Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 25 of 26)

Joshua Thorpe's father was born in England and came to America as a British soldier during the American Revolution. When peace was declared he decided to remain in America and married and a few years later settled in Virginia. The late Edman B. Thorpe was educated in the common schools of Clinton county and taught school when a young man. Later he engaged in the mercantile business at Bloomington, and still later practiced law there, although he was never admitted to the bar. Edman B. and Emily (Culberson) Thorpe were the parents of five children, as follow: Edna. who died early in life; George. who married Bessie Easts; Norman B., who married Emma Channell; Rodney T., the subject of this sketch, 'and Ollie G., who married Seigel Wicol. Mr. Thorpe's parents were members of the Universalist church and the Methodist Episcopal church, the father having been identified with the former and the mother with the latter. Edman B. Thorpe was a Democrat and for many years was a justice of the peace in Wilson township.

Rodney T. Thorpe was educated in the public schools of Bloomington, this county, and when a young man worked as a farm hand. In 1891 he went to Sabina, this county, and there was engaged in the livery business for two years, at the end of which time he sold out and engaged in the retail grocery business. During the past thirteen years he has prospered largely and owns eighty-four and one-half acres in Wilson township. He is also an extensive property owner in Sabina. Mr. Thorpe married Kattie B. Barnhart, the daughter of John and Jane Barnhart, of Greene county, Ohio, and to this union four children have been born, Alfred E., Lawrence R., Maynard B. and in high esteem in Sabina and throughout that part of the county. Mr. Thorpe is a Democrat, and for years has given a good citizen's attention to the political affairs of the county.

John R. Rolston

One and one-half miles from New Antioch is a splendid farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres, belonging to John R. Rolston, one of the most successful farmers in Green township, this county.

Mr. Rolston is a native of Ireland, where he was born on May 12, 1863. He immigrated to America with his parents, Robert and Anna (Wallace) Rolston, when seven years old and was reared on a farm near New Antioch, receiving his education in the public schools. He has been engaged in farming all of his life, his course being marked by energy and enterprise, and it is not a matter of very great surprise that he has made a magnificent success of his chosen yocation.

On December 24, 1890, John R. Rolston was married to Dellie Green, who was born in Green township, this county, in 1870, daughter of George W. and Naney (Curtis) Green, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Rolston two children have been born, William (deceased) and Clifford, who is a student in the Wilmington high school. Mr. and Mrs. Rolston also have a foster-daughter, Ethel Collins, who married Edward Welton, of Springfield, Ohio, and lives on the farm belonging to Mr. Rolston. To Mr. and Mrs. Welton one child has been born, Anna Louise.

Mr. Rolston is identified with the Republican party and takes a good citizen's part in the political affairs of the county. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Rolston is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at New Antioch and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Sabina. He also belongs to the encampment and to the Daughters of Rebekah at Wilmington, Ohio. The Rolston family are well known in Green township and are among its most highly respected and valued citizens.

Francis Daniel Muliord

Among the enterprising farmers of Vernon township, this eounty, is Francis Daniel Mulford, who was born in that township on April 16, 1875, the son of Joseph Martin and Amanda (Urton) Mulford, the former, a native of Warren county, Ohio, born on March 6, 1844, and the latter, March 6, 1849. The paternal grandparents were Harvey and Eliza Ellen (Doctor) Mulford, both natives of Virginia, the former of whom died on January 20, 1861, at the age of forty-seven years, and the latter, born on January 20, 1819, died in 1906.

The maternal grandparents were Daniel and Nancy (Brown) Urton, the former born in Virginia in 1819, and the latter, in Ohio, in 1823, were early settlers in Warren county, Ohio, who, in 1861, came to Clinton county, where he died in 1896, and she, in 1899. They had eight children, of whom, Amanda, the third born, was the mother of Mr. Mulford. The other children were, Lucy, Lydia, John William (deceased), Mary Elizabeth, Ephraim H., Barbara Ellen (deceased) and Emma Touise.

The late Joseph Martin Mulford was a farmer by occupation, who removed from Warren county Ohio, to Vernon township, Clinton county, where he bought. a farm and where he spent the rest of his life. His widow is now living in Clinton county. Joseph Martin and Amanda (Urton) Mulford had three children, of whom Francis Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. Minnie is the wife of James Villars and they have one child, Homer. Pearl is the wife of Edwin Van Dervort and they have two children, Nellie Elouise and John Paul.

Clifford Rolston Mr. And Mrs. John R. Rolston

In 1897 Mr. Mulford was married to Mary Crosley, daughter of William and Carolin (Wood) Crosley, the former of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio, November 24, 1841, and the latter, in Cincinnati, in 1850. William Crosley was the son of Isaac and Rachael (Cook) Crosley, natives of Michigan and Warren county, Ohio, respectively, both pioneers in Warren county and both of whom died there. Carolin (Wood) Crosley was the daughter of Charles and Sarah (Wallin) Wood, of Hamilton county, Ohio, but who had come originally from England and who were early residents of Cincin- - hati. Both are now deceased. Mrs. Mulford is one of nine children born to her parents, the others being Perry, Lenna, Charles, Dolly Adennened)> Martha, Ella (deceased), Edgar and Roy.

Mr. Mulford is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. He is an up-to-date progressive farmer and has made many improvements in recent years on the farm where he now lives. He is a member of the Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knight of the Maccabees of the World.

Zephaniah Underwood

Among the names of large landowners and men of prominence in their generation in Clinton county, that of the late Zephaniah Underwood is held in pleasant remembrance throughout this whole section. Mr. Underwood was a man of large influence for good in his community; diligent in business and ever mindful of the public good, so that at his death there was felt a real loss in the hearts of all who had known him during his unusually long and active life. Living to the great age of eighty years, Mr. Underwood had been a witness to the amazing transformation which took place in the general conditions underlying the social and economic life of the people of this section during the last century and had done well his part in helping to bring about better conditions in all the varied relations of his fellow men.

Born in the year 1820, on the eastern edge of Ohio, Zephaniah Underwood came to Clinton county with his parents when he was but five years of age and became one of the best-known men in this section of the state. He was particularly active in behalf of the cause of temperance and for years was one of the most influential workers in the ranks of the Prohibition party hereabout, the liquor traffic having no more uncompromising foe than he in this county. and in all other ways he stood unflinchingly and determinedly as a righteous advocate of things of good report. <A birthright member of the Friends church, he and his family were devoted to all works in this community and occupied a very firm place in the regard of all with whom they came in contact. The death of Mr. Underwood in 1900 was widely -mourned, for he was a man who had done well his part in life.

Zephaniah Underwood was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on November 10, 1820, son of Amos and Mary (Shirk) Underwood, the former of whom was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born on August 3, 1786, son of Zephaniah and Rebecca Underwood, prominent residents of that section.

Amos Underwood was reared on a pioneer farm and received the rudiments of an education in such neighborhood schools as were provided in the days of his youth. In the year 1812 he was united in marriage to Mary Shirk, who was born on September 16, 1791, daughter of John and Barbara (Hoover) Shirk. and to this union eleven children were born, namely: Reuben, born on October 17, 1814; Isaac, September 30, 1816; John, October 26, 1818; Zephaniah, the immediate subject of this memorial sketch; Amos, March 5, 1828; Lewis, March 16, 1825; Senath, April 25, 1827; Thomas E., August 22, 1829; Priscilla Jane, December 15, 1831; William June 20, 1834, and Elihu, February 17, 1839, all of whom are now deceased save the latter, who is a well-known and highly respected resident of this county. Amos Underwood and his wife were earnest and devoted members of the Friends church and their children were reared in accordance with the strict tenets of that simple faith, becoming useful men and women in the several spheres of life to which they were called. The mother of the above children died when well past middle age .and Amos Underwood married, Secondly, Priscilla Lewis, of Highland county, this state, to which latter union there was no issue.

Amos Underwood was a man of much strength of character and became a fine force for good in Chester township, where his later years were spent. He came to this county from Columbiana county in the fall of 1825, settling in Liberty township, about three miles south of where Port William is now situated, where he remained for three years, at the end of which time he bought a farm in that locality, where he made his home until 1854, in. which year he bought the farm in the southwestern portion of Chester township where he spent his last days and where his son, Zephaniah, the subject of this memoir, also made his home during the remainder of his life.

Zephaniah Underwood was reared on the farm and in his boyhood received a limited education in the pioneer schools of that day, but in after years acquired considerable self-culture and education. Upon reaching manhood's estate he entered seriously upon the duties of the farm and from the very start of his agricultural operations prospered, gradually adding to his land holdings until he became the owner of four hundred and twenty acres in Chester township and seyenty-eight acres in Warren county, this state, all of which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He was one of the most extensive growers of fruit in this section of the state and at the time of his death had an excellent orchard of one hundred acres. His activities were not confined to the locality of his home and he also owned considerable land in the South and West, being accounted one of the wealthy men of this county. In 1880 Mr. Underwood was elected president of a Southern railroad company, and in other ways displayed much activity in various business enterprises. As an instance of the varied character of his operations, it is recalled that at one time he bought one thousand buffalo robes, for which he found a ready market among his friends and neighbors in this county. Reared as a Whig, Mr. Underwood became a Republican upon the formation of the latter party and was active in the local councils of that party until the organization of the Prohibition party in the eighties, after which he cast the full force of his political and personal influence on the side of that new party, ever having been an earnest advocate of temperance and an uncompromising foe of the liquor traffic, believing that national prohibition was the livest issue before the people of the United States. :

On December 27, 1871, Zephaniah Underwood was united in marriage to Matilda J. Downing, who was born in Centre county, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1851, the daughter of Jacob and Jane (Underwood) Downing, to which union five children were born, as follow: Ruth Anna, born January 2, 1873, married Alva C. Tomlinson on June 16, 1898, and had, Paul (deceased), Ruth, Matilda, Custis Paul and Faith Marion; Zephaniah, July 5, 1875, married on February 19, 1910, Dale Williams, daughter of Dr. A. J. and Bliza (Menies) Williams, who died on January 29, 1911; Joseph Miles, May 24, 1878, married on September 28, 1910, Myrtle Kibler, daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Snow) Kibler, and has one child, Vivian; Olive, March 23, 1881, who died on October 27, 1882, and Jane Eva, February 6, 1888, married on February 12, 1910, Corwin Haines, son of Thadeus A. and Eliza (Hiatt) Haines, and has one child, a 'son, Elvin.

Zephaniah Underwood died on April 17, 1900, in the eightieth year of his age, having been for many years one of Clinton county's most influential citizens, and his memory is cherished throughout this whole region. His widow has been an active minister in the Society of Friends since 1885, and Mr. Underwood took great pleasure in traveling with her in the work. She, who survives him, together with his children, are held in the highest esteem throughout the county.

David A. Murphy

David A. Murphy is a well-known farmer of Green township, this county. He was born in this county in 1860, the son of David and Hannah (Dennis) Murphy, the former of whom was born in Berkley county, Virginia, July 31, 1816, and the latter, in Clinton county, Ohio, September 1, 1831.

The paternal grandparents of David A. Murphy were Jacob and Mary (Lohman) Murphy, both natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather was born on March 4, 1791, and the paternal grandmother, March 9, 1798. They came to this county in 1826 and settled west of Wilmington. In 1834 they removed to Green township, settling where Isaiah Murphy now lives, and there the grandfather died on December 29, 1871, and the grandmother, January 26, 1878. Jacob Murphy and wife, who were married on April 20, 1818, reared the following children: Rebecca J., David, William, Susannah, John, Catherine, Abraham, Nancy, Isaiah and Mary Ann. Jacob Murphy and his wife were members of the Christian church and Mr. Murphy was a Democrat. The maternal grandfather of David A. Murphy was Richmond Dennis, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

schools. He took up farming as a vocation after leaving school and now rents sixtyeight acres of land in Clinton county, belonging to his aunt, Sarah Fenner, and is there engaged in general farming and stock raising. P In 1881 David A. Murphy was married to Ella Clark, of Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Ann (Gerard) Clark. Sylvester Clark, who served | for three years in the Union army during the Civil War, died at New Antioch, this county, in 1888, and his widow still survives him, at the adv 'anced age of eighty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Murphy six children have been born, Hamilton C., Leona, Walter, Preston, Norval Clifton and Sarah Frances, all of whom are living.

Among the prominent physicians of this county and the well-known citizens of Westboro, is Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet, the president of the Clinton County Medical Society and 4 member of the Ohio State and National Medical Associations. He has been a practicing physician in Westboro for nearly thirty years.

Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet, who was born near Goodhope, in Fayette county, Ohio, October 8, 1854, is the son of James and Elizabeth Ann (Dick) Tribbet, the former a native of Ross county, Ohio, and the latter of West Virginia. The paternal grandfather of Doctor Tribbet was Joseph Tribbet, who immigrated to Ohio in pioneer times and from Ohio immigrated to Iowa, where he died. His removal to Iowa followed the death of his wife, when he went to the Hawkeye state to bring back with him his sister, who was to return as his housekeeper. The maternal grandfather of Doctor Tribbet was John Dick, a native of West Virginia, who immigrated from that state to Wabash county, Indiana, where he engaged in farming and where he died.

Left an orphan at a tender age, James Tribbet, the father of Dr, Clayton A. Tribpet, was reared by friends of the family in Ross county and later in Fayette county and finally in Highland county, Ohio. Subsequently, he moved to Clinton county, in

1880, and located one and one-half miles east of Westboro, where he followed farming. To James and BPlizabeth Ann Tribbet were born eight children, of whom Clayton A. was the fifth in order of birth, the others being as follow: Mary Jane; Dr. John C., who for thirty years, was a practicing physician at Montezuma, Iowa, but who is now deceased; Lemuel, Glendora, James M., Elsworth and Elmer, the latter of whom is general manager of the American Laundry Company, of New York City. -

Clayton A. Tribbet received the rudiments of an education in the country schools and in the Greenfield high school, where he pursued his education for a period of five years. He also took in addition to this work, a course in Greek. Later he was a student at the South Salem Academy for two years, and then taught school for seven years, six years of which were spent in Fayette county, Ohio. During his last year in the school room, Doctor Tribbet was principal of the Westboro high school.:- After finishing seven years in the school room, he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, and was graduated, with high honors, with the class of 1886. In April, 1887, he took up the active practice of his profession at Westboro, and since then, a period of almost thirty years, has established an enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon, and is highly respected a's a man and a citizen in the community where he has lived so long.

In 1888, Dr. Clayton A. Tribbet was married to Letta Jackson, a daughter of Thomas and Isabel Jackson, of Westboro. To this union was born one daughter, Mabel BElizabeth, who died on May 2, 1914. Mabel EB. Tribbet was graduated from the Westboro schools and later from the Blanchester high school. Subsequently she was a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, for a period of two years, and then attended Wells College, at Aurora, New York, from which institution she was graduated with high honors. While working for her Master degree in the year following her graduation, she was assistant instructor in chemistry in Wells College, and this position was open to her at the time of her last sickness and untimely death.

Fraternally, Doctor Tribbet is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Both Doctor and Mrs. Tribbet are faithful and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high regard throughout the whole Westboro neighborhood.

Warren W. Mills

Agriculture is an inviting vocation to men and women who are thoroughly in love with life in the open; who are not afraid of a reasonable amount of hard work, and who are content to forego the advantages and disadvantages of being huddled together closely in great cities. Warren W. Mills, of Chester township, this county, who was born and reared on the farm where he now lives, found agriculture altogether to his liking and as a consequence has become one of the well-to-do farmers and stockmen in Warren and Clinton counties, Warren W. Mills was born, August 15, 1861, in Warren county, Ohio, a son of William H. and Izellah (Gordon) Mills, the former of whom was born, September 12, 1840, in Warren county, and the latter, near the Middle Run church, north of Waynesville, daughter of Samuel and Martha (Montgomery ) Gordon, William H. Mills was the son of Isaac and Annabel (Burnett) Mills, farmers in Warren county, the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania.

William H. Mills was educated in the common schools of' Warren county and began farming in his native county, where he lived for a few years, after which, about 1864, he came, with his family, to Clinton county and settled in Chester township, where he spent the remainder of his life, and where he owned a tract of two hundred and eighteen acres. William H. and Izellah (Gordon) Mills were the parents of three children, of whom Everett D., the second born, died unmarried. Warren, the eldest is the subject of this sketch, and Martha, the youngest, married William Shanibaugh.

Warren W. Mills was educated in the common schools of Chester township and on arriving at manhood began farming on the land where he now lives, where he is engaged in general farming and stockraising. He owns one hundred and eighteen acres in one tract and a half interest in another farm of one hundred acres.

In 1879 Warren W. Mills was married to Margaret Hurley, who was born in 1863, daughter of Henry and Lauretta (Colvin) Hurley, and to this happy union there have been born three children, of whom one, Nellie May, who was the wife of Daniel Miller, is deceased. Earl, the second born. married Etha Kenney and has two children, Manard and Anna Mae. Coral Mills married Clyde Lewis and has one child, Russell.

Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Methodist church. he being one of the stewards of the church. Mr. Mills votes the Republican ticket and is a man of considerable influence in local politics. Mr. Mills's family are all highly respected in Chester township.

Harvey W. Clemens

Harvey W. Clemens, a prosperous farmer of Richland township and a conservative business man of this county, owns sixty-five acres of land, one-half mile west of Sabina, the farm formerly owned by his father. Mr. Clemens has had this farm for eight years and, during this time has erected a house, barn and out-buildings and made many improvements on the place.

Harvey W. Clemens was born on October 13, 1857, in Richland township, this county, the son of Robert and Mary (Bishop) Clemens. Robert Clemens was born on July 4, 1816, in Fluvanna county, Virginia, and died on June 23, 1882. On April 30, 1835, he married Mary Bishop, who-was born on June 14, 1815, in Albermarle county, Virginia. Robert Clemens, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Ohio about 1846, and brought his family with him. They were members of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Robert Clemens died on August 8, 1891. Robert Clemens's father was Robert Clemens, Sr., a farmer, who moved from Virginia to Missouri in an early day and there spent the remainder of his life.

Harvey W. Clemens received a common-school education in the public schools of this county. He was married on August 15, 1883, to Ella Spurgeon, the eldest daughter of James W. and Harriet E. (Lyons) Spurgeon, life-long residents of Sabina, Richland township, and devout christians, members of the Methodist Protestant church, both of whom have passed on to their reward.

Mr. and Mrs. Clemens have no children. They are members of the Friends church and have hosts of friends, among whom they are held in high esteem. Mr. Clemens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and prominent in the work of that society.

Frank J. Martin

Frank J. Martin, formerly a well-known school teacher of this county, and now proprietor of a general mercantile store in Midland, was born on November 10, 1881, at Withamsville, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Jennie (Moore) Martin, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents of Frank J. Martin resided in Clermont county during the early part of their lives, but when Joseph Martin was a mere lad, the family removed to Springs, [linois. The grandfather was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Martin, James Moore; also was a native of Clermont county, where he spent all his life. He was a farmer by occupation also. Joseph Martin was reared in Illinois, but returned to Ohio, before his marriage. He was a farmer in Clermont county until 1891, in which year he came to Clinton county, locating in Jefferson township, where he farmed for seventeen years, or until his death. He died, however, in the state of Idaho, while on a trip west. Joseph Martin was first married to Hannah Nash, and to his first marriage were born three children, Charles, Ella and Ruth. By his second marriage there was but one child, Frank J., the immediate subject of this review.

Frank J. Martin, who was educated in the common schools of Jefferson township, and also at Westboro, Ohio, taught school for five years in Clinton county, three years at Midland City, and two years in the district schools of the county. He then purchased the J. F. Harper general store in 1906, and has since been engaged in the management of this store, in which he has been very successful, having built up a large and lucrative trade in Midland City and the surrounding country.

Mr. Martin is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Free and Accepted Masons. His parents were members of the Baptist church.

Samuel Wilson

Samuel Wilson, who owns a splendid farm in Wilson township, this county, and who is known among a large circle of friends as one who is accustomed to smile whether he gains or loses five hundred dollars in a transaction, was born in Fayette county, near Martinsburg, on February 21, 1853. For the past thirty years he has been extensively engaged in buying and shipping live stock to all parts of Ohio and to the Eastern markets. :

Mr. Wilson's parents were James and Margaret (Plymire) Wilson, the former of whom was born and reared in Fayette county, Ohio, and the latter in Washington county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Martin Plymire, a farmer, who immigrated to this county, and here spent the remainder of his life. He was the father of six children, of whom Mrs. James Wilson was the youngest, the others having been Barnett, Andrew, Samuel, John and Martin.

James Wilson's father was Joshua Wilson, a native of Ohio and an early settler in Clinton county. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and owned a farm in Fayette county, near Martinsburg.

Educated in the common schools of Fayette county, James Wilson, who always suffered a physical infirmity, was a shoemaker and farmer and owned one hundred and sixty acres of land in Richland township, this county. He was a member of the Methodist church and active in religious work during his entire life. Nine children were born to James and Margaret (Plymire) Wilson, of whom four, Susannah, Martin, Ellen and Layina, are deceased, the living children being Catherine, James, Samuel, Lewis and Julia. Margaret Plymire was Mr. Wilson's second wife.

Samuel Wilson was educated in the common schools and grew up on the farm. He was married on November 30, 1876, to Mary RB. Gray, who was born in this county, on December 19, 1857, the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Price) Gray, farmers of Wilson township and prominent members of the Methodist church.

To Mr. and Mrs, Wilson two children have been born, George and Ora, the former of whom married Margaret Merriweather, of Wilson township. Ora Wilson married Groyer Weical, of Richland township, and has one child, a son, Samuel Exley Eugene.

Mrs, Samuel Wilson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wilson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Wilson township school board. He owns one hundred and sixty-eight acres of land in Wilson and Richland townships, which he purchased in 1883. Not many years ago he rebuilt his barn and is now comfortably situated as a farmer and stockman.

Henry B. Miars

There is no positive rule for achieving success and yet in the life of the successful man there are always lessons which may well be followed. The man who succeeds is the man who can see and make use of the opportunities which fall in his way. Henry B. Miars, a prominent citizen of Wilmington, this county, and a representative in this section for the International Harvester Company, is a man who has risen steadily, by careful and honest application, to the business responsibilities imposed upon him. His, qualities of discrimination, his sound judgment and his executive ability have contributed largely to his material success. He is the scion of an old family and was born in the old stone house erected by his grandfather, David Miars, who settled in the county one year after it was organized.

Henry B. Miars was born in Union township, this county, November 9, 1868, son of Isaiah F. and Matilda (Babb) Miars, the former of whom was born in the same house as his son, Henry B., August 6, 1833, and who died on January 6, 1911. The mother was born in Union township, this county, on February 28, 1837, and is still living with her children. Z

Isaiah F. Miars was the son of David and Sarah (Stout) Miars, the former of whom was born in Virginia in 1795, the son of Martin Miars, who settled in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1811, and who purchased a large tract of land at a dollar and a quarter an acre. David and Sarah Miars were the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He and his wife lived on a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, which was a part of his father's homestead and included the dwelling. Subsequently, Isaiah F. Miars came into possession of this farm and now Henry B. Miars, the subject of this sketch, owns it. In fact, it has never been out of the family since it was covered with virgin forest and to this day stands the old stone house which the grandfather, David Miars, built over one hundred years ago. It is still in a good state of preservation and still used. The stone walls are two feet thick and the window casements are equally as deep. It is a two-story house and was regarded as a local wonder when first built, at that time having been considered the acme of luxury. In the days when this old house was built the builders thereabout did not use derricks and it was necessary to build a track and begin scaffolding one hundred feet from the building in order to get the stone up to the second story, the stones being hauled on a wooden track in a wheelbarrow.

David Miars became a well-to-do farmer and held four different farms. He was a Republican in politics and had a blacksmith shop on his farm in which he made most of his money. He died at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, who before her marriage was Sarah Stout, was burned to death. While-sitting in front of an open fireplace, her clothes caught fire and she lived only a few hours, dying in great agony. She was a splendid Christian woman and highly respected in this community.. For several generations the Miars family have been members of the Friends church.

Matilda Babb, the mother of Henry B. Miars, is the daughter of Henry and Ann (Woodruff) Babb, who were early settlers in Union township and who lived in the same neighborhood as the Miars family. They also were stanch Quakers. Henry Babb was twice married, the first time to Matilda Woodruff, upon whose death he married her sister, Ann, who bore him ten children. There were three children by the first wife. Henry Babb died during the Civil War.

Isaiah F. Miars grew up on the farm which his grandfather, Martin Miars, had entered and was one of the younger children of a large family. He was married on October 25, 1855, to Matilda Babb. Although he was a cripple and owned a farm, he spent most of his time in managing his stone quarry on Todd's Fork, which he worked extensively. Isaiah F. and Matilda Miars were the parents of six children, of whom Henry B. is the youngest, the others being, Luella, who married Frank

Hazard, a hardware salesman of Wilmington; Elva, who married Orlando Walker, who lives on a farm near Wilmington; Anna B., who married O. C. Babb, a carpenter, of Xenia, Ohio; Mary, who married Arthur Harold, of Indianapolis, and who is quite a noted preacher in the Friends church, and Corwin, who died at the age of twenty-six.

Henry B. Miars grew up on the farm and attended the country schools of Clinton county and subsequently Wilmington College. After leaving college, he worked four years as a clerk in David Peeble's hardware store at Wilmington and for a time was a traveling salesman for the Bailey Auger Bit Company, of Lancaster, Ohio. In 1892 Mr. Miars became a salesman for the International Haryester Company and is still thus engaged in the service of that firm. At first he was merely a local salesman, but he quickly became an expert and now has full charge of five counties in Ohio, with headquarters at Wilmington, and is the manager, not only of sales, but of deliveries and collections. Since 1906 he and his family have resided on Lincoln street in Wilmington.

On March 26, 1891, Henry B. Miars was married to Era Jay, who was born at New Burlington, this county, the daughter of James and Elida Jay, well-known farmers, now living at Martinsville in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Miars one son has been born, Ralph J., born on May 15, 1892, who is a draughtsman employed in the office of the Champion Bridge Works Company at Wilmington. He is a graduate of the Wilmington high school and of Wilmington College. ,

Mr. and Mrs. Miars and son are members of the Friends church, all three holding birthright membership in that church. It is needless to say that Mr. Miars is a highlyrespected citizen, well known, not only in Clinton county, but in surrounding counties, where he is frequently called on account of his business connections,

Jesse N. Oren

Jesse Newcomb Oren was born in Clinton county, Ohio, December 25, 1835. Mr. Oren was the third ¢hild of Elihu and Jane ( Newcomb) Oren. When he was six weeks old, in February, 1886, his father moved with his family on to the farm now owned by Jesse N. Oren and managed by his son, Arthur RE. Oren, and which has been his home for nearly eighty years. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, doing farm work in summer and attending school in winter. He also attended Antioch College for a time in 1864-5, then under the presidency of Horace Mann. In 1859-60 he engaged in teaching. In 1861 he answered the call made by Abraham Lincoln for three-years men 'to put down the rebellion, and enlisted on September 17, 1861, in Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served in that company until the fall of Atlanta, when he was mustered out as orderly sergeant, in October, 1864. He was for a time a prisoner of war and an inmate of Libby and other rebel prisons.

Mr. Oren returned home from the army and resumed farming. At the election of 1865 he was elected a member of the Ohio Legislature, to represent Clinton county, and served for two years, 1866-7.

Mr. Oren was again elected to the House of Representatives in 1871 for two years and in 1874, for the same length of time, serving in all six years as representative of his county. He was elected to the Ohio Senate in 1888 to represent the fifth senatorial district, composed of the counties of Greene, Fayette and Clinton. George Hoadly was then governor of the state. Mr. Oren was again elected by the same district in 1891, when James EH. Campbell was governor, Serving, in all, four years in the Senate and six years in the House. In 1908 Governor Nash appointed him a member of the Ohio board of State charities, for the term of three years. At the expiration of that time, 1906, yovernor Harris reappointed him for another term of three years. At the end of this term, 1909, on account of failing health, he resigned his position and retired from active public business. He has been able during the past six years to read the papers and keep posted on all the important public questions of the day.

Mr. Oren is a member of the Society of Friends and a firm believer in the principles and doctrines taught by that organization. Although he served for more than three - years as a soldier, he believes all wars are contrary to the teachings of Christ. and that all questions in dispute between nations should be settled by peaceful means, without ' resorting to force.

On July 8, 1866, Mr. Oren was married to Mary A. Bennett, of West Elkton, Ohio. Five children were born to them: Charles H., Arthur E., Cora B., Clara J. and Alice L. Two of these, Charles H. and Cora B. are dead.

Edward Peelle

Edward Peelle, a prosperous farmer of Wilson township, is descended from pioneer stock, his great-great-grandparents, Reuben and Rhoda Peelle, having come to Clinton county from Wayne county, North Carolina. Mr. Peelle was born in Clinton county on November 26, 1865. He is a good-natured man and public-spirited citizen and owns a ' highly-productive farm of two hundred and seventy acres in Wilson township, equipped with practically every modern convenience known to twentieth century agriculture. He has large and commodious cribs, a gasoline engine, feed grinders and other 1mprovea devices and lives in a comfortable home on Route No. 1, out of Sabina.

Edward Peelle is the son of Isaiah and Susan (Miller) Peelle, the former the son of William and Clarissa (Starbuck) Peelle. William Peelle was the son of John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle and John Peelle was the son of Reuben and Rhoda Peelle. John Peelle was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, near Contentna meeting house, June 2, 1781, and remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, when he engaged in farming. He later emigrated to Grayson county, Virginia, where he remained for one year and then undertook the journey to the "far West," traveling through Ohio and into the territory of Indiana as far as Richmond. Subsequently, he returned to North Carolina, well pleased with the appearance of the Western country. He bade a final adieu to his old home after remaining in North Carolina for a short time and emigrated to Belmont county, Ohio, where, on December 2, 1807, he married Lydia Bundy, the daughter of William and Mary Bundy, of that county, being married according to the rites of the Friends church. Very soon after their marriage John Peelle and his wife moved to Fall Creek, where they lived until 1811, in which year they settled near Bowerville, Green county, Ohio, and after remaining there two years on March 1, 1813, moved to a farm later owned by Mrs. Rosa T. Denver in Clinton county. In 1820 John Peelle built a hewed-log house, which stood for many years. He was an ardent and devoted member of the Society of Friends. His devoted wife died on December 2. 1856, after forty-nine years of marital happiness, she being nearly seventythree years of age at the time of her death. Fifteen years later, lacking one day, John Peelle died, at the age of eighty-eight years and six months. They were the parents of three sons and four daughters, all of whom, except one daughter, lived, married and reared families.

At the time John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle settled in Clinton county, William Peelle, their son, was oniy five years old, he haying been born in Highland county in 1808. In 1832; when twenty-four years old, he was married to Clarissa Starbuck, and to that union were born thirteen children. His wife died in October, 1864, and he lived many years later. He was an ardent member of the Friends church and was a man of considerable wealth at the time of his death.

Of the children born to William and Clarissa Peelle, Isaiah Peelle, a native of Clinton county, married Susan Miller, of Warren county, Ohio, daughter of Thomas

Miller, who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio before his marriage. Isaiah Peelle was educated in the common schools and owned a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Clinton county. During the later years of his life he lived retired in Wilmington. He died in 1905, and his widow is still living in Wilmington. They were the parents of five children, Anna, deceased; Edward, the subject of this sketch; Luther, who died in infancy; Morris and Waldo.

Edward Peelle was educated in the public schools of Clinton county nnd at Wilmington College. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Josephine Spurgeon, the daughter of Thomas Spurgeon, a well-known farmer of Clinton county, and to this union three children have been born, Edna, Walter and Robert. The latter two are unmarried and live at home with their parents; Edna was married on May 27, 1915, to Eber K. Haines, of Simberton, Greene county, Ohio.

Mr. Peelle's farm, comprising two hundred and seventy acres, is a part of the land owned by his' great-grandparents, John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle, after their removal to Clinton county.

David A. Humphreys

David A. Humphreys, a prosperous farmer and banker of Vernon township, is one of the best-known citizens of Clinton county. The ninth child in a family of twelve children, he is one gf those men who, by indefatigable labor, careful business management and cordial relations with his neighbors and fellow citizens, has made for himself an enviable place in the life of this great county.

Mr. Humphreys is a native of Vernon township, where he was born on November 3, 1852, the son of John L. and Julia Ann (Sidels) Humphreys, the former born in Warren county, Ohio, October 1, 1815, and the latter, in Clinton county, September 19, 1819.

The paternal grandparents .of David A. Humphreys were James and Elizabeth (Long) Humphreys, the former of whom was a pioneer in Warren county, Ohio, and a farmer in Washington township, where both he and his wife spent their last days. Mr. Humphreys' maternal grandparents were Israel and Nancy (Morrison) Sidels, pioneers of Clinton county, where both spent practically all of their lives and where both passed away.

Mr. Humphreys' father located in Vernon township, this county, in March, 1854. He was an extensive farmer and landowner and had about six hundred acres of land in this county. A Republican in politics, he was always active in the councils of his party and came to be known as one of the foremost citizens in the community where he lived. He died on January 4, 1893. His wife had preceded him to the grave on- August 4, 1890, They were the parents of twelve children, of whom James, Mattie, Filmore, Nancy, John, David A., Joseph and Julia are living, and Hannah, Mary, Israel and Sarah are deceased.

David A. Humphreys was reared on his father's farm and é¢ducated in the public schools at Pansy, in Vernon township. He has always been engaged in farming and at the present time owns approximately three hundred acres of land, but also formerly owned one hundred and thirty-five aeres which now belongs to his son, Raymond J. Besides his extensive interest in farm land, Mr. Humphreys is a director of the First National Bank, of Blanchester, and of the Farmers National Bank, of Clarksville,

In December, 1877, David A. Humphreys was married to Caroline Goodwin, who was born in Indiana, daughter of James Goodwin, a brother of Levi Goodwin, mentioned elsewhere in this yolume in the biographical sketch of E. M. Goodwin, of Marion township. James Goodwin was a farmer by occupation, who lived in Warren county, Ohio, and! who is now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys two children have been born, Raymond J., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and Vance, born in 1886, who was educated in the Blanchester high school and is a farmer 'by occupation. He married Ona Haines and has one child, Uhlan.

Although identified with the Republican party in political matters, Mr. Humphreys has never aspired to office and has never been especially active in politics. He has always stood foremost in the ranks of those who favor public improvements and has done much for the material development, not only of Clinton county, but especially . of the community in which he lives.

John Quincy Smith

John Quincy Smith was born in Wayne township, Warren county, Ohio, November 5, 1824. son of Thomas and Mary (Whitehill) Smith, Thomas Smith was born in Powhatan county, Virginia, in 1783, the son of Rev. James and Elizabeth (Porter) Smith. James Smith's father was Thomas Smith, and his mother Magdalen (Trabue) Smith, she being a daughter of Sir Antoine Trabue, who fled from France about 1685. during the persecution of the Huguenots, and came to America about 1700.

Thomas Smith, born 1719, died 1786, the father of James, was of English descent, being a son of George Smith, and Ann (Bailey) Smith. They lived in what is now Powhatan county, Virginia, early in the 18th century. Mary (Whitehill) Smith, born 1788, deceased 1849, was a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kennedy) Whitehill, who lived in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The Whitehills were a Scotch-Irish family who settled in that part of Pennsylvania about 1720. This branch emigrated to Ohio in 1815, settling near Lebanon, Warren county. Thomas Smith and Mary Whitehill were married on February 6, 1817.

The Rev. James Smith, grandfather of John Quincy Smith, was a farmer and slaveholder in Virginia, but being very much opposed to the institution of slavery, freed his slaves and removed to the territory northwest of the Ohio river, in the fall of 1798, where he died of a fever soon after their arrival. His widow, Elizabeth (Porter) Smith and her family of nine children removed to their farm near the mouth of Caesar's creek, Warren county, where she died in January, 1825, and where Thomas and Mary (Whitehill) Smith lived and reared their family.

John Q. Smith, the subject of this sketch, attended the neighborhood schools, and for a short time, Miami University, from which he was recalled by the death of his father, in 1841. He lived at the family home until his marriage, in 1852. His wife, Lydia. Emma (Evans) Smith, born near Lebanon, September 4, 1834. was a daughter of Charles and Susannah (Throckmorton) Evans. The Evanses were of an old New Jersey family, belonging to the Society of Friends, who emigrated. to Warren county, Ohio, about 1809.

The Smith family were Whigs, but John Quincy Smith identified himself with the Freesoilers at an early date and later with the Republican party at its formation about 1856. He served as state senator and representative in the Ohio Legislature, 1860-3; was a member of Congress, 1873-4; United States Commissioner of Indian affairs, 1875-7. and consul general of the United States in Canada, 1878-82. Shortly after his return from Canada he identified himself with the Democratic party on the tariff issue, being an earnest believer in free trade. For more than fifty years he was active in the political affairs of his state and country, as a writer and speaker. In 1854 he moved to a farm near Oakland, Chester township, Clinton county, where he died on December 30, 1901, his widow surviving him until June 16, 1906.

Of the three children of John Q. and Lydia E. (Evans) Smith now living, Mrs. William C. McCune. lives at Kokomo, Indiana. and Miss Ellen H. Smith, at Wilmington. Ohio. The eldest son, Horace Whitehill Smith, born October 2. 1853, is one of the leading citizens and business men of Clinton county. He was married in 1877, to Mary

Eva Campbell, of Chester township, daughter of James W. and Mary Elizabeth (Brown) Campbell, to which union three sons have been born, Irving, Quincy and Edwin. One son of John Q. Smith and wife, Kennedy, died in infancy. Another, Charles T., a young man, died in Georgia. Another son, Prescott, died in 1912, a judge of the superior court at Cincinnati. , ae a

Horace M. Hall

Horace M. Hall is a successful contractor and builder of Blanchester, this county. He was born on December 10, 1865, in Preble county, Ohio, the son of Andrew J. and Martha A. (Elliott) Hall, the former a native of Clinton county, and the latter a native of Preble county. The paternal grandparents of Horace M. Hall came from the French frontier in Europe, and, after coming to America,.located in Clinton county, where they were early settlers. The maternal grandparents of Horace M. Hall were William and Mary (Hall) Elliott, natives of Virginia. William Elliott died in that state and after his death, his widow came to Ohio, passing away in Preble county, Ohio, in 1872. William Elliott was a soldier in the War of 1812.

Andrew J. Hall, the father of Horace M., a native of Clinton county, was educated in the common schools of this county but left Clinton county some time before the Civil War and settled in Preble county, where he enlisted in the Thirty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years and four months. In the battle of Chickamauga he was twice wounded, a bullet passing through his shoulder and another through his hip. Four children were born to Andrew J. and Martha A. Hall, Charles, Horace M., Prudence and Alice.

Horace M. Hall, who was educated in the common schools of Preble county, learned paper-making in Middleton, and followed this occupation for about five years. Later he learned the carpenter's trade at Cincinnati and has been engaged in this trade ever since, having moved to Blanchester in 1895, just after the town was destroyed by fire. It is an interesting fact that the first house he built after arriving in Blanchester is the one in which he now lives. For many years he has been a contractor and builder and has erected many buildings in that part of the county.

On September 22, 1896, Horace M. Hall was married to Cora Willoughby, of Blanchester, who has borne him three children, Corliss, Mary and Marjorie.

The Hall family, with the exception of Mr. Hall, are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hall is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has served as councilman of Blanchester and is now a member of the board of public affairs. Formerly, he served as deputy assessor of that township. He is a man who performs his duties conscientiously, whether those duties be public or private, and has many friends in that section of Clinton county.

Gideon Moody Fuller

Gideon Moody Fuller and his wife, Amy Solomon Fuller, came to Clinton county from North Carolina, in 1811, and settled on Wilson's run, about three and one-half miles from Wilmington. These were pioneer days and their nearest neighbor was two miles away and they had to go to Waynesville for their groceries. As soon as the sun went down, the wolves would begin to howl and would come right up to the house, whereupon the pioneers would have to bar the doors. There were no such things as locks then in Clinton county, merely a wooden latch, with a string, "'which always was out." The only way these pioneers had to get to Cincinnati was by wagon, through the woods most of the way. Most of the roads were marked through the country by "blazing" trees. This procedure consisted of scalping off the bark until the white wood shone. By following this trail repeatedly, in time, the pioneer wayfarers created a road.

Mr. Fuller afterward bought the farm known as the Fuller farm, one mile from the court house, on the old Cincinnati road and in 1831 built a brick house, considered a mansion in that day. It still stands in excellent condition.

Benjamin Fuller, a Revolutionary soldier, came to Clinton county in 1826 and lived with his son, Gideon. He died in 1848 and was buried in the old Methodist graveyard.

Judge D. B. Van Pelt, of Dayton; Cyrus M. Van Pelt, a Methodist minister, of Madisonville, and Mary L. Geffs, of Denver, are children of Mary Ann Fuller Van Pelt and Cyrus Van Pelt. Amy F. Hale and Lulu F Huffman, Wilmington, and Mary L. Wright, of New York, are daughters of Milton Riley Fuller and Margaret Rose Gaither Fuller.

Job Clark

Seven years of faithful service as township trustee of Green township, this county. during which the affairs of that office were administered with the highest regard for the best interests of the public, proved most excellent training for the proper performance of the broader duties of the more important office of county commissioner, which office Job Clark is now filling with equal regard for the wider interests of the whole county. Mr. Clark not only is a member of one of Clinton county's old families, but he ever has taken a most hearty interest in the general advancement of his home county along all lines of human endeavor. Diligent in business, he has prospered in his own affairs; enterprising and public spirited, he brought to the duties of the office of township trustee of Green township the same degree of diligence and attention to business details which bad insured success in his personal career, and now, in the administration of the affairs of the county commissioner's office is serving the public in the same diligent and publicspirited manner, his services having proved very satisfactory to all acquainted therewith.

Job Clark was born on the farm in Green township, Clinton county, Ohio, on which he still lives, on'March 8, 1872, son of Cary and Rebecea J. (Hildebrand) Clark, both natives of the same township, the former of whom was the son of Benjamin Clark. a Virgirian, one of the early settlers of that part of the county, and the latter a daughter of Christopher Hildebrand, also a Green township pioneer.

Cary Clark, who was born on a pioneer farm in Green township, this county, was reared to the life of the farm and received his education in the early schools of that time. About the year 1849 he bought a small tract of fifty acres at the point where his son, Job Clark, now lives and by industry gradually acquired a farm of three hundred and thirty acres. Cary Clark was an energetic, enterprising citizen and early became oue of the most influential men in the county. For years he served his township as trustee, his efforts in connection with tlhe administration of the affairs of that office undoubtedly having been productive of large results in the way of the rapid advancement in educational and other standards thereabout. Then for twelve years he served the county as county commissioner from his district, his influence in that office, covering the period from 1873 to 1885, ever having been directed toward the advancement of the county's best interests, so that he left a name that is indelibly written fair on the records of Clinton county. Cary Clark was a Republican and for many years was regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county, his sound judgment and thorough acquaintance with local conditions giving unusual weight to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. He and his wife were members of the Christian church and their children were reared in that faith, the family being one of the most active supporters of the church in that neighborhood. Cary Clark was a member of the Masonic lodge at

New Vienna. to the affairs of which he for years directed his most intelligent attention and was looked upon by the Masons throughout the county as one of the most active menibers of that ancient fraternity in this county. He and his wife were the parents of the following children: Alfred, 'Salina, Ida, Frank, Jefferson, Etta and Job.

Job Clark was reared on the paternal farm and received his education in the district school in his home neighborhood and in the high school at New Vienna. Upon completing his studies he entered seriously upon the life of a farmer and has given his most intelligent and indefatigable efforts to his life work, prospering accordingly. He owns one hundred and thirty-seven acres of the old home place and has a delightful home, where he and his pleasant family live in much comfort. In addition to general farming, Mr. Clark has given much attention to the raising of hogs and has found considerable profit in that line. A valuable feature of his farm is a fine sugar-maple grove, from which, in season, Mr. Clark secures a superior quality of maple syrup.

The deep interest Mr. Clark ever has taken in public affairs and his ardent desire to see the largest advancement of the public interest, early was recognized by his neighbors and years ago he was elected to the office of township trustee, a position which he filled with the most gratifying results for a period of seven years. About one year later he was elected to the office of county commissioner from his district, on the Republican ticket, and entered upon the duties of that important office on September 15, 1913, and is still serving in this capacity, performing faithfully his highest duty to the public.

On April 4, 1896, Job Clark was united in marriage to Mary McMahon, of Hillsboro, Ohio, daughter of Michael McMahon, and to this happy union two children have been born, Geneva and Clay Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church at New Vienna, and are deeply interested in all good works in the community, being regarded as leaders therein, and are held in the very highest regard throughout that section of the county.

Mr. Clark has proved himself a faithful public official, devoted to the welfare of the county, and in all circles is considered a valuable factor in the development of the best interests of the community as a whole, in consequence of which he possesses the full confidence of all.

The subject of this brief and modest biographical sketch, Mrs. Margaret E. McCoy, wa3 born in this county on September 10, 1855, daughter of John A. and Johanna (Bailey) Oren. Mrs. McCoy is a very earnest member of the Friends church in this county and for the past ten years has been an elder in the same. She was one of the first students to enter Wilmington College, which she attended in the years 1874-75, and she also was a student in Earlham College. Her father, John Adkinson Oren, was born near Springfield, in Clark county, this state, on October 2, 1818, son of James and Margaret (Adkinson) Oren and a grandson of John Oren, who was a son of Jesse and Abigail (Kirk) Oren. The senior John Oren was born in Yorktown, York county, Pennsylvania, in 1756 and grew to manhood in that vicinity. He married Ruth Lousier, of the same place, and was the father of sixteen children and lived to greet the coming of one hundred and five grandchildren. He was a consistent member of the Friends church and took a prominent part in the work of establishing the church at Dover, near his home. His death occurred in 1845. John A. Oren, father of Mrs. McCoy, was a birthright member of the Society of Friends and-was honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow men, without which he believed no man could be a true follower of Christ. In his younger manhood he was a carpenter, but after his marriage turned his attention to farming and was quite successful. His death occurred at his farm home near Highland, in Highland county, this state, on February 12, 1888,

Mrs. McCoy's mother, Johanna (Bailey) Oren, was born on a farm four miles north of Wilmington, this county, which farm now is owned by W. A. Starbuck, on May 12, 1820, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Haworth) Bailey, who came to this section of Ohio from Virginia in 1804 and also took a prominent part in the work of establishing the Dover church. Daniel Bailey was-the son of Abidan Bailey and was born in Virginia. He was active in all his relations to his church and was a consistent member of the Same all his life. His death occurred in 1844. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, those besides Mrs. McCoy's mother having been, Mrs. Martha Oren, George Bailey, Mrs. Susanna Hunnicutt, Mrs. Sarah Hunt, David Bailey, Josiah Bailey, Rebecca Bailey, Elizabeth Bailey, Daniel Bailey, Jr., and Mrs. Mary Hornida, all of whom married and settled near their father's home, except Elizabeth, who spent all her life at the home place, and Rebecca, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Dr. Thomas E. Craig is one of the leading physicians of Sabina, this county, and, in a county which takes just pride .in the personnel of its professional men, especially its physicians, he has won for himself an honorable position in the hearts of his fellow towusmen. Good intellectual training, thorough professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of these qualities and attributes have made Doctor Craig locally eminent in his life calling.

Thomas E. Craig was born on October 26, 1865, at Stanton, in Fayette county, Ohio, the son of Thomas J. and Susannah J. (Rosebrough) Craig, the former of whom was horn at Greenfield, in Highland county, Ohio, and the latter a native of Fayette county, the daughter of John Rosebrough, who married a Miss McDaniels. The grandfather of Doctor Craig was James Craig, who emigrated from New Jersey to Highland county, this state, and who married Sarah Ann Cooley. They had six children: John, Williams, Thompson, David, Mary and Thomas J. :

Thomas J. Craig was educated in the common schools of Highland county, Ohio, and when a young man worked on a farm. Later he operated a wholesale notion wagon between towns, also owning a general store at Stanton. During the later years of his life he lived on his farm of fifty acres. Thomas J.'and Susannah J. Craig had nine children, as follow: John, who enlisted in the Civil War from Iowa, where he was living, died on a forced march and was buried at Little Rock, Arkansas; Nancy, who married George Rowe; Josephine, who married I. N. Rowe; Williams, who died young; Mary Alice, who married S. S. Cockerelle; Parthenia, who became the wife of J. L. Lines; Eliza, who is the wife of Eldridge Cockerelle; David S., who married Grace Wilcox; and Dr. Thomas E., the subject of this sketch. -The father was an ardent Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas E. Craig began his pursuit of an education in the common schools of Stanton, Ohio, and when a young man taught school, later attending the normal school at Ada. Upon reaching his decision to become a physician, he entered Starling Medical School at Columbus, Ohio, and later was a student at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Maryland, from which latter institution he was graduated with the class of 1892. He began practicing in Sabina in July, 1892, and has practiced there ever since.

In 1893 Doctor Craig was married to Mary A. Adams, daughter of Elias and Sarah B. (Bentley) Adams, and to this happy. union have been born three children, Sarah Helen, Thomas Dugene and Carl.

Politically, Doctor Craig is a Republican. He and his wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and of the Clinton County Medical Society.

David King Polk

A prosperous farmer of Wilson township, this county. David King Polk, owns one hundred and twelve acres of land in that township, comprising a fertile and productive farm. He is interested in Shorthorn cattle and for many years has been engaged in raising them for the market.

David King Polk was born on November 11, 1872, in the township where he lives, the sun of William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk, the former of whom was born south of Wilmington, in Clinton county, and the latter in Bureau county, Illinois, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Hammond) Prunk, of that state. Daniel Prunk was born on July 21, 1796, in Virginia, and was married to Catherine Hammond, who was born on November 22, 1797. This worthy couple reared a family of twelve children. whose names in the order of their birth are as follow: Martha, born on November 11, 1818; James, June 2, 1820; John, February 19, 1822; Hammond, April 8, 1824; Madison, April 23, 1826; Maggie, January 26, 1828; Daniel, November 3, 1829; Leander, August 15, 1830; George, February 38, 1834; Washington, March 21, 1836; Catherine, May 15, 1841, and Mary M., the mother of Mr. Polk, June 31, 1843.

Mr. Polk's paternal grandparents were William and Hannah (Hobson) Polk, natives of Tennessee, who were the parents of seven children, of whom Martha, the youngest, is living at Muncie, Indiana, at the advanced age of ninety-six years. The others were Sallie, John, James, William H., Robert and Nathaniel. After his marriage, in 1775, William Polk moved to Ohio from Tennessee, and located in Clinton county, near where the city of Wilmington now stands. He entered one hundred and fifty-six acres of land from the government in that vicinity, but later moved to Wilson township. He died about 1825, and his remains are buried on the farm now owned by his son, Edward Polk, brother of David K. Polk. He was a Baptist minister and prominent in the pioneer life of this county.

William H. Polk, the father of David King Polk, received only a very limited education, attending school altogether about six months. Nevertheless, he was a wellread man and a man of strictly moral habits. During the Civil War he furnished, free of charge, food and supplies for many widows and orphans. He owned three hundred and seventy-three acres of land in Clinton county, and was an extensive stock raiser. He imported a thirty-thousand-dollar Shorthorn bull from England, the first animal of the kind in this part of the country. He also kept mules and Cotswold sheep. William H. Polk was very active in the affairs of the county, and at the time the Baltimore & Ohio railroad was constructed through Clinton county he gave five hundred dollars towards its construction.

To William H. and Mary M. (Prunk) Polk were born eight children, namely: George,-who married Deborah Freeman, died at his home in Springfield, Ohio; William P., who married Alice Thompson, lives in Oregon; Daniel, who died in infaney; Millie, who married Joseph Reynolds, died in Clinton county; Mary, who is the wife of S. T. Groves, lives in Sabina; Edward, who married Bertha Ray; John J., who married Eva Wilson, owns one hundred and five acres in Wilson township, and David K., the subject of this sketch.

Born and reared on the farm and educated in the country schools of Clinton county, David King Polk lived at home with his parents until his marriage on February 25, 1908, to Ada Ray, daughter of Collins Ray, who for twenty-five years was the section foreman for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at Sabina. Mr. Ray was a very devout member of the Christian church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Polk three children have been born, Mary Magdalene, Elizabeth and Sampson. Mrs. Polk is a member of the Christian church at Sabina, and one of the active workers in the church. Fraternally, Mr. Polk is a member of the Independent

Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America, as well as of the Daughters of Rebekah. He is a Republican and has served as judge of the elections in Wilson township for three years.

John Denehy

In 1911 Mr. Polk built a modern and full-equipped country home on his Wilson township farm. Mr. and Mrs. Polk are popular in Wilson township. They believe in -enjoying life and in getting out of it all that may be had in the way of enjoymént. JOHN DENEHY.

The venerable John Denehy, of Wilson township, is one of those thrifty sons of the Emerald Isle who have found comfortable homes and snug fortunes in America. Mr. Denehy is a highly respected citizen of his community and a man who believes in helping worthy public movements. He was born in Ireland, December 8, 1844, the son of Jeremiah and Johanna (Dineen) Denely, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Denehy's paternal grandfather was John Denehy, also a native of Ireland, a farmer by occupation and a devout Catholic.

Jeremiah Denehy, the father of John, was also a farmer and a member of the Catholic church. He died in 1893 in his native land. He and his wife were the parents of three children, John, Jerry and Honora, all of whom came to America and of whom the two last named now are deceased. s

John Denehy had but little opportunity for an education. He came to the United States in May, 1873, and after landing in this country, proceeded directly to Wilmington, this county, where his sister, Mrs. Honora Haley, and her husband were already living. Mr. Denehy brought over his sister's son, whom she had left behind in Ireland on coming to this country. Afterwards Mr. Denehy moved to Liberty township, this county. where he rented one hundred and seventy acres of land for eight hundred and fifty dollars a year, and this arrangement continued for nineteen years. In 1894 he purchased the farm where he is now living, which consists of one hundred and eighteen acres, and since purchasing this tract. has added, by purchase, sixty-four acres, giving him a total of one hundred and eighty acres of excellent farming land.

On March 1, 187 John Denehy was married to Honora O'Leary, the daughter of Patrick O'Leary, and to this union have been born nine children, Jerry, Johanna, Honora, Patrick, John, Daniel, William, Dennis and Julia. The family are all earnest and devoted members of the Catholic church, at Wilmington, to the support of which they are liberal contributors, and in whose welfare they are deeply interested.

Samuel J. Irvin

Samuel J. Irvin. who is a prosperous farmer and stockman of Vernon township, this county, was born in Marion township, Clinton county, March 7, 1876, the son of James and Alice S. (Losh) Irvin, the former of whom was born.in Warren county, Ohio, May 18, 1849, and the latter, July 9, 1851, in Hamilton county, Ohio.

James Irvin, the father of Samuel J., is the son of Samuel and Martha (Crosley) Irvin, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 9, 1821, and the latter in 1826. in Warren county. The parents of Samuel Irvin were Andrew and Sarah Irvin. the former of whom came to the United States with his parents and settled in Pennsylvania. Andrew Irvin and wife moved from Ross county, Ohio, to Warren county and there spent the rest of their lives. residing near Hopkinsville, where they kept a hotel for many years. Andrew Irvin died shortly after the Civil War and his widow died about thirty years ago. They had a large family, their children being John, Samuel, James B., Sarah, Millie, Martha, Eliza. Nancy, Hannah, Isabel, Hester and

Samuel Irvin was reared on a fave" and was educated in the public schools. In 1857 he came to Clinton county and here bought and sold land, having owned at different times several different farms. At his death he owned about three hundred and sixty acres. Martha (Crosley) Irvin was the daughter of Isaac and Rachel (Cook) Crosley, the former of whom was born in Michigan, and the latter near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio. Both died in Warren county. Samuel Irvin was identified with the Republican party. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died in 1899 and his widow in 1907. They had a family of seven children, namely: Nathan, born in 1847, who died in 1900; James, who is hereafter referred to; Caroline, who married Clark Smith, deceased; George, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; Abram, a resident of Blanchester, this county; Emma, the wife of J. E. Reeder, and Dora, who is the wife of Charles Shank, a son of Martin Shank, of Marion township, who is ninetyfour .years old.

Born and reared on the farm and educated in the public schools, James Irvin has been a farmer by occupation. He is now living retired in Blanchester, to which place he moved in 1903, the Irvin home being situated on Center street. James Irvin owns three hundred and sixty acres of land in Marion and Vernon townships and other property in Blanchester. He is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board and as trustee of Marion township. He has also served as a member of the Blanchester council for six years. Mr. Irvin attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

On January 1, 1871, James Irvin was married to Alice S. Losh, daughter of James and Eliza (Hawthorn) Losh, and to this union eight children have been born, namely: Irene F., who is the wife of Charles Sears, and has three children, Dan, Charles Raymond and Emma, (deceased): Estella J., who is the wife of Harley Carnahan, and has four children, James Estel, Lucille, Harry and George; Samuel J., the subject of this sketch; Stanley A., who married Elsie Leonard; Georgiana, who died at the age of three years; an infant daughter, deceased; Ethel Eva, who married Carl H. Smith. of Miamisburg, and Charles Raymond, who married Viola Conner, and 'had two children, Edna Ray, who died at the age of three years, and Carl Harold.

Mrs. James Irvin, who is the daughter of James and Eliza (Hawthorn) Losh, is descended from pioneer stock in this section of Ohio. Her father, James Losh, was born near Terrace Park, Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1817, the son of John Losh, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Hamilton county. Ohio, when a young man. John Losh married a Miss Highland. Some time afterward he started to New Orleans in a boat and was never afterwards heard from. He lived at Milford, Ohio, where he had a tannery. His widow died at Terrace Park, Ohio. James Losh was a farmer by occupation, a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His first wife was Martha Canada, the daughter of Frank and Johanna Canada. pioneers in Hamilton county. He died at the age of about seventy-four years and his wife at about sixty. James Losh and wife were the parents of only one child, Frank IK... who now lives at Blanchester. The second wife of James Losh was Eliza Hawthorn, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and who, for a number of years, was a teacher in that county. To this second marriage there were born seven children, Mary (deceased). Martha, Alice S.. James (deceased), Charles, Samuel and Arthur Willis (deceased). James Losh died at Clarksville, Ohio, in 1890. His first wife died in 1843. and his second wife in 1863, after which he married a third time.

Samuel J. Irvin, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and was educated in the public schools. Mr. Irvin has always been engaged in farming and now owns two hundred and fifteen acres of land in Vernon and Marion townships and has devoted practically his entire attention to the cultivation of this land. He is a progressive farmer, judged from any point of view and one who has made many improvements on his farm. In late years Mr. Irvin has given most of his attention to stock.

On February 22, 1899, Samuel J. Irvin was married to Clara M. Florea, who was born in- Clinton county, daughter of Parker N. and Maria (Athey) Florea, and who formerly was.a teacher in the. schools of this county. Parker N. Florea is- 'deceased, and his widow now lives at Midland City.

Parker N. Florea was born 'near Cuba, in Clinton county, the son of Harrison and Nancy (Seaman) Florea, both natives of this county. Harrison Florea was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Florea, pioneer settlers of the region round about Macedonia. Nancy Seaman was the daughter of Bbenezer and Lillis (Mitchell) Seaman, of Virginia, who settled near Cuba about 1808. Harrison Florea was a farmer by occupation and he and his wife had two children, Parker N. and Caroline. Parker N. Florea was educated in Clinton county and became a farmer. For fifteen years before his death, he operated a tile factory at Midland City. He was married in 1867 to Maria Athey, who was the daughter of George W. and Charlotte (Biggs) Athey, natives probably of Virginia and Clinton county, respectively. George W. Athey was the son of Robert and Rhoda (Follis) Athey, natives of Virginia, who came to Clinton county about 1808, and spent the rest of their lives in this county. Charlotte Biggs was the daughter of William Biggs, who settled, about 1808, near Cuba. He owned a tract of land stretching almost. to Clarksville. He served in the War of 1812 and remained in this community until his death. Parker N. Florea was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in an Ohio volunteer regiment.

J. M. Richards, who is a hustling business man of Sabina; this county, a man with very cordial manners and tactful in all of his relations with the public, was born on January 19. 1865, at Hillsboro, Ohio, the son of Milverne and Amy (Miller) Richards. the latter of whom was born near Hillsboro, the daughter of John Miller, a farmer of that community and a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The paternal grandparents of J. M. Richards were William and Lucinda (Gibson) Richards, both natives of Pennsylvania, but who were married in Ohio after coming to this state. They settled on what was known as Little Rocky fork near Hillsboro and there owned three hundred and fifty acres of land. They spent their last days in Hillsboro, living retired. Both the grandparents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were very active in church work. They had five children, Milverne, Newton, John. Samuel arid Margaret, of whom Margaret is the only one now living. Newton was a physician in Atlantic, Jowa; Samuel was a physician at Hillsboro, Ohio, and John and Milverne were farmers.

Milverne Richards, the father of J. M., was educated in the comnion schools and was always engaged in farming. He first married Amelia Barrow, and to them were born two children, Newton and Minerva, both of whom are now deceased. Newton Richards married Emma Fisher, and after her death, Emma Reno. Minerva Richards married Minor Smith. a resident of Denver, Colorado. Upon the death of Amelia (Barron) Richards. Milverne Richards married, secondly, Amy Miller, to which union were born three children. J. M.. the subject of this sketch; Mary, the twin sister of J. M., and Anna. Both Mary and Anna grew to maturity. but Mary died unmarried. Anna married Elmer Hunter, of Hillsboro, Ohio. Milverne Richards died on April 2, 1900, at the age of eighty years, his death having occurred on the anniversary of his birthday. His second wife died on September 17, 1884.

J. M. Richards was educated in the common schools of Hillsboro, Ohio, and was married on December 29, 1889, to Mahala Woods, who was born near Hillsboro, the daughter of John and and Ellen (Bernett) Woods. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been born two children, Martha, who married Burch Riber, a wholesale dealer in cigars, tobacco and candy, at Hillsboro, Ohio, and has one child, Margaret Ellen, and Marguret, who married Frank Pavey, of Sabina, this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have been living in Sabina for about four years. Prior to moving to Sabina they were residents of Hillsboro, and Mr. Richards was in the dairy business at that place for nine years. Since locating at Sabina, he has been engaged in the livery business. He owns property in that city and is now one of its prominent citizens.

Mr. and Mrs, Richards are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Richards is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is active in the work of the Methodist Sunday school at Sabina and is much interested in work of that kind.

Zene G. Hadley

The earliest Hadleys of whom there is any authentic record in this country came to America from England about 1680, when Simon Hadley settled in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. Zene G. Hadley, one of the present county commissioners of Clinton county, and a prosperous farmer of Adams township, is a representative of the third generation of the family in Clinton county. He is a well-known breeder of mule-foot hogs, which he has exhibited at the Ohio state fair, the Indiana state fair and the Forest City fairs, as well as at many minor fairs in the state of Ohio.

Zene G. Hadley was born on May 31, 1875, near Clarksville, in Vernon township, a son of Evan H. and Susannah (Nickerson) Hadley, the former of whom was born, September 20, 1842, in Adams township, this county and the latter, July 21, 1846, daughter of Clark and Martha Nickerson. Evan Hadley and Susannah Nickerson were married on January 16, 1868. KEvan H. Hadley received his education in the common school of Adams township, and spent practically all his life as a farmer in that township. For about eight years, however, he operated stores at Springboro and Harveysburg, in Warren county, Ohio. He also owned about one hundred and fifty acres of land in Adams township. Mr. and Mrs. Evan H. Hadley were members of the Friends chureh, and Mr. Hadley voted the Republican ticket. They were the parents of three children: James C., born on June 19, 1864, who died on May 10, 1889; Cora L., January 17, 1869, who married John L. Kittrell, minister in the Friends church at West Milton. Ohio, and Zene, the immediate subject of this sketch.

The paternal grandparents of Mr, Hadley were Jonathan and Susannah W.' (Clawson) Hadley, the former of whom was born, August 10, 1810, in Adams township, and the latter, May 14, 1812. They were married on December 29, 1831. Jonathan Hadley was educated in the common schools of Adams township, and spent practically all his life as a farmer in that township. He owned one hundred and twenty acres of land, and was one of the pioneer farmers of the county. He and his wife were members of the Friends church, and politically, he was a Republican. Jonathan Hadley and wife were the parents of four children: Louisa, born on November 8, 1832; Mahlon, February 13 1835; John W., December 22, 1839, and Evan H.. September 20, 1842.

Jonathan Hadley was a son of John and Lydia (Harvey) Hadley, the former of whom was born on December 25, 1770, and the latter, January 19, 1774. Mr. Hadley's

Zene G. Hadley received his elementary education in the common schools of Adams township, at the "Bunker Hill" school. and later attended the high school and college at Wilmington for two years. After finishing his schooling he began farming in Adams township, and in 1904 purchased one hundred acres of land in that township.

In November, 1907, Zene G. Hadley was married to Minnie Jobns. who was born at Wilmington. this county, August 15, 1875, the only daughter of Rodney and Anna (Burke) Johns, the former of whom. born on January 26, 1848, in Wilmington. died on June 18, 1900. and the latter, born on October 29. 1858. died on June 16, 1892. Rodney Johns was a well-known road contractor of Wilmington.

Rodney Johns was one of ten children born to his parents. Samuel and Elizabeth (Denver) Johns, the former of whom was born on September 12, 1812, died on May 17, 1881, and the latter,.born on June 6. 1819. died on October 29, 1901. Samuel and Elizabeth (Denver) Johns were the parents of ten children. namely: William F.. born on January 5, 1840; Mary C.. June 1, 1841; Rodney. January 26. 1848; Cary Carothers, December 5, 1844; Arthur Denver, April 22, 1847, who died on March 2, 1848: Arthur Denver, II, September 23, 1849. who died on February 14. 1851; Jane Campbell. January 19, 1852; Harry D., October 23, 1856; Elizabeth, June 23, 1860, who died on December 19, 1918, and Samuel, September 23, 1862.

Mrs. Zene H. Hadley is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which she takes an active interest. Mr. Hadley, who is a Republican in politics, has been serving as commissioner of Clinton county since September, 19138, and is accredited with having in this period given a most capable and efficient administration of the duties of his important office. Several years ago he served as township assessor of Adams township. Fraternally, he is''a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Rolla E. Moon

Even before the organization of Clinton county, in 1810, the Moon family was established and prominently known in this section of the state. the founder of the family in this county having been Thomas Moon, a native of Sevier county. Tennessee. who came here in 1809 with the famous "Moon Colony." Thomas and Elizabeth (Hocket). Moon, the latter of whom also was a native of Tennessee, were the parents of several children, including Joel and Jason Moon, who became two of Clinton county's best-known residents. The latter for many years was one of the county's most successful teachers. Among his self-acquirements was a fine technical knowledge of surveying, a form of knowledge which he often was called on to put into practical use in the laying of lines in the original divisions of property hereabout, and for one term he served 2s deputy in the county suryeyor's office, under Hiram E. Moon. He also served for six years as clerk of Jefferson twonship. Jason Moon's wife was Lydia E. Cravens, daughter of John and Elizabeth Cravens.

Joel Moon was born on the old Moon homestead in Jefferson township, this county. on May 5, 1827, and was married on March 8, 1851. to Rebecca Jane Moore, born im Washington township, this county, on October 8, 1835, daughter of Micajah and Rebecca (McGee) Moore, pioneer residents of this county, to which union were born six children, namely: Ella J., born in October, 1852, who married Wilson Peele; Emerson FE., August 13, 1855, who married Florence E. Hale; Americus E.. December 26.

1859; George I'., April 27, 1866; Rolla E., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch, and Harley A., March 21, 1869. Joel Moon owned a well-kept farm of sixty. acres in the Westboro neighborhood and was regarded as one of the leaders in the community life thereabout. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church and were active in all good works in their community. Mr. Moon was a Republican and gave thoughtful attention to the political affairs of the county, for many years having served as a member of the board of trustees of Jefferson township. He was one of the most active workers in the Odd Fellows lodge at Westboro and was highly regarded throughout that whole region. Upon the death of his wife, Joel Moon retired to the home of his son, Rolla, where his last days were spent.

Rolla !. Moon, son of Joel and Rebecca Jane (Moore) Moon, was born on the old home farm near, Westboro, in Jefferson township, this county, on January 26, 1868, and was educated in the district schools of that neighborhood. Just before reaching his majority he bought the farm of one hundred acres in Washington township, where he now is living, and ever since has made his home there. This was practically an unbroken farm when he bought it and all improvements on the same have been made by Mr. Moon, whose enterprise and industry have combined to give him a most comfortable home, his well-tilled acres also giving him an ample competence.

In 1889 Rolla E. Moon was united in marriage to Sarah Bond, who was born in Union township, this county, -daughter of John Edward Bond and wife, well-known residents of that part of the county, and to this union seven children have been born, Libbie, Ella, Golda, Emmet, Ruby, Marjorie and Jason, the latter of whom now is the only one of these children remaining at home, the others having gone out in the world to do for themselves, and all are doing well.

Mr. and Mrs. Moon are interested in the church work of their nieghborhood, the former being a member of the Baptist church and the latter a member of the Christian church, and both are held in high esteem by all who know them.

Harley D. Pennington

Among the well-known and pleasant young business men of Wilmington and Clinton county is Harley D. Pennington, the scion of an old family of this county, who owns and manages a general store at Cuba and a garage in Wilmington. He is q very capshle young business man, who has the confidence of all of his patrons and whose friends expect to see win an even larger measure of success as the years come and go,

Harley D. Pennington was born on July 30, 1877, the son of Daniel M. and Laura A. (Thatcher) Pennington, the former of whom was born on December 23, 1852, in Washington township, this county, and the latter on December 23, 1856, the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Crouse) Thatcher.

Mr. Pennington's paternal grandparents were Isaac and Sarah (Burke) Pennington, the former of whom was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1800, and the latter, near Lebanon, in Warren county, Ohio. In 1818 Isaac Pennington, who was the son of Thomas Pennington, a native of England, came from Pennsylvania to Clinton county and located in Washington township, where he bought one hundred and eighty acres of land and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He cleared the land, droining the swamps and brought the soil to a very high state of cultivation. -Isaac ind Sarah Pennington had eight children, Elizabeth, Thomas, Isaac, Mary, John Henry and James (twins), and Daniel M., the father of Harley D.

Daniel M. Pennington received the rudiments of an education in the schools of Washington township and began his career as a farmer in that township. In 1881 he purchased a farm of ninety-six acres, upon which he lived until 1904, when he retired and moved to Cuba, this county, where he lived until 1914, at which time he moved to

Wilmington, where he now lives. Daniel M. and Laura A. Pennington had four children: Ida May, who died early in life; Harley D., the subject of this sketch; Alta M., who also died early in life; and Jesse R., who married Martha Applegate and has two children, Frances and Edwin.

Harley D. Pennington, who was educated in the common schools of Washington township, taught four years in the district schools of his home neighborhood, and later spent one year as principal of the graded school at Morrisyille. In 1902 Mr. Pennington embarked in the mercantile business at Cuba, where he has operated a general store ever since. In September, 1913, he moved to Wilmington and established a garage on Lincoln Street. In August of the succeeding year, the garage was moved to its present location on Main street, where be conducts a local agency for two high-class cars:

To Mr. and Mrs. Harley D. Pennington four children have been born, Mildred B., Thelma P., Kathleen and Paul E. The mother of these children, before her marriage, was Maude M. Brown, daughter of William R. and Martha Brown.

Harley D., Daniel M. and Isaac Pennington, three generations of the family in this county, have all been identified with the' Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Harley D. Pennington are members of the Christian church and take an active interest in church work and are regular attendants at the services. Fraternally, Mr. Pennington is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Grant Martin

Among the successful farmers of Richland township, this county, is Grant Martin, who owns one hundred and three acres of land which he purchased in 1899, upon which he has been living since 1900. Mr. Martin is a native of Fayette county, Ohio, born on January 25, 1869, the son of Jehu and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin, the former of whom was born on January 3, 1834, in Wayne township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Stephen and Martha (Curtis) Martin, the former of whom, a native of Pennsylvania, came from that state to Ohio when he was still a young man and settled in Clinton county. He was one of the pioneer farmers of this county and lived to rear a fanily of nine children.

Jehu Martin was educated in the common schools of Wayne township, this county, and when a young man began farming, eventually becoming the owner of about three hundred acres of land in Fayette county, to which county he moved about 1865. He died on September 138, 1900. His wife had died on January 21, 1894, some six years previously. They were the parents of nine children, as follow: Sinatha, who married P, B. Black; Elmer E., who married Ella Rogers; Margaret E., who is unmarried; Eli B,, who married Effie Pummell; Grant, the subject of this sketch; May. who married O, A. Pollard; Lawson, who married Anna Lawson; Quincy C., who married Stella Goodson, and Edna, who died at the age of twenty-seven years. Jehu and Martha Jane (Thompson) Martin were members of the Friends church; and their children were reared in that faith. Mr. Martin was a trustee of Concord township, Fayette county, havitig been elected to this office as a Republican. For many years he served as superintendent of the Sunday school at the Friends church and was very well known in his colinty.

Educated in the common schools of Concord township, Fayette county, Grant Martin began farming when a young man, starting in Concord township, where he farmed for six years, In 1899 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and three acres and there he has been living since 1900. Before removing to the Richland township farm he operated a grocery store at Sabina for two years, and during one of these two years bought grain at Subina. Since removing to bis farm, Mr. Martin has been engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has dealt to a considerable extent in farm land and is a director of the First National Bank at Sabina.