Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 14 of 25)

On the nth of April, 1892, Mr. Allamon was united in marriage to Katie Ringer, of Washington Court House. They had three children, but lost one. .\lfred Milton, the first-born, first opened his eves to the light of day on the 29th of September, 1894. and died February 5. 1901. Charles, and Missouri are still with their parents. ^Ir. Allamon is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, in the camp at Xenia, of which he has served as clerk, and is also a member of the present ]x)ar<l of health of Xenia. His political support is given to the Republican party, in which he is quite active, usually serving as a delegate to the city and county conventions. Both he and his wife belong to the First Methodist Episcopal church, and they have many friends in Xeifia. where they have long resided.

Jeremiah Overholser

The name of Overholser is of Swiss origin and means "o\-erseer of the forest.'" If in any way the subject of this review exemplifies the meaning of the familv name it is because he is the overseer of a forest of fruit trees of his own planting, for he is a well known and successful horticulturist of Beavercreek township. He was bom June 27. 1845. ''^ York countv, Pennsvbania. a son of Daniel and Mary (Hartman) Overholser. In December, 1853. the parents came with their family to Greene county, locating first in Xenia, antl subsequaitly tliey removed to Alpha, where they ha\-e since resided.

In the common schools of Beavercreek township Jeremiah Overholser pursued his education and under the parental roof he remained until his marriage, which occurred on the i8th of .\pril. 1877. the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Hylan<I. a nati\e of Beavercreek township, and a tlaughter of Tliomas and Julia (Rader) Hyland. Her fatlier was a native df Maryland and her niiitlier was Imrn in Beavercreek township. She is still living, her home being in Xenia. but IMr. Hyland has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Overholser began their domestic life upon a farm and he has there niade a si>ecialty of the culti\-ation of fruit, althnugh to some extent he is engaged in the raising of the cereals best adapted to this climate. Through experience, investigation and reading he has become well infdrmetl concerning the best methods of cultivating fruit and his opinions are regarded as authority throughout the community and the farm is consiilered a very valuable one in Greene county. Mr. and Mrs. Overholser have no children uf their own, but ha\e reared an adoptetl daug'hter, Elma, who is still with them.

In his ix>litica! views the subject of this sketch is independent. In 1876 he was elected constable and filled that position for seven consecutive years his term expiring in April, 18S5. The following May he was appointed township clerk to fill a vacancy, and at the next election was called to that office l)y popular suft'rage and has since served continuously therein. He is also one of the trustees of the school lands of Beavercreek township, and as a citizen has ever been most loyal and true to the trust reposed in him. He manifested his fidelity to his country when, during the Civil war, he jijined the armv, enlisting in December, 1863, at Xenia as a private of Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in command of Captain ]\Ic- Dowells. He was with his company most of the time and was promoted to the rank of corporal. When the war was ended he was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus, on the i6th of July. 1865, antl at once returned to his home t(~> assume agricultural [jursuits. Fraternallv he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and has held the office of keej>er of the records and seals of Silver Star Lodge, Xo. 668, of Alpha. He also holds membership in the ^Masonic Lodge of Xenia, and his life is in harmony with the teachings and tenets of the craft. His career has ever been a creditable one and he has shown himself worthy of high regard in business, military, political and social circles.

Henry C. Long

Important agricultural and industrial interests are successfully controlled by Henry C. Long, whose business affairs have assumed extensive proportions and have contributed to the material upbuilding and prosperity of his community. His success in all his undertakings has been so marked that his methods are of interest to the commercial world. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and strict, unswerving integrity. His enterprise and progressive spirit have made him a typical American in every sense of the word, and he well deserves mention in this history. \M:at he is to-day he has made himself, for he began in the world with little save his own energv and willing hands to aid him. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he has raised himself to the prominent position which lie now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.

Jasper townsliip, was born in the house in which he n(.w lives. April 2/. 1848. ami is a son of William Long. His father was born in \'irgi!iia. in 1801. while the grandparents, Peter and Margaret (Ewing) Long, also were natives of \'irginia. The faniilv is of Dutch and Irish extraction. When the grandfather came to Ohio he settled in Greene county, locating- first in Xenia township. He afterward reiuoved to Caesarscreek township, \\liere he purchased over two hundred acres of land and there li\-ed the life of an enterprising and industrious farmer. He was buried in Shook cemetery, and his wife was laid there by his side. L'nto Peter Long and his wife were bom the following children: William; Peter; Adam; Henry; iL'irgaret, the wife of Aaron Shook; Martha, the wife of George Slagel ; Catherine, the wife of Joseph Slagel ; and Diana, the wife of Jacob Smith. All of this family have now passed away.

\\'illiam Long, the father of our subject, was educated in \'irginia. and with his parents came to Greene county, Ohio, in an old covered wagon. He early became familiar with the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life and remained with his father until his marriage. As a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he chose Mary Ann Hagler, a native of Virginia, a daughter of Jacob and Mar) ( Dier) Hagler, both of whom are natives of Virginia.

After his marriag"e ^Ir. Long purchased a farm upon which his son Henry C. is now li\-ing. and there he carried on agricultural pursuits, meeting with e.xcellent success in his work tilling the soil and cultix'ating the crops. In his political views he was a ^^'hig in earlv life, and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican part}\ with which he continued to affiliate until his death. Both he and his wife were consistent and active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and for many years he was a class leader, taking a deep interest in religious affairs. Unto them were torn eight children, four sons and four slaughters, but the eldest died in early life. The others are Allen, who is living in Indiana; Margaret, the wife of John G. Clemens of this county; Mary L., the wife of X. Griffith Sutton; Austin, who is living in Xew Jasjjer ; Durbin and Curtis, both deceased ; and another who died in infancw The mother of these children passed away in 1844, at the age of forty-one years, and was buried in the Shook cemetery. For his second wife William Long chose Clarica Mallow, and unto them were born five children; George, deceased; Henry C. of this review ; Peter and John, who ha\e passed awav ; and Laura, the wife of A. J. Boots, of this township. William Long died in 1891 and his second wife, surviving him about six years, passed away in 1897. They were both interred in the Woodland cemetery, of Xenia. Ohio.

A native of Xew Jasper township, Henry C. Long has spent his entire life within its borders. His early education was acquired in the district schools of his township, and later he entered the Marshall school of Dayton, a commercial college, but he did not complete his course there on account of ill health. Returning to the home farm he joined his father in business and in later years assumed the management of the affairs. After his father's death he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead and now has a valuable farm of three hundred and thirty acres, whereon he carries i>n general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, well tilled fields and high grades of stock I)eintj evidences (jf his thrift and enterprise in this chrection. Mr. Long lias also (_le\'cl(i])e(l the fine stone quarries located upon his land, getting out what is kno\\n as the Dayton limestone for buildir.g purix>ses and placing u\x:m the market cut and dimension stone. He now has an e\tei;ded patronage and is conducting his business in a thoroughly progressive and up-tii-date manner. At the present time he is making arrangements for putting in a spur of the Cincinnati. Hamilton & Dayton Railroad, most of the work having already been completed. This will furnish him excellent shipping facilities so that he can load his cars upon the ground and transfer them to the main track. He has also added a brick anil tile plant, for thej'e is an excellent quality of brick clay upon liis land, covering his stone ipiarries. For the conduct of his enterprise he has secured steam j^ower and the latest improved machinery for the manufacture of both brick and tile. The extent of his busine>-:s may be judged by the fact that for the school building-, which was erected in Xenia m 1902, lie furnished the brick as well as the stone used in the foundation and in other parts of the building. The brick plant has a capacity of thirty thousand per dav. In the 0])eration of his quarries and manufacturing plant Mr. Long employs a large force of workmen, antl the output is of such excellent quality that both the stone and Isrick find a ready sale upon the market and his business has assumed extensive and profitable proportions.

Mr. Long w-as united in marriage to Miss Martha Cummings. a sister of the Hon. J. B. Cummings, the wedding being celeljrated October 9, 1S80, and unto them have been torn two sons, Thomas C. and

William H. Both our subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he has been a stalwart Republican and served for twelve years as township trustee, yet has never been an aspirant for office. Few men are more prominent or widely known in Greene county than Henry C. Long. He is an important factor in business circles and his popularity is well deserved because of his unbending integrity, his unabating energy and industry that never Hags. He is thoroughly interested in whatever tends to promote the welfare of his native county and throughout this portion of the state is honored and respected, not only for what he has accomplished, but also because of the means he has enii)loved to win success.

\'olcah E. Weaver was Ijorn in New^ Burlington, Clinton cciuntw Ohio, October 2. 1842, and was reared at the place of his biitii. He was one of three children born unto Samuel and .\nna (Ellis) Weaver. The' paternal grandfather was Abraham Weaver. The father was born and reared in X'irginia and died in Greene county, Ohio, in 1S74. He followed his trade, that of a tailor, throughout the years of his manhood and vv as a highly respected and worthy resident of this portion of the state. He left two sisters at the time of his death beside his immediate family. His wife died on the 7th of ^lay, 1890.

In the common schools of the neighborhood A'olcah E. Wea\'er pursued his education, becoming familiar with brar.rhes of learning that fitted him for the transaction of l)usiness. He has been identified with the fnrniing interests of the county since he attained tlie age of seventeen years, and now conducts a farm of tl\e hundred acres of vahialjle land. This, liowever, is largely superintended by his son, while Mr. Weaver is practically living retired. His business interests have been so well conducted that he has become one of the wealthy residents of Greene coimt}-. He is a man of keen discrimination, of unfaltering industry and strong purpose, and has ever carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His foresight and sound judgment ha\-e enabled him to make iudicious investments which have returned to him a good income. In his farming methods he has always been progressive and enterprising, adopting the latest improved methods of practical \-alue and keeping his farm under excellent condition, its neat and thrifty appearance indicating his wise and careful supervision.

On the 3d of October, 1877, JNIr. Weaver was united in marriage to Miss Belle Peterson, a daughter of Abraham Peterson, of Clinton county. Ohio, who in that locality was engaged in farming on an extensive scale. Three children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Charles A., who at the age of twenty-three years is assisting in the operation of his father's farm ; Laura E.. a young lady of nineteen years: Anna, a little maiden of six summers. The family ha\c a \ery pleasant home at Xo. 513 South Detroit street, where I\Ir. Weaver has resided since 1899. The son is a member of Xenia I-odge, F. & A. M., in which he' is now holding office. Mr. gives his political support to the Republican party, and he and his family are supporters of the

Reformed church, of which ]Mrs. Weaver is a memljer. He is widely known throughout this portion of the state not only because of his extensive agricultural interests, hut also on account of the cpialities of manhood which have won for him high regard.

Thomas C. Pattersox

Thomas C. Patterson, one of the early settlers of Greene county, is a native of \\'arren county, Ohio, his birth having there occurred on the 7th of August, 1832, his parents being James and Jane (Finney) Patterson. The father was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio when a young man, settling in ^\^arren county about the }ear 183 1. There he devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits through many years. He afterward removed to Greene county, taking up his abode here in 1866. He settled in Xenia township, where he purchased a part of the farm now occupied by our subject, and upon that place spent his remaining days. He passed away in December, 1 89 1, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. The comnumit}" mourned his loss as an honored and valued representative citizen. His life, ever honorable and upright, was in consistent harmony with his membership in the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia. For many years he served as an elder in that church, also filing a similar position in the church to which he belonged before removing to Greene county. His wife died in April. 1890. and was laid by his side in the Woodland cemeterv of Xenia. In the family of this worthy couple were six children of wIt mi five are vet living.

Tliomas C. Patterson obtained his earl\' education in the cHstrict schools of Warren county. During the montlis of vacation, after completing his school course, he assisted his father in the work of the farm, tlnis early gaining a practical education in the work of field and meadow and a good knowledge of the best methods of caring for stock. He was thus engaged until after the breaking out of the Civil war, when in response to President Lincoln's second call for troops in 1862 he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company B. Se\-enty-ninth Ohio \''olunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged in \\'ashington. He served as corporal and tt)ok part in many important engagements being under the command of General Sherman. He met the enemy in battle at Resaca, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga and Atlanta, and whether lie was on the picket line, the tented field, or in the thickest of the fight, was ever loyal and faithful, performing his duties without question.

In 1867 Air. Patterson returned home to \\'arren county and remained there for a short time when he came to Greene county and settled upon the farm which he now occupies in Xenia township, not far from the Columbus pike. Here he has engaged in the cultivation of the soil and in the raising of stock. He owns one hundred and thirty acres of rich and arable land and upon his farm has erected a good set of buildings and made many excellent improvements which indicate the careful supervision and progressive spirit of the owmer. About eight years ago he erected a large brick residence and a commodious barn and everything about the place is in keeping with a model farm of the twentieth centurv.

In 1866 Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Martha Irwin, a daughter of William C. Irwin, wdio lived and died in Warren county, devoting his business activity to farm work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Patterson ha\-e been born Hvc children : Anna, the wife of Harvey Drake, a resident farmer and stock-raiser of Cedarville township; James, who is assisting his father on the home farm; Mary, at home; William, who is employed as an accountant in Dayton, Ohio ; and Bertha, who is yet with her parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Patterson hold membership in the Third United Presbyterian church of Xenia. Our subject has always been found straightforward and honorable in his business dealings and is today as true to his duties of citizenship as when he followed thel old flag upon the .southern battlefields. His entire life has been passed in Ohio and for more than a third of a century he has resided in Greene county, where he is known as a valued citizen and progressive farmer, well deserving of mention in this volume.

Hon. Roswell Fenton Howard was longer engaged in the practice of law in Xenia than any other attorney which; has been connected with its bar. There was in him a weight of character, a native sagacity, a far-seeing judgment and a fidelity of purpose that commands the respect of all. A man of indefatigable enterprise and fertilitv of resource, he has carved his name deeplv on the record of the political, commercial and professional history of the state, which owes much of its advancement to his efforts.

Roswell Feiiton Howard was burn in Hamilton county. Ohio, July 20. 1814. and was a son of Cyrus Howard, a native of Vermont, and a grandson of Solomon Howard, who was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war and valiantly fought for the independence of the nation. On lea\-ino- New England Cyrus Howard tijok up his alx)de in Hamilton cuunt}-. Ohio, at an early period in its history. As one of the first settlers of that section he carried on the labors incident to the developing of a farm in the midst of the heavy timl^er (.)f the [iriine\-al forests, making for himself and his family a comfortable home in the wilderness. He married Aliss Lucy Fenton, whose home was near North Bend, and they became the parents of a large family of children. The cause of education found in him an ardent advocate, as it did many of those sturd}- residents from New England and he aided in locating the first school in his community. The people out of their scanty means subscribed a sufficient amount for the erection of a good brick building and after its completion, instruction was given in that school throughout the entire year - a very unusual occurrence even in older communities. Mr. Howard was a strong Whig in his political views and supported John Ouincy Adams and William Henry Harrison. His death occurred in Februar}-. 185 1, and the community mourned the loss of one of its valued and influential citizens, his wife long sun'iving him, passed away on the 25th of April. 1885. at the extreme old age of ninety-two years.

Roswell Fenton Howard was given excellent educational pri\ileges. While accjuiring a knowledge of the usual branches of study taught in the lower grades of the home schools, he was also a student of

Latin and Greek. Subsequently he entered -Miami L'niversity, but left that institution in the junior year and made his way to Augusta. Kentucky, where he completed his C(jllege course in the school there, being graduated in the year 1832 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later the degree of [Master of Arts was conferred upon him by the same institution. After leaving college he engaged in teaching for a time in the Woodward high school, at Cincinnati, but wishing to make the practice of law his lifework he began studying under the direction of Daniel J. Caswell and Jacob Piatt. In the law schools of that city he continued his study and in 1837 '^"^'^^ graduated with the degree of Bachel(.)r of Law. The same year IMr. Howard opened an office in Nenia, which at that time contained a population of onlv hfteen hundred, to whom the _\'oung lawyer was totallx' unknown. Immediately he entered upon the practice of his chosen profession, wherin he was destined to rise to an honorable and prominent position. He began the work for which the previous years of study had been a preparation, becoming a member of the bar where sham reputation and empty pretense were of no avail in the forensic combats. The young lawyer in his contests with older and experienced men, whose reputation and patronage were alread_\- assured, found it a hard school, but it afforded excellent training, and as he measured his strength with the best his mind was developed, his intellectual p<iwers were (|uickenedl and strengthened, and he acquired a readiness in action, a fertility of resource and a courage under stress that have been essential factors in his successful career.

fnr ti fly-live years, and altlmugli liis practice made heavy demands iipun his time, he also liekl some public offices. He was a member of the city council, and for a number of years served as mayor of Xenia. also actin<4' as a nieml)er of the Ixiard of school examiners. For two terms he was prosecuting attorney for Greene county. In 1848 he was' elected to the state legislature on the Whig ticket and in 1866 was again chosen to that position, thus serving one term under the old constitution and for two terms under the new. for he was continued in office until 1870, by re-election. While in the house he was apixiinted on several important committees, including the judiciary and ])enitentiar\-. His thorough understantling of the law, his close investigation into the needs of the C(minionweaIth and his devotion to the general good made him a proinim-nt and capable member of the assembly.

On May J, 1848, ]Mr. H(jward was united in marriage to Miss Margaret M. Steele, of Xenia, a lady of superior culture and refinement. She was a daughter of Professor Thomas Steele, who was connected with the educational work until advanced age compelled him to lay aside arduous duties of the profession. Mrs. Howard passed away on the 27th of ]\Iarch, 1873, and later Mr. Howard married ]\Iiss Mar)- Hannah Pollock, a native of Logan county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Fanny Pollock. Mr. Howard had a family of nine children and two of his sons are yet actively connected with the legal profession. He passed away on the 28th of July, 1892, and his remains were interred in the Woodland cemetery. By his upright character, his kindness of heart and his interest in every good word and work, he made numerous friends and his death was greatly lamented. His name stood high on the roll of the most honored and eminent lawyers in this portion of the state and all who knew him respected him because of his fidelity to truth and the right.

Hox. Charles F. Howard

Hon. Charles F. Howard is a representative lawyer of Xenia. the senior partner of the well known firm of Howard & Howard, and is the oldest living child of the nine children born tmto Hon. Roswel! Fenton anil Margaret Mitchell (Steele) Howard, whose history is given above. With t!.e example of his illustrious father before him, it is no wonder that he was attracted to the legal profession, or that he was inspired and encouraged to attain to a prominent position in its ranks. His birth occurred in Xenia on the 12th of July, 1859, and his early education acquired in the j)ublic schools here was supplemented by a literary course in Xenia College. He afterward studied a year in Antioch College and on the expiration of that period went to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he entered the ^Michigan State University, but on account of failing health was unal)le to complete his course of study there.

Preparing for the bar and successfully passing an examination for admission, he began practice in Xenia. In the meantime, however, he was elected city clerk, but i.i attempting to discharge the (h-fies of tne office he was again seized with the malady which caused his former illness ami was forced to resign before the expiration of his term. In the spring of 1888 he was elected mayor of Xenia, just a half-century after his father had been chosen for the same office. From 1896 until 1898 Charles Fenton Howard represented his district in the state senate, and in the legslative body of the commonwealth his course was such as to add new laurels to the family record. In the spring of 1900 he was elected prosecuting attorney, which position he is filling at the present time, having entered upon the duties of the oftice in January, 1901. In 1898 he was appointed by Judge Sage referee of bankruptcy and his brother William, the junior member of the firm of Howard & Howard, was appointed to succeed him by/ Judge Thompson. In the practice of his profession Mr. Howard ha<: long since left the ranks of the many and stands among the successful few. In connection with his other duties he has been identified with the People's Building and Savings Companv of Xenia, as one of its directors and president, andj is also the president of the \\'oodland Cemetery Association. The People's Building and Savings Companv is the oldest institution of the kind in Xenia. and its business has developed from one hundred thousand to a half million dollars.

On the 25th of October, 1882, Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Adda D. Gowdy, a daughter of George F. Gowdy. She is a leading and influential member in the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church, and 1x)th ]\Ir. and Mrs. Howard enjoy the high regard of hosts of friends and the hospitality of the best homes in Xenia. Mr. Howard has been very active in politics and is a stanch Republican. The firm of Howard & Howard stands to-day in the foremost rank of the legal fraternity in this portion of Ohio, and Charles Fenton Howard is a man of S(iund judgment, and manages his cases with ma,sterly skill and tact. William S. Howard, the junior member of the firm, was born in Xenia, February 20, 1865, and like his brother began his education in the public schools. After reading law with his father he entered the law school of Cincinnati, just fifty years after his father had lieen a student in that institution. He completed the course, was graduated and has since been associated with his brother in practice in Xenia. He is yet a young man. but has gained a reputation hardly second to that of any member of the Greene countv bar.

Moses Evans

Those men who have contributed to the general stability, progress and improvement of Greene cou.nty are deserx'ing of mention in her history. Such a one was piloses Evans, who was deeply interested in the welfare of liis adopted county and was ever loyal thereto. He was born in the X'ewberry district of Si:)uth Carolina in 1821 and was about eight years of age when he came to Oliio, with h.is parents, Robert and Sarah (Cappoch) E\-ans. The family settled upon a fann near Roxanna, in SpringValley township. The grandfather. Moses Evans, had died in South Carolina, and liis wife, who i)ore the maiden name of'Lydia Hasket, had afterward married Samuel S|)ear, i)f South Carolina. They had come to Ohio in iSjCk and for a short time Roi)ert Evans antl his family resided in the home of his mother and step-father, while he was seeking a fa- \-orable location. At length he bought about four hundred acres of land a i-nile and a half south nt Spring; \'alley (in the west side of the l.'ttle Miami river. Tliere he carried on farming successfully for some time, and, having water power in the river, he l)uilt and i)])erated a sawmill and gristmill, conductiiig the same until i8r>4. Throughout the years of his residence in Ohio he lived upon tliat farm, passing away in 1868. in his family were fifteen children, nine of whim: reached mature years, while two are still living.

Moses I'lxans was the fourth in the famil\' and u;)on the home farm he was reared to manhood. The public scho:)ls afforded him good educational privileges, which he imi>roved. He liecame a surveyor, learning the business parti}' from his father and partly in school. On the 24th of March, 1842, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah S. Huston, of Spring \'alley townshi]). She was born in Waynesville. Warren count}', Xo\ember ~. 1822, her parents being Robert and Hannah (Townseiid) Huston. Her father was a native of Bucks county, Penns}l\ania, born January i, 1778. and his wife was born at Cape May, Xew Jersey, November 30. 1787. The}- became acquainted in A\'aynesville and were married on the iQtli of July, 1S21. For a few \'ears thereafter they remained in that village. Mr. Huston cari'ying on shoemaking until he -purchased, land in Spring X'alley township and removed to the farm, when Mrs. Evans was about four years old. There he died in 1829. and his wife, surviving him for some years, passed away in Waynesville in 1S44. at which time she was attending the yearly meeting of the Society of Friends, to which she and her husband belonged and of which their people had been representatives for several generations. Mrs. Evans was the eldest of three children, and the youngest, Mary, died in infancy. Her only brother, Daniel Townsend Huston, was married in Warren county, and in 1850 went overland to California. Three years later he returned for his family, and then spent his remaining days on the Pacific coast. His birth occurred in 1825 and his death on the 9th of October, 1883. hi his family were four children.

Moses Evans, of this review, purcbasetl ihe interest of his wife's brother in the home farm whicli had I)elonged to her father, and thereon spent his remaining days. He made excellent improvements upon the place and was a progressive and enterprising agriculturist. The home was blessed with nine children. Robert, who became a soldier in the Second Ohio Heavy Artiller}'. suffered from a severe attack of small-po.x, but recovered. Later, however, he died in the hospital in Kno.xville, July 20. 1865. JoscjjIi C. the second son, born in 1845. married Anna Buckles, who died in 1890, and he now resides in Sugarcreek township with two of liis four children. He was in the one hundred days' service during the Civil war. Daniel T. died September 27,. 1868. Hannah T^. is also deceased. Mary E. is with her parents. Sophia Angeline is the wife of Xewton Berryhill, of Sugarcreek, and the\' have two children. Hillanl married Xellie Zell, by whom he has two children, and their home is in Xenia. Emma is deceased. Closes Edmund, the youngest, married fennie Scarft, by whom he has two children, and thev reside upon the old home faim.

tenil<iry be joined the ranks of the new political org'anization. He lield varicms township (jfticci. inchuHng that of trustee, yet he was ne\er an onlice seei<er. In i858 Mr. Evans was called to his final rest, and his d.eatli was deeply lamented throughout the community, for he had many friends in Greene county. His widow still survives and resides in Spring Valley. She is an -estimaljle lady widely and"favoral)ly known and the family is deserving of creditable mention in the history of this portion of the state. In October, 1894, the old home was <Iestroved I)\- fire. Init it was soon rebuilt.

James Long Ginn, who is living a retired life in. Jamestown, was born in Silvercreek township. Greene county, on the 22d of October, 1836, his parents Ijeing John and Rachel (Long) Ginn, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Virginia. Willi his iiarents the father came to the United States when he was about eight years of age. The family located in what is now Jasper townsiiip at a very early day. There John (!inn was reared amid the wild scenes )f frontier life and became a farmer, following that enterprise until his death in 1844, when he was thirty-nine years of age. He left a widow and eight children, seven of whom ]\Irs. Ginn reared to adult age. These are : "Margaret, Sarah, Elizabeth, Martha, "William, James and Thomas. Five childreii of .the family died in earlv life. V\'illiam is now living in Taylor county. Iowa, and Thomas is a resident of Jamestown.

his education in the schools of Ross townshi[), and after nutting" aside his text books he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for twenty }ears, also being a contractor and builder. He then established a lumber business in this place, carrying it on \'er\' successfully for a quarter of a century, and on the e.xpiration of that period selling out on the ifith of January, 1902, to the present firm of Adams & Thuma. His patronage was a gratifying one and his large sales annuall}' brought to him a good income. He was known by all to be worthy, reliafile and faithful in all life's relatii)ns, -md his enterprising efforts were therefore crowned with success.

On the 5th of Xovember, 1856, Mr. Ginn was imiled in marriage to Miss Mar\' Kyle, l)v w honi he had four children : Alice C, now deceased: Mattie B., the widow of ^^'. F. Copenliaver, and a resident of Cincinnati: Elizabetli, deceased: ^n^l Ellis Edgar, who resides in Jamestown. He married Lucy Irons and they have one child, Helen. Alice G.. the eldest meniljer of the famil}', was the wife of .\. G. Bingaman, and they had three children. Edna, Estella and W'hitelaw. The two youngest are making their home with their grandfather. ]\lr. (iinn. Mrs. Ginn tlied in 1890, and on the 5th of Xovember, 1892, Mr. Ginn was again married, his second union being with Miss Emma Lloyd, a native of Greene count}- and a daughter of William E. and Amanda ( Mc- Danicl ) Lloyd, both of whom are natives of fireene county. The grandfather. John Lloyd, came to this county in 1803 and settled ujion a farm in Xenia township, where he spent his remaining days. The maternal grandfather. Wilson McDaniel. li\ed in th'is county in 1801 and t(iok u]) his ab(^ile in

Xenia township, where lie alsu H\C(1 until he \^ as called to his tinal rest. In Ansust, 1901, t!ie McDaniel family held the centennial celebration of the foundinof of the family in this count}', the nieetin<;" heing' held on the McDaniel stone-quarry farm. This .stone ([uarry lias l)een operated for about seventy-five or eighty years and produces the finest limestone in the country, according to the test made by the United States government. William E. Lloyd was a farmer aufl stockman during the greater ]\'irl of his life. He died in iSSq and his wife in 1S84. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom reached mature vears. while eight arc now living, Mrs. Ginn being the third, in order ot biiih.

Aside from a \'cry pleasant home -'n j.'imestown. Mr. Ginn owns a valuable farm of three hundred acres in Silvercreek and Ross townships, to which he gives his ])ersonal supervision. He and his wife are widely and favorably known. The lady is a member of the Metliodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is a member of Jamestown Lodge. Xo. 352. F. & A. ]\L, having been made a Mason in 1870, in Yellow- Springs. His political support is given the Republican party. He has served as a member of the town council and is now a member of the school board. James L. Ginn lias been activeh' associated with business atYairs of this place, and belongs to that class of representative American citizens who, while promoting individual success, also advance the general welfare.

Andrew H. Baughmax

of the presence of one the\- had C(.ime to look u\)'m as a guardian, benefactor and frientl. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to spare, whose lives have been all that is exemplary of the true and thereby really great citizen. Such a citizen was Mr.Baughman. wdiose whole career, both business and social, served as a model to the young and an insi)iration to the aged. Fie shed a brightness around everything with whicli he came in contact. By his usefulness and general benevolence he created a meniorv whose perpetuation does not depend upon brick or stone, Ijut upon the spontaneous and free will offering of a grateful and enlightened people. No citizen did more for Xenia than Mr. riaughman, and his connection with its development and growth along material, intellectual and moral lines did nuich toward placing it in the ])r(jud position which it to-day occupies.

Andrew H. Baughman was born October II, 1807, on a farm seven miles east of Hagerstown. ^faryland. His i)arents were Andrew and Esther ( Herr) Baughman. The father was born, reared and married in Lancaster countv, Pennsvlvania, and there followed fariuing and hotel-kee])ing. During the war of 1812 he was the captain of a volunteer company. He survived his wife eight years, her death having occurred wdien our subject was only seven years of age.

Soon after his mother's death our subject went to live in the home of his uncle, who lived on a farm west of Hagerstown, Marvland, there remaining until he was fifteen years of age, when he began to earn iiis own livelihood. It was, however, rather a preparation for a business career, for during the tirst }ear he was given no wages. The seconxl year he received fl\e dollars per month. In the mill he remained until he had attained his majorit}-, never at any time receiving more than nine dollars per month, hut from that meager salary he managed to save a small amount. When he had reached man's estate he walked all the way to ^Vheeling, West \'irginia. where he boarded a trading boat for Cincinnati, receiving his passage and fifty cents per day for labor performed on board. From Cincinnati he went to Hamilton, where he had two uncles living, and after visiting with them fur a day or two he made his wav tn .Vlpha. Greene county. On Christmas dav he liegan working at Harbine's mill, receiving nine dollars per month and his board. Added to what he had saved at the W'hitmore mill, he succeeded in accunndating one hundred dollars, and in company with his cousin, Jacob Herr, he rented the flouring mill and sawmill, operating them successfully during the years 1830 and 183 1. He was then offered one-third the prolits of the Snyder mill if he would becijme the manager, which position he accepted, continuing as such until 1836, when he furmed a ])artnership with Caspar Snyder, his employer's son. They purchased the mill and operated it for a number of years under the firm name of Baughman & Snyder. ^Ir. Baughman was manager of the mill until 1853. In the meantime it had been enlarged and good brick houses replaced the log huts that were abnut it when he took charge.

In 1853 he sold his milling interests and bought a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, which he at once liegan to imi)rove. He still continued a business connection with Mr. Snyder, who at this time took cliarge of lioth the Oldtown mills, which they had purchased and in which Mr. Baughman still had a half interest up to the time of his death. The first real estate which he possessed was a farm in Greene C(junty, which he had purchased while still employed by the elder Snyder. In addition to this he Ixiught seven acres within the limits of the city, now included between King and Galloway streets and Church and Shawnee streets. In 1871 he erected on this site an elegant residence, which is surrounded by a i)eautiful lawn and is still one of the tasteful and attractive abodes in the city.

For many years Mr. Baughman was a most prominent figure in the financial circles of the city. He was first elected a director fjf the Xenia Bank, which afterward became a branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and on the passage of the national Iiank law was changed into the First National Bank of Xenia. In each of those organizations he had been a director and the vicepresident, antl upon the death of the president of the First National Bank he was elected to that position, which he filled until the expiration of the time of the charter. A reorganization was then effected under the title of the Xenia National Bank, the government permitting them to take the first name of the institution. Of this ^Ir. Baughman became the first president and continued to hold that office until failing health compelled him to resign. He still retained his financial interest in the bank and the office of directcir up to the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1891. He also did a real-estate, banking and private loan business. He possessed keen sagacity and unusual foresight, which coupled with untiring industry and resolution enabled him to advance steadily to success.

he ser\'e(l as count}' c. ininiissioner and was alderman for a long- ])eriod, during' which time he served as ])resident of the board for three terms. Many times he was solicited to run for higher offices, but he cared not for political ]ireferment other ihrm when he could ser\ e the jjcople of his immediate district. He cast his tirst presidential \'ote for General Andrew Jackson and continued to affiliate with the Democrat party until 1856. wiien he voted for John C. Fremont and afterward g'a\'e all his influence and effort of a political character to the Republican jiarty.

In iH.p) he became a member of the Indejjcndent Order of Odd Fellows, and in 1833 he united with the Reformed cluu'ch. in which he served as a deacon, also as Sunday-school superintendent and as a delegate to the synod and classis. He was treasurer of the classis and board of cluu'ch erection. He was also a member of the peace commission an.d for many years one of the board of trustees of the Heidelburg University. Generous in sujjport of all departments of church \M)rk, he is particularK- remembered on account of the gift of twenty thousand dollars whereby was established the Baughman professorship of the Latin language, literature and Biblical instrtiction in the Heidell)urg University of Tiffin, Ohi<i. He ga\'e otiier lai'ge sums of monev to charitable and intellectual work and his name will long be revered because of his munificence and particularly for his deep interest which he exer manifested in Heidelburg. That he enjoyed in an unusual degree the confidence of the ])ublic and those with whom he was associated is shown by the fact that he was appointed guardian for fourteen children and that he settled ten large estates.

On the 7th of February. 183,:;, .\lr. Baughman married Miss .Mary Snvder, who was born in Washington county, Maryland, September 7, 1814, a daughter of Jonathan Snyder, one of the ])ioneers of Greene county, locating here in 1816, when his daughter was scarcely more than an infant. He built tlie first mill in the vicinity and it was afterward ])urchaserl by our subject and his partner. Having no children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Baughman reared several, to whom they became greatly attached, giving them all the advantages which thev would have bestowed upon children bound to them by ties of blood. Mention should also be made of their two neiccs, Henrietta and .Magdalena Krepps, who cared for them during their later life and who reside in the iiome on North King street. Thev were (laughlers of George and Xancy ( Batighman ) Krepps. Their father was born at Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in 1802, and was one of a family of seven children. Tiiere he was educated and grew to manhood, and . after his marriage he immediately located in Xenia, becoming one of the honored and promineiit residents of this city. He had learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed for two years, and then removed to Trebein Station, where he carried on the same pursuit until 1851. He then turned his attention to farming in Spring Valley township, where lie made his home until his death, which occurred August 9, 1873. His wife passed away January 13, 1856, leaving nine children, of whom five are yet living. Mr. Krepps was a Democrat in his political views and was a member of the Methodist ciiurch. The surviving chiklren of the family are: Jeremiah; Eliza A., the wife of J. A. Stillings; Nancy A., who mar- ried \\'illi;im L. Fulkerson ; and Henrietta and Magdalena. who reside in Xenia. They belong- to t!ie Alethodist church and are most highl)- esteemed in Xenia.

Mr. Baughman, their uncle, was trul_\- a self-made man. but the most envious could not grudge him his success, so honorabl\- it won. so worthily used. He was most liberal in his benefaction and while it is known that he gave t\\enty thousand dollars to one institution and other sums almost as large he was never ostentatious in his giving, and his ]irivate charity probably amounted to much more than that of which the world knew. His love for his fellow men was deep and sincere, and surely the world is better for his ha^-ing li\'ed.

Progress and improvement are never the work of one man alone, but public ad\-ance is the result of aggregate endeavor and the county ow-cs its advancement to those men who in the various walks of life are reliable in business and trustworthy in citizenship. All such are worthy ()f mention i m the pages of the county's history and among this number m Greene county is John Bassett Lucas, who was born June 15, 1842, in Xenia township, upon the farm which he now resides, his parents being Thornton and Alary (Blessing) Lucas. The father was liorn in Berkeley county. West Virginia, in 1798. and the mother's l)irth occurred in Shenandoah county. Virginia. June 5. 1797. her parents being Lewis and Mar\- Elizabeth ( Beardshire) Blessing, both of whom were natives of Cierniany and with a party of nine emigrants came to America. Mrs. Blessing had one brother and three sisters who came at the same time. The Blessings settled in Pennsylvania. This was about 1760. Later they removed to Berkeley county, \^'est \'irginia, where both the grandfather and grandmother of our subject died. The mother of our subject was one of five children: Jacob; .\braham : John, who served as a private in the war of 181 2: ALary and Elizabeth.

Thornton Lucas, the father of our suV)- iect, came to this county in 1824. and took up his abode upon the farm where his .son (obn is now living, there spending his remaining days. The house which stands upon the place was commenced in 1824. About a year after his arrival Mr. Lucas married Mary Blessing, and to them were liorn three children, of whom one died in infancv. The others are John B. and Lewis Aforton, who died in 1861, at the age of seventeen vears. The father gave his political support to the Democratic party \mtil the time of the Civil war. after which he espoused the Republican party. He was a verv strong religious man an<l a worthy member of the Baptist churcli. wIkt contributed liberally to the support i>f the church and also laboreil in other ways for the sjjiritual upgrowth and the extension of the inlltience of the church. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in the cemetery of Xenia.

In tlie schools of the township the subject of this review was educated, antl during his vouth he assisted in clearing and de\-elo]iing the home farm, always residing thereon. He was married. August 18. 1864. to Miss .Mice Ouinn. who was born in Xenia township, a daughter of Amos and Jane (("loe) Ouinn. The father came from Ken- tucky ti< this ci miity in iSo_^. and setllcd 'it I.ndlow Creek. He was licirn in Dulilin, Ireland, and there ])repared for the churcli. expecting to Ijeconie an l-I])iscopalian ciergvman. He came to this country to complete his studies and afterward decided to devote his attention to some other calling than the church. He v.-as the third in order of hirth in a family of nine children: J"hn. Sanitiel, .\mos, Elias. Harvey. Rosa. Ann. Hetty and Xancy. Amos Quinn served for manv years as justice of the peace and was everywhere known as "squire."" He also served as sheriff of the count}' frimi 1N32 until 1837, represented his district in the legislature for two tei'tus and was a very prominent and influential citizen. He married Jane ( ioe. ^\ ho was Ivjrn near Pittsburg. T'eniis}'l\'ania, a daughter of Samuel and Ali-.-c ( \'an Home) ('ii>c. Iler father was a nati\e of the Emerald Isle. and. ha\'ing eniigrated to this country in c<ilonial days, he served as a memlier of the American army in the Re\'o!utionary war. In the early days he carried salt oxer the hills to (jreene county'. He was married in Pennsylvania, and in 181 T came to this count}-, settling near where the Powder Mill is now located. His wife was a sister of Harnett \'an Home, who was the first glassblower that e\'er came to America. By the marriage of Amos 'Quinn and Jane (Ioe were born three children : Elias, whn died in 1900: Sarah, who is living with Mrs. Lucas, who is the third of the family.

The marriage of 'Mv. and Mrs. Lucas was blessed with but one child, Tlmrntoii, Avho died in 1889, at the age of twent}'-five years. Mrs. Lucas is a lady of culture and refinement who engaged in teaching school in early life. ha\'ing followed that pmfession for nine }'ears. Both our subject and bis wife are members of the L'nited Pres-' byterian church, and politicall}' Mr. Lucas is a Republican. He has been a member of the infirmary board for fifteen years and for twenty years was the president of the Agricultural Society. He to-day owns a valuable farm of five liundred acres and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which his enterprising efforts are followed by gratifying success.

It is an impnrtant ])ublir duty t(i In inor and perpetuate as far as is jiossible tlie mcniory of an eminent citizen - one who bv his blaiiieless and honoralile life and distinguished career reflected credit nut onl\' upon the city in which he niade bis home, but upon the state. Xo man was ever more respected in Xenia or ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people than Frank .\. McClure. At the time of his death he was serving as cashier of the Citizens X^ational Bank, and he bore an unassailable reputation in financial circles. He was but a voung man, yet he acconiplished much during his earthly pilgrimage, and he left to his faniilv the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, while bis niemory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

Frank A. ^IcClure was born in Bellbrook on the 1 2th of July, 1836, and he was one of se\'en children whose parents were John and Mary (Cramer) AlcClure. His father was a native of Virginia and came to Bellbrook, Ohio, where he was interested in both farming and merchandising.

At the early age of fourteen years the su1jject of tliis re\ie\v started out to make his own living', securing employment in the mercantile house of General Merrick, with whom h.e remained for a few years. Later he returned to Bellhronk. lieing employed in his father's store. In the year 1862 he was ai->pointed hv the county commissioners to fill the office of treasurer of Greene county, made vacant hy the death of General Lewis. Li that oftice he displayed marked business capacity and an accommodating and pleasant disposition that won for him the high regard "f the public and led to his selection for the important position of teller in the First National Bank. When Mr. Trader resigned Mr. McClure was appointed his successor, and ihus ser\-ed until his life's laliors were ended in death. A local paper said of him after speaking of his business connections : "Such are a few brief outlines in the life of Mr. McClure. but how crowded during the past twelve years, with all the multifarious incidents and details of business that associated, him inimitably with a large pro])Mrtion nf the people of the county, with the rich and the poor, the man struggling against adversity and the widow with her mite. To wme of these did ]\lr. McClure ever turn a deaf ear, listening patiently to all they had t') say, entering confidently into their own ]5ersonal perplexities, freely gi\- ing all the advice and information posses.sed of, and freipiently putting himself to great trouble to meet the desires of people and to assist them in various ways without the slightest expectation of pecuniary compensation. And it can be said of him that whatever he promised to do in the way of purely disinterested accommodation he never failed to perform to the best of his ability.

To do this required a wonderful command of business resources, a mar\'elous memory, and a disposition that was not to be soured by mere selfish considerations. Indeed it seemed that business was a second nature to him: with such ease and facility diil he iierform not only the duties strictly connected with the institution over which he had charge, but the other self-imposed ones, that redounded so much to the credit of his heart as well as his head - to his high qualities as a man as well as a bank officer. In his capacit\- as cashier Mr. McClure displayed a remarkable know ledge of human nature and penetration, almost intuiti\"ely separating the true from the false, the worthy from the unworthy. He was the farthest remo\e;l from a machine officer, adapting liimself to every shade and variety of circumstance incident to business exigencies, and to all the mutations that credit is always liable outside of the large cities, at the same time not .sacrificing, l)ut on the contrary promoting the interests of his bank by a wise and just leniencv. He would have filled the .same position in any of the largest city banks with halt the dis])lay of the peculiar mental qualities that he so largely possessed. Speaking of Mr. McClure's intimate knowledge of the business of the people at large, we might say that nothing was more remarkable than this peculiarity. Let who would enter the bank, and Mr. McClure would generally know the nature of his business before a word was spoken, and would be prepared with an answer quick and decisive, as though he had iust l)een thinking about that particular case. A gentleman of this city, engaged in large and intricate business operations, has expressed to us his frequent astonisliment at the manifestation of this characteristic as

On the 23(1 of July. 1857. i" Bellhrook. .Mr. McClure was united in niarriajjc '.o .Sarah J. Steele, a daujjhter of James and Sarah (Bush) Steele. Her father was a native of Virqinia and in that state carried on farming- on an extensive scale. Me also operated a sawmill. I lis liirih occurred in the early part of 1793. and on the K.th of October, 1836. he was called to his final rest. His wife, who was Ijorn on the 24th of March, ijgi. died August 3. i<S()0. both being buried at Bellhrook. In their family were two daughters, hut Rachel E. died at the age of eleven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McClnre were born five children, but only two of the number are living: Nettie A., now the wife of M. C. Williams, a resident of Lowell, Massachusetts: and M. Gertrude, the wife of Dr. William Cordon Dice, of Toledo, Ohio.

l\Ir. McChire was a man of domestic ta.stes. devoted to his family and their welfare. He rejoiced in his business ailvancement because it ga\e him greater op])ortunities to pro\'ide comfortabh' for his lo\ed ones. He ne\er happier than when dispensing the hospitality of his own home, assisted by his wife and children. He was a man who had deep regard for his fellow men in genera! and it is d(iubtful if few men of his }ears and opportunities have done more for those among whom thev have lived. In addition to his duties of the bank ]\Ir. McClnre had charge of the settlement of se\-eral large estates. He also performed the duties of various minor offices, which were urnemunerated but recjnired much attentii.in. He was often apjilied ti> in the m.'Uter of a loan or an in\estment and would frequently say that he would give the matter thought. He ahvax's aided these and if possible ga\e the assistance asked. He never failed to fulfill a prf)mise or keep an engagement, thus he had the unlimited confidence of his fellow men. who knew that his word was as go(xl as any bond ever solemnized l)y signature or seal. He gave his political sn]iport to ihe l\epublican party and was as loyal to it as to e\ery other cause in which he believed. It was on the i5tli of March. 1877, after a brief illness that he was called to his final rest, his remains being interred in Woodland cemetery. All of the business hcmses of the cit_\- were closed during the hours of the funeral services - a token of resj^ect which is onl\ shown to men of prominence and worth. Frank A. McClure iiossessed all the (|ualities of manhood. He was not onlv reliable in business and loyal to a trust, but he was genial and kindly and had a personality which was attractive, winning for him warm friends because of his genuine worth.

John Freinfint Harshman. who is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in Bea\'ercreek township, his home lieing upon the Beaver Valley road, was born in this township on the 22(1 of September, 185C1. His father, John C. Harshman, was also a native of this township, br)rn in 1807, a representati\'e of one of the oldest pioneer families of this portion of the state. His parents were Philip and Frances Harshman, Iwth of whom were natix-es of ]\Iar\lan(l,

V hence the_\- came to Greene county in 1803. Tlieirs was a long and tiresome jcjurney across the country, for the roads were in poor condition and oftentimes there was scarcely more than an Indian trail to mark the path through the forest. They located first near Zimmerman and lived in a wagon until a log cabin could be built. Upon that place thev spent their remaining days, and the grand fatlier cleared and developed three hundred acres of land, transforming it into a gooil farm which returned a valualile iticome. The cabin home which he erected is still standi!ig as one of the land marks of the county and a mute reminder of the great changes which ha\e occurred as pioneer conditions have given way to the encroachments of civilization. In the family of Philip and Frances Harshman were six children : George ; John C. : Jacob : Elizabeth ; Polly, the wife of John Brown : and Betsy, the wife of Joiin Sipe.

Jolm C. Harshman. the father of our su1:)ject. remained under the parental roof until h.e had attained his majiirity and acquire! his education in a typical log school house of the time, \^"hen of age he purchased fifty acres of land north of Zimmerman and ;!t different times he added tracts of eiglity, fift\-, thirty and forty-five acres. He also bought another farm of well impro\ed land of ninety-five acres and still another of one hun(h"ed and twentv-seven acres, so that his realty holdings were cjuite extensi\e at the time of his death. He starteil out i;i life without capital, and liis education nas also limited, his training in aritlimetic being only to the rule of three. He was, however, a great reader and became one of the best posted men in his township. In his business affairs he alsi.i prospered and his cajjable management and sound practical judgment brought tu him merited prosperitv. Pie was married on the 28th of October, 1841, to Ann Maria Miller, wh(:> was born in Bath township April 25, 1819, a daughter of Daniel Miller. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, of whom se\-en are yet living. Samuel Henry, the eldest, born October 10, 1 842, died ]\Iay 16. 1866. He enlisted for one hup.dred days" service as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, remaining at the front from ^lay until September, 1864. In the spring of 1865 he re-enlisted and continued at the front until the close of the war. Sarah Elizabeth, born October 10. 1844. married Andrew J. Tobias and is lixdng in Beavercreek townsliip. ]\lary Catherine, born Marcii 13, 1846. liecame the wife of Jacob Shonp and died Fel)ruary 28. 1868. Ann Alaria, born December 28, 1847. the wife of \\'. W. Ferguson. Ephraim Franklin was born Xoveniber 11. 1849. ^lartha Ellen. b(irn December 2^. 1851. is the wife of Ed. C. (ierlaugli, of Beavercreek townshi]i. Reuben !M., born January 29, 1852, resides ir. Dayton. John Fremont is the eighth of tlie family. Abraham Lincoln, born January 4, iS(')i, is the youngest and resi<les in Dayton. The father was called to his final rest January 2j. 1880. and his wife passed av.ay Octi^ier 3, 1895, their remains being interred in the Hawker cemetery in Beavercreek t(_>wnship. Mr. Harshman gave iiis early political supiiort to the \\'hig party. arid upon its dissolution joined the ranks of the new i'e]niblican party. He was a man of sucli well known reliability that he was often a]/poinled guardian of children and executor of estates. His wife was a faith-

John Fremont Harshman was educated in the common schools of tlie township, continuing his stuilies througli the winter montlis until nineteen years of age, while in the summer seasons he assisted in the work of the farm. He was thus engaged until his marriage, whicli occurred when he was twenty-three years of age, the wedding cere- ;nony being performed on the 226. of July, 1879. The lady of his choice was Alethea Ann Lafong, a daughter of O. B. and Rebecca LaFong, the former now deceased. Mrs. Harshman was born in Beavercreek township, Jinie 10. 1861, and by her husband was taken as a bride to the old family homestead, where thev remained for eight years, after which they spent one year upon her father's farm. In 1888 Air. Harshman purchased one hundred and tweh'e acres of land where he is now living. There were no buildings upon the place, but he has since erected a fine residence, a large barn an.l other substantial structures for the shelter of grain and stock, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits along progressive and practical lines.

The children born unto Air. and Mrs. Harshman are as follows: John Buneth began his education at the age of eight years and completed tlie district school course at the age of twelve. He was graduated in the Beavercreek high school when si.xteen years of age with the class of 1899 and then took a special course of one }'ear in Dayton, after which lie entered the Columbus Universit}', where he is pursuing a Latin anil philosophical course as a member of the class of 1904. Anna \'iola. born September 2. 1887. died May 10, 1900, and was laid to rest in Beavercreek cemetery. Sara Myrtle, born August 2S, 1889, is at home. Mr. Flarshman is a stanch Republican and has filled many township offices. Since 1894 be has served continuously as a trustee of Beavercreek townshij). He is a member of the Alpha Building .\ssociation, is one of its trustees, and is also a school trustee. Of the Agricultural Society of Greene County he is a director, and socially he is connected \vith the Knights of Pythias Lodge of -\lpha, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife belong to the Beavercreek Reformed church, in which he is serving as trustee. Froni early bo\hood he has been familiar with agricultural work and throughout the vears of his manhood he has progressed in his business life, steadily advancing as the result of his untiring industry, strong purpose and capable management. He is a worthy representative of an honored family, which from the early history of Greene county has contributed in large measure to its substantial upbuilding anil improvement.

M. Edaioxd Evans

M. Edmond Evans, whose farming interests in Spring Valley township are an indication of his active, useful and honorable life, was born on the farm where he now lives, his natal day being December 18, 1866. and his parents being Moses and Sarah (Huston) Evans. The father died when his son was only two years old. Edmond was the in a family of nine children, five of whom are still living. His boyhood davs were snent on the home farm and in the district schools he acquired a good education, remaining under the parental roof witli his mother until he had attained his majority. Of the other heirs he has purchased a portion of tlie old homestead until he now owns fifty acres of that tract and altogether he has sixty-six acres. In addition) to this he has leased a considerable amount and now operates about two hundred and. twenty acres.

Mr. E\ans was married in Sugarcreek township. Se])tenil)er 14, 1893. to ?iliss Jennie K. Scarff, of Sugarcreek township, her parents lieing Milton and Corilla ( Truman ) Scarff. She was born in Xenia. Her father was also a native of this county and the mother was born in Spring Valley. The former died in June. 1900, at the age of seventy-five years, but the latter is still a resident of - Sugarcreek township. Unto ]Mr. and Mrs. Kvans have been born two children : Don Scarff. l)orn on the home farm February 12, 1896, and Hazel ]vlarie. liorn April 2, 1900.

Air. Eyans votes with the Republican partv. and socially is connected with Spring Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F. His wife is a meiuber of the Methodist Episcopal churcli.

In tlie iiromotion and conser\ation of advancement in all the normal lines of luiman progress and civilization there is no factor which has exercised a more potent influence than the press, which is toth tlie director and the mirror of public opinion. Oliio has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which iia\-e been vital, enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this fa- \ ored section of the Union, to aid in laying fast and sure the foundations of an enlighte;ied commonwealth, to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of the Buckeye state. In a compilation of this nature, then, it is clearly incumbent that due recognition be accorded tlie jiewspaper press. Mr. Whiteman is one of the leading representatives of journalistic interests in this portion of Ohio, being the editor and proprietor of the Xenia Herald.

He was born in Xenia township, Greene county, February 15, 1842, and is a son of Joab and Mary (Thomas) Whiteman, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The Whiteman family is of English lineage but was founded in America at an early period in coltniial development. Jacob \\'hiteman, the grandfather of our suliject, was born and reared in the Old Dominion and thence c;'.me to Greene county. Ohio, in 1802. At li:at time Joab \Miiteman was a little lad of St veil summers and he rode a pony all the wa\- from Winchester, Virginia, to this county. His father followed the occupation of farming and to that pursuit the latter was rearetl. After arriving at years of maturity, lie wedded Mary Thomas and they became the parents of fi\e cliildren, all of whom reached years of maturity, while four are still living, but our subject is tlie only one now a resident of Xenia. At the age of forty-nine the father died, but the mother, w ho lived to tlie advanced age of ninety-one years, died in May, 1902.

In tlie usual manner of farmer lads, Lewis H. \\'hiteman pursued his eilucation and was reared to manhood. He had, howe\er, the advantage of attending a select school at Spring Valley for a lime. The cnuntrv won liis patriotic devotion at the lime of the C"i\il war. t)n the Kjtli of Sej)- ttniher. i8()i. lie became a jirivate in Com- ])any L. Tliird New Yori< Cavalry, under command of Captain Jeptha (iarrard and Colonel James H. Van Allen. He was mustered in at Camp Dennison. Cincinnati, September 24, 1861, and the regiment was assigned to the cavalry corps of the .\rm\- of tiie Potomac. With hi-; command Mr. W'hiteman participated in the liattles of Bali's Blufif. Winchester. P.urnt Hickory, Trenton. Tranter's Creek, (ireen\ille Lodge, Mill Creek, Xeuse River. Washington. Tarboro. Batchelor's Creek, Kingston. Whitehall, Cioldsboro. Jacksonville. Xewbern. Dover. Wise's Crossroads. Core Creek, Swift Creek, Camden and others of minor importance. He w'as appointed corporal January 5. iSfi,^, and was honorablv discharged on the 14th of December of that year in order that he might accept the first lieutenancy of Comi>any E, First Regiment of United States Colored Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain Charles Emerson and Colonel Jeptha (jarrard. The regiment was assigned to I'ayne's di\ision in the Eighteaith Army Cordis. Later the regiment was transferred to the Twenty-fifth Army Corps of the Army of tlie James and participated in the battles of Wilson's Landing, Cabin Point, in the capture of Richmond, and in the battle of Fort Powdiattan. Virginia, on the 25th of June, at which' place Mr. Whiteman was apjK»inted post commissary, serving in that caj)acity for several months. Afterward he went by transjxjrt to Texas, where he was engaged in perfomiing guard and garrison c'uty on the Mexican border with headquarters at Brazos and Santiago. Texas. At the latter place Lieutenant \\'hiteman received his final discharge on the 4th of Felaruarx'.

On the i6th of July, 1868, Lieutenant Whiteman was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Peterson, a native of Greene county, and to them were born two children, Howard Lee and Eftie, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Whiteman has held a number of pilitical positions, in which his capability and elificiency have won for him high commendation. He served as postmaster of Xenia for four years and three months, being appointed l)v President Cleveh.nd. During the administration of that gentleman he was made chief clerk in the navy yard at Washington, D. C, anil was the first Ohio man to be turned out of office after the Republicans again came into power, Ijeing requested to leave the position ten days after President Harrison was inaugurated. He then went to Laurel, Maryland, the home of Senator Gorman, and at the request of the senator established the paper called the Laurel Democrat, w^hich he published for two years with good success. He then returned to Xenia and established the Xenia Herald, of which he has since been the editor and proprietor. He has purchased the Democrat-News and consolidated the two journals, so that the Xenia Herald is now the only Democratic paper in the county. It has a large circulation and is a bright and entertaining journal well deser\-ing the liberal patronage.

Fraternally, Mr. \\'hiteman is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has also Ijeen a stanch advocate of Democratic principles and in 1898 he was the candidate of his party for congress in the Sixtli district iiut was defeated. His career has l.)een one of activity, full of incitlents and of results. In every sphere of life in which he has heen called upon to move he has made an indelihle impression, and hy his excellent ser\-ice and upright life he has won the high esteem and regard of all.

James B. Carruthers

It is natural when one has left the sea of earthly activities to review the life record completed and pass judgment upon what has been accomplished. The career of James B. Carruthers was one which would hear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for in business and in every relation of life he was an lionorable man, shaping his course l)y such principles as lead to the development of an upright character. For many years he was associated with the marcantile interests in Xenia and was well known in political and church circles, so that when calleil to the home beyond the community lost one of its most valued representatives.

Mr. Carruthers was a native of Scotland, l)orn on the 19th of March. 1821. His parents, John and Mary B. Carruthers, were also natives of the same country, and in the year 1834 they left tlie land of the heathers and crossed the ocean to the new world, taking up their abode in Xorth Carolina, where tliey remained for alxmt two years. In T836 they arrived in Ohio, first settling in Ross county, but after six years had passed they came to Greene county, where tliey spent their remaining days.

When James B. Carruthers accomjianied his parents to this country he was but a lad of thirteen years. Being anxious to contribute his sliare to tlic family support, he secured employment as a clerk in a country store, being thus employed in X^orth Caro- Hna for eighteen months. After coming to Ohio he assisted in the work of tlie farm, aiding in the cultivation of the fields until he was twenty-three years of age. He then began teaching in a country school and later was a student in the school conducted by Thomas Steele in Xenia. Again he engaged in teaching, and in the year 1850 he began bookkeeping for the firm of Frazer & Company, of Chillicothe, Ohio, continuing in that capacity for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Xenia. where with the capital he had acquired through his own efforts he established a grocerv store. Later he Ijecame connected with the dry goods trade, but afterward reentered the grocery business. Some time later he sold his store and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Xenia township, where he owned a good farm near the city. His next change connected him with the coal business in Xenia, and with this entcri)rise he continued until his death, which was the result of a railroad accident i:i Xenia on the 2d of Deceml)er, 1898.

^Ir. Carruthers was united in marriage to Jeanette Smith, a daughter of William and Helen ( Scott) Smith, who were natives of Scotland. Five children were torn of this union: Johan.nah M., who died at the age of fourteen months; Ella B. ; Jennie S. : William S. ; and Jessie B. The wife and mother was called to her final rest September 2. 1S76. and on the 20th of August, 1878. ^Ir. Carruthers was again married, his second union being with Miss Eliza A. Hyslop, a daughter of George and Margaret Hvslop, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Pennsvlvania.

Air. CarruthtTs was a meinl.ier of the First United Preshyterian cluirch of Xenia, and took an active interest in all that pertained to the moral, intellectnal and material development ol the cnmmunitx-. For over thirty year.s he served as treasurer of Xenia Theological Seminarv and was also financial agent of the synod. In his church he served as ruling" elder antl his efforts were verv effective in promoting its growth and e.\tendin!2^ its influence. His political support was given with unwavering loyalty to the Republican iiarty. For si.x years he served as a member of the city council of Xenia and was also a police commissioner during the Civil war. He was commissioned by Governor Tod as captain of Company D, Second Regiment, of the Greene county militia. A man of scholarly attainments and broad general inforniatiou. he was well fitted to be- come a leader of i)ublic thought and opinion. He thoroughly enjoyed home life and took great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. Charitable and Ijenevolent. he always gave freely of his means in support of worthy charity and was particularly encouraging to those who were willing to help themselves. Flis life was e\'er honoralile and upright, and at all limes and under all circumstances he c<immanded the respect and esteem of his fellow men and was regarded as one of the representative citizens of Xenia. Mrs. Carruthers and four of his children still survive him. one daughter, Jennie S., 1)ein.g now the wife of the Rev. \\'. G. IMartin, of Grove Citv, Pennsvlvania. Mrs. Carruthers is a lady of superior intelligence and culture and has taken a very active part in the public interests of Xenia. For thirteen years she was a most successful school teacher of this citv. Since 1894 she has been a member of the city school board, and in 1896 she was elected a member of the board of county school examiners and has since served in that capacity. She now resides in a beautiful home on North King street, and it is the center of a cultured society circle.

Rev. Clark Kendall

A life devoted to the ministry and a memory that yet remains 'as a blessed benediction to all who knew him - such is the history of Rev. Clark Kendall. For many years he labored earnestly and untiringlv to promote the cause of Christianity, and was one of the strong and able preachers of the United Presbyterian church. He was born in Greene county, in Xenia township, January 14, 1S25, upon a farm now occupied by his widow. His parents were William and Eleanor (Jackson) Kendall. The father was born in Pennsylvania and afterward lived in Kentuck)-. and from that state came to Ohio at a very early day, taking up his abode in Xenia township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a tanner by trade and followed that pursuit to a considerable extent after coming to Ohio in connection with farming. Both he and his wife died in Xenia township at an advanced age upon the old family homestead. The father at one time owned the propert\- upon which W ilberforce now stands. His death occurreil in 1879, while Mrs. Kendall was called t<_) her final rest June 6, 1888.

ediicatiim in the district schools. He afterward pursued a cnurse of study in the Miami University, from wliich he was graduated and then determined to devote his life to the holy calling- nf the ministry. He pursued a theolcigical ci>urse in Oxford Theo logical Seminary, entering that institution in 1845. After his graduation he at once entered upon his ministerial work, taking cliarge oi a church at Buffalo, New York. v.here he remained for twenty-three years. He then accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian church at Bloomingburg. Ohio, where he remained for si.x years, after wliich he preached for one year at Seven Mile. Ohio. On the ex])iration of that period he organized a church at Jacksonburg. and upon leaving that place he retired to pri\-ate life, sjjending his last days in his old liome in Xenia township.

On the i5lh of I\Iarch. 1854. Rev. Kendall was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Sarah Hutchins. of Waterford. Erie county. Pennsylvania, but after about nine \-ears of hajjpy married life she passed away on the 3th of February. 1863, leaving one child. Mary, who was born in Buffalo. February 2, i860, and on the 2d of Fe1> ruary, 1881. liecame the wife of Dr. H. L. .Smith, a resident of Westerville, Ohio. They are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and ha\-e one son. Homer Kendall, now four vears of age. Thev also lost a daughter. Caroline, who died at the age of six \'ears. On the 30th of May, 1865, Re\'. Kendall was again married, his .second union being with ]\Iargery Stewart, of Hamilton. Ohio, who died April 18. 1877. They, too, had one child, William C, who is nn\v a minister of the Presl)ytcrinn cluu'ch <>]' lilimmingljurg, Ohio, the church <if which his father <_ince was pastor. He attended W'noster L'ni\-ersit\' : is a graduate of Ohio Universitv at Columbus, and of the McCormick Theological Seminary <>f Chicago, Illinois, and is a man of no restricted intluence in the ministry, being acknowledgetl an alile minister and the possessor of much strength. For his third wife Rev. Kendall chose Eliza Cameron, of Buffalo. Xew York, their marriage being celebrated on the 28th of October. 1879. She still survives her liusband and yet resides upon the old home place just off the Columbus l)ike in Xenia townshi]i. Hers is a pleasant home. ])rovided with many of the comforis of life, and throughout the communitv Mrs. Kendall enjoys the high regard of a large circle uf friends.

it was at this place that Rev. Clark Kendall spent his last days after many vears devoted ti) the work of the ministry. It wr.uld be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of .statements showing him to be a man of broad learning and wid;' culture, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He was a deep and earnest student, carrying his researches far and wide in the manv branches of knowledge, but all with the one ])urpose in view of making his life of greater benefit to his fellow men and advancing the cause of Christianity. He possessed deep sympathy and while he could not countenance wrong doing in the slightest degree, yet he was e\'er anxious and read}' to help the wrong-doer in order that a better way of life might be opened before him. He was called to his final rest F"ebruary 20. 1900. and his remains were interred in the Woodland cemetery. Xenia. Perhaps we cannot better close this review of his record than by i[Ui)tin.t;- from a publication of that time which said: "His life was one of great purity and he was highly respecteil for his gentle. Christlike spirit and his upriglit life. In Iiis earhcr life he was identilied with the United Presbyterian church, but for a number of years he was connected \\ith our ow m denomin.ation. He was a verv modest, unassuming man. yet his active ministr\- was one of great usefulness. He was permitted to welcome over one thousand memliers into tlie church. For a good many years he has been laid aside from the active work of the ministry, yet he was always in liis place at church and occasionally preached. In all the years of his suffering he was the same, gentle, sweet-spirited, cheerful Christian, feeding on the word of his Master and leanmg ui)on his Beloved. His faitliful and helpful wife with two children sur\ives him. Mrs. Dr. Smith, now in Xew \'ork. and Rev. \\'. C. Kendall, of Blooniingl)urg. Ohio, (}ne of the lields in which his departed father labored so successfully. He was a good man, strong in faith, and earnest in spirit, and as a shock of corn cometh in his season, so he came to his grave in full age.

" 'He has passed away. But his sweet will. Like a fragrant odor lingers still: l"he tender lesson that memory brings The mantle of patience o"er us flings. \\"e learn to follow the i)ath he trod To be more like him Who had gone to God.' "

Samuel M. Spahr

For more than sixty years the home in \\'hich Samuel Milton Spahr resides has stood as one of the land marks of Beavercreek township. He owns and operates one liundred and thirty-three acres which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that iiis labors bring to him creditable and gratifying success. lie was born in Caesarscreek township in w liat is now Xew Jasper towiishi]). his parents being Gideon and .\manda ( Hagler) Spahr. From an early ej)och in the history of this portion of the state the Spahr family has been a factor in the substantial upbuilding, which come from tiie successful conduct of legitimate business enterprises. Philip ;md Mary (Shook) Spahr caine from Virginia to Greene county in pioneer times. Among their children was Gideon Spahr, whose birth occurred in New Jasper t<:»wnsliip. whose education was acquired in the schools there and who remained with his parents throughout the perioil of his l3<iyho(jd and youth. He wedded Mary Amand.-i Ilagler, a sister of William L. Hagler, and for about eight or nine years they remained in Xew Jasper township. On the expiration of that period they removed to Jay count}-, Indiana, wdiere they made their home for two years and then returned to the old home in X'ew Jasper township. In 1864 they removed to Beavercreek township, but the father spent the last few years of his life retired in Bellbrook, where he died September 4, 1891, when more than se\enty years of age. his remains being interred in the Bellbrook cemetery. His wife, who was born January 17, 1825, now makes her home in Bellbrook. Gideon Spahr endorsed the Republican party and its principles by his ballot. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which both he and his wife belonged. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter: J(jhn L.. a resident of Cedarville townshi]), married Hannali Peterson, and they have three children. - James Milton, Ida Jane and Osman P. j\Iarv Louise is the deceased wife of P)oyd G. Hopping-, of Xenia, and left three children, John, David and William. Philip R., a resident of Aljjha. married Ella Sivers. and their children are Lord, John, Ima. Emma, Philip and Esther. David Al.. of Beavercreek township, married Elizabeth Keiter, and their children are Pearl and Edith Amanda. Samuel Alilton is the next of the family. Closes B., of Xenia township, married Harriet Gatrell and they have two children. Ethel 'SI. and Walton.

Samuel M. Spahr was born April 19. 1S53, "' ^ew Jasper township, but was mostly educated in Beavercreek township. A\'hen old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid his father in the work of the farm, and after reaching manhood was interested in agricultural ]iursuits with his father operating rented land. They were quite extensively engaged in farming, one year operating a farm of nine hundred acres near Trebein after leaving Xew Jasper township. Later they spent eight years on a farm of six hundred and forty acres in Sugarcreek township, and from there removed to the farm in Beavercreek township now occupied by our subject. Here the\' cultivated two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and thirt}-three acres of which the son subsequently purchased. The partnership between father and son continued until after the marriage of the latter, when Gideon Spah.r retired and moved to Bellbrook. Our subject remained upon the farm in Beavercreek township which they had rented, and in 1S93 he purchased one hundred and thirtv-three acres of that tract as previously stated. He has since made many improvements on the place and to-day has one of tlie well tilled and valuable farms in the southern part of the township.

On the nth of Xovember, 1886, Mr. Spahr \\ as united in marriage to Miss ilargaret Wolf, who was born in Cincinnati, a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Sorg) Wolf. Four children bless this union, namely: Harry Edmund, Edna Mae, Homer Milton and Florence Louise. The family is one well known in the communitw Mr. Sjjahr is widely recognized as a man of good business ability, his life being characterized by industry that never flags and by sound business judgment and honor. His success is due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he may therefore justly be called a self-made man. While a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, he has never been an aspirant for otnce. thijugh he takes an acti\e interest in educational affairs and has served as a member of the school board.

Tohx L. Ferguson

John L. Ferguson, a farmer whose home is just west of the corporation limits of Belllirook, was Ixirn June 16, 1850, six miles south of Xenia in Spring Valley township. His fath.er. Robert H. Ferguson, was born not far from \\'inchester, Virginia, Jul\- 17. T819. and was a .son of Samuel and Mildred (Garrison) Ferguson, who were also natives of Virginia. The great-grandfather of our subject, however, was a native of Scotland and at an early period in the de- \elopment of the colonies took up his abode in the Old Dominion. Samuel Ferguson was one of two cliiklren, and in the year 1832 he emigrated westward to Ohio, settling nn t!ie farm where our suhject was 1)1 irn. There he spent his remaining days, dying prinr to the marriage of liis S'ln, Robert H. He had served his country as a soldier in llic war of i8ij and was e\'er a I'lyal and ])uhlic-spirited citizen, llis wife was horn in 1782. She had lost her mother when quite young and as she li\ed near llannah W'asliington and her father had no housekeeper, Mrs. Fergusr)n remained for some time with Mrs. Washington, who was frequently \-isited hy her relati\e. the great General W'asliington. who often held Mrs. Ferguson upon his knee. She frequently described to her grandson, our subject, the carriage in which Washington rode, and ^\-hen John I.. I'erguson visited the Centennial at I'liiladelphia in 1876 he saw this vehicle.

Robert H. Ferguson accom])anied his father to Greene county in 1832 and upon the home farm was reared. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits and his death occurred in the spring of 1883 at the age of sixty-three years. In early manhood he had wedded Mary J. Cooper and they liecame the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the second. Horace A., the eldest, is residing in Dayton and has four children. Sally Mary is the wife of O. Frank Collett, of New Burlington, and has two children. \\'illiam married Mary Mendenhall and died January 6, 1889, leaving two children. Robert H. Ferguson gave his political support to the Democracy, but was never an aspirant for ofifice. He held membership with the Baptist church and his life was in consistent harmony with its principles.

Xo event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John L. Ferguson in his youth. He worked in the fields and accjuired a good common-school education. On the 29th of September, 1880, he married Miss ^ilargaret E. McClure, of Sugarcreek townshii), a daughter of John C. anrl Elvira (Young) McClure. She was reared upon the home farm where our subject now resides. She had one brother. Cyrus McClure, who became a niember of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Regiment and died of measles in the hos|)ital at Xashville. Tennessee. There were nine children in the family, of whom Mrs. Ferguson was the eighth. All reached years of maturity and six of the number are yet living. Mr. Ferguson iiurchased a small tract of land from his father and made it his home for six years, wlien he came w itii his family to his present place of residence, purchasing seventy acres of Mr. McClure. X^early all of the improvements upon tlie property have been made by our subject save a little building of one room which had been erected l)y Mr. McClure, who died shortly afterward, l)assing away March 5, 1886, while Mrs. McClure died May 18, 1901. In his farming methods ^Ir. Ferguson is enterprising, practical and progressive, and his labors have been attended with a high degree of success. His fields are now richly cultivated and his buildings are in good repair. His efforts have been so discerninglv directed along well defined lines of labor that his work has brought to him a very gratifying competence.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson has beenborn one child, Ethel, whose birth occurred in S]5ring Valley township and wdio is a graduate of the Belllirook high school of the class of 1901. The parents held membership in the Baptist chnrch. bnt on account of the distance of their hume fn>m a church of that denomination they identitieil themselves with the Methodist Protestant chnrch. Politically Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat, and for two terms served as justice of the peace of Sugarcreek township. The cases which he decidetl during that time showed that he was strictly fair and iml)ariial. and no decision which he ever rendered was c\er reversed.

Rev. Nicholas J. Kelly

Rev. Nicholas J. Kelly is pastor of St. Erigid's church of Xenia. He came here early in the year 1901 and soon gained a place in the respect and affections of his people, while engaged in the promotion of the cause of Catholicism. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1851, being a son of Christopher C. and Catharine (Carey) Kelly, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and are now deceased. In the parochial schools of St. Peter"s Cathedral of Cincinnati Father Kelly pursued his early education, after which he was emploved for several years by the firm of Chatfield & Woods, proprietors of a large paper house of that city. Determining, however, to devote his life to the priesthood he resumed his education and from 1875 until 1878 was a student in St. Xavier College in Cincinnati. Subsequently he matriculated in. Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West, located at Price Hill, Cincinnati, and in 1880 he became a student in Mt. St. Mary's of Emmittsburgh, Maryland. In 1881 he once more entered St. Xavier College, from which he was graduated in the class cjf '83, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He tlien entered St. Marys Theological Seminary in Baltimore. Maryland, where he com- ])!eted the fidl course and was ordained to the priesthood on the iSth of December, 1886, by the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Cincinnati. Ohio.