Fairfield County, Ohio - Chapter 20: Conclusion, 1912 (part 7 of 12)

The Beery family is an old and respected one in Hocking County and the Mowery is an equally well established one in Pickaway County. Daniel Beery was a farmer in Hocking County and also a blacksmith, and died in Fairfield County in 1895. His widow survives and resides with her son, Frank P., who was the second son in a family of six children, the others being: Philip; Ella, wife of Clel Oldfield; John; Minnie, wife of J. O. Hamilton; and Josephine, wife of Harold Stepleton. The grandfathers of the above family were Daniel Beery and David Mowery.

ten years, in the meanwhile attending the public schools. For some years afterward he worked by the month for j\I. N. Engle and afterward worked on shares on the farm for twenty years. He is numbered with the successful agriculturists of Clear Creek Township. Mr. Beerj' was married April 22, 1904, to Miss Alaggie Kuhn, a daughter of Perry and Emma (Geiger) Kuhn. Mrs. Beery was born in Hocking County and has one brother, James Kuhn. To Mr. and Mrs. Beery a son was born, September 19, 1906, whom they named Clarence M. They attend the U. B. church. Mr. Beery, like his father before him, is a Republican.

JAMES B. CLAYPOOL, president of the Fairfield County, O., Agricultural Society, and a prominent and substantial citizen of Hocking Township, resides on his valuable farm of 100 acres, which he devotes to farming and stock raising, making a specialty of Jersey cattle. He was born in Greenfield Township. Fairfield Coimty, O., October 22, 1850, and is a son of Isaac and Xancy (Meason) Claypool.

Isaac Claypool was born in Greenfield Township and died in the same room on his eightyfirst birthday, June 29, 1902. He was a son of Hon. Jacob and Margaret (Baker) Claypool, the former of whom was born in Rockbridge County, Va., and from there came to Fairfield County in 1805, settling in Greenfield Township. He was one of the founders of the Hocking Valley Bank at Lancaster, since merged in the Hocking Valley National Bank, and he was instrumental in having the spur of the Ohio Canal constructed between Carroll and Lancaster, this later becoming the Hocking Valley Canal. Jacob Claypool also served Fairfield County as a member of the state legislature. The Claypools have been prominent in public life and estimable in private, and for

James B. Claypool was reared in Greenfield Township and was educated at Dennison Uni- \ersity at Granville, O. Prior to 1909, Mr. Claypool was a resident of Greenfield Township but in that year came to Hocking Township and now resides near Lancaster. During his residence in Greenfield Township he was prominent in public matters. For fifteen years he was township trustee and for a long period a member of the school board, serving some terms as its president. He is a Republican in politics but has never consented to be blindly led, on occasions voting independently. He is serving in his first term as president of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society and also as a trustee of the Fairfield County Children's Home, being vice president of the board.

Mr. Claypool married Miss Lizzie Peters, a daughter of Newton and Lydia Peters, residents of Lancaster, O., and they have two sons : Carl, who is principal of a High School in the Island of Luzon, in the Philippine group, being a graduate of the Lancaster High School and of the Ohio State University ; and Clark W., who is an employe of the L'. S. Post Office Department, - both being unusually gifted young men. Mr. Claypool and family are members of the Presbyterian church.

GEORGE HANGS, one of the representative business men of Oakland, Fairfield County, O., is a practical blacksmith and wagonmaker and owns his own shop together with other pieces of real estate here. He was born in December, 1855, at Chillicothe, O., and is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Enderlie) Hangs.

went to Chillicothe and other points where the father found work as a carpenter. They were members of the Roman CathoHc church. Their children were: Joseph; George; Anna, wife of Fred Steinhoof; Stancy, wife of Charles Heimley ; John, deceased ; Louisa, wife of Felix Mowrath ; Rosa, wife of Lawrence Malonis.

George Hangs had but few educational advantages in his youth but obtained some knowledge of books in the district school. He worked for about two years on a farm and then learned the blacksmith and wagon-making trades and has worked at them ever since. He has been a resident of Oakland for thirty-two years, has been careful and industrious and has acquired valuable property. He has been a good citizen and has always dqne his part in advancing the general welfare of the town. He has been particularly interested in the schools and for twenty years has served on the school board.

In 1881 Mr. Hangs was married to Miss Rosa Ann Doring, a daughter of John and Rebecca (Shupe) Doring. Mrs. Hangs has one brother, Daniel Doring. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hangs, namely: Mary, Maggie, Louise, Georgia Ann, Ruth and John J. and William J., twins. The three older daughters are well educated young ladies who are popular teachers in Clear Creek Township. Mr. Hangs is one of the leading members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Oakdale. He belongs to Mt. Pleasant Lodge No. 48 Knights of Pythias, at Lancaster, O.

THEODORE G. HUFF, treasurer of Hocking Township, Fairfield County, O., and a prominent and substantial citizen of this section, resides on his excellent farm of ninetysix acres, which he devotes to farming and dairying, his dairy stock being Jersey cattle.

John G. Ruff was born in Hocking County, O., and was a lifelong resident of Marion Township, where his death occurred in 1885. He married Magdalena B. Walter, who was born in Germany and still survives, being a resident of Lancaster, O. Their surviving children are: Theodore G. and John G., both residing in Hocking Township, Ferd of Pleasant Township; August W., of Pleasant Township, and Charles E., residing in Illinois.

Theodore G. Ruff was reared in Hocking County, where he attended a select school near Enterprise and afterward became a teacher, following educational work for about sixteen years, and in this way becoming well and favorably known in different sections. In 1882 he moved from Hocking to Fairfield County and located in Pleasant Township, and from there, in 1902, came to Hocking Township, locating near Lancaster, on the Cedar Hill turnpike road. Mr. Ruff has been an intelligent politician since early manhood and has been quite active in local affairs wherever he has lived, frequently serving in office, elected to the same on the Democratic ticket. While living in Pleasant Township he served two years as assessor, and also served two years as deputy treasurer of Fairfield County, under Treasurers William Ziegler and Theodore Becker, and at present is serving in his second term as treasurer of Hocking Township.

Mr. Ruff married first. Miss Phebe Byerly, of Hocking County, who is survived by two daughters, Edna F. and Helen M. He married for his second wife. Miss Catherine Reiner, a daughter of the late John P. Reiner, of Violet Township, and they have four children : Harold T., Lawrence N., Albert E. and Mary C. Both father and grandfather of Mrs.

Ruff were born in Germany, the latter, Martin Reiner, settling in Liberty Township, Fairfield County, more than a century ago. Mr. Ruff and family are members of the Lutheran church.

MILTON SHUPE, a leading citizen of Clear Creek Township, who is serving in his second term as township assessor, resides on his excellent farm of 125 acres which he devotes to general agriculture. Mr. Shupe was born in the house in which he lives, November 20, 1875, and is a son of John M. and Sarah Ann (Valentine) Shupe.

John M. Shupe was a son of Henry Shupe, who was one of the early settlers in this section, coming from Pennsylvania. John M. Shupe was a well known man and highly respected citizen and one of the liberal supporters of the Lutheran church. He died on his farm, the present homestead, June 12, 1896, and his burial was in the Conrad church cemetery in Clear Creek Township. He married Sarah Ann Valentine, a daughter of Noah Valentine, who was also an early settler in Fairfield County. Mrs. Shupe is a beloved member of her son Milton's household and in age is approaching her eighty-first birthday. Six children were born to John M. Shupe and wife, as follows : William ; Jane, who is the wife of Nelson Hedges; Mary, who is the wife of Charles Pierce; Charles, who died at the age of eighteen years; Minnie, who is the wife of Charles Bowers ; and Milton.

Milton Shupe attended the puljlic schools during boyhood and afterward spent two years at college preparing for the profession of teaching. Although thoroughly qualified, Mr. Shupe has never taught school but has made good use of his superior education in carrying on his farm activities. In the management of his various industries he follows modern methods which produce results in every way satisfactory.

On December 31, 1896, Mr. Shupe was married to Miss Myrtle Burgner, a daughter of A. A. and Catherine (Crossin) Burgner. Mr. Burgner is now in the furniture business at Columbus, but formerly was a farmer and still owns the old farm in Clear Creek Township that adjoins that of Mr. Shupe. Mrs. Shupe has one brother and one sister - Joseph and Hazel. To Mr. and Mrs. Shupe two daughters have been born, Esther and Edith, both of whom are being given .both educational and social advantages. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Amanda, O. Mr. Shupe is a member of Center Star Lodge No. 489, Knights of Pythias, at Amanda. He is affiliated with the Republican party.

JOHN HARTMAN, who owns a valuable farm of 233 acres, situated in Pleasant Township. Fairfield County, O., located on his present place of residence in Berne Township, east of and near Lancaster, in March, 19 10. He belongs to one of the old and siil)stantial county families and was born in Pleasant Township, March 20, 1861, a son of William F. and Margaret (Mertz) Hartman, both natives of Hanover, Germany.

William F. Hartman was a young man when he accompanied his father to America and to Berne Township, Fairfield County, O. His parents later moved to Adams County, Ind., but William F. Hartman continued to live in Pleasant Township and there became a large farmer and extensive stock raiser. He was a supporter of the church and an encourager of all worthy enterprises and was highly thought of all tlirough this .section. He belonged to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Lancaster, and was a Jacksonian Democrat.

schools of Pleasant Township and also attended the church school at Lancaster. From early manhood he has devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits and is more or less of an authority on farming methods and the handling of stock for profit. For thirtyfive years he remained continuously on his Pleasant Township farm. Mr. Hartman was married first to Miss Louisa Ruf¥, a daughter of Gottleib Ruff, formerly of Hocking County. His second wife, in maidenhood Miss Mary Reiner, was born in Fairfield County, O., and is a daughter of John P. Reiner. They are members of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church at Lancaster.

JUDSON ARMSTRONG, owner and proprietor of a general store at Stoutsville, O., one of the leading citizens and useful men of this community, was born in Perry Township, Hocking County, O., March 26, 1868, and is a son of Milton and Caroline (Mowery) Armstrong.

This branch of the Armstrong family has belonged to Ohio through several generations. The pioneers were the grandparents, William and Sophia Armstrong, who settled early in Hocking County, where Milton Armstrong was born and still lives, being now a retired resident of Laurelville. He devoted all his active life to agricultural pursuits. He married Caroline Mowery, who died in i8go. She was a daughter of Peter Mowery, an early settler in Pickaway County, O. They had sixteen children born to them, three of whom died in infancy. The survivors are : Henry A. ; W. E. ; Judson; H. N. ; J. F. ; Sylvia Ella, wife of Cecil Johnson; Ollie N., wife of William Burkhardt; Minerva N., wife of Vaughn Frazier; Derbin W. ; P. D. ; Dora; C. M. ; and Laura, wife of Guy Heffner. For his second wife Mr. Armstrong married Ella Ebert and they

L'ntil he was about twenty-one years of age, Judson Armstrong attended the public school during the winter seasons and helped his father on the home farm in the summers. For three years after reaching his majority he worked on neighboring farms by the month and then embarked in business in Laurelville, conducting a hardware store there for 14 years, then coming to Stoutsville. He carries a large and well selected stock of general merchandise and enjoys a satisfactory volume of patronage from town and surrounding country. Politically he is a Democrat and is a hearty party worker but not a seeker for office.

On April 26, 1891, Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Laura L. Dodson, a daughter of Rufus and Mary (Steele) Dodson. Mr. Dodson was a merchant at Laurelville, Hocking County. His children were: Rachel, deceased; Clara; Jennie, wife of David Pangle; Laura L., wife of Mr. Armstrong; Frank; Emma, wife of H. N. Armstrong; Efifie, deceased; Bertha, wife of Hugh Egan; and ClifYord. Four children, three sons and one daughter, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, namely: Guy C, Howard D., Lawrence and Elsie Irene, the eldest son being engaged with his father in the store. Mr. Armstrong and family attend the Presbyterian church. He is identified fraternally with the Odd Fellows at Adelphia, and the Knights of Pythias at Laurelville.

ISAAC D. SHAFFER, a member of one of the old pioneer families of Fairfield County, O., settled on his present excellent farm of seventy-seven acres, situated in Pleasant Township, in 1884 and has lived here ever since. He was born in Madison Township, Fairfield

Grandfather Isaac Shaffer came to Fairfield County from Pennsylvania and settled first in Berne Township among the pioneers, removing from there to Madison Township, where he developed a farm and continued to live on it until his death in 1852, surviving his son Joab by two years. Joab Shaffer was born in 1803 and spent his life in Madison Township, Fairfield County, where he died in January, 1850. He was a farmer and also owned and operated a grist-mill, continuing both industries until within a few years of his death, when he gave up work in the mill. He married Nancy Ann Clark, who was born in Hocking County, O., and of their children the following is a partial record : Isaac D. ; Mrs. Julia A. Wolf, residing in Hocking Township; Mrs. Jacob Simon, residing at Lancaster ; Columbus C, living in Benton County, Mo.; Lewis W., a resident of Oklahoma; and Barbara V., who was shot at the age of 17 years.

Isaac D. Shaffer was reared in Madison Township on the old family homestead, attended the country schools and also select schools of Lancaster, under Dr. Williams, and later took a course at Wittenberg College, at Springfield, O. Mr. Shaffer became a teacher himself and spent twelve years in this relation in Fairfield County and has always taken a lively interest in educational matters for a number of years serving on the school board in Pleasant Township. Since locating on this farm he has devoted himself to general agriculture.

Mr. Shaffer was married April 10, 1873, to Miss Maggie Bohrer, who was born in Fairfield County, a daughter of James L. and Diana Bohrer. former residents of this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaffer nine children were born :

Charles C, residing in Greenfield Township; Alice C, living in Pleasant Township; Clara, wife of Harley O. Friesner, of Pleasant Township; Sadie S., wife of Harley T. Miesse, of Greenfield Township; Daisy, wife of Pearle Wagner, of Lancaster, O. ; Maggie B., wife of Jesse Carpenter, of Greenfield Township; and Ira, Grover F. and Darle, all residing in Pleasant Township. In politics Mr. Shaffer is a Democrat. He formerly was identified with the Odd Fellows at Pleasantville.

GEORGE E. TURNER, vice president of the Bremen Banking Company, of Bremen, O., of which he was a charter member, is interested in other large business enterprises of this section. He was born near Lancaster, O., August 8, 1859, and is a son of Jacob B. and Mary (jMiller) Turner.

George E. Turner attended the Fairfield County schools and later took a business course in a commercial college at Lebanon, O. When he came to Bremen he was first connected with the mercantile and milling business, under the firm name of J. B. Turner & Sons, but is not now aftiliated with that company. He has large individual interests, however, being treasurer of the Highland Park Realty Company, and president of the Nelson McCoy Pottery Company, of Roseville, O., manufacturers of staple and stone ware. For four years after the organization of the Bremen Banking Company, he served as cashier and then resigned to become vice president. He was treasurer of the Bremen Gas and Oil Company from the time it was organized until it was sold.

Mr. Turner married Miss Kate E. Stemen, who was bom near Bremen, in Fairfield County, a daughter of Emanuel Stemen, formerly of Rush Creek Township, and three children were born to them : James Ross, Fred W. and Russell M. The last named lived but eighteen months. The attractive family residence is located at Highland Park, an addition to Bremen. With his family Mr. Turner belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Democrat.

FRANK W. SMITH, one of the representative and enterprising business men of Stoutsville, O., dealing heavily in hay, straw, grain and coal, resides in this town, where his residence property contains five acres, and owns additionally thirty-eight acres of excellent land in Clear Creek Township. He was born in Delaware County, O., a son of Charles and Mary (Wheeler) Smith.

The parents of Mr. Smith were born in Germany. After coming to Delaware County, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives, the father engaged in the lumber business, also was a farmer and for many years dealt in horses. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Their children w-ere : Henry; Sophia, wife of Frederick Schultz; Frederick; Mary, wife of John Hess; Jennie, wife of John Inlow; Anna, wife of R. C. Craig ; George J. ; Edward and Frank W.

Frank W. Smith obtained a common school education, after which he worked for some four years on farms by the month. He then embarked in the hay business in Delaware, Union, Marion and Monroe Counties for three years. In 1891 he located at Stouts ville and at first handled hay alone but later added straw, coal and grain. He has prospered and has very comfortable and tasteful surroundings, building a substantial barn in 1895 and in 1905 erecting one of the finest and most modern residences in the place, equipping it with both gas and electricity and with a hot water system of heating.

Louisa Stout, of Stoutsville, O., an old family that has given its name to this flourishing town. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have four children - Adaline, Edwin, Margaret and Harry. They attend the Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Smith is a Repulalican and is serving his first term as township trustee. He belongs to Lodge No. 218 Odd Fellows, at Tarlton, O., and to other organizations at Circleville and at Stoutsvilk, including the Cocoals order, an organization of coal men, the main office of which is at Chicago, 111. He is a wide awake business man and an admirable citizen.

JOHN MERTZ, a well known agriculturist of Pleasant Township, residing on his well cultivated farm of eighty-six acres, was born in this township October 9, 1850, and is a son of George and Dorothea (Ellm) Mertz, natives of Bavaria, Germany. His parents, came to America in 1849 and immediately afterward to Fairfield County, settling in Pleasant Township, where George Mertz died in his eightyseventh year, on August 29, 1909. His wife died in April, 1888, in her sixty-seventh year. Four of their children are living, namely: John George and John, both residing in Pleasant Township, Frederick and Catherine also living in this township. The parents were members of the Lutheran church.

John Mertz has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since he became old enough to handle farm utensils, and he has the reputation of being one of the most thorough and successful farmers of the township. He was married February 17, 1887, to Miss Elizabeth H. Schaertzer, who was born September 4, 1855, in Pleasant Township, a daughter of Frederick and Barbara (Miller) Schaertzer. They came from Bavaria, Germany, to America in the early fifties and lived in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County during the remainder of their lives. Mrs. Mertz is one of a family of twelve children, the survivors being as follows : Elizabeth H. ; Clara M., wife of Andrew Ellinger, of Pleasant Township; Barbara, widow of William Gundelfinger, of Pleasant Township; Henry J., of Pleasant Township; Minnie, wife of Simon Boyer, of Walnut Township; Conrad, living in Nevada ; Julia, widow of George Boyer, of Pleasant Township; and Charles, Henrietta and Philip, all of Pleasant Township. Mr. and Mrs. Mertz had one daughter, Edna, who is deceased. They are members of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, of which he was formerly a deacon. He is a Democrat in politics.

SAMUEL T. GOOD, who is a general merchant at Studortown, Liberty Township, Fairfield County, O., belongs to an old Ohio family of Virginia ancestry. Many years ago his grandfather settled in the vicinity of Bremen, Fairfield County, probably bringing his family and household effects with him from Virginia. The father of Mr. Good was born in Fairfield County and, like his father, was a farmer and stock raiser. He was twice married and Samuel T. Good is one of the eleven children born to the first marriage, two others of whom survive, Caroline and John. Five children were born to the second union, two of whom are living, Charles and Myrtle.

Samuel T. Good was born in 1856 on his father's farm in Liberty Township, Fairfield County and obtained his education in the district schools. After leaving the farm he embarked in the mercantile business at this place and has prospered. He carries a well assorted stock, a complete line of groceries and general merchandise. He married Miss Malissa Mc- Daniels and they have had six children, namely: Burton L., Charles A., Lizzie F., Minnie M., Elda v., and Ina Marie, who died at

JACOB COURTRIGHT. The pleasant town of Stoutsville, O., has, among its best citizenship, a numl^er of substantial retired farmers, who have purciiased homes and take an interest in the development of the place, while still retaining possession of valuable land in Fairfield County. One of these highly respected residents is Jacob Courtright, a member of one of the early families of this part of Ohio. He was born January 23, 1831, in Bloom Township, Fairfield County, O., and is a son of Abraham Van Camp and Catherine ( Snyder) Courtright.

The first of the Courtright family to come to Fairfield County, was John Courtright, in about 1800, from Pennsylvania, and he survived until 1862. Abraham Van Camp, his son, was born in this county, as was also his wife. They were members of the Presbyterian church and were worthy and respected people throughout life. They had the following children: Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Enpch Fritter; Richard; Esther, who was the wife of William Julian; Jessie; Ellen, who was the wife of Grant Fritter; Rosanna, who was the wife of George Cawthon; George; Adam; and Mary, who was the wife of Abraliani Ware.

Jacob Courtright attended the district school in boyhood and began to work on the farm at an early age. He spent all his active life as a farmer, with the exception of three years during which period he was with his brother-inlaw in a general store, it being the first store opened in this town. He was obliged to discontinue the business owing to ill health. He still owns his farm of 163 acres which is now managed by one of his sons, and for many years he was considered one of the most successful farmers of the township. He is a Democrat in poHtics but has never consented to serve in pubHc office.

Mr. Courtright was married first in 1852, to Miss Lydia Stout, who died in 1866. She was a daughter of Benjamin Stout, a former prominent man in Clear Creek Township, Stoutsville being named in his honor. To the first marriage four children were born: Simon; Alice, who is the wife of George D. Mowery; Benjamin and Irwin. His second marriage was with Mrs. Rachel (Bowman) Myers, widow of Joseph Myers, and seven children were born to them, namely : Lillian and Willis (twins), Mary Ellen, Alva J., A. Van Camp, Jennie, and Addie Myrtle, wife of K. A. Gearhart. Jennie is deceased. Mr. Courtright and family are members of the Reformed church.

THOMAS J. BERRY, who devotes his excellent farm of 120 acres, which lies in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County, O., to general farming and stock raising, was born in Pleasant Township, September 5, 1858, and is a son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Patton) Berry.

Aaron Berry was born in Virginia and was a son of Elijah Berry who brought his family to Fairfield County and settled in Walnut Township, where he and wife spent the rest of their lives. Aaron Berry was twice married and of his children the following survive: Isaac, of Davis County, la. ; Mary, widow of George Shumaker, of Shelby County, 111. ; Martin H., of Springfield, O. ; Josiah, residing near Roanoke, La. ; Elizabeth, widow of Enos Shumaker, residing in Ringgold County, la. ; John H., of Omaha, Neb. ; Tunis, living in Licking County, O. ; Martha J., of Pleasant Township; Emily, wife of Harvey Blue, of Hardin County, O. and Thomas J. Five of the sons of the first marriage - Isaac, Martin

H., Josiah, John H. and Henry, were soldiers in the Civil War and all survive except Henry. The father of the above family was a member of the Baptist church. He died on his farm in Pleasant Township in 1881.

Thomas J. Berry has spent his life in Fairfield County. Growing up on the home farm he attended the local schools and for a time was a student in the Fairfield Union Academy. He has since devoted his attention almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits and is numbered with the successful men in this line in Pleasant Township. On April 19, 1906, he was married to Miss Minerva Funderberg, who was born in Perry County, O., a daughter of Noah Funderberg. In politics Mr. Berry is a Republican.

ISAAC W. FINKBONE, an extensive farmer, owning 360 acres, is one of the largest stock dealers and shippers in Fairfield County, O. He has two valuable farms in Liberty Township and occupies one of the handsomest country homes in all this section, his residence being five miles north of Baltimore, O. He was born January 30, 1876, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Pitts ford) Finkbone.

Isaac Finkbone was born in Liberty Township and was reared on his father's farm. He became an extensive farmer and stock raiser and at the time of his death, which occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-one years, three months and twenty-five days, he owned about 800 acres of land in Fairfield and Lincoln Counties. His death took place on what is known as the Isaac Wilson Farm. He married Martha Pitts ford and they had the following children: John, Mary E., Fannie, Sarah, Martha, William, Albert T., Thurman and Isaac W. Sarah married J. B. Moore and they live near Pataskala, Licking County, O., and Martha married Jacob Youman, of the same place. William married Ara Kirk and they also live in Licking County. Thurman married Carrie Weakley and they live five miles north of Baltimore. Fannie, John and Albert T. are all now deceased.

In 1906 Isaac \V. Finkbone married Miss Zoa Baird and at that time settled on his present home place. He does an extensive business in handling stock and is one of the substantial men of this section. With his wife he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He votes the Democratic ticket but has always had too many business interests to find time to accept any public office.

WILBER E. ARMSTRONG, whose two farms - both lying in Clear Creek Township - aggregate 209 acres, is a leading citizen of this section, of which he has been a resident for the past thirteen years. He was born May i, 1866, in Perry Township, Hocking County, O., and is a son of Milton and Caroline (Mowery) Armstrong, and a grandson of William Armstrong and Peter Mowery.

Milton Armstrong was born in Hocking County and has followed farming all his life. He is a stanch Democrat and for many years he has been an official in the Methodist Episcopal church. His first marriage was to Caroline Mowery, who died in 1890, his second was to a widow, Mrs. Ella (Everett) Haynes, and his third was to Leanah Markel. To his first marriage sixteen children were born and those still living are : Henry A., W. E., Judson, Harley N., John F., Ella, wife of Cecil Johnson, Ollie, wife of W. A. Burkhardt. Minerva, wife of Von Frazier, Durban W., Dora L., Pearl D.. Clifford M., and Laura, wife of Guy Heffner. To his second marriage two children were born - Bert and Lilly.

Wilber E. Armstrong obtained his education in the public schools. Farming has been his chosen life work and he has been very successful in all his undertakings. In 1898 he bought his Clear Creek Township land and has greatly improved it since coming here. In politics he is a Democrat and while a resident of Hocking County served acceptably in the offices of assessor and road supervisor, and since coming to Fairfield County has been a member of the school board and of the county agricultural association.

In 1892 Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Cora L. McClelland, a daughter of W. E. Mc- Clelland, and they have three children: Emil D., Loren Lee and Lena Marie, all of whom are making excellent progress at school. Mr. Armstrong and family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a charter member of lodge No. 674, Knights of Pythias, at Laurelville, O. At the time of Mr. .Armstrong's marriage the family relatives to the first cousins numbered 324.

ELBIN J. HOY, who is manager of the Stoutsville branch of the West Side Lumber Company of Lancaster, O., is an active and efficient business man and an enterprising citizen of the place in which he makes his home, residing here with his mother. He is a native of Fairfield County, O., born in Bloom Township, May 5, 1862, and is a son of John and Mary (Shride) Hoy. The father was born in Pennsylvania but came to Ohio before marriage and followed farming until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran church.

Elbin J. Hoy was the third born in a family of five children: Monroe; George; Elbin J.; Bertha, wife of B. F. Hessen; and Carrie, wife of William Spangler. Mr. and Mrs. Spangler have one son, O'Donnell. Mr. Hoy attended the common schools only. His first work away from home was with the Valley Manufacturing Company, of Chillicothe, O., with which he remained for two years, after which he re- mained on the home farm with his father for ten years. After moving to Stouts ville he engaged in stock buying for one year and then accepted his present position. The West Side Lumber Company handles all kinds of lumber suitable for building purposes, I\Ir. Hoy managing their large interests here.

Mr. Hoy has never married. Politically he is a Democrat and fraternally he is a member of Scipio Lodge No. 255 Knights of Pythias, and the Odd Fellows at Tarlton. With his mother he attends the Lutheran church at Stouts\ille.

WILLLAM H. SCHISLER, whose excellent farm of seventy-seven acres lies one-half mile east of Pleasantville, Fairfield County, O., devotes it to general agriculture but makes specialties of growing fruit and raising fine poultry and Chester White hogs. He was born in Liberty Township, Fairfield County, O., May 28, 1862, and is a son of Emanuel and Sarah E. (Fairchild) Schisler.

Emanuel Schisler was born and reared in Liberty Township. He learned the trade of stone cutter and was an expert and reliable workman. He did the stone work for the Hocking Valley branch of the old Ohio Canal. He was a man of more than ordinary qualities, was a scliool teacher for nine years and served several terms as sheriff of Fairfield County, being elected first in 1864, on the Democratic ticket. He married Sarah E. Fairchild and of their children the following survive: Martha, who is the wife of John K. Miller, of Huntington, Ind. ; Mary J., who is the wife of Allen A. McNaughten, of the same place ; Franklin P. and James B., both living in Pleasant Township; Elmira, who is the wife of Levi Hampson, of Pleasant Township; Anna E., who is the wife of C. P. Pence, of Pleasant Township; and William H., also of Pleasant Township. Emanuel Schisler died December

William H. Schisler was in his third year when his parents moved to Lancaster, O., his father assuming then the duties of sheriff of the county. He attended the public schools of Lancaster and of Pleasant Township, also the Pleasantville Union Academy, and later took the teachers' course at this institution. He was only sixteen years old when he began to teach school and he followed educational work more or less regularly afterward until he was thirtyseven years old, when he turned his attention to his present business, in which he has met with success.

Mr. Schisler was married to Miss Anna C. Winter, who was born in Pleasant Township, a daughter of Ferdinand Winter, who was born in Germany but now lives retired in Amanda Township, Fairfield County. To Mr. and Mrs. Schisler five children were born, namely: Ralph W., Ruth C, Raymond H., AValter B. and Carl. In politics he is a Democrat and for three years served as a member of the Democratic Central Committee for Pleasant Township, and for four years was superintendent of the township schools. He is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias in Pleasantville and belongs to the Old Fellows and the Encampment at that place and has been an official in all these organizations. His interest in the Pleasantville Farmers' Institute continues and for two years he was secretary and for two years was president of the same, serving also on its executive committee. He is one of the representative, reliable and useful men of this section.

OWEN W. CONRAD, one of the leading business men of Stoutsville, has been active in the commercial life of this place since 1896 and since the spring of 1903 has been pro- prietor of a well stocked grocery and dry goods store. He was born in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, May 23, 1861, and is a son of Nicholas and Sarah (Mohn) Conrad.

Nicholas Conrad was born also in Fairfield County, a son of John Conrad of German ancestry. Nicholas Conrad conducted a hotel for a number of years and also engaged in merchandising here. He was influential in the Democratic party and a liberal supporter of the Lutheran church. He married Sarah Mohn, who was born in Pennsylvania, a daughter of John I\Iohn. They had seven children, namely: Catherine, deceased, who was the wife of Theodore Carl; Sarah, who was the wife of Peter Stout; Jessie; Isabel, who was the wife of Joseph Warner; Viana, the widow of Colse Walters ; Owen W. ; and Edward.

Owen W. Conrad obtained a common school education and as soon as he was able to command the capital, embarked in merchandising at South Bloomfield, where he continued for eighteen months. He then rented a farm in Fairfield County and operated it for nine years, then purchased fifty-two acres and lived on his own place for two years. In 1896 he came to Stoutsville where he conducted a livery business for thirteen years, disposing of the same in 1909 in order to give more of his time and attention to his other interests.

On October 2, 1881, Mr. Conrad was married to Miss Alice T. Barnes, a daughter of Benjamin and Laura A. (Yardley) Barnes, of South Bloomfield. The father of Mrs. Conrad is deceased. She is one of the following family; Mary, who is the widow of Henry Kruse; Susannah, who is the wife of Charles Ruth; Julia ; Alice E., who is the wife of Mr. Conrad ; Bertha; George; Pearl, who is the wife of George Dalby; and John. Mr. and Mrs. Conrad have had the following children : Sarah A., wife of Charles Stein; Benjamin Nicholas, deceased; Mary, wife of Howard Hampp; Ethel, wife of Cliff Hanley; and John C, Harold, Glenn C. and Clarence. Mr. Conrad and family attend the German Lutheran church. He is one of the stanch Democrats of Clear Creek Township.

MRS. EMMA DRIVER, a highly esteemed resident of Bremen, O., the widow of the late Dr. O. P. Driver, for a number of years a leading physician and surgeon at this place, was born at Bremen, and is a daughter of Jesse and Emma (Ruft'ner) Rowles.

Jesse Rowles was born at Bremen, O., in 1826, the family being an old settled one of this section. He spent his life as a farmer and o\\ ned 140 acres of well improved land in Fairfield County near Bremen. He was a Democrat in politics but sought no public offices. Both he and wife were members of the Baptist church and his burial was in the Baptist cemetery, his death taking place in 1909, when he had reached his eighty-second year. He married Emma Ruffner, who was born in 1832 at Brushville, O., and died at the age of sixtyseven years. Her parents were Jacob and Margaretta Ruffner. They had the following children : .\lva, who died when aged eight years ; Mary, who resides at Bremen and is the wife of Eli Huddle; Jennie, deceased, who was the wife of the late J. J. Elder; Isaac, who married Julia Houston, and lives in Colorado; Belle, who is deceased; Alice, who is the wife of A. A. Bradford, of Bremen O., Emma, who is the widow of Dr. O. P. Driver ; Rebecca. who is deceased ; Jesse, who married Viola Rankin, and lives at Columbus, O. ; Lewis, who married Lulu Cusac, and lives at Bremen.

1886, to Dr. O. P. Driver, who was born in Berne Township, Fairfield County, O., August 8, 1852. He attended the schools of his native township and later was a student at Pleasantville Academy and Delaware Academy and then entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, where he completed his medical course. Dr. Driver settled first at Basil, O., and practiced there for nineteen years and from there came to Bremen in 1899 and continued in practice here until the time of his death, April 26, 1910. His burial was in Grandview Cemetery at Bremen. Dr. Driver was a man who stood high both personally and professionally. He was a thirty-second degree Mason, was a member of the school board of Bremen and belonged to both state and county medical organizations. In his political attitude he preferred to be independent. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His parents were old settlers in the county - James and Lydia (Graham) Driver - and the farm of 206 acres in Berne Township, which now belongs to Mrs. Dr. Driver, was the old Driver homestead. Mrs. Driver has tenants on the farm.

To Dr. and Mrs. Driver four children were born, namely : Mabel Florence, who died when aged eleven months ; James Russell and Leslie Rowles, twins, both now attending school at Delaware ; and Harold Graham, who i,s a student in the Lancaster High School. Mrs. Driver attends the Presbyterian church.

ALLEN THOMAS, who has been a resident of Stoutsville, O., for about one year, making this place his base of operations in stock buying, is well known all over both Fairfield and Hocking Counties. He was born in Hocking County, O., September 20, 1850, and is a son of John and Cynthia (Hedges) Thomas.

John Thomas was born in Hocking County and his wife in Fairfield County. Both are now deceased, his death taking place in Indiana and hers in Fairfield County. He was a farmer all through his active life and was well known and highly respected in Hocking County. In politics he was a Republican, and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had the following children : Allen and Mary J. (twins), the latter of whom died at the age of twenty-nine years; Easton; and a babe that died in infancy with the mother. John Thomas was married secondly to Rebecca Grundy and four children were born to that union - William, Frank, Zelda and Charles.

Allen Thomas attended the district schools during boyhood and then spent a year in Delaware L'niversity at Delaware, O. For the three following years he taught school in Hocking County and from there went to Union County, where he was a clerk in a general store for nine years. Mr. Thomas then embarked in business for himself and conducted a general store at Oakland for four years, after which he settled down to farming, owning 248 acres of land. This land was situated in Madison Township and while living there Mr. Thomas served for nine years as a member of the school board and for two years was township assessor, elected on the Democratic ticket. He sold his farm in 1904 and then purchased 169 acres in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, which he has since sold. Since then he has given his attention mainly to stock buying.

Mr. Thomas was married in 1875, to Miss Ellen Hedges, who was born in Union County, O., a daughter of Lewis and Catherine (Pickle) Hedges. Her death occurred Feb. 2, 19 1 2. Mrs. Thomas was one of the following children born to her parents: Elizabeth, who is deceased; Myria, who is tlie widow of Thomas Moses; Rachel, who is the wife of Hosely Finch; Silas; Abraham; Jane, who is the wife of Hallet Lindsley; Ellen, who is the wife of Mr. Thomas ; and Wesley. The mother of the above family died and the father afterward married Mary Durst and they had one daughter, Caroline, who was twice married, first to Edward Cramer, and secondly to Emroy Osborne. The father of Mrs. Thomas was a well known farmer in Union County and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have two children : Earl, who married Rosa Clendenin, and has four children - Leon, Fred, Opal and Mildred; and Olive, who married John Hutchins, a farmer in Fairfield County, near Amanda. They have four children - Jessie, Clyde, Carl and Truman. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are members of the Evangelicial church at Stoutsville.

JOHN W. MARTIN, one of Hocking Township's representative business men and leading citizens, who is vice president of the Martin Manufacturing Company, of Lancaster, O., was born in Greenfield Township, Hocking County, O., July 8, 1870, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Olivia (Crook) Martin.

Benjamin F. Martin and wife were both born in Hocking County. He served through three years of the great Civil War and on three different occasions was wounded so seriously in battle that he had to be sent to a hospital, where he spent eighteen long months, but survived to return to his home in Hocking County. From there, about 1876, he removed with his family to Hocking Township, Fairfield County, and resided on his farm there until 1902, when he retired to Lancaster, where he died in September, 1905, his widow still being a resident of that city. To Benjamin F. Martin and wife eight children were bom, namely: Ellis D., John W. and Ulysses S. G., all of Hocking Town.ship; Leethe, wife of John W. Smith, of Lancaster; Lauren E. and Valerie M., both of Lancaster, the latter being a teacher in the public schools ; Charles H., chief bookkeeper in the National Bank of Commerce, at Columbus; and Chester B., of Lancaster. The father of the above family was a valued member of every community in which he lived, a man of uprightness in all his dealings and a liberal supporter of the U. B. church, of which he was a member and a trustee.

John W. Martin was reared and attended school in Hocking Township, later became a student in the Fairfield Union Academy at Pleasantville, and for three years pursued his studies in the Ohio Normal University at Ada, O. For ten consecutive years afterward he taught school in Hocking and Amanda Townships and later became a farmer and stock raiser. He owns 135 acres of valuable land, which he devotes to these industries. Additionally he is interested in the Martin Manufacturing Company at Lancaster, a leading output of this concern being canvas gloves. The business is incorporated and the officers are : Chester B. Martin, president ; John W. Martin, vice president; Lauren E. Martin treasurer and general manager, and Charles H. Martin, secretary.

On April 18, 1896, Mr. Martin was married to Miss Lizzie Smith, a daughter of the late John W. Smith, and they have two children, Verdie W. and Forest S. In politics, Mr. Martin is a Republican. He is a member of the East Union U. B. church, in which he is president of its board of trustees, a class leader and church chorister.

he owns eighty acres of excellent land, was born in Hocking County, O., in October, 1865. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Grant) Calvert.

Jacob Calvert was born in Virginia and was a son of Richard Calvert. He married in his native state and afterward moved to Hocking County, O., where lie engaged in farming and where both he and his wife died. They were highly respected people and were consistent members of the Baptist church. Their children were Henry, Elias, Eliza, Jacob, George, Caroline, Emma, John M., Charles, Frank and Stephen.

Jolm M. Calvert obtained a district school education and then started out for himself, as his services were not needed on the home farm. For eighteen years he worked on farms by the month and then bought his first land. He developed business shrewdness as he acquired experience, and for some years handled considerable property, purchasing at different times five farms which he put in better condition and then sold them to advantage. In 1907 he carne to Clear Creek Township and bought his present farm from Perry Rickets, and established here his permanent home. In addition to crop raising he raises enough good stock for his own use. His surroundings indicate the watchful eye of a careful farmer.

Mr. Calvert was married first to Delia Rife, now deceased. She was an adopted daughter of Joel and Mary Rife, her parents, George and Mary Kinser, having left her an orphan in infancy. One daughter, Mary, was born to that marriage, but she is deceased. Mr. Calvert's second marriage was to Miss Rose Newlon, a daughter of David and Sophia Newlon. They were natives of Morgan County but spent their last years in Hocking County. The brothers and sisters of Mrs. Calvert were: Henry; James B. ; Emma, wife of John Anderson;

Eliza, wife of Elijah Brown; Olive, wife of Hiram Botts; Hannah, wife of Frank Valentine ; and Sarah. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Calvert, Harold, Effie, Castle and Jessie, the eldest born being now deceased. Mr. Calvert and family belong to the U. B. church. He is a Democrat in politics and served one term as township road superintendent and at present is a school director. He is identified with the Foresters and attends lodge at Circleville, O.

W. B. STUART, who has lived to see a flourishing town grow up on what he remembers as his father's old farm in Rush Creek Township, Fairfield County, O., now lives retired on his place of eighty-six acres, bordering the corporation line of Bremen, O. He was born in Rush Creek Township. November 25, 1836, and is a son of Charles and Christina (Beery) Stuart.

Charles Stuart was born in Pennsylvania and was twelve years old when he came to Fairfield County, where his subsequent life was passed. He became a man of large property and was engaged in farming for many years but prior to his death, at the age of eighty years, had retired to Bremen, which town stands on a portion of his old wheat fields. He married Christina Beery, a member of one of the old settled families of this section, and nine children were born to them.

\V. B. Stuart obtained his education in the township schools and then gave his attention to work on the home farm where he remained until 1 87 1, when he came to his present place. Here he made numerous improvements and has a valuable property. In addition to productive farming lands he has eleven oil wells. In 1863 he visited Kansas and after he returned to Ohio, in 1864, enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. E. 159th O. Vol. Inf., and

Mr. Stuart married Miss Elizabeth Poling and they had the following children : Charles B., who has been twice married, the children of his first union being Mrs. Leefe Stallsmith, Mrs. Delia Oliver, Margaret, Ward and Geraldine ; Frank, who married Alice Disbennett, of Johnstown, O. ; Judson, who is deceased ; and Emma, who resides at home. Mr. Stuart belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Republican in his political sentiments and has served in the office of township trustee.

SAMUEL SHUPE, whose excellent farm of fifty-two acres lies in Clear Creek Township, is one of the well known and highly respected residents of this section. He was born in Clear Creek Township, this county, July 9, 1854, and is a son of Daniel and Lydia (Deisinger) Shupe.

The Shupe family settled early with the Deisingers in Fairfield County and both families have numerous representatives. Daniel Shupe was born in Clear Creek Township, where he followed farming all his life. He was a stanch Republican but never accepted any political office. With his wife he belonged to the Lutheran church. They had the following children: Hannah, deceased, who was the wife of David Stout ; Rachel, deceased, who was the wife of Noah Frease; Rebecca, who is the wife of John Doring; Mary, who is the wife of John Stout; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Jacob Wolfe ; and John, Jacob and Samuel.

Samuel Shupe was the youngest born in the above family. He remained for a while on the home farm with his fatlier and afterward engaged in agricultural operations for himself. In addition to crop raising he gives some attention to stock and always has enough for his own use. He was married in January, 1881, to Miss Elizabeth Kiefaber, a daughter of Bernard and Eliza Jane (Brown) Kiefaber. The father of Mrs. Shupe was born in Germany and for a number of years was a merchant at Oakland, O. He married Eliza Jane Brown, a native of New York, and both are now deceased. They had sons and daughters, Mrs. Shupe being the eldest of the family and others being as follows : Mary Hester ; Addie, widow of Martin Dozer; A. B. ; Sarah, wife of Milton Lutz; Ella, wife of George Lutz ; and Jemima. A. B. Kiefaber is an attorney at law in practice at Lancaster, O. Mr. and Mrs. Shupe have one daughter, Ethel. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Shupe is in accord with the Republican part}'.

BANNER E. FRIEND, one of the progressive farmers of Pleasant Township, residing on his 133 acres of well cultivated land, belongs to one of the old families of this country. He was born in Pleasant Township, June 30, 1867, and is a son of William and Sarah (Peters) Friend.

\\'illiam Friend was born in Lawrence County, Pa., and was a son of Joseph Friend, who was born in Bedford County. Pa., and moved to Lawrence County. There he married and later moved to what is now the site of Mansfield, O., and from there came to Fairfield County. The Friends are of English extraction and the earliest members of the family to settle in .\nierica came from Dorsetshire in 1670, locating in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. William Friend was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Fairfield County. His grandmother was a Rose, a sister to the man for whom Roseville, O., was named. She was of Scotch extraction and her ancestry can be traced back to the tenth century. Wil- liam Friend married Sarah Peters and their long lives were passed in Pleasant Township, where he died at the age of eighty-seven years, in 1899, while she survived until 1900. Of their children there are six survivors, as follows : Elizabeth, who is the wife of Joseph Holliday, of Richland Township; Virginia, who is the wife of William Eyman, of Richland Township; Orrin, who lives in Pleasant Township; Adella, who is the wife of William Mast, of Walnut Township; Martha E., who is the wife of B. F. Elder, of Pleasant Township; and Banner E. William Friend was a liberal supporter of the Baptist church, of Pleasant Run. He was a broad-minded man and was one of the founders of the Fairfield Union Academy at Pleasantville. He was also one of the early breeders of Merino sheep and shorthorn cattle.

Mr. Friend's grandfather and mother and his great grandmother, were charter members of the first Methodist church near Pleasantville, before there was any town.

Banner E. Friend attended the common schools of Pleasant Township and later Fairfield Union Academy and since then has been engaged in agricultural operations. He is a valued member of Pleasant Grange, No. 161 5, Patrons of Husbandry, at Pleasantville.

Mr. Friend was married to Miss Melnotte Kagay, who was born in Rush Creek Township, a daughter of the late Franklin Kagay, and they have five children - Karl F., Roger W., Mildred, Franklin J. and Wendell K. In politics Mr. Friend is a Republican but is not a blind follower of his party's policies, reserving the right to vote independently when his judgment counsels him to do so. He is identified with Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 531, F. & A. M. at Pleasantville.

ser\ing as township trustee, owns valuable real estate at Oakland, O., and fifty-nine acres of well improved farm land. He was born August 2, 1853, in Pickaway County, O., a son of Jacob and Martha J. (Winstead) Erasure.

Jacob Erasure and wife were born in Pickaway County and spent their lives there and were well known. They were members of the Lutheran church. The former voted with the Democratic party but never served in any political office. They had the following children : Mary Ann, now deceased, who was the wife of Amos Valentine; Louisa, who is deceased, was the wife of Daniel Spangler; and William, George W., Jacob P. and Noah.

George W. Erasure learned the carpenter's trade after his school days were over and followed it for about four years. He then bought a farm in District No. 9, Clear Creek Township, on which hel ived for two years. Selling that farm, he bought his present one, on which he has done a large amount of repairing and improving, among other substantial buildings erecting a comfortable residence. He carries on general farming, deals to some extent in stock and is recognized as a good business man. He has not identified himself with any particular political party, prefering to remain independent, nevertheless his fellow citizens have more than once chosen him for township offices - trustee, as mentioned above, supervisor, and member of the school board.

On May 27, 1877, Mr. Erasure was married to Miss Calista Fosnaugh, a daughter of Eli and Sally (Baumgartner) Fosnaugh. Mr. Fosnaugh was well known as a blacksmith in Clear Creek Township for many years. Mrs. Erasure had brothers and sisters as follows : Henry; Lucinda, wife of Joseph Spangler; Elzina, deceased, formerly the wife of Henry Garrett ; and Pathena. To Mr. and Mrs. Erasure the following children have been born : Nelson, who married Minnie Valentine and has one son, Carl; Maggie May, who is the wife of Kirby Nefif, and has one daughter, Marie; Minnie Bell, who is the w ife of Earl Dorn, and has two children - Esther and Dorothy Alay; Bertha, who is the wife of Chester De Long; and Clarence and Leona, both residing at home. Mr. Erasure and family are members of the U. B. church.

JOHN BATTELLE SWAN, V. S., who is known professionally in several states, has been a resident of Walnut Township, Fairfield County, O., since August, 1903, and owns a valuable farm of 100 acres. He was born near Wheeling, in Marshall County, now West Virginia, November 3, 1850, and is a son of Hon. Remembrance and Mary (Long) Swan.

The Swan family has long been known along the south branch of the Potomac River. The mother of Remembrance Swan was a Van Meter. He became an extensive farmer and stockman and bred horses largely. He had two sisters and three ' brothers, all now deceased. One sister, Martha, married George Rice and they lived in Licking County. Another, Phebe, married a Garrison and they lived in Pennsylvania. A brother, Henry, went overland to California in 1849 and died in Iowa. Remembrance Sw-an purchased a well known property, the Colonel Plesher farm, near Parkersburg, W. Va., and there his death occurred in 1878, when he was aged sixty-eight years. He was prominent in politics and was a member of the state Legislature in 1863 when West Virginia became a separate commonwealth. He married Mary Long, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in West Virginia, in 1899. aged seventyfour years. They had two children: John Battelle and Loretta, the latter of whom is the wife of J. C. Roberts and lives in South Dakota.

John Battelle Swan obtained his early education in the district schools. From boyhood he was accustomed to the raising of the young stock on his father's farm and \ery early learned their various ailments and took an interest in curing them. Indeed, from the age of sixteen years he has practiced to some degree his present profession, later taking a regular course in veterinary science, spending three years with many different veterinarians in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky and learning surgery with many well known practitioners in West Virginia and Ohio. He began to practice at Pleasant View, W. Va., and for many years was kept busy up and down the Ohio Ri\er. Later he became interested also in dealing in stock and devotes a part of his farm to stock purposes. This farm he purchased from Mrs. Lemuel Dyer and it is well improved. The commodious brick residence was built at a cost of $14,500, by Byron Pugh. The farm is well watered, the Ohio Canal passing through one part of it.

Dr. Swan was married June 29, 1887, to ]\Iiss Jennie M. McKay, a daughter of the venerable John McKay, who resides at Great Bend, O., and is now in his ninety-second year. Politically Dr. Swan is a Republican. In 1866 he became a Mason, at Ravenswood, W. Va., and belongs to Blue Lodge No. 537, at Millersport, O.

JOHN OBERDORFER. who conducts a weaving business in Clear Creek Township, where he owns two farms, aggregating forty acres, is well kncAvn in this section, having lived here since 1889. He was born April 27, 1854, at Chillicothe, O., and is a son of John and Barbara (Meyers) Oberdorfer, natives of Germany. The parents of Mr. Oberdorfer remained in their native land until after the birth of several children and then came to America. By trade the father was a weaver. They were members of the Lutheran church. Of their eight children, John was the second born, the others being : Gottleib ; WilHam ; Catherine, wife of Wilson Conrad; Christiana, wife of E. O. Kearns ; Elizabeth, wife of Edward Charles ; and Jacob and Caroline.

John Oberdorfer obtained his education in the district schools and under his father's instruction learned the weaving trade. After the father established a woolen mill two miles east of Amanda, in Fairfield County, he worked in the mill during the summer seasons and at weaving in the old home in the winter time until 1889, when he bought his land in Clear Creek Township and since then has followed both farming and weaving. On November 18, 1880, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Matz, a daughter of Curtis and Priscilla (Valentine) Matz, who then were residents of Oakland, O. Mr. Matz is deceased biit Mrs. Matz lives at Stoutsville. They had the following children : Samuel ; Noah ; Wilson ; Mary, widow of Joseph Shupe ; Daniel ; Sarah L. ; Jennie ; Emeline, widow of Charles Smith ; Harriet, wife of Joseph Keeny; Ida, wife of Nicholas Stout; and Cora, wife of Stephen Smeltzer. Mr. and Mrs. Oberdorfer have had three children, two sons and one daughter : Arvid Edward, who died at the age of twenty-five years; Ernest Arthur, who died young ; and Efifie Marie, who remains with her parents. Another member of the family is Mr. Oberdorfer's nephew, Eldin Nicholas Stout. Mr. Oberdorfer and family attend the Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat and is serving as a member of the township school board.

PROF. ALLEN D. GROVES, superintendent of the public schools of Pleasant Township, Fairfield County, O., and also a member of the Board of County School Examiners for

Fairfield County, is a well known educator, whose years of professional experience have well cjualified him for the public positions to which he has been called. He was born in \\'alnut Township, Fairfield County, February 17, 1S60, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine (Gaines) Groves.

Andrew Groves was born in Perry County, O., his father being of German extraction but of Pennsylvanian birth. He lost both his parents when quite young and was reared among strangers. When he reached manhood he left Perry County and came to Fairfield County. For a few years after his marriage he li\ed in Walnut Township and then moved into Pleasant Township. The closing years of his life were passed on the farm of twentyfour acres, which is owned in Pleasant Township by Prof. Groves. His death occurred in 1883. He was a Democrat in politics and a faithful member of the United Brethren church. He was twice married. His first wife was Mary Alspaugh and to this union were born thirteen children. His second marri^ige was to Catherine Gaines, who was born in Rockingham County, Va., and who was of English-Welsh ancestry. To this union were born three children, namely. Allen D., Elizabeth and Charles W.

Allen D. Groves was nine years old when he removed with the family from Walnut to Pelasant township. He attended the schools of Baltimore, O., and the Pleasant Township schools and later completed the scientific course at the Fairfield Union Academy at Pleasantville, in 1882. He has taught school almost continuously ever since. He was formerly superintendent for two years of the publis schools of Carroll, O., and has always kept abreast of the times in educational work and methods, his aim ever having been to raise

Prof. Groves married Miss Mary J. Crouse, a daughter of Levi and Harriet Crouse, her birth taking place in 1863. Her father, Levi Crouse, uas born in Maryland in 1818, and was of German extraction. He came to Walnut Township with his parents at the age of five years and they settled on the farm where he spent the remainder of his life and died in 1889. He was married twice. His first wife was Catherine Bibler and to this union were born four children. The second marriage was to Harriet Norris, who was born near Baltimore, O., in 1824. To this union were born nine children - one son and eight daughters. She died in 1903.

Five children have been born to Allen D. and Mary J. Groves, namely: Blanche C, who is the wife of Rev. L. R. Herbst, of Glen Rock, Pa., a minister of the United Evangelical Church at Columbus, O. ; Nettie A., who is a popular teacher in Fairfield County; Ray S., who lives at home; Russell L., who is also a teacher; and Doyt E., who resides at home. In politics Prof. Groves is a Democrat. He has served two terms as assessor of Pleasant Township, several terms as judge of elections, and at present is clerk of the election board. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, while the children belong to the L'nited Evangelical Church.

SAMUEL ALDENDERFER, residing on his excellent farm of seventy acres, which is situated in Clear Creek Township, devotes his land to farming and stock raising and is one of the substantial and representative men of this section. He was born August 8, 1854, in Salt Creek Township, Pickaway County, O.,

Jacob Aldenderfer was born in Pickaway County, a son of Henry and Catherine Aldenderfer, old settlers there, of German extraction. Jacob Aldenderfer was a blacksmith by trade and later became a farmer in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, where both he and his wife died, their burial being in Dutch Hollow. He served one year in the Federal Army during the Civil War. He married a daughter of Henry Reichelderfer, of Pickaway County, and their children were Henry, Amos, George, Ely, Salina, Salem and Samuel. Salina is the wife of Michael Nigh. Jacob Aldenderfer and wife were members of the Lutheran church.

Samuel Aldenderfer attended the country schools and remained at home assisting his father until he was twenty years of age. He then started out for himself and worked by the month for three years, when he married and at that time moved to the old home farm, purchasing the interests of the other heirs after the death of his father. He has remained on the place ever since, making many improvements as the years have passed and prospering as the reward of industry and good management. He is a Democrat in politics but has never accepted any office except that of school director.

Mr. Aldenderfer was married October 20, 1879, to Miss Lydia Stout, a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Bolender) Stout, and a granddaughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bolender and of Isaac and Esther Stout. The parents of Mrs. Aldenderfer now live retired at Stoutsville, where they are well known and highly esteemed. To them were born the following children: Sarah, who is the wife of Simon Courtright ; Catherine, who is the wife of George Kocher; and Lydia, who is the wife of Samuel Aldenderfer. To Mr. and Mrs. Aldenderfer four children were born, namely: Pearl, who married Samuel Young, and has one son, Roy; Hazel, who is the wife of Ernest Justice; and Bernice and Bessie. Mr. Aldenderfer and family attend the Reformed church at Stoutsville. For some years he has been a member of the order of Knights of Pythias and attends the Amanda lodge.

, JOSHUA MILLER, one of the representative citizens of Greenfield Township, Fairfield County, O., of \\hich he was a trustee for twelve years and president of the board a part of this long period, was born in this township. May 8, 1832, and is a son of John and. Mary (Young) Miller.

John Miller was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and came from there to Fairfield County very young, his parents moving to this section when he was but four years of age. The Millers are of German ex-traction and are numerous in Fairfield County and distinguishing names are frequently given them, for instance, Grandfather John Miller was known as "Honey John," on account of his having many hives of bees. He survived to the age of eighty-two years. His son, also John Miller, but in his fifty-second year at the time of his (the latter's) death. He was a well known man in Greenfield Township and administered for many estates. He married Mary Young, who was born in Germany.

Joshua Miller was reared on his father's farm and his early life was that of the usual country boy - some attendance at school and many duties around the farm, including the taking care of stock. He owns a fine farm of 100 acres which for many years he successfully operated and still oversees. Mr. Miller has been twice married, first to Mahala Arnold, and they had three children, the one survivor being Orpha, who lives with her father. He was married secondly to Mrs. Isabel Hoover, widow of John Hoover and daughter of Thomas Fetters, once a prominent citizen of this township. Mr. Miller's two deceased children were J. E., who was a practicing physician at Fort Wayne, Ind., a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y. ; and Diana. For fifty-six years Mr. Miller has been a member of the United Brethren church, in which he has served as class-leader and trustee, and for thirty-five years was Sunday-school superintendent. He belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry, at Carroll, and in his political opinions is in accord with the Republican party.

NELSON F. SHUPE, a well known citizen and busy farmer of Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, O., where he is operating 120 acres of land and meeting with the success that attends careful farming, was born in Ohio, in 1854, and is a son of George and Christiana (Stout) Shupe. The father of Mr. Shupe was born in Fairfield County and was killed while serving as a soldier in the Civil War. The mother was born in Pickaway County. They had three children - Nelson F. ; Mary, widow of E. J. Hardin ; and Jerome, deceased.

Nelson F. Shupe was young when he lost his brave father and thus had fewer opportunitiee than would have been his had this parent lived to provide for him. After his school days were over he became a clerk in a general store and remained four years in this capacity with M. F. Poole. Since then he has followed farming. In September, 1878, he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hartranft, the only daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Leist) Hartranft. They had but two children, a son that died in infancy and Mrs. Shupe. Mr. and Mrs. Shupe have two children, Ollie B. and

Joshua Millek

Katie M., the latter being the wife of Harley E. Pearce, who assists Mr. Shupe on the farm. Mr. Shupe and family belong to the Reformed church. He is a Democrat in politics and has served in the office of judge of elections.

JOHN C. HOFFMAN, a successful horticulturist residing in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County, O., was born October 28, 1865, in Berne Township, this county, and is a son of Jacob J. and Wilhelmina (Hartman) Hoffman.

Jacob J. Hoffman was born in Wertemberg, Germany, while his wife was born in the province of Hanover and both came to America with their parents when aged respectively thirteen and fourteen years. Both families settled in Berne Township, Fairfield County, and both prospered and increased. Jacob J. Hoffman died in 1886, being then in his sixtysecond year. He was a highly respected man and was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church at Lancaster, O.

He was the father of six children, as follows: Louisa, who is the wife of William Kaehler, of Milwaukee, Wis.; Henry W., who lives in Pleasant Township; Minnie D., who is the wife of Harry Knollman, of Columbus, O. : Christina M.. who is the wife of John Knollman. of Indiana ; John C. ; and Sophia M., wlio lives also in Pleasant Township.

John C. Hoffman was about four years old when his parents moved to Pleasant Township and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He attended school through boyhood, but even then he began to be interested in horticulture. Of his farm of eighty-five acres, he devotes thirty-five acres to fruit, making a specialty of apples and producing very fine ones. He is a meml)er of the Ohio Horticultural Society and attends the meetings of this body where he imparts and also gains knowledge along the line of fruit growing. He is able to market his apples both locally and at distant points. He is a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church. Mr. Hoft'man's family in Fairfield County dates back to 1838 and at that time all of Berne Township was covered with woods and his grandfather had to clear a place before he could build his log cabin. One of the sons worked on tlie construction of the old Ohio Canal.

NATHANIEL DONER, one of Stoutsville's highly esteemed retired citizens, for many years was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in P^airfield County, and in his early manhood was a successful school teacher. He was born in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County in 1840 - where he owns a farm of 115 acres - and is a son of David and Amelia (Munninger) Doner.

The parents of Mr. Doner have long since passed away but during life they were well known and highly respected residents of Clear Creek Township for many years. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Virginia and both came early to Ohio. They were members of the Lutheran church. They had six sons and one daughter, namely: Hiram, Christian, Isaiah, David, Henry, Nathaniel and Martha, the last named being deceased. She was the wife of Richard Conrad.

Nathaniel Doner attended the early schools in the neighborhood of his father's farm in early boyhood and afterward a select school for three years and secured a certificate which entitled him to teach school. For some four years he engaged in teaching in Fairfield County and then returned to take charge of the home farm for his father, where he continued until he was twenty-eight years of age. For about nine months he rented farm land and then bought his first thirty-six acres which he subsequently sold and then purchased eighty-seven acres of his farm in Clear Creek Township, to which he later added land bought from his father. In addition to his Clear Creek Township farm he owns a farm of sixty-five acres situated in Amanda Township. Altogther Mr. Doner owns 225 acres.

Mr. Doner was married in 1868 to Miss Mary A. Steward, who was born on her father's farm in Amanda Township and died December 5, 1908. Her burial was at Israel Church in Amanda Township. She was one of the following family born to her parents, Charles and Sarah (Koontz) Steward, natives of Pennsylvania : Lucy Ann, deceased, who was the wife of Jeremiah Zerung; Thomas; Hannah, who is the wife of Joseph Christy; William ; Mary A. ; Lewis W. ; Susan, deceased, who was the wife of Thomas Reigle; and James, Sarah, Charles and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Doner had but one child, Charles D., who in 1905 married Melva E. Valentine. Mrs. Charles E. Doner is a daughter of George L. and Lavina (Baldoser) Valentine, old residents of Clear Creek Township. Mr. Doner has never taken a very active part in political campaigns and is not identified with either of the great parties. At present he is serving as a member of the school board of Clear Creek Township. He has long been united with the Lutheran church.

WILLIAM BOLENDER, who during the larger part of his life was a prosperous former in Clear Creek Township, Fairfield County, O., where he owned an excellent farm of 114 acres, was born in Fulton County, in January, 1866, and died July 7, 1909. He was a son of Levi and Catherine (Wannamaker) Bolender.

The parents of Mr. Bolender were old residents of Fairfield County, the father being a sucessful farmer for many years. Later he and his wife retired to Stoutsville, where they died. They had the following children: Elizabeth, who was twice married, first to Elmer Imes, and secondly to Andrew Hoffman; George; Jacob; Benjamin; William; Cora, deceased, who was the wife of Kirby Conrad ; and Isaac.

William Bolender obtained his education in the common schools of Clear Creek Township. He grew up on the home farm and made farming his business. He was gifted with musical talent of a high order and not only was at the head of the church choir from youth and in demand whenever music was a part of any entertainment, religious or otherwise in his section, but for twenty-seven years was leader of the Stoutsville Band, an organization known all over Fairfield County. He was a Democrat in his political views but never took more than a good citizen's natural interest in politics.

On October 27, 1886, Mr. Bolender was married to Miss Anna Stout, who is a daughter of John and Mary Jane (Shupe) Stout, and a granddaughter of Benjamin Stout, for whom the town of Stoutsville was named. John Stout was born about two miles distant from this town and spent his life on his farm in Clear Creek Township. Mrs. Bolender was the third born of her parents' children, the others being: Ida, who is the wife of Theodore Creager ; and Emma, Charles E. and Florence, the last named being now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bolender five children were born, namely: Edna, Mary Grace, Dorothy and Lucile, twins, and William Arnold. Mr. Bolender was a member of the Reformed church. He was a man of sterling character, a highly respected citizen, an affectionate husband and a careful father. Mrs. Bolender has rented her farm and now resides at Stoutsville where

JOACHUM W. FRIEND, judge of the Board of Township Elections of Pleasant Township, resides on his excellent farm of ninety-six acres, which he devotes to general agriculture. He was born in Pleasant Township, this county, October lo, 1853, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Ruffner) Friend.

John Friend was born in Richland Township, Fairfield County, a son of Jonas Friend, who came to this county with his wife, from Pennsylvania. The Friends were poor people at that time, Grandfather Friend having only fifty cents with which to begin life in the new western home, but they lived to see the time when they could purchase both necessities and luxuries had they so desired. They died in Richland Township. John Friend lived in Richland Township until after his marriage and then moved to Pleasant Township, where he became a highly respected citizen and a man of standing. Although he never united with any church body he contributed to the cause of Christianity and he lived an upright life. His death occurred in 1890, and four of his children survive, namely : Joachum W. ; Mable, wife of Jacob Barr, of Pleasant Township; Alice, wife of Charles Basore, of Walnut Township; and Jennie, wife of S. L. Eymon, of Pleasant Township.

Joachum W. Friend attended the district schools in Pleasant Township and the Fairfield Union Academy at Pleasantville. His business has been farming and stock raising and he has been a very successful agriculturist. In June, 1880, he was married to Miss Sophia Furry, who was born at Rushville, O., a daughter of the late Hiram Furry, and they have had four children: Gertrude M., wife of

Edward H. Geiger, of Walnut Township; John F., residing at home; and two who are deceased. For twenty years Mr. Friend served continuously as a member of the school board and during a portion of this long period was its president. In politics he is a Republican and for several years has been a member of the Board of Elections, of which he is now serving as judge. He belongs to the Odd Fellows at West Rushville and to Pleasant Grange, No. 161 5, at Pleasantville.

LEWIS F. CRITES, vice president of the Farmers and Citizens Bank of Stoutsville, O., and one of the leading citizens and substantial farmers and business men of Fairfield County, was born in Salt Creek Township, Pickaway County, O., October 7, 1847. His parents were Levi and Anna (Reichelderfer) Crites.

Levi Crites was born in Pickaway County, a son of Daniel Crites. In his earlier years he was a weaver, but later became a substantial farmer. He married a daughter of Henry Reichelderfer, also of Pickaway County, and they had the following children : Charles ; Caroline, wife of D. C. Valentine; Allen; Adaline, wife of Mahlon Meyers; Lewis F. ; Sarah, wife of W. M. Baker; Julia A., wife of David Lape; and W. T. The parents of the above family are deceased, their burial being at Stoutsville. They were members of the German Reformed church.

Lewis F. Crites grew up on his father's farm and obtained his education in the schools of Fairfield County. He early developed business talent and for years has been successfully conducting different business enterprises. He owns 175 acres of rich farming land, ninetyeight of this being in Fairfield and the remainder in Pickaway County. He is an extensive cattle buyer, owns and conducts a large market at Stoutsville and has much other real estate in the town. His name as an official, adds much strength to the Farmers and Citizens Bank of Stoutsville, which is one of the prospering financial institutions of the county. Mr. Crites was married first in 1872, to Miss Harriet E. Luce, who was a daughter of William and Catherine Luce, of Maysville, Ind. One daughter, Katie V., was born to that marriage. In 1885 Mr. Crites was married to Miss Amanda Ernst, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Ernst, of Stoutsville. Mrs. Crites' father still survives. Two children were born to the second marriage, Florence and Lewis Ernst, the last named being tiie only survivor of the children. Katie V. was the wife of U. S. Repp and at death she was survived by one child, Cosey E. Repp. Mr. and Mrs. Crites attend the German Reformed church. Nominally he is a Democrat but has rather independent views. He is identified with Maysville Lodge No. 296, F. & A. M., at Maysville, Ind.

HOWARD A. BROWN, M. D., of Carroll, O., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Fairfield County, has been in continuous practice in this city and the vicinity for the past thirty-five years. He is a native of Fairfield County, having been born at Sugar Grove, March 15, 1854, and is a son of Dr. R. H. Brown and a grandson of Benjamin Brown, the last mentioned of whom was a native of Maryland and of English extraction.

Dr. R. H. Brown was born in Perry County, Ohio, where his father was an early settler. He entered Starling Medical College, at Columbus, O., at its opening session, and was a class mate of the venerable Dr. Starling Loving, lately deceased. For many years Dr. Brown was a medical practitioner at Sugar Grove. He was a leading citizen in his locality and an active member of the Democratic party. His death occurred in November, i860. He married a member of the Armstrong family, who were of English descent and were early settlers in Muskingum County, O. The Armstrongs traced their descent back to the year 1040 to the Earl of Northumberland. After her husband's death, Mrs. Brown married Jesse Stuckey, of Fairfield County, and they had one son, John J., who is a dental surgeon at Lancaster, O.

Howard A. Brown was six years old when his father died, and for several years afterward he lived with an uncle, Peter Moore, in Hocking County, O. Later he resided with his step-father, Jesse Stuckey. In 1875 he was graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, O., and practiced his profession first at Sugar Grove, but in 1876 he came to Carroll, where he has remained ever since. He is one of the representative citizens and medical men of this section. He serv'ed as a member of the village council ^for a number of years and as a member of the school board, of which he has frequently been presiding officer, and he has always given that time and attention to matters of public importance which good citizenship demands. He is identified with the county and state medical associations, serving one year as president of the county society, and belongs also to the American Medical Association. Fraternally Dr. Brown is one of the active members of Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 48, F. & A. M., at Lancaster, where he belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and is additionally connected with the Modern Woodmen at Carroll.

Dr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Ackers, of Fairfield County, a daughter of Ephraim Ackers, a former prominent resident of Berne Township, who was once auditor of Fairfield County. Two sons were born to Dr. and Mrs. Brown - Robert H.

and Archie A. The former is now deceased. The latter, a practicing physician, is associated professionally with his father. Dr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Church.

ALLEN DONER, who successfully carries on his agricultural activities on his excellent farm of eighty-five acres, situated in Clear Creek Township, was born in this township, July 20, 1864, and is a son of David and Malinda (Crites) Doner and a grandson of David Doner. Mr. Doner has two brothers and one sister - \Villiam Wilson, Milton and Sarah.

Allen Doner has devoted himself to farming ever since his brief school period was over, earning his first money by doing farm work by the month and working on different farms for some ten or twelve years, after which he purchased his eighty-five acre tract in Clear Creek Township. Mr. Doner is a careful farmer and practical man and thoroughly understands his business.

In 1903 Mr. Doner was married to Miss Ellen Phillips, a daughter of Jacob and Sophia (Crites) Phillips, formerly well known residents of Amanda Township. Mrs. Doner has the following brothers and sisters: John; Louisa, wife of David Young; Lena, wife of Henry Keiger; Sarah, wife of Edward Keiger; Flora, wife of George Murray; and William. Mr. Doner takes a good citizen's interest in politics but is not an office seeker. He is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias and attends lodge at Amanda, O.

FREDERiaC W. KING, postmaster at Lockville, O., and a member of the firm of King & Gundy, dealers in and shippers of grain at this place, is a man thoroughl yrepresentative of the important business interests of this section of Fairfield County. He was born in Violet Township, Fairfield County, January 28, 1868, and is a son of Michael and Mary A. (Boyer) King, old and prominent residents of the county.

Michael King was born in York County, Pa., August 3, 1837, a son of Michael and Susanna (Schelgal) King, natives also of Pennsylvania. Grandfather Michael King brought his family to Fairfield County late in 1837. They lived for a short time in Bloom Township and then moved to Lockville and lived in this village from 1838 until 185 1. In the latter year the Kings moved to Violet Township and lived there until 1862, when Grandfather King made one more removal, going to Fulton County, Ind., where he died in 1868.

Michael King, Jr., father of Frederick W., was six months old when his parents came to Ohio and he was mainly reared in Fairfield County. He learned the trade of carpenter and builder and subsequently followed building and contracting for about fifty years. He also engaged in farming and stock raising and still owns his farm of 2^7, acres, which is located in Violet Township, near Lockville. Mr. King has been one of the leading Democrats of Violet Township for many years and in 1901 was elected a county commissioner of Fairfield County, and served in this important office for seven consecutive years.

Michael King married Mary A. Boyer, who was born in Violet Township, a daughter of Jacob Boyer. a former well known resident of this township and children were born to this union as follows: Charles M., who is a resident of Sacramento, Calif.; Frank M., who resides at home with his parents: Laura, deceased, who was the wife of Chas. Fishbaugh of Huntingdon County, Ind.; Irvin E., who lives in Liberty Township; Frederick W. ; Jessei who is a farmer in Violet Township;

William W., who is a resident of Canal Winchester; Jacob L., who lives at Carroll, C; John E., who is employed at Baltimore, Ohio; James R., who lives in Violet Township; and Mary E., who is the wife of Eugene Moore, a well known attorney in Licking County.

Frederick W. King was reared on the home farm and attended the Violet Township schools. Prior to entering upon his present business enterprise at Lockville, he engaged in farming, but since 1901 has been postmaster at Lockville and has been engaged commercially as above indicated. He married J^Iiss Ida M. Corcoran, who was born at London, O., a daughter of the late James Corcoran, and they have two children, Helen L. and Ruth L. Mr. and. Mrs. King are members of the Lutheran church. With the exception of one term as constable of Violet Township, Mr. King has accepted no local office outside that of postmaster and in the latter capacity is popular with his fellow citizens, giving them efficient, quick and cheerful service.

H. W. YOUNG, an honored veteran of the great Civil War and for many years a farmer, seed and fruit grower, resides on his excellent farm of forty acres which lies two miles north east of Bremen, O. He was born in Fairfield County, O., just one and one-half miles east of Bremen, March 4, 1844, and is a son of Thomas M. and Catherine (Moyer) Young.

Thomas M. Young was born also in Fairfield County and spent his life in his native neighborhood, following the trades of carpenter and cabinetmaker. His death occurred at the age of fifty-nine years. He married Catherine Moyer and five children were born to them : Jacob, who follows the carpenter's trade at Warren, Ind. ; H. W. ; John M., who follows the plastering trade and lives at Butler, Ind. ; William, a blacksmith, who remains

H. W. Young attended the district schools and assisted his father until the Civil War broke out, when, in 1861, in answer to President Lincoln's first call, he enlisted in Co. B., 17th O. Vol. Inf., and continued in the army until the close of hostilities, during the greater part of this time being under General Thomas. He participated in many of the great battles of that war, including Perryville, Corinth, Stone River and Chickamauga. There he received a dangerous wound and afterward was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps and was made a department clerk, first in the office of the Fourth Auditor and afterward in the prison camps at Elmira, N. Y. After he was released from military service, and with a most honorable record, he returned to Fairfield County and since then has followed peaceful pursuits. He has one oil well on his property. He takes much interest in the G. A. R. and belongs to the post at Bremen. He comes naturally by his military courage, his greatgrandfather, who was born in 1753, in Ireland, having served eight years in the War of the Revolution; his grandfather having served under General Sanderson in the War of 1812, while his father was a veteran of the Mexican War.

Mr. Young married Miss Matilda King, and nine children were born to them, as follows: Ervan, who is a minister in the Reformed church, at Wooster, O., married Anna Shock of Tiffin, and they have three children; Charles S., who is a farmer in Rush Creek township, married Margaret C. Guyton and they have three children; Arthur O., who lives at Baltimore, O., married Lillie Kagay and they have two children: Blanche, who is the wife of Charles Brant; Walter, who lives in Rush Creek township north of his father, married

Hattie Grove and they have one child ; and Corda E., Lizzie M., LilHe M. and Maggie, all of whom are deceased. Politically Mr. Young is a Republican and twice he has been appointed to take the census in his township. He is a member of the Reformed church and fraternally has long been identified with the Odd Fellows.

MILTON F. TAYLOR, whose valuable farm of 240 acres is situated in Section 15, Walnut Township, Fairfield County, O., was born on this farm, September 2^, 1848, in the old log house which his grandfather erected when he settled here in 1829. He is a son of Jesse, Jr., and Ann (Kraner) Taylor.

Jesse Taylor, Jr., was born September 9, 1806, in Frederick County, Va., and accompanied his parents to Ohio, where his mother soon afterward died. The grandfather, Jesse Taylor, Sr., located at Lancaster, O., in 1827 and two years later came to Walnut Township and secured the land which has never since been out of the Taylor name. At first the Taylors bought a lease of the property and later entered it under the administration of Governor Medill, the old sheep-skin deed showing that the father of Milton F. Taylor was the one with whom the business was transacted. Jesse Taylor, Sr., later bought a little farm but subsequently retired to New Salem and died there when aged ninety-four years. He was the father of seven children: James, John, Robert, Jesse, Harriet, Juliet, and Betsy Ann, all of whom are now deceased. Harriet was the wife of James Cherry and Betsy Ann married Daniel Hommack, and Juliet married Peter Sperry.