Clark County, Ohio - The whole text, 1881 (part 17 of 20)

M. R. AYRES, farmer ; P. 0. Christianburg, Champaign Co. The subject of this sketch is the son of Caleb and Esther Ayres, who were natives of New Jersey ; they were united in marriage in 1816 and emigrated to Ohio in 1818, but did not settle permanently until 1828. when they located in Pike Township, on the farm where his son, M. Pc , now resides ; Mrs. Ayres departed this life Aug. 20, 1835, at the age of 46 years ; they were both Seven-Day Baptists. Mr. Ayres celebrated his marriage with his second wife (Lydia Babcock) in 1837. M. R , the subject of this sketch, was born in New Jersey Dec. 5, 1817 ; his boyhood days were spent at home, assisting his father with the duties of the farm and going to school during the winters. He was married to Margaret Priest, born Oct. 28, 1812, the daughter of Elijah and Hannah Priest, who settled in this county in 1818 ; they (Mr. and Mrs. Ayres) are the parents of one son and four daughters, all of whom are now living, viz.: Sarah, born Aug. 21. 1840; Louisa, born Oct. 4, 1842; Elias, born Aug. 16, 1846; Maria, born May 26. 1850 ; Margaret P., boru April 20, 1853. As an evidence of the popularity and esteem with which he was held in the community where he lived, he was elected Trustee of his township and other offices, the duties of which were discharged by him to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. Ayres is a member of the Christian Church, and holds several offices in the same. He has always taken a deep interest in politics, and his principles are identified with the Democratic party.

SAMUEL M. BAKER, firmer ; P. O. Dalton ; is the son of Martin and Elizabeth Baker, who were natives of Virginia and moved to Clark Co. about 1823 and purchased 53 acres of land, where he remained until his death July 20, 1854; Mrs. Baker survived him until March 6, 1870. They were both consistent members of the Reformed Church. Samuel M., the subject of this memoir, was born Dec. 10, 1830, and assisted his father until his (father's) death, after which he managed the farm until 1869, when he purchased the farm where he now resides. Sept. 26, 1871, he celebrated his marriage to Malinda, daughter of David and Elizabeth Jenkins; this union was blessed with four children - Viola G. and Sidney G. (twins), born June 22, 1S72, and Asa M. and Charles O. (twins), born July 13, 1877. Mr. Baker has never been an aspirant for office, but has served his township in the office of Trustee with honor to himself and his constituents. On the breaking-out of the rebellion, he volunteered his services, enlisting in Co. I, 44th O. V. I., Sept. 12, 1861, serving his country until the close of the war, receiving his discharge on Aug. 9. 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Reformed Church, Mr. Baker having been Sabbath-school Superintendent and teacher for over twenty years, and has been honored with the offices of Deacon and Elder in the church for a number of years. They are surrounded with all the comforts of life, earned by the incessant toil of years.

ANTHONY BARNHART, farmer ; P. 0. North Hampton. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is the son of Daniel and Catharine Barnhart, natives of Roanoke Co., Va. ; Daniel was married twice, but the date of the marriage with- his first wife and of her death cannot be ascertained; he was the father of twentytwo children - two sons and nine daughters by the first wife, seven of whom are now living, viz.: Lydia, born July 17, 1814 ; Hannah, born July 2, 1816; Susannah, born

Feb. 24, 1818; Frances, born March 26. 1820; Joel, born March 4, 1822; Nancy, born Oct. 15, 1827 ; John, born May 4. 1830; and by his secoud marriage he had nine sons and two daughters, six now living, viz.: Daniel, born Sept. 22, 1836 ; Anthony, born Dec. 25, 1837 ; Abraham, born Sept. 28, 1S39 ; Jeremiah and Josiah (twins ), born Dec. 30, 1844 ; Christian, born Jan. 13, 1847. Mrs. Barnhart departed this life iu July, 1867, and Mr. Barnhart followed her in 1869. Anthony assisted his father with the farm labor until he was 21 years of age, and theu came to Ohio and located in this county and township. In October, 1859, he celebrated his marriage with Sarah, daughter of Philip and Lucinda (Rader) Grayhill, natives of Virginia. Soou after his marriage he moved to Indiana and remaiued there two and a half years, and came back to this township and purchased the farm where he now resides. lie is the father of eleven children, viz.: William W., born June 23, 1860; Josephus E., born July 15, 1862 ;

JACOB BAUGH, farmer and blacksmith ; P. O. New Carlisle. Among Pike's enterprising men may be placed the name of Jacob Baugh, a native of Germany, is the son of Christian and Catharine (Smith) Baugh, who emigrated to this country in 1832, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they remained one year, and came to Columbus, Ohio, and engaged work on the national roads, remaining one year. In the year 1834, he was placed near Springfield, Ohio, remaining several years. After leaving the road he followed various pursuits until his death. Jacob, the subject of this memoir, was born Oct. 9, 1830, and at the age of 16 years he commenced serving an apprenticeship in the blacksmith-shop of Peter Lenas at Donnelsville, with whom he remained eighteen months, and went to Springfield, and, at the end of nineteen months, finished his trade under John Click. In the year 1850, he engaged with Solomon Marley, serving him two years, after which he associated himself with Christian Foster, and withdrew at the end of seven months. Mr. Baugh has been twice married. On Oct. 9, 1855, he married his first wife, Margaretta Bickel, and came to Pike Township and purchased thirty acres of land, and built a residence in which he remained seven years, and disposed of it and bought the property he has at present. Mr. Baugh was left a widower July 7, 1868. Elizabeth, his second wife, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Buies, of Champaign Co., Ohio. Mr. Baugh was the father of six children by his first wife; three now living - George W., born Aug. 25, 1856; Jacob, July 15, 1858; Clark. June 27, 1863.

REBECCA BLACK, New Carlisle; is the wife of Andrew Black and the daughter of Louis and Mary Carmin. Her parents were from Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Her grandparents, Benjamin and Elizabeth Carmin, the former a native of Blackford Co., Md., emigrated to Ohio about the year 1812, settling in Pike Township, this county. Louis was born April 13, 1800, and hi wife Mary Oct. 2, 1807. They were married in the year 1825, and became the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are still living. Louis died in 1874. Mary is still living. The names of the children are as follows: Elizabeth, Johu, Benjamin, James, Hannah, Mary A., Zilpah, William, Rebecca, David, Louis, Jane, Emily and Abraham, all living but three. Our subject was born in this county Aug. 13, 1841, and was united in marriage with Andrew Black, the son of Andrew and and Susannah (Ross) Black, the first settlers in what is now Pike Township, Nov. 26, 186S, which union was blessed with one child - Andrew K., born March IS, 1881. Andrew Black, the husband of our subject, was born on the farm where he now resides Nov. 30, 1816. His parents were natives of Montgomery Co., Va. ; father born March 6, 1783; mother, Dec. 7, 1781 ; were married Dee. 20, 1804 ; became the parents of Dine children - Samuel A., Mary, James, William, Thomas, Jane, Andrew, Edward and Susannah. Father died Oct. 18, 1854; mother Sept. 25, 1845. Andrew had been previously married to Catharine Black, by whom he had seven children, only two of whom are now living - Cyrus and Janettie, the former born Sept. 18, 1843, and the latter Sept. 12, 1856. The mother of these children died Sept. 8, 1868. Our subject and husband are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN BLACK, farmer; is the son of John and Elizabeth (Ross) Black, who were both natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio and settled upon the farm where the subject of this sketch now resides, about ISOS, where ho spent the balance of his days. They were the pareuts of eight children - one son and seven daughters, of whom five are now living. The first death in the family occurred September, 1873, viz., Elizabeth, born Dec. 29, 1820. John, the subject of this sketch, always remained on the home farm. He celebrated his marriage with Mary A. Wise April IS, 1871. Four children were born to bless this union, viz., Martha J., born Feb. 3, 1876 ; Edna Amelia, born Sept. 18, 1872 ; John S., born April 18, 1878; infant, born Oct. 12, 1880. Mr. Black is the proprietor of 200 acres of land, with good outbuildings. Mr. Black possesses good business qualifications, and is looked upon by all who deal with him as an upright and honest man. Mrs. Black is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Osborn, and is looked upon' as a good Christian womau. John Black died Aug. 12, 1835, aged 47 years; Elizabeth Black died May 5, 1859, aged 73 years.

A. B. BLACK, physician, New Carlisle. Samuel Black was the son of John Black, and was born near Londonderry, Ireland, about A. D. 1 734. He was of Scotch parentage, they having emigrated from Scotland to Ireland. John Black emigrated to America about A. D. 1744, and settled upon the Brandywine Iiiver, in New Jersey, where they remained a short time, when they moved to Albemarle Co., Va., where Samuel was united in marriage with Jane Porter. By this union they had nine children - four sons and five daughters - all lived to raise large families. John, who married Jane Alexander ; William, who married Jane MeBeth ; James; Samuel, who married Jane Porter; Jane, who married

Price ; Mary, who married Black. Samuel and Jane (Porter) Black died in Albemarle Co. Va. March 28, 1793, William Black was united in marriage with Jane MeBeth, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Clinton) MeBeth, of Albemarle Co., Va. After their marriage they settled in Montgomery Co., Va., where he laid out the town of Blacksburg. While there, they had six children born unto them ; five raised large families, three sons and two daughters - Samuel, born Sept. 13, 1794, married Malinda Mitchell Nov. 20, 1817 ; Sallie, "born May 20, 1796, married William Reyburn June 13, 1816 ; Agnes, born April 18, 1798, married G-iles W. Thomas March 18, 1816; William Porter, born April 26, 1800, married Susanna Verdier Nov. 16, 1820'; Andrew Clinton, born July 21, 1802; John, born July 29, 1804, died April 14, 1806. In May, 1814, he moved with his family to this township, where they arrived June 14, 1814. He purchased a part of Sections 13 and 19, upon which they settled, where they spent their last days with their son, Andrew C. Jane (MeBeth) Black died Jan. 23, 1843, aged 77 years; William Black died Dec. 22, 1851. aged 84 years, 10 months and 8 days. October 20, 1825, Andrew C. was united in marriage wit! Provy Baker Staudiford, daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Rouse) Standiford. She w^s born in Mason Co., Ivy., Jan. 5, 1806, and emigrated to Champaign Co.. Ohio, with her parents January, 1807. where she continued to live until her marriage, at which time they settled upon a part of Sections 13 and 19, where she still lives. Iier husband, A. C., died Feb. 25, 1875, aged 72 years 7 months and 4 days. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven now living, five sons and two daughters, viz., Rebecca Ann, born March 10, 1825; married to William Funstone March 18, 1852; Elijah Clinton, born Dec. 1, 1831, married Caroline C. Donnelson June 9, 1859; Charles Standiford, born Nov. 21, 1833, married Sallie L. Gregory May 1, 1863; John Fletcher, born March 22, 1839, married Mary M. Monk April 22, 1860 ; she died Feb. 15, 1S68 ; Caroline, born Dec. 18, 1844. married William H. James Jan. 17, 1871 ; Andrew Benjamin, born June 10, 1S47, married Maggie B. (Pence) Beard Aug. 12. 1880. William Sanford, born Jan. 11, 1851, married Margaret C. Mitchell, Jan. 20, 1871.

JOHN. A. BLACK, feed and saw mill. The subject of our present writing, is the youngest of a family of ten children of James (born Aug. 17, 1789, died May 9, 1853;, and Catharine Black (born Nov. 20, 1790, and died Aug. 29, 1863), who came from Virginia and located in this township in 1811, living with his brother two years, and then purchased the farm where our subject now resides, on which they remained until his death. May 9, 1853. Mrs. Black survived him until Aug. 29, 1863. They were the parents often children, viz.: Mary, born Nov. 22, 1812; Matthew, Feb 12, 1815; Susannah, Sept. 14, 1S16 ; Cathariue (deceased), born March 31, 1819;

Dorcas (deceased), born Feb. 4. 1822; Joseph, Dec. 21, 1823; Samuel, March 19, 1820; James, June 30, 1828; Julia A., Oct. 0,1831 ; John A., Sept. 7, 1S34. John obtained the rudiments of his education in the district schools of the county, and remained with his parents during their life, and at their death he became owner of the home farm, on which he has resided until the present. On the 27th day of October, 1859; Miss Mary J. Hawcut, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Hawout, united her destinies with our subject. She was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, March 4, 1839. Their children were, viz.: Lewis 0., born Oct. 7, 1801 ; Herma O., April 20, 1873, and died March 20. 1875; Horace II., born May 30, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the.. Presbyterian Church, and have the confidence and respect of all who know them as being good and efficient in the cause of Christianity. Mr. Black has by close attention to business and fair dealing with his fellow-men, accumulated a nice property and built a very desirable residence. Although Mr. Black has but a commonschool education, he ranks high among the business men of his township. For ten years in succession, Mr. Black has been honored by the citizens of his township with the office of Township Trustee, and the office of Justice of the Peace for the period of six years, the duties of which were discharged by him to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

\V. S. BLACK, farmer ; P. O. North Hampton ; is the son of Andrew C. and Provy Black; the father was born in Montgomery County, Va., in 1802, and the mother in Kentucky in 1806 ; they were married iu 1825 and were the parents of thirteen children - seven boys and six girls, of whom seven are now living. The subject of this sketch was the youngest, and lived with his parents until he was 21 years of age, assisting his father in the work of the farm until his marriage with Maggie C. Mitchell. He lived on a part of his father's farm for four years thereafter, during which time he built him a house on a part of his father's farm. In this he lived one year, during whicli time his father died. He then sold his interest in the home farm and purchased the beautiful place adjoining the old homestead, where he now lives. He was the father of two children, a son that died iu infancy and a daughter, Leora E., born Jau. 5, 1871, who still lives. They are earnest members of the M. E. Church.

LEWIS C. CAR MIN, farmer. Benjamin Carmin, his grandfather, was a native of Maryland, and came to Ohio about 1812, and settled iu this county and township. In 1S27, he was summoned out of this world by the angel of death ; his wife survived him several yeirs. Lewis, the father of our subject, was bom April 13, 1800, and was united in marriage with his wife, Mary, in 1S25 ; she was born Oct. 2, 1807. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom eleven are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, Benjamin B., James A., Zilph, William E., Rebecca, David S., Lewis C., Sarah J.. Emily D., Abraham B. In 1825, Mr. Carmin purchased the farm, where he resided until his death which occurred in 1874. Mr. Carmin still resides on the farm with Lewis, the subject of this sketch, who has always lived with his parents with the exception of niue years. Emily, now Mrs. William Edmason, also lives with her mother. They were married May 23, 1875, and have had two children, viz., Asa A., born June 4, 1876, and Darrow C., born Jan. 5, 1881.

MARY A. DAVIS, farmer; P. O. Dialton. Mrs. Davis is the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Littlejohn, natives of Berkeley County, Va. They were the parents of six children, viz.: Morris, Jonathan, Edward, Mary A., Margaret J. and Elizabeth. In 1821, Mrs. Littlejohn was left a widow. She managed to keep the family together, and emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Pike Township, Clark Co., Ohio, in 1834, where she died at the advanced age of 73 years. Mary, the subject of this memoir, was united in marriage with Joseph Davis, June 16, 1833. Iu the spring they came to Ohio aud settled iu Pike Township, where he resided until his decease, Oct. 6, 1863. By occupation-he was a millwright, which he followed several years. In 1S48, he purchased the farm where our subject now resides with her only son. Mr. and Mrs. Davis were the parents of eleven children, of whom five are uow living, viz. : Phoebe J., Amanda, Mary V., Sarah E., and Josiah L., with whom Mrs. Davis now resides. On the 4th of September, 1873, Josiah celebrated his marriage with Sarah, daughter of Jacob and

CHARLES C. FRIELDS, teacher. This gentlemen was born in Williamsport, Penn., March 4. 1828. Ilis father, Charles, Sr., was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and emigrated to this country iu 1320. He settled in Pennsylvania, and married Elizabeth Sceifers, a German lady, who died in Williamsport, Feb. 25, 1828, leaving one child, our subject, then at the tender age of seven days. The father afterward moved to Perry Co., Ohio, with his infant son, and iu two years was again married in Rahobeth, a small towTn, in which he died in 1835, leaving his boy of seven years ail orphan among strangers. After the death of his father, our subject went to South Charleston, this county, where he entered the family of Mr. Wright, a brickmaker, in whose yard the youthful wanderer was put to work. He afterward lived two years in the family of Absalom Mattox, a merchant of the same town, but Mrs. Mattox's cruel treatment drove him from her hearth-stone, and he was compelled again to pursue his wanderings. In September, 1838, he became a member of the family of Benjamin Strong, a gentlemen who lived south of Jamestown, Greene Co. Here he received the treatment of an own child, until his benefactors were both called from their earthly home. By this calamity our subject was again left to his own resources. His checkered life had endowed him with a will uncommon in one so young, and with a determination to gain an education, he commenced a life of the strictest industry and economy, working at day labor. He soon was enabled to obtain a common school education, and in the autumn of 1847, taught a four months' school at Cedarville. In 1843, he took a year's course in the High School at Springfield, and during the three following winters, taught in the Black Horse Schoolhouse, District No. 1, this township, lie has ever made teaching his lifework. He was married to Mary Flick Oct. 12, 1851. Her pareuts, William and Mary Flick, were esteemed citizens of this township. In thirteen years after marriage, she died from that dread enemy of'mau, consumption. On Oct. 29, 1865, Mr. Frields was again married to Rebecca Ream, daughter of Andrew and Auua Ream, of this township. Her parents were highly respected people, and were among the first settlers of the county. Her mother's maiden name was Horner; she was of German descent, boru March 6, 1804, and died Nov. 12, 1868. Her father was of Dutch descent, born .October 15, 1797, in Harrisburg, Penn.; came to Clark County with his parents when lie was a boy. Our subject, by bis last marriage, became the father of one child, Charley, born Feb. 1, 1872.

JOHN GARST, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. The subject of our sketch is one of the substantial and useful men in the community in which he resides; he was boro in the State of Virginia March IS, 1802 ; he was the eldest of seven sons, and resided with his parents, who were tillers of the soil, until 21 years of age. On the 2d day of April, 1823. lie started for this county, driving a four-horse team for Michael Frantz, of this township, being twenty-eight days on the road, and receiving for the journey §12, which amount, with 50 cents he possessed before starting, comprised his capital. Remaining here some three weeks, he returned to his native State on foot by way of Kentucky and Tennessee and through Cumberland, Maryland, a distance of over 600 miles, making the trip in twenty-one days. Of the amount named but 25 cents was left on his arrival iu Virginia. Mr. Garst united in marriage with Susan Zigler, a native of Botetourt Co., Va., Aug. 21, 1823. He then rented land and farmed until the year 1327, when he came to this county, buying and settling where he now resides. To this couple were born the following children: Sarah, Elizabeth.

Henry, Catharine, John, George, Maria, Louisa, Emma and William. The mother died July 20, 1862. Mr. Garst was again married in 1865, this time to Rachel Miller, of Bethel Township, this county, who died June 25, 1870. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, having united therewith when quite young. Neither our subject nor his first wife were members of any church, yet they leaned toward the German Baptists. Both devoted a great deal of time to the sick and afflicted, and were highly respected and universally beloved by all. Mr. G., while not having connected himself with any particular denomination, is a man always to be found on the side of right, ever in sympathy with all movements having for their object the elevation and bettering of mankind. He has ever been kind to the poor; is one of those big-hearted, kind and sympathetic natures who are always doing something for the afflicted and those in trouble. He has for many years lent great assistance in times of sickness and death, being a regular attendant at all funerals, and generally the one in charge. He is a business man in its fullest sense, and his opinions are always respected. He is one of the School Directors, which position he has held for fifteen years, and President of New Carlisle Cemetery, having held that office for the past eighteen years. Pie is also President of the New Carlisle & Mad Piiver Turnpike. Mr. Garst is the son of Abraham and Catherine Kibble Garst, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland, and both of German descent.

His ancestors were of Dutch descent. His father, Abraham, was born in Virginia in 1791, and his mother, Anna, near the same place in 1792. Her great-grandfather, Michael Frantz, was one of the first Bishops of the Dunkard Church in America. Our subject is politically a Republican, and religiously a Universal ist. In August, 1864, he was married to Sarah, daughter of A. Q. and Rebecca Bennett. The hitter's maiden name was Ward, and she is a first cousin of Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. Garst has had born to him two children - Iva, born Aug. 12, 1865, and Isabell, born Feb. 20, 1871.

Mr. G. is a farmer and fruit-grower by occupation. In the latter branch he is an enthusiast, having presented over one hundred varieties of apples and pears, in addition j to small fruits, tie is also a breeder of Jersey cattle, and is now entering into the culture of bees.

CARRIE M. HARSHBARGER, farmer; P. 0. North Hampton. The subject -' of this sketch is the daughter uf Morgan and Mary A. (Barclay) Smith, who emigrated from Greene Co., Penn., to Adams Co., Ind., in 1S47. Carrie was born Dec. 13, 1840, and assisted her parents until 20 years of age, when she commenced' teaching school,

'which she continued until she married Abraham Harshbarger, Oct. 5, 1865. Abraham was the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Click) Harshbarger, of this county. Abraham was the father of three sons - Frank B., born Oct. 3, 1S66 ; William S., Oct. 26,

1868; Orville G., Dec. 17, 1871. After their marriage they moved to North Hampton and purchased a saw-mill, which he ran until 1872, and disposed of it, and purchased 100 acres of land, and turned his attention to the cultivation of the soil, which he continued at until 1873, when he was summoned out of this world by the messenger of death. Mr. Harshbarger was a gentleman who had been esteemed by his many friends. Mrs. Harshbarger, at the death of her husband, found the estate somewhat embarrassed, but, by her energetic nature and economy, she kept her little family together and paid off all obligations, and is endeavoring to give her three sons the advantages of a good education. She is a member of the Reformed Church and a teacher in the Sabbath school. Thus, while working and accumulating this world's goods, she is also in the higher and uobler work of life, trying to lay up treasures in heaven by training up those under her charge in the admonitions of the Lord.

MRS. SARAH J. HARSHBARGER, North Hampton. The subject of this sketch is the daughter of George and Mary Stockmyer. who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania about 1812. In 1840, they resided in Allen Co., where Mrs. Harshbarger was born. When she was but 3 years of age her father died, and the following ten years of her life were passed with her sister; then she made her home with Jacob Flick, of this county, for a period of eight years, when she was united in marriage with Samuel Harshbarger, of North Hampton, where they now reside. Their children arc Aluieda. horn Aug. 30, 1>62 ; Olga M., Sept. 26, 1865; Alonzo U., Nov. 23, 1867 ;

Musa, Oct. 17, 1874. The parents are members off the Reformed Church ; are exemplary people, loved and respected by the community in which they move. They have adopted and raised several children. The political atmosphere of the household is Republican.

MELYNE LAYTON, farmer; P. 0. Dial ton. This venerable man was born in the vicinity of Enon, Mad Liver Township, Clark Co., Ohio, Aug. 8, 1806 - a period when the beautiful farms and cultivated fields of to-day were the depths of the primeval forests. He passed his youth in the country, residing with his parents until the death of his father. Nov. 8, 1830. In the following March he was united in marriage with Harriet Broughton, and their union was blessed with the following children : Adaline, Martha J., William I)., Matilda C., Mary A., Susan E., Cordelia, Erastus and Thomas E. The former became Mrs. John Galligher, and died in February, 1878, leaving ten children. Mrs. Layton was summoned to her final home June 20, 1849. Our subject remained a widower until Nov. 12, 1850, when he married Mary Scoree, a native of Virginia, and unto them were born six children, namely: John S., Harriet C., Melyne 11., Clarence B,, Lillie E., one dying in infancy. Mr. 3-»ayton lived on the home farm until 186-1, when he purchased land in Miami Co., where he resided until his removal to the farm on which he now lives, about twelve years ago, which in size is ISO acres. Although not a member of any church, Mr. Layton is an upright and moral man, possessing the esteem and respect of all who know him. His son, Erastus, served in the late war, 110th O. V. I., with honor to himself and country. The parents of our subject were John and Elizabeth (Baker) Layton, natives of Pennsylvania, and New Jersey respectively. The former came to this county with his parents in the year 1S04, settling in Bethel Township. The Bakers settled here about the same time, and soon after their coming the couple were married. Father Layton was a man of considerable prominence ; was appointed the first Clerk of the Court on the formation of the county; was one of the early Justices of the Peace, and later served as County Commissioner.

JOHN A. MARQUART, farmer and dealer in fine horses ; P. 0. North Hampton. We are pleased to be able to place among the prominent men of this township the name of John A. Marquart, who has a well-merited reputation as a farmer and stock dealer among all who know him. He was bom in Green Township, Clark County, Aug. 9, 1853. He is the son of John and Dorcas Marquart, natives of this county. The father was a farmer and stocker raiser, and lived until July 30, 1858, when he died, at the ripe old age of 60 years 3 months and 26 days. The wife died July 14, 1865, at the age of 43 years 5 months and 12 days. John, our subject was thus left an orphan at the age of 13 years, but his parents left ample means for the support of himself and his two sisters. He lived with his uncle, who was his guardian until he was 21 years of age. On the 23d of January, 1879, he married Miss Mary J. Hector of this township, who was born March 6, 1858. Immediately after the marriage, they moved to his farm of 144 acres in Section 20, where they now reside. Mr. M. devotes his whole attention to farmiug and raising fine stock. He spares neither time nor expense in procuring and breeding the finest obtainable stock, and his reputation as a breeder is daily spreading throughout the State. His farm is a model of neatness and convenience. It is well supplied with fruit of all kinds and is watered by unfailing springs. Every convenience that modern science has produced for the farmer will be found on his place. All who have any dealings with hime say he is the impersonation of hospitality and honest integrity. He is a highly esteemed member in good standing of Carles Lodge I. 0. 0. F.

ISAAC MILLER, farmer; P. 0. Christiansburg, Champaign Co. Mr. Miller is the son of Augustus and Mary (Williamson ) Miller, natives of Penn. The father came with his pareuts to this State in 1811 arid settled in Sugar Creek Township, Greene County, where his father died. He had been three times married. His first wife. Mary Williamson, was married to him in 1818. Sire became the mother of two children - Isaac, our subject. born May 1, 1819, and Joseph, born November, 1821. After the death of his: wife, in 1822, Mr. Miller moved to Montgomery County, where he married June L. White in 1826. She was possessed of a piece of wild land, where Mr. Miller built a cabin and lived until the death of this wife in 1854. Ry her he had seven children, only one of whom, viz., Ilr-nnah J., born 1830, is now living. In eighteen months after the death of his second wife Mr. Miller married Mrs. Martha Irvin, with whom he lived until his death, Nov. 28, 1865. By her he had one child, not now living. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His son Isaac, our subject, lived with his father until he was 23 years old, when he moved to Jackson Township, Champaign Co., where he purchased eighty-four acres of land, on which he lived six years. During this time he was married to Anna, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Winters) Merritt, of Jackson Township. They had thirteen children, as follows : Elizabeth M.,

A. W. MITCHELL, physician; Pialton; was born l)ec. 13, 1848; is a sou of George J. and Amanda F. Mitchell, and the youngest of a family of three children, consisting of two boys and one girl. Early in 1849, the family moved to the eastern part of Shelby County, where his father bought a farm and improved it. It was here that he endeavored to bring up his family in the fear of the Lord, and as the country was at that time a wilderness, he had many chances to teach them practically that "in the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat bread." The family was one of unusual personal affection and social enjoyment. In 1S63, the wife and mother was taken away and the subject of this sketch soon after went off to school. From 1869 to 1872, he was principally occupied in teaching, and in 1871 commenced the study of law. However, he never felt that the profession was exactly congenial with his disposition, and was more than ever impressed with this fact one day when, after reciting his lesson in Blackstone, he directed his attention to some lawyers who were in the office consulting on the best plan to win a certain knotty case. He ventured a thought that the plan suggested would hardly be right, and was stunned by the reply, " Young man. if you ever expect to be a lawyer you must never harp on conscience." He soon gave up the .study and in March, 1872, went West. For three years he observed the varied phenomena of the Kansas climate. He then went to Southwest Missouri where he spent three years more, principally in teaching in Joplin and vicinity. He was at one time engaged in mining at this place, and had charge of mines which bid fair to place him on the road to fortune, but his natural love for the schoolroom and the uncertainty of the mines induced him to relinquish them to take charge of the Third Ward schools. He here commenced the study of medicine in 1877 with Dr. H. B. Finney, and in September, 1878, left for Ann Arbor, Mich., to attend lectures. He spent one year in this institution, and in October, 1879, matriculated with the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he graduated the following year. Like all new-fledged doctors his next step was one of importance. Where shall I locate? agitated his mind for a few months, and he finally settled down in the quiet little village of Dialton in September, 18S0. Though Dr. Mitchell, in his various ramblings, saw a good deal of the " rough-and-tumble " side of life, he never either forgot or ignored his early religious training, and invariably took an active part in Sabbath school and church work, and it would not be far from expressing bis true sentiment on temperance if we would say he is a teetotaler. He commenced life in liis new and chosen profession with bright prospects for the future.

GEORGE G. MOCK, fanner; F. 0. Dialton. Mr. Mock was born in this (Pike) township Sept. 2, 1843. He is the son of Esron and Catherine Mock. The father, Esron, is the son of Frederick and Barsheba Mock, lie was a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Kentucky. He came to this township in an early day, and died in 1832 at the age of 45 years. His wife survived him until 1866. They were both members of the M. E. Church. Esron married Catharine Oatewalt, daughter of George and Joanna Oatewalt. Aug. 8, 1839. She was born June 29, 1814. Her parents were natives of Montgomery Co., Va., who came to this State in 1828, stopping in Ross Co. two years, and then moviug to this township. The father died Sept. 16, 1858. aged 67 years, and the mother, April 29, 1S59, aged 86 years. Esron and Catharine were parents of four children - George G., Mary E. and Joanna B. now living.' The mother and children arc members of the M. E. Church. George G. was married Dec. 4, 1870. to Margaret J. Davis, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. Davis, by whom he had one child, Mary B., born Nov. 19, 1877. Mrs. Mock was born July 10, 1848, and died Sept. 3, 1876. She was a member of the Reformed Church.

SAMUEL MOCK, deceased. Samuel Mock was born in the year 1820, and died in the year 1877. He was the son of Frederick and Barsheba (Priest) Mock, who were amoug the early settlers of the county, having purchased the farm owned by the deceased in about the year 1810. Frederick Mock was a very useful man in the neighborhood, being a mechanic. He made the first wagon used iu the township ; he also made the buhrs in all the first mills of the country. Samuel, the fifth child, married Mary A. Botkin, daughter of William and Elizabeth Botkin, who emigrated from Virginia in the year 1810. Samuel Mock was the father of six girls and two boys - Malissa (died Jan. 31, 1854, aged 6 years), Lucinda, Evalean, Ellen, John P., Julia A., George Me. (died Jan. 5, 1878, aged 17 years), and Vesper B. Having purchased the old homestead in' the year 1848, on which he lived until his death. He was well known throughout the county. lie was several times elected to positions of honor and trust, all of which he filled with integrity. He was kind to his family. Being a man of high moral character, strictly honest in all his dealings, he bad the love and respect of all who knew him.

VALENTINE PENCE, farmer and millwright; P. O. New Carlisle. This gentleman was born in Rockingham Co., Va , June 28, 1819. He is the son of George and Christina (Crowbarger) Pence. The father was a native of Virginia, where he died in 1825. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania. She moved to Clinton Co., Ind., in 1836, where she died two years later. Valentine went to Indiana with his mother, and stayed with her until the spring of 1838, when he came to Clark County and commenced 1 '.boring as a millwright with his brother and Samuel Sprinkle, and continuing in this business for twelve years. He was married Oct. 4. 1842, to Catharine F., daughter of George and Catharine (Fair) Stafford, who were both natives of Ireland. Mr. Pence bought his present farm in Section 26, of

Samuel Arnold. Aug. 16, 1S45, since which time he has devoted his attention principally to farming. By his marriage with Miss Stafford he became father of two children - Caroline Elizabeth, born May 28, 1844, and Margaret Almira, born May 4, 1847. Caroline was married Nov. 6, 1872, by Rev. J. G. Black, to Thomas Swanger. Margaret was married Dec. 13, 1867, by Rev. L. G. Edgar, to Antony Stafford. Mr. Pence and wife are both energetic members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they have zealously labored for some time. Mr. P. was raised a Democrat, but lias always voted the Whig and Republican ticket. He has served as Township Trustee for two terms with great credit to himself and constituents.

JOHN RAY, retired farmer; P. O. Dialton ; was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 29, IS 13. He is the son of Lewis and Elizabeth llay (nee Zigler), who were natives of Virginia, and moved to Cincinnati in 1812, living there one year, when he moved to Clark County and located near Springfield, where they remained four years. In 1817, they purchased a tract of timber land near North Hampton, in Pike Township. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living. John, our subject, lived with his father uutil he was 24 years of age, and then was united in marriage with Margaret Overpeck, daughter of George and Martha Overpeck, who were also natives of Virginia. After his marriage he purchased the farm where he now lives, which contained about 40 acres of cleared land and 70 acres under fence. Since that time he has worked at the carpenter's trade thirty years, and the balance of his time was spent in cultivating his farm. Mr. Ray has, by his exemplary habits and close attention to business, won the prominent position in society that he now occupies.

RAPER RECTOR (deceased). Dr. Rector was born in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, July 11, 1838. He resided upon the farm with his parents until he had attained his majority, where he acquired a good common school education.

At the age of 22 years, he went to Tremont and read medicine with Dr. J. S. Gard, and graduated at Starling Medical College Feb. 28, 1865. Mr. Rector married early in life, having been united with Eliza J. Martin, daughter of Scott Martin, Esq., of Tremont, on the 27th of November, 1857, and to them were horn three children, viz., Mary J., now Mrs. J. A. Marquart, born March 6, 185S ; J. W., born Aug. IS, 1859, and A. W., born March 10, 1861. The Doctor located in North Hampton, in this county, where he enjoyed a lucrative and reputable practice up to the time of his death.

He grew rapidly in the favor of the people, both as a man and a physician. During . the latter part of September, 1872, Dr. R. was attacked with typhoid fever, which terminated fatally on the 16th day of the following month (October, 1872). In his last illness, the Doctor was aaended by Dr. Thatcher, who had in the way of assistance the best learned of quite a number of the members of the Clark Co. Medical Society, of which our subject was a member. He was a man of a high order of social qualities, a good intellect and excellent habits. He was temperate and industrious ; his opinions in regard to medical theory and practice were very sound. Dr. Rector was a member of - the M. E. Church, and was sustained and cheered in life and in death by the consolations of the Christian religion. His grandfather, Charles Rector, was one of the first white settlers in the Mad River Valley. His parents were Conway and Anna (Neff) Rector ; the former was a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 6, 1795; the latter of Shenandoah Co., Va., born Dec. 15, 1800. The father emigrated to this State iu 1802, purchasing a full section of land in Mad River Township, where he settled and there lived until his death, Oct. 12, 1879. The mother still survives him. retaining her mental faculties in a remarkable degree. When quite young, Father Rector was instrumental in getting out the timber for the first M. E. Church in that vicinity, built of hewn logs, in Champaigu Co., just over the Clark Co. line. It is still used as a place of worship.

JOSEPH L. RICHARDS, blacksmith ; North Hampton. This gentleman was horn in Washington Co., Penn., Oct. 28, 1818, and was the fifth son of eight sons and five daughters born to John and Sarah Richards. At the age of 2 years, the father came from Germany with his parents. The mother was of Scotch descent. In 1829, the family moved to Carroll Co., Ohio, and settled on a section of wild forest land, where the father died Sept, 26, 1832, from fever, brought on by the malaria of the new country. Shortly after this, Joseph returned to Pennsylvania, where he secured a position and served a full term at blacksmithing. On the 19th of April, 1S38, he married Miss Anna Friend, and bv her became the father of two children, a son and daughter - Isaiah and Lavina. The latter, at the age of 21, married Frederick Smith ; six years afterward, she was, by accident, fatally burned, and after nine hours of intense suffering, died. The son is still living. Mrs. Richards, the wife, died June 29, 1876. Mr. Richards remained single until Dec. 26, 1879, when he. married Mrs. Eliza J. Rector, widow of Dr. Rector, with whom he now lives.

GEORGE R1NKER, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. The subject of thy sketch is the son of Benjamin and Susan Rinker, who were natives of Virginia, and came to Ohio in 184S, and settled in German Township, where they now reside. They were the parents of two sons and four daughters, three of whom are now living. George, our subject, was born in Virginia May 5, 1832 ; educational advantages limited. He was early trained to farm labor. On the 4th day of April, 1856, he was married to Miss Sarah Branner. Two sons and one daughter were born to them. William, born Aug. 26, 1863, is the only one now living. Soon after his marriage, he rented a farm in this township, which he remained on one year, and rented a farm owned by7 P. Marquart, which he cultivated for a period of nine years. He purchased his present place in the year 1866, and has made many material improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Rinker are both worthy and consistent members of the Reformed Church.

HENRY SHELL, farmer ; P. O. Christianburg. The gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch is one of the old pioneers and stanch men that have made the Buckeye State what it is to-day. He was born in Montgomery Co., Va , Feb. 1, 1800; at the age of 11 years, he came to Ohio with his parents, and settled in Elizabeth Township, Miami County. March 6, 1823, his marriage was solemnized with Mary Peillimau. They have had fourteen children, of whom five are now living, viz.: Eliza, Henry, Elizabeth, Francis M. and Louisa, who have always remained at home with their parents. Mr. Shell purchased the beautiful farm where he now resides in 1830, in an unimproved state, and the improvement that has since been added is the energy and indomitable will with which he is possessed. His good and industrious wife died Jan. 16, 1873, at the advanced age of 72 years. Her religious views were identified with the German Baptist Church. Mr. Shell, in politics, is a Democrat. He and his daughter, Louisa, are members of the Christian Church.

HARRISON SIIROYER ; P. 0. New Carlisle. The subject of our sketch was born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., Ohio, July 27, 1837. His youth and early manhood were passed on the farm with his parents ; he received his education in the common district schools of the vicinity, and in the year 1864, Nov. 10, was united iu marriage with Harriet A. Dilie, who was horn in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 7, 1843. This union was blessed with three children, namely : Emory7 B., born Jan. 0, 1870; Batie M., August 8, 1871 ; and Daisy B., Jan. 13, 1878. Mr. Shioyer, after his marriage, remained in Miami County one y^ear, then came to his present place of residence. He possesses a good farm of 163 acres, upon which is a fine residence and good buildings. His parents were J ohn Shroyer and Eliza Rail, the former a native of Maryland, Frederick County, and mother of Clark Co., Ohio. The father came to this State in 1823 stopping for a time in Montgomery County ; thence to Miami County, where he <«ied Jan. 11, 1866, in the 56th year of his age. The mother died Jan. 3, 1S80, in her 64th year. Our subject's wife's parents were Alexander ana Elizabeth Dille, both natives of Montgomery Co., Ohio, born in 1816 and 1818 respect-, ively : both are yet living, being residents of Osborn. Ohio.

' SAMUEL SPRINKEL, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. The gentlemen of whom we now write was born Jan. 8, 1809, in Rockingham Co., Va. George and Catharine Sprinkel, his parents, were born in Pennsylvania, and came with their parents to Virginia, where they were married. Mrs. Sprinkel died in Virginia, but the exact date cannot be ascertained. Samuel removed with his father to Cass Co., Ind. His advantages for education were moderate ; he attended the common county school. lie learned the trade of millwright under his father, and continued with him until he arrived at his maturity. In the year 1830, he came to Warren Co., Ohio, and followed his trade there one year, and went to Miami County, where he remained twelve months, and purchased 174 acres in this township. In 1852, he disposed of his farm, and bought 166jj acres in Section 26, where he has since resided. Mr. Sprinkel has been twice married. His marriage with his first wife, Miss Anna Stafford, was celebrated Sept. 29, 1833. She was the daughter of Thomas and Catharine ( Williams) Stafford, natives of Giles Co., Va., and came to Ohio about 1810. She was born May 5, ISOS, and is the oldest child of the family. She encountered many hardships and privations. She built the first fence around her father's house, which house is built of logs, and now stands as a relic of the past. By this union they had five children - Susan C.,born April 8, 1835 ; Catherine J., born June 4, 1839 ; George W., born June 25, 1842 ; and two deceased. Mrs. Stofford died Feb. 2, 1870. On Nov. 14, 1872, he married Leouiza E , daughter of John and Barbara Thomas, natives of Virginia, and came to Champaign Co., Ohio, in 1S23.

MAKY SPENCE, farmer; P. 0. North Hampton; was born in German Township, Fayette Co.. Penn., Oct. 18, 1S26, and came West to Clark County in 1837. At the age of 24 years she united her destinies with Mark Spence (deceased), who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 10th of September, 1820. On the 25th of December of the same year, he moved with his parents upon the farm his wife now occupies. Their union was blessed by the birth of a son, on Jan. 30, 1852. He resides at present with his mother, and is indeed all she desires. Politically, Mr. Spence was a stanch Whig ; his first vote was cast for Henry Clay. The Whig party having been disruptured and the Republican party organized, Mr. Spence joined the latter party,' and has ever since given it a hearty support. He was not a church member, yet he contributed liberally to the maintenance of religious interests. He believed that the interests of society and government are linked with the success of the common schools, and used his influence in their encouragement arid support. Appreciating the value of good roads, Mr. Spence urged their construction, and liberally lent his time and gave his money to that end. As evidence, from a total cost of a single turnpike, of 87,500, his contribution amounted to about $1,200. Jan. 8, 1878, Mark Spence departed from this life, leaving an only child to care for the bereaved widow. He was married on the 12th of February, 1880, to Miss Anna Friermood. They have one child, born Jan. 15, 1881.

JOHN SPENCE, farmer; P. O. North Hampton. This gentleman is the fifth son of William and Elizabeth, both of whom were born in England and came to this country in 1818, settling on a piece of land adjoining the farm now occupied by our subject, who was born March 21, 1824. He lived with his father and assisted in the work of the farm until he arrived at liis majority, when he left the home farm and commenced working at the cooper trade. In this he continued seven years, after which he entered the mercantile business, in which he continued two years, when he exchanged his store for Western land. He married Louisa Bailey, daughter of. Charles and Martha Bailey, July 3, 1853, and moved onto the farm where he now born Oct. 18, 1872. Mrs. Spence, the second wife, died x\ug. 26, 1S80. Little Arminta lias had one of her limbs broken eleven times by falls, etc., and is now crippled for life. In May, 1880, she had the other limb broken while trying to preserve the crippled one from injury.

PETER SMITH, farmer; P. O. New Carlisle. This gentleman was born in the county of Botetourt, Va., Dec. 14. 1811. At the age of 2 years he came to Ohio with his parents, Christian and Christianna Smith, and settled near Chillicothe. They remained one year in their new home, and came to this (Fike) township, and located until his death, which occurred in Nov. 27, 1855. His educational advantages were limited ; he was early trained to farm labor. In his 25th year, he rented the farm now owned by Samuel Harsliberger for one year and then purchased 80 acres of timber land, which he cleared and put under cultivation. He soon added 80 acres to his original purchase, making in all 160. In the spring of 1873, he disposed of the place and purchased the farm he now occupies. December 5, 1836, lie was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of Jesse and Sarah Mixon. She was born Dec. 26, 1813. They were the parents of eleven children, viz. : Christian M., born Sept 14, 1837 ;

Charles, Aug. 4, 1852 ; Peter M.h Sept. 25, 1854; Mark, June 3, 1858. Perlina cii* a Jan. 25, 1855; Ruth, died Jan. 21, 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with four children, are members of the German Baptist Church, and one daughter a member of the Baptist Church.

JOHN J. STAFFORD, farmer; P. 0. New Carlisle; is the son of Thomas and Catharine (Williams) Stafford. Thomas was a native of Ireland, and his wife a native of Virginia. They came to Clark Co., Ohio, and purchased 160 acres of land in Pike Township. John J., the subject of this biography, was born Jan. 8, 1821, and liv* d with his father during his (John J.'s) minority, and at the age of 21 years, he commenced life for himself by renting land of his father, which he cultivated until his marriage was celebrated with Catharine, daughter of John and Elizabeth Stafford, Oct. 3, 1854. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters, viz. : William F.. born July 3, 1855; Clara, born March 19, 1858; Theodore E., born March 28, 1861; Edith F., born Dec. 19, 1869; Mareellus E., born Nov. 22, 1859, died Dec. 8, 1859 ; Ida E., born Oct. 19, 1865, died Oct. 30, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are consistant members of the M. E. Church.

DANIEL B. TAYLOR, minister; North Hampton; was born in Prince William Co., Ya., near Hay Market, Dec. 31, 1835. A few months after his birth, his father came to Muskingum Co., Ohio, and after securing a location and employment, sent for his wife, Mary E., and infant son, Daniel. About eight months after the family had been gathered together in their Dew home, a cloud of sadness came over the family circle, occasioned by the sudden death of the husband and father, by accident. The mother, thus suddenly made a widow and her child fatherless, commenced the struggles of life with no means of assistance save womanly courage and strength of willing hands. For eight long and wearisome years shee-labored, with her son, D. R., ever by her side, to keep the " wolf from the door," when she was again united in marriage with David Southwiek, and soon after settled in- Alexander, Licking Co., Ohio. At about the age of 12 years, D. 11. united with the M. E. Church, under the preachings of the revivalist, S. A. Shaffer. In the month of September, 184S, Daniel R. left home to try the struggles of life alone, first entering the cooper-shop, to learn the use of tools and a trade. He worked at this business at different places, until Jan. d, 1854, when he married Harriet A. Mercer, the second daughter of Dr. N. Z. Mercer, then of Licking Co., Ohio. He then located in Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio; remained about two years, when he moved to St. Paris, of the same county, living there some nineteen years, during which time, owing to force of circumstances, he learned the trade of harness and carriage trimming, and the art of photographing. When the war broke out, the first call for three years' volunteers, he enlisted in the 44th 0. V. L, at Springfield, Clark Co. Re-enlisted in the 113th 0. V. I., and remained until the close of the war. On returning home, he was elected Mayor of St. Paris, and served in that office some six years. In the year 1874, he entered the ministry in the Reformed Church, and in 1875 was licensed to preach, and ordained by the Miami Classic of the Ohio Synod. He labored in the Bradford charge for three years, and then removed to his present place of residence. He is the father of four children, viz., Harry N., Lena L., Allan L. and Ellie; all of whom are living, death having never entered their home. During his labors in the ministry, he has delivered, up to the present date, 1,250 sermons, fifly-seven funerals, held forty-five communions, baptized forty-two infants and 150 adults, and received 335 into t lie church, and married twentyfive couples.

WILLIAM TIIACKREY, farmer; P. 0. Dialton. This gentleman was born in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., Jan. 30, 1852. He is the fifth son of Duncan and Susan Thackrey. His father was born in Yorkshire, England, Dec. 10, 1813, and emigrated to America with his parents in 1S29, and worked with them on the farm in Jackson Township, Champaign Co., until he was 25 years of ago, hfiving in the meantime married Susan Ray, who was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Jan. 6-, 1820. - Our subject's youthful days were spent on his father's farm in Champaign Co. On Jan. 2 «, .1876, he married Lucretia C. Shaffer, of Mad River Township, Champaign Co., a daughter of lieuben and Sarah A. Shaffer, who were natives of Virginia, and caiue to this State when small children. By his union with Miss Shaffer, Mr. Thackrey became the father of two children, viz., Edward, born June 24, 1876, and Emmet, born April 3, 1878. Mr. T. and wife are pleasant people, and have the confidence of all who know them.

THOMAS P. THOMAS, farmer ; P. O. Dial ton ; was born in Bucks County Penn., Feb. 19, 1807. He is the son of William and Susan (Hanway) Thomas, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Delaware, and of Welsh extraction. Thomas emigrated to this county in 1827 and located in German Township, and took for wife Phoebe Kizer, May 20, 1830. In 1835, he moved to Pike Township and purchased the farm where he now resides. Mr. Thomas is the father of six children, of whom three sons and two daughters are now living. Mrs. Thomas was summoned from earth to heaven Feb 3, 1872, at the advanced age of 64 years 8 months and 14 days. In 1873, Mr. Thomas married his second wife, Anna D. Pence. Mr. Thomas has at present 100 acres of land under a good state of cultivation and a nice, commodious farm-house and many material improvements to correspond, and has won a large circle of friends. .

WILLIAM WINTERS, P. O. Dialton ; was born March 10,1813, in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio ; his father, Lewis Winters, was born in the State of New York in the year 1768, two of his brothers having served in the Revolutionary war, one of whom, John Winters, being captured by the British, suffered the rigors of confinement in prison ship. Anna Prilleman, his mother, bom in the year 1777, in Virginia, of which issue were twelve children - Jacob, Elizabeth, Obdiah, Margaret, John, James, Daniel, William, Susan, Sarah, Mary and Thomas. The latter was united in marriage to Nancy A. Fuller Feb. 28, 1837, her father, Robert Fuller, born in Virginia in the year 1785, having early removed from that State and located in Pike Township, where he entered quarter section land. Her mother, Margaret Thompson, born in Virginia in the year 1794; there were thirteen children born to them: Andrew, William, Nancy, Cynthia, James, George, Mary, Robert, Northrop, Archibald, Minerva, Irvin and Wesley. William Winters, the subject of this biography, bought one hundred acres of land in Sec. 22, Pike Township, in the year 1838, which has continued to be his home. He has added thereto until he now owns upward of three hundred acres. He has always been a consistent, upright man, attending strictly to his own business and letting other people's alone. He united with the M. E. Church at Beech Grove in 1840 ; his wife having in the year 1835 joined the same church at McKendree. Their issue was one child, Cynthia Ellen, born Aug. 9, 1842, who was married on the 8th day of March, 1863, to W. II. Sterrett, a resident of same township.

A. S. ZINN, farmer; P. O. Dialton. This gentleman is the son of 1). 11. and Matilda (Sturgeon) Zinn, who are mentioned in P. S. Zinn's biography. Our subject was born Jan. 28, 1845, and acquired a practical knowledge. His time was chiefly devoted to his father's assistance until Oct. 26, 1866, at which time he took for wife Mary V., daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Littlejohn) Davis, natives of Virginia. Mr. Zinn has always remained on the homestead which he became owner of at the death of his parents. As an evidence of the popularity with which he was held in his school district, he was elected one of the Directors, and by them to the position of Clerk, and is also Secretary of the Beach Grove Grange, of which society he is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Ziun are both members of the Reformed Church, and he is a warm supporter of the Sunday schools, and is now a teacher. Mr. Zinn is the father of eight -children, of whom seven are now living, viz. : Joseph W., born Sept. 25, 1867 ; Theodore D., April 1, 1869; Daniel F., Sept. 9, 1870; Rosella, Jan. 28, 1872; Mary M., Aug. 23, 1873. and died Sept. 13, 1873; Ida V., Aug. 25, 1874; Jesse O., Dec. 13, 1876; Lillie M., Aug. 25, 1879.

PETER S. ZINN, quarryman ; P. O. New Carlisle. The gentleman whose name graces the head of this sketch is the son of I). R. Zinn, who was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county about 1836. In the year, 1840, he purchased 80 acres of land in this township, which ho occupied until the year 1865. At this date, he disposed of his farm and purchased 52 acres near North Hampton, where he remained uutil his decease, which occurred Jan. 12, 1S70. Peter, the subject of this biography, was boru in Pike Township Sept. 25, 1841. His education was obtained in the district schools of the county. At the age of 21 years, he commenced life for himself by renting land of his father and giving agricultural pursuits all his time and attention. Success crowning his labors, he purchased a farm of 47 acres, in 1ST**, and disposed of it in 1878 and purchased the farm he now occupies. March 16, 1865, he and Miss Elzina, daughter of Peter and Jane Smith, celebrated their marriage. Four sons and four daughters were the result of this union, viz.: Matilda J., boru Feb. 6. 1866; Willard A., born March 11, 1868; Etlie C., born Dec. 10, 1869; Sarah E, born Jan. 29, 1872 ; Goldwaithe, born Feb. 26, 1874; Lydia F., born Sept. 28, 1876 ; Warren, born March 4, 1878 ; Everett E., born Oct. 2, 1880. Mr. Zinn has never been an aspirant for office, but has been honored with the office of Township Trustee ; is also a worthy and consistent member of the German Baptist Church, and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

CHRISTIAN BROSEY, Medway. Gotlieb Brosey, the father of our subject, -was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 9, 1792. Jn early manhood he served the King of Wurtemberg as body-guard ; also served in the Light Horse Cavalry in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte, and was with him in his memorable and disastrous march to Russia, when he, with others, was taken prisoner. He made his escape, however, and journeyed to Wurtemberg, suffering much from cold and hunger. In the year 1817, he emigrated to this country, and settled in Lancaster Co., Penn. His marriage with Susannah Goodyear was celebrated the 24th day of November, 1818 ; she was born Oct. S, 1793. Two children were the result of this union, viz., Noah, born July 19, 1820 ; Martha, born Dec. 16, 1 822. Mrs. Brosey departed this life Jan. 23, 1823. Mr. Brosey remained a widower until July 23, 1S26, at which time he was married to Christianna Moglin, who was born in Wurtemberg, March 26, 1798. They were the parents of four children, viz., Anna, boru June 21, 1827 ; John, born March 3, 1829 ; Christian, born Jan. 27, 1831 ; Barbara, born April 6, 1833. On the 16th day of April, 1835, he was left a widower the second time. He ma Tied Elizabeth Keyler, his third wife, May 17, 1836, in Franklin Co., where he had previously moved. They have had six children - Elizabeth, born Dee. 17, 1836, died Oct. 4, 1867 ; Samuel, born Jan. 13, 1839 ; Benjamin, born Feb. 20, 1841 ; Mary, born Feb. 1, 1843 ; Sarah, born June 7, 1845, died July 4, 1880 ; Martha, born May 3, 1874. In the year 1841, he moved to Clark Co., Ohio, and settled near Medway, where lie purchased several tracts of land. Elizabeth, his wife, died Dec. 13, 1861, and he survived her uutil Dec. 7, 1866, when he died at the advanced age of 75 years. Christian, the subject of this memoir, was joined in marriage, Nov. 17, 1859, to Anna Monk. They have had two children, viz., Mollie, born Nov. 15, 1861 ; Harry, born Sept. 13, 1863.

THOMAS BROWN, nurseryman. The subject hereof is the son of Thomas and Susanna Brown, both natives ol the State of Maryland, who emigrated to Miami Co., Ohio, in 1838, where they resided until their decease. Their family consisted of four children, viz., John, born Jan. 25, 1819; David, born in 1820; George and Thomas, born Feb. 23, 1823. The one with whom we have to deal is the last named, Thomas, lie was born while his parents were in Maryland. He received a rather meager education in his native State, and learned the cooper trade, in which he continued until about 1846, when he took up the business of nurseryman, to which he is now devoting his attention. He married Miss Hannah Maria Wyant, March 28, 1838, who has since become the mother of the children whose names and dates of births follow, viz., Harriet M., born May 16, 1851, died Sept. 16, 1851; Mary C., born Feb. 19, 1853; Jacob N. and Thomas A., born Oct. 31, 1854; the former died Dec. 2, 1854; the

GEORGE CROFT (deceased). Few men were better known in the early settlement of Bethel Township than the old pioneer whose name heads this biography. lie was boru in York Co., Penn., in November, 1771, and his parents, Jacob Croft and wife, were natives ofHj-ermany, who settled in the American Colonies, and who espoused the patriot cause in the Revolutionary war ; Jacob fighting throughout that struggle against English tyranny. They raised a large family, George being one of the number, and all were reared to farm life. At a matured age, George went to Virginia, where he married Mary Critz, Nov. 18, 1799, she being a native of Botetourt County, born in November, 1779. In 1804, he, wife and two children came to Bethel Township, Clark Co., Ohio, and settled in Sec. 8, on the hill where Martin Snyder now lives. Building a log cabin in the dense forest, he bravely went to work to make a home and competence for his family; and how he succeeded is well known over the county, owning as he did, at the time of his death, over 800 acres of fiue land, all the legitimate result of the constant, unceasing toil of himself and family. To George and Mary Croft were born the following children: John, George (deceased), Elizabeth (the deceased wife of Peter Minnich), Jacob, Michael (deceased), Mary Ann (the widow of James Leffel, the noted inventor), Frederick, David and Henry, the latter also a wellknown inventor. Ilis wife died Feb. 7, 1846, and he was again married, to a Mrs. Wyland, but enjoyed that companionship only a short time, when death called him from the scenes of his earthly labors, Oct. 16, 1355, in his 85th year; and he and wife now sleep side by side in the beautiful cemetery of Fern Cliff, a handsome monument marking their last resting place, put there by an affectionate family, who still foudly cherish their memory. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and was the main instrument in the building and support of the ''Croft Church," which has since been moved to Donnelsville. Politically, he was a Democrat, and few men were better neighbors than this sturdy old Pennsylvanian, who was manly, honest, kind and obliging in all things, and his well-known expression of " I say so," convinced the listeuor that what he. said was true, as well as marked him as a man of integrity, courage and determination.

FREDERICK CROFT, retired firmer; P. O. Donnelsville. This gentleman is a member of one of Clark County's representative pioneer families, and is the son of George and Mary (Critz) Croft, he a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Virginia Frederick was born in Bethel Township, Nov. 25, 1815, and grew to manhood in the pioneer days, when schools and such evidences of civilization were scarce ; therefore his, education was limited to what he could obtain in a few terms in the rough log school - house of those early days. lie assisted his father on the farm and at the mill, faithfully doing his share toward the aceuminulation of the family estate. On the 24th of February, 1841, he was married to Sophia Kindsmore Smith, who was born in Adams Co., Penn., Feb. 16, 1824. and when a child, came with her parents to Clark Count}'. Here she matured, and has had boru to her five children, two married - George (deceased); Clara, now Mrs. Thomas Minnich, of Montgomery Co., Ohio.; Abraham, cultivating the old farm; William, still at home ; and one died in infancy. Soon after the marriage of our subject, he embarked in firming for himself, on his father's firm, of which he afterward became part owner; there he judiciously labored until 1876, when he purchased his present lot of ten acres, on the " Dayton and Mad River Valley Pike," where a fine dwelling decorates the same, in which he lives comfortable and happy, with a wife who is the light of the family, and a kind mother to he: children. She is a* daughter of Abraham C. and Elizabeth (Dill) Smith, who were natives of Pennsylvania; he was born in Adams County, Dec. 25, 1795; there grew to majority, and was educated in the Pennsylvania College, after which he took a course of medicine, but never entered upon the profession as practitioner. He was an active and valuable counselor at law, to which much of his time was given. He was married in Pennsyl- vania, and in 1834 he and family located in Clark County; but in 1837 removed to near Camden, Jay Co., Ind. In 1835, he united with the Presbyterian Church, at Carlisle, Ohio, and by his Christian walk in after years gave good evidence that he was a humble follower of Christ. He was a man of integrity of character, upright and honest in all his dealings; and one who possessed the confidence, to the fullest extent, of his fellow-citizens. The people of Jay County elected him two successive terms to the office of Associate Judge of the couuty, the duties of which he filled with faithfulness and ability. On the morning of his death, when asked by a uear member of the family "What- his prospects were in view of death?" and he cheerfully replied: " I am willing to go wherever the Lord calls me." His death occurred Nov. 18, 1863, having attained to nearly his threescore and ten years. He left an aired widow and many warm friends. His wife was born in York Co., Penn., in 1792 ; she was a faithful companion and worker in the church of her husband ; she was the mother of twelve children, of whom nine are now living ; Mrs. Croft being the sixth in number, and of Swiss descent on the father's side, and of English on the maternal side.

JOHN L. FORREll, carpenter. This gentleman was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., Sept. 23, 1833, to Christian and Elizabeth Forrer, who were both natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., the former born Sept. 5, 1793, and dying Oct. 20, 1854; the latter bom Nov. 5, 1800, and dying May 25, 1841. John L. was educated in the common schools of Pennsylvania. He is a carpenter, and is still following that trade. During the rebellion he enlisted in the 44th 0. V. J., Sept. 12, 1861 ; was veteranized and re-enlisted in the Sth O. Y. C., January, 1864. He participated in several severe engagements, was wounded at the battle of West Liberty, Ya., for which he draws a half-pension. On Nov. 23, 1865, he was married in Dayton* Montgomery Co., Ohio, to Miss Catharine Strausburg, a native of Wayne Township, Montgomery Co., born Oct. 27, 1843. Their children consist of: Eva May, born Sept. 17, 1866; John, born Sept. 12, 1868, died Oct. 30, 1868; Edgar Earl, born Sept. 28, 1869 ; Christian L., born Oct 10, 1872; Etta Irene, born Jan. 31, 1875, and Minnie, born Aug. 24, 1880.

SAMUEL E. GREIDER, carpenter and builder, Osborn ; was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., June 6, 1819; is the son of John M. and Anna G-reider, natives of Pennsylvania. Emigrating to this State in 1856 and purchased a farm in Wayne Township, Montgomery Co., where he now lives. Mr. Greider has been a Bishop in the old Mennonite Church for about nine years. The subject of this sketch lived with his father until the age of 20 years, then went to learn the carpenter's trade, and at the age of 23 years he united in marriage with Rebecca A. (daughter of Henry and Margaret Heffner, of Miami Co., this State), Jan 7, 1873; by this union they were blest with three sous, viz.: John II. G., born Aug. 11, 1873; B. F.,born June 24, 1875 ; Jacob E.,born Nov. 3, 1877. Mrs. Grieder, born Oct. 22, 1854. Mr. Grieder is a member of the old Meiinonite Church and an excellent mechanic, and has the confidence of all his friends and acquaintances.

JACOB B. HARTMAN, dealer in medicines. Jacob B. Hartman is the son of Christian Hartman, who was born in Lancaster Co., PenD., Nov. 19, 1798, and died Sept. 19, 1829, having in the meantime married his wife, Anna, a native of the same county, born Feb. 25, 1795. and died April 17, 1861, by whom he had the children following : Anna, born July 11, 1814; Henry, Sept. 8, 1816; Abraham, June 9, 1819; Christian, March 7, 1820; Jacob B.. Sept. 19, 1822; Elizabeth, July 29, 1S24; Harriet, Sept. 19, 1827, and Samuel B., April 1, 1830. Jacob B. came to near Medway, Bethel Township, in the fall of 1839, and has since resided here, having always voted at the same precinct. On the 2d of November, 1S48, he married Miss Nancy Neff, and in due time became the father of the following seven children, to wit : Elizabeth, horn Feb. 19, 1849 ; Mary, Jan. 17, 1851 ; Anna. Nov. 23, 1852; John D.. May 19, 1855; Martha Jane, April 6, 1859; Susan N., June 6, 1861 ; Barbara M., Feb. 17, 1S63. The father of these ('our subject) commenced business as a carpenter, building some houses and nearly all the barns in the neighborhood. In I860, he engaged in bridge building as agent for the " Smith Bridge Co." of Toledo, Ohio. In this he continued until 1877, when he entered the patent medicine business with his brother, Dr. Samuel B. Hartman, of Lancaster, Penn. Having been left an orphan at a tender age, and by that misfortune deprived of the advantages of education himself, he, however, fully realizes its importance and has given his family a thorough course of learning - one son now being a college graduate.

JOHN S. HARNISH, minister and farmer ; P. 0. Medway; was born in this township May 1, 18-13, and is the son of John and Esther Bowman Harnish, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. ; his father was born Feb. 13, 1801, and his mother July 24y 1805. He emigrated to this township in 1810, and followed the pursuit of farming and was also Minister and Bishop of the Reformed Mennonite Church, which offices lie filled with credit; his death occurred Aug 29, 1870 ; his wife still survives him. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days with his father upon the farm until his marriage with Catharine Davis, daughter of Phineas and Eliza Davis, Dec. 0, 186-L Mrs. Harnish was born July 29, 1841. By this union six children have been born, four now living - Albert G., born March 13, 1867 ; Lizzie C., March 13, 1869, died Dec. 7, 1872; Joseph D., born Feb. 19, 1871 ; Martha J., Apiii 27, 1873 ; Henry B., June 5, 1874, died July 25, 1875; Esther B., born July 27, 1876. Mr. Harnish is minister of the Mennonite Church, his wife is a member of the same church ; they are ' very kind and good people, and have the respect of ail who know them.

DAVID HARNISH, farmer ; P. O. Medway; is the son of David and Elizabeth Suavely Harnish, residents of Lancaster Co., Penn., where they lived and died ; they were both members of the Mennonite Church. Mr. Harnish died about the year 1863, aged about 80 years. Mrs. Harnish died July 4, 1878, aged 93 years. The subject of this sketch was born Oct 12, 1823, in Lancaster Co., Penn., and emigrated tc Ohio in 1845, and settled in Bethel Township, where he has since lived. In 1849, he bought the farm where he now lives ; on Nov. 20, 1849. he united in marriage with Fanny, daughter of John and Nancy Barr, residents of Bieliland Co.; by this unionhave been born to them eight children, two sons and six daughters, viz.: Mary Ann,,

THE HERTZLER MURDER - Was a deed which will long be remembered by' the citizens of this county, not only for the tragedy as such, hue because it terminated, the career of ouc of the most wealthy and active business men who ever contributed to the advancement of the general interests here.

Daniel Hertzlf.r was born at Lancaster, Penn., in the year 1800, and moved to this county in 1840, where he purchased what was then kuown as the Menard mill property, on Mad River*, and in the township of that name. This property was improved by erecting new buildings and machinery, and reconstructing the old, until there was in operation a large flouring mill, a saw-mill and a distillery. In 1853, Mr. Hertzler sold this property and removed to Springfield, where he established the " Old Clark County Bank," and become associated therein with several well-known business men. As principal owner and general manager of this bank, he became one of the strong moneyed men of the Mad River country. This bank, however, was nut of long duration, and the circumstances of its winding up its business affairs are often related as an illustration of Mr. Hertzler's character as an individual. A certain railroad was iu need of funds, and commenced to negotiate with the junior members of the concern, in* the absence of Mr. Hertzler, for the purpose of obtaining the money. Now these bank men bad more to say than to do, in the wav of real capital, and were easily captured by the managers of the railroad. The result was that about 830,000 of the substance oT the bank went out. and a like amount of railroad shadow came in to fill its place. Upon.' the return of Mr. Hertzler, he was met bv the information that "ice' had made an

*This improvement is directly across the river from the site of Old Piqua, and was a part of the battle-ground, the ford where Clarke's men cross -i beiog through the present millpond. Th establishment is now known a.- Snyder's Station, on the C., C., C. & I. and N. Y., P. £. O. Railroads.

advantageous investment, etc., whereupon lie says: " Gentlemen, you should have consulted with me in this matter; but, as this railroad paper is first-class (?), you can take it as your portion of this institution, and me will stop business." This was accordingly done, and the business relation of the Clark County Bank (as well a3 that of some of its former partners) to this community ceased. Mr. Hertzler had purchased lands in Bethel, and in 1854-55 he erected the farm buildings at present held in trust by Leander Baker, and situated on nearly the same ground where the old Indian stockade was located. This was occupied by him as a home, and was the scene of the tragic affair which resulted in his death. Between the hours of 2 and 3 o'clock on the morning of Oct. 10, 1867, his house was entered by a party of burglars. Mr. Jlertzler was promptly awakened, and a conflict ensued, which resulted fatally to him from a gun-shot wound in the leg. Four persons were arrested for this crime - two were acquitted, and two others (Scott and Roberts) escaped through the open door of the jail, and have never been recaptured.

LEVI KAUFFMAN was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., Sept. 5, 1833, and is the son of Christian and Anna (Erb) Kauffman, natives of the same county and State, where his great grandparents, who came from Germany, settled in 1717, and where Levi's grandfather, Christian, was also born. To Christian and Anna Kauffman were born thirteen children - Emanuel, Jacob, Christian, John, Elizabeth, Mary, Levi, Benjamin, Reuben, Anna, Henry, Sarah, and Abraham, eleven of whom are living. In 1840, Christian Kauffman and family came to Bethel Township, and settled in Section 35, where his sons now7 live, and where he died Dec. 14, 1870, and his widow, Nov. 9, 1877, both being members of the Reformed Mennonite Church. Levi grew to manhood in Bethel Township, and was married March 7. 1861, to Anna Harnish, daughter of John and Esther Harnish, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn. Mrs. Kauffman was born in that county and State Oct. 28, 1838, and has had the following children : Laura, Benjamin, Hetty and Hattie, twins, Susan, Anna, Emma and Lizzie. Mr. Kauffman and wife are members of the Reformed Mennonite Church, and are among the most prosperous and respected people of their township.

JOSEPH N. KAUFFMAN, minister of the German Baptist Church, New' Carlisle; was born in Mifflin Co., Penn., in 1818, and is a son of David and Francis Kauffman, who wrere both natives of Pennsylvania, w'here they resided until 1845, when they located in the northern part of Champaign Co., Ohio. Here Francis died in 1861, and David now survives at the age of fourscore and nine years. Their children were seven in number, of whom Joseph is the eldest. He grew7 'o manhood in his native State, and married, in 1839, Magdaline Yoder, who was also born in Pennsylvania in 1818. To this union, ten children have been born, of whom eight are now living. All save the two oldest were born in Ohio, as Joseph located accordingly in 1843, in Logan County, afterward to Champaign County, but, in 1877, removed from the first settled county to his present location in Bethel Township, Clark Co,, where he serves his church. His life throughout, until 1862, was devoted to farm labor, but for the last eighteen years his time has been spent in behalf of his church, and no doubt much good has grown out of his labors. He is now over threescore years of age, and an active worker in the cause of religion.

DAVID LOWRY, deceased. At the mere mention of the name of Lowry, the memory goes back at once to the first settlement of the Mad River country, and sees, in imagination, the old pioneer whose name heads this sketch, accompanied by his friend, Jonathan Donnels, viewing with exultant delight the beautiful forests and valleys bordering upon Mad River, as they wandered along its banks in the summer of 1795, at which time each selected the site of his future home. David Lowry wras born in Pennsylvania in 1767, and was the son of David and Lettice Lowry, natives of Scotland, born respectively in 1724 and 1732, and who came, to this country with their son, where Lettice died in 1797, and her husband in 1800, and whose tombstones are yet visible in the Minnich graveyard. To David and Lettice Lowry were born the following children: John, Archibald, David, Thomas, Robert, Lettice, Nellie J., and one whose name is now forgotten. In the spring of 1795, David, Jr., came down the Ohio with flat-boat filled with black locust trunnels, which were for use in boat building, and which he sold at Cincinnati. For about three months he was connected with the provision train of Gen. Wayne's army, afterward settling on Section 3, Bethel Township, where he lived several years, then sold the land and bought the whole of Section 14, which he soon disposed of at a large profit, and entered land in Section 9, where his son, R. M. Lowry, now resides, and there he passed the remainder of his life. It is claimed by his children, that he and Jonathan Donnels raised a crop of corn at the mouth of Honey Creek, in Miami County, the same year that they settled in Clark, having often heard their father speak of this event. David Lowry was married in Miami County, in November, 1801, to Sarah Hammer, to whom were born Sarah, Nancy, Susan and Elizabeth, all dead but Susan, the wife of John LefFel. Mrs. Lowry died in August, 1810, and Feb. 14, 1811, he was married to Mrs. Jane Hodge, the widow ol Andrew Hodge, to whom she was married March 2G, 1803, of which union two children, Paulina H. and ' Andrew, were born, both dying in early life. Mrs. Jane Lowry was born in Virginia Sept. 26, 1778, and was .the daughter of James and Martha Wright, natives of the Old Dominion, who settled close to Paris, Ky., where the family were prominent farmers. To David and Jane Lowry were born four children, viz. : Martha S., David W., Robert M. and Sarah R., all of whom are living. Mr. Lowry died Sept. 9, 1859, and his widow, Aug: 15, 1867, she being a member of the Presbyterian Church, and her husband of the Christian denomination, both dying with a strong faith in a happy future. Of the character of David Lowry wre could not give too much praise ; a man of rigid industry and economy, he left a handsome estate ; imbued with a spirit of progress, he built mills and conducted enterprises that were a great benefit to the community and early settlers ; his invincible and determined courage fitted him for a pioneer ; and his spotless honesty in all things stamped him as a rare specimen of true manhood whom every one respected. Even the red savage admired him because he was kind, yet knew not fear, and his muscular frame seldom grew weary under the toil and hardships of pioneer life. Such is au imperfect outline of David Lowry, but in so short a sketch it is impossible to tell of his many noble traits of character ; of the obliging neighbor, fond father, kind husband and loving protector ; we might say much, and his descendants may well be proud of their pioneer sire, whom none knew but to respect. .

JOHN MINNICH, deceased; was a son of Michael, Sr., and Eve (Sintz) Minnich, who were both born, raised and married in Lancaster Co., Penn. They and five children emigrated to Ohio early in the 19th century, where two more children were born to them. He entered 300 acres of land in what is now Bethel Township, Clark Co., which is still in possession of the descendants. Michael and family were among the early and worthy pioneers of Clark Co., to whom much is due for the opening out of fine fields in Bethel Township, where in 1881 , instead of being decorated with the deep and dense forest, they are ornamented with waving fields of golden grain. Michael died in 1817, and his wife in 1856. Of their seven children (who are now all dead), John, the subject of this memoir, the sixth in number, was born in the present limits of Bethel Township, April 28, 1810, and was raised through the meantime procuring a common education. Upon Sept. 10, 1S32, he married Susan Layton, by whom he had four children. Susan was born in Clark Co. in 1 SI 2, and died in 1840, leaving husband and one child. The former married September, 1842, for his second wife Caroline Layton, a sister of his first wife ; she was born in Bethel Township, Clark Co., in December, 1824. By this union five children were born, of whom four are now living, whose names respectively are D. C., who married February, 1866, Elizabeth V. Higgins; Felix G., who died in 1868, aged 23 years ; Cassius \V., married in 1872 Ida Higgins; Mary E. married in 1872 Norman Eatta ; and Jessie E. Michael, who was the surviving one at Susan's death. He married in 1865 Sinda A. McAllister. John Minninch soon after his first marriage settled on his father's farm, where he resided until his death, April 11,

1864. He through life was au active and energetic farmer, in which he succeeded. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to all public improve- merits ; took an active part in the erection of the Dayton and Mad River Valley Turnpike, of which he served as Superintendent from its erection to his death. Politically he was a Republican ; though an earnest worker in its behalf, he never aspired to .any office whatever. lie took a liberal part in aiding the suppression of the late rebellion, with which he was connected until his death. He was a man of much .respectability, leaving a widow and five children above mentioned, the former still bearing the name of her departed husband.

SAMUEL MUSSELMAN, plasterer. The gentleman whose name heads this -sketch is the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Musselman, both natives of Lancaster Co., Peon., where our subject was born July 15, 1835. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1854, but in the following fall returned to his native State, where he remained until 1856, he again came to the Buckeye State," and located permanently in Bethel Township. He is a plasterer by trade, and still follows the business. On the 5th of August, 1861, he married Miss Anna Kauffmau, the daughter of Christian and Anna Kauffman, natives of Lancaster Co., Penn., where Mrs. Musselman was born on the 21st of January, 1840. By his union with Miss Kauffman, Mr. Musselman has had born to him the following nine children, to wit: Charlotte L., born Dec. 27, 1863 ;

ANDREW MOUK. Henry Mouk, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 12, 1809, and was married to Esther Herrshy (whose genealogy forms an appendix to this sketch) on the 16th of November, 1832. He earne to Ohio in the fall of 1851 ; made arrangements for his family's coming, and returned to Pennsylvania, but came to Ohio again with his wife and little ones in the vspring following, and settled in Bethel Township, where he resided until his demise, which occurred February 13, 1875, at the advanced age of 65 years 11 months and 1 day. His family consisted of the following nine children: Andrew, born Aug. 11, 1833; Henry, born July 12.

1835; died July 16, 1864; Barbara, July 4, 1S37, died Feb. 3, 1847 ; Anna, April 18, 1839; Mary, Aug. 1, 1841, died Aug. 1, 1842; Mary H., Oct. 12, 1S43, died June 23, 1848; John, Dec. 8, 1845; Esther and Catharine, Feb. 12, 1848. Catharine died Sept. 1, 1848, and Esther died Juue 3, 1851. Andrew, the subject hereof, was educated in the common schools of Ohio and Pennsylvania. Oct. 29, 1854, he married Susan Zeller, who was born Sept. 23, 1837, the daughter of Henry S. Zeller, a native of Lancaster Co., PeiiD., who came to Ohio in 1850, and settled in Bethel Township. Our subject's family consisted of the following twelve children : Maria