleagues. In his legislative duties Mr. Huffman was a tireless worker, strong and capable, and zealously earnest in the cause of his constituency. While he is an active partisan and an uncompromising Democrat, yet he is fair and impartial in the distribution of public patronage. He is not one of those partisans who believe that "to the victor belongs the spoils," where the claims of the opposition are fortified with superior qualifications.

Mr. Huffman is a young man of strong personality, eminently capable, and a successful organizer and leader in public thought and sentiment. As a campaign orator he is forceful and convincing, has a pleasing address and is endowed by strong magnetic power. If the biographer may be allowed a prediction it is that Mr. Huffman's public career is just commenced. It would be a pleasure to record in this connection a beautiful romance about "happy domestic ties," and all the paraphernalia incident to juvenile life, but lo! the subject is a bachelbr, and unacquainted with the joys of connubial bliss. The fates have decreed that the single word "unmarried," must close the record of that line. Mr. Huffman is prominently allied with various fraternal organizations, and takes an active interest in lodge work. He is a member of Invincible Lodge, No. 108, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Oxford, and is representative of that order to the grand lodge of Ohio. He is also a member of the Rebekah degree, of the "triple link" fraternity. He sustains membership in Oxford Lodge, No. 187, Knights of Pythias, and is representative to 'the grand lodge of that order. In the Masonic bodies he has attained exalted rank, his initial membership being in Oxford Lodge, No. 67, Free and Accepted Masons, and in the higher branches, Hamilton Council, Hamilton Chapter and Hamilton Commanderv. Besides these, Mr. Huffman sustains membership in a number of minor orders and social and beneficial societies.

Among the young people of Hamilton no one stands higher in social and literary circles than Isaac Huffman. He is genial and companionable, readily makes friends and has the happy faculty of retaining them. In religious affiliations Mr. Huffman is a member of the Presbyterian church at College Corner. Ohio. While his law office and general headquarters are located in the Frecthling building at Hamilton, he still retains his home at Oxford.

James W. Huston

The subject of this sketch is a representative of the third generation of the family in Butler county and is one of the progressive and highly esteemed farmers of Oxford township, where he owns a finely improved landed estate of two hundred and twenty-five acres. He was born at College Corners, this county, on the 26th of December, 1846, and is a son of Dr. R. C. and Jane (Montgomery) Huston. Dr. Huston was born in the state of Pennsylvania, whence his parents came to Butler county, Ohio, when he was a child of five years, and here he was reared to manhood and passed the residue of his long and useful life, having been one of the leading physicians of this section and having held the high regard of all who knew him. He attended the Miami University for some time and was later graduated in the Ohio Medical College, in Cincinnati, after which he was for five years engaged in the practice of his profession at College Corners, while in 1850 lie took up his abode in Oxford, where he built up a large practice, in which he continued until his death, which occurred on the 1st of August, 1887. He was a member of the Ohio Medical Society, the Butler County Medical Society and the Union District Medical Association, standing high in the confidence of his confreres and attaining marked prestige in his profession. He was a Republican in politics, fraternally was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. They became the parents of five children, of whom four are living.

James W. Huston passed his youthful days in Oxford, and after completing the curriculum of the common schools continued his studies for one year in Miami University. In the spring of 1863, when but seventeen years of age, he tendered his services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a member of Company E, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, with which he continued in service for more than three years, having received his honorable discharge on the 31st of January, 1866. His command was in the frontier service and served principally in the states of Missouri, Kansas and Wyoming. Mr. Huston proved a valiant and loyal son of the republic and was ever found at the post of duty, while he has never fully recovered from the hardships and arduous work of his military service. After the close of the war Mr. Huston returned to his native county, and here he has ever since been identified with the great basic art of agriculture. his valuable farm being located in Oxford township and being one of the many attractive rural domains of this favored section of the Buckeye state. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party and has been an active worker in its cause, while he has been called upon to serve in various offices of local trust and responsibility, including that of township supervisor, of which he was incumbent for two years, while for seven years he was a member of the school board. The

On the 26th of January, 1869, Huston was united in marriage to Miss Alice White, who was born and reared in this county, being a daughter of the late Jacob White. Of this union have been bom four sons and three daughters, concerning whom we enter the following brief record : James L., the second child, who is a graduate of Miami University, is now a successful farmer of Oxford township; Dwight M., who was graduated in the same institution, is now a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, being an auditor for the Power Mining Company; the first child, William A., who attended Miami University about four years, is now associated in the management of the homestead farm; Jennie A., who completed a three-years course in Western College, in Oxford, is at the parental home; Eulalia, who was graduated in the Oxford high school, is also at home; Celia, likewise a .graduate of the high school, is now taking a course as a trained nurse in Cincinnati. Ohio, and John R. is a member of the class of 1907 in the Oxford high school.

Charles Howald

The subject of this sketch has l^een prominently identified with hotel interests of Hamilton for many years. He began his career along this line in the old Hamilton House, one of the early landmarks of the city, which has given way to the onward march of progress. He is now the proprietor of Hotel Howald, on High street, opposite the court house. This famous hostelry unquestionably stands at the head of institutions for the entertainment of the traveling public in the city of Hamilton, being complete and up-to-date in all its appointments. The rooms are airy, well heated, scrupulously clean and elegantly furnished, the beds "inviting to repose," and the guest is thoroughly protected from danger of fire by a modern system of electric bells. The dining equipments are abreast of the times and equal to the demands of the most exacting. The fastidious traveler, in seeking a first-class hotel, is invariably directed to Howald's, where the most exacting appetite can be satisfied.

At the same time, if he desires an evening's entertainment, the opportunity is here afforded. The bar and contingent amusements at Howald's are complete in all details and patronized only by the best class of citizens. A little army of attentive and obliging attendants is ever ready to. cater to the reasonable demands of the guests, and peace, quiet and comfort reign supreme. The house throughout is elaborately furnished. and may be very properly described bv the familiar quotation, "A thing of beauty and a joy forever." Thousands of dollars, aggregating quite a fortune, are invested in the well-selected stock and appliances at Hotel Howald.

Mr. Howald is also an extensive stockholder in the Fort Hamilton Milling Company. being president of the corporation. This is one of the leading business concerns of the city, which sustains a high standing in the commercial world. Other business interests also engage Mr. Howald's attention, and it is safe to say that he is one of the busiest men in Hamilton. He is an affable and companionable gentleman, who has a pleasant word for everybody, though overwhelmed with the multitudinous affairs of his business life. He has been preeminently successful, the result of well-directed energies, and takes high rank in the financial world. Mr. Howald is a careful, conservative business man, and stands very high in the social functions of Hamilton.

Charles Howald was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 16, 1862. His parents emigrated to America in 1866, and located, temporarily, on a farm in Butler county, Ohio. But a year later they removed to Hamilton, and here their lives were ended. The father, whose name was Martin Howald, was born October 24, 1821, and died in the same month, 1896. The mothers maiden name was Katherine Wieser. She died at the age of forty-three years, her death occurring in 1872. These were the parents of four sons and two daughters who lived to years of maturity. Of these. John Howald is the eldest. He was born in Bavaria, June 24, 1852. Jacob Howald. the second in order of birth, is a retired merchant living in Dayton, Ohio, who was born in April, 1852. Maggie is now the wife of George Stroh, who is the proprietor of the Stockton Club, a well-kept and popular place of resort at Stockton; Minnie is the onlv member of the family deceased. She wa$ a handsome and popular young lady, whose untimely death was a severe blow to her many friends and relatives; she died in 1880. at the age of twenty-one years; Charles, of this sketch, was the next in order of birth, and Martin completes the family circle. He was bom July 12, 1865, and has been engaged in various lines of business, but is not actively employed at the present time.

Charles Howald is entitled to great credit for his achievements in life. Whatever he has, and is. are the results of his own well-directed efforts. He .began his business life at the very bottom of the financial laddei and in the most humble emplovment. He attended the public schools of Hamilton until his thirteenth year, when he engaged in the battle for self-support. For three years he was employed in various ways about a factory in Cincinnati, making his home with an aunt. In 1878 he returned to Hamilton, and the succeeding six years he was variously employed about the city, engaged as a clerk for the most part. But on the 25th of March, 1884, he launched out in business on his own account, becoming the proprietor of the Hamilton House, as previously intimated. But there is something always lacking in a hotel without a good landlady. This defect was remedied on the 7th of April, 1884, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Phoebe C. Niederman, daughter of a well-known and prominent early settler of Ross county, Mr. Jacob Niederman, deceased. Together this young couple launched out into the world of business. and were successful from the start. They operated the Hamilton House for about six years and after a brief respite from business, on the 1st of March, 1890, they opened Hotel Howald, with the experience of six years of successful business along a similar line, and the savings of that period, as their "stock in trade."

Mr. and Mrs. Howald are most happily mated. Their domestic life is all that could be desired; and the charm and beauty of a happy home has been strengthened by the advent into the family circle of four charming daughters and one little son. The eldest of the family is Miss Ora G., a gradu- ate with hight honors on June 22, 1904, at sense a politician, having neither time nor St. Xavier's Academy, Beatty, Pennsyl- inclination to hold official positions should vania. She is a bright and studious daugh- they be offered. Though a Democrat m ter whose future life promises great com- political views, he is usually content with fort to her loving and indulgent parents, exercising his right of suffrage along the Marie Elizabeth, just budding into a beau- lines indicated by self-interest, or in assisttiful womanhood, is a student in the Hamil- ing a personal friend.

ton high school. Hildah YV.. a very promis- In religious matters he holds membering child, died July 26, 1898, at the age of ship in St. John's German Evangelical Protnine years and ten months. The only son is estant church, and was a warm friend of Carlisle L., a bright boy of eleven years/ Rev. C. A. Hermann, his late pastor, now who in company with his baby sister, little deceased. Mrs. Howald and the children Miss Katherine P., are probably rather ex- are members of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran

It is probable that Charles Howald sustains membership in as many different social and beneficial orders as any man in HamiL ton, and to that extent at least he is always well "lodged." Following is the list : Charter member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 93, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which he has passed all the principal official stations. He was a member of the general committee of arrangements for the annual reunion of the order in the United States, held at Cincinnati during the summer of 1904; he is a member of Lone Star Lodge, No. 39, Knights of Pythias, and of Phillips Division, No.' 24, Uniformed Rank Knights of Pythias; Cincinnati Aerie, No. 142, Fraternal Order of Eagles; Germania Castle, No. 68, Knights of the Golden Eagle ; Hamilton Camp, No. 3, Knights of Ancient Rome, and Ottamowas Tribe, No. 190, Improved Order of Red Men.

Mr. Howald is an active member of the Ohio Hotel Association, and is the vicepresident for Butler county. In this organization he has served on some very important committees along the lines of legislation and executive council work. He is not in any

It is in distinctive harmony with the province assigned to this work that there should be incorporated in its pages at least a brief review of the life history of the able and honored president pf Miami University, one of the leading educational institutions of the state and one in which Butler county and the state of Ohio take much pride. The subject has attained a position of prominence in educational circles, is a man of fine scholarship and also has the executive and administrative ability which thoroughly qualifies him for the responsible position of which he is now incumbent.

Guy Potter Benton is a native son of the Buckeye state, having been born in the beautiful old town of Kenton, Hardin county, Ohio, on the 26th of May, 1865, and being a son of Daniel Webster and Harriet Maria (Wharton) Benton, the father being a farmer by vocation. President Benton received his preliminary educational discipline in the public schools of Hardin county, Ohio, and in 1879 was matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he prosecuted his studies for six years. He later entered Baker University, at Baldwin, Kansas, in 1895, where he was graduated, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later he became a post-graduate student in the University of Wooster and has since received the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater. He began teaching in the public schools at .the age of eighteen years, and has since given the greater portion of his time and attention to the pedagogic profession, while for a time he was engaged in journalistic work. The subject was for seven years superintendent of the city schools of Fort Scott, Kansas, in which state he gained marked prestige in connection with educational affairs. He was for two years assistant state superintendent of public instruction in Kansas, and in 1899 was made a member of the state board of education, while he held the chair of history and sociology in Baker University for three years. In 1899 he was chosen president of the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, Iowa, and retained this office until July 1, 1902, when he assumed his pre&nt office of president of Miami University, in Oxford. Within the comparatively short period of his tenure of this executive office President Benton has done much to vitalize and advance the work of Miami University and his regime promises to be one of the most successful the institution has ever known.

In 1899 the subject was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is now a member of the Cincinnati conference, and he has exercised the functions of his high calling most ably and earnestly, in

In Arcadia, Kansas, on the 4th of September, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Benton to Miss Dolla Konantz, who was born and reared in Kansas, being a daughter of John and Rose Konantz. Mr. and Mrs. Benton have two children, Helen Geneva, who was born in Fort Scott, Kansas, on* the 16th of October, 1892, and Pauline Corinth, who was born in Baldwin, Kansas, on the 25th of January, 1898.

Dr. Benton has studied the leading uni- . versity systems of America and Europe and as a close student of the college of the modern world has given himself the best possible training for a successful career in educational administration.

Robert C. Reed

Wilmott has aptly designated biography as the "home aspect of history," and thus it is within the province of true history to commemorate the lives and characters, the achievements and labors of those who have played well their parts in their respective fields of endeavor. No more definite and clear perspective can be given to the generic annals of any section than to offer a record of the careers of representative citizens, and the data thus perpetuated will prove of cumulative value during all the years to come. It is a noteworthy fact that Ohio's sons always have a deep attachment for their native state, and in many senses her history has been a wonderful one. Her sons have been prominent in every walk of life, and several have become the nation's leaders, occupying the chair of chief executive of our great republic, so that the Buckeye commonwealth may well dispute with the Old Dominion state the title to being the "mother of presidents." One man alone or even a select coterie of men do not constitute the strength of the commonwealth. It is the aggregate endeavor of loyal citizenship on the part of the vast majority which makes for this end, and in this respect Ohio has been signally fortunate, for hers have been enterprising, resolute men and gracious, self-abnegating women, from the early pioneer era to the present day, when the wonderful twentieth century rolls into the cycle of the ages. No history of Butler county could be consistent with itself were there neglect to make definite mention of the honored pioneer family of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy scion, and no better or more significant evidence as to the long identification of the name with the annals of this section of the state can be offered than that implied in the simple statement that the father of our subject was the first male white child born within the limits of the county. The subject has passed his entire life in Butler county and has ably upheld the high prestige of the honored name which he bears. He is one of the prominent and influential farmers of Lemon township, where he controls a large and valuable landed estate, and it is with much satisfaction that we offer in this work a review of his genealogical and personal history.

Robert C. Reed was born on the old ancestral homestead, in Lemon township, this county, on the 31st of October, 1854, and is a son of Thomas C. and Rachel (Gordon) Reed. The genealogy in the agnatic line is of Scotch-Irish derivation, Thomas C. Reed having been a son of David and Elizabeth ( Garrick) Reed, both of whom were bom in county Tyrone, Ireland, near the Scottish border. David Reed immigrated to America when a comparatively young man, being accompanied by his family, including his venerable father, Robert Reed. He soon made his way westward and became one of the first settlers of Butler county, Ohio, where he took up his residence about the year 1797. Fie set to himself the task of grappling with the wilderness and literally hewing out a farm in the midst of the primeval forest. He secured a considerable amount of government land in what is now Lemon township, and here erected his primitive log house, which was the family domicile for a number of years. The tales of the pioneer days have been often told, and it is needless to here recapitulate the same, for privations, vicissitudes and strenuous labors of the early settlers have been so recorded as to make specific mention in a work of circumscribed nature superfluous, though it is well in such a connection as this to refer to those who lived and labored so earnestly in laying the foundation for the opulent prosperity which marks this favored section of the Buckeye state at the present time. On this pioneer farm was born Thomas C. Reed, the father of the subject, the date of his nativity having been October 3. l797' ar|d as has been already noted he was the first male white child born in the county, the Reed family having been one of the very first to take up permanent abode here. Thomas C. was reared amid the scenes of the pioneer epoch, and thus became early familiar with woodcraft, forest lore and hard work, while it is needless to say that in a specific, sense his educational advan- tages were most limited, owing to the exigencies and conditions of time and place. He learned to turn his hand to almost every sort of labor, and in the early days he constructed two flatboats, which he launched on the Great Miami river. These he loaded with flour from the Adam Dickey mill, one of the first in this section of the state, and transported the product down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, where he disposed of his cargoes and boats, after which he returned to his home in Butler county, walking the entire distance. He became one of the successful farmers of the county and ever commanded the unqualified confidence and esteem of its people, while he was influential in local affairs and ably carried forward the work of development and progress which had been inaugurated by his honored father. He died in 1874, at the age of seventy-seven years and is held in grateful memory as one of the sterling pioneers of the county of which he was one of the founders and builders. It is related that Thomas C. Reed walked from Butler county, Ohio, to Detroit. Michigan, for the sole purpose of taking a pair of shoes to his brother, who, as a private soldier in an Ohio regiment, was encamped there. After delivering the shoes, Mr. Reed returned on foot to his Butler county home, passing through dense forests infested with hostile Indians and British soldiers. Thomas C. Reed was twice married, first to Miss Mary Dickey, who bore him five sons and three daughters, of whom two of the former and two of the latter are still living. After the death of his first wife he wedded Miss Rachel Gordon, who was likewise born in this county, being a nieniber of another leading pioneer family.

C., the immediate subject of this sketch, and James, who is a resident of Lemon township. The devoted mother was summoned into eternal rest, having been a zealous member of the United Presbyterian church, as was also her husband, who was an elder in this church for about forty-eight years.

Robert C. Reed, to whom this sketch is dedicated, passed his youthful years upon the old homestead farm upon which he was born and a portion of which he owns at the present time. He assisted in the work of the farm during the summer months and attended the district schools in the winters, the educational advantages thus afforded enabling him to lay a firm foundation for the broad fund of practical knowledge which he has since gained through personal application, well-directed reading and through the ' experiences of an active and successful business career. 7 He owns one hundred and <h*xtv acres of valuable land just south of Middletown. while Mrs. Reed is the owner of the farm of one hundred and seven and onehalf acres which constitutes the family home and which is located in section 31, Lemon township. The farm buildings are of the best type and the residence is a commodious and attractive brick house of two stories. Mr. Reed supervises the operation of both farms, is known as an able and discriminating business man and has attained a high degree of success, being numbered among the substantial and highly esteemed farmers of the county in which he has passed his life. Mr. Reed was the first vice-president of the Butler County Fair Association, which he assisted in organizing. He, with his brother, bought the first shorthorn cattle from England to this section of the country, from which time he kept on his farm a herd of good registered cattle. In his political pro- clivities he is a stanch Republican, having cast his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant and having never wavered in his fealty to the party, though he has never been ambitious for official preferment. He and his wife hold membership in the Seventh Day Adventist church at Dayton. Ohio.

On the 1 2th of October, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Reed to Miss Anna M. Britton, who was born in this township, being a daughter of Ezra and Angeline (Conover) Britton. She completed a course in the high school at Middletown and is a lady of gracious presence and distinctive refinement, being accomplished in music and painting and through her talents in these lines being ^ble to add much to the attractiveness of her charming home, which is a center of social hospitality and a favored resort for a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Reed became the parents of two children, Gladys and Thomas, both of whom died in earlv childhood.

Edgar A. Belden

As a representative of honored old families of Butler county, as an able member of the bar of the state, and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen of Hamilton, the subject of this review is eminently entitled to consideration in this work, and it may further be said that he is at the present time presiding with ability and discrimination on the bench of the common pleas court of Butler county.

Judge Belden is a native of Hamilton, having been bom here on the 28th of November, 1855, and the success and prestige which he has attained sets at naught any application of the scriptural adage that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." He is a son of Samuel C. and Mary (Fitton) Belden, the former of whom was born November 29, 1815, in Massachusetts, when he came to Hamilton as a young man, becoming one of the successful business men of the city, where he was for many years engaged in the extensive manufacture of brooms. He died in 1885, at the age of seventy years, while his devoted wife, who was born in Butler county. Ohio, was summoned into eternal rest in 1868, at the age of thirty-eight years. .She was a member of the Fitton family, long prominent in the business, social and church circles of Hamilton. In the family were six children, concerning whom we enter the following brief record : James F. was for many years in the dry-goods business in the employ of the D. W. Fitton Company; Horace who died in 1876, at the age of twenty-two years, was teller of the First National Bank of Hamilton and gave evidence of the possession of business qualities of a high order; Edgar A. is the subject; William C., who was born in 1858. was educated in Hamilton and in 1882 went to California, where he purchased a fruit farm and has since resided ; he is married and has two children, and in 1902 was elected judge of the court of San Bernardino county. California; Webster A., who was bom in Hamilton in i860 and has resided there all his life, is employed in a large manufacturing establishment here; he is married and is the father of three children ; Mary S., the youngest of the family, was born and educated in Hamilton, and is a proficient stenographer;

Edgar A. Belden, the immediate subject of this review, received his early education in the public schools of Hamilton, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1872. Shortly after his graduation he went to the city of Cincinnati, where he remained about six years as clerk in the office of the Union Central Life Insurance Company. In 1879 he resigned this position for the purpose of taking up the study of law, having had a predilection for this profession from his early youth, while it may be said that this inclination was fostered by debates and addresses respectively entered into and given by members of the Irving Literary Society, an organization composed of young men and women of Hamilton. Meetings were held each week and the time was devoted to the study of literature, parliamentary law, etc. Judge Belden began reading law under the preceptorship of Hon. Thomas Millikin, one of Hamilton's most prominent and distinguished lawyers, and was admitted to the bar, by the supreme court of the state, on the 2d of February, 1881. He forthwith entered upon the active practice of his profession in his native city, and his ability and earnest and concentrated effort soon gained to him a gratifying support, his clientage at the time of entering upon his judicial labors having been large and of representative order, while his standing as a trial lawyer and counsellor is upon a high plane. Judge Belden has given an unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party from the time of attaining his legal majority, and has manifested a deep interest in the questions of government, national, state and municipal. In November, 1901, he was elected to the bench of the court of common pleas, for the term of five years, receiving a majority of seven hundred and seventeen votes over the candidate of the Democratic party, his election being due to the fact that many of the voters in the county cast aside their partisan preferences, as the normal political complexion of the county is strongly Democratic. His course on the bench has been marked by wise discrimination and impartial judgment, the natural qualities of his mind and his exact and comprehensive knowledge of the law eminently fitting him for the position which he is honoring by his services. Fraternally the Judge is identified with the Royal Arcanum and the National Union. He has been connected with the Hamilton Young Men's Christian Association from the time of its organization, in 1889, and has been one of its most zealous and devoted workers, having served as president of the organization for the first five years of its existence, and being at the present time a member of its directorate. He is a member and trustee of the First Methodist Episco pal church, deeply concerned in the furtherance of its spiritual and temporal welfare, and being particularly active in the work of the Sunday school, in which he has been a teacher for the past fifteen years. In 1886, with other graduates of the institution, he was instrumental in affecting the organization of the High School Alumni Association, which has ever since held annual reunions.

On the ;22d of May, 1888, in Hamilton, Judge Belden was united in marriage to Miss Elisa M. Potter, daughter of Lucius B. and Mary B. Potter, of this city. Mr. Potter is at the present time treasurer of the Niles Tool Works Company, Of this place, and is a son of Dr. Stephen H/ Potter, who was for many years one of the leading physicians of Hamilton, having taken up his residence here in the pioneer days. Judge and Mrs. Belden have two children, Horace and Lucia, and the family reside on East Dayton street, in this city.

Charles I. Yerigan

Charles I. Yerigan was bom in Ross township, Butler county, Ohio, on the 4th of December, 1869, and is a son of Matthew and Grace (Clarke) Yerigan, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. In early life the parents established a home on a farm in Ross township, in this county, and there the parental home still exists. The father is a prosperous farmer. The family consists of three sons, all of whom have gone out from the parental home to make their own way in the world of affairs. The eldest of the trio is John B., who has turned his attention to journalism. He is located in Hamilton, and is making a success of life as an advertising solicitor for the Democrat and Sun, local newspapers in this city. He is also making a business success in soliciting advertising on his own account and securing the work at job offices. John B. Yerigan married Miss Lizzie Kromer, whose maternal grandfather, Sebastian Herold, was one of the first settlers of Butler county. He was the first drayman in Hamilton, and died in the spring of T903. at the age of ninety-four years. Charles I., of this sketch, was the second son, and Oliver completes the family circle. The latter is a florist by profession, unmarried, and a traveler for the pleasures of sight-seeing.

The subject of this article was educated in the public schools of Ross township and spent his early years on the parental farm. When a lad in his teens he became an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade in Hamilton. serving three years and a half in that capacity. His mechanical skill became apparent from the first and he readily became recognized as a master mechanic. He turned his attention to horseshoeing and hand forging. As a specimen of his handiwork he has a case of shoes forged by himself and handsomely nickel-plated, which represent nearly every form- of horseshoe known to the profession or to veterinary surgery. After working for thirteen years as a journeyman blacksmith, he turned his attention to horseshoeing exclusively, and started a shop on his own account. As an evidence of the magnitude of the work done, he has in the corner of his shop a stack of fifteen tons of old shoes which have been replaced by new ones in the*space of two years, this being the work of himself and his two assistants. If is needless to add that Mr. Yerigan is one of the leading horseshoers in Hamilton. He has studied the subject from the standpoint of scientific investigation, and is perfectly familiar with the diseases which cripple and render useless so many valuable horses, and their correction by proper shoeing. Mr. Yerigan takes special pride in his work and employs only the most skilled workmen as his assistants. A feature of his work is the fact that most of the shoes used to correct traveling defects are hand forged and made to meet the requirements.

January, 1893, choosing for his companion Miss Carrie Belle Noole, of Eaton, Ohio. This happy union has been blessed with the advent of two interesting children, Freddie and Grace. The Clarke family, as represented by the mother of Mr. Yerigan, is one of the pioneer families of Butler county. The maternal grandmother, the widow of Isaac Clarke, resides at College Corner, Butler county, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. They have been prominently identified with the growth and progress of the county almost from its first settlement to the present. The subject of this article and his wife are members of the United Brethren church. They are also worthy members of the social and beneficial society known as the Knights and Ladies of Honor. Mr. Yerigan is a member of the Bosses' Protective Association, a local organization, the name of which suggests its purpose.

William E. Nein

William Ernst Nein was born on a farm near Collinsville, this county, on the 18th of October, 1869. He is the eldest of eight living children born to Henry and Margaret (Grau) Nein. His father was a native of Germany, who came to Butler county when a lad of fourteen years. Here he grew to manhood, and married. Miss Grau, in 1867, following which he located on a rented farm near Collinsville. He was an honest, hardworking man, whose integrity was never questioned. With a large family to rear and educate, his financial progress was necessarily slow until his children reached the age of helpfulness. About 1882 the family savings were sufficient to justify the purchase of a farm and one hundred acres were purchased in Morgan township, where the family located and where the father died October 14, 1901. This property is still owned by the mother, who has removed to Hamilton.

William E. Nein remained at home until eighteen years of age. when he started out to make his way in the world. He apprenticed himself to the machinist's trade at the Niles Tool Works in Hamilton. After completing his apprenticeship, he secured a position in a large manufacturing establishment in Dayton, Ohio, where he remained in profitable employment for twelve years. On the first of June, 1902, he and his brother Frank L. purchased the well-known livery business of N. Bruner & Son, at No. 332 Court street, and after adding materially to the stock and appliances, presented their claims for public patronage. About the time of purchasing the livery stock Mr. Nein decided to take a course at Clarke's. School of Embalming and after graduating he entered the employ of N. Bruner, the oldest undertaker in Hamilton. The office being located next door to the livery bam, there is no incumbrance in attending to both departments of his work. The firm of Nein Brothers has already established a fine livery business. Being courteous and accommodating gentlemen, it is reasonable to presume that they will control a fair proportion of the livery business in Hamilton.

William E. Nein has been twice married, first, in 1893, with Miss Clara Christman, who survived but seven years, and died leaving three children, Homer. Melvin and

Blanche. His second wife was Miss Louesa Christman, a sister of his former companion, who assumes a double relationship to the motherless children. Mr. Nein is a member of the First Reformed church. In his fraternal relations he holds membership in the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Royal Arcanum. In political affiliations he is a Democrat.

Frank L. Nein

Frank Luther Nein is the junior partner in the livery firm of Nein Brothers, at No. 332 Court street, Hamilton. He was born near Collinsville, Butler county. Ohio, on the nth of April, 1871, and is a son of Henry and Margaret (Grau) Nein. His father was a native of Germany, and mother was born in Butler county, of German ancestors. The father was a soldier in the Civil war, rendering valiant sendee to his adopted country. He was married in 1867, and from that date until 1882 operated rented farms in this county, from the savings of which he purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Morgan township. He died upon this farm on the 14th of October, 1901, and this valuable property descended to his widow, who is now a resident of Hamilton.

Frank L. Nein remained at the parental home \intil about the time of his father's death, when he came to Hamilton and purchased a livery stock on the west side. This he operated successfully for about two years, when he formed a partnership with his brother William E. and removed to the present location, bringing some of the stock from the West Side. There were eight children in the parental family, two of whom died in infancy. The living are William E., Frank L., Mary, Emma, now Mrs. Henry Zilliox, of Jacksonburg; Edward, a l)ookkeeper in Hamilton ; John, who operates the home farm ; Lewis, a teacher in the public schools at Collinsville, and Lorena, a student in the Hamilton high school. Misses Mary and Lorena reside at home with their mother.

Frank L. Nein was married, February 15, 1894, to Miss Mary Schaffer, a native of Ross township, Butler county. They have two interesting children, Raymond and Ruth. Mr. Nein is a member of the First Reformed church and in political views a Democrat. Of the social and beneficial societies he is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Royal Arcanum.