Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1883 (part 4 of 13)

A, J. STRAIN, physician and surgeon, London, was born at Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, January 3, 1845. He is a son of Allan Strain, a native of South Carolina, whose father was John C. Strain, also a native of South Carolina, whose parents were from Pennsylvania. John C. Strain came to Highland County, Ohio, in 1809, where he lately died at the advanced age of ninety-three years. His son, Allan Strain, the father of our subject, has been a farmer through life, and now resides in that county at seventy-five vears of age. He married Eliza McMillen, a native of Highland County, and daughter of William and Margaret Linn McMillen, the latter of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and dattghter of a Mrs. Gettis, near Gettysburg. Allan and Eliza Strain were the parents of eight children - four now living. Mother died in December, 1S80. Our subject is the seventh child and fourth son of these parents, and grew to manhood on a farm in Highland County, to which his father removed when our subject was but ten vears of age. He obtained a fair education at South Salem Academy, in Ross jCounty, Ohio, and at twenty-three years of age commenced the studv of medicine with an uncle Dr. W. A Strain, of Greenfield, Ohio. Two* vears later, he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating therefrom in March. 1873. He first located for practice at. Danville. Highland County, and seven months later, went to South Salem, Ross County, where he remained two and a half years. In October. L876, he came to London and became associated in practice with an uncle, a practicing physician of Madison County for thirty-five years. Two years later, this partnership was dissolved, and since that period Dr. Strain has been alone in his practice, having net with fair success. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society, and has been a member and Secretary of the Madison County Medical Society for the past two and a half years. Politically, Dr. Strain is Republican. He is also a member of the Presby- terian Church and the Knights of Honor. He was married, January 7, 1880, to Mary, daughter of Washington Wilson, of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Strain is also a member of the Presbyterian Church.

T. S. STRICKLAND, agent I. B. & W. Railway, London, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, October 3, 1845. He is a son of Franklin M. Strickland, a native of Vermont, who located in Ohio about 1840. He was a fanner by occupation, and died in 1852, when but twentynine years of age. He married Hannah Chapel, a native of Connecticut. They were the parents of three chilrden, all living, and our subject, the only one in Madison County. Mrs. Strickland subsequently married Rodney Mason, and one child was born to them, now deceased. Mrs. Mason - '-sides with our subject in the sixty-sixth year of her age. T. S. was reared in Sandusky County, and early in life was in the commission business at Clyde, Ohio, under the firm name of M. C. Beamer & Co. This was in 1866. He remained with the hrin six months, and then engaged in the clothing business. In the fall of 1869, he went to Iowa, coming back to Ohio in the fall of 1870. He was next employed by the L. S. & M. S. it. 1 1. , at Clyde, Ohio, in the capacity of baggageman and yardman. He remained in that position until the spring of 1878, when he came to London, and on April 1, accepted the position of agent of the C. S. & C. R. R. On May 1, 1881, this road was purchased by the I. B. & W., Mr. Strickland still retaining his position. Since he took charge of the London office, he lias labored earnestly and faithfully to secure better facilities to shippers to and from this point, and to the increase of public travel. It is safe to say his efforts have met with good and increasing success Mr. Strickland is a member of the Lodge and Encampment (I. (). O. F.), and Republican in politics. He was married the first Tuesday in 1867, to Kate Stokes, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio. They have two children -Franklin and Elta.

t JERIAH SWETLAND, London, one of the more prominent retired merchants of this village, was born in Springfield, Sullivan County, N. H, April 28, 1817. His grandparents on his father's side were Jeriah Swetland and Mary Burnham, the latter of whom was an heir to a vast estate in England. One of their sons, Roswell Swetland. was born in Connecticut, was a miller by trade and a farmer by occupation. He resided in New Hampshire during his natural life, and there married Naomi Rockwell, also a native of Connecticut. Of the ten children born to bless this union, only three are living - our subject, a sister in San Francisco, Cal.. and a brother in New Hampshire. Mis. Swetland died in 1858, and her husband two years later (1860). Jeriah Swetland was the ninth child and fourth son of this large family, and consequently he did not receive the educational training a Horded some of the older members of the family. He resided with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then learned the saddler and harness trade, working at that in his native village for eight years. On August 4, 184H, he arrived in London, and soon after engaged in mercantile pursuits, continuing in such two years. In 1847, he went to Pickaway County, and in 1850 to Mi Sterling, in Pleasant Township, this county. In 1856, he returned to London, and again engaged in mercantile pursuits, this time associating himself in business with \\ illiam H. Chandler, Sr. In 1866, Mr. Swetland disposed of his interest and retired from business, although the partnership between the two gentlemen has never yet been dissolved. They still own property together. Mr. Swetland, while in business, was very successful in a financial way, and at present owns a half- in- terost in 185 acres of good land, and also in Swetland and Dixon's btisiness block, in London, and eight acres of home property, upon which is located a very large and comfortablo residence. Mr. Swetland was made a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1850, and is connected by membership with the Lodge, Chapter and Council, at London. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in 1S56 was made a member of Mt. Vernon Com mandery, Knights Templar, of Columbus, Ohio, the finest organization of its kind in the State. Politically, Mr. Swetland is an able advocate of Dem ocratic principles, and in 1867-68 and 1868-69 represented his district in the Ohio Legislature, being the only Democrat in Madison County elected on the "straight ticket." He has also been a member of the Village Council of London. Mr. Swetland became a member of the Supreme Lodge, American Legion of Honor some years ago. He was united in marriage, May 23, 1841, to Arabella Fellows, who was born at Hanover, N. H., February 5, 1816. Three children were born to them, all deceased - Isabella Miranda, born in Lebanon, N. H, June 20, 1842, died in London August 26, 1843; William Jeriah, born at Palestine, Ohio, July 1, 1848, died in London February 12, 1857; Sarah Willis was born at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, May 11, 1851, died in London September 7, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Swetland are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. NOAH THOMAS, P. O. London, Warden Ohio Penetentiary at Columbus, residence London, was born in Fayette, near the Madison County line, Ohio, August 1, 1834. He is a son of William Thomas, a native of Virginia. He was a farmer by occupation, and upon coming to Ohio, located in Fayette County. About 1835, he came to Madison County, and has since lived there. He now resides in Stokes Township, and is about sixty-nine years of age. He married Lavina Beauchamp, a native of Clark County, Ohio. They are the parents of thirteen children, eleven now living. Mrs. Thomas is still living in her sixty-eighth year, and both parents enjoy reasonably good health. Our subject is the oldest of this large family of children, and obtained only a limited education in his earlier life. He remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, and then entered Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio, where he was in attendance when the war broke out. He returned home, and in December, 1863, en - listed in Company C, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Gen. J. Warren Keifer, commanding, and served until June 2, 1 SOI, the date of the battle of Cold Harbor. In that affray he received a musket ball in the left arm, which caused the loss of that valuable member. He lay in Armory Square Hospital, Washington, D. C, from June 10 to July 29, of that year, and during that period was no ninated for County Auditor, on tin- Republican ticket, by his admiring and sympathizing friends in far away Madison County. He was triumphantly elected, and re-elected three times in succession, serving eleven years in all (lacking a few months). At the expiration of this time, he was employed in a clerical capacity in one or two of the county offices, and also serve I as Justice of the Peace of Union Township. In A.pril, 1880, he was elected Mayor of London, and two weeks later was appointed to his present position by the Boards of Directors of the Ohio State Penitentiary Eor a term of three years from April I after appointment His term will there end April 22, L884. \\ arden Thomas has made a faithful and efficient publio officer, and has made a host of friends throughout every part of the State. He is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. P.), Knights of Honor and American Legions of Honor, all of London. He was formerly a member of the Christian Church, but of late years has been connected with the Presbyterian denomination. Ho has always been an advocate of Republican principles. Mr. Thomas was married in February, 1S*H), to Geneva, daughter of James Smith, and sister of Auburn Smith, deceased, of London. One child was given them - Maud. Mrs. Thomas died May 25, 1871, He was again united in marriage September L6, 1874, to Alice Dorris, a native of Muskingum County, and residing at Zanesville, Ohio. Four children have been born to this latter union, three living. They are John D. , Alico and Helen J. Mrs. Thomas is a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of .London. During his army career, Warden Thomas was successively offered the position of First Lieutenant and Captain, but declined both honors, prefer - ing to servo in the ranks.

OWEN THOMAS, buyer and dealer in grain and hay. London, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, June 18, L835. He ia a son of Jeremiah Thomas, a native of Virginia, who became a pioneer settler of Fayette County, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation, and came to Madison County about 1850. Our subject was reared in Fayette County, obtaining only a moderate education. He came to this county when twenty-one yours of age, and for two years was a farmer of Oak Run Township. In 1859 or 1860, he removed to London, and was in the wholesale and retail grocery business for ten years. Since that time, he has been engaged in his present occupation, which has proven fairly successful. Mr. Thomas is Democratic in politics; served two years in the Village Council, a like number as Village Treasurer, and one year as Treasurer of Union Township. He was married February 14. 1859, to Miss M. G. Farrar, daughter of Henry Farrar, now resident in Marshall County, Kan. Eight children have been given them - Byron, married Jennie, daughter of S. P. McLain, of Range Township; Minnie, Georgie, Nattio, Walter, Farrar, Mary and Glenn H. Mrs. Thomas and the three eldest children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SIMON TINGLEY, farmer, P. O London, was born in Union Township January 26, L831. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Tingley, of German descent, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Ohio. His father died when our subject, was a (mild, and he was de prived of most of his school privilege. He has been a life-long farmer and is now dealing in cattle. He is a Democrat in politics, and lias twice been sent as a delegate to County Conventions. He was married in 1SS0. to Dora Andrews, of Clark County. She was of French descent. They have had one child - Mary G. Mr. Tingley is a member of the Christ ian Church.

AQUILL V TOLAND (deceased), was born in Harford County. Mainland, September 26, L793. His early opportunities afforded him only the common branches of an English education, but later in life he obtained a fair knowledge of Latin. When quite young, he became a pupil of Dr. Luckey, of Baltimore. Maryland, and in 1818 he attended one course of lectures in a University of Maryland. In the same year, an under-grad he started West to seek a fortune through labor in his profession. After a short tarry in Franklinton, now a part of the City of Columbus, he came to the then new town of London, in the fall of IS IS. and where he continued to reside until his death. On the 11th of April, L822, Dr. Toland was united in marriage with Elizabeth daughter of Col. Philip Lewis, a full sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and to the union were born Francis A. Harford, Aquilla and Jane D. The mother, Mrs. Elizabeth

(Lewis) Toland, was born in Adams County, Ohio, October 14, 1805, and is yet numbered among the venerable citizens of London. Although very young. Dr. Toland did duty as a soldier in the war of 1S12, serving as a volunteer in the defense of Baltimore, and was in the battle of Stony Point. In the winter of 1836-37, he attended a course of lectures at the Cincinnati Medical College, and received a diploma from the Institution. His practice was not limited to Madison County alone, but extended beyond its boundaries. In the years of 1823-24-25, he undoubtedly had the largest practice of any physician in the county, or perhaps in Central Ohio, and with a supply of instruments superior to that of any other physician in the county, and with a strong liking for that branch of the profession, his superiority as an operative surgeon was soon recognized and conceded. In 1843, he was elected as a Whig, a member of the Lower House of the Legislature. He became a member of the Ohio State Medical Society soon after the organization, and always manifested a lively interest in its meetings. Dr. Toland was not in the ordinary sense of the word a brilliant man, but he was a strong one. His natural good sense, his habit of careful preparation for anything to be undertaken, his pertinacity in following an enterprise to success, together, with his unswerving integrity, were, perhaps, the only principal traits of character that distinguished him. As a physician, he relied greatly upon his own judgment, and while he listened cautiously to suggestions from others, yet rarely adopted any measures that did not correspond with his views of the case. It common with other physicians of his day, he was a strong believer in the use of the lancet in sthenic diseases, and persisted in its use long after the profession generally had to a great degree discarded it. As a surgeon, he was cautious, using great care in determining the propriety of an operation, making no pretension to rapidity or brilliancy as an operator, but rather looking to ultimate success. He had a feeling of fear in the use of chloroform, much stronger than was shared by the profession generally, and rarely consented to siibmit his patients too complete anaesthesia. Although devoted to the profession, Dr. Toland was always interested in every question affecting the interests of his town or neighborhood, and it was mainly through his exertions that the L. M. R. R. was secured to London - a straight line from Xenia to Columbus, and a favorite route with the projectors, carrying it some miles south of that place. He also took an active interest in the building of the Springfield and Columbus Railroad, and was its first President. He was closely identified with the growth of London, and built the first and only public hall in the town. His active life would not seem to have left him much time for literary labors, and yet he has left some valuable contribu tions in the medical journals. In the " Medical and Physical Societies " for February and March, 1837, then conducted by Daniel Drake, we find an interesting case of woiand of the intestines and. omentum, reported by Dr. Toland. In his long and extensive practice, he acquirod a competency. He was economical, and by judicious investment of his early professional profits in real estate, which in later years appreciated rapidly, he died possessed of a large estate. While he was a thorough business man, and attended well to collections, yet he gave liberally of his time and professional skill to the indigent. In fact he never seemed to make any distinction in his attentions between rich and poor. In person, he was tall, and with a bearing that at first impressed one with the idea of haughtiness. He had a massive head, a solid, strong lower face, with heavy brows shading rather small blue-gray eyes - altogether, a head and face that would attract attention in any group. He was mild and even in his temper, cheerful, fond of society, and of genteel, but rather awkward, address. He was a man of strong attachments, and yet a "good hater," or in othor words he cherished his friends, and did not forget his enemies. He was a good conversationalist, but a very ordinary public speaker, in fact we think he very rarely attempted public speaking. His death uccurred in London, Ohio, December 30, 1866, at the age of seventy- three years, caused by erysipelas of the face and scalp.

JAMES A. TREHEARNE, farmer and teacher, P. O. London, was born in Maryland June 28, 1841. He is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Hazzard) Trehearne, natives of Maryland, the former of German and English descent, and the latter of Irish descent. He received a common school education, and from the age of seventeen until 1861 worked out by the month. On July 4, 1801, he enlisted in Company K, Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Capt. W. H. Squires, and acted in the Commissary Department on del ached duty most of the time. He served three years, and in that time was only one week on the sick-list. After the war, he located a soldier's claim of P>0 acres in Kansas, but not liking the country, returned to Ohio and has turned his attention to gardening. Since 1804, he has spent his winters in teaching, and is never better satisfied than when he has a good school. In 1808, he married Elizabeth Cryder, a daughter of William and Susan Cryder, and by her has two children - William S. and Annie. Mr. Trehearne is a Freemason and a Reptiblican, and has served as Township Assessor.

JOHN TROUD, farmer, P. O. London, son of Ansel and Elizabeth (Schwartz) Troud, was born in Germany January 22, 1822, and in 1846 emigrated to America, locating in Cincinnati, where he followed his trade, tailoring, three years. He subsequently worked at his trade one year in St. Louis, and then moved to Illinois, where he conducted a business for himself in Mt. Pulaski for eight years. In 1857, he came to London, and for three years was engaged in business. In 1862, he commenced farming on the place now occupied by him, which consists of 182 acres. In 1840, he married Sarah Brown, who died two years after marriage. He then married Sarah Fletcher, who lived only three years after marriage, and he then married Amelia Ann Porter, a sister of James G. Porter, who has since died. Mr. Troud is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received a fine classical education in his native cotuitry, where he also learned his trade, and is familiar with four languages - Hebrew, French, German and English.

SAMUEL P. TRFMPER, Recorder of Madison County, London, was born in Bloomingsburg, Fayette County, Ohio, May 10, 1888. He is a son of Lewis Trumper, a native of New York, who located in Fayette County. Ohio, in IMS. He was a farmer by occupation, and died ''line 10, L869, at the advanced age of eighty-throe years. His companion for life was Margery Boggs, a native of Pennsylvania, but reared in Highland County. Ohio. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom yet survive - Mrs. Trumper is still living, and resides with her oldest son Joseph, at Bloomingsburg, Ohio, being eighty-seven years of age. Our subject is the youngest child and fourth son of this family, and remained on the farm until twenty years of age. He eujoyed the then rare blessing of a good common school education, and subsequently taught school for two years. He then took a course of study at Duff & McCoy's Commercial College at Columbus, Ohio, and afterward resumed teaching until the com- mencernent of the civil war. He was then anxious to respond to duty's call, so resigned his position as teacher, arid enlisted as a private in Company C, Capt. George B. Gardner, of the Sixtieth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. A short time after enlistment, he was made Sergeant, and sub sequently Orderly Sergeant. Upon the death of the Second Lieutenant three months later, he was elected to that position by a unanimous vote of the company, and served as such till the close of the war. The Sixtieth was under Gen. Fremont, in the noted Shenandoah campaign, and in the advance brigade. Mr. Trumper was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, September 15, 1863, and placed in a parole camp at Annapolis. He was afterward transported by rail to Camp Douglas at Chicago, 111., where he was honorably mustered out with the regiment at expiration of term of enlistment. Going back home, he resumed teaching for two years. He then engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1874. when he came to Madison County. He was engaged in farming for a short period, and then was engaged in teaching again for three years. In the fall of 1880. he was nominated and elected Recorder of Madison County, on the Republican ticket, for a term of three years. Mr. Trumper is a member of Lyons Post, No. 221, G. A. R., of London, and of Leanore Lodge, No. 512 (Masonic), of Midway. Ohio. He was married, May 16, 1867, to Maria L. Hidy, a native of Fayette County, Ohio. They have five children - Frank E., Lena M., Minnie L., Samuel O. and Bessie H. A .very singular coincident connected with this family is that the second and fourth children were each born on their father's birthday.

DAVID TURNER, farmer, P. O. Somerford, was born in Clark County, Ohio, October 1, 1826. He is the son of William and Lydia (James) Turner, natives of Maryland, of German descent. The former was a wagon maker, and died at the residence of our subject in 1876. David received a common school education, and, being of a mechanical turn of mind, soon partially acquired the trade of his father, which, however, he never followed. He rented land for a time, but now owns a place of his own. He was married in 1850, to Margaret Cornwell, a daughter of Addison CornwelJ. By this union seven children were born, viz.: J., May Ellen, J. W., Eliza J., Viola. Charles and Florence May. Mr. Turner is a Republican, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. He was the seventh child of a family of eight children.

THOMAS D. TURNER* dealer in fresh and salt meats, London, was born in Richmond, Ind., September 1, 1833. He is a son of James Turner, a native of Lancastershire, England, who came to America with his brother when but ten years of age. He first located in New Jersey, and subsequently in Indiana, and Warren County. Ohio, now residing in the latter place. He was a tallow chandler by trade, and also served as foreman in woolen factories Mr. Turner is eighty years of age, and still in the enjoyment of good health. He married Lydia Dixon, a native of Yorkshire, En - gland, now seventy-eight years of age. Our subject is the second of eleven children, nine of whom are living. He was reared in Warren County, and in early life was a farmer. He resided in Licking County a number of years, and was there married, Augusi 17. is.")!;, to Harriet Lees, a native of that county. Mr. Turner resided with his father some time after marriage and was a fanner till 1M>J. lie then en-;-a-ed in butchering, at Granville, Ohio, and remained there six years. In the spring of 1870, he came to London, and opened out in business. His trade increased rapidly, and he now runs two shops - one on East High, and the other on South

Main - where he supplies his many customers with the best of fresh and salt mep.ts. Mr. Turner is connected by membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church, Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), Madison Lodge, No. 70 (I. O. O. F.), American Legion of Honor, and an advocate of Democratic principles. He has never been a politician or aspired to office. Mr. and Mrs. Turner have eleven children, seven sons and four daughters - Samuel L. (in business with his father), Ida M., Clara 13., Mary F., Hattie, Nellie, Annie, Orin, William, Kobert and Grace. Mrs. Turner is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DAVID TWAY, farmer and stock-raiser, P. O London, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, August 24, 1834. He is the son of Nathaniel and Sophia ( Salmon ) Tway, natives of Ohio, the former of ccotch-Irish and the latter of Dutch descent. Our subject received his education principally in the high schools of Shelby County, and early commenced farming, an occupation which he has since followed. He is the owner of a 300 acre farm, formerly known as the "Watson farm," but latterly as the " Spring Branch Farm." It is well improved, thoroughly cultivated, and graced with a good and substantial brick residence, which our subject has built since his residence there. Mr. Tway is one of a family of thirteen children. He was married, October 20, 18(54, to Miss Maria Louise Hidey, a native of Fayette County, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Carr) Hidey, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio, of Dutch and English descent. Six children have been born to bless this union, viz: Albert, Joseph H., Mary S., Eliza, David Ross and Margaret. Mrs. Tway is a member of the Universalist Church. Mr. Tway is a stanch Republican and takes a great interest in the political welfare of his party. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and he had a brother Nathaniel, who fought in the late rebellion as Orderly Sergeant, in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served through the war. Mr. Tway is a live, energetic business man, and has made his property by his own personal efforts.

JOHN WALLACE, editor and proprietor of the London Enterprise, London, was born in London June 4, 1838. At the age of twelve years, owing to the want of means, he was compelled to leave school, and entered the office of the London Sentinel, then published by G. W. Sprung, where he remained until the winter of 1855-56, when through the influence of friends, he was appointed as page in the Ohio Senate by Lieut. Gov. Myers. At the organization of the Senate, in January, 1860, through the influence of Hon. R. A. Harrison, he was elected Second Assistant Sergeant- at- Arms, and given the post office department. On May 26, 1862, he was married to Miss E. F. Baker, of Franklin County. In 1863, in connection with J. B. Stine, he bought out the London Union, now the London Times, and operated it one year, which embraced the* famous Brough-Vallandigham campaign. On January 1, 1872, Mr. Wallace established the London Enterin ise as an independent newspaper. In April, 1879, the Enterprise was made Republican at the solicitation of the Republican County Executive Committee, and is to-day the Republican organ of Madison County. Mr. Wallace has printed the paper eleven years, three of them under the disadvantage of loss of sight. During tho eleven years, the paper has neither changed hands or name, or missed a publication.

W. C. WARD, freight agent Little Miami Railroad, and agent Adams and American Express Companies, London, was born in Range Township, this county, June 15, 1841. His father, Cyrus Ward, was a native of Mary- land, and came to Ohio when a young man. He was a farmer by occupation, and resided in Range Township until the date of his death. He married Maria Linton, a resident of this county, and daughter of William Linton, a native of England. They were the parents of three children, our subject being the last and only living member of the family. Mrs. Ward departed this life in 1852. W. C. Ward was reared in Range Town - ship, and when still a lad was employed as a clerk for A. &. D. T. Johnston, merchants of Midway. He remained with them two years and then went to Cuba, Fulton County, where he was employed in a like capacity for one year. Ho then returned to Range Township, and alternately went to school and clerked until the commencement of the civil war. Ohio answered the President's call for 75,000 men in a very short time, and as her quota was filled, Mr. Ward went to Kentucky, and enlisted in the First Regiment Ken tucky Volunteer Infantry, serving the three months' term. He then re-enlisted in Company C, of the same regiment, but impaired health caused him to be discharged while in West Virginia. He returned to Madison Coun ty, and subsequently re-enlisted again, this time in Company A, One Hun dred and Thirteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Toland Jones, Col. William Jones, commanding. He remained with the regiment until the war closed. He then went to Missouri, and for a year was engaged in the stock trade. He returned to London, and for eleven years was engaged in the boot and shoe trade, eight years of the time with John Stahl. On March 1, 1877, he was made freight agent of the Little Miami Railroad; March 10, 1877, agent of the American, and November 1, 1881, of the Adams Express Company. Mr, Ward is well-known by everybody in Madison County, and equally well-liked for his genial manners, and good business qualifications. He is a membor of Chandler Lodge, No. 138 (Masonic), and Democratic in politics. He was married February 14, 1867, to Laura Huston, a native of Fayette County, Ohio.

WILLIAM WARNER, retired, London, Ohio, was born in Fairfax County, Va., about nine miles from Alexandria, March 15, 1793. His parents were Wilbam and Betsy (Denty) Warner, both natives of Virginia. William, Jr., was reai'ed to farm life, residing on his father's farm in Virginia until in the spring of 1805, when he came to Ohio with his paronts, who settled in Belmont County, where they remained until the fall of 1812, engaged in farming, and then removed to Madison County, purchasing land adjoining the town of London, on the east. The parents resided in the county a number of years, raised a large family and removed in town, where both died. Our subject had only meager educational advantages; having a stout and robust physique, his labor was required on the farm. After becoming of age, he learned the tanner's trade with William D. Pickard, of London, l>utonly followed it a few years. On the 29th of February. L819, Mr. W. was united in nfarriage with Miss Sarah Kelley, a native of Virginia, ami to them have been born the following-named children : Mary, Nancy, Adaline, John, Kate Anna E., Josephine and Eelen Mr. Warner has been variously occupied during his long lit''- in London and vicinity: and as farmer, tanner, carpenter, reliant and public officer, hav ing been Sheriff of the county twelve years, and Eor a. period of four years Deputy Sheriff, beside filling several minor offices, his honesty and integrity were never questioned. Early in life both himself ami wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his early life, Mr. W. was a member of the Masonic fraternity. He being a Liberal man and of an easy turn in business matters, has not accumulated wealth, but has lived a life highly com- mendable, and is greatly esteemed and respected by all. In politics, he is Republican. "Uncle Billy," as he is familiarly called, is the oldest citizen of the town, and the oldest person in the county, where he has passed nearly seventy-one years. He is now nearing the goal of ninety years, and the venerable couple who have lived in the marriage relation nearly sixty-four years are now passing the evoning of their life together in a comfortable house in London, where they are only awaiting the final summons.

HENRY WARNER, deceased, was born in Fairfax County, Va., nine miles from Alexandria, on the Potomac River, June 15, 1 7 *>-""> . and came to Ohio with his parents and grandparents in the spring of 1805, settling in Belmont County. He removed to London in September, 1812, where he lived consecutively until the day of his death, a period of sixty-four years. When he came to London, it was a collection of less than a dozen huts, and he assisted Judge Patrick McLene in laying out the town. He was married, February 27, L823, to Keturah H. Gosslee, by whom he had eleven children, seven now living, viz.: Mrs. William Riddle, of London; Mrs. R. A. Harrison, of Columbus; Capt. James R. Warner; Gen. D. B. Warner, U. S. Consiil at St John, N. B. ; Mrs. Eliza Baker, of Chicago; Mrs. Asa Myers, of Brooklyn; and Miss Mary Warner, who lives at home. Mr. Warner came of a long lived family, his grandfather having attained the remarkable age of one hundred and four years, his father eighty-eight, and his only living brother, the venerable William Warner, of London, is now one of the oldest citizens of the city. Mr. Warner was a merchant, surveyor and dealer in real estate, besides having held several county offices. He was four years Sheriff of the county, fourteen years County Treasurer ( elected in 1834 ) and for a number of years County Surveyor. He retired from business, more than twenty years prior to his death. By industry, frugality, sound Bense and force of character, be became possessed of a considerable fortune. Many anecdotes are related by old citizens, illustrative of his rigid honesty and eccentricity, for honest ho was and eccentric to a marked degree. Kind of heart when convinced of duty or when charity deserved, he was, nevertheless, one of the most sarcastic of mon. For instance: Once when he was representing his own cause before a magistrate, the lawyer for the other side remarked, that he "did not wish to take advantage of Mr, Warner, as he saw he was there without counsel." "Oh, go on," said Mr. Warner, "your side of the case is in the same condition." Mr. Warner had been an invalid for thirty years previous to his death. Mr Warner was an invalid, but he was always a pleasant and instructive gentleman, and a worthy member of the Methodist Church, to which he had belonged for more than half a century. He was a Whig in politics, so long as that party had an existence, and endorsed the Republican party at its birth, with which he ever after affiliated. He never missed voting at an election in his life until the fall before his death, when his physical health was such that he could not get to the polls. He died Friday, January 31, 1879, at the advanced age of eighty-three years six months and sixteen days. His remains were interred in Kirkwood Cemetery, on the afternoon of Monday, February 2, 1879, the funeral sermon being preached by Rev. J. C. Jackson. Mr. Warner was one of the oldest, besl known, and most highly respected citizens of this comity. As an officer, citizen, parent, or friend, he was conscientious, liberal, faithful and affectionate, and his loss was deeply felt and lamented by the church, State, and society, as well as by a large circle of mourning relatives. Mrs. Warner is a daughter of Richard Gosslee, who was born in Sussex County, Md., in 1781, and died in London November 26, 1872, aged ninety-one years six months and one day. He emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, in 1 804, and to Madison County in 1816. Before his death he represented the oldest of five generations living in London. He was married three times. He left fourteen children, thirty grandchildren, and over thirty great-grandchildren, and two great- great-grandchildren. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for seventy-one years. If he had lived three months longer he would have been enabled to have witnessed the golden wedding of his daughter, Mrs. Warner.

DENNIS WARNER, London, one of the oldest physicians and Surgeons of Madison County, was born in Union Township, this county, near London, May 19, 1818. His father. William Warner, was a native of Virginia, and is a planter by occupation. He never owned any slaves, but hired them, paying them amply for all service rendered. He married Elizabeth Denty, a native of Virginia, who bore him six children and then passed away from earth. He subsequently married Susannah Weiser, of German parentage, who was the mother of eight children. William Warner came to this county with his family in 1812, locating 200 acres of land adjoining the now corporate limits of London. He subsequently sold this, and removed to the city, where he died in his eighty-seventh year. Mrs. Warner departed this life in October, 1797. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained there until twenty years of age. He received only a fair education, and about 1838, commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Malsby, an old practitioner of London. He was subsequently under the tuition of Dr. Toland, and graduated from the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. March 2, 1847. He then located in London, and for nearly forty years has been ministering to the sick of Madison County. During this time, Dr. Warner has been moderately successful in a financial way, but has also been an acute sufferer from that terrible disease, rheumatism. Politically, Dr. Warner had always been a Whig, and later a Republican. He was Pension Examiner a few years, and also served a short time as Assessor. He was married, October 10. 1847, to Mary, daughter of John F. Chenoweth, an old and honored citizen of this county. They had two children, a son and a daughter, the latter dying in infancy. The former, James McLene Warner, is Deputy County Clerk, and married Ida, daughter of William Hall, now of Iowa. They have one daughter, Gertie P.

ELI G. WARNER, farmer, P. O. London, was born in London September 29,1810. He is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Atkinson) Warner, of English descent, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. Our subject worked at the carpenter's trade, with his father, who was a carpenter, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he took up the occupation of farming, which he has since followed. He owns a farm in this county which he is cultivating in the most approved style, in addition to L60 acres in Kansas. He was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Ann Maria Zartman, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Zartman, of German descent. By this union three children were born - Mattie C, Edwin Z. and Clara S. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been class leader and steward. He has long been an advocate of total abstinence, and Btrongly indorses rigid prohibition.

STEPHEN WATSON, President of the Madison National Bank, and Acting President of the London Exchange Bank, was born in Union (now Paint) Township, Madison County, June I, 1827. His father, David Watson, was born in Maryland October 17. 1783. He was a son of Walter Watson, also a native of Eastern .Maryland, who was one of six brothers - said to be the smallest, and his average weight was 235 pounds. After David's birth, he moved to Virginia, and' came to Ohio in 1806. He located in Ross County, near Chillicothe, and one year later moved to this county. David came to Madison County in 1805, to help his father-in-law, Peter P. Helpinstine, in surveying. Mr. Helphinstine's father was a Major in the Revolutionary war, and had a land grant calling for 5,011 acres. His son, our subject's father, came along to survey it. They laid it out in three places on Oak Run, Walnut Run, and Deer Creek. After the land was divided there were 100 acres overplus, which Mr. Watson purchased at $2 per acre, giving in exchange a horse valued at $100, and a watch valued at $20, and owing the balance. In 1807, he settled on the land in Madison County, boarding with Jonathan and Eleanor Minshall, his brother-in-law and sister, until a cabin was built on his land by friendly neighbors. His wife was Mary Helphinstine, a native of Frederick County, Va. . who died in 1852. Mr. Watson was a farmer and stock-raiser through life, and died in April, 1870. They had twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, of whom only four, two daughters and two sons, are living, viz.: Susannah, wife of Wesley Yocums, of Champaign County, Ohio; Isabella, wife of A. H. Nixon, a wholesale tobacco dealer of Dayton, Ohio. Our subject, the eighth child and fourth son; and David, one of the County Commissioners, residing on the old homestead, in Paint Township. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and received his early education, which was limited, in a log schoolhouse on his father's farm. When twenty-two years of age, he purchased, with his brother Samuel, 258 acres of land, which they kept three years and then sold it at an advance of $3,000. With the proceeds, he purchased 145 acres, to which he has since added until he now owns about 600 acres. He was engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1871. In 1868, he came to London, and purchased his present residence. He and Mr. Charles R. C«iver engaged in the business of brokers on November 9, i860, and have been engaged in it since. On July 1, 1870, a stock company was formed and bought the Madison County Bank of Addison Shanklin and Robert Boyd Mr. Watson was appointed Vice President, and the name of the bank changed to the Exchange Bank He has since been Acting President. In June, 1880, he was elected President of the Madison National Bank. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a trustee and treasurer of the church at London. On December 23, 1852, he was married to Elmira, daughter of John Dungan.

E. R. WATTS, of McKinnon & Watts, saddlers and harness makers, London, was born at Xenia. Greene Co., Ohio, March 4, 1828. His father Edward Watts, was a native of Virginia, and a farmer by occupation. He came to Ohio about 1816 or 1818. He tirst located at Mechanicsburg, Champaign County, Ohio, where he taught school. He subsequently located in Greene County, and there married Margaret Snively. a native of Maryland. He died in Greene County, Ohio, in 1856. Mrs. Watts died in August, 1881. They were the parents of one daughter and live sons, four living. Our subject is the only one of the family residing in this county, and was reared and educated in his native county. He learned the saddler's trade at Xenia, and subsequently traveled for a time in Central and Western Ohio. He then returned to Xenia and there remained twelve years. On January 1, 186)6, he came to London, and the same year entered into a - partnership with W. H. McKinnon, in his present business. This is one of the oldest business firms in the city, and their trade is excellent Mr. Watts is a member of Madison Lodge, No. 70 (Odd Fellows), the American Le- gion of Honor, and a firm Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a Steward in that body. He has been a member of the London School Board eleven years, and its able and efficient Secretary the greater portion of that time. Mr Watts was married September 12, 1851, to Mary J. McKinnon. Of their four children, one is living - Reed in attendance at the public schools. Mrs. Watts is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

PETER WEBER, proprietor Weber House, London, also the restaurant and bakery connected therewith, was born in Rhine Bavaria, Germany, December 29, 182d. He is a son of Jacob Weber, who lived and died in Germany. He married Barbara Riddlesburger. They were the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters, only two of whom are in America. Our subject was reared in Germany, and there learned the baker's trade. He was a member of the Sixth Regiment of Infantry, and served five years. He then came to America, locating at Columbus, Ohio, and worked there one and a half years. He then came to London and established himself in the bakery and grocery business. His trade increased steadily, and he soon opened a restaurant. He also established a brewery, which he has lately abandoned. In 1880, he started a brick yard, and the same year erected his present building. Mr. Weber is a pioneer business man of London, and has been quite successful in his mercantile operations. He is Democratic in politics, and has been a member of the Village Council. He was united in marriage, in 1852, to Mary Hah en, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. They are the parents of six children. Mrs. Weber is a member of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

ALMIRA WILLIAMS, nee Rouse, P. O. London, is a daughter of Thomas and Anna (Piatt) Rouse, the former a native of Vermont, of English descent, and the latter a native of Connecticut, of Scotch descent. Her father was a carpenter by trade, and emigrated from the East in 1839, settling in Union Township, where Almira was raised and where they spent their lives. Our subject was born in 1826, and when eighteen years of age married Harvey Fellows, who was born in New Hampshire August 25, 1804. He was a son of Ebenezer and Deborah (Ross) Fellows. They had two children - Sarah A., wife of Col. Ross, of London; and Harvey, who died in 1881, leaving two children. Mr. Fellows w?.s a War Democrat. He was County Commissioner two terms, and Township Trustee three terms. He died in 1865, and in 1876 his widow married Vincent Williams, who died in 1881, aged sixty-five years. Mrs. Williams owns a fine farm adjoining London.

DAVID M. WILLOUGHBY, Marshal of London, was born in Paint Township, this county, June 17. 1.852. His father, A. J. Willoughby, was a native of Range Township, and a son of Laban Willoughby, who came to Ohio about 1807 or L808. A. -I. Willoughby was a farmer until about the time of the war, when a fever sore caused him the loss of one of his legs. He subsequently resided with his sons until the date of his death, January 22, 1870, in his liftv fourth year. Ee married Catherine Coberly, a native of Faint Township Of their seven children, five are living. Mrs. Willoughby is still living, n i >« 1 resides with our subject, in her fifty-sixth year. David M. grew to manhood in his native township, and in early life resided in Indiana one year. He learned the painter's trade, and for three years was employed in the Champion .Machine shoos. Springfield, Ohio. He was. a locomotive fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad, in Michigan, for a short time, and was appointed Night Police of London, in April, 1880. He was elected to his present position in April, 1882, on the Republican ticket. Mr. Willoughby was married, March 17, 1879, to Ellen Harrahan, a native of Paint Township. They have two children - Rosser and Mabel. Mr. Willoughby has made an efficient Marshal, and enjoys the esteem of all his acquaintances.

Gr. H. WILSON, farmer, P. O. London, was born in Madison County, June 6, 1852. He is a son of Eli and Atha (Prugh) Wilson, who were of English descent, and among the early settlers of this county. His father was one of the leading farmers of the county, and at the time of his death, in 1880, owned 900 acres of land, which he had made by his own industry. Our subject was educated in Oak Run Township, and adopted the occupation of farming, which he has since followed. He is the owner of 119 acres of good land, on which he resides. He was married in 1875, to Delia Wilson, a daughter of Jacob Wilson, and a native of Ohio, of English de scent. They have two children, Norman and Pearl. Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics.

J. M. WINCHESTER, London, the oldest clothing merchant and a life resident of London, was born in the village November 9, 1828. His father, Alvah Winchester, was a native of New York, jand in early life accompanied his parents to Ohio. They came down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Penn. , on a raft, and located on the Colerain road, near Cincinnati, and soon after entered a piece of land in Clark County, Ohio, where his father, Lyman Winchester, died. Alvah Winchester came to this county a short time afterward, and was one of the first tailors to locate and do business in the then small village of London. His trade increased, and he finally opened a clothing house, and enjoyed a good trade until his death, January 8, 1803, aged sixty-five years. His wife was Matilda Barnett, a native of Tennessee, who bore him ten children, four living, and three still residents of London. Mrs. Winchester departed this life July 26, 1865, at about the same age as her husband. Our subject was the sixth child of this large family, and in early life assisted his father. He also learned the tailor's trade, and worked at it until 1853, when he became associated in business with his father, under the firm name of A. Winchester & Son. The firm did business under this name until the death of the senior partner, when his son purchased the stock and trade, and has since carried on the business. Mr. Winchester has met with very fair success in business. and is well esteemed by his numerous friends throughout Madison County. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Lodge, Chapter and Council of London, and Republican in political matters. He was united in the holy bonds of wedlock, December 31, 1857, to Margaret Southern, a native of Maryland, who accompanied her parents to Ohio when quite young. Four children have been born to this union, three living - John and Dennis \V.. with their father in the store, and Nettie. Stephen is deceased, Mrs. Winchester is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM WINGATE, farmer, I'. O. London, was born in Union Township July L6, L81 I, and is a son of William and Margaret (Warner) Wingate, natives of Virginia, of English and Irish descent. They were among the early settlers of this county. Our subject was educated in the early subscription schools of this county. He was reared on a farm and has made farming the occupation of his life, now owning 145 acres of land. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a class leader twenty years, and Trustee four years. He was the youngest child of a family of five children. He has lived in the house where he now resides since 1815. He has lived a life of retirement, never having married, and since 1870, has been suffering with impaired health. He is a lover of good literature, a practical farmer and an enthusiastic stock-dealer.

WILLIAM ALLEN, merchant, Plain City, was born in Vermont, April 15, 1811. He is a son of Calvin- and Eunice (Delano) Allen, natives of Vermont, the former of Irish and the latter of French descent, who emigrated to this county in 1818. His father was a brick-mason. Our subject was reared on the farm and worked with his father until twenty years of age. He served a two-years' apprenticeship to the brick-mason's trade, and followed his trade for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1863, he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Plain City, where he still continues. He was married, in 1839, to Harriet N. Ewing, a daughter of Joshua Ewing, who settled here in 1822. By this union eight children were born, live surviving, viz., A. W., Caroline, Lyman, Mary and Wilbur G. A. W. Allen is the junior member of the firm of Hager & Allen, dealers in groceries, boots, shoes and produce, and extensive shippers of eggs. This firm shipped in 1881, 1,200 barrels of eggs, with seventy-five dozen eggs in each barrel, making 1.080,000 eggs. A. W. Allen enlisted in 1861 in Company G, Seventeenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three months, and, at the expiration of his term, re-enlisted in Company I, Forty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. James A. Garfield, and was honorably discharged at the end of his term of service. He was wounded at the battle of Port Gibson, and did not rejoin his regiment until they were at the siege of Vicksburg, in which they participated. Caroline is the wife of Rev. C. S. Irwin. Lyman B. is a train dispatcher and telegraph operator in California. Mary is the wife of R. C. Hager, of Hager & Allen. Wilbur G. is in the store with his father. Mrs. Allen died in J 868. She and her husband were members of the Presbyterian Church, and he has been an Elder and Deacon in the church at Plain City. He is a Republican in'politics, and has been Township Trustee and Justice of the Peace. He is a man of reliable business principles and strict morality.

CHARLES AMANN, Cashier of the Exchange Bank, Plain City, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 0. L8 12. His parents were Xavier and Bridget (Duplar) Amann, the former a native of France and the latter of Switzerland. His father emigrated to America when a young man, and, after stopping a short time in New York, located at Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade - tailoring. He was twice married, Charles being the only child by his first wife. Our subject enjoyed the advantages afforded by the graded schools of Cincinnati until eight years of age, when he went to Sidney with his father, who engaged in the merchant tailoring business there, and Charles attended the Sidney Public Schools. He then learned the molder's trade, which he followed until 1862, when he enlisted from Adams Township. Champaign County, in Compacy H, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Capt. Rhodes. On the 20th of October, 1863, he was captured, at Philadelphia, Term., together with a large number of others, and taken to the rebel prison at Belle Isle, afterward being removed to Dan- ville, Salisbury and Florence. From the last-named place he was taken to Charleston, S. C, in 1864, and placed, with 600 Union officers and 600 Union men, in a building, under the tire of the Federal guns then shelling the city. On the near approach of Gen. Sherman, Mr. Annum was removed to the prison at Goldsboro, from whence the records show he was paroled February 24, 1865. He well remembers seeing emaciated and fever-stricken prisoners, in great numbers, left by the rebels to die. He was fever-strick en at Goldsboro, and, while unconscious, was thrown into the "dead-wagon" and hauled off for burial, the records of Wilmington, where the Goldsboro dead were buried, showing that " Charles Amann, of Company H, Fortyfifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, died March 26, 1865," and was buried in the National Cemetery. He has no recollection of his release, and does not know how he regained his release. It is said that, according to the prison records, he was a prisoner longer than any Ohio soldier, with but one exception, during the war. After the war, he engaged in business at Plain City, with marked success, for twelvo years, in the drug business, with Isaac Leonard, and in L881 he took his present position. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, and of the Grand Army of the Republic, and a Republican in politics. He has been Township Clerk and Trustee, and Mayor and Councilman of Plain City.

* WILLIAM I. BALLINGER, M. D., Plain City, is the oldest son of Joshua and Delilah (Inskeep) Ballinger, of Logan County, Ohio, where he was born October 18, 1828. The former, who was born in New Jersey, came to Ohio with his parents in 1810, and settled on the head-waters of Big Darby Creek, where he died. The latter was a native of Ohio, and still lives. The subject of this sketch spent his youth and boyhood with his parents, brothers and sisters, on a farm, until the spring of 1848. Then, having no special appetite for the gymnastics and manual duties of farm life, he was sent to the " Old Academy," in Marysville, Ohio, at that time under the auspices of the Rev. James D. Smith, who was assisted by the Rev. James A. Sterrett, as Principal. He spent three summers in this institution, the last two of which were under the tutelage of the now Hon. James W. Robinson, of Marysville, Ohio, who took charge of the academy as Principal in 1849. Here he acquired the rudiments of algebra, Latin, and of such branches as are usually taught in the high school departments in the graded system of the present day. The winters were passed in teaching district schools, and our subject remembers, with much regret, the mistakes of those whose duty it was to employ teachers, and to look after the moral and mental welfare of the youth, in employing young men and young women to perform these sacred duties, whose only qualifications were a " cer tificate to teach," and a sufficiency of muscular development to assert their authority in the schoolroom by the help of the rod. In September, 1850, he was sent to the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, and en tered the Senior Preparatory Class, and remained in the university for three years, pursuing the classical course of study. In the fall of L853, be commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. D. W. Henderson, of Marysville, Ohio; taught a district school at Amity, in this county, during the following winter months; resumed his studies in the office in March, 1854. and, in October of the same year, entered Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, for his first course of lectures. In March of 1855, he returned to Dr. Henderson's office, and there remained till the October following, when he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and entered the Cleveland Medical College, where he was graduated a Doctor of Medicine early in March, 1856.

Through the kind offices of his much -esteemed preceptor and friend, Dr. Henderson, he was introduced to Hon. Dr. John N. Beach, then in Pleasant Valley, now Plain City, this county, a partnership for business purposes agreed upon, and, on the 9th of April. 1850, the subject of our sketch became the object of curious eyes among the inhabitants of Pleasant Valley and vicinity, trying to weigh the acumen and mental force of the " new doctor. " First impressions of Pleasant Valley were not favorable. It was at a time of the year when mud reigned supreme over foot-paths and highways. Teams were bemired in the main streets, and had to be pried out with poles. Sidewalks were few and far between. The town had a railroad and depot, but to reach the same you had to travel - man, woman, child, horse, hog and cow - from McCloud's corner over the entire length of Railroad street, through a sea of mud and water, the exact depth of which no man, perhaps, ever exactly fathomed. The late sleeper was aroused from his dreams, of mornings, by the sonorous notes of " P-o-o-i-g, p-o-o-i-g, piggy, piggy!" coupled with the pleasing strain, "S-o-o-k, boss! s-o-o-k, boss! " and, upon gaining the front door, the foot-paths and streets were found to be the common feeding-yards; and for the balance of the day Mr. Porker plied his snout diligently to plowing the streets and grass plats. The moral and social status was not wholly out of keeping with the physical comforts and conveniences of the place. Although there were a number of intelligent, generous-hearted and Christian people there, yet there were a great many who had their " peculiar views" and their peculiar ways. Bad whisky then, as now, was not unknown; and for many, Saturday was the day of days for settling old scores. This element mostly came from the country. They would commence coming in about 9 or 10 o'clock A. M. , and by 2 o'clock P. M. their ranks would be full, and the early comers well fired up. Accounts were called, and the swearing would begin. After exchanging a great many oaths and vulgar epithets, and passing the bottle around several times, the preliminaries of battle would be arranged; but not many hard battles were ever fought. Pleasant Valley at the time was a dead town so far as business and building enterprises were concerned. From 1850 to 1806, one had to count in all the barns built to make an average of one building per year; and the business of the place was limited to three small dry goods stores, one grocery, one drug store and one restaurant. To return to our subject. The " new doctor " was kindly received by his new acquaintances, and, in course of time, was intrusted with a fair share of the afflicted portion of humanity to care for. He found many warm hearts, and true and genial friends. On the 18th of February, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Taylor, the oldest daughter of John and Eliza Mark Taylor, who were both born and raised in Madison County, and still reside two miles south of Plain City. They have had five children, viz. : Charles, who died in infancy; John T. ; Oliver, who died aged fourteen months; James Llew and Eve. Mr. Ballinger is a member of the Methodist Church and of the Masonic Order, and in politics is a Republican. The Doctor pursued his professional <luii<-> assiduously until the spring of L873, when he, in company with Mr. Richard Woodruff, a merchant of Plain City, conceived the project of building a llouring-mill in Plain City. Neither party knew anything about mills or milling, but the scheme was put into execution, and the mill, a substantial brick structure, with two run of buhrs for wheat, and one for corn, was put in operation about Christmas of the same year, costing about $13,000. Mr. Woodruff dying in 1875 left the entire care of the mill in the Doctor's hands. This so interfered with his profes- sional duties that be has given but little attention to them since. The Plain City Mills have had a tine reputation for the quality of their flour for several years, and any one visiting the Doctor's sanctum will tind his table covered with both medical and milling literature, and will tind him as ready to discuss the best methods of milling as he is to discuss the best methods of preventing and treating diseases. He is now decidedly in favor of bread pills.

E. W. BARLOW, undertaker, furniture- dealer and manufacturer, Plain City, was born in Darby Township March 6, 1835. He is a son of E. W. and Polly C. (Lawrence) Barlow, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York, and both of English descent. They emigrated to Clark County. Ohio, and in 1820 moved to Madison County, coming to Plain City in 1852. His father was a carpenter until he came to Ohio, when he followed farming until his death, in 1865. Our subject has worked in the shop where he is now employed since he was seventeen years of ago. He was married, November 4. 1857, to Electa I. Bigelow, a daughter of Dr. D. K. Bigelow, and by her has one child, Cora L, the wife of John R. Hill. Mrs. Barlow died March 9, 1858, and in 1859 he married Lucinda A. Kent, by whom lie has four children - Linden C, Elva R., Earl W. and Eddie B. The parents are members of the Methodist. Episcopal Church, in which the father has been a Class-Leader fifteen years. He was a Reptibiican, but is now a Prohibitionist. His father was a Major in the war of 1812.

I. W. BEACH, undertaker, and manufacturer and dealer in furniture. Plain City, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, July 21, 1850. He is a son of Uri and Elenore (Downing) Beach, the former a native of this county and the latter of Pennsylvania, and both of English descent. Our subject received his education in the common schools, at Ohio YYesleyan University at Delaware, and at a commercial college in Pittsburgh, Penn. He worked at farming until thirty-one years of age when he came to Plain City and embarked in his present enterprise, with Mr. Barlow, under the firm name of Barlow & Beach. He was married, in 1874, to Ruth Alma Slyh, a daughter of Matthias Slyh. They have one child, Lulu Ann, born January 6, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Beach are Baptists, and he is a Republican. He served one term as Township Assessor.

EPHRAIM W. BIDWELL, deceased, was born October 28, 1817, and was the fourth son of Elisha Bidwell, one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, having settled here as early as 1814. His mother's maiden name was Dorothy Willy, and they came to Ohio from the State of Vermont, and were Yankees, or New Englanders. Ephraim was one of seventeen children - fifteen sons and two daughters - fifteen of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. His parents passed through many hardships and privations, known only to the early settlers of Madison County. Ephraim was a farmer, as also were his father and most of his brothers. He received only the limited education to be obtained in the district schools of those days, and was a self-made man, being well informed on all subjects, both political and religious. He held many offices of trust, both township and county offices, and was a member of the State Legislature during the years of 1864 and L865, and was also a teacher in the district schools both before and after bis marriage. He was united in marriage to Miss Laura Lombard, November 4, 1841. Ephraim and wife were the parents of six children - three daughters and three sons - all of whom are living. The eldest daughter, Olive, is now the wife of David D. Brooks, and resides in Nuckolls County, Neb. The second daughter, Dorotha Ellen, is now the wife of J. H. McKinnon, and resides in Cass County, Neb. The third daughter, Virginia Ann, now the wife of John D. Crego, resides near Sedalia, Mo. Their husbands are all farmers. The eldest son, Monroe Bidwell, married Miss Martha C. Kreamer and resides on the old home farm, in the family homestead, where he was born and raised, and where his parents lived for thirty-three years. Monroe is a farmer and stock - raiser. The second son, Webster Bidwell, who married Miss Sarah Bur well, also resides on a part of the home farm, and is a farmer. The third and youngest son Hamilton Bidwell, married Miss Nettie Spink, of Woobter, Ohio, and now resides in Lincoln, Neb. He is by profession a lawyer. Ephraim Bidwell and wife commenced life without means, but, by their united industry and economy, they, succeeded in securing an ample fortune, consisting of a tine farm of 500 acres, situated between the Big and Little Darby. Ephraim also owned a fine town property and residence near Plain City, where he resided at the time of his death, and where his widow now resides. He and wife were firm believers in universal salvation, and members of the Universalist Church. He was very public-spirited, and well-in formed on all political and religious topics of his day, and ever ready to uphold the right and denounce the wrong. In politics, he was an ardent worker and a thorough Republican. He died July 10, 1881, in the sixty - fourth year of his age, and lies in the family burial-grounds at Foster Chapel, Madison County, Ohio. We will now give a short genealogy of Jesse Lombard and wife, parents of Laura E., wife of Ephraim Bidwell: Jesse was one of the earliest settlers of Madison County, having come here in an early day, from the State of Vermont, and settled on what is known as the Darby Plains, where his children still reside. He was a New Englander. His wife, Olive Carlton, was of German parentage, her mother being a German. Jesse and wife were the parents of six children - three sons and three daughters - five of wbom are living. Jesse was a farmer, a firm believer in universal salvation, and a Whig politically. He died in 1874, in the eighty-second year of his age. His wife, Olive, died in 1858, in the sixty-fifth year of her age.

ISRAEL ELIPHAZ BIGELOW, retired, Plain City, was born at Adamsburg, Westmoreland Co., Penu. , June 7, 1825. He was a son of Dr. Daniel K. and Lydia (Custer) Bigelow, the former a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and the latter of Fayette County, Penn They were mar ried in Fayette County, and, coming West in 1831, settled on a farm adjoining Plain City, where both died - he November 10, 1850, and she November 14, 1854. Their family consisted of six boys and five girls, of whom four boys and two girls are living. The father was one of five sons of Dr. Is rael Bigelow, who came to Ohio in 1828. These sons were all physicians, and all, with one exception, life practitioners. The town of Plain City was for a time called Bigelow Town, in honor of the senior Dr. Bigelow. The subject of this sketch was the second of his parents' children. He came West with his parents, and remained at home until twenU two veins of age, when ho engaged in fanning on land adjoining Plain City. He had pre viouslv read medicine with a view of adopting the profession, but for reasons satisfactory to himself, decided net to continue Ids studies in that direction. On June 27. L8 17. he married Betsey M. Smith, who was born in Vermont October 31, L828, ami was a daughter of Capt. E. C. and Irona (Doty) Smith, natives of Vermont. The father was Captain of a company of militia, and for a short time served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mis.

Bigelow have had seven children, viz.: Lydia Irena, born July 31, 1848, and died at the age of twenty-two years; Clarence E. , a grocer of Plain City, born November 20. 1851, and, on March 19, 1871, married Mary, daughter of Luther Lane, who died November 26, 1874, and on December 22, 1877, he married Catharine J., daughter of Charles and Mary Ann (Board) Shipman; an infant son died aged four months; Eliphaz McClellan, born April 10. 1862, and married Elizabeth, daughter of William and Jane (Phillips) Manning; Daniel Crocker, a farmer, at home, born September 1, 1804; Emmett Custer, born March 19, 1807, and now engaged in a jewelry store in Plain City; and Charles Smith, who died March 13, 1870, aged one year. Mr. Bigelow followed farming for ten years after marriage. In 1857, he was appointed Postmaster at Plain City, and to this occupation added merchandising. After six years' service, he resigned the office of Postmaster, and became engaged in the warehouse at Plain City, and as agent of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, in which he continued two years and four months, when he again entered the ranks as a merchant, and so continued until 1879. when he retired from active business life. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity of the Royal Arch degree, and of the Universalist Church. In politics, he is a Democrat. He recently visited the Bigelow family in the East, and paid his respects to 100 living descendants of two of his father's brothers, Drs. Lebbeus L. and Eliphaz Bigelow. He also visited over forty descendants of his Grandfather Custer, who was a full cousin to Gen. George Washington. A gold-headed cane and a gold watch, originally owned by his great-great-grandfather, Isaac Bigelow, have been handed down from generation to generation through the name of Isaac, and are now in possession of the ex-Mayor of Newark. Ohio, who represents the fifth generation, and at his death they pass to the next oldest Isaac then living. The subject of this sketch has tilled most of the minor offices of the township, including Justice of the Peace from 1870 to 1873. He was also elected Mayor of Plain City at the same time, and served one year, but then resigned the office. He was re-elected in 1881, and served one year more. He was appointed and commissioned Seventieth Census Enumerator of the Fifth Ohio District, and discharged the duties of his office to the entire satisfaction of his superiors. Mr. Bigelow has two grandchildren, viz., Bertha J., born June 30, 1879; and Charles Eber. born March 30, 1882, children of his eldest son.

FILMORE C. BIGELOW, P O. Danville, 111., born Jan. 23, 1848, at Plain City, Madison County, Ohio. His parents were Dr. Daniel K. and Lydia (Custer) Bigelow. He was engaged in farming and clerking in a grocery store up to 1866; then attended College at Columbus, Ohio, and began telegraphing in 1867.' He was married, April 14, 1875, to .Miss Annie M. Ball, at Clarksville, Tenn., after which he settled in Danville 111. Has two children. Edith I., born November 13, 1878, and Pearl K., horn November 11, 1880 Iu 1880. hequil telegraphing and commenced as hilling clerk for the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad Company, which position he still holds. Mrs. Bigelow's parents were Ephraim and Sarah (Peek) Ball. Her grandparents were John and Mary (Grimes) Ball. Mrs. Bigelew was born May 10, 1857, at North Manchester. Wabash County, Ind.

MRS. EMELINE BOND, whoso maiden name was Emeline Phillips, was born in the State of New York in 1818. She was a daughter of Varon and Catharine (Lawson) Phillips, the former a native of Long Island, of English descent, and the latter a native of New York State, of German descent. They came to Ohio in 181'.). They had seven children, all of whom are deceased but oiir subject. She was married, in 1839, to S. O. Worthington, of Franklin County, and in 1841 they moved into Plain City and built the hotel in which she now resides. Mr. Worthington died in 1853, leaving one child, Wilson S., who was born January 29, 1843, and died January 7, 1876. In 1876, Mrs. Worthington married Hiram Bond, a native of Ontario County, N. Y., where he was born in 1818. He is a miller by trade, but since 1876 has been conducting the business of the hotel.

DANIEL BOYD, stock-dealer, Plain City, was born in Washington County, Penn. , May 1, 1828. He is the son of James and Martha (Millikin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Ohio in 1831 and settled in Canaan Township. Our subject was reared and educated in Canaan Township, and has made stock-dealing a life occupation. He has also given some attention to the wool trade during the past thirty years. He was married, February 14, 1850, to Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Samuel Smith. By this union four children were born, viz. : John S. , a farmer of this township; Ella W., who died aged four years; Dwight S., a farmer of this township; and Charles, at home. Mr. Boyd is a Republican, and he has held the offices of Township Trustee, Treasurer and Assessor, and for three years was County Commissioner. He owns 125 acres of land, in addition to other property. His wool and stock operations are very extensive, but operated with care and sound judgment, and the profits from them have enabled Mr. Boyd to amass a comfortable competency for his declining years.

JAMES BOYD, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in AVashington County, Penn., June 5. 1826, and moved with his parents to Madison County in 1831, locating in this- township in 1852. He was a son of James and Martha (Millikin) Boyd, natives of Pennsylvania. Oiir siibject's education was limited to the common schools of this county. He early began the work of a farmer, and has since spent his life in that useful occupation. He owns a farai of 356. V acres of land, near Plain City, where he resides. He was married, November 20, 1864, to Ann E. Williams, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and a daughter of Ebenezor Williams. They have three children - Emma, James Grant and Robert Colfax. Mr. Boyd was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, since which he has been a Republican. His grandfather, Col. Millikin, an officer in the war of 1812, was a surveyor by profession, and at one time owned 2,200 acres of land here.

J. P. BOWERS, Sr., farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township August 12, 1820. He is a son of Daniel and D. (Phiney) Bowers, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont, where she was born in 1798, being now eighty-four years of age. Daniel Bowers was one of the early settlers of this county, where he located sometime about the year L800. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject's grandfathers on both sides were soldiers of the Revolution. Mr. Bowers in e,-,rh life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for three years. at the expiration of which time he bought a farm, and since then has engaged in farming, now owning about one hundred acres. In L841, he married Ruhama Guy, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, in 1819. She was a daughter of Jacob Guy. By this union eight children were born, of whom four survive, viz., Betsey L., Daniel E., John P. and Adda M. Mrs. Bowers died in 1871. She was a good wife, an affectionate parent, and a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. In L872, Mr. Bowers married Alvina Newton, a native of Darby Township, This union has been without

M. D. BRADLEY, farmer, P. O. Plain City. The subject of this sketch was born in Canaan Township, Madison Co., Ohio, September 25, 1854. He is a son of James L. and Elizabeth Mark Bradley. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother of this county. Our subject is a farmer by occupation, and owns 202 acres of land in Darby Township and 278 in Canaan Township. In politics, he is a Republican. He was married, November 21, 1877, to Ada A. Burnham, who was born in Pike Township, Madison County. She is the daughter of John H. and Salina (Fullington) Burnham. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley are members of the Universalist Church.

ABRAM CAREY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township June 28, 1817. His father, Abijah Carey, was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, and married Catharine Johnson, a native of Virginia. In 1800, he came to Madison County, where he died in 1854, at the age of seventy-three years. He was a farmer, and, at the time of his death, owned 400 acres of land in Darby Township. He raised a family of nine children - three boys and six girls - all of whom reached their majority. The girls married prominent farmers, viz., May married James Guy; Sarah married Jacob Millikin; Rhoda married William Guy; Rachel married James Millikin; Eiiza married George Rickard; and Lucinda married Nathaniel Harrington. All but one live in this vicinity. Solomon died in July, 1882, and left his property to two sons, who were wealthy before his death. He had retired from business, and was in independent circumstances. Our subject has been a life-long farmer. He owns a large and well-improved farm in this township, on which he resides. He was married, in 1853, to Jane Hogle, a native of Upper Canada, and a daughter of Peter Hogle. This union was blessed with two children, Alice and Ella, who have attended to the household duties of the (arm since July, 1877, when their mother died. Mr. Carey was a Democrat until the breaking-nut of the late civil war, since which he has been a standi Republican.

DR. J. H. CARPENTER, physician and merchant, Plain City,was born in Delaware County. Ohio, November 27, 1831. In addition to the common schools of his native county, he attended Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, after which ho took a course in Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio. He then attended the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in L865. He commenced practicing in his native county, where he remained three years, then spent two years in Marion County, and, in I860, cam« to Plain City, where he has since remained. In 1854, he married Catharine Andrews, by whom he had two children - Charles H. and Lellie K. She died in 1863, and in 1870 he married L. Jennie, daughter of Asa Converse. Dr. Carpenter is a Republican in politics, and has served his village as member of School Board. His grandfather was the first white settler in Delaware County, locating in 1801, on 300 acres of land, which is still in the possession of the family, being now occupied by a grandson of the old settler. In coming to Ohio, they descended the Ohio River to Portsmouth, and then embarked in canoes, and, by means of poles, pushed their way up to Delaware County, a distance of 120 miles. The grandfather was killed by being thrown from his horse down a steep embankment. He was a Captain in the Revolutionary war, and one of the pistols used by him in that struggle is now in possession of our subject. It

ANDREW GARY, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Canaan Township January 22, 1833. He is a son of Solomon and Anna (Millikin) Cary. the latter a daughter of Col. Millikin, and of Irish descent. Solomon was a son of Abijah and Catherine (Johnston) Cary, Abijah was born in Pennsylvania in 1780, of English parentage, and in 1800 came to Madison County. Solomon was born in Madison County in 1809, and died in July, 1882. His wife was born in Washington County, Penn. , in 1814. They had three children, two now living. Our subject, the oldest child, is a farmer by occupation, and he also deals largely in cattle, usually having about one hundred head on hand all the time. He breeds the Short-Horn Durham cattle and Southdown sheep. He owns 570^ acres of well- improved land, and is one of the leading fanners of the county. He is a Republican in politics; takes an active interest in the cause of education, and has served as School Director for twelve years. He was married, in 1858, to Flora E. Burnham, a daughter of Darius and Lucretia (Hunt) Burnham. and a native of this county. They have six children, viz., Anna L., wife of J. B. Smith, of Canaan Township; Henry, Nettie, Rodney, Burnham and Frank Pearl.

DR. JEREMIAH CONVERSE, Plain City. Dr. Jeremiah Con verse, grandson of Rev. Jeremiah Converse, a Revolutionary soldier, and son of Jeremiah Converse, Jr., was born in Darby Township. Madison County, Ohio, June 11, 1822, in that season of epidemic death which is well remembered by the old inhabitants as making sad inroads upon the thinly settled community of Darby Plains, and thickly populating th*e primitive grounds on Big Darby set aside and sanctified with tears as the buryingground of the dead. Malinda Converse, the Doctor's mother, was a Derby, descended from the old English titled family of that name, and was a woman of remarkable and healthy characteristics of mind. Her keenly active perceptive faculties, aided by an untiring devotion to her family, under less narrowing circumstances than those which surrounded the pioneers of the plains, would naturally have led to a careful, discriminating education of her children; but the schoolhouses and text-books of to-day were beyond the dreams of that time, and it was by studious application of all his energies and the precious little spare time he could get from labor that young Converse obtained a very common education. The thud of the grubbing hoe, the crash of falling trees and the wielding of the ox-gad in preparing land for cultivation, were interjections in his educational process until about the year 1844, when he turned his mind to a study of the science of medicine, and graduated four years later at the Columbus, Ohio. Starlin ; Medical College. At or near the time of his commencement of the study of medicine, he married Miss Hortence Hemenway, a young lady of excel lent family and fine qualities of mind and heart, by whom he had six children, the oldest, a daughter, dying in childhood. Following his gradua tion commenced a professional career of twenty-five years, and with it be gan an observance and study of the physical condition of the country at I its sanitary requirements, together with the advancement <>f social, agricultural ami general ideas which have kept him prominently before the public. He never entirely gave up his farming interests, and these, in connection with his extensive professional practice, required the major part of his attention, yet in all these the Doctor was careful to give his children excellent educational advantages, and the most of them are now engaged in teaching.

One," the oldest son, is engaged in a lucrative business in New York City, a married daughter resides in Columbus, Ohio, and the others of his family are living at home or in its immediate neighborhood. Thus, after a quarter of a century administering to the sick over an extensive scope of country, the Doctor felt himself to be breaking under the physical tax imposed by so much horseback-riding. His routes took him over mud roads, polo bridges and unbroken forests and fields, for gravel pikes were yet far in the future, and so, as far as possible, be withdrew from these exacting duties, impressed with the idea that he could render still greater services to the public by engineering labor and becoming actively instrumental in establishing pikes and ditch draining of the plains. The preventative of prevailing diseases he believed to have been better than the cure, and since the time of his withdrawal from practice, save as consulting physician, he has been closely identified with those vast improvements which, through brain, energy and " back-bone." have made our waste lands the garden spot of the Buckeye State. During these years the Doctor has also served Darby Township for many terms as Clerk and Trustee, and was elected Assessor ten years in succession. In 1860, he was elected to the office of County Commissioner, and, at the expiration of a three-year term, was re-elected. In all his public affairs, as in private life, his acts have been characterized by that rare spirit of impartial judgment which impresses communities with its intrinsic value above iln.se who court public trust and nurse it solely for the emolument of office. Had the Doctor's highest aim in life been one of wealth and self-aggrandizement, we might now write of him as a man of broad acres, grazing herds and ponderous bank account. His modest independence, however, assures us that his personal aims have been subservient to the public good, and no doubt the richest blessing he now enjoys, outside the possession of home and family, is his own knowledge and approval of the gifts of prosperity which he sees bestowed upon those around him through the agency in some measure of his wisdom, forethought and selfsacrifice. The Doctor is a man of pleasing presence, with a genial, honest handshake for all who meet him. That softer and finer part of humanity, common in some measure to all, but liberally bestowed upon him, has not been perceptibly blunted by the wear of professional experience and hardships, and his home is one in which the light of hospitality never grows dim, and from which no one turns away hungry and uncared for.

L. D. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby Township January 31. 1826. He is a brother of Dr. J. Converse, who=*e sketch appears in this work. He attended the common schools and had the advantages of a select school taught in the vicinity. He remained on a farm until he reached his majority, when he commenced teaching school. He was married, in 1851, to Laura Thomas, a native of Champaign County and a daughter of A. H. Thomas. They have four children, viz., Marcia L. , J. L. H, Carrie C. Pearl D. and Ruby N. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a Class-Leader, Steward and Trustee, and an active worker in the Sunday school. He is a member of the Greenback party in politics. In 1845, he was elected Lieutenant of the First Squadron, First Brigade, Thirtieth Division, Ohio State Militia. He is an active worker in the cause of education, and has served as a School Director for some time.

ASA CONVERSE, merchant, P. O. Plain City, was born in Vermont February 9, 1814, and is the son of Squire Converse and Anna (Rand) Converse, of English descent. They came to Darby Township in 1814, and located in what is known as the "Converse Settlement." Our subject remained on the farm until sixteen years of age, when he began learning tanning, and soon taking up the shoe-making trade, he followed both with more than average success for several years. He then opened a general store, which he has conducted over twenty-one years, from 1861. He also owns 133£ acres of good land. In 1835, he married Thankful McCloud. daughter of Charles McCloud. They have three children, viz., Candice. wife of J. J. Morelock, of Marysville; Albert N. ; and L. Jennie, wife of Dr. Carpenter. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the M. E. Church, of which he has been a Trustee. He is a Republican, and has acted as a delegate to the State convention.

RUSSEL B. CONVERSE, farmer, P. O. Plain City, was born in Darby Township January 15, 1828, and is a son of Charles and Phebe (Norton) Converse, natives of Virginia, of English descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and received his education in the country schools. He has been a farmer and stock-raiser all his life, and has met with success in most of his undertakings. In 1849, he married Anna Lombard, a native of Ken tucky, and a daughter of Jesse Lombard. This union has been blessed with four children, viz., Amelius K., deceased; James L., Elmer E. and Charles D. Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the Universalist Church, in which he is a Deacon and Trustee. He has helped to build six churches in his day. He is a Republic:. n in politics, and has been Trustee and Treasurer of the township. He now owns a fine farm of 385 acres.

SANFORD CONVERSE, livery, Plain City, was born in Darby Township, three miles west of Plain City, August 11, 1841, and is the son of Silas and Diadama (Phiney) Bowers Converse, natives of Vermont, the latter being the widow of Daniel Bowers. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the district school of his neighborhood. In 1877, he began butchering, which he followed until 1880, when he engaged in his present business, with Z. Taylor, whom he has since bought out. He keeps good stock and plenty of it and is doing a thriving business. In 1860, he married Sarah J. Sherwood, a daughter of Andrew A. and Irene (Beach) Sherwood. They have two children, Silas D. and George A. Mr. Converse is a Republican and he has been a Constable for twenty years. He is a prominent Odd Fellow and for seven years was Secretary of that body at Plain City. His father died in 1879, aged eighty-six years, two months and twenty-two days. His mother died October 6, 1882, in her eighty-sixth year.