Butler County, Ohio - Chapter 7: Necrological, 1905 (part 5 of 5)

The next spring he entered into partnership with Thomas Blair, Robert Clark, and Neil Gillespie, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania, under the firm name of Hough, Blair & Company. After a time he erected a frame building on the other side of the street, to which he removed. His partnership with Blair, Clark and Gillespie lasted until 1811. He then, in partnership with James McBride, who was a little younger, but had come to Hamilton the same year, began to buy wheat, which was ground into flour, and then taken to New Orleans to be sold. He understood thoroughly the method of doing this, and he and Mr. McBride each reaped handsome returns. These journeys were long, and attended with considerable danger. They had to travel on horseback from Hamilton to Philadelphia, a distance of six hundred miles, to purchase goods, which, when purchased, had to be transported in wagons over the worst possible sort of mountain roads for a distance of three hundred miles to Pittsburg. This usually occupied from twenty to twenty-five days and cost from six to ten dollars per hundred. At Pittsburg the goods were loaded on flat boats and shipped to Cincinnati and then hauled overland to Hamilton.

In March, 1815, Mr. Hough made a partnership with Samuel Millikin, and afterwards with Lewis West, and continued in the Orleans trade until 1825, when he removed to Vicksburg, where he conducted a store until 1828. Flis landed property in Hamilton was not disposed of, and he used to come up to this place in the spring of the year, returning in the fall. He owned a valuable farm in the southern part of the county, where, for many years, he raised choice fruit. In 1853 he was attacked with typhoid fever in Vicksburg, which ended his life on the 23d of April, being then seventy years old. His remains were brought to Hamilton by his son-in-law, Major John M. Millikin, and were interred in Greenwood cemetery on the 3d of May,

Greenlee Hough, who became the wife of Major Millikin. She was the daughter of Jane Hunter, whose father was Joseph Hunter, a well-known farmer in this count). Mr. and Mrs. Hough were married on the 27th of December, 1810, the wife dying in 1840. She was an excellent Christian woman, and was highly respected and loved.

The character of Mr. Hough was eminently practical. He saw instantly what was to be done, and the way to do it. He was not deterred by obstacles, and he was so methodical and punctual that the failure 0 any enterprise, if it depended upon these qualities, was impossible. He was kindhearted and generous in his intercourse wit the poor, and he did not turn aside from those who were unfortunate, when ill-luck was not the consequence of negligence or bad faith. He was affectionate and kind in his family, and his loss was deeply felt by those who knew him best. - was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, on the 31st day of January, 1791. Early in 1810 he came with his father, William Bigham, and family to Ohio. They settled on a large tract of fertile land, belonging to his father, adjoining the town of Hamilton on the northeast. The family consisted of the old gentleman and his lady, with their four sons and one daughter. Old Mr. Bigham died on the 4th of September, 1815, aged sixty-three years. The oldest son, David Bigham, died at Hamilton on the 17th day of February, 1847. The second son, George R., and the two other sons, James and William, and the daughter Judith, married to David Dick, all resided in Butler county.

George R. Bigham resided with his father and worked on the farm until the death of his father, when he inherited a portion of his father's lands, on which he continued to reside and cultivate until the year 1834, when he removed to the town of Hamilton.

On the 15th day of April, 1819, he was married to Miss Gormley, daughter of Thomas Gormley, of Fayette county, Ohio. She died on the 18th of May, 1827, leaving him a widower with one daughter, named Margaret, who married Dr. A. B. Nixon. Mr. Bigham married again on the 5th of February, 1829, to Miss Margaret Cook, of Ross county, Ohio, with whom he lived in great harmony and happiness until his death. By his second wife he had two children who survived him.

Mr. Bigham having studied surveying in the state of Pennsylvania before he came to Ohio, in June, 1822, he was appointed county surveyor for the county of Butler, to succeed James Heaton (who had been the first county surveyor, appointed in 1803). Mr. Bigham took the oath of office on the 24th day of June, 1822, and served until the last of October, 1836, when he was succeeded by Ludwick Betz. He was a good and careful surveyor, and executed a vast deal of surveying in the county of Butler; even after the expiration of his term of office, a great portion of his time, until his death, was employed in surveying. He was frequently called upon in cases where great accuracy was required.

At the age of fifteen years George R. Bigham made a public profession of religion. He joined the Presbyterian church and became a member of the congregation under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Latta, Chestnut Level, Pennsylvania. When he removed to Ohio he was one of the members who organized the first Presbyterian church in Hamilton, under the charge of the Rev. Matthew G. Wallace. At the time of his death he was the last surviving member, residing within the bounds of that congregation, who was present at the time of its organization. Mr. Bigham always, until the time of his death, continued a consistent follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and an ornament to the profession of a Christian.

With the patrimony inherited from his father, and a course of industry and economy for a long period of years, Mr. Bigham had acquired a handsome property, competent to render him and his family comfortable during their lives ; but in an illstarred hour, in the year 1838, he became a partner in a mercantile house in Hamilton, and invested a large portion of the wealth he had acquired in that establishment.

As Mr. Bigham had been brought up and spent nearly all his previous life on a farm he was consequently not familiar with the business of a merchant and did not attend personally to the business. A few years afterward the establishment failed to a large amount, and the heavy debts against the firm swept away nearly every dollar's worth of property belonging to the estate, which might have rendered his surviving widow and children comfortable during their lives. This misfortune preyed heavily upon the mind of Mr. Bigham, and rendered the latter days of his life rather unhappy.

Mr. Bigham did not, at any period of his life, seek advancement in political life; but he executed with energy and faithfulness the duties of the office which was freely conferred on him.

Mr. Bigham was remarkably regular and temperate in all his habits. He was perfectly honest and upright in all his dealings and intercourse with mankind. No one could impeach his moral character. He died October 14, 1852, aged sixty -one years and eight months.

George Washington Keely

George Washington Keely, D. D. S., was the grandson of George Keeley, a German by nativity, born in 1753. He came to this country in 1762 with his parents and settled in Pennsylvania, afterwards becoming a soldier in the Revolutionarv war, and being wounded in the battle of Brandywine. His son, John second, was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1779, and died in Oxford, Ohio, May 7, 1848. Pie married Miss Ann Iddings, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, who was born August 7, 1787. Mr. and Mrs. Keely came to Butler county, and settled at Oxford in 1818, and in 1822, on the 22d of October, George W. Keely was bom. The residence of the family was but a short distance south of the university buildings, and the boy had the privileges of the schools of the town, and when but a mere lad of some fourteen entered Miami University. Three years later, the president, Dr. Bishop, retired. Mr. Keely was warmly attached to the Doctor, and feeling that the trustees of the institution were dealing unjustly by him, manifested his own sympathy by refusing longer to be numbered with the students of the school, although it had been his expectation to have pursued a full graduating course.

Not long after this he spent a little time with Dr. J. D. White, then a practicing dentist in the city of Hamilton; but in the fall of 1839 entered the office of Dr. John Allen, then a noted dental practitioner of the city of Cincinnati (later of New York), with whom he spent the two following years. Returning to Oxford in 1841, Dr. Keely established himself in the practice of his chosen profession by opening an office in a building at the corner of High and Beach streets, where he remained for a year apd a half, then moving to and occupying an office on Main street. Afterwards, in 1867, he rented the rooms corner of High and Main streets, where he continued his practice until his death in August, 1888. Agreeable to the customs of the day and the practice of many dentists in the early history of the profession, Dr. Keely sustained for some years a series of periodic visits to neighboring towns in the states of Ohio and Indiana, which extended over the years of his early practice.

On the 13th of March, 1851, Dr. Keely was married to Miss Susanna Wells, in the city of Cincinnati, who bore to him three children, only one of whom, a son, Charles I. Keely, D. D. S., is now living, and is a practicing dentist, located in Hamilton. The married life of Doctor and Mrs. Keely was of short duration, as she was taken away by death May 25, 1856. April 21, 1861, Dr. Keely was again married, to Miss Cornelia Cone, of Oxford, who bore him eight children, only three of whom are now living, two daughters and a son. After having been in active practice for some twelve years he graduated at the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, in March, 1853.

Dr. Keely was among the organizers of the American Dental Association in 1859 at Niagara Falls, and was elected its president in Philadelphia, in 1876, and presided as such in Chicago, in 1877. He was an active mover in the organization of the Ohio State Dental Society ; was once its president, and served several years as treasurer. Dr. Keely was also either an active or honorary member of the following: Mississippi Valley Dental Society, Mad River Valley Dental Society and of the Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin state dental societies respectively, and was elected a member of the New York Odontological Society. He was a trustee of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery for about twentyfive years before his death, and for years lectured to the students on the "Cause and Management of Irregularities of the Teeth."

He was a liberal contributor to the literature and periodicals of his profession. From his reports op dental education, made in 1874 and 1875 before the American Dental Association, copious extracts were reproduced in the "History of Dentistry in the United States." He often accepted invitations to lecture on some of the specialties pertaining to the practice of dentistry, one being "Causes and Prevention of Irregularities of the Teeth."

When twenty-one years of age he became a member of the1 Masonic fraternity, and was one of the charter members of' the lodge of Odd Fellows in Oxford when it was organized, having previously been a member of the Brookville, Indiana, lodge. In addition to his professional activity, Dr. Keely took the warmest interest in everything pertaining to the well-being of his native town. City improvements, the grading of the streets, the embellishment and adornment of the city parks and college campus, improvement of public buildings, etc., had in him a sure promoter and active worker; while the several educational institutions - Miami University, of which he was a trustee; Oxford Female Institute, Oxford Female College, and Western Female Seminar}- - had a warm place in his heart, and to their advancement he contributed liberally of both mental and manual effort and of his pecuniary means.

The Doctor was peculiarly social in his nature, a skillful and intelligent practitioner, kind and indulgent in his pleasant household, and a warm and sympathizing companion and friend, and held a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellowcitizens.

1888, and was the result of a fall from a third-story window of the old Mansion House in Oxford, the terrible accident occurring while Dr. Keely was attempting to adjust a telephone wire connecting his office and residence.

Thomas Hueston

a pioneer of Buffer county, was born in the backwoods of Virginia in 1776 and died at his home, four miles north of Hamilton, in 1861 in the eighty-sixth year of his age. The parents of the subject first resided near Mercersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In religion they were Presbyterians, and belonged to Dr. King's congregation, who was distinguished in the annals of that region of country as the pastor there from 1769 to 1813. They removed from that place west of the Alleghany mountains, and settled in Ohio county, Virginia, which was then called the western country - the backwoods. The father of Thomas located and resided with his family on a tract of land lying on Little Wheeling creek, twelve miles above its mouth. He was not allowed, however, to remain there long, for in 1774 Dunmore's war commenced, and the Indians became so troublesome that the settlements were broken up and the families obliged to remove to forts for security. Mr. Hueston's family was ensconced in Taylor's Fort (named after Robert Taylor, his brother-in-law, and the ancestor of the Taylors, who were the early settlers of this county. This fort was situated on Buffalo creek, twenty-four miles from the city of Wheeling (then Fort Henry) and twelve miles from the Hueston farm). In Taylor's Fort Thomas Hueston was born, in the year 1776, and in 1781 his father was shot, killed and scalped by the Indians at the door of his own residence. Col. Matthew Hueston, the brothers of Thomas, emigrated to the city of Cincinnati in the year 1793, and in a few years Thomas followed, and both resided in Butler county ever afterward. The first sales of United States lands west of the Great Miami river were held at Cincinnati in April, 1801 ; not long after Thomas purchased a tract and in a few years afterward began to put it in a cultivable condition, and resided upon it for many years, leading a quiet, sober, economical, virtuous and industrious life. He was associated with his brother Matthew in the commissary department in the war of 1812. The Hueston family is the largest family connection in the county. There are the Elliotts, Taylors, Grays, Nichols, Marshalls, Thomas, Harpers, Birds, Millers; Robertsons, Millions, Becketts, Trabers, Hardings and others, all connected.

Thomas Hueston left a widow and a family of sons and daughters and lived four score and five years. He was born the same year that our Declaration of Independence was announced to the world, and died when the patriotism of the country was being aroused to squelch out the most wicked rebellion against the best government that ever mankind have been blest with. He was an old-school patriot ; and while living, his prayers went up before his God oft and frequent, for the preservation of our government and the perpetuity of the freedom of his race. We cast our eyes over his life, but to behold in its pathway the just and conscientious man. It is no exaggeration to say of him : "All the ends he aimed at, were his country's, his God's, and Truth's." He was always for his country and government, whether administered right or wrong. He truly lived in the days "that tried men's souls," and was a connecting link between the men of 1 776, when tories were summarily dealt with, and the men of 1861, many of whom were halting between two opinions, whether they would espouse and defend their country or justify rebellion and revolution.

Dr. S. H. Potter

Dr. Stephen H. Potter was one of the noted physicians and surgeons of Hamilton and vicinity. He was born in Cortland county, New York, November 12, 1812. His parents were Stephen and Lydia Potter, who were noted among the early pioneers of central New York for their enterprise, industry, and integrity. Until his seventeenth year he was occupied on his father's farm, attending the common schools about one-third of the year, his parents then giving him his time, which he employed in improving his education, working in summers and teaching school during the winters.

At the age of twenty-one, in March, i833> he was employed as principal of a high school at Canandaigua, New York, with three assistants, remaining there successfully two years and four months. The next September, after engaging in this school, he also commenced the study of medicine with Dr. E. B. Carr, reciting to him an hour daily, Sundays excepted, until July, 1837, when, in order to pursue his studies more favorably, he went to Olean, New York, with his brother-in-law, Dr. E.

W. Finn, who owned a large drug store and had an extensive practice. Here he devoted his time industriously to these pursuits until September, 1837, when with two other medical students he came to Ohio and attended a medical college six months, graduating honorably March 15, 1838. He immediately settled at Canal Winchester, in the Scioto valley, where he enjoyed a large practice until December, 1844, when his father was entirely disabled by palsy, which necessitated his return to Cortland, his native place. Here he soon received a large patronage among his early school companions and friends, until May, 1849, when his father having died and other relatives being provided for, he settled in the city of Syracuse, New York. Here with others he organized and had incorporated the Syracuse Medical College, and established, edited, and published the Syracuse Medical and Surgical Journal, a monthly. The first term of the institution opened the next November 5th, with eighty-seven actual matriculants, and continued two terms each year, of four months each, or thirteen terms, until June, 1855. 1° February, 1852, to improve his knowledge of surgery, Dr. Potter went to Philadelphia, and attended the clinics in the Pennsylvania hospital, and surgical lectures in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, until the latter part of May.

He continued dean of the Syracuse Medical College and in charge of the Journal until September, 1855, when his wife suffered incipient consumption, rendering it necessary to return to this valley, her native place, hoping that the change might restore her health. He arranged with his partner, Dr. F. W. Walton, then of Piqua,

Ohio, to settle their business. Dr. Potter then went to Cincinnati, where he accepted the position of lecturer on principles and practice, in the American Medical College, when he continued publishing his journal, and attending the clinics twice weekly in the Commercial Hospital of that city until June, 1856, when he resigned, sold his journal, and settled with his family permanently in this city, where he remained in active practice until his death, with the exception of two brief intervals. At the urgent solicitation of friends, in May, 1873, he went to St. Louis, Missouri, and assisted in organizing the American Medical College and the American Medical Journal, which have both enjoyed surprising patronage.

The Doctor was for four consecutive years president of the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society, and its recording secretary for two years; he was one of the incorporators and first vice-president of the National Eclectic Medical Association at Chicago in 1870, and was the president the most of the time for about twenty-two years of the Miami Medical Society. He was for four years a member of the city council, and was also a member of the board of health.

The Doctor was married four times, each time happily ; he reared seven children to adult age, and, unfortunately, lost as many in infancy and childhood. He was the well-known author of a "Compendium of the Principles and Practice of Medicine," a book of five hundred pages, a work full of research and a marvel of condensation, for ready reference, and invaluable to busy practitioners and medical students. It has had a large demand, having passed two editions, and has been adopted as a text-book in many of our medical colleges.

Perhaps the most notable incident in the extended and eventful life of Dr. Potter was the rescue of a fugitive slave named Jerry in Syracuse, New York, about 1852. It occurred soon after the fugitive slave law was passed, and on the occasion of holding a national anti-slavery convention at that place. Daniel Webster had recently delivered a speech to an immense concourse there, threatening that "when this convention thronged the city, a noted fugitive would be arrested and taken back to slavery. The United States government would teach the people that there was potency in law." Four United States marshals had been detailed from as many adjacent cities, and the whole police force of Syracuse was ready. Jerry was arrested and placed in chains. About thirty thousand people were waiting to witness the scene. The man, with blue eyes, red cheeks, and brown curly hair, with no other semblance of a negro, was taken away from the officers by the mob, and finally placed by Dr. Potter in the grounds of a residence inhabited by a stiff pro-slavery man. where the most active search failed to find him. After the lapse of a week, and search having been made from house to house, when detection was imminent, the Doctor arranged with Jerry's host to drive in with a meat wagon, got Jerry in, and covered with blankets, he drove before the door of the Syracuse House, hitched, went in with the Doctor, took cigars, and drove out through the city about four P. M. in beautiful sunshine, no one suspecting the presence of Jerry. After reaching Brewerton, seventeen miles, Dr. Potter took Jerry in his carriage, sending the team back, and conveyed the fugitive to Mexicoville and by the underground railroad to a small har- bor on Lake Ontario, whence he obtained a passage on a small sailing vessel to Canada. No more noted fugitive slave case ever occurred in the United States, and in it the Doctor was the principal agent of success.

Dr. Daniel Millikin

The first regular physician who practiced in Hamilton for a long time, and whose history was identified with it, was Dr. Daniel Millikin. Several of the other members of his family came here with him, or subsequently, and they and their descendants have maintained a distinguished position up to the present time.

Daniel Millikin was born on the 14th day of February, 1779, on Ten-mile creek, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. The early incidents of his boyhood life are not known by any of his surviving descendants. Being the oldest child of James and Dolly (McFarland) Millikin, a young married couple, who had commenced their married life with the view of acquiring and improving a home under the inevitable trials and privations incident to living on the extreme western border of the settlements, and in a neighborhood sparsely populated, it is fair to presume that his services as a boy and young man were constantly required in assisting his parents. The history of all boys on the then western borders at that period will show that they had to perform much labor and to endure many privations.

The facilities afforded for obtaining even a very limited rudimental education were necessarily very meager. What progress he made we have no means of knowing. When, however, he had arrived to the age of eighteen, about 1797, his father and mother found themselves able to give their oldest son some respite from the labors of the farm to afford him an opportunity of acquiring a better education than he could obtain at home.

Accordingly, in fulfillment of their desires, the son was sent to Jefferson College, then located at Canonsburg, about six miles north of the town of Washington, in his native county. He remained there over a year, devoting part of his time to the languages, in view of reading medicine. Soon after leaving college he commenced the study of that profession under the care and instruction of Dr. John Bell, a prominent physician residing in Greensboro, Greene county.

After he had completed his studies under Dr. Bell, and was authorized to commence practice, he deemed it prudent to seek a wife. While residing at Greensboro he became acquainted with the family of Col. John - Minor, living near that place, and, in fulfillment of his purpose, he subsequently, on the 31st day of December, 1801, at the residence of her father, married Joan Minor. She was born where married, on the 22d day of September, J782, being at the time of her marriage a few weeks less than nineteen years old, while he lacked a few weeks of being twenty-two.

Immediately after his marriage Dr. Millikin commenced the practice of medicine, residing at his old home. The sparseness of the population and the general healthfulness of the neighborhood did not furnish a very encouraging prospect for a young physician. Besides the spirit of emigration was prevailing, and young men, especially those who were ambitious to improve their condition, were contemplating new homes in the farther West.

Strongly impressed with the prevailing conviction that "Westward the course of empire takes its way," Dr. Millikin determined to investigate for himself, and, by personal observation, to see whether it would he wise to follow that course. Accordingly, in 1804, he came to Ohio, and visited the valley of the Miamis. As the result of his investigations, ultimately he and' his two brothers - John H. Millikin and Samuel Millikin - on the 7th day of April, 1807, took their departure from their cherished home. The separation was an occasion of deep feeling with parents and sons. They, however, had made up their mind for the undertaking, and went forward. John H. Millikin and wife intended to locate in Knox county, Ohio. Samuel assisted his brother to drive his stock as far as Zanesville, and there they separated. Samuel continued his journey on horseback to Cincinnati, where he expected to meet his brother. Dr. Millikin, with his wife and three children, embarked on a flat-bottomed family Ixiat at Fredericktown, on the Monongahela, descending that river to Pittsburg, and thence going by the Ohio river to Cincinnati. After remaining there for a short time, he, with his family and his brother Samuel, took his departure for Hamilton, reaching it on the night of the 7th of May, 1807.

The first house he occupied was a story and a half hewed-log house situated on the precise spot now occupied by the paper mill of Snider Sons, on lot 160. During the ensuing fall and winter he built a two-storv hewed-log house on the north end of lot 202, on Second street, north of Heaton street, to which house he removed in the early part of the summer of 1808. Afterwards he purchased lot No. 1 18, on the corner of High and Fourth streets, upon which he erected a frame house and into it he removed his family on the 18th day of September, 1819. He resided there for eighteen or twenty years, and afterwards he built a house on the north end of lot 155, on Third street, where he resided until within a few years of his death.

Dr. Millikin and wife had a large family. Their children were born as follows: Stephen Millikin, on the 2d day of January, 1803: John M. Millikin, on the 14th day of October, 1804; Anna Millikin. on the 6th day of September, 1806; Thomas B. Millikin and James H. Millikin, on the 8th day of May. 1808; Anna Millikin, on the 5th day of March, 1811; Joan Millikin, on the 10th day of May, 1813; Mary Millikin, on the 22d day of August, 1815; Daniel Millikin, on the 17th day of April, 1818; Jane Millikin, on the 22d day of September, T819; James Millikin, on the 8th day of July, 1822; Otho W. Millikin, on the 22d day of January, 1826. The first three were born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, and the others in Hamilton. Anna and James H. both died young and previous to the birth of others of like name. Nine of the foregoing arrived to lawful age, and were all married as follows: Stephen married Eleanor Ewing, April 17, 1823; John M. married Mary G. Hough, September 6, 1831 ; Thomas B. married Catherine Hough, November 10, 1831; Anna married Americus Symmes, February 21, 1832; Joan married Robert Kennedy, December 6, 1832; Mary married D. D. Conover, October 19, 1838: Daniel married Sarah J. Osborn, February 1, 1843; Jane married O. P. Line, April 25, 1843 - Otho W. married Lida

Schenck, January n, 1854. Stephen and Thomas B. lost their wives, and were subsequently again married. All raised families, and none now survive. Stephen and Thomas both removed west, and both died, leaving families.

Mrs. Joan Millikin had, for some years, been in feeble health, and died on the 28th day of September, 1830, being then only a few days past forty-eight years of age. Owing to the extremely severe hardships that Dr. Millikin had been compelled to endure in the very extensive and laborious practice of his profession, in the earlier years of his residence in Butler county, his stalwart frame was for years enfeebled by disease. For some time previous to his death he occasionally suffered severely from acute attacks, while his general health was seriously impaired. He finally departed this life on the 3d day of November, 1849, having attained the age of seventy years, eight months and twenty days, and after a residence in Butler county of forty-two years and nearly six months.

The professional career of Dr. Millikin was not only protracted, but it was excessively laborious and severe. There was no mode of conveyance save riding on horseback. Doctors had to ride in the intense hot sun and were exposed to the cold, the rain, and wintery storms. The roads were frightfully bad for a large portion of the year. As there were but few physicians, Dr. Millikin had a wide range in his practice, not only visiting in all parts of the county, but receiving occasional calls from adjoining counties. The pressing demands that were made on physicians during the summer and fall months, for twenty-five or thirty years of Dr. Millikin's professional life, can not be understood by those who did not live at the time referred to. Almost every household contained one or more patients needing medical treatment. Oftentimes the entire family would be prostrate with chills and fever, or with a most malignant case of bilious fever; so that there were not enough well persons in the family competent to answer the pressing calls of the sick. For continuous months the services of physicians were so much required that their average imperfect rest did not exceed four or five hours out of the twenty-four. It is marvelous that the excessive toil, great exposure, and deprivation of comfort and rest did not destroy the most robust constitution or impair the health of the most vigorous and enduring.

In the practice of his profession at the period referred to, Dr. Millikin was enabled to endure much hardship. He was of a cheerful, genial temperament, and submitted to the hardships and discomforts of his professional life with but little complaint. His services were inadequately compensated by those he served. The fees charged and collected were insufficient for the comfortable maintenance of a family. He was unselfish and liberal in his nature, and had apprehensions lest he might demand too much for his services, or call too soon for the miserable pittance that he had charged his patients. He married a second wife, by whom he had several children, the last surviving of whom - Samuel Millikin - died in 1895.

Outside of his professional life he had the confidence of the public, and occupied several honorable positions. He was in the war of 1812, in Colonel Mills's regiment, as surgeon, and, for a period, as quarter- master. He was a trustee of Miami University for many years ; represented the county as a representative in the Ohio legislature in 1816; was major-general of the Third Division of Ohio militia, composed of Butler and Warren counties, and served for three terms as an associate judge of the court of common pleas.

Rev. Knowles Shaw

- a name familiar in many western households - was bom near New London, in Morgan township, on the 13th of October, 1834. His mother's maiden name was Huldah Griffin, and by both of his parents he was of Scotch extraction. His early life was spent in Rush county, Indiana, where he first began to play the violin, furnishing the music for many a dance. While the ball was going on he was converted, ceasing to play in the middle of the piece he was performing. Very soon thereafter he entered the ministry of the Christian church. On the nth of January, 1855, he married Miss Martha Finley. Most of his time after entering the ministry was spent in the West and South, and on account of his wonderful vocal powers he was called the "singing evangelist."

As a singer he was considered, in some respects, equal to Sankey and Bliss. Reporters of the press all spoke of his singing as something wonderful. Soon after beginning to preach, he began to compose and to write music. His first song was "The Shining Ones," still popular. He published at different times five singing-books : "Shining Pearls," "Golden Gate," "Sparkling Jewels," "The Gospel Trumpet," and the "Morning Star." "Bringing in the Sheaves" was one of the last songs from his hand.

Texas, in May, 1878. He was killed by a railroad accident, going from Dallas to Mc- Kinney, on the 7th of June, 1878. During his ministry he baptized over eleven thousand persons.

William E. Brown

was born at Xenia, Ohio, November 13, 1825. His parents were Edward and Ann (McCue) Brown, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was early engaged in transporting goods between Pittsburg and Philadelphia. In 1824 he left Blairsville, Pennsylvania, where he had resided, and moved to Xenia, Ohio. In 1826 the family removed to Cincinnati, where the wife and mother died the following year.

The subject attended the public schools and when nineteen years of age taught school in Greene county, Ohio, in which profession he was engaged for some time. Having learned the trade of shoemaker, he was thus enabled to pay his way while reading law at Xenia and Dayton. In March, 1849, he ^as admitted to practice at the bar. With a letter of introduction from his preceptor, addressed to Thomas Millikin, of Hamilton, he then proceeded to his future home and arriving here hung out his "shingle" as an attorney-at-law. With limited resources and few acquaintances, business did not come his way at first. In the fall of 1849 an older lawyer was obliged to go away on account of ill health; he left young Brown in charge of his office and practice. Shortly afterwards the lawyer died and Mr. Brown thus became successor to the business, which amounted to about six hundred dollars per annum, and which he had no trouble to retain.

ert Beckett. Failing health induced him to move into the country, but he still gave some attention to his legal practice and also dealt in real estate. In this he was successful, his knowledge of the law being of great assistance to him. He continued thus occupied until 1870, when he became president of the Second National Bank, in which responsible position he remained until his death in 1904. During his incumbency as president of the bank he continued to deal in real estate and was also president of the Carr-Brown Milling Company. Mr. Brown always took a deep interest in public affairs, and was an honorable and substantial citizen and received the confidence of the people with whom he had business or social relations. In early life he was a Democrat, but later upon its organization became a supporter of the Republican party.

To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born six children, as follows: Clare, who married W. B. Carr, and died in January, 1892; Robert; William B. ; Mary, wife of Judge R. E. Sloan, a member of the supreme court of Arizona; and Ella and Paul. To his children Mr. Brown gave the best possible educational advantages. The family are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Brown officiated as an elder from 1857 until his death.

Elijah Hughes

was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, November 4, 1777, and died about 1845. He was married about 1800 to Sarah Muchner, who was born in the same county May 5> 1780, and died about 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were descendants respectively of Welsh and German ancestors.' Mr. Hughes was a blacksmith by trade, and carried on the business in his native state for a few years before coming to Ohio in 1816. Upon his arrival here he purchased a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Liberty township, this county, from Peter Lesourd, where he settled and for about seven years tilled the soil in connection with his trade, after which he gave up his forge and turned his attention entirely to farming and stock dealing. He was a prominent citizen, and was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In the family of Elijah Hughes there were seven children who grew to maturity: Eliza, Rachael. Daniel, Micajah, Christopher, Philip and Joshua.

Of the sons, Daniel, born June 27, 1805, died July 14, 1884, received a limited education and was brought up to agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until twentysix years of age, when he went to Indiana and located one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Wabash, but soon tired of it and returned to Ohio. In March, 1833, he was married to Anna B. Kain, a native of New Jersey, born in 1805. After his marriage Mr. Hughes, in company with his brother Micajah. located on sixty acres of land which was unimproved, and for seven years they owned all things in common. He purchased more land at various times until his farm contained five hundred acres. He also owned three hundred acres in the vicinity of Kyle's Station. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hughes were the parents of four children, of whom three attained their majority: Mary Jane, Mrs. Job Mulford; Elijah and Samuel Kain. The latter are residents of Lemon township and live on a well improved farm of five hundred and fifty acres, including their father's old homestead, where they have been associated in partnership for many years as extensive dealers in cattle, in which business they have been successful. In 1891 they platted the Lakeside addition to Middletown, consisting of a fine tract of twenty acres, lying in the northern part of the city. Samuel is a director in the Miami Valley National Bank of Hamilton. He was married in March, 1885, to Miss H. B. Boudinet, daughter of the late Joseph Boudinet, of Lemon township.

Micajah, the second son of Elijah and Sarah Hughes, was born January 25, 1807, and died in August, 1883. His wife was Phoebe Cassidy, a native of Butler county, to whom were born ten children, six sons and four daughters. His son, Joseph B., resides in New York city, where he is a prominent capitalist, and was consul to Birmingham, England, under the administration of President Cleveland. Micajah Hughes was a prosperous farmer of Liberty township and for twenty years he was president of the First National Bank of Hamilton.

Christopher, the next son, was bom December 12, 1813. On February 6, 1838, he was married to Eliza A. Young. He was a noted political leader and fought strenuously for his party, the Democratic, from his majority till his death. He was endowed with more than ordinary natural ability. Clear in his judgment, and decidedly firm in his convictions, enterprising and public-spirited, he acquired great influence, and for many years occupied a prominent place in social and political circles. He was four times elected to the legislature, serving eight years. He took especial delight in agricultural pursuits, and for many years was connected with the county agricultural society, and for a long time was a county commissioner. He took an active part in securing the location of the Short Line Railroad (now known as the Big Four) from Dayton to Cincinnati. He possessed high principles of honor, and though strong in his likes and dislikes, was by no means revengeful. He was very determined in his efforts to accomplish any object he believed to be right, but whenever unsuccessful he took his defeat like a philosopher. He was a sincere and steadfast friend and much esteemed citizen.

Philip Hughes was born in Liberty township, October 19, 1820, and was married on May 5, 1847, to Elizabeth Rose, daughter of Isaac and Charity (Garwood) Rose, who was born in Liberty township, February 26, 1827. To them were born two children, Rosa, born September 4, 1845. who became the wife of Linus P. Clawson, and Emma, born May 12, 1852. Mr. Hughes was a prominent stockbreeder and farmer. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Hamilton and was a director of that institution for several years. He was also one of the organizers of the Butler County Fire Insurance Company. He was a stockholder and director for some time in the Union Central Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati, and he held positions of trust and honor in Fairfield and Liberty townships.

Joshua E. Hughes, the youngest child of Elijah and Sarah Hughes, was born in Liberty township January 6, 1823. In December, 1848, he was married to Mary Ann Legg, bom May 18, 1828. To them were born two children. Frank M. was bom

May 22, 1849, and Charles L. was born May 23, 1851. The latter, who was a prominent farmer residing near Monroe, died about four years ago. Frank M. resides at Hughes' Station, where he is a wealthy land owner. He is also president of the Hamilton Home Telephone Company. He was married first to Christiana Swearingen, who died, and then he married Hannah Shafor, the daughter of Peter Shafor. Joshua Hughes was a wealthy agriculturist and was vice-president of the First National Bank for several years, and succeeded to the presidency after the death of Asa Shuler, which position he retained until his death.

Jacob Matthias

was born in Winchester, Virginia, October 21, 1802, and attended school in the neighborhood of his father's house. Early in life he learned the trade of coppersmith, and in the fall of 1827 came to Cincinnati, remaining there a year. He was married in that city on the 27th of March, 1828, to Miss Emily Webb Grooms. To that marriage were bom eight children, of whom one is living, Emma C., now the wife of William Miller, of the state of Illinois. On his first coming to Ohio he had made a journey to Hamilton on foot, returning in the same manner. In company with his brother Isaac he again went to Hamilton in the spring of 1828, with the purpose of becoming a permanent resident. The two brothers at once organized the firm of I. & J. Matthias, engaging extensively in the coppersmith business, subsequently adding the stove and tinware trade. Jacob Matthias was also a member of the firm of Matthias, Kline & Resor, conducting a general store in Rossville. Mrs. Matthias died in 1845, and on April 23, 1857, he was married to Ann M. James, daughter of Barton James, one of the pioneers of Hanover township, where he settled in 1817. Mrs. Matthias was born in that township, September 16, 1828. Her father was a successful farmer and prominent citizen. He raised a family of seven children. Mr. James died about 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Matthias were the parents of one son, W. J., and two daughters, Lutie E. and Lillie F. Three of the grandchildren by Mr. Matthias's first marriage are residents of Idaho, and one of them, George M. Parsons, has represented his district in the territorial legislature.

Jacob Matthias represented his district in the state legislature in the session of 1837-1838, and was also a member of the city council and the school board at various times. He was also infirmary director for some years before his death. All of these offices he filled to the utmost satisfaction of his constituents, and with credit to himself. He was a consistent member of the Universalist church, and an active and influential citizen and successful business man. He died August 21, 1877. The firm of I. & J. Matthias existed until his death, or for fifty years, his heirs soon after purchasing the interest of Isaac Matthias, and for several years conducted the same under the able management of W. J. Matthias & Co. Mr. Matthias's death was a misfortune to the poor, to whom he had always been a warm friend, and the press united in encomiums upon his character.

James Smith

once sheriff of Hamilton county, lived for a great portion of his life in St. Clair township. He was born December 22, 1763, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and emigrated to the West in the year 1792, in conjunction with General James Findlay, with whom he formed a partnership after his arrival, which lasted more than ten years, under the firm name of Smith & Findlay. Their store was near the foot of Broadway, on Front street. - A short time after his arrival he was appointed sheriff of the county, and on the formation of the state of Ohio, he was elected to that office by the people, being the first one thus honored. So long did he hold the shrievalty that he was commonly known as "Sheriff Smith." During a portion of this time he was collector of the revenue of the government of the United States for the Northwestern Territory and of the taxes for the county. Few men in the Northwest had more influence in the affairs of the community than he, and none; exercised it more wisely. He acted for a time as the private secretary of General, St. Clair, who was governor of the territory, and enjoyed his confidence and esteem. He was captain of the first light infantry company raised in Cincinnati, and when the second war with Great Britain broke out, went to the front as paymaster of the First Regiment, third detachment of the Ohio Militia, and was in Fort Meigs when it was besieged by the British and Indians during that war. About the year 1805 he came to Butler county, settling on the. place in section 21, St. Clair township, at the mouth of Four Mile creek. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. He was a man of much capacity, benevolence, and public spirit, and gave his children the advantage of good educations. His widow and they (except two of the younger ones, who died in infancy) survived him. The late Charles K. and John C. Smith, both public men of prominence, were his sons, and James Smith, who married a sister of Almon Davis, of this county. They are now all dead.

William B. Van Hook

was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 26, 1795. His parents were Dr. Benjamin F. Van Hook and Catherine Van Hook, who were Hollanders, and who emigrated from New Jersey to the Northwest Territory at a very early period. Mr. Van Hook remained in Cincinnati until the outbreak of the war of 18 12, when he enlisted as a private in Captain David Oliver's company and served as a soldier until peace was declared. He moved from Cincinnati to Hamilton in 1818, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1871.

He was by trade a carpenter, which he followed for many years. He had more than ordinary skill as a mechanic and builder. About 1818 he and the late James B. Thomas went from Hamilton to New Orleans on a flat boat where they remained for several months, working together at the carpenter trade. Mr. Van Hook and Colonel Ball, of Trenton, walked all the way back to Hamilton through the Indian country. He was shortly afterward married to Julia Ann Stephens, who survived him, and who died in June, 1882.

Mr. Van Hook was a man of more than ordinary merit, and filled with ability several offices of public trust. For several years he was a member of the Ohio legislature, representing Butler county in the 33d, 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th and 51st general assemblies. He was at one time warden of the Ohio penitentiary and was at various times a member and president of the city council of Hamilton. During the Civil war he was deputy provost marshal of the third congressional district. In politics he was always an unwavering and ardent Democrat, but during the war of the Rebellion acted with the Union party. For more than half a century he was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He died at his home in Hamilton. He was a highly respected, useful and honored citizen.

Henry S. Earhart

was born near Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, February 17, 1800. He was the son of Martin Earhart and Catherine Site, who were among the first settlers that came to Ohio. His grandfather Earhart was a Revolutionary soldier. Henry S. Earhart first came to Hamilton on a visit, about 1815, but did not reside in the county until 1822, when, in conjunction with his uncle, John L. C. Schenck, of Franklin, the leading merchant of this section at that time, he established a store at Jacksonburg. After remaining there a few years he returned to Hamilton and continued to reside there until his death, December 4, 1886. For a time he was associated in business with George W. Tapscott, but later gave it up for civil engineering, for which he was peculiarly fitted, and he projected the hydraulic works and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad. He was married March 10, 1823, in Franklin, to Elizabeth Tapscott, daughter of James and Mary (Hendrickson) Tapscott. She was bom in Allentown, Monmouth county, New Jersey, September 15, 1796- Mr. and Mrs. Earhart had five children, of whom George T. Earhart, of Hamilton, is one. Henry S. Earhart was one of the leading citizens of Hamilton; for six years he was a member of the city council and was identified with every movement of his time calculated to further the well-being of his home city and county.

Alexander Delorac

was for many years one of the best known citizens of Hamilton. He settled in Franklin in 1805, where he was engaged as a trader for many years, making regular trips to New Orleans every spring with whiskey, pork and flour. Captain Delorac was an officer in the army of 1812, and he was in several skirmishes with the Indians. In his earlier life he was somewhat celebrated in sporting circles, and was proclaimed fistic champion on general muster days, and at race courses. He was also noted as a pedestrian. In 1832 he ran a race of six hundred yards at a company muster near Palmyra, Warren county, with a boy about six years old astride his back, against a taller man than himself, and he won the race. He resided for many years in a comfortable dwelling on Prospect Hill, in West Hamilton, a point where the Indians in old times laid in wait to shoot and scalp persons who straggled from the fort. Captain Delorac also once resided in Cincinnati, where he was engaged in trade. In his youth he was a clerk for John Sutherland, and then and afterward acquired a knowledge of boating on the Miami unsurpassed by any other man. At the time of his death, which was about 1872, he was one of Hamilton's oldest citizens.

William C. Frechtling

was born in the province of Hanover, Germany, May 19, 1837. He came to Hamilton at the age of eighteen, a poor German lad fresh from the fatherland, and possessed nothing save a stout and resolute heart and a hand not afraid of work. In Cincinnati, where he located immediately after his arrival in America, he learned the trade of cigarmaker, but this he never followed. His first position in Hamilton was a clerkship in the store of his friend and countryman, Conrad Getz. A faithful service of three years enabled him to start in business for himself. Together with his brother Henry he founded the Frechtling grocery, dry goods and queensware stores, which have since developed into four great establishments. The original business was at the present site in the Beckett block and has only changed by its steady and substantial growth and the retirement in 1879 of Henry Frechtling, Sr. The Frechtling wholesale grocery, which was established in 1892, under the management of Edward H. Frechtling, is an offshoot of the original business. In 1887, Mr. Frechtling purchased the Globe Opera House building. He owned other valuable real estate. Mr. Frechtling always conducted his business on honest and conservative lines. He was twice married. His last wife was Miss Mary Fries, to whom he was married in 1865. To this union were bom children, namely, Edward H., Helen, Philip, Ralph, Corrine and Camilla. Mr. Frechtling died in I9°3> sixty-six years.

Thomas V. Howell

was born in Rossville, September 28, 1826. He received an education in the common school, and when about twelve years of age entered the employment of G. P. Bell, a merchant, and continued , with him some ten years, when he went to Cincinnati with the firm of Reily & Woods. He returned to Hamilton and entered the employment of Brown & Leigh, remaining there until March, 1849, when, in company with D. G. Leigh, they purchased the business of William B. Van Hook, and began the firm of Leigh & Howell, under which title they traded for two and a half years. Mr. Leigh then sold out to John Dye.

About 1854 Mr. Howell purchased the interest of his partner and carried on the business alone for twelve years. On beginning in 1849, his trade was not limited exclusively to dry goods, but embraced all that is commonly sold in country stores, including at one time a large stock of boots and shoes, and afterward of millinery. In 1870 he admitted his son, David Leigh Howell, as a partner, under the firm name of T. V. Howell & Son. In 1875 they built a handsome three-story building on High street, an which was admirably adapted to its purpose. Their former store had been on the corner of Third and High streets. The firm also established an extensive concern in Middletown, and a few years ago ui handsome business house in that city. In 1902, the store at Hamilton was totally destroyed by fire, but the firm immediately rebuilt upon a grander scale, and today the T. V. Howell & Son Company store is one of the most complete in southern Ohio.

Mr. Howell was married October 20, 1&49> to Miss Sarah A. Connor, daughter of David Connor, a former well-known resident of Hamilton. They were the parents of one daughter and one son, the former being Kate C. Howell and the latter David L. Howell. T. V. Howell was a self-made man, and had no early advantages. He was a member of the Masonic order and the Royal Arcanum, and contributed liberally of his means and influence in sustaining the government during the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are both dead. The former died in 1900 and the latter in April, 1896 was born in Essex county, New Jersey, November 3, 1776. He received his education in a common school, except a few months in a private classical school in his native county. He was married to Rachel Pearce in 1801. He emigrated to Ohio about the end of the eighteenth century, making a temporary stay at Columbia, and moving to Butler county and settling on the present site of Trenton the same year. He came to Ohio in company with his father-in-law, Michael Pearce and family, and Dr. Squire Littell, who headed a colony of immigrants from New Jersey. Rev. Gard was the first resident minister in Butler county, and in 1800 founded the first church organization in the county - The Elk Creek Baptist church, of which he became the pastor, and continued as such until his death, August 14,

To Rev. and Mrs. Gard were born several children as follows : Eliza, who married William Wilson, of Middletown ; Phebe, who married Wilkeson Taylor; Isaac n! became a physician and married Louisa Todd, of Newport, Kentucky ; Fairman, who also became a physician and married Lucy Todd, a sister of Louisa Todd; Sarah married John C. Potter; Mary L. married Ezra Potter and Rachel died unmarried. Rev. Mr. Gard was twice married. His second wife was Mary Van Horn. By her he had one child, William B. Gard, who became a physician.

Rev. Moses Crume

a pioneer minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born in 1766. He came to Butler county early in the eighteenth century, and was an itinerant preacher. He was converted in 1787 and began to preach in 1791. His earliest appearance was near Oxford in 1805. He *s described as a portly, dignified man of intellectual appearance and was said to closely resemble President George Washington. He was sent out as a missionary among the Indians and for a time labored in the vicinity of Connersville. He was among the earliest settlers of Oxford township and made appointments to preach soon after the first settlements were made. Mr. Crume resided in Oxford for several years. Sarah, Mr. Crume's first wife, died May 10, 1829, aged fifty-seven years, four months and twenty-four days. Anna, the second wife, died June 5, 1853, aged sixtyseven years. Rev. Crume was the founder of the Methodist church at Oxford and was its pastor during the year 1813, and again in 1822. He also preached at various points in Butler county and his appointments at Oxford were for every sixth Sabbath. He was the presiding elder of the district in 1817. At that time the Ohio conference contained all of Ohio, portions of Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan and Indiana, and the district embraced all the country lying north of the Ohio river, and between the Great Miami and Whitewater rivers.

Rev. Crume died April 1, 1839, aged seventy-three years. His remains were interred in the old burial ground at Oxford and his grave was marked by a plain monument. He left numerous descendants.

Peter Murphy

was born in Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, October 1, 1820, being a son of Cornelius and Elnora (Windsor) Murphy, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Grandfather Peter Murphy was born in the north of Ireland of Scotch descent. In the latter part of the eighteenth century, when still a young man, he emigrated to the United States and sojourned for a time in Pennsylvania, where he married a lady born in the United States but of Irish parentage. From Pennsylvania he removed to Kentucky, thence to Ohio, and settling in Butler county entered a tract of government land on which he passed his remaining years. He was identified with the history of this county during an early period of its settlement, having come here prior to 1800. His life occupation was that of a tiller of the soil.

Nellie. He was born in Pennsylvania and came with the family to Ohio, where he married a Miss Elliott. At her death this lady left one son, Lewis, who became a money broker in Cincinnati and engaged in that business until his demise. The second marriage of Cornelius Murphy united him with Elnora Windsor and by their union were born the following children : John, deceased, formerly a broker in Cincinnati; Peter, the subject of this sketch; Cornelius, who engaged in farming near Bentonville, Indiana, until his death; Eliza Ann and James, who died in infancy; Mary Ann, deceased, formerly the wife of Dr. J. T. Ellsworth, of Lafayette, Indiana; Margaret Jane, who married John L. Withrow and died in Butler county, Ohio; Angeline, wife of Robert B. Withrow, a resident of Butler county, and Ellen Eliza, who first married Barkley Boyd and afterward became the wife of the late William M. Boyd, of Hamilton.

Cornelius Murphy led a life of industry and accumulated a large and valuable property, which at his death was divided among his heirs. He was in his sixty-third year when he died; his wife died at the age of about seventy-nine years. Both were devout members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Peter Murphy passed his boyhood days on the farm. He was educated in the typical pioneer log school house. When about twenty-four he was married to Cyrena Van Gordon, daughter of Benjamin Van Gordon, a pioneer of Liberty township, where she was born. They began housekeeping in a log cabin on his father's farm, and for four years he engaged in farming. For two years ensuing he kept a store at Princeton, Ohio. In 1851 he was elected sheriff of Butler countv, and served two terms. He then pur- chased land near Princeton, Ohio, and engaged in farming and stock raising, which he followed with great success until 1886, when he removed to Hamilton and assisted in the organization of the Miami Valley National Bank, of which he became president and which position he retained until his death in 1897. For fourteen years before removing to Hamilton he was a stockholder and director in the Hamilton First National Bank. An ardent Democrat, he was elected upon that ticket to various responsible positions. Besides having been sheriff he was elected to represent his district in the state senate for two years. He was a director in the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati for several years. For eighteen years he was a member of the Butler county board of agriculture, which he served as director, vice-president and president. For a number of years he was identified actively with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Murphy was the father of six children, as follows : Sallie Maria, who married J. E. Anderson, of Preble county; Lewis D., now residing in Liberty township ; Cora E., wife of O. D. Pocock, of Camden, Ohio; William E., who resides in Preble county; Harry, who resides on the old homestead in Liberty township, and Clarence, late probate judge of Butler county, and now a wellknown and successful practicing attorney of Hamilton.