Greene County, Ohio - The whole text, 1902 (part 23 of 25)

-omoii K. KoO'gler. was also looni in Beavercreek township'. February 18. 1813, near Byron, and as the schools in the locality were very few and poor during liis boyhood his educational advantages were necessarily limited. At an earl}' age he worked three months for Henry Jacoby. of Xenia township, and subsequently worked off and on at the carpenter's trade with his brother for a time, but later gave up that trade entirely and turnetl his attention exclusi\elv to farming. He recei\'ed fiftv acres -of land from his father's estate, it being the place now occupied by our subject, and he gradually added to it until he had one hundred and forty acres. He gave his attentiim principally to the raising of cereals, and for a few years was also interested in stock-raising, keeping cattle, hogs and a large number of sheep. On the 3d of September, 1S40. he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Jones, a native of Xorthumberland county. Pennsylvania, and to them were born foiu" sons, namelv : Jobii H.. of this review; George \\'.. deceased, who married IMartha Vancleff. 1 if Beavercreek township : Thomas J., who married Sarah West fall and li\'es not far from our subject's home: and Jacol) X.. who died October 10. 1888.

John H. Koogler acquired his early education in the district school located one mile east of where he now lives, and there he pursued his studies for three months during the winter until he reached the age of twenty years. During the remainder of the time he gave his father the benefit of his labors in operating the home farm until his marriage.

In the meantime the Civil war broke out. and in 1862 "Sir. Koogler enlisted in Companv E. Xinety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantr\-, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and with which he participated in many important engagements^ including the battle of Chattanooga : Perry- \ille. October 8, 1862; and Stone River, which was fought on the last day of the year, the rebels leaving there on X^ew Years day. The next engagement in which our subject took part was at Hoover's Gap, Tennessee, in the spring of 1863; the battle of Chickamauga, September 19 and 20, 1863; Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain above the clouds and ^Missionary Ridge. He was with Sherman at Dalton, Georgia, and on the famous march to the sea, and participated in the grand review at W'ashington, D. C, at the close of the war, being mustered out of ser\ice in that city in 1865.

Mr. Koogler was married June i, 1871, to Miss Christina Warner, a native of Bath tiiwnship. this count)-, where her parents, Henry and Harriet ( Casad ) ^^'arner. were also born. She is the third in carder of birth in a family of ten children, the others being as follows: George and Fairfield, both residents of Greene county : Paul P., who lives at the olfl home about two miles north of where our subject now resides; Henry Grove, a resident of Beavercreek township; Sophia C wife of Samuel Dellinger, who lives near Fairfield: Mary, deceased: Eliza- Ijeth Jane, wife of Benjamin Xichols, of Darke county, Ohio; .\nn. wife of John Welsh, of pjath township ; and Aaron and John, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Koogler ha\e no children.

After his marriage 'Sir. Koogler rented a farm of one hundred and twenty-eight acres and successfully engaged in farming on his own account, operating that place six years. He then removed to Dayton, but SI " m returned to the old neighborhood.

where he remained three years, and in 1883 located upon his present farm. After renting" the place for four or five years his father gave him seventy acres, and to the improvement and cultivation of that tract he has since devoted his energies with marked success. He has remodeled the house. l)uilt a barn and made many other useful improvements, which add greatly to the vahie .uid attractive appearance of the place. He is a thorough and systematic farmer and a man highlv respected and esteemed by all who know him. .Vt national elections he votes the Democratic ticket, hut is not bound l)y party ties at local elections where no issue is involved, but suppiirts the men whom he believes best qualified for office.

Richard J. Fowler, one of the early settiers and highl}' respected citizens of Cedarvillc township, was born in Union county, South Carolina, on the 14th of March. 1842, and is a son of Edward Fowler, his parents having lived and died in that state. Our subject was left 'an orpli.in when a small boy. and was then bound out, remaining in his native state until he was twenty-one years of age. He began learning the millwright's trade, but did not follow it to any great extent, for he found agricultin-al ]iursuits more congenial.

On attaining his majority Richard JFowler came to Ohio, settling in Cedarville township, Greene county, where he was emploved as a common laborer until the year i8C)7, when, desiring to engage in Inisiness on his own account that his labors might redound to his own prosperity, he rented a small farm in the same township and began agricultural pursuits for himself. For seven years he remained upon that property and then purchased land at sixty dollars per acre. He is still living upon his original purchase. Tiie first tract that he owned comprised only five acres, but as his financial resources increased he has added to this from time to time until he now owns seventy-eight acres in the home faini. He remodeled the house, wliich is now a large stone residence neatly furnished, making a verv comfortai>le residence. Upon the place are commodious barns and good outbuildings, and Mr. Fowler is successfullv engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In addition to the home property he owns a farm of seventy-six acres on the Columlms i)ike. known as the John 1'. Squires farm. This has also a good set of buildings upon it and the land is all imder cultivation. He has continuously carried on his farm work since coming to this county with the exception of tlie ])eriod of his service in the Civi' war. He was a member of the Ohio militia in 1863 and was called out with his company at the time of trie Morgan raid in this state. The command was encamped at Camp Chase for ten <lays. but did not take an active part in any warfare, for Morgan did not continue his plan to invade this section of Ohio. Mr. Fowler then returned to his home, resuming the work of the farm.

In 1870 was celebrated the marriage of our subject and Miss Martha Ellen Silva. a native of Greene county. Ohio, and a dau.ghter of ^^'illiam and Elizabeth ( Jeffre\s) Silva. both of whom are now deceased and were laid to rest in Cedarville township. The father was a blacksmith bv trade. Init followed farming during much of his active life. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have heen born ten children, all of whom are yet living- : yiavy Elizaheth, at home ; Robert Mc- Millan, Avho married Regenia Spencer, of Buffalo, New York, and is in the employ of a railroad company, living in Buffalo ; Laura Ellen, at home; Annie M., who is secretary of the mission school conducted by the Presbyterian church in Augusta, Georgia ; Jennie Ethel, who is a teacher in the graded schools of Columbia, Missouri ; William Leonard, who is now attending college; Clarence Edward ; Carrie, Helen and Howard Sprowl, who are all attending school; and Edith Irene, at home. All of the children Ijorn in Cedarville township, and ha\e enjoyed the advantages afforded liy the public schools.

yir. Fowler is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian chiu"ch. with which he has been identified for thirty-five years, and is now chairman of the board of trustees. In his political views he is a Republican, and. while he stronglv endorses the principles of the party, he has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his entire attention to his business affairs in which he has prospered as the -^ears have eone bv.

Wilbur F. Trader

>\'ilbur I'". Trader, who for several years bas l)ee!i engaged in the practice of law in Xenia, was horn in that city on the 27th of December, 1847, and he is one of a family of nine children, whose parents were Alfred and Lucinda ( Robinson) Trader. Of this number seven grew to maturity, while five are yet li\ing. Tiie parents were numbered among the representative citizens of Greene county, and the former was born in Ross township, the latter in Sugarcreek township. She was a granddaughter of the Rev. Joshua Carman, one of the first Baptist ministers of this portion of the state, while the grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was one of the first representatives of the Methodist ministry to preach in southern Ohio. Moses Trader, the grandfather, was irorn in Virginia in 1787, and came to Greene county prior to 1800. In connection W"ith his ministerial work he carried on mercantile business in Xenia and also engaged in farming until 1838. Two years later he remo\ed to Missouri, where his death occurred.

His son, the father of our subject, acquired his early education in the public schools, and in his \ounger years engaged in farming. He afterward embarked in merchandising in Xenia, where he carried on business until 1838. In 1840 he was elected county treasurer and filled that position for twelve consecutive years, a fact which indicates that the trust reposed in him was ne\er betrayed. Immediately after his retirement from office he was made cashier of the Xenia Branch Bank and for two decades filled that position, the success of the institution being attributable in no small degree to his efforts. He at length resigned his position in the bank and lived retired until his death, which occurred in March, 1883. His wife survived him a short time, passing away January 27, 1887.

Wilbur F. Trader, the subject of this review, acquired his education in the schools of Xenia, and took up the study of law under the direction of Judge Munger, being admitted to the bar in 1877. since whicli time lie lias engaged in active practice. He has also lieen an active factor in public affairs. In 1880 he was elected mayor of Xenia ; four years later was again chosen to that oflice; and was once more elected in 1886. In 1888 he was elected prosecuting attorney and rilled that position for two terms.

Mr. Trader was united in marriage to Miss Katharine E. Short, a daughter of A. A. Short, a physician of Franklin county. Ohir). They have one daughter. Olive. The parents h<ild membership in the Methodist church an<l in his pf)litical views Mr. Trader has always been a Rei)ublican. unswerving in his allegiance to the party.

Iirxrv Coxklix

One of (ireene countv's most prosperous farmers and highly respected citizens was Henry Conklin, who was a resident of this locality for thirty-fi\e years and was prominently identified with its agricultural development. .\ native of Xew York, he was born in Rensselaer county, on the .20th of January, 18 17, and is a son of Abraham and lluldah (C'arniichael ) Conklin, the former of Holland and the latter of Scotch descent. 'i"he father was also born in ihe Empire state antl spent his entire life within two nriles of the 1 ludson ri\er. By trade he was a slii]) carpenter and assisted Robert Fulton in building the tirst steamboat that was e\er constnicted, but his later years were devoied t( farming. I le died at the advanced age of eighty-six \ears, while his wife, who passed away some xears ])revious. died at the age of

>eveniv-iwo. They were the parents of nine children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth. Four of the numl)er are still living. John C. Conklin, the oldest son, was a member of an Illinois Cavalry regiment during the Civil war and was killed in an engagement in Virginia. Edward B., another son, now living a retired life on a fruit farm in California, followed school teaching in earlv n>anhood, and later engaged in hanking. He also took quite a prominent part in jniblic iiffairs and was at one time a meml>er of the California senate. Volney B. Conklin. another son of .\braham, is a r.a])tist minister residing with his family in Minnesota.

Until twenty-six years of age Henry Conklin of this review remained in eastern Xew York, and wias indebted to the common schools of that state for his educational advantages. He assisted in the operation of the home farm until seventeen years of age. and then commenced learning the trade of a wagon maker, which he followed during the succeeding nine years in Xew N'ork. Coming to Ohio in 1843, 'i^ hi'st settled in Eiunberton, Clinton county, where he worked at his trade for five or six years, and then turned his attention to farming. lliirtv-tixe years ago he removed to Greene ci unty and pinxhased a farm in Xenia township, which is a \alu;jble place of live hundred and thirty-three acres on the Columbus ])ikc. \\'hen it came into his possession, howe\'er. it was only ])artialiy improved, but he mridc it one of the most desirable farms in the county, ])lacing the land luider excellent cultivation and erected thereon g(x>rl and substantial buildings and remodeled the residence. Here he carried on general farming and stock-raising, and met with most gratifying success in his undertakings.

In 1847 i" Greene county was celebrated tlie marriage of Mr. Conklin and JMiss Mary Davis, a daughter of W'iiliafn Davis, wlio was an early settler of this region, liaxing come from Pennsylvania, when this county was almost an unbr(_iken wilderness. Here he spent tire remainder of his life, dying at tlie ag'c of eightv-two -sears at his home in Xenia. where he was then living a retired life. L'nto Mr. and ^Irs. Conklin were born nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follows: (i) Mar\- Elizabeth married Mathew H. Corrv. now deceased, who was a farmer of Xenia township, and she died at the age of thirty-six years. (2) Volney. a farmer of Jefferson townshij). this county, married Elma Johnson of Bowersville. a daughter of Robert Johnson. (3) James A.. b(.)rn in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1852, aids in the operation of the home farm, where his entire life has been passed with exception of ten years spent in Xebraska. (4) Edward L. married Flora Haughev and is now living in Illinois. He is aJso an agriculturist. (5) Ella married Howard Corrv. of Jefferson township, this county, and died lea\'ing two children. Herman C. and Ernest E. (6) Sarah I. is the widow of J. E. Lowry, of Cedarville. Greene countv. and has one child. Hazel Virginia. li\ing witli her mother on the farm. ( 7 ) Roscoe resides with his nKJther on the farm. (8) Arth.ur. a farmer and stock-raiser li\'ing (_)n the C(jlumbus pike, married Xancy Eilson. and has one son. Earl Henry. (9) Eva Estella is the wife of Harry Steele, who li\-es on a farm near the old homestead.

Although a public-spirited and progressi\e citizen, Mr. Conklin never cared for political office but took an acti\-e interest in all that tended to advance the welfare or imprii\e the ci;>mmunit\' in wliich he lived. His life was e\'er such as to command the confidence and respect of all with whom he was brought in contact, and he had a large circle of friends and accjuaintances throughout his adopted county. In his death, which occurred Jul}- 14. 1902, the community realized that it had lost one of its best and most \alued citizens.

The Xexia Republic Ax

The Xenia Republican was founded in 1879 by Warren Anderson, Esq.. formerly mayor of Xenia, and subsecjuently superintendent of the Miami Telephone Company. In 1880 ]\Ir, J. M. Milburn became associated with Mr. Marshall in the pui)lica,tion of the Republican, and in the folIoAving vear Mr. John A. Beveridge, who' had just disposed of his interest in the old Xenia Torchlight, succeeded Mr. Milburn. I*"rom that time until the death of i\Ir. Beveridge, in May. 1900, a period of nineteen years, the business was continued under the lirm name of Marshall & Beveridge. A few months afterwards the interest of the deceased was sold tc). the surviving partner, and the es- Udrlishment has since been conducted under thiC name of the Marshall & Be\eridge Company.

The Xenia Repulilican is pul)lished e\ery Tuesday afternoon. It is a nine-cnlumn folio, and. as the name imports, is devoted to the principles of the Republican party, without, at the same time, subordinating- an independent expression of views upon all subjects that' do not jeopardize party unity, which, to be right, must proceed from the largest latitude of discussion. In connection with the newspaper office is a complete and efficient job printing plant, supplied with all modern equipments and the latest designs in type, which enables it to guarantee service in that line which can not be excelled by any office located in cities of proportionate size. The Women's Missionary Magazine of the United Presbyterian church is also published in connection with this office, and has a circulation in nearly e\er\ slate in the Union.

Hugh A. Alexander

Tpiin the farm wliere liis birth (iccurred nn the 20th of ;March. iSij, Ilu^ii .\. .\lexander still resides. His parents were Jacob and Margaret (Alexander) Alexander, and both were natives of Pennsylvania, whence thev removed to Kentucky at an early day. The jjaternal grandfather of our subject was Hugh Alexander, who about 1811 purchased one thousand acres of land in Greene CountN', ( )hio, a pnrtidn of which is now the beautiful homestead of Hugh A. Alexander. About 1817 the father of our subject came to this county and located on the land which his father had previnusly bought. He here erected a log cabin and made for himself a good home in Miami township. It was here that he met the lady whom he afterward married, and upon this place, in the first cabin which was erected by Jacob .Vlexander, the subject of this review was born. The farm at this time consisted of about two hundrctl and se\ent)-ti\e acres of land. which .\ir. Alexander partially improved, but he died at a comparatively early age, passing away in 1S38. He was a Demociat in politics and a man of genuine worth.

Mis widow survived iiim vmW ;.^66 and died upon one portion of the original old liome place at the age of over .seventy years. She w as the mother of ten children, of whom our subject is the sole survivor.

Hugh A. Alexander was reared upon the home farm and here has spent his entire life. He is indebted to the public schools of the county for the limited educational privileges he enjoyed, the parents of the scholars having to |)ay a ))ortion of the tuition in money, while each had to furnish a proportionate amount of the stove wood. Since taking charge of the farm he has made many im- ])rovements, including the erection of a large and substantial building. In his fields are seen good cnjps and in his jiastures stock of high grades. Everything abnut the place is neat and thrifty in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of a progressive owner.

In i860 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Caroline Stahl, who \\as born in Germcmy and came to the United States when a small child with her parents. They resided in Daylim, Ohio, where the father died, but the mother is still living. Unto Mr. uid Mrs. Alexander have been l3<irn eleven children, of whom ten are still living. John, an insurance agent residing in Toi)eka. Kansas, is married and has five children. Cynthia is the wife of Jacob Johnson, of Yellow Springs. Margaret is at home. Jacob, now a fanner of Oklahoma, wedded Miss Merrell and they have two children. Ennnct and Wiley. Hugh, who operates the home farm, married Flora Raney and thev have one child. Eleanor. Minnie is the wife of Riley McMillan and they have three children, label. Harvey and \\'ilber. .\nna is at home, .\bbie is the wife of S. .\. Rahn. a merchant of Yellow Springs. Ohio, and they liave une child, Ralph. \\'illiam is a merchant of Yellow Springs. Arthur is still under the parental roof. Walter died at the age of eleven years. All of the children were born upon the home farm and all in one house. jNIr. Alexander has witnessed nearly all of the improvements made in Greene county and has done his share in making the county what it is to-day. He is now living a retired life, having through many years been identified with agricultural pursuits vvherebv he has gained a comfortable competence that enables him to put aside all labor.

William C. Williamson is a well known farmer of Suganoreek township, intelligent, enterprising' and progressive. His Ijirth occurred in this towmship January 20, 1857, liis parents being Joseph C. and Mary Eleanor (Cramer) Williamson. The father was l)iirn in Washington township, Greene county, August 22, 1827, and was a son of Eleazer and Susannah (McNutt) Williamson, who were among the early settlers of the Buckeye state, the grandmother being tVie first white woman to cross the Ohio river at Cincinnati. Amid the wild scenes frontier life Joseph Williamson was reared, and after arriving at yeairs of maturit\- he was married in Greene county bv the Rev. Stewart, on the ist of January, 1856, tr- Miss Mary E. Cramer, who was born June 24, 1829. He followed fanning in Sugarcreek towaiship, Greene county, and in Montgomery county, his farm lying on both sides of the division line. He had about two hundred and thirtv acres of land and was a representative agriculturist of the community. He passed the psalmist span of three score years and ten, passing away January 10, 1898, while his wife died on the 29th of November of the same year. Our subject was the eldest of their family, the others Ijeing Robert E., of Montgomery countv, wliM married }*Lary Allen and has two children: Joseph A., of the same county, who wedded May Elliott and has one child ; Maggie E., who became the wife of Howard Woods and died in Greene county, leaving one son, Herman ; Charles E. of Greene county, whO' married Nellie Fulkerson and has one child ; and Thomas A. of MontgomerA- countv, who married Jennie Bradford and has one child. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson held membership in the United Presbyterian church and politically he was a Republican but was never an office seeker.

Upon the home farm \\'illiam C. Williamson spent his boyhood days, working in the fields and meadows from the time of early spring planting until after the crops were harvested in the autumn. During the winter months he pursued his education in the puljlic schools. He remained with his father until twenty years of age when he began farming on his own account on his father's land, and as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life he sought Miss Lucy Morris, their wedding being celebrated in Sugarcreek township, December 24, 1885. The lady was born in this township, a daughter of William S. and ]\Iary fPaice) Morris, whose sketch appears elsewhere in tliis volume. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have been born a son, Calvin IMorris, whose birth occurred October 19, 1899.

su])\)t>n u> the political party wliich embodies, in liis opinion, the best forms of government. Since casting liis first vote for Garfield in 1880 be has l)een a Repul)lican. He belongs to tbe l^resl)yterian cliurcli and his wife to tile Christian or Disciples' church, and be lias l)een su])erintendent of the Sundav-school and also a leader of the music of the Sundav-sclioi.'l in the Clivi-tian church in Sugarcreek township. Both take an active interest in church work and their efforts have been effective in its advancement. Mr. Williamson belongs to the < irange at W'aynesville. In his farming operations lie is i)ersevering, diligent and honorable and well does he merit the success which has Conic b I liini.

William Spinning Morris was born near Lebanon. Warren county. Ohio. l-"ebruary 17, 181 1, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Spinning) Morris. The ^b)rris family came originally from England. Isaac Morris, the graiidf<tther of our subject, lived in Morristown, Xew Jersey, prior to and during the Revolutionary war. and during that contest he served <'is a private with the minute men of the Morris counly, .\'e\\ Jersey, militia. He married Rel>ecca Hathaway and they became the parents of live sons and two daughters, of whom Benjamin, born 1-cIiruary 20. 1774. was the second child. At the close of the Re\(>lutionary war the family removed to the Xorthwest Territory, as Ohio was then called. The route chosen was by way of I 'cnnsyh ania. and several w eeks were refjuircd in making the overland journey through the wilderness and over tbe mountains to Redstone, near Pittsburg.

After tarr\ ing there for a few months they embarked on a flatboat with all their jxissessions and floated down the Ohio river, landing at Columbia, near Cincinnati, in the vear 1790. This site was afterward abandoned because of the frequent overflow of the river, and they went north ten or twelve miles to a place called l\ound Bottom, on the Little Miami ri\er. In order to pri>tect tliemselves against the Indians they at once began the erection of a fort. Benjamin Morris, then si.xteen years of age. assisted in its construction. .\ small patch of ground was cleared and such grain as they had brought with them was planted. \\ bile at work, whether sowing or reaping, two men were ke|)t on duty as sentinels, yet the settlement suffered from occasional attacks by the Indians until after (General Wayne's successful cami)aign in 1795. To add to their hardships smallixix broke out among them and carried off .several of their number, inchuling the young wife and infant child of Benjamin Morris. He had married a Miss Tichener.

Jacob, the eldest son of Isaac Morris, joined St. Clair's forces against the Indians and was among the victims of that awful defeat. When General Wayne was organizing his army Benjamin Morris removed from the fort and enlisted as a pack-horse man, thus taking part in the campaign. .\fter i>eace had been established Isaac and Benjamin Morris removed from the fort. The former purchased a tract of land about four miles west of Lebanon. Warren county. He died in his eighty-eighth year. He was a man of small stature and somewhat origiral in his religious views.

Robinson'S History Of- Greene County

ii!g (la\'S. He wedded, for his second wife, Mary Spinning, a daughter of Matthias and Hannah (Haines) Spinning, who liveil about two miles west of Lebanon. The Spinnings trace their ancestry to Humjihrey Spinning', who came to America in 1639 with the Puritans. He was one of the founders of Ehzabeth. Xew Jersey, in the }ear ifif)5. He was married Octolier 14. 1O37, tc Abigail, daugliter of George and Mary Hulj'bard, and his death (Occurred in i()8y. He wasS tlie father of nine chikh'en. six sons and three daughters, inchiding Edward, the father of Matthias Spinning. Tlie histnamed was born in the year 1750 and (bed in 1830. He had tiiree brothers and two sisters, inchuHng Judge Isaac Si^inning, of Montgomery county, Ohio. Mattliias Spinning was a quiet and peaceable man of sterling wiirth. He served in the Re\'(.lutionarv war as a private minute man of the Esse.x county. New Jersey, militia, and sufYeved much for the cause of American libert}-. He and his brother Isaac were captured and carried to Xew York, where they were confined for several months within the loathsome walls of what was called the Sugar House, famous as a place of confinement for the .\merican prisoners of war.

The children of Benjamin and Mary (S])inning) Morris were ten in number-- five sons and five daughters, of whom the subject of this review was the eighth in order of birth. The father died in i85i at the home (if this son, near Belllirook, (jrecne county, whither he had come on a visit. After the death of his wife, Mary Spinning, he had married again, the third union being with Sarah Weaver, of White county, Tennessee.

were also spent. His educalii)nal prixilegeswere tliose afforded by the common schools. The first schoolhouse in v.hich he was a student was a log structure with slali seats. Sections nf the logs were cut out and the apertures covered with greased paper, whichi served as windows. \\'riting desks were made of slabs laid on jjins driven into the wall. Only cjuiil pens were used. His early education was afterward supplemented by stud\' in the schools of Lebanon, ( )hio. ]\Ir. Morris was a good stuilent in all branches. Init showed particular aptness in mathematics and geography. He began teaching school at the age of twenty years and followed that profession for eleven }ears, mostly in Warren and Butler counties, Ohio, with a short period in Richmond, Indiana. During that time he also studied ci\il engineering and land surveying, and in the former capacity was employed on the Warren county canal for about three years, .\bout 1838, in connection with others, lie surveyed the road from Lebanon to Dayton, also from Dayton to Springfield.

On the 1st of December. 1844. Mr. ;\ [orris was united in marriage with Mary Pence,, a daughter of William and Martha (Hunt) Pence. He then gave all of his attention to farming and land surveying. In 1858- he ])m'chased a farm of one hundred and se\'enty acres near Belll>rook, Greene county,, to wdiich place he and his family removed the same year and on which he spent his ren:aining days. Politically he was first a Whig and then a Republican. In early life he became a member of the Church of Christ, or Disciples' church, as did his wife, and throughout the years of his Christian life he was deeply interested in church work and much devoted tO' the denomination of his choice. In his home life and personal

.c]eix>rlineiU he was gentle ami gmxl. anil also showed firmness and resolution. He was the father of twelve children, of whom two sons, William Haydcn and Benjanjin Franklin, died in infancv. while <>ne daughter. Lucy Elvira, died in early childhood and two others, Clara and Abbie. died in young womanhood. Two sons and five grew ti> maturity. I'l'r these he made every necessary .sacrifice to educate and make useful men and women i>f them. In all this he was ably seconded by his wife, who was ever reaily to surrender her own I)ersonal comfort liiat iier children might equi]) themselves as th<iroughly as possilile for the battle of life.

Through his declining years Mr. Morris S])ent much oi his time in reading. At eighty-seven his mental faculties remained unim]iaired and he was interested not only in things pertaining to the welfare ot his neighlx)rho(xl but shared with intelligent appreciation in the larger interests of the country and humanity. He died April 3. 1S98. antl his wife died Octi>I)er 19, 1886. Their surviving chiUlren were: Olive and W'icklift'e Campl>ell. wlu) reside on the old home place, and the latter has two daughters. Bertha Lucile and I'rances : Martha, who l^ecame the wife of Samuel E. Raper. of Dayton. Ohio, and died June 7, i8()(), leaving one son. \\'illiam Morris Raper; Mary Alice, who became the wife of J. Wilbur Fulkerson, of Spring Walley. Ohio, and died Octo1)er 13, 1901. leaving an infant son, Morris A. Fulkerson; Lucy, the wife of \\'. Calvin Williamson, who resides near Bellbrook, and by whoan she has a son, Calvin I^Iorris ; Clara Jerusha. the wife of Frank C. Thomas, who resides near Spring \'alley. and b\- whom she had four children - Olive, now deceased. Homer ]\Iorris, George Huber and Margaret; William Spencer, of Dayton, who married Luella A. .'^cartY and has two sons, William Staidev and Howard Laverne.

Honored and respected by all for many years. John B. Allen occupied a most en- \iable ])osition in the business world of Greene county, becoming one of its wealthy citizens, yet commanding respect not alone because of his success, but also because of the straightforward, honorable policy he ever followed. Although the history of his ])ublic career is largely known to residents of Ohio, it is but just to say in a history that will descend to future generations that his business record was ever one that any man might lie proud to possess. He advanced steadily step by step until he occupied a position of prominence and trust reached by very few men. Through his entire business career he was ever looked upon as a model of integrit}' and honor, never making an engagement that he did not fulfill and standing as an example of what determination and force, combined with the highest degree of business integrity, can accomplish for a man of natural ability and strength of character. But it was not his success alone that made him one of the leading citizens of Greene county. He was honored and respected for his sterling qualities of manhood which in every land and every clime command respect. He was kindly, generous and upright, freely assisted those who needed aid, was quick to encourage merit and at all times g-ave his influence to the true, the good and the beautiful. He was also a leader of public thought and action and was honored with liig-h political preferment.

John B. Allen was born August 5, 181 6, near Mount Jackson, Shenandoah county, Virginia, and from August, 1836, until his death, in the latter part of the century, he was identified with the interests of Greene county. He was a son of John and Catherine ( Holker) Allen. The family was of English origin, but through several generations representatives of the name had been numbered among prominent and influential people of Virginia, and John Allen \vas the owner of a large estate there, but died when John B. Allen was only a year old. The latter was given liberal educational ad\-antages, attending the college at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and about the time he attained his majority came to Xenia, where his sister, Mrs. John Walton, had previously located. He e.stablished a private bank in this city, and it was soon demonstrated that he had superior ability as a financier as well as the power of readily wmning friends, whom he drew closer to him as the years passed. In all that he undertook he was successful, owing to his enterprise, keen discrimination and straightforward business policy. At the time I if his demise he was serving as the l)resident of the Xenia National Bank, which hail become one of the most important and reliable financial institutions in this part of the state. Mr. Allen was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Nunnemaker, the wedding being celebrated on the loth of December, 1839. They became the parents of two daughters, who are yet living : Mrs. ^lary A. Kinney and Clara. Mrs. Allen died April 30. 1902. Mr. Allen was a man of strong domestic tastes who found his greatest happiness at his own fireside and counted no personal sacrifice too great that would promote the welfare of his loved ones. In his home he showed a genial nature and an interest that was always awake to everything pertaining tii the happiness of his wife and children.

In his political views he was a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the part)-, and while not an aspirant for office he served his city and county faithfully in the different official positions that came to him. He was a member of the city council for many years, and for some time was its president, and his well known financial judgment was of much value to the city. He also was a member of the board of county commissioners for a number of years. In 1891 he was elected a member of the state legislature and w^as again elected in the fall of 1893, '^"t his death occurred on the 21st of December of that year, before entering upon his second term.

Mr. Allen had a very deep and sincere interest in young men, and often assisted them to gain a start in life, aiding them not onl\- bv wise council and experience, but also with financial support. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend who riever sought his help in vain. He had the reputation of being a very liberal man, yet he was entirely uncstentatious in his giving. He never cared for public approval upon his benevolent actions, content in having done his duty toward his fellow men, and often even those who were the recipients of his bountv knew not from whence came their aid. Churches and charitable institutions benefitted by his liberality, and his wealth was so worthily used that the most envious.

could not fjrudge him his success. In his Inisincs? affairs lie prospered - and who deserves [)rosj)erity more than such a man .' His hanking interests were attended with success and also his investments, and he left his family in very comfortahle circumstances. He regarded himself, however, only as the steward in charge. Few men have realized more fully how much got)d can Ije accomplished for the puhlic welfare, hut Mr. Allen was continually alert to the opportunities for assisting those around him. The best thoughts and efforts of his life were wrought into Xenia's prosperity. He stood in his age, when clothed with the honor of - wealtii <in(l the regard of hosts of friends his life work had won, just where he stood fifty years before when a young man beset with flifHculties - for the best elements of Christian progress, for education, for temperance, for absolute justice, for the dignity of manual labor and for tlie Bible. Such a life record is well worthy of study and of emulalion. The story of his achievements .should inspire all young men with a truer estimate of the value and sure rewards of character.

John Qiarles Dodds is well known in the business circles of Xenia as the junior member of the firm of (leorge Dodds & Son. dealers in marl)le. He was liorn in Xenia. January 24. 1874, and in the public .schools ac(|uired his education. When about si.\- teen vears of age he entered upon his business career, at wiiicb time he began learning the trade of a marble cutter, carver and engraver in the employ of his father. For him he worked on a salary for seven years, during which time he mastered the business, becoming an e.\pert in that line. He was then admitted into the firm, which since 1897 has been knowti as (ieorge Dodds & Son. Their patronage is extensive, covering a wiile territory and the excellence of their work insures a liberal continuance of a large trade.

On the 23rd of June, 1897, Mr. Dodds was united in marriage to Elizabeth S. Stephens, of Xenia and a daughter of Rev. O. P. and Mary C. Stephens, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Her father was a minister of the Methodist Protestant church and is the father of Qiancellor D. S. Stephens. D. D.. of Kansas City University. He was very well known in his denomination and for some time ser\ed as a ])astor of a clnu'ch in .Xenia. His iniluence was of a superior order for his work proved \ery effecti\e in ]>ronioting the moral developmeiit of tiie county, lie died during the infancy of his daughter Mrs. Dodds who was the youngest of six children. Her mother now makes her home with (»ur subject and his wife, whose marriage has been lilessed with two children; John Charles, who was born on the 1 2th of July, 1898, and Mary Katherine, born April 22. 1902.

In politics -Mr. Dodds is an independent Prohibitionist. He is a member of Xeiria Lodge. Xo. 49. F. & .\. M. I'oth he and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Xenia. and teachers ol" the Sundayschool and for three vears he was jjresitlent of the h'pworth League. Their infiuence is widely felt in cluircii circles and their efforts are effect i\e in |)romoting the cause of Chri.stianity. They arc now occupying a fine residence which Mr. Dodds recentlv erected at

No. 218 Hill street and their home is noted for its gracious hospitality. 'Sir. Dodds is -one of the young business" men of Xenia, possessing the enterprise and progressive spirit so characteristic of this land. His laudable ambition, keen business sagacity -and strong determination ha.ve been salient factors in promoting the success attending the firm of Dodds & Son. The house bears an unassailable reputation and its prosperity is well merited.

Albert F. Hering

For over a century the Hering family has i)een prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Greene count}", and have taken a very active part in its ileveloj;- ment and upbuilding. The subject of this sketch was born in Beavercreek* township, December 16, 1845, and is a grandsnn of Jacob Hering, one of the honored pioneers (;f the county, who caane to America fmni Switzerland, and in 1795 settled in Greene ciiuntx", Ohio, about two miles south of where i)ur subjpect now lives in Beavercreek township. He was married to Miss Barbara Richenbach Palerm, a natixe of Switzerland, and tO' them were born four children, one si>n and three daughters, namely : Elizabeth, Margaret, Barbara and Jacol), all now- fleceased.

Jacob Hering, the father of ov.v subject, was born on the old homestead in Beavercreek township, in 1808, and amid ])inneer scenes he grew to manhood, his education being obtained in an old log .school house east of the farm. In later years he built a schoril liouse upon his own land which he donated to the district. He remained with his father until the death of the latter, and after attaining his majoritv they engaged in farming in partnership. He cast his first presidential vote for William Henr\- Harrison, and continued to support the Whig party until its dissolution, when he Ijecame a stanch Republican, and always took an active and prominent part in local politics. For twelve years he ser\ed as treasurer oi his township, was trustee a ninnl)er of years, and school director most of his active life, always taking a great interest in educational affairs. Fraternally he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Xo. ^2. of Xenia, and Ixith he and his wife held membership in the Reformed church of Beavercreek township. In 183! he wedded Miss Mary Steele, a nati\'e of that townsJiip, and to them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, as follows: Amanda, a resident of Bea\'ercreek townshi]K libenezer, John William, Nanc}" .\nn and Angeline and Da\id W .. all five deceased; Henrv Harrison, who was born in 1840, and is now a physician of Minnesota: John Jacob, deceased: and A. F.. of this review. In i8i')i. at the opening of the Civil war, Henry H. Hering enlisted in Company E, .Seventy-fourth Ohio \^)lunteer Infantr}-. of which he was made first lieutenant, and after ser\ing four }ears was mustered out with the rank of cai)taiii. His brother, John J. Hering, was commissioned first lieutenant of Comi)an\- F. ( )ne Hundred and Fifty-fourth Oliio \'olunteer Infantry, but was later transferred to Company A and was made adjutant of the regiment. After ser\ing three months he contracted t\'phoid fever and was sent home, where he died in October, 1864.

Herino^ attended the public schools of his nati\e township and completed his education in the schools ot Xenia. At the age of twenty years he commenced farming for his father upi)n tlic liome place, and remained under the parental roof until 1892. when he purchased the farm on which he now resides, consisting of aljout <Mie hundred acres in Beavercreek township. Here he is now engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and is acknowledged to lie one of the best and most successful agriculturists of his community. Although he raises cattle and hogs, he makes a specialty of horses, and is a good judge of the nolile steed.

In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. llering and Miss ;Matilda Munger. a daughter of Harris and Elizabeth Munger, well known farming people of Beavercreek townshi]). .iltiiough previously residents of Montgomery county, Ohio, where Mrs. Hering was l>orn. She is a first cousin of Judge Munger. of Xenia. To our subject and his wife have been bom live children, namely: Clarence F. marrieil .Mice Wilson, of London, Ohio, where they now live : E. Russell is a resident of Hamilton. Ohio; Jacob Earl still lives at home and is now attending a commercial school in Dayton; Mary E. and Harris M. are also at home.

Tn his political views Mr. Hering is a stalwart Keiniblican. but has never l)een prevail<.'d u])l^n to accept political honors. He takes, however a deep interest in educational affairs, and lias been a member of the school Ix^ard for a number of years. He and his wife and four children are members of the Reformed church, and the family is one of ])rominence in the community where thev reside.

Edward O. Gerlaugh

With the agricultural interests of Beavercreek township Edward O. Gerlaugh has long been prominently identified, and is accounted one of the most skillful and successful farmers of his community. A native of Ohio, he was born in Montgomery county, l-'ebruary 27. 1846. and there spent the first si.\ years of his life, but since that time has made his home in Greene county.

Jacob Gerlaugh, the father of our subject, was born in Beavercreek, this county,, in 1810, and was a brother of .\rthur Gerlaugh, who.se sketch appears elsewhere in th.is volume. The former grew to manhootl upon the old homestead in Beavercreek township, and was a student in an old log school house which stood alxiut three-quarters of a mile below the farm. It was a primitive structure, light being admitted through oiled paper instead of glass, and seated with slab benches. At that time the early settlers shelled their corn by the horses tramping over it. Jacob Gerlaugh assisted in the work oi the home farm until thirty years of age when he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Miller, who was born in Virginia, and on coming to Ohio made her home with an uncle in Montgomerv countv, until her marriage. Thirteen children blessed this union, namely: William, deceased; Oliver, who died in infancy: Lydia .\nn. who marrieil Jacob R. Black and lives in Illinois; Edward O., of this review; Tavlor, also a resident of Illinois: Mai'v Jane and Martha Ellen, twins, the former of whom is living in Dayton, and the other on the old home farm in Bath township, this county; Haines, a resident of Illinois: Hattie, the wife of Charles \\eiffenbach, of Bellaire, Michigan: .Mice, who died in infancv ;

Jacf >1>. who makes liis home in Illinois ; Henry, deceased ; and Saraii Belle, wife of Frank Weiffenbach of Dayton. Of this family \\'illiam' Gerlaugh w-as among the brave boys in blue during the dark days of the Civil war. being a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He left Alpha on the 1st of May, 1864, but was soon taken prisoner by the rebels at Moorfield, and was starved to death in Salisbury prison. North Carolina, dying February 15. 1865. The mother of our subject died in 1893. and the father passed away in Februan% 1897. Throughout life he successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, his crops being principally corn, wheat, oats and barley. He kept good grades of horses and cattle, making somewhat of a specialty of the best Leicester sheep and short horn cattle, and he took great pride in his stock, being a lover of all dumb animals which have become so useful to mankind. Air. Gerlaugh was a man of high moral character and had the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

Edward O. Gerlaugh was educated in district school No. 4 of Bath township, where he continued his studies until seventeen years of age, and then Ujok his brother's place on the farm where he now lives, the latter having died in the service of his country. He now owns two hundred and eighteen acres of highly improved and productive land, it being considered one of the best and most desirable farms of its size in the county. The old house was destroyed b}- lire in 1887, and he has since erecterl a more modern and pleasant residence, and made many other useful and valuable improvements, the place being supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found upon a miodel farm of the present day. Mr. Gerlaugh has made a specialty of breeding and raising Hereford cattle and has registered stock at the head of his herd. He was one of the first to introduce this variety in the County. He is a member of the Hereford Breeders' Association and is interested in a high grade of cattle.

In 1870 Mr. Gerlaugh married Miss Martha Ellen Harshman. a native of Beavercreek township, and to them were born seven children, as follows: William and Anna, both now deceased ; Edward, a resident of Dayton; Oscar, Luella and Jacob, all at home; and Earl, who^ is attending high school. In politics Mr. Gerlaugh is independent, voting for the men and measures th.at he believes will best advance the public welfare. He withholds his support from no enterprise calculated to promote the moral, social or material welfare of his community.

Martin Peterson

For almost a century the Peterson family has been identified with Greene county, its representatives contributing their full share to the development and substantial upbuildmg of this portion of the state, and the work which his ancestors began Martin Peterson is carrying steadily forward for he is accounted one of the loyal and progressive men of his section. He now follows farming in Spring Valley township, where he has a pleasant home and a valuable property, it was upon this farm that he was born, first opening his eyes to the light of day on the 9th of May. 1836, his parents being Jonas and Susan (Coiner) Peterson. His great-grandfather came from Switzerland to America and probably settled in Virginia. Martin Peterson, an uncle -of our

JDiias Peterson was liorn in Berkeley county West Virginia, and his wife in Augusta county. Virginia, and bf)th came with their resjiective families to Greene county aljout 1806. The paternal grandfather of our subject resided f(jr a time in Ross county, Ohio, and later spent a year nr two near Columbus, but for some time made his home in this county. Later he removed to Montgomerv county, Indiana, where he purchased land and carried on farming in connection with blacksmithing, having learned his trade in early life. The dual pursuit was his means of livelihood throughout the years of his manhood. He died in Indiana at a ripe old age. The father of our subject also learned and followed the blacksmith's trade, and farming claimed a portion of his attention. He operated a smithy on the farm where tlie brother of our subject is now living. As the years passed he made extensive investments in real estate until he was the owner of about one thousand acres of land Iving in Spring Valley and Cedarcreek townshijis. In his political views he was a Democrat and was long a faithful member of the (Jerman Reformed church, in which he served as an elder for many years. He died up<Mi the home farm, and the mother of our .subject has also passed away. In their familv were ten children who reached mature years: lane, who married John Huffman and at her death left four children: John, who made his home in Spring Valley and at his death left five children : David, who died at his home in Montgomery county. Indiana: Hannah, who became tlie wife of John Mallow and died leaving three children: Paris, of this county, who left three children : I'.lizabeth. who married Philip Paget and died leaving four children : Sarah, the wife of Silas DeW'itt, of Dayton, by whom she has four children; Martin, of this re- \iew : Jonas, wlm lives in Spring X'alley: and Christopher C. also of Spring Valley.

Upon the home farm our subject si)ent his boyhfX)d days, receiving but a limited education for his services were needed in the cultivation of the fields. When about twenty-three years of age he was married to Miss Catherine Shook. Their son, Lysander, is manager of the stockyards of Dayton. He is married Init has no children. On the f)th of June, 1869, Mr. Peterson was again married, his second union lieing with Miss Nancy J. Evans, who was born in Spring X'alley townshii). a daughter of Robert and Sarah ( Coppock ) Evans. They have one son, J. R. Albert.

The first land which Mr. Peterson ever owned was a tract of ninety-si.x acres which he purchased of his father. To this he has atlded as his financial resources have increased until he now lias two hundred acres of valuable and arable land that returns to him a good living as the result of his labors. The many improvements uix)n the place are nmnuments to his thrift and enterpri.se. In former vears Mr. Peterson voted with the Democracy, but becoming disgusted with l)olitical methods does not vote ait all now. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the ("lermaii Reformed church and he is a deacon of the church.

Robert L. Gowdv. Ll. B.

older practitioner miglit well envy. He was born in Xenia township, this county, on the 24th of October, 1865. and is a son of Robert and Emily (Manor) Gowdy. His father was bom in the city of Xenia. where the grandfather. Robert Gowdy. located in ]Moneer days, having come here from \'irginia in 1812, accompanied by his three l)rothers, John, Ryan and Samuel. They were the early owners of much of the land on which the business portion of Xenia is now located. The family is further mentioned in the historical part of this work. The grandfather served as a captain in the war of 1812.

Robert Gowdy. the father of our subject, was ai farmer and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits, owning a valuable tract of land adjoining the city of Xenia. During his later life he joined tlie ranks of the Republican party. On three different occasions he served as director of the county infirmary. He married Emily Manor, also a native of Xenia. His death occurred October 26, 1894, when he was seventy-tive years of age, and his wife passed away in 1883 at the age of fiftythree years. Both were faithful and consistent members of the Presbyterian church of Xenia, in which Mr. Gowdy served as elder for many years.

Rol^ert L. Gowdy, of this review, acquired his preliminary education in the city schools of Xenia and later was graduated in the high school, after which he assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he entered upon the study of law as a student in the Cincinnati Law School, now a department of the L'niversity of Cincinnati. He completed the full course and was graduated in the class of 1889 with the degree of LL. B. In June of the same year he was admitted to the bar and then opened an office in Xenia. where he has since practiced. Like all men who enter the profession, he had to begin at the very bottom round of the ladder and work his way upward. He has gained an enviable reputation and the zeal with which he has devoted his energies to his profession, the great regard evinced for the interests of his clients, and an assiduous and unrelaxing attention to all the details of his cases have brought to him a large business and made him very successful in its conduct. His entire time is given to his law practice and his devotion to his clients" interests is proverbial. The past few years he has occupied a pleasant suite of rooms in the Allen block.

Mr. Gowdy was united in marriage to Jessie M. Glotfelter, of Trebeins, Ohio, a daughter of ^^^ H. Glotfelter, an old resident of that place. The wedding was celebrated on the 1st of X'ovember, 1893, and has been blessed with one son, \\'illiam H. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Gowdy is a Republican in politics, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking although he serveil as city solicitor for two terms, filling the position from 1895 until 1899. He is a member of Xenia Lodge X^o. 49, F. & A. M. His social qualities render him popular, while his marked ability has given him prominence in his profession.

Sylvester George Lafong

its most liiglily respected citizens. A native of the Old JJominion, he was torn in Spottsjlvania county, Virginia. May 2^. 18J4, but was quite young on coming to Greene county, Ohio, witli liis father, George Bernard Lafong, the family locating on Ludlow creek, in that locality he receixed his education, and after leaving school worked for his father a number of years. He then engaged in farming on his own account, but still continued to reside with his father for some time.

On February 19, 1852, Mr. Lafong was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Lantz, a native r)f Washington county, Maryland, and a daughter of John and Catherine Lantz, the former of whom was lx)rn in Virginia, the latter in Maryland. She is the oldest in a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, the others being John Daniel, a resident of Bea\ercreek township: Catherine Jane, deceased ; Jacob Louis, who lives about a mile from Mrs. Lafong; Mary Elizabeth, deceased : and Ellen, who lives below Xenia. Xo children were born to our subject and his wife.

After his marriage Mr. Lafong continued to work for his father for a number of years, and later engaged in farming in Beavercreek tnwnship 011 the farm where his widow now resides and which she purchased after the death of her husband. It consists of one hundred and sixty-two acres, which is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildin,gs. Mr. Lafong carried on general farming quite successfully, raising all kinds of grain, and also gave considerable attention to the raising of cattle, sheep and hogs. The Democratic party always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, but at local elections he voted for the men he thought best qualitied for the positions. He, with Mrs. Lafong. were long active and faithful members of the Lutheran church, in which he served as elder for a number of years, and at his death, which occurred in 187S, the community realized that it had lost one of its most reliable and trustworthy citizens as he commanded the respect anil confidence of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. His estimable wife still survives him and is held in the highest regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. She has shown much business ability, having purchased the farm and carried on l)usiness success fullv manv \ears.

David R. Brewer, who resides in Xenia township, was born in Miami township on the i^tii of Fel)ruary, 1846, and has always lived in Greene county. His parents were John (i. and Sarah ( Miller) Brewer. The paternal grandfather was a native of Xew Jersey and died in tliat state at the age of ninety-eight years. The father was born near Trenton, Xew Jersey, and there lived until he had attained his majority, when he came to Ohio, the state being largely an unhmken wilderness at tliat time. The year 1 81 7 witnessed his arrival and he took up his abode in Greene county near Yellow Springs, where he worked at his trade of wa,gonmakin.g and carpentering. He also engaged in farming and continued to make his home at the first place of his residence in Greene coimty until 1872, when he removed to Xenia and leased a farm known as the iucas property. There he carried on agricultural pursuits until his retirement from business life. He was a prosperous and progressive man, his business interests being capably conducted. In politics he was a Republican after the organization of the part}- and prior to that time he gave his support to the old Whig party. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, and died in diat faith in 1S84 at the age of ninety-three years. The mother of our subject departed this life in 1880 at the age of eighty-four years. She was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia. Her father died wdien he was very young and in 1805 she became a resident of Ohio. Unto the parents of our subject were born nine children : George A., who resides at W'esterville, Franklin county, Ohio, where he is engaged in carpentering; \Mlliam, a farmer of Clifton, Ohio: Rebecca, who died about 1856: Pauline, the wife of C. H. Winters, a veteran of the Civil war, who is now .living retired at Yellow Springs; Charles E., who was a farmer of Xenia township and died in 1893 ; John G., a resident of Clifton, Ohii); Sarah, the wife of D. S. Dixon of Cedarville township; Martha L.. the wife of J. D. Heller, who is living in \\'est Main street in Xenia ; and Da\id R. of this review.

The last named obtained his education in the common schools and in Antioch college, where he remained as a student for two years. Ori the expiration of that period he returned to the home place and has since devoted his energies to farming and stockraising, his well directed efforts in this direction bringing to him creditable success. The only interruption to his labor came in 1864, when, in response to his country's call, he joined Company A, of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry for service in the Union army. He remained with that command for five months and then re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohii.) Infantry, with which he continued until the close of the war, w hen he was honorably discharged at Xashville, in September, 1865. During his services he participated in the battles of Moorefield, West Virginia, and of Xew Creek. He had three brothers who were also soldiers of the war, \\4lliam H., John and Charles. John was a member of Company C, Seventy-fourth Ohio \'olunteer Infantry, and Charles served in Company F, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the army of the Potomac. The family therefore has a most creditable record for loyalty and fidelity to the country.

In 1884 Mr. Brewer was united in marriage in Xenia to Hannah A. Currie, a daughter of James Currie, now deceased. He was a farmer of Sugarcreek township and was born in Greene county. In 1901 Mr. Brewer was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife who died on the 27th of May of tliat year at the old homestead and was buried in Woodland cemetery, being at that time fifty-seven years of age. Two sons had been born of this marriage : Fred, who at the age of sixteen years is a student in the high school of Xenia; and Robert, a }Outh of fourteen years. Both were born in the Lucas farm in Xenia township.

In his political views Mr. Brewer is a Republican. He has never been an office seeker yet has served for eight years as county bailiff under Judge Smith. He holds membership in the First United Presbyter- iaii church of Xeiiia, and is a citizen of worth, taking a deep interest in progress and improvement of the county along all lines of substantial development.

From Irish ancestr\ Ji>lin II. Stormont is descended. Representatives of the name came from the Emerald Isle to the new world and the family was established in the snutli. Jolm Stormoiit. the grandfather of our sul)ject. was born in South Carolina, and early in life engaged in teaching school. Emigrating westward he took up his abode in Cedarville township, Greene county, Ohio, where he engaged in fanning. His S(.>n, James C. Stormont. was born in South Carolina. July 17. i<S3i, and by his parents was brought to Oliio when only a few months old. ?Ierc he was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and after attaining his majority he turned his attention to agricultural jjiu^suits. ]mrchasing all of the Stonnont farm as it is at present with the exception of twenty-five acres which he inherited. He lived in Cedarville township throughout the remainder of his days and there was accounted a successful and progre.ssive agriculturist. He erected a large and handsome residence, which is now occupied by his widow, and made other sub- -stantial imprmements upon his place. He married Jane Bradfute. a daughter of John and Eliza (Laughead) Bradfute. both of whom spent their last day.s in Miami township, Greene county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stormont were liorn two children. John H. and Lida. who died in 1887, at the age of twenty years. The father was twice married. On the J4th oi March. 1857, he wedded Agnes McOuiston. :uk1 it was after her death that he married the mother of our subject. He was a \ery prosperous and enterprising farmer and at the time of his demise was the owner of considerable property, all of which had been accumulatetl through his own efforts. Prominent and influential in ])ublic affairs, he served for a imunber of years as a meml)er of the school lx>ard, and was dee])ly interested in everything jieitaining to the general gixxl. He died Octoljer 27,. 1877. With his wife Mr. St(jrmont was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, of which he was a tnistee.

John Harold Stormont, of this review, was born in Cedarville township, on the old homestead, October 26, 1863, and to the district school systenx he is imlebted for the early educational privileges which he enjoyed. Later lie became a student in the high school of Cedarville and through the months of summer he assisted in the work of the home farm. He still resides upon the old home place with his family and with his mother. Here he owns eiglity acre.-; of rich land, and also has charge of and operates the old home farm of one hundred and five acres, all of which i<; under a high state of cultivation, the fields annually returning to him golden harvests for the care and labor he l)estows upon them. Mr. Stormont has made the breeding and raising of red polled cattle a specialty and has about twenty head of registered animals in his herd. He was among the first to introduce them in this section of the state.

Creswell, a daughter of Samuel and Eliza Creswell. Four children graced this marriage: Bertha, Edna, Mabel and Meryl, all of whom were born on the old honite farm, and the family circle yet remainsi unbroken by the hand oif death. Both our subject and his wife hoild membership in the Reformed Presbyterian, church, in which he has served as trustee for a number of years. In his political views he is independent, preferring to devote his time and energies tO' his business affairs without entering political life. He takes am active interest in educational affairs, however, and is noAV serving hisi second temi as a member of the township board oif education. He is still a young man and possesses strong energy and laudable ambition. Erom his boyhood days he has been connected with the work of cultivating and improving the property which is now his home, and is recognized as one whose labors are bringing to him a comfortable competence..

Prof. William S. Scarborough

William S. Scarborough, now vicepresident of \\'ilberforce University. Wilberforce, Ohio, and professor of Greek and Latin in the same institution, was born in Macon, Georgia, February 16, 1852. He received his early education in his native city before and during the Civil war. In i86g he entered Atlanta University, where he remained two years in preparation for Yale University, but, instead, entered Oberlin Ccllege, O'berlin, Ohio, in 1871, and was graduated from the department of philosophy and the arts with the degree of A. B. in 1875. He spent a part of the following year in Oberlini Tlieological Seminary in special study of the Semitic lantguages and Hellenistic Greek.

In 1877 Professor Scarboroa:gh was elected as head of the classical department in Wilberforce University. In 1881 he published, through A. S. Barnes & Cimpany (New York), a Greek text-book - "First Lessons in Greek" - the first and only Greek book e\-er written, liy a negro. This book was wi(lel\- used by bodi the white and colored .schools of the country, especially in the north. Professor Scarborough has also written a treatise entitled "The Birds of Aristophianes - a Theorv of Interpretathm. aside from numerous tracts and pamphlets, covering a \-ariety of subjects - classical, archaelogical. sociological and racial. He has written many papers for various societies to which he belongs. In 1891 he was transferred to the chair of Hellenistic Greek, Payne Theological Seminary. In 1897 he was again re-elected as professor of Latin and Greek in the university and vice president of the same.

He has contributed largely to the press of the conntry, including the leading magazines. He is one of the editors of the African Methodist Episcopal Sunday-school publications, having filled that position for a number of years. He is a memlier of a number of -associations : American Philological. American Dialect, American Social Science, Archaeological Institute of America. American Spelling Reform. American Folk-Lore. American Modern Language, American Political and Social Science, the Egyptian Exploration Fund Association and the American Negroi Academy, of which he is first vice president. He has several times been one of the orators at the Lincoln League han(|uet ( f the state of Ohio. .\t a conference lielcl hy the leaders of the race in the city of Columlxis. Ohio, he was elected president of the .\fn>- American State League, designed to further the interests of the negro throughout the countrv. Professor Scarborough has traveled extensively ii> Europe. He was a delegate to the Ecumenical ^Methodist Conference, held in London in 1901, representing the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

"While in Bo.ston Professor W. S. Scarborough, of W'ilherforce University, was delightfully entertained by the coUired graduates of Harvard L'niversity an<l .Amherst College at a recei)tion given in his honor at the home of Mr. (1. W. Forbes, a graduate of .\mherst. Speeches were made by Messrs. Forbes, Morgan. Trotter, Lewis, Williams and others eulogistic of the life and services of the professor in Ijehalf of his race. The professor replied, thanking them for the honor conferred upon him. Ne.\t year it will twenty-five years since Professor Scarborough first l)ecame connected with Wilberforce University as its classical professor and he intends to mark the event by publishing a \olume of his philological! papers'. Tliese papers have all been read before the American Philological AssiK-iation at its various annual sessions. Twenty years ago Professor Scarborough was first elected to membership in this lx)dy at Harvard I'niversity. This year the association again met at this venerable seat of learning and by way of commemorating the Professor Scarborough read a paper

R. Harvey Nash

R. Harvey Nash, who is filling the office of county commissioner in Greene county, and is a well known farmer of Cedar\-ille township, was born on the 20th of March, 1851. his parents being John R. and Mary ( Jackson) Xash. At an early epoch in the history of this county the Xash family was founded here, and the father of our subject was here born. His parents were Hugh and Rebecca Xash. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. Throughout his entire business career, the former followed the occupation of farming and at an early day established his home ujwn a tract of land in (ireene county, which he transformed into a valuable property, becoming one of the pioneer agriculturists of this portion of the state. It was upon the old homestead that John R. X^ash first opened his eyes to the light of day on the -'Stli of May. 1828. and there amid the wild scenes of the frontier he wa.'. reared to manho(xl, early becoming inured to the hard labor of developing a new farm. After arii\ ing at years of maturity he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Jackson, who was Ixirn in this county, January 28. 1832. a daughter of Roljert and Miner\a Jackson, the former Ijorn in Pennsylvania and the latter in this state. Her father learned the miller's trade and also carried on farming. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Xash began their domestic life upon a farm and throughout his

R. H. Nash

Under tlie parental roof R. Harve_y Nash spent the days of his boyhood and pursued his education in the schools of Xenia. The occupation to which he was reared he has .alwa}'s made his life work and his energy and diligence have resulted in bringing to him very desirable prosperity, while the neat and thrift}' appearance of the place indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of the progressive owner. The lady who presides over his Jiorne was in her maidenhood Miss Agnes G. Watt and their marriage was on the 28th of November, 1876. Mrs. Xash is a daughter of William Watt, one of the representative farmers of Greene county, who served for six years as county commissioner and was widely recognized as the leading and influential citizen. In earlv life he learned the carpenter's trade, but in iater years carried on agricultural pursuits, devoting his attention to the work of the farm until his death. The home 'of Mr. and Mrs. Nash has been blessed with five children, of whom four are yet living: Herbert A\'., Walter L., Charles E. and William. H. The family are members of the First United Presbyterian church of Xaiia and in his political affiliations Mr. X^ash is a Republican, having always supported that party since attaining his majority. On its ticket he was elected to the ofifice of county commissioner on the 6th of November, 1900, and is therefore serving in that capacity at the present time. As a public official he is true to his promises and is most active and earnest in supporting every movemait and measure which he believes will contribute to the general good.

For almost fifty years Dr. Harvey R. McClellan has engaged in the practice of medicine, the greater part of which time has been passed in Xenia. He is one of the honored pioneer physicians and has the love, confidence and respect of many households throughout this portion of the state. In the early days of his professional career he would drive for miles across the country, undeterred by summer's suns or winter's cold and always ready to render assistance to those who needed the physician's aid and never stopping to ask whether his services would receive financial remunerations'. He is now" engaged only in Oififice practice, but still has the skill and ability which ranks him foremost among the leading physicians and surgeons of Greene county.

The Doctor was born November 27, 1827, in Woostei-, Wayne county, Ohio, his parents being John and Nancy (Elder) Mt- Clellan, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The McClellan family is of Scotch-Irish lineage, while the mother was of Scotch descent. John McClellan, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, served in the war of 18 12 and for many years was an enterprising farmer of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. John McClellan, Jr., the Doctor's father, became an agriculturist of Wayne county, Ohio, although at an early date he learned the blacksmith's trade. In 183 1 he removed to Greene county, loicating in Xenia township, where he engaged in farming for many yearsi. He reached the advanced age of eighty-five years, and his wife passed away at the age of eightyeight. In their family were eleven children, of wlicjin three are yet living: Reljecca Collins, who is the wiilow of Samuel Collins and is residing in Xenia at the age of ninety-one years; C. B., a retired dry goods merchant, who resides in Oskaloosa, Kansas, at the age of seventy-nine; and Harvey R.. i)f this review.

In the district scIk oIs the Doct(,r gained his early education, which was supplemented hy study in tlie Sliawnee Academy, of Xenia, where he t(X)k a course in classics and higher mathematics. On completing his literary education he Ijegan teaching school in Beavercreek township, hut after a short time commenced tlie study of medicine, and in 1852 he entered the office of Dr. Samuel Martin, who directed his reading for tiiree years. During the winter months he attended lectures in Starling College, of Columhus. Ohio, completing the full course, and was graduated with the class of 1854. lie then Ijegan practice in Cedarville. but after two years came to Xenia. where he has remained for forty-six consecutive years. He has been alone during the greater part of the period. However, he admittei! his son. Dr. Baijamin R. Mc- Clellan. to partnership, and when his son retired from the firm Dr. W. T. Firley l)ecame lii-i jjartner and was ass<xiated with him in Inisiness for eight years. Our subject now gives his attention to office practice while his son, Dr. B. R. McClellan. attends to the outside practice. In 1898 the fnnner founded a hospital in Xenia. whicli he has since conducted, making a specialty of surgical work. A perfect master of the construction and functions nf the component parts of the human Ixxly, of the changes induced in them by the onslaughts of disease, of the defects cast upon them, as a legacy by progenitors, of the vital capacity remaining in them throughout all vicissitudes of e.xistence, - this knowledge has made Dr. McClellan a most skilled and capable physician and surgeon. He succeeded l^ecause he tlesires to succeed. He is great l)ecause nature endowed him l)i;untifully, and he has studiously, carefully and con.scientiously increased the talents which were given him. For many years he also CDUilucted a drug store in Xenia and seciu'eil for himself a very profitable incume.

In ()ctol)er, 1855. the Dix:tor was married to Ruth Sheperd Xieukirk. a native of Ohio, although born of Xew Jersex i)arentage. They became the parents of six children. i)f whom three are yet living: Charles Lee. wh(3 is manager of the opera house in Xenia: Benjamin R.. a successful practicing physician here; and Frank Wiley, who is a tlerk in the freight office of the Cincinnati. Hamilton iJv: Dayton Railroad at Xenia. Tile mother died on the ist of June. 1894. and on the 29th of October, 1899. ^'^^ Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Martha Rader, of Xenia.

The Dixtor holds memliership in the Presbyterian church and for many years was one of its officers. In ]X)litics he is a stalwart Republican, but has never given his consent to accept office. He has been identified with the State Medical Society for many years and is the only surviving charter member of the Greene County Medical Society. During the Civil war he was a contract surgeon in the amiy and was stationed at Pittsburg Landing. Xashville and for two months was in the Cumberland hosi)ita! and also had charge of the Exchange Barracks in Xashville for a month. He was w ith the Amiv of the Potomac and rendered valuable service in alle\iating the sufferings of those who were woiuided upon the field of battle. Alany have reason to feel very grateful to him for his skill as a practitioner in Greene county. In a paper which he read before the Greene County Medical Society upon the experience of early physicians, he said that he estimated that he had driven a distance which would be ec|ual to a threefold trip around the world, covering seventy-three hundred miles each year. Dr. ]\IcClellan has witnessed much of the growth and development of Greene county and is a public-spirited citizen, deeply interested in its progress and welfare. His life has been a busy, useful and honorable one. commending him to the confidence and regard of all, and no histor of this portion of the state wduld be complete without his record.

.\ native of Germanv, George \\ . Brandt was born on the i6th of February, 1850, and is now a resident of Beavercreek township where he follows the occupation of farming. He is a son of John and ]\Iary Brandt. The father came to this country prior to the arrival of his wife and children, making his way to Cincinnati, where he remained for two weeks, then came to Bea\'ercreek township, Greene county, Ohio. Here he li\'ed for a year and in that time was ioined bv his family. On the expiration of that period he removed to Mis.souri, but spent only si.x months in that state, because of the drought. The future prospects in that state did not appear very bright and he returned to Ohio and todk u].) his abode upon the farm which is now the home of our subject. His residence was a little log cabin which he occupied for a few years. In the fall of 1S60 he purchased forty-si.x acres of land and to this he added from time to time as his financial resources were increased, until he had about one hundred and fifty-six acres and had accumulated some nmney beside. He certainly deserves great credit for what he accomplished for when he left the fatherland he had to borrow mone\- with which to make his passage to the new world. He possessed resolution and determination, however, and throughout his entire life of active business engagement he overcome every obstacle and difficulty in his path b_\' reason of his strong purpose and indefatigable industry. Thus he won success and left to his family an example well worthy of emulation as well as a good property. He died in December, 1897, at the age of se\enty-eight years and his wife passed away in 1893. They had two children : George W. and Alary, but the latter died in 1874. The father was a Democrat in his political afiiliations and both he and his wife were earnest Cltristian people belong^ing tO' the Reformed church. Their remains were interred in Mount Zion Park cemetery.

George \V. Brandt, whose name introduces this record, pvirsued his education in the schools of Bea\-ercreek township and always remained under the parental roof. He was content to assist his father in the culti\'ation of the fields and thnjughout the }ears of his manhood has carried on farming, becoming one of the prosperous and substantial citizens of his community. He was" married January 10, 1889, to Miss Lottie Englc, who was born in Beavercreek town- ship and is a daughter of John and Ehzabeth (Coy) Engle. Her father was born in Maryland and is now living in Zimmerman, Greene county. Mrs. Engle was a daughter of .Nicholas Coy. Our subject and his wife have a pleasant home in Beavercreek township where Mr. Brandt owns a fine farm of two hundred and sixteen acres. He has recently erected a good residence, large and -commodious, and has good barns and cribs. The work on the farm is carried on in an energetic manner and as the years have passed Mr. Brandt has added to his capital, his success coming to him in return for his indefatigable labor.

John Mendc'.ihall is one of the highly respected and honored residents of Spring Valley township. He has passed the psalmist allotted span of three-score-years-andten. having almost reached the seventyfourth milestone on life's journey. He resides upon a farm in Spring \'alley township, two miles northeast of the village of Si)ring \'alley. and it was here that he was born on the JLth of December, 1828, representing one of the pioneer families of the county. His parents were William and Betty (Walton) Mendcuhall. The father was l)orn in Guilford county. North Carolina, October 25, 1799, his parents being John and Ruth (Brown) Mendenhall. The grandfather of our subject was born March 6, 1759. probably in North Carolina, and his wife's birth occurred on the 4th of Aprd, 1767. With their family they removed vo Ohio, settling in Spring Valley township about one mile east of the farm up(jn which our subject now resides. This was in 1805. The district was an unbroken wilderness and in the midst of the forest the grandfather developed and improved a farm, upon which he spent his remaining days, being laid to rest in the Cedar Creek burying-ground by the side of his wife, who had passed away a few years previously.

William Mendenhall was a little lad of six summers when brought by his parents to Ohio and here amid the wild scenes of pioneer life he was reared and assisted in the arduous task of ileveloping a new farm. He married Betty Walton, who was probably born in Frederick county, Virginia, Octo- Ijer 15, 1805, her ])arents being Edward and Deborah (Allen) Walton. The i)arents of our subject were married November 2, 1825, and began their domestic life on the old Mendenhall homestead, where their tirst three children were born. When our subject was about five years of age the father jiurchased ninety-nine acres of the farm upon which John Mendenhall is now living. A jjortion of it had been cleared and a log cabin had been built that now forms a part of the present residence which stands on the place. It has been weatherboarded, however, and otherwise greatly improved. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall were born ten children: ])eborah, the wife of Abijah Steddon, of Richmond, Indiana; John; Ann, the wife of Amos Compton, of Warren county, Ohio; Hannah, the wife of Elihu Si)ray. of Leavenworth county, Kansas; E'dward, who married Ann Fryant and died in W'ayne county, Indiana; Samuel, who married Elizabeth .\tkinson and died in Clinton county near New Burlington; Ruth, deceased; Catherine, the wife of .\mos S. Compton, of Spring

Valley: Margaret, the wife of F. Marion Burnett, of Clinton county ; and William Allen, who married Ida Shepherd, and died in Spring Valley. Samuel was a soldier of Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, aind ser\'ed for three veairs. He participated in many battles but was never wounded or captured. He took part in the engagements at Winchester and Gettysburg and in the Richmond campaign, together with many other of the important movements and battles of the great war.

The boyhood days of our subject were quietly passed on the home farm. Probably the first important event of his life occurred March 6, 1856, in Warren county, at which time he was married to Miss Eunice Compton, who was born in Spring Valley township just west of New Burlington, Augtist 9. 1834. her parents being John and Rebecca (Steddon) Compton. Her paternal grandfather was Amos Compton. Her father was born (in the farm where Mrs. Mendenhall also opened her eyes to the light of day. He was a well-to-do man and 1)ought a farm of two hundred acres in Clinton county upon which our subject and his wife resided for fourteen years, when they removed to their present home in Spring Valley township. Our subject inherited it after his mother's death and he jiurchased fifty-seven acres adjoining.

Nine children have been born unto our subject and his wife : Alice S., the wife of Chillis T. Johnson, of Spring Valley township, by whom she has one child, Rosa Eunice; William H., who lives in Greene county and married Emma Stubbs, by whom she has two children. Edith A. and Everett J. ; Morrow, who married Anna Bradford and has one livino- child, Erma M., and has lost one; Anna R., who was born July 4, 1863, and died February 2, 1876; Amy B., the wife of William H. Lumpkin, by whom shehas three children ; Albert J., Edward R. and Lawrence Leon ; Mary C, who was born in 1868 and died in 1879; Orville John, whomarried Caroline S. Bradford and lives in- Spring Valley ; Amos C, of Spring \'alley, who wedded Luella A. Anabee and has onechild, Mildred; and Jennie E., who married Isaac O. Peterson and resides in Spring Valley.

Mr. Mendenhall was brought up an opponent of slavery and in 1852 voted for Scott, -while in 1856 he voted for John C. Fremont, the Republican party having been formed to prevent the further extension of slavery. He has since been one of its advocates, but has never been an oi^ce seeker. Both he and his wife are birthright members of the Society of Friends and attend the services of the church in Spring Valley.

Henry Kyle

L^pon a pleasant farm property in Cedarvil'le township resides Henry Kyle. This is his native township, his' birth having occurred within its borders on the 20th of February. 1832. His parents were Samuel and Rachel (Jackson) Kyle. The maternal grandfather, Robert Jackson, was thethird child of David and Elizabeth Jackson, and was born in 1758, at Newtown, Limavady, Coimty Derry, Ireland. With his father he came to America in the year 1762. Samuel Kyle, the father of our subject, was born in Pemisylvania and when quite young accompanied his parents on- their reniuval tu Kentucky, tlie family settling near Lexington, where he remained until some years after his marriage. He wedded Ruth Mitchell and unto them were lx)rn six children, all Ijeing now deceased, but after the death of the wife and mother tlie father was again married, his second union being with Rachel Jackson, the mother of ovir subject. In 1804 he came to Ohio, settling south of Cedarville, on what is no\v knowni as the Silas Murdoch farm, there spending his remaining days and transforming the land into a highly impro\ed property. He was a prominent member of the old Seceder church, serving -as one of its elders. He also took a veryprominent part in civic life and for many years served as associate judge, his decisions proving so fair and impartial that he was long retained in the office and enjoyed in the highest degree the ccmfidence and respect of his fellow men. He passed away in March, 1856, his widow surviving him for one year, when she died upon the old home farm at about the age of seventy. She had also Ijeen a meml)er of the Seceder <hurch at one time but later joined the Associate Reformed church with her husband, in which he also served as elder. In the family of this worthy ccxiple were fifteen children, but only five of the nimiljer are yet living, as follows: Thomas, the eldest, is a surveyor residing in Champaign, Illinois, and was a cajjtain in the Civil war. Henry is the next. .Martha is the widow of Thomas Kennedy, and resides at College Springs, Iowa. Roaland is a resident farmer of Cedarville township, and Mary is the wife of John MurdtKh, of Cedarville.

usual age he began his education, pursuing his studies in a log schoolhouse in his township, while later he became a student in the high school of Cedarville. then conducted by James Turnbull and Andrew Amyx. His father's farm compriseil nearly a thousand acres and the sons had ample training in the methods of cultivating the fields there. In 1859 our subject removed to his present farm in Cedarville township, and here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he has since added another quarter section. He put all of the improvements upon the property, remodeled the house and erected a large and substantial bam. Here he has since lived, being largely engaged in st(x:k raising. He makes a specialty of polled Durham cattle, Xumian horses and Poland-China hogs. In his business operations he has met with creditable and deserved success, and is now the possessor of a handsome competence. In the spring of 1858 Henry Kyle was united in marriage to Harriet D. Colver, a daughter of Standish and Elizabeth Colver, who were residents of Union county, Ohio, but Ixith are now deceased. Mrs. Kyle was a devoted member of the United Presbyterian chuixh, was a faithful wife and mother, and a friend to b? trusted at all times. She died at her home in Cedarville township in 1893, at the age of sixty-two years, and was laid torest in Massies Creek cemetery. She was the mother of si.x children, all <:f wIkmu survived her: Charles C, a minister of the United Presbyterian church, now living in southern Illinois, married Lid I Mitchell. They have one daughter. Helen. H. Jeroe resides at Qiurchville. New York, and is a LTnited Presbyterian minister. He wedded Elizabeth

Chambers, and their children are - James, Christina and Harriet. John M. resides upon the old home farm. VictcT, a minister oif the United Presbyterian church, residing in Alexis, Illinois, wedded Mary Porter. Don and Clara are still at home. All of the children were born in Cedarville township in the present home of Mr. Kyle. As has been indicated, the religious faith of the family is that of the United Presbyterian church, and Mr. Kyle belongs to the organization of that denomination at Clifton. For many years he has served as one of its elders and has put forth every effort ill his piiwer to promote the cause of Christianity along these lines. Pie has ^en-ed as ruad suiiervisor, and in his political views was a Republican in early life, but is now a Prohibitionist. Although he has reached the age of three score years and ten. he has spent his entire life in the county and has \\itnessed the greater part of its development, for it was largely a wild region in his childhood days. His father built the first brick house in Cedarville township. Mr. Kyle carried on the work of improvement and development begun by his father, and has co-operated in many movements for the general good. His life history is largely familiar to his many friends in this localit}' and all know him to be a man worthy of public trust aud confidence and one deserving of representation in this vO'lume.

John F. Pcterbaugh

Among the well known farmers of Beavercreek township whose enterprise and indefatigable labors have been salient features in their success, is numbered John F.