Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 15 of 25)

During sixteen }ears he has devoted his time and energies with untiring zeal to the work and advancement of his church. For about a year he served in the mission field and was then stationed as the assistant pastor at St. Peter's Cathedral at Cincinnati, when on the 19th of October, 1889, he was appointed pastor of St. Gabriel's parish in Glendale, where he served eight years. On the 27th of September. 1897, '^^ ^^''^^ given charge of the parish of Lebanon and the attached missions of Monroe, Morrow, Foster's Crossing and Waynesville, where he remained until the 12th of March, 1901. He then took charge of St. Brigid's church in Xenia. He is a man of scholarlv attainments and broad general information as well as theological learning. Consecrated to his holy office he puts forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of his church and the moral and intellectual standing of the community at large and under his leadership the various churches with which he has been connected have matle very satisfacti iry advancement. He soon won friends in Xenia, not only in St. Brigid's church but among people of various denominations. His life is indeed a busy one. Each morning he celebrates mass at si.x o'clock and sometimes earlier. He is particularly watchful and helpful to the sick of the neighborliood and is a man of broad sympathies and humanitarian principles.

Rev. N. J. Kelley

St. Brigid's church, of which he is now serving' as pastor, is one of the strong CatlioHc chnrches in tiiis ix>rtion of Ohio. The large brick edifice, ninety-one by forty-tln^ee feet, is situated on tlie corner of Second and West streets, and tiie chnrcli jxroperty also ccjutains a school building of three rooms and the rectory, containing ten rooms, while there is a convent furnishing a pleasant home for the Si.sters of Charity, who have charge of the school. The early history of tile church is somewhat lost in ol>scurit\- because adequate recijrds have not been kept. There are church and marriage records dating back from 1849 but little other data was kept. It was learned that in 1844 there were live Catholic families in Xenia and that in that year a Rev. Father Junckcr of Dayton celebrated mass on the porch of the home of Jacob Klein. .Vlxmt 1849 Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati and Rev. Father Rosecrans celebrated mass before nine persons in Xenia. It is possible that other priests visited the city in the meantime and before the church edibce was erected. As the congregation grew it became imperative that a more commodious place of worship be had than a private residence. This was found in the basement of the court house, the use of which was given gratis to the Catholics and other denominations alike. In 1849 the Catholics of Xenia were organized into a denomination. Father Kearnev was in charge of the little church and was succeeded by Rev. Father Howard in May, 1850. Rev. Father Blake succeeded Father Howard and became the first resident pastor of Xenia. arriving in August. 185 1. It was intended to build a church in that year but the work was not accomplished and it was not until the nth of June. 1852, that the corner stone was laid, the church being ded- icated and the sacrament of confirmation administered on the 31st of October of the same year. The cost of the church was about five thousand dollars and it was called St. Brigid's in honor of the patroness of Ireland. Father Blake remained in charge for thirt\-four years, during which time the church made rapid and satisfactorv growth. The work was prganized in various departments and its influence was widely extended, in 1885 Father Blake practically retired and i''ather Cunningham of Yellow Springs took charge, remaining until 1887. when he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Stoeppelmann, who' on the 4th of October of the same year was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac J. Hoster. The church was then in debt and though improvements were much to be desired, none were attempted until the debt was paid, and this was accomplished during his first year as pastor. In September, 1888, the lot adjoining the church and school was purchased for one thous;nid dollars and the sisters removed into a little cottage which stood on the lot. In the summer of 1889 another lot was purchased on which was a good house and in this the sisters took up their abode in August. The church and school have received excellent attention, many improvements being made. Three altars, costing fifteen hundred dollars, the bequest of Father Blake, were erected and used for the first time on Christmas Day of i888. In the spring of 1894 the pastoral residence was begun and was occupied on the 6th of Xo- \ember, following. The school is presided over by five Sisters of Charity and one hundred and forty-five scholars are enrolled. This school was begun in 1855 but it was not until 1879-80 that the Sisters of Charity took charge of the school. In February, 1898, the parochial school board was estal> lished which undertook to raise sufficient monev to support the scliool without drawing on the ordinary receipts of the church. Various church societies have l^een established and are in good working order and the influence of the church is being continually extended under the guidance of Father Kelly. Satisfactory progress is being made along many lines and he has the confidence and co-operation of his people to an unusual degree. This l>eing the jubilee year of the church, it having been founded fifty years ago, the pastor and congregation are making extraordinary efforts to fittingly cele- Wate the occasion. To this end the' pastor and people are making strenuous efforts to liquidate the present debt, which was January I, 1902, aliout forty-five hundred dollars, and at the present time have every reason to feel confident of success.

In the history of this county Rev. John S. MacCracken well deserves mention, for lie liore a very active part in the moral development and progress of his community. He devoted his entire life to the work of the ministry and although many years have passed since he departed this life his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of those Avho kne>v him.

Rev. MacCracken was born in Butler county. Ohio, .April 6, 1804, and came of an old .\merican family that was foundetl in this in colonial days. The greatgrandfather was killed by the Indians while standing in the yard of his frontier Penns\lvania home, ^\ bile his grandfather was killed duiing the Revolutionary war, Mav 31.

1778. The parents of our subject were John and Martha (Wilson) ^klacCracken. both natives of the Keystone state and early settlers of Brown county, Ohio. During the boyhood of their son, John S., the}^ remo\ecl to Greene county, this state, and there the father purchased land and developed a farm in the midst of the wilderness.

In Xenia Rev. John MacCracken accjuired his early education, being a pupil of the Rev. Hugh McMillen. He afterward eng'aged in teaching for several terms an;l th.en continued his own education as a stuilent in Miami University, wdiere he completed the course with the class of 1839 and at once entered upon the work of the ministry. His first charge was at Kenton. Ohio, where he succeeded in establishing the United Presbyterian church, donating onehalf of his salar\- - which at best was not a very large one - toward the erection of a church edifice. In 185 1, after an eight years' pastorate in Kenton, he rennjxed with his family to Oxford, this state, and while there \-isited many places which were destitute of moral instruction - organizing churches wherever he was called. He retained his residence in Oxford for five years and thence removed to Greene county, locating first ill Cedarville, where he and his son both engaged in teaching school for a year. The family then came to Xenia and it was in this city that the Rev. John S. ^lac- Cracken spent his remaining days.

On the iTth of Xo\-enibcr, 1839, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mrs. Eli.za \\'elch and they were blessed nith the following children : Henry, who i> now chancellor of the University of Xew ^ork; John Joseph, who fiied in infanc)-; George, an attorney at law of Urbana, Ohio; Anna ]\I., a teacher in the high school of Xenia; and one wlio died in infancy. ]\Irs. AlacCracken was a most intelligent and cultured lady. A daughter of James and Mary (Hawkins) Dougherty, she was born November j, 1810, in Jefferson county, Olno. Her father was a native of i\lar}-- land and her ninther <if Pennsylvania, and both were of Scotch-Irish and luiglish e.Ktractinn. They provided their daughter with excellent educational advantages for those days and she continually added to her knowledge by a thorough and comprehensive course of reading. She was a student in Steubcnville Female Seminarw of which Dr. Beatty was ])resident. That institution is the alma mater of hundreds of women who ha\e blessed and elevated society with their presence. She was first married to Re\-. Johnson ^\'clch. a graduate of .\lleghen\- Seminary, win 1 was a recognized power in the ministry, and at his death was president of Franklin College. Two children were born of this union: James, who has devoted his life to the preaching of the gospel and in kjoi was moderator of the synod of Kansas: and Eliza, wife of Professor A. Al. Llrook's, who became jirincipal of the Bettie Stuart Institute of Springfield, Illinois. The father of these children i)as.se(l away April ^y, 18,^7, and many friends, besides his immetliate family, mourned his loss. Left a widow, Mrs. Welch began teaching school, and in Oxford. Ohio, founded the ladies seminary which was the beginning of the present college at that place. After becoming the wife of ]Mr. ]\IacC"racken the lady continued her acti\'e work in the church and was a most able assistant to her husband. He passed away in Xenia on the tst of April, 1863, mourned by all who had known him. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend, the sorrowing and distressed a comforter. He had a deep sympathy which enabled him to enter into the troubles and sorrows of his parishioners. He was also very good and kindly and all realized that they had lost a true, faithful and generous friend. His wife long survived him and ])assed avva\' on the nth of January, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Her infinence had been like the perfume of the violet unobtrusive, yet ever present, and by her kindnesses and her gracious spirit she induced many to follow in the straight and narrow ])ath. Her children owe her a debt of gratitude not only for the personal sacrifices which she made that they might obtain the best ethicational achantages. l.)ut also because she e\er held before them the highest ideals of honestx', integritv. puiit\- and service.

Joseph B. y-.m Eaton departed this life in i8<)8, but he is rememliered by his man\- friends as a citizen of worth, as a progressive farmer and as a loyal s<")ldier in the I.'nion army during the Ci\il war. He wis born in (ireene count}' upon the t;irni in Xenia township where his widow now resides. His parents were John and Sarah (Bigger) \'an Eati>ri. Flis father lived and died in Greene county, having come to Xenia when a young man. He purchased a- farm of one hundred and forty-three acres, then a tract of wild land, and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement. He erected good buildings, placed his land under a high state of ciiltivation and raised good graded stock, being an active representative of agricnltnral pnrsnits in Greene connty imtil called to his final rest at the age of sixty-four years. His widow passed away some years later. In their family were ten children, but only one of the number is now living.

Joseph B. \'an Eaton of this review spent his boyhood days upon the old family homestead and in the district schools of the neighlxirhood acquired his education. At tlie time uf the Civil war. however, he put aside all jicrsonal considerations and business interests in order to aid his country in her hoiu" of peril. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, as a private and was commissioned adjutant l)efore the recjiment left its first camp, and (luring the last year of his service he was promoted to the rank of captain in command of Company D - the company with which he had gone to the front. On the 12th of September, 1864, he was wounded and in tlic winter was discharged on account of his injuries. For several months he lay in the hosi-iital anil was for some time unable to resume work. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Xenia township, where he spent his remaining davs living the life of an honorable and upright man. his attention being devoted to farming and stock raising.

Chi the 15th of March, 1865, Mr. \'an Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Atartha Jewett Files, a daughter of Sylvanus B. and Martha (Janet) Files. Her father was a native of Rhode Island and her mother of Massachusetts. When a young man Mr. Files came to Ohio and was married in Co- Inmlnis, after which he removed with his wife to (ireene county, where he engaged in farming to some extent, but largely li\-ed retired from business cares. In the east he had engaged in business as a woolen manufacturer. He died in Holland, Ohio, when about seventy-nine years of age and his wife passed away at the advanced age of eightythree years.

L'nto Mr. and Mrs. \'an Eaton were born two children : Ida, who is now the wife of O. K. Putnam, of California, and is the mother of three children- - Raymond, M. \'irginia and Charles Harry. They spent the first year of their marriage in California and upon their return to Ohio Mr. Putnam's health failed and they again went to the Golden state. Harry Bigger, born in Xenia township, October 21. 1867. died June 12, 1892, at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a graduate of the Xenia public schools, also of the Westminster College. For a time he engaged in teaching school in Darlington, Penns_\l- N'ania, and at the time of his death was a medical student in the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a young man of marked ability and his death was greatly mourned. He was an earnest antl discriminating student, a great lover of books and the future seemed bright before him on account ot liis superior ability, but death claimed him and he was laid to rest in the \\ Dodland cemeterv.

Mr. \'an Eaton, the father, was a Republican in his political views. A valued member of the First United Presbxterian church, he served as one of its deacons and took a deep and active interest in its growth atid upbuilding. His wife is also a member fif tiie church and like him assisted in its work. On the 28th of December, 1898. Mr. \'an Eaton was called to his final rest ami his remains were interred in the \\'oo(lland cemetery. In citizenship he was loyal, in Iriendship faithfnl, and in his frunilx' lie was known as a devoted luisljand and father. Throui^hout his entire lite he commanded the respect of his fellow men by reason I if his gennine worth, and his loss was deejilv monrned througlmnt the comnunnt}'.

.Mien H. Miars is one of the progressive and enter])rising' agricnlturists of Spring Valley township, and a glance at his well develojied and highly improved jilace indicates his careful supervision and modern methods. There is particular satisfaction in re\erting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the im])ress of the historic annals of the state from early pioneer days, and from the fact that l^e has been a loyal son of the republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the community where he has long resided. He was born in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, April 21. 1828, a son of Samuel and Hannah f Haines) Miars. The paternal grandparents, Martin and Jane ( Summers) Miars. were both natives of Virginia, and in that state were married. The great-great-great-grandmotlier was a native of Germany. Martin Aliars, accom])anied by his wife and children, came to Ohio in the year 181 1. locating iiear Wilmington. Clinton county, where he spent his remaining days. His children were David. John, Martin, Jacob. Samuel. Betsev, Pollv and fane, all now deceased.

Samuel Miars. the father of our subject, was born in Frederick count}-. \'irginia. October 29. 1799. and in 181 1 accompanied his parents to Clinton count\'. Ohio. He pursued his education in a log sclioolhouse, devoted his entire time to farming throughout the years of his manhood, aiul at his death owned eight hundred acres of land. When he left home he had but four half dollars as his entire cajjital, but industry, economy and unremitting diligence made him a prosperous agriculturist. He married Miss Hannah Haines, a native of Clinton county and a daughter of Jacob Haines, who with his wife came fmm North Carolina to Ohio. He secured a tract of wild land in Clinton county, erected a log cabin, and cleared six acres of land which he planted. Pie was of Scotch . descent. Unto the parents of our subject were born six children : Allen H. ; Mary Jane, the wife of William Oglesbee, of Clinton county: Isaac, deceased: Milton, of Oklahoma; Martin, who lives on the old home farm in Clinton county; and Sarah Louise, the wife of Alfred ]\IcKay, of Wilnn'ngton, Ohio. The father died in 1874, and the mother passed away four days later. Thus the community lost two valued citizens of sterling worth.

Through the period of his youth Allen H. Miars attended the district schools in the winter months, when the work of the farm was practically over for the year. Throughout the remaining time he assisted in the work of the fields and meadows and thus gained that practical experience \vhich has been of much value to him in carrying on farm work on his own account. He remained at home until March. 1859. when he married Miss Mary Melinda Stump, a native of Greene county and a daughter of

Jonas and Prudence Stnmp. Her maternal grandfather. William Smalley. was born in New Jersey in 1761, and when fifteen years of age was stolen by Intlians, at Fort Du Ouesne and his father was killed by them. While with the red men Mr. Smalley was obliged to witness their atrocious cruelty as they burned several people to death. On one occasion he saw an infant torn from its mother's arms and thrown into the flames. In 1 784 he escaped from his captors and returned to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A few years later he removed to Cincinnati. He afterward participated in military service in Harmar's campaign and was present when St. Gair was defeated. At that time he discharged his musket thirty-five times and it is said that twenty-one of the shots took effect. He was with Waynes' army, having charge of the sharpshooters, and was present when Colonels Lynch and Truman were killed. He escaped death by jumping behind a tree and telling the Indians that he had deserteil the whites. He helped to build one of the first houses in Cincinnati and was a valued pioneer who contributed much to the work of reclaiming the wild district, peopled by savages, for purposes of civilization. The parents of Mrs. Miars have both passed away. The mother, surviving her hu.sband for a few years, departed this life in January. 1902. at the age of ninety-two.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miars established their home in Clinton county, where he carried on farming for twenty years near Wilmington, and then sold the property preparatory to removing to Spring \'aliey township, Greene county. Arriving in 1882, he purchased two hundred and seventy-eight acres of land, to which he has since added thirtv-seven acres. He carries on general farming and keeps a good grade of stock, and in his business life has prospered. As the years have passed his income has increased, and to-day he is the possessor of a very valuable farm, which is the visible evidence of his life of industry.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miars has been born one son, FreiULint, who attended the common schools, was graduated in the high school of \\'ilmington. then attended the Wilmington College and also spent two years as a student in the National Normal Uni\ersity. He sjient a year and a half in \'irginia. but with the exception of that period has always resided with his parents, and now largely relieves his father of the care and labi>r of the home farm. He was married in February, 1893, to Miss Cora Bryce, of Spring \^alley, and to them has been born a daughter, Mary r^Iargaret. The father and son are both stanch Republicans and occupy a leading place as representative agriculturists of the community. Mr. Miars of this review has passed the seventyfourth milestone on life's journev, and well does he deserve the uniform respect which is extended him. He has faithfully performed his duties, with due regard for the rights of his fellow men, and in this portion of Ohio he has a large circle of friends.

Jesse S. Painter

.\o history of Greene county would be complete without mention of the Painter family. An entire century has passed since the first representatives of the name established a home in this locality. Great, indeed, was the difference in the conditions of the count}- at that time tlian what it is at tlie present time. Its forests were uncut, the trees standing in their primeval strengtli. The streams were unliriilged and tliere were few Iiouses to inchcate that the pioneer had made his wav into this wild region to reclaim the land for purposes of civilization.

The great-grandparents of our subject were David and Patsey (Faulkner) Painter, whi> were probably natives of \'ir,ginia. Emigrating westward, they located in W'aynesville. \\'arren county, Ohio, where together with other Quaker families tliey settled in the spring of 1802. They rode on horseback into the township of Caesarscreek and settled about one-half mile north of Paint ersville. although there was no town there at that time and this entire portion of the ciiuntrv was known as the Northwest Territory. There in the midst of the forest the great-grandfather of our subject cleared a little patch of ground, planted potatoes and corn ami built a cabin. In the fall the father and mother returned but left their children, Jesse and Hannah, in this county. It required a close watch to keep the Indians fmni stealing the girl because .she was the first white child they e\er "saw. In the spring, however, the ]3arents returned and s])ent their remaining days upon the nM homestead which was here developed. Their children were Hannah, Jesse, Thomas and Jacol).

Je.sse Painter, the grandfather of our sul)ject. was born in Virginia and pursued his education in an old time log schoolhouse. Pie li'.ed the life of a farmer and passed away upon the old homestead Septemlier i^. 1867. He it was wdio laid out the village of Paintersville. the place taking its name from its founder. As the years passed he laljored to cultivate and improve his land, and in course of time developed a good farm. Like his father, he had assisted in the work of improvement and progress at an earlv day and his efforts were of much avail in promoting the general improxement. He married Elizabeth Smitli and unto them were lx)rn the following named : Rachel ; David; .Samuel, who is living in Henry county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-three years; Martha; Mordecai : Rebecca: Theressa; Joseph, who is living in Xewton, Kansas ; and Hannah, who married John Lewis and resides in Clinton county, Ohio.

Da\id Painter, the father of our subject, was born near the town of Paintersville, - Greene county. At the usual age he began his education and the temple of learning was a little log structure, but he ma.stered the branches of learning taught in such institutions and when a young man he became a teacher, following that profession until his marriage, being employed in this capacity in \arious parts of this county. He wedded Miss ^lary Frazier and then turned his attention to farming upon the place which is now the home of his son, Jesse S. He erected a house and barn, getting out the lumber for them himself. As the years passed his efforts brought to him an excellent return for liis labor. He continued the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and in course of time his farm l:)ecame a valuable uroperty. In his political \-iews he was a Republican and both he and his wife were identified with the Society of Friends or Quakers. In their family were eight children : Deborah S., who is the witlow of Mordecai \\'alker and resides in Caesarscreek township; Berthena, wife of William Davis, of Marion, Indiana; Lydia, deceased;

Jesse S. ; ^iary Frances, the deceased wife of I^avid Parlott; Moses F., who is living in Indiana; Martlia. tiie wife of Samuel Faulkner, a resilient of Caesarscreek township; and David, who lives in Spring \'aliey township. The father died in 1863 at the age of furt}-h\e \ears and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1897, at the age of seventy-seven years, their remains being interred in the family Inu'ying grouml at the h'riends" church, where the cjther members of the Painter familv also lie buried. Throughout one hundred years connection with (ireene county representatives of the name have been well known agriculturists here, and their labors have resulted largely to the benefit of the general community as well as to their individual success.

Jesse S. Painter, whose name introduces this record, was born on the old Paintersvillc road. December 11. 1S50, an<l has al- Avays resided in this county, living on the old homestead with the exceptif)n of one vear. He pursued his education in the public schools and throughout his life has carried on farming. In 1874 he wedded Miss Lydia Faulkner, who died the following year and was laid to rest in Xenia cemetery. On the 25th of January. 1883. he wedded Irena McXair, a native of this county, and three children have blessed this union : ^lorris E., R(>\- D. and P>ertha L. Both are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Paintersville. and in his ])olitical views Mr. Painter is a Republican, but has never been a pr)litician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has eighty-five acres of hue farming land and continues its cultivation in addition to stock-raising. The town of Paintersville stands as a monument to the enterprise of the family. Throughout an entire century the name has been closely interwoven with the county's history as the development from primitive conditions to the latter-day ]irogress has been made. Mr. Painter is a worthy representative of the family, and his interest in all that pertains to the general good is manifested by his active co-operation.

Sanuiel T. Mitchell, who became well known in educational circles and whose work was of great benefit, especially to the colored people, attained distinction in the line of his chosen profession and was known as a man of strong force of character as well as of marked individuality and superior intellectuality. He was born September 24, 1851, in Toledo, Ohio, his parents being David and Xanc\' A. Mitchell. Between the ages of six and thirteen years he pursued his education in the public schools of Cleveland. Cincinnati and Walnut Hills. On the 4th of October, 1864, he entered Wilberforce University and on the ist of February, 1865, he became converted and from that time forward devoted much of his time to the advancement of the cause of Christianity. He aided in organizing and naming the Sodalian Society, and advancing in his studies he at length became a teacher in the university. He attained his education in the face of many difficulties and obstacles. In order to meet the expenses of his college course he \vorked uix»n the farms in the \icinity. but was at length graduated with the highest honors on the completion of the course in June, 1873.

S. T. Mitchell, Ll. D.

For tuo years thereafter Professor Mitchell engaged in teaching in Wilmingtiin. Ohio, and subseqnently became principal of the Lincoln Institnte at JetYerson City, Missonri. where he was paid two thousand dollars annually. He aided in organizing the Colored State Teaciiers' Association and was its first president. He also drew up and secured the passage of a bill which opened the dnors in St. Louis, Kansas City and elsewhere to colored teachers. In 1875 Professor Mitchell was licensed by the .African Methodist Episcopal church to preach and gave considerable time to the work of the ministry in addition to his labors in the school room. For five years he served as principal of one of the schools of Springfield, Ohio. His work as an intellectual and moral educator was so closely interwoven from this time forward that it is almost impossible to s])eak of one without the other. He served as a lay delegate to the general conference at Baltimore, in 1884, and was the author of the Endowment Day and general educational scheme under which the African Methodist Episcopal church Connection has since operated. In 1884 he was also elected president of Wilberforce University and filled that position continually for about sixteen years. He saw the institution double its attendance and also its property value, while the endowment was likewise largely increased and the animal income became a gratifying one. Professor Mitchell planned and secured under statute the organization of the state normal and the industrial department at the university, which receives liberal support from the state of Ohio.

luu'ing the Doctor of Laws degree conferred upon him by the State University of Kentucky in 1889. He was also oppointcd b) L'nited States Commissioner Harris as a vice-president of the l^^ducational Congress at the Columbian Exposition. Under his direction Wilberforce University was represented at Xew Orleans, at the New Orleans E.xposition ; at the World's Fair in Paris ; and at the World's Columbian Exix)sition in Chicago, where a special award was given him. He was presitlent of the National Colored Teachers' Association at the time of his death. In June. 1900, on account of his health he resigned the presidency of the Wilberforce Uni\ersity. He had accunuilated an estate valued at alxnit eighteen thousand dollars although he started out in life a jjoor man. working his own way through school and throug-h the world. He had to br)rri;)\\ m(ine\- to buy a suit in which to appear at the graduating e.xerciscs. but he possessed strong determination and indomitable courage and steadily he advanced. Although a very generous man, .giving freely to many causes each year, he accpiired a good home and his progress was continuous along lines of intellectual and moral development.

On the 24th of June, 1876. Professor Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Mahina Fairfax, and to them were born six children: Mrs. Ethel McGee, who has one child, Juanita: Charles F.. a corporal in the Twenty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, of the Philippines: Lottie P.; Bessie Irene; Samuel L., and O'Neil T. Mrs. Mitchell was educated in Avery College in Pennsylvania, and at Wilberforce University, and while there she married Mr. Mitchell. For about nine 3'ears she was a teacher. Professor Mitchell passed away April 11, 1901, and was laid to rest in Tarlx)x cemeten.-. His life was a noble and upright one. lielpful in its influences and leaving its impress upon many with whom he came in contact. His aid was ever given to movements for the general good and for the uplifting of humanity and his entire life was devoted to work which proved of great benefit to others. Well does he deserve mention in this volume and with pleasure we present to our readers the life record of one wh<im to know was to respect and honor.

Bishop Bexjamix F. Lee. D. D.

This eminent scholar and divine, the son of Abel any Sarah Lee, was lx)rn in Gouldtown, New Jersey. September i8, 1841. He attended the public schools of his native town, where he finished a primary education. In 1865 he made his appearance at Wilberforce University in search of further knowledge. Being pnor. he did not enter as a regular student, but received private instruction from the faculty, in the meantime supporting himself by working the university land and taking care of the horses. He was a member of the first theological class organized in connection with Wilberforce. and after a .severe and prolonged struggle with poverty and its concomitant hindrances graduated in the theological department in 1872 as valedictorian of his class. During his entire course he mainly suppf)rted himself alternating his efforts between manual labor and teaching.

He joined the African Methodist Ei)iscopal church in 1862; was licensed to preach in 1868 by the Xenia, Ohio, Quarterly Conference; was ordained a deaciin in 1870 and was ordained an elder in Shelbyville. Kentucky. Thursday. October 3. 1872. The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop J. M. Brown from second Corinthians, fifth chajrter and twentieth verse. It was an able and forceable presentation of the nature, dutv and responsibilities of the ministerial office. Benjamin F. Lee, Thomas Dimeghy and Silas Crawford were ordained elders and Robert Turner and Charles B. Harris were ordained deacons.

In 1873 he married Mary A. .\she, oi Mobile. Alabama, who graduated with honors in that year from \\'ilberforce L'niversity. In 1873 '^^ ^^'i-'' ai>pointed to the chair of i)astoral theolog}-. homiletics and ecclesiastical history in Wilberforce made vacant by the resignation of Professor T. H. Jackson. This position he held until 1876. when, upon the resignation of Bishop Payne as president of ^^'ilberforce L'niversity, and on the reconunendation of the general conference, which met in Atlanta, Georgia, 1876, he was elected by the trustee board in June, ])residcnt, which office he held until June, 1884. His administration was wide, humane and successful. It was an era of peace and goodwill between the faculty and students, and no time in the history of the university has it enjoyed a greater success than during the administration of Benjamin F. Lee.

He was a memlacr of the general conference in 1876 and 1S80 and at the general conference, which assembled in Baltimore, May, 1884, \vas elected editor of the Christian Recorder. Tie made an excellent report at the general conference of 1888. at Indianapolis. Indiana, and was re-elected and continued to edit the paper and reported

In 1880 he was associated witli Dr. J- (i. Mitchell and Rev. R. A. Johnson to bear tlie fraternal greetings of the general conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also elected by the general conference of 1880 a delegate to the Ecumenical conference of Alethodists, w hicli met in London, England, September isl, and was cliosen by the western section of the general Ecumenical committee of 1884, embracing the American continent and islands, a member of the permanent committee of arrangements. His literary productions ha\e l)een extensive. He contributed an article to the "W'eslev Memorial Volume," a work edited by Rev. J. C. A. Gark, D. D., published by Phillips & Hunt, of New York. He has also written an introduction to "Outlines of our History and Government." by Rev. B. T. Tanner, D. D. As a linguist, he is the best production of the church's intellectual development, being ac(|uaiute(l with six different languages.

Dr. C. S. Smith says, when we come to measure the mental calibre of Bishop Lee, present and irrespective, we must first take into account the massiveness of his brain, which in size and weight is far above the average antl marked by great frontal expansion and prominence. His brain fibres are of great firmness and contain but little of the sensational elements, while the cells of the hardier and more compact form, which ex'olve thought processes slowly but substantialh-. His intellect is of keen, penetrating kind that pushes beyond the surface into the de]>ths of things, and that strips the planes of speculative inipiiry of their fascinating exterior and foliage and grasps for tiie root and ground of their foundation. He is a persistent and profound thinker. He is strong in logic, clear in analysis, and Fucid, though somewhat verbose in expression. A wider contact with the keen, cutting activities of busy, outside life will give him greater terseness of speech. In these whirling circles he will acquire the power of contraction, which is necessary to balance that of expansion, which he now possesses. His intellectual development has taken place under rather peculiar circumstances. He has been measurably shut in from the larger scenes and activities of life. He has been confined within a circle too narrow to admit of a broad unfolding of the genius and strength of his native mental endowments. The giant forces of his intellect will not appear until they have heard the tap of the drums that resoiuid in the widening circles of inspiring, associated forces. Like the resurrected T^zarus, his friends need to "loose him and let him go."

The development of his moral consciousness has been along the line of true manly instincts, and the highest and purest teachings of moral ethics. He has taken on all those higher '.irtues and moral forms that are embraced in the one word - Purity. Hence his character is unassailable and above reproach, and he is a model of chaste and upright conduct.

His social manner is uniformly affable and courteous. He is easily approached; of a gentle disposition, somewhat passive; a ready and interesting conversationalist, and always instructive. As a man, a scholar, a Christian and a toiler for the elevation of the race no words of praise can be bestowed on him tluit are not ileseived. To the young and aspiring he is a noble example of what can be accomplished by the sheer force of - I will. .After years of conflict with extreme ])overty and nant. and with nothing but his own stout heart anil implicit confidence in God to cheer anil strengthen him. he has turned the oasis of ad\erse circumstances into a place that is now fragrant with the aroma of his well achieved laurels. It was said of ['resident Garfield that he went "from the tow-path to the White House," and it mav be said of the suliject of our sketch that he went from an hostler's place to a college president's chair, where he sat for eight years the Xestor of all active, colored, American, Christian educator; distinguished in position: sublime in modesty.

Such was the tribute of Dr. C. S. Smith in 188,4, and we heartily endorse all that has been said and trust that the admonition and advice to the young will be heeded, and call attention to the projihetic portion of the tribute paid him. From personal knowledge we know that he has more than filled the mould during his services as editor of the Christian Recorder, and by the success that has attended his episcopal labors. Xo words of praise can add to his statue of worth either as a Christian, educator, reformer or Bishop.

At the general conference, which met in May, 1892, Philadelphia, he was elected bishop, May 14. and ordained May 19, 1892. by Bishops D. A. Payne, \\'. J. Gaines and Abi^aham Grant, assisted by EKlers W. JJohnson, of Ohio, J. B. Stansberry, of Phijadel])hia, T. H. Jackson, \\'. H. Brown, of Pittsburg, T. C. Denbam, of Texas, and A. .\. ^^'illiams, of .Arkansas, and was appointed to the tenth l-'.piscopal district, composed of tb.e Texas, west Texas, northeast Texas, central Texas, Louisiana, north Louisiana ami California conferences, and !)y the autln.ril}- of the general conferences organized the Puget Sound annual conference. These conferences covered the states of Louisiana. Texas. California. Washington, Oregon. Xe\'ada and Idaho, and a portion of British Xorth .\merica. This district emltraced more territory than the kingdom of Solomon, and (iod gave the bishop liealth and strength to visit his work during the Ouadrenninm. By his instructive lectures and gosiiel ijreaching he aroused the people to take a deeper interest in the cause of education and temperance, and induceil many to join the army of right against wrong. The i)resi(ling elders were to him what Aaron and Hur were to Moses, they held up his hands while executing the law, while the pastors walked with him up the mount of Transfiguration, where the law, gos])el and prophet met together, and the voice from the cloud of history were heard to say: "These are my beloved sons in whom I am well pleased."

Paul Ouinn College had the benefit o. the experience of the presiding bishop. The theological department was organized, and a system of theological correspondence, corrcsiKinding with the Itinerant conrse constituted.

The men of the district, the peojjle of the district had a higher conception of their duty tlian they ever had before. The fraternal relations between the denominations were cordial and jjleasant. Conference reciprocity was exchanged by bishops and conferences, and the seed sown during his Qu.'idrennium will yield a rich harvest for God and the race.

The Harper Institute at Baton Rouge made a nol^le figlit and succeeded because the ministers and niemliers of the Louisiana conierence resoKed tliat it should succeed and not be lost.

He is now president of the board of trustees of Wilberforce University, president of Payne's Theological Seminary and president of the Corresponding Sciionl of Theology of die church, also president of the board of education and is now directing and controlling- the moral and religious forces of more men, women and children than any man of the race. His past record is a prophecy for the future success of the trust reposed upon him by the general conference. If he receives the hearty co-operation and support, Pavne"s Theological Seminary will wicUl an influence in the future beyond the most sanguine expectation of its founder and benefactor.

At the general conference in ]S()fi. held at Wilmington, North Carolina, he was appointed to the third Episcopal district, consisting of the Ohio, North Ohio and Pittsburg annual conferences. It was in this border that the first resolution looking to an educated ministry was ever passed by an annual conference. It was in this celebrated district that tlie first school and manual labor farm was purchased and organized in 1845 near Columbus, Ohio. It was in this district that Bishops Payne, James A. Shorter and Dr. John G. Mitchell laid the foundation of our magnificent educational system by the purchase of Wilberforce University. It is fortunate we ha\e one at the head of our educational work and who was raised and trained by the leaders of the church and race, one who has been able to take the pruiciples of African Methodism, and whose

\ery being is saturated with the hopes of our future and inspired by their lives to trium[>h over every opposition and bear the standard of manhood Christianity on to certain victories.

After man\- years of honorable and active connection with agricultural pursuits J. C. Sims is now living retired in Spring Valley. He was born in Mount Holly, Warren county, Ohio, December 8, 1839, his parents being (ieorge and Sarah E. ( Buckles) Situs. The father, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came with his parents, John and I'lizabeth Sims, to Ohio, the familv becoming early settlers of Warren county. They located upon a farm <^n which George Sims was rearetl, but in early life he learned the omper's trade in Mount Holly, and there carried on business for man\ years. He also engaged in huckstering at the same time. He lived to be more thrm seventy years of age and throughout his long life commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. In his family were fom'teen chihlrcn, all of \\hom reached years of matm'ity and tweh-e are still living. Those who have passed away had married and reared families.

J. C. Sims, whose name iiUroduces this record, attended the public schools in early life, and when about fourteen years of age began working in his father's shop, where he was employed until twenty-two years of age. From the time of his marriage in 1861 until 1864 he was employed in the extensive coopering department of the large factory of Barrett & \\'alton. In the latter vear.

however, he put aside Imsiness cares and personal considerations and joined the oneliunched-day men, enHsting in Company G. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment of Oliio X'ohintecrs. The command took part in tlie l)attle at Xew Creek, Init during that engagement he was sent to a block liouse to guard a bridge. After about four months at the front he returned to Ohio and again entered the e!n|)Ioy of his former firm, remaining tliere for three years. With tlie capital he had thus acquired through his industry and economy he in\ested in land, becoming owner of seventy-five acres, which is still in his possession.

On the 1 2th of Alay, i86i, Mr. Sims was married to Miss Nancy Ellen Smith, of Spring \'alley. and unto them were born two sons. George, who married .Alice Underwood, by Mhom he has three children, is a printer l)y trade, and resides in Spring Vallev. Morris, the younger son, married Minnie Riley, by whom he has one child, and Hieir home is also in Spring X'alley. In February, 1S70, Mr. Sims was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. He was again married, on the i6th of February, 1871, his second union being with Mrs. Frances (Sanders) Byrd, a daughter of Jes.se and Cassandra (Bell) Sanders. She was born in Bellbrook Jnne 8, 1835, ^"^1 ^^"'is first married to Jackson Byrd, by whom she had three children: George, of Dayton, wedded Flizabeth Smith and has si.x children; F.lla M. is the wife of Thaddeus Alien, of Spring \alley. by whom she has two children : and Mary B. died February 23, 1888. Mr. Byrd died in Callaway county. Missouri, in 1860, having removed to that place in 1855. .\fter his death his widow returned to Ohio. By the second marriage there has been born two children; William, who wedded Stella Penn_\\\ it, by whom he has two children, Raymond and Leon, their home being upon his father's farm; and Charles Clifford, who died in his twentyfirst year.

In his political aftiliations Mr. Sims is a Democrat, voting for the party since casting his fir.st presidential ballot for Douglas in i860. The fathers of both Mr. and ^Irs. Sims were members of the Society of Friend, and our subject and his wife have become identified with the congregation of that denomination in Spring Valley. ^Slr. Sims belongs to Byrd Post, G. A. R.. of Spring Valley. It was named for William H. Byrd. a brother of his wife's first husband, who was the first soldier of Spring Valley who was killed in the Civil war. Mr. Sims attended the National Grand Army encami)ment in Cincinnati and in Indianapolis. He enjoys the good will and friendship of many of his comrades of the "nine and is a citizen of worth who well deserves mention in this volume.

The migratory spirit so strongly noticeable in many sections of the country is manifest in Ohio rather for its absence, for it is a remarkable fact that a large portion of the native born sons of this state have retained their residence within its borders throughout their entire lives. Such a one is Mr. Holloway, whose birth occurred in January, 1824. in Madison township, Clark county, where he lived until he had attained his majority, acquiring his education in the log sclKioUiouse of that locality. His parents were Isaiah and Sarah ( McOuality) Holloway. The father was born in \'i;- ginia, and when a young man came to Ohio, settling in Chillicothe, where he remained lor a ninnl^er of years. He then went to Clark county and carried on farming in ]\Iadison township. His remaining days were spent in that county, where lie passed away at the age of seventy-six years. His religious faith connected him with the Methodist church, while his political belief was in li.-irniony with the princi]5les of the Re- ])nblican ])art\'. His wife survived him for se\cral years and died on the old inmiestead in Clark county at the age of seventy-four years. She had belonged also to the Methodist church and was a ladv who possessed many excellent traits of character. Unto this worthy couple were born seven children, of whom two are yet living. Isaiah being the second in order of birth. His sister. Elizabeth, is now the widow of Le\i Warner, who was a resident of Cedarville, Ohio.

Mr. Holloway came to Greene count\- about if^fi.T. and has since lived upon the farm which he yet owns and operates. He purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres of land which was then partially improved, but be afterward erected a good residence and barn and here he has since lived. The place is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and everxthing about his farm is neat and thrifty in appearance, thtts manifesting the careful supervision of the progressive owner. ]Mr. Hollowax' has also purchased the old homestead consisting of one hundred and thirty acres.

and Sarah (Waller j Tindall, who resided in Clark county, but both are now deceased. Her mother was a member of the Methodist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Holloway have been born six children, but Orleans died at the age of fourteen years, and Clara died at the age of five years. Lander is a resident farmer of Nebraska. Howanl resides u])on the old home place in Clark county. Charles makes bis home at Selma. Ilia is yet under the parental roof.

.Mr. Holloway votes with the Republican party, but is content to end his political actixitv there. sa\e that he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the da\-. He and his wife are members of the ]\retbodist church and he is ser\'ing as one of its trustees. In his life he has manifested many of the sterling characteristics of his Scotch ancestry, being thrifty. ])ersevering and enterprising, and to-da\-. as a result of these elen;ents in his make-up. he is a well-to-do resident of Cedar\-ille township, and has the res])ect of the leading people of the communilv.

The nian of wealth is not the one whom the American citizens hold in highest regard, but he mIio can plan his own advancement and accomplish it in the face of competition and obstacles that are alwaxs to be met in the business world. The "captains of industry" are those \\hose business foresight can recognize opportunity and whose executive force can utilize advantages which are not given to one alone, but perhaps encompass the whole race. The life history of JmIui p. Steele is simply that of a successful business man wlio owes his advancement to close a])plication, energy, strong determination and executive ability. He has never allowed outside pursuits to interfere with the performance of business duties or the meeting of anv business obligations, and thus he stands to-day one of the prosperous residents of Xenia, strong in his honor and his good name. }f e is the secretary and general manager of the Hooven & Allison Company, and many other enterprises of the city owe their successful conduct largely to his wise counsel and business judgment.

Mr. Steele is a native of Greene county, ha\ ing been born in .\lpha. Xove;nl)cr 4. 1855. his parents being David and Mary ( Harbine) Steele. His paternal grandfather was John Steele, of whom mention is made in the historical section of this work. He was born in \'irginia in 1809 and with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. El^enezer Steele, came to Greene county as early as 1830, the faniiU' settling in Beavercreek township, where the grandfather of our subject engaged in farming. John Steele also began life as a farmer, but after some years became interested in an oil mill as a member of the firm of Steele & Kershner. They carried on an e.\"tensi\e lousiness in the manufacture of linseed oil. After a time Mr. Kershner .sold his interest to John Harbine, the grandfather of our subject, and the firm style of Steele & Harbine was then assumed. This relation was maintained until 1871, when the senior partner retired and removed to Xenia. where he became one of the directors of the First Xational Bank of that city. In his jjolitical views he was first a Whig, supporting the party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. He held membership in the Reformed church and was one of its elders. His wife bore the maiden name of ^lary Ankeney, and was a daughter of one of the pioneer settlers of Greene county. In the year 1882 John Steele departed this life and his wife passed away in 1889.

Their only child, David Steele, acquired a public-school education, and afterward spent two years as a student in Oxford College, at Oxford, Ohio. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Marv Elizalieth Harbine. and soon afterward they located in Elotimfield, Davis county, Iowa, taking up their abode there in 1856. Mr. Steele was interested in farming in the west until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when he offered his services to the government as a defender of the Union cause> enlisting in the" Third Iowa Infantry, in which he was made first sergeant. After two years' service he was discharged on account of ill health and returned to Greene county. Ohio. About si.x weeks later, when he had sufiiciently recuperated, he organized what became Company E. of the Xinety-fourth Ohio \'olunter Infantry, and was commissioned its captain. With his command he went to the front and at the l>attle of Stone River, on the 15th of December, 1862, he was wounded and died from the eflfects of his injuries on the 15th of January, 1863. His wife had passed away about 1859, leaving two children: John D., of this review, and Augusta F., now the wife of W. T. Poagiie.

John D. Steele, having been left an orphan, made his home with his paternal grandparents, and in the common schools he pursued his preliminary education, which was afterward supplemented by study in the high .school of Xenia and in the Uni- versity of Woostcr. ;il W'ooster, Ohio, where he was graduated in llie class of 1877 witli tlie degree of Bachelor of Arts. He also took a business course, and later in the same year he entered the office of his uncle, J. H. Harbine, a dealer in grain and tlour hi Xenia, remaining with him until .April, 1S81. At that time Mr. Steele entered upon an independent business venture, purchasing the interest of M. C .Mlison in the wholesale house of Allison, Eavey & Carson, at which time the firm name was changed to Eavey, Carson & Steele. Another change occurred in Jul}' of the same year, when the business style of Eavey & Company was assumed, Mr. Steele remaining as an active member of the house. An extensive and successful business was carried on, to which result Mr. .Steele contributed his full share until Jul}-, 1 888, when he sold his interest and became a member of the Hooven & .Allison Compan}', of which he was also one of the incorporators. He was elected as secretary and general manager and also became a member of the board of directors. This compajiy was incorporated for three hundred thousand dollars and purchased the old plant on West Second street. The business of manufacturing cordage was then begun. The new company also Ijought out what was known as the plant of the Ohio Cordage Company and also enlarged and increased its capacity. The plant of the Xenia Cordage Company was also added to their enterprise and the company is now operating it as a successful commercial twine mill. In the various plants employment is fiirnished to about five hundred people - the largest numljer of employes in the service of any one company in Greene county. Thus a very successful and extensive business has been carried on, the trade constantl}- increasing, while the output is sent into all sections of the country. The main office is located in Xenia, with branch offices and warehouses at Kansas City and Minneapolis. The firm is represented liy locrd agents at different points. Until 1901 a factory was also conducted in Zanesville, Ohio, where one hundred operatives were employed. Mr. Steele has extensive business interests in other lines. In 1889 he organized the Steele, Hop- .kins & Meredith Company, incorporated, and bought the old business of B. F. Funk & Company, of S])ringfield, Ohio, since conducting a successful business there as wholesale grocers. He is also connected with the Electric I-ight Company, and in 1896 he erected the finest office building in Xenia, known as the Steele block. It is a fire proof, Steele structure, built in the most modern style of architecture and with all of the latest impro\ements and acces.sories. Three of its floors are devoted to oiilice purposes, while the fourth and fifth fioors have been leased to the Masonic fraternity. This building is a credit to the city as well as a monument to the business ability oi the owner.

On the i8th of January, 1893, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miriam E. Yockey, of Xenia, a daughter of the Rev. S. B. Yockey, now pastor of the Eighth Avenue Ref(irmed church, of Columbus, Ohio. Cnto our subject and his wife have been born three children : John Daniel ; Margare Elinor ; and Florence Miriam. Mr. Steele belongs to Xenia Lodge, X'^o. 49, F. & A. M.; Xenia Chapter, R. A. M., and to the Reformed church of Xenia, in which he is serving as an elder. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, btit would never consent to hold office. He lias had no taste for political life, even if Iiis l)usiness interests would permit him to enter it. hut during his active career he has held many important relations to the public interest, through the lousiness enterprise he has conducted. He has never sought to tigure personally before the public in any light i>r in any relation, but has always been deeply interested in the social, moral and industrial mo\ements of the commiuiitv.

Captain Moses Walton

A new cha])ter has been added to American history at a recent date and one which reflects great credit upon the nation. It chronicles the military and naval strength of the country and shows that the United States has ' won a place among the great powers of the world. This result comes from the aggregate endeavor of many bra\'e men who at their covuitry's call went forth to aid in carrying out the doctrine which says that no foreign ])0\\er shall encroach upon the liberties of the people of the new world. Captain Walton certainly won distinction through his military service which was of great benefit to his native land.

He was born in what is now the village of Spring \'alley, December 2/. 1846. his parents being Moses and Rachel ( Ragan ) Walton. His boyhood days were sjient in the \illage. the father owning a farm there upon which the Captain was reared. After acfpiiring his elementary education in the district schools he later became a student in Spiceland Academy of Henry county. Indiana, an institution which at the present time is conducted under the supervision of the Society of Friends. After years there passed Captain \\'alton returned to his home pnd a few months later he and his father established a mill for the manufacture of flax tow in 1866. The following year he and his father established a mercantile store and also continued the manufacture of tow. In 1869 they extended the field of their labors by engaging in the manufacture of bagging, successfully conducting all three enterprises. From 1868 until 1891 he and his brother were also interested in the pork packing business in connection with their father and Mr. Barrett. In 1872 they closed their store and in 1881 the bagging mill was destroyed by fire, and tb.ey did not again assume business alorig that line but continued to engage in pork packing. In 1883,. however. Captain Walton withdrew from the business and went to Trebein to take charge of the wheat department until 1 SS~. In that year he purchased the oil mill in Spring \'alley. conducting the same until 1897. when he accepted a clerkship in the office of the postoffice inspector at Cincinnati. He was empinyed in that capacity until the 23th of May, 1898. when he was appointed captain in the quartermaster's department of the First Brigade. Second Division. First Army Corps, for service in the Spanish-American war. and was at Chickamauga and at Camp Poland, Knoxville, Tennessee. When the army was re-organized he was made quartermaster of the First Brigade of the First Division of the First .\rmy Corps. In October the brigade was ordered to Cancti S]iiritus. Cuba, and he was the first quartermaster located in the Santa Clara l)r(>vince, where he remained for three nvmths. The brigade was then broken up an<l lie was ordered to Cienfuegus as assistant of the cliief quartermaster of tlie province of Santa Clara and Matanzas, under (ieneral John C. Hates. After five monihs there passed Captain Walton was ordered to Xew ^'ork citv tn go on a transport as cajjtain, (|uarierniaster and commissary. He was in the transport ser\ice for two years, first as (juartermaster on the Di.xie, on which he made a trip from New York to Matanzas. Havana and Cienfuegus, returning- thence to Xew York. Later he was transferred to the transpnrl liurnside, which was the only large prize captured from the Spaniards, it formerly liaxing been the transport Rita. He has a very interesting- relic captured fmui the Spaniards at that time which was found in the vessel. He was on the transport at the time when the teachers in Cuba were brought to Boston and in his jiossession has a diar_\- which was kept on the voyage by the superintendent of the model schools of Ceinfuegiis - Sanfrisc(i Castro - which was written in Spanish, but has been translated into linglish. Cajnain Walton paid the teachers at Cienfuegus f(jr two months' ser\ices. This was the first money they had recei\cd fnr a ])eriod of three years and three months, ;uiil the money which was given them on the ist of March, icSgg, was gratefully received. They we; e ])ai(l in greenbacks, which was the first money of the kind thev had ever seen.

In July, 1900. Captain Walton was transferred to the Seilgwick and was in connnand until the 21st of October of the same year, when he was transferred to the Buforcl. remaining in charge of that transport until the ist of May. 1901. He cros.sed the ocean to Gibraltar, niade his way to the Island i)f Malta, to Port Said, and through the Suez Canal, thence on to Colombo and the Isle of Ceylon. At Singapore the vessel did not anchor because of cholera at that i)lace. but continued on to Manila, the trip consuming fifty-one days. Captain Walton spent over two niMUths in Manila and then returned on the Lkifnrd. bringing with him the Twenty-seventh United States Regiment to San Francisco. Going out, he never lost a man. At San Francisco he gave up his command and went to Washington in order to work u])on his papers. If the history of his naval .service was tnl 1 in detail it would furnish many an interestins: and e.xcitinsT chapter. He is thoroughly familiar with the modern methods of naval warfare and pro\ed himself a most loyal soldier.

On the _'5th of September. iSOj, the Captain was united in marriage to Miss Ellen r>. Hep ford, of Spring Valley. She was burn in Uaytui-:, a daughter of J. \V. and Elizabeth (Hess) Hepford. The\- mnv ha\e seven children : John Edward, a farmer of S])ring \'alley; Bessie R., the wife of K. C. \ an \\ inkle, a teacher in the ])ublic schools of Sjjring \'allev ; J. T., who in 1899 becanie justice of the peace, being the youngest incumbent that has ever filled that office iti Ohio; Rosella, the wife uf .\. E. Wright, of Dayton ; Samuel M.. a student in Dayton; Joseph H., who is attending .school in Spring Valley; and Mary L., who completes the fannly.

The Captain has been a stanch Republican since casting his first presidential vf)te for Grant in 1868, and has served as a men-,l)er of the city council of Spring V^'dley. He is a member of the Society of Friends, and his people all adhere to that faith. Such in brief is the life history of Moses Walton. In whatever relation of life we fintl him - in tlie government ser\ice, in political circles, in business or in social relations - he is always the same honorable and honored gentleman, whose worth well merits the high regard which is uniformly gi\"en him.

Fraxcis Grixxell

Francis Grinnell is one of the early settlers and leading and influential citizens of Miami township, and as the qualities of an upriglit manhocxl are numbered among his salieiu characteristics he well deserves mention among the representative men of Greene county. He was born in X'ew Bedford, Massachusetts, Xovember 5. 18.21, a son of Cornelius and FJiza ( Russell) Grinnell. The father was also born in Xew Bedford and there spent almost his entire life with Ih.e exception of a few years, during which he was engaged in business in Xew ^'ork. His father was a captain in the n^erchant marine service and Cornelius Grinnell also engaged in shipping and in the whaling trade. He died at the comparatively early age of forty years. The mother of our suljject had passed away previously and the father iiad married a sister of his first wife. The (Irinnell family in religious faith were originally Friends.

P'rancis ' h-innell silent the entire peri::iil of iiis minority in tlie place of his nativity. He was educated in the academy at South Kings-ton, Rhode island, and afterward at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and for one year was a student at \\'ell College at Jamaica Plains, near Boston. After completing his education he entered the counting room of liis lirother at Xew Bedford, but remained onlv a sliort time, after which, until twentvone years of age, he traveled from place to place, iK-ing employed in various ways. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm near Xew Bedford. This had formerlv been an island, but was dyked in by his father, wiio purchased the land in 1812. Mr. Grinnell of this review remained upon his farm and continued its- cultivation until 1855. when he sold that property and came to Ohio with his family, settling at Yellow Springs, in Miami township. For two years he resided there and then purchased a tract of land of one hundred anil sixty-eight acres in Miami township. This he improved. i)lacing it under a high state of cultivation. He tlien purchased one hundred and forty acres more and added to the farm from time to time until he now owns something over three hundred and fifty acres. In 1862 he purchased of ^Mathew Conny the gristmill which he now operates. It was built in 1821 and is therefore one of the landmarks of the connnunity. Mr. Grinnell has operated the mill and engaged in farming ever since he mafle the purchase of the property, and is a worthy representative of the agricultural and industrial interests of the community. In 1846 in \\'ashington, D. C was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Grinnell and Miss IMarian Gales Johnson, a daughter of Robert and Winifred (Gales) Johnson, the former a native of Xorth Carolina. Mrs. Grinnell was a de\ out member of the Episcopal cliurch and a most estimable lady. Siie died upon the home farm in Miami township in 1893. leaving a family of eight children, while one had i)reviously passeil away. Cornelius H.. who owns a large ranch and is extensively engaged in raising cattle in Sheridan, \^'yl>ming. married Miss Sabiton and thev ha\e three children : Ma- lian W'., now deceased; Joseph and Lawrence. .\lt )na Holstein became the wife of Bailey Willis, a son of X. P. Willis, the poet, and ched leaving one child. Hope. Robert J., who is engaged in milling in South Carolina, is married and his children arc: P.urard. Kate, Reginald, and Ernest, who is deceased. Frank, who was born in Jvlassachusetts on the home farm, came to Greene county with his parents, and liere resided until looi, when he removed to Kentucky, where he is now engaged in farming. He married Miss Minnie Robinson, and they have one child, Catherine \\'inifred. Gales M., who follows farming in Miami townshi]), wedded Millie Goe and they ha\'e one child, Bailey W. Ernest, born in IMiami township, is married and resides in Sheridan. Wyoming. Xellie W. is at home. \\'illiam L., of Portland, Oregon, married Ethel Galloway and their children are: George and Francis M. Morton R. is assisting his father on the home farm. He married Ksther Kolp and their children are Marjorie, Malcolm M.. Ralph and Harold. For almost a half century Francis Grinnell has resided in Greene county and is well known to many of its citizens. He has always been an industrious, energetic man and in his business affairs has manifested the strictest integrity and fidelity to commercird ethics. Throughout the community he is held in high regard, and as one of the early settlers of ]\Iiaini township he well deserves menlion in this \'olunie.

S.Amuel M. Allison

ty|)e of .^anerican citi/.ens who contrilnite to the general prosperity while promoting individual success. Through the establisliment of important business interests he gave employment to a large number of workmen and thus the commercial activity was advanced. He possessed untiring industrv, was (piick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their e.xecution. He was energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and his popularity was well deserved, for in him were embraced the characteristics of an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags. Few men ccuild be more widely missed than Mr. Allison, of Xenia, whose long and honorable connections with business interests made him of wdue here.

Sanniel McXair .\llison was born in Shelby county. Ohio, in May, 1836. his parents being Samuel and Mary Allison. His early life was spent upon the home farm near Sidney and* in the district schools 11I the neighborhood he acquired his early education, which was later supplemented by study in Sidnew His father clied when he w^as a mere boy, and as soon as he was able to take his place in the business world he contributed largely to the support of his mother and sisters. He has three surviving sisters : !Mrs. Rebecca Hench. of Carlisle, Pennsylvania; ]\Iargaret R.. who resides with her brother; and Hester, the wife of J. S. Armstrong, of Xenia. William, wdio was a well known insurance agent of Xenia, recently died.

On the 15th of March, 1851, when not yet sixteen years of age, Mr. Allison secured employment as a clerk in the store of Allison & Townsley, the senior member being his brother, James Allison, while the junior member was T. V. Townsley. Our subject appHetl himself closely to mastering- the business, becoming a valued salesnian in the store, and in February. 1857, was admitted to a partnership. Upon the death of his brother, James, lie became the head of the establishment, the tirm name of Allison & Townsley being retainetl until 1889, when the firm disst)lved partnership and the enterprise was discontinued.

Before retiring from the dry-goods trade Mr. Allison had extended his efforts into other tieKIs of business activity, being one of the organizers of the Xenia Twine & Cordage Company, which became a i)rofitable concern. In company with others he took hold of the Xenia .Mill on the Cincinnati i)il<c and from a small concern it was developed under his direction until it became a flourishing institution. .\t length, however. Mr. Allison sold his interest and in partnership with Joseph X. l-'icld. now a ca])italist in luigland. organized the Field Cordage Coni])any. which erected a cordage plant in Xenia. The Cordage Trade Journal in an obituary written at the time of his death ga\e the following account of his business interests: ".Xfter it was operated for several years the Field Company's Binder Twine factory was leased in January. 1890, to the Xational Cordage Company for five years at the rental of forty-five thousand dollars a year. .At the same time Mr. .\llison made a contract not to engage in a com]ieting business, for which he was to receive six thousand dollars per annum. The National Company re]nidiated the contracts after living up to them for one year, and when suit was brought to enforce them the Ohio court decided they were null and voitl, being in restraint of trade. However, in

October, 1891. the Xational Company bought the Field Company's property for two hundre<l and forty thousand d(.)llars. ^Ar. Allison then became active in operalions independent of the Xational Cordage Company. Joining with Messrs. Hooven and C iambi e, of .Miamisburg, Ohio, he helped to launch the Hoo\'en& Gamble Company in the manufacturing of machinery for the manufacture of cordage. Mr. Allison being president of the c mipany from its incorp iration in 1892 until .\piil, 1900. In 1892 he was instrumental in organizing the Xorthweslern Cordage Company, which erected a plant in .St. Paul, Minnesota. Mr. Allison was vice-president and general manager, and his son, Lewis M. Allison secretary of that corporation. This companv was not successful, which was partly due to the misforttmes of imusual description. One of these was the falling of a roof that was hea\'ily weighted 1)_\' snow, the accident causing injuries to a number of employes, several of whom recovered verdicts for large sums, one being for twentv-eight thousand dollars, which was later set aside as excessive. On May 19, 1893. Charles S. Rogers, president of the Xorthwestern Company, committed suicide by jum]iing from the 'high' bridge over the Mississippi ri\er at St. Paul. He left a letter addressed to Mr. Allison, who ontinued an officer of the company until December. 1894. In January, 1895, Mr. .'vUison applied for the appointment of a receiver for the company, alleging that the corporation was insohent. <-)wing o\er two hundred thousand dollars, while its assets, held at three hundred thousand dollars, were not worth over fifty thousand. This application was denied, although the company's ofiicers admitted that money had been lost.

In September, 1898. the property was sold to the Northwestern Grass Twine Companx', and in March, 1899, the cordage machinery was sold to the Hooven & Allison Company of Xenia, Ohio, and the Columbian Cordage Company, of Auljurn, Xew York, in Septern])er, 1897. Mr. Allison purchased the Ohio, Xenia and Field Cordage mills in Xenia from the reorganization committee of [he United Slates Cordage Company, lie immediately sold the Ohio mill to the Hooven & Allison Company and later he sold the Xenia mill to C. X. Lupton. In October, 1898, the Field Twine & Cordage Com[jany, under the management of Mr. Allison, staiteil up the old Field works, making l.'inder iwinc for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, and the hard fibre machinery has operated steadily since then. Mr. Allison plamied to start the hem]) twine iilant last July. i)ut his illness prevented him from doing so."

Mr. Allison was certainly a man of great business enterprise and of undaunted perseverance and deserved great credit for what he accomplished. He looked beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future. He was always looking for opportunities and was quick to recognize a favorable one and use it. His keen discrimination, sound judgment, while they contributed to his own ad\-ancement, also promoted the general prosperit}'.

Mr. Allison was twice married, On the 15th of May, 1868, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Julia Myers and they l)ecame the parents of three children, who are yet liv'ing : Lewis, who assisted his father in the conduct of the cordage business : Jeanette and Albert. Mrs. Allison died on the ist of March, 1892. and for his second wife Mr.

.\llis(.)n chose Miss Louie Myers, a sister of hers for his wife, their marriage being celebrated in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the 25th of January, 1894. She still survives !ier husband. Like him, she shares in the high regard of many warm friends and has a large circle of acipiaintances in Xenia. Throughout the years of his manhood Mr. Allison took a deep and active interest in ever_\rhing pertaining to the public progress, and his hearty co-o])cration was given to many movements for the general good. His natural endowments were a quick and strong lemiicr and a warm heart, a gentle manner and a (|uiet courtesy. To control the first and to make his life the flf)wer and expression of the other traits was the task which nature assigned him. \\'e know nothing of the struggle, but were dail\' witnesses of the victory. Kindness was the motive of his life. He had a well-spring of afifection and a quick and generous sympathy which increased by giving. Like all who walk through life on a higher plane than the great majority of his fellows, his companionship was select, rather than large, but the many who looked u]) to and respected hiiu realized as fully as did the few who were nearer him that a true man had fallen.

John Ambuhl

John Ambuhl. deceased, was a factor in business circles in Xenia for many years and he had a w ide acquaintance in the city. He was born in Switzerland on the 15th of August, 1826. and was one of seven children, whose parents were Jacob and Rachel (Crup].)) Ambuhl. In the schools of his na- tive land he acquired liis education and when a young man he learned the weavers trade which he followed for a number of years, but he had very little opportunity to advance his business in his native country and he resolved to seek a home in the new world. having heard favorable rejxirts of the advantages here given to young men of ambition and determination. Accordingly in the year of 1854 he sailed for the United States, landing in Xew York. Later he made his way westward, taking up his abode in Greene county, and after arriving in Xenia he learned the butcher's trade. In 1858 he established a meat market which he conducted successfully until his death. He prospered in his undertakings for his business affairs were creditably managed and he put forth ever\- effort to please his customers. His prices were also reasonable and his work brought to him a good financial return.

On Xovember i6. 1858. Mr. Ambuhl w as united in marriage to Miss Eva Fisher, a daughter of Andrew Fisher, who followed farming for a livelihood. She was torn in Bavaria May 16. 1835, of which place her parents were also natives. With them she came to America when eight years old. the family first settling in Easton, Pennslvania, and ab<iut 1854 moving to Xenia. w here Mr. Fisher remained until his death. Thev. as well as .Mr. Ambuhl. were all members of the Reformed church. In the familv were six children. By her marriage Mrs. .Ambuhl became the mother of seven children : William T.. who represents his mother's business and is a wide-awake, progressive young man; Ida F. : Katie: Fannie B. ; Frank .\. : Carrie E., and Ella. The children all reside with their mother and the family is a highly respectetl one in the community, tiie members of the household occupying an enviable position in social circles. Mr. Ambuhl passed away on the 5th of September. 1887. He was a member of the Democratic party and strongly endorsed its principles. He was also identified w ith the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red ^len and enjoyed the high rearard of his brethren of these fraternities. He ne\ er had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the newworld for here he found the opportunities he sought, winning success in business, gaining a good home and enjoying the friendship ant! '-f^o-ard of a large circle of acquaintances.

William H. Bull

It axgiies well for Greene county, its opportunities and advantages, that so many of its native sons have remained residents of this part of the state, and among this number is William H. Bull, who was born v.ix)n the old homestead farm in Xenia township and is still living there. His parents were James R. and Amelia (Moudy) Bull. The father was also born upon the farm where occurred the birth of our subject. It was called Clark's Run road and consisted of one thousand acres of land. It had been purchased by the great-grandfather of our subject. William Bull, who in 1797 Ijecaine the owner of this property. He was a native of \'irginia and when a young man emigrated to Ohio, having bought what was known as the old Bull homestead. He there spent his remaining days clearing the land of the timber and transforming it into richly cultivated fields, making there a good home for himself and family. He passed awav wlieii alioiu seventy }ears of age ami was laid to rest in the Stevenson graveyard. His son, Richard Bull, the grandfather of our suhject, also lived and died upon the old homestead, passing away at the age of t'.fty-three years. He built a house to rel)iace the old log cabin which had been built by his father and he also purchased other property, having a valuable farm of two hundred and four acres at the lime of his death.

James R. Bull likewise occupied the old h.omestead throughout his life. He attended the district school which was built upon the fanu, the land having been given for that purpose by the family. \\'hen his school days were ended he turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and throughout iiis business career carried on those pursuits, meeting with creditable success in his undertakings. There he died at the age of seventy-two years and was laid to rest in the Woodland cemetery in Xenia. In his religious faith he was a Methodist and belonged to the Oldtown church. His political was with the Democracy, but he was never a politician in the sense of ofificeseeking. His widow is still living and yet resides upon the old family homestead with her youngest son, Richard. She is a native of Maryland and when nine years of age came to Ohio with her parents. Peter and Xancy (McClain) Moudy. Her father was also born in Maryland and on emigrating westward took up his alxxle in Beavercreek township, Greene county, where he lived for aJKHit a year and then removed to Ccdarville towiishii). He built the old Moudy lluur mill, but shortly after its completion died. His wife passed away in i860. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bull were lx)rn five children, the eldest of whom is William H. Bull, of this ro\iew. Lewis M., who resides in Xenia, was for twenty years a grocer of that city but is now a traveling man. He is married and has one son. James .\mbrose, who was engaged in the grocery business and in school teaching, died at the age of twentysix years. Ann Sophia died at the age of six months. Richard E. resides upon the iild home place in Xenia township.

On the old family homestead, which had so long been in possession of the family, William H. Bull was reared, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he mastered the branches of learning usually taught in such institutions. He early became familiar with fanu work and assisted his father in the lalx)rs of field and meadowuntil he was thirty-one years of age. In 1878 he purchased his present farm of one hundred and eighteen acres, all of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has remodeled the buildings and the place is conveniently located upon the Clifton pike in Xenia township. During the i)ast nine years he has been engaged f(uite extensively ii; stock-raising and finds this a profitable source of income owing to his capable management and his reliable business methods. He is to-day numbered among the progressive farmers and stock-raisers of his comnumily and well deserves mention as one of the repre.sentative citizens of this localitv.

On the 28th of March. 1877, in Xenia t(5wnship, Mr. Bull was united in marriage to Miss Annie L. Stevenson, a daughter of Samuel X. and Sarah O. (Keenan) Stevenson. Unto our subject and his wife have been brjrn three children, but the first born died unnamed, in 1889. Annie May is now a student in the high school of Xenia. Thev also lost their youngest child, W. LeRov, who died at the age of seventeen months.

h will be interesting in this connection to note something of the ancestral history of Mrs. Bull. Her great-grandfather. Samuel Stevenson, resided in Kentucky until his removal to Ohio, when he established a home in Greene county. His son. James Stevenson, was the grandfather of Mrs. Bull. He came to what is known as the Stevenson neighlx)r]iood. from Kentucky in 1798. locating on six hundred acres of land, including the site of \Mlberforce University. He married Ann Galloway, a sister of Esquire George Galloway, who with his family came from Kentuck\- alx)ut the same year and located rt^e miles north of Xenia near the Little Miami river, building for the familv home a residence just north of the large iron l>ridge across the Miami river on the Yellow Springs pike. This residence is now owned by the Miami Powder Companv, who have patriotically preserved it as first built. It bears the placard. ''Built in 1801." Upon the old family homestead on die 4th of -April. 181 6, Samuel X. Stevenson, the father of Mrs. Bull, was torn, and there he spent his entire life. He reclaimed almost all of his farm of two hundred acres from the forest and thereon built a large and commodious home. On the 4th of March. 1846. he was united in marriage to :Miss Sarah Olive Keenan. who was born in Perry. Somerset county. Ohio, July 30. 1S21. They became the parents of eight children : Marv E.. the wife of Philander Mayne. of Mount Carmel, Illinois; Rachel S., the wife of X. B. Smaltz. of W'arrenboro. Missnuri : I. William, who resides in Cedarville township; Ellen L., the wife of Wallace Freeman, of M(5unt Carmel. Illinois; Annie L.. now Mrs. Bull; Aletha. the wife of Robert Bird, of Cedarville. Ohio: Louie, who died at the age of twelve years; and Susanna, wh(.) died in infancy. All of the living children of Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson were home upon the occasion of the golden wedding of th.eir parents, celebrated ilarch 4. 1896. The fift_\-fifth anniversary of their marriage occurred only a few weeks before the death of Mr. Stevenson.

Throughout his entire business career Mr. Stevenson carried on general -farming and stdck-raising and as the years i)assed he prospered in his undertakings. His life record was ended in death ]\Iarch 23, 1901, and he was laid to rest in what is known as the Stevenson cemetery. His widow still survives him and is now living with her tlaughter. Mrs. Bull. In the vear 1837 her father joined the Methodist church and from that time until his death was one of its zealous and active members. For more than a half century he served as a class leader and was ever devoted and loyal to the cause of Christianity. His life was indeed honorable and upright ; he practiced moderation in all things, was strictly honest in all his dealings with odiers and was noted during all his long life for his cheerful disposition and for the self-sacrifice he was ever ready to make for the happiness of others. His virtues were many ; his faults were \erv few, and he was esteemed by all with whom he came in contact.

At an early epoch in the development of (h-eene county the McKay family was established within its borders, his ancestors bearing all the hardships and trials of pioneer life and aiding in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present progress and improvement of the countv. The work began by his ancestors the su))ject of this review is still carrying on, and is widely known as a progressive and loyal citizen of his native county. He was born in Caesarscreek township upon the farm that he now occupies July 30, 1856, and is a son of Moses and Rachel ( Faulkner) McKay. His father was born in Clinton county, Ohio, November 2(), 1823, and his ])arents, George and IMary ( Ferguson) McKay, were natives of Berkeley count)'. West Virginia. On emigrating westward to this state Mrs. McKa}', the granduKitluM", road un burseback. They took up their aboile in Clinton c<junty, and the grandfather purchased one thousand acres of land in the mitlst of the forest, and there, with characteristic energy, began the develo])nient of a farm. When the estate was divi<led at the time of his death, each 01 his nine children -received one hundred acres.

Moses McKay, the father of our subject, pursued his education in a little log school house near his home. In the same school bis future w ife was a student. She was born in Caesarscreek township, September 12, 1824, and after reaching years of maturity they were married on the i6th of Novemlicr, 1848. They began their domestic life upon the farm which is now the home of their son Newton, and there spent their remaining days. Mr. McKay cleared the greater part of the land. He cleared one hundred acres and was also the owner of one hundred acres of timber land. In connection with the raising of the crops best adapted to the soil and climate be was extensively engaged in thb manufacture of maple sirup and sugar. His industry was unflagging, his perseverance never failing, and to these qualities of his manhood he largelv owed the creditable success which crowned his efforts. Both Mr. and Mrs. IMcKay were members of the Baptist church. The latter was reared in the society of Friends, but because of her marriage outside of the faith she was disowned by the church. In his political views he was a Republican, the party receiving his warm endorsement. Tliey had but two children, the daughter, Mary E., being now the deceased wife of Freeman H. Oglesbee, who is living in Caesarscreek township. The father, Moses !McKay, was called to the home beyond October 13, 1862, and his wife, long sur\iving bim, passed away June 3, 1898. Both were interred in the old family burying ground on the homestead farm.

In a manner not unlike that of most boys of the ]ieriod, Newton S. McKay was reared. At the usual age be began mastering the common branches of learning taught in the district schools, continuing his education until eighteen years of age, although during the last few years he attended only through the winter months. He has known no other home than the farm upon which he lives, and it is endeared to him through the associations of boyhood and manhood. To this place he brought bis bride when, on the 31st of December, 1879, he was married to Miss Ella O. Jenkins, whose birth occurred in Liberty township, Clinton county, in 1857. Her parents, Alarsball and Elizabeth (King) Jenkins, were natives of that county, but both are now deceased, the father having dieil October 28, 1865, at the age of forty-five years and is buried in the Baptist cemetery, Liberty township, while the mother passed away December 30, i8gi, at the age i:)f si.xt\'-se\'en, and was laid to rest at TipU-n, Indiana. In tlieir family there were eight children: James, who lives in Kansas; Celeste, the wife of John T. Hempstead, of Clinton county; Mary, wlio married Thomas Sutherland, of Indiana ; John, a resident of Texas; Mrs. McKay : Emmett; Anna, the wife of Eugene Hale, of Wilmington : and David, of Clinton county, Oh.io. The marriage of our subject and his wife has Iieen graced witli three children. of whom Zora and Roy B. are at home. while I\Iary died in 1893 at the age of thirteen months.

Mr. and Mrs. McKay have a wide acquaintance throughout the county and their circle of friends is almost co-extensive. Their pleasant home is noted for its hospitality and good cheer. The house was erected by Mr. McKay's father the year previous to his death. The farm comprises one Inuulred and sixty-six acres of rich land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. an<l in connection with general farming Mr. McKay is engaged in tire raising of shorthorn cattle and has won a number of prizes at county fairs. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Repulilican party received his political endorsement, ;nid he has served as trustee of his township. His aims have alwavs been to attain to the best, and he has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His success has lieen the result of honest persistent effort in the line of hom^rable and manlv dealing.