Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1905 (part 8 of 18)

David Cornth Waite

The subject of this review is a native of Butler county. Ohio, and a representative of one of its old pioneer families, his grandfather, Edward Cornthwaite, having settled in which is now St. Clair township as early as the year 1806. Edward Cornthwaite was a native of England, but came to America many years ago and located in Pennsylvania, from which state he moved his family to Ohio at the time referred to, and spent the remainder of his life in Butler county, dying in 1835. His son Francis, whose birth occurred in Pennsylvania in 1799, was seven years old when the family moved to Butler county. He grew to maturity on the home farm in St. Clair township, and when a young man turned his attention to milling, by which means he earned sufficient money to purchase land of his own near the town of Trenton, where he spent the greater part of his life. He farmed for a number of years, became not only a well-to-do agriculturist, but also an influential citizen and a public-spirited man of affairs. He was for many years one of the leading Republicans of the community in which he resided, becoming a member of the party upon its organization and continuing one of its most zealous supporters to the end of his days. His wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Bone, bore him eight children, of which family five are still living, among them being the subject of this review. Francis and Margaret Cornthwaite were active members of the Christian church, and their lives were fraught with great good to the large circle of friends and acquaintances with whom they mingled. They spent their later years in the town of Collinsville, and it was there that he died.

David Cornthwaite was born on the family homestead near Monroe, Butler county, February 26, 1842, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the public schools of his neighborhood. He remained with his parents until a little past twenty years of age, when he severed home ties for the purpose of entering the sendee of his country, enlisting August 15, 1862, in Company G, Eighty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which shortly thereafter was brigaded with the Thirteenth Army Corps, and assigned duty in Grants command at Vicksburg. Mr. Cornthwaite took part in the siege and reduction of that city, also participated in the battles of Champion Hill and Chickasaw Bavou, Arkansas Post, the operations on Black River.

Returning home, Mr. Cornthwaite resumed the pursuit of agriculture, but by reason of the serious illness contracted while in the army it was a long time before he was sufficiently recovered to prosecute his labors properly; indeed it may be said that he never entirely regained the vigorous physical health , for which he was noted prior to entering the military service. For a number of years He has been a resident of Milford township, where he owns a finely improved and highly cultivated farm from which he receives a liberal income, being at this time the possessor of an ample competence and well situated to enjoy the many material blessings by which he is surrounded.

On December 29, 1864, Mr. Cornthwaite was happily married to Miss Mary C. Judy, of Preble county, Ohio, and to them five children have been born, namely : Hattie, wife of Edward Overpeck, of Butler county; Charlie O., who married Mina Hood and lives in the county of Preble ; Harry E., who lives at home, and who is also a man of family, his wife having formerly been Miss Catherine Antrim ; Bessie M., wife of Wesley Hale, a resident of Somerville, this state, and George Grant, deceased.

In his religious views/Mr. Cornthwaite indorses the plea of the Christian church, of which both himself and wife are faithful and consistent members. Politically he is a pronounced Republican, and for a number of years has been one of the leaders of his party in Milford township, also an influential, factor in county affairs and an active worker when great state and national ately following his marriage he lived in Illiquestions are in issue. The year immediiiois, and while there he served as a member of the town council, and manifested a prominent and influential interest in promoting the growth and varied resources of the place. In 1869 he became a member of the Masonic lodge at Noble, Illinois, and in 1878 he took dimit to the Hamilton lodge, of which he is now an active member. He also belongs to Wetzel-Compton Post, No. 96, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Cornthwaite is a gentleman of high moral and social standing, and, although plain and unassuming in demeanor, seeking to avoid the crowd rather than to court notoriety of any kind, is nevertheless a forceful character in his community and a leading spirit in all that tends to its material advancement and the general welfare of the people. Wisely avoiding the paths that lead to public distinction, he has pursued the plain and more satisfactory life of a thrifty and prosperous tiller of the soil, contented with the slow but sure gains that come to him through legitimate channels, and satisfied to be known simply as a citizen.

Joseph Schumaker

The gentleman whose name introduces this article is one of Butler county's popular citizens and his life forcibly illustrates what energy, industry and a fixed purpose can accomplish when animated by noble aims and correct ideals. Joseph Schumaker is a native of Butler county and dates his birth from the

20th clay Of November, 1854, having hrst seen the light of day in Hamilton with the interests of which city 1ns life has been closely interwoven from that time to the present clay. His father, who also bore the name of Joseph Schumaker. was a native of Germany, but came to America when a young man and for a number of years worked at the carpenter's trade in the city of Hamilton. He also opened one of the first hotels in the town, which was well patronized bv the traveling public, and later was proprietor of the old Mason House, which for many years was one of the wel - known and popular hostelries of the place. His wife, who bore him three sons, died prior to the war of the Rebellion, and when that struggle began he enlisted in Company K, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry, and served from 1861 to 1865 inclusive, participating in many of the bloodiest battles of that his torical period and winning honorable mention as a brave and fearless soldier. Some time after the war he entered the Soldiers Home at Davton and was an inmate of that institution when his death occurred, on March 6. 1878. The three sons of the old veteran are Joseph, the subject of this sketch, Barnev. a fanner of Shelby county, Indiana, and' John, who lives in the city of Hamilton, their births occurring m the order given.

Joseph Schumaker was reared in Hamilton and received his education in St. Stephen's parochial school, which he attended until his confirmation in the Catholic church, his parents being devoted members of that religious body. Being the oldest son and his father a poor man, he was early obliged to rely upon his own resources for a livelihood, accordingly he turned his hand to any kind of honorable employment he could find to do and in this way several of his youthful years were spent. Later he became interested with his brother-in-law in the manufacture of patent medicine, an enterprise which marked the beginning of his substantial start in life, as the business proved successful and in due time paved the way to a comfortable fortune for the proprietors.

In the vear 1878 Mr. Schumaker contracted a matrimonial alliance with Miss Philomena Pater, who was born in the city Hamilton in 1859. her Parents cot"ing ° this country from Germany a .number ot years before and settling in Butler county. Three children are the fruits of this marriage. namely: Anna May, l»rn m ie

Mr Schumaker is still interested m the manufacture of several popular remedies which have an extensive sale throughout the United States, their efficacy as remedial agents giving rise to a great emar 1 ^ onlv in this country, but also in European nations. The business has be a prosecuted with most encouraging financ. ' results, and with the large amount c f private capital which has come to the s j ^ from this source he has made a nit profitable investments from time o - among them being the fine farm of £0 hundred and seventy-eight acres in Milford township, the rental of which adds *0 teriallv to his income and on whici ^ his family spend the heated well-built and elegantly furnished _ ^ mg no ambition to gratify in the way of seeking office and little taste for public life or partisan work. Born and reared a Catholic. he has always been faithful to the church and is now one of the leading influential members of St. Mary's parish, in Hamilton, to which congregation his wife and family also belong. Personally Mr. Schumaker is a most pleasant and agreeable gentleman, whom to know is to esteem and honor. Of pleasing presence and fine social qualities, he possesses the happy faculty of winning and retaining warm friendships and in whatever circle he moves his cheerful disposition and desire to please make him a popular favorite. His business dealings, as well as his other relations, have always been honorable and above the suspicion of wrong doing, his integrity js of the sterling kind that begets and commands confidence, and among the people of his city and county his character and good name are held in high esteem, indicating, as they do, correct and praiseworthy conduct in every relation of life.

Lawrence E. Grew An

The subject of this sketch has been long and prominently identified with educational and civic affairs in Butler county, where he has devoted nearly two score years to teaching, and he is also a veteran of the war of the Rebellion, in which he rendered valiant service in defense of the integrity of the nation. During the long years of his residence in the county he has held the unequivocal confidence and regard of its people and is today one of the representative citizens of the attractive village of Oxford.

Mr. Grennan comes of stanch Irish stock, and the name is a significant one, being translated into English as "scholar." He was born in Kings county, Ireland, on the 23d of Septemtar, 1837, being a son of Lawrence and Ellen (Money) Grennan, who passed their entire lives in that section of the Emerald Ikle, where the respective families have been established for many generations. The subject received an excellent education in the national schools of Ireland, comparing to our public-school system in America, and he remained in his native land until 1858. when, at the age of twenty-one years, he came to America to seek his fortunes and establish a home. He gradually drifted westward until he reached Ohio, arriving in October. 1858, and at the outbreak of the Civil war he was engaged in teaching school in Delaware county, this state. On the 16th of September, 1861, Mr. Grennan enlisted as a private in Company D, Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, proving himself a loyal and valiant soldier and receiving his honorable discharge on the 17th of July. 1865. being mustered out as hospital steward. His regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade. Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, commanded by General J. B. McPherson, while the regiment was in command of Col. M. F. Force, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Capt. C. H. McElrov, of Delaware. Ohio. The regiment participated in twenty-eight of the notable engagements of the great internecine conflict, including the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Vicksburg. the Atlanta campaign and the memorable march to the sea, under command of General Sherman, thence passing through the Carolinas and taking part in the last great battle of the war, that of Bentonville,

North Carolina. The health of Mr. Grennan has been permanently impaired as a result of the hardships and injuries received during his term of military service, and in recognition of this he receives a pension of twelve dollars a month from the government.

Shortly after the close of the war Mr. Grennan came to Oxford, Butler county, where he has been engaged in teaching in the public schools for the long period of thirty-nine years, having been signally successful in his chosen profession and being highly honored in educational circles. He holds the highest grade certificate and has kept abreast of the advances made in methods and systems, while he has ever continued a close and appreciative student. He is a licensed preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a devoted worker in the field of religious endeavor, while he is also possessed of marked literary ability and has written much and well. He was for three years editor of the Oxford News and for a similar period filled the editorial chair of the Oxford Citizen, while he has come in contact with many men of public note, including the late Benjamin F. Harrison, Whitelaw Reid and many others of national reputation. He has ever been known as a stanch and uncompromising advocate of the principles and policies of the Republican party, though he has never been an aspirant for public office. Fraternally he is identified with Millikin Post, No. 228. Grand Army of the Republic, and Oxford Lodge, No. 67, Free and Accepted Masons, of which latter he is past master.

E., who was graduated in the college in Oxford, also took a post-graduate course in the University of Chicago and is now assistant principal of the high school at Miamisburg, Ohio; Phoebe is the wife of C. A. Hayden, of Oxford; Ada is the wife of Moritz Schlenck, of this place; Minnie E. is the wife of John Robertson, of Somerville, Ohio; and Lawrence E., Jr., is second lieutenant of a company of government scouts in the Philippine Islands.

Butler county has its full quota of able representatives of the medical profession, and among its successful and popular practitioners is Dr. Smith, who has been established in practice at Reily since 1886 and who controls a large and representative business, being known as a thoroughly skilled physician and surgeon.

Dr. Smith is a native of Butler county, having been born on the parental homestead farm, in Reily township, on the 16th of January, 1862, a son of John W. and Catherine (Warfield) Smith, and a scion of one of the early pioneer families of the county, whither his paternal great-grandfather came from Pennsylvania as early as 179c j the family being of stanch German lineage. Both the father and the grandfather of the Doctor were born in Butler county, and the name has been long and prominently identified with its history and with the record of its agricultural develop- ment. John W. Smith was one of the prosperous and highly honored citizens of Reily township, where he was the owner of a fine farm of about five hundred acres, and there he continued to reside until his death, in 1893, at the age of seventy-six years; his wife is still living at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. Smith was a man of influence in the community and was for many years an active worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, while both he and his wife were devoted members of the Baptist church. They became the parents of six sons and six daughters, and four of the sons and four of the daughters are yet living, the subject of this review having been the youngest of the children. __ ^ ~ '

"" Dr. Smith was reared on the ancestral homestead, and attended the public schools of the locality until he had attained the age of fourteen years, when he entered the high school at New London, where he continued his studies for two years, after which he was for an equal period a student in Miami University. In 1879 he began reading medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. James Robinson, of Reily, and thus continued until the fall of 1880, when he entered the Ohio Medical College, in Cincin* nati, being graduated in this excellent institution in the spring of 1883. (^Shortly afterward the Doctor located in Okeaija, Butler county, where he was in practice one year, after which he returned to Cincinnati, where he was engaged in professional work for one and one-half years, at the expiration of which, in i88ffi,he took up his residence in Reily, where he has ever since maintained his home and where he has built up a very satisfactory practice, his success and personal popularity tending to set at naught the scriptural adage that "a prophet is not without honor save in his own country." In politics Dr. Smith is an unswerving advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, a .pd fraternally he is identified with St. Charles Lodge, No. 315, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Reily, of which he is past grand ; and of Oxford Lodge, No. 67, Free and Accepted Masons. He is^a member of the Butler County Medical Society and the District Medical Association, while he is also local medical examiner for several of the leading life-insurance companies. The Doctor moved to Oxford on September 15, 190^ and has entered into the practice of his profession, and is meeting with encouraging and satisfactory results.

On the 24th of August, 1887, Dr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Louise Gillespie, who was born and reared in Reily township, this county, being a daughter of Robert and Caroline (Balser) Gillespie. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have one son, Parke, who was bom on the 13th of August, 1890, and who is a graduate of the public schools and is now a student in the Miami University at Oxford.

Albert Y. Shollenbarger

The subject of this sketch is junior member of the firm of Shollenbarger Brothers, who conduct a well-equipped and popular livery in the city of Hamilton, and not only is he known as one of the progressive and enterprising young business men of the place, but he is also a scion of one of the sterling pioneer families of the county.

the 2d of September, 1875. and is a son of Jacob H. and Alice (Young) Shollenbarger, both of whom were likewise born in this county, and they still reside on the farm, m Milford township. The subject of this review passed his boyhood days on the homestead farm, and his educational discipline was secured in the public schools of Collinsville. At the age of nineteen years he engaged in the livery business at Oxford, this county, where he continued in this line of enterprise for the ensuing six years, being successful in his efforts. On the 1st of June. 1899, he came to Hamilton and formed a partnership with his brother Harry in the purchase and equipment of a fine livery stable at 328 Maple avenue, where they Had a large and valuable stock of horses and vehicles and controlled large and remunerative business, the enterprise being under the management of our subject, who is thor- . oughlv familiar with all its details and able to maintain the same at the highest standard. On the Toth of May. 19O3, this barn was destroyed by fire, together with all its contents, including forty-eight horses, about seventy-five carriages, together with other vehicles and equipments and a large amount of feed, entailing a loss of fifty thousand dollars, with but little insurance indemnity. The loss was divided between the two interested principals and a number of patrons whose horses and carriages were kept in the stables, the loss on the two sides being about equal. The fire occurred on Sunday, and on the following Friday the firm purchased the present stock and resumed business, their present stables being located at No. 22 South Second street. The equipment is thoroughly modern and complete and the firm has still further added to their prestige through the misfortune which drew general attention to their business. Mr. Shollenbarger is a stanch Republican in his political ( proclivities but has never sought or desired official preferment, and both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.

Oil the 1 2th of January', 1897. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Shollenbarger to Miss Emma Gerber, who was born ami reared in Collinsville, this county, and of this union have been born three children, Fern. Hugh and Louis.

John T. Sutphen. M. D.

There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than to those self-sacrificing, sympathetic, no e minded men whose life work has been tie alleviation of physical suffering, thus lengthening the span of human existence There is no known standard by which thei beneficent influence can be measured . t leu helpfulness is as broad as the universe ami their power goes hand in hand with die wonderful laws of nature that come ,he very sources of life itself. Some one has aptly said, "He serves God best who serve, humanity most." The skillful ptysl" ' then, by the exercise of his native a and his acquired abilities, is not only pe forming a service for humanity, mt lowing in the footsteps of the divine teache himself, who said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my 're vc have done it unto me.

John T. Sutphen Butler- County, Ohio

sketch. He is the oldest of the five children born to Carlton W. and Elizabeth (Cochran) Sutphen. his nativity occurring- at Middletown. Ohio, on the 29th of September, 1849. The subject's grandfather was John Sutphen, who was one of the earliest pioneers of this part of the state, having located at Middletown, Ohio, when its population consisted of but a few score of people. He entered from the government a tract of land and, as he was possessed of a fair education, received in the schools of his native state of New Jersey, he assumed a prominent place in the community in which he settled. Though he never sought office or public station, he was influential in the councils of the old Whig party and, later, also of the Republican party, of whose principles he was an ardent advocate. He was closely associated with many prominent men of his day, among whom were the late Governor Campbell and Gen. Robert E. Schenk. He was the first superintendent of the Miami and Erie Canal. He was united in marriage with Miss Jane Potter by whom he became the father of twelve children, of whom Carlton \Y.. the subject's father, was the fifth in order of birth. Carlton W. Sutphen received such educational advantages as the schools of the place and period afforded and grew to sturdy manhood, well equipped for life's battles. For a number of years he conducted a packet line on the canal from Middletown to Cincinnati, in which enterprise he was fairly successful, and was also for a number of years a merchant collector on the Miami and Erie Canal, bolding that position at the time of his death, in December, 1899, at which time he was seventy-seven years of age. At one time he was rated as a wealthy man. but met with some business reverses later in life. He was energetic and indefatigable in every matter in which he engaged and for many years held prominent places in public life. He was active in politics, endeavoring at all times to advance the interests of the community, and was honored with the confidence and respect of the people with whom he associated and who knew him best, having been elected to the position of treasurer of Middletown and fulfilling the duties of the position to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. To his marriage with Elizabeth Cochran were born five children, of whom the subject was the eldest.

John T. Sutphen, the immediate subject, attended the common schools, after which he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Ohio. Being desirous of making the practice of medicine his life work, he then matriculated in the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in March, 1871. at the age of twenty-one years. Upon completing his professional traininglie at once returned to Middletown and commenced the active practice in partnership with his former preceptor. Dr. \Yr. D. Linn, remaining so associated until the latter s death, since which time he has remained alone in the practice. He is endowed with those peculiar qualities which contribute to the successful pursuit of his profession and. because of his emphatic success in combatting disease he has acquired a reputation which extends far beyond the boundaries of his immediate community.

Politically Dr. Sutphen is a Republican and has long taken a deep interest in the public questions of the day, exercising his right of franchise in favor of. the party whose principles he believes to be most conducive to the welfare of the American people. He has been honored by selection as vice-president for Ohio of the National League of Republican Clubs. Fraternally the Doctor is an enthusiastic member of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons, being a Knight Templar and having also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, thus being a Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. He is also a past officer in both branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has also attained official distinction in the Knights of Pythias, being past grand chancellor of the grand lodge of Ohio and representative of Ohio in the supreme lodge, being also a member of the board of control of the Endowment rank of the order. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Royal Arcanum, being a past exalted ruler of the former and past regent of the latter organization. He is a firm believer in fratemalism, having witnessed many beneficent results of the application of the benign principles of the orders with which he has been connected. Doctor Sutphen is a man of broad and liberal views, at the same time abiding closely to the ethics of the profession in which he is engaged and following only the best rules of living. By a life of earnest endeavor, upright living and courteous demeanor to all he has won for himself a host of warm personal friends in the community in which he has so long resided. Doctor Sutphen s great-grandfathers, Abram Sutphen and Moses Potter, served in the American war for independence on the side of the colonists, and by virtue of this fact the Doctor holds membership in the Sons of the American Revolution, an association of which he is justifiably proud.

Jacob H. Shollenbarger

Among the representative citizens of Butler county the subject of this sketch can be appropriately numbered, as he has long enjoyed distinctive prestige in business circles and for many years was one of the leading agriculturists of the township in which he made his home. As the name indicates, Jacob H. Shollenbarger is of German lineage, not only on the paternal side, but also on the maternal, his mother's ancestors coming to America many years ago from Geisen, Germany, and settling in the state of North Carolina. The subject's grandfather was Frederick Shollenbarger, and his grandmother, before her marriage, was Mary C. Scholanch, her grandmother, Mrs. Klein, being the native of Geisen referred to above.

Frederick Shollenbarger immigrated to the United States in 1815, and settled near Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, where he purchased land and developed the farm on which he continued to live until death called him hence. His son Daniel, who was reared on this place, cultivated it until 1850, when he moved to Oxford township, his death occurring in Milford township in the year 1868. He married Elizabeth Smith, of Butler county, and became the father of nine children, seven of whom survive, the subject of this review being one of the number. Daniel Shollenbarger and wife were devout members of the Lutheran church at Darrtown and are remembered as a most excellent and praiseworthy couple, whose influence was potent for good and whose lives exemplified, the purity and great practical values of the religious faith which they professed.

Jacob H. Shollenbarger, the sixth of his parents' nine children, was born in Ross county,. Ohio, April 28, 1845, and received his early training at the family homestead in Milford township, the time during his childhood and youth being divided between work in the fields and attending the public schools. He acquired a good practical education and at the early age of seventeen entered the service of his country, enlisting in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Infantry, with which he experienced the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until honorably discharged in November of the year 1864. His command operated chiefly in Virginia and its principal' service consisted of guard duty, which was discharged so faithfully and efficiently as to elicit honorable mention from President Lincoln, who at different times had occasion to compliment and praise the soldiers on their bravery and gallantry.

At the expiration of his period of enlistment, Mr. Shollenbarger resumed farming in Butler county and continued the same until 1889, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to buying and shipping grain and live stock, doing an extensive and lucrative business. He also owns a half interest in a large general store at Collinsville, which has a lucrative and far-reaching patronage, and in addition thereto is a heavy stockholder in the Miami Valley National Bank, of which he was one of the founders and to the success of which he has contributed ever since its organization went into effect. From the establishment of this solid and popular financial institution to the present time Mr. Shollenbarger has been a member of its board of directors and today there is but one man besides himself connected with the bank who assisted in its organization.

Mr. Shollenbarger has been a leading spirit in the town of Collinsville, every enterprise for the improvement and upbuilding of the place, materially or otherwise, receiving his sanction and support. He was appointed postmaster in 1879 an(* has served as such ever since, conducting the office in an able and straightforward business-like manner, and proving at all times not only an efficient and judicious but an exceedingly courteous and popular official. Financially he has met with success commensurate with the energy, intelligence and good judgment manifested in all of his undertakings and he is today one of the wellto-do reliable men of the county, bis fortune being among the largest in his part of the country and his influence in monetary and general business circles far-reaching and second to that of few of his contemporaries. Mr. Shollenbarger' s manly conduct and honorable dealings have given him a wide reputation throughout Butler county and other parts of southeastern Ohio and wherever known his name is as good as his bond, while among his immediate neighbors and friends he stands a conspicuous example of the sterling business man and enterprising citizen of the times. Resourceful, as he is energetic, far-seeing and progressive, he keeps in mind the future in present action, and has the satisfaction of knowing that few if any of his well-laid plans have failed and that, in the fnain. abundant success has crowned his efforts. Like all broad-minded men, he has not been unmindful of the claims of religion or neglectful of his duty and obligation to his Maker, being a firm believer in the Holy

Scriptures and a consistent follower of the Man of Nazareth. He was blessed with pious parents who reared him according to the rather strict teachings of the Lutheran church, and the influence of this training had much to do in forming his character and fitting him for effective service in the earnest Christian life he has since led. He has held membership with the church at Darrtown for a number of years, and at the present time is an elder of the congregation, also one of its most influential workers and liberal supporters from a financial point of view. Mr. Shollenbarger's activity in business circles and his continued interest in public affairs naturally led him into the domain of politics and, like every intelligent citizen with the welfare of his countv. state and nation at heart, he is well grounded in his principles and an earnest supporter of the party with which identified. A reader from his youth and a student of political history, he was early convinced that the Republican party had a great and important mission, consequently he gave it his allegiance and ever since attaining his majority has been one of its zealous adherents. He has represented his township at different times on the county central committee, where he rendered valuable service as an organizer and untiring worker, has been a delegate to a number of nominating conventions and other public assemblages, but has persistently refused to run for office, although well qualified to fill with credit any position of honor and trust within the gift of the people.

Elizabeth Alice Young, who became the wife of Mr. Shollenbarger in 1873. was born in August, 1855, a,1(l received her education in the public schools and the female college at Oxford, Ohio. She is a ladv of intelligence, culture and refinement, enjoys worthy prestige in the best social circles of the community and, like her husband, is a consistent and respected member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shollenbarger, the oldest of whom, a son by the name of Harry \V., entered the Miami National Bank of Hamilton, at the early age of thirteen years, and has been connected with the institution ever since, by successive promotions working himself from a subordinate clerkship to his present responsible position of assistant cashier. He is a young man of fine attainments and splendid business ability, an accomplished accountant and by honorable and upright course of conduct has won the confidence and esteem of his employers. Albert Y.. the second son, also an intelligent and thoroughly reliable young man, is proprietor of a livery barn in the city of Hamilton, and doing a prosperous business: Nellie, the third in order of birth, married \Y. G. Jones and lives at Collinsville, where her husband has charge of the railroad station, being agent and operator, also assistant postmaster under his father-in-law; Earl, the next in succession, is a carpenter and builder,. working at his trade in the town of Glasgow, Montana: Mary is deceased, while Valora and Ruth, the youngest members of the family, are with their parents.

The subject of this review is a native of .Butler county and is one of the able young representatives of the medical profession in the village of Reily. He was born in Reily township, on the 27th of March. 1877. and is a son of Joseph B. and Jane (Brown) Smith, who are the parents of three children, of whom the Doctor was the second in order of birth. His sister. Emma, is the wife of .Newton Samuels, of Peoria, Indiana, and his sister, Olive, is at home.

Dr. Smith was reared to the sturdy discipline of the farm and his early educational advantages were such as were afforded in the district schools, while later he continued his studies for one year in Miami University. In 1897 he initiated the technical study of medicine, having as preceptor his uncle. Dr. Harry H. Smith, with whom he is now associated in practice and to whom individual reference is made on another page of this work. In the spring of 1898 the subject was matriculated in the Ohio Medical College, in Cincinnati, where he completed the prescribed course, being graduated in the spring of 1902 and securing his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He forthwith located in Reily and associated himself with his uncle and here he has already gained prestige as a thoroughly skilled and discriminating physician and surgeon, his ability and his personality being such as to gain to him a strong hold on popular confidence and esteem in the community where he has passed practically his entire life. The Doctor is a member of the Nu Sigma Nu fraternity *of the Ohio Medical College and is also identified with St. Charles Lodge, No. 332, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Reily, while he is also identified with the auxiliary organization, the Daughters of Rebekah. In politics he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party, in whose cause he takes a lively interest, and he is a member of the Presbyterian church kt Reily.

Erastus Robinson. M. D.

An educated physician and essentially a man of action, the subject of this review has achieved enviable standing in his profession and in- business circles, his successful efforts in the latter giving him prestige such as few attain. Energetic, tireless and progressive, he has stamped his individuality upon the community in which he resides and his influence in the affairs of the same is greater perhaps than that of any of his contemporaries. Dr. Erastus Robinson is a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a descendant of an old colonial family that settled in New Jersey a number of years prior to the war of the Revolution. The first of his ancestors of whom he has any definite knowledge is his great-grandfather, Samuel Robinson, who was born in the colony of New Jersey, served with distinction in the war for independence, at the close of which he became a tiller of the soil and as such spent the remainder of his life. He married in his native commonwealth a lady by the name of Huftv, whose ancestors came to this country from Holland and reared a family, among his children being a son Samuel, who was born and grew to manhood near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Samuel Robinson, Jr., who was a shoemaker by trade, came to Butler county, Ohio, about the year 1818 and settled in Morgan township, where, in addition to his chosen calling, he devoted considerable attention to agriculture. Mariah Ent, who became his wife, was a daughter of Maj. Charles and Mary ( Johnson) Ent, and was bom in Huntington county. New Jersey, of which state her antecedents were early settlers. Her father was a major in the American army during the war of 1812 and rendered valuable service to the country as a brave and gallant officer. He was, during his life, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her ancestors were German and, as already stated, emigrated to America early in the colonial period, his wife being of Scotch lineage. The Robinsons were Friends and Presbyterians in religious belief.

Brought to Butler county two years later, he grew to maturity in the same and on the 7th of December, 1847! was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Glancy, daughter of Joseph and Hettie ( Rittenhouse) Glancy, the father a native of Pennsylvania and of French Protestant stock, the mother a member of one of the old families of New Jersey and of Dutch descent. These parents removed to Morristown, Indiana, in 1826, and a few years later changed their residence to Keithsburg, Illinois, where they spent the remainder of their days. By occupation Joseph Glancy was a miller, which trade he followed the greater part of his life and he is remembered as a man of excellent character and high repute. The Rittenhouse family migrated to southwestern Ohio about the beginning of the nineteenth century and settled in Hamilton county, with the history useful life, wielded a wholesome moral influence among the people with whom he came in contact and is living at the age of eighty-eight. His mind is clear and he reads without glasses. To H. H. and Josephine Robinson the following children were born : William, Mary, Cornelia, Erastus, Susan, Alexander R., Hettie, Samuel G., Evelyn, Amy, Charles, Henry, Josephine and Anna Amelia; seven of whom, Walter, Cornelia, Susan, Amy, Hettie, Anna Amelia and Josephine, are deceased.

Erastus Robinson, the fourth of this number of the. above children, was born in Morgan township, Butler county, on February 26, 1853. He received his early training in his father's store and when not selling goods attended the public schools, in which his progress was fair and in every respect commendable. After acquiring a sound, practical education he turned his attention to reading medicine, which he studied for some time under the direction of one of the leading physicians, P. H. Brooks, of Oxfor , Ohio, his experience in this profession arousing within him a desire to become a healer of men. Actuated by this laudable ambition, the Doctor entered the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, where he prosecuted his researches until completing the course of that institution, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine in March,

Mrs. Josephine Robinson was bom July The month following is gra ua ^ 10, 1828, in Morristown, Indiana, and de- Robinson opened an office in ren on, ber of years has been the leading citizen of gaged in buying and selling horses, the county in which he resides. He lived a business to which his time an have since been largely devoted. The Doctor's residence in Osgood continued until 1884, at which time he disposed of his interests there and located at Shandon, Butler county, Ohio, where he has since lived, his business the meanwhile increasing in magnitude and importance until he is now the leading horse breeder and dealer in this part of Ohio. While buying and shipping on an extensive scale, he makes the breeding of fine horses a specialty and his success in the same has brought him prominently to the notice of the leading horsemen of the country, giving him an enviable reputation throughout Ohio and other states. As a judge of the merits and demerits of horse flesh he has few equals and no superiors and the high reputation of the animals bred on his farm has created a greater demand than he can supply, and that too at almost unprecedented prices. The Doctor has been especially successful in breeding and raising fast horses, his animals being well known on the best race tracks in the United States and at every county and state fair where exhibited they invariably win first premiums. In addition to horses, he gives considerable attention to Shetland ponies, which find ready sale at liberal figures. By his interest and enthusiasm in the matter of horses the Doctor has done more by far than any other man or agency in raising the standard of fine horses in southwestern Ohio, and he stands today without a rival in this important and far-reaching industry. His services as an expert judge are in frequent demand at stock exhibits, county and state fairs, and his opinions carry great weight and his decisions are always accepted as final. He realizes a liberal income from the sale of his various breeds of stock and his business is steadily growing.

Dr. Robinson is a man of wide intelligence, ripe judgment, keen 'discernment and his skill and experience in the field of endeavor to which his energies and powers of mind are being devoted have won him honorable recognition not only in his own state but in the surrounding states. Like all true stockmen, he possesses large sympathies and his courtesy and gentlemanly learning make him a friend and favorite of all with whom he has business or other relations. He takes broad views of men and affairs, has progressive ideas, is wide-awake and enterprising and as an all-around symmetrically developed man, occupies a place in the community which only those of good powers of mind and judgment can reasonably hope to attain.

In politics Dr. Robinson affiliates wjth the Republican party and, while not in the strict sense of the term a partisan, he is nevertheless an active worker and an efficient leader whose services and influence have done much to strengthen and promote the success of Republican principles in this part of Ohio. He has never been an office seeker, notwithstanding which his fellow citizens of Morgan township elected him three times to the office of assessor, his majority each time being larger than that of any preceding candidate for the position, notwithstanding the fact that the township is Democratic.

Dr. Robinson has been twice married, the first time on April 27, 1876, to Miss Emma Evans, daughter of Evan and Anna Evans, who died after a brief but happy wedded experience of less than one year, the union resulting in the birth of one child, Claud, who is also deceased. Subsequently, in 1881, the Doctor contracted a matrimonial alliance with Mrs. Mary Jane Coch- ran (nee Williams), daughter of James and Margaret (Thomas) Williams, and a native of Butler county, born in Ross township October 30, 1855- Mrs. Robinsons father was a native of Virginia, but m early hf came to Ohio and afterward became one of the leading farmers and representative citizens of Butler county, dying in 1901, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife was born in this county in the year 1821 and spent t e greater part of her life near the place of her birth Doctor and Mrs. Robinson have two sons, Clinton Kirby, who graduated from Miami University in June, 1904, and au Revere, a student of the Miami University and a vouth of much promise. Each of the sons is a member of the national fraternity of Beta Theta Pi. Mrs. Robinson is a respected member of the Presbyterian church. The Doctor is not identified with any religious organization.

Capt. Philip Rothenbush

There are few men in Hamilton who are more thoroughly identified with the citv's interests than the subject of this review. It is pleasant to record the life history of an individual who has "done something." "is something" or "is somebody. Aside from one of the most gallant military histories in the annals of Butler county, Captain Rothenbush fills all others of the specified requirements. His life has been spent, except the years he was "at the front," in Hamilton, where he was born on the 7th of July. 1842. He is descended from hardy and frugal German ancestors, whose advent in this county brought stability, energy,

His mother was Dorathy Mitchell, and together they established a home m Hamilton in 1828 and were among the first to engage in the bakery business here. They were successful and accumulated a good property. Christian Rothenbush built and conducted a hotel on the west side for many years and the building is still standing, now known as the Butler House. He reared a family of four sons and two daughters, the survivors of whom mostly live in the county of their birth. Father Rothenbush was a member of the city council of Rossville (now the first ward in Hamilton) and was a man well and favorably known m his day. He was prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity. He retired from active business about 1850, though contmumg to superintend his affairs until his d«th He was one of the organizers of St J Evangelical church in Hamilton, the oldest German church in Butler county.

Philip Rothenbush, the subject o sketch, was educated in the common schods and at a private academy in RossvdK O leaving school he entered the employ of his elder brother, a druggist, and was engaged as a dispensing clerk in this bus>ne or six years. This leads up to the beginning of the Civil war. and in response dent Lincoln's first call for troop ,yj Rothenbush was among the firs his name. He enlisted in April, 1861, J* company organized by Captain q{ man and subsequently became a me b the Third Ohio Infantry. But the d *mg and equipping of the th«W£ was a slow and tedious process, owing depletion of the national arsenals and treasury by enemies of the country. Hence the three-months term expired before the regiment reached active service. The subject received his honorable discharge, returned home, and soon thereafter re-enlisted as a member of Company I, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and was appointed orderly sergeant of his company. This term of three years' service was active and aggressive and he went at once to the front, remaining there constantly until the expiration of the term of enlistment. This was the first regiment to take possession of the 'Kentucky Central Railroad, among the early efforts of the Union armies to control bases of supplies throughout the Confederate territory. Captain Rothenbush participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the Army of the Ohio and Cumberland. At Chickamauga he was severely wounded, but remained in command of his company, receiving a second wound as he was gathering cartridges for his men from the boxes of the dead and wounded lying about them. But he still maintained his position at the head of his company until receiving a third wound as he was leading the remnant of his command out of the action. The regiment lost in this action fifty per cent of the men engaged. Captain Rothenbush was taken to a hospital in Chattanooga, where he remained for some time, subsequently receiving a six- weeks leave of absence. He returned to the front on January 3, 1864, rejoining his regiment in Chattanooga, and took an active part in the stirring events of the memorable campaigns of that historic year. He was twice promoted for gallant and meritorious conduct on the battlefield; first to the rank of first lieutenant, on the 17th of February,

1862, and on the 2d of March, 1864, he was commissioned captain of his company. Doubtless he was among the youngest of the volunteer soldiers who attained that rank on merit alone, being but twenty-one years old. Though never dangerously wounded and retiring without seriously impaired health, the Captain nevertheless had many narrow escapes.. In fact he felt at times that he bore a charmed life in that he has been in many places where he thought it impossible for a single individual to escape; yet he came out without a scratch. In like manner he has been on outposts where it seemed to be either "death or capture," yet by cool judgment and careful maneuvering he was able to lead his command to safety, without serious losses.

Captain Rothenbush retired from the service with the expiration of his second term of enlistment and was honorably mustered out at Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 29, 1864. The record of this soldier citizen is one of exalted honors and worthy of being perpetuated through endless generations. Too little credit is given to the "boys of '6i" by the younger generation, who seem to consider that "they did only their duty." If all had ceased their efforts at the end of "legal duty" the war would be in progress yet, or *the Confederacy long since established. Thousands of volunteers entered the army for terms largely in excess of the "legal" requirements, and still other thousands who were immune by reason of age or infirmities swelled the grand total and preserved the Union of the constitution. A peculiar coincidence in connection with Captain Rothenbush's military service is the fact that three late captains of Company I, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, are still living and are located in Hamilton. All did their duty as soldiers faithfully and well, and left the service by resignation, because of disease or wounds which disqualified them for farther active service. One of these is Dr. Henry Mallary, who enjoys the distinction of being the oldest practicing physician in Butler county. He went out as captain of the company and on his resignation, Captain Andrew J. Lewis succeeded to the command. He is a retired farmer living in Hamilton. His resignation prepared the way for the promotion of Captain Rothenbush, who remained in command until the expiration of the time of service. It is hardly probable that there was another company or service which served three years at the front and after the lapse of forty years can muster three surviving captains, certainly a most remarkable record.

Captain Rothenbush returned to his home in Hamilton and resumed the peaceful vocations of life, though his heart and sympathies were still with the boys at the front until the final capitulation at Appomattox. For about two years subsequent to his discharge he was with his father in the grocery business. During the year 1866 he was assistant United States assessor, and was also United States stockkeeper from 1867 to 1869.

He was married January 16, 1866, the culmination of a tender alliance perpetuated through the years of warfare and brought to a happy position when he chose for his life companion Miss Ollie M. Ratliff, of Oxford. She is a daughter of Robert Ratliff, a well-known resident of Oxford at the time, but since deceased. Five children came to bless the union of Captain and Mrs. Rothenbush, four of whom are living. The eldest is Dr. James E. Rothenbush, a wellknown dentist in Hamilton. Mrs. Jennie M. Beal, of Hamilton, Clifford (deceased), Nettie and Glenn. For1 many years the subject has been extensively engaged in the fruit, vegetable, seed and confectionery business. It is said that he was the first man in Hamilton to introduce some of the luxuries of the present time, notably the banana and other perishable fruits of tropical countries. His enterprise at first was received with some misgivings, not that the people did not appreciate his efforts in their behalf, but because it was thought impossible to maintain an exclusive fruit, seed and vegetable market in a town the size of Hamilton. But the Captain has fully demonstrated that it could not only be maintained, but that it could also be developed into a large and lucrative business, and such it has been, almost from its inception. The volume of business transacted each year is a subject of comment by those who know the facts and a source of perplexity and doubt to the uninformed.

Captain Rothenbush has been ever loyal and true to his late comrades in arms and early allied himself with the Grand Army of the Republic, being. a charter member of the local post, in which he is a zealous worker, always keeping in view the highest interests of the loyal survivors of the great civil strife. He is not a politician in any sense, though once or twice nominated by the minority (Republican) party for county offices, of course leading a forlorn hope. He is careful and methodical in business, upright and honorable in all his dealings with men, public-spirited and enterprising, and withal a model citizen and valued friend and neighbor.

Frank P. Richter

At this juncture we enter a brief record concerning one of the representative members of the bar of Butler county, where he has passed his professional life, gaining prestige and honor through well-directed effort. Mr. Richter was born in the city of Hamilton on. the 24th oi June, 1867, an<^ here, with the exception of his college days, his entire life has been spent. He enjoyed excellent educational opportunities in his youth and, with a natural predilection for study and an appreciation of the value of mental discipline, he made the best possible use of the opportunities afforded him. He was graduated from the Hamilton high school as a member of the class of 1885, at the age of eighteen years. Well-defined habits of study and investigation have been leading characteristics of his lifework. After leaving the high school he entered upon a course in law at the Cincinnati Law School and completed the prescribed course in 1888, standing third in 'a class of sixty, being at the time but twenty-one years of age. Immediately after his graduation Mr. Richter was admitted to the bar of the state and opened an office in Hamilton and entered upon the active practice of his profession. His life has been a busy one and he has grown in professional prominence and influence until he stands well to the front rank among the members of the Butler county bar.

In 1889 Mr. Richter was elected secretary of the board of public affairs in Hamilton, and later served as secretary of the city board of elections of Hamilton for fourteen years until July t, 1904. He interested himself in the organization of the Butler County Bar Association, and served four years as secretary of that body. On the elevation of Judge Giffin to the common pleas bench, Mr. Richter succeeded that gentleman as attorney for the Home Loan and Building Association, a position he still holds. So far as political allegiance is concerned, Mr. Richter belongs to the minority party in Butler county, being an uncompromising advocate of the principles of the Republican party. He cast his first presidential ballot in 1888. By reason of his party fealty, his political aspirations have not been fully realized, as the normal political complexion of the county is very strongly Democratic. In September, 1893, Mr Richter was the unanimous choice of his party for the office of probate judge and, notwithstanding the utter hopelessness of the contest, he entered the race against great odds and prosecuted a brilliant and energetic campaign, the re^ suits of which surprised both himself and his friends. In two wards of Hamilton he polled the highest vote ever given to a Republican candidate. Though defeated at the polls, as he fully expected to be, this hearty endorsement gave unequivocal evidence of his high standing in the estimation of the voters of his home city.

In February, 1894, Mr. Richter was elected second vice-president of the Ohio Republican League at the meeting held in Columbus and in the succeeding year he was re-elected at the Cincinnati meeting. His acquaintance is extensive among the party leaders throughout the state, and thus he is brought into close touch with the official machinery of the commonwealth. At the present time he is the secretary of the county executive committee of the Republican party and is one of the Republican members of the deputy state supervisors of elections of Butler county.

Mr. Richter descended from German and Irish ancestors, and he inherits in a marked degree the vitality and versatile mentality of the Irish race, combined with the more solid and phlegmatic ability of the German type. In the maternal line he is descended from one of the pioneers of Butler county. His great-grandfather, Samuel Dillon, was the first coroner of the county, and was a man of prominence and influence in the pioneer epoch, while the prestige of the name has been well sustained by his many descendants. On the organization of the county in 1803, a special election was held for the election of county officers, and on this occasion Mr. Dillon was elected coroner, serving two years. In 1815 he was again elected to this office, and retired from public life in 1817. The Dillon family was founded in America in the colonial period, and has been represented in all the wars of the country from the Revolution to the present day. Samuel Dillon's remains now rest near the entrance to the court house park in Hamilton, this park, with western High street included, having been a public burial ground in the early days.

Frank P. Richter is a man of sterling qualities of mind and heart and has won a host of loyal friends in his native country, being known as a public-spirited, active and progressive citizen. He, is a strict observer of the ethics of his profession, strong in his convictions, and one whom flattery can not cajole into compromise, nor determined opposition intimidate. He is broad in his views and tolerant in spirit, and places true values upon men and affairs. He is a liberal supporter of all worthy enterprises, whether of a religious or secular nature. Among the young men of Hamilton none have done more for the advancement of the city's interests than Frank P. Richter. He is a member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 93, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Hamilton.

Pearson Brelsfoard

For many years the worthy subject of this review has been identified with the history of Butler county and, although retired from active life at this time, he is still an influential factor in the civic affairs of the city in which he resides and in which he enjoys in such a marked degree the esteem and confidence of his neighbors and fellow citizens. His ancestors in this country were among the early settlers of the old Keystone state and the family history is traceable to a remote period in the history of that commonwealth. His father, whose first name was the same as his own, was bom and reared in Pennsylvania, married in his young manhood Miss Mary Hutchin and in an early day emigrated to southern Ohio, settling in Cincinnati when that now flourishing metropolis was a small western hamlet of only a few hundred inhabitants. After living in Hamilton county about one year, Pearson Brelsfoard then moved to what is now Wayne township, in the county of Butler, and, purchasing land, engaged iit farming and fruit growing, having been one of the first horticulturists in the southern part of the state. As soon as practicable after clearing his land, he started a nursery, which soon grew into quite a large and successful industry and it was from this that the farmers of Butler and adjacent counties obtained their supply of fruit trees for many years. Mr. Brelsfoard was one of the most efficient and successful fruit growers of his day; he took great pride in the business, obtained the finest varieties the country afforded and would permit nothing but the best stock to leave his nursery. In this way he achieved a wide and enviable reputation. He was also well known as a practical up-to-date fanner, and by close attention to his various interests and capable management succeeded in acquiring a handsome property and becoming financially independent. Mr. and Mrs. Brelsfoard were members of the Society of Friends and lived in harmony with the plain, simple teachings of the same. Their piety was unostentatious, but very effective in its influence; their faith strong and abiding, and no taint of anything unworthy ever attached to the good name or honorable reputation of either. Their family consisted of nine children, five sons and four daughters, six of whom are with them in the spirit land, two sons and one daughter being the survivors of the once large and happy household.

.Pearson Brelsfoard, the direct subject of this review, is a native of Butler county. Ohio, born in the township of Wayne on June 24, 1831. Blessed with God-fearing parents and excellent home influences, his mind early received those wholesome moral impressions which lie at the foundation of nearly every well-developed character, and while a mere lad he was taught the valuable lesson of honesty, integrity and industry and directed in the proper way which ultimately led to honorable manhood and a life of usefulness. Reared on the farm, he spent the summer months as his father's faithful assistant in the fields and in the nursery and of winter seasons attended the country schools until obtaining a fair knowledge of the common branches, the training thus received being afterwards supplemented by home study and general reading, which in time made him one of the best informed young men of the community. Mr. Brelsfoard remained with his parents until his father's death, after which he began buying the family homestead, an undertaking he ultimately succeeded in accomplishing. In connection with agriculture and fruit growing, he devoted considerable attention to live stock, especially horses for farm and coach purposes, and in the latter industry the greater share of the ample fortune now at his command has been realized. From the beginning of his independent career until his retirement success appears to have attended his efforts and not long after obtaining possession of the home place he began making additional purchases of real estate as favorable opportunities presented themselves, until " his holdings in Wayne township amounted to three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, the greater part under cultivation and containing many fine improvements.

Mr. Brelsfoard's first wife was Sarah Huntsbaugh, of Indiana, who bore him a family of four sons and three daughters, of whom the following survive: Edward, a farmer and manufacturer of lumber: John and Frank, who are engaged in agricultural pursuits. Some time after the death of his faithful wife and companion, the subject was united in the bonds of wedlock with Miss Ida Taylor, of Elkton, Ohio, who has been his true helpmeet to the present time, assisting him by her counsel and advice, sympathizing with him in all of his aspirations and undertakings, and contributing much to the

On April 5, 1878, Mr. Brelsfoard united with Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons, since which time he has been a zealous member of the ancient and honorable fraternity, squaring his life according to its principles and precepts and exemplifying its sublime teachings in all of his relations with his fellow men. In politics he affiliates with the Democracy and for over thirty years was actively identified with party affairs in the township of Wayne. During that period he wielded a strong influence as a worker in the ranks, as an organizer and leader, served a number of years as one of the trustees of the township and also held the position of treasurer for several terms, proving in both capacities an efficient, painstaking and very popular official.

After a long, active and eminently useful and honorable career as a farmer and stock raiser, and feeling the need of the rest which only those who battle so strenuously and successfully with the world know fully how to appreciate, Mr. Brelsfoard, in i9OI> moved to Middletown, where he has since lived a retired life, the meantime enjoying {he fruits of his many years of honest toil. He still owns his beautiful farm and large live-stock interests thereon, attends to his business affairs with the same clear mind and sound judgment of his younger days, and, being intelligent, wide-awake, and thoroughlv progressive, keeps abreast the times on all matters of public import and is well informed relative to the leading questions of the day. In every relation of life Mr. Brelsfoard commands the confidence and esteem of his fellow men, having always borne the reputation of a strong-minded, publicspirited man, honorable in his dealings, upright in conduct, and whose aim has ever been to promote the general good while advancing his own interests.

Frank P. Stewart

This well-known business man, late of Hamilton, Ohio, was born in Butler county, Ohio, on the 2d day of November, 1853, and was a son of John C. and Elizabeth (Potter) Stewart, who were also natives ot this county. The father was a contractor and builder by occupation and spent most o his mature years in Cincinnati. He ]ome the Union army in the early sixties and served about four years at the front, incurring disabilities in the army from the etfects of which he died in October, 1864, surviving but one month after his discharge. John C. Stewart was captain of Company I Fourth Ohio Cavalry, with which organization he had a brilliant, and honorable military career. His wife died during the early months of his soldier life, in 1 T ms three sons and one daughter, the eldest of whom was Arthur. Being but eleven years old when bereft of both father mother, F. P. Stewart became a membe of the family of his uncle, Aaron ' who had been engaged in the marbleand granite- business in Hamilton for a number of years. When Mr. Stewart was in h.s eighteenth year, Mr. Potter die<l and he su^ ceeded to the management of the ^ sonal interest. Though never possessing robust health, Mr. Stewart persecuted an active and successful business career, even in the face of violent competition. During the late years of his life the F. P. Stewart Granite Company was incorporated, with a capitalization of thirteen thousand dollars, and had become one of the solid manufacturing industries of Hamilton. From the nature of the business the capital could be used and reinvested several times each year, and the volume of business transacted was very large and prosperous. With the promise of a successful future before him, and while in the prime of manhood, Mr. Stewart was stricken with disease and died on the 14th of February, 1893. One brother and his only sister had preceded him to that home whence no traveler returns.

Samuel P. Stewart, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, is now the only survivor of this family. He has been associated with the business for many years and, since his brother's death, has exercised a kind of general supervision over the work, particularly in attending to outside details, in which he has proven himself very active and efficient. Frank P. Stewart left a widow and one son, the latter being bom on the 2d of November, 1890. He is a bright and studious boy, bearing the family name, John Potter.

Mrs. Stewart was in maidenhood Miss Martha J. Sorber, a native of Philadelphia and a daughter of Jacob and Leanda (Bare) Sorber, who became residents of Hamilton, Ohio, during her early girlhood years. In this city Miss Sorber was graduated from the high school in the class of 1878. She entered the ranks of the Hamilton teaching force and so continued until her marriage with Mr. Stewart, in June, 1886. In her Sunday school work she devoted her energies to the primary departments. Mrs. Stewart assumed the management of the business on the death of her husband, and was elected president of the corporation, a position which she has most acceptably filled for more than ten years. It is only just to say that the business of the firm has been greatly increased and placed upon a stable basis, thoroughly systematized, and operated upon sound and honorable business principles. Much credit is due Mrs. Stewart for the achievements of the firm in the recent past, while she modestly passes over the honors of her able assistants. The F. P. Stewart Granite Company is the principal corporation of the kind in Butler county and the output of their work reaches into distant cities and states. Among their mechanical achievements was the erection of the Pioneers, Soldiers and Sailors' Monument in Hamilton. Other large contracts in monumental and tombstone work have been completed, and the high standing of this business firm gives them a deserved prestige among competitors, local and foreign.

This representative member of the medical profession in Butler county, where he has been long established in practice, retaining his residence in the city of Hamilton, was born in Spaichingen, in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 25th of February, 1832, being a son of Karl and Mary Markt, likewise natives of that kingdom, where the latter died in the year 1852. The eldest of their six children was Jacob, and he emigrated to the United States in 1849, settling in Geauga county, Ohio, where he conducted a tailoring business and dealt in clothing. He was a valiant soldier during the Civil war and was wounded in the battle of Murfreesboro, his injuries being so severe as to cause his discharge from the service, by reason of disability. He never recuperated and his death, which occurred in 1871, was the diametrical result of his injuries. He sold his business in Ohio and removed to Wisconsin, where his death occurred. The presence of this son and brother in America led the aged father and his other children to consider the advantages and attractions of the new world, and in 1854 they crossed the ocean, coming to Ohio, where they made a short visit in Geauga county, removing to Painesville in the fall of that year. Of the other children we enter the following brief record: Francis J. died in 1856; Constantine is the immediate subject of this sketch; Victoria became the wife of Gottleib Reif and they removed to Portland, Oregon, where he died and where she still resides ; Catherine is the widow of Frederick Spinner and resides in Iowa : and Maria Theresa died on the same day as did her brother Francis, both having succumbed to typhoid fever. The father passed to his reward in 1868, at the venerable age of seventy-four years.

The father of the Doctor was well advanced in years when he came to America, and thereafter much of the responsibility of caring for the family devolved upon the subject, who was the eldest son at home. He* had received an excellent education in the schools of the fatherland, where he was graduated in one of the national colleges, while he was also very proficient in both vocal and instrumental music. This accomplishment proved a source of profit in enabling him to provide for the support of the family, and he found much pleasure in his musical work, but he was not satisfied to follow music teaching as a permanent vocation, aspiring to professional success as a physician and surgeon. His leisure hours were thus passed in careful technical study, under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph B. Carpenter, of Painesville. It was not, however, until after the death of his brother and sister and the marriage of the other sisters that he could entertain the thought of entering a medical college to complete his studies. He entered the Eclectic Medical College, in Cincinnati, in 1856, and was there graduated as a member of the class of 1858, in which his studious habits and close application had given him high rank.

Very soon after receiving his coveted degree of Doctor of Medicine, the subject located rm Hamilton, where he has ever since been actively engaged in practice and where he has attained high standing in the profession, building up a large and representative business. He has always maintained an enviable position among his colleagues in Hamilton and has been successful beyond his most sanguine expectations. His extensive practice and close application to his professional duties so impaired his health that he finally felt compelled to withdraw largely from his country practice, which at one time required the use of three horses, and he then, about 1869, engaged in the drug business and reduced his professional labors to practically an office practice. After four years of this semi-active life he turned his drug business over to assistants and again re- sumed the active practice of his profession, and here we find him today, with his energies divided between mercantile pursuits and the practice of medicine. Though devoted to his profession Dr. Markt has found time for general reading and has taken an active interest in political, social and religious affairs. An ardent Republican, he has been in the field as a campaign orator in every presidential election since i860, though he has never sought official preferment for himself. He has been a lifelong student and has surrounded himself with those ever loyal friends, choice books, his handsome home, at 214 South Second street, being a veritable storehouse of the best in classical and contemporary literature of the best order. The Doctor is versatile, companionable, easy of approach, loyal to his friends, and devoted to his family and home.

On the 30th of December, 1858, Dr. Constantine Markt was married to Miss Josephine C. Carpenter, daughter of his early preceptor, Dr. Joseph Brown Carpenter, of Painesville. Dr. Carpenter was born in Milton, Vermont, where he was educated and where he initiated his professional career. He was graduated in Burlington Medical College in 1826, and came to Painesville, Ohio, in 1843, there passing the residue of his life as a prominent and successful practitioner of medicine and surgery. He died in 1861, at the age of fiftyfive years. His wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Jackson, was likewise born in Milton, and she survived her honored husband by about four years, entering into eternal rest in 1865. On the maternal side the ancestry is traceable to the Revolutionary epoch, and Mrs. Markt is a valued member and chief official in the Hamilton chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is also a charter member of the Children's Home Commission in this city, the same having been organized thirty-four years ago, and she has ever been an active and devoted worker for this noble institution. She is a woman of culture and gracious refinement and has ever shown a deep humanitarian spirit and sympathy, gaining the affectionate regard of those who have come within the sphere of her kindly influence. Dr. and Mrs. Markt have two children. The daughter, Addie Carpenter, is the wife of Edward Sohngen, of Hamilton, a prominent business man and leading manufacturer, and they have two children, Josephine Markt and Elizabeth Adelaide. The son, Karl C.. still remains at the parental home. He was born on the 16th of August, 1873, arid has received a liberal education and is a graduate in pharmacy, a profession which he followed for several years in connection with his father's drug business, but he is now identified with other lines of business enterprise.

In 1858 Dr. Markt was appointed brigade surgeon of the Southern division of the Ohio militia, and he held this office until the brigade entered active service in the Civil war. He was for ten years secretary of the board of trustees of the Lane Library and to him is due much of the early popularity and upbuilding of that valuable institution. He was for a long period a member of the Hamilton board of health, serving as secretary of the same for eighteen years, while for four years was treasurer of the board of education. He has long been one of the honored members of the Ohio State Medical Society, of which he was president for two years.

John C. Mather

The subject of this sketch was born at East Lynn, Hartford county, Connecticut, on the 20th of June, 1863, and is the youngest of two children bom to John M. and Mary J. (Mitchell) Mather, also natives of the Nutmeg state. The father enlisted as a soldier in the Twenty-sixth Connecticut Regiment during the Civil war, and lost his life on the 10th of August, 1863, the subject being then an infant about seven weeks old. The sister, whose name was Anna B., married P. C. Kamm and resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where her husband is a prosperous broker and 'grain dealer.

When Mr. Mather was a babe of thirteen months old, he was brought to Hamilton by his mother, since which time his home has been in this city. He remained at the materhaLhome during his boyhood years and received a good practical education in the city schools. After the marriage of the daughter, the mother took up her residence in Milwaukee, where she now resides, faithful to the name and memory of her girlhood love.

John C. Mather served an apprenticeship to the machinist's trade and became a very proficient mechanic, following that business in Hamilton for about twenty years. In ^95, through the kindly offices of Hon. P. J. Sorg, then representative in congress, Mr. Mather received an appointment in the bureau of printing and engraving at Washington. He resigned the office of court bailiff, which he held by appointment of Hon. C. Murphy, to go to Washington in the discharge of the duties of this position. He entered upon his mechanical duties in that department and served about one year, during which time he was appointed deputy sheriff of Butler county, under the late William Bruck. He chose the position which would bring him in touch with his family and friends, and resigning the government position, returned to' Hamilton. Mr. Mather served acceptably as deputy sheriff for four years, when he returned to his trade in Hamilton, but was employed only fifteen months when the great machinists' strike of 1901 resulted in his retirement from the business. Mr. Mather was president of the local union at the time and his employers thought that his official position was such that he might have exercised his influence to prevent the strike, which he had no disposition to do, owing to the grievances of the men concerned. It was probably very fortunate for Mr. Mather that the strike occurred, in that his enforced idleness for the time gave him opportunity to investigate other lines of business. He soon became a member of the firm of J. Pabst & Sons Company in the manufacture of carbonated waters, cider and cider vinegar. This is an old-established plant, in existence since incorporated in 1876, and doing a very large and profitable business. Besides being a member of the firm and a sharer in the profits, Mr. Mather is the general manager and has charge of the manufacturing and bottling sales department. In the city of Hamilton alone the goods are placed on sale in one hundred and sixty-eight establishments, while the outside demand is very large.

Mr. Mather was a member of the board of education from 1890 to 1894, during which time the Central high school building and two ward school buildings were erected. He was a member of the building committee having charge of this work and the expenditure of more than eighty thousand dollars of public money. In April, 1903, under the provisions of the new code, he was elected a member of the board of public service and still occupies that position.

Mr. Mather has been twice married, first on the 10th of January, 1886, to Miss Annie Elzer, who died on the 10th of March, 1888, leaving a daughter sixteen months old. She was named Henrietta, and died on the 17th of April, 1892. The second marriage of the subject occurred on the 10th of May, 1893, Miss Lena Ohlinger, of Hamilton, being the lady of his choice. She is the daughter of Balser and Lizzetta Ohlinger, a well-known family in this part of Butler county. There are no children by this marriage. Mr. Mather is prominent in the councils of local Democracy, with which party he has always affiliated. He is active and influential and is a recognized leader in local politics. He is an active member of Hamilton Lodge, No. 93, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and himself and wife are members of the Catholic church.

Albert Hossfeld

This well-known young business man is a native of Hamilton, and was bom on the 4th of July, 1868. He is the only son of Charles and Ida (Mueller) Hossfeld, both of whom are natives of Germany. Charles Hossfeld was born in Saxe-Meining September 16, 1838, and at the age of nineteen years he immigrated to America and took up his residence in Indianapolis, Indiana. He remained at the Hoosier capital until 1865, being there employed, for the most part, as a clerk in a wholesale liquor establishment. By industry and close economy he had saved enough from his earnings during seven years of labor to enable him to return to the fatherland and to consummate a tender alliance formed in his more youthful days. ' He returned with his bride to Indianapolis, but soon thereafter removed to Hamilton, and in 1865 engaged for a short time in the grocery business. This was soon superseded by the business in which he is now engaged, and in 1871 he occupied his present quarters at the corner of Second and Court streets. The business has grown from a humble beginning, in 1865, to one of the largest wholesale liquor establishments in southern Ohio. It is conducted on strictly honorable business principles, a policy which has brought prosperity and financial success to its worthy promoter. During all of the years engaged in the traffic, Mr. Hossfeld has never allowed a drink of the liquor to be sold in his establishment and the place is as quiet and orderly as any office or business place in Hamilton. Occupying two floors and basement, forty by sixty feet in dimensions, the house carries a very large and well-selected stock of wines and liquors, which are handled exclusively for the wholesale trade. For some years goods were sold from the establishment through representatives on the road, thus securing a large acquaintance among consumers in distant localities, but as these came to the knowledge that the goods were always uniform, and exactly as represented, the traveling salesmen were withdrawn. The mail order business and local trade gives employment to five men.

After leaving school Albert Hossfeld naturally engaged i" his father's profess, on and this has been his employment since 1% During the twenty-one years thus engage he has traveled extensively and has seen a ?reat deal of the world ; yet, notwithstanding his business and its environments. Mr. Hossfeld is a model young business man, temperate in his habits, genteel in manner, cu tivated and refined in disposition. With advancing years, the father sought a degree of ease and retirement not to be found m actne business life, and the son was made a partner in 1894, under the firm title of C. Hossfeld & Soil. Since then the subject has been the general manager of the extensive business, while the aged father sits around the office, reading, and entertaining his friends, or remains at home as his inclination de-

Both parents are living and the head of a happv family of eight children, seven of whom are living. In order of birth their names are : Minnie. Albert, Anna. Augusta, Ida. Lena and Lottie. Clara died in young womanhood. Anna is the wife of Otto Metzner. of Roseville. Ohio. The others are still around the parental fireside and free from the cares of married life.

Albert Hossfeld is a young man of pronounced views on public questions and is independent in his political relations. While favoring the policies of the Democratic party, and usually supporting its candidates on national and state issues, he is not bound by party lines and supports men rather than measures, on local affairs. He is promi nently allied with several fraternal organizations, in which he takes a deep interest. Of these may be mentioned the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the

Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the United Commercial Travelers' Association. and a local organization, of limited membership, known as the Miami Aid Society. This is an association for social and protective purposes, limited to forty-one members.

The subject of this article is a native of Butler county, born at Hamilton. August ,- 1878. He is a son of Stephen D. and Barbara Catherine (Burkett) Cone. The father is too well-known in Butler county to need anv formal introduction on this occasion. To him is largely due the existence of this volume, in the preparation of which he has been a tireless worker, even amid he infirmities of disease and approaching old age.

Venice, Butler county, Ohio, on the - dav of February. 1840. His life has een spent principally in journalism. Jn» voung manhood it was h,s ambition to pub, fish a history of his native county, and he has spent nearly fifty years in co, lectmg and arranging material for that purpose Since yjh.s published co«pre^ volumes of Hamilton history, these beub, but the preliminary steps in the ru' '°n f his laudable ambition. The mother of Proh endeared her to the beneficiaries in a sense incalculable, and her life work stands out before them in the full radiance of womanly devotion and self-sacrifice. For more than forty years Mrs. Cone has been an active, faithful and devout member of the First Baptist church in Hamilton. Her devotion to the cause of Christ and humanity have been bounded only by the sphere of opportunity and ability. In sickness a faithful and tireless nurse, in business reverses and disappointmepts a wise counsellor and sympathetic helper, ever patient, ever loyal, always tolerant of others' errors, and ready to supply the soothing balm of re-established confidence, though often betrayed - such, in brief, are some of the salient characteristics in the life of Mrs. Cone, whose existence has been strengthened and beautified in her faithful adherence to the teachings of that great moral code, the golden rule. Barbara C. Burkett was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 3, 1843. She was united in marriage with Stephen D. Cone on the 30th of December, 1864, and eight children were Ix^rn to this union, five of whom are now living.

John Charles Cone, the subject of this article, was from early youth a studious and moral hoy. He was graduated from the Hamilton school in the class of 1897, being then in his nineteenth year. Immediately thereafter he was enrolled as a student in Richmond (Virginia) College, where he pursued a two-years course along special lines of literature and art. The succeeding two years were spent in journalism, being employed on the Republican News, in this city. In this sphere of his student life he evinced an aptitude for the work and continued it during his three-years course at the Ohio State University. His holidays and vacations were spent in writing "feature articles" from the files of rare newspapers in the state library, at Columbus. He was graduated from the Ohio State University in June, 1903, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. During his college life, both at Richmond and Columbus, Mr. Cone took an active interest and prominent part in the deliberations of the literary societies connected therewith. From Richmond he won two medals in literary contests and took first rank in the inter-state literary contests of the Ohio State University. In recognition of his ability he was elected a member of the ''Fellow in Library," at the last-named institution. On the completion of his college work, Mr. Cone applied for a position as principal of the Millersburg, Ohio, high school, and was elected, entering upon his duties there in September, 1903. In the brief period he has fully demonstrated his adaptability to the work and established an enviable record as a strong and capable educator. Without solicitation, he was chosen to a position in the popular teaching force of his native city and entered upon the discharge of his duties as head of the department of English in the Hamilton high school in September. 1904.

Professor Cone is a member of May Lodge. No. 350. Knights of Pythias, at Millersburg. Ohio. In church affiliations he has been a meml>er of the First Baptist church in Hamilton since May, 1891, being less than thirteen years of age when he connected himself with the church. His life has been consistent and of the highest moral and religious calibre. He is recognized in the city of Hamilton as a young man without a fault. His career of usefulness is only commenced and, if the biographer may be allowed a prediction, it is this : that the life career of this exemplary and highly talented . young man will honor the city of his birth and crown the heads of his loving and devoted parents with the jewels of gracious promise.

William T. Coleman

William T. Coleman is a son of Patrick and Mary (Murray) Coleman, who were both natives of Stookestown, county Roscommon, Ireland. The father was born on the 2d of February; 1833, an(l the mother's birth occurred on the 18th of February, 1836. They were married in St. Peter's church. New York city, by Rev. William Quinn, on the 14th of October, 1857. Soon after marriage the parents came to Hamilton. Ohio, and here the father was connected with the freight department of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway for many years. His death occurred on the 15th of October, 1886, while the mother is still living. The children born to these parents are Thomas. Mary, William T., Patrick J., Anna, Katie, Margaret, John, Ella and Jennie. Three are dead, viz : Thomas, Patrick and Ella.-

William T. Coleman, of this sketch, was born in Hamilton. December 28, 1862, and received a liberal education in the parochial and public schools of his native city. He learned the tailors trade and acquired such proficiency in the business that he was soon recognized as an expert cutter. His tutor during his apprenticeship was the late John Maas, well remembered by the people of Hamilton. Mr. Coleman was in business on his own account for a number of years, and established a fine reputation among his patrons. His popularity and ability were recognized by George Krebs, who owns one of the leading clothing houses in Hamilton, and he submitted a flattering offer to Mr. Coleman, which ultimately led to the latter's engagement and he sold out his business and joined Mr. Krebs on salary in January, 1902. He and his associate, William Gerber, are cutters and fitters for the eighteen tailors employed in the establishment. This is the largest merchant tailoring house in Hamilton and no doubt its popularity among the leading people of the city is largely due to Mr. Coleman's fine abilities as master of his trade. He takes great pride in his work, and his geniality and personal interest in the business are the subject of complimentary remarks among the numerous patrons. The parents of Mr. Coleman were devout Catholics in their religious faith, bseing members of St. Mary's congregation in Hamilton. Their children were also reared in the Roman Catholic church. In the social affairs of life the subject is prominent and well known. His lodge affiliations are with the Butler Aerie, No. 407, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Division No. 1, Ancient Order Hibernians, and the R. C. N. P. A.

William F. Mason

William F. Mason, the subject of this sketch, is a son of Martin and Barbara Mason, natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in youth, and were married in Hamilton, Ohio. The father was proprietor of a boarding house, with a saloon in connection, and died in that business in 1877, at the age of fiftyfour years. His widow still lives in Hamilton, well-advanced in years ,and the possessor of valuable property interests. Eight children were born to these parents, the eldest of whom was Martin Mason, Jr., who became one of the leading business men of Hamilton. For a number of years he was at the head of the Martin Mason Brewing Company, an industry which he developed from a small beginning and uncertain prospects into a solid and influential enterprise, which still exists in his name. He became very well-to-do and died in middle life, leaving his wife and two sons, who survived him, in affluent circumstances. Martin Mason was a sagacious, far-seeing business man, strictly honorable and upright in all his dealings with men.