Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 1 of 26)

Biographical sketches

"Through events God makes all society plastic, and then raises up some great man to stamp his image and superscription upon the nation's hot and glowing heart." Few citizens of this great state of Ohio have ever served humanity or held the public esteeem ~ in such generous measure as has the late Gen. James W. Denver. Certainly, few have achieved the distinction accorded him during a long and illustrious career. At the zenith of his powers, he became a- national figure, and in this phase of his life, as well as in those of lesser public importance, he acquitted himself with signal honor and ability. This man seems to have leaped with a bound into places of distinction achieved by others only after slow and arduous labor. Through the successive stages of soldier, military official, lawyer, and statesman, he arose to the place of legislator in the national halls of Congress, governor of a Western territory, now a state, and general in the United States army. And in all of these, so great was his public service, that he reflected honor and glory upon the place that could claim him as citizen.

James W. Denver, son of Capt. Patrick and Jane (Campbell) Denver, was born at Winchester, Virginia, on October 23, 1817, descendant of a family whose history carries us back to the days of William the Conqueror. On the day that this nation laid to rest the "Father of his country" there landed on these shores a man whose part in the Irish rebellion had caused him to flee the mother country to avoid the penalty which the British government demanded for his patriotism, for a price had been put upon his head. This was Patrick Denver, grandfather of Gen. James W. Denver.

With his family, Patrick Denver went to the beautiful valley of Virginia to make his home. One of his sons, Arthur, was in the naval service, and was one of the men taken in Chesapeake bay and confined at Halifax by British authority to be sent to England on trial for treason, on the ground that his allegiance was due England, though he was an adopted citizen of the United States. Another son, Patrick, Jr., father of the subject of this biography, served first as a lieutenant, and then as a captain in the American army in the War of 1812. This young soldier married Jane Campbell, whose family was also distinguished for military service. In 18380 Capt. Patrick Denver removed with his family to this county, Jocating first at Wilmington and eventually settling on a farm near that town.

James, afterward General Denver, was the eldest of eleven children. His youth and early manhood were spent on the paternal farm, which he left in order to study law, graduating from the Cincinnati law school in the spring of 1844. For a short time thereafter he practiced law and edited the Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic newspaper at Xenia, Ohio. He then went westward, locating at Plattsburg, Missouri, and later, at Platte City, in the same state, where he remained until the outbreak of the war with Mexico. Fired with patriotic zeal, he recruited Company H of the Twelfth United States Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned captain on April 9, 1847, serving in General Scott's army until the termination of hostilities. He then returned to Platte county, Missouri, and edited the Platte Argus until suddenly word came from beyond the Rocky mountains that there was found at last the fabled land of gold. In 1850 James Denver's adventurous nature sought new fields of conquest, and with a little band of followers, he started bravely across the Western plains and trackless ranges of the giant mountains. Only stout hearts could have defied the dangers and hardships that were before them, and although the ranks of the little group of travelers were decimated by disease, the survivors pushed onward until their hazardous journey was accomplished.

Finally, the mountains were climbed and the streams forded, and the forests traversed, and Sacramento was reached. It offered an attractive stopping-place, and there General Denver remained until the spring of 1851, when he engaged in trading between Humboldt bay and the mines. Temperamentally unable to keep out of politics, it was not long until his personal qualities had endeared him to the people, and in 1852 we find him a state senator.

It was during this time that he was placed in command by Governor Bigler of a relief train to rescue a large party of emigrants snow-bound in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Here, as in all of the experiences of his varied career. his physical bravery and moral courage enabled him to accomplish whit he set out to do.

Easily becoming a conspicuous figure in California state politics, this born leader, in 1858, was elected secretary of state, which office he held until the autumn of 1855. The preceding fall he had been elected by the Democratic party to the thirty-fourth Congress of the United States from California, which state then had only two representatives. This session convened in December, 1855, and in this Congress the Hon. James Denver became a useful and prominent member, being made chairman of the select conunittee on the Pacific railroad, which reported a bill for the construction of three trans-continental lines. This seemed a wild scheme to the majority of the Congress, and later the bill, as reported, was limited to the construction of the Union Pacific, which bill was favorably received. Mr. Denver did not seek 2" renomination, and, at the expiration of his congressional term, President Buchanan appointed him commissioner of Indian affairs, the duties of which office he was faithfully discharging when he was urged to succeed Hon. Robert J. Walker, in the difficult management of affairs in Kansas territory. Reluctantly: he consented to accept the governorship of that strifetorn territory, and entered upon his duties in December, 1857. Previously to his acceptance of this office, four territorial governors, even though backed by federal troops, had resigned their office, driven off by threats of assassination by outlaws, and it was generally, held to be as much as a man's life was worth to accept the office of governor and rule those lawless lands. But Governor Denver, with characteristic bravery, determined to hold aloof from all factions, and to do his duty conscientiously. To this end, he dismissed the military, and adopted a course so firm, yet so just to all parties, that order was restored, and "bleeding Kansas" was no longer a reproach to the government or a terror to her neighbors. Colorado was then a portion. of Kansas, and her beautiful capital city at Denver bears the name of the courageous man who thus brought about peace, order and prosperity within the borders of the territory.

Taking a peculiar and almost paternal interest in the welfare of the Indians, yovernor Denver resigned from oflice on October 10, 1858, and returned to the duties of commissioner of Indian affairs, in which capacity he served until March 11, 1859, returning then to California. He later entered the race for United States senator from that state, but was defeated by two votes.

With such a record, it is not surprising that, at. the outbreak of the Civil War, Governor Denver warmly espoused the cause of the Union, and, without solicitation on his part, received from President Lincoln, on August 14, 1861, the commission of brigadier-general of yolunteers. General Denver was first placed in command of all the troops in Kansas, but soon afterward was sent to Pittsburg Landing, on General Rosecrans' staff, and from there was transferred to a more active field, being in command of the Third Brigade of Sherman's Division, in the Army of the Tennessee, until April, 1863. Then it was that personal affairs called him from the life of an army officer.

Getieral Denyer later' engaged in the practice of law at. Washington. D. C., haying previously established his home in Wilmington, Ohio. In 1876. and again in 1880, 'he had become so conspicuous in national affairs that his name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency.

In 1873 General Denver took an active part in organizing the veterans of the Mexican War, and he was the president of this national society until the time of his death. Among his last public services, was an effort to hare Congress pass an act giving a twelve-dollar-a-month pension to the old Mexican War veterans.

On November 26, 1856, James W. Denver was married to Miss Louise C. Rombach, of Wilmington. Ohio, and to this union four children were born, Mrs. Katharine Denver Williams, of Wilmington; J. W. Denver, Jr.; Mrs. Mary Louise Lindley, of New York City, and Matthew R. Denver, president of the Clinton County National Bank, of Wilmington, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Williams is a woman of rare intellectual attainments, a social leader of distinction and president of the Cirie League of Wilmington. ;

Gen. James W. Denver. noted soldier. lawyer and statesman, died on August 9. 1902, in Washington, D. C. Six feet two inches in stature and of fine proportions. Genéuil Denver was a man of dignified and commanding presence. Genial and refined. he had the happy faculty of attracting warm friendships, and retaining them. His cultivated mind was a storehouse of information. and his heart was big and broad in its sympathies.

This incomplete record of the life of Gen. James W. Denver shows that his name and the record of his works are graven deeply on the history of this country, and that to him, as a man and as a public servant. are due not only the honor but the gratitude of a people. Fearless in the face of danger that would have daunted weaker men, active, with an energy that seemed to know no bounds; loyal to his conception of right, even though he stood alone, this great man was born to be a leader, and to direct the destinies of a people. But "we yield homage only to the greatness that is goodness," and so, in placing the laurel wreath upon the brow of this man, we pay grateful and earnest tribute to nobility of heart and brain.

"The true man binds all his days together with an earnest. intense, passionate purpose. His yesterdays, todays and tomorrows march together, one solid column. animated by one thought, constrained by one conspiracy of desire, energizing toward one holy and helpful purpose, to serve man and love God." There seems a peculiar appropriateness in applying these words to the life of the man whose. record is here briefly outlined, for he was favored by fortune to such an extent as to enable him to have a definite plan as to his life work as well as the means of carrying it out. However, it was necessary that he have also the force of character to transform opportunity into achievement, and 'the skill with which he has accomplished this, gives his biography a merited place in the present volume. Dr. Will R. Hale, a man of splendid professional attainments and of exemplary character, was born on August 7, 1854, in Wilmington, his father having eome to Clinton county with five brothers in 1808.

Joseph Hale, father of Will R., was a prominent merchant in this city for a period of forty-five years. He came in pioneer days from North Carolina with his brothers William, Samuel, Harmony, Jacob and Bli. During all of his life in this state he engaged in the mercantile business, and passed away on February a In ae personal character which was noted for rectitude, and in his business principles which were of the highest tyre, Mr. Hale handed down a worthy name to the son who, as he grew up in the community, took a prominent place. The mother, formerly Sarah Sewell, was born in Clinton county, and was a daughter of Amos T. Sewell, who was recorder of the county for thirty-two years, dying in office in the year 1855.

Will R. Hale has always lived in Wilmington. During the winters of 1872-73-74 he attended Wilmington College, and two years later was graduated from the department of dental surgery of the Ohio Dental College in Cincinnati. Having completed his studies with honors, the young dentist at once opened an office in his native city, and has been in continuous practice ever since. It may be of fhterest to note that out of a class of forty-seven members, only seventeen are now living.

On October 31, 1877, Will R. Hale was married to Amy Fuller, whose parents, Milton and Margaret (Gaither) Fuller, were residents of this county. The eldest child born of this union, a son, is now a prominent dentist living in Los Angeles, California. Their only daughter is named Mary Louisa Hale.

The fact that Doctor Hale is a member of both the Ohio State and National Dental societies indicates the position he occupies in the profession, and it might be added that his name and membership honors both organizations.

In spite of a busy professional life, Doctor Hale has found time for some of the social and fraternal organizations which broaden and beautify existence. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic lodge, and is also an Elk. In matters relating to politics, he is an independent voter.

Dr. and Mrs. Will R. Hale have traveled extensively, taking many delightful journeys to various parts of the country. Their beautiful home has been the scene of numerous attractive social affairs. Both Doctor and Mrs. Hale are genial in manner, . warm in their friendships, broad in their outlook upon life, and true in their sympathies.

As a professional man, Doctor Hale is deservedly popular, as a citizen he is upright and generous, aS a neighbor and friend, sincere. He is the type of man that every community needs.

Clifton D. Bailey

One of the most important industrial establishments in this part of the state of Ohio is the extensive plant of the Champion Bridge Company, at Wilmington, Clinton county, of which, for the past ten years, the gentleman whose name the reader notes above has been the superintendent and one of the important factors. Mr. Bailey was born in Clinton county and ever has had the interests of the county very dearly at heart. His position as superintendent of one of the chief industrial enterprises of the county gives him larger opportunity for the exercise of his wide influence in industrial affairs and it is undoubted that he has thus been ahle to do much for the community, a measure of service which it would be difficult properly to estimate. Needless to say he occupied a high place in the confidence and esteem of his associates in business and the highest regard of all who know him.

Clifton D. Bailey was born on a farm near Dover, in Liberty township, Clinton - county, Ohio, on December 20, 1859, son of William and Maria (Tumlin) Bailey, both natives of this county, the former of whom was born on the same farm on which his son was born, in 1834, and died in 1865, and the latter of whom was born in Union township on July 1, 1839, and is still living.

William Bailey was the son of George and Lydia Bailey, both natives of this county, menibers of pioneer families. George Bailey's father was Daniel Bailey, who emigrated from South Carolina to Ohio, becoming one of the very earliest settlers in Union township. He and his wife were members of the Friends church and were active in all good works in the pioneer days of this county, having been accounted among the leaders of the social order in the community in which they settled. George Bailey was reared to manhood in Union township and then bought a farm in Liberty township, where he spent the rest of his life. He also was a Quaker, following the faith of his parents, and was a man of large influence in his neighborhood; a thrifty and industrious farmer and an excellent citizen. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom William was the second in order of birth. William Bailey was reared on the home farm, a part of which he continued to manage after his marriage, and there he spent the rest of his life. He married Maria Tumlin, a member of one of the old families of this county and died at the age of thirty-one, leaving a widow and two sons, Corwin A., who is a machinist, living at Wilmington, this county, and Clifton D., the immediate subject of this sketch. His widow married, secondly, George R. Acre, of Wilmingtton, a carpenter, but there was no issue to this second union.

Clifton D. Bailey was but six years of age when his father died and he was reared on his grandfather's farm, remaining there until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he went to Wilmington to learn the blacksmith trade in the shops of the Champion Bridge Company and has been connected with that concern ever since, save for three years when he was working at Hamilton, Ohio. In 1906 Mr. Bailey was made superintendent of the shops of the Champion Bridge Company and ever since has occupied that important and responsible position.

On February 12, 1880, Clifton D. Bailey was united in marriage to Ella Johnson, who was born in Liberty township, this county, daughter of Harvey A. Johnson, a wellknown Liberty township farmer, who still is living in that township, and to this union two children have been born, Elsie M., on May 18, 1883, and William A., September 5, 1884, living at Chicago Junction, Ohio, married Susan Haines and has two children.

Elsie M. Bailey was united in marriage on November 17, 1909, to Dr. Chester PB. Kinzel, of Wilmington, present coroner of Clinton county, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on May 13, 1882, son of John W. and Christina (Mohler) Kinzel, both natives of Morgan county, this state, the former of whom was born in 1846 and died in 1900, and the latter of whom was born in 1852 and died in 1884. John Kinzel was a son of Charles and Lavina (Beckwith) Kinzel. The father of Charles was a German immigrant who came to America and located in the neighborhood of the city of Baltimore, where he became a farmer., Charles Kinzel, born in 1804, married Lavina Beckwith and about the year 1825 emigrated to Ohio, settling in Morgan county, where he bought a farm and operated extensive salt furnaces. He and his wife were the parents of seven children. Their son, John, married Christina Mohler, daughter of Caspar Mohler and wife, Germans who came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, settling in Morgan county, where they reared a family of ten children, and moved to' Zanesville, this state, where Casper Mohler worked as a mechanic in a tile factory. He and his wife were the parents of three children: Harry G., a lawyer at Spokane, Washington; Dr. Chester E., of Wilmington, and Ida, who died at the age of two years. The mother of these children dying when Chester H. was three years of age, John Kinzel married, secondly, Mary Brown, of Zanesville, and continued to live in that city the rest of his life, his widow still living there.

Chester E. Kinzel was reared in the home of an aunt, Mrs. Mary L. Deaver, of Morgan county, and received his elementary education in the public schools of that county. After a course in a normal school, he began teaching school and for three years was thus engaged, after which he entered the Starling Medical School, at Columbus, Ohio, and was graduated from that institution in 1906, in July of which year he came to this county, locating in Wilmington, where he engaged in the practice of his profession and has thus been engaged ever since. A year or two previous to the election of 1914, Doctor Kinzel had been appointed coroner of Clinton county, to fill out an unexpired term, and in the following election was elected to that office and is now serving the public in that capacity. Doctor Kinzel is a Republican and a member of the Masons, the Elks and the Eagles. He and his wife are the parents of one child, a son, William Nelson, born on

Mr. and Mrs, Bailey own and live in the famous old brick mansion on West Main street in Wilmington, which was built more than one hundred years ago and which was the birthplace of Addison Russell, whose memory ever will live in and about Wilmington. This fine old mansion is still in good condition and is the scene of much genial hospitality, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey being fond of entertaining their friends.

Charles Curl, mayor of Wilmington, is a splendid illustration of success won through self-reliance and earnest endeavor, having worked his way up through the successive stages of printer's apprentice, drug clerk, reporter and editor, and has been given the highest office it is in the power of his city to bestow. When only fifteen years old he learned to set type in a newspaper office, and since that day, the odor of printer's ink brings memories of the time when he had not yet learned to fear the "blue pencil."

Charles. Curl was born while his mother was on a visit to Winchester, Frederick county, Virginia, February 29, 1844, although his parents were, at the time, residents of Clinton county. The father and mother were natives of Virginia, he being Daniel, and she, Harriett (Hackney) Curl, both of Irish ancestry. The former came to this county in the early days of 1838, his father being a grocer in Wilmington during the Civil War. Daniel died in 1881, and his widow is dead also.

The Curl home was one of integrity where the highest principles of life and conduct were inculcated, but it was also a place of strenuous work and struggle against the physical conditions that all parents of large families must face unless they are unusually blessed with this world's goods. Of the eight children of this home, four are still living. These are Mrs. Jennie L. Drake, of New Vienna, Ohio; Robert H., secretary of the Typographical Union at Cincinnati; Mrs. Mary L. Lewis, of Mt. Auburn, Ohio, and Charles, the subject of this sketch.

What education was obtainable to Charles Curl before his fifteenth year, he acquired in the schools of Wilmington, and on August 1, 1859, he secured employment in the office of the Clinton Republican, where he remained for three years, being glad to work at a salary of seventy-five dollars a year. This apprenticeship was followed by a trip to the city of Cincinnati, where he worked for the Cincinnati Enquirer for two years, at the end of which time he took up the duties of a drug clerk in a store at Sixth and Walnut streets, in that city. Having gained considerable experience in this yoeation, Mr. Curl returned to his home and was employed in the drug store of P. R. Way & Company, where he remained for two years.

But again the newspaper field called the young man, and, journeying to Washington Court House, he worked in the offices of both the Register and Herald. On April 23, 1869, he returned to Wilmington and entered for the second time the office of the Clinton Republican, which was then owned by William B. Fisher and Addison B. Russell, then secretary of state. This proved a long period of service, for not until he took the chair of mayor did he sever his connections with the paper. This was on January 1, 1914, he haying been elected the previous fall. Since being elected mayor, Mr. Curl has done considerable general newspaper work, being local representative for several out-of-town papers. The present honor conferred upon Mr. Curl is not the first political oftice he has held. For twelve years Mr. Curl was clerk of Union township, a position which might be considered a stepping-stone to his present office. He was also a member of the city council for six years, this including the period during which the opera house and city hall were built, and to both of these civic enterprises, Mr. Curl gave his best endeavor.

On December 28, 1869, Charles Curl was united in marriage to Martha Matilda Marble, a daughter of David Marble of the famous family of Marblehead, Massachusetts. The mother of Martha Matilda Marble was a Vandervort, one of the most widely-known families of this county, and a family of great influence. Of the children born of this marriage, Edgar died at the age of five weeks; Harriett Eliza married the Hon. R. HB. Holliday, United States Consul to Santiago, Cuba, for the past twelve years, and recently promoted from fourth-class to second-class consulship, and they have three children, Martha, Margaret and Mary.

Mr. and Mrs. Curl are prominent socially in Wilmington society, and they have always stood for those substantial valuegy which have to do with the higher life of the community. They are members of the Friends church, and give both their time and their means to build up their denomination.

Mr. Curl has a genial nature, a strong, forceful personality that both attracts and retains friends, a keen, analytical mind, and those qualities of leadership which inspire confidence and respect. Although a man much in public life, he is not self-seeking, for the honors which have come to him have been more in the form of recognition of public service than as "political plums." Mr. Curl's tastes are refined, and his influence is always on the side of right and justice.

Emery R. Bales

If one were in search of a representative business man of any community he would select a man of the type of Emery R. Bales, secretary and treasurer of the Wilmington Casting Company. Still a young man in years, Mr. Bales is, of course, enthusiastic, but he has other qualities that are just as necessary for the success of the man active in commercial and industrial pursuits. It is by reason of this combination of characteristics that the success of the well-known firm has been achieved, for it is not inappropriate to say that this firm is, no doubt, the leading one of its kind in this vicinity. They are extensive manufacturers of gray-iron castings.

Emery R. Bales was born on a farm in Chester township, Clinton county, on April 23, 1882, a son of' William H. and Cordelia J. (Faulkner) Bales, both of whom were natives of Greene county.

William H. Bales located in Chester township in 1881, and lived there until the fall of 1905, when he removed to Wilmington, where he died on January 11, 1906. The mother, whose industry and devotion lightened many a burden for the husband and children of this home, passed away in March, 1910. William H. and Cordelia J. Bales were the parents of five children, as follow: Emery R., the subject of this biography ; Thomas M., professor in Wilmington College; Elisha Allen, deceased at the age of fourteen; Lorena F., of Wilmington, and Ilo H., of Wilmington.

Emery R. Bales was fortunate in that he was able to acquire more than the education possible to the average boy, for after the common schoo] course he was permitted to attend Wilmington College, interspersing farm work with the time spent in school. He was graduated from the college in 1904, and then taught school for one year in Sabina, Ohio. Mr. Bales next found employment ig the First National Bank of Wilmington, and remained there for the next seven and one-half years, giving satisfaction in his work. In March, 1913, he decided to go into business for himself, and formed the partnership with B, EB. Terrell, which continued to July 1, 1915. An extensive volume of business was built up, the special lines being real estate and insurance. 'This partnership was dissolved on July 1, 1915, that Mr. Bales might take up his interest in the castings company.

On March 28, 1910, Emery R. Bales was united in marriage with Elizabeth B. Magee, who was born in Chester township, a daughter of John and Mary Magee. Their only child is deceased.

Mr. Bales has held many offices of honor, both in the business world and in the social and religious organizations with which he has been connected. He is at present treasurer of the Wilmington Homestead Company. He is a Mason of high standing, as is indicated by the fact that. he has held all the offices in Lodge No. 52.

Mr. Bales has allied himself with the Republican party as a matter of deep conviction. He has also taken sincere interest in religious affairs and for years has had much to do with the success of the organization to which he belongs, this being the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Besides being secretary and treasurer 'of the church board he is also one of its stewards. 4

' Mr. Bales has applied his religious principles and training to business, and is known for his fair and honest dealing. He is genial in manner, makes friends easily, and is courteous and considerate always. Both he and his estimable wife are prominent in religious circles and in the social life of the city, to which they have contributed a high type of citizenship.

Nicholas W. Vandervort

Few men were better known in Clinton county, Ohio, during the period in which he lived, and labored than the late Nicholas W. Vandervort, for more than a quarter of a century a teacher in the public schools of this county. In his personal characteristics he combined the qualities which go to make up a scholar and a public-spirited man of affairs. He made his influence felt in the educational life of Clinton county, and was not unknown ut the time of his death in the wider educational circles of the state. During the last six or eight years of his life he was engaged in farming in this county and made a commendable success of this vocation.

The late Nicholas W. Vandervort was born on May 31, 1835, near New Antioch, Clinton county, Ohio, and died on September 10, 1884. He was a son of Nicholas and Nancy Vandervort, the former of whom was born at Columbia, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1803, and the latter of whom was born in Warren county, Ohio. Nicholas Vandervort, Sr., was six years old when brought by his parents to Clinton county, where he grew to manhood, married and devoted his life to farming. Like his father before him, he was an earnest worker in the Christian church, and lived a truly useful life. He died on June 23, 1876, at the age of sixty-four years, his beloved wife having preceded him to the grave on January 11, 1873. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Nicholas W. was the fourth in order of birth. Among the others were James M., Thaddeus H., John M., Jonas S., Paul C. and William B.

The late Nicholas W. Vanderfort was brought up to farm labor. He received a good common-school education and had some extraordinary advantages in the high school at New Vienna, Ohio. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school, and in the fall of 1855 went to Illinois, where he taught near the city of Bloomington until the summer of 1857, at which time he returned to Ohio. In 1858 he attended a select school in New Vienna, qualifying himself for the teaching of higher branches. He continued teaching until 1878, having been during that time employed in the schools of Wilmington, Sabina, New Antioch and other places, embracing a period of twenty-five years. From 1878 until the time of his death, in d884, he devoted his time and energies to farming.

On December 31, 1863, Nicholas W. Vandervort was married to Rate Winpiglar, an accomplished lady, who was also for many years a teacher in the public schools of Clinton county, and who was born at Martinsville, Clinton county, Ohio, on August 13, 1845, a daughter of Isaac and Myra (Hanley) Winpiglar, the former of whom was a. native of Virginia, and the latter of Clermont county, Ohio. Isaac Winpiglar became an early settler in Ohio, married and located in Martinsville, where his death occurred in 1848. He had five children, two of whom, Helen, the wife of G. W. Robinett, and Mrs. Nicholas W. Vandervort, are surviving. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Winpiglar married a second time, her second husband being John Hyatt, and by this second mar- riage had three children, Louis H., Barnett B. and Clara E., the last named being the widow of L. D. Hodgson, by whom she had one son, Carey Vandervort Hodgson, who was educated by Mrs. Vandervort and is now in the service of the United States with the coast and geodetic survey. He spent some time in the Philippines and is now in Utah. He is a man of thirty-five, a credit to the name of Vandervort. Mr. Hyatt died in October, 1876, and his widow died in 1894.

Mrs. Vandervort's maternal grandparents were James Comstock and Hannah (Brunson) Hanley, both natives of New York state 'and early settlers in Clermont county, Ohio, where for many years the former was a school teacher.

The late Nicholas W. Vandervort served Clinton county long and faithfully in an educational way. For many years he was a prominent teacher in the public schools. He was also a member of the county board of examiners for several years. He was an ardent member and earnest worker in the Christian church at New Antioch and was undoubtedly one of Clinton county's most useful citizens.

Of Nicholas W. Vandervort's grandparents it may be said that his grandfather, Paul H. Vandervort, was born on January 1, 1815, near Starbuck Town, this county, the son of Josiah and Jane Vandervort. Josiah and Jane Vandervort resided at Columbia until 1809, when they moved to this county, and located at Todd's Fork, where they lived for three years, afterwards removing to near New Antioch, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were among the earliest settlers of that community and were prominent in the organization and establishment of the early Christian church at New Antioch, in which they were among the leading members, and on account of their Christian and moral influence, they became factors of great strength in the progress of the church. Josiah Vandervort was an upright and industrious man of sound judg- 'ment, and was one of the first jurymen in Clinton county. He and his wife were the parents of six sons and five daughters, of whom Paul H. is the only one surviving. Mr. Vandervort died in 1842, and his widow in 1845.

Paul H. Vandervort, the uncle of the late Nicholas Vandervort, was two years old when his parents moved, in 1815, to near New Antioch, where he was reared and where he grew to manhood, and spent his life until August, 1879, when he retired from the farm and located in New Antioch, where he spent the rest of his days. He was one of the most prominent and useful citizens of Clinton county, and for twelve years served as a member of the board of commissioners. He was a member of the Clinton County Agricultural Society for thirteen years, and served as president of that organization for several years. He also held other minor offices. He, too, was a leading member of the Christian church, and upon the death of his father, was elected to fill the place as deacon in the church made vacant by his father's death. This office he filled for a quarter of a century and was then made elder. Paul H. Vandervort was twice married, the first time on October 19, 1836, to Matilda McKenzie, the daughter of John and Isabelle McKenzie, natives of Kentucky, and to this union four children were born: Mary Emily, who was the wife of E. W. Marble; Alpheus, who served three years in the Union army during the Civil War; Samantha, the wife of Dr. W. W. Canny, of Camden, Preble county, Ohio, and John W. Mrs. Vandervort died on June 20, 1876, and about three years later, on August 26, 1879, Paul H. Vandervort was matried to Mrs. Mary Ann Mitchell, a daughter of James and Mary (Fleming) Mitchell.

The widow of the late Nicholas W. Vandervort removed to Wilmington some sixteen years after his death, in 1884, and there she devotes a great deal of her time to charity work. She taught school in Wilmington before her marriage and continued her work of teaching some time after her marriage. She and her husband both taught in the schools of that city, and many of their pupils are prominent business men and are very proud to remember them as their former teachers, Mrs. Vandervort being held in the highest respect not only by her former pupils, but by the entire community, to which her life has been so unselfishly and ungrudgingly devoted.

Dr. Frank R. Smith

The Smith family has been prominently connected with the agricultural, business and political life of Clinton county, Ohio, for two or three generations. Many of the members of this family have been prominent farmers in Clinton county, but the later generations seem to have turned their attention to business and to the professions. Frank R. Smith, D. D. S., a well-known and prosperous dentist of Wilmington, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession in this city for about seventeen years, is a representative of the fourth generation of the family in Clinton county, his grandfather on his paternal side having been born in this county.

Dr. Frank R. Smith was born on January 1, 1874, in Vernon township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of George H. and Jerusha Araminta (Bates) Smith, the former of whom was born near Ogden in Vernon, in 1840, and who died on February 28, 1878, when Frank R. was only four years old, and the latter born near Springboro, Warren county, on October 15, 1846, and is still living.

The paternal grandparents of Dr. Frank R. Smith were Daniel and Ann (Hartman) Smith, the former of whom was born in Clinton county, Ohio, and the latter of whom was born in Virginia, and who was brought to Ohio from Virginia when a child. Daniel Smith owned a farm in Vernon township, where he lived and died. He and his wife and family were members of the Methodist Protestant church. They reared four sons and one daughter. Doctor Smith's maternal grandparents were William and Phoebe (Jenks) Bates, the former of whom was born in Utica, New York, in 1820, and who died in 1890, and the latter of whom was born near Saboy, Massachusetts, in 1822, and who died in 1901. William Bates came with his parents, Thomas and Sarah Bates, to Clinton county, Ohio, when a lad. Thomas Bates had emigrated from England when he was twelve years old. About 1835 the family removed from New York with thirteen children and settled in Clarksville, Clinton county, where they operated a dairy for John Hadley for several years. Thomas Bates moved from Clarksville to Springboro, Warren county where William Bates grew up. Later the father came to Washington township, Clinton county, and purchased the Woodmansee farm of three hundred acres and died there. Three of his sons divided the farm and lived there for many years. William Bates inherited a farm in Washington township and added to it in 'after life, living there until his death. He was a carpenter by trade and not only erected all of the buildings on his own place, but erected a good many barns on other farms. He was a dyed-in-the-wool . Republican and prominent in local politics, especially in Washington township, where he served as township trustee. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Phoebe (Jenks) Bates, who was the wife of William Bates, was the daughter of Patton and Polly Jenks, who were born in Massachusetts. In 1840 they settled in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, where Patton Jenks purchased a farm of two hundred and eighty acres. It was upon this farm that he and his wife died. They had four children, of whom Doctor Smith's mother was the eldest. The others were Elsina, who died at the age of eleven; David, deceased, who was a farmer; Sarah Jane, who married Ira Hodson, of Dayton, Ohio, and who died in 1912.

George H. Smith, who was Doctor Smith's father, grew up in Vernon township, Clinton county, and''after his marriage rented land in Vernon township. He was a strong Republican and in 1876 was elected sheriff of Clinton county, passing away in 1878 at the age of thirty-eight years, while the incumbent of that office. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Protestant church. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic fraternity. In the latter he became a Knight Templar, a member of Ealey Commandery at Washington C. H. Dr. Frank R. Smith had only one brother, Edmond J., who was born in October, 1866, and who lives at Wilmington. He is a traveling salesman for the Champion Bridge Company, and married Elizabeth Lewis.

After the death of Dr. Frank R. Smith's father, his mother made her home with her parents until they passed away and then lived on the home place until 1913, when she moved to Wilmington, purchasing a home where she now lives.

Frank R. Smith was only four years old, as heretofore noted, when his father passed away, and he was taken by his mother to live on his maternal grandparents' farm in Washington township, and there he grew to manhood. After attending the district schools in Washington township, he became a student at Wilmington College, and finally entered the Cincinnati Dental College and was graduated with the class of 1896. Two years later he came to Wilmington and began the practice of his profession, where he has been engaged ever since. Doctor Smith has been successful in the practice of his profession and enjoys a large patronage.

On March 8, 1905, Frank R. Smith was married to Eleanor Madden, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Madden, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter of whom is still living. Mrs. Smith's father was a traveling salesman who lived at Wilmington. At one time he served his fellow citizens as a member of the Ohio state Senate. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have no children.

Dr. Frank R. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a man who has made a special study of all of the modern devices of dentistry and is thoroughly up-to-date in the practice of his profession. He takes a worthy interest in public affairs, but has never aspired to office.

Rutherford B. Monfort

In the life of the man whose name heads this sketch is an illustration of the American boy who has climbed to a position of trust and eminence through his own unaided efforts. As in the case of many of America's ambitious youth, there was little in his early years to aid him to the prominent place he was to occupy in later life. Therefore, all the more praise to him whose success is the result of honest endeavor, faith in himself, and courageous persistence in the face of every obstacle. The record of such a life is a most potent form of inspiration. Rutherford B. Monfort, manager of the Farquhar Furnace Company, was born in Warren county, Ohio, May 22, 1876, a son of P. and Elizabeth (Keever) Monfort, both natives of Warren county. The father, who passed away in 1901, never spent any part of his life in Clinton county, having remained on his farm; the mother, a good and devout Christian, is still living, at Lebanon, Ohio.

After completing the high school course at Waynesville, Rutherford B. Monfort attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. For several years after his education was comipleted he remained on the home farm. Beginning in 1903, for a period of six years, he was identified with the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton, Ohio, one of the best-known manufacturing concerns in the United States. In this capacity he had charge of a branch of the correspondence department, becoming one of their' most able managers. In 1909 there came an opportunity which promised better things in the future than the position he then had, and he resigned to become the book- 'keeper for the company in which he is now manager. Beginning his connection with this firm in 1909, in three years he had proven himself so efficient, reliable and progressive that by a vote of the board of directors he was elected manager of the plant, as well as one of its directors.

The Farquhar Furnace Company, which was organized on May 1, 1908, are manufacturers of the Farquhar sanitary heating systems, and so extensive is their business that their products are marketed in thirty-three states.

On September 20, 1899, Rutherford B. Monfort was united in marriage with Abbie Ellis, of Harveysburg, Ohio, a daughter of Harvey and Mary (Rogers) Ellis. One daughter, Mary Elizabeth, has been born to this union. Mr. and Mrs. Monfort have a large circle of friends and their home is noted for its genial hospitality.

In these days of strict competition and sharp business. practices, it is an honor, indeed, for a man to win a reputation for fair and square dealing, and for consideration for others' rights and privileges, and this may truly be said of Rutherford B. Monfort, who has the esteem, not only of his personal friends, but of his commercial associates as well.

Josiah W. Sparks

One of the prominent citizens and progressive business: men of Wilmington, Ohio, is Josiah W. Sparks, president of the Citizens National Bank, who, until February 1, 1915, owned and conducted a large hardware and implement business in Wilmington. Mr. Sparks was in the mercantile business in Wilmington for more than forty years and enjoyed the highest esteem and confidence of all with whom he had business dealings during that long period, as he does now with all his associates in the financial life of the community.

Josiah W. Sparks was born near Wilmington, Ohio, on March 4, 1848, and was reared on a farm four miles west of Wilmington. He is the son of:Dr. Joseph K. and Abi (Linton) Sparks, the former of whom was born on July 10, 1790, in the Woodbury district of South Carolina, and died on September 17, 1873, and the latter, born on November 25, 1808, near Wilmington, Ohio, died on July 19, 1896. Dr. Joseph K. Sparks, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, came north and settled in Ohio because of his bitter opposition to slavery. He was married in Clinton county to Abi Linton, daughter of Nathan Linton, a pioneer settler of Clinton county, to which union were born four children, only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, is now living. Mr. Sparks has three half-brothers, his mother having been previously married to Jashia Farquhar, by whom she had two cbildren, Benjamin and Frank Farquhar. Dr: Joseph W. Sparks was also previously married, and had one son by that union, George P. Sparks, the only one of these last named now living. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Sparks were Stephen and Mary (Evans) Sparks, natives of South Carolina and of English descent. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Sparks were Nathan and Rachel Linton.

In 1873 Mr. Sparks, who had inherited from his sterling ancestors his high ideals, progressive spirit and large abilities, located in Wilmington, where he entered the grocery store of the late Benjamin Farquhar. In 1875 he formed a partnership with Frank Farquhar in the hardware business and on May 18, of the same year, their store was destroyed by fire and its contents badly damaged. However, they were not discouraged by this loss, but purchased a new stock of goods and started again. The firm continued in business until 1885, when Mr. Farquhar retired and Mr. Sparks conducted the business alone until his retirement, on February 1, 1915.. He carried a complete line of hardware, wagons, farm implements, stoves, pumps, fence and fertilizers. His store was modern and up-to-date in every respect. In 1906 Mr. Sparks helped to organize the Citizens National Bank and is now the president and one of the heavy stockholders of this bank.

Josiah W. Spark's large success in business and finance is due somewhat to the splendid educational training he received in the public schools of Clinton county and in Franklin, now Wilmington, College. Mr. Sparks was married on October 17, 1878, to Laura B. Haworth, who was born near Wilmington, this county, on December 29, 1854, daughter of George D. and Rebecca (Hoge) Haworth, the former of whom was born in 1829 and died in 1894, and the latter in 1883 and died in 1903. The Haworth family is of English descent, its American founder having come to this country in 1699. A part of the family settled in Clinton county in 1803 and the family since then has been closely identified with all of the interests which reflect the highest development of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Sparks one child was born, a daughter, Ethel Rebecca, born on January 8, 1880, who died on February 10, 1899.

Josiah W. Sparks is a Repubican in politics and a member of the Friends church, being a trustee, at Wilmington, of the Quarterly Meeting of the Society of Friends, ' treasurer of the Center Quarterly Meeting and a trustee of the Sugar Grove cemetery. Fraternally, he is a member of Star of Hope Lodge No. 127, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has traveled extensively, both in America and Europe, and has the distinetion of having made a trip around the world. He is a public-spirited citizen and is always one of the foremost promoters of any movement which has to do with the general welfare of the community. He is honest and upright in all of his dealings and is well known for his ability in financial and commercial circles, no resident of Clinton county being more popular throughout the county than he.

Thomas South

Among the earnest men of a past generation in Clinton county, whose enterprise, strength of character and engaging personality won a prominent place in the hearts of his neighbors and fellow citizens and the respect and confidence of the people of Clinton county, was the late Thomas South, who served two terms as sheriff of Clinton county, in which office he had a record for unusual efficiency, and who was an expert brick-mason. He helped to build many of the public buildings now standing in this county, was a man of positive views and Jaudable ambitions, and his influence was always exerted for the advancement of his friends. He was a very worthy citizen and a good man.

Thomas South was born on January 8, 1840, in Goshen, Clermont county, Ohio, and died on December 28, 1912. He was the son of Benjamin and Mary (Brunson) South, the former of whom was born in Cincinnati, and who died in 1862 of pneumonia, contracted while he was visiting his son in the Union army. His wife died on May 29, 1892, at the age of seventy-two years. Benjamin South was a stone-mason, and lived near Goshen in Clermont county all his life. All the members of his family were identified with the Presbyterian church. He and his wife had only two children, Thomas, the subject of this sketch, and William, who died on November 20, 1878, as the result of the anecidental discharge of-a gun while he was hunting. He also. was a bricklayer by trade.

Thomus South attended the district schools of Clermont county, and later one of the leading business colleges at Cincinnati, where he obtained a good education. He was 2 man of more than ordinary native ability and made good use of his educational advantages and opportunities.

On June 9. 1861, Thomas South enlisted in Company C, Second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 2nd served practically to the end of the war, having been discharged on October 10, 1864. Wounded in the left hand in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, he nfterward wes unable to carry a gun and served as orderly in the adjutant's office. Before this, however, he had participated in many battles and was a courageous soldier, a man of deep and abiding patriotism, who was willing to give up his life's blood in the cause of human freedom end in behalf of the perpetuity of the American Union.

Shortly after the close of the Civil War, Thomas South was married on September 14, 1865, to Martha 'Anderson, who was born at Owensville, Clermont county, Ohio, on September 20, 1847, and who is the daughter of Peter and Mary (Smith) Anderson, the former of whom was born in New Jersey and at the age of twenty-one located in Clermont county, Ohio. He died at the age of ninety-one years in 1876. His wife was born in Clermont county. Ohio. in 1816, and died in 1851. She was the daughter of Christopher and Margaret Smith, early settlers of Owensville, in Clermont county. and farmers by occupation. They came to Ohio from near Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian. Christopher was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

After bis marriage. Thomas South continued working et his trade which he had learned as a boy. He worked as a brick-mason while living in Goshen. Ohio. but in 1869 he and the family removed to Wilmington. where he lived until his dexth in 1912. In

In 1898 Mr. South was elected sheriff of Clinton county on the Republican ticket and served two terms, or four years in all. After retiring from public office and public service, he purchased a steam laundry and was associated with his son in the operation of this enterprise until his death.

Mr. and Mrs. South were the parents of five children, as follow: Mary, who was born on June 24, 1866, and died at the age of twenty in Wilmington, on July 26, 1886, was a student at Wilmington College; Harry, March 25, 1868, is a farmer in Adams township; Edward, February 27, 1871, died at the age of twenty-seven, on October 6, 1896; Benjamin, April 2, 1874, is the present sheriff of Clinton county, having been elected on the Republican ticket; Walter, February 27, 1880, is proprietor of the South Brother's laundry, of Wilmington.

The late Thomas South was a charter member of Morris McMillan Post, Grand Army of the Republic. An esteemed and valuable citizen of this great county, his death was widely mourned and he is generously remembered for the large part he had in the civic and political life of this county. Mrs. South is a refined and cultured woman and highly respected by the people of this city.

No greater tribute can be paid to a lawyer than the assertion that his personal code of ethics is higher than any written law. In a profession in which one's moral and ethical standards are so frequently and so severely tested, a man of whom this can be said is strong, indeed, and deserving of the greatest respect. To such there is but one ideal of right and justice, and to this, he must hold himself as rigidly as he would hold others. The man whose name appears at the head of this biography is a leading attorney of Wilmington, and a man of such mental attainment and such force of character that he is an important factor in the ¢ommercial, political, fraternal and social life of the community.

G. P. Thorpe was born at Sabina, Clinton county, Ohio, March 138, 1862, the son of H. H. and Emily (Roberts) Thorpe, both of whom were natives of Clinton county, the former having been born here a few months after his parents came from old Virginia. The elder Thorpe is permitted to live far beyond the usual span of life, for he is now eighty-three years of age. H. H. and Emily Thorpe had only one child, besides the subject of the present sketch, Mrs. Thomas J. Smith, of Sabina, Ohio.

The education of G. P. Thorpe was such as to prepare him for the prominent and active life he has since enjoyed. After availing himself of the advantages of the public schools of Sabina, the young man was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, in 1885, and from the Cincinnati Law School two years thereafter. He was admitted to the bar in 1887, and began the practice of his profession at Wilmington. He has been in active practice ever since, and has built up a large clientage.

Mr. Thorpe has played a conspicuous part in the professional and commercial life of the city, a statement corroborated by the fact that he is now vice-president of the Commercial Club. His ability as an attorney has given him leadership in a number of large business enterprises, one of these being the Clinton County Telephone Company. Of this concern he has been secretary and counsel, and has had charge of all of its legal and financial affairs for a number of years. He is one the board of directors of the Ohio Independent Telephone Association, and a member of its executive committee. Added to these activities, is the position of attorney for the Wilmington Homestead Company, which he has held for a period of over twenty years. He is also a member of its board of directors and of the finance committee.

Greenfield, Ohio. Mrs. Thorpe has taken a keen interest in the public career of her husband, and has made their home a charming center of social life. Mr. Thorpe is one of the two Republicans on the board of elections of Clinton county, the other two members of the board being Democrats.

It is not surprising that a man so closely connected with the business enterprises of a city should also be conspicuous in its civic and social life. There are in every community the men whose advice and good-will are sought when any public service or movement is in its inception. These are the men who not only aid in developing the material resources of their locality, but also help to form the moral standards, and it is, therefore, important that their own standards be high. It is well that some of Wilmington's most influential citizens are of this type, and among them is G. P. Thorpe.

Although gifted above the average, the man whose career is the subject of this biography has not won his laurels without strenuous labor. Hard, conscientious work has been the rule. As a lawyer, Mr. Thorpe is fearless and fair; as a citizen, he is public-" spirited and loyal; as a man, he is high-minded and just. In all of his affiliations, whether business, fraternal, political or social, he has had the esteem and admiration of his associates, and the respect and confidence of the public.

N. Huston Moore

N. Huston Moore, one of the enterprising farmers, bankers and, business men of Clinton county, Ohio, is now living retired in Wilmington, the county seat. His reputation as one of the leading men of Clinton county is gladly conceded by all who know him. Mr. Moore belongs to the class of men who are natural leaders in the communities with which their fortunes are cast.

Born on January 10, 1883, in Grayson county, Virginia, N. Huston Moore is the son of Daniel and Martha (Hampton) Moore, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, in 1799, and died in 1895, and the latter of whom was born in Grayson county, Virginia, in 1802, and lived to be over ninety years of age. Mr. Moore's paternal] grandparents were Nimrod and Polly Moore, who were natives of England and early settlers in Rockingham county, North Carolina. They were farmers by occupation and members of the pioneer Methodist church. Mr. Moore's maternal grandparents, Andrew and Sallie (Griggs) Hampton, were natives of North Carolina. Gen. Wade Hampton, of North Carolina, was a first cousin of Mr. Moore's mother. His grandfather lived in Buncome county, North Carolina, and it was his parents who came from England. His grandfather died in Grayson county, Virginia, where he owned a large farm. He and his wife and family were members of the Baptist church. He was a large man with huge arms and shoulders and a man capable of great physical labor.

The father of N. Huston Moore left North Carolina when a young man with his parents and moved to Grayson county, Virginia. He soon had a farm of his own and lived upon it until his death. He was a Democrat. For many years he was a class leader in the Methodist church and his house was always the temporary abiding place for ministers of the Methodist church.

Daniel and Martha Moore were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are deceased. The living children are Joshua S., who is a farmer in Surrey county, North Carolina; N. Huston, the subject of this sketch; Violet, who married Joshua Simcox, of Tennessee; Matilda, deceased, and Mattie, who married Thomas H. Hightower and lives at Tasso, Tennessee. The deceased children are: Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Margaret,

N. Huston Moore attended the distri¢t schools of Virginia and subsequently the academy at Hillsville, Carroll county, Virginia. After finishing the academic course, he taught school in Virginia to pay expenses incurred while a student at the academy. In 1856 Mr. Moore came to Wilmington, Ohio, and for some time worked in a general store at Bloomington. After a time he went to Atlanta, Logan county, Illinois, and there taught school for two years, after which he returned to Union township and rented farms for five years. By this time Mr. Moore had been able to save enough money to buy ninety-two and one-half acres of land, which he eventually sold and bought two hundred and twentyfive acres in Union township, where he lived for twelve years. At the end of this period, he paid off a debt of eleven thousand dollars on the place and then sold it, purchasing thirty-six acres at the edge of Wilmington, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Moore also owns a one hundred and fifty-five acre farm in Greene and Wayne townships. He is a director of the First National Bank of Wilmington. For many years he has kept a fine flock of Delaine Mérino sheep and also for many years raised Poland China hogs.

On September 11, 1856, N. Huston Moore was married to Eliza Bentley, who died on May 20, 1859. They had one child, Jobn, who is a contractor and builder at Fort Morgan, Colorado. On February 16, 1860, Mr. Moore was married secondly, to Martha Wilson, who was born on December 7, 1827, in Wilmington, Ohio, and who died on November 29, 1911. She was the daughter of James and Eleanor Wilson, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Kentucky. They owned a farm where Wilmington College now stands. He was the first superintendent of the Clinton county infirmary. He also bought and sold stock, which he drove through to Pittsburgh. His wife, who lived to be ninety-eight years old, died on February 21, 1899. To this second marriage there have been born three children: Orville B., who lives on Mr. Moore's farm in Greene and Wayne township; Thomas D., who is unmarried and lives with his father, and Nellie, who also lives with her father.

In addition to Mr. Moore's smali farm of thirty-six acres at the edge of Wilmington, he owns an interest in the First National Bank of Wilmington. He is a Democrat and proud of the fact that he never scratched a ticket in all of his life: The Moore family all belong to the Christian church, and for fifty-five years Mr. Moore has been a member. At the present time he is chairman of the board of trustees of the Walnut Street church in Wilmington.

Few men have made more consistent progress as farmers and financiers than N. Huston Moore and few men living in Clinton county, who belong to the present generation, occupy a higher place in the esteem of the public than does he.

Sidney D. Myers, V.

No more prominent veterinary surgeon may be found in the state of Ohio than Sidney D. Myers, V. S., a resident of Wilmington, Ohio, who was graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, in 1894, and who has served as president and as secretary for two terms each of the Ohio Stute Veterinary Medical Association. Doctor Myers is now a member of the Ohio state board of veterinary examiners, and is a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Association, which is an international body.

Born on July 17, 1872, in Wayne county, Ohio. Sidney D. Myers is the son of S. B. (familiarly known as Doc) and Sadie (Christy) Myers, the former of whom was born on January 9, 1846, in Wayne county, Ohio, and who died on December 31, 1873. and the latter of whom was born on November 8, 1848, in Wayne county, Ohio, and who died on December 29, 1873. Sidney D. was only a little more than a year old when both of his parents passed away. His paternal grandparents, John and Mary J. (Kauke) Myers, were natives of Columbiana county. Ohio, and of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. They were farmers by occupation and owned about two hundred acres of land in Wayne county. Both were members of the Baptist church. Doctor Myers' maternal grandparents were

Pater and Margaret (Hardy) Christy, the former of whom was of Irish descent and the latter of Scottish descent. They were born in western Pennsylvania and early in life located in Wayne county, Ohio, where he was a farmer and well-to-do citizen. They were members of the Presbyterian church.

The late 8. B. and Sadie (Christy) Myers were married on January 26, 1871, and about two years later both died of typhoid fever, the mother two days before the death of her husband. The young couple were just ready to go to housekeeping and had not left the parental roof at the time of their death. Doctor Myers had only one sister, who is younger than himself, Laura B., who married W. H. Troxel, a retail hardware dealer of Denver, Colorado. After the death of his parents, Doctor Myers was reared by his grandparents, both maternal and paternal, and later by his uncle, George Hutton and family. Until twenty years of age he worked on the farm and attended the Wooster, Ohio, high school. Later he was a student at the Ohio Normal School, at Ada, Ohio.

In 1892 Doctor Myers entered the Ontario Veterinary College, at Toronto, Canada, and after his graduation, in March, 1894, began the practice of his profession with Walter Shaw, V. S., at Dayton, where he remained only a few months. In the fall of the same year he located at Wilmington, and here he has practiced ever since. He has a model barn and: takes care of horses in his barn.

On March 4, 1896, Sidney D. Myers was married to Elizabeth Hayes, who was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, at London, and who is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ralph) Hayes, the latter of whom was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and who came to America when six years old. The former was born in Blanchard township, Perth county, Ontario, Canada, and was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1899, at the age of forty-seven and his wife died on February 1, 1914, at the age of seventy. They were members of the Episcopal church. To them were born nine children: John, Catherine, Alice, Mrs. Myers, Jennie, Adella, Charlotte (deceased), who married John McIntosh, Georgia and Russell. All of these children are living near London, Ontario. Doctor and Mrs. Myers have only one child, Neil, who was born on May 29, 1901.

Doctor Myers is a Republican. Doctor and Mrs. Myers are members of the Presbyterian church and he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is also a director in the Union Loan and Savings Company of Wilmington.

William E. Smith

William E. Smith, a former farmer of Clinton county, who is now engaged in the livery business at Wilmington, is one of the enterprising citizens of this section of Ohio, and is, well known for his aggressive habit, his power of leadership, and his cordial personal relations with his fellow townsmen.

William E. Smith was born on December 20, 1858, in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, the son of Robert Henry and Elizabeth (Haney) Smith, the former of whom was born near Winchester, Virginia, in the Shenandoah valley, July 11, 1828, and who died on March 1, 1876, and the latter of whom was born in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia, November, 1824, and who died on October 31, 1897.

The paternal grandparents of William E. Smith were John S. and Susan Smith, both of whom were natives of Virginia, and who, when their son, Robert Henry, was a small lad, came from Virginia to Clinton county, Ohio, and purehased a farm on the south side of Union township. They belonged to the Christian church. He died at the age of seventy-eight and she at the age of eighty-four. Mr. Smith's maternal grandparents were Charles and Sarah Haney, both of whom were natives of Virginia. Charles Haney became the heir to a great many slaves, but he was opposed to slavery and turned the slaves free. He and his wife were also members of the Christian church. Their daughter, Elizabeth, the mother of William E. Smith, was only six years old when they came from

Virginia to Greene township, Clinton county, Ohio. Charles Haney was a_ well-to-do farmer and served in the War of 1812. His wife drew a pension after his death while she was living in New Antioch, Ohio.

Robert Henry Smith grew to manhood in Clinton county, Ohio, and became a miller by occupation, and owned and operated a flour-mill during early life. He served with the famous "Squirrel Hunters" during the Civil War, and as a result of his zeal his mill was burned, probably by members of the Knights of the Golden Circle, who were active in this county. Afterwards he purchased a farm in Union township, and lived there until his death. He was a Republican in polities, and his wife was a devout member of the Christian church. They had two children: William E., the subject of this sketch: and Eva, who married David Leaming, and after his death married Elmer Clevenger; she died in 1910.

Mrs. Robert Henry Smith was first married to Robertson Custis. After his death she was married to Robert Henry Smith. By her first marriage she had four children: Charles, lives in Wilmington and is a veteran of the Civil War: Thomas, lives in California and owns a cigar store in Santa Barbara, and two daughters, deceased.

William E. Smith attended the public schools in Union township and worked on his father's farm until he had attained his majority. After this he was married and lived on the home farm for five years, when he moved to a farm two miles southwest of Cuba, which was owned by his father-in-law, and where he lived for eight years. In 1899 he removed to Wilmington and purchased the Spray livery barn on West Main street. He has been successfully engaged in business in Wilmington for the past sixteen years.

On October 11, 1881, William E. Smith was married to Emma Cast, who was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Ohio, and who is the daughter of Simeon and Mary Cast, both of whom are deceased. He was a farmer by occupation. but spent his later years in Wilmington.

To Mr. and Mrs. William E. Smith have been born two children: Eugenia, the first born, died in infancy; Harold S8., who was born on December 238, 1891, is a bookkeeper in the Citizens National Bank at Wilmington. He is unmarried and lives with his parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith belong to the Baptist church. and Mr. Smith is a trustee of the chureh. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. An ardent Republican in polities, he was at one time elected a member of the Wilmington city council and served in this office with distinction.

Mr. Smith has not only been successful in business, but he has been successful without losing the confidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen, a distinction of no mean importance. Good natured, whole-hearted and generous, he is a popular resident of the city of Wilmington.

Arthur W. Starbuck

Among the enterprising and energetic merchants of the city of Wilmington. this county, few are better known or have a wider repute for the careful manner in whieh their several mercantile enterprises are conducted than has Arthur W. Starbuck, the popular book dealer, whose well-appointed book store is one of the well established concerns of that city. Mr. Starbuck practically "grew up" in the mercantile life of Wilmington, having taken bis place in the commercial circles of the town upon reaching his majority, thirty-five years ago, since which time he has been continuously and actively identified with the business interests of the county seat, in that time having so thoroughly acquainted himself with the needs and the tastes of the people that he is able to eater to these tastes in the most competent possible manner. For fourteen years he was identified with the retail shoe trade of the city, after which he was engaged in the restaurant business for thirteen years, at the end of which time he became prominently connected with the local gas company's office, a position which he retained until 1909, in which year he engaged in the book and stationery business and has been thus successfully occupied since, his store being recognized as one of the most prominent establishments of the city.

Arthur W. Starbuck was born at Dover, in Union township, this county, on February 19, 1859, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ellis) Starbuck, both natives of this county, the former of whom was born in Union township in the year 1834 and the latter of whom was born near the village of Port William in the: year 1830, both being members of pioneer families of this county.

Thomas Starbuck, who now lives in California, is the son of Latham Starbuck, the latter of whom was the son of Hezekiah Starbuck, a native of North Carolina, who settled in this county about the year of 1812. Edward Starbuck, the first of the Starbucks to immigrate to this country was a native of Nantucket, England, who came to America about three hundred years ago and was one of the original purchasers of Nantucket Island from the Indians. He was the founder of a large and prominent family and his numerous descendants are found in many parts of the country, a vigorous progeny, all doing well their various parts in the grand social scheme of this nation. Hezekiah Starbuck was a sailor, but during the War of 1812 he found his occupation practically gone, as nearly all American commerce was swept off the seas during that stormy period. In consequence of this state of affairs he decided to try pioneering in the unsettled wilds of the great country to the west and he and his family immigrated to Ohio, locating in Clinton county, entering a farm from the government in the Dover neighborhood, where the family became permanently established.

Latham Starbuck, son of Hezekiah, was a grown boy when the family located in this county and he presently bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Union township, on which he spent the rest of his life, becoming one of the most prominent and influential settlers of that section of the county. He and his wife were Quakers and their children were reared in accordance with the rigid tenets of their birthright faith, they, in turn becoming useful and influential members of the community. Thomas Starbuck, son of Latham, was reared on the home farm in Union township, remaining on the farm until some time after his marriage. He then engaged in the manufacture of tile at Bowersville, Ohio, and was thus successfully engaged until the year 1870. In 1895 he moved to Armada, California, where he immediately entered prominently into the public life of his new home town and for some years past has been postmaster of Armada. Thomas Starbuck is a Republican and is a member of and active worker in the Christian church, being widely recognized as a lay preacher of much power in that denomination.

In 1858 Thomas Starbuck was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ellis, who was born near Port William, this county, the daughter of James and Susannah Ellis, also natives of Clinton county, the former of whom was the son of a Pennsylvanian, a soldier in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, who settled in this county early in the last century.

To Thomas and Elizabeth (Hllis) Starbuck were born five children, of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the eldest, namely: Arthur W., a prominent merchant of Wilmington; Emma L., who married William Utter and died in 1904; Florence E., who lives with her parents in California; Granville E., a music teacher of San Bernardino, California, and Elmer E., a cabinet maker, who lives in the same city.

Arthur W. Starbuck was reared on the home farm in Union township, until two years of age and moved to near Bowersville, where he received his elementary education in the Palmer district school of that township, supplementing the same by a course in the public schools at New Antioch. .He worked on the farm until he had attained his majority, after which he located in Wilmington, which ever since has been his home. Upon coming to Wilmington, Mr. Starbuck entered the employ of Harry Walker and for fourteen years was engaged as a clerk in th latter's retail shoe store. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with J. T. Carroll and for five years was engaged with the latter in the restaurant business. At the end of that time this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Starbuck conducted the restaurant alone for eight yeurs. He then sold the business and was engaged as office man for the Wilmington Gas Company until 1909, in Which year he bought Harry H. Walker's book store, a business which he has since conducted with much success and in a manner most gratifying to his extensive trade.

On November 15, 1883, Arthur W. Starbuck was united in marriage to Alberta Vandervort, who was born at New Antioch, this county, daughter of Richard and Catherine Vandervort, prominent farming people of that neighborhood, both of whom are now deceused. To this happy union two children have been born, Mabel, who wus born in 1884, married Clifton T. Hazard, teacher of mathematics at Purdue University, and lives at West Lafayette, Indiana, and Charles R., born in 1889, who is a clerk in the Clinton County National Bank of Wilmington.

Mr. Starbuck is a Republican and takes such part in the political affairs of his home community as all good citizens owe to the commonwealth, being active in furthering such measures as are designed to promote the common good. He has given much and thoughtful attention to the affairs of the public schools of Wilmington and for six years was a very efficient members of the city school board. He is a member of the Wilmington lodge of the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which he takes a warm interest. Active in commercial, political and social circles of Wilmington, Mr. Starbuck has created for himself a very definite place in the life of the county seat and is one of the best-known men in Clinton county, enjoying the confidence and regard of all. He and his wife are diligent in promoting all good works and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.

Charles Pierson Richardson

Charles Pierson Richardson was widely known during his lifetime as one of the successful farmers of Clinton county, Ohio. He had a prominent part in the development of agriculture in this county and his well-directed energies in the practical affairs of life, his capable munagement of his own business and his sound judgment resulted in the acquisition and accumulation of a very large competence. He began life with one hundred acres of land, to which was later added three hundred and thirty-five acres, all of which was inherited by Mrs. Richardson, which tract was improved from time to time until at the time of his death he owned one of the finest farms in Vernon township. He was a prominent stockman and a highly respected citizen of this county.

. The Jate Charles Pierson Richardson, farmer and stockman of Clinton county, was born on March 15, 1840, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the son of Pierson Jackson and Elizabeth (Schillinger) Richardson, the former of whom was born in 1815 in Genesee county, New York, and who died on December 17, 1902, and the latter ef whom was born on April 27, 1814, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and who died on October 3, 1883. Her parents were natives of Germany. Charles Pierson Richardson died on July 30, 1894. His father, P. J. Richardson, was a son of James Richardson, who was a soldier in the patriot army during the Revolutionary War, having served as a first lieutenant in a regiment of the New York infantry. He built and owned a one-half interest in the first boat built in Cincinnati. His father grew up in New York state "and when he was a young man emigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married, near which place he farmed until about 1855, when he removed to Clinton county with his family. Here he purchased his home, which he built at Newport in 1846, and which is still standing, well preserved. He died'at Newport on February 6, 1848. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Mr. And Mrs. James Villars

Pierson Jackson, a son of James and father of the subject, a farmer, born in Genesee county, New York, March 15, 1815, died in Cuba on December 17, 1902. He attended a private school and graduated in a Cincinnati college. He moved to Cuba, Clinton county, in 1855 and was married in Cincinnati on June 15, 1886, to Blizabeth Schillinger, daughter of Col. William Schillinger.

Charles Pierson Richardson was about fifteen years of age when his parents came to Clinton county, Ohio. Here he grew up on a farm and was married, and after his marriage he farmed in Vernon township on land. which Mrs. Richardson inherited from her father and which amounted to four hundred gnd thirty-five acres. Mr. Richardson raised a great deal of thoroughbred live stock and kept registered trotting horses of the Wilkes and Hambletonian breeds. He also specialized in raising Shropshire sheep and Shorthorn cattle. He was killed in 1894 by the kick of a horse, having lived but a few hours after the accident. After his death, Mrs. Richardson remained on the farm until 1911 and then moved to Wilmington, where she now resides with her daughter, Bessie.

On October 3, 1865, the late Charles Pierson Richardson was married to Miss Jane Villars, who is the daughter of James and Frances (Gregg) Villars, the former of whom was born on October 20, 1800, in Jefferson township, Greene county, Pennsylvania, and who died on June 29, 1890, the latter of whom, her mother having died when she was a child, was reared by Mrs. Woodmansee. She was the daughter of George and Margaret (Wiley) Gregg.

James Villars was the son of James and Rebecca (Davidson) Villars. James, Jr., was reared on a farm and was six years old when his parents removed from Pennsylvania to Deerfield, Portage county, Ohio, where they remained one year. At the end of that period they removed to Washington township, Warren county, where they purchased fifty acres of land, and afterward one hundred acres nearby. In the summer of 1811 they purchased three hundred and sixty-four acres of land in Clinton county, adjoining the farm where James, Jr., later lived. They moved to this farm in the fall of 1813, after they had some land cleared, a house was built, the floors of which were laid with wide black walnut boards. 'This old log house still stands and is used for an outhouse, and some improvements made and the crops planted. They had ten children, six sons and four daughters. In August, 1823, James Villars, Sr., died@ and the care of the family and the charge of the farm fell to James, Jr., who purchased the interest of the other heirs in the homestead and who lived with his mother.

The first schooling of James Villars was obtained in 1807 in a small round log cabin, daubed with mud, with a stick and clay chimney and roofed with clapboards. It had a dirt floor and stood about thirty rods west of the iron bridge, north of the turnpike and about three-fourths of u mile west of Clarksville. When he was eight or nine years old, James Villars, Jr., attended school at another place, but in a building similar to the first. The third school he attended was in a log school house with a stick and clay chimney at each end and with a writing desk through the center. It stood between a quarter and a half mile south of where the Mt. Pleasant meeting house stood. His fourth experience was in a vacated log house two and one-half miles east of Clarksville, on the banks of Sewell's run. He had to walk three miles to this school, but finally he attended school in a building formerly used as a horse-mill, which was fitted up and used as a Methodist chapel in Wilmington, and as a matter of fact was the first Methodist chapel ever built there. It was also used for school purposes.

On June 15, 1830, James Villars, Jr., was married to Frances Gregg. They had ten children, as follow: Rebecca, John W., Mary D., Rachel, George W., James M., Jane F., Hiram J., Samuel H. and Alfred T. Rebecca died at the age of twenty-four; John W. died at the age of fifty-five, a farmer by occupation; Mary D. married Simeon Cast and they lived on a farm in Washington township, both of whom are now deceased; Rachel married Ed, Mulford, a resident of Warren county, Ohio, who is now deceased; George ~ W. died at the age of twenty-one; James M. died at the age of nineteen; Jane F. is the widow of Mr. Richardson; Hiram J. lives in Montana, and Alfred T., who owned his father's home place, is deceased.

In 1887 James Villars, Jr., purchased the farm where he lived until his death, which consisted of three hundred and sixty-one acres. After buying this farm he did nothing more to it until the spring of 1848. He was an industrious man and a careful manager, accumulating a large amount of land. Before his death he was one of the heaviest landowners in Clinton county. He owned six hundred acres of land in Clark and Union counties, Illinois, beside twelve hundred acres, which he gave to his children. He built a fine brick chapel on part of his land, at a cost of fourteen thousand dollars. and presented this to the Methodist Protestant church, of which he and his wife were members for a number of years, they having joined the church together in 1845. Before this they had been members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which Mr. Villars had joined in 1816. He also purchased the Baptist church of Clarksville, on which he expended about three thousand dollars. He was a local deacon and an ordained minister in the Methodist Protestant church and later an elder. He had been a trustee ever since he built the chapel, and held the office of township trustee and supervisor for several years. His beloved wife died on June 7, 1881, and he died, as heretofore stated, in June, 1890.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pieradn Richardson had nine children, six of whom are still living. The deceased children are Howard, the third born, who first saw the light of day, March 21, 1869, and who died at the age of six years; Horace, who died at the age of thirty-one, and Lillie, who died at the age of seven weeks. The living children are James Pierson, Charles Hinkle, Walter G., Frances, Herman and Bessie. James Pierson was born on July 12, 1866, and lives in Adrian, Michigan, where he is a piano maker. He was a missionary in Japan nine years; Charles Hinkle, December 20, 1867, and lives on the home place, is a farmer; Walter G. also lives on the home place; Frances married George Sewell, and they live in Vernon township; Herman lives on the home place, and Bessie, who is unmarried, lives with Mrs. Pierson.

Mrs. Pierson is an ardent member of the Methodist Protestant church and prominent in the religious life of this community. Mr. Richardson was not only an enterprising farmer, but he was a good citizen and a good man, one who was entitled to the esteem and confidence of his fellows and one who enjoyed this confidence and esteem in a large measure.

Robert Livingston Owens

One of the country's largest manufacturers, a man who has received more than passing note by reason of the methods he employs in securing ungrudging and efficient service on the part of his small army of employees, and whose close personal relations with the men who have helped to make the product of his factory a household word throughout the country is a matter of common knowledge, upon being asked: "What do you call a man?" quickly answered: "One who stands four square to the world in reference to the functions that should be absolutely right, with regard to himself, those who are dependent upon him, and society in general." Upon being asked to extend his definition so as to cover the process of "making a man,' he declared that he made men "by the application of horse sense." This, of course, but emphasizes, by giving personal authority to the utterance, a truth that is not only self-evident, but widely accepted. It invariably is found that those men who really do stand four square to the world in all the relations of life are the men who are possessed of what has commonly come to be known as "horse sense," upon the proper exercise of which they base the success which, without exception, follows their efforts. Happily, there are many such men in Clinton county, among the best known of whom perhaps is Robert L. Owens, the enter-

Robert Livingston Owens was born at Mainsville, Warren county, Ohio, on August 21, 1866, the only son of George W. and Margaret (Irwin) Owens, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on August 26, 1832, and died at his home in Wilmington, this county, on January 4, 1896, and the latter of whom was born in Warren county, this state, on March 22, 1833, and died on September 26, 1898, to whom were born but two children, the other child being a daughter, Mrs. Jessie IT. Arebaugh, of Wilmington. George W. Owens was the son of Talliaferro and Pamelia (Tucker ) Owens, both natives of Virginia, of good old colonial families, the fathers of both of whom took valiant parts in the struggle of the American patriots during the Revolutionary War, other representatives of these families also having done well their various parts during the War of 1812. Margaret Irwin was the daughter of Robert and Lydia (Cox) Irwin, pioneers of. Warren county, this state and prominent and influential residents therein.

Robert L. Owens was but four years of age when his parents came'from Virginia to this county, locating in Wilmington, and consequently has lived the most of his life in Clinton county, there now being few men in the county better known than he. He received his education in the Wilmington schools and was graduated from the high school there in the year 1884, following which he spent four years as a student in the Cincinnati Art Academy, becoming thoroughly grounded in the art of drawing and its correlative science. Upon leaving school he was engaged by the Champion Bridge Company of Wilmington in the capacity of traveling salesman, with headquarters at Cincinnati. He later transferred his services to the Queen City Bridge Company, of Cincinnati, as a traveling salesman, still later going to the Brackett Bridge Company, of Cincinnati, serving that company in the capacity of secretary, remaining in Cincinnati until 1898, in which year he returned to Wilmington, becoming a director in the Champion Bridge Company and resuming his original position as traveling representative of that company, continuing in that capacity until he was elected general manager and treasurer of the company in 1904. a position which he still holds. Mr. Owens also is a director of the Memphis Bridge Company, of Memphis. Tennessee, and is one of the hest-known bridge men in the country. In addition to his official duties in connection with these two prominent bridge companies, Mr. Owens also is the secretary of the National Safety Snap Company, of Wilmington, and likewise gives his intelligent attention to the general business welfare of his home city. being actively concerned in all] movements having to do with the promotion of Wilmington's best interests, few business men in the city having a higher reputation for enterprise and energy when it comes to "boosting" things hereabout.

In January, 1892. Robert I. Owens was united in marriage to Hannah Cherrington, who was born in Gallipolis. Ohio, daughter of William and Lucy H. Cherrington, who were the parents of five children, the others being Samuel M.. Teida, Lucy M. and Mrs. EB. S. Culbertson. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Episcopal church at Wilmington, Mr. Owens serving the congregation of that communion as a member of the vestry, or executive body of the church. Mr. Owens is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to the political affairs of his home county, though he never has been included in the office-seeking class of politicians. He is deeply interested in good government and his influence in civic matters ever is on the side of economical and efficient administration of the affairs of the people. Mr. Owens is a master Mason, his connection with that order being with blue lodge No. 52; Royal Arch Masons, Chapter No. 63 and Wilmington Commandery No. 37, Knights Templar.