Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 16 of 20)

A. J. Boyce Foundry & Machine Company, manufacturers of clay-working machinery, here he was located for two years. At the end of that period he took the position as cashier in the oflice of the Columbiana county treasurer, under Hon. I. B. Cameron.

After retiring from the position of treasurer of state. Mr. Green became associated with the Merchants National Bank at Cincinnati as their financial agent. The Merchants National Bank is the institution of which the late M. E. Ingalls was the controlling factor.

Mr. Green established, in the meantime, the West Manufacturing Company, at Columbus. This company was removed to London in 1911. By turning his attention from politics to industry, he has proved that he is quite as well fitted for the one as the other. Since coming to London he has built up one of the most important enterprises in Madison county.

The West Manufacturing Company manufactures metal specialties for the wholesale paper and hardware trade and sells exclusively to jobbers. This company was the first enterprise to locate in London, which has developed an export trade - of this business practically one-third is export. The West company manufactures the celebrated "Queen" and "West" Roll Paper Holder and Cutters, and half a million merchants, located in every section of the civilized world daily tear off paper to wrap packages with from this device that has been manufactured in London; from which it can be seen that Mr. Green deserves a good portion of the credit for the general advertising throughout the country which London is getting as a manufacturing center.

In this connection it may be stated that it was his coming to London that turned the attention of this locality toward manufacturing. The start had to be made by some one, and Mr. Green made the start in the face of considerable opposition on the part of the town. Madison county did not want to be considered as a manufacturing county in those days. Now things have changed, and with successful institutions springing up from time to time, the people are realizing the advantages that follow the pay-roll which these institutions bring to the locality.

In securing the location of these industries the town did not pay out a single dollar. Mr. Green had "Glade Hill" addition to the town of London laid out, and a few thousand dollars were paid by the more enterprising of the local people for lots in this addition. As the lots are worth more than was paid for them, it can be truthfully stated that these institutions came to London at no cost to the people of London.

With the satisfactory transportation conditions which exist in London, it is likely that at some time some keen manufacturer would have seen the advantages to be had from locating at this point. The fact is that when Mr. Green came here no one locally looked at it in that light.

Mr. Green was the principal in organizing the London Grave Vault Company, was its president for a number of years and still retains the largest interest in that me Mr. Green's wife before her marriage was Florence Josephine Rose, of Canton, Ohio. Both their parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Green had three children, as foll@v: Walter Cameron, Desmond Emerson and Douglass Rose.

All in all, it must be admitted that Charles C. Green is one of the livest and most useful citizens of London and Madison county. No man has done more than he to stimulate an interest among the people in developing the natural advantages of this county. He is a man who is highly respected not only in Madison county, but throughout the state of Ohio, where he has many friends and is well and favorably known.

Frederick W. Dorn

That there are those who appreciate the underlying principles of true happiness has been proven time and again by the records of those whose convictions were in favor of the simple life. A chronicle of the life of Frederick W. Dorn should be preserved as an inspiration for his descendants. Reared on the farm and receiving his education in the district schools of Range township, Madison county, Ohio, he grew thoroughly familiar with the vocation which was to become his life work.

Frederick W. Dorn was born on August 38, 1875, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Peter and Katherine (Uhrig) Dorn. Confident that success and happiness were to be gained more quickly along the commercial pathway, he, in connection with his father, entered the grocery business, which he followed for four years. Realizing that competition, while the life of a trade, is very often the death of individuality, as well, he returned to a farm near Sedalia in 1900, content to mold his destiny, where most happiness was to be found. |

Constant attention to agricultural interests has been rewarded by an increase in property holdings, and today Frederick 'W. Dorn is the possessor of two hundred and twenty-six acres of land, well improved by good buildings, proper fencing and ditching. The cattle on this farm are of the Shorthorn variety.

In 1899 Myrta E. Pallin, daughter of Samuel J. and Flora A. (Core) Paulin, and a graduate of the Midway high school, was united in marriage to Frederick W. Dorn, and they are the parents of five children, who are all at home, namely: Herman Kenneth, Leland Paul, Russell Dwight, Hugh Maynard:and Delbert LeRoy.

Frederick W. Dorn is a stockholder in the Farmers Bank of Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, and a strong Republican. His fraternal relations are in the Free and Accepted -Masons and the Knights of Pythias, which lodges hold him in high esteem. He is identified with the Presbyterian church, taking great interest in its affairs, and the name of Frederick W. Dorn is spoken with respect by all who know him.

Floyd Alkire

Few 'citizens are so widely known in Madison county, Ohio, as Floyd Alkire, for in his mercantile associations he commands the respect of' every customer and in his private life he is the soul of honor. The name of Floyd Alkire is closely woven into the hearts of his host of admirers, in that he has that rare gift, a beautiful voice and with that voice he possesses the soul of an artist and the execution of a professional. He has always been most liberal 'with his talent, singing in church and assisting the home people with their numerous entertainments. Floyd "Alkire was born on May '10, 1888, in Pleasant township; Madison county, Ohio, and is the son of William and Nevada (Beatty) Alkire. Four children comprise this family group: Mrs. Ussie Claridge, 'of Nashville, Tennessee; Rife, a farmer in Madison county, Ohio; Floyd, a merchant of Mt. 'Sterling, Ohio, and Homer, of Mt. Sterling.

William Alkire was born on July 20, 1857, in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and was a prominent Madison county farmer, since retired, and now living on the old home place. The parents of William Alkire, Abraham' and Mary J. (Tanner) Alkire, were both natives of Virginia. Nevada Beatty was born on July 29, 1858, at Washington, Ohio.

Reared on the farm and obtaining the elementary branches of his education from: the public schools at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, Floyd Alkire, realizing the value of a broad, comprehensive training, continued his studies in a general course at Defiance, Ohio, and during that period developed a rich baritone voice of wide range, in the school of voice culture. Actuated from principles of the highest moral and intellectual standards. Floyd Alkire, having acquired the most important attributes for permanent success and continued happiness, continued to maintain his high ethical standards and remained on the farm until 1906. He then entered the Citizens Bank, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he was employed in the capacity of bookkeeper, from which position he resigned in 1907. : :

Desirous of securing a more extended knowledge of business affairs and gaining. a more practical knowledge, from personal observation, for a business location, Floyd Alkire, after his resignation at the bank in 1907, made. an extended tour of. several of the southern states, including Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, employing his time in the vocation of bookkeeper at different points, thereby obtaining a more general knowledge of the country and its people, than could have been gleaned from a journey of practically continuous travel.

'Convinced that' Mt. Sterling, Ohio, offered satisfactory inducements for future developments, Floyd Alkire returned from his travels and in the old familiar town secured employment in the grocery store of G. M. Fisher and served in that capacity until 1911. At that time he decided to enter the commercial field. for. himself and. with his brother, Homer, purchased-a hardware store, which carries a large and well-selected stock of hardware merchandise, and through the courtesy and management of these brothers this establishment has attraeted a' large patronage from the surrounding country. an ; in Madison county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Alvin and Mary (Neff) Loofbourrow. To Floyd and Maud (Loofbourrow) Alkire one child has been born, Juanita. Mr. Alkire is a member of the Christian church. He is an independent voter.

Mr. Alkire is affable and popular in all his dealings with the people of this section and willing to lend aid to all deserving enterprises for the best interests of the town and people.

George M. Fisher

What can be acconiplished with the proper business acumen has been demonstrated by George M. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, who, after five years of diligent effort as a clerk in the general merchandise store of Dury & Crabbe, launched his individual business craft and began sailing the commercial seas alone. He was born on September 14, 1861, in Pickaway county, Ohio. Reared on his father's farm, he gained what education was available in the district schools and then became a farm hand for his grandfather, whose land adjoined their own.

Realizing that worthy character is fashioned from the material at hand, George M. Fisher continued as an employee of his grandfather until he reached the age of twenty-five years, he then removed to Mt. Sterling, where he started on his own business career. He is the sen of William and Sarah (Mouser) Fisher, to whom eight children were born, five of whom are now living: William Fisher was born on February 29, 1836, and after a long life of diligent effort as a farmer, in Pickaway county, Ohio, he retired from active efforts in the agricultural line in 1911, and died on August 6, 1915. His wife, Sarah, was born on May 25, 1835, in Fayette county, Ohio,-and died on February 26, 1886. Both husband and wife were devout in the faith of the Methodist church.

George. M. Fisher quickly developed the opportunities afforded him in the capacity of clerk, and at the expiration of five years as an apprentice in the business world, bought a stock of groceries and for fifteen years was a successful merchant, meriting the respect: and esteem of all who knew him. So great a following did he have that others realized the advantage to be gained by such an established trade, and Mr. Fisher sold the business, which had taken him so many years to build, to Fisher Brothers, his cousins.

Thoroughly familiar with the surrounding country where he had spent forty-five years of: his life, George M. Fisher decided to broaden his commercial interests in such a way that he might benefit from the large acquaintance he had made, and proved that his judgment was' sound by entering the realty business, in which he is still engaged. In connection with his other interests he writes insurance; and that others may profit by what he has gained, during 'the many years of his earnest endeavor, he has gathered a great deal of data relative to the public library and the Methodist church history of Mt. Sterling, Ohio. He was appointed clerk of the board of public affairs.

In 1892, Katy F. Larey,-who was born on November 29, 1864, in Pickaway county, Ohio, became the wife of George M. Fisher. She is the daughter of James and Plizabeth (Troutman) Larey, both natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. Three weeks after the birth of Katy F. Larey, the mother, Elizabeth Larey, passed away. The father still lives and makes his home with the daughter who was deprived, at so early.-an age, of a mother's tender care. No children have come to bless the lives of George M. Fisher and his wife.

Among the many loyal supporters of the Methodist church, the name of George M. Fisher stands as a synonym for esteem and nobility of aim, and in the Knights of Pythias lodge he is recognized as a worthy brother, loyal to the precepts of the order.

S36 Madison County, Ohio Bertha Coover And Esta Coover Harvey

These two remarkable women, daughters and only children of Allison Jerome and Harriet (Porter) Coover, were born on November 13, 1860, and June 19, 1862, respectively, at the Coover homestead, three and one-half miles west of London, on the Springfield road. Here they lived, enjoying country life, its schools and pastimes, until May, 1876, when the family moved to London into the familiar home on North Main street. They graduated from the London public schools, Adah Bertha in 1878, and Esta Willa in 1880, each with the highest honors of her class. Bertha taught the year following her graduation, in the schools of London, and was preparing for a college course when Mrs. Coover's health, never robust, became seriously impaired. The sisters devoted themselves to the care of their loved and honored mother until death claimed her, May 17, 1895. The father's health, also, failed during this time and he followed the mother, January 15, 1900.

The family life of this little circle was a most beautiful and happy one. There was much love and great peace in the home and, by precept and example, the girls were trained to be kind in their estimates of others, broad in their judgment, and most friendly in their relations to all of God's creatures. Friendliness seemed to be their predominating characteristic, since there can be no higher proof of friendship than that which implies a willingness to take trouble, to make sacrifices, to be obliging and generous to one's friends. Jeremy Taylor speaks of friendship as "the greatest love and the great usefulness of which brave men and women are capable." St. Basil says: "A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy, reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness, gathers love." These sisters merited and enjoyed the respect, approval and love of the entire community. Respect, because of their sterling qualities; approval of their good deeds; and love, because they were so human, so sympathetic and so cheery. Their coming into an assembly was as the coming of the sunshine.

While they were eminently reformers and worked heartily with and for any movement that was for the betterment of mankind and the world, yet their keen interest in humanity was so genuine that they could and did differentiate between the sin and the sinner. The anomaly of their attacking a practice. yet retaining friendly relations with the person, was often a result of this ability.

_ Since their interests were so democratic, they belonged to many organizations: The Farmers Institute, several social and literary clubs, the Good Templars and, later, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Ohio Society of the Daughters of 1812, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Farmers Club, the Health and Welfare League, the Daughters of Rebekah and the Woman's Elective Franchise Association. In all these organizations both took prominent parts, serving on committees, as officers and as delegates to state and national bodies.

Neither was a member of any church, but they affiliated most closely with the Universalist, loving, as Bertha expressed it, "its beautiful philosophy and rational teaching." ;

Both sisters served as members of the London board of education, Bertha from 1895 to 1898, Esta from 1908 to 1911, inclusive. During all the years of their service neither missed a meeting, regular or special, and both were unusually faithful and efficient in the discharge of their duties. Their father, also, had served the community in a like capacity.

The sisters traveled much together, both in this country and in Europe, and, with their wonted comradeship, gave freely and graphically of their experiences and impressions to interested friends. Such was their capacity for enjoyment, that their cup of happiness was as filled to the brim with the beauties of a field flower in the pastures of Madison county as by the glories of a sunrise in the Alps.

Bertha was county chairman of the woman's day of Home-Coming Week of Madison county's centennial year, in July, 1911, an honor which she appreciated more than any other ever conferred upon her. The lovely spirit of unity in which the women of Madison county co-operated was a tribute to her tact, her courtesy, and efficient leadership.

The status of woman in the political and econonomic world aroused the deepest interest of these sisters. In her autobiography, Bertha says, "In the belief of equal political rights for men and women in which I was brought up, I found my deepest sympathy. Here, too, I did my best work. In February, 1895, I joined the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, which had just been organized. I served as secretary, president, and treasurer of this body, and often on committees. I was elected to the | important office of state corresponding secretary of the Ohio Woman's Suffrage Association, serving for nine years. I attended all the state conventions during that time and most of the board meetings. I made some reputation as a speaker, being often on for an address at state conventions, speaking for resolutions before political conventions and various organizations, and before both branches of the Ohio Legislature at Columbus. It was my privilege to act as state delegate from Ohio to several conventions of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. In Chicago, I believe the year 1907, and at Buffalo in 1910, I served on the resolutions committee with Henry B. Blackwell as chairman. The first year after his death, I not only served on the committee, but was chosen its chairman in 1911 at Louisville, Kentucky. In the summer of 1908S I acted as national press chairman of the association for nine weeks, during the absence in Europe of the regular chairman. I also assisted in editing Progress, the national organ of the suffrage movement at that time.' Thus modestly is set forth a work extending over years of close application, of sacrifice of time and strength, and of a very great and exhausting toil, such as comes to her who is driven by her ideals.

Bertha's interest and success in this work was Esta's interest and success as well ; for in all things the sisters worked together. If one seemed to have stepped to the front to occupy some position of trust and labor, the other, in the background, was loyally upholding the worker's hands, attending to the details, performing the clerical work, and.in every way clearing away the hindrances, that the other might do the more efficient work. This bond of co-operation and singleness of purpose, was manifested in the two in a remarkable degree. It had existed from infancy and was broken only by Esta's death, which occurred, after a few hours' illness, on the morning of December 5, 1912. Her husband, Elmer E. Harvey, to whom she was married on December 22, 1896, survives her. Bertha's health, always a little precarious, failed under the shock of this great grief and, although she made heroic efforts to regain her interest in her wonted enterprises, life, as she pathetically remarked, "had lost its zest and could not be made to feel worth while any longer." She gradually failed and on February 5, 1915, the portals opened to let this last member of the Coover family rejoin her dear ones. The bodies of the sisters rest in quiet Kirkwood beside their father and mother.

Madison county, blessed already by the leavening influence of these beautiful lives, will have reason, as the years go on, to realize more and more how much this whole devoted Coover family loved this community, for, truly, "their works do follow them."

The will by which Bertha Coover left the Coover lands and money to Madison county was an expression of her father and mother and sister's wishes, also. In this, as in every plan and thought throughout their lives, the sisters and parents were as one. They had discussed as a family, while in health, the needs of the community and how those needs could best be met. The Coover residence and its twelve acres of land on North Main street was given to Madison county as a site for a county hospital, a sanitarium, an old ladies' home or other similar benevolent institution as the county commissioners may deem best. One hundred and seventy acres of land, including the old home place, was given to be occupied by the county as an experiment farm. Seven thousand dollars were given to the Federation. of Women's Clubs of London, to buy, furnish and equip a building for a club house. (This has already been purchased on North Main street.) The organizations to which Bertha and Esta belonged, in which they were interested, or which may be for the general welfare of the community, are to use the club house as a meeting place under proper restrictions. The Ohio State Woman's Suffrage Association received one thousand dollars. The London Woman's Elective Franchise Association; the London Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; Madisonia Lodge No. 725 of the Daughters of Rebekah; the Universalist church ; Trinity Episcopal church; Methodist Episcopal church; First Presbyterian church; and Lutheran church of London were also remembered. .

Thus passed from our community these two rare and sweet-souled women. Measured by years their time with us was short, but in the hearts of the people they will live; and the good they have' done, by their lives and by their thoughtful and loving bequests, will bring to them that immortality which comes to him who loves and serves his fellow man. THE CoovreR SISTERS - AN APPRECIATION.

From the breezy, wholesome life of a country home, they came with their parents to the village of London in 1876. Two slender slips of girlhood, somewhere in. their teens, possibly sixteen and fifteen years of age. Bertha, tall and willowy, a brunette, with wide-open brown eyes. Esta, the younger, flower-faced and slender; with pink coloring, blue-eyed, flaxen-haired. Just the two girls, without other sister or brother.

Companions from babyhood, only something like a twelve-month difference in their ages, they ought have been twins. They were twins in sisterly love, in tastes, studies, occupations. It would be hard to say which was the elder. At school, Bertha was just a step or two ahead; but Esta caught up so fast, they kept. well together. Together they read the same books, sang the same sweet melodies; in all things one was the complement of the other.

It is such a little way from girlhood to womanhood, and the time in crossing over so swift, that, ere one knew, the sisters had reached the line where life broadened and the outlook on things became more real, more earnest. The girlish tastes gave way to womanly interests; and the welfare of humanity was one that occupied their thoughts.

As the years passed, marriage sought and found the younger sister; but Bertha's nature seemed so rounded out and perfect, there was neither time or thought for matrimony. There are such women. Had she married and been the mother of children, she would, as in all other conditions, filled well her sphere of usefulness and motherhood. The Father of all had other uses for her.

Prohibition was a paramount topic in their parents' home. The daughters entered heart and soul into the spirit of the work. So, too, in agricultural affairs. Though they had left the farm, it was crops and herds and soil values that kept the house-fires alight and the two sisters, with keen enthusiasm, were members and workers in farmer's clubs, reading essays, singing their sweet ballads at harvest festivals, getting signatures for road improvements and in all things co-workers with their parents. Universalism as a religion appealed to them. In the church at London, they were found: Sunday after Sunday in the choir. They visited the sick and aged and comforted the sorrowful. In the intellectual ventures of the town they had their share and did their part well. 'Their parents were tended and cared for by loving watchfulness, and, when laid side by side in their last, long sleep, the sisters' lives grew, if anything, a little nearer and dearer and Bertha became a member of her sister's and brother-in- -law's home,

It is hard .to write of such women as Bertha Coover and Esta Coover Harvey. So much ought to be said one feels unequal to the obligation of saying all adequately. The sudden passing of Esta, in 1912, was a blow from which Bertha never rallied. Life's cares and interests, hitherto shared with her sweet sister, became a sorrowful burden, too heavy to bear, and two years later, gladly, thankfully, she joined "the choir invisible." She was the last of her line.

Having no needy relatives or immediate descendants, the bulk of the Coover fortune was devised to London and Madison county. What may be called "the joint will" of the sisters was expressed in part, as relating to London and the county, as follow : "In the name of the Benevolent Father of all, I, Adah Bertha Coover, of London, Madison county, Ohio, do hereby make my last will and testament. * * *

"Item 4. - I give and devise to Madison county, Ohio, for the uses and purposes hereinafter stated, the following described real estate. * * * The same to be managed and controlled by the county for the following public uses and purposes; primarily, as a site for a county hospital; but if the commissioners should at any time find and decide that it would be for the best interests and welfare of the county to use a part or all of. said premises as a site for an old ladies' home or for a sanitarium or other similar benevolent institution or institutions, then in that event it may be used by the county for any or all of such purposes."

Item 5 provides that certain farm lands are to be used by the commissioners of Madison county for establishing and equipping an experiment farm.

Item 8. - I give and bequeath the sum of seven thousand dollars to the London Federation of Women's Clubs, of London, Ohio, to be used to purchase, furnish and equip a building for a club house for the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs ; provided, that one room in said club house be set apart and used as a relic room, under the supervision of the Daughters of the American Revolution; and provided further, that the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, the Woman's Elective Franchise Association, the Humane Society and other organiations for the general welfare may also use said ¢lub house, aS a meeting place, by paying to the said the London Federation of Women's Clubs a reasonable compensation as their respective proportionate shares for the upkeep of said premises." * * *

There is a stated mansion in London, compactly built of brick and granite, standing on a commanding site on North Main street. 'Round its walls, and in and out its many rooms, Miss Bertha Coover wove magic dreams. She admired and commended the work of the club women of her town: their efforts to gladden the hearts of little children at Christmas time; the beautifying of the streets and gardens; the inculeation of civic pride, and she wished that that especial house might some day be a club home for women; that from its roof-tree thoughts would be born and efforts issue for the betterment of the town she loved so well. Was it a coincidence, or something higher, that impelled the London Federatien of Women's' Clubs to purchase the very spot the testator - dreamed of.

Standing at the portal of this stately club house, one can almost see, a little way to the north, the roof and chimneys of the old Coover homestead, devoted to the purposes of the Health and Welfare League of making sick people well again. Westward, a few miles from London, is the spot where the Coover sisters were born, the broad, well- cultivated acres to be used as an agricultural experiment farm. 'The Protestant churches of the town and societies to which the sisters belonged have not been forgotten in their last will and testament.

It is not in the transitory world of fashion and passing show, these two noble women will be remembered. They will live for all time in the town of London and county of Madison. They have joined the Immortals. The name of Coover will live forever. Bertha and Esta Coover have taken their "place in the sun."

Joseph A. Long

Madison county has no business institution of which it is prouder than the White Cliff Mills, of which Joseph A. Long is proprietor. Born at Athens, Tennessee, he comes from a family of millers, his grandfather having operated a mill at Athens as far back aus the forties and his father having later succeeded in the business of his grandfather. It is no wonder, therefore, that Mr. Long is a practical miller, nor that he has made :t phenomenal success of this business. Both he and his brothers, T. J., J. R. and W. Z. Long, with whom he was associated in business for many years, were trained in the milling business at Athens. At the age of eighteen years, having some fear of punishment by his father because he wanted to play baseball, J. A. Long ran away from home and finished his apprenticeship as «a roller-mill operator in a mill at Morrow, Warren county, Ohio. During the next eighteen years he worked at Morrow, rising gradually from floor sweeper to head miller, in 1897. In partnership with his brother, Mr. Long rented the mill at Morrow during 1897, and the next year came to London, Madison county. In the autumn of 1894, he, also in partnership with his brother, purchased the old buhr mill at Athens, Tennessee, in which was installed a fairly modern roller process of making flour. Two younger brothers were taken into the business at the time.

Since coming to London. Ohio, Mr. Long's rise to fame and fortune in a business way presents an unbroken record of success. Like many Southern boys, Mr. Long at the outset of his career was possessed of pluck, energy and ambition. His quick intelligence and ardent application soon made him a first-class miller. No sooner had the Long brothers purchased the old mill at London than new and modern machinery was installed, and the flour manufactured was properly and scientifically milled. Mr. Long called it White Cliff (named for White Cliff springs, in the eastern Tennessee mountains), und so famous has it become that a local poet has proclaimed its stability in this verse:

The output of the London mill has grown steadily from a capacity of sixty barrels a day to one hundred and seventy-five barrel capacity. The plant is also equipped with. a complete corn meal roller outfit, which uses a carload of corn every. day, the product being manufactured for both feed and table use. The table meal is made of white corn. produced mostly in Madison county. A car load of wheat is also used every day. The White Cliff Mills use approximately seventy-five thousand bushels of wheat, purchased of the farmers of Madison county and vicinity. They also buy and /ship large quantities of corn, oats and rye, and employ from eight to twelve men the year round. White Cliff Mills manufacture, as principle brands, White Cliff and London Cream flour. The market for the product is largely local, but carload shipments are made to the remote sections of Ohio, West Virginia and Virginia, as well as to the far Eastern market. This flour is carried by most of the local merchants and is sold in great quantities. Local deliveries are made with a large Kelly-Springfield truck, which replaced four horses.

T. J. Long retired from the mill in 1900, going to Mechanicsburg, Ohio, where the Long brothers own the electric light and ice plant, in connection with a flour-mill. They also own an electric light plant in Tennessee, and operate the old mill at Athens under the name of the Long Manufacturing Company. The flour-mill at Mechanicsburg and the flour-mill at Athens, Tennessee, each has a capacity of approximately the same as that of the London mill.

The London mill enjoys the distinction of haine on a level with the surrounding ground, a fact of great significance to farmers who haul heavy loads. The old-style elevation process is eliminated and farmers drive in on the level and dump their grain into the elevator below the road. Hence the mill on the "level dump" is very popular. This is an innovation, due to Mr. Long's genius, and it is noteworthy that his competitors have followed the same plan.

Mr. Long was married in September, 1889, at Morrow, Ohio, to Carrie Stubb, a member of one of the original Quaker families of Warren county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long have had two children. Leslie is a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, 'Ohio. Bessie was educated in music at the Western College for Women at Oxford, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Long and family live in a modern home, attractive from the exterior and beautifully furnished. The family are popular socially in London and Madison county, and take a lively interest in all the affairs relating to this county. Mr. Long is popular and prominent in fraternal circles. He is a blue-lodge and chapter Mason and is a member of the London Club and formerly was a member of the Board of Affairs. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he takes a deep interest, being 2 member of the official board. Since coming to the great Buckeye state, he kas formed a keen affection for this state and for its people.

The man whose name appears at the head of this sketch is a prominent farmer of Pleasant township, Madison county, having been born on the farm on which he resides, April 24, 1886. and is the son of Frederick and Eliza (Stone) Toops. Frederick Toops was a son of John and Ann (Bountz) Toops, natives of Ohio, and was born on April 6, 1847, in Pickaway county, Ohio. Migrating to Madison county with his parents he at first tilled the soil which he rented for a number of years. By 1875 he had been able to earn enough to buy his present farm of one hundred and thirty-nine acres, unimproved, and on this he built a one-story and a half house and rail pen, two years later constructing a log barn. It was not long before he was able, by his industry, to place extensive improvements on his farm, including a large and commodious barn, which unfortunately, was destroyed by fire. In 1911 it was replaced by a more modern structure, forty by sixty feet and twenty-eight feet high. At this time also he remodeled and enlarged his house.

Mrs. Eliza (Stone) Toops. who is now living with her son, Orla H., is a native of Madison county, Pleasant township, having been born there on April 16, 1851. She is the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Stone, mentioned elsewhere in this work. Her father was a native of Ohio. A large family of children blessed the domestic life of this worthy couple. These children are: John W., a farmer of Range township; Mrs. Bertha Morain, of Pleasant township ; Armour G., of Pickaway county, attendant of the state farm; Mrs. Bernice Rice, deceased ; George N., a farmer of

Paint township, Madison county; Raymond, deceased; Orla H.; and Creswell, a student of a medical college at Columbus, Ohio, preparing to be a physician and surgeon.

With the exception of one year, during which time Orla H. Toops was employed on another farm, he has remained .on the farm which is his present home. In 1910 he began the management of his mother's country place, and the same year exhibited his corn at the Mt. Sterling fair. Like his father, he has always been interested in high grade stock, and there has never been a time when he did. not own a number.

In 1912 Orla H. Toops was married to Golda Tope, a native of Pickaway county, being born there on February 27, 1890. Her parents are Francis and Margaret (Immel) Tope who are descendants of German ancestry. They are well-known farmers in Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Orla H. Toops are the parents of two children, Kenneth. born on May 8, 1913, and Frederick Orla, May 3, 1915...

Politically, Mr. Toops exercises the right of individual choice, for in spite of the strong party lines of his county he has remained an independent.voter. He is a church attendant, and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge.

That Mr. Toops has been enterprising in his agricultural operations is evidenced by his present possession. In all of his dealings he is actuated by the principal of honesty and his relations with his fellow. men have. been such as to gain their confidence and good, will, and once having gained these he retains them.

George A. Boice

With a proper realization, at an early age, that success later on in the mercantile world could only come from beginning at the lower round of the ladder and working up, step by step, until master of the business, George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, fitted himself with this end in view and then became the merchant and not the employee. His birth took place on November 23, 1875, in Gallia county, Ohio, he being second in age of three children born to Melvin and Mina (Mauck) Boice, as follow: Burt, deceased; George A. Boice, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Mannie (Lyle), of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Melvin Boice, the father of these children, was born on February 25, 1845, in Gallia county, Ohio, and he was reared on the farm. In August, 1861, at the tender age of sixteen, he responded to his country's call and enlisted at Cheshire, Ohio, in Company H, Fifty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After a faithful service for nearly three. years, he was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, on June 27, 1864. His wound was in the left arm and he was discharged from the hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1865. Following his discharge he returned to the farm and assumed his former occupation of tilling the soil. This farm is located one mile from where he was born and on this property, consisting of one hundred and ninety-five acres, he is still living.

Mina Mauck was born on May 16, 1849, in Gallia county, Ohio, and is the daughter of James and Barbara (Rothget) Mauck, natives of Virginia. She is still living.

George A. Boice was reared on the farm and attended the district school. When only eighteen years of age, with his mercantile career in view, he left home for the West and in 1893 secured a position as clerk in a general merchandise. store at Springhill, Kansas. After serving in that capacity for some time he returned to Cheshire, Ohio, where he clerked in.a general merchandise store until 1899. His experience, then having fitted him to conduct his own affairs in his chosen profession, he purchased a store in Rio Grande, Ohio, which he sold in 1903, removing to Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Constantly but carefully advancing, he purchased a store at Mt. Sterling and soon had it stocked with general merchandise. ~He is the owner of the building in which his business is located and at this time he is erecting a substantial home,

1879, at Cheshire, Ohio. She is the daughter of J. E. and Viola (Smith) Fargo and a woman of exceptional attainments. Before her graduation from school she taught one year and after graduation taught in the high school. She has been highly honored by the women of her state, having served as grand worthy matron of the Eastern Star :odges of Ohio, and in 1914 was elected grand secretary of the same order, now traveling over the state as her duties call her. No children have blessed this union.

George A. Boice is a Republican and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He attends the Methodist church, of which his wife is a member.

Charles W. Hodges

Charles W. Hodges was born on August 1, 1859, at Circleville, Ohio, son of William J. and Julia (Walker) Hodges. He was one of thirteen children born to them. The names of these children follow in their order: Charles W., William J., Jr., Edward B., Mrs. Florence. Alderson. (deceased), Mrs. Margaret Smith (deceased), Mrs. Minnie Moor, Thomas A., Mrs. Belle Smith (deceased), Mrs. Nellie Bazler, Paul, Richard, Harry and Mrs. Ada Morgan. ae

Two of these children felt that the trade their father followed was good: enough for them, Charles W. and Thomas, who is a blacksmith at Columbus, Ohio. Harry, second to the youngest child, is inspector at the Buckeye Malleable Works, Columbus, Ohio. Mrs. Ada Morgan lives at Youngstown, Ohio. William J., Jr., is a salesman living in the state of Iowa. Mrs. Minnie Moor lives at Farmland, Indiana. Mrs. Nellie Bazler, a widow, resides at Youngstown, Ohio. Paul represents the Northwestern railroad and resides at Toledo, Ohio. Richard Alderson makes his home in West Virginia. Edward B. became a painter and is employed by his brother, Charles, in the business at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, where they both reside.

William J. Hodges, Sr., was born on February 22, 1832, at Staunton, Virginia, where he was a blacksmith and resided until 1857, at which time he removed to Darbyville, Ohio. There he followed his trade until 1862, when he enlisted as a soldier in Company A, Ninetieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which company he served as sergeant. During the war he was wounded and while at the hospital, in 1865, received his discharge, returning to Darbyville, Ohio, where he resumed his work as a blacksmith until 1871. He then removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he worked as a blacksmith until his retirement in 1882. He died on June 8, 1889.

Julia Walker was born on October 11, 1840, in Lancaster, Ohio, and is the daughter of Josiah and Eliza (Ginder) Walker, both natives of Pennsylvania. She lives with her daughter, Mrs. Ada Morgan, at Youngstown, Ohio.

Charles W. Hodges was reared in Mt. Sterling, where he received his education in the public schools. He was taught his trade in his father's shop, assuming full charge of the same when his father retired from the business. He is an expert mechanic and takes delight in his chosen profession. Mr. Hodges built his present .shop in 1892.

In 1882 Charles W. Hodges was married to Eliza Leech, who was born on November 7, 1861, at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools. She is the daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Bostwick) Leech. To the union of Charles W. and Eliza (leech) Hodges, have been born five children: May, deceased ; Mrs. Gladys Von Loyd, of Columbus, Ohio; Leo, deceased ; Fredrick, deceased; and Sherman, who is at home with his parents.

Charles W. Hodges is a Democrat, and the respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens is demonstrated by the fact that he has served as a member of the city council at three different times. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, also of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Hodges owns a modern home on No. 10 West Main street.

Zebulon D. Fisher

People of all climes are filled with admiration for the man or woman who has ambition and the perseverance to accomplish things worth while in life, and it matters not whether they were of lowly birth or whether today they are of differing social classes, they are honored for their achievements regardless of nationality or creed. To Zebulon D. Fisher, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, falls the approbation and praise for having earned the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Zebulon D. Fisher was born on November 13, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and received his education in the district schools of Pickaway county. After leaving school in 1893, he served as a teacher in the schools of Monroe township, Pickaway county, Ohio. He followed this vocation for seventeen years, and in connection with his work took up the study of law, with attorney Irvin F. Snyder, of Circleville, Ohio.

Difficult as is the teaching of school, demanding as it does much time outside of school hours, Mr. Fisher succeeded in his study of the law and in 1897 he was admitted to the bar, beginning his practice in 1910. at Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, where he is also interested in the grocery business.

In 1908 Zebulon D. Fisher was married to Laura M. Brown, who was born on December 25, 1880, in Fairmount, Indiana. Laura M. Brown is the daughter of Alexander and Mary A. (Jones) Brown, both natives of Cincinnati, Ohio. Alexander Brown was reared in Pike county, Ohio,.and was a soldier in the Civil War.

Zebulon D. Fisher is the son of Isaac N. and Hulda (Hanawalt) Fisher, who were the parents of seven children, of whom two only are now living. Isaac N. Fisher was born in 1842, in Pickaway county, and engaged in farming until his death in 1878. His wife, Hulda, was born in Union county, Ohio, and passed away in 1911, leaving two sons, Hstal E., a merchant of Mt. Sterling; and Zebulon D., attorney and merchant, the only survivors of her immediate family.

In Pickaway county, where he now lives, Mr. Fisher owns seventy-two acres of land. He is the father of two daughters and two sons, namely: Laura E., Zebulon E., Paul R. and Mary A., all of whom are at home. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Methodist church.

Seymour P. Young

Seymour P. Young was born on December 11, 1864, in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, and is of German descent. He is the son of Frederick and Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, to whom nine children were born, seven of whom are still living. Seymour P. Young is the youngest child and only son. His father, Frederick Young, was born in 1812, in Germany, immigrating to America when a young man and locating in Pickaway county, Ohio, where he bought land and farmed, later removing to Madison county, Ohio. He continued to cultivate the soil until his death, which occurred on April 23, 1866. His mother, Lucinda (Kaufelt) Young, was born in 1825; in Ohio, and died on March 28, 1889.

The only son of thrifty German parents, Seymour P. Young possessed: but little knowledge of his parents, his father having died when he was but two years of age and he was bereft of a mother when a young man twenty-five years of age. Reared to farm life and obtaining his education at the old Douglas district school of Pleasant township, Seymour P. Young, at the early age of twenty-one years, began farming for himself. He purchased the old home place, on which he made extensive improvements. This property he cultivated most successfully and also engaged in the raising of. stock, becoming very prosperous. In 1912 Mr. Seymour removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he owns a fine home on East Main street. He is a stockholder in the First National bank and is the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres of well-improved land.

At the age of twenty-one years, on December 31, 1885, Seymour P. Young took for his life partner Sereatha Bricker, who was born on January 9, 1864, in Madison county, Ohio, and who was the daughter of James and Lydia (Stone) Bricker, both parents being natives of Ohio. To this marriage of Seymour P. Young and Sereatha Bricker, two children were born: Frederick, a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools, who took a commercial course at Athens, Ohio, and is now with the Mt. Sterling Building and Loan Company; and Myrtle L., who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools and resides with the family.

Politically, a Democrat, a member of the Christian church and living up to the precepts of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is a member, Seymour P. Young, destitute of a father's care when only a child, yet with his indomitable will and ability, has paved the way to success and prospered, carefully educated his children and now in the prime of manhood he can rest secure with his wife and family, enjoying the just reward of labors well done.

Edward Everett Cole

The late Edward Everett Cole, lawyer, farmer and scholar, was born on Marcb 17, 1853, at Marysville, Ohio, and died on February 7, 1909. Mr. Cole was a son of Judge Philander Blakesley and Dorothy (Winter) Cole, both of whom were natives of Union county, Ohio. Judge Philander B. Cole was a practicing attorney and judge of the district court. He practiced his profession until the time of his death. Edward Everett Cole spent his early life at Marysville, Ohio, attending the public schools of that place, later becoming a student at Oxford University for two years, and was graduated in 1873 from Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He read law in the office of his father, was admitted to the bar about 1877, and began the active practice of his profession at Marysville.

After practicing law until 1899, Mr. Cole's health failed, and he was compelled to spend a year in Hurope. He and his wife during this period visited' many interesting places, including the leading art galleries of the Old World, and the prominent points of interest. Both were well informed in advance, and was therefore well equipped to get the most of their European tour. Mr. and Mrs. Cole were always much interested in various forms of art, and had Mr. Cole been trained in that direction he might have become a great artist. He had the happy faculty of seeing the humorous side of things, and he also saw the serious side as well, and was strong, well-balanced and learned man. d ;

Although the European tour was helpful, Mr. Cole did not resume the practice of law upon his return but after one winter spent in New Orleans, came to the farm the next spring and entered upon the details of farm work and out-door life. He was busily occupied in the management of the nine-hundred-acre farm, and continued its management as long as he lived. He kept abreast of modern farming and was familiar with all the latest processes, devices and methods of agriculture. The Cole home was erected in 1904, under his supervision, and is a model of comfort and convenience, and modern throughout.

Even while engaged in farming Edward E. Cole kept up his interest in classical learning and read Latin a great deal. He had also studied French and kept well informed with regard to old-world politics. In all his life his health was never. very strong, but in the years that he was engaged in the practice of law he proved conclusively what he might have done if he had been possessed of a stronger body. As

Throughout his life the late Edward Everett Cole was an active campaigner in behalf of the Republican party, and on one occasion was the nominee of his party for the Legislature. : He was much sought after as a speaker on Decoration Day. His arguments were clear, his logic convincing and his delivery pleasing. No doubt he would have been a very successful teacher had he turned his talents in that direction. At college he had been a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Later in life he became a2 member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He passed all the chairs in the subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows.

One of the distinctive features of the career of Edward E. Cole, was his humanitarianism. He could not bear to take the life of any living creature, and was frequently heard to say, "Live and let live." Upon one occasion he killed a bird by accident, and the incident made him sick at heart, and he frequently said in describing it that he would not have killed a bird for any consideration. He was a popular and well-liked man, but not a "hail fellow well met." He was ever known as "Mister," and in all his life was never known to have told a salacious story.

On January 29, 1887, Edward Everett Cole was married to Mary Beach, the only daughter and child of Doctor Morrow and Lucy Beach. There were no children born to this marriage. Their married life was very congenial, as they enjoyed the same things and from the same point of view.

A member of the Presbyterian church, Edward E. Cole was not tied to any -creed. He was a man of tolerant religious belief, and broad-minded to a marked degree. He died on February 7, 1909, and his remains were buried in the Deer Creek cemetery, on the Beach family lot.

In those things which make for self-reliance, business integrity and honesty of purpose, Scott O'Day has been generously endowed. A man of broad human sympathy and marked ability he has brought himself to a place of the highest esteem in the county in which he lives. Not waiting for circumstances to mold or 'change his fate he has seized upon every available opportunity to better his life conditions, until now he is able to enjoy the fruits of well-directed endeavor. His career has been interesting both from the standpoint of the agriculturist and the business man.

The schools of Pleasant township furnished the rudimentary education for Scott O'Day, later he attended the Caton Business College, of Cleveland, Ohio. from which he was graduated in 1892. . After graduation he returned home and worked on the farm, for awhile, with his father. He then rented a tract of land from his father and farmed independently until he was able to buy a farm of his own. He now owns two hundred acres of valuable farm land in Pleasant township. On this farm he has made ali modern improvements, including the building of two large stock barns, one of which is one hundred and twelve by forty feet and 'the other one hundred and twenty-four by twenty-six feet. In 1892 he began to breed Shorthorn cattle and met with such success in this field of endeavor that he has bred them ever since.' He finds a market for these cattle in the West, and also ships a large part of his stock to the South. He always has in the neighborhood of seventy to ninety cattle. On his smaller farm in Mt. Sterling, which consists of just fifteen acres, Mr. O'Day has built another barn of large size, and from this place he ships stock which he buys and sells to the market.

At Sedalia, Ohio, on the 12th of January, 1892, the marriage of Scott O'Day and Nettie Core was solemnized. She is the daughter of Andrew B. and Clarinda (Clarridge)

Core, and was born on the 17th of December, 1869, in Range township, Madison county. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and her mother of Fayette county, Ohio. The father, now deceased, was a farmer, and the mother is now living in Sedalia, Ohio. Mr. Core was a breeder and grower of sheep and also cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. O'Day have one child, Freda, born on October 2, 1898, who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school, and is now at Western College, at Oxford, Ohio. In politics Mr. O'Day is an independent voter: In keeping with' the tradition of the family to which he belongs Mr..O'Day continues to take part in the affairs of the Methodist church of which his wife and daughter are members. Mr. O'Day is one of the largest stock buyers and shippers in Madison county, Ohio.

Frank H. Hott

_ Frank H. Hott, who was born on May 20, 1873, in Pickaway county, Ohio, sprung from parentage, on his paternal side, that had' seen and taken part in the great conflict of the Civil War. He is the eldest child of William H. and Mary EB. (Smith) Hott, to whom were born five children, namely: Frank H.; the second child died in infancy; also the child following; the fourth child, Milton M., is manager of a bakery at Asheville, Ohio; and Earl S., also engaged in the bakery business at 'Ashville.

William H. Hott, was born on September 16, 1847, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and was a farmer boy until, in 1864, he enlisted at Circleville, Ohio, in Company A, One Hundred and Ninety-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served his country in the hazardous capacity of scout until the close of the conflict. After peace had been declared, he returned to Pickaway county, Ohio,.and engaged in farming for several years and took up the carpenter's trade. Broken in health, he gave up that work in 1896 and opened a small bakery shop, which business he built up to a large and lucrative trade. He was'a progressive leader, charitable in his dealings and an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being one of the oldest members of the post to which he paid loving devotion until his death, on March 8, 1914, at Ashville, Ohio. He was the son of William H. and Sarah (Whitsell) Hott, formerly of Virginia, who, in 1808, removed to Pickaway county, Ohio, where they farmed until their death.

Mary E. (Smith) Hott, the mother of Frank H. Hott, was-born on March 27, 1854. near Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Metzger) Smith, both natives of Ohio. She is now living at Ashville, Ohio, where she is engaged in the bakery business, of which she is part owner.

' Living at Ashville. Ohio, and receiving his education from the public' schools of that town, Frank H. Hott at fourteen years of age, learned the carpenter's trade and advanced rapidly until at the age of twenty years he began contracting on a medium scale, constructing several business blocks and residences. In 1899 he learned the baker's trade from his father, in whose place of business he remained until May 16. 1910, when he came to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and purchased a bakery very poorly equipped and with practically no trade. Today, as the result of his genius and progressive nature, he owns a thoroughly modern. sanitary baking shop and a comfortable, modern home.

In connection with his bakery Mr. Hott has purchased an automobile, for quick delivery to his many customers and his rapidly increasing trade. His genial nature and business acumen have won for him a large patronage and the respect of his associates and the public as well.

Lola E. Tanquary, who was born on June 2, '1875, at New ' Holland, county, Ohio, became the wife of Frank H. Hott in 1899. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Carrie (Lee) Tanquary, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. °

Her father enlisted in the Civil War during the year 1862, at Washington C. H., Ohio, in Company A, of the Sixtieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a corporal and saw most of his service under Captain Black. He was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry and received his honorable discharge in 1864, after which he returned to New Holland and engaged as a traveling salesman until 1899. About that time it became necessary for him to make a trip to Colorado for the benefit of his health which had been undermined during the war and it was there, in 1905, that he passed away at the age of sixty-two. His wife remained in Colorado and now resides in Denver, of that state.

To Frank H. and Lola E. (Tanquary) Hott have been born five children: Alice. Benjamin E. and Louis V., who are at home; William, deceased; and a fifth child who died in infancy.

The Democratic party has the support of Frank H. Hott*and his enthusiasm is of great assistance to them in their campaigns. He is an earnest and sincere member of the Methodist church. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. . Frank H. Hott has always been a great worker and an honest man and the respect in which he is held by the townspeople is justly deserved and appreciated.

Francis M. Chenoweth

Francis M. Chenoweth, who died in 1904, was a man well known and his memory still remains in the hearts of many of his fellow citiezns. As a business man, he contributed to London's economic prosperity; as a loyal citizen, he contributed to its general welfare; as a man, he contributed to the happiness of his family, friends and acquaintances, Mr. Chenoweth was a native of this county, having been born on Deer ereek, in Fairfield township, in 18383. His parents were the Hon. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth, who were Kentuckians by birth.

'Elijah Chenoweth, the paternal grandfather of the subject, and his wife, who was a Foster, were born in Kentucky and came to this state in 1796, making their home in Franklin county, near Harrisburg, when this place consisted of only a dozen houses. Here this patriarch lived and died at a ripe old age.

Hon. John F. Chenoweth was one of the foremost men of this county in his day, having a wide acquaintance as a result of his extensive business and public life. He was a large landholder, owning over three thousand acres of real estate, besides being a prominent stock dealer. He often told stories of experiences of his youth, when it was his task to drive cattle over the mountains to the markets in Pennsylvania. For over thirty years he was a justice of the peace, and later was representative of his district in the state legislature. London was honored by his spending the latter part of his life within its borders. He and his wife were the parents of fifteen children.

Francis Marion Chenoweth was educated in the local public schools, but remained with his parents until his marriage. After this event he settled in Oak Run township, on a farm of three hundred acres, to which he afterwards added seventeen hundred acres, a part of which was in Fairfield township. In the latter township he lived fourteen years, during which time he was engaged in farming and cattle breeding and selling, the previous fifteen years having been spent in Oak Run township. In 1885 he left the farm and, like so many professional farmers of his time, came to London and built a modern home. This home was on Elm street. From that time until his death the subject was identified with many of the important business enterprises of the city, notably as one of the organizers of the Central Bank of London.

In 1856 Mr. Chenoweth took as his life partner Margaret Rea, daughter of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea, who were born in Virginia and Maryland respectively. 'They came to this county with their parents, who were brave enough to endure the hardships of pioneer life. Mr. Rea was one of the wealthy farmers and stockmen of the county, and was widely known. He was prominent in local Democratic circles, in the activities of which he took keen interest. He and his wife were the parents of seven children.

Francis M. Chenoweth was twice married, his first wife dying in April, 1898. By her he was the father of eight children, of whom only Rea, the seventh born, is living. The others were Robert F., Emma A., Ada, Annie E., Myrtle, Ella and an infant. The second Mrs. Chenoweth was Mrs. Leslie, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth moved to a farm in Wyandot county, Ohio. Mr. Chenoweth died on October 24, 1904, at Upper Sandusky.

During his lifetime Mr. Chenoweth was public-spirited and capable of valuable service. He was a member of the buard of education and held various other public offices. Politically, he was a Democrat and, in religious life, a Presbyterian. He was loyal to the obligations of family and civic life, and did all in his power to further the best interests of the community.

Abraham J. Dennison

Abraham J. Dennison was born on October 1, 1862, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of James and Sevena (Warren) Dennison, who were the parents of six boys and six girls.

James Dennison was born in January, 1827, in Madison county, where he was reared on a farm. When still a young man he removed to Pickaway county, where he first rented and then bought land. His present home is still on the property then acquired. His wife was born on October 25, 1830, near Chillicothe, Ohio, and was the daughter of William and Margaret (Blane) Warren. She died on January 10, 1911. :

Abraham Dennison was brought up on his father's farm, attending the local schools, and did not leave home until his twenty-fifth year. One year previous to his marriage, he rented land from his father and continued its cultivation for the next fifteen years. In 1901 he bought one hundred and fifteen acres of good farm land in this county, which he made his home. He has always kept a good grade of stock for the market.

'In 1887 Abraham Dennison was married to Sarah Murphy, daughter of William F. and Roxanna (Crabe) Murphy. Sarah Murphy was born on February 8, 1865. Her father, who is still living with his children, was born on August 10, 1835, in Pickaway county. Her mother was born in the same county on November 138, 1886, and died on December 29, 1913. The children born of this union were three in number, namely: frederick, born on November 26, 1887, is a student in the Ohio State University ; Mabel is the wife of a Mr. Thornton, and was born on July 23, 1889, in Pleasant township; and Ray, born on December 28, 1890, resides at home. Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have erected a beautiful modern dwelling, which is lighted by gas. Abraham Dennison is a church attendant, a Republican in politics and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Mt. Sterling. He was township trustee for two terms.

Mr. Dennison is one of the foremost agriculturists of this district. He has identified himself always with the best life of the community in which effort he has been joined by his wife, who is much admired for her genialty and her womanly characteristics. Worldly greatness does not consist in heroic achievement. It may be just as truly found in the careful carrying out of human obligations, though this may be apart from the eyes of the world. In this respect the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Dennison have

John O'Day has been one of the prominent figures in the field of agriculture in Madison county, Ohio, and his loyalty to the place of his nativity has won for him a place of high esteem in the county in which he lives, and a wide acquaintance among the farmers of that section. Our forefathers left behind them the idea that simplicity should be the keynote of useful lives, and it is a relief, in this age of unrest, to find a man who has lived for over thirty years on a place established years before, by his parents.

John O'Day was born in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, on the 4th of January, 1877. He is the son of James and Sophia (Bennett) O'Day, and assisted his parents on the old home place until his father retired from the active duties of the farm, in 1898, and left the full care of the estate to his son. The common schools of Pleasant. township afforded Mr. O'Day his early educational advantages. As a youth he had fellowship with hard work and responsibility, but his self-reliance was quickened by these very conditions, and made possible the realization of his ambition to be a successful farmer. Mr. O'Day now owns three hundred and fifty-two acres of land. On the old home place where he lives he has made many improvements, including the installation of gas and electric light, not only for light but for heat. The farm represents everything that is new in modern farming. Mr. O'Day is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, purebred horses, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Shropshire sheep.

On the 30th of September, 1896, the marriage of John O'Day and Unity Jones was solemnized. Unity Jones, the daughter of James and Annette (Bostwick) Jones, was born in Fayette, Ohio, July 18, 1876. The six children born to Mr. and Mrs. O'Day are: Mary, who is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling high school; Bennett, Annette, James, Grace and John. All of the children are living at home.

Aside from his duties on the farm Mr. O'Day has found some time for school affairs and serves as a member of the school board in district No. 8. His political interests and enthusiasm are with the Republican party of which he is an active member. In religious belief he is affiliated with the Methodist church.

Frederick Holton Thornton

Since the subject of this brief biographical record has become a_ representative among the men of his chosen calling in this community, it may be assumed that he early made a plan for his life, and that with undeviating determination he carried out this plan from day to day, until the present time. Frederick Holton Thornton is a native of this township, although his ancestory came from Virginia. He was born on August 27, 1863, his parents being Allen and Rebecea (Dountz) Thornton. Allen Thorn- - ton was also born in this county, the date of his birth being September 19, 1833. He was reared on the farm, and when grown to manhood pursued that vocation in Pleasant township. He rented a farm, and in that way saved enough money to buy land near Mt. Sterling, where he farmed for fifty years. He passed away in 1906. His wife. who was born in.1833, died in 1865. Her parents were Frederick and Isabelle Dountz.

Frederick Thornton's early life was not different from that of the average farmer boy, but his subsequent success has shown what such a boy can do when he is determined to better his material condition. Working under the guidance of his father until 1906, he then began his independent career by purchasing one hundred and twentyseven acres of improved land. He now owns one hundred and forty acres of good real estate which he is still improving. He has a splendid modern home. Mr. Thornton gives much of his time to stock raising, and is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and purebred Shropshire sheep. Mr. Thornton owns shares in the First National bank and the

Mt. Sterling Grain Company. His industry and thrift have resulted in the accumulation of a quantity of this world's goods, but he has never been too busy to take an active interest in the affairs of the county.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick H. Thornton took place in 1885, his bride being Ella Hunter, who was born on August 6, 1862, in Franklin county, Ohio. She is the daughter of Charles and Martha (Fitzgerald) Hunter. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. Lloyd, born in 1888, now engaged in farming on his father's land, and the husband of Mabel Dennison. The other two children died in infancy. - .

Mr. and Mrs. Thornton are active church members, attending the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Thornton is a trustee of the Mt. Sterling Pleasant cemetery. He is a Republican and a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge.

Though not animated with ambition for public honors Mr. Thornton has fulfilled his place with industry and fidelity to high principles. He and his wife have a large circle of acquaintances who esteem them for their genuine worth.

Homer C. Wilson

Among the representative citizens of Madison county, Ohio, is Homer C. Wilson, respected for his stability of character and honored because of his practical Christianity and progressive ideas. That he is worthy of the respect shown him by his townspeople is demonstrated by the fact that he served one firm for twenty-two years to a day. leaving at that time to become the traveling representative of the Green-Joice Company, of Columbus, Ohio. He remained with that firm until 1894, at which time he came to Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, and accepted the position of clerk in the Clock & Boyd department store.

Homer C. Wilson was born on March 28, 1855, in Fairfield county, Ohio, being reared in the town of Rushville, of said county. He began his practical education during his school days, clerking in a general merchandise store while attending high school. For thirty-five years he lived, studied and worked at Rushville, taking up other branches of his education in new fields.

Among the emigrants to Ohio, in 1880, were James and Lydia (McBride) Wilson, of Pennsylvania, who upon their arrival located on a farm in Fairfield county, Ohio. James Wilson was born in 1800 and his wife, Lydia, in 1805. It was on their farm near Bremen that John Wilson, their son, first saw the light of day, having been born on December 2, 1832. In 1841 James. Wilson passed to his reward, leaving his widow with the responsibility of rearing John, their nine-year-old son, to useful manhood. She performed that duty in an able manner, as all who knew her could testify, and passed to her eternal rest in 1872.

John Wilson grew to maturity and became a farmer, following that occupation until 1860. He selected Mary Ann Patch as his life companion and three children blessed their union: James M. (deceased), Homer C., and Mrs. Lydia Jane Reid, deceased.

Homer C., the only surviving child. is now a stockholder and director of the Security Building and Loan Association, of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio. The citizens of Mt. Sterling have rewarded his efforts in their behalf by electing him to membership in their council, serving in that capacity for nine years. He also reports the news of Mt. Sterling, through the columns of J'he Enterprise, of London, Ohio.

In 1878 Homer C. Wilson was married to Louise Dekalb, the daughter of Elijah and Rebecea (Tennant) Dekalb, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Louise Dekalb was born and reared at Rushville, Ohio, where she attended the public schools, later becoming a school teacher, in which occupation she was engaged at the time of her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born two children:

Mrs. Zoa Atkins, who now lives in. Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio; and Edison C., who married Alberta Call, of Mt. Sterling, and is now living in Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. Wilson is an active worker and sincere member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is also a trustee. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

W. H. Carl

Because of the necessity for temperamental fitness for a few professions, including the ministry and medical science, it cannot appropriately be said that the theme of the present sketch is a representative business man. The latter could not be successful in the profession which the subject of this sketch has followed for some years. Mr. Carl, like other members of his calling, has qualities of heart and soul that enable him to enter the house of mourning as a friend and to perform his services in such a way as to enlist the appreciation of his patrons. He is one of the best-known undertakers in the county. Born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, the son of Jacob and Anna (Thuma) Carl, he is a descendant of natives of that county.

Jacob Carl came to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which took place on January 6, 1870; the wife also passed away there, about two years later. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl, six of whom are living. These are, Gabriel, residing near Dayton, Ohio; Isaac, a Minnesota farmer; Sarah Loughman, of ' Miami county, Ohio; Mary Ellen Van Cleave, of Dayton, Ohio; Rebeccx Hibbert, living south of Dayton, at Centerville, Ohio.

In point of geographical location, the subject has had a varied experience. Edu- - cated in the common schools of Pennsylvania, he was early required to leave his books for the plow, for there were many mouths to be fed under the parental roof and the children early learned to carry their share of the burden. For some time after his school days came to an end the subject worked on the farm. His first business experience was in connection with a house-furnishing store. Later he came to Salem, Ohio, and purchased a cabinet shop and undertaking business, and here he lived for five years. He then removed to West Milton, Miami county, which was his home for the following four years, during which time he was engaged in the undertaking business. Establishing the firm of Carl & Herr, he next took up business activities in Dayton, remaining there for five years, and at the end of that time came to London and established the business in which he is at present engaged. He has been a resident of London for twenty-one years.

_ Mrs. Carl was, before her marriage, Fannie Daniels, of Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Elisha and Olive (Chase) Daniels, the former a native of Blackstone, Massachusetts, and the latter of Boston, Massachusetts. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Daniels lived in Miami county, Ohio, locating on a farm which is now known as Overlook Park. He died in Miami county and at the time of his death was a heavy landholder. His widow moved to California and died there at Angel's Camp. Their children were, Pmma Gene, Lucy, Alice and Fannie, the subject's wife. On the Chase side, Mrs. Carl is descended from distinguished ancestry, the paterral grandfather having been a first cousin of the moted statesman, Salmon P. Chase... The Chase family in Massachusetts were distinguished in colonial times and gave valuable service to the cause of the Revolutionists. - The Chase family were descended from the three Chase brothers who came to the United States on the "Mayflower," one of these brothers, Isaac Chase, being the progenitor of the subject's wife. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carl are, Grace and Geraldine, both of whom are at the Ohio Wesleyan College at Delaware, Ohio.

Mr. Carl is progressive and in his business has always had equipment that is modern and of the very best quality. He was coroner of Madison county for nine consecutive years. A further evidence of the standing with his London associates is the fact that he has been a leading member of the State Embalmers' Association for a number of years. He is also a director of the London Vault Company. As to his political affiliations, it may be said of Mr. Carl that he is an enthusiastic Republican. He is also a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He and Mrs. Carl are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

There is a peculiar sense in which the person under consideration here ministers to the welfare of the people. Associated with them chiefly in their sorrows, for this reason his field of service is a very broad and a very important one. May we not assume that his daily occupation has emphasized frequently in his line the truth of the following sentiment: 'Every day of meeting sorrow superbly makes their life more grand. Every tear that falls from one's own eyes gives a deeper tenderness of look, of touch, of word, that shall soothe another's woe. Sorrow is not given us that we may mourn. It is given us that, having felt, suffered, wept, we may be able to understand, love, bless."

John N. Waldo

Among the many progressive citizens of Mt. Sterling, Madison county, Ohio, the present leader of this thriving town is distinct in his individuality. It is a source of pleasure to know of one who still holds his own at the age of seventy, and such a man is John N. Waldo, present mayor of Mt. Sterling, who was born on October 21, 1844, in Palestine, Ohio, and has been a farmer, merchant and mayor.

Of the six children born to Stacy and Rachel J. (Neff) Waldo, three are now living, namely: John N.; Mrs. Sarah HE. Laird, of Wichita, Kansas; and George A., who is a grocery merchant of Mt. Sterling. Stacy Waldo was born on August 3, 1815, in Franklin county, Ohio; he was a tanner by trade, but in 1855 he removed to Madison county where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1894. His wife, Rachel J., was born during the year of 1823, in Virginia, and passed away in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Waldo were both members of the Christian church and were sincerely missed by their circle of friends and relatives.

The eldest of the children born of this union "was Jobn N. Waldo, who was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio. When twenty-six years of age Mr. Waldo purchased a piece of land and decided to become a farmer, but one year later, in 1871, he engaged in the shoe business at London, Ohio, and followed the same for four years, returning to the farm in Pleasant township during the year of 1875. For nineteen years Mr. Waldo resided on that place, which he developed to the best of his ability, his management resulting in more than ordinary success. He came to Mt. Sterling. in 1894, where he became actively engaged in the buggy and carriage business. 'After meeting with the most gratifying success in this line of endeavor Mr. Waldo sold the business in 1909, to his son, William. In 1901 John N. Waldo was elected mayor and served as such for one year, being elected to that office for the second time in 1914.

Laura Heath became the wife of John N. Waldo in 1868, and to them have been born five children: William, a merchant of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; the twin of William who died in infancy; Edward, deceased; Mrs. Mary E. Brown, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; and Omer, who is established in the monument business at Mt. Sterling, Ohio. Laura Heath was born in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, in 1848 and is the daughter of David and Nancy (Thomas) Heath, both natives of Virginia.

Mr. Waldo served as a member of the city council for ten years and in 1901 was elected township trustee, serving in that capacity for thirteen years and while a trustee was elected mayor and served in both offices at the same time. He has always taken an active interest in the upbuilding of Mt. Sterling and his civic pride has been surpassed by none. Mr. Waldo is vice-president and a stockholder of the Security Building and Loan Association, a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a loyal supporter of the Christian church, of which he is a member. He is a stanch Republican and has always worked for the advancement of his party. He has figured largely in all the civic improvements of the town and has always been an eager leader in every question pertaining to the betterment of those around him.

John M. Williams

To attain a position of special prominence and influence in the domain of newspaper enterprise requires intellectual attainments of a broad and thorough nature. When these things are found in a man of pleasing personality, they win for him a place of the highest regard in the community in which he lives. John M. Williams has made an enviable record in newspaper work in Mt. Sterling. As editor of the Tribune, Mr. Williams has given high proof of his ability to fill the position tendered him.

'John M. Williams was born in Highland county, Ohio, on the 23rd of September, 1857. His parents were natives of Ohio, his father, William Williams, having been born in Highland county, in August, 1822, and his mother, whose family name was Hiser, having been born in the same county in 1824. John M. Williams was one of three children, his sister, Clara, died when she was just seventeen years old. The father for a few years conducted a country store in Elmville, Ohio, but later returned to the occupation of farming, which he continued until his death which occurred in 1901. He and his wife were members of the Dunkard church. The paternal grandfather of John M. Williams was Thomas Williams, a native of Virginia, whose wife, Susan Gall, was also a native of Virginia. The ancestry of the family has been traced back to Wales.

Back of every successful man or woman, is found years of patient toil and thoughtful preparation. Out of this is built the foundation upon which everything worth while is based. Mr. William's preparation for success in life has been thorough. He was reared on a farm, attended the district schools of Highland county, Ohio, and the high school of Hillsboro. In 1877 he began to teach school and one year later, in order to prepare himself more thoroughly for the position assigned him, entered the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, where he remained two terms. Afterward, for ten years, he taught in the district schools. For one term he taught in the Mt. Sterling schools. In 1889 Mr. Williams bought a printing office which had been started in 1887. Since that time he has given most of his time and attention to newspaper work. The Tribune has a circulation of over fifteen hundred subscribers.

Mr. Williams has been loyal to the highest ideals of citizenship and has made every effort to give Mt. Sterling an eminent place in the commercial life of Ohio. He is a director and shareholder of the Security Building and Loan Company. In his political interests Mr. Williams is a zealous advocate of the principles and politics of the Democratic party and has been an active and effective worker in its cause. For the past fifteen years he has held the position of township clerk. On account of his enthusiasm in school affairs he was elected a member of the school board of Mt. Sterling.

On the 30th of May, 1885, at Marshall, Ohio, John M. Williams was united in marriage to Nannie Carlisle, who was born on the 4th of February, 1863, near Marshall, Ohio. She is the daughter of James S. and Emily (Hill) Carlisle, both natives of Ohio.

To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born the following children: Carl C., is a linotype operator in Phoenix, Arizona; Harry is associated with 'his father in the printing business; Mrs. Donna M. Hayman and Mrs. Grace Zahn reside in Pleasant township; Ruth

Mr. Williams is a trustee of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and takes an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Madison county.

John R. Wilson

AS a man whose entire life has been given to agricultural pursuits, and this successfully, and also as one whose life and character are such as to command respect John R. Wilson merits a place in the present volume. The family name early became identified with the annals of this county, and from the time of its appearance there has been nothing to mar or tarnish its pristine honor. While the subject of this review has acquired wealth, it has not been done at the expense of others, for he has been eminently just and square in his dealings. John R. Wilson was born on December 31, 1844, in Pickaway county, Ohio, and is the son of Abraham N. and Elizabeth (Neff) Wilson. ;

Abraham N. Wilson was born in 1818, in Virginia, and left there with his parents when he was still a small child, their next home being in Pickaway county. Moying to Madison county in 1856 he bought what is known as the old Cook farm of one hundred and eighty acres, and that farm has been in the family ever since. Its owner passed away there in 1885. His wife, who was born in 1836, died about the year 1867.

John RK. Wilson. was reared on his father's farm in Pleasant township, Madison county, where he attended district school No. 2. He is still farming a portion of that land, now owning sixty-eight acres, and part of his interest has been in graded stock. His home is now near Mt. Sterling.

In 1885, the marriage of John R. Wilson and Allison N. Dennison was solemnized, his bride being the daughter of William Dennison. She was born in 1862, in Madison county, Ohio. Two children have blessed this union, Ola, now Mrs. Roberson, of Madison county, and William, who is operating the home farm.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican. He is an ardent church attendant, and contributes largely of his means to the work of the Christian church. He is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge. His father was a Mason.

By his habit of consideration for others in all of his dealings, as well as by the sterling qualities which his character is made up of, John R. Wilson has endeared himself to the community which has been his home for so many years. He is a man whom to know is to admire. :

William O. Mendenhall was born on February 8, 1871, at Buckley. Illinois, and is the son of Dr. William O. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall. His boyhood was spent in the atmosphere of a home where education was a. prominent factor in the life of each member. Surrounded by these fortunate circumstances, William O. Mendenhall secured for himself a broad, liberal education, beginning in the public schools of Illinois, where he continued until eleven years of age. With his parents he then removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he completed his course in the public schools, later taking a collegiate course at Earlham. He is one of five children born to his parents, three of whom are now living.

William O. Mendenhall, Sr., was born in 1835, at Lafayette, Illinois, and was reared on the farm. In 1859 he began a four-years course at the university at Ann Arbor, Michigan, after which he entered Rush Medical College, at Chicago, Illinois, graduating from same, and immediately began the practice of medicine in Illinois. In 1882 he removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he practiced medicine until his death in 1906. To the union of William O. and Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, were born these children: Ola and Nora, deceased; Dr. Edwin H., a physician and surgeon of Richmond, Indiana; Mrs. Georgia L. (Garver), of Springfield, Ohio; and William O., Jr. Lydia (Hayworth) Mendenhall, the mother of William O. Mendenhall, was born on [February 28, 1845, at Ridge Farm, Illinois, and is now living at Springfield, Illinois.

Having decided to devote himself to the mercantile business, William O. Mendenhall, when nineteen years of age, removed to Danville, Illinois, where he clerked in a grocery store. In 1893, during the ''World's Fair," at Chicago, he turned his steps to that city. where he entered the field of photography for a short time. Remaining in Chicago for three years, he then returned to Richmond, Indiana, where he returned to his former business as clerk in a store until 1900, then he removed to Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and formed a partnership with G. H. Johnson, in the grocery line, which co-partnership continued until 1912, when Mr. Mendenhall assumed full charge of the business.

During the year 1900, which marked the beginning of his independent mercantile life, William O. Mendenhall and Ella Johnson were united in wedlock. No children have been born to this union. A Republican in politics. and a member of the board of public affairs, William O. Mendenhall, in his busy life, devotes much of his attention to other matters, and is a member of the Christian church as well as in the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The Modern Woodmen of America also claim him as a member, and altogether, his life has been replete with well regulated industry, which his ample education has wrought out to a fine degree of success.

Robert F. Chenoweth

Only a glimpse at the external facts of the life of the man above mentioned reminds us that "Defeat is for those who acknowledge it." During the latter years of Robert F. Chenoweth's life, illness incapacitated him from active participation in business, but, despite this affliction, he took a keen interest in affairs to the end, and at all times endeavored to give the best of his talents and ability to the purposes to which his life was dedicated. When his life's record came to an end it was not incomplete in nobility and oneness of purpose, nor in attainment through struggle. Robert F. Chenoweth, a prominent stock dealer and grain buyer, and one of the best known farmers of this county, died at his home, seven miles south of London, on the Big Plain pike, on February 10, 1913. He was a son of the late F. M. and Margaret (Rea) Chenoweth, both of whom are mentioned elsewhere in this work. His birth occurred on February 25, 1861, in Oak Run township.

After his education in the local schools and at Kenyon College was completed, Mr. Chenoweth was for many years engaged in the grain and seed business and in farming. He was widely known as a partner of the late A. Tanner, of the firm of Tanner & Chenoweth and, later, Chenoweth Brothers, being associated with his brother, Rea, who now controls and manages the business. The Chenoweth Brothers partnership extended for nine years, but Robert was compelled to give up a part of his large business interests on account of failing health. He had given his entire attention to agricultural enterprises in Fairfield township until 1892, when he took up a business career in London, where he dealt in hay and grain. But he still retained connection with his farming interest until the fall of 1906, when impaired health compelled him to travel. He was away from home more or less until the spring of 1911 when, with partially regained health, he again took charge of his farm.