Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 17 of 25)

Of their twelve children Gideon Spahr was the eldest. He attended a subscription school for a short time in Virginia, and with his parents came to Greene county in pioneer days, living with them until twentyone years of age, when he married Elizabeth Kyle, a native of this county, and they started out in life for themselves. He had learned the brickmaker's trade, which he followed for five or six years and then rented land, after which he always followed agricultural pursuits. He was first a \Miig in politics and afterward became a Republican. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was also a local preacher, and their influence in behalf of Christianity was a potent factor in the moral development of the community. Gideon Spahr died May 7, 1894, and his widow is now living at Clifton at the age of ninety years. In their family were thirteen children : Albert, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, now in Piqna, Ohio; John, who died in infancy; Cornelia, the wife of Silas Smith, of Van Wert, Ohio ; Madison, who was a member of Company E. Xinety-fourth Ohio Infantry and died of typhoid fever in the service, being buried at Bowling Green, Kentucky; Robert S. ; Sarah, of Clifton, Ohio; Mary and ^^lartha, twins, who died in infancy; Julia, the wife of Isaac Cummins, of Texas; Samuel K., a minister of the ilethodist Protestant church, of Tompkins Cove, Xew York; David E., a physician of Clifton, Ohio; one that died in infancy; and James C, of Clifton.

Robert S. Spahr attended the puljlic schools of the county until seventeen years of age. and the following year he enlisted, on the 17th of September. 1861, in \Yi\-

Mrs. R. S. Spahr

-tnington, Oliio. as a member of Company B. Fortieth Ohio Vohmteer Infantry, as a ])rivate, for tliree years. He was promoted to tlie rank of corporal and served under General Sherman until wounded near Atlanta. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout JNIountain and Mission Ridge, and was wounded at a place called Pumpkin Vine, his injuries necessitating his remaining in a hospital for a time. He was mustered out of ser\ice at Atlanta, Georgia, in October, 1864, and then returned home. Resuming his studies he spent the winter as a student in \s.n Wert, Ohio, and in 1866 entered Adrian College, at Adrian. Michigan, but on account of his health he was obliged to abandon his studies. He then began teaching, hut after a year his health forced him to leave the schoolroom altogether, and he turned his attention to farming, believing that the outdoor life would prove beneficial. For a time he worked with his father, and after his marriage he rented land for a year. He then purchased a small tract in Cedarville township, and after two years' residence thereon he purchased a larger place, locating there in 1880, at wliich time he became the owner of seventy-six acres of arable land on the Wilmington pike, where he made his home until his removal to Xenia in ig02.

On the 25th of April, 1872, Mr. Spahr was united in marriage to ]Miss Martha A. Saville, who was born in Cedarcreek township, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah fKetteman) Saville. The father was born in Rockbridge county. Virginia, February 15, 1 81 5. and was a son of Samuel and Anna Saville. the former of French lineage and the latter of German descent. When ten years of age Joseph Saville accompanied liis parents to Xew Jasper township, Greene couiU\-, where he entered and cleared a tract of land of one hundred acres. Here his father and mother died, the former in 185 1 and the latter in 1872, their remains being interred in Boots cemetery. Joseph Saville was educated in this county and became a cooper by trade, but his later years were devoted to farming. He lived on the old homestead, where his death occurred in 1893, and lus wife, who was Ixjrn in Rockingham county, \'irginia. October 5, 1819, passed away in 1899, their remains being interred in Xenia cemetery. Unto them were born ten children: Fmeline, the wife of Henry C. Fudge, of Caesarscreek township: Mary jane, the wife of David C. Conklin, of Clinton county, Ohio; Martha A., the honored wife of our subject; Andrew, who died in infancy: John, who also died in infancv; Sarah E., tlie wife of Henry Smith, of Xenia township; Milton G., who died in childhood; Ellen C, the wife of Ira \Vilkins, of Kansas; and Florence, the wife of Frank Ant-.am, of Clinton county.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Spahr has been bles.sed with the following children: Albert G., who married Luella (joods and resides in Xenia; Ralph O., who married Anna Hagla,r and resides in Xenia township; Joseph Lester, of Xenia; Eloward S., Fannie E.. Sherwin G., Frank Blaine, all at home; one that died in infancy; Emma H., Homer C. and Earle R., all under the parental roof. The parents hold membership in the INIethodist Episcopal church and in ills political endorsement Mr. Spahr is known as an earnest and unfaltering Republican. He is a member of the county committee of the indigent soldiers' fund. He belongs to Lewis Post. G. A. R., of Xenia, and is a valued citizen, enterprising, progressive and wide-awake. He takes an act- ive interest in e\er\tliing^ pertaining to the general good and in every way possible has aided in promoting public progress and the stable improvement of this portion of the slate.

Tames A. Kelly

The name of Kelly is well known in connection with industrial interests in Xenia and he whose name intnjduces this review oconpied a leading position in commercial circles here, not only bv reason of the brilliant success which he has achie\ed. but also of the honorable business methods which he put forth. He ])ossessed untiring energy, was quick of perception, formed his plans readily and was determined in their execution, and his earnest application to business and excellent management brought to him a high degree of success.

His parents were Robert A. and Catherine ]\L (Fisher) Kelly, in whose family were five children, of whom three are living. Our subject was born in Paterson, New Jersey, May 2^. 1863, and there he pursued his education and was graduated. Immediately after the death of his father, who had been extensively engaged in manufacturing twine, James A. Kelly and his brothers built the i)lant and equi])ped the business in Xenia now known as the R. A. Kelly Company, manufactiu"ers of cordage and machinery. The trade of this house covers the territory that extends from coast to coast and from gulf to the northern boundary of the United States. Imoui the beginning success attended the new enterlirise. The sons under the careful direction of their father had become thorou"hlv familiar w ith the liusiness. and to them the undertaking brought experience as well as a laudable ambition and strong determination to win prosperitw James .A. Kelly became the manager of the enterprise and under his super\-ision the mammoth concern l.as been built up, and he successfully controlled it up to the time of his death, which occurred December 19, 1900.

Mr. Kell}- was united in marriage to ]\li.ss Josephine Corry, a daughter of James B. Corry, one of the substantial and inriuential pioneers of Greene county, whose death occurretl on the 15th of December, 1890. His wife bore the maiden name of Xancy Brown and is still living, making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Kelly, who was one of eight children. By her marriage Mrs. Kelly became the mother of two sons, James E. and Robert A., aged, respectively, fifteen and thirteen years, the former named for his father and the latter for his paternal grandfather. They are lx)th bright boys and bid fair to be an honor to the family. Mrs. Kelly, with her mother and two sons, resides in her handsome residence on Xorth King and Pleasant streets. She holds membership in the Methodist Epi.sco])al church and is a most estimable lady. Since her husband's death she has retained her interest in the business, her brother-in-law, George R. Kelly, managing h.er affairs. Hers is a hospitable home, and she has many warm friends throughout the community.

Mr. Kelly was ;i ])rominent and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. which he not only liberally supported, but gave his time and earnest work for its tipbuilding. It is w orthy of more than passingnotice that he took his Christianit\- into his office and mills and also fnllv li\ed wyi to his professions in his business in thai ([uiet, kindly, unostentatious way that carried the feelins;' to all who knew him that Mr. Kelly was a (genuine Christian. He was well known as one of the leading bass singers of liie city, having a fine voice, well trained, and few musical gatherings were complete witliout him. He was also the leading bass singer in the Presbyterian choir for twenty years.

Mr. Kelly gave his political support to the Re|)ublican party and strongly endorsed its principles, but never souglit or desired office, his time Ijeing fully occu])ied l)y his extensive business interests. He passed away in New Mexico, dying of pneumonia, l)ut his remains were interred in the Woodland cemeterv of Xenia. He deser\es to be placed among the prominent and rejiresentative citizens of Greene county, for he belonged to that class of men whose enterprising s])irit was used not alone for their own benefit, but in advancing the general good and promoting jiublic prr)spcrit\ b\- his ably managed individual interests and thus places this section of the country on a par with other manufacturing cities of the Buckeye state. His courtesy was unfailing, his integrity above question and his genial manner won for him a circle of friends almost co-e.N;tensi\e with the circle of his acquaintances.

AN'illiam G. Taylor, who is a representative uf the farming interests of Sugarcreek township, was born in Ross township, this county, March 19, 1832. His father, Isaac

Taylor, was a nati\e of Belfast, Ireland, born about the year 1799. The followingyear his parents emigrated with their family to the new world, locating in Rockbridge county, Virginia, where Isaac Taylor was reared to manhood and learned the tanner's trade. After arriving at years of maturity he married I-'rances Gilmore, who was born in Rockbridge county and was a daughter of John Gilmore, who. when about seven years of age, was taken ])risoner by the Indians as was his mother. This occurred at the tin-ie of the Indian massacre at Kerr's creek in Rockbridge count \-. The mother and son were brought to Oldtown, Greene county, Ohio, where they were held as caplives for seven years. Mr. Gilmore and the children of the family, with the e.xception of John, were all killed. The children's brains were dashed out in tl;c presence of the mother and their bodies thrown into a burning house. The Indians finding that Mrs. (jilmore possessed considerable musical talent required her to sing for them, and she would sing the "Lament of Miriam." .\fter seven years a white man escaped from the tribe and w^ent back to Virginia, where he reported the condition of I\lrs. Gilmore and her son. ,V party was then organized for their rescue, and they were taken back to the Old Dominion.

Soon after his marriage Mr. Taylor, the father of our subject, came with his bride to C)hio, residing for a lime in Prelile county, whence he came to (ireene county about 1830, locating in Ross township upon a farm of one hundred and hfl\- acres, which he purchased and where he spent his remaining days, and was accounted one of the leading and influential agriculturists of the communil\'. He act|uired a goiid education and

-engaged in teacliiiig in the public schools and also conducted a singing school. His intellectual strength and ability made him a leader of pnl)lic thought and action. He supported the Democratic party and held a numl)er of township offices. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith. - a great student of the Bible, he became a believer in the doctrine of the Christian church, although he dill not unite with that denomination. His life was ever in consistent harmony with Christian principles and he enjoyed the confidence of all w ith whom he was associated. Unto him and his wife were born five sons and four daughters and six of the number reached mature years : Mary Jane, who became the wife of Ira Adair and died in Greene county ; Magdaline, who married Jackson Ballard and resides in this county; \\'illium G. : John, who died in this county; Daniel, who died in Jamestown, Ohio; and Isaac, who passed away in \\'arren county. Ohio.

I'jjnn the old home farm William Gilmore Taxlor was Ixirn and reared. At the usual age he entered the public schools and there mastered the common branches of English learning. For some time remained at home, for his father was the owner of about si.x hundred acres of land, and thus there was ample work for the children upon the old homestead. In Miami county, on the 22d of Decemljer, 1859, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Mary I. Long, who was born in Lost Creek township, Miami county, her parents being Thomas and Margaret (McMillan) Long. The young oiuple began their domestic life upon one hundred and twenty acres of the old Taylor homestead, which our subject improved, continuing the cultivation of that place until 18C8, when he sold it and purchased his present home, becoming the owner of one hundred and seventy acres, although he has since disposed of a portion of this, retaining possession of eightv-two acres. His farm is well improved with all modern accessories and equipments, and his labors bring to him good harvests.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor has been blessed with fi\e children : Eldorus Gilmore, who was born in Ross township, January 11, 1861 ; William Vinton, of Sugarcreek township, who was born in Ross townshi]), Januar}- 22, 1865, and married Xellie Cunningham, by whom he has four children, Ethel A., Hazel L., W. Virgil and Ocy : James Harvey, a resident of Xenia, who was born March 30, 1867, and married Ida Seiber. by whom he has twin children; Erman and Elsie; Ocy Lenore, who l>ecame the wife of James Sanders and died in Tennessee, leaving two children, Jessie and Dena : and Dessie, who is still at home.

V\'hen age conferred upon Mr. Taylor the right of franchise he supported Buchanan in 1856, but in 1864 he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln. He was drafted for service in the Civil war at the time of the fust draft, but he hired a substitute. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and the latter is a member of the Ladies Aid Society, while Mr. Taylor is serving as class leader and also as trustee. His history is largely familiar to those who know him, for he has spent his entire life in Greene county, and the fact that among his friends are many who ha\e known him from boyhood is an indication that his career has ever been one that will bear the closest scrutiny and will furnish nianv examples worthy of emulation.

Perry A. Alexander

Tlirouglioiit an entire century the Alexander family lias l^een represented in Greene county and the name tigures prominently and honrjrably on the paj^es of the county's liistor}-. I'Yom pioneer times down to the present members of the family have taken an acti\ e part in public affairs, and in those lines of business which have contributed to tlie ujibuilding and staljility of this portion of the state. In tl:e year 1803 John and Isabella Alexander', the great-grandparenis of our subject arrived in Xenia. In early life the former had been a school teacher and had resided in Butler county, Ohio, before coming to Cireene county. Taking u]) his abode in Xenia in 1S03. he engaged in the practice of law, and was the first attorney of the city. For thirty years he was prosecutin.g attornc\- and his reputrition was by no means a local one. He also served as judge of the common pleas court, represented his district in the state legislature and wa> for two terms a memlier of congress. .\ man of strung mentality, of marked iiidividuality and superior ability, he was well fitted for leadershi]>, and he left the impre-s of his thought and labors upon the development of the count}' in a large measure. His death < ccurred in Xenia in 1848.

\\'ashington .Alexander, the grandfather of our subject, was born in South Carolnia in 180T, and was brought by his parents to this county when only two years old. He studied law, but never practiced, turning his attention to farming in Spring Valley. In 1842 he married Miss Rachel Clark, of Spring \'alley, and they became the ])arents of seven children, of whom the father of our subject was the second in order of birth. Of the living: Jesse is a resident vi Spring Valley; Augustus is an attorney of St. Louis, Missouri ; Isabella is the widow of William S. Frazier, by whom she had seven children, and makes her home in Indianapolis ; Frank is a farmer of Holcomb, Missouri; and Aurelius is a traveling man residing in Dayton. John is deceased. The father of this fan-.ily became the owner of several hundred acres of land, meeting with gratifying success in his undertakings. He was a member of the P)aptist church and died in 1867, while his wife passe.l away in 1849.

William J. .\lexander. the father of our subject, was born in ."^j)! ing \'aile_\' township, June 10. 1827, and after acquiring his education in Xenia he engaged in teaching school j'ud in farming. Later he took up the study of law, was admitted to the bar and at once began practice in Spring Valley. Later he removed to Wilmington and subsecjuently opened an office in Xenia. He served as justice of the peace for twelve years and "won golden opinions from all sorts of people." He was also township trustee for twenty-two years, and for a sho.rt time was superintendent of the Orphans Home. His political su"ii])ort was given the Democratic party, and his religious faith was that of the Baptist church. Fraternally he was connected with tlie Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Masonic lodge, and when death claiiued him his remains were interred with the rites of those orders. Prospering in his business undertaking and making judicious investments, hebecame the owner of several hundred acres of land, all in Spring \"alley township. On the 28th of Fe!)ruary, 1850, ^^'iIliam J. Alex- iiixler inarried Elizaht-lh \\ t-llor. lie died April iS, i8t;7. luit his widow, wlio was lorn in \\ ashingtnn t'>wnsliip, Moiitijomery county. Ohio, April 18. 1825, is still living-. Three children were horn unto them, hut the daughter died in infancy.

Perr\- A. .Me.vander, the older hrotlic. was reared on the home farm, acquired :i good education and wa.s married in Spring Valley. Xovemher 2S. 1878. to IMiss Ella M. El.gin. a daughter of Dr. M. B. and Margaret (Craft) Elgin. She was horn ami reared in Xew Burlington and was educated ill Spring \'alle\\ L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have heen horn six children : Laura C. William Elgin. Cantwell J., Ralph. ^largaret and one now deceased. .Ml were born in Spring X'alley township. Laura is a graduate of the Xenia high school of the cla.ss of 1896.

Since his marriage Mr. Alexan<ler has resided in Spring \'alley. and for the past ten years has made his home upon his present farm. He ow ns two tracts of land, one of one hundred and eighty-eight acres, the other of one hundred and tifty-six acres. In his farm work he follows progressive methods, has the latest improved machinerx' and keeps everything al)out his place in excellent order. He \i>tes with the Democracy and in 1890 was nominated by the i)arty for the office of sheriff, but made no effort to secure the election, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. Socially he is connected with Spring X'alloy Lodge, I. O. O. E.. the Elks of Xenia. and the Umior Order of American Mechanics. Bom in Spring \'alley township. September 28. 1836, he has spent his entire life in this county, and has a large acquaintance, which includes many friends who appreciate his many good c|ualities and give him their high regard. He is a worthy representative of an honoreil pioneer faniilv and his record casts no shadow upon liic untarnished faniiK name.

In the >ear i8_^4 I''li Milieu became a resident of Xenia. He is one of the oklest as well as t)ne of the most honored citizens of lireene coiuit\', his birth ha\ing occurred in September, 181 5. He is a native of South Carolina, and one of ten children Ixirii unto John and Martha ( MoftitO Milieu. His father was a typical southern gentleman and had the distinction of giving liberty to his slaves - twelve in number - before the emancipation iiroclamation was issuetl. He was a son of Scotch-Irish ])arentage. John .\lillcn was brought to this country lt\ his father, Robert Milieu, who took up his abode in South Carolina. Jolm became well known as an extensi\e hnulholder and slave owner.

I'.li Millen was rearetl upon his father's plantation and actiuired a good education in the common schools. He was nitieteen vears of age when he became a resident of .Xenia and therefore the entire period of his manhooil has been passed in this city. He began business here in connection with the drygoods trade, and for many years was engaged in merchandising, meeting with excellent success. His store received a liberal patronag'e, and he always secured the very best of trade b\' his honorable business methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his customers. .\ man of resourceful business ability, he also extended his efforts int<i other lines of activitv.

later continued his studies in Antioch College in Yellow Springs. After the completion of his college work he entered the office ol Judge T. E. Scroggy, of Xenia. and took up the study of law in 1881. He remained in that office until December, 1885, when he went to W'infield, Kansas, on a visit, and l>eing pleased with that section of the country he decitletl to locale there. He was admitted to the bar in April, 18S6. and became connected with a company incorporating new towns in Kansas. Going to Richfield, Morton county, he decided to remain there and take up' the practice of law. There were but four houses in the place when he settled there and the town was fifty-two miles from a railroad. In the fall of 1887 he was elected comity attorne}- and served until the succeeding autumn, when he resigned and was elected probate judge in the fall of 1888. He resigned that position on the 1st of July, 1889, to accept the appointment at the hands of President Harrison to the-ixisition of receiver of public moneys in the United States land office at Garden City, Kansas. There he remained until February, 1894, creditably filling the position. At the time of President Cleveland's second administration Mr. Taylor left the office and became interested with some Kansas parties in mineral lands in northern Arkansas, having the charge of their affairs in that state until his return to Ohio in November, 1895. He located at Jamestown and on the ist of June. 1896. he entered the People's Bank of this place as cashier. He has since served in that cajjacity and the success of the institution is largely due to his efforts, the bank having now become one of the reliable financial concerns of the county.

On the 4th of Octoljer, 1887, Mr. Tay- Inr was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude M. Clemens, a daughter of John G. Clemens, the president of the People's Bank. They ha\e a large circle of friends in this place and their own home is the center of sociability. 'Mr. Taylor is very prominent in public affairs, both politically and otherwise. He is also interested in farming and lias a valuable tract of land near Cedarville. Plis political support is given the Rq^ublican party and in 1896 he was elected on that ticket to the office of mayor of Jamestown, in which capacity he served for four years, his administration being practical, progressive and beneficial. In 1889 'Sir. Taylor was made a Mason in Kansas, but is now a member of Jamestown Lodge, Xo. 352, F. & A. 2\I. He also belongs to Xenia Chapter, Xo. 36, R. A. ^I., Reed Commandery. X"o. 6. K. T., of Dayton, and Antioch Temple of the ^lystic Shrine of Dayton. He also has membership relations with Xenia Lodge, B. P.

1. O. O. F. ; Cyclone Lodge, Xo. 548, K. P.. and Jamestown Council, No. 311, J. O. U. A. M., of which he is past councilor. He is a member of the board of trustees of the Jamestown Methodist Episcopal church and is president of the Anti-Saloon League, of Jamestown. His efforts are being put forth in behalf of law and order, substantial progress and desirable improvement, and Jamestown numbers him among its valued representatives and honored citizens.

James Ai. Stewart

The history of a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly the chronicles of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world iudecs the character of a coninninitv bv tliose «if its representative citizens and yields its tributes i)t admiration and respect for the genius, learning- or \irtues of those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride; and it is this record that ofifers for our consideration the history of men. who in their characters for probity and benevolence, and the kindly virtues, as well as for integrity in the affairs of life, are ever aft'ording to the young worthy examples for their regard and emulation. Therefore it is proper that a just celebrity should be given to those men who are distinguished in their day and generation, that the living may enjoy the approbation of their contemporaries, as well as that of a grateful posterity.

Judge Stewart is to-day one of the most honored and respected citizens of Xenia. where he is living a retiied life. He is one of a family of ten children born unto John T. and Anna (Elder) Stewart. His fatlicr belonged to an old Pennsylvanian family, which through almost a century has been rc])resented in this part of Ohio, for in 1805 members of the familv established a home in what was then Greene county. There the father of our subject followed farming for many years, making his home three miles east of Clifton on the Miami river, where he dietl in 1850. His wife long survived him and passed away in 1882. The Judge was born in Greene (now Clark) county on the 30th of March, 1828, and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, attending the common schools of the neighl.iorhood. In the year 1857 he removed to Yellow Springs) Greene county, where he established a general mercantile store. He was quite successful in his undertakings and followed that pursuit for ten years. In 1867 he began larming and was thus engaged until 1884, w hen he was appointed deputy probate judge of Greene county and remo\cd to Xenia in order to enter u])i)n the duties of the office. He served as deputy^ for two terms of three years each, after whicli he was elected as pro- Ijate judge in 1890 and took the oath of office in February, 1891. So acceptably did he till, the office that he was re-elected in 1893. holding the ])osition initil 1897, and no more capable incumbent has ever filled that position. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial and in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties he showed that he was a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments. Since his retirement from office he has led a quiet life, being identified with no business pursuit save the management of his property interests. He is, liowever. a director in the Citizens' National Mank, of Xenia.

Judge Stewart was united in marriage to .Miss Rebecca J. Jacoby, a daughty of Henry Jacoby, one of the leading and influential citizens of Greene county. The wedding was celebrated October 16. 1854, and inito them were born four daughters, of whom two are living: Ida M., the wife of S. B. LeSourd, a wide-awake business man of Xenia; and Leila, now the wife of William D. Cooley of Xenia. The Judge and his wife have a very pleasant home at No. 224 East Second street. They are devoted and zealous members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is the ruling elder. He is identified with the ^lasonic fraternitv. He also gives his political support to the Re]>ul)lican party and is a man of distinctive ability and his character is one which is abo\'e a shadow of reproach. He has been faithful to the high offices in which he has been called to serve, and is widelv known

Robixson'S History Of Greexe Couxtv Captain William H. Glotfelter

The home of Captain Glotfelter is pleasantly situated about one mile north of Trebein, in Beavercreek township. Throughout his entire life he has resided in this locality and that many who have known him from boyhood are now numbered with his friends is an indication that his career has ever been an honoraljle one. He was born April 21, 1837, on the old home farm where his grandfather and his father lived and died. He is a son of George A. and Harriet (Smith) Glotfelter. The former was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania : the latter was also a native of the Keystone state. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John A. Glotfelter, whose birth occurred in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, and who, having arrived at years of maturity, married Elizabeth Newman, a daughter of John Newman of the same county. Leaving Pennsylvania, accompanied by his wife and children, John A. Glotfelter traveled across the country in a wagon drawn by a team of horses. This was in 1815, when George A. Glotfelter was a little lad of five summers. The grandfather purchased a farm of two hundred and fifteen acres, two and one-half miles west of Alpha. This he improved and cultivated and made for himself a good home. He died December 22, i860, at the advanced age of ninety years and three months, while his wife passed away February 29, 1830, at the age i>f sixty years, ten n";onths and twenty-nine days. He was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that pursuit to a greater or less extent until his sight failed, although after coming to Ohio he gave his attention largely to agricultural pursuits. His reliability in all business transactions was a matter of general knowledge and amid the pioneer settlement in which he made his home, he was widely respected for his genuine worth. In his family were eight children, of whom six reached years of maturity, namely : John, Solomon, George A., Susan, Elizabeth and Nancy. The parents were both members of the German Reformed church and both die;l in that faith, passing away upon the farm on which they settled when the first came to the county. Both spoke the German language and j.'ossessed many of the sterling characteristics of their German ancestors. John A. Glotfelter was a Whig in politics.

George A. Glotfelter, the father of our subject, received a common school education and never left the old home farm; He was there trained to habits of industry and economy, and from his early youth throughout the period of his manhood he was an active factor in tilling the soil. Success crowned his efforts and as the years passed he made judicious investments in real estate until he became the owner of many acres of land. He also owned and operated the \\'ashington Mill, on the Little Miami river, in Sugarcreek township, being associated in this eiiterprise with his brother. Solomon. In his early life he was also a stock buyer, but in later days did not engage in that department of labor. He served for some time as cnjitain on the state militia anfl the muster vas often held upon his farm. In his later vears he was alwavs known bv the title of

Captain Glotfelter. Enterprising and reli- alile in business lie was also a faithful friend, good neighbor and a popular man. He married IMiss Harriet Smith, and he and his wife were active members of the Reformed church, in which he held different offices. He was one of the leaders in the building of Mount Zion church and did all in his power to advance the cause of Christianity in his community. His wife was a most devoted mother, faithful to every interest of h,er home, and her death, which occurred June 25, 1859. when she was forty-nine years of age, was widely and deeply mourned. By her marriage she had become the mother of six children who grew to r.iaturiiy : Sarah, the widow of Lewis Maxwell and a resident of Kansas: Margaret C, the wife of Henry C. Darst, who is mentioned on another page of this work ; William H., of this review; Martha Ann. the widow of Henry M. Ridenour antl a resident of Greeneville. Ohio: Marv Ellen, the deceased wife of Terry Snyder; and Eanny. of Omaha, who completes the family. Two children. John and Eliza, died in infancy. After the death of his first wife Captain George A. Glotfelter married Mrs. Angeline ( Weller) Ervin. His death iccurred September 14. 1866.

Captain William H. Cilotfelter, the immediate subject of this review, is indebted to the district schools for tiie educational privileges which he enjoyed. He pursued his studies during the winter months until he was seventeen years of age. and remained at home until the time of the Ci\-il war when, his public spirit and i)atriotic instincts aroused by the rebellion in the south, he enlisted in 1 86 1, for three vears' service. He ^vent to Camp Dennison. but the company which he joined was not organized and after remaining there for a few days he w ent with some companions to Wilmington, Ohio, and there joined Company B, Twelfth Ohio Infantry, under Captain Doane. When this company was organized he was made orderly sergeant and later was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. On the iSth of .Vpril. 1862, he was transferred to Company I, and on the 30th of September of that year was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Company A. He took part in man\- of the most important engagements and battles of the war and was commissioned captain but was never mustered in with that rank. He was jiresent at tlie battles of Scurry Creek. Monocacy and Antietani. and also participated in the camjiaign against Morgan in Ohio. He was wounded June 17, 1864. in the right ankle, both bcnes being shattered. This occurred at 1-ynchbnrg, X'irginia, and produced a lameness from which he suffered until March 3. uSg". when tlie limb had tn be amputated. He was honorably mustered out August 11. i8f>4.

After his return from the war Captain Glotfelter became a partner in a general store in Alpha luidcr the tirm name of Snyder & (ilotfelter, with which he was connected for one year, when he sold out and removed to his present farm. Here he purchased twenty-two acres of land and he has since added to his possessions until he now owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres, on which he has recentK' erected a griod residence and substantial barns. He was married on the nth of May, 1865. to Miss Anna Hyland, a nati\e of Beavercreek township, born upon the farm where she is now li\'ing, her parents having been Hugh H. and Margaret (Snyder) Hyland. Captain and Mrs. Glot- teller now have two children : Jessie, the wife of R. L. Gowdy : and Martlia, who was educated in the Beavercreek higli school, after which she pursued a two years' course in the Columbus University and spent one year in Antioch College. She is now successfully engaged in teaching.

The Captain is one of the prominent Republicans in this county, and in 187 1 he was elected county sheriff, which position he has filled for two terms, covering four years. In 1889 he was elected county commissioner and filled that office for six years and nine months. He has been a trustee of Beavercreek township and in that office, as in all others he has filled, he discharged his duties in a faithful manner that has won for him the highest commendation not only of the n''en of his own party, but also of the opposition as well. He belongs to Lewis Post, G. A. R., of Xenia, and the Masonic lodge, also to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Union \'eteran Legion, all of Xenia. His wife is identified with the Reformed church and both are held in the highest regard, having many friends. Captain Glotfelter comes of an honored pioneer family of Ohio, his record is one which has added luster to the untarnished family name. His grandfather began the work of progress and iiii])rovenient here, which in turn carried on by his father and has been continued by him. The old homestead in its splendid development is an indication of the active lives of the members of the Glotfelter family. Tliere was no more loyal soldier upon the battlefields of the south than he whose name introduces this review, who, by reason of gallant and meritorious conduct won promotion from the ranks until he was commissioned captain of the companv. In political office he has been true, loyal and public-spirited, and at all times has been faithful to every obligation of private and public life.

Fraxk E. Kxisley

Frank E. Knislev has not always resided in Greene county, but is a native son of Ohio and represents one of the honored pioneer families of the state. His paternal grandfather, Reuben Knisley, l)ecame one of the first settlers of Ross cc.iunty and is now living - almost a centenarian. James Knisley, the father of our subject, was born in Ross county, and became a wagon-maker l)y trade, but after the inauguration of the Civil war he put aside business considerations that he might aid in preserving the Union, enlisting in 1861, as a memljer of the Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He joined the army as a private but was promoted to the rank of first sergeant. His brother-in-law was captain of the company and there were sixteen cousins in that company. Mr. Knisley participated in many .important battles, including the engagements of Madrid, luka, Corinth, and "Sherman's ^larch to the Sea." He married X'ancy AlcCord, a native of Pike county, Ohio. Mr. Knisley is now residing in Bainbridge, Ohio, but his wife has passed away, having died in August. 1882, at the age of forty-four years, at which time her remains were interred in the cemetery at Cynthiana, Ohio. In the family were seven sons, of whom four are now living: Frank E., of this review ; Charles, who makes his home in Xenia, where he follows the carpenter's trade: Dode. also a carpenter and contractor of Xenia : and Edward, a resident of Bainbridge, Ohio.

Frank E. Knisley. whose name introduces this review, was born in Pike county. October 12, i860, and in the public schools of Rainsboro and llillsb(jr(j. Ohio, he pursued his education. He afterward cnijajjed in teaching school and has folbiwcd that profession continuously since, gaining a wide reputation as an educator of ability. In i(S85 he came to Xenia, where for seven years he served as a teacher in the ])ublic schools and as a truant officer. He then resigned his position, removing to Lancaster, Ohio, where for two years he was a teacher in the reform school. On tlie expiration of that peril 1(1 he went U> T'lankintiin. South Dakota, and accepted the position of assistant superintendent of the South Dakota Reform School, where he remained until resigning in the early part of 1901. In March f)f that vear he again became a resident of Xenia and accepted the position of superintendent of the County Children's Home, in which capacity he has since served. His labors have proved highly satisfactory to the lioard of control. He is a gentleman of broad humanitarian principles, deeply interested in his fellow men and in the progress of the race. He has broad sympathy and therefore is well qualified to fill his present position because of his interest in the children from a physical, moral and intellectual standpoint.

In 1884 Mr. Knisley was united in marr-age to Miss Flora Canfield, a native of Xenia. and a daughter of George C. and Anna ( Pierce) Canfield, the former one of the pioneer settlers of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Knisley now have two children ; Pierce, who is studying pharmacy ; and Bessie, who is attending school in Xenia. The parents are consistent Christian people, Mr. Knisley belonging to the Alethodist church, his wife to the Baptist church. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Knights of Pythias order, and the Sons of Veterans, and has filled all of the chairs in the last two. His political supjjort is given the Republican party and he has never wavered in his allegiance to its princi])les.

Thomas H. Hess

Thomas H. Hess, who is engaged in the cultivation of the H. B. Stewart farm in Sugarcreek township, was born in Monongalia county. West Virginia, on the 21st of January, 1852. He is a son of James T. and Sarah A. (Hite) Hess. His father was a farmer by occupation and died in West Virginia in the year 1878. His family were strong Union peoi)Ie at the lime of the Civil war. Although they did not live in the part 01 West Virginia where there was any fighting, their farms were raided and they lost some property. They also had to go to the mountains with their horses in order to keep them from being stolen, sometimes it lieing necessary for them to be a\vay from home for weeks. Two of the sons of the family were soldiers of the Union arm\-. Joseph Steenrod Hess joined the army in April, 1861, at President Lincoln's first call for troops and remained at the front until August, 1865. He was in many battles and was wounded at the engagement at W'ytheville, where his horse was shot and fell upon him. After the starry banner of the nation was planted in the capital of the Southern Confederacy he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home. He still resides in West Virginia. William Hess joined the L^nion army in September, 1862, and was at tile front until the close, of hostilities, l:)eing wounded at the battle of Cedar Creek. His occupation was a carpenter but he now resides in Warren county. Iowa, where he is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of lanil. and is engaged in tlie insurance business. During the period of the war between the north and the south the father vas assistant provost marshal under a ]\Ir. Craft from Ohio, and had many exciting experiences. He \\as a man without fear and was found in his saddle night and day fc'r about two years. He was a sutler at New Creek and there were people in Greene county who knew him there.

Thomas H. Hess remained at home until sixteen years of age when he came to Greene county and began earning his li\ing by working as a farm hand by the month. Later he removed to Delaware county. Indiana, and it was during his resilience there that he was married on the 19th of October, 1876, to Miss Julia A. Gentis. Two children were born of this ^ marriage. Soon after their marriage tlie yi )ung cf)uple removed to his native state, there renting land for three years. On the expiration of that period, after the death of his father Mr. Hess returned to Greene county, taking up his abode in Sugarcreek township, where he is connected with the cultivation of rented land. His elder .son, Charles T., was born in \\'est \'irginia on the 18th of May, 1878. He now resides in Sugarcreek township with his little family, having married Anna Thomas of that township. In- whom he has one daughter - Hattie Belle. The second son, Walter, was born Octol)er 8. 1880, and is niiw empl(\ved upon a fruit farm in Clark county, Ohio. Tlie mother died on the 24th of Xevember, 18S3. At that time Mr. Hess sold his interest in Greene countv and returned to his natix'e state, but not liking it there he persuaded his mother to come to Ohio and keep house for him. His second marriage occurred in West X'irginia on the nth of December, 1884, the lady of his choice liieing Miss Carrie E. Baker, who was born in that state, a daughter of John and ^lary (Reed) Baker. She was reared in West \'irginia and by her marriage became the mother of five children : Jessie, wlio was born in Sugarcreek township. March 18. 1886; Frank Zell, born April 17, 1888; Cora Fay, born Sq^tember 21, 1890: Hazel Gladys, born January 22, 1893: and Florence, born July 13, 1897.

Since 18S1 our subject has resided upon t!ie farm upon which he now makes his home with the exception of a period of our years. This property has been owned by four different people during that time liut all have found in Mr. Hess an excellent tenant, reliable, trustworthy, and earnest. In politics he is a Republican and has endorsed the principles of that party since his boyhood days and has given it his ballot since he became of age. He was reared in the Baptist faith but is now a member of the Methodist Protestant church at Bellbrook.

Xelsox A. Fultox

Prominent among tlie energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Xenia, Greene county. Ohio, is tlie subject of this sketch. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his connection with various busi- ness enterprises and industries has been a decided advantage to tliis section of Ohio, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner.

Nelson A. Fulton was born in Warren county, Ohio. November 15, 1839. His father. Dr. Robert Fulton, was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where his birth occurred December 31, 1810. During his boyhood he accompanied his parents to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood and ol)tained a good literary education, which served as an excellent foundation upon which to erect the superstructure of his professional learning. He took up the study of medicine in \\'arren county under the direction of Dr. Thacker and began practice in Clinton county. Ohio, where he also engaged in merchandising. Subsequently he abandoned the commercial pursuit and opened an office in Lynchburg, where for thirty years he tlevoted his time and energies to the practice of his profession. For more than si.xty years he was a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and thus he devoted his life to two of the most important callings to which man can give his attention. lie was quite noted as a pulpit orator antl tilled various official positions in his church. He also attained prominence as a political speaker, acquiring a wide reputation during the struggle caused through the admission of Kansas into the Union. He belonged to the Odd Fellow fraternity and at one time was grand chaplain of the grand lodge of the state of Ohio. His death occurred on the ist of October, 1898, in Highland county, Ohio, when he had attained the very advanced age of eightyseven years. His influence was most marked and the impress of his indi\'iduality was left on the lives of inanv with whom he came in contact. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Morgan, was a resident of Warren county, Ohio, prior to her marriage. She passed away in 1888 at the age of seventy-four. In their family were eight children who reached mature years and are still living, namely : Theodore, who is engaged in business at Cincinnati and resides at Lynchburg: Adelia, the widow of John L. West, of Hillslxjro, Ohio; Nelson A.; Theodosia, who became the wife of W. L. \\'est, of Clinton Valley. Ohio, and died December ^i. 1901 : Mary E., the wife of W. Miller, of Martinsville. Ohio: S. O., who resides in Milwaukee. Wisconsin, and is manager of the Northwestern Adamant Manufacturing Company: Laura, the wife of Samuel Peale, of Lynchburg: and Robert S.. who resides in Germantown. Ohio.

Nelson .\. l'"ulton of this review spent ti;e days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and in i860, when he had attained his majority, became connected with the business interests of Cincinnati, where he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war. In response to President Lincoln's first call for seventy-five thousand men to ser\-e for three months, he enlisted as a member of Company C. Thirteenth Ohio \ olunteer Infantry, under the command of Captain Don Piatt. Later he re-enlisted for three years in Company D. Eleventh Ohio \'ulunteer Lifantry, and during the first year he was in West Virginia, participating in the battles of Cotton Mou;itain and Hawk's Nest. In 1862 the regiment went with General Cox to eastern Virginia and participated in the second battle of Bull Run, Monocacy, South [Mountain and Antietam. On the latter field of battle the Eleventh stormed the liridge. their colonel being killed during the ch.arge. The regiment was then ordered back to \\'est Virginia and went into winter quarters at Sonierville. AV'iiile there they were sent one niglit on a iIiirtN'-mile scout and succeeded in tlieir attempt to capture a rebel outpost. Tlic weatlier turned cold very suddenly, the mercury falling to twenty-four below zero and a deep snow covering the ground, many of the Union soldiers were badly frozen and they obliged the rebels to nm in order to keep them from freezing as they were poorly clothed. Both victors and vanquished endured great suffering on that occasion. . After the battle of Stone Kiver the command in West Virginia was ordered out of winter quarters and sent to Tennessee in January. 1863. They went by river from Kenewa Falls to Carthage. Tennessee, on Rosecrans' extreme left. General Crook in command of the division. While there they had to forage for themselves and horses and fight for their supplies every (la\- with Wheeler's Cavalry. On April 14, General Crook took the entire brigade across the river to give Wiieeler battle. A detachment of the Eleventh and Eighty-ninth regiments Vvcre mounted, and under the command of Captain Spears, of the First Tennessee Cavalry, were ordered to skirmish with Wheeler. While on this mission Mr. Fulton was captured by the Eleventh Texas Cavalry, and after being C(Mifined at Chattanooga. Knoxville and Lxnchburg, was finallv sent to Libby Prison, where he was detained forty days. Seven hundred prisoners were then taken to City Point and paroled. There they were paid off and sent to their respective states. Mr. Fulton came to Columbus on parole and, his tenn of service having nearly expired, he was discharged June 20. 1864. From hard service and the poor fare which he had while in prison he contracted

Mr. Fulton made a most creditable military record as a brave and loyal soldier, who was always found at his post of duty. After l)eing mustered out he at once returned home and acted as chief clerk under Major Starr iri a mustering and disbursing office in Columbus where he remained for eight months. He then went to Cincinnati and engaged as a salesman in a wholesale dry goods house, where he remained for twelve years. In 1876 he removed to Xenia and engaged in merchandising on his own account, being numbered among the prosperous merchants of this place for thirteen years. He enjoyed a liberal patronage for his business methods were honorable and straightforward, his prices reasonable, and his desire to please his customers manifested in all that he did. Al length he was appointed postmaster and then sold his store to George A. Thompson, who had long been in his employ as a salesman.

In his political views Mr. Fulton has always been a stanch Re]niblican but has never sought office as the rew ard for party fealty. At length, however, he received the appointment to the position of postmaster on the 6th of Septeml^er, 1889, and was a most capable official, his administration winning him high commendation. The office is a free delivery one. employing twelve clerks. Believing firmly in the prijiciples of the Republican party ^Ir. Fulton has been very active in promoting its welfare and for five \ears he served as chairman of the Repul>- lican executive committee. On his retirement from the postoffice he engaged in the real estate and loan business in which he continued until February, 1898. He was tlien appointed superintendent of tlie Soldiers" and Sailors" Orphans" Home and filled the position most satisfactorily until May, 1900, when he resigned to resume his former business and is still in the real estate, loan and insurance business, having a very large clientage along these lines.

In Highland county, Ohio, in September, 1863, Mr. Fulton wedded Hannah Graham, a daughter of Robinson and Elizabeth (Strain) Graham, who owned and operateil a large farm upon which ^Irs. Fulton lived until her marriage. Unto our subject and his wife was born a son, who died in infancy. Mr. Fulton is an active and valued representative of the Masonic fraternity, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Union \'eterans" Legion. He is also, with Mrs. Fulton, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has made an untarnished record and unspotted reputation as a business man. In all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and the right, justly valuing his own self-respect as infinitely more preferable than wealth, fame and position. In those finer traits of character which combine to form that which we term friendship, which endear and attach man to man in bonds which nothing l)ut the stain of dishonor can sever, which triumph and shine brightest in the hour of ad\-ersity, - in those qualities lie is ro_\'ally endowed.

Hexry C. Darst

Upon a good farm of one hundreil and ninety-five acres, Henry C. Darst is nowliving and has made his home there throughout liis entire life with the exception of the period of his early boyhood. He was born in Dayton, November 16, 1830, and is a son of Jacob and Ruhamah (Molcr) Darst. The father was born in Frederick county, Virginia, while the mother"s birth occurred at Harper's Ferry, that state. Mr. Darst was a farmer b\- occupation and on coming to Ohio purchased land in Greene county, but subsequently sold his farm and removed to Dayton. He remained Init a few years in the city, however, and then removed to a farm which he purchased adjoining his old place in Beavercreek township, Greene county, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred May 28, 1852, when he was sixty-six years of age. His wife died February 13. 1878. at the age of eighty-one, and both were laid to rest in the Beavertown cemetery. After the death of her husband Mrs. Darst resided with our subject for several years. Both were consistent members of the Christian churcii and fre(|ucntly in the early days religious services were held in their home. The old Darst residence is one of the landmarks of the community. It was erected in 1832 by the father of our subject, and is built of brick. It was one of tile largest and best homes in that part of Ohio at the time of its building and through almost two-thirds of a century it has looked forth upon the county, a silent witness of its progress and improvement, its substantial rp-buikling and its advancement along social, intellectual and moral lines. Mr. Darst gave his political supix)rt to the Whig party and though he never sought ofiice was ever a puljlic-spirited and progressive man. Unto liim and his wife were born six children: Roleigh. who died in April, 1902, in Beavercreek township; Abraham, a resident of Dayton ; Henry C. ; Martha, the widow of John Kennedy, a resident of Montgomery county. Ohio ; and two who died in early childhood.

Henry C. Darst pursued liis education in a little log schoolhouse and after he was able to assist in the work of the farm he had the opportunity of attending school for only three months a year and that during the winter season when the work upon the farm was practically over. He remained upon the old homestead with his father until the latter's death and has never left the old place which is endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as those of mature years.

On October ii, 1855, he was united in m.arriage to Miss Margaret Glotfelter. a native of Beavercreek township, and a daughter of George and Harriet (Smith) Glotfelter, both of whom were natives of Somerset county. Pennsylvania, but were married in this county. The Glotfelter family

. were of Swiss origin, while the Darst family is of German descent. The father of Mrs. Darst was twenty-three years of age at the time of his marriage and his wife was twenty-four. The former was a son of John Adam Glotfelter. who married a Miss Newman. Unto the parents of !Mrs. Darst were born eight children: Sarah, the widow of Lewis ]\Iaxwell. and a resident of Grant county, Kansas: Margaret, the wife' of our subject: Captain W. H.. who is living in Beavercreek township : ^Martha, the widow of Henry Ridenour. and a resident of Greenville. Ohio; John A., who died in childhood; Mary Ellen, the deceased wife of Perry Snv-

. der; Harriet F., who married Josiah A. Aulabaugh. and resides in Omaha, Nebraska; Eliza Jane, who died in childhood. The father of this family was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit until the time of his death. He served as a captain in the old state militia and was always afterward known liy that title. In the old davs the militia used to muster upon his farm and there drill. Mr. Glotfelter was the owner of considerable property and in addition to his farming land he at one time owned and operated a grist mill in connection with his brother. His political support was given the ^\'hig party until its dissolution when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Reformed church and his death occurred in 1S65. while the wife passetl awav June 2^,

The home of Mr. and ^Irs. Darst has l>een blessed with five children. Edward \V.. who is living in Texas, is engaged as a minister of the Christian church. He married Miss Minnie Souders. a daughter of Doctor Souders of Beavertown, and they have one child, Margaret. \\'il!iam H., who is living in Beavercreek township, married ^liss Sarah Sourbray. and they have two children. IMary and Louise. j\Iattie died in childhood. Mary is the wife of James E. Andrew, a resident of Sugarcreek township, and they have three living children, Herbert, Alma and Ralph, and have lost one son, William. Emma R., the youngest iremlier of the family, is at home.

Mr. Darst has devoted his attention to farming and stock-raising throughout his entire life and is to-day the owner of the old homestead place, comprising one hundred and ninety-five acres of rich land. He still lives in the old brick residence which was erected by his father, and little change has been made in it save that a porch has been added. There is a good barn on the place, eighty by forty-five feet, and everything upon the farm is in a good state of impro\-ement and repair, indicating the thrifty and enterprising spirit of the owner. Both Mr. and Mrs. Darst holil membership in the

Cliurch of Christ and are people of sterling worth, wiilely known and honored throughout the community in which they so long resided. They have traveled life's journey together for almost half a century and receive the warm regard of all with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Darst is a stanch Republican but has not held office.

Leander Spahr

Leander Spahr, who follows agricultural pursuits on the Burlington pike, four miles south of Xenia, was born in Spring Valley township, January 22, 1852, his parents being Elijah and Ann (McKay) Spahr. His father was born in Hardy county. Virginia, in February, 1816. and died in August, 1891. He was twelve years of age when he came to Ohio, the family settling in Greene county, where he learned the wood-worker's trade and aided in manufacturing plows and fanning mills in the employ of a Mr. Pagette. After arriving at years of maturity he married Mrs. Ann McKnight, nee j\IcKa}', a widow of James McKnight. She was a daughter of Jesse McKay, and by her first m.arriage she had four children, of whom two are living, Elizabeth and ^laria. The former became the wife of Benjamin Jones, by whom she had two children. Her second husband w-as Noah Tremble, and her third husband was .\lonzo Cronkhite. with whom she is now living in Indiana. Robert McKnight was a soldier in the Civil war who served throughout the period of hostilities and died in November, 1S97. Mr. and Mrs. Spahr resided upon the McKnight farm and it was there that our subject was born. Later this place was sold and Mr.

Spahr purchased two hundred and two acres of land upon which his son Leander now resides. Upon this place he spent his remaining days, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits. His political support was givai the Democracy, but he never sought or desired office or took an active part in political argument. His attention was given in an undivided manner to his farm work. He cleared about twenty-four acres of land and during the Civil war he built the house which our subject now occupies. It is well constructed with a heavy frame and black walnut weather boarding. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spahr were born seven children : Angeline, who died when about tw-enty-two years of age; La\ inia, who became the w^ife of Philip Peterson, but is now deceased ; Leander, of this review ; Rel:)ecca Emeline, who died at the age of twenty-five years ; ]Mattie, who died at the age of twenty-three years ; Leroy, who is clerking in Dayton ; and Ella, the wife of L. Arthur Babb.

After acquiring his preliminary education in the common schools, Mr. Spahr attended the high school at Spring Valley. He remained at home and after his father's death, according to the terms of the will, administered the estate. He is still carrying on agricultural pursuits and his efforts have been attended with a high degree of success.

Mr. Spahr was reared in the Democratic faith and for a time voted that ticket, but afterward became a Republican, and is now a stanch supporter of the party, although he never seeks nor desires office. He has been a member of the board of education and the schools find in him a warm friend. Since eighteen years of age he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has long served as superintendent of the

Sinulay scliool. He has also been trustee and class leader of the Richland church and is a liberal supporter of its work and does all in his power to extend its influence. Fraternally he is connected with the Junior Order of American Mechanics. Throughout his entire life he has resided upon the farm which is now his home, and that many who hav'e known him from lx)yhood are numbered among his stanchest friends, is an indication that his has been an honorable and ujjright career.

Daniel Ai. Stewart

Among the prominent residents of Xenia is numbered D. AI. Stewart, who owes his success not to any fortunate circumstances which surrounded him in youth but to the qualities of enterprise, determination and laudable ambition. He is to-d&y filling the position of vice president of the Xenia National Bank, to which otTice he was elected in January. 1902. Air. Stewart was born on the 17th of Alarch, 1840, upon his father's farm in Greene county. He is one of the two surviving children born unto William H. and Esther (AIcAIillen) Stewart, both of whom were natives of South Carohna. The father, who was born in February, 181 1, became a resident of this countv ill 1820. being brought to Ohio by his parents, who settled two miles from Xenia. In the schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education and afterward followed farming for a livelihood. The later years of his life, however, were spent in retirement from active labor. He passed away in 1878 and his wife was called to her 'final rest on the 15th of June, 1856.

Upon the old home farm in Greene county. Daniel AI. Stewart was reared, and the district schools afforded him his educational privileges. He had almost attained his majority when he entered the service of his country as a defender of the Union in the Civil war. becoming a member of Company F. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Immediately after his discharge he returned to Xenia and again engaged in farming, his attention being devoted to the tilling of the soil until 1876, when he took up his abode in this city, where he was engaged in the real estate and life insurance business until 1878, when he became a representative of the real estate interests of the Atchison. Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company Land Grant. He was associated with W. R. Linn, with main office at Springfield, Ohio, they being general agents of tlie company and had cliarge of agencies east of the Alississippi river. Our subject had supervision of the outside work, which necessitated a large amount of travel. He continued with the company until the sales were made and business closed. Air. Stewart invested in lands and developed mines in the Joplin district in southwestern Alissouri, where for sixteen years he successfully followed mining, his methods being such as to make his labors of profit. He has disjxjsed of his mining interests, but has two fine farms in this county, which are in a high degree of cultivation. For five years he has been a director in the Xenia N^ational Bank and in January, 1902, was elected vice president, in which jiosition he is now serving.

In 1877 Air. Stewart was united in marriage to Aliss Hattie Bonner, a daughter of Rev. James Bonner of Shelby county. Ohio, who was a minister of the United Presbv- terian cliurch. L'lito our suljject and his wife has l>eeii born a daughter. Belle, who has recently graduated from the seminary at Washington. Pennsylvania, and is at home. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and in his political affiliations is a pronounced RejHiblican. For twehe consecutive years he represented his ward in the city council of Xenia, exercising his official prerogatives in support of all measures and movements which he believed to be of general good. His efforts in behalf of the city have been valuable and far-reachir.g and his co-operation is never sought in vain for the advancement of any movements which he l>elieves will cijutriljute to the general welfare.

Among the valiant sons that Greene county sent to the front at the time when the countr_\- became invoh'ed in civil war was Daniel ^lorgan St. John, who is now numbered among the successful and well known agriculturists of Caesarscreek township. He was born in this township June 13, 1835, and his life has ever been in harmony with an untarnished family record. The district schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he was identified with farming interests until 1864, when he offered his services to the Union, enlisting at Xenia as a private of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry. He served with that command until Septemlier 2. 1864, when he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison with the rank of corporal, having in the meantime participated in the battle of Xew Creek, Virginia.

Mr. St. John had previously been married and now returned to his family. It was on the 28th of January, 1858. that he led to the marriage altar Miss Eliza J. Beam, a sister of Daniel H. Beam. Ten children ha\e been born unto them : Aima Bell, who was born May i6, 1859, is the deceased wife of David G. Ford, of Kansas, by whom she had four children - ^Jessie, Mopsie. Frankie and \'esta. .\lva H., Ixirn August 15, 1861, married Olive Smith and has one living child. Harper. Their home is in Caesar.screek townshi]). .\letha L., born September I, 1863, is the wife of David \V. Painter, of Spring Valley township, antl has four children - Orville, Dora, Ethel and Elsie. William H., born Xovember 22. 1865, died at the age of two years. .\da J., iiorn March 11, 1868, is the wife of Alpha Thomas, of Paintersville, and lias one child, Fred. Ella D.. born August 28, 1870. is the wife of Frank W. Walker, of Xenia, and they have four children - Reva, Lora. Karl and Paul. Arthur E., born February 2},. 1873, married Cora Ellis, and of their three children one is living - Leon. Their home is in Caesarscreek township. Glendora, born June 26, 1875, is the wife of Oscar Ellis, of Xenia, and they have four children - Leona, Ernest, Luam and Emmett. Osco E., born November 6, 1877, married Nora Adams, and resides in Caesarscreek tow-nship. Bertha E., born September 4. 1885, completes the family.

In the spring of 1858 Mr. St. John settled upon the farm which he has since made his home, bringing his wife a bride to that place. Here they have since resided, and he has given his superxision to the care and cultivation of his three hundred and fortyfour acres of land. He has placed all of the improvements on this farm and it is equipped witli modern accessories and conveniences such as indicate his practical and tliorough knowledge of the best methods of farming. He is identified with Lewis Post. G. A. R., of Xenia, and exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, on whose ticket he was elected treasurer of Caesarscreek tow'uship, holding the office for four years. He also belongs, with Mrs. St. John, to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now serving as steward and has been trustee. Tliroughout his entire life he has advocated progressive measures, tending to advance material, social, intellectual and moral interests. He is reliable in Inisiness tVansactions and faithful in friendship, and the qualities of an upright manhood are his.

Albert M Gregg

The rich farms of Greene county have contributed largely to her prosperity, and many of those who are engaged in cultivating the soil are classed among the enter- ])rising and jirogressive residents of this portion of the state. Mr. Gregg, who successfully follows agricultural pursuits in Spring Valley township, was born in Sugarcreek township on the 5th of January, 1850. His father, .\aron Gregg, was born in Loudoun county. \'irginia. in 1819. and when eighteen years of age came to Ohio, locating in Warren county, where he met and married Rebecca Kelsey, who was born in that county, a daughter of Amos and Margaret (Blackford) Kelsey. The father of our subject came to Greene county about 1849 ^"fl purchased land in Sugarcreek township, where he resided for a few years, and then returned to \\'arren county, his Avife having died in the meantime. In 1859 he went to ^^'arsaw-, Kentucky, where he engaged in farming for a year, and then purchased a wharf l)oat and a gristmill, engaging in the milling business in 1866. During the Cixil war he was elected on the Union ticket to the office of state senator of Kentucky, and took an active part in shaping the legislation of the state during that momentous and troublous period. By President Lincoln he was appointed United States marshal for the seventh district of Kentucky, serving from 1862 until the close of the war. In 1866 he removed to Lawrence county. Illinois, where he conducted a gristmill and distillery, carrying on business along those lines until his death in 1875. He was a man of more than ordinar\- intelligence, and while he had received but a connnon-school education he was a well read man, who kept tln^roughly informed on the leading issues and topics of the day.

Mr. Gregg, whose name introduces this re\ iew, received but a limited education except in the school of e.xperience. He was about nine years of age when he left Ohio, accompanying his father on his various removals and assisting him in his work until his death. When his father had passed awa\- Mr. Gregg returned to Ohio, settling in Warren county. When -"bout ten years of age he had begun to act as engineer in his father's mill. He was afterw-ard a locomotive engineer on the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, and on abandoning that mode of life returned to th.e Buckeye state. After his marriage he engaged in farming for a year and then became an engineer in the mill and distillery owned by F. C. Trebein. After a few months, however, he resumed farming, which he has since followed, operating one hundred and ninety-one acres, which his wife inherited.

On tlie 2MI1 111' January, 1879, I\Ir. Gregg- niarrietl Miss Sarah E. Wright, who was born in Sugarcreek township, a daughter of Charles W. and Elizabeth ( \'enard) \\'right. The father was born in Lmuloun count}-, \'irginia, Xoveniljer 26, 1822, and the mother in Warren county, Ohio, December 12, 1823. while their marriage occurred May j6, 1843. They resided for many \ears in Sugarcreek township, this county, and the father, following farming, became the owner of eight hundred acres of land in Greene and Montgomery counties. He (lied October 2;^, 1886. He was very successful in his business pursuits, had marked ability as a financier and accumulated a handsome propert}-. He was a Repul)lican in jiolitics. and a member of the Baptist cluuch. Three children were born unto ]\Ir. and Mrs. Gregg: ]\Iary Elizabeth, who was born in Warren county, and is tlie wife of William F. Holland, of this county, their marriage ha\ing taken place November 27, 1901 ; Charles Aamn, who was born August II, 1882; and Florence P., who was born in the house in which she is still living with her parents. Mr. Gregg's endorsement of the fxepublican partv is indicated by his ballot \\hich is gi\-en for its men and measures, but while he keeps well informed on the issues of the day be has never sought ot-'fice. his attention being fully occupied with the duties of business life, and the pleasures of the home.

\\'illiani 1). Wright is connected with merchandising and financial interests in Xenia, being senior partner of the present firm of Wright & Carruthers and a director in tb.e Xenia Xatinnal Bank. He was born in Guernsey county. Ohio, on the 9th of Xovember, 1844. a son of Thomas L. and Margaret .\. I Bear) Wright, whose family numbered six children. The father was a native of rennsylvania and when about two years old was brought to Ohio by his parents, who located in Freeport, Harrison count}-, and afterward removed to Guernsey county. It was in the latter place that the father of our subject continued to make his honie until 1883, wjien he came to Xenia. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits and thus pro\ided comfortabl}- for his famil}-. His fleath occurred in Xenia in 1888. and his widow is .spending her declining years in the home of her son, William D., having reached a hale old age of eighty-four years.

In the citminon schools Williani D. Wright pursued his studies, being a student at Xew Birmingham, Ohio. It was in that place that he was reared. He learned telegraphy in Cambridge, Ohio, and at the age of twenty years he accepted his first position with the ^^'estern Union Telegraph Company at Washington. Ohio, where he became operator as successor to T. J. Lovejoy. who is now secretary of the Carnegie Iron and Steel Company. Coming to Xenia, Mr. accepted a position as manager for the same corporation and ser\-ed in that important position until 1894, when he resigned on account of ill health. He was then appointed general luanager of the Miami Telephone Company with headquarters at Xenia. and filled that position acceptablv for four years, during which time the lines were practically reconstructed, lint he never recovered from tiie strain which had been placed upon him in the ^^'estern Union service, and his physicians advised him to rest for a time, l^ir two years thereafter lie was not actively connected with business interests. In February, 1899, however, he purchased an interest in the coal business which is now conducted l)y the firm of Wright & Carruthers, becoming the successor of J. B. Carruthers, who met his death in a railroad accident. They deal in both anthracite and l_iitumiiiou.>i coal and do a wholesale and retail business, their patronage now being quite extensive. In 1895 Mr. Wright was elected a director in the Xenia National Bank and has since been thus financially connected with the instittuion. In his political ahiliations he is a Republican. A genial, courteous gentleman and a pleasant, entertaining companion, he has many stanch and admiring friends among all classes of men. As an energetic and upright business man and a gentleman of attractive social qualities he stands high in the estimation of the entire communitv.

Simox Black

Simon Black, a representati\e citizen and prominent farmer of Beavercreek township, has spent his entire life in Greene county. Ohio, his birth having occurred in Bath township in 18,^1. His father. Robert Black, was born in western Penns\lvania and was a son of Alathew Black, who brought his family to this state at an early day. and settled in Beavercreek township. Greene county. Robert Black received but a very limited education, pursuing his studies first in a log school house in Pennsylvania and later in Beavercreek township, this county, after the removal of the familv to Ohio. At an earlv age he started out in life for himself, and engaged in farming about one mile below the place where his son now lives. After living there a number of years, he removed to Beavercreek township. He wedded Mary Koogler, a native of that township, and to them were born nine children, three sons and six daughters, namely: Sarah, a resident of Covington, Ohio: Simon, of this review: Jonathan, whose home is in Ludlow : Rebecca, a resident of Beavercreek township : Mary, deceased; Jacob, a resident of Illinois; Annie Maria, of Missouri; Catherine, of Dayton, t)hio: and Eliza Jane, wife of Morris Carter, of Dayton. The father was a self-made man, whose success in life was due entirely to his own well-directed and energetic efforts, for he was entirely without capital on beginning his business career. He cleared aljout one hundred and sixty acres of land, and at his death owned a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred acres.

Simon Black was educated in an old log school house situated about a mile and a half from his boyhood home, school being conducted on the subscription plan. He early acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and at the age of twenty }-ears entered into partnership with his father in his farming oijerations, remaining under the parental roof until his marriage. He then moved one mile north of the old homestead and rented a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he subsequently jjurchased. and later he purchased another farm of about one hundred acres in the same \icinity. Ui)on his ])lace he raises principally corn and wheat, but also gives some attention to the raising of cattle and hogs.

creek township, this county, and tliey lia\e become the parents of three cliildren, two sons and one daughter, namely : Robert H., Simon D. and EHzabeth, all at home. In 1886 Simon D. married Miss Sarah L. Reese, of Beavercreek township, and they have one child, Doroth)-, who is now fourteen years of age and is attending the high school of Fairfield. The sons always assisted their father in the operation of the home farm, and they are now engaged in farming in partnership.

By his ballot Mr. Black usually supports the men and measures of the Republican party, but at local elections when no issue is involved he votes for the men whom he believes Ijiest qualified for office regardless of party lines. He has never Ijeen prevailed upon to accept political jxisitiuns of any kind as he prefers to give his luidivided attention to his business interests. He and his wife are active and consistent memljers of the Reformed church, and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.

James S. INlcClure, \\h<i follows farming in Sugarcreek township, near Bellbrook, was born about a mile south of his present home, his birth occurring on the 8th of January, 1846. He is a son of Cyrus and ]\Iary Jane I Dinwiddle) McClure. His paternal grandfather, Andrew ]\IcClure, came to Ohio at an earl\- period in its de\elopment, and for a time resided east of the Miami river, but later remove;l to a farm west of the river, taking up his abode upon the place which is now the home of our subject. There the grandfather spent his remaining days, and the property remained in the familv until 1897. Andrew McClure was a native of Virginia, born on the 3d of March, 1773, near the town of Charleston. He wedded Mary Steele, who was li-jrn January 24, 1779, and died mi the 3th of November, 1862.

Cyrus McClure, the father of our subject, was born Septemljer i, 181 1, and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits, but died in early manhood, leaving but one child, the subject of this review, who was then about two years old. The mother afterward married again, when James S. McClure was about fifteen years of age. She had removed to Bellbrook soon after the death of her first husband, and thus James S. McClure remained a resident of that city during much of his youth. His maternal grandfather, John R. Dinwiddie, was a wagonmaker and when our subject was not engaged with the duties of the schoolroom he was employed at painting wagons in his grandfather's shop. Wheni fifteen years of age he determined to securea position, and after working one seasom went to the old home farm, where he began farming on shares, being thus employed for many years after his marriage or imtil 1890..

It was in Warren county, Ohio, in 1867,. that Mr. McClure was joined in wedlock tc .Miss Josephine Murph\- and unto them hasbeen born one child, \\'alter, whose birth; occurred on tlie old hoiuestead farm December 16, 1868. He married Miss Mary Scott on the 1 8th of October, 1892, ard is engaged in the undertaking business in W'aynesville, Ohio. He has two children,. James E. and Carl .Scott. In 1869 the subject of this review was called upon to mounr the loss of his wife, who died on the 24tli of September of that year. His second mar- riage took place in Warren count}-, Ohio. May 24. 1 8- 1, the lady of iiis choice being Miss Mary Chenoweth. who was born in that county August 11, 1852. a daughter of George antl Letitia (Cox) Chenoweth. The children of the second marriage are: Ida May. who was born November 16, 1872, and became the wife of Perry M. Kelsey, April 27, 1896; Samuel C, who was born March 22. 1873. and was married November 25, 1897. to L.. Bertha Hatfield; and Mary J., who was born February 18, 1878. and is at liome.

Mr. McClure followed in his father's ])()Iitical fiiotsteps. becoming a stanch Re- ])ublican. He has served altogether for eleven years as a trustee of Sugarcreek townsliip. has taken an active and influential \r,nl in political affairs and has served as a delegate to many conventions. He and his wife hold meml)ershi]i in the United Presl)ytcrian church, and lie contributed largely to the erection of the house of worship. His sui)i)ort is never withheld from any movement w hicli he l)elie\'es will advance the material, intellectual or moral upbuilding of the comnninitw

Earnest and indefatigable later has been the secret of the success which John Lutz has attained. For more than forty years lie has been successfully engaged in l>lacksmithing and wagonmaking and is thus a well known factor in industrial circles of Xenia. He is among the valuable citizens that Maryland has furnished to the Buckeve state, his iiirth ha\ing occurred near Clear Spring nn the 5th of January. 1829

The family is of German lineage and llic great-grandfather of our subject came from Germany to the new world. The grandfather. Nicholas Lutz, spent his last years in Pennsylvania. Henry Lutz, the father of our subject, was born near Millersl)urg. Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, in 1802. He married Frances Moudy, who was a nati\e of Williamsport. Maryland, and unto them were born two sijns and three daughters, but only two of the number reached mature years, John and Mary, the latter becoming the wife of Fj. ^'. Berry, then a resident of Xenia. In 1859 the father remmecl with his family to Indiana and settled on a farm near Fort Wayne, but after resifling there for ten years returned to Xenia, where he departed this life in 1877, his wife passing away about eight years later.

John Lutz spent the first twenty-four years of his life under the ])arental roof. His educational ])ri\ileges were somewhat meagre but he was well trained in lessons of industry and frugality, which proved the foundation of his prosperitv in later vears. W'lien still a young man he began learning the blacksmith's trade, becoming rpiite expert in the use of the tools of the smithy. Jn Xo\enil)cr. 1833. he arri\ed in (^hio. Idcating in Xenia and for fourteen months lie was ill the emi^loy nf James White. He then returned to M;u"\-land fur his bride, for ere leax'in'.; his nati\'e land he had become betrothed to Sa villa Wolford. The marriage was celebrated at her home in Maryland in March. 1835. ami the\" began their domestic life in Xeiiia. where they have remained continuously since. His father acconi])anied him on his return to this ])lace and together they establislied a liusiness on (. hurch street where for four years thev engaged in blacksmitliing. In the spring of 1831) our sub- jcct purchased tlie wagon works (jf one 'li the earl}' settlers and with the exception (-! the tirst year lie has conducted tlie lousiness alone, covering a period of more than forty years. In his work he has ever Ijecn thorougli and reliable, and his straightforward dealings and capabilit}- have secured to him creditable success.

Ill the early part of 1864 Mr. I.utz responded to the ciiuntry's call for aid and became a Union solilier, joining Com])anv E. One Hundred and Fifty- foiulh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. With iiis regiment he went to Xew Creek, Virginia, and he participated in the battle at that place, lie tix^k ])art in no other engagements but ex])erienced manv of the hardshi])s and pri\ations incident to a sokliers life. After four months service he recei\ed an honorable discharge at Camp Dennison, Ohio, in Octol>er, 1864, and then resumed the pursuits of ci\il life, lie has since been engaged in blacksmithing and wagonmaking in Xenia and as the years have jiassed he has added to his cai)ital until he is now the possessor of a handsome compence. For a number of years one of his sons has been associated with him in the conduct of the business. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lutz has Ijeen Ijlessed with six children of whom the following are living : Jacob H. ; John E. ; Laura B.. now' the wife of John F. Sanders: Cora E., and Ida S.. the wife of George Sinz. Mr. Lutz and his famil\- are members of the Reformed church and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd F'ellows. and is a member of Lewis Post. Xo. 347. G. .\. 1\., while in his political views he is a Re- ]iublican. His life has been quietly passed, not marked Ijy any event of special importance. \et his history is that of one who has e\cr been true and loyal to public and ])rivate dut_\'. He is known as an lionor;ible man, a ])leasant, sociable compruiion and a fond husband and father.

In public c)ffice as well as in private life Joshua Harnett has shown himself a worthy and loyal citizen, devoted to the best interests of the comnnmiiy. Throughout his business career he has carried on farming and has ever been upright and reliable in his dealings with his fellowmen. .\mong Greene county's nali\e sons he is numbered, his birth ha\ing occurred in the northeastern, part of Spring Valley township, October 13, 185-'. his parents being John and Amelia ( Moody I I'.arnett, both of whom were natives of Maryland. Soon after their marriage they emigrated to Ohio, settling on a farm in Spring \'alley township, Greene County. The father had actpiired a good education in his youth and had engaged in teaching before he came to Ohio. Here he owned a farm of one hundred and fifty acres and his labors transformed it into a wduable tract, which anntially returned to him a good income. LTnto him and his wife were born nine children, eight of whom reached mature years, while five are still living, namely: 01i\'er, a resident of Xenia township; Edward, who lives on the lower Bellbrook road in Xenia townshi]): James, whose farm borders the upper Bellbrook road, in Sugarcreek township; Virginia, the wife of George X^isonger, of Beavercreek townshi]); and Joshua. The father was an adherent of F\e])ul)lican ]>rinciples and was a member of tlie Methodist Episcopal church, Xo event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Joshua Barnett in his youth. Amid work and pla\' and the duties of the school room the years passed and at the age of twenty-three he entered upon an in<lependent business career. When about twenty-five years of age he made his first purchase of land, comprising forty-five acres in Spring Valley township. He put some improvements upon that farm and made it his home for alxnit four years, after which he sold it and purchased his present farm of se\enty-h\e acres. This is a rich and aralile tract of land and annuall\- he garners good harvests. He has splendid impro\einents upon his place, including an attractive home two stories m l.eight and containing eight rooms. It is tastefully furnished and is celebrated for its v\arm hearted hospitality. There is a good bank l)arn and other necessary improvements, and the farm is a monument to the enterprise, capable management and business ability of the owner. He has gained the property through his own well directed efforts.

On the loth of January, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Barnett and Miss Caroline Simison, of Spring Valley township, a daughter of Milo and Mary (Kelly) Simison. Their home has been blessed with four children: Samuel D., born October 29. 1877: Ohmer J., lx)rn February 29, 1880; Ethel : born September 19, 1882 ; and George C, born December 2, 1888. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, lieing connected with Gladys chapel and Mr. Barnett has served as superintendent of the Sunday-school for several years. He is now a trustee of the church, does all in his ])ower to extend its influence, and contributes liberally to its support. In 1876 he jjroudly cast his first presidential vote, supjjorting Ha_\-es. and has since been a stanch Republican. In 1902 he was the candidate for count\' commissioner. He has served as a member of the state board of equalization for the counties of Greene, Clinton, Ross, Fayette and Highland, and succeeded in securing a reduction on the assessment for all these counties - over one million dollars for Greene county alone. He is public spirited and progressive and heartily co-operates with every movement and measure calcuT lated to prove of general good. His worth is widelv acknowledged and the circle of his friends is only limited by the circle of his acquaintances.

Ja.Mes Wallace Pollock

One of the finest farms in Greene county is that owned and occupied by James W'. Pollock. It is well located on the Xenia pike, a mile and a half from Cedarville, in Cedarville township, and it comprises three hundred and sixty acres. One hundred acres of this adjoins the birthplace of W'hitelaw Reid, the Xew York journalist. The Pollock family is of Scotch-Irish lineage, and the first representative of this branch of the family in America was William Pollock, the grandfather of our subject, who came from Scotland anil located in Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he spent his remaining days. In that county J(ihn Pollock was Imrn and grew to manhood. In Westmoreland countv of tlie same state lived .\liraham and Jane (Johnson) Elder, who were also of Scotch- Irish descent, and unto them was Ixirn a daughter.

Jane. The Elders remosed to Log'an county, Oliio. aljout i8jo and there Mr. Elder l>ecanie a man (jf note, his ability making him a leader in public affairs. He was elected one of the first judges of the county and filled that position for luany years. John Pollock also left tiie Keystone state and became a resident of Logan count) . There he formed the acquaintance of Jane EldeV and in 1834 they were m.'u'rieil. They located upon a tract of land near Huntsville and there they reared their family of eight children, the subject of tliis review being the third in order of birth.