Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 18 of 25)

It was upon the 12th of January. 1840. that James Wallace Pollock first opened his eyes to the liglit of day. At the usual age he entered the district schools, and after studying there for some time he pursued a course in a select school near his home. Remaining with his parents until after the breaking out of the Civil war he joined the Union army on the 23d of June, 1862, at Huntsville and was assigned to Company D, Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, which was attached to the Army of the Cuml^erland. He took part in some of the principal engagements against Ivlorgau, that at Somerset being tlie most imixirtant. At Philadelphia, Tennessee, on the 20th of October, 1863, he w'as taken prisoner and was sent to Atlanta and thence to Liblw prison. Not long afterward he w-as transferred to Belle Isle, where he was held for four months, and later he was conveyed to Pemberton ami then to Andersonville, where he spent six months during the worst period in all the horrors of that loathsome prison den. During his confinement Air. Pollock had charge of a mess of one hundred men, for whom he drew' the stuff they called rations. The commissary sergeant of a small party of colored troops was brutallx- sh(tt by the guard and the rebels would not issue rations directly to the negroes, so it became necessary for white men to draw their supplies. The position was not a pleasant one to fill and few cared to undertake it, but Mr. Pollock volunteered to take charge of the negroes and did so until his rem(_)\al from the place. .\t one time the raiders became so numerous and so bold in their depredations, - even at times murdering the defenseless ])risoners, - -that a coiumittee was formed to remedv the e\il. Mr. Polloik was one of the committeemen and aiiled ni ijriiiging the miscreants to justice six of them being hung. When captured our subject weighed one hundred aiul seventv-ti\e pounds, but imder the horrors of prison life his weight was reduced to eighty-three jiounds. From Andersonville he was sent to Charleston, where a party of prisoners were kept under guard for si.K weeks until the stockade at Florence was completed and they were sent there. On the wa\' Mr. Pollock and a comrade, Charles Hoffman, of Buffalo, New York, made an attempt to escape, jumping from the car while it was in motion. A few shots were fired at them. l)Ut they managed to get away in the darkness, traveling all night. The next day, however, they were run down by bloodhounds and taken to Florence, reaching there only thirty-six hours after the others. Air. Pollock still bears on his leg the scars left by the bites of the hounds. After he had spent ten weeks at Florence the prisoners were exchanged in Charleston harbor in 1864 and were then sent home on fmiough. Mr. Pollock rejoined his regiment on the 5th of April, 1865, and was mustered out w'ith his command at Camp Parker, near Nashville, on the 19th of June following.

Returning to Logan county he entered Duff's Commercial College, from which he was graduated the following year. He then turned his attention to the drug husiness, in which he was engaged for several years, during two years of this time carrying on a store at Cedarville, while for a considerable time he was in Xenia. In 1871 he removed to his present farm and has since carrieil on farming and stock-raising, always having thoroughbred cattle at the head of his herd. For the past ten years he has made a specialty of ix)lled Durham, which popular variety he introduced, being the first man to own one in the countv. For many years he had a thoroughbred Devon herd which he exhibited at different state fairs in Ohio. Indiana and Illinois, and the St. Louis exposition, taking many prizes for the herd. He not only met with success but did much to better the grade of sttKk in the county. At present he has about fifty head of polled Durhams. known as the Hill View lierd, and considered one of the finest of this section of the state. For many years his place was known as the Anderson st<x:k farm, but Mr. Pollock has changed the name to the Hill \"iew stock farm. He is one of the most progressi\e. enterprising and j^rospcrous stock raisers of the locality and a man of excellent business ability.

During his residence in Cedarville Mr. Pollock was united in marriage to Miss Xettie, a daughter of Samuel and Jane (Townsley) Anderson, of that place, the wedding being celebrated November 4 1869. Her father was born on the farm where Mr. Pollock is now living, and it remained in his p<issession for fifty-six years, but in August. 1869, he was called to his final rest. He was a son of William Anderson, who came to Greene county from Kentucky at a very early day and settled upon the tract of land which now constitutes the Hill View stock farm. Samuel Anderson was born in 1818 and throughout his life was an active and enterprising agriculturist. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-seven vears, making her home with ]\Ir. and Mrs. Pollock. L'nto our subject and his wife have been born three children. Edith is now the wife of Rev. Pressley Thompson, of Washington, Pennsylvania, a minister of the United Presbyterian church, and they have four children : Wilbur Pollock, Margaret, Pressley, Jr.. and Donald Bruce. Jennie is the wife of Leonard Aitken. who is engaged in general mining at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and they have one child, Regina. Junia, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Pollock, is still at home.

In his jx)litical views Air. Pollock is a stalwart Republican, ne\er wavering in his allegiance to the party. He has been a most active factor in promoting agricultural interests in this iK)rtion of the state, and in addition to his being a member of the lx>ard of agriculture he is one of the charter members of the American Devon Cattle Clul) and one of the founders of the Ohio Spanish Alerino Sheep Breeders' Association, and was a member of the state board of agriculture from 1890 until 1894. He was serving as its president at the time he retired from the office. His political service covers six years spent as coimtv commissioner of Greene county, from 1890 until 1896. He filled the office for two terms by election and for one term liy ap- P'lintment. Mr. Pollock has always taken an active interest in educational affairs and served for fifteen years as a member of the Xenia township board of etlucation. and has always stood for progressive ideas. He gave all his daughters collegiate educations at Monmouth. Illinois. He was a member of the countv agricultural board for twentv president, and did much to l)uil<l up the fair. He and his wife are dev(jted and loyal members of the United Presbyterian church and for man}- years he has served as one of its elders. A man of broad views and libera! policy, yet strong in his good name as well as in his business ability, James W. Pollock well deserves mention among the prominent residents of (jreenc countv.

Robert (irieve is a retired farmer wlio makes iiis home in Xenia. His birth occurred on the old family homestead within two jniles of the city. July 2/. 1831. He comes of a family of agriculturists that through different generations has been connected with the tilling of the soil. The family is of Scotch lineage, the father, Archibald (jric\e. luu'ing Ijecn a farmer of county Selkirk, Scotland, where he was born in 1775. In the year 1812 be crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at Xew York, where he remained until 1814. He then made his way by boat to Warren county, Ohio, and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of the state. He was united in marriage to Agnes Stephenson, who was born in Roxboroughshire, Scotland, and was a daughter of John and Isabella Stephenson. The marriage was celebrated March II, 181 1, and a year later they sailed for the new world. When Archibald (jrieve arrived w ith liis familv in what is now Greene county, lie bought one hundretl acres of land and immediatelv proceeded to clear a sufficient amount of this in (jrder to erect a little log cabin w'hich would ser\e as a shelter for his family, and the wolves also seemed to think that it might ser\ e the same purpose for them. It was often necessary to bar the door in order to keep out the w iid animals. Wild deer roamed through the forests and venison was a well known dish upon the pioneer boards, if a member of the family happened to be a good shot. Mr. Grieve proceeded as rapidly as possible in clearing and cultivating his lantl and in a few years he had a comfortable home, although in early days the family endured all the trials and hardships incident to frontier life. He and his wife were members of the Seceder church, now known as the United Presbyterian churcli, and although the nearest place of worship in the earl\- days was eight miles distant from their home, it did not pre\ent these wortiiy ]5eople from attending divine services. Archibald Grieve and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom our subject and four brothers are the surviving members.

Robert Grieve of this review is the only one of the family now residing in Greene county. His oldest brother died in the year 1847. Like most boys of the period Robert Grieve attended the public schools during the winter months and throughout the ren'lainder of the year assisted in the labors of the field and meadow. He was thus engaged until twenty-one years of age, when he put aside his text books and thereafter devoted bis entire attention to agricultural pursuits. ', In 1867 he purchased a farm upon which he long resided - a tract of sixty acres which he cultivated and improved, transforming it into a \aluable property.

He still owns this and also has another farm of one hundred acres on the border line f)l Xenia and Xew Jasper townships, which is now managed by his son. For many years in addition to the cultivation of crops best adapted to the soil and climate. Mr. Grieve was extensively engaged in raising graded stock, including shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, and also bred horses. Tlioroughly familiar with the best methods of farming and stock-raising and directing his efforts along well defined lines of labor, he met with a richly merited degree of success in his undertakings and as the years passed accumulated a comfortal)le competence, which now enables him to live retired. He makes his home in Xenia, enjoying the fruits fit his former toil, which supplies him with all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Grieve married Miss Elizalieth Crawford in 1856. She was a daughter of Robert Crawford, a resident of Xenia, and died in 1888, leaving three sons: Archibald, who is now on one of his father's farms; Rankin, a resident of Xenia, who was sheriff of Greene county for four years ; and John, at home. In 1892 Mr. Grieve married Miss Johanna Kyle, wlio died in 1895. Religiously he is a member of the Second United Presbvterian church.

Henry H. Stafford was born in Bethel township, Miami county, Ohio, on the 8th of October. 1836, and is a son of AN'illiam E. and Harriet Xewell (Steele) Staft'ord, both of whom are now deceased. The subject of this review is indebted to the common school system of his native county for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed and later on was a student for one term in Carlyle Academy. He then returned to the home farm, living with his uncle and guardian until he was married and giving to his uncle the benefit of his ser- \ices in the care and cultivation of his uncle's fields.

On the 4th of October, 1864, Mr. Stafford was joined in wedlock to ]\Iiss Sarah Ellen Ka1)le. a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Kable. who were early settlers of Greene count}-. In the year 1867 Mr. Stafford came to this county, living upon a farm which belonged to his wife's mother. They made their home there for about six years and on the expiration of that period our subject purchased his present farm of eightynine acres in Beavercreek township. The buildings and improvements here all stand as evidences of his life of industry and enterprise, for all have been erected by ]\Ir. Stafford, including a large and attractive home and a barn, thirty-six by fifty-six feet. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and the fields are under a high state of cultivation, while everything about the place is characterized by neatness.

Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Stafford have been born six children : Harriet Catherine is the wife of Johnson Engle, a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, and they have four children - Elberta. Stafford, Paul and Elizabeth. I'ranklin K. is engaged in teaching. He is a graduate of the Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio. Edwin L., Herbert S. and Harry FI.. are all at home. The last three are graduates of the Beavercreek townshi]) high school : and Harry and Herbert are now students in Heidelberg University. Carrie Edith is deceased. The parents and their cliildren liold membership in tlie Reformed churcli, taking- a very active part in its worix. Mrs. Stafford is now serving as treasurer of the Indies Missionary Societv and .Mr. St.iffonl has been treasurer of the church, also deacon, and is now filhng- the position of elder. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and has ever been a strong advocate of teni])erance principles and of all those movements and measures which tend to benefit humanity. During his residence here, covering more than a quarter of a centiu\v, he has become widely and favorably known, enjoying in a high degree the confidence and good-will of his fellow men.

Tobias Drees

The name nf Tobias Drees is so closely as.sociated w itli the history of Cireeue county that this volume would be incomplete witht)ut his life record. For forty-two years he figured conspicuously as a representative of building interests and his efforts were equally ])otent in the moral development of the city. His life, so honorable and upright, forms an example well worthy of emulation by those who appreciate the value of character. He realized fully that "Honor and fame from no condition rise" and that upon the man depends his position in the business and social world. To know Tobias Drees Avas therefore to honor him, for throughout the vears of his manhood he faithfully performed tlie tasks which devohed upon him and his course was so straightforward that his record was above reproach.

It is known that Tobias Drees was a representative of the famil}- in the ninth generation. He was born February 19, 1819, in the orrand fluchv of Oldenburg, Germanv, where his family was an old one. In the year 1832 the father started for the new world accompanied by his familv. Thev took passage on a sailing vessel at Bremen and in the month of February arrived in Baltimore, Maryland, making their wav to Pittsburg, where they remained for six weeks. During that time the subject of this review acquired a sufficient knowledge of the Jinglish language to act as interpreter for the party that accompanied the family, and it was not long before he was quite familiar with the new tongue. He found employment as a w aiter in a hotel in Pittsburg, From that city the family removed to Minster, a German village in the northern part of .\uglaize county, Ohio, and the father, securing a tract of land, began farming, but later, in connection^with his son Tobias, he secured employment on a canal boat running between Tro\- and Cincinnati.

^^'hen sixteen years of age Tobias Drees of this review left home, being allowed the privilege of securing work elsewhere on the condition that he would return a part of his wages for the support of the family, which he did for a number of years. On one occasion while making a trip to Troy he seriously considered the future and what he should make of himself and he determined that whate\'er came he would lead a life of industry and integrity - a resolution to which he always strictly adhered. He first worked as a teamster and later was a porter and clerk in a hotel. When he had attained his majority he determined to learn a trade and entered upon an apprenticeship to a cooper, but after three weeks he decided that the work would never lie congenial and sought and obtained a release from his indenture. He ne.xt began learning the carpenter's trade under the direction of the firm of Crandall & Bmwn. of Tn>y. (3hio, entering- their service in i84_'. They had the contract for Ijiiildini^- the Greene county courthouse and as the famihes of the two ])artners removed to Xenia Mr. Drees accompanied tliem and completed his term of ap])renticesliip, during which time he hecame an excellent workman, having largely mastered the builder's art. He then started in liusiness on Jiis own account in the same building in which the firm of Crandall & Brown was located, and though he began operations on a \ery small scale he graduallv work-ed his way upward as he demonstrated his ability to faithfully execute the terms of a contract and in a manner highiv satisfactory to those who sought his services, liis liusiness constantly increased in \-olume and im])ortance and he secured the contracts for the erection of many of the finest and most important structures of the citv. including ])ublic l)uildings and pri\ate residences. Notably prompt and reliable he successfully carried an onerations as a contractor and Iniilder until 1883. when he became interested in the manufacture of twine and assisted in organizing the Xenia Cordage Company, in which he liecame a large stockholder and also acted as its treasurer until his death. He invested a portion of his capital in some excellent farm property and for tlie comfort and gratification of his family erected one of the finest residences of the city.

On the 31st of December. 1846. Mr. Drees was united in marriage to Miss Maria Hypes, who was ])oru in Xenia .\pril 2;, 1825, a daugliter of Henry and Sarah ( W'riglit ) Hypes, who came to Greene county from Virginia in 181 1. He was born ill the hitter state. June 11. 1775. and was one of six children born to Nicholas Hvpes, who came to the United States in 1760. \\'lien he emigrated to Ohio Greene county was considered a far western district, on the very border of civilization. He secured some unimproved land, a part of which is now included within the city limits of Xenia. There he carried on general farming and iit <hie course of time, owing to the growth of the county, as well as to the imi)ro\ements placed on the farm, the land l)ecame very \alual)le. The jom'uey westward iiad been made overland to the Ohio river, then by ilat )x)at to Cincinnati, and thence to Greene County. Ujioii his one hundred and twentyfive acre farm he erected a log house for himself and family and made it his home for se\-eral years. He was a ])rogressive agriculturist, advocated the introduction of modern machinery and did much to promote farming interests in this portion of the state. W'iien only eighteen years of age Mr. Hy])es married Patience Reynolds, of \'irginia, who died in 1823, leaving six sons and two daugiiters, all now deceased. Later he wedded Miss Sarah \\right, a daughter of (jeorge and Sophia Wright, who remo\e<l from I'runswick count}-, ^'irg-inia, to Xenia. Foiu" children were born of the second marriage of Mr. Hypes, of whom two are living: Maria H., tlie widow- of Mr. Drees; and San-iuel IT, who is engaged in the fire insurance and real estate business in Xenia. The others were \\'. L.. who was pastor of tlie Methodist Episcopal churcli ; and Fletcher, of the same denomination. Mr. Hyi^es cast his first vote for the Democratic 7)arty. To his surprise that partv electeil to the legislature a man who could neither read nor write. This displeased Mr. Hypes so luuch that he became a \\ hig. He was a strong and active member of the Methodist Episco]ial church. He died Octolier i. 18^4,.

\v his eiijfluictli _\ear and his death was deeply and widely innurned. He had long been a \alued citizen of this county and had endeared hinisell to many friends.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Drees were born six children who came to maturity. Charles W. has for twcnty-eiijht years been a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal churcii in Mexico. South .America and Porto Rico. Ernest K. is now located in the auditing department of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Com])any at St. Louis. Mis.souri. having hlled the position for eleven vears ; Jennie is the wife of William A. Aiken, whr) is a civil engineer and spends most of his time in .\ew York city, h'rank B. is connected with the .\enia Shoe Factory. Sarah C. is now the widow of Edward C. Xesl)itt of Xenia. Wilbur I', is also a resident of Xenia.

To whatever ])osition Mr. Drees was called he gave to it his conscientious attention, and his word was considered as good as bis bond. He took a li\ely interest in the growth and de\eloj)nient of his adopted citv, and was foremost in encouraging the enterprises tending to this end. He served in the city council two terms, and officiated as a member of the school briard. In all the relations of life be preserved the same equable temperament which constituted him a kind hu.sband ami father, a hospitable neighbor and a man who ne\er failed to res])ond to the call of distress or aid a philanthropic enterprise that sought his assistance. Although born and reared in the Roman Catholic faith, he Ijecamc converted under the preacliing of the Rev. John W. White and at once united with the ^Methodist Episcopal church, in which for nearly fifty years be was conspicuous as a wise leader, liberal supporter and an exemplary Christian. There was no self-reliance, no boasting of great attainments, but rather a uniform piety, working out practical results, producing genuine fruits, forming the character, regulating the life. His pleasant home was open night and day for the entertainment of ministers. As an official member of the church, holding at various times the offices of steward, trustee, class leader and Sunday-school .superintendent, he was always in his place, shirking no duty, cheerfully meeting everv responsibility. To the great doctrines of the Bible as expounded by Wesley, he gave whole hearted assent, and though bv no means a narrow sectarian he was verv strongly attached to his own denomination. 1 lo was not ordinarily very demonstrative in his religious life, but there were times when his prayers and his testimonv were accompanied by an unction that was (piite remarkable. .\s I'.e consciously drew near to the end of his pilgrimage, his testimony in the classroom and prayer meeting was given with increasing assurance of faith and more and n^ore in the tone of a victor. He ].)assed away .April M). 1889. but the influence of his life is \-ct a potent factor with many who knew him. .Along material and moral lines bis efforts were of great good to the community and his memory remained as a blessed benediction to those who knew him well.

Arthur L. Fisher

-Arthur L. Fisher, cashier of the Bowersville Bank at Bowersville, Greene county, is one of the native sons of Ohio, his birth ha\'ing occurred in Clinton county, near Wilmington, in 1858. He is a son of Jacob and Delphia (Smoke) Fisher, both of whom were natives of Mrgiiiia, but were married in Clinton county. Ohio. The father became a resident of that county w lien but a boy. He was educated in its public schools, worked ujxjn the home farm in his youth, and when in his 'teens started out in life for himself, working as a farm hand until he came to Greene county, Ohio, in the year 1859. When the subject of this r^'iew was three months old the father brought his family to Greene county, settling in Caesarscreek township, about one mile east of Paintersville. There he pur- -chased seventy-five acres of land, which he still owns and uikhi this farm he has remained continuously since, being now one of the \enerable and respected residents of the C( immunity. In his family were eight ^children, of whom four are living: Ellen, who is at home with her father: Thomas - and Catherine wln.i died in childhood : James, who married Fannie Henry and died leaving a son, Russell, wdio is living with his mother in Clinton county, Ohio; Arthur L. and Arbelle h., twins, the latter of wdiom -died at the age of nineteen years : Jennie, who is living at home with her father; and Frank, who married Miss Lydia Faucett, and for the past four years has represented the Milwaukee Harvesting Machine Conii)anv in Xenia. The mother of this family died in July, T(joi, at the age of seventyfive years, and was laid to rest in Wilmington. Ohio. The father has long been a stanch Democrat, but has never consented to accept office, preferring to give his attention to his business afifairs. He was formerly identified with the Methodist Epis- -copal church, but is now holding membership relations with the Methodist Protestant church. Having been born in October. 1819, he is now almost eighty-three years or

Arthur L. Fisher pursued his early education in the schools of Paintersvil'e. and later in the Faucett tlistrict in Jefferson township, continuing his studies thcie until twenty-two years of age. In 1882 he became a student in \\'ilmington College and in 1883 'i^ began teaching in Jefferson township. Greene county, at the Thomas school, continuing his work as a teacher in Greene county for thirteen years. In December, 1S96, he was elected cashier of the Bowersville Bank at Bowersville, the only bank in the village, one year after its organizati(_)n. He has since filled that position with credit to himself and satisfaction to the institution. A general banking business is carried on and already the enterprise has won success that many an older institution might well desire.

On the 14th of June, 1887. Mr. Fisher was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Carpenter, a daughter of Nathan Carpenter, who resides in Jefiferson township, and they now have one son, Herbert. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fisher belong to the Methodist Episco]>al church of Bowersville, taking an acti\-e and helpful part in its work and for the past thirteen years he has been superintendent of the Sunday school. During the erection of the new church in 190J he was one of the building committee, and is also one of the trustees of the church. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows" Society and lias passed all of the chairs, being now the di.strict deputy for hi^ district. He was elected clerk of his township in April. 1888. and held that office for three consecutive terms, while in 1899 he was elected township treasurer and is still iilling that posi- tion. discharging liis duties witli promptness and fidelity. He votes with the Democracy in general elections. In igoo he was elected a member of the town council, in which he is serving for the second term. Mr. Fisher is well known in this county, having come here at an early day. He is regarded as reliable and trustworthy in business, while in social circles his friendly and genial nature has made him pojmlar.

George R. Gordon

There is i)articular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the earl\- pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the Republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the thri\'- ing county where he was born and where he has retained his residence until the present time, being now one of the revered patriarchs of the community.

.\ native of Sugarcreek township, Greene coimt}-, George R. Gordon was born there upon his father's farm October 11, 1815. He is the second son in a family of eight children, whose parents were George and Agnes (McDonald) Gordon. The family was of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The greatgreat-grandfather AIcLean, whose granddaughter ]\Iar\- became the wife of George (jordon. the grandfather of the subject of this re\iew, had obtained consider-abk' knowledge of the sea, jn fact, he was so well versed concerning different channels leading from England to vari(.)us sections of the world that the discoxered that when in mid-ocjnn that the captain of the ves.sel in which he had taken, passage for America was not following the- American course and, believing that he intended to take the passengers to the Mediterranean and sell them to the Turks, ordered the captain to change his course if he did not' want to be killed. At the same time Mr. McLean drew his sword and forced the captain to remain in the hold of the ship, until it had reached the American harbors. George Gordon, the grandfather of our subject, was numbered among the soldiers of the Revolutionary war. He removed from. Kentucky to Ohio in 1802 and .settled in XN'arren county, where he died at the age of sevent_\'-one years.

George Gordon, the father of our subject, was l>_)rn in PennsyKania in 1786 and came with the family to Ohio in 1813, arri\ing in Greene county, in the month of March. Through the succeeding forty \ears he carried on agricultural pursuits in this county and in 1853 he took up his abode in Xenia, locating in the residencein which our subject now makes his home. He first resided in Sugarcreek township, which was then an almosi unjjroken wilderness, inhabited by Indians, the work of progress and civilization having been scarcely begun. After removing to Xenia Mr. . Gordon lived a retired life until called to his final rest in December, 1879. His wifehad passed away in the year i860. Their oldest son, John M., de\oted his life to the work of the gospel as a minister and died at St. Louis Springs, Michigan, in December, 1871. The maternal grandfather of our sul>ject, John ^McDonald, wa.s one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. Although he-

In tiie priniiti\e schools wliich existed in Greene county in [lioneer days George R. Gordon piu'sued his early education, completing his studies in Xenia. When he had attained to man's estate lie began farming on his own account and later he engaged in teaching school in Xenia and in the district schools as well from 1840 to 1847. He was employed as a salesman in a general store in Xenia, and then with the money which he had saved from his earnings he embarked in general merchandising on his own account in connectit)n with his brotlier William I. This partnershi]) was maintained from the fall of 185J until the summer of 1858, when Mr. Gordon of this re\ie\v withdrew from the firm and resumed farming, which has claimed his attention continuously since. At one time he and his brother made a sjiecialty of the cultivaticju of potatoes and in a single season sold between eight and ten thousand bushels. Mr. Gordon has led a ver\- busy, useful and active life, and although he is past the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journey in the year 1901 he put in fifty acres of wheat, as well as the cultivation of other fields, and also gave his attention to the care of three horses. Old age is not necessarily the synonym of weakness or inactivity, and it need not suggest, as a matter of years, helplessness or want of 'occupation. The business career of Mr. Gordon should put to shame many a young man of much younger years who relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. As the \ears have passed Mr. Gordon has prospered and has ever been accounted one of the most honorable and straightforward farmers of this ixtrtion of the state. He comes of a long-lived race and one that has e\er\ right to claim honesty and industry as among their sterling characteristics. Mr. Gordon has ne\er failed to vote for a president since attaining his majority, and has alwavs been a stanch advocate of the Whig and Republican parties. He is identified with the United Presbyterian church, to which he contributes generously and at all times he has been in hearty sympath\- with movements and measures which contribute to tl:e general good. For eighty-seven years he has been a witness of the progress and development of this portion of the state. In his youth he experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. As the years have passed great changes were wrought and in the work of progress he ever bore his part as a good and faithful citizen. To-day he is -respected and esteemed for his sterling worth and his life history well deserves a place in the annals of the countw

Simon Sparks

The subject of this review is a self-made man who. without any extraordinary family or pecuniary advantages at the commencement of life, has battled earne^stly and energetically and by indomitable courage and integrity has achieved both character and fortune. By sheer force of will and untiring effort he has worked his war upward and is numbered anione the leadine business men of Dayton, Ohio.

brook, ( ireene CDunty. and is a nati\e of this count}-, liis birth ha\ing' occurred on his tatlier's farm a few miles from tlie village of iiellbrook on the 24th of .\])ril. 1832. His parents were lliihraim and Marv ( Elwell ) Sparks, in whose family were eight chilthxn, all of whom reached maturity, namely : Simon: Abigail; Hannah: John: Sarah -Ann: Lvdia : Ella, and William E., who was state senator from Dayton two terms. In 1806 the family was established in this portion of the state, the name figuring on the pages of Greene county history from pioneer times. The father of our subject was born only a few miles frcjm Bellbrook in 1809. and in early life learned the blacksmith's trade Init devoted the greater ])art of his lime and attention to agricultural pursuits. The mother, though l)orn in New Jersey, came to Greene countv when a small child in company with her ])arents and located near Yellow S]3rings. in the Jersey settlement.

On tlie old famil\- homestead Sinn in Sparks of this review was reared and in his youth he assisted in the labors of the fields. He received but six years education and during that time mastered such branches of learning as were taught in the little lo.g school house near Clifton, Ohio. On leaving the parental roof at the age of nineteen years he went to Springfield, Ohio, where he learned the machinist's trade in the threshing machine shop of John A. Pitts. and remained there until coming to Dayton in 1832 with the railroad company, being in their employ until i8()i. During the following twelve years he was superintendent of the Robinson Machine Works at Richmond. Indiana, and also did the drafting and planning for that ci impan}-. ~Sl-. Sparks was su])crintendeiit i>i the Wuodsum Machine Company of Dayton, Ohio, for twelve years and then formed a partnership with J. E. Perrine in 1883 and purchasol the shop and machinery at Dayton. Ohin. wbicli is still owneil Iw them, business I^eing carried on under the firm st\le of Daytt^n Engine Works. Their plant is located on Newmarket street, between Sears and Webster, and is a large shop, occupying the full space l)etween those streets. It is sujjplied with the latest improved machinery l)oth for making traction engines, which arc their specialty, and also portal)le ami gas engines. The firm also does the usual repair work connected with a large shop, including tlie repairing of locomotives. Mr. .Sparks is superintendent of the works as well as a member of the llrtn. being a i)ractical machinist, and the success of the enterprise is principally due to his w ell directed and energetic efforts. The firm stands prominent among the leading representatix'es of industrial interests in Dayton and the vnlunie of their business is now extensive. Certainly oar subject deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out on his own account when yoinig without ca])- ital. placing his dependence only upon the substantial qualities of determination, laudable ambition and perseverance.

On the 25th of December. 1855 Mr. S])arks was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. \\'iggim. who was born and leared in Dayton. Ohio. Her father, Hugh \\'iggim. was a native of Ireland.' lint during his infancy was brought to Davton, where he became a prominent business man, carrying on a steam cooperage. The union (if ViY. and Mrs. Sparks was blessed with six chililren. Init two died in infanc\'. Those living are Albert F., now general manager and superintendent of the James Leffel WHieel Company of Springfield. Ohio ; Rose, the wife of H. K. Smith, of Dayton ; Grace, now Mrs. J. O. Foss, of Dayton ; and Frank S.;' of Springfield. The wife and mother passed away on the 8th of May, 1890.

Mr. Sparks holds membership in St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church of Dayton, of which he was one of the founders, and has l^een steward since its organization and recording steward of the quarterly conference for twelve years. He is associated with both branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, l)elonging to ^^'ayne Lodge, Xo. 10, of which he is past grand, and IS also past chief patriarch of the encampment Xo. 2. and was president of the Odd Fellows Aid Association for many years. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. and has been president of the Gem City Bellbrook Club from the time of its organization. His political suppoit is given the Republican partv Mr. Sparks has always taken a deep interest in JBellbrook affairs and has in his possession many historical papers, including the first rough map of Bellbrook. He has written nian\- able articles on both the Ocld Fellows society and the sports of the countryside. Throughout life he has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year, and has conducted all business matters carefully and successfully, and in all his acts displays an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of a competence to effect in anv way his actions tfnvard those less successful than he, and has always a cheerful word and i)leasant smile for all with whom he comes in contact. He has pas.sed into his sevent\-first }ear. yet is in good physical condition ; was never sick until the last two years. Being a strict temperance advocate he attributes his long life and good health, to adhering to these principles. He was made a member of the old original W'ashingtonians in 1840, and to this day has never violated its pledge to abstain from all spiritual liquors as a beverage.

Richard Galloway

Richard Galloway is an honored veteran of the Civil war and a native son of Greene county, where he has spent his entire lifewith the exception of the period passed uponthe battlefields of the south in defense of the- Union. He was born on a farm in Xenia township, now included within the city limits of Xenia, Ji^'ne 7. 1830. and remained at home until after he had attained his majority. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Collins) Galloway, both of -whom were descendants of Scotch ancestry, their resi>ective families having l>een founded in America at an earl\- dav. The father of our subject was a native of Kentucky and came to Ohio in 1797, before the admission of the state into the Union. He took up his abode in Greene county and as a pioneer settler aided in laying the foundation upon which lias been builded the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the state. He engaged in farming and milling for many years, but at length his mill was destroyed by fire. It was one of the early milling plants of the countv and settlers came for miles to secm-e his services in grinding their grain.

united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Collins, who was a native of Pennsylvania and came ti) this County in 1816. For more than half a century the father resided in this county, passing away in 185 1, at tlie age of sixtysix years. His widow, long surviving him, passed away January 29, 1S85, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. They were members of the United Presbyterian church and respected people of the cumnninily. The father was a hard-working, energetic man. He took an active interest in all public improvements tending to l:)enelit the countv and became one of the first stockholders ni tlie Little Miami Railroad. In his church he filled the office of deacon and when his country became engaged in the secnnd war with England he joined the American army, serving with the rank of corporal. In his family were five children : Richard, of this review; Lydia, who became the wife of A. A. Gordon, of Holton, Kansas, and died leaving one child, George A., who is now extensively engaged in stock-raising in Holton; James C., who died of scarlet fever, in Xenia, at the age of four years; Rebecca, who lives with her brother Richard; and one that died in infancy, unnamed.

In his youth Richard Galloway attended tl:e public schools and assisted in the work of the home farm until after the beginning of the Civil war, when aroused by a spirit of patriotism he responded to the call for aid and enlisted in September, 1862, as a member of Company D, Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry, with which he remained for five months. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River and so disabled that he was honorably discharged on the 28th of February, 1863. He is now a member of the Grand Amiy of the Republic.

Icway returned to his home in Xenia, where he has resided continuous!}^ since. The first year after his return he was elected county treasurer of Greene county and discharged his duties so acceptably and promptly that he was re-elected and filled tlie position for a second term. He retired from ofifice as he had entered it - with the confidence and .good will of all concerned - and when his official ser\ice was ended he turned his attention to farming and also engaged in the lumber business in connection with Captain A. McDowell, liut after continuing in that line , of commercial activity for some years he finally sold out to his partner and is now living a retired life at his pleasant home upon the old family farmstead. The [jresent large house was erected by him in the f:Ul and winter of 1858.

In early life Mr. Galloway endorsed the men and measures of the old Whig party but since its dissolution has given his sujjport to the Republican party. He is a member of the First United Presbyterian church in which he was deacon for fully twenty years, until that order was discontinued, since v.hich time he has served as trustee, and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer familv of his native countv.

Walter Hagar

It is not the men who occupy prominent political positions or who win distinction in military circles that are the real founders of a cit\- but they who establish business enterprises, promoting the commercial activity. Among the prominent and honored residents of Xenia. connected with industrial and financial circles was Walter Hagar, the originator df the paper industry of this place. He advanced to an honorable and conspicuous position in commercial circles, winniiii^' prominence entirely through his own efforts, yet by no means were his energies devoted entirely to trade. Family, friends, church and society claimed his attention and he was widely known as an earnest worker for the advancement of all that lends to promote the interest of city and coimtry. He discharged everv church and social obligation with a tidelity above ((uestion. He was a ])leasant genial gentleman, whose cordial (|ualities endeared him to many friends.

Walter Ha.gar was Ijorn on the 4th of March, 1823, and was one of a family of ten children, wliose ]3arents were Isaac and Eunice (Steadman) Hagar. His father was a native of Massachusetts and for sometime was identified with manufacturing interests of that state. His death occurred in i8j8 and his wife, long surviving him. passed aAvay in 1854.

When fifteen years of age Walter Hagar entered u]ion his business career as an employe in the paper mills of his nati\'e town - Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts. As the years passed he steadily advanced in his chosen vocation until he was familiar with all the departments of the business. In the year 1857 he removed to Kentucky and for two years was superintendent of the paper mills near the city of I'-rankfort. where sla\e labor constituted half the force employed prior to the Civil war. yiv. Hagar came to Ohio and entered into a business compact with the firm of Bachelor. DeCamp & Company, of Cincinnati, to superintend their mills at Lockland. For six years he remained at that place and then remm-ed ti^ Day ton. where for three years he liad the management of a pa]ier mill of that city.

Later he spent six years in Clifton, Greene county, where he was engaged in the manufacture of paper under the firm name of King & Hagar. The company w^as then dissolved and Mr. Hagar removed to Enon, Ohio, where he superintended the construction of the paper mills of the Springfield Re- ]niblic Company and when the plant was completed assumed its management. After eight years there he came to Xenia and for man\' years was a very active factor in industrial circles of this place. Probably no other Inisiness interests ha\'e had as important a liearing upon commercial actix'ity in Xenia as has the manufacture of paper. The company was organized in ]May. 1881. with a capital stock of t\\ent\- tlwusand dollars. The officers of the company were Hon. John Little, president; F. C. Trebein, vice president : C. C. Shearer, secretary ; John S. Ankeney, treasurer; \\alter Hagar. superintendent. Mr. Hagar was the jirime iiKiver of the enterprise. He formed the plans and then secured the assistance of Ankeney. the cashier of the Second Xational Bank. At first the plant was about one-half its present size. It was, however, supi)lie(l with excellent machinery, capable of producing ^ix tliousand ]iounds of paper dail_\'. Later the buildings were enlarged and by increasing the speed and also doubling" the amount of machinerj' used, the cpiantity of ]iaper produced averaged about thirty thousand l)ounds daily. The success of the enterprise was attributable in a very large measure to the broad exjierience and 1)usiness executixe ability of ^Ir. Hagar. Some changes in the offices later occurred, the members of the board bein,g: Hon. John Little, president; F. C. Trebein. \ice president: Edwin W. Hagar, treasurer; Horace Ankenev, secre- tary ; am! Walter llai^ar superintendent and manager. Throughout liis entire business career Mr. II agar was connected with paper manufacturing. At the time of liis death, lie was tiie president and the heaviest stocixholder in the ilagar Strawhoard ]'a])er Coniijany of Cetlarville, Greene county, the ])resent president being Edwin W. Hagar.

On I'Y'bruary 13. i<'^47. Walter Hagar was united in marriage to Miss Martha Fuller, a daughter of Harvey and Almeda (P'iske) I'ldler, both natives of Massachusetts. To Mr. and Mrs. Hagar was born six children, of whom four are still li\ing: Sarah I'..; Mary (i. : Edwin \\'., who takes his father's jilacc in industrial circles: and Albert F., a \ery prominent attornev of Xew York city.

Mr. Hagar was identitied with the I'^piscopal church, to which his famil\- also l)elong, and in politics was a stanch Repub- Hcan. His life record covers seventy-five years. He passed away on the 11th of .\ugust, iS'qS, respected by all who knew him. With the capacity and experience that would enable him to fullill any trust to which he might have been chosen, he never sought to advance himself in office, but was content to do his duty, where he could and lea\"e the self-seeking to others. Viewed in a personal light he was of a stn)ng mind, of excellent judgment, firm in his views, yet strong in advancing ideas that he l)clieved to be right, and in his relations with his fellow men he was highly honorable, and his integrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his career. Though severe at times toward men and measures deserving criticism, he was nevertheless a generous friend and a warm advocate of those who are battling for the right and of principles and policies for the public good. He was recognized by tho.se who knew him as a man of most kindly heart, of sterling worth and integrity pure and incorruptable in all his business and social relations.

Josicimi R. Smith

Joseph R. Smith, who is engaged in farming on Bull Skin pike in Spring Valley township, was born in this township on , the 4th of b'ebruary, 1850, his jwrents being James and Elizabeth (Caine) Smith. The father was a blacksmith. During his early boyhood Joseph K. Smith resided with his parents in the village of Xew Burlington, l.ut when he was about fourteen years of nge his father began agricultural pursuits on the I'oague farm near Roxanna, where he leased land for fifteen years.

Mr. Smith, of this re\iew, re;nained under the ])arent;d roof until about twenty-two Ncars of age. In his youth he acquired a good common-school education and was early trained t<i habits of industrv, economv and integrity, which have proven valuable factors in his success in later life. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Huffman, of Mt. Holly, Warren county, Ohio, where she was born, her parents Ijeing Edward and Almira ( Loy) Huffman. The marriage was celebrated on the 4th of January, 1872, and then Mr. Smith rented a farm and began agricultural pursuits on his own account. Seven years ago he came to the place upon which he is now living. The farm belongs to his brother. J. W. Smith, who is employed as a bookkeeper in a dry-goods store of Indianapolis, Indiana. Om* suliject devotes his attention to the cnltivation of the crops best adapted to tlie soil and chmate, and liis efforts have brought to him a good income. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have l)een born two children : Mellie, the wife of Bert Bost(_in. I)y whom she has three chilch'en - Fred, Harry and Lucille; and Clara, who is tniployed as a typewriter and bookkeeper in Xenia. The parents hold memljership in the Methodist Episcopal church of New Burlington, and Mr. Smith has exercised his right of franchise in support of the men fend measures of the Republican party since casting his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 187.3.

Edwwkd R. Walton

Edward R. Walton, who is engaged in farming at Xew Burlington, is numbered among the native sons of Greene county, his hirtli having occurred in Spring Vallev township (in the 5th of January, 1832. The \\ altons came to America at an early dav and settled on the Schuylkill river. Though they came from England thev were of Welsh lineage. In the party were four brothers and one of the number remained in Pennsylvania, while the direct ancestor of our sul>iect removed to \*irginia, and two of the brothers went to other parts of the south. His father, Samuel Walton, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, March 26. 1804. while the grandfather. Edward. was born in the same countv on the 3d of January. 1777. There the latter lived until after his marriage and two children were f:r>rn unto him in the Old Dominion. In 1806 he emigrated westward to Ohio, purchasing land where the town of Spring Valley now stands. In 1808 he removed his famil_\- to his new home and became an active factor in the early development and progress of this .portion of the state. He was a miller by occupation but he never follinved that trade here, his attention beinggiven to agricultural pursuits. He had the land surveyed and laid out the village of Spring Valley and contributed in large measure to the pioneer development and improvement of Greene county. Through more than half a century he maintained his residence here, passing away in 1867. In his family were eight children, of whom si.K reached years of maturity, namely : Samuel, Elizabeth, Moses, Eunice, John. Hannah. Edward and Mary, who died in infancv.

Samuel Walton, the father of our subject, was but four years old when brought by his parents to Greene county. Here he was reared amid wild scenes of frontier life and at an early day he followed farming and teaming. As he acquired some capital he invested in land and became the owner of one hundred and twentx-thrce acres near the village. Intending to engage in merchandizing he plaiuied to have a store building erected but died before it was completed. He had married Catherine Mendenhall. who was born in North Carolina, and they became the parents of six children, of whom our subject was the third, .\fter the husband's death the mother kept tiie children together, pro\iding for them as best s'.ie could.

Edwar<l R. Walton ac(|uired a good common-school education anil when about twenty years of age began teaching, which lie followed for three terms. He was first employed in that capacity in Spring Valley under Robert E. Doan. Later he went to Iowa and was employed as a teacher in

Madison county. He spent two years tliere and purcliased tliree hundred and twenty acres of land in Adair county. Iowa, for one dollar and a quarter per acre, entering it from the government, and twenty dollars i)er acre for eighty acres. This he placed under cultiwuii in. putting many im- [jroNements u])on it, and retained it in his possession for many \ears.

Returning to Greene county, however, he was here married on tiie 2d of March, 187:. He took his bride to Iowa, but when a year liad passed again came to Ohio. The ladv bore the maiden name of Alice Compton, and was a daughter of John anil Rebecca (Steddon) Com])ton. Her father gave her two iuindred and twenty-seven acres of land, and being a we^dtby man also had a house erected upon it. It was upon this farm that Mv. and ]\Irs. Walton took up their abode on their return from low'a. In 1H59. however, he started for Pike's Peak in order to dig gold and also on account of his health. On reaching his destination he decided to continue his journey to California, arriving in the Golden state ninety-two days after leaving Omaha. He was with a shepherd's train until he reached Salt Lake, where the train dixided, the other section being afterward al! massacred by the Indians. ]\Ir. Walton spent live years in California, remaining for some time in the mines and also engaged in the dairy business, in which he met with good success, selling cheese from thirty-five to thirtyseven cents per pound and butter from seventy-five cents to a dollar a pound. ' He went through the usual experiences of life in the mining camps and upon the frontier, and had considerable triiuble with the Indians, who stole his horse and bed. After leaving California he went to Xe\'ada, w'here he obtained an interest in some silver mines, the stock of which he still retains as a souvenir of his western trij). After ten years' absence Mr. Walton returned to Ohio. He had spent one winter in Salt Lake City, where he often heard the leading Mormons preach, and had learned U> talk with the Indians.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Walton have been born four children : Ruth Etta died in childhood on the 26th of December, 1878; Rebecca C, born May 14, 1874, died on the 29th of December, 1878; and Anna D., born September 11, 1876, died on the 20th of December. 1878, the three deaths occurring within nine days, all caused by diphtheria. Hettie. bjrn January 24, 1880, is now the wife of George McPherson, and is the only surviving member of the family.

In his political \-iews Mr. Walton has always been a Republican and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont, in Iowa, in 1856. He has since been a stanch advocate of the party and for seventeen years has served as trustee of his townshii>, while for nine years he was justice of the peace. He had many cases brought before him, and succeeded in effecting compromises in all but two, except in a few tliat went by default and were appealed to a higher court, but none of his decisions were ever reversed. Mr. Walton is a birthright member of the Society of Friends, as were liis parents and his paternal and maternal grandfather. He has been a minister of the gospel for a number of years in the Friends' church, and has occupied many offices in the same, having been a member of the associate committee on Indian affairs. Many exciting and interesting- events form a part of his history. He aided in the pioneer development of Iowa, went through all the experiences incident t<j the mining camps of Calif(jrnia in tlie days ot tlie early discover}- of gold there, and knew something of Indian warfare and modes of life. He was also familar with Salt Lake City a halfcentury ago. Xo\\- he is devoting his life tc the quiet pursuits of the farm and is accounted one of the valued and leading men of Greene countv.

Tinsley H. Bell, who is engaged in the real estate and loan business in Xenia and is filling the office of notary public, is numbered among the native sons of the county, for his birth occurreil on the old family homestead in Xenia township April 6, 1855. His i)arents were Erasmus V. and Martha F. (Watson) Bell. His father is one of the most highly respected and well-to-do farmers of this portion of the state. He was born in Xenia township, in Decemljer, 1829. and is still living. His wife passed away on the 13th of April. 1S88, at the age of fifty-five years.

in the district schools Tinsley H. Bell ac(|uired his early education, which was supplemented by study in Smith's Seminary, and when he had put aside his text books he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits for several years. Li 1895. however, he removed with his family to Xenia and has since engaged in the real estate and loan business, negotiating many important realty transfers and ])lacing many loans. He now has a large clientage, so that his Inisiness success here is large.

and Amanda ( Wheeler ) Brant, the latter a daughter of Xoah Wheeler. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with three children : Edna L., Brant L'. and Adah F. The family are membeis of the Trinity Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bell is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In his political affiliations he is rather independent, carrying out his honest \iews without fear or favor. In business he has gained success through untiring industry, sound judgment and honorable effort and in his private life he has gained that warm personal regard wiiich arises from true worth of character.

Tohx Bigger

The influence of each life works for the weal or woe of the communitv in which the individual resitles. but in a review of the history of John Bigger we find little that is not ^vorthy of the highest commendation and his fellow citizens speak of him as one who lived an u]iright and honorable life worthy of high regard. He was born December 7. 1825. about seven miles southwest of Dayton, in Montgomery county, Ohio. His father. John Bigger, removed from Kentucky to this state, being but a boy at the time he came to Ohio. His mother. Mary (Bradford) Bigger, was born in Montgomery county. Ohio. In their famiiv were four children : Thomas. Joseph, James an<l John, each of whom became owners of farms in Montgomery county and their re.spective tracts of land adjoined.

li\cil at home until liis marriage, wliicli occurred Fel)riiary 28, 1854, the lady of his choice heing- Miss Louisa Cathcart, of Montgomery comity. She was born in that locality, three miles north of Dayton, and was a (latighter of Thomas M. and Elizabeth (McCandles) Cathcart. She was only two and one-half years old when her mother died and was but a maiden of nine summers when left an orphan by the death of her father. She made her home with her guardian, William Bradford, with whom she continued until she was able to earn her own living. She became an exjjert dressmaker and secured a liberal patronage ak^ng that line.

in the meantime the father of our subject had purchased the farm in Sugarcrcek township. (Ireene county, upon which Mrs. Bigger is now living, and had given to his son an interest in the place to the value of three thousand dollars. Mr. Bigger purchased the remainder and with his bride removed to the new home on the 4th of April, 185-I. For a number of years they resided in the old house, which was then torn down and rebuilt. Mr. Bigger also made other im])rovements of a modern character, built a new toluicco shed and other necessary outbuildings and energetically carried on the work of the farm for many years, his lal)ors bringing to him a richly merited success. His business methods were enterprising, practical and progressive, and thus be acquired a good profit. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for service, l)ut hired jojin Inglewright to ser-ve as his substitute.

Mr. Bigger was always a stanch Re]Hiblican in politics, kept well informetl on the issues and cjuestions of the day and ne\'er wa\ered in his allegiance to the party, but did not seek or desire office. He was a consistent and faithful member of the United Presbyterian church at Sugar Creek, served as a deacon for many years, did all in his power to advance the church \\ork and was a liberal contributor for the erection of the house of worship. His noble Christian life was ended in death on the ist of January, 1890, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Bellbrook.

Johx O. Barxett

J<jhn (). iiarnett, who makes his home in Xenia township, was born April 21. 1833, in Sjjring X'alley township, this countv, his parents being John and Amelia Ann (Mowdyj Barnett. His parents were born, reared and married in the state of Maryland and the mother was of German lineage. The father was reared upon a farm and after his marriage became overseer of a jilantation, being thus employed until his removal to Greene county. Ohio, in 1830. He made the trip overland with his wife and children. They were also accompanied b\- a family l)y the name of Cromwell, who were relati\-es, and they tra\-eled in a wagon drawn by a six-horse team. After reaching their destination they took up their abode in S])ring Vallev townshii). where the father spent his remaining days. He was a son of Henry Barnett. who about two and onehalf years after the arrival of John Barnett, also sought a home in Ohio, taking up his abode near the village of Jamestown. In the cemeterv of that place his remains are now interred. The father of our subject was a Democrat in his political views in early life, but later he renounced his allegiance to that party and became a stanch

Republican. His wife passed way October 13. 1864, and was buried beside her Inisband in tlie cemetery at Xenia. In tlieir family were eleven children. Those living are as fi>llows: Jnhn Oliver is the oldest of these. Edward, a resident of Xenia township, entered the service of the Union army as a corporal of Company C, Seventy-fi)urth Ohio Infantry, and came out as second lieutenant. James resides in Sugarcreek township. Joshua makes his home in Spring Valley township. Virginia Ijecame the wife of George Xisonguer, of Beavercreek township. Daniel W. Barnett, an older brother of our subject, was educated for a physician and was practicing at Burlington, Iowa, on the breaking out of tlie war, when he entered the service as a physician in the reserve corps. He died at Burlington, Iowa. Henry, another lirother. was a farmer of Xenia, where his death occurred. Mary, deceased, also reached mature years. The parents of this family were both members of the Methodist church and their lives were in consistent harmonv with Christian principles.

John Oliver luirnett pu:sued a ccimmnn school education and remained with his parents until about twentv-siNi vears of age. He was married January 5, 1859, to Miss ]\Iary Holmes, who was born in Sugarcreek tf)wnship, a daughter of William and Xancy (Finney) Holmes. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Hamilton county, Ohio, where they were married. Mr. Holmes was a blacksmith by trade, but spent the latter years of his life as a farmer. In his jKilitical views he was a Republican and both he and his wife belonged to the United Tresbyterian church. Both have now passed away and four of their seven children are also deceased. Those still living are: Xancy, who resides with her nephew in Xenia township; James, a resident of Columbus; and Mary, the wife of our subject. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Barnett have been born seven children : John William, who resides upon a farm adjoining his father's and who married Anna Kyle, by whom he has two children, Joseph Wright and Rachel Mary; Sarah Etta, who married Albert Ferguson, of Greene county, by whom she has three children, W' illiam, Paul and Robert ; Edward ; and Rosa Cora, at home; and three who died in early childhood.

After his marriage IMr. Barnett rented different farms until 1870, when he leased a farm which adjoins his jiresent property and there engaged in the cultivation of the soil for twenty-three years. In 1893 he purchased his present home, comprising one hundred and thirtv-six acres. It is a tinelv improved tract of land, rich and arable, up(in which stands a pleasant residence, good barns and other modern equipments. Mr. Barnett votes with the Republican party and he and his wife are connected with the First I'nited Presbyterian church of Xenia. He has alwa\'s made his home in this county and has a wide acquaintance. Among those who know him he has many warm friends, for his career has ever been in harmony with honorable and upright manhood.

George Engel

In an analyzation of the character and hfe work of George Engel we note many of the characteristics which have marked the German nation for many centuries - the perseverance, reliability, energy and uncon- (juerable determination to pursue a course that has Ijeen marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have gained for Mr. Engel success in life and made him one of the substantial and valued citizens of Greene county. He is to-dav recognized as one of the leading nurserymen of southern Ohio, having successfully engaged in this line of business in Xenia since the spring of 1878.

Mr. Engel spent the first twenty-five years of his life in the fatherland, having been born in the grand dutchy of Hesse- Darmstadt on Christmas day of 1848. His parents were Philip G. and Catherine (Newman) Engel, but the mother died during the boyhood of our subject, while the father passed away in 1880. They had but two children, George and his brother Ludwig. The father followed the florist business for manv vears and thus in his youth George Engel became familiar with that pursuit. He remained under the parental roof during his l)oyhood and in accordance with the laws of his native land, he was placed in schocil when a lad of six years, pursuing his studies continuously until fourteen years of age. Like his father he was trained to habits of industry and economy and this added to the natural traits which he inherited from a worthy ancestry provided him with the surest qualities by which to attain success in life.

In 1873, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world and sailed from Bremen to the West Indies, but he did not find the oportunities which he there sought, and in the fall of 1874 he came to the United States, landing in Brooklyn, New York, where he made his home for two years and was employed in a greenhouse. Later he spent about eighteen months in Louisville, and from that city, in the spring of 1878, he came to Xenia. which has since been the place of his abode. Here he purchased a greenhouse of T. G. Wilson in the western part of the town and from a modest beginning he has steadily increased his business until it has now assumed extensive proportions. He has gained the reputation of being one of the leading nurserymen of southern Ohio and at the same time has won substantial success. His ground covers nine acres, upon which he has a modern twostory house, and he constantly employs tl'.ree men to assist him in carrying on the business.

Air. Engel was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka Siefirt, and unto them has been born one child, Georgia E. The family are identified with the Lutheran church and in his political views Mr. Enge! is a stanch Republican. While in his native land he served for a year and a halt in tiie Hessian army, participating in the Franco-Prussian war. He was under the command of General ]\IantofeI and met the enemy in several hard fought battles. His bravery and fidelity to duty were such as to secure him the respect of his comrades and the approval of his superiors, and at the close of the conflict he was granted an honorable discharge - his discharge papers being still in his possession. In 1 88 1 Mr. Engel became identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Xenia and is still a worthy exemplar of that fraternity. He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights of Honor and belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a lnnne in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought - which by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man - and making the best of these he has steadilv worked his wav upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of people of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Greene county.

Samuel Hower

The life record of Samuel Hower closed October 20. 1899, and in reviewing his history we find that there is much in his career that is worthy of commendation. He lived an honorable, upright life and was considered in all liis relations with iiis fellow men trustworthy in business, and loyal and devoted to his family. He was born in ^laryland. March 20, 1829, his parents l^eing John and Mary (Bovey) Hower, both of whom were natives of Maryland, and in the year T834 came to Greene county, Ohio, casting in their lot amid its early settler"^. They journeyed across the country and took up their abode near Trebein, where they lived in a little log cabin, experiencing all the hardships attendant upon pioneer life. Subsequently they removed to Beavercreek town.ship just east of the home farm of Mrs. Jennie Hower, the widow of our subject.

Samuel Hower obtained but a limited education for his services were needed upon the home farm. He lived with his father until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 2d of December. 1858, the lady of his choice being Miss Barbara Heddleson, a native of Beavercreek township. Her death occurred in 1877 and slie was laid to rest in Union cemeterv in Byron, Ohio. The children of that union are John Lewis and Xettie, but the latter is now deceased and is also interred in L'nion cemetery. For his second wife Mr. Hower chose Mrs. Jennie Miller, their wedding being celebrated on the 26th of January. 1882. She was born in Bath township, and is a daughter of Harrison and Eliza (Miller) Le Van. The parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and at an early date came to this county, living in Bath township, and later iii Bea\'ercreek, where thev died. Unto ilieni w ere born five children, the eldest l)eing Mrs. Hower. ofi this review. The others are : Mabel, the wife of William Schauers. a resident of Bath township ; Samuel, who is living in Osborn ; William, who resiiles in Beavercreek township : and Lee. who makes his home in Clark county. Ohio. The parents are both deceased and were laid to rest in the cemetery at Fairfield. Ohio. Throughout his life the father had carried on agricultural pursuits.

Mrs. Hower was first married February 14. 1877. to Samuel Miller, a native of Bath township, who devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His parents were John and Ann (Reece) ^Miller. The married life of the young couple was not of long duration, for on the iith of October,. 1877. Mr. Miller was called to) his final rest. One child was born of that union, Bessie, now the wife of Basil Greene, a native of Beavercreek township and a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Hower) Greene, the latter being a sister of Samuel Hower whose name introduces this review. Michael Greene was a native of Greene coimty, Ohio, and was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hower was blessed with three children : Anna Laura, who is now attending the Beaxercreek high school: Samuel H., also attending school; and Jennie Belle, who completes the family.

took up Iiis abode upmi the farm wliere his \vid(_)\v now resides. He erected good l3uildings there, made excellent improvements and dveloped a splendid farm, owning about five hundred acres of the rich land of this county. His labors were attended by a gratifying degree of success for his work was ever directed by sound judgment and strict business principles. He held membership with the Lutheran church and his life was in harmony with Christian principles and teachings. In politics he was a Republican, but never sought office, preferring to devote his attention to his business atf'airs. Well may he be classed among the self-made men of Greene county, for, dependent entirely upon his own resources from an early age, he steadily worked his way upward and his persistent resolution, comliined with untlagging energy, made him one of the substantial residents of his neighborhood. He died October 20, 1899, and was laiti to rest in Union cemetery, in E'.yron. Ohio. His widow- is a member rif the UnitCkl Brethren church. She still resides upon t!ie old homestead in Beavercreek townsliip and in that localitv is widelv and fa\-oraljl\' known.

Alexander C. Kyle

An honored \-eteran of tlv; Civil w ar and for many years a resident farmer of Greene county, now living a retired life, was born in Cedarville township, near the village of Cedarville, August 7, 1839. The family is an old and prominent one of this locality, having been established here in pioneer times. Samuel Kyle, the grandfather, was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and with his parents emigrated to Kentucky, the family settling near Cynthiana. When about twenty-three years of age he was married to a Aliss Mitchell and unto them were born six childraT. She died about 1813 and in 181 5 Samuel Kyle married Rachel Jackson and fifteen children were born of this marriage. He followed farming and was one of the leading agriculturists of his community. He was also prominent in public affairs, filled the office of associate jndge, and was the promoter of many movements for the general good. He gave the land upon which the school-house was built in which the subject of this review pursued his education.

Joseph Kyle, the father of our subject, was born upon his father's farm in Cedarville township, June 10, 1809. He alwavs followed farming and to some extent he engaged in stock-raising, his lalxirs bringing to him a comfortable living. He was a strong Republican in his political sentiment and held some of the minor offices in his township. He was a member of the old Seceders church, afterward the United Presbvterian church, and for many vears served as one of its elders. When about tw-entyone years of agie he married Ann Cassel, \\ho was also a member of the Seceder church. She died about 1844, when forty . years of age, and the father of our subject died August 28, 1881, upon the old family homestead where he had so long resided. Their burial place is in the cemetery of Xenia. In the family were five children, of whom three are yet living. Mary died at the age of seventeen years. Ruth Ann was married January 18, 1882, to A. R. Bickett, of Xenia township. Joseph is the next younger. Jane E. is the wife of J. W. Hicks, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mitchell countv, Kansas, and thev have five sons and one daughter. Samuel A., the youngest of the first family, enlisted in 1862 for service in the Civil war as a member of Company F, Thirty- fourth Ohio Infantry, and was taken prisoner at Cedar Creek in 1864. He was brought home by his fatlier and died soon afterward, his death really resulting from starvation, because of lack of food in the southern prison. He was only twentyone years of age when he thus laid down his life on the altar of his country. After the death of his first wife the father of our subject was married in 1849 to Mrs. Hadassah Hunter, nee Kennedy, a native of Ireland, and they became the parents of four children : Joseph, who is now a professor in the Xenia Theological Seminary; John K., who died upon the old home farm in 1877; Leah M., who died August 10, 1881, at the age of twenty-five years ; and Rachel, the wife of Andrew H. Cresswell, a farmer of Cedarville township. The mother of these children died June 14, 1898, at the home of her son-in-law, 'Sir. Cresswell.

As before stated Alexander C. Kyle pursued his education in a school standing upon land gi\-en by his grandfather for the purpose. His business training was that of the farm, wliere he early became acquainted with the duties of field and meadow. He continued upon the old homestead until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when on the 25th of July. 1861. he enlisted in Com- ])any F. Thirty-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- I'antrv. with which he served for three vears. He then re-enlisted in the United States Volunteer service, continuing with the army until December 22, 1865. He was in the department nf West Virginia, participating in the Lynchburg campaign in 1864. In May. 1862, at Princeton. \\'est \'irginia. he was wounded, but except when injured he

After the close of the war ]\Ir. Kyle returned home but a little later went to Kansas, where he remained until 1878, when he again came to Ohio, wdiere he has since lived. In Cedarville township, Greene county, he operated a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, until within the last two years, when he retired, ha\'ing put aside the more arduous duties of field and meadow, and built him a pleasant home in Cedarville, where he now resides.

On the 25th of November, 1896, at Cedarville, Mr. Kyle was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah J. McCollum. a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Cresswell. Both ^Ir. and !\Irs. Kyle are members of the United Presbyterian church and throughout the community they are held in warm regard by reason of their sterling worth. Mr. Kyle is to-day as true to his duties of citizenship as \vhen he followed the stars and stripes upon southern battlefields, and is deeply interested in all measures tending to promote the welfare and of his county.

In tracing the career of a successfuj physician it is usually found that he possesses certain marked characteristics in addition to having a thorough knowledge of the healing art and good financial ability. There must be a ready sympathy and the power of entering into the feelings of others, united to that self-poise and conscious strength which naturally emanate from a strong self-reliant soul. Dr. Shappee is fortunate in being gifted with many of the cjualities of the capable physician and his cheerv lielpful optimism is a source of lielp and comfort in many a home siiadowed by sickness and suffering. For twenty-seven years he has practiced in Xenia. where he lias (il)tained a high reputation in his cliosen calhng.

Tlie Doctor's father, Thomas B. Shaj)- l)ee, was born and reared in the state of New York, where he followed farming for a Hveliliood, for a number of }ears. passing away tliere about 1897. lie married JuHa Anieigh. and they became the jjarents of seven children, of whom the Doctor is the eldest. He, too, was born in the Empire state on the old homestead near Elmira, his natal day being June 14. 1S48. In the comniciu schools he acquired his early education and when but a boy of sixteen years he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company A, Eighty-tirst Penns_\dvania Volunteer Infantr}-. He had been at the front a little less than a year when he Idst his right leg at the battle of I'arniville, X'irginia. and on this account was honorably discharged, June 18, 1865.

Immediately after the Doctor entered the State Normal school in Mansfield, Pennsyl- \ania, where he was graduated and later he pursued a course in the scientific department of the same institution, completing his studies by graduatiiin in 1872 with the degree of B. S. He then engaged in school teaching, which he followed for a few years with good success, giving his leisure time and evenings to the study of medicine until he was at length graduated in 1875 from Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati. He afterward made his home with Dr. J. E. Lowes of Dayton, Ohio, and in 1875 he took up his abode in Xenia, where he has been engaged in practice continually since. In 1889 and again in 1891 he pursued a post-graduate course in Chicago and has e\er kept in touch with the progress made in the profession. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopath}- and the Ohio State Homeopathy Society, the Miami Valley ^Medical Society and the Dayton Homeopathic Medical Society, and through the interchange of thought which is one of the features of these institutions, he keeps thoroughh- informed concerning the advancements that are being continually made by members of the medical fralernitv.

The Doctor was married to Miss Harriet Close, a daughter of Peter Close, who belonged to a ])rominent Pennsylvanian family. Her mother bnre the maiden name of Lucinda Holmes and by her marriage became the mother of eight children. The Doctor and his wife have a pleasant residence at No. 127 East Main street, where his ofiice is also located. He affiliates with the Republican ])artv and socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife are very devout and active members of the Methodist Episco])al church and in their lives exemplify its teachings and beliefs. He is a man of broad humanitarian principles and readily responds to every call for his services even when he knows that no financial return will be received. He has spared neither time nor expense in perfecting himself in his chosen calling. His offices are ecpiipped with all modern devices known to the medical profession and he has himself invented a number of useful instruments that have proven of value in the medical practice. His jxitronage is now very extensive and is constantly increasing and widely is he recognized as a most prominent and capable practitioner of Greene coimtv.

Among tlie worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to t'ne Buckeye state if- Dr. Lawrence H. McCartney, of Xenia. He is the only child of John H. and Marada (Graham) McCartney. His fatlier was also a native of the Keystone state but removed to Kansas, where for a number of years he successfully followed farming, carr} ing on agricultural pursuits, and where he still lives. IVIrs. ]\IcCartney died in 1892.

The Doctor was born in Mercer county. Pennsylvania, February 17. 1874. and acquired his literary education in the schools of Kirksville, Missouri, where he was graduated. He afterward engaged in teaciiing with good success for three years but did not find that profession entirely congenial and took up the study and practice of osteopathy, entering the American School of Osteii])at]iy at Kirks\ille, from which he graduated in the fall of 1898 and upon receiving his diploma in August of that year immediately located in Xenia, where he began practice, continuing until May, 1899. -^t tliat date he removed to Kansas but after a sliort time returned to Xenia in the spring of 1900, and has since been a practitioner of this place.' Deep research and numerous experiments concerning the cause and cure of disease led tn an understanding of the profession of osteopathy and it is sufficient to say that no discovery connected with the healing art has lieen more widely accepted cr been of greater benefit than this in recent years. Dr. McCartney now has a very large practice, which indicates his success.

July 9, 1899. was celebrated the marriage of the Doctor and Miss Eva Percival, a daughter of \\'illiam O. Percival of Kansas. They are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political support tti the Republican party. On the 7th of December. 1901, he was elected treasurer of the Ohio Osteopathic Society, V hich was recently incorporated. His office comprises a suite of two rooms and is located in the Steele block.

That so many of iier nati\e sons have continued their residence in Greene county, is an indication that this portion of the state affords good opportunities for business ad- \ancement. Mr. \\>aver is among those who, born here, have always lived within the borders of the countv and by the exercise of good busmess abilitv and sound judgp.ient, he has advanced to a position among tlie successful agriculturists of his community. He was born in Caesarscreek township, January 29. 1840, his parents being George and Hannah (Font). \\"eaver, who were natives of Virginia and became early settlers of this localit}'. h\ their family were seven cliildren, of whom six are vet living, as follows: John H.. a resident of Indiana; Christian S. ; James H.. who makes his home in Illinois : Robert, of Caesarscreek townshii): Mary, the widow of Joseph WJiittington, of the same township; and Frank, who resides in Bellbrook.

To the district schools near his home Christian S. Wea\er is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth and which fitted him for life's practical duties. He was married on the 2^f\ of March, 1866, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Powers, a native of Caesarscreek township and a daughter of .Alfred and Susan ( P.urrell ) Powers. Her father was 1)1 irn in C'lintnn cimnty, Ohio, and during his early boyhood came to Greene county, wliere he met and married Miss Burrell. whose birth liere occurred. They had si.x cliildren : Allen, who resides in Tennessee; Mrs. Weaver; .\niel. a resident of Caesarscreek townsliip; I^llen, the wife of Harvey Hunrston, of Xcnia. Ohio; Harland, now deceased; and Eli. a resident of Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Weaver began their domestic life n])on a farm adjoining their present home, and when a number of years had passed came to the place which is now their residence. Their home is one of the largest and most attractive in this portion of the county; the farm comprises one hundred and sixty-four acres of ricli land and each spring the fields give promise of golden liarvests. In the pastures are found good grades of stock and upon the place are all modern equipments and accessories which facilitate farm work and result in bringing n greater financial return. Industry and enterprise liave ever been numbered among the sterling characteristics of Mr. Weaver, who is accounted one of the leading agriculturists of central Ohio.

The home of our subject and his wife has Ijeen lilessed with eleven children : Charles, who married Sylvia Turner, and resides in Caesarscreek township ; Alfred, of New Jasper township, who married Ida Thomas and has two children, Floyd and Cleavill ; Samuel, a resident of Missouri; Harland, who married Luella Smith and with their daughter Elma resides in Caesarscreek township; Lodema, deceased; Ann and Effa, twins, the former the wife of ^^'alker Fugat, of Clinton county, by wdiom she has two children - Ralph and Fred, while Etta

Mr. Weaver espoused the cause of the Democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have several times elected liim to the office of township trustee. Though always a man of activity, he is thoroughly domestic in his tastes and is not identified with any clubs or societies. To every enterprise' calculated to advance the prosperity of Greene county he gives his strong endorsement and is accounted one of its popular citizens.

Charles E. Williamson is engaged in the operation of a gt)od farm situated on the Dayton and Waynesville pike in Sugarcreek t(.wnship. Greene county. He was born on tlie farm which he now owns and thus it is endeared to him by the associations of his lioyhood as well as those of later years. His birth occurred December 7, 1865, his parents being Joseph C. and Mary Eleanor (Cramer) William.son. The father was born in the same townshi]) in the year 1827 and died January 10, 1898. at the age of seventy-one years. His wife passed away in the same year when about the same age. The \\'illiamson family was founded in Ohio l)y Eleazer \\'illiamson, the grandfather of our subject, who was brought to Ohio by his parents when a small boy. For a time the family lived in Cincinnati, or upon the site of the present city, for at that time the metropolis of to-day had hardlv been establislied. Subsequently both the grandfather and the great-grandfather of our sub- ject came further m-rtli. The iVirmer was married in this state and settled near the place upon wliidi Cliarles E. \\illiamson now lives. Later he removed across the line into Montgomery county to the farm upon which Alexander Williamson is maintaining his residence and there he died at the age of sixty-seven years, his remains being interred in Bellbrook cemetery.

For a time Joseph C. Williamson, the father of our subject, resided in a log house. but about 1864 the pioneer dwelling was replaced l)y a good frame residence. He carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his entire life. In Iv.s political views he was a Republican but was never an aspirant for office. He belonged to the Presbyterian clnirch and was most loyal to its teaching and belief. In the family were six children : William Calvin, who lives in Sugarcreek township; Robert E.. who married !May Allen and resides in Montgomery county, Ohio; Joseph A., a resident of Montgomery county, who married Mav Elliott : Charles E., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas E., who married Jennie Bradford and makes his home in Montgomery county ; and ^laggie E., who became the wife of Howard \\"ood, and died in Montgomery county, leaxing a son, Herman W.

Upon the old home farm in the county of his nativity, Charles E. Williamson was reared, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired a fair common school education and assisted his father until he had attained his majority, when he started out upon an independent business career. He then rented land of his father and has since devoted his time and energies to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to this soil antl climate. He now owns the old homestead of one hundred and five acres, a part of which he inherited, while he purcliased the remainder of the other heirs. The fields are well tilled and bring to him a golden tribute for his labors. His efforts are of a progressi\'e and practical nature and as llic years pass he is enabled annually to add to his competence.

On the 22(1 of February, 1893, Mr. Williamson was married in Spring Valley to Miss Xellie Z. Fulkerson, a daughter of Amos and Susan (Beck) Fulkerson. She was born and reared in Spring Vallev and pursued her education in its schools. By her marriage she has become the mother of one son, Xe\-in Amos, who was born on the home farm. December 24, 1894. Mr. Williamson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, but is not an active political worker, giving his entire attention to farming interests. He is widely known throughout the county of his nativity and his warmest friends are those who ha\e known him from bovhood.

Johx F. Haverstick

The spirit of enterprise and progress, which has been such a potent factor in the rapid development and upbuilding of this country is manifest in the career of John F. Haverstick. a wide-awake business man who is now serving as general manager of the Central Union Telephone Company of Xenia. He is numbered among the native sons of this city, his parents being Frederick and Leah (Zellers) Haverstick. The parents -were born and reared at Hagerstown, Maryland, coming to this county with their parents before their marriage, and throughout the years of his business career the father followed farming, but for twenty years prior to his death was an invalid. He passed away in 1888. In the family were four children.