Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 19 of 20)

Cyrus Hornbeck was a successful farmer and breeder of Shorthorn cattle, being among the first in this state to specialize in this stock of cattle. At his death, which occurred soon after his enlistment in the Union army, he owned a part of what is now the state prison farm and the state fish hatchery, on the Springfield road, west of London. He died at the age of forty, July 23, 1863, a good citizen, whose early death was widely mourned. He was the father of seven children, Martin, John Q., Melissa, Sidney E. and Isaac W., all now deceased, and Mary E. Schurr, wife of John Schurr, of Paint township, and Cyrus R., the subject. John Q. Hornbeck was married; the father of two children; enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry and served in the Union army in the Civil War; died at Nashville, Tenn.; was returned to his home and laid away in Paint township cemetery, not having reached his majority, at the age of twenty years. He sacrificed his life and all for the flag.

Left with his mother, brothers and sisters on the farm at the death of his father, Cyrus R. Hornbeck there grew to early manhood. He was educated in the common schools of Union township, supplemented by a course of study in Union Christian College at Merom, Indiana, where he prepared himself for the ministry. He was married to Rilla F. Parker, of the adjoining township of Somerford, June 13, 1878. Of this union, two boys were born, Roscoe G. Hornbeck, judge of the court of common pleas of this county, and Channing C:, who died at the age of seven years.

Mr. Hornbeck, for a number of years after marriage, lived n the farm in Union township, then moved to Plattsburg, Clark county, where he conducted a grocery store for a few years, then moved to Lafayette, this county, where he managed a general store. fm 1889 he located at London, and in 1890 was elected justice of the peace of Union township, which office he held for two terms. During his tenure of office as justice of the peace, this being a period when litigation was frequent, he tried hundreds of cases. Although many of these matters were taken to the upper courts, none were reversed for error in the trial below.

While serving as justice of the peace, Mr. Hornbeck studied law and, on March 7, 1895, was admitted to practice in the state courts, later, June 5, 1902, being admitted to practice in the United States district court.

Mr. Hornbeck was.a candidae for nomination to the office of probate judge in 1898, but was defeated in conventicn by L. H. Haner. In 1900 he was nominated and elected to the office of prosecuting attorney of Madison county, which office he held for two terms. He gave to this office his best effort and made an enviable record, especially in the success with which he convicted those charged with crime.

Mr. Hornbeck has a knowledge of the fundamental law, a keen power of analysis of fact, fine judgment of human nature and tenacity of purpose, together with a strong sense of duty to his client, which make him a safe and valuable counsellor and a successful trial lawyer.

In politics he is a Republican and has consistently supported that party. He has always manifested a lively interest in politics and in the success of his friends. Although of much strength in the councils of his party, he has held no official place in its organization. He has been a hard and open fighter, and consequently has incurred considerable political criticism. His power in politics may -be attributed to his capacity for organization, loyal following, reputation for keeping his political promise and unswerving fealty to his friends. He is a member of the Christian church at Summerford and of the order of the Knights of Pythias at London.

Robert W. Armstrong

Among the well-known farmers and citizens of Union township, Madison county, Ohio, is Robert W. Armstrong, who is a native of this county, born in Range township, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Johnston) Armstrong.

Samuel Armstrong was born in Union township, and was a son of James Armstrong and wife, early settlers of Madison county. Sarah Johnston was born in Range township, this county, and was married to Samuel Armstrong here. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are living: Jessie, the wife of Fred Brundage, of Columbus, Ohio; Elizabeth, living in London; Samuel, a resident of Union township, and Robert W., the youngest born, the immediate subject of this brief review.

Samuel Armstrong was a merchant and live stock dealer, and one of the largest shippers of Madison county. He was a prosperous and influential citizen who took a woithy interest in all public affairs, and was highly respected and esteemed in his He died in 1904, and his wife died on October 12, 1897, and is buried at of his home township, and lived at home with his parents until his marriage, which took place on October 2, 1902. His wife was Edna B. Weygandt, a daughter of George and Ida May (Baker) Weygandt, of Grove City, Ohio. George Weygandt was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio with his parents when a young man. They Sg tled in Franklin county, Ohio, on a farm. Ida May Baker was a sabe KG of toe county. and was married in that county to George reveal: and to this union were born three children, all of whom are living. Mabel is the wife of a Donnely, of Springfield. Ohio. Edna B. is the wife of Mr. Armstrong, and Carl B. a Aust aks of Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. Armstrong's parents are also residents of Springfield, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Armstrong are the parents of one son, Robert Rdgar, who was born on September 22, 1905. Mr. Armstrong is a prominent farmer and stockman ot Union township, and operates three hundred acres of the old Fulton Armstrong place.

Mr. Armstrong is a Republican, and takes an active interest in local public affairs, and is now serving his third term as president of the township board. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Oak Run Grange, holding his membership in all these lodges at London. Mrs. Armstrong is a member of the Presbyterian church at London.

Samuel C. Armstrong

Madison county has been fortunate in the number and character of its farmers, and much of the material prosperity of the county ean be attributed to the fact that the farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hardly be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of a community. If the farmers are progressive and up-to-date, it follows that the standard of living in that community will be high. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last two years in order to supply the needs of the farmers, and, according to one authority, the farmer and his crops furnish the bulk of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United States. The wholesome living, which is the good fortune of the farmer, is a factor in keeping up the general tone of the county. The business men of the towns are drawing the men for their employees from the country, and everywhere it is noted that the men who are rising to prominence in the various activities of life were born and reared on the farm. Madison county has long been known as one of the very best farming counties of the state. Its excellent farmers have been one of the biggest factors in the material advancement of the county. Among the many excellent farmers of Madison county, there is none who stand higher than Samuel C. Armstrong, of Union township. He owns a splendid farm of one hundred and seventy acres, and has just completed the construction of a modern home.

Samuel C. Armstrong was born in Sedalia, Madison county, Ohio, November 17, 1875, and is the son of Samuel and Sarah (Johnson) Armstrong, the former of whom was born in Union township, and the latter in Range township. They were married in Madison county and had seven children, four of whom are living. Three died in infancy. The four living children are Jessie, Elizabeth, Samuel C. and Robert. Jessie is the wife of Fred Brundage, of Columbus. Elizabeth lives in London. Samuel C. is the subject of this sketch. Robert lives in Union township.

Samuel Armstrong was eugaged in the mercantile business. He also bought and shipped live stock and was one of the largest shippers in Madison county. He died in 1904. His wife died on October 12, 1897.

Samuel Armstrong was the son of James and Nancy (Fulton) Armstrong, | who were married on March 24, 1791, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and in 1814 settled in Madison county, where they built a cabin. One year later James Armstrong brought to Madison county the others of his family who had not come in 1814. He and his wife had eight children. They were farmers all their lives.

Samuel C. Armstrong, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-sechool education, and on November 17, 1903, was married to Carrie May Murray, a daughter of Robert and Eliza (Truitt) Murray, both of whom are natives of Madison county. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Armstrong have had two children, both of whom are living. Mary Louise was born on September 21, 1904, and Ruth HPlein was born on July 31, 1911.

Mr. Armstrong owns one hundred and seventy acres of fine land in Union township. He is a man who takes a very commendable pride in farming, and his farm shows the results of his careful attention. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Knights of Pythias, at London. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Union township school board. The Armstrong home is located five miles southeast of London, in Union township.

Charles W. Pringle

Charles W. Pringle, a well-known business man of London, may be justly proud of his ancestry, for as the son of a father noted for his rugged honesty and kindly nature, and of a pious pioneer mother, he comes naturally to distinction in the business and social world. Although a college graduate, Charles W. Pringle was early attracted to mercantile enterprises, and here has he forged his earthly destiny, not forgetting, however, the claims and obligations which good citizenship places upon the stronger members of society in favor of its weaker, dependent members. Charles W. Pringle was born in Fairland township, Madison county, September 6, 1850, his parents being William D. and Catherine (Bales) Pringle. William D. Pringle was born in South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio. Catherine Bales was born in Loudoun county, Virginia.

Charles W. Pringle's boyhood was spent on the farm, where he had plenty of hard work after school hours and during the summer vacations. He first attended the Fairfield township schools, then the West Jefferson Academy, and later Oberlin College, where he took a scientific course, remaining- there for four years. After his college course was completed, he helped organize and was the first teller of the Central Bank, now called the Central National Bank of London. For two years he was associated with this bank, then with his brother, J. A. Pringle, he built a grain elevator at Lilly Chapel. For nine years this elevator business was operated under the firm name of Pringle Brothers. Then Charles W. Pringle bought out his brother's interest and conducted the business alone for eight years, when he sold out, and in 1893 removed to London. Here, in partnership with the late William M. Jones, he began the manufacture of a patent baking pan, operating this business successfully for six years. Mr. Jones' death ended the partnership.

Being versatile in his tastes and ability Mr. Pringle has not confined himself to purely mercantile business, for during all the years he was engaged in manufacturing and selling he has operated the old homestead farm in Fairfield township.

It was in 1913 that Mr. Pringle began the new line of work in which he is still interested. At that time he bought a half interest with Job J. Clark, who had established an insurance office in 1871. At the death of Mr. Clark, which occurred on February 28, 1914, Mr. Pringle assumed the business with W. D. Chenoweth, the firm name being Pringle & Chenoweth. Their success was assured from the start, and they now occupy a leading place among local business men.

On May 1, 1884, Charles W. Pringle was married to Minnie L. Snyder, a daughter of John and Drusilla Snyder, living near Lafayette, in this county. Two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pringle, these being Mabel L. and Emma M., the latter is now a student at the Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati.

The subject of this biography is held in high esteem in the community in which he lives. C. W. Pringle is a prominent Mason of London, and like his father a member of the Republican party. Some light is shed upon the estimable character of the subject of this sketch by reference to the life and personality of his esteemed father. The latter was a Virigina slave holder and was well-to-do, but convinced that slavery was wrong, before the war set his slaves free, and came to Ohio. BEL was a great admirer of Lincoln, who, it is evident, had a strong influence upon him.

Jesse S. Bower

- Widely known on account of varied business relations and personally held in high esteem as a man of strong character and usefulness, Jesse S. Bower is entitled to a place of honor in the ranks of those who have fought for the political and agricultural interests of Madison county. Possessing the strong mind and true information as to public wants and needs, he has often been called upon to exercise his powers in municipal affairs. The various lines of work in which he has, at different times in his life, been engaged would lead one to believe that he could make a success of everything he undertook.

Jesse 8. Bower, who is now living on his farm in Pleasant township, was born in Fairfield: county, Ohio, on the 17th of January, 1845. He is the son of George H. Bower, born in York county, Pennsylvania, on the 28th of August, 1810, and Sophia Mechling, 2 native of Fairfield county, Ohio, who died in 1885, at the age of forty-five years. George H. and Sophia (Mechling) Bower reared an interesting family of ten children. The eldest child, Manual, was poisoned in the Civil War and died shortly afterward. The other members of the family are: Joseph, who died on April 6, 1914, at Derby, Ohio; Henry, who lives in Mt. Sterling, Ohio: Speed G., who lives on the home place; John, deceased; Mrs. Sarah Francis, of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Leah Tracy, who is a widow; Mrs. Harriet Stone, of Madison county, Ohio; Mrs. Alice Clark, of Union county, Ohio, and Jesse S. George H. Bower, the father of Jesse S. Bower, died in 1872.

George H. Bower, who was the son of Michael and Sarah Bower, natives of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio when a young man and worked at the shoemaker's trade near Lancaster, Fairfield county. In 1850, through a true desire to aid and uplift his fellow inen, he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church, and became one of the pioneer circuit riders, his travels taking him all over the southwestern part of Ohio. In this vocation he proved himself a true soldier of the church. As he was obliged to be away from home for many weeks at a time, he soon saw the necessity of buying a permanent home for his wife and children and this resulted in his purchasing a forty-one acre farm in Pleasant township, Madison county, Ohio, in the year 1857. His last work as a missionary of his faith was in the southern part of Ohio, where the expression of his zeal left a deep impress upon those whose lives were touched by his.

Jesse 'S. Bower was reared on the farm in Pleasant township, where he remained until 1861, when the change of conditions brought about by the Civil War, caused him to learn the blacksmith's trade in Perry county. He enlisted at London, Ohio, in Com- . pany B, Ninety-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. He was in the battle | of Guntown, Mississippi, and as a result was taken prisoner and sent to the Andersonville prison, where he remained ten months and eighteen days. When he was liberated he was sent back to Camp Chase and there received his discharge on the 27th of June, 1865.

In 1867 Jesse S. Bower married Minerva Stone, who was born in Pleasant township, on the 2nd of April, in 1848, and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Holloway) Stone. For two years he worked on a farm in Illinois, and the two years following were spent on a farm in Madison county. The blacksmith's trade. however, still held: a fascination for Mr. Bower. and in 1869, he returned to his former occupation, where he remained until the opportunity came to open a general store. which he took advantage of in 1885. Later, after he had received a_postoffice appointment, he had charge of a rural route from Lilly Chapel to Nioga and return. The farm on which he now lives contains one hundred and fifty acres, and is an extension of the thirty-one acre farm which he bought in 1889.

In politics Mr. Bower has given his ardent support to the cause of the Republican party, and his political friends have honored him in many ways in recognition of his ability and interest. He has held the office of justice of the peace and has had experi- ence as constable in his district. Following the teachings of his father, Mr. Bower continues to be an active member of the church of the United Brethren, and is the oldest living member of the Dennison Chapel, in Fairfield township. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. and Mrs. Bower are the parents of ten children, three of whom died in infancy, those who survived are George, who lives at the home place; Mrs. Fleeta Jones, who is living in Madison county; Mrs. Mary Anderson, of Pleasant township, Madison county; Nelson, of Harrisburg, Ohio; Earl, who is farming on the home place; Frank, who is employed in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, and Hattie who makes her home with her parents.

William Payne

Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of Madison county, Ohio, one who has figured in the growth and development of the ugricultural and commercial interests of this favored section. His interests have been identified with its progress and have contributed in a definite measure to the well-being of the community where he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature judgment and every-day common sense, have been among his most prominent characteristics. William Payne merits the respect and esteem which is freely accorded to him by the people of Union township. ,

William Payne was born in Union township, Madison county, Ohio, May 4, 1857, the son of Samuel and Sarah (Black) Payne, the former of whom was born in Ross county, Ohio, January 20, 1820. The late Samuel Payne was the son of Jesse and Ann (Griffith) Payne, who were natives of Maryland, but of English and German descent, respectively. They came to Madison county in the latter part of 1820 and settled seven miles southeast of London. Samuel Payne was married in 1858 to Sarah Black and they were the parents of two children, William, the subject of this sketch, and Lydia, who married John T. Armstrong. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Armstrong moved to Illinois and settled on a farm, where Mrs. Armstrong died in October, 1902. Mr. Armstrong died in 1903. They had a family of six children, two of whom, Grant C. and Archie, are living in Illinois. Samuel Payne followed farming throughout his life, but in his early years drove cattle from Madison county to Philadelphia. He and his wife were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died on August 24, 1909. His wife died five years previously on August 24, 1904.

Reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Madison county, William Payne, at the age of seventeen, began life on his own responsibility. besa some time he farmed, purchased feed and shipped cattle. Few men are better judges of cattle than Mr. Payne. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of splendid Jand, which is well improved, and upon which he has put most of the ss The Payne farm is located about four miles southeast of London in Union township. ,

On December 24, 1891, William Payne was married to Anna Eggelinge, of eas: boro, Highland county, Ohio. Mrs. Payne is the daughter of Edward and es Eggelinge, the former of whom was a native of eee and came to 8 United States when a young man. After landing in New York City. - he remained for a short time in 1849 during the gold fever, he went west to a sapnaiaee: Later he settled at Hillsboro, Ohio, and was engaged in the wholesale nies Sh eaee for a number of years. He died about 1885 and his wife, who survived him many years, z ' have no children. died in August, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Payne _ ; It is a matter of interest that William Payne is not a political partisan, but is independent in his political thoughts and actions. He votes for the best man regardless of what ticket he is on. Mr. Payne raises purebred Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. He also, for many years, has made a specialty of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens.

John Wilson Parker was born at Lowell, Michigan, January 14, 1872, the son of Wilson J. and Margaret (Skidmore) Parker. He went with his parents to Vermontville, Michigan, when he was four years of age. After graduating from the Vermontville high school in 1889, he attended Olivet College for two years. He then had medical training at the Chicago Homeopathic College for four years, graduating in 1900. He served as interne in the Chicago Homeopathic Hospital one year and practiced in South Chicago for a similar length of time, thus adding to the experience which was later to make him one of the county's most efficient physicians. It was 1901 when Doctor Parker moved to London, Madison county, Ohio.

On May 26, 1904, John Wilson Parker was married to Grace Phifer, a woman of unusual gifts and of strong personality. To them have been born one child, Albert Phifer Parker, born on April 7, 1908. He is now a student in school.

Doctor Parker, by reason of his careful medical training and his personal fitness for his profession has built up a large practice not only in London, but in the surrounding country. He is popular both as a physician and in private life. Doctor Parker is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Society. He has served as secretary, and later as president, of the Madison County Medical Society. The people showed their confidence in him when they made him their health officer, and for six years he was engaged in improving local sanitary conditions. Doctor Parker is a Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Besides fulfilling her destiny as a devoted wife and mother, Mrs. Grace Parker has occupied an even broader sphere as a woman of culture and intellectual attainment. As far back as her early school days, she was an ardent student. attending first the country school and was graduated from the London high school in 1894. She was then fortunate enough to be able to enroll as a student at Harcourt Place Seminary in Gambier, graduating from that institution in 1896. She then went to Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, at which institution her studies were principally in oratory, art and music. With such splendid training added to her native gifts, it is not to be wondered at that Mrs. Parker has taken her place in the community, a place as distinguished among women as is her husband's career among men. _

It may truly be said that Mrs. Parker is a leader. She is an active and enthusiastic member of the Women's Club of London; is chairman of the civic committee of the London Civic Federation; and has been especially prominent in Pomona Grange, an order of which she has been a lecturer for several years and in which she has held most of the local offices. It is through the life and work of such women as Mrs. Parker that the whole community receives inspiration and uplift. Such women teach not only through the power of example, but through the subtle influence of personality. It is impossible to estimate the good thus accomplished, for the reason that it cannot be measured by the ordinary standards of profit. The community in which Mrs. Parker has spent most of her life has shown that it recognizes its obligation by according to her the official positions which are given only to the capable and strong. A physician's wife has so many opportunities for service along humanitarian lines that are not possible to other women that she seems particularly blest, and these opportunities are well filled by Mrs. J. W. Parker.

George Dorn

It has been said that the essentials that go to make up a successful banker are "a good mind, a fair education, honesty, a strong will and industry." These George Dorn undoubtedly possesses, for from a farmer's boy he has risen to a position in the public confidence that not. only has made him a bank cashier, but mayor of an Ohio town. More fortunate than some of his colleagues, he was permitted to learn the principles of business under the instructions of a wise and God- -fearing father. And in addition to this, he had the innate qualities of head and heart that must be possessed by all who rise above the average in life's str uggle for existence. George Dorn, banker and former mayor of Sedalia, was born on January 30, 1874, in Ross county, Ohio, and his parents, Peter and Katherine (Uhrig) Dorn, are still living.

Peter Dorn, who was born on October 18, 1838, in Baden, Germany, came to this country with his parents when he was a lad of fourteen years, settling in Chillicothe, Ohio. His father, the grandfather of George Dorn, died in 1854, in Ross county, during the cholera epidemic, two years after his arrival in this country, and his wife was left to struggle through the hardships of pioneer life alone. Too much cannot be said in praise of such noble womanhood. She bought land in Ross county, and there prought up her little brood. Peter Dorn was taught the principals of farming, a vocation which he followed for fifteen years. He is now president of the Farmers Bank of Sedalia. He accumulated about one thousand acres of land in Madison and Fayette counties, which he subsequently divided among his children.

The mother of George Dorn was born on March 10, 1842, in Baden, Germany, leaving there about 1856, with her parents, who located in Ross county, Ohio. Mrs. Katherine Dorn is living and, like her husband is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dorn were the parents of fourteen children as follow: William (deceased), Edward, Anna B. (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Charles, Lucy, Henry, Phillip (deceased), George. Frederick W., Lina May. Florence, Frank P. and Walter F.

George Dorn spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attending the district school of Range township. This building is known as the Dorn school, being built by his father on the family estate for whom it was afterwards named. For the use of this school Mr. Dorn gave'an acre of land. When George Dorn had reached his twentieth vear he entered upon a business career in association with his father, who owned a general merchandise and implement store at Madison Mills, Fayette county, Ohio. For eight years they carried on a successful business, then selling out they came to Sedalia and organized the bank of which George hecame the cashier and manager. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling. Not limiting his interests, however, to financial enterprises, George Dorn owns one hundred acres of wellimproved land on which he has built a splendid seven-room house and large barn as well as good substantial fences.

The marriage of George Dorn and Lena Terry was solemnized on August 1, 1895, his bride being born in October, 1876, in Logan county, Ohio, the daughter of Silas and Eliza (Bostwick) Terry, natives of Ohio. Four children have been born in this home, former belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Free and Accepted Masons. While living at Madison Mills, Mr. Dorn served one term as treasurer of Madison township. During his residence in this township, where he has always been regarded aS a man of forceful character and generous impulses. few have been better known or more

Hon. Roscoe G. Hornbeck

Roscoe G. Hornbeck, judge of the court of common pleas of Madison county, son of Cyrus R. and Rilla F. Hornbeck, was born August 18, 1879, two and one-half miles west of London, in Union township, Madison county, Ohio. For a more complete history of the Hornbeck family, reference is made to the biography of Cyrus R. Hornbeck, elsewhere in this work. A native of Madison county, Judge Hornbeck has spent practically all of his life here. His early education was secured in the district schools of Union and Deer Creek townships and in Plattsburg, Clark county. At the age of ten, he entered the public schools of London, from the high school of which he graduated as president of his class in 1899. Afterward he attended Ohio Northern University at Ada, then entered the Law College of the Ohio State University in 1900, which institution he attended for two years and, while in this school, was admitted to practice law in this state in June, 1903; and five years later, in 1908, in the district court of the United States. He took office with his father in London and began the practice of law in 1903 where he followed his profession until elected to the office which he now holds.

Soon after coming to London, Judge Hornbeck was employed as a newsboy for the only daily newspaper London ever boasted, the Daily Nickel Plate, edited and published by the late A. J. Heintzleman. He often refers to the trouble sometimes experienced by the editor and his assistants in getting the paper off the press and to the subscribers on the same day. It was common occurrence to distribute the papers through the village as late as nine o'clock p. m. .

A Republican in politics, he has been active in his party since becoming of age and has served as central and executive committeeman and for five years as secretary of the Madison county executive committee.

On January 13, 1909, he was appointed postmaster at London by President Roosevelt and at the expiration of the first term was promptly reappointed by President Taft. Because of a change of administration soon after his second appointment, it was not confirmed and he served but a few months of his second term.

Many sweeping changes were made in the postal service during his tenure of office, the principal of which was tke establishment of the postal savings system, instituted at the London office September 19, 1911, and the parcel post, begun January 1, 1913. Strictly local changes, such as extension of rural routes, increase of clerical force, 'rearrangement of equipment, and a general systematizing of the work of the office, were aiso made. The city free delivery of mail was also established during his term and largely through his efforts, on January 1, 1911, giving to the village of London mail delivery service not excelled in any city..

In the Republican primaries of August, 1914, Mr. Hornbeck was nominated for the oflice of common pleas judge of Madison county, and in the following November was elected over two aggressive opponents, a Democratic nominee and an independent nominee, achieving a notable victory in one of the greatest political battles ever waged in Madison county. He was the first judge to be chosen in Madison county under the law giving to each county in the state one or more common pleas judges. He was elected pledged to two propositions, viz.: prompt action in lawsuits and opposition to needless technicality in construing the law. In furtherance of these pledges, he has inaugurated a plan of hearing motions and demurrers promptly after being filed and of enforcing a rule of practice which provides for the dismissal of cases for want of prosecution which remain on the docket for more than three terms without action. He has also recognized the evil of hasty divorce and will grant no decree for divorce until thirty days have elapsed after the case is heard. He has been on the bench since January 1, 1915, and, although one of the youngest jurists in the state, is giving to his duties a degree of care and attention that fully meets the exacting requirements of the office.

On November 22, 1901, Judge Hornbeck was united in marriage to Gertrude Warner, who was born and reared in London, a member of one of the oldest families of the town, her uncle, Patrick McClain, having been the founder of the village of London.

Of this marriage, four children have been born, Donald Warner, Marian Elizabeth, Ruth Arline and Helen Louise, deceased. Donald, aged thirteen, is locally quite famous as a drummer and musician and is almost as widely known as his father. Judge Hornbeck and wife also take considerable interest in vocal music and have sung in many of the choirs of London and in numerous local musical events. They are warmly interested in the advancement of the community and are popular with all who know them.

Judge Hornbeck is alive to the business interests of the city and county. He was one of the organizers of the London Board of Trade, served as its secretary and is now on the board of directors. He is a member of the blue lodge, chapter and council of the Masonic fraternity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Albert Theodore Phifer

James Phifer was born in Stokes, now Paint township, on July 12, 1815, and died on November 26, 1886. His wife, who was a mrBatine of Greene county, Ohio, died on December 10, 1899.

Albert T. Phifer was a farmer and lived all his life in the township of his birth. He had received only a fair education, as his school days were interrupted by the Civil War. After the war he realized the need of an education and took a course in a commercial college at Columbus, preceding this, however, with a return témporarily to farm life. He became a proficient bookkeeper, which knowledge served him well in later years.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Albert T. Phifer enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, attached to the Fourteenth Army Corps. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, and other important engagements, and was with General Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

On January 5, 1872, Albert T. Phifer was married to Vinnie Neiberger, a native of Greene county, Ohio, who was born on May 1, 1854. Mrs. Phifer is a daughter of Dr. James A. and Caroline (Moss) Neiberger. One child was born of this marriage, she being Grace, the wife of Dr. John Wilson Parker, of London, mentioned elsewhere in this work. The widow of A. T. Phifer still lives on the old farm.

The Phifer family comes of German and Scotch-Irish stock, the earlier members of the family having lived in Virginia. Abraham Phifer, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, his ancestors being John and Catharine (Rader) Phifer, natives of Greenbrier county, Virginia. Abraham Phifer, father of James Phifer, came to this county in 1809 or 1810, taking up two hundred and seventy acres of land in what was Stokes township, but is now Paint township. Here the worthy ancestor lived until the time of his death which occurred in April, 1875. He married Ann Withrow, of Pennsylvania, who died in July, 1860. James Phifer was the eldest of four children. After his marriage to Phoebe Harpole he rented land, but not content with being a tenant soon purchased three hundred and ten acres, which was the nucleus of a valuable tract of seventeen hundred acres, the ownership of which made him one of the wealthiest citizens of the county. It was in the year 1872 that he and his faithful wife moved to Lendon.

Albert T. 'Phifer was an: earnest 'member of the Methodist church: 'in this faith he wa8'true and active till the day of his death, which occurred on June 4, 1901. Mrs. Vinnie Phifer is also a member of the Methodist church. ;

"No one of his day was'more highly esteemed than' was the subject of this sketch. 'AS d 'citizen Mr. Phifer had the greatest respect of his associates, and it was 2 matter of common 'knowledge that his word was as good as his bond. He kept a diary of his business interests, and so hofiest' and fair was he knéwn to 'be that He was often called into settle disputes, and from his' judgment there was no need of appeal. Mr. Phifer was a leader in' his time." Sober, 'industvious, frugal, and yet kindiy withal, he has lett a memory which men 'might envy.

Trobably the largest annual payroll of any industry in Madison county, Ohio, is th:t of John H. Irwin, who employs some thirty or forty people, and about one hundred and fifty people fed and clothed from. the payroll at the mill.

Mr. Irwin's mill and lumber yard are located between the tracks of the Pennsy]- vania -and Big: Four railroads, and depends upon his logs being hauled by wagon, and is a "good roads" advocate, but despite the urgent needs of his business and several other industries of the city, the London city council has' been negligent in providing suitable access to the various industrial plants, including that of Mr. Irwin. He is a staunch citizen of this great county; and although sometimes rather emphatic in expresing his views, being independent and self-reliant, he is nevertheless sociable and esteenied by his employees, who have ever been loyal. ~ .

John 'H. Irwin, well-known lumber manufacturer, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, and eanie' to Plain City, Madison county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-five years. and has' dealt in lumber all his 'life. His first experienée 'with lumber was buying and selling logs.

'In 1898, 'Hariott, Gill & Company started a saw-mill on the site of Mr. Itwin's present: mill; "and about three yéars later Mr. Gill disposed of his interests in this mill to Mr. Hariott and Mr. Irwin, and the business was continued under the latter mansgement until 1903: the firm in' the meantimé operating a mill at London, and 'in Adams county, Ohio. In 1901, after having acquired the Adams county mill, Mr. Hariott was given his option on the ¢hoice of either mill, and he chose the Adams fouly, mill, and 'Mr. Irwin has been in charge of the London milf ever since.

Mie Trwin saws from one million to twelve hundred ' thousand feet per yeor, and hes bough' itmbér 'within a radius of ten to' fifteen miles, at an average of nerhaps eight or nine miles.' He keeps from ten to fifteen teams busy all the time hauling logs to the mill.' The output of this 'mill is principally railroad stock; and he' manufactures chair stock, principally ctit to pattern, and is able to produce almost any piece that goes into the manufacture of a'chair. The payroll of the mill proper includes nineteen persons. and Mr. Irwin pays out annually about fourteen thous»nd dollars for timber, end his entire payroll is from thrée to five hundred dollars a week. The Irwin business now requires: twice the amount of capital required in 1901. Mr. Irwin has also operated mills at other places. especially one at Natural 'Bridge; Virginia. He buys the standing timber. which is cut by men, by the hundred feet, and he keeps about: five men cutting timber all the time, and furnishes them with a tent and car. This feature of the business has proven very attractive. -Mr. Irwin is no' sportsman and dévotes little timé' to outside interests: He has adhered Plowly, to his business oad has" - PANE interests 'teke care of themselves.

Minerva (Snyder) Bradley, the widow of David Bradley. Mrs. Irwin died on September, 238, 1911, after eighteen years of married 'life. She was an earnest and devoted worker in -the. Methodist. Episcopal church, 'taking an active part in the' Sunday school and prominent in' the various societies of that denomination. She 'was also prominent and influential in the literary Clubs of Plain City and London, and was a very popular woman, possessed of most charitable 'instincts, and her loss was deeply mourned -by all who knew her. Mr. Irwin is also a 'member. of the Methodist all church, he still retains his member es i in the church at Plain Ciyt. REA CHENOWETH. ::

Rea Chenoweth was born in Fairfield township, Madison county, Ohio, 6n March 12, 1876, a son of the late F. M. and Margaret (Rea) Chenoweth. referred to elsewhere in this work. Moving to London in 1885 with his parents, he had the opportunity of attending good public schools and the local high school. He took'a course in the preparatory school at Columbus and then matriculated as a student in the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.

Mr. Chenoweth's taste attracted him to a business career. He first started in the grain business with Silver & Chenoweth at West Jefferson. becoming their bookkeeper for the period of a year. In the fall of 1896, he purchased the interest of A. Tanner, who was engaged in the grain 'business, operating under the name of Tanner & Chenowetb, which firm later became Chenoweth Brothers, the brothers being Robb F. and Rea. This firm conducted an extensive business in grain, hay, straw and feed, also operating fifteen hundred acres of farm land. For about nine years this partnership existed, when Rea Chenoweth sold out to his brother in 1904. In the fall of 1906, Rea returned as manager of the business for his brother, who had in the meantime lost his health. Continuing as manager for three years, he then purchased the business, remodeling the plant and in various ways extending the enterprise generally. Mr. Chenoweth also takes an active interest in farming, for he personally oversees the cultivation of one thousand acres of land in this county.

Rea Chenoweth enlisted for service during the Spanish-American War and was made first sergeant of Company E, Third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and afterward became first lieutenant. and then captain of Company TL, Fourth Regiment, Ohio National Guard.

Louise Watson, daughter of Capt. David Watson and Elizabeth (Jones) Watson, of London, became the wife. of Rea Chenoweth in April, 1909. David Watson was born on a farm in Paint township. this county. He was a captain in an Ohio regiment during the Civil War, and died in "Madison county. Elizabeth Jones was born in Madison county, a daughter of John Jones. David and Elizabeth (Jones) Watson were the parents of four children as follow: Howard, Robert J., deceased; Mrs. Mary Williams.. and Louise. wife of the subject of this sketch.

Besides his business associations, Mr. Chenoweth has other important affiliations. His city has honored him by making him its treasurer and a member of the city council. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, is a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, Mr. Chenoweth is a Demoerat. The religious affiliations of Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth are with the Presbyterian church, of which they are both members.

The above is a brief review of the life of a man not only eas known in his community but well liked. Mr. Chenoweth has not permitted the pursuit of a livelihood to obscure the greater life values, and it is thus that he has won and retained the high regard of all who know him, whether in business relations or in private life.

This family has always held a marked distinction in educational, musical and literary achievements on the two continents. Henry and Patrick O'Hara were born near Lisnagael, County Sligo, Ireland, and were sons of Charles and Mary (Naughton) O'Hara, who had their children educated in the schools in Ireland. Many who are in high places today in Ireland and Massachusetts are still grateful to Henry O'Hara for the encouragement and knowledge he helped them attain, even after they were no longer his pupils.

Mrs. Henry O'Hara, who died on September 21, 1915, was a daughter of William and Cecelia McDonough, of County Sligo, Ireland. Her father was a relative of Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, and her brother, Patrick McDonough, was a captain in the United States army. Her relatives were all noted for their musical ability.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry O'Hara, of Madison county, are four children, namely: Charles, Mary, Cecelia and Helena, in whom the literary attainments are becoming no less pronounced. Their writings of both prose and poetry have already received favorable recognition from California to Maine. Some of their verses have been copied and sung in Egypt, Australia, Ireland and England and have been translated into Greek and Spanish.

The Misses Helena Frances and Mary Agnes O'Hara have been frequent contributors of their valued poetry to the London Democrat and other Ohio newspapers. Their verses express in their deepest feeling the keenest understanding of the people of their home community. They are bards of Madison county and of rural Ohio almost as truly as James Whitcomb Riley is the poet of all rural America. It is with regret that the editor of this history cannot devote more space to the rhymes of the O'Hara sisters.

A Glimpse Of Pioneer Days

Near our home is the National road, stretching east and west through Madison county and often would I like to see a stagecoach coming down as it was said to do in days gone by, but today it is a matter of history, as it has long been replaced by the carriage, automobile and the trolley line which runs close by.

Of rough logs he hewed from where now is the road. More followed the trail and the silent woods woke To the buzz of the saw and the sturdy axe stroke; ' Rude cabins loomed up, soon the green valleys turned To oceans of gold where the corn tassels burned.

Who heard and came on to the far western call. The nation so pleased with a region so blest, Constructed a highway connecting the West. Magnificent inns would the stranger beguile,

The shrill whistle blew as the stagecoach and four Prancing steeds drew up by the tavern's great door. The occupants wearily sought for a rest,

When the neighboring inn heard the orator Clay. Long, long days elapsed and the old road at last Seemed doomed as a relic, or thing of the past;

And children now play where the statesmen once trod. The great doors stilt speak of the grandeur they knew, And love-light still blesses the old portals too. Instead of the foam on the prancing steed now, The draft slowly comes from the sweat of the plough, Caressed by the hands that he knows and loves best, He finds for each work-day, a nighttime of rest.

The State Fish Hatchery, three and one-half miles west of London, is among Madison's most attractive and picturesque places. It occupies the site of an ancient distillery and of the old-time Roberts' grist mill. Here the pure limpid water rushes forth from the ground in great springs and in sufficient volume to have supplied these industries with their power for almost a century.

No sky above they strive to gain, . The only blue they know | ae ot Is that reflected in the ponds Of waters deep below. Unlike their sister willow trees That lift each stately, bough To greet each jewel star that decks . The night's illumined brow.

Outside of the mill near the stream two, rusty mill wheels tell the silent story he a day long past. "Aye, there they are 'recalling all ts The stormy days gone by ; a4 Displaying on their rusty arms - The frown of winter's sky. Quite useless and deserted now Upon the velvet grass, AS sentinels they rest benéath - The varied winds that pass. Their very presence seem to throw An echo o'er the way, _ And bring us swiftly to the time When they. held regal sway. ; When steadily their tones rang out Across the summer air; iz Like to a mystic songster's tone Adown the star-lit stair. As ceaselessly they hurried round To grind the meal and. flour, a And all throughout the livelong day : Marked not an idle hour. i . Ah, then their voice was truly king . Of all surrounding plains; Of all that potent power now | sa "3 Their strength alone remains. The relics of a by-gone 'age, Their careless shadows throw A sparkling mirror'on the scene Of sixty yéars ago. i Of sixty years ago, when 'neath The old mill's rooftree 'high, ° Both men and boys from far and near Passed countless hours by.' Their 'steps are slow and falt'ring now, Their hair as white as snow, apie The very onés who were the' boys' Of sixty years ago. And though we travel in the realms Of youth's exquisite bowers, We think of days that were to them As sweet as these of ours.

Clinton Junk

Pateaatins the farm the great recruiting 'ground for the populations of - cities, there is a sense in which civilization is dépendent. upon the rural: districts, As one writer-:puts it: "If it were not for the fresh).and -healthy: blood; muscle and: brain: frony the farms, our 'large' cities. would: degenerate." --In this sense,;: then, he 'who contributes 'to the healthy, wholesome life of the country helps to develop the' conditions: won which «the cities may draw for their best type of citizens. Clinton Junk, therefore,' belongs to that: type of :men:who,.-by useful living; contribute 'much to 'the general good.

Clinton: Junk was.born 'on November'. 8; 1854, in Ross. county,' Ohio, and is: the: son - of William. and Rachel (Hicks) Junk. ':The parents: of. Mr.:-Junk possessed' all the characteristics of the noble,'souls who braved pioneer life, and: were: inured to the hardships.'of the frontier. _ During.a leng period of: their life they -were: three-miles from their nearest neighbor. pes Bete ;

William Junk was far above the average in public spirit, and seemed to possess that type of civic loyalty which is so-lauded:today. This spirit was shown in his gifts, one of. which. was the ground upon which. a-Range township school. house was built. He also opened up. the pike.now knewn as the. Junk pike which. runs: from Mt. Sterling to London. .Always in favor of..public improvements, he contributed to:-the expense of laying seven pikes before there. was-.one-built. in..front -of. his-own. home. William Junk was:born in 1825, in Ross county, Ohie, coming to Madison county.in 1858, and -setthng in..Pleasant township.-.He was.a. farmer of practical. experience. and 'broad insight. He bought the six hundred acres of land which constitutes the present: Junk farm, the purchase price. being nineteen: dollars and twenty; cents an acre. * The home built upon. this property: consisted. of: a. two-stery house of ten rooms. 'This: : house, which is still .standing, was one of.the finest in:the: county,:-being splendidly built: and constructed. of large studdings.: Mr. Junk himself built this: house. -At-the time. of his death Mr. Junk owned one: thousand acres 'of well-improved land in Pleasant and Range townships. One of the industries: in which this: eons: settler engaged was the raising of. sheep. He died in 1901. °° :.- CEN m eer

- Raehel Hicks' was. born in' Ross county, 'Ohio,:in- 1829, inne ot TE descent. She is the daughter of 'Willis. and--Franees (White) Hicks; the: former: of whom was a ecotonel in the War of 1812. :A'proof-that- this man was abrave fighter is shown by the fact that. he had ten horses shot from under him. -He himself was unhurt.: Mrs. Junk is living at present in Mt: Sterling. Five: children 'were .born in the home: of these estimable people... Pryor 'W:, of. St. Sterling, Ohio; Clinton,- the subject of this sketch-; . Beecher, of Columbus. "Ohio ; "Weleier, 'Weceaged, sand, Mies Eee L. ooh of Mt: Sterling.::.; .-°°.. wa ee see SS

- Clinton Junk early showed signs: of "eT ambition, for 'at~ the age of twenty, having completed the usual course of 'studies in the district schools of Pleasant: 'and Range townships, he rented land from his brothér, Pryor, and also from' his father and began his own career. He -has-never lived outside 'of these two 'townships. 'Inheriting at the time of. his father's. death one hundred and fifty acres of land, he bought. ninety acres more in 1895, and -to. these holdings.'he has added until he now owns four hundred and eighty acres. ° Besides his' prominence asa farmer "Mr. Junk is a stockholder inthe First: National: Bank of: Mt.. Sterling. | Like every good -citizen 'whose' time 'and attention are not limited' exclusively to personal affairs, Mr. Junk has taken «a deep interest in educational matters, and has occupied a place on the acho!" board for sixteen years. 'He also gave practical assistance 'in building the' school. "\°'Miranda Alkire became: Mrs. Clinton Junk' on October 15, 1878. She' wae hash' in 4855. in Pleasant township and is' the eldest daughter of George' and Mary ° (Bragg)

Alkire. The children born in this household are Homer, deceased; Willis, mentioned in another sketch; Elmer, of Range township; Mary, deceased; Harry, a graduate of a business college of Columbus and now living in Range township; Ida R., Bessie L. and Bruce C. The three last named are living at home.

The political affiliation of Clinton Junk are with the Democratic party. Both he and Mrs. Junk and ao are honored and active members of the Christian church at Mt. Sterling.

Mr. Junk is possessed of those sterling qualities which make his type of citizenship a true asset to any community. Inheriting from his parents a strict sense of honor and of neighborly obligation he has widened this sense of obligation until it has come to mean the whole community with which his life is directly associated. With such a spirit of loyalty, it is not surprising that his life has been full of generous deeds and kindly consideration for others.

John Simpson

The late John Simpson, who was an honored veteran of the Civil War, was one of those progressive and influential citizens of Madison county who figured conspicuously in the progress and prosperity of this county for more than a half century. By his industry and good management, he was able to improve a splendid farm and win for his declining years a substantial competence. He died full of honors and respected as only a man who has done his full duty to his home, his family, his country and his neighbors, can die.

John Simpson, a native of Nottingham, England, was born on June 24, 1840, and was brought to America by his parents when a mere child. He was a son of the Rey. James A. Simpson, an elder of the Baptist church, who after living for a time in Canada removed to Ohio in the early forties, and, for twenty-five consecutive years, was the preacher at the Big Darby Baptist church, and who collected funds for the erection of present church building during the Civil War. He preached at several places in Madison county, and lived in the county until his death. His residence for many years. was at Lafayette, where he died. In early life the Rev. James A. Simpson had been an infidel and had used the power of his large intellect against the Christian religion. At his conversion, however, he became a stanch Christian, and lived as a Christian in all the relations of life. He was a radical abolitionist and was connected -with the "underground railroad" movement so much used in Civil War times in aiding fugitive slaves to escape to Canada. As an earnest and effective speaker-he had many debates in this part of Ohio, some of which lasted as long as seven days. The first. wife of Rev. James A. Simpson was Ellen Ryder and his second wife, Mary Gatton, a widow, who survived him and lived at Dayton, Ohio. James A. Simpson had the following children: James, who went to Kansas in early life, is still living at Fitzgerald, Georgia. Elizabeth was the wife of W. H. C. McCoy, a farmer of Madison county, both are now deceased. Anna married Jonathan Henry, a minister in the Christian church. John Simpson, the subject of this sketch. Harriet married Jerry West, a farmer of Champaign county, Ohio. Mr. Simpson was a great huntsman and a gunsmith by trade. A rifle made by him, in 1857 (quite a work of art) is still owned by the Simpson family. He hunted with Buffalo Bill in the early seventies on the Kansas plains. He died in Champaign county, Ohio. . Alfred B., the youngest child, left the county in middle life.

John Simpson grew to manhood in Madison county, Ohio, and was a self-made man. He served through the Civil War in Company A, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, covering a period of four years. He was wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, while carrying the flag. He was officer of the color guard at the time, and, the two color bearers being shot, and also the seven color guards, and he being the last of the guard, he picked up the flag but was soon shot down. He, however, again raised the colors, but was so badly wounded that he had to retire. He 'leaned the colors against a tree and was carried to the hospital. This incident terminated his active services, and he was discharged at the end of the war. The wound, however, never healed, and, after thirty-two years of a running wound, the limb was amputated. During all these years he had been a great sufferer. His musket and canteen are still possessed by the Simpson family.

In 1866, John Simpson was married to Philomelia McDonald, the daughter of the late John McDonald of Deer Creek township. She was born on February 17, 1841, on a farm in Deer Creek township. She and her husband eventually became the owners of a farm adjoining the McDonald homestead, and owned over three hundred acres of land. In 1884, they erected a substantial brick house which still stands on the farm, four miles northeast of London. on the Simpson road. Before that, however, they had lived for fourteen years in a log cabin, one of the oldest in the country.

John Simpson developed the "Honest John" variety of corn. It came from a carload of corn shipped into Madison county, in 1858, by John McDonald and others, This corn has been grown by the family through three generations. John Simpson was a loyal Republican in life, a man who was frank and open in all of his dealings and who was widely respected. He was very radical in his political beliefs, and stood firmly by Republican principles. He once confessed to a Democrat that he had voted for him, but said that he would never vote for another.

Mr. Simpson was a fine comrade and companion. During the latter years of his life he attended many reunions, especially the reunions of the "Blue and Grey,' and very few men were so near and dear to his old comrades. Soldier reunions were frequently held on his birthday at his home, and, on his last birthday, all of his old comrades gathered there. He died on October 30, 1910, and his beloved wife some years previously, May 23, 1902. His second wife, Phebe B. (Lombard) Bradley, who survived him, was the widow of a former comrade and friend. of Mr. Simpson. Of his family of eight children by his first wife, J. Sherman was the only member of the family to reach maturity.

J. Sherman Simpson was born on August 21, 1869, at the John McDonald homestead. Sherman was reared on the farm and he experienced all those things which fall to the lot of the average country boy. He has always been engaged in farming and stock raising, and has made a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Simpson is the proprietor of '""Tekenink Stock Farm," an Indian name which means "house in the woods." He is a progressive and up-to-date farmer.

On October 26, 1892, J. Sherman Simpson was married to Nora J. Jones, the daugh- 'ter of Lucian B. and Laura (Kinney) Jones. Lucian was the eldest son of the late John Jones, of this county. He died at the age of thirty years, and, at the time of his death, was one of the firm of Jones Brothers, in the warehouse business at London. His widow survives and lives at Springfield, Ohio. Mrs. J. Sherman Simpson was born in London and was graduated from the London high school. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have had three children, Amelia, a graduate of the London high school and who lives at home; John L., and one who died in infancy. ,

J. Sherman Simpson is a member of the Madison county Young Men's Christian Association board of directors, and has been prominent in the work of this organization. The present board has had much to do with the improving of the conditions of the

"Menhtion) 18-madé in this volume of the many. worthy eitizensof 'Madison county, citizens: who havé figured in the growth: and~ development of this community and whose "interests: are 'identified -.with its various phases: of' progress. Each has' -contributed iit his pdrticular sphere 'of-action: to' the: well-being of the community where he yesides :and 'to advancement of its legitimate growth. 'Among this: number: is Leroy Coinwell,'.the recorder of Madison county and -for many years one of the leading educators of this county. Having begun: his 'educational. career' at the age of nineteen, 'he' has taught for: twenty 'years':in Madison 'county and 'for airy Ses has filled the: position: of principal 'of the Summerford schools. © ri freee bern near théold Roberts mill, three miles west of London, in' Union township, Madison county; Ohio; Marely 11,1874. 'His parents' were both born in Union township. Thomas Cernwell's 'father -was-Addison Cornwell; a'native of Westmoretand county, 'Virginia. who, after his: marriage to Tabitha Trussle, in Virginia, about 1840, came to Madison county 'and: settled 'on a part of*the present state: farm, two miles west of 'London. Here in 'the: woods 'lie clearédia 'part of the farm and, after' living here for several yéars, settled on: what is-new 'knowti:#s the 'Dave' Gernrd farm, near the state fish hatchery, where: he: spent: the' rémainder 'of' his life,'clearing about six huhdred 'and fifty acres. He''was a highly educated man, hdving a good academic education, read law and preached - in: thé' Methodist church 'for'.several- years. He died on the old farm about 1893, after having attained the age of seventy-two. His wife had died some years previously. -i* Of the Children born 'to Addison and Tabitha. (Trussie) Cornwell, Thomas Cornwell,' 'who 'Was born:on the first farm owned by his father in Madison county, in 1842, grew up ii' the country.' At*the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in Company D, -Fortieth Regimént, Ohio Voluntéer: Infantry,' and 'served during the' war. - He was "veterailized in Company B, One: Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regiment, and' was discharged at the ¢lose of the war as sergeant: During the entire' four years he was always 'with His command: : : * rs eae ee

After the war, Thomas Cornwell settled on a farm of one hundred a¢res, 'where he lived 'the' témainder 'of his life,;dying on' December 13, 1912'' He was prominent in the 'Christian: 'ehtirch' at Wilson's chapel and his wife was' also' A member of 'that _éhurch. "He was 'a' 'member 'of the: Masonic lodge, at London,' and of the Grand: 'Army Of. the: "Republic. © By "his marriage on "January 5, 1868, to Ellen Jane Wilson, 'the daughter of John atid Julia Ann' (Prugh) Wilson; there were 'five children, 'as follow: Otis, of Somerford ' 'township; William, of Deer Creek township; Leroy, the subject of this "sKeteh ; 'Ernest, of Range township,'and Esta, the' wife 6f John Ellsworth, of 'Range 'township. * Mrs. "Thomas 'Corhwell's father, John Wilson, owned 'a large tract 'of tand fn "Madisén county. 'Mrs. Thomas Cornwell was born in 1847 in Union township' and, throughout hér 'life, was active in the work' of the church. She is now belie 'with hér children." Cie ficdng)

"Born "and reared: on the farm' and educated in 'the commori' Schools, Leroy Cornwell neces his' certificate to teach school at the age of»: ninetéen 'and: taught': for twenty years in Madison county. For seven years he has 'beeti 'principal -of the 'Summnierford 'Schools. ° Mr. Cornwell attended' 'Wittenberg 'College and the' Normal school at Ada, Ohio; "Sone © years ago he was elected township clerk of" Somerford township 'and 'sérved Tour: 'teyms, Covering 8 period of ten years. He is a Republican, and 'having heen "nominated ' py 'the Républican' county convention of 1914, was' triumphantly elected county recorder with a plurality of eight hundred and ninety- -seven, the second highest on the ticket. Mr. Cornwell took office on September 6. 1915.

On January 1, 1900, Leroy. Cornwell. was. married to Jeannette Smith Florence, the daughter of G. A. and Mary G. Florence, the latter. of whom is. the daughter of the late Henry 'Smith, a. well- known attorney of this county, and a sister of Luke Smith, of Deer 'Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell -haye been the parents of three children, Marcus. Mary and. E loise, all of whom, are. living at home with their parents.

Mr. and Mrs. _Leroy Cornwell are 'members of the Methodist Episcopal chureh 'and are interested in all religious works. Mr. Cornwell is a member of the official board. Fraternally, he isa member of the Masons, the Independent. Order. of Odd Fellows and the. Knights of Pythias. He has passed all of the chairs in the, Odd Fellows" and has served as district deputy of this lodge. in Madison county.

' One of the, largest Jandowners in.Madison, county, Ohio, is the gentleman whose brief history follows. , George W.. Buswell has. confined, his interests .on..the farm to the raising and shipping of. hogs and: hay, both of which have ,been: very. remunerative avenues of income, and he is now. not only one of .the largest landowners. of 'Madison county, Ohio, but is also one of the wealthiest.and most influential men of. his district.

George. W. Buswell, general farmer .and stockman, London,. Ohio, was born -on December 5, 1873, in Jefferson township, Madison county, and is a.son.of George and Naney .(Toops) Buswell. He was two: years old. when his parents moyed.to the old homestead, where. he grew to. young manhood, and attended -the.district schools.. After his. marriage, Mr.. Buswell rented. his father's farm and: began the life of.an agriculturist..on his own behalf, giving his attention especially tothe raising of hay,.-and feeding: large numbers of hogs, which .he sold by-the carload. Politically, he: has always given his vote to the. Republican party, while his. religious membership is with the Presbyterian church -at Plain. City.. His splendid tract of land, consisting .of.,three hundred and eight acres, is located on. rural.route, No. 3, six miles north. of West Jefferson, Ohio. - a: Piss er ote Pees ho oes

George Buswell, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in England, and came to the United States when, he was thirty-five years eld. He was. very poor when he landed in this country, but possessing the essential qualities in, following the vocation of a farmer, he. rapidly became very prosperous, and eventually. acquired a..fine tract of land, consisting of over four hundred acres of good farm land., He was. united in marriage with Nancy Toops, a native of Ross county, Ohio, by whom he had. seven children, six of whom are living in 1915. John L., who follows farming; Sarah, the widow of J. John Penney, | of London, Ohio; Maggie, who, was..mayried to U...H. Blair, of Oklahoma, | and is now a widow; Mary, who became the wife. of John. Darley, of Nebraska ; Susan, who is Mrs. William Lombard, of West Jefferson, Ohio, and. George W.

George W. Buswell was. united in marriage, in. February, 1895, with Eva. Grewell, daughter of E. C. Grewell. She was born in Madison county, and was educated in. the 'schools of Monroe township, and later attended the high school at- Plain City. This union has been blest with four children: Florence, a graduate, of the Plain City high school, is now teaching school in Jefferson township; Leland is a student jn the West Jefferson high school; Keith attends the public. school at West Jefferson, Ohio, and Beatrice is in the district school. | Mrs. Buswell is an. earnest member of the Presby- _terian church at. 'Plain City.

Mr. Buswell 'holds. a position, of high Berecit in his community, where he has become a factor in the business interests, and where his advice is sought by those interested in the raising and shipping of live stock..

Valentine H. Wilson

The late Valentine H. Wilson was the second son of James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson, and at the time of his death, Saturday, October 22, 1898, had just completed und occupied the handsomest country home in Madison county. Born on the old Wilson homestead, Darby Plains, October 28, 1839, he died on his magnificent country estate, "Maple Villa," at the age of fifty-nine years.

Valentine H. Wilson was one of four children born to his parents, John S., Thomas B. and Lucy being the other three. His father is referred to in the sketch of the Wilson family, presented elsewhere in this volume. His mother was a daughter of John and Sophia (Bond) Smith, and was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 20, 1818, and in 1832, came to Madison county, residing here continually until her death, February 15, 1904, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lucy E. Beach, with whom she made her home after the death of her husband.

Of the children born to James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson, John S., the eldest son, was born in Madison county, October 4, 1837, and died in London, January 25, 1905. By his marriage, January 14, 1858, to Sylvina J. McDonald, there were born six children, Flora, James W., Mary, Charles, Mrs. Eleanor Wilson Bradley and Mrs. Lucy Wilson Simpkins. John S. Wilson was a farmer and stockman, and retired from active farm life a few months before his death, removing to London. He was loved by his family, friends and neighbors for his plain, blunt honesty and whole-souled generosity. At the time of his death he had attained advanced standing in the Masonic fraternity.

Thomas B., another son of James B. and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson, was born in Canaan township, October 31, 1841. He was graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1865, and served during the last year of the Civil War in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He married Elizabeth S. Trimble. August 24, 1865, and to this union five children were born, Eugene T. Morrow, John P., Mary T. and Betty Winn. He served during the sixty-ninth Ohio General Assembly as a state senator from the eleventh Ohio district.

Valentine H. Wilson was reared on a farm, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits all his life. In addition to his farming interests, he was an extensive stockman, and at the time of his death was the owner of five farms comprising fifteen hundred acres. He had just completed the construction of "Maple Villa,' his country home, which cost nearly twenty thousand dollars when death removed him from the scene _ of life's activities.

On January 25, 1871, Valentine H. Wilson was married to Dollie Jones, the daughter of John and Jane (Melvin) Jones, the former of whom was born at London, October 31, 1818, and the latter was a daughter of John and Sarah Melvin, natives of Madison county. John Jones was a son of William Jones, who was born near Knoxville, Tennessee, and came with his father, Solomon Jones, to Ohio, and became a blacksmith at London, where he settled in 1814. He became a wealthy landowner and merchant, a friend to all, and one of the most popular men who ever lived in the city of London. He was a heavy loser in the panic of 1837 because of the failure of friends whose notes he had secured. Afterwards he removed to a farm, but his death occurred in the city of London.

John Jones was reared in London and worked in his father's store as a boy, and also worked in the store of William Warner. After his marriage, William Warner, then sheriff of Madison county, selected him as a deputy, a position which he held for four years. He was then elected sheriff as a Whig and served two years. Later he served twelve years as a justice of the peace. He and his three sons were engaged in the grocery trade until about 1875. He was a strong temperance man, and a charter member in Madison Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. By his mar- riage to Jane H. Melvin he had four children, Frank, Horace, Dollie, the widow of Valentine H. Wilson, and Emma, the wife of Harvey Chandler, of London. Valentine H. Wilson and wife were the parents of five daughters, of whom three, Minnie, Maud and Eleanor, are deceased. Mrs. Mabel (Wilson) Dye and Helen are living.

Mr. Wilson's success as a farmer and cattle dealer was due to his tireless industry and unrightness. 'He worked unceasingly and always with fidelity to a given purpose. He was too modest to engage in politics, and never sought a public office, but as a member of the school board he took an active interest and served his fellow citizens with honesty and distinction. Valentine H. Wilson will be long remembered for his domestic virtues and high-minded principles. He was a kind father and a most loving and devoted husband.

William A. Clawson

Great stability of character has been the lever with which William A. Clawson, "one of Range township's most substantial farmers, has wrested a competency from the soil, and by diligent effort and thrift, has earned the confidence and respect of his fellow men. He was born on April 19, 1859, in Ross county, Ohio, one of ten children born to Strawder and Louise (Ogden) Clawson, eight of whom are now living.

Strawder Clawson, the father, was born on March 1, 1823, in Kentucky, and in 1837, when a lad of fourteen, removed with his parents to Ross county, Ohio.

Four years after the arrival in Ross county of Strawder Clawson, Louise Ogden, who was to be his future bride, arrived with her parents from Maryland. She was born in 18383, and when she came to Ohio was a girl of eight years. The family had traveled all the way from Maryland to Ross county, Ohio, in a covered wagon. Although an extensive farmer in his day, Strawder Clawson, in addition to his agricultural interests, was a stock buyer and shipper. In 1874, while on a visit in Illinois, he was taken ill and passed away very suddenly. he wife is still living and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Silas Drais, near Mt. Sterling, Ohio.

William A. Clawson received what little schooling he could in the district schools near Madison Mills, Ohio. His education was very limited, owing to his father's need of him in connection with the work on the farm at his home. In 1876, when only a lad of seventeen, he came to Madison county, and rented the Curtis Ward farm, situated near Sedalia, which he subsequently tilled for twenty-five consecutive years. During fifteen years of his career on this 1arm, aside from his agricultural pursuits, he engaged in buying cattle for a large export company, and hogs for a packing plant in Massachusetts. Most of the stock purchased for the export trade was shipped from Madison and Fayette counties. i

For twenty years past the breeding of Shorthorn. cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs and Norman horses has been the specialty of Mr. Clawson. He enjoys the distinction of being an exceptionally good cattle feeder. On one occasion he reared and fed four yearling calves that tipped the beam at one thousand two hundred and ninety-six pounds each, at time of sale. On January 1, 1902, Mr. Clawson purchased the farm on which he now resides, containing one hundred and twenty acres, located on the Federal roads between Danville and Sedalia, in a soil region of great fertility, well improved with hnudreds of rods of tiling, a good barn and other improvements in the ion. Se a seen 1904, William A. Clawson was united in marriage to aire. Lillian L. Young, daughter of Reuben T. Latham, of Sedalia. Receiving er education in the village schools of Sedalia, one year each at the- ikendon and Springfield schools, Mrs. * Clawson began teaching school in her native township at an early age, engaging nine consecutive years in this occupation, spending five years of this time-at one district in Paint township. -She is 'an active member of the Presbyterian church in the town of her birth, «x loyal church worker, interested in- the missionary cause, identified with the :-Woman's Christian Temperance Union, an ardent supporter of all movements having an educational or moral intent. She stands for all that is noble and uplifting, and is highly 'respected' inthe different sections where she has resided.

Mr. Clawson is identified with the' Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 'in which orders he is regarded as a member of 'high esteem. Still hale: and: hearty, in: the 'prime of life, he displays'more than: ordinary interest in all civic and -politidal questions, 'and Las a 'lost of friends: in'aud out of his immediate community: ' a Sati Ae!

Fred L. Crabbe

The liquor question today is'a great issué, and the entire country awaits with interest the:final outcome of 'the great battle that is being waged between the "wets" and "drys." To the casual observer it would seem that the issue is even: greater than the combatants themselves 'realize; and: true 'it is that if the people had realized years ago the importance of the strictest regulation in regard to this vital question, there never would have been the need for national prohibition. Nothing ever becomes a" menace if properly regulated in the' beginning; however, the fight is on, and many good, strong soldiers are taking part in the campaign, one of whom is Fred L. Crabbe. attorney and school teacher, of Mt. Sterling. Madison 'county, Ohio. 'Se

The' majority of: people applaud those 'who have the courage of their convictions, even though an enemy to their Cause, and the residents of Mt. Sterling give their hearty support and 'co-operation to Mr. his campaign against the liquor: interests. In his position as city attorney he wields great influence and stands squarely for purity in both public and private life. Fred L. Crabbe was born on August-19, 1885, at Big Plain, Madison county, 'Ohio, and is' the son of John W. and Ellen (Minshall) Crabbe. He was reared on the farm and attended the district schools of Fairfield and Deer Creek townships, Madison county. After finishing in the -schools of Fairfield; Mr. Crabbe attended the Normal school at Athens, Athens county, and then, in 1903, began teaching at South Solon, this county. For four years he taught in the district schools of Union township, and in the year 1911 begai teaching-in the Mt. Sterling schools. where he was principal of the grammar department. Later, Mr: Crabbe resigned his -position in 'the Mt. Sterling schools and is now devoting his entire time to_fighting the liquor traffic. After 'being affiliated with the Ohio Anti-Saloon League for three years. he was elected »ttorney for that organization, and is' now serving 'as ittorney for: the. Anti-Saloon League in the Toledo district. He is devoting his entire time to the prosecution of. violations of the liquor laws and lecturing for the cause of temperance. :

That Mr. Crabbe was peculiarly fitted for the practice of law. is attested by the. fact that. three years after he was admitted to the bar, he was elected as 'city attorney and solicitor for Mt. Sterling and of all the cases he has pleaded, both in the civil and criminal courts, he has never lost'a case. He began the study of law with his brother, Charles, in 1905. and was admitted to the bar in 1913. He now devotes his entire time to his law practice. In all as of civic betterment, Mr. Crabbe is a diligent and conscientious' worker. ;

On May 21, 1907, Fred L. Crabbe and Ione M. Phillips, of South Solon, Ohio, were united in' marriage. Ione M. 'Phillips was born on May 24, 1890, at Lima. Ohio, and is the daughter of Mrs. Clara J: Phillips, now of London, Ohio.

that will very likely decide hin to follow the example of his father, in "becoining a 'leader on all questions pertaining to the public welfare. Mr. 'Crabbe takes' great pride in acknowledging himself a Republican aud a stanch supporter of this party. * Mr.' Crabbe is termed a "tive wire" and pny cause' which has' higsenphert is fortuntite'' 'indeed.

'The individual homes of a nation: give it stability or cause 'it to degenerate | to the plane of w eakness. So inspeaking of a nation as a whole, we accuse or praise the individual home. "Therefore, to make the establishing of a home the ambition 'of one's life, is to contribute to the strength of the nation. It is this innate love of home that develops the finest qualities of human life and he or she who has saisfied this love has been a compe factor, in the conservation of the human race, than all else beside. | ' : ae eee

In Soe renege Wood Johnston, of Range township, Madison county, Ohio, to the reader of this history, it is mere justice that actuates the statement that he is one of those whose nobility of aim and untiring perseverance has éontributed 'so largely to the betterment of this community. His grandparents came to Pennsylvania in the early days and settled in Range township, Madison county, and it was here that the son, George, and the grandson, John Wood Johnston,' were' born. William and' Margaret (McClimans) 'Johnston, the grandparents of John Wood Johnston, were 'of hardy pioneer stock and many a sad broken life, today, would be in perfect harmony with the universe, had each succeeding generation been peoiapred. 'to the one etioles displayed by these thrifty pioneers. a iva, ati

George Johnston, actuated with this same homing instinct which impelled his parents to seek their fortunes amid the greatest hardships, toiled day by day, patiently, persistently and religiously until he finally accomplished that which was dearest and meant most happiness to his' family, a home. He' was born on November 29, 1814, in Range township, Madison county, and after reaching the age of maturity, availed himself of the privilege necessary to the completion of a perfect, home, marrying

Barbara Beam, who bore him seven children, three of whom sre now living. _ George Johnston followed agricultural pursuits during his entire life and passed away on the farm, which had been the nucleus of his abundant success, His death occurred on December 26. 1906. Barbara Beam Johnston was born on September 4, 1812, in Pennsylvania, and after assisting her husband in the building and maintenance of their home. passed away on July 10, 1899. Both husband and wife were members of the Methodist church and reared their children in the faith that has been oe a comfort to them through joy and sorrow.

Rerred on the farm. John Wood Johnston received the rudiments of his education in the district schools 'of Range township, where he was born, which event took place on November 7, 1850. His labors on the home place, during his apprenticeship in the agricultural line, were very onerous, but his outstanding character has proven their worth. In order 'to cultivate the soil the heav ry 't imber had to be removed, and In this process he assisted by driving an ox team for logging and hauling. He served his father faithfully for twenty -five years and in appreciation was given a farm with which to build his future competency. On this farm he built a small house and added to it as his earnings and family increased.

On September 6, 1853. Lizzie Gregg, who wis to be the future wife of John Wood Johnston, was porn in Paint township, Madison county, Ohio. Their marriage was solemnized in 1875, and they are the parents of four children : Mrs. Eva Henry, of Range township; Eva. who' lives at home; Alva, a farmer living" in Indiana, and

After his many years of efficient industry, John Wood Johnston has acquired two hundred and sixty-three acres of good land upon which he is now living. In his political faith he is a Democrat and in his religious faith a Methodist, in which church he is both a trustee and steward. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the Farmers Grange. In the russet years of his life, John Wood Johnston can feel a satisfaction that is denied the restless, money-mad crowd that surge the cities, looking with longing eyes at the peaceful farm homes that are the root of happiness.

Col. Eugene Trimble Wilson

Col. Eugene T. Wilson, who is a retired officer of the United States army, is a son of Thomas B. and Elizabeth S. (Trimble) Wilson, and the grandson of James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson.

Thomas B. Wilson was born in Canaan township, October 31, 1841, and received his education in the Lafayette schools and in Ohio Wesleyan University, from which institution he was graduated in 1865. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fiftyfourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in May, 1864, one year before his gradua- .tion, and was mustered out the following September. He was married to Blizabeth S. Trimble, August 24, 1865, shortly after his graduation from the university. She was a native of Grayson, Kentucky, and his classmate in college. They were the parents of five children: Eugene T., the immediate subject of this sketch; Morrow Beach; John T.; Mrs. Mary T. Keifer, of 'Springfield, Ohio, and Betty W., the last of whom is the companion and housekeeper for her brother, Col. Eugene T. Wilson.

Thomas B. Wilson was an ardent Republican and although his farm of six hundred acres kept him very busy, yet he nevertheless found time to serve the public in positions of trust and responsibility. He was twice elected township trustee, and in 1890 was the nominee of the Republican party for state senator from the seventh Ohio district. He was triumphantly elected and became an earnest, conscientious and able representative of the people in the sixty-ninth General Assembly. His success as a farmer and his career as a public servant were eminently gratifying to his friends, who were legion. He died at his attractive country home on the Lafayette pike, three miles north of London, September 16, 1908. His beloved wife, who had been his companion for many years, had died about seven years previously, September 80, 1901.

Eugene T. Wilson was bor at Lafayette, in Madison county, and after completing the high school course in the London high school, entered the United States. Military Academy at West Point, and was graduated with the class of 1888. Gen. 'J. Warren Keifer was at that time the representative in Congress from the district and tke speaker of the National House of Representatives.

Colonel Wilson began his military career proper as a second lieutenant in the First Artillery, at San Francisco, and was retired on July 24, 1914, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the coast artillery. He was assigned for one year as commandant of the military school conducted in connection with the Ohio State University at Columbus. From 1898 to 1899 he was chief of the depot commissary at Santiago, Cuba. From 1899 to 1901 he was aid to General Shafter, and for one year was on special service in charge of the trans-Alaska military road and government telegraph. In 1904 he was elected as one of the few officers to receive special training in the school of submarine defenses, and continued this study for one year. In 1906-7 he attended the Army War College, where special training is given for such officers as have ability to conduct administrative phases of war. In June, 1908, he was sent to Panama, where he remained in charge of the subsistence department until February, 1914. On March 4, 1915, by a special act of Congress, he was made colonel along with Goethals, Gorgas and others, and retired after thirty years of continuous service.

In the magnificent residence of his father, two miles north of London, on the Lafayette pike, Col. Eugene T. Wilson makes his home. This residence was built in 1869, and is one of the beautiful country places of the county. Colonel Wilson is specializing in the breeding of Shropshire sheep, and the head of his flock is the champion ram of Ohio.

Mrs. Margaret Taylor

It is said that "society advances in happiness and culture not through striking dramatic acts but through myriads of unnumbered and unnoticed deeds." Historically considered, woman has been the goddess of the fireside. While it was man's duty and custom to hunt and fish and thus provide food and shelter, woman's was the care of the home and the children and the preparation of the food out of the materials which her husband supplied. From this division of labor has come about the comparative obscurity in which woman has heretofore lived, and even the modern woman finds her greatest happiness in self-forgetful ministration to her. loved ones. She whose life forms the theme of this brief chronicle, like her sisters, has been faithful to her trust. Mrs. Margaret Taylor, widow of William Taylor, was born on July 28, 1850, in Pleasant township, this county, and is the daughter of John and Margaret (Alkire) Tanner, to whom seven children were born.

The father of Mrs. Taylor was a native of Pickaway county, and was born on October 4, 1809, and died in 1869. John Tanner came to Madison county when it was possible to buy good land for one dollar and fifty cents an acre. Building materials were crude at that time, but this pioneer showed his inventive genius by building a log cabin and making other improvements with the materials at hand. Living here for some time he then bought land in Madison county and the seven room house built upon this property was considered the finest house of its time in that vicinity. This residence is still standing. Mr. Tanner's father was Cortney Tanner and his wife's maiden name was Emery, both these grandparents being natives of Kentucky.

Margaret Alkire was born in Pleasant township in 1823, her parents being Abraham and Jennie (Creath) Alkire, both of whom were born in this county. She died in 1823. Although the subject of this sketch was one of seven children, she is the only one living today. The children of Mr. and Mrs. John Tanner were. Malissa, Courtney, Hannah J., Abraham, Catherine C., William and Margaret.

Margaret Tanner remained on the home of her father during her childhood and girlhood, during which she attended the school of Mt. Sterling. The event which took ber away from the farm was her marriage to William Taylor, which occurred in 1869. Mr. Taylor was a son of Warner and Jane (Blackburn) Taylor, meer of - - * who emigrated to Pickaway county in the early days of 1827.

William Taylor was born in Pickaway county on October 4, 1836, and came to Madison county in 1869, where for a short time he worked on a rented farm. Subsequently he bought land belonging to the brothers of his future wife. His next enterprise was the buying and selling of stock, the basis of his operations being Mt. Sterling and Era, Ohio. He was too enterprising to be limited in his business dealings by absence of a railway and before the railroad was built, he drove his cattle to Columbus to be marketed. He was one of the most extensive shippers in the county, and it is said that the First National Bank of Mt. Sterling eashed more personal checks for him than for any' man in the county. He'was honored by being 'placed in the office of trustee of Pleasant township, and was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. He passed away in 1893, leaving:as the only child of this union a daughter, named Ella T., who afterwards became Mrs. Zahn. She was born on May 28, 1871, in Pleasant township, and in' 1893 was married to John Zahn, a farmer and plumber, and to them have been born an only son, Maxwell Taylor Zahn, born on January 21, 1894.

Mrs. Margaret Taylor, although living an uneventful life as far as outward affairs are concerned, has been active' in matters which concern the happiness 'of those'closely - associated with her and of the less fortunate. As a daughter of the Eastern Star, she has given of her time and means for the worthy purposes of this organization, and the work of the local Presbyterian church and its service to the community have been greatly. enhaneed by. the devotion of-this good woman. In all of the movements of this church, and vem peak in. the Eghesieate 'school. has she: been a conscientious worker. .