Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 13 of 20)

George Langen's home is one mile west of London on the Somerford pike. He was born in Jefferson township, Fayette county, Ohio, June 28, 1861, and is the son of Thomas and Ellen (McCarthy) Langen, both of whom were born in Ireland, the former in County Westmeath and the latter in County Cork. After coming to America and settling in New York state they were marvied in Albany, and about 1840 immigrated to Ohio. Thomas Langen had been a merchant at Albany and Utica, but lost all of his property by lending his name to the security of others' notes. After living for a time in Cincinnati, during the ravages of the cholera, Thomas Langen and wife moved to Washington C. H., Fayette county, and later to Jefferson township, Fayette county, in 1859. Nine years later they moved to Madison county to a farm six miles south of London in 'Union township. There they established a home in the wilderness. The land was covered with virgin forests, and after it had been cleared Thomas Langen drained it with "gopher" and box ditches. The "gopher" ditches were drains made two or three feet underground by the use of a sharpened, upright bar of iron with an enlargement four or five inches in diameter at the bottom and pointed at one end. The upper end of the upright was attached to a windlass by means of a large beam and this was dragged along the surface, making a hole which remained open for several years. Box ditches succeeded the "gopher" ditches, and finally the box ditches were replaced with tile. Thomas Langen, who was devoted to farm life, died on his farm on December 25, 1872. His widow survived him and lived to be eighty-seven years old. They were members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at London. Thomas Langen was an enthusiastic Democrat. He owned two hundred and eighty acres of land at the time of his death. -

Of the eleven children born to Thomas Langen and wife, only four reached maturity : James, who died at Springfield in 1901. at the age of fifty-three; Frank, who is a farmer of Knox county, Indiana; Thomas, who is a retired farmer of Springfield, Ohio; and George, the subject of this sketch.

George Langen, with the exception of two years spent in the hardware business at London, lived for forty-seven years on the old farm. He inherited the old farm and added to the tract until he owned two hundred and ninety-three acres in one tract. He did all of the clearing and tiling on the farm, erected many of the buildings and made other substantial improvements. The farm is far above the average in productivity and has on it a ten-roomed house. One of the principal industries on the farm is raising live stock.

Mr. Langen's home farm of eighty-six acyes, to which he moved in 1915, has a good house and is situated near London. Mrs. Langen also has a farm of one hundred acres near the old home farm.

George Langien

Peter and Catherine (Meehan) Sullivan, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, and who spent a part of her life in Fayette county. For the past ten years her parents have lived retired in London. Her father was a large and successful farmer. Mrs. Langen was nineteen years old at the time of her marriage. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. George Langen, one died in infancy. 'The seven living children are: Thomas, who is married and manages the home farm; Catherine, who is the wife of John Gory, of London; Florence, Oscar, Alfred, Mary and Helen, all of whom live at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Langen and family aré members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at London, Ohio. Although Mr. Langen is classed as a Democrat, he is independent when it comes to elections. He served sixteen years as a member of the fair board of Madison county and, for four years, has been its treasurer. As such official he is compelled to attend constantly to the business of the fair since he handles all of the money. Fraternally, Mr. Langen is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1786, London, Ohio. He is also a member of the Board of Trade at London. He takes an interest in all public affairs and served as a member of the school board for a quarter of a century.

Peter C. Gaynard

Peter C. Gaynard, a successful farmer and teacher of Somerford township, was born on September 12, 1873, in Union township on the London and Summerford road, the son of Peter Sr., and Margaret (Coleman) Gaynard, both of whom were natives of Ireland, the former of county Mayo and the latter of County Galway. They were married in Springfield, Ohio, and later settled on a farm. Peter Gaynard, Sr., had come to America in 1848 and for a time worked on the railroads of Illinois, Indiana and Louisiana. In 1860 he settled in Madison county, and in partnership with his brother, Thomas, purchased the homestead farm, beginning with six acres. In 1880 Thomas Gaynard moved to Logan county, where he died. Peter purchased his brother's interest and continued to farm until his death in October, 1901, at the age of seventy years. 'His wife had died previously, in July, 1880. The Gaynard farm was formerly a station on the old National road in stage coach days and comprised a tavern with several barns end sheds. Peter Gaynard was a quiet, unassuming man and a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church. Of their children, Peter C. is the subject of this sketch; Thomas C. is also a farmer and teacher in this county; John died in childhood; and Delia, who is unmarried and lives in Springfield, owns the old home farm. She remained with her father until his death.

Educated in the common schools and in the normal school. at Lebanon under the skillful direction of Professor Holbrook, one of the greatest educators in the history of Ohio, Peter C. Gaynard completed a commercial course at Ada, Ohio. He began teaching at the age of eighteen years and taught his first school in 1892. Mr. Gaynard taught continuously from 1892 until 1912 with the exception of three years. In 1912 he became superintendent of the Deer Creek township schools and his term in this connection has just expired. During the past twenty years, or until 1912, Mr. Gaynard taught altogether in Madison county with the exception of one year spent in Clark county. Many of his pupils have become teachers due to the encouragement they received from him and many of them have been inspired to greater and greater work in the educational field. In 1911 Mr. Gaynard received a life certificate in Ohio. He has served at various times in official capacities in connection with teachers' institute. He is familiar with all phases of educational work. He also served as township trustee of Somerford township

D. and Johanna (Daily) Fitzgerald, both of whom are deceased. Both' were born in Ireland, she being fifteen and he eighteen at the time of their coming to America. After coming to Ohio, they were married at Plain City. Johanna (Daily) Fitzgerald's parents both died in Madison county. John Daily's brother, Patrick, was associated with him in farming, and at his death, Johanna inherited his estate since he had no children. David D. and Johanna Fitzgerald settled at Gillivan, in Jefferson township, where they engaged in farming. They were the parents of thirteen children, twelve of whom reached maturity. Mrs. Gaynard's father died on the farm at the age of sixty-two and her mother at the age of fifty-two. Her father was a member of the school board for fifteen years. He was also a blacksmith and had a shop on his farm for many years. Of the children born to David D. and Johanna Fitzgerald, nine are still living. Three live in Columbus and six in Madison county. David A. lives in West Jefferson; Edward J. lives with his sister on the old farm; William E. is a farmer near the old home; Nora I. is unmarried and lives in West Jefferson; Ellen is the widow of Malachi Riley and together with Edward Fitzgerald owns the old homestead; Johanna is the wife of Mr. Gaynard; Mary is the wife of F. F. Ryan; Julia married Francis Graham; and Elizabeth is the wife of Arthur Murphy. The three latter daughters live in Columbus. John, Margaret, Daniel and an infant are deceased. John died at the age of sixteen, Margaret at the age of twenty and Daniel at the age of twenty-nine.

Mrs. Peter C. Gaynard was reared in West Jefferson and educated in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Gaynard have only one living daughter, Margaret, aged nine. Charlotte, another daughter, died at the age of nine. Mr. and Mrs. Gaynard are members of the St. Patrick's Catholic church, at London, and Mrs. Gaynard is active in the various societies of the church.

In his career as a teacher the success of Peter C. Gaynard may be attributed as much as anything to his broad and liberal sympathies, to his appreciation of the point of view of the children, who have sat at his feet as learners. Mr. Gaynard has always been interested in athletics and has been able to enlist the interest of many boys in school by appeaiing to their love for athletics. Peter C. Gaynard is a good man and a good citizen and has served in this community faithfully and well.

John Tingley

The late John Tingley, who until his death on January 22. 1915, was a resident of Summerford, was born in Greene county, Ohio in 1844. He was brought to Madison county, Ohio, when a child by his parents, William I. and Elizabeth (Wilson) Tingley, the latter of whom was a daughter of William Wilson. of Greene county. William Tingley located in Madison county, five miles west of London in Union township, where he and his wife lived until their death. He died at the age of fifty and his wife at the age of seventy. They reared a family of many children. most of whom married and settled in this county. William died in Champaign county. Simon is living in London at the age of seventy-six. Dan died in Champaign county. George died in Clark county. John is the subject of this sketch. Simon still lives. Pearl lives in London. Ressie is the wife of Ross Barnes of London. Minerva married Dow Couples, and died in Logan county. Susan died unmarried at an advanced age. Sarah married James Bell and died in London. Elizabeth, the wife of Stewart Ritter, lives at Summerford. Missouri is the widow of James Lammon, of London. Catherine married Stephen Sweet and died in Clark county. Gertrude is the wife of Jesse Peppers, of Clark county.

John Tingley was married on November 10, 1868, to Serepta Ann Ritter. the daughter of William and Lucy (Barr) Ritter, -of Clark county. Mrs. Tingley was born near Harper's Ferry, and was brought to Ohio when a child. Mr. and Mrs. Tingley settled near Brighton, in Clark county, about 1872, and later came to Madison county, settling on the David Gerard farm near Mr. Tingley's old home in Union township. He continued farming until six years ago, when he retired and removed to Summerford. For thirteen years Mr. Tingley operated the Sam Prugh farm.

Mr: and Mrs. Tingley had nine children. One child died in infancy. Isabelle is the wife of Milton Cornwell, a farmer of Union township. Cora is the wife of Oscar Boisel of London. Alice married Scott Hull of Somerford township. Willie is a farmer in Union township. Minnie is the wife of Eret Hull of Somerford township. Laura is the wife of James Speakman, who died at the age of twenty-six. Delmar lives with his mother. Edna is the wife of Clyde Gist, a blacksmith of Summerford.

Benjamin F. Linson

It is doubtful if there is a couple living in all Madison county, who are more generally loved than Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Linson, the superintendent and matron of the Madison County Children's Home. Untii 1904 they were farmers of this county and in that year were appointed to take charge of this home. Both are natives of Madison county and have now been in charge of the home for eleven years. Mrs. Linson is noted for her kindness to the children and the extreme care she takes to provide for their comfort and well-being in life. Not only has she endeared herself to the children but she has won the admiration of the public. Mr. Linson is not only a careful and painstaking business man, but he is likewise a man born with the natural sympathies for the great work in which he has been engaged for more than a decade. Mr. and Mrs. Linson enjoy the confidence of the trustees and the public alike.

Benjamin F. Linson was born in Paint township eleven miles south of London, November 18, 1861, and is the son of Benjamin and Maria (Anderson) Linson, the former of whom was also born in Madison county, the son of Judge George and Elizabeth (Hutsenpiller) Linson. Benjamin Linson was born in Madison county, Ohio, on September 16, 1820. His father was born in the Oid Dominion state on January 7, 1790, and his mother on December 24, 1792. They were married in Virginia, in 1815, and came to Madison county, where he died on April 14, 1855, and his wife died ten years previously on' June 5, 1845. At the age of twenty-nine years, Benjamin Linson, the father of Benjamin F.. the subject of this sketch, began farming and stock raising on fifty acres of land and, at his death, owned five hundred and thirty-six acres, He was married to Marie Anderson on August 7, 1849, and to them were born nine children. Benjamin Linson died on October 5, 1876, and his wife on September 38, 1912. Margaret Shough, the last survivor of the family of Judge George Linson, lived at Sedalia, and died in August, 1914, at the age of eighty-three years, leaving two sons, Charles and Hdward.

The late Benjamin Linson received a part of his father's old home place. By occupation, he was a teacher and farmer. He owned six hundred and fifty acres of land and was extensively engaged in farming and stock raising, making a specialty of good horses and good sheep. He was active until his death in 1876, at which time he was fifty-six years old. Of their children, Benjamin F. is the subject of this sketch; William is a farmer near Springfield. Ohio: Amanda married A. B. Surbaugh and died in the state of Missouri: Elizabeth is the wife of Lee Foster, of Springfield, Ohio. The other five children died before reaching maturity. Some time ago the old home was sold.

Benjamin F. Linson, being but fourteen years old at the time of his father's death, helped his mother on the home farm and was educated in the district schools. He remained at home until his marriage on December 28 1881, to Belle Murray, of Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, ihe daughter of Maxwell Murray, an old resident of this county, but who is now deceased. Mrs. Linson was born and reared at Sedalia. Her brother, Clark Murray, is manager of the big Gwynne estate in Madison county, and is a representative of the third generation of the Murray family to manage this great estate. In fact, the Gwynne estate has been managed by some member of the Murray family during the past sixty years.

During the three years preceding his marriage, Mr. Linson managed the home farm for his mother. In 1899 he came to London, and after four years moved to another farm in Madison county. He farmed until 1904 when he and Mrs. Linson were appointed superintendent and matron of the children's home, two miles north of London.

Since coming to the children's home; Mr. Linson has added several buildings to the children's home farm. At the time of his coming, there were twenty-eight inmates including eleven colored inmates, but there are now no colored: children there. The average number at the home is about thirty inmates. At the age of sixteen, each child is placed in a good home. Mr. and Mrs. Linson keep an eye on the children, the girls until they are eighteen and the boys until they are twenty-one years old. They have placed over sixty girls in private homes since 1903 and not a single one has gone astray. Perhaps no better evidence of the sympathy, judgment and ability of Mr. and Mrs. Linson could be cited than this very fact. At the home, girls are taught house work, including -cooking, laundry work and sewing. The boys are taught farming. They are present in the home in about equal numbers and are directly presided over by governesses, the governess for the boys being Mrs. Clara Hall and for the girls Ella Warner. Each governess has her living room and bedroom near the children's sleeping dormitories, so that they may be in constant touch with the children. The school in the building is presided over by Ruth Morse and all of the children are compelled to attend school while they are residents of the institution. The children's home farm consists of seventy-five acres and is devoted to raising products consumed at tbe institution. Everything at the children's home is made to seem as nearly as possible like a real home. The habits of the children are regulated, they have good meals consisting of splendid home cooking and appear very happy under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Linson.

Mr. and Mrs. Linson have been the parents of three daughters. Edna, who is the wife of Warren Snyder; Elizabeth who is at home with her parents; and Mary, who was born in the children's home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Linson are members of the Presbrterian church. Mrs. Linson is active in church work and in clubs. She is especially active in the Farmers' Club. For several generations the Linsons have been Democrats and Benjamin F. Linson is no exception to the rule.

William Warner

The Jate William Warner, who came to London, Madison county, Ohio, when a little boy with his parents, William and Susan Warner, was a prominent man in the history of Madison county during his day and generation, and for more than twenty 'years served as the sheriff of this county. He was engaged in the mercantile business and, aside from the office of sheriff, filled other important positions of trust and responsibility. His parents were farmers who lived in the suburbs of London, his father, William War ner, Sr., having been one of the old-fashioned Shouting Methodists and a pillar in the church at London.

Mr. Warner's wife, before her marriage, was Sarah Kelley, who was born in Virginia. She died in 1883 and Mr. Warner died in 1887 at the age of ninety-three. Of their children, Helen is the governess in the girls' department of the Madison County

Children's Home and is the only surviving child of the family. The deceased children are, Mary, who was the mother of William Cowling; Ann, who married James Rankin, a stockinan, and who left a daughter, Mrs. Lou Stone, of Columbus Ohio, who has two children, Elizabeth and Warner, the only grandchildren of William and Sarah Warner; Josephine married Nathan Marble.

Helen Warner has held her position as governess of the girls' department of the children's home for thirteen years. She was born at Lafayette, in Madison county, and at the age of sixteen years began to teach school, boarding around in the meantime. She taught both in Delaware and Madison counties. She was also for a long time cashier of the Cowling store at London. Her employer, William Cowling, was her nephew. In partnership with a Miss Dickey, Miss Warner conducted a millinery store in London until 1902, when she accepted her present position. Miss Warner has seventeen girls in her charge. She is a splendid Christian woman and has a fine infiuence over the girls who are directly under her supervision.

Martin H. Watkins. '

Martin H. Watkins, the manager of the Ellsworth farm of Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, has spent all his life on the farm, having been born in Stokes township, Madison county, December 8, 1877. He is the son of D. W. and Caroline (Griffith) Watkins, both of whom were reared in the Buckeye state and who spent their married lives in Madison county until fourteen years ago, when they remoyed to Indiana. They have four children still living in Madison county. Jesse is a retired farmer and stockman of London. Lizzie is the wife of Ray Moeland, of London. Anna is the widow of Will Schurr, of London, and Samuel is a farmer near Florence, Alabama. Martin H. Watkins worked out by the month for about a year when he was twenty-one years old. Since that time he has rented large farms in Range and Union townships. For twelve years he lived on the Minchell farm, in Range township. Previous to removing to the Ellsworth farm he lived on the Garrard Brothers' farm of five hundred and sixty acres, located on the Springfield pike, four miles southwest of London. i

The Ellsworth farm consists of two hundred and forty-five acres, and is located on .the National pike one mile west of Summerford. It is a fine body of land and well tiled. It has excellent barns and feeding pens. Water is supplied by one of the best springs in the ecunty, which is forced to the tank by a hydraulic ram. A new house is to be erected shortly on a beautiful elevation, and when this is completed the Ellsworth farm will be one of the most desirable in Madison county.

Mr. Watkins and Mr. Ellsworth are in partnership in everything on the farm. They feed from one hundred to two hundred head of hogs every year. Having started in debt for all his stock and tools, Martin H. Watkins has been pre-eminently successful as a farmer. He keeps some of the finest draft horses to be found in Madison county and is well known, particularly in fraternal circles.

In the Odd Fellows fraternity he is both a past grand and past district grand master. He is also past grand chancellor of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is nominally connected -with the Democratic party, but he is very independent in voting. In minor politics he has been more or less prominent, having filled several offices, including that of township assessor.

Mr. Watkins enjoys hunting and shooting, and is one of the most deserving citizens to be found in this county. He has a host of friends and not very many people have been known to speak an unkind or unfavorable word of him. As a matter of fact, he well deserves the confidence and high regard which he enjoys.

Jonathan E. Buffington

The proprietor of the Summerford hotel, at Summerford, Madison county, Ohio, is Jonathan E. Buffington, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1859, and who was brought to Ohio in 1861, and lived at Mechanicsburg. About 1880 he came to Madison county. Mr. Buffington has been engaged in farming, in paper-hanging, in painting and in the mercantile business, and followed these various lines until ten years ago, when he engaged at Summerford in the hotel business.

In 1880 Jonathan FE. Buffington was married to Emma Alice Comfort, the daughter of Henry M. and Catharine (Heffley) Comfort; and the grandniece of Valentine Wilson, a pioneer settler of Madison county. Mrs. Buffington is a native of Somerford township.

To Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Buffington there have been born five children, three sens and two daughters: Henry Floyd is a painter at Summerford; John Fremont is engaged in the general mercantile business at Big Plains, Madison county; Raymond Forest died at the age of eighteen; Catherine Ruth and Chella May both live at home aud assist their parents in operating the hotel. Mr. Buffington has dealt considerably in cattle and hogs. He is a man who was reared under Whig and Republican influences and is an ardent Republican worker. He is also a man of very strong temperance inclinations.

Mrs. Buffington's father was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and died on December 5, 1895, at the age of seventy-one. Her mother died on November 22, 1895, at the age of sixty-one.

Henry Miller and Catharine (Heffley) Comfort were married in Madison county. Catharine Heffley was the daughter of Charles Mathias and Elizabeth (Wilson) Heffley and was one of nine children born to her parents. Charles Heffley settled on the north bank of Deer creek, one mile north of Summerford village, about 1820. His wife was the sister of the original Valentine Wilson. He passed his entire life on tne farm and died at an advanced age.

Henry and Catharine Comfort began housekeeping at Summerford. He was a earpenter by trade and did his first work on the Christian church. When he came to this community he was unable to speak English, being German by birth. In later years he often said that he did not know whether a man was called "he" or "she." Eventually, he took up contract building and among the many structures he erected in this community is the Sawyer house, now the residence on "Housatonia Farm." Later he removed to Columbus and became assistant master car builder in the Pan Handle ear shops, at Columbus. He was one of the finest mechanics that Madison county has ever produced. After six or eight years he was made foreman and remained so until his death. He had between fifteen and twenty men working under him. No car was sent out from the shop which had not passed his inspection.

While Mr. Comfort worked at Columbus his residence remained at Summerford, except a few years when he operated the old Wilson farm. Mrs. Elizabeth Comfort preferred to live at Summerford, and the old place is still owned by members of the family, being the property of a daughter, Mrs. Cartzdafner. Mrs. Comfort's death, coming suddenly, as the result of a stroke of apoplexy, was such a severe shock to her husband that he died within two weeks. Their remains are buried in the Summerford cemetery. Both were members of the Christian church and active throughout life. They had five children, of whom three grew to maturity: Leah, Mary Ellen and Emma Alice. Leah married W. J. Baird, of Springfield, who was an oil operator, now retired. They have two children, Ella, who married Henry Sholtz, of Springfield, Ohio, and Ernest Comfort. of Lima, Ohio. Mary married George Cartzdafner, a merchant at

Summerford, Ohio, and they have one daughter, Belya E., who married Henry McSavyeney, of Springfield, Ohio. Emma Alice is the wife of Jonathan E. Buffington. Mrs. Buffington and daughters are active in the work of the Christian church.

Jonathan EH. Buffington is the last Surviving son of Jonathan H. and Marian BE. (Hunt) Buffington, who were the parents of the following children: George R. deceased, lived at Springfield, Ohio; Laura. widow of Charles Smith, lives at Dayton, Ohio; Thomas W., deceased, lived at Milford Center, Ohio; Lizzie married Pearl Gray, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; Celia married Samuel Leggue, of Mechanicsburg; Rose married James Dickman, of Danville, Illinois. and they have two daughters, Bessie and Grace; Vergie C. married Dr. Edward Dill, of St. Louis, Missouri, and they have two children, Raymond and Lillie, who married a Mr. Broadrick, son of Judge Broadrick; Jonathan E., the subject of this sketch; Carrie died young; Jonathan H. and three others died in infancy.

John A. Gossard

Not only are the various members of the Gossard family well known in Madison county, but they have always been successful farmers. John A. Gossard, a prominent farmer and citizen of Stokes township, formerly was engaged in educational work in Madison county. In 1918 his three children won the contest in Madison county for the most corn raised on an acre of land. One of Mr. Gossard's children, Jay, won another contest by raising one hundred and two bushels of shelled corn. The three averaged ninety-nine bushels to the acre and won the trip to New York, Washington, Mt. Vernon and other eastern cities. Mr. Gossard has always given his children proper encouragement, suggestion and counsel.

John A. Gossard was born on October 11, 1867, in Stokes township, Madison county, Ohio. He is the son of Robert and Barbara C. (Huffman) Gossard. the former of whom was born on September 9, 1833, in Ross county, Ohio, and the latter was a daughter of Amos and Nancy Huffman. Robert Gossard was the son of John V. and Hannah (Brown) Gossard, the former of whom was born in Ross county, the son of Philip Gossard, who was a native of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The family came west in pioneer times and settled in Ross county. Both Philip Gossard and his father died in Ross county, and are buried at the Laterville Cemetery. Philip Gossard was a member of the Presbyterian church. John V. and Hannah (Brown) Gossard had only one child, Robert. Mrs. John V. Gossard died in 1833, nine days after Robert was. born. After five years, his father married, secondly, Nancy Ritenhour, who died eleven months after their marriage. His father was then married to Phoebe Cox, who bore him five children, three of whom are living. The five children were Joseph C., Artie, Marcellus, John A., and David. Joseph C., who was born in Madison county. died about 1809. Artie married Samuel Thomas, who is now deceased, and whose widow lives in Stokes township. Marcellus is a resident of London. John M. was the fourth born. David died in 1913. John V. Gossard settled in Madison county some time in the forties, leasing a large tract of land in Stokes township. At the expiration of the lease he bought the land and owned at one time about two hundred and thirty acres. He died in Stokes township in 1883, and his wife died in 1905.

Robert Gossard received a common-school education. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted. November 23, 1861, and served three years or until his discharge at the expiration of his term of service. After the war he returned home, and on December 1, 1866, was married to Barbara C. Huffman, who bore him nine children, all of whom are living. John A., the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. The others were as follow: Elva lives at home; Laura is the wife of O. E. Duff of London; Gertrude is the wife of William J. Nevills, of, Springfield, Ohio; Amy is the wife of A. C. Dun, of South Solon; Osa is the wife of Scott Rowe, the principal of the Midway high school; Grace is the wife of Leo Hartman, of Yoledo; Blanche is the wife of Harry Vent, of Washington, D. C.; Ida is the widow of Ernest Klever, deceased.

Robert Gossard owns one hundred and thirty acres of land in Stokes township. He is a stanch Republican, but has never aspired to office. In 1911 he retired from active life. Both he and his wife ure members of the Christian church, and have been members for the past thirty-five years.

Born and reayed on the farm, John A. Gossard received his education in the public schools, in the high school at South Solon and London, and in the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. Mr. Gossard taught school for eleven years in Madison and Fayette counties.

On March 24, 1894, John A. Gossard was married to Sarah Brock. a daughter of L. CG. and Amanda (Gordon) Brock. They have had four children, all of whom are living. Marguerite, the wife of Roy Shough, of South Charleston; Robert L. is a student in the South Solon high school; John J. and Tressie are in school.

Mr. Gossard has farmed while engaged in educational work, and now handles two hundred and forty acres of land. He raises a high grade of horses, and also a high grade of cattle. In every respect he is a first-class farmer.

John A. Gossard is a member of the Knights of Pythias, at South Solon. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gossard are members of the Grange lodge, at South Solon, and both are mem- . bers of the Grassy Point Christian church. Mr. Gossard is a Republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board.

Cloude L. Smith

One of the most extensive farmers of Madison county, Ohio, is Cloude L. Smith, the member of the firm of Smith & Houston, breeders of Percheron and Belgian horses, and the operators of "Houstonia Farm," No. 6, comprising one thousand and eightyfour acres. This tract includes the old Robert Dunn homestead, in Somerford township, and is a part cf the great "Houstonia Farm" of fifty-two hundred acres. The operations carried by Messrs. Smith and Houston are little short of gigantic. They have eleven head of registered Belgian horses, nine head of registered Percheron mares, and. five stallions on the farm, all of which are purebreds. Altogether they keep one hundred and twelve head of horses, all of which are very high grade. For some time they have been engaged in raising cattle and hogs, and turned off on an average three hundred head of hogs every year. Stock breeding was begun as an important department in the operation of this great farm about five years ago.

Cloude L. Smith, one of the enterprising managers of this immense farm, was born on August 12, 1886, in Ross county, Ohio, and came to Madison county some years ago to take charge of this farm. He is a young man who is well experienced in the stock business and he came here especially to take charge of this department of the farm work. 'Twenty men are employed on "Houstonia Farm" No. 6, and crops are rotated on the three-year plan.. There is grown on this tract about three hundred acres each of corn, wheat and clover annually.

Mr. Smith has exhibited live stock at all the fairs in this section of the state, and in all classes, including the county and state fairs. In 1914 he won a total of more than one hundred ribbons at the various fairs where his stock was shown.

On December 24, 1911, Cloude L. Smith was married, in Madison county, to Ola O'Donnell, the daughter of Patrick O'Donnell, of Deer Creek township, where Mrs. Smith was born and reared. They have no children.

Cloude L. Smith is identified with the Republican party, and takes an active and interested part in all public measures having for their object the welfare and betterment of his community. He is a member of the Houstonia Athletic Club and the Social Club at South Charleston.

David O. Keefer

Madison county has few farmers who better understand all of the aspects of presentday agriculture thai David O. Keefer, the manager of the Thomas Babs estate, consisting of two hundred and eighty-nine acres, located in Somerford township. Here Mr. Keefer has lived for the past twelve years, engaged in general farming and stock raising. He raises large quantities of grain and feeds most of his grain to hogs. He pays cash rent for the Thomas Babs farm.

David O. Keefer was born on October 28, 1856, in Carroll county, Maryland, and at the age of six years was brought to Madison county, Ohio, by his parents, William and Rebecca Keefer, the former of whom died at Newport at the age of fifty-three, and the latter is still living in London. ?

Mr. Keefer has spent practically all of his life in Madison county. He began, early in life, working out on the neighboring farms, but for the past eighteen years has managed the operations of various farms in Madison county. He has lived on the present farm for the past twelve years.

At the age of twenty-four, David O. Keefer was married to Mary Mills, of Pickaway county. Mr. and Mrs. Keefer have been the parents of four children, namely. Roy, who lives in London; Pearl, who lives at home on the farm and works with his father; Walter and Mabel, at home with their parents.

Mr. Keefer has never taken an active part in political or religious affairs, but has devoted his time almost exclusively to farming, a vocation which he truly loves and one in which he has made very satisfactory progress.

Charles Henry Wallace

Charles Henry Wallace, a successful stockman and farmer of Summerford, was | born in Somerford township, on a part of the old Wilson farm, January 22 1860. He is the son of Mark and Harriet (Littler) Wallace, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively.

Mark Littler was brought by his parents, Joshua and Matilda Littler, to Madison county when a child. He was a farmer in this county and died at an advanced age. Mark Littler served three years and six months in the Civil War as a member of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged for disability. having been wounded at the battle of Chickamauga by the bursting of a shell. He was wounded in the hip and remained an invalid for twenty years. He died on his home farm, a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife had died several years before. They had a family of four children: Joshua, who is unmarried, lives in London; Charles H. is the subject of this sketch; George W. was a farmer and died at Plumwood, at the age of forty-four; Pauline is the wife of Matt Landers, who lives near Plumwood, Ohio.

Charles Henry Wallace lived at home with his parents until he was eighteen years of age. Afterward he spent two years in Champaign county. There he rented land and farmed for two years. Upon returning to Madison county he operated the Joe Ward farm, but after working for wages for one year he spent two years in Van Wert country. Selling out there he purchased a home in Summerford and for the next: five years operated one of the farms owned by Mrs. Lucy Beach. While Mr. Wallace has continued to farm he has bought and sold several tracts of land. After spending another year in Van Wert county he bought the old Kennedy farm, which is now known as the Clay Rogers farm. Mr. Wallace's father bad formerly owned this farm. It is set in catalpas and is a fine tract of growing timber. Mr. Wallace has bought and sold many thousand mules and draft horses. He keeps a Missouri jack and as far as he can encourages the raising of mules in this county.

Not only does Mr. Wallace raise mules on his own farm, but also buys and sells them in large numbers. He is interested in several small tracts of farm real estate, and owns a tract of five acres where he lives. During late years he has been engaged ir, buying young mules, breaking them to the harness and then selling them in broken teams. His brother has been associated with him in this business. Frequently they get as high as five hundred dollars for a team of good mules and as much as six hundred dollars for a team of draft horses. Mr. Wallace keeps from twenty to thirty head of horses all the time. Corn raised on his farm is fed to the hogs.

Charles H. Wallace was married, when still a young man, to Addie Kelley, who died nineteen years ago, leaving three children: Will lives at London; Mark is a molder at Springfield; Belva is the wife of Frank Pyles, of Springfield. Some years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Wallace was married, in 1901, to Ada (Burt) Brunty, widow of Thomas Brunty. Mr. and Mrs. Brunty had two children, Nora and Floyd. The former is in London and the latter lives with Mr. Wallace. To 'this second marriage there have been born two children, Isabel and Alice, both of whom are attending school. Charles Henry Wallace is a Democrat.

Daniel Lucy

The proprietor of "Diamond Rock Stock Farm" in Somerford township, a magnificent tract of one hundred and seven acres, devoted to general farming and stock raising, Daniel Lucy was born near Danville, Madison county, June 24, 1863, the son of John and Laura (Campbell) Lucy. John Lucy was a native of County Cork, Ireland, but was married in the state of Ohio.

For some years John Lucy worked on the Gwynne farm. in Deer Creek township. After his marriage, however, he settled on the farm where Daniel Lucy now lives. When Daniel was a child the family moved to Clark county and settled on a farm two miles west of the village of Summerford. There John Lucy spent his life on a farm of ene hundred and eighty-six acres, most of which he cleared out of the famous Bailey woods. At the time of his death, in May, 1898, at the age of eighty years, 'he had almost all of the farm under cultivation. He also laid a great deal of tile and had good buildings on the farm. Mrs. Laura (Campbell) Lucy died some years before her husband. They were the parents of six children, as follow: Michael, who is in the railroad service at Missouri Valley, Iowa; Daniel is the subject of this sketch; Dennis is a thresherman of Clark county and owns two farms, eighty acres in Somerford township. and a farm in Pleasant township, Clark county; Lizzie is unmarried and lives in London; Hila is the wife of John Kennedy, who owns the old home farm and resides in Springfield, Ohio; and Cornelius, who was a farmer, died at the age of thirty years

Daniel Lucy remained at home until his father's death, when he moved to his present farm. It is the old Samuel Prugh farm and is located on the Markley road. It had a good house when Mr. Lucy received the farm and also a good barn, whicb was burned. The present barn was built in 1904. It is a bank barn, thirty-six by fifty-eight feet. Besides the home farm of one hundred and seven acres which Mr. Lucy owns, he also owns eighty-seven acres about a mile distant. He breeds Duroc- Jersey hogs and feeds them tor the market. Practically all of the stock raised and fed on the farm is purebred. The Lucy farm is well equipped for stock raising, since the water is piped to the house and barn from the very finest springs, being forced by a hydraulic ram installed in 1904. A large tank is situated in the barn and from this tank water is drawn for the stock.

Henry Kelly

The London Gun Club, of which Henry Kelly is president, is an institution of which the people of Madison county, who are interested in sports, are very proud, since the club has attained distinction for having developed several men who are among the leading shots in the country. Its members take part in state, national and international trap-shooting contests. It is no small honor to have been the president of this organization since its establishment about eight years ago. Mr. Kelly has won honors in state, nation and international meetings, and is perhaps the oldest man in Ohio to shoot on the line. He holds his own well with the younger men and he also enjoys hunting large game and frequently visits the hunting preserves of Virginia, Maine, Montana and Minnesota. He has hunted moose and other big game in the Northern woods. He also enjoys fishing and spends his vacation in this sport.

Henry Kelly, a native of Auglaize county, Ohio, was born on April 24 1839, and was taken to Columbus, Ohio, at the age of three years, by his parents, Reuben and Elizabeth (Baughman) Kelly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Kelly's father was a farmer, but operated the mill at Columbus. Henry attended school at Columbus until thirteen years of age, when the family moved to Madison county, where his father purchased a farm two miles west of Summerford, on the National road and on the county line. He lived on that farm until an advanced age. A short time before his death he built a house in Summerford, where he died in 1904 at the age of eighty-three. His wife died about one year later. They had a family of nine children, three of whom died in infancy.

Of the children born to Reuben and Hlizabeth (Baughman) Kelly, one child, Mary, died early in life; Laura, who is unmarried, and Elizabeth, the widow of William Buzzard, live together in London; Frank is located in California, but was a carpenter in Delaware, Ohio, until about two years ago; John lives in the soldiers' home at Sandusky, Ohio having served in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a period of one year during the Civil War.

Henry Kelly has lived at Summerford since he was thirteen years old. He attended the district school and about the time he finished his education enlisted, in September, 1861, in the Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving three years and nineteen days in Company C. Most of the time he was on detail in pioneer service, but he was engaged in several battles, including those of Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga In the Atlanta campaign he was captured while detailed to secure beef cattle for the army. He had started to camp with a drove of stock when he ran into the Rebel cavalry. He knew a squad of Union cavalry was following him and they had not gone over a half mile until they ran into the Union squad, and he had the pleasure of escorting his own captors back to camp. He was not wounded during the entire war and was with his command from the beginning of his enlistment until his discharge. Since leaving the army he has followed the carpenter's trade continuously.

In 1865 Henry Kelly was married to Elizabeth Henderson, a native of Summerford, the daughter of G. D. and Catherine (Kelly) Henderson. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have lived together for fifty years. They have been the parents of five children, as follow:

Helena the wife of William McKinley, of Plattsburg, Clark county, Ohio; Harley, who lives in London; Edna, the wife of Raleigh Cartzdafner, a machinist, at Springfield, Ohio; Eugene, who is associated with Howard Lewis on the farm; and Nora, the wife of Cade Powers, of South Charleston, Ohio.

Henry Kelly is a member of Lyon Post No. 21, Grand Army of the Republic, and has served in almost every official capacity in this post. He is one of the substantial citizens of Somerford township, and is widely admired for his sterling integrity and his upright moral worth.

John Florence

John Florence, an active farmer of Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, was born in Paint township, Madison county. His great-grandfather, William Florence, Sr., came from England in 1760 and settled in Faruquier county, Virginia. He was a Ssoldier in Washington's army, a member of the Virginia militia and a delegate from the commonweulth of Virginia in 1778. He was the father of five children, three daughters and two sons.

William Florence, Jr., the youngest son of William, Sr., and the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came to Ohio in 1806 and located in Pickaway county, making a purchase of sixteen hundred acres of land. He became very prominent, having represented his county in the Legislature a number of times and served. as circuit judge for several terms. He was married in Virginia to Fanny Robinson and to them were born three daughters and three sons, all of whom were born in Virginia except the youngest son, William, he being born in Pickaway county, Ohio.

Robinson Florence, the father of John Florence, married Elizabeth Williams, the daughter of John and Mary (Phifer) Williams, of Virginia. Mary Phifer, the maternal grandmother of the subject of this sketch, was the daughter of John and Catherine (Rader) Phifer, also natives of Virginia. Before his marriage, Robinson Florence came with his father to Ohio and settled in Pickaway county. He later settled on land in Paint township, Madison county, after his marriage. To this union were born eleven children. The fatuer and mother and four of the children have passed away. Elias Richard Florence, the eldest son, was elected to the office of sheriff for two terms and the office of treasurer for a like period of time. He being an ardent Democrat, these elections speak highly of him, as his party is greatly in the minority in Madison county. After his services in public affairs, he embarked in the lumber business and built and operated the Florence planing-mill and lumber yards for twenty years. He died in London, Ohio, at his beautiful home on Water street, in February, 1912.

Robinson Florence settled in Paint township, Madison county. on a farm six miles west of London, between the London and Xenia road and the Little Miami railroad, the station of Florence being named for him. At the present time there is an up-to-date elevator at this station, from which a large amount of grain is shipped to market, and also a large warehouse. Williams Chapel is built on a lot given by Grandmother Williams and named in her honor.

John Florence, after leaving the district school, was a student in the "Old Academy" in London, Ohio, for two years, but completed his education at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio. After returning home he engaged in farming and has followed this occupation since that time.

In 1875 John Florence was married to Blanche Morgridge, the daughter of Joshua Bailey and Harriet (Tuttle) Morgridge. The history of the Morgridge family will be found in the sketch of William Morgridge, presented elsewhere in this volume. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Florence moved to Monroe township, Madison county, and there purchased a farm. To this union were born one daughter and one son, Mary and Walter. Mary, who is a graduate of St. Mary's Convent at Columbus, Ohio, married Mark Taylor, a farmer of Lafayette, Ohio. Walter attended Otterbein College for one year and is a graduate of Ohio State University and the Bliss Business College. He married Cleo Thompson and is largely engaged in cattle ranching in Oklahoma. Besides rearing these two children of their own, Mr. and Mrs. Florence have also reared three other children, Cleo Thompson, who came to make her home with them when twelve years of age and remained until her marriage, and two grandchildren. Robert Thompson Florence makes his home with them at the present time.

Mrs. Blanche (Morgridge) Florence was a student of Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, was one year in Rodger's Private School in Springfield, Ohio, and completed her education in Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. She has always been a progressive woman, and in everything that was beneficial to the community she has been among the first to assist. In a large measure it was due to her that Resaca got its first tri-weekly mail and finally daily mail. Resaca now has a rural free delivery.

Mr. Florence owns the old Florence farm, on which he was born, and a beautiful home in Plain City. He attributes much of his success to the foresight and good judgment of his good wife. When they moved to Monroe township there were but few graveled roads in that section of the state, and the land on which they settled was in a state of nature, there being only a few open ditches on it about one spade deep. Since that time Mr. Florence has put in tile ditches, his being the first in the neighborhood. and has been taxed to help build fifteen or twenty graveled roads and several large county ditches. He has been at a great expense to make his land productive and has often considered his assessments on these improvements very discouraging. ;

Although not a member of any church, Mr. Florence attends the Methodist church and his wife is a member of the Episcopal church. They helped to build the Christian church at Resaca, Ohio. Mr. Florence is a member of the Grange but does not belong to any secret order. He is a charter member, a stockholder and a director in the Farmers National Bank at Plain City. Mr. Florence's family prefer to live in Plain City, but he divides his time between the city and his farm in Monroe township, where he has a fine herd of purebred Shorthorn cattle.

Caleb Griffin Wilson

Caleb Griffin Wilson, the proprietor of "Forest Home,' three miles west of the village of Summerford, in Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, is the son of Washington and Linnie (West) Wilson, the former of whom was the son of Valentine and Susan (Umble) Wilson. The life history of Washington Wilson and his forbears is contained in the sketch of the Wilson family' presented elsewhere in this volume.

Caleb Griftin Wilson was one of eight children born to his parents, and one of the last two surviving. He was born on the old homestead farm, November 16, 1859, and is next to the youngest of his father's family.

Mr. Wilson lived at home until his marriage, after which he came direct to his present home, which he had just erected. Originally he had one hundred and twentyfive acres of land. He had just cleared a big pasture and from the time he removed to the farm has made many improvements. In recent years he has added twenty-five acres to his farm. He is an extensive breeder of live stock, besides which he buys a great many cattle and hogs to feed them for the market. He has a feeding barn forty by sixty feet, which was erected in 1910, and a very large silo, and feeds ensilage to his cattle. Since removing to the farm he has installed a great deal of drainage, and' the land which was originally of little value on account of being wet and swampy, is now being made to produce enormous crops of corn and clover. He feeds about seventy-five to one hundred hogs every year. 'Mr. Wilson's farm is located on the county line and includes twenty-five acres in Clark county.

At the age of twenty-one years Caleb G. Wilson was married to Lettie West, of Clark county. Although the latter lives in Clark county his home is in the township adjoining Somerford. Mrs. Wilson is six months her husband's junior. They are the parents of three children, all of whom are living: Ross W., who is a farmer; Hsther, the wife of Clem Fossett, lives in London; Rodney Robert, the youngest child, lives at home with his parents.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican, but has never held office, nor has ever aspired to office. He is a man who is very much in love with life in the open. In the community where he lives he is highly respected and esteemed as the scion of a noble and worthy family of the county. He and his family are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which they take an active and interested part, Mr. Wilson being a steward of the church at Summerford.

John Thomas Lindsey

In Somerford township, Madison county, Ohio, not a great distance from the county seat, London, may be found the ancestral home of the Arbuckles, of whom John Thomas Lindsey, who married the youngest child of Jacob Arbuckle, is the present proprietor, and which farm at the death of Mr. Lindsey will pass into the possession of his daughter, Mildred, now a child of eleven years. The old Arbuckle farm now contains one hundred and sixty-nine acres and has a most interesting history.

John T. Lindsey was born in Marion county, Ohio, August 8, 1865, the son of Joseph R. and Lydia (Cope) Lindsey, natives of Ross and Marion counties, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Lindsey's grandparents came from near Halifax, Virginia, and were pioneer settlers in the Buckeye state.

Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Ohio, John T. Lindsey was married on May 22, 1902, in Springfield, Ohio, to Flora A. Arbuckle, the youngest child of Jacob Arbuckle. She died on May 4, 1911, at the age of forty-four, her whole life having been passed in Madison county. She was educated in the old Arbuckle school, in Somerford township, and later attended the London high school, but did not graduate. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey are the parents of only one child, Mildred, born on November 23, 1903.

The Arbuckle family in America came originally to this country from Scotland, but Col. John R. Arbuckle, the founder of the family in Ohio, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, and was first married to Nancy Sturgeon, by whom he had two daughters, Elizabeth and Sarah. With his wife and two daughters he came to Ohio in 1805. He had come previously, in 1803, and obtained a tract of eight hundred acres of land, which his brother, Charles, a soldier in the American Revolution, had received for services in that great war. In the meantime, Col. John R. Arbuckle who had received this tract of land from his brother, Charles, made his home at what is now the first house east of the Arbuckle school, now the residence of John T. Lindsey. Here he built a double log cabin and put in a crop, but being frightened out by the Indians, he returned to Virginia and remained there two years. In 1805 he returned with his wife and daughters and later brought a nephew, John Barrett, and his sister, Nancy, to this county. Col. John R. Arbuckle's wife died in 1812, and in 1814 he was married to Elizabeth Bishop, who had come from Greenbrier county, Virginia, with her parents and located in Logan county, Ohio. John R. Arbuckle had become a colonel in the Ohio militia and had gone to Logan county to build a fort. There he met and married his second wife. He remained in his old house until he built the present frame house in 1842. Three years later, in 1845, he died, at the age of seventy-five. He not only served a term or two in the state Legislature but was one of the first judges in the county and bore the title of Judge Arbuckle until his death.

The second wife of Col. John R. Arbuckle, Elizabeth Bishop, survived him for twenty years, passing away in 1865, at the age of seventy-six. He disposed, by will, of his estate to his children by the second marriage, who were as follow: William spent his life on the old home place and died at the age of seventy-five. leaving one child, Francis Taylor, of Richmond, Virginia; Matthew moved to Missouri and finally to Texas; Susan died while still a young woman; Charles is hereafter referred to; Rebecca died unmarried, at the age of sixty-eight, after having been in charge of her brothers' families, being the housekeeper for her brother, Charles, after the death of his wife in 1855, and reared his family of children; James was the next born; Josiah died in childhood; and Jacob inherited the old hamestieas and died at the age of seventyfive, leaving a family of four children.

Charles Arbuckle, who was born on February 1, 1821, died on July 12, 1896. He was a farmer by occupation and lived on the old home farm until his father's death in 1845, when he inherited one hundred and seventy acres, where his family now lives. All but sixteen acres of the farm was in woods. His life work was devoted to this farm, and at his death he had one hundred and twenty acres in cultivation. He built the present house in 1847, and afterward settled on the farm with his wife, to whom he was married in 1846. Before her marriage she was Eliza Richmond, the sister of Hiram and William Richmond, and the daughter of David and Ruth (Johnson) Richmond, natives of New Jersey. They located near Dayton, where she was born, and later, when she was still a child, brought her to Summerford, where she grew up and was educated. Her father had died near Dayton and her mother came to Summerford as a widow. Eliza Richmond was seventeen years old at the time of her marriage. She died on June 20 1855, at the age of twenty-six, leaving a family of four children, of whom Ann married Christian Bryan, of Madison county. Ann died, leaving two sons, Herbert and Charles, both of whom were reared by their grandfather, Charles Arbuckle. They are engaged in operating the home farm, Herbert being a farmer in Madison county. Eliza Jane, the second child born to Charles and Eliza Arbuckle, and Laura Frances, the third child, both passed their lives in the house where they were born. George Edwin died in infancy. Rebecca Arbuckle, the daughter of Col. John R. Arbuckle and the aunt of these children, at the death of Charles Arbuckle's wife, took care of his children and reared the three to maturity devoting her whole life to their interests. Not only that but she eared for Jacob Arbuckle's four children, giving them the same consideration as if they had been her own children. Rebecca Arbuckle died on October 10, 1900, at the old home farm of her brother, Charles. Charles Arbuckle was one of those men who are naturally leaders in public affairs and was always to be found in the front ranks of men who were working in the interest of the public welfare.

Jacob Arbuckle had four children, namely: Viola, who married Thomas Cloud, of London: Walter, who died at the age of about thirty; Lizzie Maria, who died unmarried, at the age of fifty; and Flora, the wife of John T. Lindsey, the subject of this sketch.

John Lindsey is a man whose material interests are devoted to his farm. He is interested in good driving horses and always keeps several horses on the farm. He has inherited from his parents a liking for animals, and finds the farm a most congenial place to live. Mr. Lindsey is a highly-respected citizen and one who is well known throughout Somerford township. He usually votes the Republican ticket and is a member of Lodge No. 481, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Summerford, Ohio.

Mrs. Lindsey was a member of the Uniy ersalist church, of London, Ohio, and took a good deal of interest in church work. She was a member of the Evergreen Club and was secretary of the Winchester Association for sey eral years. She was a woman who was well known in the county.

Walter A. Dun

Some time before 1850 four brothers and a sister, whose father had died, came to Madison county, Obio, and occupied a large tract of land, which their father, before his death, had purchased at one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. The 'three younger brothers and the sister were brought to Madison county by the eldest brother. These children comprised the Dun family, all of whom have occupied a conspicuous place in the histery of this county. The sister, Mary, became the wife of the late Allen G. Thurman, who served us United States senator from Ohio. Walter A., the subject of this sketch, spent most of his life in Madison county, passing away on December 2, 1906, at the age of eighty-one years.

Walter A. Dun, who was the sole proprietor of "Oak Forest,' was born at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1825, and was one of a family of fiye children born to Walter Dun, Sr., and wife. 'The others were John T., James, Robert and Mary. Some time after his father's death, Walter A. Dun obtained about seven thousand acres of land in three or four tracts. situated in several counties. There were over twenty-one hundred acres in the home farm. where he lived and died.

The late Walter A. Dun was married in Kentucky, while still a young man, to Mary Catherine Thompson, of the Blue Grass state. She died on December 2, 1896, just ten years to the day before the death of her husband. It is a coincidence of no small moment that their deaths occurred ten years apart, lacking perhaps less than two hours. The Dun home was a fine old mansion built in 1851. It had a big fireplace and was a quaint structure. On November 2, 1902, it burned to the ground and afterward Walter A. Dun set to work to build the present house, which, however, is not so pretentious as was the old mansion.

For ten years the Dun farm was operated by Robert Hanson, who was born six miles south of London and whose wife before her marriage, was Lucy Rumer, a native of Fayette county. Mrs. Hanson is a most estimable woman, who gives her home an ntmosphere of hospitality, and she has been a large factor in the success of her husband. With their two children, Mabel and Ray, when the latter was two years and six months old, Mr. and Mrs. Hanson came to the Dun homestead. Mr. Hanson had been recommended to Mr. Dun by George VanWagoner, of London. At the time of their coming, Mr. Dun became very closely attached to the children and especially to Ray. It was only a short time before he said he would leave his property to the lad and he did. At the time he was in need of some one upon whom to bestow his affections and finally left the lad all of his real estate, which consisted of the home farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres, worth approximately twenty thousand dollars. It is situated ten miles north of London. :

The remains of Walter A. Dun are buried in the Greenlawn cemetery, at Columbus, as are also his brothers and his wife. He and his wife had no children. He was a Democrat in politics and a stanch one. He was a student of political questions and well informed, particularly in foreign politics. He had a large library and spent a great deal of time with his books. He was also very fond of race horses, and for twenty years harness horses were his chief concern. He owned the best horses to be found in Ohio, and long after he had quit the racing game kept on breeding fast horses.

Robert Hanson

Walter A. Dun had a very kind heart and a neighborly disposition but lived somewhat secluded during his entire life. He was kind to the poor and always ready to assist the needy. His old employees had the highest words of praise for him. Mr. Dun counted the Hanson family as among his own people and treated them accordingly.

Robert Hanson is the nephew of Robert Hanson, Sr., ambassador to Itaiy under President Hayes. The senior Robert Hanson was a captain in the United States ariny and an attorney-at-law at London. His health failing in Italy, he started home and died on the ocean two days before landing. His remains were buried in the Paint township cemetery. Mrs. Hanson's parents were natives of the Old Dominion state, who located in Fayette county, Ohio, where both died. Mrs. Hanson is a sister of Mrs. Richard Kilgore, of Paint township. The Hanson family includes only Mabel and Ray. The former is the wife of John Roseberry, of Rosedale, Madison county, and has two children, Robert, seven years of age, and Marion, three years of age. Ray, who was born on July 16, 1893, lives on his farm. He is a graduate of the London high school and spent one year at Ohio State University and is now a' student at Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in the class of 1917. He is an active member of the Sigma Alpha fraternity, and is very much interested in athletics, particularly football and baseball. .

George W. Cartzdafner

George W. Cartzdafner, a general merchant at Summerford, where he is engaged extensively in the mercantile business, dealing in dry goods boots, shoes, groceries and queensware, began business in Summerford twenty-four years ago. Mr. Cartzdafner was born on August 15, 1856, in Union county, Ohio, and came to Madison county, Ohio, at the age of ten years with his parents, J. W. and Julia Ann Cartzdafner, the former of whom was a native of Maryland and the latter of Franklin county, Ohio. 'They were married in Columbus. He was a millwright by trade and a mill operator. He operated the old Roberts mill for three years and the old Tinck mill, one mile north of Summerford. He also had a saw-mill and a flour-mill, which he purchased and afterward converted into a modern process mill operating it for twenty years, then selling out. The site of this old mill is now covered by the Summerford cemetery, the buildings all being gone.

J. W. Cartzdafner moved to Summerford late in life, and died there in his eightyfirst year. He was a well-known member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all of the chairs and was reliably informed as to all phases of lodge work. "Uncle Johnny," as he was familiarly known, served several terms as trustee and nine years as assessor. He was a Democrat in politics, but he never sought office and served only when he was solicited to do so. Although he was not a member of any church he was a prominent Sunday-school worker until very late in life. He was well informed upon all current subjects and a_ fluent conversationalist. A natural mechanic, he was an expert in all phases of engineering. He served nine years on the school board. His widow. who survived him two years, was an active worker in the Christian church. They had a family of thirteen children, among whom are the following: Frank is a resident of Pasadena, California: Irvin lives at Columbus; Byard resides in Columbus; Raleigh lives in Springfield; Albert lives in London; George W. lives in Summerford; Mrs. Hettie Woosley lives in Springfield; Sophia is the wife of William Dixon; Fidelia, who was the wife of Charles Heffley died in Columbus; and Ada, who married James H. Clingan, died at Summerford.

Of these children, George W. Cartzdafner has lived in Madison county since he was ten years old, except eight years spent in the Pan Handle car shops a8 a car builder.

George W. Cartzdafner was married in 1880 to Mary E. Comfort, whose parental history is given elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Cartzdafner was born in Clark county. 'lo this union has been born one child, Belva E., who is the wife of Henry McSavaney, of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. McSaveney have one daughter.

Mr. Cartzdafner is prominent in the work of the Masonic lodge and in the Independent Order of Odd Irellows. He is a man who has always paid strict attention to his personal business, and this perhaps as much as anything else accounts for his very sutisfactory success.

Harlan Huffman

Harlan Huffman is a prosperous farmer and a well-known citizen of Stokes township, living on rural route No. 1, out of South Solon, Madison county, Ohio.

Mr. Huffman is a native of the township where he lives, his birth occurring there on March 8, 1860. He is a son of George and Louisa (Ervin) Huffman, the former of whom was born in Greene county, Ohio, and the latter was born in Fayette county. They were married in Madison county, and were the parents of five children, two of whom, Amanda J. and Harlan, are living. Amanda J. is the wife of John M. Gossard. The deceased children are Mary Belle, Frederick H. and Annie. Mary Belle was the wife of J. H. McGinnis, and lived in Fayette county, Ohio, until her death in 1910. I'rederick H. died at the age of nineteen, and Annie died at the age of twenty-one.

The late George Huffman, the father of Harlan, was a farmer by occupation who moved to Madison county about 1840, when a young man. He settled in Stokes township, and eventually became the owner of one hundred and two acres of fine farming lund in this township. His death occurred in April, 1890, and his widow is still living and makes her home with her son, Harlan.

Harlan Huffman owns a magnificent farm about four miles west of Sedalia. His place is well improved and well stocked, Mr. Huffman having devoted his entire career to the business of farming, and his well-kept and attractive country place gives evidence to the fact that he has met with a very commendable degree of success in his efforts.

Politically, Mr. Huffman is an adherent of the Republican party, but has never taken a very active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Feilows, belonging to Midway Lodge No. 806. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, in the Union Star Lodge at Midway, and takes an active interest in the affairs of these fraternal organizations.

John Milton Stroup

John Milton Stroup is a hard-working and industrious farmer of Stokes township, Madison county, Ohio, born on a farm in that township, March 27, 1877. He 'is a son of John and Sarah BH. (Thomas) Stroup. His father is also a native of Stokes township, born on the same farm, and he was a son of Joseph Stroup, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Stroup's mother was a daughter of James Thomas and wife.

John Milton Stroup is one of four children born to his parents, all of whom are living: Bertha, living at home; Walter married Bertha Gordon, and they live in Green county; John Milton, the immediate subject of this brief review; and Charles married Mary Stroble and they live in the Hoosier state.

John Stroup. the father of John Milton Stroup, was educated for the ministry, and has been engaged in that profession for the past thirty yéars. He is an evangelist in the Methodist Episcopal church, but makes his home iv Stokes township. Mrs: John Stroup is the owner of a well-improved farm of nineteen acres in Stokes township.

remained at home untii he had reached his majority. On February 16, 1898,-he was married to Della Winfield, a daughter of Hampton and Lettie (Cast) Winfield, both of whom are living at Clarksville, Ohio. To this union three children have been born, all of whom are living: Gerald D., born on January 26, 1899, is now a student in the high School; Ella Marie, January 9, 1901, is a student in the public schools; Leah Louise, January 27, 1906.

Mr. Stroup owns fifty acres of well-improved land north of South Solon, about threequarters of a mile. He is a general farmer and stockman, and is prominent in the community where he lives.

Fraternally, Mr. Stroup is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, at Springfield, Ohio. As a Republican he has served his township as road Supervisor for the past six years, and has given pre-eminent satisfaction in this community.

John M. Gossard

John M. Gossard, a successful farmer of Stokes township, living on rural route No. 1, out of South Solon, Madison county, Ohio, was born on October 13, 1849, in Fayette county, Ohio, the son of John V. and Phoebe (Cox) Gossard.

John V. Gossard was born in Ross county, Ohio, September 15, 1811, the son of John, Sr., and Elizabeth (Vatentine) Gossard, natives of Pennsylvania. They immigrated to Ohio and were married in this state. He died in 1840 and his wife died in 1872. John V. Gossard was married to Phoebe Cox on June 9, 1841. She was born in Ross county, Ohio, November 27, 1814. When Mr. Gossard was twenty-one years old he engaged in farming on his father's farm. In 1852 he bought two hundred and sixty acres of land in Madison county, Ohio. He was educated in the common schools and served as trustee of Stokes township. John V. Gossard was married three times, first to Hannah Brown, by whom he had one son, Robert. After her death he married Nancy Ritenour, who lived only eleven months. He then married Phoebe Cox, and to them were born five children, Joseph, Arthur, Marcellus, John M. and David, of whom three are living. At the time of his death on June 4, 1880, John V. Gossard had been a member of the Methodist church for more than thirty years. He was a good citizen and highly respected in the township. Mrs. Phoebe Gossard died about 1888.

Of the children born to John V. and Phoebe (Cox) Gossard, Joseph died in 1903; David in April, 1912; Artie is the widow of Frank Thomas, of Stokes township; Marcellus lives in London; and John M. is the subject of this sketch.

Born and reared on a farm and educated in the common schools, John M. Gossard remained at home until he was twenty-seven years old. He was married in August, 1876, to Amanda J. Huffman, a daughter of George and Louise Huffman. To this marriage there were born ten children, four of whom died in infancy. Six are living, as follow: Arden, who is at home; Loring, who lives on the old homestead, married Margaret Tupps and has one son, Kenneth; Harry, who is at home; Howard, who is attending high school at Midway; Ethel, who is the wife of Edward Steward, of Stokes township; Lula, who is the wife of Rufus Schotts, of Chillicothe.

Mr. Gossard owns one hundred and ten acres of land, which is all well improved. He moved to the farm which he now occupies in 1908, and aside from building a barn has made many other substantial improvements.

Mr. Gossard is a stanch Republican but has never cared to hold office. He served, however, as road supervisor for some time and also as a school director. Mr. Gossard is living within two hundred yards of the school which he first attended when a lad. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Midway, and both he and his wife are members of the Grassy Point Christian church.

James Rankin Stroup

Range township, Madison county, Ohio, enjoys the distinction of having furnished to the various municipalities of the United States five different mayors. Judge DG. Badger was mayor of Columbus, Ohio; John B. Koontz served as mayor of Washington C. H., Ohio; M. C. Allen, as mayor of Nevada, Iowa; W. S. Stroup, as mayor of Dunkirk, Ohio; and James Rankin Stroup, the subject of this sketch, is now serving his fifth term as mayor of South Solon. Mr. Stroup is a familiar personage to every man. woman and child of South Solon. He is widely known for miles around as the mayor of South Solon. as the founder of the South Solon Advance, and as an all-round business man and farmer. He bas been a familiar figure in both the political and social arena of this section, and has made himself popular among the inhabitants by kind deeds, willing hands and active support to all' worthy projects for the benefit of the community and those around him. He is the one man needed in every community to fall back upon when energy and willingness are needed to promote the general welfare.

James Rankin Stroup was born in Range township, Madison county, Ohio, March 9, 1844, and is the son of William and Caroline M. (Rankin) Stroup, the former of whom was born in Madison county. Ohio, and was the son of John and Rebecca (Grimes) Stroup. John and Rebecca (Grimes) Stroup were natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky, respectively, and among the first settlers in Madison county, Ohio. They established a pioneer home in Paint township, and spent the remainder of their lives there.

William and Caroline M. (Rankin) Stroup had eight children, five of whom are living. The deceased children are Rebecea F., who married William McCune, of Columbus; John M., who died in Midway, Madison county; and Joshua, who died in California. Both William McCune and his wife are deceased. The living children are: James Rankin, the subject of this sketch; William Edwin of Dunkirk, Ohio, who has been in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad for the last thirty-five years; Sarah E., who lives in Chicago; Margaret C., who lives in California; and Harry L., who is train dispatcher in New York city. William Stroup was engaged in the mercantile business at Midway for many years. During the latter part of his life he was engaged in the grain business at Lima, where he died in 1885. His wife died ten years previously.

Born in Range township and educated in the common schools at Sedalia, James Rankin Stroup clerked in his father's store until 1861. When he was seventeen years old he enlisted in Company D, Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was one of the first of the young men to respond to President Lincoln's call for volunteers. He participated in James A. Garfield's first battle at Middle Creek, Kentucky. Colonel Garfield was commanding a brigade at the time, January 10, 1862.

After the war Mr. Stroup came back to his native county, and for several years was engaged in farming and selling farm products. During that period he raised purebred Jersey cattle and hogs. In 1889 he removed to South Solon. and in 1902 founded the South Solon Advance, an enterprising newspaper of that section. In 1902 he was elected mayor of South Solon and served eight years, until -1910. In 1914 he was re-elected mayor and is now serving his fifth term. Mr. Stroup is also justice of the peace and a notary public. He is likewise engaged in the real-estate and loan business. As mayor of South Solon his efforts have ever been for the benefit of the town. and as the result of his election the town has many needed improvements. His projects for benefiting the community have been entirely impartial. He is a newspaper man of considerable note. and has built up the South Solon Advance until it is a thriving and newsy sheet, well patronized and widely read. Among his other interests, Mr. Stroup owns a farm of fifty-eight acres in Range township. He also owns a splendid modern home in South Solon.

daughter of David and Ann (Kenton) Haskell. Mrs. Stroup's mother was a daughter of Simon Kenton, a nephew of the famous Kenton of pioneer times. Mr. Haskell was born in Utica, New York, and his wife at Xenia, Ohio. They were married at Xenia. The Haskeils were farmers and stockmen throughout life and lived in Range township after their marriage. Mr. Haskell died in 1898, and his wife died in 1911.

Mr. and Mrs. Stroup have had three children, as follow: Haskell, born on September 3, 1864, lives in Range township, near Danville; Grace, born in:1879, died in 1901 ; Anna C. died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Stroup celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on October 20, 1913, at their home in South Solon. There were about eighty guests and they received many presents. The Springfield News mentioned the event as one of the most interesting in the history of Stokes township.

Mr. Stroup resides with his wife and granddaughter in a fine residence in South Solon. He is as active, as quick in wit and conception, and as deft in his literary work as a young man. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of South Solon, and is quartermaster of the post. He is also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, at Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Stroup is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at South Solon. James Rankin Stroup is identified with the Democratic party.

George W. Gossard, farmer and stockman of Stokes township, was born in the township where he now lives, October 28, 1865. He is the son of Joseph and Jennie (Hckles) Gossard.

Mr. Gossard's father was born in Madison county, and his mother also. They were married in this county, and had seven children. of whom six are living. Silva, the youngest, died at the age of seventeen. The six living children are: George W., the subject of this sketch; red, who lives in Midway, and who is a carpenter by occupation; Willis, who lives on the old homestead; Oscar, who lives at home and manages the home farm; Charles married Nora Rogers, who died about 1910, and he also lives on the old homestead; Dell is the wife of William Roth, and they live at Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Joseph Gossard followed farming and spent all his life in Madison county, Ohio. where he owned forty acres of well-improved land. He died on May 22, 1905. His widow is still living on the old homestead. The grandfather of George W. Gossard died in 1880. The late Joseph Gossard was a member of the Grassy Point Christian church und a Republican in politics. He held numerous township offices.

George W. Gossard. who received a good common-school education in the public schools of Madison county, was reared on the farm and lived at home with his parents until his marriage at the age of twenty-six years, November 10, 1891. At that time he was married to Mary Vaughn, a daughter of William and Martha (Richardson) Vaughn. Mrs. Gossard's father was born in Madison county, and served in the Civil War for three years and four mouths. He died shortly after his return from the war, as the consequence of exposure he suffered during service. Mrs. Gossard's mother lived the remainder of her life in Stokes township, Madison county. She died many years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. George W. Gossard have had five children, all of whom are living. Hazel is the wife of Lester Campbell, they have one son, Max, and live near Yellow Springs; Guy and Marie. twins; William and Marjorie all live at home with their parents.

Mr. Gossard operates a farm of forty-seven acres, and raises a high grade of live stock. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is identified with Midway Lodge No. 806. As a Republican, he has served as road supervisor and school director for a number of years. The Gossard family are members of the Christian

Joseph C. Clawson

It is a maxim demonstrated by all human experience that industry is the key to prosperity. Success comes not to him who idly waits, but to the faithful toiler who with cheerful optimism and sleepless vigilance takes advantage of every circumstance calculated to promote his interests. Such a man is Joseph C. Clawson, an enterprising farmer of Stokes township, Madison county, Ohio, who has, within a comparatively brief period of time, advanced from an humble station to a proud position among the leading farmers of this great county. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to fixed purpose, which always do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or advantageous position, have been the dominating factors in his most successful career. He is known as a man of strictly honest business principles, industrious, pleasant and agreeable.

Joseph C. Clawson was born in Vinton county, Ohio, November 3, 1857. He is the son of John W. Clawson, a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, whose wife was also born in that county. The parents were married in Jackson township, Vinton county, Ohio, and after their marriage took up farming. John W. Clawson had eight children, only one of whom, Joseph C., the subject of this sketch, is living. Samuel served in the Civil War, enlisting when seventeen years old and serving altogether three years and six months. He died near Sedalia, Missouri, in 1913. Jacob served in the Civil War, enlisting at the age of eighteen and serving three years and six months. After the war he settled in Pickaway county and later moved to Missouri, near Sedalia, where he died in 1912. Elizabeth Jane married Edward Schafer of Pickaway county. They moved to Madison county in 1907, and settled in Stokes township. They reared a family of nine children, eight of whom are now living, Charles, Clarence, Edward, Harry, Allie, Elizabeth, Mattie and Blanche. Charles lives in Los Angeles, California; Clarence in Madison county; Edward in Madison county; Harry in Madison county; Allie in Pickaway county; Elizabeth is the wife of Earl Huffman, of Pickaway county; Mattie is the wife of Clinton Stout, of Pickaway county, and Blanche, who is unmarried, resides in Madison county. One child died in infancy, and the mother of these children, Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Schafer, died in 1912. The father died in 1907 in Madison county. The fifth child was Rosella, who died about 1879 in Madison county. Three children died during the Civil War.

John W. Clawson was also a soldier in the Civil War and enlisted in Company I, Kighteenth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served about three years. He was wounded two times during the war, and after receiving an honorable discharge returne1 to Vinton county and engaged in farming until his death, November 28, 1878. His wife died in February, 1911.

Joseph C. Clawson received but little education during his early years. He was compelled to work hard and had little opportunity to attend school. Until 1879 he worked for other people. In that year he began life for himself by renting from G. W. Linson, in Madison county. He rented land altogether for twenty-three years and then purchased one hundred and twenty-five acres in Stokes township, and has added to this original tract until he now owns five hundred and eight acres of magnificent land, well improved and very fertile. Practically all the improvements on this land have been made by Mr. Clawson himself.

On July 7, 1886, Joseph C. Clawson was married to Jennie Bozarth, a daughter of Lewis and Rosanna (Moon) Bozarth, the former of whom was born in Greene county, Ohio, and the latter was born in Madison county. They were married in Madison county, and had six children, four of whom are living, as follow: John is a resident of Berry county, Missouri; Jennie is the wife of Mr. Clawson; and was born in McClain county, Illinois, on September 15, 1855; Mary is the wife of Huston Thomas, deceased ; Laura is the wife of L. W. Badger, of Berry county, Missouri.

for a year, and then removed to McClain county, [llinois. The father was a farmer and stock dealer in Illinois for: seventeen years. Eventually, he returned to Madison county and purchased the old Aaron Moon homestead farm and followed farming the remainder of his life. He died March 7, 1909, and his wife died in 1911. Lewis Bozarth was also a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted from Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Clawson have had three children: Laura, who died at the age of nineteen; Anna, who died at the age of seventeen; and John, who died on September 1, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson adopted a little girl at the age of nine months. She is Hatha Clawson, born on September 15, 1895.

Mrs. Clawson is a member of the Christian church at South Solon. Mr. Clawson is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to office. He makes a specialty of raising Shire draft horses and Shorthorn cattle.

John Morrison

John Morrison is a successful farmer of Paint township, Madison county, Ohio, who was born on the ocean on the voyage from Scotland to America on June 2, 1858. He is the son of Andrew and Agnes (McIndo) Morrison, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living, namely: Alexander, who was born in Scotland, lives in Ross county; John is the subject of this sketch; Margaret is the widow of Wesley Davis, of Highland county; Mary is the wife of David Fairley, of Highland county; Robert lives in Paint township; Archie is a resident of Highland county; Andrew also lives in Highland county; William died at the age of thirty in Highland county; David and Walter, both of whom live in Highland county.

Upon arriving in America, Andrew Morrison settled in Highland county in 1858. and for a few years was employed as a laborer. Later, however, he purchased a farm in Paint township, Highland county, and followed farming. He died about 1906. His wife died on May 22, 1915.

John Morrison received a common-school education in the district schools of Highland county and lived at home until bis marriage. Mr. Morrison was married on December 25, 1883, to Hannah Belle Taylor, a daughter of James and Mary Ann (Siffens) Taylor. Mrs. Morrison's father was born in Lancaster, England, and her mother in Rochdale, England. Her father came alone to America on a sailing vessel in the spring of 1840, and her mother came in August, 1840. Both settled in Philadelphia. After their marriage they settled at West Chester, a suburb of Philadelphia. About 1865 Mrs. Morrison's father moved to Washington county, Ohio, and settled near Marietta. He was a spinner by trade and his wife was a weaver. About fifty-six years ago he moved to Highland county from Marietta, and after living about thirty years in Highland county, moved to Findlay, Ohio, where he died in 1892. Still. later the family moved to Dayton, where the mother died on September 21, 1909, at the age of eighty-four years and twenty days. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their nine children were as follow: Sarah Ann, who is the widow of Frank Dooley, of Leesburg, Highland county; William, who died at the age of fifty-six; Thomas, who lives in Florida; Mary, who is the wife of Albert Weber, of Dayton, Ohio; Joseph, who lives in Colorado; Hannah Belle, who is the wife of a Mr. Morrison; Hattie, who died unmarried at the age of forty-nine; Clara, who is the wife of Samuel Teter, of California; and James A., who lives in Loveland, near Cincinnati.

Mr. and Mrs. John Morrison are the parents of seven children, four of whom are living, namely: Nina, born on July 3, 1884; Florence, February 11, 1886, married Pearl Hunter and lives in London; Clara. April 11, 1888, married Howard Harrison and lives in Paint township; Clarence, June 5, 1890, died on March 15, 1892; John Taylor, March

Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were married in Highland county, and after their marriage moved to Madison county in 1892 and rented land. Mr. Morrison owns a farm vf sixty acres but manages, altogether, a farm of two hundred and seventy-five acres. He engages in general farming and stock raising and keeps a high grade of stock on his farm in Paint township.

John Morrison is 2 member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at South 'Charleston, and the encampment, at London. He is a Republican in politics and a memver of the school board. He has served as supervisor for a number of years. Mrs. Morrison belongs to the Methodist church. Mr. Morrison was baptized as a Dresbyterian.

Jesse S. Gain

Jesse S. Gain, stockman and breeder, who is proprietor of "Fairview Farm" hear the Madison county fair grounds on the Marysville pike, is today one of the best-known horsemen in the state of Ohio. For many years he has been engaged in breeding registered Percheron and harness horses.