Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 7 of 26)

W. L. Dowden was educated in the public schools of Buena Vista, Ohio, and when he was still a young man learned the blacksmith's trade, beginning his career as an artificer in iron in Sabina in 1883, more than thirty years ago, and during these three decades he has endeared himself to the hearts of the people of this community and prospered in a commercial and business way. Until 1896, W. L. Dowden was in partnership with his brother, A. N. Dowden, and since that time has operated a shop of his own. Mr. Dowden also owns one hundred and thirty acres of land in Jasper township, Fayette county, Ohio, which he rents out to reliable tenants. A. N. Dowden is also a blacksmith at Sabina, and is engaged in general blacksmithing. He was married in 1885 to Carrie B. Culberson, the daughter of William and Ann Culberson, and to this union were born four children, May Opal, Hazel (deceased), Louis and Evelyn.

W. L. Dowden was married in 1880 to Amanda Henkle, the daughter of Ephraim Henkle, and to this union have been born three children, two of whom, an unnamed infant and Earply E., are deceased. The latter died at the age of ten years. Leon B., the first born, married V. R. Day, and they have one child, Corwin Elson.

Both the Dowden families are members of the Methodist Protestant church. W. L. Dowden is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He served one term as a member of the Sabina school board, and one term as a member of the Sabina town council. Politically, he is a Republican. His brother, A. N. Dowden. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and owns his blacksmith shop, as well as town property in Sabina.

Ellis A. Lewis

Great achievements always excite admiration and men who perform large deeds are those whom the world delights to honor. The man of initiative is the one who forges to the front in the commercial and financial world. Among the distinctive captains of industry, farmers and financiers of Clinton county, Ohio, a place of priority must be accorded to the venerable Ellis A. Lewis, of Sabina, who is president of two private banks; who owns one thousand acres of splendid farming land in this county, and who is descended from a very eminent family in this section. He is, in the fullest sense of the term, a progressive, self-made American, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the advanced age in which he lives. He is careful and systematie in his business affairs and has not permitted the accumulation of fortune to effect in any way his actions toward those less fortunate than he. He is a most sympathetie and broad-minded man and has a host of warm and admiring friends.

Ellis A. Lewis was born on April 6, 1842, at New Vienna, Clinton county, Ohio. He is the son of Isaac and Mary J. (Hoskins) Lewis, the former of whom was born on March 25, 1821, in Green township, Clinton county, and the latter of whom was born in 1820 in what is known as the Hoskins settlement of Green township, and who is the daughter of John and Hannah (HMocket) Hoskins. They were married in 1840.

The grandparents of Ellis A. Lewis were Amos and Phoebe (Nordike) Lewis, the former of whom was born in 1795 in Virginia and who, in 1812, left the Old Dominion state on horseback, crossed the mountains at Wheeling, West Virginia, and from there took a flatboat to Cincinnati. After remaining in Cincinnati about four months, during which he helped to build a small brick ehureh on Fourth street, the first brick church ever erected in Cincinnati, he came to Highland county, Ohio. In 1813, the next year, he was married to Phoebe Nordike. 'They lived in Clinton county until 1862, at which time they moved to Harrisburg, Illinois, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Amos Lewis died at the age of seventy-three after having reared a family of six children: Lemuel, Isaac, Sarina, Priscilla, Aquilla and Acenth. All of the members of this family were identified with the Friends church.

Isaac Lewis, the father of Ellis A., and his schooling was confined to a limited attendance at subscription schools in Green township, where for a short time, he was enrolled about three months each winter. School houses in those days were built of logs, the windows consisted of oiled paper and books were very few. As a young man, Isaac Lewis learned the tanner's trade and engaged in this business for twelve years at New Vienna, after which he took up farming on the old home farm in Green township, "where he farmed until 1888. After that time, he lived with his son, Ellis A., passing away in February, 1905, at the age of eighty-four. He and his wife had only three children: Ellis A., who was the eldest; Emily, deceased, who married William T. Haydock; and Hannah A., who married Seth Smith and lives at Selma, Ohio. All of the members of Isaac Lewis's family were identified with the Society of Friends. He was an ardent Republican.

Ellis A. Lewis received his education in the public schools of Green township and when a young man, he worked on his father's farm while not attending school. By the time he had reached his majority, he was taken into full partnership with his father in farming and stock dealing. 'This partnership lasted until the spring of 1878. Five years previously they became stockholders in the New Vienna Bank and Ellis A. hind become assistant cashier of the bank. In 1877 he severed his connection with the bank except, however that he retained his stock. On February 13, 1875, he came to Sabina, Ohio, and opened the Sabina Bank as president and two years later became cashier with his father as president. After remaining cashier for several years, he again became president of the same bank and still holds this position. It was established and is still maintained as a private bank. When the bank was established, it had a capital of only ten thousand dollars but, at the present time, its general business amounts annually to about three hundred thousand dollars. In 1890 Mr. Lewis established a private bank at Glouster. Ohio, and is now president of this institution. For a period of twelve years he was connected with a brick plant at Glouster. He built his home in Sabina in 1885 and 1886 and at the present time owns about one thousand acres of land in Clinton county, most of which is rented. Mr. Lewis also has extensive coal mining interests at Glouster. ;

In 1877 Ellis A. Lewis was married to Emma Hadley, the daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Smith) Hedley, who bore him eight children: Mary Ruth, who is a _ practicing physician at Swathmore College and has her office with Doctor Grin, of Philadelphia ; Flora H.. who married Walter W. Jacob, of Mooreland, Pennsylvania, a druggist in the firm of Jrcob Brothers. and has one son, Ellis Lewis; William E., who is a real estate dealer. married Anna Tanner and has two children, Emma Jane and William; Robert L., who is a salesman and treasurer of the Athens Brick Company at Athens, Ohio, married Edith Rannels and has two children, Allen R. and Robert Ellis; Samuel Hadley, who was superintendent of the Wassel Brick Company and who was killed on June 25, 1913, married Leona Smith and had one daughter, Mary Hadley; Isaac, who is a farmer near Bay City. Texas, married Ethel Burnett and has two children, Wlizabeth and Richard: Raiph, who is assistant cashier of the Sabina Bank, married Catherine MeKinstery: and John C., who is assistant cashier of the Glouster State Bank of Glouster. Ohio.

Mrs. Ellis A. Lewis, the mother of these children. died on February 5, 1898, and on July 31, 1907, Mr. Lewis was married to Mrs. Anna (Mills) Sewell, the daughter of Jonathan and Rhoda Mills. of Wilson township. Mrs. Lewis' first husband, William J. Sewell. was a graduate of Wilmington College, superintendent of the Sabina schools and county examiner.

No man living in Clinton county today is more highly respected than Ellis A. Lewis. Few men are better known in this section of Ohio than he and few have done more to promote the development. of this great county.

Albert H. Mills

Albert H. Mills is a well-known rural-mail carrier of Sabina, this county, and one of the highly-respected citizens of Richland township. He was born on October 25, 1852, in Wilton township, this county, the son of Jonathan and Rhoda (Peelle) Mills, the former of whom was born on June 6, 1820, at Richmond, Indiana, and the latter on August 20, 1815,.in Wilson township. They were married on November 23, 1844. Rhoda Peelle was the daughter of John and Lydia (Bundy) Peelle, the former of whom was a native of North Carolina and a farmer by occupation. He was an early settler in Wilson township, a large land-owner for the time in which he lived, and he and his wife were active members of the Friends church at Grassy Run, being also active in local affairs generally in their day and generation. Seven children were born to John and Lydia Peelle, William, Reuben, Mark, Emma, Rhoda, Mary and Lydia, all of whom low are deceased.

The paternal grandparents of Albert H. Mills were Hezekiah and Dorcas (Bentley) Mills, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. They were married in 1813 and had eleven children, of whom only three, Jonathan, Rebecca and John, are now living. The deceased children were Benjamin, Joseph, Jesse, William, Hannah, Thomas, Milton and Melinda. Hezekiah Mills and wife came to Ohio shortly after their marriage, in 1813, and purchased fifty acres of land in Wilson township, this county, later emigrating to Indiana, where they lived for a short time, after which they moved to Neoga, in Cumberland county, Illinois, where they spent the rest of their lives. Hezekiah Mills taught the first school in Wilson township, this county. He was a member of the Friends church and was very active in the affairs of that church.

Joseph and Hannah (Morris) Mills, the paternal great-grandparents of Albert H. Mills, were natives of North Carolina, the former of whom was the son of John Mills, also a native of that state. They were the parents of six children, Hannah, Jane, Jonathan, Hezekiah, John and Joseph. After their marriage they immigrated to Ohio and settled in Clinton county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, Hannah Mills living to be ninety-eight years old.

Jonathan Mills, the father of Albert H., was educated in the common schools of Clinton county at the time when only three books were generally used in the schools - a primer, a spelling-book and the Bible. Jonathan Mills moved to Clinton county in December, 1844, and settled on one hundred and ten acres of land. He built a house of hewed logs immediately after moving here and another house in 1854. He and his wife were always active in the Friends church, which held meetings in this community twice a week, and were regular attendants at the services. They were the parents of five children, Calvin, Lewis, Albert H., Elias and Anna. Of these children, Calvin, a resident of Illinois, married Fannie Janes, who later died, and after her death he mardied Jennie Jones. Lewis married Emma Beyan, of Wilson township. Elias, who lives on the home place, married Emma Fellers, and, after her death, Mertie Rayburn. Anna, who is a resident of Sabina, this county, married Prof, J. W. Sewell, and, after his death, married Ellis A. Lewis.

Albert H. Mills was educated in the common schools of Wilson township and in the normil school at Lebanon, Ohio. He taught four years in all. one year in the common schools of Clinton county and three years in Greene county. this state. On December 30, 1879, Mr. Mills was married to Anna Burris, the daughter of James L. and Amanda (Hall) Burris, of Clinton county. James L. Burris was a farmer, who owned about nine hundred acres of Jand at one time in Clinton and Fayette counties. He was an active member of the Friends church, a member of the Masonic lodge, and was _ also active in the Grange. He died on June 5, 1912, and his widow lives at Sabina. They were the parents of eight children, John H., Elizabeth Ellen, Anna, William, Emma,

Harvey, Bert and Berdette, the latter deceased. . John H., who lives in Sabina, is .unmarried. - Elizabeth E. married G. A. Pavey, of Sabina.. Anna is the wife of Mr. Mills. William, who is also unmarried, lives at Sabina... Emma married Paul Palmer, of Washington C..H., Ohio. Harvey married Addie McKay, of Fayette county, and Bert married Rose Ellis, of Clinton county.

Mrs. Mills's father, James Burris, married Amanda. Hall, a native of Kentucky, and the daughter of Harvey and Nancy (Vanhook): Hall, the former of whom was born in Kentucky, a farmer by occupation, who moved to Ohio about sixty-five years ago and settled in Wilson township, this county; where hei became an extensive stock raiser. He was an active member of the Christian. church.'::The grandparents of Mrs. Mills were William T. and Elizabeth (Arnold) Burris,. natives: of North Carolina and Fayette county, Ohio, respectively. William -T. Burris came. to Ohio 'before his marriage and became the owner of about. four. hundred acres of. land in this section of the state, being also an extensive dealer in live stock. He and his wife,. prominent members of the Friends church, were the parents of three children, John A., James L. and Hannah. After Mr. Mills's marriage he located at Sabina and has been living there ever since. He is the inventor of a rack used in the postoffice, which is especially efficient for handling mail. E

To Albert H. and Anna (Burris) Mills have been born two children, Pearl and Elby R. The former married Luella Keller and is employed by the Standard Oil Company at Cincinnati. The latter is unmarried and is the proprietor of a garage at Sabina. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are members of the Friends church and active in church work. They own property in Sabina and Mr. Mills has been a mail carrier on Route No. 1 out of Sabina for the past twelve years.

There is no other profession in which the vital interests of a community are so at stake as that of the physician. He must stand ever in readiness to serve his people at any and all times regardless of race or caste, poverty or riches, and this service must at all times be both honest and skilled. To have served a people well in such a capacity for over forty years is not only a mark of good service but it is a mark of honor of the highest order, and the subject of this sketch, Dr. John H. Norman. has performed just such a service as this and truly deserves the honor and distinction in which he is held by a whole community.

John H. Norman was born in Warren county, near Blanchester, on November 10, 1851. He was the son of Enos BE. and Elizabeth (Watkins) Norman. Enos E. Norman was born in West Virginia on April 18, 1826. He was the son of Bailey and Tacy (Tyson) Norman who were both natives of Harrison county, West Virginia, who, after their marriage, came to Warren county and settled on a farm in 1831, where they lived until their deaths. They were both members of the Free Will Baptist church.

Enos E. Norman was educated in the public schools of Warren county and remained on the farm until at the age of forty he left the farm and moved into Blanchester where he engaged in the undertaking business until 1908, when he retired from active life. He is a Republican in politics and an active member ef the Free Will Baptist church.

Elizabeth (Watkins) Norman, the wife of Hnos H. Norman, and the mother of the subject of this sketch. was born on October 5, 1828, and died on March 26, 1913. She was the daughter of Harrison P. and Mary (Collins) Watkins, both of whom came from Pennsylvania to Warren county and settled on a farm. He was a member of the Baptist church and she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John H. Norman remained on the farm until he was sixteen years of age. He was educated in the public schools of Warren county and afterwards was graduated from the Lebanon (Ohio) Normal School, after which he taught in the public schools for a period of five years and then attended the Eclectic College of Medicine at Cincinnati and graduated from that institution in 1875. He then took up the practice of medicine in Edenton, in Clermont county, where he remained for sixteen years, after which time he came to Blanchester, where he has been a practicing physician for twenty-five years. He is a member of both the County, State and National Medical Associations. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics. He is also a member of the Free Will Baptist church.

In August of 1878, John H. Norman was married to Mary Weller, of Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of Phillip Weller, now deceased. To this union were born three children as follow: Omar, who is deceased; Orris, who lives in Blanchester; and Edna, who is the wife of James P. Britton of Chillicothe, Ohio.

Charles F. Allen

By his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods, Charles F. Allen has come to be one of the most successful business men of Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio. He is a man of most genial nature, but nevertheless painstaking and careful in his business relations and today is one of the most prosperous citizens of the community.

Charles F. Allen was born on May .5, 1852, at Bainbridge in Ross county, Ohio, and is the son of George and Amanda (Fort) Allen, the former of whom was born in 1818 in Highland county, Ohio, and the latter of whom was bern at Bainbridge in Ross county, and died in 1868. George Allen was the son of George Allen, Sr., who was born in New Jersey and who came to Ohio in 1815 or 1816.

George Allen, the father of Charles F., was educated in the common schools of Ross county and when a young man learned the carpenter trade. In 1858 he came to Sabina and spent the rest of his life in this town. He was a contractor and builder and in 1875 established a lumber yard which his son, Charles F., still operates. He was engaged in the general retail lumber business until his retirement in 1897. He died in 1904.

George and Amanda (Fort) Allen were the parents of the following children. Ethan, never married; William, married Lydia Barlough; James; Charles: Emma, married C. B. Hill; John. married Ann Uptegraff; George; Ella, married Lewis Lappe; Henry, died in infancy; and another son died in infancy. The late George Allen was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and as a Republican served many terms as a member of the town council.

Charles F. Allen was eduented in the common schools of Sabina and when a young man engaged in the lumber business with his father and became a partner with his futher in 1875 and in 1897 succeeded. his father in this business. In 1914 Mr. <Allen's son, Ross, was taken into the firm. It was started originally on a capital of seven hundred and fifty dollars in 1875, and it has grown to a business with a eapital stock of seven thousand five hundred dollars. The firm handles lumber and building materials of all kinds and has a large and valuable patronage in this part of Clinton county.

on November 10, 1856, in Clinton county. Ohio, and who is the daughter of Daniel Drake. Mr. and Mrs. Allen have had three children: Harry R.. who married Evelyn Robison, has one child, Arthur. and is engaged in the wholesale lumber business at Columbus, Ohio;

Mr. and Mrs. Allen are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Allen is a member of the Knights of Pythias, He is an ardent-and enthusiastic Republican.

Harry L. Littleton

Harry L. Littleton, an enterprising and successful young business man of Sabina, was born on April 6, 1888, in Greene county, at Yellow Springs. He is the son of Grenville and Clarinda (Sparrow) Littleton, the former of whom was born in Greene county, and the latter of whom was born in Clark county, Ohio, the daughter of John and Sarah (Johnson) Sparrow, natives of England. Grenville Littleton was the son of Joel Littleton, a farmer of Clark county, Ohio, and was one of five children. The other four were Joel B., John, Anna and Fay. Joel Littleton was a devout member of the Presbyterian church.

Grenville Littleton was educated in the common schools of Clark county, Ohio, and when a young man engaged in farming in that county. In 1882 he entered the undertaking business at Yellow Springs, Ohio. and has continued in business at that place until the present time. Since he first started in business he has several other enterprises, including furniture and livery. Grenville and Clarinda (Sparrow) Littleton have had five children, as follow: Daisy, married Lewis Reinwald; Earl. married Josephine Hutcheson; Morris, is unmarried; Harry L., the subject of this sketch. and Edwin. Mr. Littleton's father's family are members of the Presbyterian church. The father is an ardent Democrat. od

Educated in the common schools of Yellow Springs. Ohio, Harry L. Littleton worked with his father after finishing his education and in 1901 attended the Clark School of Embalming at Cincinnati. In 1903 he took a post-graduate course at the same institution. For some time he was employed by W. H. Neal at Xenia, Ohio, until his coming to Sabina on June 8, 1905. At this time he purchased the undertaking business of George M. Haines and has continued in business since 1905, a period of more than ten years. He is well qualified for the business in which he is engaged and temperamentally suited to it.

On January 9, 1903, Harry L. Littleton was married to Margaret S. Dakin, the daughter of S. W. Dakin, of Yellow Springs. To this union there has been born one child, Roger W., born in March, 1904.

Mr. Littleton is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. and Mrs. Littleton are members of the Methodist Episcopal ehurch. Mr. Littleton is a Democrat in politics.

Henry L. Lewellen

Henry L. Lewellen, a pleasant, prosperous and public-spirited business man of Sabina, Ohio, has stamped his individuality in no uncertain manner upon the locality where he resides. He is an excellent representative of that type of the much heralded American business man - the type that does things - Mr. Lewellyn having, by his own exertion, established at Sabina, a flourishing trade in furniture.

Henry L. Lewellen was born on January 17, 1870, near Sugar Tree ridge in Adams county, Ohio. He is the son of Morgan and Mary J. (Hunter) Lewellen, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, who was accidentally killed in October, 1875, and the latter of whom was a daughter of John Hunter, who married a Miss Sloan. The grandparents on the paternal side were John and Nancy (Stantz) Lewellen. He was a blacksmith and farmer of Adams county and reared a family of six children as follow: Lydia, Catherine, Alfred, Abbie, William and Morgan.

The late Morgan Lewellen began farming early in life in Adams county, Ohio, and later branched out and engaged in the live-stock business. He was killed by the falling of a derrick pole at the building of the court house at West Union, Ohio, in the fall of 1875. During his life. he was.actively identified. with the Democratic party. His wife was a member of the Baptist church. Morgan' and Mary J. Lewellen had eight children, of whom Henry L., the subject of this sketch, was the sixth. The others were: Anna, who never married; Frances, who married. §; C. Spears; John, who is unmarried; Lewis, who married Nettie Roberts; Thomas, who married Margaret Thompson; Edgar and George, neither of whom ever married. :

Henry lL. Lewellen was educated in the public schools of Greene and Clinton counties, Ohio, and was graduated from the Sabina high school with the class of 1903. When he was a very young man, he worked with his brother in the vehicle business. In 1895 he entered this vocation as a clerk.and. later became identified with his fatherin-law in the furniture business and in 1915. took complete charge of the business. Mr. Lewellen has been in the business. for more than fifteen years and it was started with a capital of two hundred and seventy-five dollars. He has increased from year to year until now it is one of the most flourishing. enterprises in this section. The firm owns the building it occupies.

In February, 1895, Henry L. Lewellen was married to Esa E. Gaskins, who was born on July 8, 1874, the daughter of Dr. Aaron J. Gaskins. Three children have been born to this union: Mary L., who was born on March 11, 1900; Doris, December 4, 1904; and Aaron, August 18, 1911.

It was during the years that Mr. Lewellen managed the furniture business for his father-in-law that it grew and prospered to its present condition. Mr. Lewellen keeps only a high grade of furniture and has a large business for a town of only fifteen hundred people.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewellen are members of the Friends church and he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Elected as a Democrat, he has served nearly six years as city treasurer of Sabina, a position he has filled with credit as his long tenure will well prove.

Patrick J. Curren

It is the honorable reputation of a man in business more than any other consideration which gives character and stability to our public institutions, and which fixes the boundaries of one's personal reputation. Patrick J. Curren; a well-known business man of Sabina, Ohio, and a veteran of the Spanish-American War, has never lost sight of his obligations to the community in general, and during his residence in this city he has taken an active part in all public movements. During the war with Spain, he was a major in the Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was assistant superintendent in loading transports at Tampa, Florida. He was mustered out of the service in 1898.

Patrick J, Curren was born September 4, 1860, at Chillicothe, Ohio, a son of Martin and Ella (Linnehan) Curren, the former of whom was born in Clashmore, County Waterford, Ireland, in 1814, and died in.1898, and the latter of. whom was,born in the same. county in 1815, and died in February, 1899. They were married in their native land, and came to America in 1848, settling in Chillicothe, Ohio. Martin Curren was a tailor by. trade, and followed this vocation at Chillicothe, where he lived the remainder.

wife of Yormand Thompson; Catherine, the wife of John , Kennedy; Patrick J., the immediate subject of this review: Ella, the wife of. John B. Caddon; and three children deceased. Martin Curren was a member of the Catholic church during his life, and was identified with the. Democratic. party.

Patrick J. Curren was-educated in the public and parochial schools of Chillicothe, Ohio, and when a young man, learned the tailor's trade. He worked at this trade in 'Chillicothe for about three years, aftet which he went to New York City, where he remained' four months learning to "cut." In April, 1876, he came to Wilmington, Ohio, and after working at his: trade:there for about one year, removed to Muncie, Indiana, where he was employed until about; 1879, when he moved to Washington C. H.,; Ohio, and the next year came to: Sabina.

After the close of the Spanish-American War Mr. Curren returned to Sabina, taking up his trade as a tailor. He now has a general men's and children's clothing store, with a prosperous and growing business.

Patrick J. Curren was married to Estella Johnson, the daughter of Henry Johnson, and they have had three children: Frederick L., born on December 27, 1900; Walter Paul, May 7, 1902; and Martin, June 1, 1905.

Mr. and Mrs. Curren are faithful and devoted members of the Catholic church. Mr. Curren belongs to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. As a Democrat, he has served as a member of the town council, corporation treasurer and township treasurer. He served as a member of the town council in 1897 and 1898, and was township treasurer for two years, and was corporation treasurer for four years. During this time the Sabina school house was built. Mr. Curren is a member of the Clinton county election board, and also a member of the Democratic central executive committee. He is highly respected and esteemed in Sabina, and his ever increasing business may be attributed to the high favor in which he is held by his fellow townsmen.

Charles William Custis

Charles William Custis, a well-known business man and manufacturer of Sabina, Ohio, who is now living retired, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, on July 20, 1857, the son of William and Susan (Drake) Custis, natives of Clinton county, and New York state, respectively. Susan Drake was a daughter of Daniel and Ann (Mushberue) Drake.

The maternal grandparents of Mr. Custis were Daniel Drake and wife, the former of whom was a native of New Hngland and engaged in the oyster business. He was a prominent member of the Christian church, and moved to Ohio early in life, locating in this county, where he engaged in farming, being the owner of one hundred acres of land. He and his life were the parents of five children, Abbie, Elizabeth, Mary, Susan and Anna.

William Custis was the son of Douglas Custis, a well-known citizen of this county. William Custis, the father of Charles W., attended the common schools of Clinton county, and here completed his education. He removed to Sabina from New Antioch, Ohio, and for some time was engaged in the general mercantile business, handling. hardware and dry goods for the most part. While engaged in business in Sabina, he lived on a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres at the edge of the town. He was a member of the Methodist Protestant church and an active worker in that denomination. Fraternally, he was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while, politically, he was an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He died in October, 1906, after having lived a most useful life. His widow is still living at the age of seventysix years. They were the parents of eight children, Charles William, Frank, Ida B., Anna, James, Levi D., Lula and Grace. Of these children Frank is married and lives at Dayton, Ohio. Ida B. also lives at Dayton and is the wife of Samuel McGuire. Anna is the wife of L. A. Wysong, of Wilmington. 'James married Rebecca Perrell, and they live in Sabina. Levi D. married Georgia Kuhn, and they live in Canton, Ohio.- Lula is the wife of Dr. F. G. Leightner, of Sabina, and Grace is the wife of Marion Kuhn, of Crooksville,. Ohio.

Charles W. Custis received his education in the common schools, and after leaving school was engaged for some time in business with his father. After managing his father's hardware store for some time he retired from that concern and engaged in the restaurant and bakery business. After disposing of this latter business he next dise. He is the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land in Clinton county, also valuable property in Sabina, and is the owner of the ice-cream factory in Sabina. For the past ten years Mr. Custis has been retired from active business.

Charles W. Custis has been twice married, his first wife having been Ellie M. Dalgern, and to which union three children were born, Lauron A., Clyde Burtsal and Ethel Marie. Lauron A., who lives in Goshen, Indiana, married Margaret Shannon, and is engaged in the wholesale manufacture of ice cream in that city. Chkyde, who is a resident of Sabina, married Mary Spurgeon. Ethel is the wife of Arthur N. Hains, a resident of Sabina. Mr. Custis married, secondly. Flora Johnson, daughter of Moses Johnson, of Port Williams. to which union one child has been born, a son, Earl Johnson, who is unmarried.

Mr. Custis and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church and both take an active interest in church work. Mr. Custis is a member of the board of public affairs and is a Republican.

Col. Charles R. Fisher

Col. Charles R. Fisher, the president of the Journal-Republican Company, publishers of the Jowrnal--Republican, of Wilmington, Ohio, is descended from a line of distinguished ancestors, his great-grandfather having bee na soldier in the American Reyolution, his grandfather having been a member of the United States Congress, his father having been, for twenty years, connected with the Clinton Republican as editor, served for several terms us prosecuting attorney of the county and, during his lifetime was a leading member of the Clinton county bar. Col. Charles R. Fisher is one of the leading citizens of Wilmington. Except for a period of fourteeen years, from 1870 to 1884, yarious members of the Fisher family have been connected with the leading newspapers of Clinton county, practically ever since the formation of the county. The present president of the publishing company himself has seryed as deputy postmaster of Wilmington, deputy clerk of the courts of Clinton county, postmaster of Wilmington and aide-de-camp, with the rank of colonel, to the late Gov. Asa S. Bushnell, of Ohio.

Charles R. Fisher was born in Wilmington, February 14, 1860, and is the son of William B. and Euphemia (Pegg) Fisher, the former of whom was born in 1818, at Mt. Pleasant, in Clermont county, Ohio, and married Euphemia Pegg in 1846. She was born at Batavia, in Clermont county, in October, 1826. They had four children: Mary, who Married Dr. A. 'T. Quinn, of Wilmington; Katherine, the wife of C. C. Nichols and who died in 1888; William G., who married Effie Hunsicker, of Pickaway county, Ohio; and Col. Charles R., the subject of this sketch.

William B. Fisher and family were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, He was a Republican in polities and active during his entire life for the principles of that party.

In 1799 Adam Fischer, a German resident of Pennsylvania, who had just returned from the Revolutionary War, immigrated to Clermont county, Ohio, with his family, settling at Point Pleasant. About this time the spelling of the name was changed from Fischer to Fisher, because David Fischer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch and the eldest son in Adam Fischer's family, objected to the nickname "Dutch," which his schoolmates gave him. Here David Fisher 2zrew to manhood and became a prodigious student of public affairs, being called upon frequently for political addresses in southwestern Ohio. He was elected to the General Assembly of Ohio from Clermont county in 1842, and four years later moved to Wilmington, where he became the owner and editor of the Clinton Republican, formerly known as the Western Whig, an organ favoring the high protective tariff. In the fall of 1846, he was elected to represent the Wilmington district in the United States Congress as a Whig.

The eldest son of David Fisher was William Byrne, who derived his middle name from the maiden name of his Welsh mother. He grew up on a farm near Point Pleasant, studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1846, he married Euphemia Pegg, of Batavia, and thereafter opened a law office in that village. In the fall of 1847, he came to Wilmington to take charge of his father's paper during his absence in Congress. He learned to like the newspaper business and also Wilmington, and in 1850 purchased the paper from his father. David moved to Cincinnati, where, a third of a century later, he died at the age of ninety-three years. William. B. Fisher was connected with the Clinton Republican for twenty years, at the same time practicing his profession and serving as prosecuting attorney. For a short time, the late Franklin Corwin was associated with him as a partner and, subsequently, the late Dr. A. P. Russell. This latter arrangement continued until Doctor Russell's election as secretary of state in 1860. In 1866, William B. Fisher sold a half interest in the paper to Capt. D. L. Way, now a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. Four years later he sold out his entire interest because of failing health and died in 1874.

'In 1884, William G. and Charles R. Fisher, the two sons of William B. Fisher, bought the Wilmington Journal, which had been established sixteen years previously by the Garvin brothers. At that time the Journal had a circulation of nine hundred copies and was a four-page paper. 'The prestige of the paper grew from year to year, until it attained a circulation of nearly four thousand copies, more than that of any two other papers published in the county. With the exception of the period from 1870 to 1884, the name Fisher has been connected with een newspaper interests continuously since 1846.

On January 1, 1913 the Wilmington Journal, the paper of the younger Fishers, and the Clinton Republican, the former paper of the father and son, were consolidated and are now published under the name of the Journal-Republican. Col Charles R. Fisher is president of the company and actively engaged in its management; Thurman Miller is secretary and treasurer and William G. Fisher, T. M. Bales and Albert I. Bailey are the remaining directors.

Col. Charles R. Fisher was educated in the public schools of Wilmington and began working, when a lad of twelve, as a messenger for the First National Bank during his vacations. In 1876 he was made deputy postmaster, under Capt. W. P. Wolf, and was in the service for three years, after which he was made deputy clerk of the county courts. In April, 1884, he resigned the latter position and he and his brother, William G., purchased the Journal, as has already been noted, publishing it under the firm name of W. G. & G. R. Fisher until its consolidation as above stated. From 1890 to 1894, Colonel Fisher was postmaster of Wilmington and from 1896 to 1900, aide-de-camp to Governor Asa S. Bushnell.

On March 11, 1905, Colonel Fisher was married to Sarah Hinman, a native of Kentucky and the daughter of the late David S. Hinman. They have no children.

For twenty-seven years, Col. Charles R. Fisher has been in charge of the music of the Methodist church of Wilmington and his father was chorister of the same church for nearly as long a period before that time. Mrs. Fisher has been the organist for nineteen years.

It is doubtful if any enterprise in Clinton county has had a more successful career or plays an equally important part in the business and social life as the Clinton Tele phone Company. It began business in January, 1900, with one hundred and twenty-five subscribers, which have been increased to sixteen hundred in Wilmington alone and over seventeen hundred in the remaining exchanges, making a total of about thirty-four hundred in the county. The company' has a capital of two hundred thousand dollars, fully paid and all issued and owned by the citizens of Clinton county, and has just completed 'a handsome two-story, fire-proof home for itself in Wilmington. Colonel Fisher has been president of the Clinton Telephone Company since its organization, and gives to it much of his time and labor.

He has been secretary and treasurer of the Masonic Temple Company, the company which erected the Masonic Temple in Wilmington, ever since its organization, and is a member of the Indepetident Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Eiks. He is a charter member of Wilmington commandery, Knights: Templar, and has 'served as presiding officer of all the Masonic bodies in this city.

Dr. Harry Stuntz is one of the leading physicians of Sabina, Richland township, this county, and for many years has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice in that section of Clinton county. He was born at Terrace Park, Ohio, the son of Prof. C. R. and Eliza (Hauck) Stuntz, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Poland, Ohio, who is now living in Cincinnati at the age of eighty years. She was the daughter of Daniel Hauck, of Poland, Ohio.

Prof. C. R. Stuntz was graduated from Allegheny College, and, during his active career, was prominently known in educational circles in Cincinnati, having been for thirty years connected with the Woodward high school as professor of natural sciences. He was a member and at one time president of the American Chemists' Association. Prof. C. R. and Eliza (Hauck) Stuntz were the parents of eight children, George R., Mary, J. Edward, Frances, Frank M., Helen, Dr. Harry and Chauncey R.

Of these children, George married Emma Meader and lives in Cincinnati. Mary married W. T. Ritchie, a well-known lawyer of Cincinnati, Ohio, who resides at Madisonville. J. Edward married Birdie Sharp and is superintendent of the Cape Cruz Company, of Cuba, this county. Frances, who lives in Milford, married Dr. F. C. Curry. Frank M., who married Louise Sharp, is superintendent of the Central factory at Sinclaire, Louisiana. Helen married T. P. Walker, who is secretary of the Queen City Forging Company, of Cincinnati. Chauncey, who is assistant superintendent of the Cape Cruz Company, married Eveline Elliott and lives at Terrace Park.

Dr. Harry Stuntz married Lida Ruese, the daughter of Herman and Minnie (Tholke) Ruese, the former of whom was born in Germany and came to America at the age of sixteen years, locating in Cincinnati, where he became a well-known contract builder. His wife also was a native of Germany, and was brought to America by her parents when an infant, her parents also locating in Cincinnati. Herman Ruese was a soldier in the Civil War and served during the entire period of that great struggle. He died on February 24, 1900, and his widow on March 28, 1912. They were the parents of five children, Emma, Vina, Ella, Lydia and John. Doctor and Mrs. Stuntz have no children.

Doctor Stuntz is a member of the American Medical Association, the Ohio State Medical Society and the Clinton County Medical Society. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and, while a student at that institution, was a member of the Nu Sigma Nu, a well-known and popular Greek-letter society. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. Doctor Stuntz has a well-equipped office at Sabina and is popular in the community, not only in a professional but in a private way.

Edward Everett Terrell

Edward Everett Terrell is descended from an old and cultured family of Clinton county and is an energetic, keen, well-educated and thrifty young business man, and has a host of friends in Clinton county.

Edward E. Terrell was born on July 4, 1877, in Wilmington, Ohio, the son of Allen and Matilda (Conard) Terrell, the former of whom was born in 1848 and died on February 15, 1892, and the latter of whom was born on May 19, 1851, the daughter of Abraham and Phoebe Conard. The paternal grandparents of Edward E. Terrell were Israel A. and Sidney (Huff) Terrell, the former of whom was born in 1818 and died in 1906, and the latter of whom was born in 1827 and died in 1902. Israel A. Terrell moved to Clinton county in 1848 and located in Wayne township on a farm. Roads were not even laid out and scarcely a trail was blazed. During his life he cleared and drained about half of eleven hundred acres of land, which he owned at the time of his death. He was also vice-president of the New Vienna bank and a stockholder of the bank at Leesburg. He and his wife had six children, James H., Allen I., Sarah, William, Charles and Annie. Israel T. Terrell was the son of Pleasant and Esther (Haines) Terrell, natives of Bedford county, Virginia, the former of whom was born in 1791 and died in 1837 and the latter died in 1846. Pleasant and Esther Terrell were the parents of six children; John, Israel, David, Mary, Narcissa and Ruth. Pleasant Terrell was the son of David and Mary (Anthony) Terrell, the former of whom was born near Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1763, and died in 1858, and the latter died in 1858. They came to Ohio in 1806 and located near Highland in Highland county. They had eight children, Pleasant, Christopher, David, Joseph, Mary,. Judith, Sarah and Elizabeth. David Terrell was one of the early justices of the peace in Fairfield township. He was a great hunter and liked to ramble in the forest. David Terrell's father was David Terrell, Sr., who was married three times, the first time to Sarah Johnson, secondly to Sarah Clark, and thirdly to Martha Johnson. He was the father of nine children. David Terrell, Sr., was also the son of David Terrell, who was born in 1675 and died in 1757. He and his wife reared a family of twelve children. He was the son of William Terrell, who was born in 1650 and came to America in 1670 with his two brothers. They were sent here by King James II as explorers and hunters. They were granted large tracts of land in Virginia.

Allen I. Terrell, the father of Edward E., began his education in the common schools of Wayne township, and later was graduated from Earlham College with the class of 1860. After finishing his education he taught in the high school at New Vienna. Later he was professor of mathematics at Wilmington College, but on account of failing health he returned to the farm in Wayne township, in 1880, and lived there until his death, in 1892. At the time of his death he owned two hundred and twenty-five acres of land. Allen I. Terrell was the father of six children, of whom Edward Everett was the eldest. The others were: Howard V., married Elva Morrison; Clara A., is the wife of Maurice B. Starbuck. of Kirksville, Missouri; Rendall H., married Sarah Rannells and lives on the home farm; Daniel H., died on February 15, 1892; and Stanley P., died on September 20, 1894. A member of the Friends church, Allen I. Terrell was pastor of the church at Fairview and clerk of the Indiana yearly meeting. He was well known in religious circles, both in Ohio and Indiana.

Edward Everett Terrell received the rudiments of an education in the schools of Wayne township. In the fall of 1892 and the spring of 1893 he attended Earlham College. being at home for the succeeding two years. He then entered Wilmington College in the fall of 1895 and remained for one year.. He then taught for one year in Wayne township, and in 1897 the family moved to Thomasville, Georgia, where he lived for eight months. He afterward lived with his grandfather, Israel A. Terrell, for one and one-half years, after which time he attended Wilmington College. Upon returning to Thomasville, Georgia, he taught bookkeeping in the business college there for two years. Later he taught in the business college at Macon, Georgia, for one and one-half years. Upon his return to Ohio he was graduated from Wilmington College in 1904. From 1906 until 1911 Mr. Terrell was secretary of the National Safety Snap Manufacturing Company, at Wilmington, Ohio. During 1904 and 1905 he had been bookkeeper for the Wilmington Gas Company. In 1910 Mr. Terrell was in the real estate and fire insurance business at Wilmington. In 1913 E. R. Bales was associated with him as a partner. 7

On December 15, 1896, Edward E. Terrell was married to Susannna B. McKay, the daughter of Robert F. and Mary F. (Nickerson) McKay. Two children have been born to this union: Allen M., born on April 18, 1910; and Mary M., July 19, 1912.

Mr. and Mrs. Terrell are members of the Friends church and Mr. Terrell has served as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a director of the First National Bank at Wilmington, a Republican in politics and a member of the Wilmington town council.

William M. Pavey, Sr

The venerable William M. Pavey, who is now past the age of eighty-two years and who, during the period of his active career, as one of the largest landowners of Clinton county, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, September 4, 1833, the son of William and Anna (Johnson) Pavey, the former of whom was a native of Highland county, and the latter of Fayette county, Ohio, and William Pavey's first wife. William Pavey was also an extensive farmer in Highland and Fayette counties, where he owned about eighteen hundred acres of land. By his first wife he had nine children, Isaac, William M., the subject of this sketch, George, John, Henry, James, Sophia, Lida and Mary. By his second marriage there were four children, Charles, Thomas, Gilbert and Kittora. William Pavey's father was Isaac Pavey, a native of Delaware, but an early settler in the state of Kentucky. He made an effort to settle in Ohio, but the Indians were so troublesome that he was compelled to return to Kentucky, where he remained three years longer. Subsequently, however, he brought his family to Highland county, Ohio, where he made a permanent home and resided until his death, which was caused by being thrown from a horse. William Pavey, father of William M., was born in 1803. He was twice married and the father of fourteen children, Isaac, William, Mary, George, John, Elizabeth, who died at the age of twelve; Sophia, Henry, James B., Eliza, Charles, Thomas, Kittora and Gilbert A. After the death of Mrs. Anna Pavey, he married Jordena Kirby, with whom he lived until his death, in 1862, at the age of fifty-nine years. His widow still lives and was ninety-two years old on March 21, 1915. William Pavey was a man of great energy and perseverance, kind-hearted and accommodating to his neighbors, even to his own disadvantage. He failed in business twice by going surety for others. Still, by his great industry and energy, at the time of his death he had again accumulated a good competency. He was a member of the Methodist church and devout in this faith.

William M. Pavey grew to manhood and was married in Fayette county, Ohio. He was first married, December 17, 1857, to Sarilda Conner, by whom he had one child, deceased. The first wife died in August, 1858, and in August, 1859, he married Mary A. Kirby, the daughter of William and Jordena Kirby, by whom there were twelve children born, ten of whom grew to maturity, as follow: Gilbert A., Anna Olive, Jennie, Frederick, William, Jr., Louitta, Minnie, Lovada, Lida and Carrie. William Edward and Sarah Catherine died in infancy.

Of these children, Gilbert A. married Hlizabeth Burris and is one of the leading citizens of Sabina; Anna married Jacob Stoltz, of Sabina; Jennie married Charles Wilson, and lives in Fayette county. Frederick, who died on the old homestead farm in 1890, at the age of twenty-two years, had married Zada Jones; William, Jr., of Sabina, married Bell McCoy; Louitta married David Morris, of Fayette county; Minnie married E. O. Cline, of Sabina; Lovada. married Ed Hains, of Sabina, Ohio; Lida married George Wilson, of Sabina, and Carrie is the wife of Thomas Conner, of Sabina. Agriculture and the raising of live stock were Mr. Pavey's main pursuits during his active business life. At one time he owned eighteen hundred acres of land, but has given each of his children one hundred and fifty acres, and holds only his home in Sabina and some extra money. He was for many years vice-president of the Sabina Bank. He was a man who always attended strictly to his own business, and who never courted notoriety of any kind. Nevertheless, he performed all the duties of life, public and private. with a cheerfulness of a man of optimistic spirit and Christian faith. Mr. Payey's beloved wife is still living, and they reside together in their home at Sabina.

Frank Haines

The late Frank Haines, a former well-known farmer and banker of this county, was born on November 3, 1850, the son of Job R. and Rebecca (Noble) Haines, and died on June 3, 1918. Job R. Haines was born in North Carolina on September 14, 1809, the son of John and Lydia Haines, who settled in Clinton county in 1810. He received the rudiments of an education in the district schools and later attended McMillen College at Xenia, Ohio. He began teaching at the age of eighteen and taught continuously for sixteen years. On June 14, 1840, he married Rebecca Noble, who was born in Green township on June 14, 1821, the daughter of William and Ann Noble, pioneers of this county. For three years after his marriage he taught school during the winter months and farmed in the summer. In 1854 he purchased four hundred and six acres of land in Richland township. Having been reared as a member of the Friends church, he clung to that faith through life. He and his wife were the parents of six children: Mary J., born in 1841; William M., 1848; Stephen P., 1845; Samuel L., 1847; Frank, 1850, and Albert M., 1855. Job R. Haines was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, being affiliated with the Vienna lodge. He died on August 26, 1879, and his'wife has also been dead for many years.

Frank Haines, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools and spent his entire life in this county, where he and his wife owned twelve hundred acres of land. He helped organize and was a director in the First National Bank at Sabina and was was one of the most extensive stockmen of Richland township. He was a loyal member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as were all the members of his family. He was a self-made man and through his own well-directed efforts became one of the most influential and wealthy men in Clinton county.

On May 27, 1874, Frank Haines was married to Rosena Reed, who was born in 1855, the daughter of Alfred and Martha A. (Lyon) Reed. Alfred Reed was a wellknown Clinton county farmer, the owner of twelve hundred acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of two children, Jennie and Rosena, the latter of whom married Mr. Haines. To Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haines were born four children, namely: Edith, who married W. C. Dakin and lives at Middleton, Ohio; Clyde, who married Jennie Culbertson and lives in Sabina; Arthur, who is hereafter referred to, and Martha, who married H. S. Gallaher and also lives in Sabina.

Arthur Haines was educated in Ohio State University at Columbus and in a business college at the same place. After finishing his education he entered the First National Bank at Sabina and was assistant cashier for a period of six years. He married Ethel Custis, a native of Clinton county, daughter of Charles W. and Ella M. (Valgarn) Custis, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Arthur Charles, born on January 14, 1918. Mr. Haines is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank at Sabina. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and his wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

George Manmeisel

Among the well-known citizens of Richland township, this county, and numbered among the leading business men of Sabina, is George Manmeisel, who has been in the butcher business for many years, and who, for the past five years, has been located at Sabina. Mr. Manmeisel also owns seventeen acres of good land in this county.

George Manmeisel was born on May 26, 1865, at Xenia, Ohio, a son of John and Mary Manmeisel, the former of whom was born near Berlin, Germany, and the latter of whom died when her son, George, was a small child. 'His father also died when George was quite young, and he was thus left an orphan in his youth.

John Manmeisel was the proprietor of a butcher shop in Xenia, Ohio, which business he conducted until the time of his death. He and his wife were the parents of five children, Caroline, Rosa, George, Maggie and Elizabeth. Of these children, the eldest, Caroline, who is now deceased, was the wife of John Glasiwints, and they had three children, John, Carrie and Mary. Rosa, the second born, who is also deceased, was the wife of George Amos, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, and they had one child, Scott. Maggie died unmarried. Elizabeth is one of the Sisters in a convent in Minnesota.

George Manmeisel was educated in the public schools of Xenia, and early in life learned the butcher business with his father. On January 5, 1889, he was married to Mary EH. Channel, a native of Centerville, Ohio, daughter of J. W. and Laura (Pavey) Channel, the former of whom was born at Morrisville, this county, and the latter of whom also was born in this county, the daughter of John Pavey, a well-known farmer. J. W. Channel was a son of John H. and Sarah (Custis) Channel, natives of North Carolina, and Clinton county, Ohio, respectively. After coming to Ohio from North Carolina, John H. Channel became a well-known school teacher in Clinton county. He was active in politics, a leader in the Christian church of his community. Fraternally, he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To John H. and Sarah (Custis) Channel were born six children, Arminda, Mary, J. W., Lucy, Emma and Gertrude, all of whom are living save Lucy.

Mr. and Mrs. George Manmeisel have no children. They are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church, and Mr. Manmeisel is a prominent member of the Sabina lodge of Odd Fellows. In a business way, Mr. Manmeisel enjoys a good trade among the people of Sabina and vicinity, where he is well liked and respected for his cordial manners and honest dealing with the public.

Gilbert A. Pavey

Gilbert A. Pavey, a son of the venerable William M. Pavey, of Sabina, Ohio, who is well known in this part of Clinton county for his prominence as a banker and a farmer, was born on May 22, 1860, in Fayette county, this state. An extensive sketch of the life of the venerable William M. Pavey and his beloved wife and their family history is found elsewhere in this volume. It may be said, however, in this place that Gilbert A. Pavey is the son of William M. and Mary A. (Kirby) Pavey, the former of whom was born in Fayette county, Ohio, September 4, 1833, and the latter of whom 'is the daughter of William and Jordena Kirby. William Pavey is the son of William Pavey, Sr., who married Anna Johnson. They were natives, respectively, of Highland and Fayette counties, this state. The senior William Pavey's father was Isaac Pavey. a native of Delaware, who first settled in Kentucky, and later in the state of Ohio. William Pavey, Sr., was twice married and was the father of thirteen children, of whom William, Jr., was the second born. The others were Isaac, Mary, George, John, Sophia, Henry, James E., Eliza, Charles, Thomas, Kittora and Gilbert A. ten of whom grew to maturity.

Gilbert A. Pavey was educated in the common schools of Clinton county; and on August 25, 1880, was married to Elizabeth Ellen Burris, the daughter of J. 'I. and

Amanda (Hall) Burris, the former of whom was a. well-known farmer of this county who owned twelve hundred acres of land. He was an active member of the Quaker church, and died on June 5, 1909. His widow is now living in Sabina. Mr. Pavey lived in Fayette county for one year, and then returned to Clinton county, locating on a farm on the Greenfield pike, where he lived until fifteen years ago, at which time he moved to Sabina.

Four children have been born to Gilbert A. and Elizabeth E. (Burris) Pavey, Gerdina T., who married Groville Wallace, of Wilmington; Leta, M., who married Lewis Wilson, to which union three children were born, Ralph Austin,. Fred Martin and Dorothea, the latter of whom died at the age of five years; Marie, who married Ray Wilson and has one child, Robert Pavey; and Frank, who married Margaret Richards.

Not only does Mr. Pavey own two hundred and fifty acres of land in Richard township, but he also owns a half interest in two hundred and sixty-three acres in Fayette county and_a fourth interest in the Sabina bank, of which he is vice-president. He and his wife and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Pavey is a Republican and served twelve years as trustee of the township. TFraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge.

George W. Giffin

George W. Giffin, a well-known rural-mail carrier of Sabina, Ohio, was born on June 24, 1845, in Ross county, Ohio, the son of David and Emily (Bragg) Giffin, the former of whom was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1828, and the latter of whom was born near Stonebridge, Virginia. Emily Bragg was the daughter of William and Sarah (Muckelwing) Bragg, the latter of whom was born in Scotland. William Bragg was a native of Virginia, and a blacksmith and wagonmaker by trade. He and his wife had eleven children. Mr. Giffin's paternal grandfather was a wagonmaker near Winchester, Virginia.

David Giffin, father of George W., was educated in the common school. He was a well-known 'merchant of Sabina and Bainbridge, Ohio, who walked to Ohio from Virginia. Twenty-three: years of his life were spent in Bainbridge and twenty years in Sabina. He was justice of the peace and mayor of Sabina for thirty years, and was a Republican in politics. He was a member of the Masonic lodge and a charter member of the Sabina chapter. He served three years in the Seventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but resigned at Atlanta, Georgia, his health having failed. At the time he resigned he was the first lieutenant. David and Emily (Bragg) Giffin had five children: George W., the subject of this sketch; Edward E., deceased; Sarah Margaret; David E., and Anna. Sarah Margaret married Cyrus Spurgeon, of Sabina. David E. was twice married, the first time to Jennie Clark, and, secondly, to Elsie Darbyshire. Anna married Milo Douglas, of Springfield, Ohio. David Giffin died in, October, 1881, and his wife died on November 15, 1896. Mrs. Emily Giffin was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

George W. Giffin. was educated in the common schools of Sabina, and has tived here his entire life. Since 1902 he has been a rural-mail carrier on Route No. 2 out of Sabina.

Mr. Giffin was married on November 27, 1892, to Orpha Shoop, a native of Ross county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Melvina (Heizer) Shoop, who were prominent members of the Christian church and farmers in Ross county. Mr. and Mrs. Giffin have had three children, Grace Avis, Emily and Mary Blizabeth. All of these children are unmarried and live with their parents at home.

Clinton county has every reason to be proud of her medical men and on the roll of honored names which indicates the service of distinguished citizens in this profession there should be mentioned Dr. Owen A. West, who is descended from distinguished ancestry and who has long been regarded as one of the leading physicians in this section of Clinton county. Early in life he realized that there is no honor that is not founded on worth and no respect which is not founded on accomplishment. His life and labors have been eminently worthy because they have contributed to a proper understanding of life and its problems.

Owen A. West was born on May 10, 1864, in Martinsville, Clinton county, Ohio, and is the son of Col. Owen and Elizabeth (Roberts) West, the former of whom, a farmer, miller, business man and inventor, was born in Clark township, March 4, 1835, the son of James and Elizabeth West. Col. Owen West was reared on his father's farm, educated in the Martinsville schools and Ohio Wesleyan University. He was a teacher for twelve years and during the rebellion, aided in organizing the home guards at Cincinnati. In 1863 he was chosen their major-general and in the early part of 1864 was given the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regimental Battalion of the Ohio National Guards. He had commanded them while at Fort Federal Hill and Baltimore, Maryland, and in the battle of Monocacy, September, 1864, he, with his regiment were honorably discharged for the valuable services they had so efficiently rendered in defense of the flag. Colonel West was married to Elizabeth Roberts, September 20, 1855. She was the daughter of James and Hannah E. Roberts and a native of Washington township, born on December 23, 1835. She died at the age of forty-six years. They had ten children: Margaret, James W., Anna M., Owen A., Hannah E., Amos F., Charles H., Laura E., Mary E. and Benjamin. Mrs. West died on February 1, 1879. Colonel West is a member of the Methodist church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Masonic fraternity and the Republican party.

The West family in America dates from some time before the year 1716. Before that time John W. West, who had married Sarah Pearson, came from England and settled in PittS county, Pennsylvania. They had seven children: Joseph, Mary, William, Sarah, Samuel, Rachel and Benjamin. Benjamin West, the youngest of this family, became an artist with international fame and today is considered one of the foremost artists ever produced by this country. Of this family, Joseph, the eldest, married Jane Owen, the daughter of John Owen, and they had nine children: Isaac, Facy, Owen, John, Sarah, Joseph, Hannah, George and Benjamin. Owen West, the third child of this family, was born about 1750 and married Elizabeth Martin. They moved to Virginia and from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio. He and his wife had thirteen children : Nancy, Jane, William, Mary, Susan, Owen, Thomas, James, Plyton, Elizabeth, Emilia, Rebecca and John. Owen West, the father of these children, brought his family to Ohio and located in the valley of the Past fork of the Little Miami, where he purchased nineteen hundred acres of government land, all in Clinton county, and nearly all in Clark township. There he and his wife died. James West, who was the eighth child in his family, was a farmer during his life and remained on the old estate, adding to hig inheritance until he owned one thousand acres of the original nineteen hundred. He and his wife died on the old home place. For nine years he was justice of the peace. His wife was Elizabeth West and they were the parents of Col. Owen West, the father of Dr. Owen A., of Sabina.

Owen A. West was educated in the public schools of Blanchester, Ohio, and was graduated from the Blanchester high school. After finishing his practical education, he engaged in managing a general store at Lynchburg for two years. In 1888 he sold out the business and entered the Bellevue Medical College at New York City. After being there two terms, he entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati and was graduated there in 1891. After his graduation he located at Leesburg, in Highland county. After being at Leesburg for two years, he came to Sabina and took up the practice of Dr. A. J. Gaskins.

Doctor West owns the Clinton Manufacturing Company and was one of the organizers of the National Bank at Sabina and was a director for three years. The Clinton Manufacturing Company is a thriving business which manufactures barrel pumps.

Doctor West was married in September, 1901, to Mabel Sanderson, the daughter of Frank and Frances (West) Sanderson. Doctor and Mrs. West have had no children.

The Wests are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Doctor West is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, and he is also identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. In 1910 he built an office and house combined and has one of the most thoroughly equipped physician's offices and laboratories to be found in Sabina. His practice has grown from year to year and today he is regarded as one of the most popular men in the community.

Among the prominent citizens of Sabina, Ohio, are Howard and George C. Barns, the former of whom, since 1906, has been editor and publisher of the Sabina Tribune, and the latter of whom was formerly the proprietor of the Xenia Herald, but who, since 1907, has been engaged in the practice of law at Sabina. The Sabina Tribune was started by James H., Howard, George C. and M. D. Barns twenty-five years ago.

Howard Barns was born on December 14, 1871, in Sabina, and his brother, George C., on February 2, 1875, in Sabina. They are the sons of John H. and Maria (Shewalter) Barns, the former of whom was born in 1839, in Winchester, Virginia, and died on November 10, 1884, and the latter of whom was born on September 11, 1837, in Wilmington, Ohio, the daughter of Elias and Eliza (Hale) Shewalter.

John H. Barns for many years was the proprietor of a tinware shop at Sabina. His father died when he was a mere lad, and he lived in Virginia until 1860. His mother, Eliza Barns, came to Wilmington. In 1862 John H. Barns volunteered in Company G, Séventy-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His health was broken by the hard service and he was discharged on account of disability. In 1865 he was married to Maria E. Shewalter, the daughter of Elias and Eliza J. Shewalter, of Indiana. They had nine children, namely: Anna Bernice, deceased; Mahara D. (Harry) ; James H., deceased; Elias Howard (Howard) ; George C.; Alice Marie; Arthur Clyde, deceased ; Frederick C., deceased, and Emma.

Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Barns were members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sabina. Mr. Barns was prominent in local politics, having served as a member of the village council. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of both the subordinate and encampment branches.

The paternal grandparents, John J. H. and Eliza (Shewalter) Barns, were residents of Virginia until late in life, when they came to this county. The paternal grandfather died in 1851. The paternal grandmother, Eliza Shewalter, was a sister of Elias She walter, father of Maria Shewalter. John J. H. Barns was a miller in Virginia, who located in Franklin county, Ohio, in 1851, living there until his death. He and his wife had ten children.

George C. Barns was educated in the public schools of Sabina, and graduated from the Washington high school in 1892. Two years later, in partnership with his brothers, he started the Sabina Tribune. During the years 1896 and 1897 he attended the Ohio State University Law School at Columbus, and was admitted to the bar on March 11, 1897. Before attending law school he had read law with the 'firm of Hayes & Swaim. In 1904 Mr. Barns bought the Xenia Herald, which he conducted for three years, until 1907. Since that time he has been practicing law in Sabina. Mr. Barns is now clerk of public affairs in Sabina, and clerk of the- county board of elections at Wilmington. From 1908 to 1912 he was mayor of Sabina, having been elected. twice on the'Democratic ticket.

In. 1896 George'C,. Barns was.married to.Miss Luna Spurgeon, who was born on August 9, 1877, the daughter of Cyrus and ,Margaret (Giffen). Spurgeon. To this' union have been born five children, Virginia, George, Hazel, Cyril and Howard. They are members of the Christian church.

Mr. Barns is a Democrat in: politics, is. past 'master of Sabina lodge of Masons and also high priest of the Wilmington chapter of Royal Arch Masons.

Howard Barns was married in 1898 to Eva Kelso, who was born on June 16, 1877, and died on March 31, 1914. She was.the daughter of Thomas L. and Anna (Custis) Kelso. She bore Mr. Barns. three children, Frederick K., John: H. and Anna _ Lee. Howard Barnes is also a Democrat in politics and past master in the Masonic lodge.

Frank.T. Hazard,.a successful hardware salesman of Wilmington, Ohio, was born on July 9, 1855, in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Zebulun and Phoebe (Wolary) Hazard, the former of whom was born in Clinton county in 1826 and who died in 1861, and the latter-of whom was born .in Union, township on the Waynesville pike in 1827, and died in'1870. Zebulun Hazard's parents were John and Rebecca (Conger) Hazard, who were born and married in Virginia, descended from - English stock. They were devoted' members of the Friends church. John Hazard came to Clinton county, Ohio, in 1820 and settled on what is now known as the Petticord farm, one mile east, of Wilmington. "He died at the age of sixty-five years, after rearing a family of ten children. His wife lived to be ninety-two years of age.

Phoebe Wolary was the daughter of Michael Wolary, who was born in Maryland, and who, about 1825, settled west of Wilmington, Ohio, on what is now known as the Leonard farm. He and his wife lived to advanced ages. Zebulun Hazard was a farmer 'and rented land. He died at the age of thirty-five years near Dover in Clinton county, Ohio. He had been first married to a Miss Dwiggins, who had borne him three children, 'all:of whom are dead. His wife had been previously married, to Isaiah Dwiggins, and had one ehild by that marriage, Isaiah, who died at the age of fifty years in Kansas, 'where he was a farmer. ;

Frank T. Hazard was the only child born to his parents. After the death of his father his mother married, secondly, Moses Hudson, who died five years later. Frank T, Hazard's mother died when he was fifteen years old and he made his home during his early manhood with his uncle, Louis Lewis. As a young man he worked as a farm hand and was subsequently married and rented land for four years, finally purchasing a farm in Union township, where he lived for three years. Upon selling out in 1887 he came to Wilmington, where he worked for one year in the David People's hardware store. On January 1, 1889, he began working in J. W. Sparks's hardware store and is now the head salesman in this store.

On October 26, 1876, Frank T. Hazard was married to Luella Miars, a native of Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, born on December 6, 1856, the daughter of Isaiah and Matilda (Babb) Miars, both: natives of Clinton county. Mrs. Hazard's father is deceased, but her mother is still living. Her father was a farmer in Union township, north of Wilmington. Mr. and Mrs. Hazard have been the parents of two children,

Mr. and Mrs. Hazard and family are all. members of the Friends church and take an active part im the affairs of this denomination. Mr. Hazard is an ardent Republican.

Elmer W. Sharp

Elmer W. Sharp, a farmer of Liberty township, Clinton county, Ohio, owns. one hundred and six and three-fourths acres of land in this township, comprising' a neatly- ._kept and fertile farm.

. Elmer W. Sharp-was born in Huntington county, Indiana, on November 16, 1862, the son of John and Margaret (Blair) Sharp, the former of whom.was born in. Ohio, and the latter of whom 'was the eldest daughter of Ezekiel Blair, a native of Indiana, 'who was twice married, his second wife being Louise Irwin.

'John Sharp was educated in. the common schools, and lived in Huntington county, Indiana, where he farmed eighty acres of land. He was a member of the Christian church and, died in August, 1885. His death occurred as the. result of an accident when a log, -which he was hauling to mill, lost its moorings and rolled on him. His wife died in April, 1863. By his marriage to Margaret Blair there were born three children, Ralph P., Lot F., and Elmer W., the subject of this sketch. Ralph and Lot F. live at Fort Wayne, Indiana. John Sharp was married, secondly, to Sarah Heffner, who 'died in 1908. To this union were born. five children, Ellie, William, Matilda, Charles (deceased), and Emmet, Elmer W. was educated in the common schools of Huntington county, Indiana, and reared on the farm.

On September 16, 1884, Elmer W. Sharp was married to Hannah Mary Wall, a native of Clinton county, born on December 5, 1861, the daughter of Alfred and Lovina (Holoway) Wall. Alfred Wall was a native of Clinton county, a farmer by occupation, 'and owned two hundred acres of land in this county. He had a birthright in the -Quaker church, and died in February, 1910. His widow is now living in Wilmington. They had four children: Jennie.A.,-Hannah H., Charles J. (deceased), and Minnie.

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Sharp were Absalom and Hannah (Haines) Wall, who were farmers by occupation, and members of the Quaker church. Absalom Wall was born on February 10, 1805, and on April 17, 1828, married Hannah Haines, 'who was born on November 12, 1808. Absalom Wall was.the. son of Azariah Wall, who was the son of Absalom, Sr., and Margaret Wall, and was born on September 1, 1772, and died on August 29, 1853.. Azariah Wall married Rebecca Leech, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe Leech. of York county, Pennsylvania, who was born. on March 24, 1778, and who died on October 13. 1873. They were married in York county, Pennsylvania, about 1795, and lived in Center county, Pennsylvania, until 1809; when they moved to what is now Clinton county. Ohio. Absalom and Hannah (Haines) Wall had seven children, Louisa, Elisha, Alfred. Zimri. Mary E.. Joseph and Jonathan. Joseph was a soldier in the Civil War and died in service from the measles.

After living in Marion, Grant county, Indiana, for two years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sharp moyed to Ohio, in 1886. They have had four children, Leta, Goldie M., Eva: (deceased). and Irma. Leta married John W. Compton. of Wilmington, Clinton county. They now live at Winchester, Kentucky, and have two children, Merle A. and Audra. Goldie married Marion R. Starbuck, of Starbucktown, and they have one 'member of the Friends church. Mrs. John W. Compton is a member of the Presbychild, Maynard R. The remainder of the children are unmarried.

Mrs. Sharp is a member of the Christian church. Mrs. Marion R. Starbuck is a 'terian church. For some time Mr. Sharp served as trustee of Liberty township. He is a member of the National Union.

Edwin C. Linton

Every man is a quotation from all his ancestors. ''Rely upon it," declared William E. Gladstone, "that the man who does not worthily estimate his own dead forefathers, will himself do very little to add credit or do honor to his country.' The pride of race and of family is one of those paronable bits of mental self-indulgence which serve to stimulate and promote the blander impulses of humanity. That man surely is a better man who can point with pride to a sterling ancestry; surely is better equipped for the duties of earnest citizenship by the knowledge that the memories of other generations of those of his name are back of his efforts to advance the conditions of the present. When this sterling ancestry is one's birthright by double inheritance, then, indeed, is the possessor of such a legacy fortunate. The descendants of the merger of two old families in a community reasonably may be expected to partake of the better qualities of both lines, and, naturally enough, may be expected, by the same right, to take their places among the leaders of such communities as may be favored by their residence therein. These thoughts have come to the biographer during his consideration of the important points in the life of the well-known grain dealer of Wilmington, this county, whose name heads this interesting biographical sketch, Mr. Linton being a descendant of two of the best-known families in Clinton county, both his father's and his mother's families having been prominent in the early settlement of the county, the Lintons having settled here in 1804 and the Hadleys about the same time. The founders of these two families in Clinton county were devoted members of the Society of Friends and the faith of their fathers, descending by birthright, has been kept alive in the hearts of their descendants to the third and fourth generation since that time.

Edwin C. Linton, prominent grain dealer in the city of Wilmington, this county, was born on the old Nathan Linton farm on Todd's fork, in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, on October 14, 1862, son of Cyrus H. and Bliza Hadley, the former of whom was born in this county in July, 1826, and died in August, 1914, and the latter of whom was born in Union township, this county, and died in Wilmington. Eliza Hadley was the daughter of Jonathan Hadley, an honored pioneer of this county, whose name will be preserved in local annals as long as history shall be written.

The Linton family in America was founded by John Linton, who married Rebecca Relf in 1691, and the next year came to America with his bride, landing at Philadelphia on November 8, 1692, an earnest associate of William Penn, both before and after the arrival of the latter in this country. John Linton was one of the six sons of Sir Roger Linton, of Yorkshire, England, the other sons being Jacob, Samuel, Benjamin, Roger and James. John Linton was sent by his father to Oxford College, where he was educated for holy orders in the established church. At that time Quakers were being persecuted in England on account of their religious views, and one night young Linton, the ardent theological student, was sent by the authorities, being given an escort of soldiers, to attend one of the Quaker meetings for the purpose of ascertaining if anything should be said against the established church, with a view to making a report upon which further persecutions might be based. While sitting in this meeting as an investigator, he was so deeply impressed with the simplicity, earnestness and faith exhibited that he became a convert of the religion he had gone to condemn, and publicly avowed himself to be a Quaker. When information of this action reached his fathers ears, young Linton not only was expelled from the paternal home, but was formally disowned and bidden thereafter to rely wholly upon his own resources. Reared, as he had been, in luxury, and unaccustomed to doing for himself, it was no small matter to the zealous young convert thus to be cast upon his own resources, but with the same fine courage which induced him to give up home and family for the Sake of his faith, he set out for London and resolutely began to learn the carpenter trade. In

1691 he married Rebecca Relf, a Quaker girl, and after formally accepting the tenets of the Friends' meetings, engaged in the ministry of that faith, and so continued for years. Desiring greater religious freedom and the privilege of publicly worshipping God as their consciences dictated, John and Rebecca Linton emigrated to America in 1692, landing in Philadelphia on November § of that year, ten years after William Penn had founded his historic colony, and became prominently identified with that earnest community.

To John and Rebecca (Relf) Linton were born four children, Mary, Joseph, Benjamin and John. Benjamin Linton was born in Philadelphia on October 6, 1703, and early learned the weaver's trade, in time becoming one of the most extensive weavers in the new colony. He was an able and a learned man and achieved much fame as an astronomer, to which science he devoted much study and time. Benjamin Linton was twice married, his first wife, Elizabeth White, born on September 9, 1705, to whom he was married on March 25, 1727, bearing him two children, John and Mary. The mother of these children died on January 25, 1732, and the father married, secondly, Jane Cowgal, born on July 3, 1708, to which union eight children were born, namely: Lucia, Benjamin, Joshua, Sarah, Samuel, Jane, Daniel and Hezekiah.

Samuel Linton, fifth child and third son of Benjamin and Jane (Cowgal) Linton, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on December 17, 1741, and was reared on a farm, also learning the trade of a weaver. On May 10, 1775, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Harvey, born on March 8, 1748, and to this union were born Samuel, Nathan, David, Jane and Elizabeth (twins) and James. Early in the year 1802, Samuel Linton and his family emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio, at that time the "far west." They proceeded by wagon, over the mountains, to Pittsburgh, at which place Samuel. purchased a raft, onto which he loaded his household effects and his family and thus floated down the Ohio to Cincinnati, proceding thence, by wagon, to Waynesville, in Warren county, this state, where he purchased a house and lot and there engaged again at this trade of weaver, continuing thus engaged, however, but a short time, the inducemnts offered by the fertile lands hereabout persuading him to take up the life of a farmer. In 1804, six years before Clinton county was organized, he entered from the government five hundred acres of land three miles northwest of where Wilmington later was laid out, and there he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. They were leaders among the members of the Society of Friends who early began settling hereabout and were persons of large influence in the formative period of that now well-established section.

Nathan Linton, the second son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Harvey) Linton, was born on the banks of the Delaware river, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on January 17, 1778. When the territory now comprising Clinton county was organized in 1810, he was appointed county surveyor, which oflice he held for about twenty years. He surveyed the variovg townships of Clinton and Fayette counties and surveyed and laid out the village of Wit mington, the county seat, and during his life was a widely recognized authority pertaining to boundaries and divisions of lands in this section of the state; the unassailable titles which the citizens of this county hold to their lands today, owing, in large degree, to the care which he used in making and keeping a correct record of surveys. Nathan Linton was an enterprising and progressive pioneer citizen. He was among the first to introduce and encourage the growing of fine wool and the propagating of fine fruit. He was a strict Quaker, upright in his relations to his fellowmen and temperate in all his ways. During whisky; but this custom Nathan Linton never would countenance, nor would he permit liquor to be brought onto his place. He took a foremost part in educational matters in that day and may properly be regarded as one of the chief factors in creating the early standard of excellence which ever has marked the schools of Clinton county. He also did much in the way of establishing a proper highway system hereabout, his interest in good roads'giving an impetus to that movement which is felt to this day. Nathan Linton died on February 11, 1858, honored and respected by all worthy persons within the range of his acquaintance. Among his descendants who have achieved notable public distinction in the third generation are Benjamin Butterworth, member of congress, a son of his daughter, Elizabeth, and Nathan Linton, a member of the Ohio General Assembly, another grandson.

To Nathan and Rachel (Smith) Linton were born twelve children, Elizabeth, Abigail, Samuel, Seth, David, James, Mary, Nathan, Benjamin, 'Cyrus, Ruth and Jane, whose descendants today form a numerous and influential connection throughout southern Ohio.

Cyrus Linton was reared as a farmer's boy and remained on the old home farm until the spring of 1864, at which time he went to Wilmington, where the rest of his life was spent. He probably was the first man in this county to deal on a particularly extensive scale in coal and grain and his operations were quite successful. He also was proprietor of a large and popular grocery store in Wilmington and for many years was accounted among the foremost business men in the city. On September 15, 1870, Mr. Linton's son, Samuel, was admitted to full partnership in the business, the firm thereafter being known as C. Linton & Son. Cyrus Linton was a very public-spirited citizen and took a prominent part in the civic affairs of the county. He served the county as commissioner from the Wilmington district; served several terms as township trustee and for eight years: served in the Wilmington city council, having been elected on the Republican ticket.

In 1847 Cyrus Linton was united in marriage to Lydia Harvey, a native of this county, to which union one child was born, a son, Samuel S., of whom mention is made above. Mrs. Linton died in the spring of 1852 and Mr. Linton married, secondly, in the fall of 1853, Eliza Hadley, who was born in Union township, this county, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Dimberlake) Hadley, and to this union three children were born, as follow: Olive. who married Dr. Charles Welsh, a well-known Wilmington dentist, both of whom now are deceased; Lydia, now deceased, who married Francis Martin, of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Edwin C., the immediate subject of this sketch.

Jonathan Hadley, maternal grandfather of Edwin C. Linton, was born in North Carolina on August 20, 1800, the son of William and Sarah (Clark) Hadley, members of old colonial families. Upon reaching manhood Jonathan Hadley engaged in the livestock business, came to Ohio, and was very successful. He was marrried three times, his third wife having been Elizabeth Dimberlake, who was born in Highland county, this state, of English descent, the date of this latter marriage having beeh May 25, 1848. To this uinon but one child was born, a daughter, Eliza, the mother of Mr. Linton. Five children were born to Jonathan Hadley's first union and one to his second union, namely: Charles, who manages the Hadley dairy farm in this county; Frank, a merchant of Springfield, Ohio; Eva; Calvin, a farmer, who lives near Kokomo, Indiana; Carrie, and Jonathan. The senior Hadley died in Iowa on January 25, 1864, he having moyed to that state with a view to locating permanently there, and upon his death his family returned to this county, locating on a farm of one hundred and twelve acres, west of Wilmington.

Edwin C. Linton received his elementary education in the public schools of Wilmington, and supplemented the same by a comprehensive course in Wilmington College, after which he entered his father's office-and acquired a thorough acquaintance with the coal and grain business, later becoming owner of the business, which' still later he sold to his half-brother, Samuel §S., thereafter giving his exclusive attention to the business of buying grain and hay in car-load lots in Clinton and surrounding counties and has been very successful. He also owns a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Union township, which he manages from his home in Wilmington. _He owns a handsome residence in the city, besides considerable other property there and is regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of the county seat town.

Brooklyn, New York, who early in life was left. an orphan. Mr. Linton is a member of the Friends church and Mrs. Linton is a member of. the Presbyterian church. Both take a' warm interest in the affairs of their respective denominations, as well as in all good works of the community in which they live. Mr. Linton is.a Republican and takes an active interest in the political affairs of the county; for some time having acted as treasurer of the Clinton county Republican central committee.. He is an enterprising and progressive business man and possesses the confidence and. respect. of commercial and_financial circles hereabout, as. well as the highest esteem of his many acquaintancs throughout-this part of the state.

Robert Hildebrecht

Among those whose declining years are blessed with the memory of a well-spent. life is Mrs. Florence Starr Hildebrecht, widow of Robert. Hildebrecht, .whose- career may fittingly be described in this volume, and whose companion she was. Many. were the years of happy associations granted to. these well-known residents of this county, and, though sad with the loss of the departed loved one, Mrs. Hildebrecht hereby pays a lasting tribute to his memory.

Robert Hildebrecht, who was born on April 26, 1874, and who died on June 13, 1914, was the son of Rudolph Frederick William Hildebrecht, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this publication. He spent his early years on the farm on which he was born, this being in Vernon township, and was educated in the Clarksville schools, this including graduation from the: high school. Choosing farming as his occupation, he cuitivated the tract of seventy-two and one-half acres in that township, which has been the family home for years. While'a successful farmer, he gave some attention to other matters, for he was road superintendent for several years.