Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 19 of 25)

Like the others, Mr. Haverstick of this review, attended the public schools of Greene county, acquiring a good education which well fitted him for life's practical duties. He laid aside his text-books at the age of sixteen years and entered upon his business career, learning the trade of a carriage trimmer, which he followed until 1882. He then entered official life, for nine years filling the position of deputy county clerk. In the year 1890 he was elected county clerk and served in that capacity to the satisfaction of all concerned until 1900, when no longer desiring political office he retired to private life and accepted the position of general manager of the Central Union Telephone Company, which had been tendered him. He assumed charge on the 3d of December, 1900, and is proving his capability by the excellent manner in which he controls the affairs of the company. He superintended the construction of the present plant, which was substituted for the old plant of the Miami Telephone Company. It was erected at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars and is equipped with the western electric method, the most improved telephone system known to the business. When Mr. Haverstick took charge and put in operation the new plant, there were onlv two hundred and thirty subscribers. Two years have not yet passed, and yet the number has l3een increased to six hundred and fifty subscriljers. Mr. Haverstick is also in charge of the ;\Iiddleto.wn plant which is operated by the same company and has an office in

Xenia, employing seven operators. There are two switchboards, three men and two assistants in the accounting room. Mr. Haverstick is thoroughly familiar with the telephone business and his capable control has resulted in advancing- the financial sitccess O'f the company and in giving entire satisfaction to his patrons. He is also vice president of the Home Building & Loan Association of Xenia.

On Christmas day of 1876, Mr. Haverstick was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Bosler, a daughter of Thomas Bosler, and unto them have been bom a daughter, Edith M., now the wife of W. L. Reynolds, of Dayton, Ohio. The family home is at 441 North King street. Fraternally Mr.- Haverstick is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knightsof Pythias, the Knights of Honor, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, whilepolitically he is a Republican. He never wavers in his allegiance to the party. Heis alert to business opportunities and possibilities ; is also deeply interested in the development and upbuilding of his native city,, and throughout Xenia and Greene county enjoys the esteem of a large circle of friends..

William Tobias

Not many men who have passed the age of four score years and are residents of Greene county can claim this portion of the state as the place of their nativity, but William Tobias is a native son of Greene count)-, his birth haA'ing occurred in Beavercreek township, March 14, 1821. There is a particular satisfaction in reverting to the life h.istory of the honored and venerable gentle- man wiiose name initiates this review, since his mintl l^ears the impress of tlie liistorica! annals of the state of Ohio from the early 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 township where he was horn and where he has retained his residence until the present time, being now one of the revered jjc'.triarchs of the community.

Mr. Tobias is still an acti\e factor in agri- <:ullural circles in Beavercreek tnwnship. He was born March 14. 1821. his parents being Samuel and Elizabeth (Hanney) Tobias, both of whom were natives of Schuylkill county. Pennsylvania, and were of German lineage. In pioneer days they started westwar<l and took up tlieir abode in Greene county, driving across the country from Pennsylvania. Ltxating in Zimmerman, the fr.ther purchased twenty-five acres of land and erected a log cabin which is still standing although it has been remodeled. His <leath occurreil when his son William was about seven years of age, and the mutber afterward became the wife of Michael Swigurl. Her death occurred about 1871 when she was seventy-si.K years of age. By her first marriage she bad three sons and three <laughters : Lydia. who became the wife of William Kirkpatrick. but both are now deceased; Margaret, who married Xoah Enr_\'. but both died in Illinois: William, of this review; Daniel, who resides near Troy. ]\Iiami county: Samuel, deceased; and Catherine, who married W'allev Haines, hut both are now deceased.

When a little lad William Tobias mad.e bis way from home to the little log schoolbouse of his district, where sitting upon a rude bench, he conned his lessons, becoming familiar with the common Engli.sh branches of learning. After he was eight years of age he went to live with Peter Swigart. a brotlier of his stei>-falher. with whom he remained until twenty-two years of age. After his marriage he began farming upon rented land and when several years had passed he purchased a tract of land in 1870, becoming the owner of ninety-six acres. He remodeled the house, built a good barn, and successfully carried on general farming and stock-raising.

Oil the 24th of December. 1846. Mr. Tobias wedded Sarah Swigart. and unto them were born two children: Martin Luther, now a resident of Beavercreek township, married Christine Peoples, and they have two children, Edgar and Clara. The mother died and Martin afterward wedded Mary Barnhart, by whom he had three children, Eva, Grace and John. Samuel, the second son of the family, married Emma John and resides in Daytt)n. They haxe three children. Homer, Howard and Harold. The first wife of William Tobias died in 183 1 when about twenty-four vears of age and was laid to rest in Mount Zion cemetery. On the 19th of June. 1852, he was again marrie<l. his second union being with Jane Miller, wln) was born near Cincinnati, in Hamilton county, Ohio, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Miller. Her mother was born in Marxland. her father, Willerson Wheeler. l)eing a ])lanter and slave owner until he liberated his slaves and mo\ed to Baltimore, where he lived until his daughter Elizabeth was fourteen years of age, when they went to Pennsylvania, where she met the gentleman who became her husband and who was a nati\e of Center county, that state. Three times tlie_\- came to Ohio, locating hrst in Columbus, but after two vears returned to the Kevstone state. Their third trip was made by water Ic Cincinnati. Mr. Miller was a soldier of tb.e war of 181J. ser\ing under (ieneral Harrison. He died in 1840, and was laid to rest in the Byron cemetery, while his wife passed away in 1854 in Dayton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tobias ha\'e lieen Ijorn the following children : William, of Beavercreek township, who married Jennie Alice Garloiigh and has one child, Emerson D. ; Catherine, the wife of John \V. Barney, of Dayton, by whom she has four children, Dora, Bertha, Eugene J. and Ralph ; Elizabeth, who is the twin sister of Catherine and is at htmie with her parents; Daniel and Cal- \in, now deceased ; (>r\ille, of Bea\ercreek t(;wnship. who married P2fifa Miller, l)y whom he has one child, Raymond ; one who <lied in infanc\- : Xewton W'., of Obio. who married May Kenij) and has one child, Vivian G.

In his political views Mr. Tobias is a Republican, wiio has long endorsed the principles of the party, but has never been an office seeker. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed church. During his long residence in the county he has witnessed much of its growth and development, has seen many changes and has taken an active and helpful interest in its progress iind improvement.

Joseph Kyle. D. D.

Although Dr. Kyle has been a resident of Greene county for only a few years, he has l>een so closely and prominently connecte(' with the educational and moral interests of the county in that time that no histcirv of tlie county would be complete without the record of his career. It is widel\- acknowledged that the most important profession to which a man can direct his energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture platform or from the schoolroom. Its primary object is ever tlie same. - the development of one's latent powers that the duties of life may be bravely met and well performed. The intellectual and moral natures are so closely allied that it is difficult to instruct one without in a measure influencing the other, and certainly the best results are accomplished when the work goes hand in hand. Christian instruction is having an influence over the world that few can estimate, for it is in youth that the life of the man is marked out, his future course decided and his choice as to the good or e\il ma<le. Dr. Kyle is devoting his time, energies and thought to educational work and in former years engaged in ])reaching the Won! from the pul])it. He is now professor of systematic theology in the Xenia Theological Seminary.

Dr. Kyle is a nati\e of Greene county, his birth having here occurred on the 20th of November. 1849. He rejjresents a family that for almost a century has been connected with this portion of the state. His father, Josepli Kyle, Sr.. was born in this C( unty, June 20, 1809, and followed farming for a livelihood. After arriving at years of maturity he married Ann Cassil, who at her death left five children, and later he married Mrs. Hadassah Hunter, a daughter of John Kennedy, of County Derr}-. Ireland. Of this union four children were born, of whom Dr. Kyle of this review is the oldest. The father dietl on the 28th of August, 1881, and the mother passed away on the 15th of June, 1898.

in the common schools of Greene county and afterward attended the IMonmouth College, where he was graduated with the class of 1 87 J, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Later he pursued a theological course in the Xenia Theological Seminary and then became connected with the mission field nf Nebraska, where he remained for four months. On the ist of January. 1877. he located in Springlield, Ohio, anil accepted the pastorate of the United Presbyterian church, where he was ordained and installed April 24. 1877, there remaining until the 1st of September. i8gi. While there the new church edifice was erected and dedicated, in August. 1887. He was then called to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in charge of the I'liurth L'nited Presbyterian church, cmitinuing as its pastor for eight years. On the expiration of that period he came to Xenia, in Se[)tember. 1899, and is now professor of systematic theology in the Xenia Theological Seminary.

Dr. Kyle has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Ella M. Barnett, a daughter of William .\. Barnett, the wedding being celebrated on the 14th of October, 1880. The lady died on the 25th of October, 1897, and cm the 7th of June, igoo, the Doctor was again married, his second union being with r^liss Marion L. Brown of Allegheny, Pennsyhania, a daughter of Mrs. Jane Brown. This union was blessed with one child but it died in infancy. The Doctor and his wife reside on North King street and tlicir home is the center of a cultured society circle. It is noted for its hospitality and the cordial and kindly feeling which always exists there in the entertainment of their nianv friends. The Doctor is a strong advocate of the Prohibition party. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and progress of the community along all lines of advancement. He is a man of strong force of character, unequivocal in his championship of all that is right, and yet there is in him an abiding charity which' has won for him the respect, confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been associated.

Allen Faulkner

Allen Faulkner was born July 29, 1824, in Caesarscreek township im the farm which is yet his home, his parents being Thomas and ]\Iary (IMcGuire) Faulkner. The father was a son of Robert Faulkner, a native of Berkelev countv. \\ est \'irginia. In his 'family were four children : Susanna, Thomas, David and Elizabeth.

Thomas Faulkner was born in Berkeley county. West \'irginia. November 8, 1787.. and as his mother died when he was about seven years of age he went to live with his grantlniother. His grandmother was a most pious and devout Christian woman, and fiom her he receivetl his early religious impressions which proved of benefit to him in moulding his character in later life. In 1810 he wedded Mary McGuire. a daughter of Jiinathan antl Catherine McGuire. They were members of the }\lethodist Episcopal church and tlie mother died when Mrs. Faulkner was quite young. She, too, was reared by her grandmother, from whom she received Christian training. Thomas Faulkner had been reared in the faith of tlie society of Friends, but because he married outside of the church he was disowned by the denominatiiin. Feeling it his duty, hnwex'er. tX' be working for Christianity, he became a member of the Church of Christ. Later, after careful thought and dehberation, lie juined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife had become a member when sixteen years of age. In 1828 they left that denomination and became identified with the Methodist Protestant church, in whicli Mr. Faulkner served as class leader for many years. In 1806 he had removed from \'irginia to Ohio and two years later liis wife came to the Buckeye state. He had about hundred dollars in currency when he sought a home in Greene cnunty. In 1808 he took up liis alxxle in Caesarscreek township on Painter run and there rented a farm for five years. He was drafted for service in the war of 181 2. but shortlv after his marriage he obtained his release from the army on the payment of one hundred dollars. In 1816 he purchased a farm with money saved entirely from his own earnings and upon this place spent his remaining days. It was a tract of one hundred and thirty acres covered with a dense forest at the time he came into his possessions, but he cleared and developed it and the house which he built is still occupied by our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner became the parents of eight children, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Jonathan, who lived and died in Iowa; Mrs. Elizaljeth Conklin, of Lumberton, Ohio: David, deceased; Lucinda, the deceased wife of Samuel Painter : Allen : and Mary, the deceased wife of Thomas ^^'ay, who is now in Georgia. The father of this family voted with the Whig party and served as trustee of his township. He died April 16, 1871, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, fi\'e months and ten days, and his wife passed away July 5, 1873, at the age of eighty-three.

Faulkner pursued his education, but attended school only when the weather was so bad that he could not work upon the farm, this being largely through the winter months. He always remained on the old family homestead and when his father was unequal to the task of caring for the place, its management and operation devolved upon our subject. This farm comprises two hundred and twenty-seven acres of land, all of which is cultivable and is now well improved.

On the 1 8th of July. 1847, Mr. Faulkner married Ablona Hartsock. who was Iwrn in Berkeley county, West Virginia, in 1828. a daughter of Elijah B. and Elizabeth ( Steidley ) Hartsock. The father was born in Maryland. February 28. 1798. and removed to \'irginia, in 181 1. There he was married in 1820 and ten years later he came to Ohio, settling on Price run. in Caesarscreek township, where he spent his remaining days. He and his wife were devoted members of the Methodist Protestant church and took a very active interest in its work, and for a long period he served as class leader. His death occurred in 1864 when he was sixty-six years of age, and his wife passed away fifteen years afterward. Their cliildren were: Washington, now deceased; William Harrison, who lives in Iowa; Francis Marion, who has also passed away; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. Faulkner; James Frederick, a resident of Caesarscreek township ; Andrew Jackson, who makes his home in Nebraska; and Mary Catherine, who is the widow of Rev. O. P. Stevens, formerly a pastor of the Methodist Protestant church of Xenia.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner have been born eight children : Jonathan R.. who died in infancy ; Franklin K., who is also deceased ; Lydia Catherine, the deceased wife of Jesse Painter; Cordelia j.. who married William Bales, a resident of Clinton county, Ohio, by whom she had five children. - Emery, Thomas, Allen, now deceased, Lorenia and Flo; Louisa Elma, tlie wife of Eli Haines of Caesarscreek township, by whom she had three children. - Lizzie Mary, Homer Harvey, deceased, and Bernice; Thomas, who married Minnie Peterson, a daughter of C. C. Peterson, and by whom he has three children. - Howard P., Lawrence T. and Dorothy, all living with Mr. Faulkner of this review on the home farm; James, a resident of Xenia. who married Ola Peterson, a daughter of C. C. Peterson ; and Cora, who has passed away.

Our subject and his son Thomas are stanch Republicans and both have served as trustee of Caesarscreek township. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner are niemliers of the Methodist Protestant church, while Thomas and his wife ])elong to the Society of Friends, and James and his wife are connected with the Reformed church. The family is one of prominence in the communitv for its members are recognized as i:)eople of genuine worth, closely associated with agricultural interests and reliable in all life's relations. The success of Mr. Faulkner's life is not due to any happy succession of advantageous circumstances, but to his own sturdy will, steady application, tireless industry and sterling integrity!

Hon. John H. Cooper

An enumeration of the men who have been honored by Greene county and have in turn conferred honor and dignity ujwn public otYice there would be incomplete were there a failure to make prominent reference to the Hon. John H. Cooper, who served for six years as judge of the probate court. He was a son of the Rev. Eljenezer Cooper of the Reformed church. His father was born in South Carolina in 1792 and although that state was his place of residence during his youth he was educated in New ^'ork city and pursued his theological studies in Philadelphia. Upon completing ihe course he returned to the south to enter the ministry there, first liecoming pastor of the church at Fayettexille. Tennessee. Later he accei)ted the pastorate of a church in Fayette C(junty. Indiana, where he continued his ministerial labors until he lost his health. He then resigned and gave up all connection with the work of the church as a pastor but never lost his deep interest in the cause of Christianitv and its promulgation. Removing to Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, he here spent his remaining days and his influence was widely felt for good throughout the community. After completing his education Mr. Cooj^er was united in marriage to Miss Jane McMillan of South Carolina, who survived him until 1888. They reared a family of six sons and one daughter.

Judge Cooper, whose name introduces this review, was born in Favette county, Tennessee, January 13, 1831, and when a \ Duth of sixteen years came to Greene county, Ohio, with his maternal grandfather, Daniel McMillan, a pioneer settler of this portion of the state. The lad attended school in Xenia with his uncle. D. ^IcMillan. the famous cattle man of this county. \\ hen he had completed his educational training he entered the store of James C. McMillan, for whom he engaged in clerking for a number i>f vears. He then began busi- ness on liis own account as a member of the firm of Stark, Lytle & CoojK^r. dealers in gaieral dry goods, groceries, Ixxjts and shoes, car])ets and otiner liouseliold commodities, that ciinnectinii beint,'- maintained until 1861. Mr. Cooper next entered into partnership with W. C Hutchison & Company as an active meml)er of the firm of Cooper & Hutchison until 1879, when by ix>pular sufifrage he was called to the position of the county treasurer, and so capably did he serve that he was re-elected for the second term, filling the jxysition until chosen probate judge of Greene county. It was in 1884 that he was elected to that position for which he (lualitied on the ijlb of February, 1885. On the e.xpiration of a three years' term he was re-elected and discharged his duties most creditably and honoralily. winning the high commendation of a large majority of the citizens of (ireene county.

On the 19th of October. 1859. in Xenia. Judge Cooijer was married to Miss Julia Platter, a daughter of Christian Platter, who was born in Ross county October 19. 1840. Five children graced this marriage but three of the number died of scarlet fever at ages varying from four to eight years, while Belle died in 1888 at the age of seventeen years. The surviving member of the family is Emily P., who is still living with her mother.

The Judge was a leading and active member of the Republican party, believing that its principles would best conserve the national welfare. He was a man of excellent business and judicial ability. He long held membership in the Presbyterian church of which for many years he was a ruling elder. On the 27th of I\Iay. 1892, he was called to his final rest and his remains were interred in Woodland cemeterv. His widow and daughter still survive him. He left to them not only a comfortable competence but the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. A man of great natural ability, his success in business, from the beginning of his residence in Xenia, was uniform and rapid. His life was an example in all resjjects and he ever supjxjrted those interests which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, while his own high moral worth was deserving of the highest commendation.

John' M. Hill

John M. Mill, who is a factor in agricultural circles in lliis county, was born in W'avne county. Indiana, September 11. 1 85 J, bis ])arents being Elijah and Rebecca (Mlills) Hill. On the maternal side the ancestry can be traced back to Jose])h Mills, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was lK)rn in the parish of Tamaho. Kildare county, Ireland, on the ist of May. 1736. His father was a native of Wayne county. Indiana, while the mother of our subject was Ixirn in Preljle county. Ohio. They were married in the former county and took up their abode in the latter county when Mr. Hill of this review was a youth of twelve summers. There he remained until he was about seventeen years of age. in which year his mother died. He spent the following year in Wayne county and then came to Greene county, Ohio, but after a year passed returned to Preble count}-. His father died Januarv i. 1873, at the age of fortv-six vears and eleven months.

where he has since remained, with tlie exception of six years wliich he and his wife spent in Preble county. He married Miss Mary A. Compton. whose birth occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, August 12, 1856, the wedding taking place May 21, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Hill enjoy the high regard of many friends in this portion of the state. The) are identified with the Society of PViends. and Mr. Hill gives his political support to the Republican party.

Jesse Compton is a retired farmer residing near X'ew Burlington. The greater part of his land is in (jreene county, but his home is situated across the line in Clinton county. He is, however, so widely and favorably known throughout this portion of the state that he well (leser\es representation in this volume. He was born in the township of Spring Valley on the 12th of January, 1825, his parents being Samuel and Allie (Thatcher) Compton. The ancestry of the family can l)e traced back to Samuel Compton. tlie great-great-grandfather of our subject, who emigrated from England to North Carolina. The great-grandfather also bore the name of Sanuiel and came to Ohio before our subject's grandfather, making the trip in tSg^. He settled just south of the Greene rmd Warren county line about one mile west of the northeast corner of Warren county, and when his death occurred his remains "were interred upon the old farm there. He died l-ebruary 6, 1805. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Lewis, died May 17, 182 1. It is probably that the first of the name in America left England because of the persecution of the Quakers in that country, and when the Comptons left the south it was because they were opposed to slavery.

Samuel Compton, the father of our subject, was a W hig and a very strong antislavery man, whose home became a station on the underground railroad, and thus he often assisted the refugees on their way to freedom. He was a native of South Carolina, born in 1796, and with his father, Amos Compton, came to Ohio in 1805. The grandfather took up his abode on the west bank of Caesars creek across the road from where another Amos Compton now resides. He secured land, comprising a part of the military tract, at a very low figure, having nearly four hundred acres, and upon that place he spent his remaining days, de\'eloping a good farm. He married Rebecca MiWbouse, who was born August 11, 1767. Both were natives of South Carolina and were married in that state. Amos Compton passed away September 14, 1824, at the age of fifty-four years, his birth having occurred on the 9th of July. 1770. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children : Betty, born in South Carolina March 3. 1794; Samuel, the father of our subject; Mary, born Deceml^er 21, 1798; Rebecca, born November 6, 1800: Lydia. born January 20, 1803; Sally, who was born in South Carolina February 13, 1805, and died August 31, 1823; John, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, March i, 1807, and died March 26, 1893, at the age of eightysix years and twenty-five days ; and Ann, Ixjrn January 13, 1812.

Samuel Compton, the father of our subject, was only about nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. Here he married Allie Thatcher, a native of Vir-

.ginia, w lience slie came to the Buckeye state during her early childhood to make her Jiome with her grandmother at Wilmington. It was there that the parents of our subject became acquainted. Samuel Compton removed to the western portion of liis father's farm, where he built a hewed-log house and log barn. The former is still standing, but is weather-boarded and transformed into a modern dwelling. Throughout iiis remaining days he carried on agricultural pursuits -and as the years passed transformed his farm into a very valuable property. His occurred March 12, 1861, and his wife, who was l)orn March 10. 1804, died .Vugust 14, 1885. at the advanced age of eighty-one years. In their family were eight children : Jesse; Rebecca, lx)rn October 8, 1826: Nancy, who was born Octoljer 2. 1828, and <lied May 2, 1899, at the age of seventy years and si.x months : Aoios. born December 19, 1830; John ^L, who was born May 6, 1833, and died on the 9th of August following: Samuel T.. who died in infancy: Martha who was born April i, 1840, and died on the 22d of Decemlaer. 1841 : and Lydia. born December 16. 1842, and now deceased.

In his youth Jesse Compton acquired a common-school education and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred when he was about twenty-three years of age. the date of this important event being October 12. 1848. He married Esther Sprav. who was born near her present home in Clinton county, a daughter of Jesse and Mary (Cook) Spray. Her parents were natives of South Carolina, but came to Ohio with their parents and were married in this state. All were by birthright Friends. Her mother was a daughter of Charity Cook, who w^as born July 28, 1799. Her son,

Joseph Cook, a preacher in the Friends society, made a number of trips back to England. Mrs. Spray was born June 3, 1803, and died May 4, 1844. Mrs. Compton's father, Jesse Spray, was a son of Samuel Spray, who was born in Pennsylvania, removed to South Carolina and afterward to Ohio. Jesse Spray was born February 5, I So I, and lived to be almost eighty years of age, while his wife was only about forty years of age at the time of her death. The grandfather, Samuel Spray, was a recorded minister of the Friends church, born March -3- ^75^- while his death occurred on the 20th of March, 1836.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Compton were lx)rn seven children : Uriah, who was born in Greene county, September i, 1850, was married to Sanianriiaj Harris, and lived in Ashland, Ii>A\-'a, until hiis death. He left five children. Martha, born in Warren county, Ohio. April 13, 1852, is at home. John, lx)rn in Greene county July 7, 1854, married Jennie Morris and lives in Spring Valley township. They ha\e one child. Mary A., born in Clinton county, Ohio, August T2, 1856, was married May 21, 1879, to John M. Hill. Lydia J., l)orn in Clinton county November 28, 1858, became the wife of Joseph H. Hill and has one child, Jesse E., born in Greene county April 8, 1887. Elizabeth A., born August 21, 1869, married Oscar Shambaugh, of this county, and has two children. Miriam N., born January 30, 1877, is the wife of Earl Steele, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mr. Compton has always given his political support to the Re])ublican party. Throughout his entire life he has resided in this portion of Ohio, and those who know him are familiar with his honorable record. He has always been a man of strong prin- ciples, markeil individuality and force of character, and throughout his entire Hfe, covering more than seventy-seven \ears. lie has ever commanded and enjoyed the respect of his fellowmen.

Xo compendium such as the pro\ ince of this work defines in its essential limitations will serve to ofifer fit memorial to the life and accomplishments of the honored subject of this review - a man remarkaljle in t!ie breadth of his wisdom, in his indomitable i^erseverance and his strong indi\iduality, and yet one whose entire hfe has not one esoteric phase, being an open scroll, inviting the closest scrutiny. True his have been "massive deeds and great" in one sense, and yet his entire life accomplishment but represents the result of the fit utilization of tiie innate talent which is his. and the directing of his efforts in those lines where mature judgment, rare discrimination and a broad \iew of life has led the wav. Throughout the years of his manhood his efforts have been given to the uplifting of his fellowmen, to the dissemination of truth and to the study of the laws of life and of eternity that he might be a power for good in the world and yet his acts have ever been in harmony with the mandate "Let vour light shine before men that others seing your good works may glorify your Father, which is in Heaven."

Dr. MacDill was born .\ugust lo. 1826. in Preble county, Ohio, and completed his literary education in Center College, of Kentucky, in the class of 1849. He .studied theology at O.xford and Allegheny, and was licensed to preach on the 7th of April, 1852, by the First Ohio Presbyter}-, lieing ordained at Chillicothe September 8. 1853. I'^ early manhcxxl, in fact in the year of his ordination, he was married to Miss Martha E. Gordon, of Xenia. and the years have witnessed their co-operation in a work for their fellow men that has had a most widespread influence for good.

in September. 1853. Dr. MacDill accepted the pastorate of the church of his denomination at Cherr}- Fork. Ohio, where he remained until June i. 1876. He was then m charge of the church in Henderson. Illinois, from March 3. 1877. until June i. 1884, and in the meantinie he had become an active factor in the work of Christian education. He served as professor .of philosojihy in Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois, from the ist of September. 1876, until 1885. and has been professor of apologetics and homilectics in Xenia Theological Seminary since September. 1885. He has not only engaged in pastoral and educational Work, but is also widel\- kn(jwn as an author of works bearing upon theologv-. His first jnil)lication. howexer. issued in 1863. was a Life of Judge Morrison. In 1881 he brought forth a volume entitled Secret Societies and afterward The Bible, a Miracle. Among his more recent publications are Mosaic Authorship of the Pentateuch. Pre-Millenialism Disctissed. and Common Sense and L(igic -Applied to Darwinism and Theology.

So xaried has ben his work, so extended its influence that it is almost impossible in a brief review to give a complete idea of the e.xtent and scope of his labors. He is a man of strong force of character and endowed with rare qualities of leadership. Hehas long been a leader along reform lines.

He was a jiioneer worker in his (lennniiiiation in the matter of conductinj^ series of meetings in order to win men to the church and to Christ. He believed tliat some such prejjaration was necessary before the pentecost could come. In the days when many public debates upon religious questions were held he did his full share of thai work, nnd while never seeking a contest of any kind lie did not hesitate when called upon for such a labor, and his strong logic, sound reasoning and incontrovertible evidence were the means many times of not only setting at naught the defense of his opponent, but also of convincing many auditcjrs.

In the dark days of the Ci\il war Dr. MacDill had more than one opi)ortunit\- to display his loyalty and courage, .\lthough he was not found uixm the battle-field he was a most earnest worker for the Union cause at home, and spoke in behalf of the Union when it had many enemies north of the Ohio and denounced slavery when the system had its advocates and apologists north as well as south of the Mason and Dixon line. When the invasion bv southern troops was threatened he was made lieutenant of the home guards in his community, and when the famous Morgan raiil actually occurred the Doctor was taken prisoner and sa\'ed the life of a friend and neighbor at that time by resolutely refusing to disclose his hiding place. The man in question had fired on the advance guard of Morgan's men and had he been caught would doubtless have been executed without trial or ceremony. But neither threats nor cajolling could induce Dr. MacDill. while a ])risoner, to lietray his friend, and Dick ^[organ found that at least one man in .\dams county could keep a secret. Truth telling has ever been a fixed habit with him, but he felt that there were certain questions which he had no right to answer before such a court ot in(|uir}-. Release followed before he had long been a pri.soner, and the Doctor returned home with honor unsullied to gladden the hearts of anxious friends aud parishioners.

But the time came ere lon.g when the community realized that Dr. MacDill belonged to the whole church and to the country as well as to .\dams county. A man with !iis ,gifts could not long keep in the i)ackground, so after more than a score of years spent in his rpiiet country home, devoted to the woik of the church and tobroad and comprehensive studv he was called to occupy the chair of philosophv in Monmouth College, and from that intellectual center his fame spread abroad. He remained in Monmouth until the demand for his ser\ices in a more in;portant field were made, he being called to the chair of homiletics and apologetics in Xenia Theological Seminary. In his present position his business is chietly to defend the Bible, and few men are better prepared for the ^vork. He has not only been a close and discriminating student of the Word, but also of the history of the countries with which had to do at the time of its compilation. Xot only have students profite<l by his lectures upon the subject, but as an author he has published some valuable works along those lines, w hich have caused deep thought among student and which present incontrovertible fact and logic that is unanswerable.

But while Dr. MacDill has ever shown forth strong- intellectual ami remarkable mental strength in his work it is probably his characteristics of kindliness, charity, helpfulness and brotherly love that have so endeared him to those with whom he has come ill contact. His talents are crowned witii character. He holds friendship and -conlidence inviolable and has the ability of readily understanding the disposition and situation of others, and thus is enabled to extend to them the counsel of help needed. He has passed the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten. but the evening of life is not to him a period of inactivity. His labors are yet felt as a moving force in the realm of thought, his usefulness has increased rather than diminished. As he advances he seems to see more clearly the great principles which govern life and to understand more thoroughly the great plan of Christian salvation, "to feel eternal spring within his heart." and to give more freely -out of the rich stores of his learning and -experience.

Dr. ]^IacDill received the degree of A. ]\I. from Center College and also the degree of LL. D., while Miami University conferred upon him the degree of L. H. D., and Monmouth College the degree of D. D. He has been honored by the ministn*- of his church, being elected moderator of the second synod of Ohio and as moderator of the genral assembly which met in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in 1892. and he has taken a prominent part in general assemblies held in dirferent parts of the country from the east to Oregon. His influence is always found on the side of progress and his voice did nuich toward bringing about a change in the church laws, allowing instrumental music in the churches. Under Governor ^IcKinley tlie Doctor was appointed a trustee of Miami University and re-appointed under Covernor Xash, each term being for nine vears. and he will deliver the charge to Dr. llenton when lie is inaugurated president of ^liami University September 9, 1902.

We hereby acknowledge our indebtedness for most of the material for this sketch to Dr. Scouller's Manual of the United Pres- Ijvterian church.

William H. Bickett

U^pon a farm two miles east of Xenia on the Jasper pike William Harvey Bickett now resides, there carefully carrying on agricultural pursuits, whereby he is winning a most comfortable competence. He is a worthy rei)resentati\e of an honored family of Greene county and well deserves mention in this volume. His birth occurred December 6. 1835, on the old family homestead, just a short distance north of his present place of residence, his parents being William R. and Isabella (Alexander) Bickett. He began his education in the sul)scription schools, such as were common at that day, and later continued his studies in the free district schools of the county. His training at farm labor was not meager, for he early began the work in the fields and continued at home with his parents until the ist of May, 1864, when in response to his country's call for aid he offered his services to the government and joined the boys in blue of Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment of Ohio Volunteers. He was mustered in at Camp Dennison. went to the front, and for four months was engaged in defending the old flag, largely in garrison duty. On the expiration of that period he was mustered out at Camp Dennison and after his return he served out his time in the National

Guards, liaving- i)re\iinisly enlisted lor five years in tliat military organization. Like the other members of tlie family, he performed his share of the farm work, and the practical experience which he gained in his youth has been of value to him in the conduct (jf his own farming interests in later life.

On December 9, uS68, Mr. P>ickett was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret J. Stoops, a nati\e of this county and a daughter of John and Betsey (Simpson) Stoops, Mrs. Bickett being their only child. The mother died and was buried at Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Stoops was a native of Virginia, but at an early day came to Ohio. He was three times married, and b\- his first luiion had four children, while of the third marriage there were two children, but both died in early life.

Mr. and Mrs. Bickett began their domestic life upon a farm locatec'. between Jasper and Jamestown i)ikes, where thev remained for about fifteen years. (3n the expiration of that period our subject purchased his present farm about 1883, and has erected all of the buildings upon it. This includes a fine modern residence, large barns .'uid all the necessary shelter for grain and stock. He also has the latest improved machinery, has had many rods of ditching dug and his entire place of eighty-three acres is well improved.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Bickett has been blessed with four children. Frank Simpson is a bookkeeper of Xenia. He was educated in the township and public schools of X"enia and is not only a successful business man. Imt is \-ery prr)minent in church work. He is the secretary and treasurer of the Sabbath-school of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia, having filled those oftlces for a number of years. lames R., the second son, operates the home farm and makes a specialty of the raising of Lincolnshire sheep, having taken man\- prizes, at count}- and state fairs. Jennie Ma\- died at the age of two years. Warren, wha comjjletes the family, is attending school in Xenia.

In politics Mr. Bickett is a Kepulilican, and both he and his wife are members of the Second United Presbyterian church of Xenia. Their two eldest sons belong to the \'oung People's Society of that church, of w Iiich Frank is now serving as corresponding secretary, while James is serving on the membershi]) committee. The name of Bickett has never been associated w ith an\-- thing dishonoral)le, but is synon\nious with good citizenship and with upright conduct in all the walks of life.

' Archibald J. ^IcElroy has reached the eighty-third milestone on life's journey. Heis a native of Ross county. Ohio, Ifis birth having occurred on the 14th of July. 1819. His grandfather, Daniel McElroy. was a native of Ireland and on coming to the United States becan:e one of the earl\- settlers of Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his life. The parents. Daniel and Grizelle (Johnson) McElroy, came to Greene county about 1824 and settled on land about two miles east of Cedarville. The father was a nati\-e of \^irginia and removed' to Ohio when a young man. He was a millrigbt by trade and followed tliat Inisiness luitil niiddle life, when he turned his attention to farming, and his last davs were spent u])iiii the farm <in wliich he hicated on coming' to tliis county. He nwned nne hundred and twenty-three acres of land, which for many years was known as the McElroy farm. He served in the war of 1812 and at aU times was as loyal to his country as when he wore the nation's uniform. His wife, who was born in Xova Scotia, in 1794, died upon the old homestead in Cedarville townshi]). at the age of hfty-five years. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, five of whom are yet living.

In a log school house of Cedarville township .\rchilxi!d J. McElroy pursued his education, while his business training was received on his father's farm, where he remained until about i860. He then renio\ed to a farm just north of Cedarville, where he remained for a short time and then purchased a farm south of the town, comprising one hundred acres of improved land, on which he lived for six years. His next home was in the village, but after a short time he purchased his farm at the edge of the town, consisting at first of thirt\-two acres, to which he has since added until he now has tifty-two and a half acres. Upon this he has since lived and here he has always engaged in general farming and stockraising from the time he first made the place his home.

In 1855 Mr. McElroy was married, near Xenia, to Miss Mary Ellen Little, a daughter of John and Mary 1 McCoy) Little, natives of South Carolina, who came to Ohio at a \ery early day in the history of this coimty and spent the remainder of their lives near Xenia. Her father was a prominent farmer, but both are now deceased. Mrs. McF.lrov was called to her finrd rest in i88i, when about fifty-five years of age She was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church and a most estimable ladv. and though her remains were interred in Massies Creek cemetery her memory is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew her. She left two sons. John R., the elder, is a stationary engineer residing in Dayton. Ohio. He married Miss Morris, of Illinois, who died leaving one child. Daniel, and later he wedded Miss Minnie Cline, of Cedarville, l)y wlunn he has a son, Kenneth. Daniel \\'., born August jo. 1861, in Cedar- \ille. was educated in the schools of Cedar- \ille and in the collegiate institute in Paxton, Illinois. He has engaged in farming upon the home place all his life and is a progressive and practical farmer. He belongs to the Reformed Presbyterian church. It is in that church that Archibald Mc- Elroy holds membership, and its principles have been the guiding spirit of his life. In his political views he has always been a JJemocrat. He has w itnessed the mar\elous growth and development of Greene county through many years, and his aid and co-operation ha\e never been withheld from any movement or measiu"e which he believes will contribute to the general good. He has nowreached the evening of life, but he yet maintains an active interest in i)ublic affairs. His honorable career, embracing the strong traits of an upright manhood, ha\e gained for him respect and veneration in his declining years.

With the farming interests of Sugarcreek townshi]) C. \V. McBee is identified, having jiurchased his present home in 1887. He here owns sixty-eight acres of land, which he has placed tuider a high state of fiiltivatiiiii, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful superxision. Mr. McBee is a native of what is now Grant county, West Virjjinia, but was then Hardy county, liis birtli having occurred on tlie 3d of July, 1852, liis parents being William and Mary ( Gouldizen ) McBee. His boyhood days were spent upon the mountain farm where they raised cattle and sheep, and thus lie became familiar with the best methods for caring for st(Kk, si)ending many a day in herding. He acquired a fair commonschool education and in Januarv, 1S73. <-"^iiic t') Greene county, being then a xoung man of twenty-one years. Here he worked as a farm hand bv the nmnth for a short time, after wliich he returned to \\'est X'irginia. wiiere he continued for a year and a halt, iKit, believing that he might have better business (ipporiunities in the Buckeye state, he again came to Greene county in March. 1875. Seeking employment as a farm hand, he worked by the month until his marriage, which impiirtant e\ent in his life occurred on tiie 27th of December. 1876, the lady of liis choice being Miss Jane Turner, who was born in New Jasper township, Greene county, a daughter of Elijah and Frances ( Bales) 'J'urner, also uatix'es of this county. She acquired a good common-school education and has proven an able assistant to her husband I in life's inurnex'.

Mr. and Mrs. McBee began housekee])- ing im land which belonged to Mr. Turner, remaining there for about three years, after which they went to Clinton county and purchased land. Eight years were passed in that locality, at the end of wdiich time Mr. McBee sold his property there and in 1887 returned to Greene county, since which time he has resided upon his present farm, a tract of sixty-eight acres, which is well improved

Two children have come to bless the home of our subject and his wife: Bertha, who was born on tlie i ith of .April, 1878. and Raper, born July 19. 1875. Both are still witii their parents. Mr. McBee votes fur tlie l-tepublican ])arty. He faithfully performs his duties of citizenship and is interested in public measures tending to advance the general welfare. His chief attention, however, is gi\en tn his business affairs and his labors have brought to him creditable success. .Ml that he possesses is the result of his own efforts, and as the architect of his own fortunes he has builded wiselv an<l well.

Robert Lvtle

There may be found in almost all .\merican communities ijuiet, retiring men who never ask for public office or appear prominent in pulilic affairs, \-et who ne\-ertheless exert a wi lel_\- felt intluence in the comnuinity in which the}' li\e and help to construct the proper foundation upon which the social and political world is built. Such a man is Robert L}tle. who is now engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business. His enterprise, amliition. activity and resolution, as luanifest in his business career, are most commendable characteristics, and have brought to him the prosperity which he is now enj(jying.

Mr. Lytle is a native of Hinitingdon county, Pennsylvania, his parents being James and I-"annie (Smart) Lytle, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state.

Tlie tatlier was liorn in Cumbeiiaml county and was a farmer by occupation. In 1843, accompanied by his family, he started by wagon for Greene county. Ohio, reaching his destination after twenty-three days upon the road. He settled in what is now the western part of Cedarville township, and after about four years purchased land. He followed farming throughout his acti\'e business career and died at the age of seventythree vears, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy years. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are yet living.

Robert L\tle. however, is the only member of the family now in Greene county. He obtained his educatiim in the country schools and assisted his father on the farm, remaining at home until 1853. when he came to Xenia. Here he began clerking for J. C. McMillan & Ci)mi)any, reiuaining in the employ nf that firm until after the commencement of the Civil war. when he joined the boys in blue as a member of Company 1), Twelfth Ohio \'ohmteer Infantry, of w hich he was made ca])tain. He served until September. 1861. when he was mustered out at Ci:)luml)us. Ohio, and tlien returned home.

In i8()4 ]\lr. Lytle accepted a ])osition as bookkeei)er in the Second Xational Bank of Xenia and was ])romoted from time to time. filling the position of teller uj) to 1884. when it was found that the bank was seriously involved. Against his wishes, he was elected cashier and in that capacity made a determined effort to ]nit the bank on a sound financial liasis. This, however, he was unable to do, and the liank was forced to close in 1888. He then embarked in the real-estate, loan and insurance business, and has since carried on operations along that line, doing a good Inisiness in each tlepartment, placing many loans and negotiating a large number of im]X)rtant real-estate transfers, in addition to writing considerable insurance.

On the 12th of January, 1881. Mr. Lytle was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Elizabeth ^bjnroe. a native of Greene county and a. daughter of George and Martha Monroe, of Xenia. Our subject and his wife are members of the Third United Presbyterian church and he also belongs to Lewis Post, G. A. K.. of which he was one oi the incorporators, hi ptjlitics he was formerly a Whig, but on the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, the i)rinciples of which he has since endorsed, although he has never sought i>r desired office. Almost sixty years have passed since he accompanied his parents to Greene county, and throughout the intervening years he has been a \alued and progressive citizen of this portion of the state and a business man whose integrit\- and trustworthiness are abo\e question.

George X. Perrill

George X'. Perrill, whose connection with the business interests of Bowersville has contributed largely to the commerical activity and consec|uent prosperity of the \illage. is the president of the Bowersville Bank and the owner of the grain elevator there. He was born near what is now Milledgeville. Fayette county, Ohio, on the nth of August. 1856, a son of John and Margaret J. (Sparks) Perrill. The former was born near Cvnthiana. Pike countv. Ohio, and after attaining liis majority lie removed to Fayette county, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred in the year 1898. His wife was born in Kentucky, and with her parents came to Fayette county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Perrill were consistent and faithful member.s of the Methodist R])iscopal church and the former gave Iiis political supix)rt to the Republican party. In their family were eleven children, nine of whom reached years of maturity.

George N. Perrill, the eldest, began his education in the district school and later pursued his studies in the high school of Washington Court House, Ohio. He was early trained to the work of the home farm and to habits of industry and self-reliance, and they have been salient features in his successful career. He remained on the old homestead until his marriage, which occurred March 14. 1878. the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth \',-mniman. of Bowersville, a daughter of Stephen and Rebecca Jane (Early) \'anniman. who were pioneer settlers of this part of the county.

After his marriage Mr. Perrill purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Jefferson township and conducted that farm for twelve years. He then purchased another farm of one hundred acres south of the town, whereon he lived for two years, after which he turnetl his attention to the grain tiade when the railroad was built through this part of the county and duis aiYtjrded shipping facilities. He leased the inrst ele- \ator in the place, conducting it for three months, when it was destroyed 1)_\- tire. At that time he was the senior member of the firm of Perrill & Lewis, which connection was continued for six years, since which time Mr. Perrill has been alone in his grain operations. His business interests have been very successfully conducted. He is not only the owner of the elevator and successfully and e.xtensively deals in grain, but has extended iiis efforts to other lines. He has added to his land until he now owns two hundred and seventy-seven acres, constituting a very valuable tract south of the town. He was also instrumental in organizing the Bowersville Bank, and was its president from the beginning. It was capitalized for twenty thousajid dollars, has g(X)d deposits and undivided profits and isregarded as a sound and trustworthy financial concern. Mr. Perrill has owned considerable real estate here and is also a stockholder in the Commercial I'ank at Washington Court House.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Perrill li.ive Ijeen born two children: Edith, who was educated at Cedarville College; and Arthur, who finished his education at .\da, Ohio. The daughter is now the wife of Luther Chitty. of Bowersville. and they have one :hild, Donald Perrill. Our subject and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church, in which lie is serving as a trustee. He contributes liberally to. ts support, and takes an active interest in all public matters pertaining to the general progress and improvement along social, intellectual, material and mdral lines. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant camp meeting board, and is serving as a du-ector of the County Agricultural Society. P^ir three years he filled the office of township trustee, but has ne\-er been a politician: in the sense of oiiice-seeking, i)referring to ilevote his time and energies to his business affairs, which ha\e been so wisely planned and carefully conducted as the years have passed by as to win for him very gratifying and honorable success.

Orlander B. La Fong. now deceased, milked among the old and highly respected citizens of Beavercreek township. He was a man who, in every relation of life, commanded the confidence, good will and respect of those with whom he was associated. His word was as good as any bond e\er solemnized by signature or seal. Not only in Inisiness, but in every situation in which he was placed he was known for his integrity and for his fidelity to everything which he believed to be right.

Mr. La Fong was a native of Virginia, his birth having occurred in Botetourt county on the Jist of October. 1817. He was a son of George B. and Casander ( Lovell ) La Fong. the latter a native of England. The father was born and reared in Virginia, but his father came from France. During his boyhood Orlander B. La Fong accompanied his parents on their removal from \irginia to Ohio, the family settling on Ludl<iw creek in Beavercreek township, Greene county. About 1840 they removed to the farm upon which Mrs. La Fong, the widow of our subject, is now living. The parents spent their remaining days upon this place and when called to their final rest their reirains were interred in the Hawker cemetery.

Mr. La Fong. whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the public schools of his township. While yet a young man he took charge of the farm, and upon his father's death purchased the property comprising two hundred and seven acres. Ye^v after year he continued the -work iif dexelopment and improvement until he was the owner of one of the best farms in this part of the state. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose ^liss Reliecca Black, their wedding being celebrated on the 14th day of June, i860. The lady is a native of Beavercieck township and a daughter of Rt>bert and !Mary ( Koogler ) Black. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Greene county. Ohio. The former came to Ohio when a boy and took up his abode in Bath township, Greene county, but in the spring of 1836 he removed to Bea\'ercreek township. By his marriage he became the father of nine children: Sarah, now Mrs. Frederick, a resident c )f Aliami county. Ohio : Simon; Jonathan, wdio is living in Beavercreek township; Mrs. Rebecca La Fong; Mary, deceased ; Jacob, who makes his home in Illinois; Ann ]\Iaria, now Mrs. Simpson, of Missouri ; Catherine, who resides in Dayton, Ohiii; and Mrs. Jennie Carter, also of Dayton. The father died in 1872, at the age of sixt\-five years, while his wife passed away in 1888, at the age of seventy-nine, and was buried in Hawker cemetery. The home oi Mr. and Mrs. La Fong has been blessed w ith four children : Aletha is now the wife of J-. F. Harshman, of Greene county. Sarah is the wife of Isaac N. Kable and thev reside in Beavercreek township with their children - Oscar. Pearl, Clay and Etta Marie. Oscar B., a resident farmer of Beavercreek township, married Efta Trubee. They have three children - Anna Lo\ell, Orlander and Robert. Rebecca is the <leceased wife of John F. Shoup. and at her death left one child. Forest, who is li\- ing with his grandmother, Mrs. Rebecca La Fong.

Mr. La Fong gave his political support to the Democracy and was firm in his advocacv of its principles. Both he and his wife were members of the Mount Zion Re- fonneil churcli, wliich relatiuii the latter at present sustains. He always devoted his energies to farming and displayed splendid business ability in conducting his affairs. His life was at all times upright and honorable, and he was officially connected with his church. For some time before his death he was ill, but he bore his sufferings with Christian fortitude. To his family he left not only a comfortable property, but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. His loss in his household is an irreparable one. His wife is still living upon the home place, althdugh she is renting the farm. She. too, is widely known in this county, and the circle of her friends is an e.\tensi\e one.

I'erhaps every state in the I'nion has furnished some citizens to Ohio, and Maryland has sent a large quota of enterprising, honorable men who have become active factf)rs in business circles here, .\mong the number is John A. Stull. of Beavercreek township, who was born in Frederick ctnuity. Maryland. December 7, 1834, his parents being Joseph and Margaret (Havener) Stull. The father was also a nati\-e of Frederick county, Maryland, but the mother was born in Germany. Joseph Stull carried on agricultural pursuits in his native state until 1858, when he brought his family by rail to Ohio, settling in Bea\-ercreek township, w here he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1884 at the advanced age of eightytwo years. His wife was also eighty-two years old at the time of her death, which occurred March 30. 1890. They were laid to rest in Beavercreek cemeterv. where also slee]) tw(j of their sons, lii their family were the following children: John A.. Horatio, Mary. Henry and Joshua, and Henry, deceased. Mary is the widow of George Bovvers iuid resides in Lewisburg, Ohio. Joshua became a member of the comi>an\' that was organized at Alpha and joined the Seventy-fourth Ohio Infantry. He was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea and died in Xew York city of typhoid fever while in the service. Roth the parents were memljers of the Lutheran church and Joseph Stull was a Whig in ante-bellum days. l)ut when the Republican party was formed he joined its ranks. He came to Ohio a poor man, but was (|uite successful in his business undertakings, and steadily and ])ersistently carried on his labors until he had acipiired a comlortable competence.

In his parents' home John A. Stull spent the days ot his boyhood and \-outh. He was educated in the common schools of Maryland and with his father and the family came to Ohio. Here he worked by the month for two years, receiving fifteen dollars per month the first year, and sixteen dollars per month the second )ear. He then rented a farm and for three years his parents li\ed with him, his mother keeping house. Altogether he o])erated rented land for eight years, and in i8r)9 he innxhased one hundred acres, to which he has since added ten acres. All t'le improvements upon the place have been built by our subject, including a good residence and substantial barns. His fields are richly cultivated and he is now successfully engaged in stock raising and in general farming- He has made a specialty of the cultivation of tobacco, which crop annually brought to him a good financial return.

married Miss Harriet Freese. wlio was burn in Xenia townsliip, a daughter of Jacob and Harriet (Babb) Freese. natives of Fredericiv county. Virginia, where they were reared and married. Fight children have been Ixjrn unto Mr. and Airs. Stull : AHce, the wife of Henry Toms, a farmer of Spring Valley township, liy wiiom she has three children. Cmy, Hazel and Charles; Carrie Belle, who became the wife of James Sanders and died leaving one son. Ernest; Qiarles W., who is now the farmer at the countv infninary; Ida M.. who married Jose])h Michaels, of Alpha: Ralph Babb. who is at home; John Edward, who married Margaret Casey and is now in the employ of the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton; Pearl, the wife of Thorburn Charters, of Xenia, by whom she has one child. Marguerite; and Mabel, who died at the age of thirteen years. The parents hold membershi]) in the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Stull votes with tlie Republican ])arlv, having hrm faith in its principles, yet never seeking or desiring public office.

lie whose name heads this lirief sketch bekmgs to one of the first families of Ohio, and ranks among her most favorably known and prosperous citizens. Mr. Harbine. second son of JoJin and Hett\- ( Herr) Harbine. was born December 3, 1832. He obtained a rudimentary education in a cmntry school, then attended the Xenia high school, and later pursued his studies in Miami I'niversity at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. Harliine"s life has been an open book, known and read of all men. In business he exj)erienced from the beginning unusual success and his htuiest and honorable dealings with his associates have left him singularly free from personal enemies. His beautiful home at Harbine Station. Ohio, attests the quiet elegance of Air. Harbine's tastes. His is one of those retiring natures that prefer seclusion to publicit}'. the quietude of the home to the noise and confusion of the forum.

His present biographer would fain say a few of the many creditaljle things that might be said of Air. Harbine, though they could not add to the respect and esteem in w liich he is held by all who know him. Air. Harbine, howe\er, modesth' liut tirndv protests, desiring rather that his daily life stand as his highest encomium while he lives; the memory of that life as his most fitting monument when life is dcme.

Re\-. Samuel Wilson well deserves mention in tlie history of Greene county, for he was an active factor in the moral and intellectual development of this portion of the state. Through more than a quarter of a century from 1830 until iS^h he served as pastor of the Associate, now tlie Second United Presbyterian, church of Xenia, and from 1855 luitil 1877 he was professor of llebrew and theology in the United Presbyterain Theological Seminary. He also servd as the first professor of Hebrew in the theological department of Wilberforce University of this vicinit}-. For a time, moreover, he conducted a private academy.

ther, William ^\'iIson. was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to Allejjheny county, Pennsylvania, settling there in ijgr. He was the first enrolled theological student on the American continent. He entered the Associate Seminary established at Ser\ice, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and therein [)ursued the regular theological course, de\-oting his entire life to the work of the ministry in Alleghenv county, Pennsylvania. For some time he was located at Xoblestown, and afterward at Montour, the latter church constituting the present congregation of Clinton and Robinson. At the time of his death he was serving as pastor of the church in Robinson. In May, 1842, he was called to the home beycMKl.

Rev. Samuel Wilson pursued his education in Jelterson College, from which he was graduated in 1824, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Having determined also to devote his life to the Christian ministry, he then entered the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary at Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, of which the Xenia Seminary is the successor. He completed his course there and was licensed to preach on the T6th of August, 1829, by the Muskingum Presbytery, and on the 27th of April, 1831, he was ordained by the Miami Presbytery. He located in Xenia. as pastor of what was then the Associate church, and conducted an active pastorate there for a quarter of a century, at the end of which time he resigned in order to give his entire attention to the work of teaching Hebrew and theology in the Xenia Theological Seminary. At length he laid aside that work in 1877, because of the infirmities of age. Under his direction the church of which he was pastor had made lapid and satisfactory progress, and when he entered the educational field he proved

Dr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Cunningham, of Xenia, March 6, 1832, and unto them were born nine children: William H.; Elizabeth, the wife of Rev. J. P. L)tle, D. D. ; Margaret, the wife of Ale.xander Caskey; Rev. James C, of Erie, PennsyKania. upon whom also has been bestowed the degree of Doctor of Divinity; Martha; Frances, the wife of Rev. J. M. French ; John Wallace, of Kansas City, Missouri ; Ella, the wife of L. D. Cain, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Samuel S., a medical practitioner of Xenia. The father of this family died September 5, 1887. His wife passed away in 1889.

Dr. Wilson was prominently connected with the early abolition movement, being one of its leaders in Greene county. He was converted to the movement by reading a small book, called Jay's Inquiry, and the Liberator, published in Boston by William Lloyd Garrison. At that time he was not aware that there was another abolitionist in the county, but soon discovered that there were four others: Re\-. Mr. Hoague. of Clifton; Thomas Steele, David Monroe and Joseph Harbison, of Xenia. By means of agitation they succeeded in exciting a sufficient amount of interest to justify them in calling a convention, but the question of a place of holding the meeting proved to be an important one, as they were barred from every church or public building in Xenia. There was no alternative but either to abandon the project of holding the convention or to hold it in the yard of one of the agitators, and Dr. Wilson was the only one of the number who dared to offer his home for the purpose. .\ platform for the speakers was erected in his vard directlv under the point where the pulpit of the First United Presbyterian church now stands. During that meeting a mob collected on what is now the s/^>utheast corner of Market and Collier streets and was only prevented from attacking the meeting by the inter\ention of an old blacksmith and pumpmaker by the name of John McOellan, who with a club in hand dared any man to cross the street and molest his preacher. This was the first anti-slaver)- convention held in Greene county, and from it developed the Anti-slaven,-, the Free-soil or the Liberty party, as it was at different times called, to which the Whigs very soon attached themselves. The intense opposition to this movement was manifested in the fact that Dr. Wilson's own church door was closed against him when he requested the use of the church for the meeting previously referred to, but it was not long afterward that he ventured to introduce the sul>- ject into the pulpit and he continued to preach anti-slavery d'xrtrines in spite of the fact that he drove from his congregation quite a number of influential memliers. Among those who remained] there were many who o[>]>osed the (kxtrine but who accorded to him the privilege of preaching his views and were faithful in defending him while so doing. He was alwavs a stanch advfx:ate of the rights of the colored man. and was materially interested in manipulating the underground railroad.

^Vt this prjint it would Ije almost tautolo;^ical to enter into any series of statements as showing the Doctor to have been a man of broad intelligence and genuine public spirit, for these traits have been shadowe<l forth' within the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality, he never lacked crnirage. Init there were, as dominating elements in his personality, a lively human sympthy and an abiding charity, which, as taken in connection with the sterling integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for Dr. Wilson the respect and confidence of men.

Dr. Samuel S. Wilson, who is engaged in the practice of medicine in Xenia, was lx)rn in this city February 5, 1853, ''"^ ^.t the usual age entered the public schools. He afterward continued his studies in the high school and later entered the Ohio Central College at Iberia. He was also a student in Westminster College of Pennsylvania, and he determined to devote his life to the alleviation of human suffering through the administration of the remedial agencies known to the medical profession. He began reading under the direction of Dr. D. D. Mo<^jre, of Xenia. He afterward became a student of the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati and was graduated from that institution on the 4th of March. 1880. He then took a comj^itive e.xaminati<jn which he successfully passed and entered Mercy Hospital of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, as house jjhysician. in whidi capacity he server! for f>ne year. He then opened an office in Xenia, where he has since been in active practice. In 1896 he estaJjlislvetl a private hospital in order to give l.»etter care to his surgical cases, and has successfully a>ntinuel this since. He is a close, earnest and discriminating student, and in iHtj^ he pursued a |x»st-graduate course in the Polyclinic of .\'ew York. He is a memlier of the Greene Countv Medical Society, the Ohio fouiif! a few other Union men, and under cover of the night tliey made their escape, going to Harper's Ferry and passing directly through the Rebel camp. Mr. \Miitson was at the front for a little more than four months and never received a scratch.

-After his return home he began earning his own living, hut continued to live on the old homesteail, and at the time of his father's death fell heir to forty-eight and a half acres of land. In 187 1 Mr. Whitson was married to Miss Josephine Hurle}-, of New Burlington, and imto them were born three children : Lea. who lives in Dayton ; Lizzie, the wife of Alfred Peterson, of Xenia, In- whom she has one child. \'esta: and Osy, the \\iife of Edward Gano, by whom she has two children, Myrtle and Lea. The wife and mother died in 1886, and two children had died in infancy. On the _'8th of November, 1888, Mr. Whitson married Mrs. Eva Hurley, nee Lemar, of Clinton county. Ohio. They have two children. Hazel and Clarence.

In T889 Mr. \\'hitson went to Webb City. Missouri, to handle stable horses. From l)oy]ioo<l he had had a fondness for a horse and the first one \\ hich he ever owned, - making a trade for it. - won the first race in which he ever ran. it being at Jamestown, where he did his own driving in a sulk\- that \vei,ghed alxiut five hundred pounds. He has both bred and raised colts to train and has owned some very \aluable fast horses, including Red Hal tliat made a mile in 2:07, but afterward went lame. He now has Legal Hal. which he has raised and which has made a record as a fixir-year-old of 2:i9'4. He also raised Lady Hal, a full sister to Legal Hal, and she luade the fastest yearling record ever made in the world, pacing a half-mile in i 107. Mr. Whitson remained in the west but a year and after returning to Ohio located in Fairfield, where he conducted a hotel and handled fast horses. He next took charge of the Greenlaw n Stock Farm, owned by Dr. D. W. Greene, of Dayton, remaining there five years. He now resides in the old family home, where he is engaged in farming and in breeding and training fast horses, having gained more than a local reputation in this way. He is an excellent judge of a fine animal and always has some splendid roadsters. In politics he is a Republican and was appointed to fill a vacancy as township trustee, and has been twice elected, proving a capable officer and public-spirited citizen.

Upon an excellent farm about five miles southeast of Xenia resides William Leonard Hagler, who is accounted one of the progressive and wide-awake agriculturists of his community. He was born al>3ut a mile east of his present home in what is now N^ew- Jasper township, his natal day being May 8. 1827. His father, Samuel Hagler, was born in Hardy, \'irginia, August 7, 1794, and after arriving at years of maturity he was married in Warren county, Ohio, to .\nna Fudge, also a native of the Old Dominion. He was of German descent and was a son of Leonard and Mary (Peterson) Hagler, who had a large family. His wife, Anna Fudge, was born in Augvista county, Virginia, and was a daughter of Jacob Fudge. In early life he emigrated westward and cast in his lot with the early settlers of Warren county, Ohio. After a year or two he returned to Virginia and brought his family to tlie new liome. His father, Leonard Hagler, died in 1834. He liad 1)ut two sons, wlio reachefl _\-ears of maturity, Eli and Samuel. The latter, the father of subject, at once hegan work here, and with characteristic enerjj)- cleared and de- A'eloped one hundred and fifty acres of land, placing the tract under a high state of cultivation. As his financial resources increased he also added to the property, and at the time of his death owned a valuable tract of two hundred acres, which each year returned to him golden harvests. His deatii occurred August 7, 1880, when he was eighty-si.x years of age, and his wife passed away in 1884. at the age of eighty-four, Ixith being laid to rest in the family burying ground U])on the home farm, where a fine monuluent marks the place of their interment. "Both were members of the German Reforme:] churcli. and Mr. Hagler was a Whig "in his early political views, supporting that until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. Unto them were born fifteen children : Elizabeth Ann, who became the wife of Mathew 'Smith, but both are now deceased; Mary .Amanda, who is the widow of Gideon Spahr and resides in Bellbrook ; Sarah Jane, who is the widow of Philip Sutton and makes her hcime near the powder mill in Xenia ; William Leonard, of this review ; Henry -Qiristian, deceased: Martha Eddy, the widow of William Sutton, of Jamestown; Catherine Charlotte, the wife of Austin Long, of New Jasper township; John Milton and Moses Allen, both of whom are deceased ; Clarissa Rebecca, the widow of Durban Long and a resident of Jamestown ; Hannah Minerva, who is the widow of David Dean, and is living in Xenia ; Emily Louisa, who is the widow of John Dean and resides in New Jasper township; Samuel Harrison, who died in childhood; Anna Samantha, who is the widow of Jacob Petersou and makes her home in Xenia; and Harriett Rosaltha. who died in childhood.

William L. Hagler, of this rexicw, received but limited educational ])ri\ileges, attending to some extent the subscription schools near his home. His training in farm work, however, was not meager, for he early became familiar with the work f)f de- \eloping and im]>r<iving a farm. Wlici: twenty-six years of age he was united in marriage on the 24th of September. 1851. to Miss Mary Lyon Scroggs. who was born ii: Belmont county, Ohio. January 4. 1831. a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Lyon) Scroggs. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and in his boyhood became a resident of Jefferson. Ohio, and afterward removed to Belmont couuty. In 1855 Mr. Hagler purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and thirty-three acres. The barns and other outbuildin,gs upon the place ha\'e all been erected bv him. and are indications of his life of acti\ity. industry and usefulness. He also l)laiUed an <irchard when he first located here, which is now in good bearing condition. He has used excellent machinery in carrying on the farm work and is widely known as a progressive agriculturist, who in connection with the tilling of the soil is engaged in the raising of Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs-, and also has fine blacktop merino sheep.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hagler have been born seven children ; Lottie Jane, the eldest, is the wife of David Livingston, who resides near Columbus and is a member of the LTnited Presbyterian church. They have five children - Paul, Ralph Hagler, Frank

Alexander, Klla Xorii ami Jenette Lee. Piloses Allen married Martha Wead and resides in Xenia township. Charles Franklin, also a resident of Xenia township, wedded Jennie Crawford and they lia\-e two lix'ing children - Mary Jane and Charles Crawford. George Mallow married Catherine Ruth Anderson and their home is in Spring \'allev to\vnshi|). where they reside with their six children - Joseph Lewis. Carrie Margaret. Ollie May. Albert Alji jah. Fred William and an infant son. Fmily is the wife of John Galloway, of Xenia. and tiiey ha\"e one child, Mildred llagler. William is deceased. Anna M. is the wife of Ralpli Spahr and they reside on the old home farm, Mr. Spahr having the management of the farm work, which he ably conducts. Mr. Hagler has now passed the se\enty-tifth milestone on life's journey and receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to those who have reached the evening of life, and whose record has ever been blameless and honorable.

Joseph DeVoe, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising, owns and cultivates a farm of one hunrlred and eight acres in (."aesar.screek township. He was born in Jefferson township. Greene county. March 7. 1850, and is a son of David and Mary (Ary) DeVoe. The paternal grandparents were Joseph and Abby fOglesliee) l)e\"oe. and the former was a son of David De\'oe, who was of l-"rench descent. His father died in his native land. France, but the mother afterward came to this countrv. David DeVoe spent his days in \'irginia and it was in that state that Joseph De\'oe. the grandfather of our subject, was born and reared, spending his youth near Winchester. He married Miss Abby Oglesbee. also a native of that localit}-, and about the year 1817" he sought a home in Ohio, taking up his abode near what is now the village of Tainters\'ille. In his political support he was a \\ hig. and Imth he and his wife were Methodists in religious faith. In their family ^vere six children : David J., now deceased ; E\aline. who is the widow of John Ary and resides in Caesarscreek township : George W. : Ephraim. who has passed away; Sarah Jane, who became the wife of Nathan Fisher,, but both are now deceased ; and Asa. who has also departed this life. Joseph DeV'oe. the grandfather of our subject and the father of this family, was called to his final rest in i860, and his \\ife passed away in 1858. Both were laid to rest in the SalenT burving gn^und.

Da\id De\'oe, the father of our subject, was born in 1822. and after arriving at years of maturity he \\eflded ]Mary Ary. who was born August 13, 1825. The marriage was celebrated in Jefferson township, and in 1868 they removed to Painters ville, where the father of our subject purchased a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days, passing away on the 23d of January. 1899. at the age of seventy-six years. His widow still survives him and is now living in Paintersville. Like her husband, she belongs to the Methodist Protestant church. He was a Republican in political views and as a business man was reliable and energetic, while as a citizen he was ever loyal to the best interests of the community. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children: Eliza Jane, the wife of Thomas Bone, of Illinois; Sarah, the wife of William A. Powers, of

Jefferson townsliip: Lucinda. the wife of L. V. Johnson, of Jefferson township; Joseph, our subject; William, who is livinj^ in Jefferson township; Aaron, a resident of Caesarscreek township; Margaret, David and George, who died in childhood ; Elizabeth, the wife of I. Mason: and Jesse, a resident of Xenia township.

In the public schools of Jefferson township Joseph DeVoe was reared and educated. He lived with Jiis father until his marriage, which occurred March 28, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Faulkner, a daughter of David and Emily J. (Mussetter) Faulkner. Her father w^as born near Paintersville, October 7, 1819, and his parents were Thomas and Mar)- (McGuire) Faulkner. He was educated in the district schools and remained upon the home farm until Septemlier, 1838, when he was married. He then rented land from iiis father for a time and afterward purchased a tract, carrying on agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, lie had become the owner of one hundred and ninety-four acres of well developed land, improved with all modern accessories and e(|ui|iments, and in hi'; lousiness undertakings he was quite successful. Seven children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner, all of whom are \et living, namely: Marv. the wife of Francis Linkhart. of Xenia. by whom she has four children ; Harvey C. ; Caroline, now Mrs. DeVoe : Samuel P., who married Martha Painter; Elijah B., a resident of West Carlton, Ohio; Harriet M., who became the wife of Thomas B. Linkhart. a resident of Lumlaerton, Clinton county, Ohio : and Elizal)eth Catherine, the wife of John Anderson, a resident of Clinton county. Ohio. The parents held membership in the Methodist Protestant church, and for many years Mr. Faulkner ser\ed as a class leader. He took a deep interest in religious work and labored earnestly and effectively for tiie upbuilding of the cause of Christianity. His i»litical support was gi\en tlie Republican party, and for several terms he served as trustee of his township. His death occurred in 1896 and his wife passed away in 1900, being laid by his side in the cemetery at Jamestown.

.'\fter- his marriage Joseph DeVoe removed to the farm which is now his home. He has erected all of the buildings upon the place and they stand as monuments to his enterprise and capable management. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and the well tilled fields return to him a golden harvest for his labors. He is eneregtic, progressi\e and persevering, and tlie success which he has ac(|uired is the ultimate result of these characteristics.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. DeVoe has. been blessed with three children: Annie B., the wife of Stacey Wilson, of Caesarscreek township, by whom she has one child, Goldie; Mollie, the wife of James Sessler, of Silvercreek township; Ida May, the wife of Oscar Gordan, of Caesarscreek township, bv whom she has two children, Forrest and Everett J. Elmer Strickle, a son of Mollie by a former marriage, is also a member of the DeVoe household. Mr. DeVoe exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and upon that ticket he has been elected to the office of township trustee and to other local positions. In the ^Methodist Protestant church he and his wife hold membership, and he is also serxing as one of the trustees of that organization. In manner he is courteous and pleasant, winning friends by his genial disposition and honorable char-

^cter wliicli ci>niman(ls the respect of all. He is public spirited in an eminent degree, and through ail the years of his life ha.s ^iven his support to \vhate\er is calculated to promote the general welfare.

Dr. Ira \^'. Baldwin devoted his life to .a profession calling for much self-sacrifice as well as for strong mentality, close application and unflagging energy, but in the rank of his chosen profession he won distinction and throughout tlie count}- in which he made his home he was widely and favorably known. His birth occurred on a farm in Greene county on the Clifton pike. October t i. 1838. There were two children born unto David Y\ and Julia Baldwin, of whom he was tlie elder. His earlv education was accjuired in the common schools and later he continued his studies in Antioch College. His leisure time was given to the study of medicine, and he afterward entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. Avhere he completed a course by graduation in the year 1867. Immediately afterward he located in Rnon, Ohio, where he opened an office and remained for two years. He then removed to Clarksville, Iowa, where he practiced successfully for the same length of time, but having a stronger preference for his native state than the one of his adoption lie returned to Spring Valley, Ohio, and thence came to Xenia. He afterward spent eight years as a medical practitioner of Yellow S])rings, and also engaged in farming, but his last days were passed in Xenia, where he tlied on the 2d of February, 1902.

character were worthy of commendation and of emulation. He was a nieml3er of the Sixty-sixth Illinois Infantry during the Civil war, but owing to disability he received an honorable discharge. Later, however, he reenlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftvthird Ohio \'olunteer Infantry. For nine years he was identified with the United States pension board of Greene county, and for four \ears he served as postmaster at Yellow Springs, having been appointed under President Cleveland, his administration being highly satisfactory to all concerned. The Doctor was also actively and prominently connected with journalistic interests for a considerable period. He was the founder of the Greene County Democrat and afterward ])urchased the Xenia Democrat Xews, consolidating the two papers, both of which have since been merged into the Xenia Herald. He was the founder of the Saturday Morning Post and continued his newspaper career until 1882. He was one of the most prominent and influential Democrats in the count}' and his laliors were effective in promoting the growth and success of Democracy. He l)elieved most firmly in the principles of the party and his influence was ever exerted on its behalf. It was in the year 1899 that he returned to Xenia, continuing his residence in this city until called to the home beyond.

In 1869 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Allen, the only daughter of the late John C. Allen. Unto them were born three children : Benjamin, John and Minnie, who are still at home with their mother. Mrs. Baldwin was also one of a family of three children, but is now the onl}- survivor. Her parents were J. C. and Mary ( Arnold) Allen, the latter a daughter of Jesse Arnold. Mr. Allen was one of

Greene county's well-to-do and progressive farmers and died in Greene countv Julv 4. 1890. His wife had passed away when Mrs. Baldwin was only five years of age.

For many years Dr. Baldwin was identified with the Methodist church as a leading and faithful member. He also ser\'ed as one of its trustees, filling that ])i)sitinn at the time of his death. He took a very deep and active interest in church affairs and his efforts for the uplniilding of the church were not without results. In manner he was genial and jovial, and his personal characteristics were such as to make him a popular citizen. Public spirited, he co-oi)erated with e\ery mo\ement for the general good and iived an upright, honorable life commending him to the confidence and respect of all. The funeral services were held in the First Methodist Episcopal church and ci inducted by the Rev. A. C. Turell, assisted by Rev. Hamilton, of Cetlarville, and Rev. Elliott, of Yellow Springs, the remains being interred in W'oodland cemetery.

"His youth was innocent, his riper age Marked with some acts of goodness e\ery day, And watched l>y eyes that love him. calm and sage, Faded his late declining years away. Cheerfulh' he gave his being up and went To share the holy rest that waits a life well spent."

William H. Lumpkin

\\illiani H. Lumpkin, who is engaged in the operation of the ]\Iendenha!l farm in Spring Valley township two miles northeast of Xew Burlington, was born in Wayne county. Indiana, September 6, 1862, his parents being Silas II. and Sarah E. (Thornburg) Lumpkin. When our subject was but. si.\ years of age the father removed to Dallas county, biwa, where the family lived for ten years and then took up their abode in the town of Stewart, Ciuthrie county, Iowa. It was there that William H. Lumpkin was reared to manhood.

He acf|uired a fair common-school education and afterward worked as a farm hand by the month. When but twentv vears of age he secured a position in a n mud house at Stewart and on attaining his majoritv he leceived an offer from Edward Walton, who owne<l land in Iowa, to come east and enter his employ. This Mr.-Lumpkin agreed to do. and for three years remaineil in the service of Mr. Walton. At that time he became acquainted with Miss .\mv H. Mendenhall. and their friendship ripening into love, they were married September 28, 1886. The lady is a daughter of John and Eunice ' Compton ) Mendenhall, both of whom are living in Sjjring \'alley township. For a \-ear after his marriage Mr. Lumpkin resided in Spring Valley, and then began larming in the township upon land owned by Mr. .\nderson. He continued its cultivation for four years, but for the past decade has resided upon the Mendenhall farm, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation.

Five children have l.)een Ixjrn unto our subject and his wife: Albert J-, born in Spring \'alley township February 14, 1888, Edward R., who was bi-)rn in the same township June 16, 1890, and Lawrence, born November 17, 1901, are still living, while two children are deceased, Elmer T., who died at the age of one year and nine months, and Mabel, who died at the age of one year and ii\'e months. The parents hold membership witli the Society of Friends, and since 1884 ]\lr. Lumpkin has supported the men and measures of tlie Repuhlican party, liut has ne\er l)een an aspirant for office, preferring to give liis time and attention to his business affairs, in which lie is meeting with treditablc success.