Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 2 of 18)

Dr. Marshall passed his youthful days on the homestead farm and his early educational training was secured in the public schools of this county. At the age of twenty years he began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. Thomas E. Reed, of Middletown, and after gaining an excellent preliminary knowledge he was matriculated, in 1888, as a student in Pulte Medical College, in Cincinnati, one of the leading homoeopathic institutions in the Union, and there he was graduated as a member of the class of 1891, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He initiated the practice of his profession by locating in the village of Millville, five miles west of Hamilton, where he remained two years, at the expiration of which he located in Hamilton, in order that he might have a broader field for his professional endeavors, and here he has built up a large and representative practice, which fact stands as the best voucher for his ability and for the success which has attended his ministrations. The Doctor served two years as district physician and for an equal period as physician at the county' infirmary, while for nine years he was police surgeon of Hamilton, giving most effective service. Dr. Marshall is genial and companionable, is unswerving in his devotion to his profession, and he is held in the highest esteem in his native county. The Marshall family is of stanch English lineage, the original progenitors in America having come hither on the historic Mayflower, and a son of the line was the first white child born after the arrival of the pilgrims at Plymouth Rock. Dr. Marshall gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, though he has never sought official preferment or been an active factor in political affairs. He and his wife are mem hers of the First Baptist church of Hamilton, and fraternally he is identified with both the lodge and encampment of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while both he and his wife hold membership in the local organization of the Knights and Ladies of Honor.

On the 24th of September, 1891, Dr. Marshall was united in marriage to Miss A. Etta Davis, who was born in Millville, this county, being a daughter of Washington B. and Clara Davis, the latter being now deceased, while the father is one of the representative farmers of Hanover township. To Dr. and Mrs. Marshall were born two children, Alfred E., who was born December 26, 1892, and who died March 31, 1894, and James Edgar, who was born June 7* 1898.

Harvey Minton

The enterprising farmer and popular citizen whose name heads this sketch needs no formal introduction to the people of Hanover township and Butler county. For many years identified with agricultural interests and always taking an active part in promoting tlife welfare of the public, he has risen to a high place in the business and social circles, besides earning a reputation as one of the county's progressive men of affairs. Peter Minton, the subject's father, was a native of Roscommon county, Ireland. He came to the United States when a young man, worked for some years in Pennsylvania as a farm hand and later changed his abode to Puttier county, Ohio, locating at Millville, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. His business career, which was long and eminently successful, resulted in the accumulation of a handsome fortune, after which he returned to a farm in Hanover township, where he spent his declining years, dying on the 9th of April, 1888. Peter Minton was a man of excellent parts, thorough in business, energetic in carrying out his plans and few merchants in this county were as fortunate as he in the acquiring of wealth. He was reared a Catholic, but after coming to America joined the United Brethren church, of which he continued a faithful member the rest of his life. In politics he was a firm and uncompromising supporter of the Republican party, and during the late Civil war used his influence to induce young men to enlist, being himself too old for military service. Hanna Conklin, wife of Peter Minton, was a native of New Jersey and a descendant of one of the old and highly respected families of that commonwealth. She bore her husband ten children, three sons and seven daughters, of which large family the following are living: Mrs. Henry Kumler and Mrs. Frank Clawson, of Hamilton; Mrs. William Rasencras, of Hanover town-

Harvey Minton was born June 7, 1853, on the home farm in Hanover township and received his preliminary education in the public schools. This training was afterwards supplemented by a course in the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and still later he prosecuted his studies for some time in an educational institution at Wheaton, Illinois. After finishing his education he returned to the homestead and turned his attention to agriculture, which vocation he has since followed with most gratifying results, being at this time one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Hanover township. Mr. Minton's home farm consists of one hundred and eleven acres of excellent and highly-improved land, purchased from the government in an early day by a man by the name of Beaty, in whose family it remained until about 1849, when it was bought by Peter Minton. In due time it came into the possession of the subject, who has brought it to a high state of cultivation and added many valuable improvements, including among others the elegant and commodious modem dwelling which is generally considered to be one of the finest and most attractive rural homes in Butler county. In addition to the place on which he lives, Mr. Minton owns an eightyacre tract adjoining it on the north, which is also well improved, the two combined making one of the most valuable farms in this part of the state. It is a fact worthy of note that this place was the scene of one of the first settlements in Butler county, which was made as early as 1803, by a colony of Germans from Pennsylvania. There is now standing on this place a log house, still in good repair and occupied, which was built nearly one hundred years ago. The first German church in the county was built by these people and stood on the Zeigly farm, where the organization was maintained until removed to Millville a number of years ago.

In 1879 Mr. Minton entered the marriage relations with Miss Florence J. Parker, of Michigan, the accomplished daughter of D. W. Parker, a native of Massachusetts and a representative of one of the stanch old Puritan families of that state. Mrs. Minton was educated in the district schools and in the institution at Wheaton, Illinois, which her husband attended, and subsequently was graduated in music from the Northern Indiana Normal University at Valparaiso. She is a lady of many accomplishments, being especially talented in music and is quite popular in the social circles of her neighborhood. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Minton has been blessed with eight children, the oldest of whom, a.

daughter of the name of Mabel, attended the high school at Hamilton, the Wheaton College and the Miami University. Mary, the second daughter, now the wife of Prof. Ward Pensin, of Philadelphia, is an alumnus of the Hamilton high school and a lady of refinement and varied culture. Lillian, the next in order of birth, is. like her older sisters, well educated*, having studied for some time in the high school, after which she spent two years in college where she made rapid progress. Peter Parker, the oldest son, after finishing the usual preliminary course of study, entered the Miami University at Oxford, of which he is now a student. Sarah was graduated from the common schools and at this time is prosecuting her studies in the high school at, Hamilton. Eugene and Harvey are still in the public schools and Florence, the youngest member of the family, is a bright little miss of about three years.

Air. Minton has always been a friend of education and it will be seen from the foregoing that he has spared no pains nor expense in providing for the intellectual discipline of his children. He is proud of his family and has every reason to be so, as his daughters are far above the average in intelligence and culture, while his sons are equally bright and ambitious and give every promise of future usefulness. All have nobly responded to his efforts in their behalf, and by taking advantage of the splendid opportunities afforded them are now. among the most cultivated and highly esteemed young people of the county. The daughters are natural musicians and all have taken instruction from first-class teachers.

are earnest and consistent members of the local church. In his political affiliations Mr. Minton is a Republican of the most orthodox type and as such exercised a strong influence for the party in the township of Hanover. He has traveled quite extensively, visiting nearly every state in the Union, and believes in getting from life all the pleasure it contains. He is a wide-awake, intelligent, up-to-date man, thoroughly in touch with the times, and as a neighbor and citizen stands high in the public esteem. Practically all of his life has been spent in his native county and his personal history presents no pages blotted by the record of unworthy acts. Few men in his community are as well known and none enjoy more favorable standing as a generous and selfsacrificing friend. His hand is ever opened to accommodate the needy, no worthy object ever appealed to him in vain, and all enterprises for the advancement of the country along material lines or for the general welfare of the people enlist his co-operation and support. As already indicated, Mr. and Mrs. Minton have a pleasant and beautiful home, supplied with many of the comforts and conveniences and not a few luxuries and their domestic relations are of the most agreeable character.

Rev. Samuel K. Holtsinger

Rev. S. K. Holtsinger, an eloquent and scholarly divine and one of the leading ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Butler county, is a native of Washington county, Tennessee, where his birth occurred on December 22, 1838. John

Holtsinger, his grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to east Tennessee a number of years ago and became widely and favorably known throughout the county of Washington, where he spent the greater part of his life. He married a lady by the name of Elizabeth Patton, who bore him ten children, five sons and five daughters, among the former being Rev. John P. Holtsinger, who was the second in order of birth and who spent forty years of ministerial work in the Cumberland church. John P. Holtsinger espoused the cause of the Union during the late Civil war and served as chaplain of the First Tennessee Regular Cavalry, which was first commanded by Col. Robert Johnston and later by James P. Brownlovv, his military experience covering a period of three years. The maiden name of Mrs. John P. Holtsinger was Nachey Roberts; she was also a native of east Tennessee and became the mother of three children, namely : Samuel K., of this review; John R., who served as a Union soldier in the war of the Rebellion and mysteriously disappeared during the struggle, and Nachey E., now the wife of Rev. James A. Francis, of Winchester, Kentucky.

Rev. S. K. Holtsinger spent his early life in the South and when old enough to be of service began earning his own livelihood by working on a farm in his native county and state. While thus engaged he devoted the winter months to study, attending for a couple of years an academy at Greenville and later becoming a student of Clear Springs Academy, Green county, where he spent about the same length of time. The training received in these institutions aroused an ambition in the mind of young

Holtsinger to prosecute his studies further, in order to lit himself for the, ministry, a calling for which he early manifested a decided preference. Yielding to this laudable desire, he entered Ewing and Jefferson College, about fifteen miles west of Knoxville, where he devoted three years to close study and painstaking research, during which time he made a creditable record as a student, and at his graduation, in 1861, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, he stood among the first in his class. It was about this time that the dark and ominous clouds of civil war began to overshadow the country and, with other loyal young men of his state, Mr. Holtsinger responded to the President's call for volunteers bv enlisting, in August, 1862, in a Tennessee regiment, with which he served for a period of one year. Receiving his discharge at the expiration of that time, he entered the 'ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and, thinking to find in the north a more favorable field than the disturbed condition of the South then presented, he made his way to Hamilton, Ohio, where for some time he was under the necessity of laboring with his hands for a livelihood. He arrived in Hamilton in 1863 and the latter part of the year following was .formally ordained and set apart to the holy office of the ministry, immediately after which he entered upon the active duties of the same, taking charge of the church at Sharon, Ohio, and continuing his labors with great acceptance during the thirty-one succeeding years. Rev. Holtsinger's work in Sharon was greatly blessed and the church to which he ministered grew steadily in members and, influence during the entire period of his long and successful pastorate. He endeared himself not only to his own congregation but to the people of the county, irrespective of church or creed, manifesting an abiding interest in secular as well as religious affairs and winning a conspicuous place in public esteem. While devoutly attached to his own parishioners, he found time amid his pressing duties to labor in other fields near by, the churches at West Chester and Bethany having been founded by him. September 22, 1895, Rev. Holtsinger severed his connection with the church for which he had so long been a spiritual leader and guide and went to California. where he spent the ensuing three years as pastor of the congregation at Santiago, during which period he also organized the church at the town of Elmonte and made it self-supporting. Closing his labors in the West at the expiration of the period noted, he returned to Ohio and since the year 1898 has lived at West Chester, the scene of his former labors, where he owns a beautiful and comfortable home and enjoys the friendship and love of many to whom in days gone bv he broke the bread of life.

Rev. Holtsinger's ministerial career has been one of continued success and advancements and, as already indicated, he is today numbered with the ablest preachers and most scholarly divines of the church with which he is identified. Through his efforts thousands have been induced to abandon lives of sin and chose the better way, churches have been established that are powerful agencies for good and in the different communities in which he has lived the people have felt the influence of his earnest preaching and strong personal presence, as powerful incentives to noble aims and high ideals. As a preacher he is clear and concise in statement, cogent in reason, strong and logical in discussing doctrinal points, and earnest and eloquent in presenting the claims of the gospel, his chief aim being to convince and save men and women rather than to flatter and please his auditors. His every-day walk and conversation forcibly exemplify the beauty and exceeding worth of practical religion, his presence is an inspiration and his life has been his most eloquent sermon. A thinker and a scholar, deeply informed on ecclesiastical matters and firmly guided in the oracles of God, he wields a wide and powerful influence in his own denomination and is held in the highest esteem by leading divines of other religious bodies. Mr. Holtsinger gave up his ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian church in September, T903, and is now affiliated with the Presbyterian church. His spirit is broadly and intensely catholic, perceiving good wherever it may be found, recognizing the truth under whatever ecclesiastical garb it may appear, and appreciating every earnest effort for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom among men, providing the motives be honest and pure. He has never allowed his calling to make him narrow or pedantic nor permitted it to interfere with the duties of citizenship. He has mingled much with men, is an excellent judge of human nature and by coming in contact with the world in many practical ways has learned to realize his obligations to the public and to know how to meet and discharge the same. Mr. Holtsinger is well posted on current events, keeps abreast the times relative to the leading questions of the day and, while not a politician, takes considerable interest in party affairs, voting the Republican ticket.

The domestic life of Rev. Holtsinger dates from 1865, on September 27th of which year was solemnized his marriage with Miss Margaret O. Housel, of Warren county, Ohio, but for many years a successful and popular teacher in the schools of Butler county. To Rev. and Mrs. Holtsinger two children have been born, John P., who died at the early age of two years, and a daughter by the name of Nachey H., who married E. W. Scribbs, a prominent journalist of Ohio, and the present proprietor of the Cincinnati Post.

John Auer

Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment possible, and there is thus granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Auer one of the prominent and successful men of Butler county has also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well-directed energy', strong determination and honorable methods.

remained in Germany until he was eight years old, when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, landing at the port of New Orleans. They remained in that city for two years, and then came to Cincinnati, Ohio. The family treasury was represented by the magnificent sum of two dollars when they reached New Orleans, but they were energetic and ambitious and all at once sought employment, in which they were successful. After the removal to Cincinnati, the subject was enabled to attend school for two years, but at the end of that time found it necessary to relinquish his studies, much to his regret. His first employment was in a tobacco factory, at the remuneration of twenty-five cents a week. The lad was determined to succeed, however, and gave strict attention to the work assigned him, thus winning the confidence of his employers, who advanced him from time to time, until at length he gained the position of foreman, at a salary of forty dollars a week, holding this position two years. During these years he had practiced a wise economy and was thus enabled to save about seven hundred dollars. At the solicitation of a friend, he invested his money in an enterprise which in four months returned him four thousand dollars. In 1866 Mr. Auer became associated with P. J. Sorg in the tobacco manufacturing business, under the firm style of Auer & Sorg, representing a capital of six thousand dollars. In 1869 they removed their plant from Cincinnati to Middletown, Ohio, and the firm was reorganized as Wilson, Sorg & Company. The firm was progressive and enterprising and pushed their goods into every corner of the tobacco market and as a result were rewarded with a remarkable success. They at length found it necessary to erect a large building, forty by one hundred and forty feet in dimensions and three stories in height. In 1878 the business was sold to Wilson & McCauley, Messrs. Auer & Sorg receiving about thirty-five thousand dollars each for their interests. The same year the subject and his old associate started again in the same business under the name of Sorg & Company, which was finally absorbed by the Continental Tobacco Company. In 1883 the subject withdrew from the concern, realizing a very handsome sum as the result of his business career. Since that time he has not been as actively identified with business interests as formerly, though he now owns a large amount of real estate and other investment interests, being now considered one of the solid and substantial citizens of the county.

In 1858 Mr. Auer was united in marriage with Miss Amelia Grave, who was born in Kentucky in 1838, the daughter of Louis Grave. She was brought from her native state to Ohio when but six months old and here received a good common-school education. To this union four children have been born, but all are deceased. Mr. Auer ha^|jfcne son married, Anthony, who left two sons who have been at the home of and under the care of their grandfather, the subject. Mr. Auer and his wife are members of the Catholic church and exemplify in their daily life the beneficent principles of the mother church. Fraternally Mr. Auer is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, having been a charter member of the lodge at Middletown. In politics the subject is a Democrat, though he has 'never given much attention to the detail work of his party campaigns, being satisfied with the casting of his ballot. He has been a co-operant factor in many movements for the public good, his assistance being withheld from no measure which he believes will prove of benefit to the community. A man of distinct and forceful individuality, he is leaving his impress upon the commercial, social and moral development of the community.

George L. Hinkle

Among the native sons of Butler county who have here passed their lives and by their energy, integrity and progressive methods have attained to a marked success in temporal affairs is the subject of this brief review, who is one of the prominent and highly honored members of the agricultural contingent in the county, his home place being located in Wayne township. He is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this section of the state, his paternal grandparents having 'located in Butler county in the closing years of the eighteenth century, before Ohio was admitted to the Union, and having established their home in the sylvan wilds, the forests still standing practically untouched by the hand of man, while the Indians disputed dominion with the white settlers who were seeking to extend the march of civilization into the new country.

George L. Hinkle was born in Madison township, this county, on the 12th of June, 1858, and is a son of Benjamin and Nancy (Selby) Hinkle, both of whom are still living, maintaining their home on a farm in Madison township. In that same town- ship the father was born, the date of his nativity having been December 24, 1827, and here he has been actively identified with agricultural pursuits during the entire course of his life, while he has ever commanded the unqualified confidence and regard of the people of his native 'county. He is a man of mature judgment and strong mentality and his life has been one of industry and definite accomplishment, so that he is numbered among the substantial and influential farmers of this favored section of the state. He has resided on his present fine homestead farm since 1859. having previously purchased and sold a number of other farm properties in the county. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and both he and his wife hold membership in the Baptist church. Their marriage was solemnized on the 26th of September, 1850. Mrs. Hinkle having been born in this county, on the 1 8th of March, 1830, and having been here reared and educated, while she likewise is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county. Joseph Hinkle, the grandfather of the subject, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1787, two years before the inauguration of the first president of the United States, and five years later he was brought by his parents to Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his life, having become one of the representative farmers of Butler county, where he died on the 3d of July, 1881, the day made memorable by the assassination of President Garfield. He was well versed in Indian lore and customs, having passed the early portion of his life in Ohio when the Indians were more in evidence than the white settlers, and his reminiscences of the pioneer era were graphic and interesting. To Ben- jaminand Nancy (Selby) Hinkle were boro eleven children, of whom only four are living, namely: Mary; George L., who is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Bertha, who is the wife of Philip Telman, who is engaged in farming near Dayton, this state, and Benjamin, Jr., a successful fanner of

The subject of this review was reared on the home farm, in Madison township, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the public schools of the locality. He initiated his independent career at the age of twenty-two. and has been consecutively identified with the great basic industry of agriculture, which he has found worthy of his best efforts and through which he has gained independence and unequivocal prosperity. He continued to reside in Madison township until 1900. when he removed to his present farm, known as the Cory place, in section 26,. Wayne township, the same being well improved and comprising one hundred and fifty-one acres of most arable land. He enterprising and progressive, has the prescience to take advantage of opportunities presented, and has thus been able to make his success cumulative in character, whi e he stands as a type of loyal and publicspirited citizenship, ever standing ready toendorse and support all measures projected for the general good of the community. Inpolitics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and while he has never sought public office he has been called upon to serveas a member of the school board of his district, while for twelve years he was incumbent of the office of road supervisor of Madison township. Neither he or his wife are formally identified with any religious 01 ganization, but they contribute to the support of church work. They have an interesting family of children, all of whom have been or will be afforded the best possible educational advantages, of which the older ones, who have initiated their work in this line, have shown themselves very appreciative, making excellent and gratifying progress in their studies.

On the 22d of December, 1880, Mr. Hinkle was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Bratton, the ceremony being solemnized at the home of her parents, in Madison township. She was born in Madison township and is a daughter of Mordacai and Matilda (Huffman) Bratton, both of whom were likewise born and reared in this country, the former on the 19th of September, 1827, and the latter on the 27th of January, 1828. They resided for a few years in Illinois, and with this exception have maintained . their home in Butler county from time of birth to the present, Mr. Bratton being one of the honored pioneers and influential farmers of Madison township. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom are living witlr the exception of the eldest daughter, Mary Catherine, who was the wife of Martin Weaver, and who died in 1898, at the age of fifty years. Mrs. Hinkle was the sixth in order of birth. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle we enter the following brief record in conclusion of this sketch : Roxie M. was born January 15, 1882, and remains at the parental home; Ethel, who was born March 12, 1884, was married, on the 28th of December, 1902, to William Schul, and they reside in Greenbush, Preble county; Clare W. was bom December 20, 1886: Clinton C., November 29, 1888; Leroy W., May 1, 1891 ; Orvin T., March 11, 1896; George D., who was born February 2, 1899, died on the 1st of the following August, and Arthur C. was born April 19, 1901.

The eclectic school of medicine has a most able and successful representative in the city of Hamilton, for here the subject of this sketch is actively engaged in the practice of his profession according to the methods and system of this effective and popular school, while he has gained a high reputation in the treatment of certain classes of disease to which he has given much study and investigation, being a specialist in the line.

Dr. Nesbitt was born in Clermont county, the parental homestead farm being located in Ohio township, and there he was ushered into the world on the 26th of April. 1851. He secured his preliminary educational training in the schools of his native county, and that he duly availed himself of the advantages thus afforded is evident when we revert to the fact that he became eligible for pedagogic honors, being successfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of Clermont county for a period of five years. The Doctor is a son of William S. and Elizabeth (Clark) Nesbitt, both of whom were likewise born and reared in Clermont county, being representatives of sterling pioneer families of that section. The father devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits and was one of the honored citizens of the county. He died on the old homestead, at the age of seventy-three years* while his devoted wife passed away at the age of sixty-three. They became the parents of eleven children, and of the number three of the sons and five of the daughters are still living, all of the sons being engaged in farming in Clermont county with the exception of the Doctor, while the daughters are likewise resident of that county and married to representative farmers.

While still engaged in teaching Dr. Nesbitt took up the study of medicine, under the direction of Dr. Cyrus Gaskins, of Amelia, Clermont county. In 1880 he was matriculated in the Eclectic Medical Institute, in the city of Cincinnati, where he completed the prescribed course and was graduated on the 6th of June, 1882, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He initiated the active practice of his profession by locating in Chilo, Clermont county, Ohio, whence he removed one year later to the village of Tremont City, Clark county, where he continued in practice for fourteen years, received a representative support from the people of that section and being very successful in his work, which extended over a wide radius of country adjacent to the town in which he lived. At the expiration of the period noted the Doctor removed to Springfield, Clark county, Ohio, where he soon secured . a large practice, principally among the laboring class, but owing to the general financial depression in the early nineties he found it impossible to collect his pay for professional services, and when he left Springfield he had outstanding several thousand dollars in unpaid bills for services which he had rendered to those in affliction. In April, 1899, Dr.* Nesbitt took up his residence in Hamilton, and here he has secured a representative patronage and built up an excellent practice of a general order, while he gives special attention to the treatment of cancer, asthma, dropsy, hernia, goitre, hay fever and blood diseases, in the handling of which his success has been phenomenal. so much so that he feels himself justified in guaranteeing cures in cases coming under this category. In politics the Doctor has given an unwavering allegiance to the Democratic party from the time of attaining his legal majority, but he has never desired or held public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of -Pythias and the Knights of the Maccabees, while Mrs. Nesbitt is identified with the auxiliary organization, the Ladies of the Maccabees. He and his wife and their two eldest daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

.In the village of Amelia. Clermont county, Ohio, on the 2d of July, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Nesbitt to Miss Ruth A. Cole, who was born and reared in that place, being a daughter o Erin Cole, a prosperous farmer of that locality. Of this union have been born four children, Bessie M., Albertine Russell C. and Fantie. Miss Bessie is a graduate of the Hamilton high school and is giving special attention to the study of. music. The other children are attending the city schools.

John Marti Ndell

It is a matter of particular gratification that we are permitted to enter in this wor even a brief review of the personal and ancestral history of this highly honored citi- zen of Oxford township, for he is a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the Buckeye state, where his father took up his abode in the early part of the last century, while the name has been intimately and notably identified with the development and material upbuilding of Butler county.

The Martindell family is of pure English ineage and its original representatives in America were devoted members of that noble organization, the Society of Friends, coming to this country in connection with the colonization plans of William Penn and locating in Pennsylvania. In Bucks county, that state, on the roth of May.' i79r, was I»rn Richard Martindell, the first representative of the family -in Ohio and the one rom whom the numerous Martindells of Butler county are descended. When Richard Martindell was a lad of seven years his parents removed to Huntington countv. New Jersey, and settled a few miles east of Lambertsville, on the Delaware river, and there he was reared to manhood. About the year i8r6 he set forth to seek his ortunes in the new state of Ohio, arriving in Pittsburg without a dollar, but he soon found employment, remaining in that city a short interval and then coming to Colerain township, Hamilton county, where he met and married Miss Nancy Wallace, their union being solemnized on the 17th of -larch, 1817. She was born and reared in lamilton county, and was a .member of one of its earliest pioneer families, as is evident when we revert to the fact that she was orn October 5, 1798, being a daughter of Janies and Charlotte (Blois) Wallace. . Shortly after his marriage Mr. Martindell . rented a farm in Butler county, the same 'ng but partially reclaimed from the virgin

* t tile exPi ration of the period noted he traded two horses and a wagon for fifty acres of land in Hanover township, the tract being still covered with the native timber, and this place, afterward known as the Dr Roll farm, is the one on which the immediate subject of this sketch was born. After residing on the farm about three years Richard Martindell sold the property for five hundred dollars and then effected the purchase of one hundred and seventy-two acres in Hanover township, for a consideration of one thousand dollars in silver. This place is now known as the Fox farm and at the time lie took possession of the same onlv twenty acres were cleared. Here this sterling pioneer continued to reside about thirty-five years and then sold the property and removed again to Oxford township, where he passed the residue of his useful life, being summoned to his reward on the 8th of November, 1862. His devoted wife thereafter lived for a time in Hamilton, but finally took up her residence in the village of Oxford, where she lived until the final summons came, her death occurring on the 10th of August, 1883, at the venerable age of eighty-five years. Both she and her husband were birthright members of the Society of Friends and held this simple and noble faith throughout their lives. They became the parents of fifteen children, all of whom attained maturity except Alice, who died in infancy. Five of the sons and three of the daughters are yet living, and of the number the youngest is sixty years of age.

20 1819, died in Idaho; Charlotte, bom April 10, 1820, is deceased; Mary Ann born January 15, 1822, is the widow of James Adams; Harriet, born June 5, 1823, is deceased; John, born October 14, 1824, is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Miranda, born April 15, 1826, is the widow or Charles L. Weller; Martha A., born October 10, 1827, became the wife of James Harter and is now deceased; David W., born January 22, 1830, is a resident of San Francisco. California; Nancy L., born April 10, 1832, became the second wife of James Harter and is now deceased ; Richard, born July 26, 1834, is a resident of Centerville, Indiana; Franklin, born October 30, 1836. resides in Hamilton; Elizabeth born March 20, 1839, is the widow of George Ringwood; Louisa M., born January 28, 1841, is deceased; Alice, born June 21, 1843, died in infancy, and James K. P.. born January 12. 1845, is a resident of near Springfield, Ohio.

John Martindell, whose name initiates this review, was thus reared under the conditions which obtained in the pioneer epoch in this county, the place and date of his birth having already been noted in this context. He assisted in the reclaiming and improvement of the homestead farm, and his educational advantages were such as were afforded in the primitive log school house of the locality and period, this discipline being effectually rounded out by personal application and by the lessons learned in the great school of experience. Mr. Martindell was one of the valiant band of argonauts who made their way across the weary stretches of plain to California in the ever memorable year 1 849' ar*d when he reached his destination in the Golden state and made ready to initiate his work in the placer mines, his financial resources were reduced to twenty-five cents. After two years o patient and indefatigable labor he returned to his native county, having realized eighteen hundred dollars from the gold which he had secured on the Pacific, coast. With this money he purchased fifty-six and one-half acres of land in Oxford township, and the same is an integral portion of his present fine homestead of one hundred and eighty-five acres, practically all of which is under effective cultivation, while in the long intervening years prosperity has attended his endeavors and he is now enjoying his just reward, having a well-improved farm and a comfortable and attractive home His place is consistently known as the IV ap e vale farm and is one of the best in this signally favored section of the state. In po 1- tics Mr. Martindell has ever been an uncompromising advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, but has never soug 1 official preferment. He is a member o Hanover Grange. His life has been one of consecutive industry and inflexible integ 1 > of purpose, and he has thus hel ug standard of the honored name which ne

On the 19th of February, 1851. solemnized the marriage of Mr. Mart.ndefl to Miss Sarah J. McChesney, who .was .born in Warren county, this state, on t e - September, 1829, being a daughter o J and Flora (Patterson) McChesney. paternal grandfather, John McChesney, emigrated from Edinburg, Scotland, America, and took up his residence in cinnati, Ohio, on Fifth street, in t e \ heart of the now great Queen City, was at that time a mere village. For years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Martindell lived on the farm of the former's father and then removed to their present place, their residence having been erected in 1856 and having since been greatly modernized and improved. They became the parents of seven children, of whom three are deceased, a brief record concerning them being as follows: Eva, born June 17, 1852, died April 21, 1863; William, born September 23, 1853, died December 28, 1891 ; Richard, born January n, 1857, is a bachelor, and has charge of the home farm; Franklin, born August 31, i860, died September 22, 1863; Charles W., born September 30, 1862, resides in Hamilton ; Jessie B., born August 14, 1865, remains at the parental home, as does also Louisa, who was born February 12, T869, neither being married.

Silas B. Montanye

Seventy-three years of continuous residence in Butler county, during which he has grown from infancy to mature manhood and ripe old age is the simple record of the honored subject of this review. On March 9, 1823, where he now lives, Silas B. Montanye first saw the light of day and from that time to the present his career has been very intimately associated with the growth of Union township and the development of its various interests. On the paternal side Mr. Montanye is of French descent and from his maternal ancestors he inherits many of the sturdy qualities and sterling characteristics for which the people of Delaware have long been noted. The subject's grandfather was the first Montanye to leave

France and find a home in the United States. He came to this country in an early day, and after marrying and living for some years in New Jersey, moved to Butler county, Ohio, settling in Union township, where he purchased a farm on which the remainder of his life was spent. Thomas Montanye was born in New Jersey, accompanied his parents to Butler county and, when a young man, married Miss Elizabeth Myers, whose birth occurred in the state of Delaware and who bore him nine children, the subject of this review being the only representative of this family now living.

Silas B. Montanye was reared on the home farm in Union township and while a mere youth was obliged to contribute of his labors to the support of the family, in consequence of which his educational advantages were exceedingly limited. After remaining with his parents until old enough to be of service as a farm hand, he left home and hired out to a neighbor for five dollars per month, and in this way he earned his livelihood and helped support his father and mother until reaching the years of manhood. Reared to farm labor, he early decided to devote his life to agricultural pursuits and in due time he was enabled to engage in the same upon his own responsibility. By patient, persevering industry and good management, he succeeded in the course of a few years in earning sufficient means to purchase land of his own, since which time he has brought it to a high state of tillage, besides making a number of substantial improvements, his farm being now regarded one of the most productive and valuable of its size in the 'township of Union. Although not as large as many other places in the neighborhood, embrac- ing an area of only sixty-one acres it 1 cultivated to its utmost capacity and being exceedingly fertile, the crops grown thereon are abundant and the returns liberal, as owners present comfortable circumstances

Mr Montanye has never stepped asid from his chosen calling to mingle in pubh.c affairs, further than to manifest a lively interest in politics, being one of the old whee - horses of the local Democracy and for over a half century an influential leader m his party in Union township. While always earnest in the advocacy of his principles and fearless in the expression and defense of his opinions, he has never entered tie arena of partisan politics as an office seeker, having no ambition to gratify in this direction, his main object being to live an honorable life, "far from the madding crowd, ^ with nothing to disturb the even tenor o. bis way or interfere with his quiet and peaceful experience as a contented and prosperous tiller of the soil.

Mrs. Montanye, who before her union with the subject was a widow by the name of LaRue, died in the year 1899, leaving one son by her former husband, the second marriage being without issue. Since hei lamented death, Mr. Montanye's domestic affairs have been looked after by an estimable lady who is closely related to the family as housekeeper, and although not as activelv engaged as formerly he still gives personal attention to his farm, and devotes considerable of his time to the breeding and raising of live stock, in which, as in agriculture, his success has been very gratifying. Mr. Montanye is a creditable - representative of that large and respectable class of yeomen who by actions rather than words make their pretence felt and whose influence has ever been given to the side of g on all great moral questions and issues. is life story abounds in no chapters of thrilling interest but contains much that is comrnen - able and worthy of imitation, having been spent in the upright, honorable manner c aracteristic of the man who makes every o consideration subordinate to duty, an serves both by precept and example benefit his fellow men and thus prove a potent factor for good to the world.

The Crane Family

It is an old English family, and its history in this country is traceable through 1 an urn broken line to the year 1637. »t "r'lic one Jasper Crane and his wife Alice to America and settled at New Haven Nev, Jersey, where they reared a number of children, and spent the remainder of their ay^ Among their offspring was a son ^ t name of Jasper, who became promi the affairs of the colony and was one f^ committee of safety to pr° e Dutch

Haven colony against De R^ter' ° he admiral He served with distinction legislature and left the impress of his ^ individuality upon the mater, al growth the town in which he resided. an father, became influential in matters of public import and . a leader among his fellowmen. He married and raised a family, the oldest of his children being a son, John, who, like his ancestors, became a potent factor in the community and to no small degree a moulder of public opinion. John Crane. Jr., second son of the above John, was the father of a number of children, one of whom, the third in order of birth, wras given his own name and, like him, stood high in the confidence and esteem of the public. This John married and became the head of a wrell-known and influential family and it was through his son Elijah that the branch in Ohio traces its descent. Stephen Crane, the son of Elijah, spent his life in New Jersey as a tiller of the soil, and twro of his children, Isaac and Joseph, also became agriculturists, the former owning for many years a fine estate of one hundred and seventy-eight acres near the city of New Haven. Joseph Crane contracted a matri- .monial alliance with Ruth Miller, who bore him several children, among them being Joseph, Jr., who married Miss Sallie Bebout. William B.. a son of Joseph, Jr., and Sallie (Bebout) Crane, was married on April 24, 1820, to Miss Deborah Conklin, daughter of Capt. James Conklin, and to this union were born the following children : Elias, Mulford and Jerusha. After the death of his first wrife he chose a second wife in the person of Nancy Potter, their children being as follows: Hannah, Elizabeth, John D., Samuel P., Sarah dnd Jacob.

In the year 1837 William B. Crane moved his family from New Jersey to Butler county, Ohio, and, settling on a farm near Middletown, spent the remainder of the soil, dying in the month of August, 1854, his wife following him to 'the grave three years later. John D. and Samuel P. Crane are the only living sons of William B. and Nancy Crane. The former was born on the 15th day of August, 1833, the latter on July 14, 1837. Before attaining their majority they came to Middletown, where John engaged in teaming and Samuel secured a position in a grocery house, and to these lines of work they devoted their attention for a number of years, making money slowly but surely and sharing equally in their profits, which from tinle to time were judiciously invested in city and country real estate. By thus combining their earnings, the brothers in due time found themselves on the way to prosperity and the handsome property now in their possession shows them to be careful and discreet business men, wdiose judgment is seldom at fault and whose resourcefulness has rebounded greatly to their financial advantage. As citizens they are energetic, progressive and in touch with all enterprises making for the material advancement of the city, and in the more quiet walks of life they are regarded as kind and obliging neighbors and high-minded gentlemen, courteous in their relations with friends and associates and true to every trust reposed in them.

Samuel P. Crane is a member of Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons. He was married on March 19, 1901, to Mary Hallowell, of Franklin, Warren county, this state, and in his pleasant home in Middletown, surrounded by the many comforts that have come to him as the legitimate result of his energy and well directed endeavor, he finds that peace, hap-

John D. Crane has never taken upon himself the duties and responsibilities of matrimony, but in the single state has lived as nearly as possible according to his ideals of manhood and citizenship, being true to .his every obligation, an honor to the city of his residence, and by his example and influence doing much to advance the moral standard of the community to benefit his fellow men.

Elias Crane, the oldest son of William B. and Deborah Conklin Crane, was born December 7, 1821, married to Anna Atwood, and to this union was born one child, Mary L. Crane, who died in November. 1900.

Mulford Crane, the second son of William B. and Deborah Conklin Crane, was l)orn February 22, 1823, served in the Mexican war, and was married March 28, 1856, to Rhoda Potter, of Middletown, Ohio, their children being as follows: William Conklin, John S., James P., Luella D., Frank O. and Martin L.

William Conklin Crane, the oldest son of Mulford and Rhoda Potter Crane, was born on the 19th day of December, T857. It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the^ record of this well-known gentleman. Mr. Crane has lived in Middletown all his life, except nine years, from 1865 to 1874, during which time he resided with his parents on a farm in Des Moines county, Iowa. In ebruary, 1883, he entered the employ of the tobacco manufacturing firm known as

The P. J. Sorg Company as a laborer. The following year, 1884, he was promoted to the position of foreman in the press room, and in January, 1890, was appointed assistant superintendent of the plant, a position which he still acceptably fills. On the 5th day of December, 1883, Mr. Crane was married to Mary L. Blackburn, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth F. Blackburn. Her father was an Englishman, and her mother is a direct descendant of the old Bullock family of Virginia. To this union have been born four children, as follows: Roy B., June 11, 1885; Paul J*> April 5, 1887; William Ross, February 27, 1893, and Mary Elizabeth, May 28, 1894.

Fraternally Mr. Crane belongs to Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons, and Middletown Chapter, No. 87, Royal Arch Masons, holding important offices in both lodges. He holds membership in two fraternal insurance orders. In brief, he is a representative type of the strong, virile American manhood.

Mrs. Caroline Seiden Sticker

This highly esteemed lady is a native of Hamilton and the only daughter and eldest child of Jacob and Barbara (Sohn) Rupp. Her parents were both natives of Bavaria, who emigrated with their parental families in childhood. Her father was born November 22, 1822, and the mother's birth occurred on the 19th of September, 1830. They were married in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848, and soon thereafter took up their residence in Hamilton. The father was a prominent and successful business man in this city

George Rupp, the son. These parents were evout and active members of St. John's Evangelical Protestant church, and the mother was practically the founder of the Laches A.d Society in connection therewith, and was the first president. This society is one of the most popular religious organizations 0f ladies, as well as being one of the strongest numerically, in the city of Hamilton. Its existence has been perpetuated, m unbroken line, for more than fifty years. The good which it has wrought in the cause of humanity and in the dissemina- Uon °f religious teachings is incalculable.

- beautiful and impressive memorial service was recently held at the church, in comemoration of the departed members of the society Forty-three names appear on the 1st of those gone to their reward, while but we ve remain of the original members. The pastor of the church, Rev. H. A. Dickmann.

A,IrS- Seidensticker was reared and eduted her native city. On the 10th of J""e' Vi*74' she was united in marriage with - bin Seidensticker, a native of Germany, uiln, Cr years he was employed in a wholesale jewelery stablishment in that citv and came to Hamilton in zgy; and engaged usiness on his own account. He was Prosperous, built up a large trade, and was man universally esteemed for his integrity and uprightness of character. This happy umon was severed by death on the 12th of April 1884. Mr. Seidensticker is spoken of by those who knew him as a citizen of the highest repute and a man devoted to his lamily, whose presence his leisure hours were delightfully passed. He was a capable and successful business man, whose untimely death was a severe blow to the public, as we 1 as to his devoted family. On the death of her husband, Mrs. Seidensticker, with heroic energy and exceptional ability, took C ar^e ^ar£e business and conducted

't successfully until her son attained man's estate, since which time she has been enabled to divide the responsibility. The only surviving child of Mr. and Mrs. Seidensticker is Arthur a young man of twenty-seven years. He is a splendid specimen of physical manhood and the picture of robust health. He received a liberal education in the city schools, the Dayton College and at a college at South Bend, Indiana. Foreseeing his future business career, he made special preparations for it and apprenticed himself to the watchmaker's trade at the well-known institution at Elgin, Illinois, there mastering the details of technology. He then took a course in an optical institution at Cleveland, Ohio. Being thus fully equipped for his professional duties, together with a familiarity with the business from childhood, he came into the firm in 1898 as part owner and at once assumed a prominent place in the management of the business interests. The Seidensticker jewelery store carries the largest stock in that line in Hamilton and is also the oldest in the business.

of Frank D. Dick, a well-known and wealthy citizen of Hamilton. Miss Dick received a liberal education, being a graduate of the high school in -Hamilton, and also pursued special courses at Oxford Female College.

Mrs. Seidensticker, in whose name this article is written, is an active and influential member of St. John's church, the religious home of her parents. She is devoted to the interests of her son, the only survivor o three children, and has made personal sacrifices in continuing the business, largely for his benefit. Being in affluent circumstances. it was hardly necessary to devote twenty years of her life to the sale of goods alone' for the purposes of accumulation. Two sons of Mrs. Seidensticker. Carl and Selmar, died in infancy.

Butler county has a full quota of able representatives of the medical profession, and among the number is the subject of this sketch, who is one of the successful practicing physicians and surgeons of the city of Hamilton.

Dr. Wasson was born on a farm near Middletown, this county, on the 26th of September, 1868, and is a son of S. Y. and Jennie (Henderson) Wasson. The father of our subject was born in Adams county. Ohio, in 1836, and was reared and educated in Butler county, whither his parents came when he was a child. He was graduated in Miami University in the early sixties, his intention having been to follow the profession of theology, but the condition of his health became such that he found it inexpedient to take up this work as a vocation \fter his graduation he located in Gallipol s, Gallia county, where he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continue for a number of years. He represented Gallia county in the state legislature for two terms and was influential in the civic affairs of that section. While a resident o Gallipolis he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Henderson, who was born near Mid dletown, Butler county, in the samefflouse in which her son, the Doctor, was ^bom and she was a representative of one oftbester ing pioneer families of the beautiful Miam valley, her father having taken up government land in Butler county, where he became a prominent and influential far

He now ^resides in Hamilton, Ohio, andj retired from active business. T e of the subject was summoned into tema, rest in June, 1899, and is survived by two children, of whom the Doctor is _the younger. His sister, Jennie L., is the wife J Blair, one of the leading stockholders m the Niles Tool Works, m Hamilto .

Dr. Wasson received his early tioual discipline in , hi public schools :ct Middletown, being graduated m the g school as a member of the class of 88E He thereafter continued his stud,es National Normal University, at e ' this state, where he also took a P'eParat^ course in medicine. In the autumn oli%P he was matriculated in the 1 College, in Cincinnati, where he w g ated in 1893, receiving his degree : _ tor of Medicine. He immediately es tablished himself in the general prac ic his profession in Hamilton arffl soon beg^ giving special attention to the stu y practical application of electro-therapeutics, and in this line he has since continued to do a very successful work, having the best modern equipments for the treatment of disease by means of electricity, and he is the owner of the only X-ray machine in Hamilton. Through the marvelous powers of this instrument he has not only diagnosed but has positively cured many obstinate chronic ailments which had failed to yield under other forms of treatment. In the treatment of diseases of a cancerous nature the Doctor has found electricity more potent than any other remedial agency which could be brought to bear, while he has also been very successful in the treatment of tuberculosis and other kindred disorders through this means. He has taken an advanced position in the introduction of scientific electrical appliances and is a recognized authority upon the varied and complicated uses of this wonderful element in connection with its application to the alleviation of human ills. Being thoroughly skilled in the science of medicine and in the therapeutic values of the pharmacopia, he is able to utilize the X-rays in the immediate distribution of recognized medicines, through the cataphoric method. He has been very successful in his practice and the science of electro-therapeutics finds in him a distinguished representative. His practice is of representative character, and recourse is had to his services by the afflicted of not only Hamilton but of those from neighboring cities and towns, in Butler and adjoining counties, his special electrical methods of treatment being far superior to those utilized by the general practitioner. Dr. Wasson is a member of the Butler County Medical Society and the Ohio State Medical Society, and is held in high esteem by his professional confreres. He also holds membership in the American Electro Therapeutic Society, the American X-Ray Society and the Static and Coil Club of the United States. In political matters the Doctor is found stanchly arrayed as a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, both he and his wife being valued members of Westminster church, in Hamilton. He is identified with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Bankers' Fraternal Union.

On the 15th of June, 1898, Dr. Wasson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ward, daughter of Clark W. Ward, a prominent agriculturist and representative citizen of Butler county, Mrs. Wasson having been born on the homestead farm, near Middletown.

Harry H. Elwood

In the constant and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a creditable name on the part of business or professional men, there is little to attract the reader in search of a sensational chapter, but to a mind thoroughly awake to the true meaning of life and its responsibilities there are 'noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, early thrown upon his own resources and without other means than a sound mind, fertile genius and a true heart, conquers adversity and wins not only a prominent position in the industrial world, but what is equally as great, the deserved esteem and confidence of his fellow men. Such a man is the prominent oF manufacturer and representative citizen of m whom the biographer treats in this connec- at lion, and whose name is so intimately as- O sociated with the business interests of Mid- p< dletown as to reflect great credit upon the si city and add to its reputation as one of the i important industrial centers of the state. t Harry H. Elwood, president of the New d Decatur Buggy Company, of Middletown, n is a native of Ohio and a son of Stephen a F. and Sarah (Stout) Elwood, the father a v well-known citizen of Cincinnati and cap- t tain of Company F, One Hundred and Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, in the late Civil ( war, the mother a representative of an old : family of Scotch-Welsh extraction that came ; to this state from Pennsylvania as early as the year 1818. Harry H. was born in Cincinnati. April 7, 1866, and received a rudimentary education in the city schools, which he attended at intervals until the thirteenth year of his life. Owing to adverse circumstances he was early obliged to rely upon his own exertions, and at the age noted he apprenticed himself to a painter in Cincinnati, with whom he remained until becoming skilled in the various branches of the trade. After mastering his chosen calling, Mr. Elwood became associated with the carriage firm of Hiram Davis & Company, entering their employ in 1879 as head painter and continuing in that capacity until 1892, when he was advanced to the higher and more responsible position of foreman, in addition to which he also acted for some time as assistant superintendent of the establishment.

operating a few years in Cincinnati, was moved to Evansville, Indiana, where it operated under the name of the Headris Buggy Company, being at this time one of the important industries of the latter city. The subject continued with this enterprise until 1894, when he disposed of his interests in the firm and established at Greensburg, In- - diana. the Decatur Buggy Company, beginning business on a modest scale, but gradually extending the scope of his operations until his plant became one of the solid industrial concerns of the place. Associated with him in the undertaking were Samuel an Charles D. Hatheral and the firm thus constituted remained at Greensburg until Janu ary 1. 1900, when the plant was transferred to Middletown, Ohio, Harry W. Quackenbush purchasing the interests of the Hatherals about that time. Since its removal to this city the company of which Mr. Elwood is the head has grown greatly m scope an magnitude and, as already indicated t l plant is now one of the largest and most mi : portant manufacturing establishments o

,- eighty-two thousand square feet, and to meet d the steadily increasing demand for t e o i, put of the factory a force of one hundred :r and ninety-six skilled artisans is employed, a, at an average pay roll of two thousan le lars per week, all of which nc s circ s- in the city where the workmen ^ Financially the company is strong dred unimpeachable integrity, its permanency is assured and its future growth bids fair to win a place in the industrial circles of the state second to that of few similar enterprises.

As may be inferred from the rapid growth and present extensive operations of the plant under his management, Mr. Elwood is a man of remarkable business ability and superior judgment, whose enterprising spirit hesitates at no obstacles and stops at nothing short of the accomplishment of his well-conceived purposes. Possessing great tact and sagacity and being fertile in resource, he is rarely mistaken in his judgment and foresees with remarkable clearness the future possibilities of his business interests and determines with a high degree of accuracy their being. As president and general manager, he not only exhibits talent of superior order, but keeps himself familiar with the business in its every detail and to him more than to any of his associates is due the rapid success that has characterized the company from its organization to its present high standing in the industrial world.

The career of Mr. El wood has been somewhat phenomenal in that he began life for himself poor and unknown and every step forward was made in the face of discouragements. On leaving home, at the age of thirteen, to make his own way in the world, his weekly salary for the first year amounted to one dollar, which sum was doubled the second year and the third year he had made himself so useful to his employer as to have his wages increased to two and a half dollars per week. At the expiration of the third year he had his trade well in hand and from that time forward his advancement was not only steady but rapid, and while still young he found himself associated with old and reliable business men and an influential factor in the world of affairs. Animated by a laudable ambition to rise superior to an environment which hampered his ability and kept him in a subordinate position, he exerted all his powers to become an employer instead of continuing longer as an employee; and how well he succeeded in this desire is attested by the series of advancements which have marked his course and by the conspicuous position he now occupies among the prominent manufacturers and business men of the city and state. In all of his transactions Mr. Elwood has manifested sound integrity, gentlemanly demeanor and a high sense of honor, and by reason of these attributes and his large success, to which may also be added an unblemished character and a just and liberal life, be has nobly earned the distinguished reputation which he today enjoys and the universal esteem in which he is held.

Mr. Elwood was married, in February, 1887, to Miss Sophia Tackermeier, of Cincinnati, a highly cultured and much respected lady whose people were among the old and well-to-do German residents of that city. To this union two children have been born, Harry H. and Ralph, who with their parents constitute a home circle mutually pleasant in all of its relations. While first of all a business man. Mr. Elwood has not been indifferent to public affairs or to the different concerns affecting the duties of citizenship. He is deeply interested in whatever relates to the welfare of the city of his residence, lends his influence to all progressive measures with this end in view and ever has at heart the social and moral good of his fellow man. Politically, he is a Republican, fraternally a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and religiously is identified with the Presbyterian church, to which communion his wife also belongs.

George Krebs

George Krebs, the well-known and popular High street clothier, of Hamilton, Ohio, is a native of Cincinnati, born on the 20th of February, 1862. He was educated in the parochial school of the Roman Catholic church in the city of his birth. At the age of fourteen he became dn apprentice to the tailor's trade under the guidance of his father. He was in the employ of the well-known firm of Mack, Stadler & Company for fourteen years. Mr. Krebs is an expert cutter of ready-made garments, and his proficiency in this line, with his faithful, intelligent business ability, soon secured him the position of general foreman, and finally the management of the immense plant. By economical habits and industrious disposition he accumulated the nucleus to a venture in business on his own account. In the spring of 1896 he came to Hamilton and established himself in business on the corner of Third, near Court street. His stock was not large, though well selected, and by careful details and honorable and fair dealing he soon became popular with the better class of Hamilton trade. His business outgrew its quarters, and he moved to a more central location, enlarged his stock, and has since done a large share of business in his line. The "Krebs corner" is now a favorite designation of High and Third streets, where his business house is located. Special attention is given to the merchant tailoring department, which gives employment to eighteen tailors and three cutters. The latest patterns are always to be found in the shelves of Mr. Krebs' establishment, while skilled workmen fashion them into garments to please the most fastidious dressers. Should the customers desire ready-made grades, and thus avoid a small item of expense, they can be accommodated from a large and carefully selected stock from the factories of the most popular manufacturers in the country. The haberdashing department is complete in all details, and the goods are seasonable and up-to-date. Obliging and skilled clerks cater to the wants of the public and assist the customer in his selections with true cordiality and friendly interest.

Mr. Krebs is deservedly popular in his successful business career. He is an affable, pleasant gentleman, thoroughly skilled in all details of his business and exceptionally well informed upon current events, and takes a warm personal interest in public affairs. His business location is one of the best in the city, and while his few years in Hamilton have been crowned with success, even be- yond his most sanguine hopes, the future is bright with promise. Mr. Krebs is the soul and spirit of his enterprise, and he has made for himself a place on the business circles of the city in comparatively few years that any man might be proud to earn in a lifetime. His genial nature and his fair dealings have surrounded him with a legion of friends in whose society, and that of his interesting family, he finds- his greatest pleasure.

Mr. Krebs and family are members of St. Stephens Roman Catholic church, and are identified with the various social functions of that popular feature of religious life.

The subject of this article has never taken an active part in local politics, but sustains allegiance to the Democratic party on national issues. In local affairs he supports men rather than measures and votes independently of party lines. In social affairs he is a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

One of the best known dentists in Butler county, Ohio, and a gentleman widely known because of his many sterling qualities of head and heart, is he whose name appears above. He comes from a long line of honorable ancestry, the first representative of the family in this country having been John Keelv, a native of Germany, born in 1 753* who, in 1762, accompanied his parents on their emigration to America, settling in Pennsylvania. At the outbreak of the war for independence Mr. Keelv took sides with the colonists and received a wound at the battle of Brandywine. His son John, who was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1779, came to Ohio in 1818, locating at Oxford, and there died on the 7th of May, 1848. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Iddings, was also a native of the Keystone state, having been born in Northumberland county on the 7th of August, 1787. John and Ann Keely were the parents of the subject's father, Dr. George W. Keely, who was born in Oxford, Ohio, October 27, 1822. He received a good public-school education, which was supplemented by a complete course in Miami University. Making a choice of the dental profession for his life work, he studied the science in the office of Dr. J. D. White, of Hamilton, and later with Dr. John Allen, of Cincinnati. Returning to Oxford in 1841, he opened an office and began the practice of his profession, which he conducted very successfully until his death. He was progressive and up-to-date in his ideas and methods and, after having been engaged in the practice for twelve years, he entered the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in March, 1853. "By his presence, advice and means, he was ever ready to aid in movements for the advancement of the .profession and was foremost among his professional brethren in the state. Pie attended the meetings at Niagara Falls where was laid the foundation for the organization of the American Dental Association in 1859* Of this body he was elected president in 1876 and presided as such at Chicago in 1877. In the organization of the Ohio State Dental Society he was a prominent factor; he was once its president and for ten years served as its treasurer. He held active or honorary membership in the Mississippi Valley Dental Society. Mad River Valley Dental Society, the

New York Odontalogical Society, and the Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Dental Societies. For twenty years he was trustee of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery and often served as president of the board. In all matters pertaining to the welfare of his native city he maintained the warmest interest and the town had no citizens more progressive and advanced in ideas than he. Especially was he interested in the educational interests and institutions of the place, and Miami University (of which he was a trustee), Oxford Female Institute, Oxford Female College and the Western Female Seminary held a warm place in his heart. He was a courteous and affable gentleman, which characteristic, united with superior ability and integrity, secured for him the confidence and love of the people of this county. In his profession he had no superiors in this state, and few equals, and the work he accomplished for the science of dentistry entitles him to lasting memory by the profession. Dr. Keely's death occurred on the 27th of August, 1888, and was the result of an accident. While working at a window in the third story of the Cone building, endeavoring to repair the telephone wires connecting his office and residence, he overbalanced and fell to the pavement below, sustaining injuries which resulted in his death. His sudden death called forth many touching tributes of regard and esteem and, in his honor, every business house in Oxford was closed during the funeral."

Dr. George W . Keely was twice married. On the 13th of March, 1851, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was united in marriage with Miss Susanna Wells, to which union were bom three children, of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the only survivor. Mrs. Susanna Keely died May 25, 1856, and on April 21, 1861, -the Doctor married Miss Cornelia Cone, of Oxford, to which union were born eight children. Fraternally Dr. Keely was, from the age of twenty-one years, a member of the timehonored order of Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership in the lodge at Oxford. He was a charter member of Invincible Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belonged to Millikin Post, No. 228, Grand Army of the Republic.

Charles I. Keely, the immediate subject, was born in Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, November 13, 1853. He was reared in his native town, and after receiving local educational advantages, he attended school at Brookville, Indiana, and the Miami University at Oxford. Deciding to adopt the profession which his father had so signally honored, the subject studied under paternal guidance and afterward entered the Ohio Dental College, from which he was graduated in 1876. For about three years he was retained at the college as demonstrator of operative dentistry. In 1879 he decided to at once enter the active practice and for that purpose returned to Oxford, but in September, 1880, he came to Hamilton and has here since remained continuously engaged in the practice of his profession. He is thoroughly up-to-date ' and keeps in touch with every advancement in the line of his profession, added to which is a genial temperament and an innate courtesy, which never fail to impress favorably all who come in contact with him, the logical result of which is that he has long enjoyed a full share of the public favor and has earned an enviable position in the public confidence and esteem. He stands high among his professional brethren, as is evidenced by the fact that for sixteen years he has been treasurer of the Ohio State Dental Society. He occupies the chair of orthodontia in the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, and was also president of the board of trustees of said institution for several years, and later secretary of the same, and which position he still holds. For the last fifteen years he has been engaged as a lecturer before his alma mater on orthodontia. He has held official position as a member of the state board of dental examiners, and is affiliated with the Ohio State Dental Association, the Seventh District Dental Society, the American Dental Association and the Mississippi Valley Dental Association.

On January r4, 1885, Dr. Keely was united in marriage with Miss Ella Rhodehamel, daughter of Saul and Priscilla Rhodehamel, of Piqua, Ohio, and two children have come to bless their home. Wells and Priscilla. In politics the Doctor is a firm Republican, but the demands of his profession preclude his giving very close attention to public affairs.

Barzillai Inman

Prominent among the successful men of Butler county is the venerable citizen whose name introduces this review. For many years an influential factor in the affairs of his community and successful in a material way in all the term implies, he did his work well and accomplished his mission, and now in a life of retirement is spending his closing years in the enjoyment of that quiet

Mr. Inman was bom in Preble county, Ohio, on the 8th day of April, 1820, and is the eighth in a family of nine children whose parents were Jacob and Rachael (Ireton) Inman, both natives of New Jersey. Jacob Inman and Rachael Ireton were married in the state of their nativity and seven of their children were born there. They moved to Ohio about the year 1818 and settled in Preble county, where Mr. Inman purchased a large tract of land and became a prominent and wealthy tiller of the soil. He did not live long to enjoy his possessions in his adopted state, however, dying in the year 1823 and leaving to his widow the care of a young and growing family and the management of the large property which he accumulated. Left to her own resources. Mrs. Inman nobly met her many responsibilities and during the years that followed her husband's decease looked carefully after the affairs of the estate and trained her children to habits of thrift and usefulness. She lived to a ripe old age, remained a widow to the end of her days, and was in her eightyfifth year when called from the scenes of her earthly trials and triumphs.

The subject of this sketch was three years old when his father died, after which event he went to live with a brother-inlaw whose house he made his home until old enough to earn his own livelihood. When a youth of nineteen he started out to make his own way and for some time thereafter was employed as teamster by a man who operated a flouring mill. On attaining his majority Mr. Inman received eight hundred dollars from his father's estate and with this sum as a nucleus he began farm- in g upon his own responsibility and was soon on the road to prosperity. In April. 1843, he entered the marriage relation with Miss Rebekkah Jones, and for several years following lived with his father-in-law, who was a large land owner and wealthy farmer, cultivating one of the latter's places for a share of the proceeds. On the death of his father-in-law in 1851, Mr. Inman and his wife came into possession of four hundred and eighty acres of the estate and to this he subsequently added until he finally became the owner of twelve hundred acres of valuable land, the greater part of which he improved and from which he received ample income that eventually made hirh one of the wealthiest farmers of Butler county.

Mr. Inman cultivated his land upon quite an extensive scale, raised large crops of grain, and in addition to tilling the soil, devoted a great deal of attention to live stock, in which branch of farming his success was most gratifying. He frequently marketed as high as six thousand dollars' worth of hogs a year, and at one time the proceeds of his farm for a single season in grain and live stock amounted to the munificent sum of eighteen thousand dollars. In his prime Mr. Inman possessed business ability of a high order and was naturally a money maker. He invested judiciously in real estate, which increased greatly in value as the country improved, and everything else to which he addressed himself appeared to prosper. His career from the beginning proved eminently successful and in all of his dealings and business transactions he never suffered a reverse or a loss worthy of mention. Wide-awake, energetic and progressive, he took advantage of every opportunity to add to his means, but never resorted to speculation, being always satisfied with the sure and steady gains which came through safe and legitimate channels. By the latter means he accumulated an ample fortune, estimated at one hundred and forty thousand dollars, much of which is still in his possession, although he has been quite liberal with his children, to each of whom he has given from two hundred to three hundred acres of land, besides assisting them in many other material ways. His first marriage resulted in six children, the oldest of whom is a son by the name of Andrew, whose birth occurred in the year 1844 and who is now a retired farmer living at Seven Mile; Elizabeth, the second of the family, died at the age of two years; Jacob, who was born on September 20, 1849, 's a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Wayne township; Mary A. departed this life when a young lady of eighteen ; Harriet married Albert Wilson and lives on a farm in the township of Wayne, her husband being one of the leading agriculturists of his neighborhood ; William, the youngest of the number, was born in 1858 and is now engaged in farming and stock raising in Wayne township. The living children of Mr. Inman are married, well settled and greatly esteemed in their respective places of residence. The family name is an old and honored one and those bearing it have done nothing to bring it into disrepute.

Mr. Inman's first wife died October 4, 1885, and later he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Harriett Hunsucker, who has proven a fit companion and a helpmeet in the true sense of the term. In politics Mr. Inman was originally an old-line Whig and to him was accorded the privilege and the honor of casting his first presidential ballot for America's most beloved and popular statesman, Henry Clay. After the above party had fulfilled its mission and ceased to exist he cast his fortunes with its successor and continued a zealous Republican until the national campaign of 1896, when he gave his support to William J. Bryan. Since then he has acted with the Democracy on state and national issues, but in local affairs votes for the man instead of party. He has never been an office seeker, but in 1880 was elected real-estate assessor of his township, running on the Republican ticket and overcoming a large normal Democratic majority.

After acquiring a handsome competence for his old age, and seeing the different members of his family well provided for, Mr. Inman moved to the village of Seven Mile, where he is now living in honorable retirement. He bears the weight of his eightv-four years with few of the indications of age, being vigorous in his bodily powers, and mentally as strong and keen as many men who have not reached the half-century mark. He still looks after the management of his two farms, attends to his extensive business affairs with all the alertness of his younger days and, despite his advanced age, manifests a lively interest in current events and moves among his fellow men as one whose usefulness is by no means diminished. He has always been a kind and obliging neighbor and an excellent citizen, whose hands were ever open to the needy and whose example is eminently worthy of emulation. During his long and busy life he has been foremost in advocating all reforms contributing to the material and moral benefit of the community in which until recently he dwelt. He has lived to see many remarkable improvements brought about and in his partial retirement from the activities of life he now views with pride and satisfaction the prosperity of the country and the part he has taken in the wondrous change.

Harry C. Blum

The subject of this sketch was born in Hamilton, May 25, 1865, apd received an excellent business education in the Hamilton public schools and at the Ohio Commercial College. At the age of fifteen years he commenced apprenticeship to the cabinetmaker's trade, under the tutorship of his father. After spending three years in this business, he secured a position as bookkeeper for the Sohn-Ridge Implement Company, serving over a year in that capacity. In November, 1883, he secured a similar position with the Portsmouth (Ohio) Foundry and Machine Company. This engagement constituted his principal employment until 1895, when he was chosen manager of the Cincinnati Abattoir Company in Hamilton. Mr. Blum has been the representative of this concern in the city for nearly ten years, discharging the duties of the responsible position with business skill and fidelity. The position is one of great responsibility, involving careful attention to details and familiarity with the financial character of the many customers. He must necessarily handle large sums of the company's money, pass upon the financial character of would-be customers, extend or refuse credit, make collections, etc. In the discharge of his official duties Mr. Blum stands in about the same relation to his company that the cashier sustains to his bank. His long con- tinuance in the position, with the expansion of discretionary power and increase of salary, is the best evidence of Mr. Blum's capability and business integrity. He is considered a very rapid and accurate accountant, as evidenced in his selection as an expert in examining the financial reports of the county commissioners and in other temporary positions requiring a superior knowledge of the science of accounts.

Mr. Blum has been unfortunate in his domestic life. He was happily married on the 9th of March, 1893, to Miss Rose L. Stead, an estimable young lady of Hamilton, Ohio, who was born in Hanover township, Butler county. She was the daughter of Booth F. and Mary (Davis) Stead, an early established family in the county who were prominent in the early history of the county. On the 27th of December, 1898, Mrs. Blum was called to another life, since which sad event Mr. Blum has lived at his parental home.

Mr. Blum is a representative of the minority party in Butler county politics, and has served the Republican party as a member of the central committee and also as a member of the county executive committee. Of the social fraternities, he is an active member of the Lone Star Lodge, No. 39, Knights of Pythias.

F. and Selenah (Garver) Blum, who were married in 1864* The mother died in the year following her marriage, hence the subject never knew the depths of a mother s love. But this loss was mitigated, in a measure, by the introduction into the maternal relation of Miss Emily Beer, whom his father married in September, 1867. She

By this union his father has four children, three of whom are living. Matilda is the wife of Charles Conner, a prosperous business man in Hamilton; Anna died in 1888, at the age of eighteen years; Miss Emma is at home with her parents, and Jennie married Paul Thompson, of Hamilton, now of Chicago. The father of the subject was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, September 30, 1836. At the age of eleven years he emigrated with his parental family to Texas and settled with them in a German colony at New Braunfels. This colony was established in 1844- There the parents ended their days, the father living to the ripe old age of ninety-one years, the mother dying at the age of sixty-seven. They had a family of five children, three of whom are now living. Ernestine, widow of Hon. Herman Schulz, of San Antonio, Texas; Matilda married Hon. Herman Seele, a prominent lawyer at New Braunfels. He has been a member of the Texas legislature, mayor of New Braunfels, and otherwise prominent in political affairs.

The father of the subject learned the cabinetmaker's trade in San Antonio and he has followed that business all his life. He came north in 1859, and finally landed at Cincinnati in i860. On the 22d of April, 1861, he enlisted in the three-months service at the beginning of the Civil war, being a member of Company D, Ninth Ohio o unteer Infantry. On the expiration of this term he re-enlisted for the three-years service as a musician. The law authoiizing the enlistment of military bands was rescinded by congress in September, 1862, an Mr. Blum and his associates in like capacity were honorably discharged. In 1864 he enlisted for the third time during the war and was assigned to the One Hundred and Sixty-seven tli Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served this term mostly in the Kanawha valley. Previous to this enlistment, however, Mr. Blum had removed from Cincinnati to Hamilton and he has lived in this city continuously since 1863. In 1865 Mr* Blum formed a business partnership with D. W. Sortman in the manufacture and sale of furniture, this partnership existing for thirty-six years. They first engaged in the retail trade on 'Main street, but subsequently built a factory and abandoned the retail store. Their first factory was burned, and they rebuilt at another location, the building being now occupied by the Advance Manufacturing Company on North B street. After disposing of this property, they erected the plant now occupied by Mr. Blum, directly across the street from the former location. This is a three-storv brick, with basement, and is well adapted to the business for which designed. It is supplied with all necessary machinery and appliances and gives employment to. an average of fourteen mechanics. Mr. Blum, Sr., is a Republican of the stalwart type. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and has followed the fortunes of the party without deviation to the present day. Ernst F. Blum is a man well and favorably known in Hamilton. During a residence here of more than forty years, he has been identified with every phase of material progress and has witnessed with just pride the growth and prosperity of Hamilton, having contributed his full share to this end. He is a musician of more than local prominence and has been the leader of the Apollo Band since 1866,

The parents of Ernst F. Blum were Caspar F. and Katherine Marie (Lesser) Blum, natives of Hesse Cassel, Germany. They were Protestants in religious views, and their son, of whom we now write, early allied himself with the church. He has been a member of St. John's German Evangelical Protestant church in this city for more than forty' years, and has served fully half of that period in some official position in the church. The wife and family are all members of the same religious organization. Mr. Blum and family were very near to their late pastor, Rev. Dr. Hermann, whose sudden death came to them as an irreparable personal loss.

Rev. William F. Helle

It is not an easy task adequately to describe the character of a man who has led an eminently active and busy life in connection with the noble profession of the Christian ministry and who has stamped his individuality on the plane of definite accomplishment in one of the most exacting fields of human endeavor. Yet there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting, in even a casual way, to the career of an able and conscientious worker in the great vineyard of the divine Master. Mr. Helle merits consideration for what he has accomplished and also for the inflexible honor and integrity which have characterized him as a man among men. He is recognized as a man of high intellectuality and has devoted himself with all of zeal and earnestness to the uplifting of his fellow men and to establishing the kingdom of Christ upon earth, while he is at the present time the loved pastor of the Lutheran church at Trenton, in Madison township. He has been the architect of his own fortunes and has shown his devotion to the land of his adoption by valiant service in the Union ranks during the war of the Rebellion.