Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 7 of 18)

Dubois D. Lefferson

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free, outdoor life of the farm has a decided tendcncv to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true manhood and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, lifeinspiring life of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the country, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, wise statesmen, renowned scholars and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and are indebted to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.

Tobias Lefferson, the father of the sub- for Wooster University. All of these chilject of this sketch, was a native of this dren were born in the same house where county, having been born near Middletown their father was born and now lives. Mrs. in 1816, and made that place his home until Clara Lefferson died in July, .1882, and Mr. his death, about sixteen years ago. He was Lefferson was subsequently married to Miss a man of strict integrity and sterling worth Hannah A. Keever, of Warren county, this of character and was possessed of the es- state, the daughter of Dr. M. Keever. She teem of the entire community. Dubois D. lived but a few months after marriage and Lefferson was born January 11, 1848, on the subject was again married, this time to the old homestead, and received his prelim- Miss E. Margaret Paine, of Edinburg, Indiinary education in the country and town ana.

schools, which was supplemented by attend- Religiously, the subject and his family ance at the select school conducted by a are all members of the Presbyterian church Mr. Robbins at Springfield. He has fol- and take an active interest in the welfare of lowed in the footsteps of his ancestors and the congregation with which they are affilihas followed the pursuit of agriculture all ated. Politically Mr. Lefferson lines up his life. He has kept in close touch with with the Republican party and stands high modern methods and as a consequence has among his political confreres, being able to prospered in his calling. The farm, consist- give good and sound reasons for the faith ing of about one hundred and twenty acres that is within him. He has traveled over of fine, tillable land, bears abundant evi- his native land to a considerable extent and dence of the painstaking care bestowed upon has been a keen observer of men and events, it by Mr. Lefferson and the fields usually re- becoming through this means a well-inturn abundant harvests in their season. formed man. Because of his many sterling The subject has been three times mar- traits of character, the subject has endeared ried. His first union was with Miss Clara himself to a host of warm personal friends Oxerdier, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, and his home is the center of a large social January 31, 1852, and received a good com- circle.

1875, is the wife of Robert Blair, of Middletown; Charles H., born May 14, 1878, grad- One of the enterprising and well-known uated from the Middletown high school, native sons of Butler county, Ohio, is Wiland in the pharmaceutical department of liam H. Beardsley, xvho by a career charac- Ohio University and is now a druggist in terized by a spirit of enterprise and prog- Columbus ; he married Miss Fannie F. ress has well earned representation in this Wheeler, of Columbus, Ohio; Mary E., born work. He was born in the city of Hamilton March 24, 1880, is a graduate of the Mid- on the 13th of November, 1850, and is the dletown high school and remains at home ; son of Henry and Laura (O'Connor) Beards- Elmore T., born June 14, 1882, is preparing ley. Henry Beardsley was an early settler in Hamilton, where for forty years he followed the vocation of hatmaking and was a successful merchant and highly respected citizen. He was a member of the board of education of this city for twelve or fourteen years and was honored and respected as a man of sterling traits of character. The subject's maternal grandfather was also a pioneer of Hamilton and was mayor of the city two terms during the thirties.

William H. Beardsley was educated in the public schools of Hamilton, which was supplemented by attendance at the Miami University, at Oxford. Upon completion of his studies he entered the employ of the Niles Tool Works, at Hamilton, but subsequently engaged in the publishing business with ther late J. H. Long, on North Second street. Disposing of his interest in the printing business, he engaged in the school furniture and real-slate blackboard business, in which he was quite successful.

In 1888 George Beardsley, a civil engineer, removed from Hamilton to Phoenix, Arizona, and was there called upon to investigate the practicability of irrigating sixty thousand acres of arid land in the Maricopa county, that territory. The survey demonstrating the feasibility of the undertaking, in 1891 the subject of this sketch formed the Agua Pria Construction Company, to carry on the projected work of irrigation. It is a mammoth undertaking, but the work is progressing satisfactorily and when completed it will render all of this vast tract of now arid land marketable and a monument to Mr. Beardsley's energy and ability.

On December it, 1888, Mr. Beardsley v'as united in marriage with Mrs. Ida R. (Oglesby) Forney, daughter of the late William B. Oglesby, formerly treasurer of Butler county, and to this union has been born one son, Robert Oglesby, now aged fourteen years. Socially Mr. Beardsley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Middletown, and takes a deep interest in the welfare of the order. As a business man he has exhibited abilities of the highest order and a disposition and temperament that enable him to push to completion any project which he undertakes. He is held in the highest esteem by all his acquaintances because of his many estimable traits of character.

Benton E. Urmston

The well-known farmer of Fairfield township, Butler county, Ohio, whose name appears above was born May 16, 1849, on the old Urmston homestead in Fairfield township. He received a good commonschool education, and also attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, for three years. He began his independent course at 'farming on the home farm, but in 1884 he married, and then moved onto what was then known as the Wytherell farm, about three miles east of Hamilton, on the Princeton pike, which was at that time owned by his father. Here he built a fine residence, made other good improvements and has since carried on farming. His farm land holdings are large at the present time, as he owns four hundred acres, all in one body, and also owns the old Morris farm of one hundred acres, all of this land being in Fairfield township. Mr. Urmston has been prominent in the township all his life, and has served on the township board of education for twenty- countrv and entered a section of land four miles east from Hamilton, which became the Urmston homestead. He married Mary Enveart. a native of New Jersey, and to them three sons and four daughters were born David, the father of the subject, was the voungest son of David. He was born on the old homestead in Fairfield township in i8wo and died January 12. 1892. He inherited the old homestead and was a successful farmer and prominent man in his township and county all his life, holding prominent offices many years. He married Miss Nancy Stone, who was born on the old Stone farm in Fairfield township. Her fa ther was Thomas Stone, a native of Ireland, and who was an early settler of this country. Nancy (Stone! Urmston died m January. 1902, 'aged eighty-five years. To David and Nancy Urmston children were born as follows: John died unmarried; Mary A., who became' the wife of Elmer T. Anderson j Jennie died unmarried ; Benton E. is the immediate subject of this sketch ; Emma F. became the wife of J. W. Dick: Bell and Robert died unmarried.

On December 24, 1874, Mr. Erins ton, the subject, married Miss Martha bdlen Ernerick. who was born in Hanover township, Butler county. Ohio, on January 24, 1854. the daughter of Michael W. and Matdda (Bell) Emerick. The father of Mrs. Emerick was horn in. Hanover township, Butlei county, on December 4, 1811., and his wife was born August 13, 1819. The former died February 24, 1873, and the latter on April

Pennsvlvania, from which state they came to Hanover township. Butler county, where thev both died. The children of Michae W. Emerick were as follows: Maria, bom

February 22. 1837: Alexander, born December 24, 1838. and died January- 11. 1903; he married Martha Leffler; William, born May 5, 1841. died April 19, i885'- married Martha Herron; Margaret J.. bom 1 arc 12 1843. married Michael Bros.er; John

\ugust 22. 1848. died May 12, 1898 . Ma tha F.. torn Tanuary 24. 1854. married the subject of this sketch; Mary November 10. 186.. married Wdhan 1 E Anderson. To the marriage of the sub and his wife the following children < been born : Bessie Alma, born May S- ^/ - married William E. Bender, ot Hamilton, Murray David, born July 2. l878'- Pal ert. tom January 7. >»>; Nell*

Arthur T. Wilson

Conspicuous among threading men and representative citizens of M town is Arthur T. Wilson, whose idence in the city has given him an ble reputation and a prestige w uc and far-reaching. The Wilson amdy English origin and the subject be ot & fourth generation on this side of the water, his great-grandfather having been the first of his ancestors to find a home in the new world. Thomas Wilson, father of Arthur T., was born near Trenton, Ohio, in the year 1818, and grew to maturity on a farm, receiving a fair education in such schools as the country afforded during the days of his youth. When a young man he learned cabinetmaking at Jacksonburg and Hamilton, and after finishing his apprenticeship and working one year at the latter place, came to Middletown, where he established a shop in 1839, from which year until 1879 he carried on a successful trade and became one of the city's most prosperous and substantial business men. Thomas Wilson achieved considerable prominence in political circles and municipal affairs, served on the school board and as assessor and was one of the influential Whigs of Butler county, later casting his fortunes with the Republican party, of which he continued an earnest and uncompromising supporter to the day of his death. He was a stanch Presbyterian in religion, a leader in the church at Middletown and for many years served as ruling elder of the congregation, besides taking an active interest in general religions and benevolent work, regardless of name or order. To him belongs the credit of introducing Odd Fellowship into Middletown and the present lodge in this city is largely the result of his earnest and self-sacrificing efforts in an early day.

Elizabeth Leflferson, wife of Thomas Wilson, was a native of Middletown, Ohio, and bore her husband ten children, of w'hich large family the following members survive : Arthur T., whose name introduces this sketch; Mrs. John S. Butler, Mrs. W. H.

Todhunter, Homer P. Wilson and Mrs. William Shotwell, all living in Middletown, except Homer, who is a resident of Cincinnati, and Mrs. Shotwell, who resides in West Virginia.

Arthur T. Wilson was born in Middletown, Ohio, February 1, 1844, and spent his childhood and youth at the old family home on Main street, his early experience being about the same as that of the majority of lads reared under city influences. When old enough he became a pupil of the public schools and continued to attend the same until of an age to be of service to his father, at which time he entered the latter's furniture establishment, wdiere he attained his first training in practical life. Being a natural mechanic, he soon became a thorough workman and continued cabinetmaking, under his father's direction, until 1864, when he laid aside his tools for the death-dealing implements of warfare, enlisting May 2d of that year in Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, for the one-hundred-day service. After being honorably discharged, on the 8th of September following, he returned to Middletown and effected a co-partnership with his father in the furniture business, the relation thus constituted lasting until the latter's death. Mr. Wilson then took in as partner Frank Potter, a firm which continued until 1883, wdien the subject purchased the entire interest and conducted the business w ith marked success during the ten years following. In 1893 he disposed of his stock of furniture, the better to devote his entire attention to undertaking, which business he had previously carried on and the magnitude of wrhich had become so great as to demand his entire time. Since the latter year Mr. Wil- son has made undertaking a specialty and in order to fit himself thoroughly for the exacting duties of the same he took a full course of embalming #in the Clark Embalming School, at Cincinnati, one of the leading institutions of the kind in the United States, graduating in due time with a creditable record. As a skillful embalmer and accomplished and obliging undertaker, it is not too much to say for Mr. Wilson that he has few equals and no superiors. He is familiar with every detail of the profession, keeps abreast with the times in all the latest scientific discoveries and improvements relating thereto and his business has steadily increased.

Mr. Wilson has literally grown up with Middletown and during a sixty-vears residence therein has not only witnessed the steady and substantial growth of the city along its various lines of industrial, commercial and general activity, but, with practical intelligence, sound judgment and keen foresight, has contributed to the advancement of its prosperity and borne his part in bringing.about the high state of morals for which the community has so long been noted. He manifests a pardonable pride in the place of his birth, is zealous of its reputation, and, having faith in its future, encourages to the extent of his ability all worthy enterprises and measures to make that future realize as nearly as possible his high ideal of what it should be. While not an active, politician, Mr. Wilson is nevertheless well grounded in his political convictions, being a Republican on state and national issues, but in municipal and county matters he frequently votes for the man, regardless of party ties. His fraternal relations include membership with the Grand Army of the Republic; the

Masonic order, Lodge No. 90; Lodge No. 3?, Knights of Pythias, and the Royal Arcanum ; and in religious affairs he is a zealous member of the First Presbyterian church of Middletown, which body of worshipers his wife is also identified.

The marriage of Mr. Wilson dates from 1870, on June 2d of which year he contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Jennie M. Hill, who was born in Rockville, Connecticut, but who came to Butler county with her parents in childhood and grew to maturity and received her education in Middletown. Mrs. Wilson's father was a paper manufacturer and one of the leaders of that industry in this part of Ohio. He achieved wide reputation as a skillful workman and is said to have established at Middletown the 'first manilla paper mill in the United States west of the Alleghany mountains. Mrs. Wilson is the only surviving member of the Hill family. She has presented her husband with two children, the older of whom, a daughter by the name of Anna H., was born September 19, 1872, and departed this life in the year 1888. This daughter was an intelligent and highly esteemed young lady, having been well educated in private schools and Oxford Female College, and her untimelv taking off was profoundly lamented not only by her immediate family but also by the large circle of admiring friends with whom she was wont to mingle and associate. Howard A., whose birth occurred on the 22d of December, 1875, was educated in the public schools of Middletown and under private instruction and he also spent one year at Oxford and the same length of time in a high-grade institution at Bridgeport, Connecticut. After receiving a thorough literary discipline, he entered the Clark Em- balming School, Cincinnati, and in due season was graduated therefrom, since which time he has been associated with his father in the undertaking business.

Samuel Potter Stewart

The F. P. Stewart Granite Company, of Hamilton, is one of the best known business institutions in Butler county. It has been in continuous existence since 1836, when the plant was established by the maternal granduncle of the subject, Aaron Potter. From him it descended by purchase to the Stewart family, F. P. Stewart, an elder brother of the subject of this review, becoming the principal stockholder and president of the company, a position he held until his death, in 1893, at ^ie a&e forty years. Since then his wife, Mrs. Martha J. Stewart, a practical business woman, has been president of the company, under whose management it has been eminently successful. The business is incorporated with a capitalization of thirteen thousand dollars, - a very insignificant sum as compared with the annual output of business. They make a specialty of monumental work in the states of Ohio and Indiana. The hundreds of patrons in Hamilton are the best evidence of their home standing. In addition to the cemetery work, however, the firm are large contractors in cut stone work of all kinds, in which line they do 'a good share of the special work in Hamilton and adjacent towns. The F. P. .Stewart Company were . the successful bidders on the construction of the Butler county soldiers, sailors and pioneers' monument, on the site of old Fort

Hamilton, and stands as a lasting tribute to the memories of the silent heroes. This is a beautiful work of art, and while it fittingly perpetuates the memories of the departed, it also emphasizes the noble, generous spirit of the promoters, and stands as a lasting testimonial to the skill and efficiency of the builders. The entire outside structure is built of the celebrated Bedford (Indiana) oolitic stone, the interior being faced with marble, bearing the names of the many hundreds whose memories it is intended to perpetuate. The extreme dimensions are forty feet square, with two projections, extending eight feet on the north and south fronts. The total height is one hundred feet.

The F. P. Stewart Company gives regular employment to an average of forty men in the various departments, and is fully equipped with all modern appliances for the successful operation of their greatly diversified lines of business. These include facilities for sawing, electric drilling, scientific lettering, etc., all operated by the most skilled workmen and every detail of the work is carefully inspected by the most competent mechanics..

The annual output of business averages about forty thousand dollars. Samuel P. Stewart, of this sketch, has been connected with this institution continuously since 1880. In his various capacities in connection with the business, past and present, he has traveled extensively, visiting other establishments in distant states, the marble and granite quarries of the East, and jobbing houses throughout the country. It goes without saying that he has been a very useful attache of the business.

rience he found that his health was being injured and a change of employment became necessary. He then learned the printer's trade, following the "art preservative" for two years, and was one year with the Methodist Book Concern in Cincinnati. He then returned to his first work in 1880, as stated.

Samuel Stewart was born in Cincinnati, January 18, 1859. He is the only survivor of a family of four children horn to John C. and Elizabeth (Potter) Stewart. Both his parents were natives of Butler county, Ohio, and both are deceased. His father was a general contractor and builder and spent all of his business life in Cincinnati. He died from the result of disease incurred in the army, being brought home in a helpless condition, and died in 1864. He was captain of Company I, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, of which his eldest son, Arthur J., was a member, being then but thirteen years of age. He too incurred disease from which he died in 1865. The only sister of the subject was Ella, who died in childhood, and his mother died in 1861. Frank P., already mentioned, completed the list of casualties in the family circle. Samuel P. Stewart acquired a good education in the citv schools of Hamilton, having located in this city, with relatives, after the death of his parents. From early youth he has been a member of the Baptist church and has alwavs taken an active interest in religious work. He has been .the chorister in the First Baptist church in Hamilton for many years and served twelve years as superintendent of the Sunday school. He also served four years as secretary of the Butler County Sunday School Association, and is now serving the second year as president of that organization. He is a very useful

The marriage of Mr. Stewart occurred on the 28th of February, 1888. when he chose for his life companion Miss Ella Dean, a most charming and popular young lady of Hamilton. She is related to some of the most prominent families in the city and is highly regarded in the social circles of Hamilton. Miss Dean was a popular and successful teacher in the public schools in her girlhood days, being employed as such in the Hamilton schools at the time of her marriage. She is a lady of many accomplishments, and an active worker in the church and Sunday school, and was the organist at the First Baptist church for four vears, leaving that position with the advent of domestic duties at home. This is a most happy union, blessed with that degree of mutual love and confidence which renders domestic life and home interests paramount to every other consideration. Two bright and promising sons have come to add cheer and comfort to the happy fireside and cement the affections of loving parents, while one little blossom from the shores of paradise passed over with the angels. Franklin Dean, the eldest of the trio, was horn November 28, 1888. He is an exceptionally bright and studious boy. well-advanced in his high school work, and destined to achieve distinguished honors in the educational field. His brother. Stanley Potter, born on the Toth of December. 1891, is equally alert in his school work in a lower department. Aithur J. lived to the age of eleven months, when his little life went out, leaving parents and brothers to mourn the early departure of a cherished flower, too delicate and fragile for an earthly career. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart treat their sons as companions and equals, according to them the position of young gentlemen in the home and making of them confidents and companions around the family fireside. It is a truly happy and Contented family, where love and confidence and filial regard reign supreme.

The subject is a Republican of the stalwart type, well-versed on the current topics of the day, and an ardent and zealous supporter of the doctrines of this time-honored and fire-tested organization. He has never sought or held public office. He is a member of various fraternal insurance organizations, among which may be mentioned the Independent Order of Foresters and the National Union.

Max Henning

Max Henning, the president and treasurer of the Germania Publishing Company and editor and manager of the Volksstimme and National Zeitung, is a native of Germany, born on the 17th of September, 1867. He received a thorough education in the Latin school, or gymnasium, at Demmin, near his birthplace, in northern Germany. When in his twenty-third year he came to America and located, for the first year, in Milwaukee. There he was employed for six months at such labor as he could find. But in time his qualifications for a more lucrative occupation became apparent, and he served the last few months of his stay in Mihvaukee as reporter on a daily paper published in the German language. In the spring of 1891, by the direction of a friend, he moved to Toledo, wdiere he was for a time a laborer and assistant engineer at a manufacturing plant, till his experience in the newspaper field enabled him to secure a permanent position as telegraph editor of the Toledo Express, a German daily published in the Ohio city, and he entered upon his duties there in the fall of 1893, continuing until 1899, when he resigned his position to accept a place on the reportorial force of the Volks-Blatt, in Cincinnati, the oldest German daily newspaper in the United States. Mr. Henning remained in this work until April, 1903. Desiring to engage in the publishing business on his own account, he came to Hamilton to investigate the affairs of the Germania Publishing Company, with the result that he purchased a controlling interest in the stock of that corporation and assumed the general management of its affairs. His broad experience in the newspaper field enabled him to infuse new' life into the publication and to greatly increase the business of the plant, which is fully equipped for all kinds of commercial and job printing as well as the publication of the weekly Volksstimme and National Zeitung. I11 addition to his local w'ork, Mr. Henning is also a contributor to a number of the lead-, ing dailies of the country and has been so engaged during most of his career in journalism. Associated with Mr. Henning as stockholders in the Germania Publishing Company are Thomas Boyd, president of the American School Furniture Company, in New* York City; Professor C. C. Miller, superintendent of public schools at Lima, Ohio; the estate of Rev. C. A. Hermann, late of Hamilton; William Rembler, of this citv; Tohn Pabst, also of Hamilton, and Mrs.

Agnes Henning. Frederick Diesbach is the vice-president and Hermann Wuebbold is the secretary. The company is regularly incorporated under the laws of Ohio, and is a business enterprise of large interests and prominent standing in the community. It gives constant employment to six compositors and press operators, and does a large and growing business in- the various departments of the industry.

Mr. Henning was married in Toledo, Ohio, September 22, 1896, Miss Agnes Rietzke being the lady of his choice. She is a native of Germany, where she was reared and educated, and came to America with her parents in young womanhood. Mr. Henning is a gentleman of fine literary attainments and excellent .business capacity. He is active and aggressive in every enterprise which engages his attention, broad-minded and public-spirited in his attitude towards local affairs, and withal a prominent, useful and influential citizen. He takes an active interest in promoting the welfare of his countrymen and is specially zealous in the social and fraternal organizations distinctively German. He is a member of the grand lodge of the H aru gar is and Druids, and of all the German singing societies in Butler county. He is also a member of the executive board of the National Swiss- American Saengerfest. He was the prime factor in establishing "German Day" in Hamilton, the first meeting of which occurred on September 11, 1903, and is to be followed with an annual outing and picnic in future. He is the founder of the Butler County German- American City Federation, which is affiliated with the national and state federations. He is also prominent in German benevolent societies of the county.

Aside from these various organizations of a purely German character, Mr. Henning is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles and American Insurance Union. He is a Democrat in his political affiliations and an ardent supporter of pure Democracy, purged of local factional influences.

William E. Anderson

William E. Anderson, a well-known farmer of Fairfield township, Butler county, Ohio, was born May 28, 1849? sou^ end of Bethany, on the old Cincinnati and Dayton pike, in Liberty township, Butler county, and is the son of William and Maria (Elliott) Anderson/ His grandfather was John Anderson, a native of Kent county, Delaware, who came to Butler county in 1809, settling in Liberty township when that section was practically a wilderness. In 18 1 1 he married Miss Maria Hagerman, a native of New Jersey, and to them were bora nine children, one of whom died in infancy and two at the ages of seven and nine years respectively. Those reaching maturity were George, William (father of the subject), Adrian, Jane (married Daniel Brewer), Simon, Sarah A. (married David Staats). John Anderson was drafted in the war of 1812, but sent a substitute.

William Anderson, father of the subject, was born in Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, February 10, 1816, and on February . 6, 1839, married Maria Elliott, who was born in Liberty township, Butler county, November 15, 1817. He learned the carpenter's trade at Bethany as an apprentice bound out to Charles C. Legg. He subsequently carried on carpentering for many years, then bought a farm and carried on farming and carpentering together. He was a township trustee for twenty-five years and also served on the school board. He died May 27, 1891, his widow surviving until July 11, 1896. Their children were as follows: Elmore T., born October 4,

1841 : John E., bom June 27, 1845 5 William E., the subject ; Caroline, born July 21, 1855, married Lew McLain, a pioneer of Liberty township.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and secured a common-school education. He remained with his parents until 1887, when he married and moved into Hanover township. A few years later, however, he returned to Fairfield township, where he has since resided. In about 1892 he engaged in the dairy business, in connection with farming, and has continued the two successfully to the present time. Mr. Anderson married, on February 2, 1888, Miss Mary Addie, the daughter of Michael W. and Matilda (Bell) Emerick (see sketch of B. E. Urmston). Mrs. Anderson was bom in Hanover township, Butler county, November 10, 1861. To Mi*, and Mrs. Anderson a daughter, Ruth, was born October 28, 1889.

Daniel W. Pierson

An honored veteran of the Civil war and a man who retains the unqualified confidence and esteem of the people of Butler county, where the major portion of his life has been passed, is Mr. Pierson, who will have attained the psalmist's span of three score years and ten ere this work is issued from the press. His life has been one of signal integrity and consecutive endeavor and he is well entitled to representation in this volume. He has for fifty-five years maintained his home in Reily township, this county.

Mr. Pierson is a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of Ohio and is himself a native of the city of Cincinnati, where he was born on the 16th of January, 1834, being a son of Daniel and Mary A. (Loftland) Pierson. His grandfather wras bom in Westfield, Union county, New Jersey, and in 1815 he came to Ohio and settled in Reily township, Butler county, locating on section 14 and shortly afterward removing to section 13, the entire district being at that time a primitive forest wild. The grandfather of the subject here improved a farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death, in 1849, having been one of the honored and prominent pioneers of the county. At the age of eighteen years the father of the subject removed to Cincinnati, where he learned the trade of carpenter, to which he there devoted his attention until 1870, when he returned to Butler county, locating in the village of Bunker Hill, wbere he passed the remainder of his life. They became the parents of five sons and one daughter, and of the number three of the sons are living, two being residents of Butler county, while the third resides in Illinois.

The subject of this sketch received his early educational training in a subscription school, the advantages thus afforded him being excellent for the time and locality. Subsequently he left the parental home in Cincinnati and came to Reily township, this county, where he lived with his uncle, Hiram Pierson, and here he learned the mason's trade, to which he has continued to devote his attention during all the long intervening years, having been a successful contractor and having been identified with much important building work in the county. On the 15th of June, 1861, in response to President Lincoln's first call for troops to assist in the suppression of the rebellion, Mr. Pierson enlisted as a private in Company D, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was eventually promoted to the office of sergeant major, securing this honorable preferment on the 23d of December, 1864. His command was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee and participated in many of the notable campaigns and engagements incidental to the progress of the great conflict. He was with General Grant in the Vicksburg campaign, being wounded in the siege of that city, and later took part in the battles of Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, after which he was with General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign and in the subsequent and ever-memorable march to the sea. He was in active service until the close of the war and was mustered out at Little Rock. Arkansas, in September, 1865. From disabilities incurred while in service he receives a pension from the government.

After the close of the war Mr. Pierson returned to P>utler county, and here, on the 1st of November, 1865, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Vina Burgett, who was bom in Reily township, on the 1st of November, 1847, being a daughter of John Burgett. To Mr. and Mrs. Pierson were born two children, - Grant, who died at the age of four years, and Scott B., who was bom December 26, 1871, and who is now principal of the public schools at Heno, this county; he was graduated in the Oxford high school and continued his studies for two years in Miami University. Mr. and Mrs. Pierson are prominent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at McGonigle Station, and he is one of the stewards of the same. In politics the subject has ever given a stanch support to the Republican party, and for seven years he has served consecutively as judge of elections in his township, being incumbent of this office at the present time.

George Dome

Hard and laborious effort was the lot of George Dome during his youth and early manhood, but his fidelity to duty won him the respect and confidence of those with whom he was thrown in contact and by patient continuance in well doing he gradually arose from an humble station to his present high standing among the leading farmers and stock raisers of the township in which he resides. Mr. Dome is a native of Germany, and was born May 4, 1838, being one of the seven children whose parents were George and Anna E. Dome. The parents immigrated to the United States in 1844, and after spending part of the following year in Hamilton moved on a farm in Butler county, Ohio, until about 1852, when they moved to Indiana. Then they came back to Butler county, locating near Seven Mile, where George Dome spent the remainder of his life. He was a man of great industry, but never succeeded in acquiring -much property, being poor in this worlds goods, but moral and upright in his daily life and eminently honorable in his relations with his fellow men. Of his seven children four died in childhood and of the three that grew to maturity two are living at the present time, the subject of this review and Mrs. Elizabeth Stock, whose home is in the state of Nebraska.

George Dome spent the early years of childhood in Germany and was a lad of five years when the family came to America. Shortly after his arrival in this country, at eleven years old, he found employment as a farm hand and in this way earned a livelihood until 1862, in September of which year he enlisted in the Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served in the state of Kentucky until severe sickness unfitted him for further active duty. By reason of disability thus incurred he was discharged at Cairo, Illinois, in 1863, and returning home, immediately thereafter resuming the pursuit of agriculture in Butler county, and has since devoted his attention to the same.

Beginning the struggle of life under rather discouraging circumstances, Mr. Dome for a period of thirty years was obliged to till the soil as a renter, but during that time he labored so earnestly and managed so well that he was able to lay by sufficient means to buy a farm of his own, his first investment being made in 1888, when he became the possessor of eighty acres of good land in the township of Milford. Since then he has added to his realty from time to time until he now owns one of the finest and best improved farms in the above township, and his success the meanwhile has won him a conspicuous place among the most progressive agriculturists in this part of the state. Mr. Dome has made the greater part of his money as a raiser of fine live stock, his sucpess in this branch of farming giving him much more than local repute and today there are few stockmen in Butler county whose progress has been as rapid or who have achieved in the same length of time such encouraging financial results. His labors have been prosecuted with energy' and system, and in the management of his affairs his sound discretion and good judgment have enabled him to lay his plans so as to realize the largest possible returns.

In his political affiliations Mr. Dome is a Democrat, but aside from defending- bis principles and voting for the candidates of his party he takes little interest in public affairs. His religious belief is in accord with the teachings of the German Reformed church, and for a number of years past he has been identified with the St. John's congregation at Trenton. The only fraternal organization to which he belongs is the Grand Army of the Republic, being a member of the Wetzel-Compton Post, No. 96, and a zealous and influential worker in upholding its principles and purposes so as to make the organization attain the objects which the founders originally had in view.

On February 25. 1864, was solemnized the ceremony by which Mr. Dome and Miss Catherine Schwab were united in the holy bonds of wedlock, a union terminated by the death of the good and faithful wife in 1891, after she had borne him eleven children, eight of whom are living, three of the sons being married and the heads of families. Like her husband. Mrs. Dome was born in Germany, but came to America a number of years ago and spent the greater part of her life in this country, principally in Butler county, Ohio. Since her death Mr. Dome's domestic interests have teen looked after by his daughters, who spare no pains in ministering to his comforts to the end that his home life may be made as pleasant and agreeable as circumstances will admit. While not as actively engaged as formerly, he still gives personal attention to his large agricultural and live-stock interests, and attends to the management of his farm with the same energy and foresight that characterized his labors during the years of his prime. His has indeed been an eminently honorable career and having every dollar of the comfortable competence in his possession, and that, too, in the face of opposing obstacles and not a few adverse circumstances, he can honestly lay claim to the proud American title of a self-made man.

Gottlieb W A Go N Fi Eld

Among those who have attained a high degree of prosperity in connection with, the agricultural industry in Butler county is the subject of this sketch, who is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Milford township.

Mr. Wagonfiekl is a native of Prussia, where he was born on the yth of May, 1838, being a son of William and Wilhelmina (Hire) Wagonfiekl. His father was a wellto-do farmer in Prussia, where he died when still a young man, his wife surviving him by many years. The subject of this sketch attended the excellent schools of the fatherland from the age of seven until he was fourteen years old, and was thereafter identified with farming until his emigration to America, whither his brother Charles had preceded him, having engaged in the conducting of a dairy farm near the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. The subject severed the ties which bound him to home and native land and set sail for the United States, in the year 1858, being twenty years of age at the time.

He landed in the city of Baltimore, and had a sufficient amount of money to defray the expense of his further journeying to Ohio, where he joined his brother, in whose employ he continued about eight months, within which time they removed to Ripley countv. Indiana. After leaving the employ of his brother Mr. Wagonfield returned to Cincinnati, where he was variously employed for several years. He carefully husbanded his resources, being industrious and frugal, and in the course of a few years had accumulated a capital of about one thousand dollars. He was married in 1867, and in the spring of the following year began to farm on rented land, in Lemon township, Butler county, and he continued to rent lan for the ensuing fourteen years, laboring indefatigable and meeting with success. e purchased his present homestead farnh 0 one hundred and sixty-five acres, in Milford township, for a consideration of sixteen thousand six hundred dollars, assuming an , indebtedness of nine thousand six hundred , dollars in the connection, and within six 1 years he succeeded in wiping out the mdeb -

- and he is also the owner of a fine farm 0 s one hundred and fifty-nine acres m Hanove 1- township, and two good houses and thre o lots in the city of Hamilton. His prosperity d represented the results of his own and good management, and his estate at the present time reaches a valuation of fully thirty-five thousand dollars. He is a man of progressive ideas, is genial and wholesouled and has the friendship and confidence of the people of the community in which he has so long lived and labored. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and has taken a deep interest in public affairs of a local nature. He and his wife are communicants of St. John's Lutheran church, in Hamilton, and fraternally he is identified with Milford Lodge, No. 472, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with the encampment of the order at Oxford. He has passed the various official chairs in the subordinate body and has been treasurer of his lodge for the past fourteen years.

On the 27th of July, 1867, Mr. Wagonfield was united in marriage to Miss Mary Silvers, of Butler county, who proved to him a true helpmeet. She was summoned into eternal rest on the 9th of February. 1894, at the age of sixty-six years, and is survived by her three sons, Charles, William and Hudson, all of whom are successfully identified with farming in this county. In November, 1894, the subject married Miss Barbara Schwedes, of Hamilton, and they have two children. Wilhelmina and Augustus.

Henry B. Fisher

Holding worthy prestige among the successful self-made men of Butler county is Henry B. Fisher, who ranks with the leading farmers and stock raisers of Milford township and whose character as a progressive citizen stands out clear and distinct. Mr. Fisher is one of Butler county's native sons, having been born in St. Clair township on September 30, 1859. Frederick Fisher, his father, was a native of Germany, but came to the United States when a young man and spent the remainder of his life in Butler county, Ohio, dying on his farm in Milford township, in the year 1887. His wife, Mary Winklemar, also departed this life in the above year, her death occurring the same week in which he was called to the final reward. They were the parents of eight children. five of whom survive, the subject of this review being the fifth of the family in order of birth.

Henry B. Fisher, reared to agricultural pursuits, early acquired efficiency in all kinds of farm work and remained with his parents on the home place until reaching the years^ of manhood. Meantime he attended as opportunities afforded the public schools of his native township and on attaining his majority rented the family homestead, which he continued to cultivate until purchasing his present farm, in 1899. Meanwhile, in 1890, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth A. Kellian, of this county, who proved a loving and faithful wife and companion until summoned to the great beyond, after a brief but happy wedded experience, her death and that of her young son four months of age occurring in the year 1896. Four years after this event Mr. Fisher contracted a matrimonial alliance with his present wife. Miss Bena Funk, who has been a true helpmeet, much of his success since she came to preside over his home and look after his domestic interests being directly attributable to her wise counsel and judicious cooperation.

Mr. Fisher moved to his present home within a comparatively short time shows v the year following its purchase and from him to be the possessor of those powers of that time to the present he has added greatly mind and of that energy which control cirto its appearance and value by a series of sub- cu instances, create opportunities and rise stantial improvements which compare fa- superior to obstacles, however numerous and vorablv with those of any other farm in the formidable. In his social relations he entownship of Milford. The place, which lies joys the confidence and esteem of those who in sections 25 and 26. contains two hundred know him best, and is regarded by his acand seventy-seven acres of as fine land as quaintances and by the public generally as a the county can boast and, being cultivated kind neighbor, sincere and genial friend and according to the most advanced methods, it ,as one whose highest ideas of right are exyields abundantly of all the crops grown in emplified in his daily life. Mr. Fisher is a this part of the state, beside affording rich Democrat, but has never taken a very active pasturage for live stock, a branch of farm- interest in politics further than to stand ing to which Mr. Fisher devotes especial at- firm for his principles and use his influence tention and from which most of his income in behalf of a judicious selection of candiis derived. He raises various grades of im- dates; when his party fails in the latter reproved cattle, some of them of fine blood and spect. as is sometimes the case, he does not great value, also devotes considerable atten- feel morally bound to support it, but gives tion to the best breed of hogs, while his his ballot to the men best qualified for the horses are of superior stock and for road, office to which they aspire, regardless of podraft and general purposes are not excelled litical creed. Religiously Mr. Fisher is a by any like animals in this part of the coun- Presbyterian, belonging to the church at Coltry. linsville, his wife being a Lutheran in belief soil and raiser of live stock have been At this jpoint we enter a brief record crowned with most gratifying success. He concerning one of the able voting' physicians has always been known as a sound man of and surgeons of the county and one who is business, careful and observant, never has- building up a most gratifying practice in tening to conclusions and forming opinions the thriving town of Somerville. Dronly after mature reflection. He is now one Stroup is a native son of the Buckeye state, of the financially strong and reliable men of whither the original representatives of the his part of the county, standing high among name came from Maryland, the family bethose whose occupation are the same as his ing of German extraction. The Doctor was own, and the comfortable fortune at his born at Mount Orab, Brown county. Ohio, command and which he has accumulated on the 18th of August, 1879, being a son of

Dr. M. and Amelia (Morris) Stroup. His father was born and reared in Ohio and became one of the leading medical practitioners of Brown county, where he followed the work of his noble profession for many years, -his death occurring in 1896, at the age of sixty years. He was a man of fine intellectual and professional attainments, and was a graduate of both the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, and the American Medical College, in Cincinnati. He and his wife became the parents of five sons and one daughter and the subject of this sketch is the youngest of the children. James B. is a successful contractor at Mount Orab, this state; Joseph M., a graduate of the Cincinnati Medical College, is engaged in the practice of his profession in Mount Orab ; Fred is engaged in the milling business in that place ; Clinton is a farmer of Brown county ; Alice remains at the old home, and Charles W. is the subject of this review.

Dr. Stroup passed his boyhood days in his native village, and there completed the curriculum of the public schools, being graduated in the high school as a member of the class of 1897. He then took a course in pharmacy and in 1898 enlisted in the United States army as a nurse in the regular hospital corps, being in active service during the campaign in Cuba and being mustered out at the expiration of his term of one year. In the fall of 1898 the Doctor was matriculated in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, where he completed the prescribed course and was graduated as a member of the class of 1899, receiving his degree of Doctor of Medicine. Thereafter he was a student in Washington University, at St. Louis, until the fall of 1901, while during the summer vacations he was engaged in clinical work in the city hospital. On the 9th of March, 1902, the Doctor located in Somerville, Butler county, Ohio, where he has since been established in practice and where he has met with a most cordial reception, gaining a representative support and a distinctive recognition as a skilled and conscientious physician and surgeon, thoroughly alive to the demands and responsibilities of his chosen profession. In politics the Doctor gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, and fraternally he is identified with Covenant Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Somerville, Lodge No. 665, Knights of Pythias, and the Free and Accepted Masons at Camden, this state.

On the 31st of December, 1902, Dr. Stroup was united in marriage to Miss Corinne Lockey, of Lexington, Kentucky, a young lady of distinguished ancestry and gracious refinement. Her father and grandfather were slaveholders in the antebellum days and both were officers in the Confederate army during the Civil war. Mrs. Stroup is a member of 1 the Presbyterian church and has made herself a favorite in the social circles of Somerville.

Prominent among the leading farmers and stock raisers of Milford township, Butler county, is L. D. Herron, who was born near his present place of residence on the 31st day of October, 1852. His father was Hugh Herron, a native of South Carolina, and his mother before her marriage was Margaret Cramer. Hugh Herron, whose birth occurred in the year 1801, was the son of Thomas Herron, a Scotch immigrant who settled in South Carolina some time prior to the dawn of the nineteenth century and there remained until about 1803, when he disposed of his possessions with the object in view of moving to the new and fertile lands of southern Ohio. With his family and few household effects the sturdy pioneer started on the long, arduous journey through the wilderness over mountains and trackless wastes, but before arriving at his destination the Indians became so troublesome that he was obliged to stop on the way and make a temporary settlement. The place where he halted was in the state of Kentucky, and it was not until the latter part of 1806 that he was able to resume the journey which led him through to Butler county, Ohio, where the family arrived in October of that year. Thomas Herron settled near Four Mile creek, on the place now owned by the Harper heirs, which land he purchased from the government, but a large part of the ground being overflowed by back water from a mill dam he subsequently exchanged this tract for the land in Milford township which he afterwards cleared and on which he spent the remainder of his days. Hugh Herron was quite young when his parents moved to the new home in Butler county, and he grew to mature years on the farm in Milford township, the meantime assisting in clearing and cultivating the same. At the age of twenty-one years he started out for himself, his sole earthly possessions at the time consisting of an ax and one and a half dollars in cash. Being industrious, energetic and naturally adept with the use of tools, he soon mastered the carpenter's trade and in the course of a few years acquired not only considerable means but a wide reputation as a successful builder. Many of the first frame houses in Milford and adjoining townships were erected by him, also bams and other edifices, and the superior quality of his workmanship caused his services to be in great demand. Within six years after leaving the parental roof he had earned sufficient money to purchase the family homestead, consisting of two hundred and twenty-five acres, and after coming into possession of the same he discontinued contracting and building in order to devote his entire attention to agricultural pursuits. He became quite a successful farmer, also took great interest in all kinds of public improvements and to him perhaps as much as to any other man is due the rapid development of Milford township during the early years of its history. A man of intelligence and sound judgment and with a wide knowledge of practical affairs, he was long a kind of a leader and counsellor among his neighbors and fellow citizens, and his opinions always commanded respect, while his advice seldom proved at fault. In politics he was originally a Democrat of the old school and voted for General Jackson, but subsequently he became a Whig, still later a Republican-, and continued a zealous supporter of the last-named party until his death. He was a profoundly religious man and for fifty years served as an elder in the United Presbyterian church, of which strict body he was long a leading and influential member. Hugh Herron departed this life in 1897, and his wife Margaret was called to her final reward about the year 1899. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters, of whom the following survive: George, who lives in Kentucky ; Thomas, of Middletown ; William, a farmer and stock raiser of Butler county; Catherine, wife of Charles Coulter, of Oxford; Martha E., widow of the late 'William Emerick, of the same place, and L. D., whose name introduces this sketch.

The early life of L. D. Herron on the family homestead brought him into close touch with the duties of the farm and the excellent discipline he there received was conducive not only to well-rounded physical growth, but also to that independence of mind and the formation of those habits which enter so largely into symmetricallydeveloped American manhood. After attending the district schools until completing the fundamental branches, he entered Oxford College, where he pursued his studies for several years, thus laying broad and deep the substantial foundation upon which his success in after years was builded. Until his twenty-first year he remained at home assisting in the cultivation of the farm, but on attaining his majority he took charge of the place and from that time to the present has devoted his attention to agriculture and stock raising with most encouraging results. On March i, 1881, Mr. Herron was united in marriage with Miss Sarah B. Nichol, daughter of Joseph Nichol, a prosperous farmer of Hanover township, the union being blessed with four children whose names and years of birth are as follows : Margaret, in 1883; Edith, 1885; Nellie, 1887; and Joseph, in the year 1889. By well-applied industry and energy Mr. Herron has succeeded beyond his expectations and at this time ranks with the leading farmers and stock raisers of the township in which he resides, being progressive in his ideas, public-spirited in his endeavors to advance the standard of agriculture in his community, and as a citizen has so conformed to the duties and ethics of life as to win the unqualified confidence of the large circle of neighbors and acquaintances who are proud to claim his friendship. He has been the architect of his own fortunes and, like a true master builder, has done his work wisely and well. Through the careful direction of business interests as well as by indefatigable industry he has acquired a handsome property and by a liberal and judicious expenditure of money his farm has been highly improved and beautified until it is now considered one of the finest and most desirable country homes in the township of Milford, there being few more attractive places in the county.

Mr. Herron votes with the Republican party and for a number of years has been one of its most energetic and influential workers in his part of the county, keeping well posted on the issues of the day and exercising the prerogatives of leadership in the township of his residence. While keen, wide awake and eminently successful in material affairs, and equally active in the interest taken in public and political matters, he has not been unmindful of the higher duties and obligations growing out of man's relations to his maker. His religious nature is strong and well developed and for many years he has been a faithful member of the Lutheran church at Darrtown, being a deacon in the organization and one of the most active workers and efficient teachers in the Sunday school. Mr. Herron's career has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence reposed in him, for he has always conducted his business transactions in the strict principles of honor and integrity and his devotion to the public good, which is unquestioned, arises from a sincere desire to promote the welfare and advance the interests of his fellow men. What the world needs today is just such type of men, - men capable of directing- public enterprises and managing important trusts, - men of principle as well as brain power whom the lust of wealth can not swerve from the strict path of rectitude nor the allurements of public place corrupt, - men of genuine worth, of unquestioned integrity, - of the high sense of personal honor which grows stronger and brighter with each recurring year.

John Earhart

The well-known gentleman to a brief review of whose career this article is devoted enjoys distinctive prestige among the representative farmers and stock raisers of Milford township, while his high standing as a progressive and up-to-date agriculturist has also won him a conspicuous place among the leading men of his calling throughout the county, in which all but nine years of his life has been spent. Jacob Earhart, the subject's grandfather, was a native of Germany. He came to America in an early day and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, later removed to Preble county, Ohio, where he cleared and otherwise improved a good farm on which the remainder of his life was passed, he and his good wife dying there many years ago. Jacob Earhart, Jr., son of the above Jacob and father of the subject, was bom in Pennsylvania, and at an early age accompanied his parents upon their removal to Ohio, and grew to manhood on the family homestead in the county of Preble. Subsequently he came to Butler county, where in due time he became a prominent fanner and stock raiser, taking possession of the place in Milford -township now owned by the subject, in 1846, and living on the same until 1857, when he purchased a farm, one mile south, where he made his home until called from the scenes of his earthly toils and successes, dying at the age of eighty-three years, his wife being seventy-nine years old at the time of her demise. The maiden name of Mrs. Jacob Earhart was Matilda Newport, and she bore her husband one daughter and two sons, the former deceased, Richard, a farmer of Milford township, and the subject of this review being the representatives of the family now living.

John Earhart, whose birth occurred in Preble county, Ohio, September 3, 1837, was seven years old when his parents moved to Butler county, and from 1846 to the present time he has been an honored resident of Milford township. Reared to habits of industry on the farm, he early acquired a practical knowledge of outdoor labor, and while still a youth was able to do his part in the fields with those of more mature age. By reason of his services being required at home, his education was limited, but a naturally studious and inquiring mind and a retentive memory enabled him in after years to make up in large part for this deficiency, and he became an intelligent and remarkably well-informed man. From his childhood he has been fond of study and a great reader, and as he grew to maturity all the leisure at his command was devoted to the perusal of such books, papers and periodicals as he could procure, the information thus derived, with the practical knowledge acquired by mingling with men in various business capacities, giving him precedence as a leader of thought in his community. Mr. Earhart's early training on the farm was the means of developing a strong, vigorous physique, and he grew to maturity a well-rounded man, plentifully endowed with good common sense and a laudable determination to overcome the obstacles by which his pathway was beset, and if possible carve out a career of honor and usefulness. He continued agricultural pursuits until May, 1864, when he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, for the hundred-day service, during which time he was in West Virginia, where the regiment was principally engaged in guard duty. At the expiration of the period noted he returned home and resumed farming, which, with stock raising, has since occupied his attention, his progress and success the meantime being such as to win for him a prominent place among the leading agriculturists of Butler county. His farm, consisting of one hundred and nineteen acres in section 4, Milford township, is in an excellent state of cultivation and otherwise highly improved, the buildings of all kinds being first-class and up-to-date, and everything on the place indicates the presence of an enterprising agriculturist of mature judgment and progressive ideas, who cultivates the soil and manages his affairs according to the most advanced methods. Mr. Earhart has made agricultural science a special study, reads all the best papers on the subject and by practical experience demonstrates the values of the theories advanced by leading writers of the day. His work and management are strictly systematized, and the prevalence of good order, even in the smallest matters, attests the care with which he prosecutes his interests so as to obtain the largest possible results. He keeps a correct account of all his products and sales, which, with his stock books, constitute a full and complete record of the farm and everything pertaining thereto. As a breeder and raiser of fine live stock Mr., Earhart enjoys an enviable and wide-spread reputation and he stands today among the leading stockmen of his part of the state. His specialties during the last twenty-five years have been the Polled Durham breed of cattle, and he has also given much attention to the Duroc and other fine qualify of hogs, the greater part of his income being derived from the sale of his domestic animals. By persevering industry and good business management, he has placed himself in independent circumstances and is now one of the well-to-do men of the county, his income being more than sufficient to meet his comfortable manner of living, while the ample fortune* at his command insures him plenty and ease during the remainder of his days.

Mr. Earhart is a Republican in politics, and for many years has been a zealous worker for the success of his party, not only in Milford township but throughout the county. Being a wide reader, he is well posted on current events and his knowledge of the great questions and issues of the day, both national and international, enables him to form intelligent opinions and conclusions, in both of which respects he is often deferred to by many of his fellow citizens. His relations with his neighbors and friends and with the public generally haye always been of the most agreeable character, his influence has ever made for the good of those with whom lie associates, and the high esteem in which he is held shows that the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens has not been misplaced.

Amanda C. Shanklin, who became the wife of Mr. Earhart on January 22, 1869, was born in Butler county. Ohio, in the year 184S, being a daughter of Andrew and Esther (Cooper) Shanklin, the father a native of West Virginia and the mother a descendant of an old North Carolina family that left that state in an early day on account of opposition to slavery. After receiving a preliminary education in the district schools, Mrs. Earhart entered the female college at Oxford, where she was graduated in 1864, following which she taught with marked success for a number of years, and still later became governess in a wealthy Kentucky family, where her services were also greatly appreciated. She is a lady of fine mind and excellent character, her culture and varied attainments making her for many years a favorite in the social circles with which she was wont to mingle.

Mr. and Mrs. Earhart have three children, the oldest of whom, Rev. Linn J. Earhart, was born January 14. 1870. He received his literary education in the Miami University, of which he is an alumnus, and later was graduated from the McCormack Theological Seminary, Chicago, and is now pastor of the Presbyterian church at Republic, in the state of Washington. He married a young lady by the name of Martha Brinkmire, and is the father of three children, and stands today among the leading divines of his denomination in the West. William S., born April 12, 1871, was also graduated from the Miami University at Oxford and is an electrician by profession.

His wife was formally Miss Florence Hornslier, and his home at the present time is in Camden, this state. Esther C., the youngest of the family, was born on September 14, 1877, and, like her brothers, is well educated, graduating in her girlhood from the Somerville high school and in 1899 she received the degree of Bachelor of Sciences from the Oxford Female College. In addition to her intellectual attainments and other accomplishments, she is especially proficient in music, having received instruction in the art under the direction of some of the most accomplished teachers of this country.

Mr. and Mrs. Earhart are members of the Presbyterian church, and since the year 1874 he has held the position of elder in the congregation to which they belong. The children are also identified with the same religious body, the oldest, as already stated, being a minister of distinguished ability and wide influence.

Edgar W. Lane

This well-known citizen is one of Butler county's native sons and dates his birth from June 16. 1852, having first seen the light of day on the farm in Hanover township which his grandfather, H. I. Lane, purchased and improved in an early day. H. I. Lane was born in New Jersey and some time in the twenties brought his newly-wedded wife to Butler county, Ohio, locating in the township of Hanover, where he became a prosperous tiller of the soil. In connection with agricultural pursuits, he worked at the brick-mason s trade, and continued in this two-fold capacity until his death, which occurred in the year 1848. The family of H. I. Lane consisted of three sons and four daughters, five of whom survive, namely : Corneal, William, Ellen, Susan and Sarah, one of the deceased being James, the subject's father, who was bom and reared on the family homestead in Hanover township and in his young manhood married Miss Mary Potter, a native of Reily township, who bore him two children, Edgar W., of this review, and Charles H., who died in 1876, at the age of twenty- two years. James Lane was a young man of sterling worth, and in due time became one of the well-to-do farmers of Hanover township. He owned a beautiful place of one hundred and seven acres, on which he made a number of valuable improvements, and in addition to farming he owned a half interest in a flouring mill which returned him a liberal income. In politics he was a Whig, in religion a Presbyterian, and in all the elements of manhood and citizenship he was easily the peer of any of his neighbors and associates. Had he lived longer he doubtless would have achieved success in his various enterprises, but he was unfortunately ait down almost at the beginning of his career of usefulness, dying at the early age of twenty-eight years.

Edgar W. Lane was left an orphan when four years old, and from that time until his eleventh year he lived with his grandfather, Samuel Potter, who cared for the lad and looked after his interests in various ways. When a youth of twelve he became an inmate of his uncle's home, and after remaining there for two years began earning his own livelihood as a farm hand. While thus engaged he devoted the winter months to study in the public schools, and in this way he divided his time until about nineteen, when he entered the employ of his guardian, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. Actuated by a desire for a more thorough intellectual training than could be derived from the district schools, young Lane, in 1871, entered the National Normal School at Lebanon, where he proseaited his studies two terms of eight months each, leaving the institution in the fall of the year following. Returning to Butler county, he resumed farming in Reily township, and on March 24, 1875, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Rebekkah Mosier, a union blessed with four children, namely : Walter, born February 13. 1876. a telegrapher stationed at Hood River, Oregon; Mary, bom January 10, 1878, is the wife of Wallace Dennis, and lives in Preble county, this state; Effie. whose birth occurred on the 4th of November, 1879, is unmarried, and resides in the family of a friend by the name of Hake: Alice, who was born October 15? 1881, is the wife of Ed. Travis, in Hamilton. The mother of these children departed this life in 1885, and on September 7th of the following year Mr. Lane contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Addie Tracy, widow of the late Robert W. Tracy, of this county, and daughter of James and Mary J. (Thomas) Williams, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Mrs. Lane was born July 1. 1853. in Ross township. Butler county, married Mr. Tracy on March 19, 1872, and bore him five children, namely: Mary J., wife of Everritt Brosier; Sarah E., now Mrs. Herman Walters, of Brookville; Ed. L. ; Mayme, who married Everett Barnett, of Hamilton, and Dolle, who is a member of the home circle. The death of Mr. Tracy occurred in the year 1883. Three children are the fruits of Mr. Lane's second marriage, Homer, born August 31, 1887, Chester, December 10, 1890, and Ruth, whose birth dates from December 28, 1893. James Williams, the father of Mrs. Lane, was born January 13, 1821, in Virginia, came to Butler county with his father when a mere boy, and here grew to maturity, becoming in due time one of the leading farmers and successful merchants of this part of the state. He possessed business abilities of a very high order, as is attested by the fact of his having started in life at the bottom of the ladder, being a very poor man at the time of his marriage; but he so managed his affairs as to accumulate within a comparatively brief period a fortune of considerable magnitude, his estate at the time of his death, in May, 1902, being conservatively estimated at eighty thousand dollars. Marv Jane Thomas, who married James Williams, was born June 22, 1821, and became the mother of nine children, seven of whom are living, their names being as follows: Margaret, wife of Albert Harrison; George T., a resident of Ross township; James, a real-estate dealer of Hamilton; Mrs. Addie Lane; Mamie, wife of Erastus Robinson, of Shandon, Ohio; Joseph, a broker doing business in the city of Hamilton, and John, a mechanic of the same place. Mrs. Lane received an academic education, also a thorough musical training, and her various attainments have fitted her to adorn the home over which she presides and the social circle in which she is wont to move. She possesses many of the qualities of head and heart that insure popularity and win strong and abiding friendships, and as a neighbor as well as a devoted wife and mother, she exercises a wholesome moral influence in the home and among those with whom she is associated.

For some years past Mr. Lane has owned the Eagle Hotel at Somerville, and with the assistance of his wife runs the same, the house under their .joint management being one of the best conducted and most popular hostelries in the county. He also owns and operates the Merchants' bus line between Somerville and Hamilton, which, in connection with the hotel business, has been quite profitable, the patronage being liberal and paying a handsome margin on the investment. Mr. Lane is an enterprising man, widely acquainted witly the traveling public, and his familiarity with every detail of the business in which he is engaged, and his desire to make his place first-class in every particular, gives him high standing as a popular and accommodating landlord. While deeply interested in his business affairs, he has not neglected the duties which every citizen owes the community and the general public, being in touch with every measure for the growth and development of his town and county and an advocate of every worthy means for promoting the welfare of his fellow men. In politics he is stanchly Democratic, but not a partisan, and in religion he and his good wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

James W. Morton

Prominent among the leading citizens of the thriving village of Collinsville is the well-known gentleman and gallant ex-soldier under whose name this article is written. James Morton is descended from old

Delaware ancestry and the history of his family in that commonwealth dates from a very early day. His grandfather, for many years a leading citizen of Wilmington, was a prominent slaveholder and a man of large, worth and wide influence. He was identified in many ways with the growth and development of the above city, also took an active and prominent part in the affairs of his state, and was a leader in various enterprises and a conspicuous figure among his fellow men. William Morton, the subject's father, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, but when quite young came to Ohio and spent the remainder of his life in Butler county, as a tiller of the soil. He married a lady by the name of Eliza Waldon, who also died in this country, and of his children, two sons are still living, George R., of Hamilton. and James, of this review.

James W . Morton was born in Butler county, Ohio. October 19, 1844, and grew to mature years on the home farm in Milford, where he was early taught the lessons of industry and thrift which had such marked influence in forming his character and determining his future course of action. Like the majority of country boys, he spent the summer time in the fields and during the winter months attended the district schools and in this way passed the first eighteen years of his life, a period varied bv nothing aside from the usual routine of duty. But a marked change, however, was soon to disturb the even tenor of this quiet and peaceful mode of living, a change which appealed to his patriotism and induced him to exchange the implements of husbandry for the deathdealing instruments of war and go forth to battle for the honor of the flag and preservation of the national LTnion. On the 6th of June, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Ninety-third Ohio Infantry, Capt. H. H. Wallace, and shortly after this his regiment was attached to the Third Brigade. Third Division of the Fourth Corps, and from the time of going to the front until the end of the war he experienced almost continuous service in the campaigns of Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and other states, participating in many of the bloodiest battles of the Rebellion, to say nothing of numerous skirmishes and minor engagements. Mr. Morton shared with his comrades the varied vicissitudes of army life and experiences on the march, in the camp, and upon the field of conflict the terrible realities of warfare in all the term implies. Among the battles in which he took part were the following: Laverine. Kentucky. Stone River, Tennessee, Chickamauga, Orchard Knob and Missionary Ridge, nearly all the engagements of the Atlanta campaign, including Buzzard's Roost, Liberty Gap, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, the siege and fall of the city of Atlanta, after which he returned to Tennessee, with General Thomas's command, and participated in the battles of Franklin and Nashville. He was severely wounded in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, but passed through the other engagements uninjured, although rnanv times in dangerous positions and exposed to almost certain death. After three years of faithful service, during which he nobly sustained the reputation of a brave and fearless soldier, Mr. Morton was honorably discharged, being mustered out on the 8th day of June, 1865, on account of the close of the war, and he is now the recipient of a monthly pension of twelve dollars,, an insignificant sum and out of all proportion to the pain and suffering which he en-

Since the war Mr. Morton has been variously engaged and for a number of years past he has been identified with the United States mail service, being the first man in Butler county appointed to a rural route and in point of continuous duty the oldest man now in this branch of the service. Since entering upon his labors as a carrier he has traveled on the aggregate considerably over forty-five thousand miles, using seventy horses, and seldom has he been absent from duty or failed to he on time at all places of delivery. His long period of arduous service speaks well for his diligence and faithfulness to duty, and his record, which is eminently honorable, has received complimentary mention, not only from his immediate superiors, but also from high officials in the 'postoffice department. Mr. Morton has a beautiful and commodious home in Collinsville and, as already stated, is one of the leading citizens of the town, being actively interested in all enterprises for its growth and development and an influential factor in even' measure having for its object the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. His eminent social qualities have made him popular with all classes and conditions of people with whom he mingles, while his sterling integrity, manly character and general worth as a neighbor and citizen have won for him the esteem and confidence of the community to a very marked degree. Mr. Morton is essentially a man of the people, with the best interests of his kind at heart, and frequently loses sight of self in his efforts to promote the public welfare. Having struggled, fought and suffered in defense of the government, and demonstratedhis loyalty by three years of faithful, conscientious service, he properly appreciates his country and its institutions and would again if necessary endure a similar experience in its behalf. Politically he wields a strong influence for the Republican party, being one of its active workers and prominent leaders, not only in Milford township, but throughout the county as well. Fraternally he belongs to the Wetzel-Compton Post, Grand Army of the Republic, at Hamilton, and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership with Darrtown Lodge, No. 472, in which he has passed all the chairs.

Mrs. Morton, whose maiden name was Martha Martlevis a native of Butler county, and she has presented her husband with two children, a daughter Mildred and a son by the name of William T. The former, -whose birth occurred on the 24th of November. 1877, is an intelligent and well-educated lady and for some years past has ranked with the most accomplished and successful teachers of the county, holding at this time an important position in the schools of Milford township. William T. was bom October 5. 1880, and departed this life on the first day of February, 1900.

George W. Oren

The name so worthily borne by the subject of this review is an old and honorable one, having been a familiar sound in Milford township, Butler county, ever since the pioneer period. George W. Oren was bom at his present place of residence August 24, 1841. and is one of four children of Samuel and Mary Oren, the father a native of York, Pennsylvania, and the mother of the state of Maryland. Samuel Oren, whose birth occurred in the year 1795, came to Butler county when a young man and not long after his arrival was united in marriage with Mary Greenwood, whose father, Benjamin Greenwood, moved from Maryland as early as 1800 and settled in Milford township, where he purchased a quarter-section of land from which he cleared and developed a fine farm, becoming in due time one of the leading agriculturists and prominent citizens of this part of the county. By occupation Samuel Oren was a carpenter, in connection with which trade he also carried on farming, having owned a small but well-improved place in the township of Milford, where he spent all of his life. Of his family of four children, three are yet living, namely : Mrs. Mary A. Beadle and Mrs. Sarah Cohee, of Preble county, this state, and George W. Oren, the subject of this review.

The early life of George W. Oren was spent on the farm in Milford township which he now owns and which, with the exception of three years, has been his home since he first saw the light of day, and he grew to manhood familiar with the various experiences which labor in the fields entails. During his childhood and youth he attended the public schools and as soon as old enough took upon himself much of the work of the farm and the responsibility of its management, in both of which capacities his duties were ably and faithfully discharged, as is attested by the abundant success that attended his efforts. Later, on the death of his father, he took full charge of the place and in due season became owner of the same, from which time until a few years ago he devoted his attention very closely to its cultivation, the meanwhile becoming one of the most thrifty and prosperous agriculturists of his township. After acquiring a competency he rented his farm and since then has been living in honorable retirement, surrounded by many material comforts and with a sufficiency of this world's goods to insure the independence and ease during the remainder of his days. Mr. Oren owns about ninety-four acres of fine land, nearly all of which is under cultivation, the improvements being among the best in the township and, all things considered, this farm is one of the most beautiful and attractive homes in Butler county. Although doing little in the way of manual labor, he still gives personal attention to his agricultural and live-stock interests and manages his business affairs with the same sound judgment and clear insight that he exercised during the more active period of his life. In his political views Mr. Oren is a stalwart Democrat and as such was elected trustee of his township, which office he filled by successive re-elections for a period of fifteen years, discharging the duties of the position in an able and impartial manner and proving under all circumstances a faithful custodian of the important interests confided to him by his fellow citizens. He also served for a considerable length of time as a member of the school board and during his incumbency in this capacity was untiring in his efforts to advance the cause of education within his jurisdiction and make the local svstem equal in efficiency to that of any other part of the county.

petence in his possession came to him through industry and honorable dealing. From the beginning of his career as an in ependent agent to the present time he has shirked no duty, however difficult and onerous. and hesitated at no obstacle, but, on the contrary, nobly faced the future with the determination of meeting its responsibilities and if possible wresting success from conditions that did not appear at all encouraging. Animated by this laudable purpose, he persevered in all his undertakings and his energetic labors, directed by tact and good judgment, finally brought their reward, as his present independent situation abundant y testifies. .

The domestic chapter in the life of Mr. Oren hears the date of 1867, in which year he entered the marriage relation with Miss Minerva Coffman, of Preble county, this state, the fruits of the union being one daughter and two sons, namely : Cora, wife of Mitchell Johnson, of Milford township , G. H., a resident of Somerville, and Charles, who lives on the home farm and attends to its cultivation and management.

Jacob A. Inman

This gentleman is an enterprising citizen of Milford township, where he has long been engaged in the honorable vocation of agriculture, and to him also belongs the distinction of having worn the blue and served in the great and gallant army that crushed out the last vestige of rebellion from our country' and re-established the government upon the firm basis which renders forever impossible any further attempts to effect its disruption. Jacob A. Inman is an Indianian by birth and the son of Benjamin and Louisa (Smith) Inman, both parents being natives of New Jersey. Benjamin Inman was bom May 12, 1812, and six years later was brought by his parents to Preble county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Subsequently he moved to Randolph county, Indiana.'where he resided for a number of vears, still later returned to Ohio, settling In the county of Butler, whence he removed to Preble county, where he died. While in Indiana he took an active interest in public and political affairs, served a number of terms as justice of the peace and for many vears was one of. the leading Republican politicians of Randolph county. The Smith family left New Jersey as early as 1825, moving to Preble county. Ohio, where a number of descendants still reside, others being scattered over various parts ot ie state. Of the six children born to Benjamin and Louisa Inman, five are living, namely. Rachel, an unmarried lady who made her home with the subject, but died on June 15, 1904: Hanna, wife of Hmnan Pottinger: Jacob A., of this review. Job b.. a retired farmer of this county, an >enj min E., a prosperous agriculturist and stoc' countv. Indiana. February 8, 1842' a" when quite young accompanied his paren to Ohio, of which state he hassmcebee a resident. He was reared to farm 1^ in Butler county, . attended the di schools during the winter months until vouth in his teens and grew to young m hood with the fixed purpose of mak,"S most of his opportunities to the en a life might be a credit to himself and and a benefit to his fellow men. He remained with his parents, assisting in the cultivation and management of the farm. On August 13, 1862, he responded to the President's call fo'r volunteers by enlisting in Company G. Eighty-third Ohio Infantry, and about fifteen days later was mustered into the United States service in Kentucky, thence proceeding at once to the scene of hostilities, where he' soon experienced in the full "the stern and awful realities of war." Mr. Inman's first active service was at the Yazoo Swamp, near Vicksburg, where his command met the enemy in a shaq> and hard-fought engagement, following which he participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hill, Black River, the siege of Vicksburg, being present at the surrender of that ci tvon July 4, 1863. Subsequently his command took part in the battle at Jackson, Mississippi, thence went down the river to New Orleans, where it joined the Red River expedition, after which it was sent to Barancas, Alabama, thence to Blakely, where it won laurels in the bloody battle April 9, 1865. For some time after the latter date Mr. Inman's regiment did patrol duty in Alabama and Texas and on July 24, 1865. he was mustered out of the service at Galveston, reaching home on the 10th of the ihonth following. He was twice promoted during his army service to corporal and then to sergeant, which rank he held at the time of his muster-out.

Immediately after his return from the army. Mr. Inman resumed the pursuit of agriculture on the farm of his uncle, Bazilla Inman, in Butler county, And from that time to the present he has devoted his attention to tilling the soil, meeting with en- couraging success and winning a conspicuous place among the leading men of his township similarly engaged. He owns a well-improved farm in Preble county, being a part of the old homestead, which is admirably suited lor agriculture and live-stock purposes, being fertile and highly productive, also well watered and containing every essential feature of a first-class rural home.

The presiding spirit in the subject's pleasant domestic empire is the intelligent, amiable and highly esteemed lady whose maiden name was Sarah N. Frazee, but who in the year 1879 became the wife of Mr. Inman. since which time she has been his faithful companion and true helpmate, encouraging him by her judicious counsel and advice, co-operating with him in all of his endeavors, and bv her able assistance contributing not a little to the success which their joint efforts have achieved. Mrs. Inman is a native of Franklin county, Indiana, but was reared in Preble and Butler counties, Ohio, and has spent the greater part of her life in the latter, being well and favorably known in the township of Milford, where she has lived since her marriage.

Fraternally Mr. Inman is a member of Grand Army Post, No. 361, at Camden, and in politics is a Republican, but not a partisan in the sense the term is generally understood, much less an office seeker, nor has he ever asked public honors at the hands of his fellow citizens. In matters religious he entertains broad and liberal views, not being identified with any church; nevertheless he is a believer in Christianity and contributes liberally to the support of the Presbvterian church, which his wife attends, besides giving freely to charitable and benevolent organizations and all other worthy en- terprises having for their object the material and moral good of the deserving poor. Mr. Inman is a gentleman of modest demeanor, unostentatious in his relations with his fellow men, but always stands firm for what he considers right and just and under no circumstances whatever does he sully his integrity or bring reproach upon his character by compromising with evil or countenancing that which his conscience condemns. His conduct has been correct and manly, and by living as nearly as possible according to his standards of excellence he has won. the esteem and good will of his neighbors and fellow citizens and enjoys the confidence of all who come within the range of his acquaintance and influence.