Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 12 of 17)

Elizabeth, Jesse, Mary Jane, and Asenath Clarissa, a bright, promising young lady, died in 1862, in her eighteenth year. Mr. Oren continued teaching for a number of years after his marriage. His principal occupation, however, was farming. He moved into Liberty Township in the winter of 1835, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 7, 1872. Mr. Oren was an intelligent, enterprising, public spirited and thoroughly conscientious man./ He was a friend of railroads, free pikes and free schools. He took an active interest in securing the first free pikes that were built in our county, and the last day's work of his life was in the interest of the extension of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. In politics, he was a Whig, until 1840, when he cast his last Whig vote for Harrison for President. From that time, until Lincoln issued his Emancipation Proclamation, he was a Garrisonian Abolitionist. The black man found in him a true and steadfast friend. He early espoused the temperance cause, and was an outspoken advocate for total abstinence. Reared under^the in- fluence of the Society of Friends, he was opposed to war, and the advocate of peace. But when the war for the preservation of the Union came, his sympathies were all with the Union armies, and he desired and prayed for their success. His two sons, Charles and Jesse, enlisted in the Union army. Charles was Captain of the Fifth United States Colored Troops, and was killed by a sharpshooter in front of Petersburg in August, 1864. Jesse served for three years in Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After Mr. Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, Mr. Oren became an earnest, active Republican. He lived to see the complete triumph of the anti-slavery principles for which he so long contended. Jane Oren, his widow, still survives him, and is now in her seventy-sixth year. Her faculties are remarkably good for one of her age. She lives in Gurneyville with her son-in-law, B. F. James, and is patiently waiting for the time to come when she can join the companion of her youth who has gone before.

ELI OREN, farmer, P. 0. Wilmington. His paternal grandfather, John Oren, was born in Yorktown, York Co., Penn., June 10, 1765, where he was reared and married Ruth Frazier, a native of the same county, but a few years his junior. While in their native county, they were blessed with three children, of whom one died in infancy. Near the close of the eighteenth century, they, with two children, moved ta Greene County, Tenn., where they resided until the fall of 1810, when they located in the borders of Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. In this location the messenger of death entered his family the following spring, and called away his companion, leaving him with ten motherless children ; but two years later he married for his second wife Lydia Ladd, of Highland County, Ohio, to which union were given four children. His stature was six feet and one inch, a robust and hardy pioneer, to withstand the early day hardships of Clinton County. He lived to see all of his children save two, who died in minority, marry and raise their families, but in 1847 the death messenger summoned him home, in the full faith of the Friends' Church, of which he had for many years been a member. Two years after his death, his second wife, too, was called hence. John Oren, Jr., the father of Eli, was born in Greene County, Tenn., March 10, 1802, and at the age of eight years was brought to Clinton County, Ohio, where he matured, married, lived and died. He grew to majority amid the pioneer days of the county, enduring all the difficulties to which they were subjected. His form was that of his father, but three inches less in height, and a similar constitution, a man of more than ordinary endurance. In December, 1831, he married Martha Bailey, who was a ' native of Union Township, this county, born June 25, 1808. They trod the path of life until March, 1848, when her death severed their union. In the year 1852, he married Martha J. Hunnicutt, who was a native of Prince George County, Va.' and several years his junior. To this union one child was given. On January 5, 1877, he departed this life in the full faith of the Friends' Church, and the widow still survives. Eli, whose name heads this sketch, is the eldest of eight children by the first marriage of John, Jr. He is the only one who has trod the path of single life, except two brothers who lost their lives in defending our country during the late war. Eli ie the owner of a fertile farm in Liberty Township, which receives his daily attention.

R. C. PEDDICORD, merchant, Port William. He is a native of Brown County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received a fair education, which he improved at Lebanon, Ohio. For the past two years he has been engaged in teaching, but on November 3, 1881, he took charge of a stock of general retail goods in Port William for his brother, O. F. Peddicord. They carry dry and fancy goods, boots and shoes, clothing and gents' furnishing goods, hats and caps, in short a full line of all articles kept in a general store. As is seen, this enterprise is of recent establishment, but by the interest manifested in displaying goods, and courtesy to customers, a favorable patronage is the result.

HENRY N. SANDERSON (deceased). The stroke of the mallet chiselo tihe firm marble into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death, but time covers the monument with mosses and defaces the inscription. Wo hero place upon rocord a brief sketch of the above, who was by occu- pation a farmer and broker. He was born in Fayette County, Ohio, May 13, 1823, and died in Clinton County, May 6, 1881. His early life was devoted on his father's farm, and in schools,; securing a fair education, he devoted about ten years to teaching school. In the meantime, in 1844, he married Sarah, daughter of Solomon Earley, whose biography appears in this history, and who was born in this county, November 2, 1824. Soon after their marriage, they settled on their farm, which he superintended, and loaned money. This received his close attention until within a few years of his death. Through this medium, he amassed a fair compensation, and at his death was one of the solid financial men of the county. This was largely the result of his own judicious management and industry. He was interred in the cemetery at Wilmington, where a suitable monument marks the resting-place of one whose long and eventful life, as husband, parent and friend will long be remembered. He was the father of three children, of whom two daughters are now living, viz.: Evaline Atley, and Rebecca

A. M. SANDERSON, farmer, P. 0. Port William, is a grandson of James Sanderson, who was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, about the year 1762, where he reached his majority, but about that time emigrated to America and settled in the State of Pennsylvania ; a few years later, to the limits of Adams County, Ohio, and ten years later to Fayette County, Ohio, ten miles West of Washington Court House, his nearest neighbor being a distance of five miles. On this farm he died at the ripe age of fourscore and two years. He married and raised four boys and four girls, all of whom are now dead. His political affiliations were in the interest of the Whig party, and his religious devotions in behalf of the Presbyterian Church, in which faith he died. James Sanderson, Jr., was born in Pennsylvania, about 1790, and served as one of the patriots in the war of 1812-13, for which service the widow now draws a pension from the Government of $96 per year. She is in good health, ninety years of age, can walk four or five miles without much fatigue. Her place of nativity is Wales. A. M. Sanderson, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 12, 1830, where he grew to manhood, and acquired a fair education. At the age of sixteen years he commenced teaching, which he followed seven years ; in the meantime, 1852, he married Elizabeth Mitchell, settled in Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, and in 1865 came to Liberty Township, purchased his present farm, and is now well situated in life. His wife was born on the farm they now own in 1830, and is the daughter of Samuel Mitchell, who was of Irish extraction, and was born in Tennessee in 1793, where he grew to manhood, learned the blacksmith trade, but only followed it through single life. He was one of the patriots of the war of 1812, but received no injuries. Soon after this struggle he married Elizabeth Armitage, of German descent, who was born in Tennessee, in 1800. They lived in their native State until 1829, when they came to Clinton County, Ohio, locating where A. M. Sanderson now resides. Their farm was all in the wilds of nature, which they cleared to a fair state, but on August 8, 1843, he was called hence, leaving his widow with eight children, of whom only two daughters survive. The widow's death occurred in 1868, she being nearly threescore and ten years of age.

W. H. SHRACK, farmer, P. O. Wilmington, is a son of Samuel and Abigail (McFarland) Shrack, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. The former was born November 15, 1794, and the latter August 17, 1799. At an early age, Samuel went to Virginia, and, in 1814, he came to Warren County, Ohio, where Abigail settled the same year. Their nuptials were celebrated May 26, 1818. They first settled in Warren County, but remained only a few years, when they removed to New Jasper Township, Greene County, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their life. He died November 16, 1864, and she October 3, 1867. They were the parents of five sons and seven daughters. One son died in his minority, and the remainder grew to majority and married and still survive, except one'of the daughters. The subject of this memoir was born in Greene County, Ohio, May 22, 1843 ; he was raised to farm life, and assisted in clearing up his father's farm, and obtained an ordinary education in the district school. He is a man of strong constitution, live and industrious, and, together with three of his brothers, measures twenty-five feet and nine inches in height. On October 8, 1865, his marriage was celebrated with Miss Hattie A. Price, who was born in Carrolton, Carroll Go., Ohio, December 23, 1845. The issue of this marriage is six children, viz. : John T., born December 15, 1866; Lulu 0., born December 4, 1868, and died December 8, 1868; William A., born October 2, 1873, and died May 3, 1874; Homer E., born May 23, 1875; Samuel H., born December 16, 1878 ; and James 0., born September 3, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Shrack remained in Greene County until December 25, 1867, when he bought his present beautiful home and located on it. It has undergone many changes, and, notwithstanding his loss of his house by fire in 1879, he now has a fine house and nearly all modern farm conveniences, coupled with a pleasant family. Politically, Mr. Shrack is a Republican by name and principle. His public career has been duly discharged in the offices of Trustee and Real Estate Assessor for District No. 2, composed of Liberty, Chester and Wilson Townships. It is said by the officers who had occasion to examine the books and returns of Real Estate Assessors for 1880, that W. H. Shrack, of Second District, is second to none in accuracy and completeness of execution. It is well evinced that his principles control his actions, and that is, " what is worth doing is worth doing well."

HENRY STEPHENS, farmer, P. G. Port William, is a son of David Stephens, who was by birth a Virginian, born April 14, 1806. At an early age, his parents moved to Clinton County, Ohio, where the latter died at advanced age. after enduring the privations of pioneer life, and David was reared amid the unbroken forest, which he assisted in clearing away, and opening up the firtile fields that now lie in the limits of Liberty Township. His enthusiastic and persevering nature carried him through many pioneer hardships, which could only be properly related by the pioneers themselves. About 1827, he married Catherine Shields and settled on the farm now occupied by our subject, where he remained as a farmer until shortly before his death, April 3, 1881, when he located in Port William. Catherine was born in Clinton County May 22, 1810, and preceded her husband to the eternal home a period of five years. Henry, whose name appears above, is one of a family of ten children, six daughters and four sons, of whom the former are all dead and the latter all survive. Of the sons, Henry is the third, and was born in 1839 on the farm where he now lives. He was raised a tiller of the soil, and is such still. On October 30, 1861, he married Mary E. McDonnan, with whom he had eleven children, of whom six now survive. Mrs Stephens is a native of Clinton County, Ohio, born June 20, 1844.

WILLIAM UNDERWOOD, farmer, P. O. Wilmington. To one of the early emigrants to Clinton County, this sketch is consecrated. William is the son of Amos Underwood, who was born in York County, Penn., July 18, 1786, but near his majority he located in Center County, the same State, where he married Mary Shirk about 1812. In 1825, they came to Clinton County, Ohio, with a family of six children. Two years subsequent to his coming, he purchased a farm of 108 acres of land in Wilson Township, and devoted about ten years to its improvement and cultivation, when he sold and purchased one in Union Township ; but in 1853, he located in or near Ilarveysburg, where he died at the age of fourscore years. His first wife died December 13, 1847, and his second companion, Priscilla (Hussey) Lewis, now resides near Richmond, Ind. William Underwood is the tenth of a family of eleven children, and was born June 5, 1834, in Clinton County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married Catherine Ilunnicutt, who is a sister of Thomas E., whose sketch appears in this volume. She was born in Clinton County, Ohio, June 13, 1837. Three years of their united life they lived in Wayne Township, Clinton County, and two years in Hamilton County, Ind.; but in the spring of 1863, they located where they now reside and are well situated and own a fine farm under good improvements, which, together with his courteous family, constitutes a pleasant home. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living, and he is giving special attention to training their minds in a literary channel. Their names are Susan M., Addison L., Martha E., Asenath A., Thomas K., Evan L. and Clarkson E.

ELISHA WALL, farmer, P. 0. Wilmington, is a son of Absalom Wall, who was horn in Chester County, Penu., in the year 1805; but in infancy, his parents located with him in Lancaster County the same State. When three years of age, the parents (Azariah and Rebecca) came to Ohio, locating in the present limits of Chester Township, Clinton County, but subsequently to Union Township, where both Azariah and Rebecca died, the latter in 1837, and the former in 1853. He was one of the large land-owners in an early day. Absalom was, as is seen, mostly raised in Clinton County, Ohio, and was me of a family of seven children. He matured amid the deep unbroken forest, and the rude log huts, in place of which are now seen broad, open and productive fields and fine and comfortable residences. In 1828, Absalom located on his farm in Liberty Township, where his death occurred July 29, 1878. He avoided all public notoriety and was contented with this common routine of farming and blacksmithing, the two being jointly conducted, but in 1860 he was elected as 'Land Assessor of his township. On April 17, 1828, his marriage was celebrated with Hannah Haines, who is a native of Clinton County, born November 12, 1808. She was raised to farm life, spinning flax and wool and making their own clothing. She is now seventy-four years of age, the mother of seven children and possesses fair health. Her family all grew to maturity, but during the late rebellion, Joseph, the fifth one, contracted illness which resulted in his death. The remaining six are now living, viz. : Louisa (Mrs. Joseph Mound),

Elisha, Alfred, Zimri, Mary E. (wife of F. D. Hart), and Jonathan. Elisha, whose name heads this sketch, was born in this county, February 18, 1832. He is now one ©f the substantial farmers of Liberty Township, and willing to aid all public improvements.

ABSALOM WALL, Jr., miller, P. O. Lumberton, was born in Clinton County May 19, 1816. His father, Absalom Wall, was born February 10, 1805, and on April 17, 1828, married Hannah Haines, who was born November 12, 1808. His grandfather, Azariah Wall, son of Absalom Wall and Margaret, his wife, of Chester County, Penn., was born September 1, 1772, and died August 29, 1853, and Rebecca Leech, his wife, daughter of Thomas Leech and Phebe, his wife, of York County, Penn., was born March 24, 1778, and died October 13, 1837. They were married in York County about the year 1795 or 1796, and lived in Center County, Penn., until 1809, when they moved to what is now Clinton County, Ohio. They had eight children, viz., Phebe, John, William, Thomas, Absalo u, Rebecca, Jane and Azariah L. Our subject was educated in Clinton County and reared on a farm. He learne 1 the trade of a miller, aud now conducts a mill at Lumberton. He has never married.

AARON WELLER, manufacturer of drain tile and earthenware, P. O. Lumber- Ion. This is what may properly be termed a modern improvement, and when well supported, as this one has been, plainly shows the enterprising spirit of the surroundingcitizens, which has justified the proprietor to conduct a similar business for a number of years, as is seen in the history of Liberty Township. The gentleman whose name beads this sketch is a native of Sussex, England, born January 12, 1815, the ninth and last child of his mother, who died soon after his birth. His father married his second companion, with whom he had eight children, and in 1828 the family emigrated to America, locating in York State; subsequently to Union County, Ohio, but finally and lastly to Seneca County, Ohio, where the father died shortly before the war of the late rebellion, and his wife survived until 1877, when she, too, entered her final rest. Aaron became a citizen of Clinton County, Ohio, about 1840, since which he has been engaged in his present business near where he is now located. He has successfully conducted one of the worthy and valuable enterprises of the township for many years, virtually to whose credit is due for many fiue tillable acres of land in Clinton County that was once a barren swamp or glacial drift. Mr. Weller was married in Perry County, Ohio, in 1833 to Miss Efiie Wordruff, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio. This union has been blessed with four children, viz., William, John, Enoch T. and Joseph A.

JOSEPH WHINERY, farmer (retired), P. O. Lumberton. Among Clinton County's oldest native-born citizens, and perhaps its first white birth, is the name of Joseph Whinery. The county was organize! February 19, 1810, and on April 20, following, is recorded his birth, and is the second of his father's family. His parents were Thomas and Ruth ("Miller) Whinery, both natives of York County, Penn.; he was born October 5, 1779, and Ruth about seven years his junior. They devoted their minor life in their native county, where they married early in the present century, and had born to them one child, Phebe, which they brought to Ohio with them in 1808, but when about seven years old died from eating, as they supposed, poison vine buds. They settled in the present limits of Union Township near Center Meeting House, where he purchased a small tract of land, to which he added and exchanged until his last earthly home consisted of 170 acres. He was one of the hardy pioneers and adventurous settlers, to whose calm endurance must be attributed the progress, growth, development and present prosperity of Clinton County. He buried his first wife in 1837, who became a victim of that dreaded disease, consumption ; she was the mother of ten children, of whom eight were left motherless, but only two remained at home. He married for his second companion Charlotte, widow of John Hoddie, with whom he lived until death called him hence in 1856, and the widow still survives at the age of nearly seventy-five years. Joseph was reared amid log cabins and the wilds of nature, many times having for his meat the flesh of the forest animals, long since exterminated. In his minority, the educational privileges were in accordance with other advantages of the pioneer days. His first teacher was Robert Way, who occupied a small hut with a few scholars who had wended their crooked paths through the dense forest, for sometimes miles, to enjoy the meager advantages therein taught. Studying by the brilliancy of the sun, forcing half-obscured rays of light through their greased paper windows, Joseph has, by his own efforts, accumulated sufficient knowledge to carry him successfully through life, and now is one of the prominent land-owners of his township, in which he has served as Trustee several terms in early life. When in his teens in the year 1827, was employed in driving a drove of cattle from here to Philadelphia, Penn., making the round trip on foot except swimming a horse across the Ohio River, at Wheeling, W. Ya. The time consumed in this trip was eleven long weeks from his parents, when seventeen years of age. He remained at home and gave his father his time until twenty-three years of age, but, on May 23 following, he united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Hezekiah Hiatt, mentioned in Isaac Hiatt's sketch in Liberty Township, this volume. She was born April 7, 1811, in Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio, and she as well as her husband endured many privations and hardships. This union has been blessed with five children, of whom four grew to maturity, but one only is now living, viz., Allen. Mr. and Mrs. Whinery have trod the path of married life for nearly half a century, and are both birthright members of the Friends' Church.

JOHN W. ANSIIUTZ, dentist, Blanchester, son of Andrew and Sarah (Lever) Anshutz, was born in Goshen Township, Clermont County, September 7, 1837. He was reared on a farm till twenty years of age, when he learned the dentist's profession in Goshen. In 1860, he came to Blanchester and began his practice on the northeast corner Broadway and Main streets, where he remained fifteen years, and then moved to his present office over Rice's store. He is the only dentist that ever located here ; began without anything, and, by steady application to business, has built up a splendid practice, besides accumulating his share of this world's goods. Keeps one assistant. Ho was married, December 24, 1878, in Cincinnati, to Mary Gregg. They have one daughter, Ruthello, born in Blanchester October 7, 1880. Mr. A. is a member of the Masonic fraternity ; owns his residence and four lots corner Main and Mill streets ; residence and two lots adjoining, fronting on Railroad street ; residence and two lots on Main street between Broadway and Church streets ; one lot near corner Broadway and Main streets, and one-half interest in 25 lots in Anshutz and Patterson's Addition.

Harriet (Blancett) Baldwin, was the first white child born in Marion Township, born October 17, 1815. His father was the first settler in this township. Benjamin remained at home till twenty-one years old, when he purchased ninety-one acres of land of his father at $9 per acre. He now owns one hundred and twenty-two acres, fifty of which he has cleared up and in a good state of cultivation, on which he has built a fine brick residence. He was married, February 9, 1837, in Marion Township, near his birthplace, to Susanna, daughter of William and Sarah (Houck) Hite. They had three children, one living - Harriet P., deceased; Sarah L., living, and William J., deceased. His first wife died in March, 1849, and he again married, near Middleboro, Warren Co., Ohio, January 1, 1851, to Martha E., daughter of William and Nancy (Doctor) Henry, born near Middleboro January 4, 1829. They have three children - Lucius H., Nettie N. and Marion A. Mr. B. has been Justice of the Peace one term, Supervisor several years. He was Superintendent of Construction on the Marietta Railroad when it was built. In 1840, he built the second saw-mill in the township (water power), which he kept in operation till 1847. He now has a fine steam portable mill near his residence, where he does considerable custom work.

SAMUEL BALDWIN, merchant, Blanchester, is the oldest merchant in the county, is son of Jonathan and Harriet (Blancett) Baldwin, born in Marion Township, one-fourth mile north of Blanchester, January 27, 1819. His father was the first settler in this township. Samuel was reared on farm, attending school winters till twenty years of age. He then entered his brother's store as clerk, corner Broadway and Center streets. He remained in that capacity four years, when he bought one-half interest, and remained four years longer. He then opened a store of his own directly opposite his brother. In June, 1851, he removed to Lot No. 2, Main street, adjoining his present place of business, where he remained till 1865, and then opened out where he is at present. Carries the largest stock of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, queensware, hardware, etc., in the village ; also deals in lumber; carries a stock altogether of $10,000 to $15,000, and does an annual business of about $40,000 ; employs three hands. He was married, at Mainville, Warren Co., Ohio, in November, 1843, to Rebecca Whitney. They had five children, three now living - Alvah W., Jonathan B. and Rebecca J.; deceased - Emma and Samuel O. Himself and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. B. owns his place of business, residence and three lots corner Broadway and Center, where the old store stood ; three dwellings which he rents ; four lots and two and one-half acres of land ; also Block 48, fifty feet on Lot 3, Baldwin's Hall overhead - all inside corporation ; also 348 acres of land in this township, and 217 J in Jefferson Township, adjoining Clinton Valley. Mr. B. has been Postmaster and Township Treasurer twenty-two years.

JONATHAN B. BALDWIN, agricultural implement dealer and farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Jonathan and Harriet (Blancett) Baldwin, was born near Blanchester August 30, 1821. He was reared on a farm till twenty-two years of age, attending schools winters. He then engaged as clerk several years for his brother, W. H. Baldwin. In 1850, he built his present residence, corner Main and Wright streets, in part of which he opened a general store and carried on business a few years ; then rented the basement part of the Universalist Church, where he now sells agricultural implements, such as reapers, mowers, threshing-machines, &c. He was married in Brown County, O., in 1846, to Clorinda, daughter of Isaac and Isabelle Covalt, born in Brown County, O. They had seven children, four living - Maria M., Lida C., Stephen D. and Frauk Gr. The deceased were John A. Q., William J. W. and Mary I. Mr. Baldwin owns his residence and ten and one-half lots on same square, and 128 acres of fine land one mile northeast of Blanchester.

FRANK M. BALDWIN, druggist, P. O. Blanchester, in Carnahan's Block, Broadway street, and son of Joseph and Valeria A. (Shank) Baldwin ; was born in Blanchester September 6, 1842, where he attended school till 1861, and taught school also about fifteen months. He then entered the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, where he attended one term during the winter of 1863-4. In June, 1864, he started in the drug business in his present place of business, where he has quite an extensive trade, carries a choice stock of drugs, paints, oils, window glass, jewelry, and overhead a stock of wall paper ; stock valued at $3,000, and does an annual business of about $6,000. He has been married twice, first near Middleboro, Warren County, Ohio, October 19, 1864, to Elmira, daughter of J. H. and Mary (Erwin) Ferguson, born in Hamilton County, Ohio. They had five children, two living - Sherman and Carrie ; deceased, Sheridan, Gladdest M. and Stanley B. His wife died February 22, 1879, and he again married in Newport, Ky., to Anna, daughter of Ezra and Anna Yanduzen, born in Newport in 1855. Mr. Baldwin owns a fine brick residence and four lots on Main street. He is Master of the Masonic Lodge of Blanchester, member of the fire department six years, Village District Clerk eleven years, Councilman several times, and member of the Uni versa list Church.

JOSEPH BRANDENBURG, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, was born near Lebanon, Warren County, O., June 15, 1820. He was reared on a farm, and married near Morrowtown, Warren County, Ohio, in January, 1844, to Nancy, daughter of Hugh Hines, born in Warren County. They have six children - -Henry, Cynthia, John, George, Elvira and Clara. In the spring of 1853, he came to this township and bought seventyone acres of land on the pike between Blanchester and Woodville, where he now has 100 acres, sixty under cultivation. He also has a house and lot in Blanchester. His son John ran away from home when seventeen and enlisted at Camp Dennison, and served over two years.

JOHN BRIGHT, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of James and Judy Bright, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, February 11, 1821. He was reared on a farm. In 1857, he came to the United States and settled in Brown County, O., where he remained till 1869, when he came to Martinsville, this county, where he resided till 1879. He then bought 100 acres of land in Marion Township, eighty-eight of which are under cultivation. He was married in Cambridgeshire in 1844 to Amy Wiltshire, also a native of England and bora in London. They have eight children - Sarah, Martha, Rosina, Jane, Charlotte, Edward, Aroess and William. Mr. Bright and wife are members of the M, E. Church.

J. L. BRUSH, Postmaster, P. O. Blanchester, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bradley) Brush, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., July 15, 1839. His parents were of English ancestry. He was reared in the country till twenty-one years of age, attending school winters. He then learned the photographer's trade, and traveled ten or twelve years. In 1871, he came to Blanchester and opened a general store under the Universalist Church, where he remained a short time, and moved to where Moon's drug store now is and remained two or three years, during which time he admitted Harvey Rice as a partner, and was also appointed Postmaster. They removed to where Mr. Rice now keeps, and remained several years, when he bought Mr. R.'s interest, and in January, 1880, he moved to his present place of business, where he still keeps the post office, and a fine selection of dry goods, groceries, boots, shoes, queensware, etc., valued at $5,000 to $6,000, and does an annual trade to the amount of $12,- 000 to $15,000. Mr. B. was married near Lynchburg, Ohio, November 27, 1870, to Martha E., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Pulse) Stroup, born near Marshall, Highland Co., Ohio. They have had five children, two living - Jesse L., and Lulu E. The deceased were named as follows : William, Myrtie and Charles. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies. He owns a fine brick residence and three lots corner Main and Grove streets, and two other lots in the village.

JOSEPH BURTON, miller, P. O. Blanchester, son of Peyton and Martha (Johnson) Burton, was born at Burtonville, Clinton Co., Ohio, September 22, 1844. His parents came to this county about 1841 or 1842. His father was a miller, and is considered the first man that introduced steam power into Highland County, Ohio. Joseph was reared in a mill, and has followed the occupation of a miller all his life. In 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in Hancock County, Ohio, in Company A, Fiftyseventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Rice, and served one year. He entered the navy several months later, and served on board the gunboat Moose one year, and then returned to Leesburg, Highland Co., Ohio, in 1864, and the following spring he came to Blanchester, and bought one-half interest in the Blanchester Flouring Mills, and was married in Wilmington, March 23, 1865, to Martha A., daughter of William and Priscilla Spencer, born in Clinton County. They have seven children - Clara M., Cora L., Nora, Joseph H., Martha. Lucy and George W. In 1874, Mr. Burton sold his interest in the flouring mill and returned to Leesburg, Highland County, where he remained till the spring of 1879, when he returned to Blanchester and built what is known as the Mariou Flouring Mills, where he does merchant and custom work. He has a four-run mill, and is grinding by the new process. Mr. Burton has the leading flouring mill of Blanchester, and is regarded as one of the leading influential citizens of that place. January 23, 1882, he admitted H. T. Scott as a partner; firm known as Joseph Burton & Co.

JOHN BURTON, miller, P. 0. Blanchester, son of Jesse and Ruth (Achor) Burton, was born in Lynchburg. Highland Co., Ohio, March 16, 1847. His father was a miller. He attended school till sixteen years old ; his father dying about that time, himself and brother took charge of the mill for a while, and then renting it to a cousin John, being employed by him to learn the business; he remained about three years, and then came to Blanchester and worked in a mill two years, owned by his cousin and uncle. John then purchased one-half interest of his uncle, and himself and cousin continued the business till 1876, when he bought his cousin's share, and has since been alone. His mill is situated in the southeast part of the village; he has three run of stones, two for wheat, and one for corn ; does considerable custom work, also buying considerable grain and shipping the flour. He was married in Blanchester in 1871, to Mary E., daughter of William and Priscilla (Stackhouse) Spencer. They have two children - Jesse W. and Harvey A. Mr. B. is a member of the Odd Fellow and Masonic societies. Himself and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

DAVID C. CARNAHAN, farmer, P. 0. Blanchester, son of Aaron and Elvira Carnahan, was born in Somerest County, Ky., October 23, 1812, and reared on a farm. When one year old, his parents removed to Washington Township, this county, where they bought 140 acres of timber land and built a log cabin in the woods and struggled through the hardships and privations of those early times. They had four sons. After laboring there a number of years clearing up land and making improvements, they were suddenly deprived of their land through a flaw in the title, and were compelled to leave; fortunately they recovered the payment they had made. They then removed to another part of the township on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, where they purchased fifty acres and cleared it nearly all of timber. David C. remained at home till December 31, 1835, when he was married to Deborah, daughter of Barnett and Ruth (Jones) Thornhill. They have had ten children, eight living - John and Ruth (deceased); Fergus, Barnett, Aaron, Harvey, William, James, Mary E. and Louisa E. After his marriage, Mr. Carnahan took a lease on twenty-five acres of land, ten of which he cleared. After remaining six years, he returned to the homestead. At the death of his father, he bought out the other heirs and exchanged the homestead for fifty acres of his present farm. He now has 104£ acres, eighty acres under cultivation, sixty of which he has cleared himself. Mr. C. and wife are members of the Universalist Church of Blanchester.

DAVID M. CROSSON, farmer, P. 0. Blanchester, son of George and Charlotte (Morrison) Crosson, was born in Marion Township, one mile north of Blanchester, in 1836. His grandparents came here at an early period, from Edwardsville, Warren Co., Ohio. George, the third child, and father of our subject, was born in this township, and at the time of his death owned 113 acres of land. David M. was reared on the old homestead until twenty-one years of age, when he bought ten and three-fourths acres of land on which he began farming for himself. He was married, in 1856, to Sarah L., daughter of Benjamin and Susanna (Hite) Baldwin, born in this township. They have five children - Lewis A., Emerson E., Iva, Josie and Franklin. In 1866, himself and brother, Alexander, bought the homestead, David receiving fifty-one acres. In 1879, he bought forty-six acres adjoining, now owning 108 acres, 105 under cultivation. Mr. C. is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.

ALEXANDER CROSSON, manufacturer of fine lumber, sash, doors and building material, Blanchester, is a son of George and Charlotte (Morrison) Crosson, and was born about one mile west of Blanchester July 14, 1844. His parents were among the early settlers of this township. He was reared on a farm till 1871, when he came to Blanchester and engaged in the meat business about eighteen months. In 1877, he bought one-half of an acre of land on Main street, south of the railroad, where he dealt in lumber and agricultural implements. He shortly after built his shop, where he is now carrying on a flourishing business. In August, 1879, his business increasing, he built a large warehouse back of the main building, and in April, 1881, found it necessary to erect another building, on the south side. He employs usually four or five hands, although he sometimes has as many as ten. Mr. Crosson was married before he left the farm in January, 1866, to Mary J., daughter of Cyrus Liggett. They had three children, two still living - Emma and Linna. In the summer of 1871, his wife died, and he again married, to Mary J. Supinger, daughter of Robert Supinger, of Blanchester. They have one child - -Lora. Mr. C. is a member of the Odd Fellows society, has a fine brick residence and four lots on Main street.

JOHN E. CROSSON, blacksmith, Blanchester, son of William and Catherine Crosson, was born in this township in 1840. He was reared on a farm till eighteeu years old, when he learned the blacksmith trade in Blanchester with Larkin Clelland. He remained with him two years, and the war breaking out shortly after, he enlisted in 1861, in Company C, Fifty-fourth Ohio Zouaves, and was at the battle of Pittsburg Landing, and a number of others. He was taken prisoner at Atlanta, Ga., July 22, 1864, and was thrown into Andersonville Prison. There were 2,000 prisoners taken the same day, numbers of them died around him. He was finally exchanged, and being sick and disabled, was discharged and returned to Blanchester. In 1866, he opened a blacksmith shop opposite his present stand, where he remained three years, and then moved to his present building, where he is doing a good business, shoeing, repairing and general blacksmithing. He was married, in Cincinnati, March 8, 1866, to Mary E., daughter of John and Amanda Barry, born near Blanchester. They have had two children, one living - Della. The deceased was Stanley, who died in infancy.

FRED A. GOULDING, editor and publisher, Blanchester, Ohio, was born at Falmouth, Pendleton Co., Ky., July 13, 1845. His parents were George P. and Aurelia M. (Bennett) Goulding, natives, the former of Branstow, England, and the latter of Auburn, New York, born March 20, 1809, and May 3, 1813, respectively. The father came to America in 1832, and on the 6th of December, 1836, the couple were married at Seneca Falls, New York, and in the spring of 1837 removed to Wisconsin, and there he laid out the city of Milwaukee, and built the first house on laud where now stands that city, the pride of Wisconsin. From there they went to Falmouth, Kentucky, and in 1866 came to Clinton County, this State, and soon thereafter removed to Crown Point, Ind., where the father died September 26, 1876, and the mother June 20, 1874. Mr. Goulding was a miller by trade and occupation. Our subject is the third son of a family of seven boys, and received his early schooling in the manner customary among Southern families - namely, by private instructions at home. He attended Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, and the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, and in 1863 left the latter institution, and on the 6th of August, of that year, enlisted in Company " K," Seventh Regiment Kentucky Cavalry, and before the war closed became Captain of Company " F," of the same regiment, and, as such, served until the fall of 1865. During his military service Captain Goulding received a gunshot wound in the right leg, and he still carries the ball, it having at various times changed its position in the limb. In General McCook's raid, south of Atlanta, he was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville Prison. At the close of the war, the Captain again turned his attention to his books, entering Center College, at Danville, Ky., where he graduated. On the 19th of February, 1872, he was united in marriage with Maggie Sniff, of the vicinity of Blanchester, this county, and to them have been born the following children : Charles, Della, Loua and Edna. Since June

27, 1881, Capt. Goulding has been the editor and publisher of the Blanchester Star, an independent paper, which he has ably and successfully managed. He is a courteous and affable gentleman, and in politics a Republican.

JAMES M. GUSTIN, merchant, Blanchester, son of John B. and Elleanor (Marshall) Gustin, was born at Red Lion, Warren Co., Ohio, January 26, 1826. His parents were among the early settlers of that county. In 1793, his grandparents came from Pennsylvania and settled at the mouth of the Little Miami River, where they remained three years, and then moved to Red Lion, where some of their descendants yet live. James was reared on a farm till seventeen years of age, when he learned the carpenter's trade. He was engaged ten years rafting lumber down the Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. He then returned to Highland County, Ohio, where he was married August 30, 1848, to Esther A., daughter of John and Jane (Wilson) Barr, born near Hillsboro. They had eight children, five living - Joseph H ., graduated from West Point, in 1875, and assigned to the Fourteenth United States Infantry, as Second Lieutenant, now in Colorado; Fannie L., George W., Julia and Samuel. The deceased were Elleauor J., John W. and Addie. In 1836, his parents came to this county and settled about two miles east of Blanchester, where they remained three years, and then moved to Brown County. Mr. Gustin has been engaged in a variety of occupations - carpenter, millwright, on the railroad, etc. In 1861, he opened a general store, on what is known as Gustin's Corner, Blanchester, where he has carried on business ever since. Has a fine assortment of dry goods, boots, shoes, hats, caps, ready-made clothing, queensware, hardware, groceries, etc., stock of from $3,000 to $5,000, and is doing a flourishing business. He owns a fine brick residence and five acres of land on Main street, two houses and lots on Main street near his store, also two farms, one of 126 acres one and one-half miles north of Blanchester, the other 106| one and one-half miles south of Blanchester, with dwellings, outbuildings, orchards, etc. Mr. Gustin has also served in defense of his country; enlisted in fall of 1864, at Hillsboro, as Second Sergeant in the One Hundred and Seventy-Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Wolf; served nine months; was in several engagements, and was discharged on account of disability at Camp Dennison. Mr. Gustin is a member of the Odd Fellows and Freemasons; himself and wife of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

MORDECAI R. HAINES, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Isaac and Keziah (Woolman) Haines, was born in Burlington County, N. J., May 25, 1809. In the fall of 1811, his parents came to this county and settled about six miles north of Wilmington, where they bought 256 acres of land. They cleared about forty acres and made a number of improvements. In the fall of 1828, they lost their place, after having it nearly paid for. The following year, they removed to Marion Township, and bought 497 acres, giving in part payment 160 acres they owned in Greene County. Of this estate, our subject received 129 acres, and was married May 24, 1834, to Susanna, daughter of Jeremiah and Hannah (Greer) Rowan, born in Hamilton County, Ohio. They had twelve children, seven living - Zimri, Amanda, Jeremiah, Salathiel, Grandville, Robert and Sylvester; deceased were named Abigail, Hannah A., Merrill, Martha A. and Keziah. After his marriage, Mr. Haines settled on his land given him by his father, which was principally covered with timber. He built a log hut in the woods. At the end of four years, he had twenty-five acres cleared and fenced. He then sold, and bought 126 acres where his family now live. They now have 225 acres, 200 of which are under cultivation. He has cleared 170 acres himself. In 1876, he sold the farm to his two sons, Salathiel and Grandville, but he still lives on the homestead. His wife died in 1875. Zimri H., his eldest son, was born in this township February 26, 1837, and remained at home till twenty-four years of age, when he was married to Emeline A., daughter of Cyrus and Fanny Dudley, born in Woodville, Clermont Co., Ohio, January 28, 1842. They had six children - Charlie, Ida, Fanny, Florence, Dudley and Maggie. Mr. Haines purchased sixty acres of land in Jefferson Township, part of the old homestead, where he resided till 1865, when he sold and moved to Perry Township, Brown County, where he bought ninety-six acres, which he still owns, eighty under cultivation. Mr. H. enlisted at Camp Dennison in theonehun- dred-day service in the spring of 1863. He re-enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Wolf. At the end of three months, he was discharged on account of disability, and returned home. He is a member of the Grange. Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church.

MRS. PRISCILLA HALL, Blanches ter, wife of James Hall and daughter of Samuel and Mary Statelier, was born in Vernon Township, this county, November 15, 1825. Her parents were among the early settlers of this county. Her father, at his death, left her 200 acres of land three miles northeast of Blanchester. She now has nearly four hundred acres, about three hundred under cultivation. She was married, August 14, 1845, to James Hail. They have two children - Mary L., wife of Lewis B. Whitacre, and Samuel J.

WILLIAM R. HUDSON, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Selby and Elizabeth Hudson, was born in Maryland in 1817. He was reared on a farm. When one year old, his parents came to Cincinnati, where his father, a ship carpenter, followed his trade a short time and then removed to Brown County, where they lived nine years. They then came to this township. When seventeen years of age, our subject bought fifty-two acres of land, which forms part of his present farm of 107 aores, ninety of which is under cultivation. Forty-two acres of Mr. Hudson's farm is across the line in Brown County. He was married, in 1843, in Jefferson County, Xnd., near Madison, to Mary Short. They had live children, three living - Andelia E., Richard, John (deceased), Elisha and Hendrick (deceased). Mr. Hudson is a member of the Grange.

SAMUEL IRVIN, farmer, P, 0. Blanchester, son of Andrew and Sarah A. (Shepler) Irvin, was born in Ross County March 9, 1821; was reared on a farm. In 1830, his parents moved to Hamilton County, and in 1831 they removed to Hopkinsville, Hamilton Township, Warren County, where they bought twenty-five acres of land, and kept hotel sixteen or seventeen years. Our subject was married in 1845 to Martha Crosley, daughter of Isaac and Rachael (Cook) Crosley, born near Lebanon, Warren County. They have seven children - Nathan, James, Caroline, George, Abram, Emma and Dora. In 1850, himself and brother bought 160 acres of land in Washington Township, Warren County, where he resided two years and then moved to Mather's Mills, on the Little Miami River, where he farmed and worked in a saw-mill till the spring of 1856, when he moved to Marion Township and bought sixty acres which he kept a short time. He bought and sold several pieces. In December, 1866, he settled on his present farm where he owns nearly 400 acres of land, 300 under cultivation. He has a fine brick residence and other improvements. Mr. Irvin is a member of the Grange.

JAMES IRVIN, grain dealer, Blanchester, of the firm of Irvin & Losh, is son of Samuel and Martha (Crosley) Irvin. Was born near Deerfield, Warren Co., Ohio, May 18, 1849. He was reared on a farm. In 1877, he bought 100 acres of land in Washington Township, Clinton County, which he kept one year and exchanged for 100 acres in Marion Township, about three miles northeast of Blanchester. He moved on it in the spring of 1878. He cleared up forty acres and made other improvements. In March, 1881, he came to Blanchester and formed a partnership with Francis K. Losh, buying and shipping grain. In January, 1882, they bought a grocery store on Broadway street, in Triokey's Block, where they carry a choice stock of staple and fancy groceries in connection with their grain trade, doing a flourishing business. He was married, in Marion Township, January 1, 1871, to Alice S., daughter of James A. and Martha (Kennedy) Losh, born on Indian Hill, Hamilton Co., Ohio. They have had four children, three living - Irena F., Estella J. and Samuel J. (deceased), Georgina.

ALFRED JAMES, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Joseph and Catherine (Kelley) James, was born near Loveland, Warren County, in 1827. Reared on a farm. His parents emigrated from Virginia to Cincinnati about 1817. When four years of age they moved to this township and bought 344 aores of land, 148 of which our subject now owns, eighty under cultivation. His father died in Maroh, 1862, his mother in November, 1872. Mr. James served nearly ten months in the war of the rebellion. Enlisted at Hillsboro, in 1864, in Company G, Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry,

JASPER N. LAZURE, butcher, Blanchester, son of Edward and Angeline (Deen) was born in Wirt County, Va., in 1840. His father was a machinist. Jasper has engaged in various occupations, chiefly as sawyer. June 15, 1861, he enlisted at Camp Dennison in Company G, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Served four years five months and fourteen days, during which time he had some remarkably narrow escapes with his life, and endured untold privations. He veteranized at Cincinnati, joining Company F, Fifth Regiment Regular Army. He was twice wounded, first at Scarey Creek, W. Va., in the left leg, below the knee. He suffered considerable pain, but did not leave the ranks. He was again wounded, at South Mountain, Md., first man wounded in the engagement, receiving a ball in the right leg close to the groin. He was sent to the hospital at Middletown, Md., where he lay a short time, and was then sent to Frederick Station, where he lay forty-eight hours in the hot sun and suffered intensely. His limb was swollen dreadfully and was full of maggots. Five physicians who were attending the wounded wanted to remove the limb at the socket, but he said he would lose his life rather than the limb, and it is really a miracle he lived. Numbers of his companions around him died of exposure, the days being so very hot and no protection from the rays of the sun nor the chilling atmosphere of night to be procured*. He was then sent to Washington, where he remained in the hospital some time, and then to Fort Schuyler, where he remained some time. He was finally offered his discharge, a sixty days' furlough, or to return to his regiment, and although not yet well, he accepted the latter, and remained with his regiment till November 29, 1865, when he was discharged at Hartford, Conn., and came to Blanchester, where he rented his father's saw-mill fifteen months, and then engaged in buying and exchanging horses, hay, grain, etc. In the spring of 1876, he engaged in the butchering business on Broadway street, with his present partner, A. Hettisiner. They continued in business two years, and then sold out, but in April, 1881, they again opened out, established themselves where they are now on Broadway street, near Main, where they are having quite an extensive trade. Mr. Lazure was married in Blanchester, in 1867, to Jane, daughter of John and Maria Hitesman, born in Harlan Township, Warren County, Ohio. They have two children - Joseph R. and Maria. He owns a fine brick residence and five acres of land fronting on Lazenby street, one house and two lots on Fancy street, one lot and building corner Broadway street and Railroad, and two lots corner Church and Bourbon streets.

LEVI LEVER, deceased, was son of Joseph and Patience Lever, and was born in New Jersey July 5, 1799. He was reared on a farm. In 1810, his parents came to Warren County, Ohio, where they purchased a farm. Levi was married to Rebecca, daughter of Richard and Eve Templin. They had nine children, five still living - Lewis, Jacob, Isaac, Thomas and Maranda. About 1837, they came to Marion Township and purchased 114£ acres of timber land about one and a half miles northeast of Blanchester. They have cleared about eighty-six acres. Levi Lever departed this life May 21, 1866, and his wife July 12, 1881. The homestead is now occupied by Jacob and Maranda, both members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Their brother, Thomas, enlisted in the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He received a shock by a cannon-ball by which his hearing was impaired.

ORRIN J. LYON, farmer, P. 0. Woodville, son of John and Abigail (Weatherby), was born in Erie County, Penn., in 1828. When two years old, his parents came to Warren County, Ohio, and two years , later they bought 225 acres of timber land. They cleared about 125 acres, and built a fine brick residence. Orrin has lived on the old homestead ever since, 100 acres of which he still owns, having sold the remainder, thirty-eight acres, situated in the southwest corner of Marion Township, tho remainder in Harlan Township, Warren County. His father died March 21, 1879, and his mother January 25, 1867.

CHARLES F. McCORMICK, blacksmith, Blanchester, of the firm of Snider & McCormick, was born in Clermont County, in 1858. Reared on a farm till seveneen years of age, when he learned the blacksmith trade with David Hill, of New Bos- ton, Clermont County, serving three years. He then went to Milford, where he remained about fifteen months, and then came to Blanchester aud worked for L. H. Johnson in his present shop. In the spring of 1881, himself and George W. Snider bought the shop, Mr. McCormick being the practical man and taking charge of the wood department. They employ from three to five hands and make wagons, sleighs, etc., besides horseshoeing, repairing, etc.

THOMAS McKINNEY, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of David and Maria McKinney, was born in Simms Township, Hamilton County, Ohio, June 27, 1836. In 1858, he came to Blanchester and engaged in the carriage shop of Amos Collins a few months. He worked at that trade in different localities till December 12,1861, when he was married in this township to Phoebe, daughter of Joseph and Ann Leech, who was born in this township. They have four children - Sylvanus,- Wilson, Adella and James S. They have a nice farm of 103f acres of land on the pike between Blanchester and Woodville, seventy acres under cultivation. Joseph Leech emigrated from York County, Penn., in 1840, and settled near Wilmington, where he remained twoyears, and then moved to this township and bought the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Kinney now live.

DARIUS H. MOON, druggist and hardware merchant, Blanchester, corner Broadway and Main streets, son of Henry H. and Mary A. (Paxton) Moon, was bora in Martinsville, Clinton County, September 5, 1837. His parents were among the early settlers of this county. His father is still living in Dayton, Ohio ; mother died July 3, 1880. He was reared on a farm, attending schools winters till eighteen years of age when he learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it four years. He then enlisted in Arcanum, Darke Co., Ohio, in 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteers, under Capt. Young, and was in a number of prominent battles, among others the battles of Winchester, Wilderness and Cedar Creek. He enlisted as private, and was promoted first to Orderly Sergeant, then Second Lieutenant, then First Lieutenant. He served two years and six months, and resigned near Winchester, Va., on account of ill health, and again returned to Martinsville and worked at his trade one year. He then opened a drugstore at Westboro, which he kept two years, and then sold and came to Blanchester and opened his present place of business where he carries a choice stock of drugs and also hardware ; carries a stock of about $2,500, and does an annual business of about $8,000. He was married, February 22, 1870, in Blanchester, to Osee F., daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Williams) Strawn, born in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio. They have one son - Alden M., born in Blanchester September 1, 1872. Mr. Moon owns a fine residence on Main street, and a dwelling, which he rents, on Center Btreet. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows associations.

EZEKIEL M. MULFORD, merchant, P. O. Blanchester, son of Joseph and Rhoda (Smith) Mulford, was born near Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, October 14, 1818. Reared on a farm till fifteen years of age when he began clerking. He was married near Lebanon to Elizabeth Graham. This union was blessed with one daughter, Anna M., now wife of Phillip Surface. Mr. Mulford's wife died in 1850 at Westboro, Clinton Co., Ohio. He again married to Rachel Seal, of Westboro, by whom he had three children - Martha E., Lucius H. and Jehu R. In 1856, Mr. Mulford again became a widower. In 1858, he again married in Blanchester to a widow lady, Louisa Cast. They have one child, Hattie L. In 1860, he opened a general store in Cuba, this county, and in 1864 he opened his present place of business on Broadway street, Blanchester, where he carries a choice stock of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, groceries, etc., and does an annual business of $8,000 to $10,000. Mr. Mulford is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In Jefferson Township, he held numerous offices of trust; has been Township Treasurer eight years, and Justice of Peace six years. He owns his residence and two lots, corner of Main and Wright streets, also thirty-three and one-third acres of fine land within a half mile of the corporation.

(Hudson) Oliver, was born in Jefferson Township, Clinton County, Ohio, in 1834. He was reared on a farm, and when nineteen years of age left home and went to Bla.nchester and worked at blacksmithing one year. He was married in 1855 to Eliza J., daughter of James and Phoebe Clelland. They have six children - Sarah A., Mary E., Emma, Annis, Harriet and Eldon. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Oliver bought sixty acres of land in Marion Township, close to the Jefferson Township line. He has since purchased thirty acres adjoining, seventy-eight under cultivation. He enlisted in Hillsboro in September, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. McCoy, and served one year. During Hood's raid he was on duty at one time at Columbia, Tenn., and while at his post the Union troops retreated across Dutch River toward Nashville; without notifying the guards, they took up their bridges after the troops were across. The enemy advanced and the pickets retreated to the river, where they could not cross and our subject with several others were captured and sent to Corinth, Miss., where he remained confined a short time and* was sent to two or three other prisons, but was finally exchanged in February, 1865, and was ordered to report to his regiment. Was discharged at Camp Dennison and returned to Blanchester. Mr. Oliver has a nice farm, and has erected a fine brick residence, outbuildings, orchards, etc. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and Grange societies, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Church.

W. F. RANDOLPH, merchant, Blanchester, of the firm of Whitacre & Randolph, and son of Joel and Elizabeth (Williams) Randolph, was born in Tyler County, W. Va., April 2, 1830. His father was a merchant in Monroe County, Ohio, and our subject was reared near the Ohio River, and having a liking for the water he was apprenticed to learn to be a pilot; served three years on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, where he has piloted thirty years, also on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. He was married in Wheeling, W. Va., in 1856, to Margaret J., daughter of John and Julia Smith, born in Greene County, Penn. They have seven children- - .Elizabeth, Edward, Julia, Frank, Florence, Clara and Annie. Mr. Randolph still follows his business on the river. In 1862. he was appointed pilot by the Government during three years of the war and was in a number of engagements. He is a member of the Pilots' Benevolent Association. He has a fine farm close to Blanchester.

RICHARD M. RILEA, Justice of Peace, Blanchester, son of John and Frances (Wisby) Rilea, was born in Highland County, Ohio, November 18, 1839. He was reared on a farm till seventeen years of age, when he worked in saw-mills till the breaking-out of the war, when he enlisted at. Fineastle, Brown Co., Ohio, under Capt. Seewright ; the company was an independent company of cavalry. They were not accepted by the Government. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Stevenson, and was in a number of prominent battles, among others Second Bull Run, South Mountain and Antietam. Served two years, and re-enlisted at Fayetteville, W. Va., in same company. At the battle of Cloyd Mountain, he was wounded below the knee, the ball split, part going through the limb; the other piece was extracted fully nine inches below where it eutered. After receiving the wound, he was taken prisoner, and sent to the Emery and Henry College Hospital where he lay over two months and was then sent to Lynchburg, thence to Richmond, where he remained one month. He was then paroled and sent to Annapolis, Md., thence to McClelland Hospital, Philadelphia, when he was discharged July 12, 1865, and came to this county and kept a sample room three months. He has been a strong advocate of the temperance cause ever since. He came to Blanchester in 1866, and worked in a wagon shop till 1868. He was then elected Constable and Assessor of this township three years. In the spring of 1873, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he has held ever since. He has been Mayor of Blanchester two terms, and at present acting Councilman, Marshal and Street Commissioner. He was married, November 18, 1866, to Rebecca M., daughter of Jacob and Jane (Higgins) Smith, born in this county. They have four children, Linnetta, Leonidas, Pearl and Sarah. Mr. R. is a member of the Odd Fellows society. He owns his residence and two lots, corner Center and Clark streets.

ANDREW ROBB, M. D., physician, Blanchester. Alexander Robb, the grandfatter of the subject of this sketch, was of Irish ancestry, and a protestant by faith. He was educated for a professional school teacher. He emigrated to this country from Londonderry, Ireland, and settled in Brownsville, Penn., on the Allegheny River. A few years later, he was married to Miss Barbara Light, and they in company with her three brothers Jacob, Peter and George C. and families, in the year 1793, floated down the Ohio River in a flat-boat, landing at Cincinnati. In 1794, they settled twenty miles above that city. Jacob laid out New Richmond, Clermont County, and lived to see it a thriving little village. Peter was among the first surveyors of that county, and George C. became a prominent Methodist minister of Southern Ohio. Alexander Robb, with his little family, settled on a small farm three miles back of New Richmond, on the banks of Twelve Mile Creek, in a wild wooden country inhabited only by wild animals and a few scattered Indians. Alexander, not being very strongly constituted, James the eldest son, undertook the hardest work, and finally his father died and he found himself, at the age of sixteen years, with a farm to clear up, and a mother and six small children to provide for. At the age of twenty-six, he married Catherine, daughter of Christian and Catherine Husong, who was born at Columbia, Hamilton Co., Ohio, where her parents, who were natives of Pennsylvania, were taking refuge in Jarred's Station, fearing the depredations of the Indians. After his marriage, James remained on the old homestead near New Richmond. He bought 300 acres of land, for which he paid by freighting salt in a keel-boat from Kanawha River, West Virginia, to New Madrid, Tenn., there being no steamboats on the river at that early date. Christian Husong, settled on the east fork of the Little Miami River, four miles east of Batavia, where he lived to the ripe old age of one hundred and three years. Himself and wife were Germans, as also were the Light family. Andrew Robb, M. D., was the son of James and Catherine Robb, and was born on the old homestead, near New Richmond, February 6, 1816. He worked on the farm with his father summers, attending school winters till sixteen years of age, when he attended the New Richmond Academy eighteen months. The distance from his home to the Academy was three miles, which he walked night and morn, although the road was rough and hilly. He then taught school in that vicinity, studying medioine at the same time with Dr. Alfred Noble, of Goshen. While teaching his first school in Franklin District, Clermont County, he became interested in four bright little pupils, who took their primary lessons in the same class, but have since grown to manhood and taken their stations high up in the ranks of life. They were Perry Donham, a prominent attorney of Cincinnati ; Prof. John Hancock, one of Ohio's ablest teachers and for a number of years Principal of the Cincinnati schools, and the two Browning brothers, Frank, deceased, the editor and proprietor of the Clermont Courier , and Charles N., the genial and talented editor of the Clinton Republican. After teaching two years, he turned his whole attention to the reading of medicine till November, 1837, when ho commenced the praotice with his preceptor. He attended lectures in 1840 and 1841, and graduated in the fall of the latter year, from the old Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. He located in Anderson, Ind., and November 28, 1843, was married to Miss Clara, daughter of Duncan and Catherine Carmichael, of Rush County, Ind., a worthy pioneer family of Southern Indiana. In the fall of 1847, he returned to Goshen, and purchased the interests of his former preceptor. He came to Blanchester in 1860, where he has practiced successfully twenty two years, and is now, in company with his worthy companion through life, enjoying the reward of a long and laborious professional life. They had three ohildren born to them - William E., born September 12, 1848, and died at the age of two and a half years, of malignant diphtheria; James D., born May 20, 1850, and died December 5, 1864, of cerebro-spinal meningitis and Clara B., born December 11, 1854; she attended the common schools of Blanchester till sixteen, when she commenced a collegiate course at the Ohio Female College, at Oxford, Ohio, and graduated with high honors. She delivered the valedictory address before nineteen years of age, and the following year accepted the invitation to deliver the literary address and the literary diplomas. In August, 1875, she was married to Eberle D.

WILLIAM RUDE, farmer, P. 0. Blanchester, son of Peter and Nancy (Abbott) Rude, was born on the farm where he now lives, August 31, 1836. He was reared on the farm, and was married in August, 1857, to Esther A., daughter of Asahel and Eliza J. Shull, born in this township, near their present home. They have five children - Peter, Felix, Emeline, Nancy and Mattie. In 1864, Mr. Rude enlisted at Hillsboro in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Wolf, of Wilmington, and served eleven months. He was wounded at the battle of Franklin, while conducting prisoners from the field. He was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to Marion Township. In 1875, he bought the homestead of 150 acres, 100 of which are under cultivation.

NICHOLAS RUDE, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Peter and Nancy Rude, was born in this township in 1839. He was reared on a farm. In 1860, he was married to Elizabeth Smith. They have seven children - Nancy, Phoebe, John, Franklin, Mary, Alice.and Estella. Mr. Rude served two years and nine months in defense of' his country; enlisted at Blanchester August 18, 1862, in Company E, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Thomas. He was in a number of prominent engagements, among others the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson and Chattanooga. He was captured July 22, 1864, near Atlanta, Ga., was sent to Andersonville Prison, where he lay till September 22, when he was exchanged and returned to his regiment, and was discharged at Washington and returned to Blanchester. He received fifty acres of land from his father, and has since bought fifty-eight ; has sixty-five under cultivation. Mr. Rude has been Supervisor one year. -

BENJAMIN S. SAXTON, tailor, P. O. Blanchester, place of business situated over the post office, the son of Orene H. and Miriam (Eldridge) Saxton, was born in Dover County, Me., on the banks of the Piscataqua River, November 16, 1823. He was reared on a farm till eight years of age, when his mother and step-father moved to Cincinnati, his own father having died three months previous to the birth of our subject. While in Cincinnati, his step-father followed the business of a tanner and currier. In 1834, his mother also died, and Benjamin was apprenticed to John Martin on Fifth st., near where the Indiana House now stands, to learn the tailor's trade; here he remained till 1842, when he went to Springdale, Hamilton County, where he was married in 1845 to Elizabeth, daughter of Furman and Ann Hunt. They had eight children, one still living, Cordelia M. On March 15, 1873, his wife died at Reading, Hamilton County, and he was again married to Rebecca F. Baldwin, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Villars) Baldwin, first settlers of this township. She was born in Blanchester December 21, 1837. In 1875, he engaged in tailoring for Brush & Rice for several months, and was then employed several months by the railroad company to watch bridges near Loveland. He again returned to Blanchester and opened a tailor shop on Main street, near Broadway, where he remained nearly one year, and then bought twenty-eight acres of land in Marion Township, about one mile north of Blanchester, where he resided, also working at his trade till November, 1881, when he returned to Blanchester, and opened his present place of business, where he does a considerable business, making and repairing. Mr. Saxton still owns his farm, uorth of town, also eight acres one-fourth mile northwest of the village.

B. D. SCOTT was born in Harlan Township, Warren Co., Ohio, on the 31st day of March, 1843, and at the age of eighteen months became cripple for life from a fall whilst learning to walk, dislocating the hip joint of the left leg. His father's name was Charles, and his mother's name Elizabeth Scott (formerly Elizabeth Norman),' the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Virginia, but of Scotch descent'. He received his early education at Woodville, Ohio, and at the age of sixteen years, he, together with his brother, M. L. Scott, entered school at Farmers' College near Cincinnati, where he remained until the fall of Fort Sumter in 1861, which so demoralized both teachers and students that the school was entirely broken up. Whilst there, however, there was an incident worthy of record. Two of his warmest friends and fellow-students rooming next door to him were of opposite political persuasion, and at the breaking-out of the war quarreled incessantly, until it almost culminated in bloodshedding, and after quarreling nearly all night, one expressed a determination to join the rebel forces, the other replying he would meet him upon the battle-field. Both parties shook hands and commenced packing up their trunks for a trip to the Sunny South. At early dawn of day. each gave a parting salute to the old school and many friends, each thoroughly determined to kill the other if they should ever meet upon the battle-field. Mr. Scott then returned to his father, upon the farm in Clermont County, where he remained until 1863, when taken down by a scrofulous eruption of his limb, and was confined to the house most of the time until November 22, 1867, when he had the same amputated at the hip-joint by Prof. Thomas Wood, of Cincinnati, assisted by Dr. Andrew Robb, of Blanchester, and eight other associate surgeons. During the whole of four years, he suffered 10,000 deaths, and at no time was free from the influence of morphine or some other powerful narcotic, and never remained in bed more than three nights during this whole time. In 1866, finding life a burden and death certain, Dr. Robb proposed amputation as an experiment. Dr. Wood was sent for but refused, for the reason as he alleged, it would be an outright murder, and he would not be an accomplice to the crime. In about a year afterward, Mr. Scott being endowed with an uncontrollable disposition to do or die , informed the Doctor that if he did not perform the operation some one else would. This was sternly protested against by his father, mother and friends, his father making the excuse that he had not the necessary funds. Whereupon Mr. Scott borrowed the money, sent for the Doctor, and had the operation successfully performed, and is to-day a hale, hearty man. When laid upon the scaffold, he was interrogated by the Doctor if he had anything to say to his friends, as it would in all probability be his only chance upon this earth, as statistics only showed one successful operation of the kind in a thousand, and if he recovered it would probably be the only case in the United States. Mr. Scott replied, " I have nothing to say. Pour on the chloroform. I will take that one chance." In the spring of 1868, he engaged in teaching school in the Lacy District, near Wilmington, and taught three months ; he then taught at No. 3, near Blanchester, for nine months. When he engaged this school, he was informed by the Directors that he would in all probability be carried out, as they had some desperate boys, who had whipped out several teachers. Mr. Scott merely replied that he would never call upon the Directors. Sure enough all things went smoothly for some time. A young marl weighing about one hundred and seventy-five pounds then proposed to run the school according to his own notion. The fight then commenced. The first move made by big boy was to snatch one of Scott's crutches and attempt to strike him with it, but the blow was warded off with the other crutch in the hands of Mr. Scott with much dexterity, and down went Mr. big boy so quickly that none of the pupils could tell how it was done, and no doubt would have been seriously hurt had it not been for the timely interference of other large boys. It is useless to say there has never been further trouble in that district to the present day. The 6oy was afterward arrested and fined for assault and battery, costing him some $30. In the summer of 1869, he commenced reading law under the instruction of Judge W. W. Wilson, at Lebanon, Ohio, and in April, 1871, was admitted to the bar by the District Court, and entered into the practice of that profession, but shortly obtained a position as Clerk of the Probate Court, under Judge Thomas Thatcher, which position he held until September, 1872. He then removed to Blanchester and engaged in the practice of law, where he has held the office of Mayor of the village for two years ; as Justice of the Peace for three years, and Township Clerk for seven years, and still holds that position. November 25, 1874, he was married to Susie B. Beard, daughter of Jacob and Permelia Beard, of Wilmington, Ohio, two daughters being the fruits of the marriage, to wit : Ezella Pearl and Edna Beard. By energy and perseverance, he has acquired a comfortable home, a large law library, and quite a lucrative practioe ; has always voted the Republican ticket; is strictly temperate, and a nephew of Hon. I. W. Quinby, of local option fame. He is not a member of any religious society. His wife, however, is a member of the Quaker Church at Wilmington.

MARTIN SHANK, farmer, P. 0. Blanchester, son of Henry and Mary (Mann) Shank, was born in Virginia in 1820. His parents came to Marion Township when he was quite young, and bought 250 acres of land in the northwestern part of the township. Martin remained at home till twenty-seven years of age, when he was married to Rebecca Bundy. They have had four children, three living - William H., Charlie B. and Harry. In 1853, he bought 100 acres of land of his father, and at the death of the latter he received thirty-two and one-quarter more, eighty-five acres now under cultivation. He enlisted in 1862 in Clarksville, this county, in Company I, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Stillwell, and served nearly three years.

JACOB D. SHANK, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Henry and Mary (Mann) Shank, was born in Marion Township in 1839. His parents came here about 1830 and bought 250 acres of land in the northern part of township, where he was raised, being the youngest of fourteen children. They cleared about 190 acres. His father died in 1864; mother still lives with him at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. Jacob D. was married March 17, 1867, to Sarah E., daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Flesher) Higgins, born in Butlerville, Warren County, Ohio, June 5, 1849. They had five children, three living - Horace, Stanley and Leroy; deceased, Ettie and Lenny. He had 155 acres of land of the homestead. In February, 1881, he exchanged fifty-five acres of it for thirty acres, with fine brick residence, adjoiuing Blan Chester on the north. He is a member of the Grange ; also of the Friends' Church. Mr. Shank also served in defense of his country, enlisting at Clarksville, this county, August 22, 1862, in Company I, Seventy-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. J. R. Stillwell, and served till January 19, 1863.

HARVEY I. SHANK, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Henry and Mary (Mann) Shank, was born in this township, three miles north of Blanchester. His parents were among the early settlers of this township. He was reared on a farm and remained at home till twenty-seven years of age. He was married in 1863 to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Mary Reeder, born in Vernon Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. They had one child - Addie E. His wife died in 1870, and he again married in 1871 to Lydia Stansbury, widow of Spencer Stansbury. They have two children - Vesta and Pearl. Mrs. Shank had one son by her former husband - William by name. In 1864, the father of our subject died and left him fifty acres of the homestead. He afterward purchased sixty-five acres adjoining and sold twenty-five ; now has ninety, sixty-five under cultivation. He is a member of the Presbyterian and his wife of the M. E. Church.

ADRIAN A. SHIELDS, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of John and Sarah (Walker) Shields, was born in this township June 18, 1840. His parents and grandparents came here from Warren County, Ohio, about 1838. They were natives of Pennsylvania. Adrian was reared on the farm, and remained at home till the breaking-out of the war in 1861, when he enlisted in Westboro in the Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Bundy. He was in several severe engagements, and was wounded in the right arm at the battle of Vicksburg by a piece of shell. His arm proved so troublesome he received his discharge at Mound City, 111., after serving two years and six months. He was married a short time before enlisting at Blanchester to Mary L., daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Whitaker. They have six children - Alice, Florence, Laura, Emmett, Sarah and Bertha. After returning from the war, Mr. Shields rented land of his father three years; also lived in Allen County three years and one year near Westboro. He then came to this township and purchased seventy acres of land near Kansas Mills, which he kept a short time and sold and bought 37.95 acres of land where he now lives ; he sold a small piece ; now has thirty-six and a half acres, all under cultivation. Himself and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

JOHN SIMONTON, liveryman on Broadway street, Blanchester, son of Theophilus and Mary (Sale) Simonton, was born in Hamilton Township, Warren County, Ohio, February 8, 1813. His father was a farmer, and had five sons and three daughters besides John, who remained at home till twenty-seven years of age, when he rented a farm in Brown County one year. He then came to Marion Township and bought 101 acres of land, about three miles south of Blanohester. In 1854, he came to the village and opened a hotel, northeast corner Broadway and Main streets, where he remained one year and then removed to the southwest corner, where he continued in the hotel business till 1862. He still owns the building, his son occupying it as a harness shop. He then bought Lots No. 1 and 18, Broadway street, where he opened a livery stable. In the fall of 1881, he built a fine large stable at a cost of $1,200 ; he keeps seven horses and carriages, boarding, sale and feed stables. He was married near Loveland, Warren County, in 1837, to Catherine Hess. They had three sons and two daughters. His eldest son, Franklin, was mortally wounded at the battle of Cloyd's Mountain, fell into the hands of the enemy and was never heard of after. He held the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and served nearly three years. The remaining four children are living and married, born in the order which they are named : Melissa, Lyman, William and Lulu. His residence is situated corner Main and Broadway ; he also owns one lot in W. H. Baldwin's Addition to Blanohester, and eighty-five acres of land three-fourths of a mile east of Blanohester.

JAMES SKILLMAN, contractor and builder, Blanohester, son of Abraham and Hannah (Wainwright) Skillman, was born at Princeton, N. J., December 23, 1837. His father was of English, his mother of Scotch ancestry. When eighteen months old, his parents moved to Mainville, Warren Co., Ohio. When five years of age, his mother died, and he was left in care of his eldest brother, Jacob, his father returning East. When sixteen, he went to Cincinnati and learned the brick-layer's trade. He was foreman for Jones & Evans two years, then took contracts and erected buildings himself three years. He came to Blanohester in 1865, where he has contracted and erected several brick buildings. The same year, he bought eighty acres of land in this township, one mile east of Blanohester, on the M. & C. R. R. He was married, December 24, 1877, to Ellen, daughter of Dr. Arnold, of Penn Yan, N. Y., born in Kentucky. They have two children - Ethel and Eddie. He owns his residence and fifteen acres of land on Broadway street, south part of village. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity.

CHARLES BARNARD SLATER, Blanohester, third son of James and Charlotte (Cullen) Slater, was born in Sheffield, Eng., on the 22d day of May, 1836 ; learned the milling trade and emigrated to the United States in 1857 ; going to McMinnville, Tenn., by way of Charleston, S. C., he engaged in the milling business for about a year, but having a desire to obtain a general knowledge of the country, and a spirit of adventure, he associated himself with William Groves and went South with a drove of mules ; disposing of the stock not far south of Jackson, Miss., and having offers of remunerative situations, he accepted a position with Joseph Panky, and engaged in putting up cotton gins and grist mills till the winter of 1859-60. His desire to see the Father of Waters led him to Vicksburg, Miss., arriving at which place he could not resist the temptation to take a steamboat ride upon the mighty river, which was at that time on a big boom, and would naturally attract a stranger by its wonderful proportions. Taking the river to Memphis, Tenn., he found employment in the mill-furnishing establishment of W. C. Bradford, where he remained till the fall of 1860, when he went to Brownsville, Ark., to engage in the saw-mill business; remaining there till the spirit of secession raged too high for parties who desired to be noncombatants, he had to flee for personal safety. Returning to Tennessee, he found the same state of excitement, and feeling that there was no safety for a young man outside of the army, he entered the service as a butcher, but having a smattering of military knowledge gained in England, and being a good penman and accountant, it was not long till his comrades discovered his ability, and as a reward for his services in the way of Drill-Master and Assistant Quartermaster, made him Captain of Company K, Twentyfifth Tennessee Volunteers, which, however, was only volunteer in name, at this time the conscript act having been put in force. Fearing that the consequence of a refusal to serve might not result pleasantly, he accepted the commission, but there seeming to be a demand for his services in many directions, lie was detniled by Gen. Marmaduke to superintend the operation of mills then under the control of the army, for the purpose of supplying the army with flour. This occupation ceasing with the retreat of the confederate army from Corinth, he was made Judge Advocate of the division. Beingconvinced after the battle of Perryville, Ky., that the cause of the confederacy was lost, and ascertaining authoritatively that the rebels who surrendered themselves to the Government in good faith would not be tried for treason, he tendered his resignation, which being accepted (very reluctantly, however), he came through the lines as a private citizen ; was arrested at Scottsville, Ky., sent thence to Louisville, and after a three months' confinement in a military prison, was sent across the Ohio River in July, 1863 ; he came to Cincinnati, Ohio, with the expectation of finding parties he had heard his sister talk about ; he thought they might assist him in getting employment, but not finding them he wandered eastward, along the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, till, arriving at Blanchester, he found work in a saw mill belonging to Harrison Hudson, in which business he continued till the spring of 1866, when he again commenced to work at mill building, building that year two mills in Tennessee. February 27, 1868, he married Scyrena Jane Hudson, only daughter of Thomas Hudson, who bore him one daughter and five sons, as follows: Blvaretta, December 19, 1868 ; Thomas

Cullen, December 30, 1870; James Parker, March 1, 1873; Harvey Harrison, December 8,1875; Felix, February 28, 1878; Ralph, March 4, 1880. Elvaretta departed this life March 19, 1874, after a short but severe attack of spinal fever. In 1872, he obtained a patent for an improved flour bolting reel, and commenced the manufacture of the same in connection with his business, which has steadily increased. January 1, 1881, for the purpose of further developing the business, he associated with himself W. S. McClelland, under the firm name of C. B. Slater & Co., and built a shop which now gives employment to fourteen men, with a fair prospect of a rapid increase. In 1866, he joined the I. 0. O. F. at Edenton, Ohio, and became a charter member of Fithian Lodge, No. 373, instituted at Blanchester, attaining the highest degree. He also became a member of Excelsior Encampment, No. 106, attaining the highest degree in this branch of the order. In January, 1868, he uuited himself with the Baptist Church. In 1878, he was elected a member of the Village Council, and again re-elected in 1880. In politics, he espoused the cause of the Republican party from the time of his naturalization ; was a great admirer of .Senator Morton, of Indiana, who he thought deserved the nomination for the Presidency in 1876, having, in his opinion, done more for the country in her struggle against secession than any single individual in it. Very proud of his adopted State, and deeply interested in national affairs, he advocated the claims of Gen. Garfield to the Presidency as early as 1878, and adhered to it persistently that he would be the nominee in 1880. His arrival at Blanchester was so shortly after the raid of the notorious John Morgan, of the Confederate army, through Ohio, that many of the citizens of Blanchester supposed he was a deserter from that command, and some of the more zealous thought he was a spy, or an emissary of the confederacy, sent here for the purpose of burning the town, and a strict surveillance was kept over his movements.

GEORGE W. SLUSIIER, farmer, P. O. Blanchester, son of Alfred and Nancy (Skidmore) Slusher, was born in Hardy County, Va., July 2, 1838. When quite young he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, at which he has worked nearly all his life. He was married, in Pendleton County, Va., September 7, 1858, to Susan, daughter of Adam and Mary (Kimble) Judy, born in Pendleton County, July 23, 1841. They have five children - Enoch W., George W., Virginia R., Melcena M. and Dessie G. Mrs. S. owned 350 acres of land in Virginia, where they lived at the time the war broke out. Mr. S. was drafted in the Southern service against his will, and at the end of six months deserted and joined the Union army near Moorfield, Va. He acted as an independent scout under Col. Durfey. He acted as a spy nine months, during which time he had a number of narrow escapes from death. In September, 1862, he was captured near Petersburg, Va., while inside the rebel Hues. He was sent to Staunton, Va , and imprisoned in the third story of the court house, awaiting courtmartial as a spy. He remained there about two weeks, well guarded by two soldiers at his door and one under his window. The guards changed every evening about dusk, and there was sometimes a short interval when there was no guard under the window. Watching his opportunity one evening when it was getting dark, and the guard had not arrived under his window, he swung out and succeeded in grasping the lightning rod which ran to the ground ; he quickly descended and made good his escape. The other four times he was captured each time while in the ranks, he escaped by the enemy being driven rapidly back ; he was captured this way three times one day. He at one time ran across an open field about two hundred yards, exposed to the fire of 5,000 cavalry, and escaped without a scratch. After serving nine months, he came to Greene County, Ohio, where his family had moved and remained over three years, and, in 1868, he moved to this township and bought seventeen acres of land and resided four years, and then moved to his present location, where he owns fifty-five acres of land, forty-one of which are under cultivation. He also owns three lots in Blanchester with a dwell - ing on one. Mr. S. is a member of the Odd Fellow society, and himself and wife are members of the Christian Union Church.