Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 11 of 20)

Mr. Anderson has many interesting stories to tell of his ae struggles to gain a foothold on the ladder of success and also many interesting things to recount concerning the conditions surrounding life in this community when he was young. He relates that when he was married his sole worldly possessions consisted of one horse; saddle and bridle, and of this he disposed in order to raise sufficient money to purchase the necessary articles with. which to go to housekeeping. He then rented a farm from "Billy" Wilson and remained there over four years, when he purchased the farm where he has since resided, having lived continuously in this township for over fifty years.

It has been said that about the highest tribute which can be paid a man is an honorable and long-continued residence in any one locality, and when it is stated that 'Mr. Anderson enjoys most justly the respect and high esteem of his fellow citizens, he is accorded the fine tribute to which he is entitled.

Raleigh Mitchell

Raleigh Mitchell is a prosperous young farmer of Somerford township, who was born on:the old homestead farm, of which he now. owns a part, November 20, 1873, son of the late Charles E. and Mary FE. HetHey Mitchell, the former of whom was born on: what is known as the Cramer farm in Somerford township, the only son of Newman-and Cassandra (Bradley) Mitchell, Newman Mitchell was born on April 29, 1811, forty miles above Cincinnati on the banks of the Ohio. He was the son of Ensign and Lucy (Hubbard) Mitchell, who; in 1815, settled on a farm, four and one-half miles southeast of Mechanicsburg. in Madison county. In 1826 they moved to a farm of six hundred acres near Rosedale. Charles E. Mitchell owned, at the time of his death, over two thousand acres of land, which he had pccmmeiated by diligent, industrious and honest effort and management.

Although the late Charles E. Mitchell was the only son born to his parents, he had two sisters, Jennie, who married David Bales, and after their marriage moved to Texas, where both died; and Lettie, who married Louis Kremer and lived on the old Mitchell farm in Somerford township, where she died, leaving two children, Iva and Roy. The administrator of the Mitchell estate, anet, the death of the late Charles E. Mitchell, was Dr. Morrow Beach.

After spending his boyhood on the home farm and receiving a good education in the common schools of Madison county, Raleigh Mitchell remained with his father until the latter's death. He inherited a part of the old homestead and also about one hundred and seventy-one acres, which comprised his father's home farm at the time of his death. The former farm. Mr. Mitchell sold, since which time he has devoted his time, energy and attention exclusively to the latter place. Mr. Mitchell has erected good buildings on the farm and has continued the drainage of the land which was begun by his father. The soil is a very fine black loam and exceptionally fertile. Mr. Mitchell devotes himself to raising horses and Duroc-Jersey hogs. The Mitchell home in Somerford township is one of the most attractive spots.in Madison county. The house is an attractive modern residence, consisting of six rooms, and the barn is a commodious, up-to-date structure. All the buildings are painted in a pleasing, harmonious color scheme.

In November, 1907, Raleigh Mitchell was married to Metta Rafferty, a cousin of the wife of his brother Noel, and the daughter of N. S. and Elizabeth (Geer) Rafferty. Mr. Rafferty lives in London. Mrs. Mitchell was born in Somerford township. To this union have been born two children, Charles Nathaniel and Dolly Elizabeth.

Since his marriage, Mr. Mitchell has devoted himself almost altogether to farming and has had little time for outside interests. He is one of the most highly-respected young farmers of Madison county.

Arthur Bradley

One of the conspicuous names on the list of prominent agriculturists entitled to special mention in this volume is that of Arthur Bradley, the proprietor of the old Peter Paul homestead, located in Monroe township, and consisting of one hundred and eighty-nine and one-quarter acres. Mr. Bradley has long been recognized as an enterprising and successful agriculturist, and his advice is often requested and followed.

Arthur Bradley was born on January 17, 1850, near his present home, on the old John Bradley farm, and is a son of John and Sarah Ann (Jones) Bradley. He lived at home until twenty-two years of age, during which time he received a public school education. He then decided to travel and visited the states of Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, working his way, and at the end of eighteen months he returned home. After his marriage he settled on his mother's farm, where he lived until 1875. In 1912 he moved to London, on account of his wife's health, but on February 22, 1915, moved back to his farm. Mr. Bradley has demonstrated his loyalty to the Republican party by voting that ticket, and serving as township trustee for ten years, and school director for twenty years. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

John Bradley, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1812, in Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, and his wife, Sarah Ann (Jones) Bradley, was -born on Deer Creek, Madison township. They were the parents of seven children: Calvin, deceased; Adelia, the wife of Joseph Williams; Martha Ann, who died aged eight years ; Arthur, of Monroe township; Albert, deceased; Charles, a farmer in Montana, and Emma, who became the wife of Hezekiah Ammons. John Bradley was a prominent man in the township, and a great fancier of cattle and horses. He became eminently successful, owning over one thonsand acres of land, on which he grazed cattle in the days when Ohio had no fences. He lived at home until he was married, at the age of thirty-five. and then bought the John Weaver place, which he disposed of and again lived at home.

Jonah Bradley was the original settler of. the family in this county, coming as a married man, from the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. He bought one hundred and sixty acres in 1804, located in Madison county. David Bradley followed, and then James. David lived to old age, although he was always sickly. James died young, and Jonah died at the age of sixty-nine years. The Bradley family was well represented in the Civil War, numbering eight in all, six of whom returned at the end of the war.

; Arthur Bradley was united in marriage, November 12, 1875, with Jemima Booth, daughter of James and Elizabeth Booth. She was born in September, 1854, in Clark county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have been born four children: Anna is the wife of Carl Roseberg and lives in Pike township, Madison county; Edith is the widow

James and Elizabeth Booth, parents of Mrs. Arthur Bradley, were natives of Madison county, Ohio. He was a farmer and shoemaker for many years. Both parents are deceased. ~

Mr. Bradley is an affable and congenial gentleman, and one to whom all give high praise as to his upright character and unswerving conscientiousness.

Howard A. Lewis

Agriculture has always been an honorable vocation, and at the present time the agricultural output of the United States is more than equivalent to the total output of all the factories in the country put together. There is one thing in the life of a farmer that distinguishes it from any other occupation. and that is his ability to exist independently of every other vocation. The merchant, the banker, the manufacturer, all depend absolutely on the farmer's crops. A famine throughout this country would bankrupt the strongest merchant, wreck the largest bank and close the most extensive factory. Business men can see their business collapse within a week, but nothing short of an earthquake can ruin the farmer. Land is, as it has always been, the most permanent financial investment. Madison county has a group of farmers unexcelled by those of any other county in the state of Ohio. Many of them have shown their wisdom and judgment in converting their profits and their wealth into farm real estate. Among the citizens of Madison county, who belong to a family of very successful farmers, is Howard A. Lewis, of Somerford township. Mr. Lewis is the proprietor of 'Tradersville Stock Farm." ;

Howard A. Lewis was born on the site of his present home, November 22, 1872. and is the son of Schuyler and Eliza (Candler) Lewis, the former of whom was born in New York state, February 25, 1812, and who was the son of Gardner and Martha (Barber) Lewis, natives of New York, born in 1786 and 1788, respectively. They were married in New York state in 1811, and in 1822 emigrated to Vermont. In 18386 they came to Ohio and settled in Somerford township. His wife died in 1845, and he was married, secondly, to Ruth Hutchinson, who died on September 1, 1880. He died in 1862.

At the age of seventeen Schuyler Lewis began working by the month at eight dollars a month, and continued for eight years. He purchased one hundred acres of land in Somerford township after coming to Madison county. This land was located three miles from the present Lewis home in Somerford township, and grew in area from year to year until it was finally increased to three hundred acres. He added to his land until he eventually owned sixteen hundred and sixty acres in three tracts, part of which was in Deer Creek township. The supervision of this land required his very careful attention. He began early in his career to lay tile and remained a thorough believer in drainage throughout his life. He was principally engaged in stock raising, and was accustomed to buy young stock. cattle and sheep. After feeding them on grass, they were prepared for the market. During his entire life he acted as his own manager and rode a horse back and forth to his various farms. He was a stockholder and director in the Farmers Bank at Mechanicsburg, and did his principal banking business at this place. The bank was situated five miles away. Although he voted the Democratic ticket. he was never an office-holder and never aspired to office.

The late Schuyler Lewis was married, October 25, 1836, to Lydia Hazzard, of Vermont, who came with him to Madison county. They had no children. Mrs. Lewis died on April 4, 1862. Mr. Lewis was next married to Eliza Dickason, the daughter of Jesse and Agnes Dickason, and a sister of Samuel R. Dickason (referred to elsewhere in this volume). To this marriage there was born one son, Howard A., the subject of this sketeb. Mrs. Eliza Lewis survived her husband and is still living in Summerford, where she has resided all her life. In: spite of limited educational advantages offered to Schuyler Lewis, he became a well-informed man and one of the Buckeye state's most successful farmers and stockmen.

Howard A. Lewis spent his boyhood days on the farm, and at the age of twentyone took charge of his father's farm property. He keeps one hundred and fifty head of cattle practically all the time, and sometimes has as many as two hundred and fifty head. He also breeds horses and has been very successful in this particular. Mr. Lewis has added to the home place until it now consists of thirteen hundred and fifty acres, and owns altogether twenty-six hundred and fifty-two acres, whereas his father's greatest holdings amounted to sixteen hundred and sixty acres. This enormous tract of land is managed in three separate farms and requires from eight to fifty men and fifty head of work horses. Mr. Lewis has continued tiling and has made substantial improvements on all the farms. He holds the place in the bank at Mechanicsburg which was formerly held by his father. He votes the Democratic ticket.

Howard A. Lewis was married at the age of twenty-seven to Mary Goings, the daughter of Martin and Flora (Brougher) Goings, of Somerford township. Mrs. Lewis's father still resides in Somerford township and has spent his whole life here. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have four children, Howard, Jr., Charles, Marvin and Bernard, all of -whom live at home with their parents.

The young man who is favored by inheritance and who adds nothing to his legacy is entitled to little credit in this world. Mr. Lewis, however, although still a young man, has almost doubled. the estate left by his father. For this reason he is entitled to the admiration of the people of Madison county. It is needless to say that he is a highly-respected citizen of the county, and one who is well known 'in agricultural and financial circles.

Clyde B. Worthington

Clyde B. Worthington, farmer, Plain City. Darby township, was born on October: 6. 1884, on his father's farm in Darby township, and is a son of Charles and Hattie (Beach) Worthington. He was reared on the farm and received his education at the district schools, attending during the winter seasons and devoting his time to agricultural pursuits in the summer. Charles Worthington was forced to retire from active farm work in 1900. At that time Clyde B. Worthington was sixteen years of age and was attending high school. He gave up two years of high school in order to take charge of the farm and has been farming continuously since. His father's farm, of which he has charge, consists of one hundred and thirty acres, and is located four miles southwest of Plain City, and his home place is known as "Fair Oaks Farm." His skill in so successfully managing his property has placed him in the position of being an authority along this line. Mr. 'Worthington is a stanch Republican, and takes a deep interest in all that adds to the: betterment of the conditions in his townsbip. .

Charles and Hattie (Beach) Worthington, parents of the subject of this sketch, are residents of Plain City, Ohio, to whom have been born four children, namely : Clyde B.; Sylvia, who became the wife of Roy Sells, of Plain City; Edith, who is

Clyde B. Worthington was united in marriage, June 6, 1907, with May Dutton, daughter of John and Retta (Drumm) Dutton. She was born on April 20, 1886, in Licking county, Ohio, and received her education at the district schools. This union has been blest with five children, Charles, Alpharetta, Martina, Elton and Paul.

Mr. Worthington has wisely and vigorously applied practical industry, which, accompanied by progressive ambition, has resulted in returning to him the best there is in the line to which his attention has been directed.

William J. Boerger

Among the descendants of the early German settlers in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, is William J. Boerger, a well-known and prosperous citizen, residing on rural route No. 1, Plain City, and the proprietor of the splendid farm known as the "W. J. Boerger Farm," consisting of one hundred and forty five acres of as valuable farm land as will be found in the township.

William J. Boerger, farmer, Plain City, Madison county, was born on August 28, 1872, in Darby township, Union county. and is a son of John K. and Margaret (Maegerline) Boerger. He grew to young manhood on his father's farm, and attended the district schools, and afterward, the parochial school at St. 'John's Lutheran church. After leaving school Mr. Boerger remained at home until he was eighteen years of age and then began to work out by the month, returning in two years to assist his father on the farm. Again, in 1895, he worked by the day at various kinds of employment, Saving enough by the year 1902 to buy a farm of his own, consisting of one hundred and twenty-five acres, paying for one-half at that time, the other half in three or four years, and in 1904 bought twenty acres, and now owns in all, one hundred and forty-five acres, the most of which he has made unaided. Mr. Boerger is a Democrat, but has never taken any special interest in politics. He belongs to St. Paul's Lutheran chureh at Chuckery, of which he has been one of the elders. He is a stockholder in the Home Telephone Company. At present he makes a specialty of raising high grade Percheron horses.

John K. Boerger, father of the subject of this sketch, came with his parents to the United States when three years of age. They settled in Columbus, Ohio, and lived there fifteen years, when they moved to Darby township, Union county, where they both died. Mr. Boerger was married in Columbus, Ohio, to Margaret Maegerline, and settled on a farm in Darby township, where he became the owner of one hundred and eighty-five acres of good farm land, all of which was acquired unaided. Mr. and Mrs. Boerger became the parents of seven children, six of whom are living in 1915: Fred, who is married and lives at Racine, Wisconsin; John was married to Caroline Rausch, deceased, and now lives in Pike township, Madison county; Mary, the wife of George Rausch, who lives in Darby township, Union county; Lena, who became the wife of George Rausch, and resides in Union county; Emanuel was married to Dora Hill, and lives in Darby township, Union county, Ohio; William J., of Darby township. By his second marriage, John K. Boerger had five children: Alfred, who is married, and lives in Ohio; Ernest is single, and lives in Wisconsin; Gerhard is married and resides in Union county; Carl is single and lives in Union county; Walter is married and resides at Columbus, Ohio.

William J. Boerger was united in marriage, April 9, 1896, with Catharine Rausch, daughter of John A. Rausch. She was born in Union county, Ohio. This union has been blest with five children, four of whom are living in 1915: Elmer, Henry, Kilian

Mr. Boerger has always displayed an unusual amount of good, sound business judgment in the management of his agricultural interests, as the result of which he is now in a position to enjoy the fruits of his industry, as well as the admiration and high esteem of many sincere friends and neighbors in his township.

Mrs. Margaret S. Roberts

Mrs. Margaret S. Roberts is a descendant of the fine old Virginia family of Snyder, whose ancestors did their part in establishiug the independence of America, and as such, she is justly entitled to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, an honor to all who have that privilege.

Mrs. Margaret S. Roberts, widow, West Jefferson, Madison county, Ohio, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Anna (Kiser ) Snyder. She was reared on a farm in Champaign county, and attended the public schools of that county and later entered the Westville school. After completing her education she became the wife of John W. Houx, of Maryland, by whom she had three children: Laura, a graduate of the West Jefferson high school, married Dr. L. E. Evans; Martha, who is the wife of Myron A. Silver, lives in Jefferson township ; and Charles E., who was married and is a shoe salesman at Columbus, Ohio. John W. Houx died in 1878. Mrs. Margaret Houx was married, in 1885, to John E. Roberts, who died in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were blest with three children, all of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Roberts is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church at West Jefferson, Ohio.

Daniel Snyder, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia, and his wife, Anna (Kiser) Snyder, was born in Champaign county, Ohio. He came with his parents to Champaign county, where he grew to manhood, and was married, settling on a farm in that county. He was a man of great wealth, and his farm consisting of four hundred acres was situated near Westville, Ohio. At the time of his death he was one of the most prosperous farmers in the county, and all he possessed was gained entirely through his own efforts. In addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Snyder was a large stock owner. Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a general in the War of 1812, and was always known as General Snyder, and was a clever, sociable man. He belonged to the Universalist church, and his fraternal membership was with the Masonic lodge. His death occurred in 1871, and his wife died later. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are living in 1915.

John R. Stateler, a successful farmer and stockman of Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, who is now the proprietor of the Stateler estate, was born on July 28, 1853, the son of Jonas W. and Phoebe B. (Rowand) Stateler, the former of whom was born in June, 1819, the son of George Stateler, who was born on March 24, 1788. Jonas W. and Phoebe B. (Rowand) Stateler were married on May 2, 1843, and to them were born six children: William. born in 1848, was killed in a mine in Colorado at the age of sixty years; Chester, 1850, lived on the old farm until his death in 1870; George, 1851, died in boyhood; John R., the subject of this sketch: Mary, 1856, is the wife of John Love, of Hannah, Illinois; Fred, 1861, died in young mantingd

The Jate Jonas W. Stateler was probably born on the same farm as his father, the grandfather of John R., and from him inherited the land in Somerford township, still held by the family. The grandfather died before the birth of John R. Stateler. who, however, recalls his grandmother. She died when he was eight or ten years old.

After acquiring the old Stateler farm, Jonas W. Stateler added to the tract until he owned about six hundred acres of land in one tract. He spent his life in the log house still standing on the farm and which was built by George Stateler. During the later years of his life, he lived retired in London and died there in 1898. His wife died about three months later. Having spent his life in farming and stock raising, he had no time for other interests. A Democrat in politics, he never aspired to office. He was active in school affairs and the neighborhood school in this township is now known as the Stateler school. The cemetery on the Stateler farm is also known as the Stateler cenietery. i

John R. Stateler was born in the house where he now lives. He spent fifteen years in Montana, where he was engaged in sheep raising on a ranch, but he found it a lonesome life and eventually returned to the old farm in Madison county, and with his brother William took charge of the place, William being administrator. The estate consists of about three hundred acres and was operated jointly until shortly before William's death, when John R. became administrator. The farm is located on the London and Urbana road, two miles north of Summerford, and is all situated in Madison county. John R. Stateler has made a great many improvements lately, especially in the installation of drainage. He operates the farm with hired help principally. Mr. Stateler is not married.

Wallace C. Morse

Being a man of active temperament and untiring industry, Wallace C. Morse, by his sound methods and strict attention to duties as they were presented to him, has won the admiration and high praise of his fellow farmers in Pike township, where he has always resided.

Wallace C. Morse, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, Ohio, was born in the township where he now resides, November 7, 1857, and is a son of William A. and Caroline (Kimble) Morse. He was reared on the farm on which he now lives, 'and received his education at the district schools. After leaving school he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years old, and then took entire charge of the farm, which he has improved at great. expense, including a fine modern residence, built in 1911, which is equipped with hot and cold water service throughout the entire house, also with an acetylene gas lighting system. Politically, he has been actively interested in the Republican party, serving as trustee, assessor and was a member of the school board of Pike township and now a member of the school board of the Chuckery schools. Mr. Morse has been very successfully interested in the breeding of fine Duroc hogs.

William A. Morse, father of Wallace C., was born on September 17, 1831, in Milford Center, Ohio, and was a son of Ray G., and Sarah (Pathamoor) Morse, and his wife was Caroline (Kimble) Morse.. He was reared among farm scenes and attended the public schools of Union county. Mr. Morse was married in 1857, to which union four children were born, three of whom died in infancy.

Ray G. Morse, the paternal grandfather, was born on November 16, 1808, at Providence, Rhode Island, and his wife, Sarah (Pathamoor) Morse, was a native of Pennsylvyania. They were the parents of six children, William A., George N., Clara, Joseph, John P. and Ray J. Ray G. Morse came to Ohio from Rhode Island with a party of immigrants who traveled overland by ox-team. The wagon broke down near Milford Center and while stopping for repairs Mr. Morse was persuaded to settle in this neighborhood. The men in the party walked most of the way and were forty-nine days on the road, encountering many hardships. In that party were a number of persons whose

The maternal grandparents were Archibald McAdams and Amanda (Kimble) McAdams. The former was born in Champaign county, Ohio. His parents were natives of Veront. They emigrated to Ohio nad located in Champaign county.

Wallace ©. Morse was united in marriage, September 28, 1887, with Ella Rice, daughter of Elias and Janie (Mitchell) Rice. She was born on April 20, 1866, in Union county, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Morse have been born two children, as follow: Harry R., born on March 7, 1890, a graduate of the Bliss Business School, of Columbus, Ohio, now has charge of his father's farm; Helen C., July 23, 1895, is a student at the Plain City high school.

Through his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Morse has amassed a comfortable fortune, of which he is duly appreciative. His home place is situated about nine miles west of Plain City, on rural route No. 1, and consists of one hundred and seven acres of _ land, all in a fine state of cultivation.

Daniel Perry

Daniel Perry, retired carpenter, Plain City, Ohio, was born on January 2, 1847, in Delaware county, and is a son of Ezra and Phoebe (Gardner) Perry. He was reared in the village of Jerome, Union county, Ohio, and at the age of fourteen enlisted in Company HK, Thirtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 13, 1862, and served until the close of the Civil War. He enlisted twice before, but was rejected on account of his age. Mr. Perry was captured at Atlanta, Georgia, and on July 22, 1864, was taken to Andersonville, from which prison he was sent to Florence, South Carolina, and was paroled at Goldsboro, in April, 1865. Mr. Perry receives a pension. In 1867, Mr. Perry came to Plain City, where he engaged in carpenter work, and later became a contractor, in which line he is still engaged. Mr. Perry is not a member of any church. His fraternal membership is with Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, and both he and his wife belong to Elizabeth Chapter No. 56, Order of the Hustern Star, of which Mrs. Perry is past worthy matron. Mr. Perry is a stanch Republican, and a public-spirited citizen. He has served four years as postmaster of Plain City, Ohio, and has also been active in county politics. At the present time he is a member of the Madison county executive committee of the Republican party.

Ezra Perry, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Vermont. His father, Martin Perry, died when he was a very small lad, and he was reared by his uncle, Seth Perry, to the age of seventeen years, when he began to learn the shoemaker's trade at Plain City, which trade he followed there for a number of years. and then went to Jerome, in Union county. He enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Seventyfourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Robbs, in 1864. At the battle of Murfreesboro, he was wounded and was thus disabled from further service. He returned to Union county, Ohio, and later moved to Madison county, where he died in Plain City.

Ezra Perry was united in marriage with Phoebe Gardner, by whom he had six children, two of whom are living in 1915: John E., Luther, Charles S., Daniel and two others. John E. Perry is living at Plain City. Luther and Charles S. were soldiers in the Civil War. The former entered the army in Company E, Thirtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, taking part in the battle at Kenesaw Mountain, in which he was disabled from further service. Charles S. served in Company C, One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was severely wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro.

Daniel Perry was united in marriage, January 13, 1870, with Lucina Allen, daughter of Lucius and Betsey Allen. She was born in Madison county, Ohio, and was reared on a farm in Darby township, attending the district schools. Her religious membership is with the Presbyterian church. Lucius and Betsey Allen, the parents of Mrs. Daniel Perry, settled in Madison county, Ohio. He was a native of Vermont and she of Greene county, Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Perry were born two children, Nellie and Rolla A. Nellie died when six years of age. Rolla A., born on August 6, 1872, was graduated from the Plain City high school, and was later a student at Ada, Ohio, after which he entered a business college at Columbus, Ohio. Rolla <A. Perry is a Republican, and served as postmaster of Plain City for a period of eight years.

Mr. Perry has done a good citizen's part in the progress of his home city, and is now willing to allow others to shoulder his burdens in that direction.

Given but a limited education in his younger days, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, deserves great credit for having won success in opposition to the greatest drawback to a business career. Mr. Greenbaum, in the absence of both the necessary education and the financial aid in starting out in life for himself, has always been fortunate in possessing qualities of ambition and courage.

G. A. Greenbaum, farmer, Plain City. Canaan township, Madison county, was born on October 15, 1860, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Maggie (Long) Greenbaum. He grew to young manhood and lived on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age. His opportunities for attending school were limited as it was necessary for him to assist in supporting the family at quite an early age, his father always drawing his wages on pay day. When he started out for himself he bought a wagon and team of horses with the money he earned, and later rented land. After his marriage Mr. Greenbaum moved to his father's farm, but afterward rented a larger place of one hundred and forty acres, which he cultivated for seven years, making his substantial start on this place, after which he purchased a small farm in Canaan township, Madison county, which he soon sold, and bought the place where he now lives. Mr. Greenbaum is a Democrat, but has never taken an active part in politics. He and his family are members of St. John's Lutheran church.

Michael Greenbaum, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Germany, and his wife, Maggie (Long) Greenbaum, is a native of the same country. They came to the United States and were married in Franklin county, Ohio, settling in Union county. Mr. Greenbaum became very prosperous, all through his own efforts, and at the time of his death owned one hundred and thirty-seven acres. He was a shoemaker by trade. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greenbaum were members of St. John's Lutheran church. Mr. Greenbaum's death occurred on October 4, 1892, and his wife died in 1907, leaving two children, John Jacob, who lives on the old farm in Darby township, Union county, and G. <A.

G. A. Greenbaum was united in marriage, May 19, 1887, with Anna M. Hilbert, daughter of Michael and Mary (Ruhl) Hilbert. She was born in Darby township, Union county. This union has been blest with seven children, Mary C., Albert (who lives in Iowa), Waiter F., Michael E., John A., George and Clara.

Mr. Greenbaum resides on rural route No. 1, Plain City, on his prosperous-looking and well-cared-for farm, consisting of one hundred and ten acres, and known as "Oak Grove Farm," and where he and his family enjoy life in the fullest sense of the term. A handsome new residence consisting of nine rooms, all modern and splendidly and artistically constructed, is just nearing completion. It will be one of the finest country

Charles F. Atkinson

Charles F. Atkinson, farmer, of Plain City, Madison county, Ohio, was born on June 17, 1870, on the home farm where he now lives, in Canaan township, and is a son of William and Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson. He was reared on the old homestead, and obtained his early education at the public schools, after which he attended the Wittenburg College at Springfield, Ohio, where he took the scientific course. He then returned to the farm and assisted his father until the latter's death, and now has charge of the farm, owning in his own name four hundred and forty acres. He controls six hundred and fifty acres all told, and devotes his special attention to cattle and hogs, of which he disposes of about three carloads annually. Mr. Atkinson has always been a strong supporter of the Republican principles, and has shown his interest in local politics by serving as township treasurer. He officiates as one of the directors of the Farmers' National Bank at Plain City.

William Atkinson, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on February 2, 1832, in Greene county, Ohio, and was a son of Cephas and Abigail (Oren) Atkinson. His wife was Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson, to whom he was married in 1866, when he moved to the farm now owned by Charles F. and built the brick house which stands a quarter of a mile north of the Wilson pike, living there until his death, which took place in July, 1908. William Atkinson was a Republican, and took great interest in local politics, holding several of the township offices. He was a liberal supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belonged to Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, of which he was a past master. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Bank at Plain City, of which he was president until it was re-organized as the Iarmers' National Bank, and was president of that bank up to the time of his death, which took place in July, 1907. .

_ Mr. Atkinson was successful in all his undertakings, and was a natural money maker. He took a leading part in the educational life of the county. He also served on the school board for many years and was prominent in the Grange. He was one of the first to introduce the use of tile in Madison county. He was interested in stock raising, and fed cattle, hogs and sheep in great numbers, selling carloads each year. William and Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson were the parents of three children: Eva, the wife of Henry Francis, and the mother of two children: Charles F., of Plain City; and Cephas, who is now the president of the Farmers' National Bank.

Cephas Atkinson, the paternal grandfather, was born near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, locating in Greene county, but afterward moved to Champaign county, where he spent the remainder of his years, and where he became the owner of sixteen hundred acres of land, in Canaan township. His wife was Abigail (Oren) Atkinson.

Charles F. Atkinson's fine property, known as the "Oakland Farm," is situated on Zaral reute No. 1, Plain City, where his personal worth places him in an enviable position in the community.

Mrs. Lucinda (Nunemaker) Atkinson, mother of Charles F., was the daughter of sactage ee ven ete Sa ne both born in eons Germany, the latter came with herhromer at oS M Ry f es See ee ae ay parents in Fairfield county Ohio Riis a he a ee ea ee ay there married. They lived he re ap ee ae = PE rae pane years and then moved to Union county, on a farm and they lived there until death. Their children were Martha, Lucinda, Catherine (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Jacob (deceased), Samuel, and Nancy Ann. Of these Jacob and Samuel served in the Civil War, Jacob in the -Ninety-sixth Regiment Ohio ~

Volunteer Infantry, and Samuel also in an Ohio regiment. Jacob died during his service. The father of these children was sixty-nine years of age at death and the mother eighty-nine. They belonged to the German Evangelical church, and later joined the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mrs. Lucinda Atkinson was previously married to Robert F. Fleming, at the beginning of the Civil War. This marriage was solemnized in Union county. During the battle of Chickamauga, Mr. Fleming was killed. He enlisted as a private and was promoted to lieutenant for gallant conduct on the field of battle and on the day of his death was acting captain. He was about twenty-three years of age at the time of his death.

Elmer C. Overture

Elmer C. Overturf. farmer, Plain City, Madison county, was born on January 18, 1862, at Appleton, Licking county, Ohio. and is a son of William M. and Hannah J. (Long) Overturf. He was reared on a farm in Somerford township, where he attended the district schools, and later entered Antioch College. Mr. Overturf has been eminently successful in his agricultural pursuits, and his fine farm, known as "Eastdarbyside," is situated eight miles west of Plain City, on rural route No. 1. Mr. Overturf is a Republican, but has never taken much interest in politics, giving his entire time and attention to general farming and stock raising.

William M. Overturf, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1832, in Licking county, Ohio, and died on December 7, 1884. He was married to Hannah J. Long, who was born on. November 6, 1834, and is now a resident of Summerford, Ohio. William M. Overturf was educated in the public schools, after which he began studying for the ministry. His religious belief was with the Christian church. This union was blest with five children, two of whom are living in 1915: F. M., Flora B., Hattie J., Clark and Elmer C. F. M. Overturf became a farmer in Somerford township; Flora B. was united in marriage with V. J. Wilson of Summerford; Hattie J. became the wife of William Prugh.

Nathaniel Overturf, the paternal grandfather, was for many years a resident of Licking county, Ohio. He was a "hard-shell" Baptist minister. His wife was Elizabeth Overturf, the mother of William M. Mr. Overturf died at the age of fifty years. He was married three times and was the father of seventeen children, three of whom - are living in 1915: T. J. Overturf, of Mount Gilead, Ohio; N. F. Overturf, who was a practicing attorney at Delaware, Ohio; and Ameretta.

Elmer C. Overturf was united in marriage, March 28, 1884, with Mary Yeazel, daughter of William E. and Lydia A. (Bennett) Yeazel. She was born on December 7, 1865, in Clark county, Ohio, and was educated in the public schools of that county. Mrs. Overturf died in 1898, leaving surviving her husband and three children: William L., who was married to Bertha Miller; Ohmer, who was married to Celestia Brown; and EB. Dot, who became the wife of John J. Houston. Mr. Overturf was married, secondly, to Nancy A. Kennedy, October 18, 1904. She is a daughter of Oramel and Areal Kennedy, and attended the district schools, after which she entered the' Ohio © Wesleyan University at Delaware,: Ohio, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and taught school for two years prior to her marriage. Mrs. Nancy A. (Kennedy) Overturf was born on August 20, 1861, in Union county, Ohio. She is a lady of considerable literary talent, and has done some good work in that line.

Oramel Kennedy, father of Mrs. Elmer C. Overturf, was born on August 27, 1830, in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio, and died on February 17, 1909. He was a son of John Kennedy and his wife was Areal (Lyons) Kennedy, to whom he was mar- ried on October 27, 1854. She was born on May 31, 1837, and is a daughter of David Lyons. They were the parents of six children: Alfred V., born on August 10, 1855; Rebecca E., April 1, 1857, died on April 9, 1915; Swain, March 25, 1859 ; Nancy, August 20, 1861; John, August 19 1863; and William, October 12, 1866. In 1865 Mr. Kennedy brought his family to the eastern part of Pike township, where he settled and became prominent in promoting the interest and welfare of his community. He was a prosperous man, and was in every sense a capable officer for the capacity of trustee. At the time of his death Mr. Kennedy was a large landowner in both Union and Madison counties.

John Kennedy, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Elmer C. Overturf, was born in 1802, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and came west with his parents when a small child. He learned the blacksmith's trade under the direction of his father, which he followed until he was forty years old, when he purchased a farm and followed agriculture until his death. He was a wide-awake and progressive man in all his undertakings. His death occurred in 1868. Mr. Kennedy was a well-educated man for his time, and was united in marriage, in 1824, with Elizabeth Morse, daughter of Joseph and Renunah Morse. She was born on July 7, 1797, in Kent county, Rhode Island, and died on July 7, 1881. They were the parents of six children, Mary A., Oramel, Joseph, Eliza J., Matilda and Huldah. Prior to her marriage Mrs. John Kennedy was one of the first girls employed in the spinning department of the Dennison Cotton Factory at Providence, Rhode Island, which is said to have been the second factory of that kind in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy resided in various places before they finally settled in Pike township, where they remained until Mr. Kennedy's death, which occurred on June 4, 1864, after which his widow was married to Ralston Williams, who died in 1877, and on July 14, Mrs. Williams passed to the "great beyond."

David Lyons, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Overturf, was born in Vermont, and came, when a very small child, with his parents to Union county, Ohio, where his father remained until a short time before his death, which occurred at the home of his son in Iowa. His wife was Martha Cox, by whom he had three children.

Mr. Overturf is very quiet and retiring in his manner, and occupies a position of high esteem in Madison county, where he is known and respected by all.

Thomas Jefferson Houston

In Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, is the old Houston homestead, the residence consisting of a fine old brick house, erected in the early sixties. Here Thomas Jefferson Houston, a well-known business man and farmer of Madison county, spent the last years of his life.

The scion of an old and honored family, Thomas Jefferson Houston was born on April 24, 1842, on the farm where his last days were spent, and where his death occurred on January 24, 1902. He was a son of John Maddox and Maria (Cartwell) Houston, who were natives of Clark county, Ohio.

Mr. Houston spent twelve years altogether in the grocery and hardware business, Hut returned to his father's old homestead in 1892. His father had died previously, January 31, 1879. Thomas J. Houston was the only son of his parents who reached maturity. There were six sisters in the family. none of whom are now living, Thomas J. being the last survivor of the family.

On November 9, 1875, Thomas J. Houston was married to Kate Locke, the daughter of John B. Locke, and to this union were born four children, three of whom are now living. One daughter died at the age of two years. After his return to the farm Mr. Houston engaged extensively in breeding Shorthorn cattle -and purebred sheep. He was a very successful farmer, and quite as successful in business as he was in farming, and

Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Houston, John Locke Houston, the proprietor of "Willow Springs Farm," was born on February 11, 1882, in London, and on December 24, 1910, was married to Dot Overturf, the daughter of E. C. and Mary (Yeazell) Overturf. Mrs. Houston's parents were farmers in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. John L. Houston are the parents of one son, Robert, who is now two years old. Mr. Houston is an enterprising farmer and dairyman. The other children were Eva, Eldon B. and Ora, deceased. Eva is Single. Eldon B. married Nell Van Wagner and lives in Idaho.

Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Houston is still living on the home farm. John Locke Houston is farming one hundred and twenty-two acres of his own and also supervises the cultivation of the old homestead of two hundred acres. 7

Fenton M. Roseberry

Fenton M. Roseberry, farmer and retired blacksmith, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on January 15, 1865, at Rosedale, Ohio, and is a son of Ebenezer T. and Mary E. (Carter) Roseberry. He was reared on a farm near Rosedale, and when old enough attended the public schools at that place. He learned the blacksmith's trade with Brown Brothers, at Irwin, working for them from 1888 until 1895, when he went into partnership with his brother, Carl A. Roseberry, conducting the business under the firm name of Roseberry Brothers, until 1914, when F. M. Roseberry retired from the business, turning it over to his brothers, Joseph and John, and it is now managed under the firm name of J. C. & J. B. Roseberry. Mr. Roseberry has always voted the Republican ticket, and has shown his public spirit by serving as a member of the board of education, and was also a member of the board of centralized schools at Rosedale. He and his brother own twenty-five acres of land, and he, personally, is a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. Mr. Roseberry belongs to Homer Lodge No. 474, Knights of Pythias.

Ebenezer T. Roseberry, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on March 10, 1832, in Pike township, where he grew to manhood. He went to the Civil War in Company C, One Hundred Thirty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was a "hundred-day"' man. Mr. Roseberry was married prior to the war, to Mariah Tway, by whom he had two children, Ella, who became the wife of William A. Carter, and a daughter who died young. His second wife was Mary H. (Carter) Roseberry, by whom he had eleven children, nine of whom are living in 1915: Effie, Fenton M., Mary, Margaret, Carl A., Nettie, Charles H. (deceased), Joseph C., John B., Bessie P., and one who died in infancy. Effie became the wife of William Morgridge; Mary is the wife of Ed. Stoddard; Margaret married Pearl J. Stoddard; Carl A. was united in marriage with Anna Bradley; Nettie married B. F. King; Joseph married Blanch Newman; John B. married Mabel Hanson; and Bessie married Nathaniel Harter.

The paternal grandfather was Michael Roseberry, who came to Pike township from Pennsylvania, and was united in marriage here with Elizabeth Jones, by whom he had three sons and eight daughters, Joseph, John and Ebenezer. John died in infancy and Joseph died when twenty-one years of age. His daughters were: Eleanor, Mary P., Hannah, Elizabeth, Pernella, Sarah, Jane and Julia. Eleanor became the wife of Ira Stacy; Mary P. was married to John Lockwood; Hannah was married to Joseph Rice; Elizabeth became Mrs. John Fox; Pernella became the wife of Isaac Fox; Sarah was ' married to Isaac Fox; Jane became the wife of William ,Kitelinger; and Julia was daughter of Henry and Rebecca Haynes. She died in July, 1899, leaving surviving, her husband and two children, Mary E., born on March 29, 1896, who was graduated from the Rosedale and Mechanicsburg high schools, and is a student in the Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio; and Frank M., born on November 24, 1898, who is a student in the high school. Fenton M. Roseberry was married, secondly, November 25, 1905, to Nettie Reed, daughter of James and Mary (Stewart) Reed. She was born on May 23, 1864, in Hardin county, Ohio. She was reared on a farm and obtained her education at the district schools.

James Reed, the father of Mrs. Fenton M. Roseberry, was a "hundred-day" soldier in the Civil War. His wife was Mary (Stewart) Reed, and they were the parents of six children, five of whom are living in 1915: Margaret J., Finley T., Stewart G., Edward G., deceased; Orra-Euphema and Nettie.

Mr. Roseberry is well known in this part of Madison county, and he and his wife and family are held in high esteem throughout the community.

Henry B. Converse

Henry B. Converse was born on January 8, 1850, in Canaan township, a son of James N. and Julia A. (Calhoun) Converse. He was educated in the public schools of the district and the Lutheran College at Columbus, Ohio, after which he attended a business college in the same city during the year 1870, and soon after took unto himself a wife, and settled down to the vocation of a farmer. Politically, Mr. Converse was a Democrat, and demonstrated his public spirit by serving in all the township offices, save that of township clerk. He was active in local politics to the extent of officiating as assessor, trustee, treasurer and supervisor. He was a member of the Big Darby Baptist church. Mr.-Converse belonged to Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons; Adoniram Chapter No. 738, Royal Arch Masons; London Council No. 41, Royal and Select Masters, and Mount Vernon Commandery No. 1, Knights Templar. He was a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason at Columbus, Ohio, and was past master of Urania Lodge No. 311, and past worthy patron of the Ohio Eastern Star.

James N. Converse, father of the subject of this sketch, was a son of Charles and Phoebe (Norton) Converse, was married to Julia A. Calhoun, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Carpenter) Calhoun, by whom he had two children, Henry B. and Elizabeth, who became the wife of A. C. Milliken, and is now a widow, living at West Jefferson, Ohio.

The paternal grandfather was Charles Converse, who was a son of Reverend Jeremiah, who emigrated to Darby Plain in 1814. The wife of Charles Converse was Phoebe (Norton) Converse.

The maternal grandfather was James Calhoun, who was born on February 27, 1802, on the Portage river in northern Ohio. He came with his parents to Darby Plain in 1810, coming through that portion of Ohio where Columbus now stands when there were but two houses on the site and they were built of logs. His father was drafted during the War of 1812. The father went to Columbus, Ohio, and started north. His family never saw him again. His grave is somewhere on the Sandusky Plains. James Calhoun was left to care for his mother, one brother and three sisters. He kept the farm, paid for it, and managed to keep the family together until his mother was married, secondly, to a Mr. Kilbary, who was the father of Thomas and Asa Kilbary. She was the mother of one child by this marriage, Alexander Kilbary, who became prominent as a physician at Sacramento, California. Mrs. Kilbary lived and died on the Darby Plains. By her first marriage, Mrs. Kilbary bad five children: James, Jr., who was married to Elizabeth Carpenter, of Licking county, Ohio, and they were the parents of five children, three of whom died in infancy; Julia, who married James N. Converse, and was the mother of two children; Elizabeth, the widow of A. C. Milliken; and two others.

James Calhoun, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was married to Hlizabeth Carpenter, November 20, 1823. She was born in 1797 and died on March 19, 1846. Mr. Calhoun was married, secondly, to Mrs. Lucretia Burnham, to which union no children were born. By her first husband, Mrs. Calhoun was the mother of the following children: Annie, John; Henry, Dwight, Asa, Emeline, Lucius and Flora. James Calhoun was a pioneer in Madison county, and made his living as an auctioneer, crying all the sales in this part of the county, in addition to which he was endowed with considerable skill as a veterinary surgeon. He was a Democrat, and voted in Canaan township when there were but two Democrats there. He was always public-spirited, and showed his interest by serving in several of the township offices.

Henry B. Converse was united in marriage, September 16, 1875, to Elizabeth Beach, daughter of Uriah and Eleanor (Downing) Beach, born April 25, 1857, in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio, and lived there until her marriage. She was a student in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. This union has been blest with four children, Walter, Julia E., Uri B.; Eleanor Downing. Walter. Converse was educated first in the district schools, and was later a graduate of the Plain City high school, and the Ohio State University, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts on his graduation from the latter institution. He was married to Zella M. Beck, and follows farming in Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio; Julia E. Converse is a graduate of the Plain City high school. She also attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which she graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, and is now the wife of William Walker, a farmer in Canaan township. Previous to her marriage, Mrs. Walker taught in the grade schools of Plain City and in the high schools of Mt. Vernon and Circleville. Uri. B. Converse is a farmer in Franklin county, Ohio. He was united in marriage with Blanche Cramer. PEleanor Downing Converse received her early edueation at the Plain City schools, graduating from the high school of that place, after whick she entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, from which she was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. ;

Mrs. Converse is a member of the Big Darby Baptist church, in which she takes an active interest, aud has served as president of the local missionary society. She is president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and is past worthy matron of the Elizabeth Chapter No. 56, Order of the Eastern Star, of which both Mr. and Mrs. Converse were charter members. Mrs. Converse is an agreeable, whole-souled woman, who has the sympathy of all in her bereavement.

Henry B. Couverse died on April 23, 1915,'and his remains were interred in the Plain City cemetery. In his lifetime he was an earnest citizen in every respect and a splendid type of man. He gave unfailingly to the common good of the community and took a leading part in all movements for the betterment of Canaan township and the county in general. For the benefit of the people of his community he maintained a part of his land as a picnic ground at his own expense for the enjoyment of his fellow creatures. He was founder and one of the early presidents of Farmers' Institute at Plain City. From his early manhood Mr. Converse was active in fraternal affairs and few men were better known in this part of the state in Masonry than he. He was selected om many oceasions to act as guardian for children who were bereft of their parents and his splendid influence and protection has shaped the course of many children who were entrusted to his care. Being an expert judge of land values Mr. Converse was often appointed to appraise estates and was also an expert judge of live stock, particularly sheep, and often officiated as judge of stock at the county and state fairs.

Howard J. Converse

Farmer and civil engineer, Howard J. Converse. a distinguished citizen of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, is descended from: Revolutionary stock. He is the proprietor of "Rose Lawn Farm," a tract of twenty-eight acres of land, located three miles southwest of Plain City. Ohio. He is the scion of an old family established in this section as early as 1814, more than a century ago.

Howard J.' Converse, a native of Darby township, was born on September 2, 1851. His parents were Dr. Jeremiah and Hortense (Hemenway) Converse, the former of whom was the son of Jeremiah and Malinda (Derby) Converse, and he in turn was the son of Rey. Jeremiah Converse, a Revolutionary soldier.

Dr. Jeremiah Converse, the father of Howard J., was born in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, June 11, 1822, eight years after his father, who was a pioneer winister, had located in this county. He was born in a season marked by an epidemic, which was well remembered by the older citizens of a half century ago, having made deep inroads upon the thinly-settled community of Darby Plains, and having thickly populated the primitive grounds on Big Darby, set aside and sanctified with tears as a burying ground for the dead. The mother of Dr. Converse was Malinda Derby, descended from the old English titled family of that name, and was a woman of remarkable characteristics of mind. Her keenly active faculties, aided by untiring devotion to her family, under less harrowing circumstances than those which surrounded the pioneers, would naturally have led to a careful, discriminating education for her children, but the school house and text-books of today were beyond her dreams and beyond the dreams of her time. It was by studious application of all his energies and the precious little spare time he could get from labor in the fields and woods, that young Converse obtained the rudiments of an education. The thud of the grubbing hoe, the crash of falling trees and the wielding of the ox-goad in preparing the land for cultivation, were interjections in his educational progress until about 1844, when he turned his mind to the study of the science of medicine and graduated four years later from the Starling Medical School at Columbus, Ohio.

About the time he began the study of medicine Dr. Jeremiah Converse was married to Hortense Hemenway, a young lady of excellent family and fine qualities of mind and heart. To them were born six children. Following his graduation he began a professional career which lasted for twenty-five years and with it began an obseryance and study of the physical condition of the country, especially its sanitary requirements, together with the advancement of social, agricultural and general ideas which kept him prominently before the public. He never entirely gave up his farming interests and these, with his extensive practice, required the major part of his time. Yet in all these he was careful to give his children excellent educational advantages. For one-fourth of a century he ministered to the sick over an extensive scope of country on horseback, traveling through the woods, over the mud roads and through the swamps, all of which impressed him with the idea that he could make himself more useful by establishing pikes and ditches to drain the country. He did much for the benefit of those who lived in his community. He served with distinction, for many years, as clerk, trustee and assessor. In 1860 he was elected to the office of county commissioner of Madison county. He was truthfully a high minded and helpful man, not only to Darby township but to Madison county as well. He always had a good word for everybody and no one ever went hungry from his door.

Rey. Jeremiah Converse, the founder of the Converse family in Madison county, who came here in 1814 from Vermont, had nine children, Sandford, Parley, 'Squire, Lathrop, Orinda, Surviah, Jeremiah, Silas and Charles. Jeremiah, the seventh child in this family, was born in Vermont. By his marriage to Malinda Derby. there was

To Dr. Jeremiah and Hortense (Hemenway) Converse were born six children, Hortense, born on July 15, 1845, and died on June 2, 1850; Maschal D., August 18, 1848, died in September, 1908, who married Mary Hornish and had one son, William H; Howard J., the subject of this sketch; Eldon G., deceased, July 20, 1854, who married Eva Worthington and had three children; Avis I., January 28, 1859, who married Charles F. Crawson, of Bloomington, Illinois, and has three children; and Carrie H., July 6, 1860, who is the wife of Price M. Walker, and has one child.

Howard J. Converse was reared on the farm in Darby township and received a common-school education, attending school in the winter and working on the farm in the summer until he had reached his majority. During the next sixteen years Mr. Converse was engaged in teaching, and after he quit teaching took up civil engineering. This was about 1885 and he has followed this profession ever since, in connection with a little farm work.

On January 1, 1879, Howard J. Converse was married to Rose Faulkner, who was born at Oswego, New York, October 21, 1855, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Hanlin) Faulkner. Mrs. Converse's father: was a native of England, born in Buckingham and having come to the United States at the age of eighteen, when he located at Oswego, New York. Her mother was born in Toronto, Canada, and educated in the Canadian schools. Mr. and Mrs. Converse have had one daughter, Maude B., who was born on November 21, 1879, and who died on November 23, 1892.

Mr. and Mrs. Converse are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Plain City, Ohio. Mr. Converse is a Republican in politics and Mrs. Converse is an active member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist church.

M. E. Gordon

M. E. Gordon, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on October 4, 1867, at West Liberty, Logan county, Ohio, and is a son of John and Eliza (Kelley) 'Gordon. He came with his father to Madison county when four years of age and was educated in the public schools of Rosedale, Ohio, and later. became a. teacher in the public schools of Madison county, and followed that vocation for five years, after which he became engaged in the genera! merchandise business. which he followed for ten years at Rosedale. His business was a prosperous one, enabling him to purchase his present valuable farm consisting of one hundred and ten' acres, located in Pike township. where he has since followed farming. Mr. Gordon is a Democrat in national politics, otherwise he is an independent voter. He is a member of the Catholic church at Mecbanicsburg. Ohio. He has made a specialty of breeding. fine stock of various kinds. At present, Mr. Gordon is one of the directors of the Farmers' Telephone Cempany. : Ao.

John Gordon, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Ireland, as was also his wife, Eliza (Kelley) Gordon, to whom he was married before coming to the United States. They settied in Logan county, Ohio, in 1861. Mr. Gordon. went to the Civil War in Company I, One Hundred. and Twenty-first Regiment, Ohio - Volunteer Infantry, serving until the end of the war. Mr. and Mrs. John Gordon were the parents of ten children, six of whom are living in 1915: C., P. H, W. P., Martin, M.

E., and Mary. C. C. Gordon is a prosperous attorney at Marion, Indiana ; Pe Gordon is a resident of Rosedale, Ohio; W. P. Gordon lives at Osborne, Ohio; Martin Gordon makes his home at Mechanicsburg, Ohio; and Mary Gordon is the wife of F. J. Roll, of Belle Center, Ohio.

M. E. Gordon was united in marriage, August 26, 1901, with Nellie E. Donlan, daughter of John and Mary Donlan, of Plain City, Ohio. Nellie E. Donlan was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and was educated first at the public schools of Plain City. and later entered the college at Ada, Ohio, where she became a teacher, remaining six years. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have one daughter, Lucile, who was born on July 7, 1902.

Nellie E. (Donlan) Gordon was a daughter of John and Mary Donlan of Plain City. John Donlan was born in County Galway, Ireland, and came to America when about twenty years of age and settled near North Lewisburg, Ohio, and engaged in farming. He was married at North Lewisburg to Mary Reed, the daughter of John and Naney Reed, who also were natives of Ireland. Two brothers of Mary Reed, Joseph and John, came to this country and settled in Ohio; both are now dead and in their lifetime lived in Champaign county, Joseph having lived for a time in Madison county. After their marriage, John and Mary (Reed) Donlan settled near North Lewisburg on a farm and lived there about twenty years, later moving to Madison county and settled on a farm near Plain City. Mrs. Donlan died on July 12, 1912, and Mr. Donlan continues to make his home on the same farm. Their children were: Alfred, deceased; Ralph, deceased; Fred, deceased; Francis; Anna, who married P. H. Gordon; and Nellie E. The family belonged to the Catholic church.

Mr. Gordon has always followed a high plane of thought and action, and because of his genuine worth, he has won the good will of all who know him.

Thomas Kilbury

A veteran of the Civil War and an industrious farmer, the late Thomas Kilbury was one of the most highly-honored citizens of Canaan township during his day and generation. He was born in Canaan township, in June, 1840, the son of Ira and Elizabeth (Brittenham) Kilbury. They were both of Madison county, Ohio. Ira Kilbury was a farmer.

Thomas Kilbury was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was about twenty-one years old at the breaking out of the Civil War and enlisted in Company K, of a regiment being recruited in this part of Ohio, and served until the close of the war. During the war Mr. Kilbury was married, and when he had received his final discharge, returned to Canaan township and began farming. He died on October 25, 1892.

The late Thomas Kilbury was married in October, 1862, to Rosanna Bowen, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, February 24, 1840, and who is the daughter of William and Barbara A. (Sugh) Bowen. The former was a native of Virginia and the latter also of the Old Dominion state. Subsequently, they came to Ohio and settled in Clark county, Ohio, where they lived until their death. They had six children, of whom only one is now living. Mrs. K'lbury was reared on a farm near Springfield, Ohio, and when old enough attended the pubiic schools until she was eighteen years old. She worked at home unti! she was married. in 1862.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kilbury had one son, Corrie E., born on August 7, 1874, and who died on September 7, 1914. He was educated in the common schools and remained at home with his mother.

Mrs. Kilbury lives on a farm four miles south of Plain City, Ohio. She is a woman who is well-known in Canaan township. Her husband, who was a Republican in polities, was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Since his death, his widow has received from the government a pension of twelve dollars a month. She owns twentytwo and one-half acres of land. Mrs. Kilbury has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Plain City, Ohio, for many years and is active in church work.

Benjamin F. Erwin

Mr. Benjamin F. Erwin has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits practically his entire life, and has made his work a matter of scientific study in order that he might receive the greatest possible returns for his investment.

Benjamin F. Erwin, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on April 11, 1855, in the township where he still resides, and is a son of Amzi and Catherine (Chess) Erwin. He was reared on the home farm, and at the proper age entered the public school, attending only during the winter months, and assisting his father with the farm work during the summer seasons, remaining under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Erwin moved to his present farm, consisting of forty-seven acres. The house is located some distance from the public highway and to reach it one must pass through a shaded grove, which gives a very fine appearance to their home. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin are members, of the Erwin Grange No. 1880, of which they are both active members, Mr. Erwin officiating as one of the trustees. His farm contains some of the best land in Pike township, and as a general farmer and stock raiser he is looked upon as being an excellent manager.

Amzi and Catharine (Chess) Erwin, parents of Benjamin Erwin, were early settlers in Madison county, where they always bore the reputation of being honest, upright citizens. Mr. Erwin followed farming until his death, which occurred on May 20, 1879. His wife died on June 20, of the same year. They were the parents of several children.

Benjamin F. Erwin was united in marriage, October 16, 1879, with Olive E. West, daughter of Edward and Martha (Applegate) West. She was born in Clark county, and was educated in the district schools of Clark county. To Mr. and Mrs. Erwin were born two children, Grace, who died at the age of eighteen months, and Lewis B., born on April 29, 1889. Lewis B. Erwin was educated in the public schools, from which he was graduated, and afterward attended the schools at Mechanicsburg and Ada, Ohio, respectively, where he received a good education. He is single, and lives at home with his parents. He is well liked in the community, where he takes an active part in local politics, occupying at present the office of clerk of Pike township.

Mr. and Mrs. Erwin number among their sincere friends many of the representative citizens of Pike township, where they are well and favorably known. ,

Harold Weaver

Harold Weaver. farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on July 30, 1868, in the same township where he now resides. His parents were Lewis and Celia IL. (Morse) Weaver. He was reared on the home farm in Pike township and obtained his education in the district schools, attending regularly, and in the summer assisting his father with his farming interests. When he grew to young manhood he began farming for himself on a small scale, having but little money to begin with, and now owns ninety acres of good farm land, all under cultivation. Mr. Weaver has given his lifelong support to the Republican party, taking an active interest in local politics, and serving as clerk of Pike township for twenty-two years successively, and was elected treasurer in 1914, which office he now holds. He is a member of the Union church at Rosedale, Ohio, and is secretary of the Home Telephone Company,

Harold Weaver was united in marriage, December 24, 1906, with Myrtle M. Figley, daughter of Calvin M., and Angeline B. (Southard) Figley. She was born on December 27, 1874, in Knox county, Indiana, and was educated in the public schools of Marysville, graduating from the high school in 1894, after which she became a teacher in the public schools, which vocation she followed for four years. After finishing her high school course, she attended the State University at Columbus, Ohio, and also took a course in music at Marysville. Mrs. Weaver is an attentive member of the Union church at Rosedale, Ohio, and belongs to the Harmony Club of that city, in which she has fille@ all the offices. Before her marriage, she was a very efficient stenographer, occupying a splendid position at Marysville, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have one daughter, Celie, who was born on September 30, 1907.

Mr. Weaver is a gentleman who thoroughly enjoys the quiet life of the farm and loves the freedom that accompanies such an existence, and with his unpretending bearing and strict integrity has helped to build up a spirit of loyal citizenship in the community in which he resides, and where both he and his wife have gained many friends.

Lee Horn

As surely as water finds its level the man who really means business is bound to find his pioper place in the world of commerce, and it takes more than one stumbling block to put him "down and out." He expects difficulties and obstacles of various natures and prepares himself and his business conditions, as far as possible, to meet them, fortifying himself with patience and endurance, and is not discouraged with petty workings against the ultimate outcome.

Lee Horn, dry goods merchant, of Plain City, Ohio, was born in that village, April 11, 1873, and is the son of C. A. and Annette (Burham) Horn. During his boyhood days Mr. Horn attended the public schools of Plain City, and later entered the high schoo! there, after which he became a clerk in a grocery store and was later a clerk in the dry-goods store of C. F. Dutton, where his services became so valuable, and the confidence of his employer in his ability and honesty so well established, that he became the business manager during the last two years spent in Mr. Dutton's employ.

In February, 1910, Mr. Horn and Mr. Milliken purchased the store, and it is now operated under the firm name of Horn & Milliken. Mr. Horn's first salary, as grocery clerk, was about one dollar and fifty cents a week, but was later increased as he became more experienced. All that he now has is the result of his own efforts. and his uplimited store of hope, ambition and determination. Mr. Horn is a Republican, to which party he has always given his vote. His religious membership is with the Presbyterian church.

C. A. Horn, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, and his wife, Annette (Burnham) Horn, was a native of Woodstock, Ohio, and is now dead. Mr. Hort. was reared in Ohio and obtained his education at the publie schools. After arriving at manhood he became engaged in the manufacture of drain tile, in which business he has been eminently successful, and is now retired from business, spending his summers in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and his winters at Miami, Florida. To this union were born two CUGren, A. Vv. Horn, who serves as a Yural mail carrier at T'lain City, and Lee Horn.

Lee Horn was united in marriage on July 9, 1892; with 'Alta Worthington, who was born in Canaan township, where she received her early education, attending later at Buchtel College at Akron, Ohio. This union has been blest with one child, Margaret, born on July i, 1899. She is a student. of the Plain City high school.:

Mr. Hor is quiet and unpretentious in manner, but very forceful in character, and he and Mrs. Horn enjuy the friendship of the entire community in which they reside.

Swaine Kennedy

Swaine Kennedy, farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on March 25, 1859, in Union township, Union county Ohio, and is a son of Oramel and Areal (Lyons) Kennedy. He was reared on a farm in Union county and received his education at the public schools of Madison county, after which he attended the Bliss Business College at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Kennedy has always voted for the principles of the Republican party, and demonstrated his interest in local politics by serving as trustee of Pike township for a number of years. He is one of the directors of the Madison County Agricultural Society.

Oramel and Areal (Lyons) Kennedy, the parents of the subject of this sketch, are both dead. They were the parents of six children: Alfred, Rebecca, Swaine, Nancy, John and William.

Swaine Kennedy was united in marriage, December 27, 1894, with Emma King, daughter of Joseph and Amanda (Tarpenning) King. She was born on January 10, 1864, in Pike township, Madison county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy were the parents of one child, who died when five years of age.

Joseph and Amanda King, the parents of Mrs. Swaine Kennedy, are both dead. Ihey lived in this county for many years. They had four children: Ellen, Emma, Abbie and Benjamin.

Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy are both descendants of old pioneer families. Their kindness to humanity in general has given them 2 warm place in the hearts of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.

Martin Rausch

The lives of those who unshrinkingly shoulder responsibilities necessary for the accomplishment of anything worth while, are inspirations to others less courageous and Jacking in those qualities that go hand in hand with a successful career in the business world. Martin Rausch is a man who has never hesitated when emergencies ealled for strong resolutions and decided action.

Martin Rausch, farmer, Plain City, Ohio, was born on November 21, 1865, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is a son of John A. and Anna B. (Gase) Rausch. He was reared and educated in the district schools of Darby township, and the parochial school of St. John's Lutheran church. He remained on his father's farm until he arrived at young manhood and was married, at which time he had but little as a working foundation fund, but he possessed those qualities which have perhaps served him better than a start equipped with riches, and his name is prominently known as belonging to one of the prosperous and enterprising citizens of his community.. He gives his support to the Democratic party, and has been actively interested in local politics, having served as one of the trustees of Darby township, Madison county, for seven years. Mr. Rausch belongs to St. Paul's Lutheran church. In connection with his political interests he was nominated by his party, in 1914, for the office of county commissioner, but was defeated by the opposing element. He is a stockholder and director of the Home Telephone Company of Plain City, of which he was one of the organizers.

John A. Rausch, father of Martin Rausch, was born on March 8, 1834, in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and was a son of George and Catherine (Bloomenshine) Rausch. He was reared in Darby township, and was there united in marriage with Anna B. Gase, living there until he died. He was prosperous in his agricultural pursuits, owning at the time of his death, six hundred acres of land. Mr. Rausch began by working by the day, and his wealth was acquired entirely through his own 'efforts and industry. Mr. and Mrs. Rausch were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living in 1915: Barbara, May, Peter, Martin, George, Katie, C. J., Henry, Anna and Emma. Barbara became the wife of Adam Veollrath; May was married to Christ Mayer; Peter is a retired farmer at 'Marysville, Ohio; George is an agriculturist, living in Mill Creek township, Union county, Ohio; Katie was married to William Barger, of Darby township; C. J. is a resident of Columbus, Ohio, where he is established in business; Henry Rausch follows farming in Darby township, Union county, Anna is the wife of William Pll, of Mill Creek township, Union county; Emma was married to George Scherderer, of Darby township, Union county.

George and Catharine (Bloomenshine) Rausch, the paternal grandparents, came to the United States in 1832, settling at Baltimore, Maryland, after which he removed to Columbus, Ohio, walking the entire distance, his wife and family coming in a little wagon. They later settled in Darby township, Union county, where they lived until Mr. Rausch died, never leaving their original farm. Mr. Rausch was a native German, and became very prosperous after coming to America. Mr. and Mrs. Rausch were the parents of nine children, only one of whom is living in 1915: Casper Rausch. George Rausch was the founder of St. John's Lutheran church at Marysville.

Martin Rausch was united in marriage, February 28, 1889, with Lydia Blumenshine, daughter of Philip and Lena Blumenshine. She was born in Darby township, Union county, Ohio, and is of German lineage. On March 5, 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Rausch moved to their present home place, consisting of one hundred and twelve acres. This union has been blest with eight children, four of whom are living in 1915: Augusta, the wife of William Bivins, a farmer of Darby township, Union county; Alfred, who is single and lives at home; Oscar, who is attending school; and Clara, born on June 27, 1903.

Verne H. Phellis

The credit of a community is reflected in its citizenship, whose influence radiates in every direction. Occupying a position of prominence as one of the foremost agriculturists of Madison county is Verne H. Phellis who owns a fine stock farm in this county.

Verne H. Phellis, stock-farmer, Irwin, Pike township, Madison county, was born on June 10, 1881, in Pike township, and is a son of Charles and Clara (Guy) Phellis. He was reared on a farm until twelve years of age, when he moved with his. parents to Mechanicsburg, where he attended the high school. Mr. Phellis has always been an admirer of fine stock, and his specialty is the breeding of registered Dorset sheep, sired by a "Tranquility" ram. He also feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs, which he annually ships by the carload. Mr. Phellis is a Republican, but has never taken much interest in local politics. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Mechanicsburg, Ohio.

Charles Phellis, father of Verne H., was born in Hamilton, Ohio, and his wife, Clara (Guy) Phellis, was born in Pike township, and they are now living as retired farmers at Mechanicsburg. To this union were born five children: Nellie A., deceased, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio; Charles W., who obtained his education at various institutions, and is now occupying the position of general manager for the Dupont Powder Company, at Huntington, West Virginia, his territory covering West Virginia, the eastern half of Ohio and the eastern half of Kentucky; Guy follows farming in Pike township, and is married; Ethel was graduated

Verne H. Phellis was united in marriage, July 19, 1900, with Helen Shaul, daughter of Jasper and Mira (Joyner) Shaul. She was born in Goshen township, Champaign county. Her parents died when she was eighteen months old, and she. was reared by her aunt, Samantha Joyner, receiving her education in the public schools of Mechanicsburg and Oxford, Ohio. This marriage has been blest with three children: Marjorie, born on April 21, 1904; Esther V., July 8, 1906; and Juliet; February 19, 1914.

Mr Phellis is full of progressive and ambitious energy and Mrs. Phellis is equally as ambitious for the success of her husband as he is for himself and family. The only public office to which he has given any attention is that of township trustee, in which capacity he se1ved for six years. The prosperous and well-cared-for farm on which Mr. Phellis resides and owns, is located about one-half mile from Rosedale, and is known as "Rosedale Stock Farm," consisting of four hundred and twelve acres.

Samuel M. Mitchell

Samuel M. Mitchell, farmer, Pike township, was born on July 25, 1863, in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, and is a son of J. C. and Nancy J. (McCullough) Mitchell. He grew up amid farm scenes, attending the schools of the district, and at the age of twenty-five years began to farm for himself, and now successfully conducts a large stock farm, consisting of four hundred and sixty-five acres of land. Mr. Mitchell has always voted the Republican ticket, and has taken an active interest in loeal polities, serving for six years on the board of education in Pike township.

J. Mitehell], father of the subject of this sketch, was born:in Darby township, and was a son of Judge David Mitchell. He was a very religious man and was a highly-honored citizen of Madison county. In 1876 Mr. Mitchell met with the misfortune of losing his eyesight and was blind the remainder of his life. His wife was Naney J. McCullough, to whom he was united in marriage on August 26, 1851. She was a daughter of Samuel McCullough. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell were the parents of six children, two of whom are dead. Those living in 1915 are: Emma J., who became the wife of J. B. Galloway, of Marysville, Ohio; Madison; D. A. and Samuel M.

Judge David Mitchell, the paternal grandfather, emigrated from York county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, settling on Darby creek before Ohio was a state. It was at that time a part of the Northwest territory. Judge Mitchell was a prominent citizen of Union county, Ohio, where he served as justice of the peace for many years. At the organization of Union county he was made associate judge, which office he held up to the time of his death. He was a son of Jesse Mitchell, who was the first white child born in Union county, Ohio. Mr. Mitchell was a stanch member of the United Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder. His wife was Hannah (Caldwell) Mitchell, daughter of John Caldwell of York county, Pennsylvania. She was his third wife.

Samuel M. Mitchell was united in marriage, October 14, 1884, with Eva A. Paris. She was born in Union county, Ohio, and was the mother of two children: Etta M., who became the wife of J. C. Wilson, of Pike township; and Homer H. Mitchell, who was graduated from the Bliss Business College of Columbus, Ohio, and is living at Cincinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Mitchell died on January 25, 1889, and Mr. Mitchell was married to Alfretta Segnar, daughter of Isaac Segnar, this marriage taking place on March ©7, 1895. Mrs. Mitchell was born on September 19, 1873, and received her education in the public schools of the district. This second union has been blest with one child, Jesse C., who was born on April 9, 1897, was graduated from the Rosedale high school in the class of 1915, and is now attending Bliss Business College, Columbus, Ohio.

Isaac and Lavina (Parker) Segnar, the parents of Mrs. Alfretta (Segnar) Mitchell, came to Union county, Ohio, when Mrs. Mitchell was a child of eleven years.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell find great enjoyment in the society of many warm and sincere friends in the community in which they reside, to whom they are always ready to extend a welcome hand.

Charles D. Converse

Charles D. Converse, farmer, Plain City, Ohio; was born on September 20, 1866, in Darby township, Madison county, and is a son of Russel B. and Anna (Lumbard) Converse. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and was educated in the district schools of Darby township, and later attended business college at Columbus, Ohio, where he learned bookkeeping, but decided upon the vocation of a farmer, which he has since followed. Mr. Converse has always given his support to the Republican party. He is a member of the Universalist church of Plain City, a member of Pleasant Valley Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plain City, and both Mr. Converse and his wife are members of the Grange ip their home town.

Russel B. Converse, father of Charles D., was born on January 15, 1828, in Darby township, Ohio, and died on August 2, 1889. His wife, Anna (Lumbard) Converse, was born near Covington, Kentucky, February 9, 1826, and came with her parents to Madison county in 1827, where she has since been a resident. To this union were born four sons: Kilborn, deceased; James, who was married to Florence Milburn, and is living in Franklin county, Ohio; Elmer was married to Ellen King, and is also a resident of Madison county; and Charles D., of Darby township. ; :

Charles D. Converse was united in marriage on October 25, 1897, with Clara Hortsel who was reared in Washington county, Ohio. She died on March 31, 1907, without issue. Mr. Converse was married, secondly, on April 12, 1911, to Eva Cutler.

Mr. Converse is one of the most prosperous and progressive farmers of Madison county, Ohio. His splendid farm of sixty-nine acres in Darby township, known as "Burr Oak Farm," includes the farm on which he was born, where he and his ancestors have long been honored and respected citizens.

Nicholas M. Huber

Among the farmers of Canaan townsbip, Madison county, Ohio, who have succeeded in a large measure and who, at the same time, have won. and held the respect of their neighors and fellow citizens, is N. M. Huber, one of the larger landowners of Canaan township, who lives five miles southwest of Plain City, Ohio. He is a most successful stock dealer, and the proprietor of a farm of two hundred and sixty-eight acres. Mr. Huber, however, cultivates in all three hundred and twenty-eight acres.

N. M. Huber was born in Hocking county, Ohio, June 28, 1851, and is the son of Joseph and Maxie (Kost) Huber, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America on' the same vessel, and after landing at Baltimore, Maryland, came on to Lancaster, Ohio, where they were married. Joseph Huber was a contracting mason, having learned his trade in Switzerland. As a matter of fact, he was more than a contractor, he was a man so skillful in his trade that he was known as an artist. He followed his trade until he was disabled and then bought a farm in Hocking county, Ohio, and lived on the farm until his death. Early in life he had been a member of the Catholic church, but later left the church. He and his wife had eight children, seven of whom are now living: Mary is the wife of Joseph Zimmerman, of Lancaster, Ohio; Joseph, Jr., married and is a carpenter at Circleville, Ohio; John is deceased; Margaret is the wife of Lawrence Stonebarger; Nicholas M. is the subject of this sketch;

Nicholas M. Huber, who was reared on a farm near Lancaster, was educated in the common schools, attending school in the winter and working on the farm during the summer months. Subsequently, when he was old enough, he took up farming for himself.

Nicholas M. Huber was married to Mrs. Alice Gladden, who had been previously married to a Mr. Atkinson. She was born in Pennsylvania, and by her first marriage had one child, Nellie, who is a graduate of the common schools and of St. Mary's Academy at Columbus, Ohio, and is the wife of Clinton Norris. By the second marriage there has been one child, Lee G., who married Grace Pennington. They live with Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas M. Huber.

As a citizen, Nicholas M. Huber is of high rank in this township. As a farmer he has won considerable attention to his efforts as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs. He also buys and ships large quantities of grain and live stock.

Herbert E. Reese

Herbert E. Reese, an industrious farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, where he has charge of one hundred and ninety-one acres of land, and who lives on rural route No. 1, out of Plain City, Ohio, was born in Gallia county, Ohio, December 2, 1888. He is the son of Thomas L. and Sarah (Kincade) Reese, both of whom are also natives of Gallia county. Thomas L. Reese is the son of John and Harriet (Smith) Reese and is one of five children born to his parents. The others were William, Nathan, Ella and Sarah. Of these children, four are now living.

Thomas L. Reese grew up in Gallia county and was educated in the common schools. He was married in that county and has always lived there. He and his wife have been the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living: Maggie, who is the wife of Harry Viars, of Gallia county; Millie, who is the wife of Morris Swisher, of fallia county; Elijah, who married a Mrs. Brown and lives in Union county; 'Herbert E., the subject of this sketch; Emma, who married Earl Moore, of Gallia county; Willard, who is unmarried lives with his brother. Herbert E.; Garnet and Clyde are. deceased. ;

-Herbert E. Reese, who was reared in Gallia county and educated in the public schools of that county, began life for himself at the age of eighteen years, at which time he began working by the month. He came to Madison county at that age and has lived here practically all of the time since. -

Herbert E. Reese was married on December 22, 1909, to Blanche H. Cline, who was born in Gallia county, Ohio, July 16, 1898. She is the daughter of Perry and Elizabeth (Davidson) Cline, both residents of Gallia county. Mrs. Reese is one of three children born to her parents and the eldest in the family. The other two children are Roy, who married Clara White, of Gallia county; and Edna, who lives at home with her parents.

After Mr. and Mrs. Reese were married they lived in Pike township for some time, where they rented a farm. They moved to Darby township in December, 1911. Mr. Reese is an extensive breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs and registered Shorthorn cattle. He and his wife are pleasant people and popular in the neighborhood where they live. They have one son, Robert Max, born on February 8, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Chuchery, Ohio. Mr. Reese votes the