Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 5 of 20)

Mr. Warner followed farming in Madison county until the year 1884, when he removed to Marshall county, Kansas. He resided in Kansas for fourteen years, after which he took up his residence in Missouri. While a resident of that state, he married Anna Florence, who was a native of Butler, Missouri, and who died in 1901. After the death of his second wife, the love for old associations drew Mr. Warner back to his native county and the scenes of his childhood. In 1904 he was united in marriage to Grace Denny, a native of Pickaway county, and a cousin, twice removed, of General Custer. Mrs. Warner is a member of two local clubs, the East High Club and the Elective Franchise Club, and is a woman of rare ability and personality. She is the daughter of Nathan and Agnes (Custer) Denny, both of Southern extraction, Mr. Denny having been a native of Kentucky and Mrs. Denny a native of Virginia. Mrs. Denny was the daughter of Paul Custer, a second cousin of Gen. George Custer, who at one time visited them in London.

Mr. and Mrs. Warner are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Warner is a stanch Republican. He has traveled quite extensively in this country and is an exponent of the theory that to see one's own country first makes one better 'able to draw comparisons when traveling abroad, and is also the best possible introduction to the people of foreign lands. Mr. and Mrs. Warner reside in a comfortable, modern home on Washington avenue, which he purchased in 1911. He still retains the old home place in Fairfield township, and in addition to his holdings in this 'county retains considerable interests in Frankfort, Kansas, being a director of the National Bank there, and also interests in Oklahoma City.

Historical extracts from the history of four generations may lead the reader to think that the life of Francis Warner has been overshadowed by those who have gone before, but not so; they have merely been the prelude to a perfect symphony of life -and the preparation for a better life to follow, as all who know him will testify.

Luke D. Smith

; Improvement and progress may well be said to form the keynote in the career of Luke D. Smith, an enterprising farmer of Deer Creek township, this county, and the son of the late Henry W. Smith, a distinguished citizen of Madison county. Not only has the son been interested in advancing his own personal and private affairs, but, like his distinguished father. his influence has been felt in the upbuilding of the community life where he lives. Mr. Smith has been an industrious citizen, and has striven to keep abreast of the times in every and all respects. He has worthily fulfilled the traditions of the Smith family so well established by his father, who was a conspicuous figure in the public life of this county.

Luke D. Smith was born in London, this county, July 22, 1855, and after receiving a common-school education moved to the farm, after his marriage in 1879. He is the son of Henry W. and Jeanette (Smith) Smith, the former of whom, at his death, was the Nestor of the Madison county bar, was born on April 6, 1814, in Whitestown, Oneida county, New York, and the latter, also a native of New York, of Revolutionary stock. They were the parents of the following children: Ellen, the wife of W. S. Squires; Mary G., the wife of G. A. Florence, of Columbus, Ohio; Luke D., the subject of this sketch; Palmer C., former mayor of London and former prosecuting attorney of Madison county, who was associated with his father, until the latter's death, in ne practice of law, and, after his father's death, with his father-in-law, until his death, in 1898, his widow now being the wife of Thomas Kinsman, of Kinsman, Ohio, and Benjamin I., a farmer of Deer Creek township, this county. In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Smith toured Europe. Six years later, Mrs. Smith died. Two years after her death, her husband passed away.

The late Henry W. Smith's ancestors were of English stock. He attended the academy at Rensselaer, New York, and was reared on a farm in Jefferson county, that state. In 1838 he came to Ohio, locating at Circleville, county seat of Pickaway county, where he read law for a time, after which, in June, 1840, he was admitted to the bar by the supreme court. He presently settled at London, this county, and in 1840 was made prosecuting attorney, serving in that capacity from 1840 to 1844, and again, by appointment, in 1856. He was elected again to the same office in 1860 and once more in 1864. As a member of the Whig party, in 1848, Henry W. Smith was elected as a representative to the Ohio General Assembly and ,during the session of 1849 was a useful member, witnessing the enactment of a great number of reforms, including the law permitting a party, possessing a pecuniary interest in a suit, to testify as witness in the trial thereof. This was a radical reform and did not become a law until after the next session, the bar, in the meantime, giving it serious reflection and consideration. Mr. Smith's activity also resulted in the present law as to descent, which provides that the husband and wife lacking children can inherit property from each other. This provision, however, was not adopted until a later session. In 1853. Mr. Smith was elected to the state Senate, where his labors proved of much value and importance to the state. In 1864 Henry W. Smith was a presidential elector, and, in 1865, became the president of the Madison National Bank, serving in that capacity until he sold out his stock and invested the proceeds in land. Appointed collector.of internal revenue by President Grant, he handled nearly two million dollars annually during his tenure of office and gave highly satisfactory service. Having passed military age, he was limited to ten days' service at Camp Chase at the time of the Morgan raid during the Civil War, during all of which trying period his most ardent support was given to the cause of the Union. In 1876 Mr. Smith was a- delegate to the Republican National Convention.

Four years after coming to Ohio, Henry W. Smith married Jeanette Smith, of New York State. Luke D. Smith, one of .the children of this union,' received two hundred and twenty acres of land at his father's death, on this land at that time there having been a log stable and a part of the present house: 'The place has been greatly improved by the erection of modern buildings, and today is one of the most highly improved farms to be found in Madfson county. The Smith home is located three miles north of London on the Lafayette pike.

In 1879- Luke D. Smith was married to Grace Mayne, of Union county, Iowa, daughter of Philander and Mary J. Mayne, of the Hawkeye state, and to this union three children have been born, Laura, the wife of Dr. F. E. Noland, a dentist of London; Harriet. the wife of James A. Smith, formerly a druggist of London, but now located at Cleveland. Ohio, and Jeannette, at home with her parents, attending the London schools.

Mr. Smith has served as township trustee for twenty years, and is also a member of the board of directors of the county infirmary. He is a Republican and is prominent in the councils of the party in this section. At one time he was a member of the board of directors of the County Fair Association and in other ways has displayed his earnest interest in the general advancement 'of material' and civic 'conditions

As a leader among the politicians of this county and as.a lawyer of more than usual ability, the gentleman whose biography is here considered has made_a notable contribution to the citizenship of Madison county. Both he and his father are among the distinguished men of their time, and their achievements form an important part of local history, the former being a man of forceful character and legal attainments, the latter, a pioneer legislator and legal practitioner. It is difficult to estimate the service such men render their kind, or to give adequate acknowledgment of such service. Richard Harrison McCloud is a native of the city in which he and his family have become so well known, having been born in London, this county, on Marebh 11, 1858, the son of Col. J. C. and Elizabeth (Winget) McCloud.

Curtis McCloud, grandfather of the subject of this biography, was a native of Vermont, a grandson of Charles McCloud, who emigrated from that state to Worthington, Franklin county, Ohio, in 1808. Later, Curtis McCloud settled in Union county, but about 1839, he again changed his abode, this time taking up his home and work on a farm in Darby township, Madison county, where he lived until his death in December, 18638. His wife was Elizabeth Cutler, also a native of Vermont, daughter: of John Cutler, who came to Ohio in 1815, and one of a family of eight children. Elizabeth Cutler McCloud died in 1880. Col. J. C. McCloud, father of the subject of this sketch, was a son of Curtis McCloud, and for many years was a prominent member of the Madison county bar. He was born in Union county, Ohio, on February 15, 1829, and came to live in Madison county when ten years of age. Harly in his life the characteristics which were to bring him fame and success, were made evident, for he made the most of a meager district-school education, the best to be had in those days, and then. after reaching his majority, attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. At the end of his college course, J. C. McCloud entered the law office of R. A. Harrison, a prominent attorney of London, later of Columbus, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1857. He formed a partnership with this distinguished gentleman, the law firm being known as Harrison & McCloud until it was dissolved in April, 1859. Subsequently, J. C. McCloud formed partnerships with Emery Smith, George W. Burnham, and Martin O'Donnell, at different times, and on March 9, 1879, formed a new legal firm with his son, R. H. McCloud, and in 1881 O. P. Converse was 'added to this firm, which continued as McCloud & Converse until the death of the senior McCloud, which occurred on April 17, 1887. The firm then continued as McCloud & Converse until in September, 1906, when the firm was dissolved and a new firm established, the same being known as McCloud & Lincoln, which continued until in December, 1914, since which time Mr. McCloud has been practicing alone.

In 1854 J. C. McCloud was married to Elizabeth Winget, who was born in this county, and to this union five children were born, four of whom are living, William McCabe, George, Luther and Richard H., all residing in London. Colonel McCloud's professional and political activities were so extensive as to give him a wide acquaintance in the county which was for so many years his home. He was one of the most influential members of the Republican party of his district during all of his active years, and was for sixteen years chairman of the Republican central committee. With this record, it is unnecessary to state that he and his family were as prominent in the social life of the community as he was in the business world, and when he passed away, he was missed by many to whom he was attached by strong bonds of friendship, as well as by the community at large, which his life and labors had enriched. His wife was a woman of estimable character and attainments, and was devoted to her home and children. She died on January 21, 1912.

Loud

which the feet of his gifted son should tread, although the process may have been unconscious. This observation is made because of the striking similarity which exists between father and son, both as to personal tastes and tendencies, and the direction which these took in private and public life.

Richard Harrison McCloud, as before stated, was born and reared in London. The high school class with which he was graduated was somewhat smaller than that graduated today, for he was among the first to receive the coveted "sheepskin" in 1875. He then attended Ohio State University for two years, after which he studied law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar on March 13, 1879. Fortunate in the prestige of a well-known and well-liked father, Mr. McCloud has reached the goal of earthly success perhaps with fewer obstacles than is the case with young men who start out alone, but he has been wise enough to take advantage of every opportunity that came his way. Thus it is that he has built up an enviable practice, and in connection with it, has not been without public honor. Interested in the questions pertaining to education, he was a member of the London school board for fifteen years. In business circles he is best known as a director of the Central National Bank, while as a politician he has won the respect of his colleagues who elected him chairman of the Republican executive committee, and also of the state central committee.

It is natural to suppose that one so active in professional and political lines would likewise hold membership in social and fraternal organizations equally as important. Nor is the conjecture a mistake, for Mr. McCloud is a member of the Masonic lodge, chapter and council, the Knights of Pythias, the Knights Templar, Mt. Vernon Commandery No. 1, of Columbus, and of Aladdin 'Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Columbus. He is also a prominent member of the influential London Club. '

On October 26, 1886, Richard H. McCloud was united in marriage to Helen Crabb, daughter of Judge O. P. Crabb, which union was without issue. Mrs. McCloud, who like her husband, was born and brought up in London, died on April 29, 1906. As @ counselor and legal adviser, Mr. McCloud is noted for carefulness, fairness and reliability, and as a man he richly merits what has been given him - the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Edward Quinn

In compiling a biographical history of Madison county the list of those who have added to the common good hereabout would be incomplete without the name of Edward Quinn, one of the wideawake and enterprising farmers of the West Jefferson neighborhood. Mr. Quinn was reared and trained to the vocation of an agriculturist, and has profited thereby, making the most of his qualifications, and continually adding to his store of knowledge in that direction, until he is now recognized as a local authority on modern agricultural methods.

Edward Quinn was born on May 8, 1872, in Canaan township, this county, a son of Edward and Eliza (Ganer) Quinn. He was well trained to the life of a farmer, under the supervision of his father, and was educated in the common schools. He remained with his father until the latter's death. and has never married. His time has been divided between general farming and stock raising, and two of his specialties are Merino sheep and Duroc-Jersey hogs. His exgellent farm, consisting of two hundred and twelve acres, is situated three and onf-half miles north of West Jefferson. Politically. Mr. Quinn has always been a starch Democrat, and is a public-spirited citizen, which quality has been demonstrated by his service as school director for a period covering fifteen years. and he is now Aerving as one of the township trustees. Though Jefferson township is wont to return Republican majorities, Mr. Quinn was elected as trustee by a iarge majority of votes, he being well known and highly respected in that township. His religious sympathies are with the Catholic ehurch, he being connected with the church of that faith at West Jefferson, and his financial membership is with the lforesters.

Edward Quinn, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, and came to the United States when he was nineteen years old, locating in Iranklin county, this state, where he remained three years, and from there came to Madison county, spending the remainder of his life here. At the end of his first year here, he began to farm for himself, and saved enough in twelve years to purchase a farm of one hundred acres. In Franklin county Mr. Quinn was married to Eliza Ganard, also a native of Ireland, who came to America while still a young girl. 'To this union were born four children, namely: James, a farmer in Jefferson township, who married Bessie Nugent; Edward, the subject of this review; Mary, at home, and William, who married Winnie Carney and resides at Cincinnati. Edward Quinn, Sr., died on April 29, 1912, and his widow is still living at the old home with her son, Edward.

Mr. Quinn is unassuming in his attitude toward others, and through his absolute integrity has made many warm friends in Madison county, all of whom hold him in high regard.

Clarence Bidwell

Clarence W. Bidwell, a progressive and well-known farmer of the West Jefferson neighborhood, in this county, was born on January 20, 1885, in Jefferson township, a son of Webster and Sarah (Buswell) Bidwell. He was reared on a farm and obtained his early education at the district schools, attending only during the winter months, as his services were required by his father during the summer. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he was married, and so ably has he operated his farm that he is now well provided with the goods of this world. His fine farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, situated four miles north of West Jefferson, is one of the most attractive and homelike places in the township. He owns a fine imported Belgian mare, and is a breeder of Duroc-Jersey, all registered stock.

Webster Bidwell, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Canaan township, this county, and died when his son was two years old. His widow, Sarah (Buswell) Bidwell, married, secondly, John Penny, who died in 1914. She is now living at London, this county. To Webster and Sarah (Buswell) Bidwell were born the following children besides the subject of this review: Ada. who married Leonidas Johnson and lives near Lilly Chapel; Minnie, who married Eugene Ortman, of Logan county, Ohio; Edith, who married Frank Burrell, of Licking county, Ohio, and Pearl, who makes her home in London.

On February 28, 1907, Clarence Bidwell was united in marriage to Florence Stoner, who was born on February 6, 1884, in this county, daughter of Ross and Millie (Hunter) Stoner, to which union four children have been born. Earl (deceased), Ernest. 'Cecil and Clyde.

Mr. Bidwell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Gillivan. and Mrs. Bidwell is a member of the church of the same denomination at West Jefferson. Mr. Bidwell and his wife are both descended from old pioneer families of Madison county, and are known far and wide for their kind-hearted and benevolent interest in community affairs. Mr. Bidwell is a Republican and takes a sgod citizen's interest in the political affairs of the county.

John McDonald, 111, who died in Madison county more than a quarter of a century ago, Was a representative of the third generation of the McDonald family in this county, and both his father and his grandfather were named John McDonald. The McDonald home is situated on the West Jefferson pike, five miles east of London, in Deer Creek township. The original John McDonald, of Madison county, who may be designated as John McDonald, I, was reared in Scotland and received an excellent education. He came to Ohio with his son, John, II, from southern Tennessee, about 1800, and they settled in a log house, near which the railroad later passed. John McDonald, I, who died in 1811, and his son, John, II, are both buried in the Glade cemetery. - John McDonald, II, acquired four hundred acres of land, and in 1807 built a brick house that is still standing and still in a good state of preservation. The present brick front of the house was built by a later owner, but the rear part was a part of the original house. It was John McDonald, II, who donated the chureh site and the cemetery near the farm. He was a splendid figure of the sturdy Scot, tall, straight, portly and dignified in appearance. He was a believer in ''water witches," and often acted as one himself, locating veins of water for his pioneer neighbors. He was also accustomed to bleed members of his family for various ills, and, although somewhat superstitious, was a strong churchman and well versed in the Scriptures. He believed implicitly in the Bible and in the actuality of a lake of burning fire and brimstone, reading the Word literally. John McDonald, II, who died in January, 1853, -was honest by nature and adhered strictly to the Golden Rule. A grandson tells that as a lad he had a swelling in his side and his grandfather lanced the wound, assuring him it would not hurt. His pain was frightful and he lost all confidence in his grandfather's truthfulness, and, in fact, could not behold him for years afterwards without the thought arising that the grandfather was a "iar."

John McDonald, III, the subject of this sketch, was. born in Deer Creek township, this county, the son of John McDonald, II, and the grandson of. John McDonald, I, one of the original settlers of Madison county. John McDonald, I, had a large farm of one thousand acres, which extended from the West Jefferson pike to the national road, a distance of two miles, his house being on the cross road, now the Simpson road. The old frame house is still standing. Joseph McDonald, one of his sons, received one hundred and eight acres of the one-thousand-acre tract, and later added to this farm until he owned two hundred and eight acres. In 1883 he built the house in which Howard McDonald now lives, and there he died, about eighteen months after completing the house, at the age of seventy years. Practically all of his married life was spent on that farm, except a few years spent in Iowa. He married Mary A. McCoy, a foster child of William McCoy, of Deer Creek township, and to this union three children were born, William M., a business man of London, this county, engaged in the retail sale of feed and farm implements; Olive M., who is the wife of Frank Melvin, of . London, and Howard, who now occupies the home farm. Another son, Frank, born to a. previous marriage, a mail clerk, died as the result of injuries received in a railroad accident.

In his farming operations, Joseph MeDonald was an extensive Bheey and \horse dealer, and bought horses and sold them during the Civil War. He was not interested in public service, and never aspired to office. His widow, who had remained on the farm after his death, died in 1913. At her death, Howard McDonald purchased the interests of the other heirs. and owns alli of the farm except a one-twelfth interest.

Howard McDonald. was born on June 18, 1873, on the site of the present home, in a house still standing, which was built ninety years ago and which was formerly the

Coniae school house. It is now used as a granary. At one time, after it had been abandoned 2s a school house, it was moved to the farm and used as a residence. It now stands some distance away from Mr. McDonald's present home. Howard McDonald is an extensive breeder of Shropshire sheep and specializes in Red Duroc-Jersey hogs. He attends all the county fairs, but is not an exhibitor. Having been reared on the farm and having been active in its management since he was eighteen years old, he understands it thoroughly and is wholly devoted to the vocation of agriculture.

In 1899 Howard McDonald was married to Alice M. Walker, who died in November, 1902, leaving no children. In 1904 Mr. McDonald married, secondly, Minnie J. Johnson, who was born in this county, daughter of Henry and Ella Johnson, who lived on an adjoining farm, and to this union one child has been born, Robert Milton, born in 1912.

A fine grove, consisting of some two hundred native trees, of fifty-four varieties, surrounds the McDonald homestead. The farm is well tiled and in a splendid state of cultivation. The older members of the McDonald family were identified with the Whig and Republican parties, but, in late years, some of the members of the family have become Progressives. Joseph McDonald was a Prohibitionist in later life, but, so far as known, no member of the McDonald family has been a Democrat. They all have been first-class farmers and citizens. but have never sought public office or public honors. Older members of the family, those who are now gone, were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Without any exception, the McDonalds of Madison county have been even-tempered, honest in their dealings and fair-minded, ever possessing the full confidence and the utmost esteem of all their neighbors.

Nathan Fields

Probably vo family in Deer Creek township, this county, is better known than that of Nathan Fields, a prosperous farmer, who is the proprietor of the old Beals farm, of one hundrd twenty-seven and one-half acres, located on the Luke Wright road, connecting the London and West Jefferson pike with the national road in Deer Creek township. It is not extravagant to say that the family of Nathan Fields is one of the leading families in that part of Madison county. The young people are popular and the home has been the center of the social gatherings in the community for many years. The educational and refining influences of this home have been important factors in local society.

Nathan Fields was born in Carroll county, Ohio, June 1, 1854, the son of John and Sarah (Umphelby) Fields, natives of Pennsylvania and England, respectively. who were married in Carroll county, Ohio. When Nathan was ten years old the family moved to Jackson county, where the father died. His widow was left with a family of eight children, but she kept them together and Nathan remained with his mother until he was twenty-one years old.

At the age of twenty-one years, Nathan Fields was married to Esther Sheridan, of Mishawaka, Indiana, and eight years later, in 1888, moved to Madison county, renting land in Somerford township for several years. In 1891 Mr. Fields purchased the old Beals farm in Deer Creek township, paying about fifty-five dollars an acre for it. There then was an old log house on the farm, but since that time Mr. Fields has built a commodious country home. He has laid about two hundred rods of tile in the meantime and has stocked the farm with cattle and hogs.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Fields eight children have been born, namely: Wealthy, a graduate nurse, who married Earl Woodruff. of Orrville. Ohio; Margaret, a teacher in Madison county, who has taught fourteen years, and at the present time is a student at Ohio State University; Bertha, who was a teacher for five years in this county, married Robert Harbage, whose biographical sketch is presented elsewhere in this volume; Amy, who taught school at Lafayette for five years, married Lester Stroup, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; John, who was a teacher in North Dakota for one year, is now a farmer and carpenter at Bernstad, that state; Clarence, who is in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad at Washington, Pennsylvania; Alice, who was educated in the London high school, and Gladys, who was graduated from the London high school with the class of 1915.

Mrs. Fields and all of the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Upper Glade. Mr. Fields is a Republican and served on the school board for eight years. He also served as trustee for a period of six years and is warmly interested in public affairs generally, being looked upon by all as a_public-spirited, energetic and enterprising citizen.

John Minter

Specific mention is made in this volume of many worthy citizens of Madison county, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored section and whose interests have been identified with its every phase of progress. Bach has contributed, in his sphere of action, to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is John Minter, a well-known farmer of Deer Creek township, and the senior member of the general mercantile firm of Minter & Lamgin, of Lafayette.

John Minter was born on the farm where he now lives. which is a part of the old Col. John Stevenson grant of six .thousand six hundred and sixty acrs, one mile north of Lafayette. on November 3, 1863, the son of Lewis and Anna Mary (Snyder) Minter. Lewis Minter was the son of John and Mary (Dulayney) .Minter, and John Minter was the son of William and Mary (Stevenson) Minter.

William Minter and Mary Stevenson were married in 1802. The latter was born in Kentucky, July 138, 1781. the daughter of Mark and Mary Stevenson. During the early years of her life. she lived with an uncle, Col. John Stevenson, a soldier in the Revolutionary War and a resident of Berkeley county, Virginia, who received, for his ~ services in the American Revolution, a grant in Madison county, Ohio. comprising six thousand six hundred and sixty acres of land. At his death this tract of land was bequeathed to his niece, Mary Stevenson. In 1829 she and her husband, William Minter, came West to take possession of this grant, and here and at that time established the Minter family in this section of Ohio. Mary (Stevenson) Minter died on February 13, 1869. in what is now the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. J. B. F. Taylor, at Lafayette. From 1811 to 1848 she was a member of the Methodist church, but in the latter year she joined the Disciples church and was a faithful member of the same until her death.

Lewis and Anna Mary (Snyder) Minter settled on the Minter grant after their marriage, and are still living in the old house on the farm, as are also John Minter's two sisters, Maud and Mary, the former of whom is a teacher in the London schools.

John Minter has spent his entire life on the farm where he now lives. During the Spanish-American War. he served in the Third Ohio Regiment, but got only as far as Tampa. Florida. During the last twelve years he has operated the farm. It contains two hundred and three acres, with sixty acres more nearby. He also operates the Simpson farm of three hundred and seven acres, and has one hundred and fifty acres of pasture. He raises cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs in great numbers. ordinarily having on hand about one hundred and thirty head of cattle, thirty-five head of horses and two hundred head of hogs. Recently Mr. Minter became interested in the third store in the village of Lafayette. He is a Democrat and has served as township trustee for six years, and is a member of the Spanish-American War Society. Mr. Minter is unmarried.

Jacob Sidner

The Sidner family of Madison county had its original home in the Old Dominion state, Philip Sidner having lived in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. He had ten sons, all of whom located near Lexington, Kentucky, soon after the time of Daniel Boone. All of them were slaveholders. Philip was the only one of the ten brothers who came to Ohio, although descendants of the other brothers came later. The old Sidner homestead is located on the West Jefferson pike in Deer Creek township, six miles west of London, and it was there that Jacob Sidner, the son of Philip. lived until his death, in 1880, and it is there that his grandson, W. Clark Sidner, lives today.

Jacob Sidner was born in Kentucky in 1799. His father, Philip Sidner. had lived near Columbus, Ohio, but Indians had driven him back to Kentucky, where Jacob was born. The family later returned to Ohio, locating in Madison county in 1802, and built a fort on what is now the site of the Henry Wilson residence at West Jefferson, on the hill. Later, Philip Sidner settled at Little Darby on land now owned by David Sidner, and there he died about 1822. Jacob Sidner obtained the land, now owned and occupied by his son, six miles east of London on the West Jefferson pike, the township line passing through the farm. He acquired altogether more than one thousand acres of land. having started in the wilderness. His old hewed-log house still stands on one part of his old farm, but not a part of the old homestead. The present house was erected about 1852, and was made of heavy frame timbers mortised and tinned, and is finished in walnut and ash, all cut and seasoned on the farm, and all hand-planed. Jacob Sidner managed to put about three hundred acres of land under cultivation, and was an extensive breeder of cattle. but more generally bought young eattle and pastured them on his land. He was also an extensive sheep grower. Jacob Sidner never held any public offices. but he was active in religious affairs. He helped to organize the Glade Methodist Episcopal church and for many years was a class leader' in the church. The Sidners were originally Whigs. but at the organization of the Republican party identified themselves with the new party organization.

About 1830 Jacob Sidner was married to Margaret Erwin, the daughter of Joseph Erwin, a pioneer of Madison county, who had come here from Licking county, where Margaret was born. She died within one year of the time of her husband's death, the latter having been eighty-one years old at the time of his death. in 1880. They had, therefore, lived together for a half century. and their house was well known by the ministers of the community. who made it their headquarters while traveling cireuit in this section. Mrs. Jacob Sidner was also active in church work, a veritable "mother in Israel," and both she and her husband were leaders in all good works thereabout.

By a former marriage to a Miss Ewing, there were four children born to Jacob Sidner, one of whom was Philip, of West. Jefferson, a prominent stockman and now deceased. Another son, Charles, went West and died there. Jane married Thomas Davidson and removed to Illinois. Barbara died early in life. Jacob Sidner's second family consisted of Irving, Wesley, Angie, Delia, Carmanda, Josephine, W. Clark and O. D. Of these children, Irving served in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War, and now resides at Des Moines, Iowa. Wesley was a farmer on a part of the old homestead, and died at the age of seventytwo. His family still live on the farm. Angie married George Fifer, and died in

London, this county. Delia died after reaching young womanhood. Carmanda died early in lifes Josephine died in childhood. W. Clark ee is living on the old oa place, and O. D. Sidner lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Although a pioneer in this 'section, 'Jacob Sidner killed only one deer' in all his life. He occupied himself closely in farming. Although not active politically, he was a strict Republican. In later years he kept buying more and nfore land and paid as high as sixty dollars an acre for much of it. The original home of one hundred ae thirtythree acres was bought for five dollars an acre.

W. Clark Sidner was born in the old hewed-log house on the Sidner homestead January 5, 1845, and has lived all his life on the farm except a few years spent in London and Columbus. Mr. Sidner has one hundred and ninety acres of the farm, having sold over one hundred acres some time ago. He operates the farm himself, and has been quite successful. Before the death of his father, W. Clark Sidner had operated the farm for some years. Lately he has installed a great deal of underground drainage on the farm, something that had been needed for years.

W. Clark Sidner first married Jennie Jones, who died leaving two sons, Ernest and Earl, the latter of whom married Eloise Florence. Both live on the farm with their father. Mr. Sidner married, secondly, Elizabeth Rubert, who died, after which he married Sadie Parker, who is also deceased. Both the second and third marriages were without issue.

W. Clark Sidner was elected township trustee of Deer Creek township as a Repub lican, and he has helped to sustain the local church, although he is not a member of church. In his community, Mr. Sidner is known as a sportsman, and very much enjoys bird shooting. He also keeps good road horses, and enjoys driving them. ;

William Street

The science of agriculture, for it is a science, may be exemplified in the career of William Street, the proprietor of "Glade Dale Farm," situated five miles east of London on the Glade road and in Deer Creek township. Mr. Street is a man who began life with very little, but his two sons have remained with him, and with their co-operation he has been able to achieve a large success in his chosen vocation. He is well known in Madison county, where he owns a very productive and desirable farm. Both of Mr. Street's parents were born in Lincolnshire, England. His father came to America as a young man, and his mother as a young girl, and they were married in Knox county, Ohio, in 1886, and there engaged in farming. Mr. Street's father had a brother living in Pennsylvania when he came to the United States in 1830.

William Street was born in Knox county, Ohio, in September, 1845, and when a child his parents removed to Morrow county, Ohio, where the family lived two years, after which they moved to a farm near Richwood, Union county, Ohio, where his mother, Anna (Robinson) Street, died in September, 1863. His father, John C. Street. came to London five years later and lived with his daughter, Mrs. Preston Adair. and here his death occurred, September 17, 1880, at the age of seventy-eight years. John C. Street and wife had another daughter, Sarah A., who married John J. Melvin; a son, George. is a farmer in Oak Run township.

On May 20, 1862, William Street came to Madison county and located on the farm of his brother-in-law, Preston Adair, which is situated near his present home. For some time he worked for Mr. Adair, and later; in conjunction with another brother-inlaw. John J. Melvin, operated the Preston Adair farm, the latter removing to London.

In 1868 William Street was married to Emeline Adair. a daughter of Henry S. and a niece of Preston Adair. She was born on the old Adair farm and was about twenty-two years old at the time of her marriage. Henry S. Adair died in London in 1901. Mr. Street and Mr. Melvin operated the Adair farm for seventeen years. In 1885 Mr. Street purchased his present farm of one hundred and eight acres. It is a part of the John McDonald farm and borders the south side of the Pennsylvania railroad. Mr. Street has gradually added to his original purchase until he now owns two hundred and eight acres, for some of which he paid sixty-two and one-half dollars per acre. A few years ago he bought one hundred and thirty-four acres one mile north of his home' farm, a tract known as the Luke Wright farm, for which he paid one hundred dollars an acre.

Mr. Street was almost able to pay for his first farm during 1885. He has been engaged extensively in stock raising and is well known as an extensive grower of registered Shropshire sheep, keeping about seventy-five head, having a large local trade for breeding rams from the "Glade Dale Farm." He has always realized fair prices for his sheep. He also engages extensively in the breeding and fattening of hogs, and sells from one hundred and fifty to two hundred head of hogs each year. All the crops raised on the farm are fed to the live stock. From time to time Mr. Street has erected good buildings on the farm. Water for the stock is supplied by a windmill which pumps it to the barns. Natural gas is used for heating the house, a pipe line passing near his home. :

William and Emeline (Adair) Street are the parents of two sons, Howard A. and Chester. Howard married Flora Johnson, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Frances, aged three. Chester married Stella Pierce, a daughter of Thomas Pierce, of Jefferson township. Chester lives on the Wright farm, but both the Wright farm and the home farm are operated together by the two sons and their father.

Mrs. William Street died on December 3, 1914, after nearly forty-seven years of married life. She was at one time a member of the Lower Glade church, but later removed her membership to the Upper Glade church, and finally to the London church. Mr. Street is not a church member, but is interested in all measures which have for their object the betterment of the community and the welfare of his fellow citizens.

Edward W. Johnson

From the time of the very beginning of the social order in what is now known as Jefferson township, this county, the Johnson family has been prominently identified with affairs thereabout. Michael Johnson, a Virginian, the great-great-grandfather of Edward W. Johnson, the immediate subject of this sketch, a prominent lawyer of this county, was the first white settler in that section of the Northwest Territory now comprised in Jefferson township, he and his wife and eight children having emigrated to that section from Virginia in the year 1796, establishing a permanent home in what is now the West Jefferson neighborhood of this county, a part of the land which this pioneer entered at that time still being held in the Johnson family, after a lapse of two decades more than one century. Michael Johnson's children were a sturdy lot, partaking of many of the excellent qualities of their vigorous pioneer parents, and their progeny in the sixth generation from the founder of this family in Madison county form a numerous connection throughout this part of the state, the various members of this family invariably having been found capable of performing well his or her part in the common life of the several communities in which their respective lines have fallen.

Edward W. Johnson was born on the old home farm in Jefferson township, this county, on October 27, 1876, son of Abner and Emma (Olney) Johnson, both natives of the same county, the former of whom was the son of Abraham Johnson, who was a son of Jacob Johnson, one of the sons of Michael Johnson, the pioneer who came to this section from Virginia in 1796, as mentioned in the foregoing paragraph.

Dward W. Jotnson

Abraham Johnson was born in Jefferson township, this county, on September 29, 1808, and died in his native township on January 14, 1874. On January 7, 1844, Abraham Johnson married Elizabeth Keen, who was born on August 20, 1825, and who died on July 10, 1861; whereupon he married, secondly, Mrs. Lydia Olney, widow of Judson Olney, born in Franklin county, this state, in 1826.

Abner Johnson, son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Keen) Johnson, was born on November 4, 1845, and on August 8, 1866, was united in marriage to Emma J. Olney, daughter of Judson and Lydia Olney, to which union seven children were born, six of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being as follow: Mrs. Charles Temple, of Cable, Ohio; Jennie, who is stili at the old home; Ethel, also at home; Carrie, who married Charles Shannon, of Jefferson township, this county, and Barl, who manages the home place in Jefferson township. Abner Johnson was a man of large influence in his community, he for many years having been regarded as one - of the leaders in the general affairs of that section of the county, having served his home township as trustee and as assessor. He died in 1909 and his widow is still living on the old home place.

Edward W. Johnson received his elementary education in the public schools of Jefferson township and so well did he improve his opportunities in this direction that at the age of sixteen years he successfully passed the examination necessary to secure a license to teach school and for three years thereafter was engaged in teaching in the district schools of this county, thus acquiring a fund which enabled him to enter Ohio Northern University at Ada, from which he was graduated in 1898, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Thus admirably equipped, Mr. Johnson entered seriously upon the study of law, his previous course having been regarded as merely preliminary to the latter course, and was graduated from the law department of the same university in 1908, and was shortly afterward admitted to practice in the courts of this state. Even while pursuing his studies in law, Mr. Johnson was actively engaged in the banking business as cashier of the Farmers Bank of West Jefferson and is still prominently connected with that bank, though practicing his profession at London, and continues to make his home in West Jefferson. On Piper 1, 1911, Mr. Johnson formed a partnership for the practice of law with C. C. Crabbe, under the firm name of Crabbe & Johnson, at London, and has been very oe

On May 11, 1904, Edward W. Johnson was united in marriage to Odessa High, daughter of Charles High, of Jefferson township, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Isabel. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are actively connected with the work of the Methodist church, though not members of the same, and Mr. Johnson is a teacher in the Sunday school. Both are warmly interested in all good works, not only in the West Jefferson neighborhood, but throughout the county, and are held in the highest esteem in their large circle of friends.

BE. W. Johnson not only has attained distinction as a banker and lawyer, but is also noted for his advanced ideas on farming. He owns three hundred and forty acres of choice land in Madison county and eleven hundred and twenty acres of land in Jackson county, Arkansas. He also devotes much attention to cattle raising and has a large mixed herd. His tract in Arkansas is timber land, which is rapidly being cleared and he expects to devote this tract to the raising of cotton and corn. .He now has a few head of cattle on his Arkansas land, which will form the nucleus of a more extensive herd of Herefords which he expects to raise on the place.

Mr. Johnson is a Democrat and is one of the most active campaigners in this part of the state, his services as a political speaker being in wide demand in connection with his party's campaigns in this section. He received the distinguished honor of being elected to represent Madison county in the Ohio constitutional convention of 1911-and in that memorable body acquitted himself in such manner as to reflect not only great credit upon himself, but upon the county which he represented. Mr. Johnson is a Freemason and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that ancient order. Not only is he held in high esteem among his professional associates, of both bench and bar throughout this section of the state, but also among the leaders of financial affairs hereabout, and by his associates in banking circles Mr. Johnson is held in the highest regard, all having the utmost confidence in him, and he very properly is regarded as one of the most substantial and influential men in Madison county.

George W. Plymell

In this commercial age, when the increase in land values makes the sale of the old home a temptation that few care to resist, it is seldom that the present generation still retain the home founded by the pioneers of the family. Unusual as this habit is among the people of today, the Plymell family have proved the exception to the rule, for the Plymell homestead, founded by the paternal grandfather, in Upper Glade, Deer Creek township, Madison county, Ohio, has been in possession of the family for more than one hundred years and is now the property of William Plymell, brother of George W. Plymell, subject of this sketch.

This farm, cleared and tilled by one of the first settlers in the county, is located five miles east of London, and it was here that on May 3, 1846, G. W. Plymell first saw the light of day. His parents were William and Frances (Helverson) Plymell, the father being a native of Madison county and developing early the good judgment displayed by his father, became a tiller of the soil until his death, which occurred in March, 1855. 'The mother was born in Lawrence county and died about 1893.

To William and Frances (Helverson) Plymell were born seven children, five of whom are now living. Imbued with the love of home and the associations which long acquaintance with one locality is sure to make dear, they have found peace and plenty without wandering into unknown lands. Mrs. Nancy Snodgrass, one of the daughters, lives at Plain City, but the other children reside on or near the home place. Mrs. Lloyd Wheeler in Lower Glade, Madison county; William Plymell in Upper Glade, and Mrs. Leslie Summers, in London, Ohio.

George W. Plymel] was reared on the farm of his birth and his education, in the common schools, was supplemented by the home environment, developing a strength of character which proved to be a source of great comfort to his mother during the Jonely years following his father's demise. He was only a small boy at the time of his father's death but displayed great efficiency in farming the home place for his mother and in carrying the burdens that devolved upon him.

After living for forty-five years on the home place, Mr. Plymell purchased two hundred and five acres, located two miles south of Upper Glade, which he farmed for twenty-four years. In November, 1913, he removed to London where he had previously purchased a comfortable home on North Main street and where he hopes to spend the remaining years of his life in peace and quiet as a fitting climax to a career of usefulness and thrift. ;

On December 20, 1877, George W. Plymell was united in marriage to Annie Bradshaw, daughter of David and Helen (Tevis) Bradshaw, of Lancaster, Ohio, where both Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw were born and which also was the birthplace of their daughter, Annie. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Plymell, though four only are living to make happy their evening of life and reflect the glories of parental love and affection. Flora, the wife of Ed Blaugher, the only daughter and eldest child, resides at. Newport, Ohio. The second child, Roland Plymell, now living on the farm, married Fay Long and they have one child named Francis. Russell lives on the home place. Rodney married Mary Berry. They have one daughter, Viola Bell, and live on the home place.

The maternal grandfather. of George W. Plymell, was Henry Helverson, whose father was Maj. Peter Helverson, one of the first settlers in Madison county. Among the brave men, whose deeds of courage and wise counsel make prominent the early history of those days the name of Maj. Peter Helverson has wielded a power none could gainsay. He was a brave soldier and a very large landowner, owning most of. the land on which the town of London now stands.

Mr. Plymell is a very active and highly-respected citizen and much loved by all who know him. His wonderful trait of loyalty to those dependent upon him and his financial achievements will act as an inspiration to future descendants and keep green their love and admiration for one whose life has been filled with good works.

William L. Plymell

William L. Plymell, a successful farmer of Deer Creek township, this county, has had a large part in the agricultural development of Madison county, especially in the growing and development of fine seed corn. His efforts in this direction have made him widely known among the farmers of this county, and have had an incalculable effect upon the yield of corn in this county.

William L. Plymell is the son of William and Frances (Helverson) Plymell, the former of whom was born in 1810 on the farm now occupied by his son, and who died in 1855, at the age of forty-five years. William Plymell's parents were pioneers, who came to Ohio from the state of Pennsylvania, and who probably were born in Germany. His father was John Plymell, who literally carved the original homestead out of the wilderness. His old log, weather-boarded house stood until 1914, when it was replaced by a modern house. He owned about two hundred and twenty- -five acres, and, during his life, was enabled to put about one-third of it into cultivation. Late in life he made a trip to Missouri in an open wagon, intending to sell out and remove to Missouri. He died, however, before his intentions were realized. In coming back from Missouri, he brought twenty-two head of cattle, all of which 'died of milk-sick. Besides William, John Plymell had one son, John, Jr., who received one-half of the old- farm, and spent. his life in this vicinity, dying at the age of seventy-five, after which the farm passed out of the family. His grandson, Horace Plymell, is now a merchant in- London. Another son, James, lives in Deer Creek township, this county. ;

Upon his death, William Plymell left a widow and seven children. The mother remained on the farm and died there, February, 1891, at the age of seventy-three years. One son, John, died on his way home after serving in the Union army during the Civil War. A half-brother, Chris Plymell, also served during the latter part of the Civil War. George Plymell lives in London. Hester Plymell married Henry Craig and died before reaching middle age. Nan Plymell married Oren Snodgrass. Lida Plymell married Lloyd Wheeler, of this county. Bertha Plymell married Lester Somers, of London, and William L. Plymell is the subject of this sketch.

William lL. Plymell has spent his whole life on the farm. In conjunction with his brother, he bought out the heirs to the old home farm and finally bought George's interests. so that he now owns the entire farm. All of Mr. Plymell's brothers and sisters, except George, were teachers. He has taken many premiums on fancy seed corn, especially on Johnson County White, Reed's Yellow Dent and Reed's Red Clarege. Mr. Plymell keeps pure-bred and registered stock, but raises stock principally for feeding purposes. He feeds all of his crop to his hogs, and even buys a considerable amount of corn. He took honors at both the national and state corn shows, and his efforts as a corn grower have been independent of the help of any college or other organization. He enjoys hunting and fishing, and especially, bird shooting. During recent years, he has made some extensive improvements on the farm, including a fine barn and house, the latter having been built in 1914 and the former in 1913.

'William L. Flymell's first wife was Louise Timmons, who bore him three children, Ray, Homer and Roy. the latter of whom died on July 11, 1915, the others living on the farm. Mr. Plymell married, secondly, Emma Flugge, which union has been without issue. Mr. Plymell's home is one of the most modern and up-to-date to be found anywhere in Madison county. He was a member of the school board for ten years, and is a Republican in politics. He has contributed liberally to all churches, although he is not a member of any religious organization.

Of the well-known citizens of London and Madison county, there should be mentioned Dr. Charles Emery Gain, a well-known physician of London, who, on August 29, 1913, was appointed by President Wilson as postmaster of the city of London. The London postoffice has attached to it eight rural routes, three city carriers, three clerks and an assistant postmaster. It is a second-class postoffice and the year 1914 showed the largest business in the history of the office.

Charles Emery Gain was born in the house where he now lives, at the corner of West High and Water streets in the city of London, July 1, 1866, son of Jesse and Sarah J. (Crowell) Gain, the former of whom was born near Martinsville, Virginia, and the latter in Greene county, Ohio, where they were married. Jesse Gain was a farmer by occupation, who, immediately after his marriage, in 1857, came directly to this county, locating in London, where he took up contracting and farming. He was never engaged in any public activities of considerable consequence, but led a quiet and unassuming life, passing away at his home in 1892 at the age of fifty-seven. His widow died in 1893 at the age of fifty-six. Some time before his death, he rebuilt the old home, making it a substantial residence. He and his wife were active in the Methodist Episcopal church. Although he had been a Democrat earlier in life, he became a Prohibitionist and was one of the first men in the county to take up the cause of temperance as a political proposition.

The Gain family have long been prominent in the history of Virginia and, before the days of the Civil War, were prominent in the anti-slavery movement in that state. The family of Jesse and Sarah J. (Crowell) Gain consisted of two sons and one daughter - James W., Sarah Elizabeth, and Dr. Charles Emery, the subject of this sketch.

Dr. Charles BE. Gain has spent practically all of his life in London. He was graduated from Ohio State University, with the class of 1889, and from the Starling Medical College at Columbus, with the class of 1891. From 1891 to the time of his appointment as postmaster, he practiced medicine continuously in Madison county, with the exception of the years 1910 and 1911, during which time he was a student in the Chicago Eye, Har, Nose and Throat College. Since his appointment as postmaster, he has retained his office in London.

In 1894 Dr. Charles E. Gain was married to Rose Markly, daughter of Philip and Tabitha Susan (Bales) Markly, a native of Greene county, Ohio, who was educated in the Greene county public schools and in the normal school at Lebanon, Ghio. Doctor and Mrs. Gain have no children.

literary clubs of London, of one of which she is president. She is also active in the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Doctor Gain is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Masons, being both a Knight Templar and a Shriner in the latter order. He is a man who is fond of outdoor life.

Jerry Neville

There is no positive rule for achieving success, and yet in the life of the successful man there are always lessons which may well be followed. The man who attains success is one who can utilize opportunities that come in his way. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but 'slightly. When one man passes another on the highway of life it is because he has the power to use advantages which follow in the purview of the whole human race. Today among the prominent citizens and successful business men of London is Jerry Neville, a prominent contractor of Madison county. Having learned this business .from his father, he has made a remarkable success in this and other Ohio counties.

Jerry Neville, a general contractor of London, Ohio, was born on a farm in Fayette county, Ohio, May 27, 1863. He is the son of Morris and Margaret (Campbell) Neville. At the age of seventeen, Morris Neville removed to Springfield, Ohio, and later to a farm in Fayette county, and still later, in 1865, to a farm in Madison county, Ohio. After 1879, he was engaged as a general contractor at London, and, from 1879 to his retirement in 1897, built many pikes and ditches under contract. Since 1897 he has been living retired. Of his children, Jerry and Edward live in Madison county. Both are engaged in the same business. Charles is a contractor at Mingo Junction, Jefferson county, Ohio. Arthur, who was proprietor of a restaurant in London, died at the age of thirty-four years. Mary and Elizabeth are engaged in a millinery and drygoods business at Mingo Junction. Morris is general manager of the Cincinnati Northern railroad, and resides at Van Wert. Formerly, he was district superintendent of a division of the Big Four railroad, and was located at Indianapolis. The mother of these children died on January 5, 1909, at the age of seventy-three.

Educated in the public and parochial schools of London, Jerry Neville worked for his father as a foreman, and from the time he was seventeen years old, much of his father's contracting work was done under his supervision. Mr. Neville continued with his father until 1897, when he succeeded to his business and continued the contracting business in Madison county, building pikes and ditches until 1901, when he removed to Mingo Junction, three miles from Steubenville, and there began sewer and street paving work. He was engaged in this business for ten years at Steubenville, Ohio, and during that period built many culverts, pikes and bridges. Ordinarily, he employed about fifty men on sewer work. He has also been engaged in asphalt and brick paving. In 1911 Mr. Neville returned to London. and has since been engaged largely in constructing concrete roads, bridges, and street paving. He also operates a gravel and sand pit on his farm three miles out of London. During his career as a contractor, he has built many miles of fine gravel roads in Madison county. He has property at Mingo Junction and at Follansbee, West Virginia.

On February 2, 1903, Jerry Neville was married to Mrs. Minnie (Hall) McGrew, a native of Jefferson county. Ohio, whose parents were Henry and Mary (Carey) Hall. both natives of Jefferson county, Ohio, both descended from old families in that county. Mrs. Neville's mother is descended from the McDavitts, an old family of Jefferson county. She was the widow of Alexander McGrew, by whom she had four children. Mary married Edward Triplett. of Steubenville, Ohio, and they have two daughters, Minnie and Helen. George lives in Detroit, Michigan. Eva and Martha live at home. 'he former is supervisor of the telephone office. Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Neville have had one daughter, Margaret.

Mr. Neville and daughter, Margaret, are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at London. His parents were members of the Catholic church. Mrs. Neville and the children by her first marriage are members of the Presbyterian church. She is active in the various societies of the church. Although nominally a Democrat, Mr. Neville is independent politically. He served as city councilman at Mingo Junction. At London, he is 2 member of the board of trade and the Fish and Game Protective Association.

Matthew L. Rea

Matthew LL. Rea, who occupies a handsome home on the corner of the public square in the city of London and who owns a part of the old farm handed down through generations of the Rea family, located in Oak Run township, is a well-known citizen of Madison county. Mr. Rea was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of Madison county.

The paternal ancestry of Mr. Rea dates from his great-grandfather, Joseph Rea, who was born probably in Pennsylvania, in January, 1754, and who, in 1783. was married to Elizabeth Conn. born in 1762. They became residents of Rockbridge county, Virginia. They removed to Ross county, Ohio, in 1810, and to Madison county, Ohio, about 1818. Here they settled on Walnut run in Union township, and there Joseph Rea died about 1829, leaving a family of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity. No one of these children is now living. 'The next member of the Rea family in line of descent was Matthew Rea, who was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in 1793, and who came with his parents to Madison county in 1818, and until 1835 lived in Union township, Madison county. In 1885 he settled on Deer creek in what is now Oak Run township. where he died on September 23, 1873. His wife was Ann Amos, who was born in Harford county, Maryland, November 15, 1802. She died in 1857, leaving the following children who had reached maturity. Robert is deceased. Margaret is the wife of Marion Chenoweth, deceased. Jeremiah, whose father, Matthew Rea, once owned two thousand acres and who at the time of his death owned eight hundred acres, was born in Union township on the farm since taken into the corporation of London, August 19, 1824. On August 23, 1850, Jeremiah Rea was married to Catherine Leach, the daughter of Benjamin Leach. They began life on the present Rea farm, adding to the tract received by Jeremiah Rea's father until they owned about fourteen hundred acres. He built a fine residence and had one of the best farms in Madison county. He was a Democrat in politics, and served both as township trustee and township clerk in Oak Run township.

Seven children were born to Jeremiah and Catherine (Leach) Rea, of eeu two are now living. Sarah married Foster Beery and lives in London. Matthew L. is the subject of this sketch. 'The latter has entire charge of the management of the home farm, and has had charge of its operation since 1883. Jeremiah Rea died on April 10, 1912. His widow is still living in the city of London. The parents of Jeremiah Rea, Matthew and Ann (Amos) Rea, are buried in the Kirkwood cemetery.

On December 13. 1882, Matthew L. Rea was married to Grace Dodas. of tea Ww arren county, Ohio. Mrs. M. L. Rea was educated in Wesleyan College, at Cincinnati, and in Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. clubs: during her entire life. . st ee he Manic he ee nee Earl D. married Marte Painer, daughter : y, treasurer, of Madison county for two. terms and who lived at Mt. Sterling, dying some fifteen years ago. Mrs. Harl D. Rea was born at London. She has borne her husband two daughters, Jane. and Ruth. The family lives on the farm in Oak Run township. Robert C. Rea, the second born, is at home.

As evidence of the standing of Matthew L. Rea in this community, it may be said that he served as county commissioner in a county where a Democrat is seldom elected. In fact, a Democrat is elected to office in this community only when the worth of the man rather than his politics is considered. Mr. Rea was commissioner immediately after the new court house was completed. He is a director in the Central Bank, and served as director of the County Fair Association for nineteen years. During seventeen years he was the treasurer of the board with possibly one exception. The Madison county fair is the best held in the state of Ohio, and Mr. Rea has had a considerable part in developing public interest in this enterprise. He was trustee of the children's home several years.

William Minter

The Minter family in Madison county dates from the coming of William and Mary (Stevenson) Minter, who settled in Madison county in 1829. Mary Stevenson was the daughter of Mark and Mary Stevenson, and was born in Kentucky, July 18, 1781, and died on February 138, 1869, at what is now the home of her grandaughter, Mrs. J. B. F. Taylor, at Lafayette, this county. In her girlhood she was taken to Pennsylvania, and at the age of thirteen went to Berkeley, Virginia, to live with an uncle, Col. John Stevenson, a Revolutionary soldier, of Virginia, who had received a grant of six thousand six hundred.and sixty acres in Ohio for his services during the Revolutionary War. At the death of her uncle, Col. John Stevenson, Mary Stevenson received, by his bequest, his entire grant in Madison county, Ohio, to which she and her husband removed in 1829. She had been married to William Minter in 1862. They settled on the tract where Lewis Minter now lives, one mile north of Lafayette, but later moved to the village. obtaining the fine brick house where Mrs. J. B. F. Taylor and husband now live and which was erected by a son-in-law, Stanley Watson, in 1837. There she died, at the age of eighty-seven years. The husband was eightyfive years old at the time of his death. From 1811 until 1848 Mary (Stevenson) Minter was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but in the latter year she joined the Disciples church, and was a faithful member until her death. She was a talented woman and possessed of rare intelligence, one who was an ornament to any society. ; ; William and Mary (Stevenson) Minter were the parents of six children. Sallie married a Mr. Quinn and died on the old homestead in 1900, at the age of ninety-two years. William Crawford Minter is now in his one hundredth year, and lives with his daughter, Mrs. George Van Wagner.' Ann married Ransford Rogers: She inherited two hundred acres of the old grant of six thousand six hundred and sixty acres, including the old home. 'Her husband died early in life, and she died in 1900, at the age of seventy-seven years, leaving one daughter, Lucy, who is now Mrs. J. B. F. Taylor, and who lives in the old home of the family at Lafayette. Mrs. Taylor has two sons, Mark Stevenson Taylor, who married Mary Florence, who bore him two children, Max Rogers and Fanny Florence, and Thurman Minter 'Taylor, who married' Helen Wakefield. and has one son, Thomas Wakefield. The other three children 'born to William and: Marty (Stevenson) Minter were Elizabeth, who married Joseph Bell and died early in life; Effie, who married Stanley Watson and died on the' old Wilson honiestead, and' Margaret, who married a Mr. Tallman 'and died before ' reaching middle age. a ee eS ies Fei ee eer te pore Pr a

It is often said that circumstances make the man; but there must be latent good in the man or circumstances, however propitious, cannot make much of him. The "circumstance" that has had, no doubt, the most lasting effect upon the life of the gentleman whose name is noted above, was pious parenthood and a Christian home. Mr. Yerian is a prominent insurance man and auctioneer, of London, this county, and as a public-spirited citizen his biography deserves a place among those of Madison county's other representative men in 'this volume.

J. J. Yerinn was born on a farm in Jackson county, Ohio, on July 10, 1870, and was early surrounded by those subtle influences which emanate from a good home, for he was the son of a minister of the Gospel, the Rev. Samuel Yerian, a native of Muskingum county, Ohio, and his wife, Martha (Mikesell) Yerian, who was born in Holmes county, this state. Rev. Samuel Yerian, who came of German stock, was both farmer and preacher, being what was known in early days as a "circuit rider,' of the Freewill Baptist faith. He died at his home in Jackson on August 8, 1915, at the age of eighty-four years and six days. During his days of activity as a minister, the Rev. Samuel Yerian was tireless in his ministrations to his flock and the splendid character and boundless charity of this fine old Christian gentleman. whose loss was deeply deplored in the community, left its indelible impress upon the entire region comprised in the sphere of his activities. His widow, a noble woman, who, during their long life together, proved a most competent and valuable helpmate to her unselfish and selfsacrificing husband, is still living at Jackson and is seventy-seven years of age. 'These worthy people were the parents of nire children, of whom five sons are living, namely: W. S. Yerian, an inspector for the Cleveland Street Railway Company; Oscar, of Boulder, Colorado, a fraternal society organizer; Charles, a farmer of Monroe township, this county; Lewis, who lives in Jefferson township, this county, where he owns a farm, and J. J. Yerian, the immediate subject of this biographical sketch.

Besides the public school education received near the farm which was his birthplace, J. J. Yerian attended a business college and for a number of years after his school days were over kept books for the Southern Ohio Coal and Iron Company at Jackson, Ohio. Mr. Yerian's business career has been rather more varied than that of the average man, for he seems to be versatile, not only in his tastes, but in his ability to accomplish results. For a while it seemed that he was to follow the occupation of his father inasmuch as this pertained to farming, for coming to Madison county, in 1895, he worked on the farm and bought live stock. But three years later he established an office, in London, the county seat, as general agent of the Union Central Life Insurance Company of Cincinnati. In this business he has been very successful, this success coming as a result of the application of his splendid powers to the task in hand. As evidence of his energy and ability, it may be stated that since the beginning of his activity in the insurance line, he has written life-insurance policies aggregating the sum of three million dollars. He has an office in the Speasmaker block. ° Mr. Yerian also has been equally energetic in quite a different phase of mercantile life. In 1906 he became an auctioneer, the firm name being Yerian & Minshall - partners of Robert Minshall of Sedalia. Their sales, which average five a week, aggregate more - than those of any firm in this locality, their special line being the sale of farms, in which line they have met with signal success. '

~r. Yerian's home life has been a happy one, for he has had the encouragement and sympathetic co-operation of his devoted wife in all that he has undertaken to do. Mrs. Yerian was formerly Sara M. Minshall, whose father, James Minshall, a successful farmer of Paint township, is now retired and living in London. His wife was Amanda

Watkins before her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Yerian, three children have been born, but death has claimed two of them. Their son, James Orville, who was born on May 26, 1903, is unusually precocious, and by his lovableness and mentality has become yery popular in London. He is gifted in music and drawing, and frequently surprises his parents and their friends by his oratorical .powers. His mother has been a great inspiration to him, and has directed his education. She is a native of Paint township, this county, having been born there on July 10, 1879, and was educated in the focal public schools.

First among Mr. Yerian's interests outside of the business world might be mentioned the fact that he is president of the Madison County Sunday School Association, a position of honor which grew out of his activities as a member of the Methodist Npiscopal church, he being a member of the official board of that church and a teacher in the Sunday school. He is a Republican, and is keenly interested in political matters. He also is a leader in the organizations which represent the city's best commercial and social life. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has occupied the chairs of Chandler Lodge No. 138; London Council No. 41 and Adoniram Chapter No. 73. As a member of the London Board of Trade, he is considered "a live wire;" a man not only of progressive ideas, but possessed of the capacity for carrying them out, who can always be depended upon to do his share in boosting any civic or religious movement which he thinks should have his support.

With the above facts in mind, it is possible to state without fear of being misunderstood that this family has occupied a generous place in the life of the town, which has been deeply benefited by their residence there. While Mrs. Yerian's time is quite fully occupied by her home duties, and her work in her husband's office, where she looks after his books. correspondence and collections, she somehow finds opportunity to take her place in social affairs and church work, in both of which spheres she is a woman of force and influence. Mr. Yerian's life has been worth while in every sense of the word. Wver taking a loyal interest in public affairs, he has been at the same time, a good husband and a loving, devoted father, and has given himself to those activities which make for a higher and better citizenship. He is such a man and has lived such a life as might inspire one to say: '"'Great hearts there are also among men; they carry a volume of manhood; their presence is sunshine; their coming changes our climate; they oil the bearings of life; their shadow always falls behind them; they make right living easy

George Kaufman

One of the best-known citizens of Lafayette, Madison county, Ohio, during the last generation, was George Kaufman, wagon and vehicle maker and coffin manufacturer. For some years preceding his death he had lived retired.

The late George Kaufman was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany. April 29, 1823, and died en June 1, 1894. He came to the United States at the age of eighteen years, about 1840, with his parents, Martin and Ann Maria Kaufman, taking seven weeks to make the voyage on a sailing vessel to this country. After arriving in America, the family came direct to Ohio and Mr. Kaufman's parents remained 'with him until their death, dying at his home in Lafayette. Martin Kaufman had an elder brother who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He was one of the Hessian soldiers: hired by Hngland, and, after coming to America as a soldier in the British army, was never heard from afterward. George Kaufman had two half-sisters: Mary, who married Henry Fahl, died near Springfield. Ohio, and Elizabeth, who married a Mr. Heil, died near

September 18, 1845, at Columbus, to Catherine Krauss, who was born on November 3, 1825, at Paulsburg, Alsace, France, coming to this country in 1830. She died on January 29, 1901. Mrs. George Kaufman was reared in Columbus. Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman first met in Lafayette, while she was visiting an aunt.

After his marriage, George Kaufman became a wagon maker, being a blacksmith by trade. He built a shop in Lafayette and was accustomed to employ two or three blacksmiths and two or three woodworkers and. painters, altogether employing eight or ten men. He continued in business as a wagon maker until 1885. George Kaufman was able to copy the pattern of any new vehicle and duplicate it with rare precision. He also made a variety of farm implements, including plows. Coffins were also one of his chief products and he frequently worked day and night to complete coffins for immediate use. Black walnut was used principally in making the finest caskets. After 1883 Mr. Kaufman lived retired in a home that he purcbased about 1850, though the present house was built in 1869.

Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman were the parents of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy. Charles died at the age of twenty-one, in September, 1876. Henry, George William, Sophia Jane and Minnie May live at the old home. Christian married Sallie A. Baker, of Morrow county, Ohio. To this union were born four children, two of whom died in infancy; Myrtle and Marguerite surviving. Myrtle married Arthur E. Russell. After his marriage Mr. Russell located in Lafayette, where he did blacksmithing for a few years. Later he bought a tile factory from Ingall Brothers, operating it a few years. He then moved to Columbus, and soon afterward received an appointment as instructor in Haskell Institute, Lawrence, Kansas, where he and his wife now reside. Edward was married, in 1892, to Alice Tracy. To this union were born six children, three of whom survive. Edward Kaufman has been engaged in the egg and poultry business. in Lafayette and Columbus. Frank is the manager of the London Creamery Company. George Williams, who is a prominent: member of the Knights of Pythias, was'a blacksmith and tile manufacturer at London, Gillivan and other places.

The father of these children served nine years as trustee of Deer Creek township and also as school director for a number of years. He was one of the' best-known men in the vicinity. Although both he and his wife had been reared as members of the Lutheran church, later in life they became members of the Disciples church at Lafayette.

Henry Kaufman, who is a wagon maker and who lives at the old home. was formerly engaged in the manufacture of drain 'tile in Lafayette. He was a merchant in Lafayette for twelve years, but since leaving the mercantile business has lived with his brother and sister.

The London Creamery Company, of which Frank Kaufman is treasurer and general EES was established on May 1, 1913, with a capital..of-ten thousand dollars. The president is R. W. Boyd- and the secretary, George. Langen. The company pro- Be ten thousand pounds of. butter. each week, which they market at Columbus, Springfield, Dayton. and tes places. The surplus is shipped to Boston. About five ae e, Sancieeed located' in Madison county. Its disbursements for the year ending ea ea! Mees to more than fifty thousand dollars. The business. is growing rapidly.. The plant is thoroughly 'modern and operates its own 'wagons, collecting. the eream ay the fers houses, where. separators are. used... The effect of the creamery dei tats He Sint at a-ak Soe ee

Frank Kaufman, the manager of this plant, was born on November 23, 1860, at Lafayette, and has spent all of his life in Madison county. Formerly, he was enguged in the manufacture of drain tile in this county, at Gillivan from 1883 to 1887 and at Rosedale from 1887 to 1910. He built up a good local trade at the time. In 1910 Mr. Kaufman moved to London, where he built a home. He was one of the original stockholders and directors of the London Creamery Company and has held his present position since the company was organized. Mr. Kaufman started the movement for ornamental street lights in London. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Kaufman owns property on Main street and a home on Lafayette street.

In 1894 Frank Kaufman was married to Cora B. Yerian, the daughter of A. I. and Margaret Yerian. 'To this union was born one daughter, Helen G., who graduated from the London high school with the class of 1914 and is now a student at Brenau College, Gainsville, Georgia. Mrs. Kaufman died on January 4, 1915. She had been active in club work until moving to London.

In reviewing the lives of the representative citizens of London and: the surrounding territory, perhaps no one is worthy of greater respect and esteem than is Frank Edgar Noland, D. D. S., who was born in Fairfield township, Madison county, on October 2 1875. Doctor Noland .is descended from the aristocratic Marylanders, his grandparents both having been born in the state that has perhaps produced as many aristocrats as any other state in the union - many of the old Virginia families having removed there in the early days.

The paternal grandfather was George L. Noland, wie was born near Harper's Ferry, Maryland; he married Mary Wilks, who was also a native of that state. To them were born three children: Beckwith, Mary Ann and Miranda. Mr. Noland removed from Ohio to Missouri, and passed away in 1856, near Kingsville, of that state. The only son of George lL. Noland, Beckwith Noland, married Martha Biggert, daughter of Samuel and Mary Biggert, and their entire married life was spent in Fairfield township. Their life was blessed by the birth of several children, six of whom are now living. Mary became the wife of Henry Cartmill and is now living in Columbus, Ohio; Thomas W. married Ella Fullerton and. is now residing on the old home place in Pleasant township; Samuel A., a physician, departed this life in 1906, leaving his wife Minnie ( Trumper) Noland, who since her husband's death has made London her home; Lottie married Dr. Frank Morris of Los Angeles, California, where she now makes her home; Rena married Dr. J. S. Carlton, of Columbus, Ohio, and since her marriage has resided there; George married Lou Tway and is now practising osteopathy in Springfield, Missouri; Frank Edgar, the youngest child, spent his boyhood in Fairfield township, attending the public schools in that district.

In 1898, Frank Edgar Noland was geudwntad 2 'from: Western Reserve: College, Clevé- land, Ohio, after which he located in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, where he established and carried on for five years a successful practice, later removing to London where he has since been associated with. Doctor Chaney. Laura Smith, daughter of Luke Smith, of Deer Creek, township, became his wife on September 20, 1900, and of this union were born two sons: Edgar. Smith, born. in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, on 'May: 28, 1902; and bse Mayne, August # 1905. at the home of his grandfather, Luke Smith.

Dr. Frank Edgar Noland isa member .of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Pythias. Of the charter members who are still. serving .on the London Board of Trade, none are held in greater regard than Dr. Frank Noland who has served successfully and well. Doctor, Noland's affiliations with the dental. associations. denote his interest in the profession which he has followed; being a member of the Mad River Dental Society, the National Dental Association and also a member of the Oral Hygiene Association.

Frank Jones

Frank Jones was born in London, Ohio, February 26, 1847, a son of John and Jane Hendricks (Melvin) Jones. John Jones and his wife were the parents of six children: Mary Eliza, born on February 2, 1843, married on May 1, 1861, to Alvard Stutson, and died on November 3, 1863. leaving one child, Harry A., born on July 19, 1862, and died on September 28, 1913; Lucien Bonaparte, born on October 2, 1844, married on September 15, 1870, to Alice Kinney, and died on May 24, 1876. leaving three children, Kinney, Nora and Lucien; Frank, the immediate subject of this review; Horace Greeley, of London, born on September 6, 1853. married on September 10, 1879, to Lizzie Houston ; Emma, born on August 2, 1855, married on December 22, 1581, to Harvey F. Chandler, of London; Dolly Ripley, married V. H. Wilson, of Lafayette, Madison county, Ohio. Mrs. Jane Jones (deceased), the mother of these six children, was Lowe daughter of John and Sarah Melvin, and was born on February 2, 1819.

John Jones was one of twelve children pot to William and Elizabeth (Droke) Jones, the others being Job K.. Sarah, Isaac, Mary Eliza. Margaret. Rachel, William, James St. Clair, Lydia, Elizabeth and Martha Jane. The father of these children died on April 19, 1857, and the mother on September 29, 1866. John Jones, the fourth child, was born on October 31, 1818, in London, Ohio, and' was reared to manhood in the town of his birth. After receiving such education as the public schools afforded he began to assist his father in the mercantile business in London. Later he became a clerk in the store of William Warner. His genial manner soon won him the respect of all who knew him and led to his appointment as deputy sheriff of Madison county in the fall of 1848 by William Warner, then sheriff of the county. After serving in this eapacity for four years he was elected sheriff on the Whig ticket and served two years, refusing a second nomination. John Jones was a charter member of the London Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining the lodge on September 18, 1846. He died on April 11, 1900.

William Jones, the father of John and the grandfather of Frank Jones, was familiarly known by the whole county as "Dad" Jones. He was one of the pioneer merchants of London, a philanthropist and a Christian gentleman in every sense of the word. By trade he was a blacksmith, and did some work at his trade after coming to London. He devoted his long and useful career to merchandizing and the buying and selling of real estate throughout the county. William Jones was born near Knoxville, Tennessee. May 18, 1789, and removed with his father to London, Ohio, in November, 1814. He was one of four sons born to Solomon and Lydia (Sill) Jones, the other three sons being Isaac N., Zachariah and Samuel. William Jones was married on August 9, 1810, to Elizabeth Droke, who was born on October 18, 1793.

Frank Jones was educated in the public schools of London and then worked on one of his father's farms for a time. Later he clerked in his father's store in London and then went to Illinois and farmed for one year. In 1874 he and his brother, Lucien, purchased their father's store and the brothers continued in partnership until the death of Lucien in 1876. At that time Horace G. Jones, the brother of Frank, begne his partner, the firm name continuing as Jones Brothers. The two brothers were in business until 1911, when they disposed of their store, but continucd their coal business until June, 1913.

born at Marion, Indiana, May 22, 1852. She was a daughter of Samuel and Lucy Ann (Van Tilburg) Koogler. Samuel Koogler was born on February 24, 1825, and died on August 28, 1914. His wife was born on December 14, 1827, and died on December 28, 1865. Samuel Koogler and wife were married on October 24, 1848, and were the parents of four children: Helen B., Lizzie, William and Oella Jane. Mr. Koogler became a large landowner in Champaign county, Illinois, and at the time of his death owned nine hundred acres of land in Scott township, also six hundred acres in Mississippi.

Frank Jones and wife are the parents of one child, Nina K., who was born on June 20, 1875. She graduated from the London schools and then went to Columbus to continue her education. She then went to New York where she attended Rutgers College one year, after which she attended the Peebles & Thompson school for three years, graduating from that institution with honors on June 4, 1896. She then studied for two years in the Lambert School of Music, in New York, and later became a pupil of Albert Mildenburg, a famous music teacher of that city, after which she taught music in New York one year, her health failing. when she. spent one year at home, then joined a Miss Huggins in an art studio in New York, where they remained one year when they went to Europe for one summer.

Nina K. Jones was a most talented woman along many different lines and her sympathies were as broad and generous as her education. She always assisted those in need of help and her cheering and encouraging words endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. Her sense of justice was one of her distinguishing characteristics and she never failed to extend a helping hand to the unfortunate. Among the mission schcols and the East side poor of New York City she was known as the angel of mercy. For four years she was associated with the Park Presbyterian church of New York city and during this time taught the infant class in the Sunday schooi. She never ceased to take the most lively interest in everything that affected the welfare of her home community. However, her life of usefulness and self-sacrificing service was cut short by her death on December 19, 1914.

Frank Jones has now retired from active pursuits and is spending his declining years in the town where he has lived practically his whole life. He has given his support to the Republican party during his career, but has never been an aspirant for political preferment. He is a member of the local lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. For many years he has been a stockholder in and a director of the Madison Nationa! Bank.

Among the leading business men. of London whose personal success is conspicuous in the history of his county is the gentleman whose name appears as the subject of this article. Although modest of his own attainments, Mr. Creath has built for himself an. enviable place in the business world and has at the same time identified himself with the best interests of the town of which he is an honored citizen. Having had from early boyhood intellectual tastes and ambitions above those. of the average youth, he has not been content to give his entire attention to the pursuit of business, but has taken pleasure in giving his services to the community in which he lived, notably as a member of the school board, in which work he has taken a very deep interest.

M. M. Greath was born on November 29, 1869, in London, Ohio. His parents were George W. and Josephine (Murray) Creath. The former was a native of Fairfield township, Madison county, and the latter of Union township, Madison county. George W. Creath was a dry-goods merchant. in London, and the last three years of:his life were spent in the grocery business with bis son. His early life was spent on a farm. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Creath were the parents of six children, three of whom (Carrie, Wiley and Herman) are deceased. Minnie is the wife of Lester Bidwell; Louise is the wife of Harry E. Bower of Springfield, Ohio, and M. M. Creath, the subject of this sketch.