Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 16 of 26)

Prominent as he is in the religious, educational, political and civic life of Clinton county, Enoch L. Carey is a highly-respected and widely-honored citizen. He is a man who has always been straightforward in all of his business dealings, and being possessed of friendly and affable manners has a host of friends in this county, where he is so well known.

David E. Summers

David E. Summers, a prosperous farmer of Green township. this county, who owns one hundred and fifty-one acres of the old Summers homestead, was born on February 12. 1871. a son of John Jackson and Hannah (Hoskins) Summers, the former of whom was born in Hampshire county, Virginia, on November 21, 1825, and the latter, in Clinton county, Ohio. in October, 1827.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Summers were John and Mary Summers, both natives of the Old Dominion state. who in 1837, moved to Franklin county. 'Ohio, and about eighteen months later to Leesburg, Highland county, Ohio. where they lived until 1835.. ft which time they removed to Green township. this county. John Summers died in Tilenry county. Ohio, his wife having died previously on the old home farm in this county. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Summers were George and Mary (Hodgson) Hoskins, pioneers in Clinton county, where both died. John J. Summers was a farmer and a carpenter by occupation. In 1840 he purchased a farm of one hundred Acres in Green township, for twelve hundred dollars, and, and there he lived for abont fifteen years. He traded tke land for a farm near Wilmington, but he never movéd to this second farm, afterwards exchanging it for a farm in Green township, consisting of two hundred acres, on which farm he died on April 1, 1907. His wife's death occurred on August 5, 1900. John J. Summers was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Protestant church. -He and 'his wife were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Wesley, living in Mlinois; Mary Elizabeth, a resident of Sedgwick. City, Kansas; Samantha, of Wayne township; Caroline, deceased, as are Eliza and Ella; Ruth, a resident of Kansas; Lewis and John, both deceased; Joseph, of Green township, this county; Ida, of Green township; Margaret, a resident of Trumbull county, Ohio; David, living on the home farm, the immediate subject. of this review, and Isaac, who is the owner of one hundred acres of land in Green township, where he is living. .

David BH. Summers was reared on the home farm, which he now owns. He received his education in the public schools of Green township, and after leaving school took up farming for himself, and is engaged in general farming and stock raising, in which he has made a very gratifying success.

On February 11, 1890, David E. Summers was married to Lina Rolston, who was born in this county on August 29, 1871, a daughter of Robert and Anna (Wallace) Rolston, both natives, of Ireland, who came to Clinton county, after their marriage, and after the birth of four children in the old country. They now live retired in Green township. Mr. and Mrs. David E. Summers are the parents of four children: Carrie, born on January 10, 1891, is the wife of Alonzo Curtis, and they have two children, Donald and Charles Glenn; Eva, August 26, 1898, married Clyde Steele, and they are living with Mr. and Mrs..Summers; Mary, who died in infancy, and Martha May, May 15, 1900, who is at home with her parents.

David E. Summers is a Republican and prominent in the local counsels of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Summers and family are members of the Christian ehurch.

One of the former large land holders of this county, and a man well known during his life-time was Rudolph Frederick William Hildebrecht, who was a native of Germany having been born in the city of Berlin on February 4, 1848. His parents were Theodore and Henrietta Hildebrecht, both natives of Germany, who, in 1849, erocssed the ocean in order to find their home in the New World, of which they had heard wonderful accounts. Landing in New York, they soon decided to come West, and remained in Cincinnati until 1873, in which year they came to this county, locating in Vernon township, where they bought two hundred and sixty-five acres of farm land, and there they made their home. To this farm they later added, by purchase, thirty-two acres, making two hundred and ninety-seven acres in all. In 1896, the family moved back to Cincinnati, where, five years later, Theodore Hildebrecht died, at the age of seventy-five. The following year, his wife passed away, she being at that time seventy-one years of age. Theodore Hildebrecht was a cabinetmaker and during his residence at Cincinnati was foreman of the Mitchell & Raumelsburg Furniture Manufacturing Company. He voted the Republican ticket. Both he and his good wife were members of the Lutheran church, Their children were Rudolph F. W. (deceased), Matilda, Otto, Lena and Theodore, the latter of whom died in infancy.

Rudolph F. W. Hildebrecht was reared and educated in Cincinnati. When it came time for him to select an occupation, he became a blacksmith, adopting that vocation byfore he was of age. During the Civil War he was engaged in shoeing government horses, later taking employment with the George Miller Carriage Company at Cincinnati. During a time of business depression, he left this employment and, taking his blacksmith hammer, started to trayel through Mexico and South America. He was gone for nearly two years, during which time he traveled over almost all of the southern continent. Upon the removal of his parents to this county in 1873, he accompanied them and the rest of his life was spent here. In the year 1897 he bought the home farm in Vernon township, later adding thirty-two acres to the same, and it was there that . he. passed away in 1902. His widow still lives on the farm; She was, before her marriage to Mr. Hildebrecht, Clara. Reuter, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on January ' 27, 1854, daughter of Rudolph and Minnie Reuter, both natives of Germany, who located in Cincinnati about the year 1851, living there the remainder of their lives. Their children were Frederick, Minnie, Clara and an infant, of whom only. Clara is living.

Rudolph Hildebrecht allied himself with the Republican party., He was much interested in school affairs, and was for several years, treasurer of the school board. He was interested also in the purposes and work of secret orders, and was a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias, "aan attained the encampment degree of the first-named order.

Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrecht were blessed with a large family of euadran, whose subsequent history may be of interest to the reader. Robert, who was born in 1874, was educated in the public schools of Clarksville. His wife was before her marriage Florence Starr. She is now a widow, her husband having - on June 13, 1914. Their only child is Carroll LeRoy.

The second child born to Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrecht was William F., born on June 6, 1876. He was educated in the Clarksville schools and was graduated from the high school. Since taking up farming as an occupation, he has been very successful, owning seventy-nine acres of splendid farm land. His prominence in political affairs is indicated by the number of official positions he has held of a more or less political nature, all of which offices he has held as a Republican. He is at present clerk and treasurer of the school board, and has been a member of the Republican central committee of Vernon township, as well as trustee of the same township, and trustee of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery Association. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Clarksville, having joined that order ten years.ago; is a member of the encampment at Wilmington and of the Knights of Pythias at Clarksville. For eight years he has been secretary of the Odd Fellows lodge at Clarksville. On August 10, 1888, William F¥. Hildebrecht was married to Mary Winfield, of Adams township, and to this union four children have been born, Dewey, Rudolph, Louise and Herschel.

The third child of the Hildebrecht household was Henrietta, who was born in 1878, and who lived to be only four years of age. The next born was Emma, who was born in 1880. She is now the wife of Albert Urton, son of Thomas Urton, of Blanchester, this county, having married soon after her graduation from the Clarksville high school. The next child born in the Hildebrecht family was Florence, the year of whose birth is 1883. She, too, graduated from the Clarksville high.school, after which she studied bookkeeping at Dayton, Ohio. She then went to Washington, D. C., entered Garfield hospital as a student nurse, graduated from that institution, and is now nursing in Chicago. After his high school course was completed, Theodore Henry, born in 1885, became a merchant in Texas, and later went to Dakota and Wisconsin. At one time, he was a thresher, working with Albert Urton in this county and Warren county. He died in 1912 at Blanchester, and was buried with honors by the Free Masons and the Odd Fellows, to both of which orders he was attached. Frederick Rudolph Hilde brecht was born in 1889, and after completing the course of study in the Clarksville 'high school, entered a business college at Cincinnati. He lives at present in Dakota. Clara M.. who was born on October 24, 1898, spent her childhood and youth in Clarks ville, where she was graduated from the high school, winning the scholarship to Cedarville College. She is now living at home with her mother.

It is rare indeed that parents of so large a family of children find it possible to give their children the educational advantages which Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrecht gave to theirs. And it is a matter of common observation that often when the means are available, the desire for intellectual attainment is lacking. Therefore it would seem that in this: home, there was much in the early training and in the general atmosphere to encourage the pursuit of studies beyond the usual curriculum, for both ambition and studious habits are evident mental characteristics of the entire family. The mother took enough time from arduous household duties to teach her little brood to read good books, and thus very early encourage those mental habits which afterwards made it possible for her children to attain scholarship which reflected credit upon their home and their parents, as well as upon themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Hildebrecht gave their children an inheritance which cannot be estimated except in spiritual values; and in so doing, they gave also to the community of the richness of their lives. They found their best work in enriching the lives of their children, and of them it may be said as of others, "Blessed is that man who has found his work." Mr. Hildebrecht. as a publie official was honorable and square in all of his dealings, winning not only the respect of those with whom he came in contact, but also their regard, for he was strong, and at the same time, kind. He was of a genial nature, and conscientious in all that he undertook to do. The schools, under his tenure of office, improved 'ih efticiency, and to them he gave his best thought and effort. The community owes him a debt of gratitude for his efficient public service.

James Christopher Webb

As with growing civilization and increasing limitations upon individual initiative. the problem of living becomes more and more complex, the term '"'self-made"' becomes a badge of honor, and he who wears it an object of emulation. He who has achieved "a successful and honorable career out of difficulty, has worked while others have slept, and to him should come unstinted reward and praise. A brief study of the life of James Christopher Webb will reveal the fact that from early childhood, it was his purpose to succeed ; and that in order to do so, he was willing to forego some of the pleasures and many of the extravagances which in so many lives prove the rock on which their boat is wrecked.

James C. Webb was born in Fayette county, Ohio, on December 14, 1869, the son of John Wesley and Elizabeth (Bonecutter) Webb, both of whom were bern in abovenamed county. John W. Webb was the son of Burt Webb, who was born in Virginia, as was his wife, who was a Redish. Burt Webb and his wife were early settlers in Fayette county, Ohio. The former passed away near Sabina, this county, while the latter died near Washington, in Fayette county. Mr. Webb's maternal grandparents, Christopher and Charlotte (Heffley) Bonecutter, both were natives of Ohio and early settlers in Fayette county. John W. Webb was reared in and attended school in the county of his nativity, and was a farmer all of his life. He voted the Republican ticket, attended the Methodist Episcopal church, and was the father of eight children, May Jane, Annie, Armanda, James Christopher, Oliver, William Edward, Harvey, Charles Thomas. He died in June, 1912, and his widow makes her home with her children.

The early training of James C. Webb was not different from that of other youths who were born and reared on a farm, and his first venture in the outside world only served to confirm his love of the life and wholesome work of the farm. After five years as an employee of the street railway company at Erie, Pennsylvania, he went to Greene county in 1874, later coming to this county, where -he bought the farm which he now owns, this consisting of one hundred and five acres in Vernon township. He then went to Erie, Pennsylvania, to work for the street car company, and returned to his farm in 1910, since which time he has made many improvements and has become wellknown as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey swine.

In 1899 James C. Webb was united in marriage to Mary Stewart, who was born neir Waterford, Pennsylvania, on October 4, 1866, daughter of Aaron and Rebecca (Gillespie) Stewart. both natives of Belfast, Ireland. After living for some time in

Erie county, Pennsylvania, the Stewarts moved to Highland county, Ohio, where Mrs. Stewart died in 1871. Mr. Stewart then went to Wilmington, Ohio, and the rest of his life was spent there, his death occurring in 1896. Their children were Robert, John, William, Mary, Aaron (deceased), and Victor. Mr. Stewart married again and to the second union five children were born, Rosa, Lee, George, Ida and Charles (decesaed).

Mr. Webb is a Democrat and is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. It is such painstaking work as his that commends itself to the student of human nature and human affairs. Mr. Webb was willing, in order to get his start in life, to work by the day for six years; and for two years he worked by the month, thus laying the foundation for a later life of thrift and industry which should result in land ownership. He has taken great pride in the scientific development of his land, and is respected and esteemed by all who have the pleasure of knowing him.

Seymour Curtis Morris

Among the many small, intensivety cultivated farms in Washington township, this county, few receive more careful attention than that which is owned by S. C. Morris, one of the best-known farmers of that township. Having given close study to modern methods of intensive farming, Mr. Morris is obtaining results from the cultivation of his small farm which are proving not only personally gratifying to himself, but which offer an excellent object lesson to others who, perhaps, are getting fewer returns from a much larger acreage. In addition to his farm in Washington township, this county, where he makes his home, Mr. Morris also owns a farm of fifty-eight and one-half acres in Jay county, Indiana, where he formerly lived, which now is in the hands of a capable and responsible tenant.

Seymour Curtis Morris was born in Union township, Highland county, Ohio, on December 16, 1860, son of Avery and Lydia (Jackson) Morris, the former born in Adams county, this state, and the latter, in Highland county. Avery Morris was the son of William Morris, a native of Scotland, who emigrated in his young manhood, coming to Ohio and locating in Adams county, where he remained until his removal to this county in 1865.' He settled in Washington township, where the rest of his life was spent. William Morris married Depsey Bales, a native of Alabama, who came north with her parents and located in Adams county, Ohio, and to this union several children were born, whose descendants today are numbered among the most substantial residents of this section of the state. William Morris lived to be. ninety-eight years of age and was held in high respect hereabout.

Avery Morris, son of William and Depsey (Bales) Morris, was reared in Adams county, this state, and in 1867 began farming in Highland county, later coming to this county, where he became a large land-owner, owning, at the time of his death nearly three hundred and fifty acres of land, about equally divided between two farms in the same vicirity of this county. Avery Morris married Lydia Jackson, daughter of Joseph and Lydia Jackson, early settlers of Highland county, to which union six children were porn. Mr. and Mrs. Morris were members of the Christian ehurech and their children were reared in that faith. Additional details regarding this family are set out in a biographical sketch relating to Frank H. Morris, presented elsewhere in this volume.

Seymour Curtis Morris was eight years of age when his parents moved to the Morrisville neighbohood and he received his education in the excellent schools of that village. Upon reaching manhood he moved to Jay county, Indiana, where he bought a fa.m of fifty-eight and one-half acres, and there he lived for fourteen years, at the end of which time he returned to Clinton ccunty, though still retaining his farm in Indiana, and, in 1905, bought the farm of sixty-two and one-half acres on which he now who was born near Westboro, in this county, daughter of James Haines and wife, wellknown residents of that neighborhood, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Leora, who married Harley Batson, a well-known young man of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Christian church, in the various beneficences of which they are deeply interested in and in which they take an active part, being also concerned in all good works in their community, and are held in the highest regard by all who know them. Mr. Morris is a member of the Masonic lodge at Martinsville and takes a prominent part in the affairs of that order.. He is public spirited and energetic and posseses the entire confidence of his neighbors, who hold him in the highest esteem.

Frank W. Hadley

Frank W. Hadley, who for more than a quarter of a century, has been engaged in the mercantile business in Clinton county and who is now the proprietor of a hardware and grocery business at New Vienna and vice-president and director of the New Vienna Bank, was:born in Clark township, this county, May 19, 1865, the son of Will- ¢#am and Rebecca Jane (Hunt) Hadley, both of whom also were born in Clinton county, the former near Sligo on March 14, 1832, and the latter, near Martinsyille.

William Hadley was a farmer and merchant of Wilmington and for many years was in partnership with Mathew Fife. He died in Clark township on October 8, 1900. His wife is also deceased. He was a Republican and he and his wife and family. were members of the Friends church. 'They were the parents of four children, of whom Ida B. died at the age of seventeen years; Emma S. is the wife of S. C. Haines, of Detroit, Michigan; Frank W. is the subject of this sketch and Anna died in infancy. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hadley were Jonathan and Margaret Hunt, who were

Born and reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Clinton county, especially in the Martinsville public schools and in the high school at that place, Frank W. Hadley taught school for several years. Later he attended the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy and was engaged in the drug business at Martinsville, this county, for eleven years, beginning business there in 1890, operating a general store in connection with the drug business. In 1901 he moved to New Vienna and engaged in the hardware and grocery business, his store occupying a double room with a fifty-foot front.

On June 20, 1894, Frank W. Hadley was married to Winna Woodmansee, of New Vienna, daughter of Robert J. and Caroline (Hussey) Woodmansee, to which union one child has been born, Miriam, born on July 4, 1899. :

Robert J. Woodmansee, the father of Mrs. Hadley, was born on June 4, 1845, in Highland county, this state, three miles east of New Vienna, where he now lives. He is the son of Joseph and Abigail (Jeffries) Woodmansee, the former of whom was born at Toms River, New Jersey, in 1806 and who died in 1868, and the latter born at the same place. Mrs, Hadley's paternal great-grandparents were Francis and Hannah Woodmansee, natives of Toms River, New Jersey, who migrated to Highland county, Ohio, about 18389, Francis Woodmansee and his only son, Joseph, purchasing land there in partnership. The former engaged in the brick business and erected a magnificent house on the old Woodmansee homestead, which is still standing. Joseph Woodmansee, the father of Robert J., owned sixteen hundred acres of land in Highland county and was a member of the Methodist church. He was educated in New Jersey and after coming to Ohio about 1889, farmed in Highland county the remainder of his life. He owned two hundred and sixty acres of land and a grist-mill at New Vienna for four or five years. He also owned a saw-mill at New Vienna.' To Joseph and Abigail (Jeffries)

'Woodmansee six children were born, Alice; Francis, Jesse, Adolphus, Robert J. and Alonzo. The family were members of the: Methodist church and Joseph Woodmansee voted the Republican ticket. Robert J. Woodmansee has been a farmer all of his life, but has lived most of the time in New Vienna, having gone there with his father in 1859.. He owns two hundred acres of land in Highland county, where his son, Brent, now lives. He married Caroline Hussey, daughter of Nathan Hussey, to which union three children were born: Fred, who married Jennie' Clark and has one daughter, Jennie May; Brent, who married Maud Hunt, and Mrs. Hadley. . Robert J. Woodmansee and wife are members of the Methodist church. He votes the neon ticket and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd. Flows.

Mr. Hadley is also a' Republican in politics, but has never penrte to public office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, including the subordinate and the encampment branches. Mr. and Mrs. Hadley are members of the Methodist church at New Vienna. - ;

Rev. Jesse H. Harvey

- Rey. Jesse H. Harvey is descended from a splendid old Quaker family of Clinton county, whose father was born on the farm now occupied by his worthy son, more than a century ago, and whose grandfather, like so many of the members of the Society of 'Friends, of one hundred years ago, came to Clinton county from North Carolina. Recorded a minister in the Friends church in 1878, Rev. Jesse H. Harvey has beén pastor of the Springfield church since 1895 and is, therefore, well known in Clinton county..

Born on the farm where he now lives in Adams township, April 10, 1849, Rev. Jesse H. Harvey is the son of Isaac and Sarah (Edwards) Harvey, the former of whom also was born on this farm, on November 27, 1809, and who died on August 11, 1883. On November 2, 1831, he was married to Sarah Edwards, who was born on November 10, 1812, the daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Hadley) Edwards.

The paternal grandparents of Rev. J. H. Harvey were Caleb and Sarah (Towel) Harvey, natives of North Carolina, the former born on December 21, 1776, the year in which the Declaration of Independence for the American colonies was proclaimed, who came to Clinton county in 1806 and located in Adams township, where he owned two or three hundred acres. Caleb and Sarah Harvey were the parents of seven children, namely: Joshua, born on November 24, 1803; Isaac, November 27, 1809; Hannah, June 26, 1806; Elizabeth, November 4, 1816; Doctor Jesse, November 26, 18015 Eli, December 12, 1808, and Rebecca, April 11, 1813. Caleb Harvey, the son of William and Elizabeth (Carter) Harvey, was a very active worker in the Friends church and held all of the important offices in the church. During the late years of his life he was identified with the Republican party. ;

Of Isaac Harvey it may be said that he received the rudiments of an education in the common schools of Adams township 'and that he supplemented this education by wide and extensive reading and became a well-informed man. He began farming after reaching maturity and followed this occupation all his life. He owned about two hundred acres of land and a saw-mill which was located on the farm. He took a great interest in the activities of the Friends church and devoted all of his spare time toward promoting the growth of the church. Politically, he was a Republican. Isaac and'Sarah Harvey had nine children: Caleb J., born on November 7, 1832; Elizabeth, March 6, 1835; Mary Jane, August 22, 1836, who died on February 11, 1906; Rebecca, July 24, 1839, who died on September 21, 1902; William, May 22, 1841, who died in November, 1913; Nathaniel, June 30, 1843; Abigail, June 11, 1846, who died on June 18, 1846; Jesse H., April 10, 1849; and Enos Francis, February 2, 1853, who died on October 10, later attended school at Greensburg, Indiana. After finishing his education, he taught for one year, after which he took up farming in Warren county, where he remained for two years. About 1872 he moved to the old home farm, where he has since followed this occupation and here he owns one hundred and fifteen acres of land.

Rey. Jesse H. Harvey was married on October 20, 1870, to Lucy C. Hadley, who was born on June 22, 1851, the daughter of Simon and Rachel (Bangham) Hadley, to which union four children have been born, one of whom, Olive Etta, died on Jctober 17, 1903. The living children are: Lizzie V., who married William P. Hadley and has six children; Naomi, Willard J., Loren S., Robert E., Olive A. and Wendell Deane; Elsie R., who is at home, and R. Myra, who is also at home.

Before the Civil War was fought, the Society of Friends was opposed to slavery and many members of this denomination joined the Republican party at its formation in 1856. The members of the Friends church, generally speaking, have remained Republican to this day and Rey. Jesse H. Harvey is no exception to the rule.

James E. Smith

A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or directs others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen fields, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. The reputation of James E. Smith, one of the leading citizens of Clinton county, has been of the very highest order and he is today filling one of the responsible positions in this county, having been appointed nearly twenty years ago as superintendent of the Clinton county children's home.

James EK. Smith was born on March 27, 1847, at Hawes Chapel, Union township. Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Daniel and Anna Maria (Hartman) Smith, the former of whom was born on April 15, 1809, near Chatham, North Carolina, and 'died on March 30, 1880, and the latter of whom was born in 1815, in West Virginia, and died in 1888. The parents of Daniel Smith were Conrad and Elizabeth Smith, the former of whom settled on the Smith farm, in Gates' survey, about 1815. Conrad Smith's wife, before her marriage, was Elizabeth McDaniel. They had five children: John, George, Daniel, Abigail and Susanah. John married Mariah Smith, Abigail married Samuel Wingfield, and Susannah married Aquilla Reese. Conrad Smith and his wife were highly-respected residents. Their remains were interred in the cemetery at Lytle's creek. They owned one hundred acres of land at the time of their death.

Anna Maria Hartman was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Hartman, who were natives of West Virginia, born about 1820. After coming to Clinton county, they located near Starbucktown, in Union township, where he was a blacksmith. He was tall and a very strong man physically. Late in life he immigrated to Jay county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm. He and his wife died in Jay county. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Daniel Smith was nine months old when the family came to Clinton county, Ohio. He learned the blacksmith's trade and the cooper's trade from Jonathan Doan. Eventually, he purchased the interests of the heirs in his grandfather's farm in Adams township, where he died. Both he and his wife were members of the Friends church. They had five children.

Of these children, Joseph H. Smith, a retired farmer of Wilmington, was a soldier in the Civil War. He enlisted on September 12, 1861, in Company G, Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Volunter Infantry. This regiment was attached to the First Brigade of the. Third. Division: of .the. Fourteenth Army Corps, and 'was mustered : out: on July 25, 1865, and discharged at Columbus, Ohio. Joseph H. Smith participated in the Grand

Review at Washington, D. C., at the end of the war. He was a sergeant when discharged and had been wounded in the arm by a canister ball during service. Among the engagements in which he participated were the following: Mill Springs, Kentucky, January 19, 1862; Corinth, Mississippi, May 17, 1862; Chickamauga, Georgia, September 19 and 20, 1863; Resaca, Georgia, May 14, 1864; Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 18-24, 1864; Savannah, Georgia, December 21, 1864; and Raleigh, North Carolina, April 13, 1865. Joseph H. Smith was the second child born in his father's family.

The eldest child in the family of Daniel and Anna Mariah Smith was George H., who was a farmer in Vernon township, who was elected sheriff of Clinton county and who died in office. George H. was also a soldier in the same company and regiment as his brother, Joseph, and was in the same engagements. John C. Smith, who died on July 12, 1918, while living in Wilmington, had also served two terms as sheriff of Clinton county and had later served as postmaster. John C. was also a soldier,' enlisting in 1863 .and serving till the close of the war in the same company and regiment with his brothers. His widow is still living. James E., the fourth child, is the subject of this sketch. Mary E., who was born in 1854, died in 1863.

James E. Smith attended the public schools of Adams township and helped his father on the farm during his boyhood and youth. He also learned the carpenter's trade, remaining at home until his marriage, renting the home farm.

Mr. Smith was appointed superintendent of the Clinton county children's home, September i, 1896, nearly twenty years ago, and has been continually at the head of this home since that time. The public generally is aware of the responsibility which attaches to a position of this sort. No greater evidence of the standing of James HE. Smith in the community where he lives, in Clinton county, could be given than his long tenure in this responsible and delicate position.

On November 29, 1877, James E. Smith was married to Mary E. Osborn, a native of Adams township, born in 1856, the daughter of Peter and Eliza Ann Osborn, both of whom are deceased. He was a farmer and a minister in the society of Friends. Mr. and Mr'. Smith were married on Thanksgiving Day. 'They have had two children, both of whom are living; Ella, born in 1879, who married Robert White, a resident of Union township; and Lena, born in 1882, who married Levi M. Hawkins, and lives on her father's farm in Chester township.

Aside from his present position of trust and responsibility, Mr. Smith at one time served for six years as township trustee of Union township. He is identified with the Republican party and he and his family are members of the Friends church. Mr, Smith is an elder in the church.

Dr. Henry Molyneaux Brown, a well-equipped and popular young physician of New Vienna. this county, is the son of a distinguished physician of Clinton county, who has been in the practice of medicine at New Vienna since his graduation from the Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia in March, 1879. Henry Molyneaux Brown, after being graduated from the New Vienna high school, took a preparatory medical course at the University of Cincinnati and was graduated from the Ohio Miami Medical College in 1913. Afterwards he spent one yeur as an interne in the Jewish hospital at Cincinnati and on July 1, 1914, established himself in the practice of medicine in his home town, where he has already acquired a flourishing practice. He is a member of the Clinton County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and is popular in Clinton county, a young

Henry M. Brown was born on March 13, 1890, in New Vienna and reared in that city. He is the son of Dr. Edward W. and Olive (Spear) Brown, the former of whom was born at Oxford, in Butler county, Ohio, October 21, 1856, and the latter, near Snow Hill, in Clinton county, the daughter of Washington and Lydia (Roush) Spear. Washington Spear was the son of Zephaniah Spear, a pioneer in this county. Mrs. Lydia Spear is deceased but Washington Spear is still living.

Zephaniah Spear, the grandfather of Mrs. Brown and the great-grandfather of Dr. Henry M. Brown, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1807, the son of Robinson and Elizabeth (Bryan) Spear, natives of Pennsylvania. Robin- - son Spear was the son of John and Mary Spear, the former of whom immigrated to America when a mere lad and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married a woman of German descent. He lived and died in Pennsylvania, but his widow subsequently came to Ohio with her son, Robinson, and died in Brown county. Robinson Spear grew to manhood and married in Pennsylvania. In 1817 he and his family moved to Ohio and settled first in Ross county. In 1821 they moved to Brown county and in 1827 to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he died in 1850. His wife survived him, passing away in 1873 at the age of ninety-two years. Robinson and Elizabeth (Bryan) Spear were the parents of eleven children, all of whom, except one, grew to maturity, married and settled in life, among these being Zephaniah, Mrs .Elizabeth Oliver, Mrs. Ellen Stewart, Mrs. Jane Ann Willis and Mrs. Prudence Willis. Zephaniah was the third child born to his parents. He followed the blacksmith's trade for ten years and afterwards engaged in farming. He was married on September 20, 1829, to Lovina Matthews, a daughter of Joel and Phoebe Matthews, natives of North Carolina. Nine children were born to this union, of whom six grew to maturity: Mary Jane, the wife of M. L. Turner; Washington; Margaret, the wife of William Boatwright ; Thompson ; James A. and Jefferson D. Washington Spear became the father of Mrs. Olive Brown. Starting in life without a dollar of capital, Zephaniah Spear became the owner of four hundred acres of land and was one of the substantial farmers of Clinton county. He served as trustee and treasurer of Green township for several years and was a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Lovina (Matthews) Spear died on March 14, 1875. in her sixty-fourth year. Washington Spear and Lydia Roush, daughter of George and Rachel Roush, of Highland county, were married on December 1, 1859, and were the parents of three children, Ivy, Olive and Ellsworth.

Dr. Edward W. Brown is the son of Samuel R. and Sarah (Duval) Brown, the former of whom was a native of County Antrim, Ireland. and the latter of Highland county, Ohio. Dr. Edward W. Brown's grandparents were Allen and Margaret Brown, natives of Ireland, the former of Scotch-Irish descent and the latter of French Huguenot descent. In the days of the French persecution. there was a family of Huguenots by the name of Molyneaux, all of whom were killed except two sons, John and William, who hung out of the windows by their hands and by that means were unobserved by the soldiers. Subsequently, they escaped to the sea coast and secreted themselves in a vessel that was about to set sail, they knew not where: but they were landed in Ireland, probubly at Belfast. From one of these brothers. Mrs. Margaret Brown was descended. She was a lady of splendid education and attainments and possessed a remarkably strong and active mind. About 1824 Allen Brown, with his family, immigrated to America and located at Point Pleasant, Clermont county. Ohio. After a few years of residence there, they moved to Highland county, Ohio. where Buford now stands, on the old Cincinnati and Chillicothe stage route. There Allen Brown erected a large two-story log house in which he kept a tavern, where he resided until his death at the age of eighty-four years. His wife survived him several years and died in her eighty-fifth year. Allen Brown was a man of great energy and did a prosperous business in his tavern. He also had a farm of three hundred acres of fine land. He and his wife were the parents of five sons and one daughter. Four sons were living in 1882, Judge Thomas, John, who lived on the old home place, James and William. Samuel R., the father of Dr. Edward W. Brown, was about seven years old when the family moved to Ohio, and, being the eldest in the family, grew up under the sturdy influences of pioneer life. He was a playmate in the Brown county home of General Grant. Later he entered the mercantile business at Buford, where he acquired a prosperous business. He married Sarah Duval, the daughter of Judge John Duval and, after continuing in business at Buford for several years, exchanged his store and stock of goods for three hundred acres of land. After one year's residence on his farm, he moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he again entered the mercantile business in partnership with a Mr. Newton, under the firm name of Newton & Brown this partnership continuing until 1864, when Mr. Brown moved to Hillsboro, having sold out his interest in the store to Mr. Newton, and resided there till 1869, when he returned to his farm. He owned a farm of six hundred acres, having added three hundred acres by purchase while at Oxford. He erected one of the largest and finest barns in the county and a fine, commodious house. He died suddenly of heart disease on December 22, 1881, in his sixty-fifth year and, at his death, there passed away one of the substantial and honorable business men of Brown county; one whose character and integrity stood untarnished. His wife died on December 18, 1880. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely: Mrs. Maggie Sinks, John A., Anna, who married Dr. S. S. Salisbury, of Los Angeles, California; Charles E., Edward W., James D. and Mary Belle.

Edward W. Brown assisted his father in business until sixteen years of age, receiving a limited common-school education. He attended the high school at Hillsboro for two years and then worked on the farm until nineteen years of age, after which he began the study of medicine-in the office of Dr. 8S. S. Salisbury, at Washington C. H., later entering Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated, after which he began the practice of his profession at New Vienna, where he has continued ever since. To Dr. Edward W. and Olive (Spear) Brown four children have been born, namely: Bernice L., born on April 3, 1883. who died in August, 1913; Howard E., June 20, 1885, who was graduated from the New Vienna high school and is now located at Frankfort, in Ross county, this state, where he is the manager of the telephone plant; Helen Duval, who is now a student at Ohio University at Athens, and Dr. Henry M., the immediate subject of this sketch.

John J. George

John J. George, joint owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Adams township, this county. is another one of the successful sons of Nicholas George. and was born February 25. 1879, in Perry county, Indiana. He has succedeed in accumulating an most satisfactory competence by his own toil and his own frugal living.

Mr. George's parents were Nicholas and Catherine (Lawrence) George. the former of whom was born in 1836, at Hachy, Belgium, and who died on July 12, 1890. The mother was born in Belgium ni 1840, and was a daughter of Lewis Joseph and Antonetta (Spewizer) Lawrence, who came with their family to America in 1855 and loeated in Perry county, Indiana.

Educated in the common schools of Belgium. Nicholas George left his native land for America when a young man, and after arriving in this country, settled in Iowa. from which state he enlisted as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, serving a little more than three years. At the close of the war he located in Perry county, Indiana, where his marriage occurred. Eight children were born to Nicholas George and wife, of whom John J. was the sixth in order of birth. the others being, Peter, Lewis, Sarah, Edward, Jane, Mary and August. Sarah became the wife of Paul Clements. Edward is a farmer of Adams township. Jane is the wife of Frank Kibler. Mary died at the age of eight years, and August married Ethel Tuttle.

The paternal grandparents of John J. George were Peter and Margaret (Devillez) George, both of whom were natives of Belgium, the former born at Hachy in 1804, and the latter born at Nobresart, June 2, 1804. The grandfather died in 1882, the grandmother dying four years later in 1886. The latter was a daughter of Henry Devillez, who married a Miss Hannen. Peter George was a son of Henry and Mary (Adam) George, the former of whom was a native of Nobresart, Belgium. Henry and Mary (Adam) George never left their native land.

John J. George, who has achieved a definite and satisfactory measure of success in agricultural lines, received his early education in the common schools of Perry county, Indiana, and after his removal to Clinton county, he attended the township' schools of Wayne township. He began life on his own responsibility as a farmer in Wayne township, where he remained until 1906, when he and his brother, Peter, purchased a farm in Adams township, Clinton county, comprising one hundred and twenty acres, where John J. now lives, and where he is engaged in general farming and stock raising.

On November 25, 1903, John J. George was married to Magdalena Mahoney, who was born on October 26, 1878, daughter of Cornelius and Margaret Mahoney, and to this union have been born five children, Dorothy, Matthew, Mary E., Elizabeth and Lauretta. The George family are earnest and devout members of the Catholic church, in whose faith they are deeply interested. Politically, Mr. George is a Democrat.

Peter D. Leaming

No product of agriculture has ever come from Clinton county which has had more to do with the revolution in corn growing in the state of Ohio and, in fact, in the Middle West, than Leaming's corn, which was originated by the late Jacob Spicer Leaming, father of Peter D. Leaming, the subject of this sketch. The tremendous influence of this splendid variety is realized when the claim is considered that practically all of the yellow corn grown in the United States today has been developed from the variety known as Leaming. Whether this is true or not, it is a fact that the corn bearing this name is more widely distributed than any other variety. Careful inquiry through agricultural colleges and experiment stations and through farmers, warrants the statement that from twenty to thirty per cent. of the yellow corn grown in the corn belt is of the Leaming variety, while if that grown under local names, but which is undoubtedly of Leaming origin, is considered, the per cent. would be even larger.

The history of the origin of this variety is an interesting story. One autumn in 1855 the father of Peter D. Leaming. was driving in his wagon along Bullskin run, in Hamilton county, and, having neglected to bring feed with him for his horses, stopped at a wayside corn field and asked the men husking in the field to sell sufficient corn for this purpose. He was so much impressed with the beautiful yellow color of the corn and also with the maturity, as indicated by its sound, hard condition, that when leaving he took with him a bushel of this corn for seed. The following year he moved with his family to Clinton county, purchasing a farm two miles from Wilmington, where he lived until his retirement in 1884. The corn which he had brought with him from Hamilton county was planted in the spring of 1856. As the consequence of a favorable season and painstaking cultivation it yielded an excess of one hundred bushels to the acre. This was a phenomenal yield for that day and the fame of "Leaming's corn" was spread broadcast.

In a large measure Peter D, Leaming, who was born on November 18, 1856, on the farm where he now lives, on the Martinsville pike, in Union township, has inherited the fame which his father richly earned as a corn grower. Wis father was born on Aprils?

Residence Of Peter D. Leaming

1815, and died on May 12, 1885. His mother, who, before her marriage, was Lydia Ann Van Middlesworth, was a native of New Jersey, born on November 1, 1817. She died on March 21, 1890.

The parents of Jacob Spicer Leaming were Christopher and Margaret Leaming, who came to Ohio from Cape May county, New Jersey, early in the last century. The family is of English origin. The first of the name to arrive in America was a Christopher Leaming, who came to Boston in 1670. Later the family moved to Long Island and still later to New Jersey, where it became prominent in provincial history. Christopher Leaming, II, the father of Christopher Leaming, who immigrated to Ohio, and grandfather of J. S. Leaming, served for twenty years as a member of the provincial assembly. Christopher Leaming, III, was much more than an average farmer, and as early as 1825 his son, Jacob, a lad of ten years, was acquiring corn inspiration through the medium of a hoe handle in the Langdon bottoms along the Little Miami river in Hamilton county.

The parents of Jacob Spicer Leaming's wife were Tunis and Ellen Van Middlesworth, both natives of New Jersey, and of Dutch descent. About 1825 they removed by wagon to Hamilton county, Ohio, purchasing a farm at the edge of Cincinnati. Tunis Van Middlesworth owned a large farm between what is now East Norwood and Oakley. suburbs of Cincinnati. They had ten children.

Jacob Spicer Leaming attended the district schools and obtained a good education, after which he taught school for a time. He became a great reader and an able writer. At the beginning of his active career he rented a farm and operated a bus line between Madison and Cincinnati. In the spring of 1856, as heretofore noted, he removed to Clinton county and rented a farm from his elder half-brother, Christopher Leaming, in Union township. Later he purchased the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres from his brother and still later added to the farm until he owned one hundred and sixtyfive acres. Subsequently, he purchased fifty-three acres additional on the edge of Wilmington, and there spent the last years of his life. He was prominent in the politics of his day and generation and served as township trustee for some time. Both he aad his wife were members of the Methodist church.

The name of Jacob Spicer Leaming will go down in the history of Clinton county as the most noted corn producer in the United States. He soon began shipping seed eorn to all parts of the United States. His son, Peter D., and the latter's brother, J. S. Leaming, Jr., still continue this industry. In 1884 Jacob S. Leaming received a large silver medal as first prize for seed corn awarded at the Paris corn show. In 1900 Peter D. Leaming received a fine bronze medal at the Paris Exposition for his seed corn.

Peter D. Leaming, early in life, learned the principles of the proper selection of seed corn from his father, and has been able to carry on the industry successfully since his father's death. Jacob S. built the second pike ever constructed in Clinton county. In 1869 he contracted for and built three miles of the Martinsville pike and in 1870 he built five miles of the Cuba pike. He was considered a nexcellent road builder.

Jacob and Lydia Ann (Van Middlesworth) Leaming had nine children, namely: Tunis, lives in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he is a farmer; Christopher, lives in Hast Norwood, Ohio, and is also a farmer; Eli, is a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and is a carpenter; Ella, married Thomas M. Babb, and is deceased; Jacob, lives in Denison, Texas, where he is a gardener and truck farmer; Joseph, lives at New Burlington, Ohio; Jen:ie, lives in Dayton, Ohio; Peter D., was the eighth child; George S., is a resident of Alb querque, New Mexico, where he is in the dairy business and engaged in truck gardening.

In 1899 Mr. Leaming built his present splendid home. It is an attractive place and one of which he has every reason to be very proud. He set out the pretty trees that decorate the place. He carries on general farming, but still makes a specialty of raising and selling Leaming seed corn.

On December 2, 1890, Peter D. Leaming was married to Emma Skimming, who was born near Burtonville, in Union township, Clinton county, and who is the daughter of Robert and Mary E. Skimming, whose complete family history is contained in the sketch of S. H. Skimming, a brother of Mrs. Leaming, presented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Leaming have had two children, Grace Anna and Robert Russell.

Mr. and Mrs. Leaming are members of the Baptist church of Wilmington. Mr. Leaming is a Republican. In a very large measure Peter D. Leaming has carried forward the work of his worthy father, whose name was presented "as the first candidate for Ohio Farmers' Hall of Fame."

Isaac R. Summers

Isaac R. Summers, a native of Green township, this county, and a prosperous farmer and stockman, was born on January 28, 1875, a son of John Jackson and Hannah (Hoskins) Summers, natives of Hampshire county, Virginia, and Clinton county, Ohio, respectively, the former born on November 21, 1825, and the latter in October. 1827.

Mr. Summers' paternal grandparents were John Wesley and Mary (Parks) Summers, both natives of the Old) Dominion state. In 1837 they migrated to Franklin county, Ohio, and eighteen months later removed to Leesburg, in Highland county, where they lived until about 1845, when they removed to Green township, this county. John Wesley Summers died in Henry county, Ohio, while his wife died on the old home farm in Green township. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Summers were George and Mary (Hodgson) Hoskins, pioneers of this county, who spent most of their lives here.

The late John Jackson Summers was a farmer and carpenter by occupation, and also a minister in the Methodist Protestant church. In the early forties he bought one hundred acres of-land in Green township, for twelve hundred dollars. He lived on that farm for about fifteen years, and then traded it for a farm near Wilmington. He never lived on the latter farm, however, trading it for a farm in Green township,. consisting of two hundred acres. Later he sold fifty acres of the third farm, and died on that place in April, 1907. His wife had died previously, August 25, 1900. Politically, John J. Summers was a Republican, and took an active interest in local public affairs. John J. Summers and wife were the parents of fourteen children, namely: Wesley, a resident of California; Mary Elizabeth, living at Sedgwick City, Harvey county, Kansas; Samantha, a resident of Wayne township; Caroline, Bliza and Ella, deceased; Ruth, living in Kansas; Lewis and John, deceased; Joseph, a resident of Green township; Ida, of Washington township; Margaret, living in Trumbull county, Ohio; David E., living on the home farm, and Isaac R.

Isaac R. Summers was reared on the old home farm in Green township, and received a good education in the common schools of his home neighborhood. Mr. Summers owns one hundred acres of land which he purchased on February 5, 1904, and where he has. lived since that date. Not only is he engaged in general farming, but he is an extensive stock breeder, and has specialized in Shorthorn cattle,

On June 21, 1894, Isaac R. Summers was married to Sophronia Jarrells, who was born in Wayne township, this county, on May 5, 1877, a daughter of Benjamin and Sally (Massey) Jarrells, natives of Orange county, Virginia, and Highland county, Ohio, respectively. The former came from the Old Dominion state and was married after coming to Ohio. He and his wife settled in Richland township, this county, but later

To Isaac E. and Sophronia (Jarrells) Summers three children have been born, Lottie, born on March 12, 1897, who died on January 3, 1900; Winnie Hllen, January 23, 1902, and Martha Hannah, November 21, 1904. i

Mr. Summers is a Republican but has never taken a very active part in politics, his agricultural interests demanding all his time and attention. He and his wife are earnest and devoted members of the Christian church. -

John W. Matthews

John W. Matthews, a retired farmer of New Vienna, this county, a former mayor of New Vienna and at present a justice of the peace in that township, is descended from pioneer stock. He is prominent in the fraternal circles of this county and, more than all else, he and his wife have reared a family of eight children to honorable and useful lives; young men and women who have been well educated and who are already started on successful careers. Three of Mr. Matthews' sons are attorneys in Cincinnati, one is a dentist in that city and still another is a practicing physician at New Vienna.

John W. Matthews was born in this county on December 27, 1850, the son of Elijah H. and Ellen (Elliott) Matthews, the former of whom was born in Highland county, Ohio, on October 20, 1826, and the latter, in Clinton county, on November 28, 1832. Elijah H. Matthews died in Clinton county on December 18, 1904, and his wife many years previously, December 9, 1890.

Elijah H. Matthews was the son of Jobn and Mary Matthews, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. John Matthews was the son of John and Rebecea Matthews, natives of North Carolina, of Scotch descent. They emigrated from North Carolina to Ohio and settled near New Market, in Highland county, in 1807. One year later they located four miles north of Hillsboro, on Clear creek, and there spent the rest of their lives. John Matthews, the father of Hlijah H., was born in March, 1774, and after his marriage in Highland county, located on his father's farm, where he remained through life. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, among whom John, Albert G., Christopher, Flijah, Joel, Susan, who married a Mr. Brown, Mrs. Mary Chapman and Mrs. Bliza Jane Hicks, of Kansas, all long since deceased. John Matthews was a prominent man in Highland county. He served as county commissioner two terms and as associate judge of the county for twenty-one years, having been elected three consecutive terms of seven years each. He died in August, 1848, at the age of seventy-four years and his wife in April, 1864, at the age of seventy-four. Elijah H. Matthews was married on January 25, 1849, to Ellen Elliott, daughter of William and Susan Plliott, early settlers of Clinton county, who were married, lived and died in this county. They were the parents of four children, Thomas G., who resides in Mercer county, Ohio; William; Ellen; and Eliza Jane, who married Valentine Cox, of Van Wert county. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah H. Matthews had ten children: John W., the subject of this sketch; Susan, who was born on May 29, 1853, and married Levi West, both now deceased; Mary Elizabeth, June 20, 1857, married David Matthews; Sarah E., October 7, 1859, married Lafayette West; Kate G., February 10, 1862, married Abraham Frazier, both now deceased; Rachel Ann, April 18, 1864, married W. B. Steele; Ollie M., June 10, 1869, married William Hardy; Clara E., December 25, 1870, deceased, and Oscar L., December 28, 1874, married Lucey Curtis. Until 1850 Elijah H. Matthews resided in Highland county and then moved to Clinton county, locating four miles northeast of Wilmington, where he lived a few years, then moved several times and finally died at New Vienna. He had lived about twenty years near Centerville, where he owned a farm of three hundred acres. When a young man,* Elijah H. Matthews and his brother, Christopher, had managed a general store in Buford, Highland county. At the time of his death, he owned several hundred acres of land. He was mayor of New Vienna two years, justice of the peace ten years, township trustee, assessor of the third division of Clinton county, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. and Mrs. Elijah H. Matthews were members of the Christian church.

John W. Matthews was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. For twenty-four years he was a resident of Wayne township, where he was engaged in farming and contracting, during which time he served as trustee and justice of the peace, having been elected as a Democrat. In 1903 he moved to New Vienna, where he has since lived. Mr. Matthews owns one hundred and forty-six acres of land, one and one-half miles from New Vienna. He was married in 1870 to Olive Pierce, a native of Clinton county and the daughter of Thomas and Eliza J. (McFadden) Pierce, both now deceased. Thomas Pierce was a well-known attorney at Wilmington, this county. To this union eight children have been born, Dr. W. T., Emma, Sylvia, Edna, Stanley, Elijah H., John W. and Albert. Dr. W. T. Matthews was born on August 7, 1871, was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College of Ohio in 1901 and has been in the active practice of medicine since that time. After spending two years at Millidgeville, in Fayette county, he located at New Vienna, this county. He married Blanche Miller and they have one son, Charles. Emma Matthews, born on September 30, 1872, married J. E. Bernard, of Wilmington, and has six children. Sylvia Matthews, born on June 28, 1874, married Henry Rhonemus, of Wayne township. Edna Matthews, born on June 24, 1877, is the widow of L. C. Driscoll and has two children, Edith and John W. Stanley Matthews, born on December 14, 1878, was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School, while President Taft was dean of the college of law. After graduating with honors he entered upon the practice of his profession in Cincinnati. He married Mary Dunham. Elijah Matthews, born on October 16, 1884, was graduated from the law department of Yale University and is a practicing attorney in Cincinnati. He married Lida Dunham. John W. Matthews, born on August 23, 1886, was graduated from the law school of the Cincinnati Young Men's Christian Asociation and is also a practicing attorney in Cincinnati. Albert Matthews, born on September 138, 1889, was graduated from the Ohio Dental College and is a practicing dentist in Cincinnati. Mr. Matthews is a member of the Masonic order, the blue lodge at New Vienna, and a member of the chapter at Hills boro, Ohio.

There is no family in all Clinton county that is better known, perhaps, than the Matthews family and certainly none is more highly respected.

The life of the distinguished physician and the public-spirited man of affairs presents a striking example of well-defined purpose. Dr. John B. McKenzie, of Oakland, Chester township, Clinton county, Ohio, not only is possessed of well-defined purpose, but also of ability with which he has been able to make that purpose count for the good of his fellow men. Since beginning his practice in Chester township, fifteen years ago, he has acquired a large patronage and a good name, not only in a professional way, but in a private way as well. Wndowed with sound mentality and, intellectual discipline of a high order which he has supplemented by rigid professional training and thorough mastery of the technique of medicine, he well deserves the substantial practice which has come to him. As a poultry fancier, Doctor McKenzie is also well known, having won many prizes at different shows held in the Middle West.

John B. McKenzie was born on January 18, 1874, at New Antioch, Green township, Clinton county, the son of James and Rebecca (Truitt) McKenzie. His father was born in Green township in 1840 and died in 1876, and his mother was also born in that township. She was the daughter of George W. and Abigail (Applegate) Truitt.

The paternal grandparents of Doctor McKenzie were William and Lucinda (Morton) McKenzie, both natives of Clinton county. He was a farmer in Green township and owned a farm of one hundred and twenty-four acres, to which he devoted his attention. They had six children: Elizabeth Jane, Ellen, James, Charles D., William. B. and Mary Emily.

James McKenzie was educated in the common schools of Green township and was a young man when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Yortyninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and, after coming back from the war, took up farming in Green township, where he remained the balance of his life. James and Rebecca McKenzie had two children, Frank, who died at the age of two years, and John B., the subject of this sketch. After the father's death, in 1876, his widow married, secondly, Thomas J. Blood, and they now live in New Antioch. James McKenzie was a member of the Christian church. He was a Democrat.

John B. McKenzie began his education in the common schools of Union township and later he attended the schools at New Antioch. In 1896 he entered the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, and was graduated with the class of 1900. Immediately after his graduation, he began his practice in Chester township. Before going to college, however, he had read medicine with Doctor Whisler, of New Antioch, and had driven with him on his practice for one year. He also spent his summer vacations in Doctor Whisler's office. Doctor McKenzie's hospital experience was received in the St. Francis, St. Anthony and Mt. Carmel hospitals at Columbus, Ohio.

As a breeder of fancy poultry, Doctor McKenzie is well known, both in Ohio and Indiana, having exhibited fowls at the poultry shows at Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo and Indianapolis. At Cincinnati, Toledo and Indianapolis he has taken several first prizes. Doctor and Mrs. McKenzie have a beautiful country home at Oakland and enjoy all of the comforts of life.

On February 28, 1898, John B. McKenzie was married to Hattie L. Armstrong, a daughter of James K. and Amanda (Bowser) Armstrong, the former of whom was born on November 10, 1845, at the Snow Hill house in Green township, and the latter born on November 20, 1840, in Lockland, Ohio. Mr. Armstrong was a farmer in Green township. He and his wife had two children: Ida V., who married Joseph Summers; and Hattie L., the wife of Doctor McKenzie. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong now live in New Antioch. To Doctor and Mrs. McKenzie has been born one daughter, Cleo A., who is now deceased. She was born on February 3, 1899, and died on November 27, 1901.

Dr. John B. McKenzie is a member of the Clinton County and Ohio State Medical societies, a life member of the American Poultry Association and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Allen Albert Curtis

Allen Albert Curtis, now a well-known farmer and stockman in Green township, this county, where he owns a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, was born on January 28, 1855, in the township where he lives, a son of David and Martha J. (Truitt) Curtis, both natives of Virginia, the former born in 1827 and the latter in 1837.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Curtis were Christopher and Sarah Curtis, pioneers in Highland county, Ohio, who later moved to Clinton county, where both spent most of their lives, and where both died. Upon coming to Clinton county, they settled on what is now known as the Higgins farm. Mr. Curtis's maternal grandparents were George and Abigail (Applegate) Truitt, the former of whom was a son of William Truitt, a pioneer of Clinton county, who died at the age of about ninety years. George and Abigail (Applegate) Truitt were pioneer farmers in Clinton county, where both spent most of their lives, and where both died, the latter dying in the house where her grandson, Allen Albert Curtis, now lives, in 1906, at the age of eighty-four years.

The late David Curtis was a farmer by occupation, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Baptist church. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, of 'whom Allen Albert is the eldest, the others, in the order of their birth being as follow: William, Sarah, James E., Jennie, Frank, Lula, George and Lucy. Of these children Sarah, Jennie and Lula are deceased. Lula, who was the wife of Frank Steele, died in March, 1908. Lucy is the wife of Oscar Matthews. David Curtis died in 1898, and his widow is still living. Allen Albert Curtis was reared.on his father's farm and was educated in the public schools. For many years he has lived on the farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres which he owns in Green township.

On January 2, 1879, Allen Curtis was married to Ollie West, a native of Clinton county, who was born in Wayne township on March 17, 1861, daughter of Edmond and Jane (Bernard) West, the latter of whom was the daughter of George Washington Bernard, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Edmond West was born in Wayne township, the son of a pioneer farmer of that township. To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis twelve children have been born, Winnie, William, Edna, Harley, Jennie, Howard, Carrie, Jessie, Fred, Mary, Mabel and Stanley, all of whom are living save William.

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are members of the Christian church at Centerville and are regular attendants and active workers in that church. Mr. Curtis votes the Democratic ticket.

Hon. Elias Dakin Harlan

On the memorial roll of Cilnton county, there is no name more worthy of respectful consideration than that of the late Hon. Elias Dakin Harlan, former member of the lower house of the Ohio General Assembly from this district, and for many years one of the most prominent factors in the agricultural, social and civic life of this county. Honored by the electors of this district by the election for two successive terms as member of the state, Legislature, he performed his duties to his district and his state, in that important capacity, in such a manner as to give his name a high place on the roster of Ohio's constructive statesmen and his memory long will be cherished hereabout. One of the leading farmers of the county, he for years was regarded as one of the most intelligent exponents of the modern methods of agriculture' in this part of the state, and in 1898 was appointed as a delegate to the national farmers congress held at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago, in that year, on the recommendation of his warm friend and close associate, the Hon. John Sherman. For many years he was chairman of the Clinton county Republican committee and in this position wielded a powerful influence in political affairs throughout this section of Ohio. He was known as an effective organizer and in district and state conventions of his party his counsel and advice were eargerly sought by the leaders of the party in the state, his political labors and influence thus extending to all parts of the state. In the purely local field, he had served his township faithfully and well for years as a justice of the peace, his judgments ever being regarded as just and true by bis neighbors, and he had performed equally faithful and effective service as a member of the board of education, his strong interest in the schools giving to this service an unusual yalue. which the community was not slow to appreciate. Faithful in all the relations of life. an honored yeteran of the Civil War, an indefatigable worker and a true and public-spirited citizen, he was a man well worthy of praise and it is but fitting and proper that in this history of the county in which the best efforts of his life were so unselfishly expended there should appear a brief and modest review of his useful career.

Elias Dakin Harlan was born on a farm in Adams township. this county. on April 1, 1887, son of Nathaniel and Lydia (Dakin) Harlan, pioneers of this county and leaders in the community life of their neighborhood. Nathaniel Harlan was one of the most influential factors in the development of the Adams township section of the county. A large farmer and an intelligent and public-spirited citizen, he for many years exerted 'a most wholesome influence in that community. In earlier days he was a Whig -and was one of the leading anti-slavery men in this county. Upon the organization of the 'Republican party he threw his influence on the side of that organization and ever afterward was regarded as one of the leaders in the Republican party hereabout. His wife, who was one of the daughters of Elias Dakin, a pioneer Quaker and Whig, of this county, was equally vigorous in her efforts in bebalf of better things in the community of which 'she and her husband were such prominent integral parts and her memory, aS well as his, is held in the most grateful remembrance throughout that community, even to this ' day. They were the parents of six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: Elias D., subject of this sketch; William; Edwin, deceased; Mrs. Harriet Hale; Mary A., deceased, and Mrs. Eva Mullen, of Long Beach, California.

Elias Dakin Harlan spent his boyhood days on the parental farm in Chester township, assisting in the cultivation and development of the same, at the same time receiying his elementary education in the district. schools of that neighborhood. This he supplemented by a course at Antioch College and at the excellent old school at Yellow Springs, this state, and on September 16, 1861, enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years without a furlough, receiving his honorable discharge on September 20, 1864, with the rank of corporal. During this service, Corporal Harlan encountered the dreadful experiences of war in such notable battles as those of Chickamauga, Stone's River and Peach Tree Creek. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, under General Rosecrans, and was in the thick of that great army's campaigns, including the campaign from Chattanooga to Atlanta. He also was engaged in the West Virginia campaign in the early part of the war and, with five others, at the battle of Franklin, barely escaped eapture. He and his. companions were surrounded and were about to give up their arms, when the Confederates shot and killed two of his comrades. Thinking he would just as soon be shot while running as while standing, Comrade Harlan made a run for it and, by the exercise of extraordinary wit, threw himself in the dooryard of a house in the town of Franklin, as though shot, and his pursuers rode on past, apparently satisfied that they had slain him. In his whole army career, Comrade Harlan proved himself a brave and loyal soldier, and after the war became one of the leaders in the organization of the Grand Army of the Republic in this section of the state. He was one of the organizers of Morris McMillan Post, Grand Army of the Republic, and was elected first post commander of the same, which position he held for two terms, and was three times appointed on the staff of the Ohio department commander.

From the days of his earliest manhood, Mr. Harlan gave close attention to political affairs, being a close student of civics and devoutly interested in good government. Casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. his interest in and zeal for the Republican party never wavered and in time he became a powerful factor in the political life of this county, his influence extending far beyond the confines of the county, as noted above, by reason of his long service: as chairman of tbe Clinton county Republican committee. As a justice of the peace and as a member of the board of education, he performed excellent public service of a local character and long before his election to the Legislature was regarded as one of the lending men in the public life of the county. The people of Clinton county, recognizing his ability and his worth, elected him as a representative from this district to the lower house of the seventieth General Assembly of the state of Ohio, his service in that capacity being so well received that he was re-elected, serving his second term in 1893-94. His interest in the advancement of agricultural methods in Ohio was so well known and so pronounced that he was appointed, as noted above, a delegate to the farmers congress at the great world's fair held in Chicago in 1BOS in which position he was able to perform signal service in behalf of the country's agricul- tural interests. In various other ways, Mr. Harlan had been enabled to perform excellent service on behalf of the public, in all the relations of life being true, until his useful career on earth came to an end on October 22, 1914.

On July 4, 1865, Elias Dakin Harlan was united in marriage to Sarah A. Morris, who was born in Chester township, this county, on May 4, 1845, daughter of John and Mary Morris, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio, and who survives him. To this union there was no issue. -

John Morris, a pioneer settler of this county, was born on Neuse river, North Carolina, the son of Isaac and Millicent (Bundy) Morris. TEarly in life, attracted by the possibilities of pioneering in this section of Ohio, he walked from his home in Virginia to this section, "spying out the land." Before making his definite location in this county, he repeated this trip four times, walking each time. On one of these trips he shot and killed a bear, the skin of which he sold to Governor Trimble for three dollars. John Morris married Mary Stanley, daughter of Robert and Edith (Mason) Stanley, natives of the eastern shore of Maryland, and to this union eight children were born, Isaiah, Lydia, Eliza, Sarah (Mrs. Harlan), Isabelle and Jeremiah (twins), Martha (who died in infancy) and Susanna. John Morris died on August 29, 1886. His wife had preceded him to the grave about five years, her death having occurred on August 6, 1881. Mr. Morris was a farmer until 1871, in which year he retired from the farm and moved to Harveysburg, where his last days were spent.

Hon, Elias D. Harlan was a birthright Quaker and his widow is devoted to the affairs of the Methodist church. He was a master Mason and ever took an earnest interest in the aflairs of that ancient organization.

Elizabeth Shrieves, M. D., the subject of this sketch, is an Ohioan by adoption, having been born at North Hoosic, New York. Her parents, William Randolph and Esther Ann (Burnett) Shrieves, were born and reared in Rensselaer county, New York, in the vicinity of the battlefields of Bennington, Vermont, the main engagement of that famous battle having been fought on her great-grandfather's farm. In 1872 the Shrieves family moved from New York to Wilmington, this county, and Elizabeth Shrieves received her education in the public schools of that city and in Wilmington College, graduating from the latter in 1884. Following her graduation she taught for one year in'the Melvin school and for several years substituted in the public schools and taught one year in the primary grade of the Main street building, which latter position she resigned to enter the Posse Normal School of Gymnastics, at Boston, Massachusetts.

While attending the Chautauqua Summer School of Gymnastics, Miss Shrieves came under the Influence of Dr. Eliza Mosher, of Brooklyn, and the following fall matriculated with the Laura Memorial Medical College, of Cincinnati, which has since been merged with the Ohlo-Minmi Medical College. After graduating from this institution with the class of 1899, Doctor Shrieves served as interne in the Presbyterian hospital at Cincinnati and In March, 1901, began the practice of her profession at Wilmington, this county. To the usual professional training secured at the colleges, Doctor Shrieves has had the ndded advantage of an interneship in the Woman's hospital, at Chicago; post-graduate work, both in Chicago and in New York, and has had the inestimable advantage of a comprehensive tour of visitation in the better hospitals of Hurope and attendance on clintes during a yenr abroad, spent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany and Ingland, Strong Christian principles, established in childhood and later supplemented by college training and travel, in the case of Doctor Shrieves, has brought to the medical profession a womnn of splendid qualities of heart and mind, with a breadth of view and purpose which dally enlarges her usefulness to all who are fortunate enough to come under her Influence and care.

Doctor Shrieves is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Clinton County Medical Society; the Greek-letter fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Iota, composed of medical women of America; is examining physician for _the Daughters of America and for the Ladies of the Maccabees, is trustee and treasurer of the Wilmington Carnegie library board and is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Six and Twenty Club and of the Methodist church at Wilmington.

In August, 1909, the Shrieves home circle was broken by the death of Doctor Shrieves' mother and on January 1, 1910, the father passed on. In the following fall, Doctor Shrieves and her sister, Miss Emma, closed the home and spent a year abroad. Doctor Shrieves and her sister, Miss Emma, who reside together, own several dwellings and apartments in Wilmington. They have a widowed sister, Mrs. Frances §S. Mills, now living in Los Angeles, California, and a brother, Dr. Edwin B. Shrieves, a successful dental surgeon, who is married and lives at Sioux City, Iowa.

Frank Hunnicutt

Frank Hunnicutt, a well-known business man of Wilmington and an extensive dealer in horses, is a native of Liberty township, this county, born near Port William, April 28, 1872, the son of Wilson and Mary M. (Gallimore) Hunnicutt, both of whom are still living. Wilson Hunnicutt was born on August 18, 1847. in Port William, in Liberty township, this county, and his wife was born on November 8, 1850, in Wilson township.

Frank Hunnicutt's paternal grandparents were Thomas and Susanna (Bailey) Hunnicutt, the former of whom, born on July 10, 1811, in Prince George's county, Virginia, died on April 10, 1876, and the latter, born on February 9, 1810, died on October 15, 1896. Thomas Hunnicutt was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hunnicutt, both of Scotch- Irish descent, who were born in Prince George's county, Virginia. He was a planter and farmer in Virginia and died there on February 15, 1823. His widow lived a few years longer, passing away in 1845. They were members of the Friends church and were ardently opposed to slavery. Susanna Hunnicutt was the daughter of Daniel and Mary (Haworth) Bailey, the former of whom was born in Prince George's county, Virginia, and the latter, in Union township, this county. Daniel Bailey came to Clinton county in 1804, when a young man, and purchased a farm four miles north of Wilmington. He and his wife were stanch Quakers. He died in 1844.

Thomas Hunnicutt, grandfather of Frank Hunnicutt, had little chance to obtain an education. He arrived in Clinton county at the age of sixteen years, June 10, 1827, with his mother, brother and sisters and a small colony of settlers, his mother purchasing a farm of ene hundred acres in Liberty township. After he was grown, he purchased what was then a swamp, one mile north of his mother's farm and became a wealthy man, owning about one thousand acres of land, in his later years retaining four hundred acres for himself, after giving farms to his elder children. He served as township trustee and was a Republican in politics. He and his wife were active members of the Friends church and he was an elder of the Dover monthly meetings. He was a successful hog breeder and was so well known for his ability that be became a judge at exhibitions and fairs.

Wilson Hunnicutt grew up in Liberty township and when a young man purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres adjoining that of his father. He lived on this farm until 1903 when he retired and moved to Wilmington, where he is living on South street. All of the members of the family are identified with the Friends church. To Wilson Huunnicutt and his wife three children were born, of whom Frank is the eldest, the other two being Nora, who married Dennis Stephens and lives on the old Hunnicutt farm in Liberty township, and Bertha, who married Alton Haworth and lived on a at the Hunnicutt school house for years. Later he became a student at Wilmington College and upon leaving college, worked on his father's farms for twelve years, at the end of which time he purchased the Starbuck farm of ninety-four acres in Union township, where he lived for four years. After that he lived in Sabina for one year. In 1911 Mr. Hunnicutt located at Wilmington, this county, and three years later, in 1914, built u magnificent new home at the corner of Spring and Locust streets. Since locating at Wilmington he has been engaged in buying and selling horses by the carload.

On August 8, 1898, Frank Hunnicutt was married to' Lura Turner, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, daughter of John and Margaret Turner, both of whom are living near Lumberton, Ohio, and granddaughter of Eber and Mary Haines. Mr. and Mrs. THunnicutt have three children: Mary Pauline, born on June 4, 1898, who is a student in the Wilmington high school; Leslie Thomas, January 9, 1901, and Priscilla M., June 15, 1906.

Mr. and Mrs. Hunnicutt and their family are members of the Friends church. Mr. Hunnicutt is identified with the Republican party. He is a man of genial personaiity and one in whom the public is accustomed to confide and upon whom they are accustomed to depend, since his word is known to be as good as his bond. The Hunnicutt family have many friends in Wilmington and it may be truly said that they are popular in that city.

William I. Stewart

Among the prominent and influential citizens of Wilmington, the county seat of Clinton county, perhaps none has a wider acquaintance in that city or throughout the county than William I. Stewart, one of the lending real-estate agents and attorneys of this section of the state, and former mayor of the city of Wilmington.

William I. Stewart was born on a farm near the village of Bowersville, in Jefferson township, Greene county, this state, on January 17, 1855, son of Robert and Lucinda (Oxley) Stewart, both natives of the same county, the former born in 1828 and the latter in 18385, Robert Stewart was the son of Christopher Stewart, whose father was a nitive of Scotland, one of the earliést settlers in Greene county, this state. He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed at Bowersville until his marriage, at which time he bought a farm in Greene county, on which he lived for some years, at the end of which time, in 1875, he sold that farm and bought a farm in this county, on which he lived until his wife's death, after which he made his home with his several children until the time of his death, in 1908. Robert Stewart was a man of large influence in his community and had served the public very acceptably as township trustee. He was an unusually well-informed man, having been a constant reader of standard books and well versed in history. He was a Republican and gave his intelligent and thoughtful attention to the political affairs of the community, his counsels having much weight in the deliberations of the party managers, both in this county and in Greene county. Mr. Stewart was a man of strong religious feeling, an earnest Methodist, and helped to build severnl churches during his long residence at Bowersville.

On January 25, 1849, in Bowersville, Robert Stewart was united in marriage to Lucinda Oxley, daughter of the Rev. William Oxley, a well-known Baptist minister of that place, and to this union eight children were born, Nancy Blizabeth, Arminta Jane, Sarah Alice, William I., Charles Oscar, Alfred Franklin, Francis Marion and John M. The mother of these children died in Mrrch, 1898, and the father died on December 31, 1908. Both were devoted members of the Methodist church and their children were reared in that faith. .

William I. Stewart received his early education in the public schools of Bowersville and in the Storey high school. At the age of twenty-one, he began farming "on his own hook," and for three years was thus engaged, cultivating a rented farm, at the end of which time he engaged in the mercantile business, operating a country store for about one year. He then returned to the farm, but after one more year of agricultural experience decided to take up the study of law, and with this end in view, moved to Wilmington, where, on Thanksgiving Day, 1886. he began his law studies in the office of Hon. R. BH. Doan and pursued these studies with such diligence that in June, 1888, he was admitted to practice at the bar of the Clinton circuit court and at once entered actively upon the practice of his profession in Wilmington, where he ever since has been located, in this time having gained a name as a practitioner which is known far outside the limits of this county. In addition to his general practice as an attorney-atlaw, Mr. Stewart for years has been engaged in the real-estate business and has been quite successful. He owns a pleasant home in Wilmington, besides land in the east end of that town and has laid off lots in the new addition. He is also largely interested in the Geiger-Jones Stock Security Company and takes an active interest in the affairs of the city generally. Mr. Stewart for years has taken an active and intelligent interest in the political affairs of Wilmington and Clinton county. In 1890 he was elected mayor of Wilmington, and in this important capacity performed excellent public service. For fifteen years he has been a justice of the peace and bears a high reputation as a just judge in such matters as come before him for adjudication.

In 1882 William I. Stewart was united in marriage to Emma Diffenbaugh. daughter of Adam and Ann (Gallimore) Diffenbaugh, members of old and honorable families in this county, and to this union one child hes been born, M. Pearl, who is living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have many friends in Wilmington and throughout Clinton county, all of whom hold them in the highest esteem.

When the successful farmer is spoken of, the inclination is to view his success simply from the standpoint of finance and accomplishment; but aside from this. there are many farmers who have accomplished good in a community by improvement, by careful selection and by the study of farm products and improved stock. These men are not alone-a success in themselves, but they 'are a real benefit to a community. Of such as these is John L. Rannells, the subject of this sketch.

John L. Rannells was born on March 24, 1857, on the farm on which he now lives, in Union township. this county, the son of Thomas G. and Massie Jane (Wiley) Rannells. Thomas G. Rannells was born at Uniontown, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, on November 9. 1810, and died on September 11, 1886. He was the son of William and Leah (Gaddis) Rannells, both of whom were born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania. In 1814 they came by wagon and horseback to Clinton county and located near New Vienna. There they purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of what is now the W. D. Moorman farm, in Union township. Later they bought one hundred acres on the Prairie road in Union township, where they both died. They were members of the Christian church.

Massie Jane (Wiley) Rannells was born in 1821 and died in 1890. She was the daughter of Allen and Sarah Wiley, who came from Belmont county, Ohio, about 1825 and settled on what is now the Conrad farm, on the Prairie road, in Union township, where they died. They were members of the Friends church.

Thomas G. Rannells was only four years old when he settled with his parents in Clinton county. He attended the primary schools of that day and was always a faithful as well as a helpful attendant at all old-fashioned "log-rollings" in his neighborhood. After his marriage he bought an eighty-eight-acre tract of land, which is a part of the farm which John L. Rannells now owns, and there he went to housekeeping in a log cabin. In 1849 he built the comfortable brick house in which John L. Rannells now lives amd lived there until his death, in 1886. He was a Republican. His wite, who was reared a Quaker, joined the Christian church and they became active members. Thomas G. Rannells was a great stock raiser and had the best improved breeds of Shorthorn cattle, Merino sheep and Poland China hogs. He has seven children, six of whom are still living, as follow: William H., who is in the insurance business and who lives in Wilmingtcn; Sarah E., who married Henry Hilderbrant, and who died in 1907; Mary E., Leah L. and L. Etta, who live in Wilmington; John L., the subject of this sketch, and C. A., whose history will be found elsewhere in this volume.

John L. Rannells attended the "Dutch" district school in Union township. During his youth and early manhood he stayed with his father on the farm and helped in the cultivation and management of the same. After his marriage he continued to live on the farm and after his father's death acquired all the interests of the estate and now has an excellent farm of two hundred and thirty-eight acres.

John L. Runnells was married on February 24, 1887, to Leulla Bentley, who was born in Wilson township, this county, on September 21, 1860, the daughter of E. V. and Nancy (Custis) Bentley, retired farming people now living at Wilmington, this county, and to this union the following children have been born: Thomas E., born on January 1, 1888, and who helps his father run the farm, married Daisy D. Wright and has one child, John Elwood, who was born on April 6, 1915; William Bentley, September 20, 1890, a student of osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, married Mae George, and has one child, Matilda Jane, born on July 18, 1912; and Louise, October 19, 1900, who is attending high school at Wilmington.

John L, Rannells as a Republican and he and his wife are active members of the Walnut Street Christian church. Aside from the exemplary farmer and stock raiser that he is, he was one of the promoters of the Clinton County Mutual Insurance Association, which has proved a great benefit to the county. He was for years one of the most active workers in that association and was a director in this association for years.

Junius A. Henry

It matters much less where a man comes into the world than how he comes into life, as a living'force and what he does and becomes in it. Heredity and environment have much to do in conditioning character and power, and fortunate indeed is the man who has been well born and whose surroundings haye made possible his very best development. Junius A. Henry, a successful farmer of Union township, now in the prime of life, is peculiarly blessed not only by heredity, but by environment as well. He comes from a distinguished family of Clinton county and was reared under excellent home influences. Naturally he is a fine specimen of manhood and citizenship, well balanced, well poised, broad-minded and liberal. Junius A. Henry was born on December 29, 1871, in Greene county, Ohio, and is the son of the late William and Julia (Pidgeon) Henry. The former was born near Huarveysburg, in Warren county, Ohio, January 31, 1838, and died on September 10, 1906, while the latter was born on May 7, 18388, in Guilford county, North Carolina, near High Point, and fifteen miles from Greensboro, and is still living in this county.