Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 7 of 20)

John F. Chenoweth became one of the largest landowners of Madison county, his landed interests amounting to four thousand acres. Not only becoming a wealthy man, he was placed by the people in many public offices of trust; he served in the Legislature from 1829 to 1880, inclusive, also as county commissioner for twelve years and as justice of the peace for the same length of time. In his boyhood days his school privileges were of the most meager kind. When he settled in Franklin county there were no schools there and he finished his education in a log school house out on Oppossum run. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth were the parents of fourteen children. This worthy couple were not only pioneers in the secular affairs of the county but most truly pioneers of the church, both joining the Methodist Episcopal church when young, he in the year 1809, and she in 1812.

In 1811 John F. Chenoweth moved to Madison county and settled in Oak Run township, on Deer creek. Here he bought forty acres of land, and this land and the additions thereto have never gone out of the family. By the application of good business ability and industrious habits these pioneers added to their wordly store until they were the owners of four thousand acres; all practically in one locality.

Elijah Chenoweth was born on March 15, 1831, in Oak Run township. on the place now owned by the subject of this sketch. He lived in Madison county all of his life. owning at the time of his death thirteen hundred acres of land. On December 16.

1858, he was married to Susan A. Pringle, and to this union were born three children: William D., the subject of this sketch; Elmer J., born' on October 3, 1861; and Mary C., May 6, 1876, who is the wife of J. B. Stewart, of Dayton, Ohio. Elijah Chenoweth devoted his life to farming and stock raising and in buying and Selling stock. The latter occupation received the most of his attention. From 1864 to 1869 he resided near West Jefferson and engaged in a general trading business and in the buying and shipping of stock. He later returned to his farm in Oak Run township and in 1882 purchased the old home place where he was born and reared. He ranked among the leading men of the county and passed away in the year 1900. His wife was a native of South Charleston, Clark county, Ohio. She was a faithful helpmate and a devoted mother.

W. D. Chenoweth was born on a farm, was educated in the common schools and in college at Oberlin, Ohio. Until 1909 he was an active farmer, but at this time he moved to London, and on April 1, 1914, engaged in the insurance business with C. W. Pringle, the firm name being Chenoweth & Pringle. However, he retained large farming interests and today owns five hundred and ten acres in Madison county, in Oak Run, Fairfield and Deer Creek townships. Mr. Chenoweth has other business interests, being a director in the Thomas Armstrong Manufacturing Company, but his principal occupation has been the feeding of live stock. Mr. Chenoweth hauled his first load of corn to market in 1915, heretofore having always fed his corn. He now devotes considerable attention to breeding draft horses. The Chenoweth farm is noted for miles around for its modern equipment in which respect it is complete. This includes fine large 'barns and other buildings together with its own water plant.

W. D. Chenoweth was married to Ida L. Snyder on March 22, 1883, his bride being the daughter of John Snyder, who lives near Lafayette. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth is a daughter, Ruth, who is a student at Mount Ida College, Boston, Massachusetts. She was born in 1894. Another child died in 1888.

Like his grandfather and father, Mr. Chenoweth has held public offices. He was treasurer of Oak Run township for a number of years. He is a member of the Methodist chureh at Big Plain, Ohio, and was trustee and treasurer of the church for a number of years. Mr. Chenoweth is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is a Knight Templar of Palestine Gopneery. at Springfield, Ohio. He has always been a Republican. Sed :

Simon Sheehan

Simon Sheehan, grain and coal merchant, Plain City, Ohio, was born on April 19, 1860, in Clark county, Ohio, and is a son of Daniel and 'Alice (Conway) Sheehan. He was reared to the life of a farmer and was educated in the public schools, attending until about eighteen years old. At the age of twenty-one years he rented a farm and followed agriculture for twenty-five years, when he decided to change his vocation. He then engaged in'the elevator business at Plain City. under the firm name of Noon & Sheehan, buying and shipping all kinds of grain, in addition to which they handled coal. He also owns 'two valuable pieces of property in Plain City, and "is one of the stockholders in the First State Bank in that city. The firm of Noon & Sheehan owns its own puildings and the land on which they are located. Mr. Sheehan is a Démocrat but has never taken an active Antenest in politics. Be and nis somily are members' 'of the Catholic church.

Daniel ' Sheehan and his wife, Atice (Conway) Sheehan, were natives of Ireland, where they grew up 'and were married. They came to the United: States and located in Clark county! Ohio. moving later to Madison county, 'where they remained 'until their death. Mr. 'Shééhan 'divided his time and: attention between general farming and stoek raising. 'To this union were born ten children, only five of whom are living in 1915, Sarah, Thomas, Simeon, John and Alice. Sarah became the wife of John Flanagan; Thomas resides at Plain City; John makes his home at Cincinnati, Ohio; Alice married Philip Miller and lives in Columbus, Ohio.

Simeon Sheehan was united in marriage, February 28, 1898, with Mary Noon, who was born, reared and educated in Darby township, Madison county. She is a daughter of Michael and Anna (Murray) Noon. To this union have been born three children: E: N. Sheehan, a graduate of Plain City high school, is single, and resides at Freeport, Ohio, where he is in the employ of the United States government, serving as trustee in bankruptcy; Anna Sheehan is also a graduate of the high school of Plain City, and is single; Raymond is a graduate of the same school, and is employed in a clothing house at Plain City.

Mr. Sheehan has lived in Madison county a great many years and has made all he possesses through his own efforts. His reputation as a straightforward, reputable man of business has reached out far beyond the limits of his home city.

Mrs. Louise M. Booth

Comfortably situated in her delightful home on South Center street, in the pleasant village of West Jefferson, this county, Mrs. Louise M. Booth, widow of the late J. W. Booth, one of the most substantial farmers in Madison county, is living in quiet retire ment, enjoying countless evidences of the esteem and respect of her neighbors and the loving devotion of her children. Though not a native of this county, Mrs. Booth is as much interested in the general welfare of the same as though she had been born here and is widely known for her warm interest in the various good works to which her name has been attached in the past, being held in the highest regard by all who know her.

Louise Martin was born in the city of Buffalo, New York, the daughter of Frederick and Louise (Schmellzer) Martin, both natives of Germany, who came to this country with their parents in the days of their youth, locating in Buffalo, where they were married, moving to this county when their daughter, Louise, was a babe; consequently Mrs. Booth has spent practically her whole life in Madison county. Her mother died when she was two years of age and her father married again, her maternal care thus having been entrusted to a stepmother. In 1882 her father moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where his death occurred a few years later.

In February, 1891, Louise Martin was united in marriage to J. W. Booth, a prominent and successful farmer of Jefferson township, this county, who previously had married Mary J. Johnson, who died, leaving three grown children, Clara, Ella and Walter. To the union of J. W. and Louise (Martin) Booth one child was born, a daughter, Bertha L. The father of these children died on November 11, 1913, and was widely mourned, for he was a good man; an earnest, public-spirited citizen, a loving and indulgent husband and father and a fine neighbor, whom all respected and admired.

J. W. Booth was one of the most substantial farmers in the eastern part of Madison county and was held in the very highest regard throughout that whole section. He was the owner of six hundred and forty-six acres of excellent land, four hundred acres of whieh was in the home farm, the remainder being in another tract. Being a progressive and energetic agriculturist, he prospered in his operations and left a large estate at the time of his death. Previous to his death he had made provisions for the division of his land among his children and in consequence all these are now well circumstanced. Clara, the eldest child, married Lewis M. Bradley, of Kenton, Ohio, and has two daughters. Hla married M. F. Dunn, of London, this county, and has one daughter. Walter, who married Imo Vent, lives in London, the county seat of Madi- son county, and has one daughter and one son. Bertha, the youngest, married John F. Goldenbogen, of Cleveland, Ohio, and lives in West Jefferson.

Mrs. Booth is a Methodist, as also was her husband, and the children were reared in that faith, the family being regarded as among the leading families in that part of the county in fostering such movements as are designed to promote the general welfare. Mrs. Booth has hests of friends throughout that section of: the county, all of whom esteem her very highly.

Mrs. Elizabeth Millikin

A member of one of the oldest and best-known families in Madison county. a family prominent in the affairs of this section of the state for four or five generations, Mrs. Elizabeth Millikin, widow of the late A. C. Millikin, of West Jefferson, this county. takes a warm interest in the affairs of this favored region and is widely known as a promoter of all measures designed to advance the common weal. Mrs. Millikin is a Converse, daughter of James Converse, a native of this county, who, in his day, was accounted one of the most substantial men in the county, and inherited a goodly measure of the keen common sense which ever characterized the extensive operations of her father. Living comfortably in her delightful home in West Jefferson, Mrs. Millikin is known far and wide for her public spirit and energy of manner and is generally regarded as one of the most influential! women in that part of the county, her many friends paying her the high compliment of their utmost confidence and warmest respect.

Elizabeth (Converse) Millikin was born on the old Converse farm in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, September 14, 1848, daughter of James and Julia A. (Calhoun) Converse, the former of whom was born on the same farm on October 29, 1823, and the latter also was born in this county, October 30, 1826. James Converse was the son of Charles Converse, a native of Vermont, born on January 21, 1794, who left the Green Mountain state in early manhood and came to Ohio, settling in Darby township, this county, on land entered from the government, and became one of the most influentidl pioneers of that section. On January 27, 1822, he married Phoebe Norton, who was born on December 10, 1803, and their son, James, father of Mrs. Millikin, possessing much the same energetic spirit as his father, husbanded his inheritance with such industry that at the time of his death he was the owner of nine hundred acres of choice land in this county. Charles Converse died on October 3, 1849, and his son, James. died on May 24, 1887. the latter's widow surviving until May 11, 1893. James and Julia A. (Calhoon) Converse were the parents of but two children, Mrs. Millikin having a brother, H. B. Converse, who was a well-known resident of Canaan township. this county. He was born on January 8, 1850, and died on April 23, 1915.

In 1866 Elizabeth Converse was united in marriage to Butler Smith, of this county, who died in 1877 without issue, and in 1882 she married, secondly, A. C. Millikin, who died on January 21, 1908. To this latter union three children were born, Grace and Curdie (twins), born on September 21, 1884. the latter of whom died when one month old, and Robert C., born on November 27, 1886. Grace Millikin, who is a graduate of the West Jefferson high school, married J. B. F. McDowell and lives at Columbus, Ohio. Robert ron Millikin was graduated from the West Jefferson high school, after which he entered Bliss Business College, following a comprehensive course, after which his services were. engaged by the Farmers Bank, of West Jefferson, this coynty, of which sound old institution' he now is cashier.) -

On November 17, 1910, Robert C. Millikin was united in marriage to Lillie Snider. of West Jefferson, and the two make their home in the delightful Millikin home in that pleasant village, with Mr. Millikin's mother. This house was built in 1906, at the time Mr. and Mrs. Millikin retired from the farm to make their home in West Jeffer- son, about two years before Mr. Millikin's death, and is one of the best-appointed and most modern houses in that section of the county. Robert C. Millikin is recognized generally in business'and financial circles throughout the county as one of the most energetic and enterprising young men in the eastern part of the county and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his business associates everywhere. He is a stockholder in the bank with which he is connected and takes a most active interest in the general affairs of the community in which he lives, as well as in the affairs of the county at large. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, being affiliated with the consistory of the Scottish rite of that ancient order at Columbus and is prominent in Masonic circles in Madison county, his father having been for years one of the most active members of Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons.

The late A. C. Millikin was a man who commanded the universal respect of all with whom he was associated in whatever relation. He was a large landowner and was looked upon as one of the substantial men of the county, at whose death there was wide mourning. He was a Democrat and for years had taken an active interest in the civic affairs of Madison county, his sound judgment giving much weight to his counsels in the deliberations of the party managers. He was a member of the board of county commissioners during the time the Madison county court house was being built and his name is imperishably inscribed upon the entablatures of that noble structure. He was a member of the Universalist church at West Jefferson, to which church his widow is still devotedly attached, and during his residence there was active in all good works, he having been held in the highest regard by all, recognition of his good citizenship and kindly neighborliness being universal thereabout.

Mrs. Millikin and her children are extensive landholders in this county and represent other substantial interests. Mrs. Millikin retains one hundred and fifty-four acres of the old home farm; Robert C. Millikin owns two hundred and fifty acres in Jefferson township and one hundred acres in Canaan township, and his sister, Mrs. McDowell, owns two hundred and sixty acres lying in Canaan township. As noted in the introductory paragraph of this brief biography, Mrs. Millikin is warmly interested in the affairs of her home community and of the county at large and is recognized as a woman of large influence in the part of the county with which her family has so long and so prominently been identified. Her gracious manner and genial hospitality have endeared her to her large circle of friends, all of whom cherish for her the highest aint esteem and respect.

Charles Wilson

Charles Wilson, born on December 9, 1865, in Madison county, was reared on a farm and received his education in 'Canaan township. His parents were John S. and Sylvina J. (McDonald) Wilson. After leaving the district schools, Charles Wilson became a student at the Ohio Wesleyan University, of Delaware, Ohio, which he attended in 1886, 1887 and 1888. After that he was at home several years and came to Plain City in October, 1898, where he became engaged in the grain business, which he followed for a period of six years, and then: became assistant manager of the Plain City Telephone Company, of which he is the present secretary. Mr. Wilson has always been greatly interested in the welfare of his home city, and in 1911 he was appointed postmaster of Plain City. from which office he retired on February 3, 1915. He was elected a vice-president of the First State Bank, in January, 1915, and takes an active interest in the business. Henry Bowman is: the first vice-president of this bank. Mr. Wilson is a strong Republican. He is a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, hee and Accepted Masons; also of Plain City Lodge No. -159, Knights of 'Pythias. : ' o

Ohio, and is a son of James and Eleanor (Smith): Wilson. Sylvina J. (McDonald) Wilson, wife of John S. Wilson, was a native of Madison, county, Ohio. -Mr. Wilson devoted his time to general farming and stock raising. He was a Republican, and was always interested in the welfare of his township. Mr. and Mrs.. Wilson were the parents of six children, Harry, Ella, Lucy, Charles, and two who died early in life. Harry Wilson is following farming in Madison county. Ella became the wife of Robert Bradley, of London, Ohio.

James and Eleanor (Smith) Wilson were the paternal grandparents, the former being a native of Madison county, a son of Valentine Wilson, of Irish stock; and the latter born in Licking county, Ohio.

Charles Wilson was united in marriage on November 31, 1892, with Mate A. Bidwell, who was born in Madison county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Nathan and Almira Bidwell.

James W. Bowers

Mention being made of the worthy citizens of Madison county, within the pages of this volume, it would not be complete without the name of the gentleman who is the subject of this ge James W. Bowers, a successful and popular citizen of Darby: township.

James W. 'Bowers, of Plain City, Madison county. farmer and ex-county commissioner, was born in Darby township April 27, 1862, and is a son of Wheeler and Lavina (Smith) Bowers. He attended the district schools of the township until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in farm pursuits. He now owns a fine farm of one hundred acres in Darby township, three miles west of Plain City. Mr. Bowers has always been a public-spirited man and a good "mixer." He has always been a stanch Republican, and served as township trustee for several terms, and was later elected county commissioner, serving two terms - 1905-1911. Mr. Bowers is a member of the Presbyterian' church at Plain City.: He belongs to Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons, and Plain City Lodge No. 159, Knights of Pythias, in the latter of which he has held all the offices. He is a stockholder and president of the Home and Savings Company, of Plain City, and in addition to his farming interests, devotes a portion of his time to the fire and liye stock insurance business.

Wheeler Bowers, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on June 10, 1826, in Darby township, Madison county, and his wife, Lavina (Smith) Bowers, was born on September 24, 1825, in the same township. They had known each other from childhood: They were united in marriage in 1854, and were: very popular in the community in which they lived. Mr. Bowers was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he was greatly interested. His death occurred on December 25, 1900, and .his wife died .on September 10, 1880. To this union were born three children: Samuel S. died in 1861; Mary L. died in 1878, aged twenty years; and James W.

James W. Bowers was married three times, 'first, on October 10, 1883, to Elma #. Harper, to which union no children were born. Mrs. Bowers died on June 20, 1903, and Mr. Bowers was married, secondly, to Frances Campbell, which marriage took place on January 9, 1907. She died on April 16, 1910, and his third wife was Nan S. Sharp, to. whom he was married on July 9. 1913. She was born on October 1, 1871, in Highland county, Ohio, and received her education. at the schools of West Jefferson, - Ohio... ; i ' Mr.-and Mrs. Bowers reside in a fine modern home on East Madan street, ga City, Ohio, where they have the respect and high esteem of many friends. -

Walter D. Burnham

Prominent in the affairs of his home community and actively identified for many years with matters of importance relating to the government of his home township, Walter D. Burnham, residing on his farm of one hundred and sixty-five acres located in Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, is in every particular justly entitled to the enviable degree of respect in which he is held by his fellow citizens. Mr. Burnham comes of a family long prominent in the affairs of this locality, a family whose name has always stood as a synonym for all that is upright and honorable and that: makes for true and virile manhood.

Walter D. Burnham was born in Pike township, this county, on December 1, 1859, a son of Henry and Eveline (Williams) Burnham. Henry Burnham was born in Connecticut and was brought to this section of Ohio by his father Darius. They located in Pike township, a little to the north of the town of Rosedale. This town was platted by the elder Burnham, who called it by the name of 'Liverpool' and on his farm near that town he passed the remainder of his life. Darius Burnham reached Pike township at an early date in its history and because of his desire that his chosen location should advance as rapidly as possible in all things that make for the convenience and best interests of any community, he became one of the best known men in that locality. Darius' son, Henry, built across the road from the home place, later selling out to his brother Dwight, after which, in the spring of 1860, he came into Monroe township and secured the tract of land on which Walter D. Burnham now resides. At the time the family moved to Monroe township, Walter was a babe of but three months, so that practically his entire life has been passed within the borders of this township. '

Walter D. Burnham is one of a family of five children, being the fourth child in order of birth. L. W., the eldest of the family, resides in Pike township, where he is engaged in agricultural work; Martha L. is the wife of D. J. Burnham of Mechanicsburg; Amy E. married Asa Burnham, and Cora, the youngest of the family, is the wife of Judge E. E. Chaney of Urbana, this state.

Walter D. Burnham received his elementary education in the district schools of Monroe township, taking the high school work at Monroe township high school, after which he had one year in the State University at Columbus, Ohio, in 1878-79, at a time when there were only two hundred and eighty students enrolled and there was only one other building on the campus besides the dormitory. Ohio Wesleyan, located at Delaware, Ohio, was the next seat of learning which Mr. Burnham attended, and in that institution he took up the study of mathematics and languages. He made an excellent record for himself as a student and was also popular in the social life of the school, being a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, one of the most popular of college fraternities in both that day and this. After his studies at Delaware were completed he returned to his paternal home in Monroe township, well equipped to enter upon the duties of mature manhood. After returning from college, subject taught for two terms in Rosedale, which at that time was considered a large school, numbering sixty-three pupils, which necessitated teaching algebra during recess.

On January 29, 1885, Walter D. Burnham was united in marriage to Josephine Robbins, daughter of S. S. and Mary (Weaver) Robbins, and for one year they: lived on the Burnham family homestead, after which they took up their residence in London, this county. They remained there but a short time and then located on a farm in Pike township, where they remained until the death of Henry Burnham, father of Walter D., which occurred in 1890. After the death of his father, Walter D. returned to the family homestead and assumed the managment of the place and on that farm he has continued to reside to the present time. There are four children in Mr. Burn- ham's family. Gertrude Eveline, the eldest, died when a child, at the age of two years and eight months. Florence is the wife of Jay Miller, a farmer in Union county, this state. Walter Austin attended school at Monroe township for three years and the senior year at London; is at present attending the State University. Mary Louise, the youngest of the family, is still attending the district schools of Monroe township. The Burnham children, like their father, are excellent students. Florence took a twoyear course in Monroe township and was graduated in the third year from the Rosedale schools and then entered the London schools, having won a Delaware scholarship from the latter place. Walter Austin was graduated from the London high schoo! in the spring of 1914, with honors and in the fall of the same year he matriculated at the State University, where he is devoting his time to the study of architecture and kindred subjects. ; '

In politics Mr. Burnham had always given his allegiance to the Republican party, until the formation of the Progressive party, and while a Republican filled nearly all of the various oftices within the gift of Monroe township. He has also been on the township board of education for the past fifteen years, having served that body as treasurer and clerk at various times. Mr. Burnham has filled the various offices bestowed on him by his fellow citizens in a most efficient and satisfactory manner and as a further proof of his acknowledged ability, Governor Cox appointed him a member of the board of tax adjusters for Madison county for the year 1914.

Those who know Mr. Burnham best are unqualified in their praise of him, for throughout his life he has proven himself an honorable gentleman in every relation of life. He is uniformly successful in his'chosen vocation of farming and his home, located about six miles east of Mechanicsburg and two miles south of Rosedale, is one of the best-managed farms of the community. The approach to his home, comprising a spacious lawn, interspersed with splendid shade trees of goodly variety, presents a very attractive appearance and makes this farm one of the most beautiful of the country estates of this county. Mr. Burnham gives his attention mostly to general farming and in addition to that, raises some live stock. Mr. Burnham is like both his father and grandfather in that he is keenly interested in any movement which is calculated to advance the welfare of his community, and is, perhaps, more strongly interested in the cause of education than any other phase of community life.

Rugene C. Chapman

Eugene C. Chapman, postmaster of Plain City, Madison county, Ohio, was born on March 6, 18538, in the village in which he now resides, and which was then known as Pleasant Valley and Darby Creek postoffice, now Plain City, Ohio. He is a son of Silas G. and Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman. His education was obtained in the public schools of the township, and for the past twenty-five years he has been engaged in the real-estate business. He 'worked at house painting and decorating for many years. Mr. Chapman is a stanch Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in local politics.

He has been a delegate to state and county conventions for the past forty years and has always been very prominent in public affairs. He was appointed postmaster of Plain City, Ohio, January 12, 1915, which office he now holds.

Silas G. Chapman, father of Eugene C. Chapman, was born at Windham, Windsor county, Vermont, and was united in marriage, in 1832, at Plain City, to Mary A. Thompgon, and lived here the remainder of his life. Mr. Chapman was a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder for many years. Politically, he was originally a Whig, but later became a Republican. He died June 27, 1879, and his wife, Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman, died October 14, 1910. Mr. Chapman, at the first call for soldiers, enlisted during the Civil War, in the three months service. and re-enlisted for three years service. He served nearly two years and was taken sick and was discharged for disability. Silas G. and Mary A. (Thompson) Chapman were the parents of four children. Silas W., who was also a soldier during the entire Civil War, and was orderly for quite a while. Areminta, who became the wife of U. W. Peck, who died, and she married, secondly, G. A. McDowell, who is also deceased. She resides in Plain City, Ohio. Both her husbands were soldiers in the Civil War. Adelaide married Charles DeLeon, and is a widow. She resides at Plain City, Ohio. Eugene C. is the subject of this sketch.

Eugene C. Chapman was united in marriage on March 9, 1891, with Margaret B. Tauber, who was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents when three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Tauber located at Cumberland, Maryland. Mrs. Chapman came to Plain City many years ago and was married in Plain City. They had one child, Frieda F., who was a graduate of Plain City high school, after which she attended -school at Westville and Ada for one year, and later at Athens, Ohio, and is now a teacher in the Plain City schools, where she has taught for the past five years.

Dr: Morgan J. Jenkins, physician, of Plain City, Ohio, was born on November 15, 1853, in the southern part of Wales, and is a son of Thomas and Anna (Jones) Jenkins. He was the second born of the family, and was ten years old when he came to the United States. His early education was obtained at the public schools of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he attended until seventeen years of age. He later became a student of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and later took up the study of medicine, under Dr. P. H. Bauer, of Richwood, and while under this. eminent tutorship completing his medical education at the Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating from the institution in 1878, with the degree of M. D., and immediately located at Plain City, where he has since practiced medicine with marked success. Doctor Jenkins is a stanch Republican, to which party he has always given his loyal support, representing Madison county for two terms in the Legislature, with great credit to his constituents, and honor to himself. In local politics he has served as a member of the board of education, and as health officer of Plain City, a member of the village council and also of the board of trustees of public affairs. His counsel is sought by many, and his judgment is highly valued. Doctor Jenkins is a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, of which he is a past master; the Knights Templar, of Mount Vernon Commandery; Plain City Lodge No. 193, Jndependent Order of Odd Fellows; and a charter member of Plain. City Lodge No. .159,. Knights of Pythias, of which he is a helpful and well informed knight. He was elected grand outer guard in 1890, from which he has been promoted until he has passed all the chairs in the grand domain of Ohio, serving as Grand Chancellor in 1896 and 1897. He has also been elected colonel of the uniform rank, standing high in its councils. Doctor Jenkins is a member of the une and State Medical Society, and of Union County Medical Society.

- Thomas Jenkins, father of Morgan J. Jenkins, was a Congregational minister of Wales, and was located at Merthyr Tydvil. He emigrated to America in 1864, locating at Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he had charge of:a congregation. His wife, Anna (Jones) Jenkins, was.also a native of Wales. They were the parents of four sons and two daughters.

Ohio, with May Beem, daughter of Oren and Ellen Beem. She was born in Union county, Ohio. This union has been blest with two children, 'Thomas and Rose Jenkins.

Doctor Jenkins is one of the leading and influential citizens of Madison county, standing high, not only in his profession, but with the community as well, living not alone for self, but that he may do good and be useful to others.

Philip Becker

The subject of this sketch is a well-known and popular citizen of Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, and is considered one of the most thorough and up-to-date farmers of his community. He has long since demonstrated that he possesses in a marked degree the excellent characteristics of honesty and industry, handed down to him by sterling ancestors, and he can point with pardonable pride to his fine farm of two hundred acres situated on the Becker-Dunn pike, for it is owing to his own efforts that he stands possessed of this excellent tract of land.

Philip Becker is a native of the Buckeye state, born in the city of Columbus on May 12, 1864, a son of Peter and Margaret (Karn) Becker, both of whom came from Germany, the former from Prussia and the latter from Bavaria. Peter was_a son of Philip and Mary (Webber) Becker who emigrated to this country with their young and growing family when Peter was eleven years of age. None of the children ever attended school in this country, their only education having been received in their native land, but Peter had received excellent training in his early years and on the good educational foundation thus laid he was able to rear by his own efforts a goodly structure as the years passed by. Immediately upon coming to this country the family came to this state, locating in Columbus, and there the boy Peter secured employment, working by the day for various concerns in the then small town. He has been selfsupporting since the early age of eleven years and so faithful was he in the performance of every duty, and so carefully did he at that early age lay plans for the future, that he prospered and has accumulated a pleasing amount. of this world's goods.

From March of 1864 until. the close of hostilities in the following year, Peter Becker wore the blue which designated him as one of the faithful sons of the Union and saw active service in the closing months of the Civil. War. After receiving..his honorable discharge he returned to Columbus and engaged in farming south of that city, remaining there but a comparatively short time, however. His next move was to purchase a farm in Franklin county, west of Columbus, and there, in peace and plenty, he is passing his declining years. This farm consists of four hundred and thirty acres, all most excellently cared for, and to his own efforts alone is Peter Becker indebted for the excellent circumstances in which he finds himself in his old. age.

Philip Becker is the eldest of a family of eight children, three of whom are _ deceased. William resides in Franklin county, where he is engaged in farming. Anna is the wife of William Beltinger. John and Louis are farmers in Franklin county, Ohio. Philip was educated in the schools of Franklin county and the early years of his manhood he spent in farming both on the home place and on other farms in the community. .

On March 4, 1890, Philip Becker was married to Mary Wahl, daughter of Jacob Wahl, and whose wife was a Miss Rieble. On March 17, they came into Madison county and located on the farm where they have continued to make their home until the present time. Upon first coming here, Mr. Becker rented the farm. in question, not having sufficient means at that time to warrant its purchase, but so well did he prosper that the homestead soon became his own. Mr.. Becker is systematic and thorough in his method of conducting the work of his farm, believing most fully in every phase of

Mr. and Mrs. Becker are the parents of five children, Louis, Charles, Minnie, Margaret and John, all of whom are at home with the parents. Mr. Becker is a faithful member of the German Lutheran church, holding his membership in the church at Grove City, this state, and to the support of that society he contributes liberally of his means. In politics he is a Democrat, and takes more than a passive interest in the affairs of his party as relating to local matters. He has been connected with the school board for a number of years, serving most faithfully and efliciently on the same. During the years of his residence here Mr. Becker has proven himself a true man in every sense of the word - hounest and industrious as relates to his own affairs, a good husband and father and a worthy citizen, anxious for the advancement of every phase of community life.

Joseph H. Johnson

Among the self-made citizens of West Jefferson, this county, no one is deserving of higher praise than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. With very little as a working foundation, Joseph H. Johnson has abiy and scientifically managed his agricultural interests, until he now enjoys the distinction of being one of the wealthiest farmers and stock raisers of the West Jefferson neighborhood, and, besides enjoying the comforts resulting from his industry and efforts, has the satisfaction of knowing he has arrived at his present point of affluence entirely through his own tenacity of purpose. ;

Joseph H. Johnson was born on January 19, 1854, in Jefferson township, this county, a son of Lewis and Eliza (Gardner) Johnson, the former of whom was the son of Jacob and Jane Johnson. Joseph H. Johnson was reared on the home farm, and attended the public schools. After leaving school, he followed agriculture under the supervision of his father, until the time of his marriage. When he started in for himself, all he had of this world's goods was five hundred dollars and a team of horses. He began in a small way, by buying calves and farming, and has continued to prosper, until he is now the owner of a fine farm consisting of three hundred and eighty acres of as valuable land as there is in the county. Politically, Mr. Johnson has always given the Republican party the benefit of his vote. His fraternal membership'is with Madison Lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons, and with Darby Grange No. 779. He for years has taken a warm interest in educational matters and is serving as a member of the board of education.

Lewis Johnson, father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Madison county, and his wife, Eliza J. (Gardner) Johnson, was a native of Ross county, this state, who came with her parents to Madison county. At the time of his marriage, Lewis Johnson rented a farm, which is the present site of West Jefferson, and later owned a farm on the Urbana road. His prosperity increased until he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres of land, all fine tillable ground. In addition to his agricultural interests, Mr. Johnson had other valuable investments. He and his wife were the parents of three children, Margaret, who became the wife of Calvin Bradley, Joseph H., and Tuther W. Johnson, of Jefferson township.

Joseph H. Johnson was united in marriage on March 20, 1878, to Mary Biggert, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Roberts) Biggert. She was born in September, 1852, in Franklin county, Ohio, and was reared at Georgesville. To this union two children have been born, Samuel, who died at the age of sixteen years, and Carrie, who was educated at the district schools, and is now the wife of Paul B. Holway, and the mother of one son, Thorburn Johnson, born on April 18, 1914. Mr. Holway is a graduate of the London high school and of the Ohio State University, and at one time was elected to the office of school superintendent, having taught school for six years. Mr.

Joseph H. Johnson And Family

The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Johnson were Thomas and Susan Roberts, well-known pioneers of this county,, who lived where the widow of John Roberts now lives. Mrs. Johnson's paternal grandparents were John and Margaret Biggert, pioneer residents of the Big Darby creek neighborhood in Franklin county. Mr. Johnson's maternal grandparents were Joseph and Jane Gardner, early residents of Ross county, who later came to Madison county where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Mr. Johnson's beautiful home, which is located on Rural Route No. 1; out of West Jefferson, was erected in 1906, at a cost of three thousand dollars. It is of modern style of architecture, containing nine rooms and is heated with natural gas. Mr. Johnson made all the extensive improvements on his well-kept place and has what generally is regarded as a model farm. Though still giving attention to the general details of the management of his farm, he has lived practically retired from the active labors of the farm for some years and is in a position to enjoy thoroughly the later years of his life.

Robert C. Beath

Monroe township, Madison county, Ohio, may well be proud of the high standard of its citizenship for within her limits she numbers many men who not only possess the attributes of true manhood but who also are successful in a material way, and have attained to their various pleasing degrees of success solely by their own efforts. Prominent among the citizens of that township, who may be so designated, is Robert C. Beath, owner and proprietor of the "Bonnie View" farm, consisting of practically one hundred and eighty-four acres, located seven miles south of Mechanicsburg and ten miles from London. Mr. Beath receives his mail at London, rural route No. 7 passing his home.

Robert C. Beath is a native of Ohio, born in Ross county on April 2, 1881, one of the family of twelve children of Aaron and Catherine (Meyers) Beath. Mr. Beath's parents were both born in Ross county, passing their entire lives within its borders and their deaths have occurred only within the last few years. While they were wellknown citizens of that county and highly respected by all who knew them, they were never owners of land, the elder Beath passing his active years in employment by others. Out of their family of twelve, there are now seven living. These are: John, who resides in Ross county; Blanche, remaining single at home; Elizabeth, wife of EB. M. Gregory, of Ross county; James; Dudley; Ethel, wife of Thomas Parker; and Robert G., the immediate subject of this sketch. Those deceased are Florence, Ida, Trillia, Thomas, and a child who died in early infancy.

Mr. Beath received his elementary education in the common schools of Ross county, being graduated therefrom, and for the following two years he was a student in high school. He left his studies to engage in farm work, but later went back to his cox _for a year, being a student at Salem Academy.

On February 14, 1903, Robert C. Beath was united in marriage to Ida Dill, a daughter of Robert Dill, of Ross county. Their marriage was the culmination of a high school romance which had lasted throughout several years, and directly after marriage Mr. Beath brought his bride to Madison county. They were young and possessed of high ambition, so although without funds, they bargained for the farm which has since been their home and which they have brought to such an excellent state of care and cultivation. Mrs. Beath has proven herself a most excellent helpmeet and is her husband's confidential adviser in all his plans and undertakings and has discharged most efficiently those duties which have fallen to her lot. They have a beautiful home whose attractiveness is due equally to master and mistress in their respective places and as the center of this home are two charming children. The elder is a daughter, Phyllis Roberta, who is eight years old and is attending the district schools near her home. 'The younger is the son of the house, Richard Lloyd, who is scarcely out of babyhood, being but four years of age. Both parents are full of plans and' ambitions for the proper rearing and education of these promising little children, who will surely. be well fitted for their places in the world by the time they come to years of maturity.

Mr. Beath is a'man who stands "four square to every wind that blows," for dur- 'ing. the years of his residence here be has proven himself true in every relation of life: As a natural result, he is held in high esteem by all who know him and is most worthy of this pleasing regard. He is a man of deeply religious trend, a devoted member of the Swedenborgian church, and his life is ordered along the lines of its teachings. He has held fast in his mature years to the excellent training given him by his parents in his boyhood and is in turn passing on to his children those precepts which make for right and proper living. In politics Mr. Beath votes the Republican ticket, although taking but scant interest in matters of that nature. He is of that class of citizens which constitute the "salt of the earth" and any community which can count a few such men as its own, is a place where life will be found on a higher plane and where much will be done for the needy in moral or material things.

John H. Kennedy

John H. Kennedy, a prosperous farmer of Deer Creek township, Madison county, Ohio, is the manager of the upper Gwynne farm of six hundred and twenty acres, which is a part of the twenty-two-hundred-acre Gwynne estate, located six miles north of London, in Deer Creek township. This farm comprises the old homestead, and the old house which stands on the farm was used as a hostelry in stage-coach days on the Marysville pike. The old Gwynne homestead is one of the oldest brick residences in Madison county.

John H. Kennedy was' born in December, 1863, on Long Island, New York. and came to Fayette county, Ohio, when a child with his parents, Philip and Winifred 'Kennedy. His father is still living on the West Jefferson pike, one mile east of London, having coming to Madison county about 1883. He is a farmer and has lived for twelve years near London. For some years he operated the six-hundred-acre Hicks farm and, during that time, John H., his son, received his ideas of big farming. At 'the age of twenty-one, Mr. Kennedy began farming for himself on a part of the Hicks farm, later taking charge of the Robert Ray farm of four hundred and sixty acres in Oak Run township. There he went into debt for tools and stock. By progressive farming and careful management he soon had a good start. He has always preferred cash rent rather than crop rent. He owns his own stock and has always done a large busi- 'ness. He employs several men on the farm and requires from sixteen to twenty head of work horses. Mr. Kennedy has been in charge of the upper Gwynne farm for three years. He feeds two or three carloads of beeves and about two hundred head of hogs -every year. He specializes in Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Ordinarily, he raises from one hundred and fifty to three hundred and twenty acres of corn, but a part of the land on which this corn. is raised is rented outside of the Gwynne farm. 'He raises one hundred and seventy-five acres of corn on the Gwynne farm proper. In 1915 he has two hundred acres of wheat. There are two silos on the farm which furnish ensilage for the stock. - -

On February 6, 1889, John H. Kennedy was married to Mary KE. Slattery, the 'daughter of Edward and Julia (Callahan) Slattery, of Madison county, Ohio, the former of whom was a well-known farmer and died in 1892. His wife, Julia Callahan, was born in Ireland, and after coming to the United States was married in Madison county. She died in 1902. They were the parents of five children. Mrs. Kennedy was born in Madison county. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been born seven children, all of whom are at home, Gertrude, Bernard, William, John, Raymond, Ella and Robert. Raymond is a student in the London high school, and Ella and Robert attend the parochial school in London. Mr. Kennedy's sons are engaged in helping him to operate the farm.

A Democrat in politics, John H. Kennedy has always been active in the councils of his party. He was a nominee of the Democratic party for county commissioner in 1914 but was defeated. He served for two years as treasurer of Oak Run township. The Kennedy family are members of the St. Patrick Catholic church and Mr. Kennedy is 4 member of the Knights of Columbus.

Henry L. Hildinger

Heney L. Hildinger, who is one of the best-known trap-shooters in Ohio and possibly in America, has won many valued trophies and today is considered one of the finest shots and cleanest sportsmen in the Middle West. By occupation he is a farmer and lives on the Mrs. John Lohr farm of three hundred and ten acres in Deer Creek township, Madison county, Ohio.

Henry L. Hildinger was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, near Greencastle, January 10, 1869, and is the son of Jacob and Naomi (Morehart) Hildinger, the former of whom died in Fairfield county, Ohio, and the latter afterward, in company with her son, Henry L., brought the family to Madison county, Ohio, in March, 1894. The mother was born near Lancaster, in Fairfield county, Ohio, and was married, in 1867, to the late Jacob Hildinger, who was born in Wurtemberg, -Germany, and who, at the age of twelve years, came to America with his parents, Casper and Christiana Hildinger. Mr. Hildinger was a shoemaker by trade, but, after his marriage took up farming. They lived in Fairfield county until his death, at the age of thirty-eight years. He died on April 6, 1884, leaving six children: Henry Lewis, the subject of this sketch; Jesse C., who lives near London; William A., who was a farmer and who died at the age of thirty-seven, July 2, 1909: Anna Christiana married John L. Wheeler, a farmer of Madison county; Grace Etta is the wife of John H. Roth, of Madison county; Jacob Vernon is a farmer near London, and he and his brother, Jesse, each own one hundred and forty-one and one-half acres of land.

Mrs. Hildinger and the three youngest children purchased the present farm home of Jesse and Jacob Vernon. Jesse, William and Jacob Vernon had four hundred and thirty-five acres, but, at the latter's death, part was sold and thereupon Jesse and Jacob Vernon divided the remainder. Jacob Vernon married Rose Adams, and they had one child, William Herbert. Jesse married Etta Sands. They have no children.

Henry L. Hildinger, who is the eldest child in the family, was fifteen years old at his father's death. He remained with his mother until his marriage, December 25, 1898, to Laura Wheeler, the daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Lewis) Wheeler, the former of whom died in 1898, and the latter is now living in London. Mrs.. Nancy (Lewis) Wheeler was born in Madison county in 1840, and is the daughter of Tilman and Mary Ann (Bettis) Lewis. Mary Ann Bettis was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Dellulia Bettis. Nancy (Lewis) Wheeler was born in Oak Run township. Her father was of French descent, and the son of Henry Lewis and Catherine (Boroff) Lewis. Tilman Lewis removed from Madison county to near Lilly Chapel, in Fairfield township, and there died about twenty years ago. Mrs. Hildinger's father was a farmer of Oak Run township, and died in March, 1898. He served in the Civil War as a member of the First Maryland Cavalry. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were the parents of eight sons and two daughters. The other daughter, Mary Ellen, is the widow of George

Robey, of London. 'fhe sons are W. S., living in Mechanicsburg; John L., of Oak Ryn township; Thomas H., of West Mansfield; Franklin D., of Columbus; George W., of London; Jesse C., of Columbus; Leonard L., of near Newport, Madison county; Lewis died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Hildinger have no children. Mr. Hildinger is a Republican and served eight years as treasurer of his township. He is a member of the board of directors of Madison county, a member of the county fair board, and a stockholder in the Central Bank, of London. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of London. He is vice-president of the Central Ohio Trap Shooters' League and also a member of the American Indian Fraternity, a gun club at Cedar Point, Ohio. Mr. Hildinger has a farm in Logan county, Ohio, of one hundred acres.

Delilah J. Truitt

While the life of the faithful wife and mother of an earlier generation was full to overflowing with her many varied duties, there is not much to record concerning her activities which would attract public interest. However, only one who can appreciate what it means to have faithfully fulfilled the duties of her position is able to realize the benefit it would convey to posterity if a faithful record of the victories and successes of the average mother could be transferred to print. Woman today is striving for the "larger sphere' and in the years to come a work such as the one in hand may find it possible to record the careers of women who have competed with their brothers in the professions and other fields heretofore occupied by men only. But however ambitious woman may be to succeed by the side of her brothers, and however well she may perform her chosen way in life, there is one field of endeavor which is hers alone and the highest praise which can come to any woman is that which marks her as a good wife and a wise and faithful mother. Such praise truly belongs to Mrs. Truitt, widow of Joshua Truitt, the esteemed subject of this brief biographical sketch.

Delilah J. Durflinger was born in Jefferson township, this county, on August 30, 1846, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Anderson) Durflinger, the former born near Frankfort, in Ross county, this state, and the latter a native of the state of Virginia. Daniel Durflinger was brought to Madison county by his father when twelve years old, the mother having died in Ross county, and the father passed the balance of his life here. Daniel Durflinger may well be called a successful man, for he started out in life for himself on the lowest rung of the ladder of success, and through his own efforts not only became possessed of considerable property, but also so ordered his life that he was held in the highest regard by all with whom he came in contact. While never uniting with any church society, he was a-firm believer in all for which the church stands and was a liberal supporter of the local religious societies.

Mrs. Truitt is the eldest child in her family, the others being Elizabeth, widow of George Burnham; Anderson; Ella, wife of Henry Goodson, of Jefferson township, this county; John W., a farmer of the same township; Mary, widow of Henry Paxon; Matilda, wife of Henry Wolfersberger and Susanna, who died when a babe of eighteen months.

Delilah Durflinger attended the public schools near her home in her girlhood and remained with her parents until the time of her marriage on April 17, 1866, to Joshua Truitt. Mr. Truitt was a native of this county, having been born in Fairfield township on February 9, 1845, and in that township he receivéd his education. He was a most excellent man,' held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, and the loss at his death on September 3, 1894, was keenly felt by a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Truitt was a faithful member for years of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lilly Chapel, and he held his fraternal affiliation in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows through the local lodge in Broadway, Union county, of which Society he was a past noble grand. Mrs. Truitt also is a member of the church above named and for years has been a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. She has been active in the work of that society and has the honor of being a past worthy matron.

To Mr. and Mrs. Truitt were born six children, five of whom are living. Luella is the widow of William Case; Edward is married and lives in Marion, this state; Daniel is married and makes his home on the farm with his mother; James is married and with his family lives at Lilly Chapel and at the same place Albert also resides. Mrs. Truitt makes her home on her farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, which was originally part of her parental home. She is of that excellent type of woman who has lived and labored to worthy ends and is in every sense deserving of the high esteem in which she is held by all.

Charles Klever

Charles Klever, a prosperous up-to-date farmer of Union township, who has had a wide and varied experience in many vocations, but who finally engaged in farming in January, 1914, on a farm of eighty-one acres, two and one-quarter miles north of - Londen on the Marysville pike, was born in Paint township, Madison county, nine miles south of London, March 7, 1869. He is the son of Henry S. and Mary Martha (Yates) Klever, both of whom were born in Paint township, Fayette Sent: near Yatesville, a village named by Mrs. Henry S. Klever's family.

The Klever family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania. Chris Cleber, the greatgrandfather of Charles Klever, settled near Bloomingsburg, and his remains, at the time of his death were buried in the village cemetery. It was his son, Michael Klever, and his other children who changed the spelling of the name to its present form, "Klever."

Harry S. and Mary Martha (Yates) Klever were married in 1864 and immediately came to Madison county, Ohio, where Charles, the subject of this sketch, was born. Henry S. Klever literally carved a farm of three hundred and eighty acres out of the wilderness, and of this tract, two hundred acres were highly developed. He erected good buildings on the farm, and was known as one of the most skillful agriculturists in his neighborhood. His brother, Michael Klever, is still living in Madison county, Ohio, on the Danville road, near Newport. He is an extensive stockman, and makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs. Henry S. Kiever died on his farm, in February, 1912, in his seventy-first year. His wife had died two years previously. They had a family of five children, of whom four grew to maturity. Three were living in 1915. Mrs. Letta Barrett is a resident of near Medway, Clark county, Ohio. Ella is the wife of Ed Shuck, of London. Charles is the subject of this sketch. The old home farm has been sold.

Charles Klever engaged in farming autil he was twenty-two years old. In the meantime he attended the district schools and obtained a good common-school education. After reaching the age of twenty-two, he engaged for two years in the livery business at London, but about all Mr. Klever got out of these two years was considerable experience. In the meantime he learned the undertaking business at Columbus, and received a license as an embalmer. For a few months afterwards he was engaged in the undertaking business at Sedalia and later worked two years in Columbus as an undertaker. The next two years he was employed in Indianapolis and Chicago. He then spent one year on the old farm. Afterward he worked at the car- penter trade, and, in January, 1914, purchased his present farm, the James Self farm, comprising eighty-one acres, for twelve thousand dollars. The farm has exceptionally good buildings, including a fine brick house. Mr. Klever specializes in red hogs, and feeds practically all the grain he produces to live stock.

In November, 1909, Charles Klever was married to Bessie Gossard, a native of Madison county, Ohio, and the daughter of Marcellus Gossard, of London. Mr. and Mrs. Klever have had two children, Marz Martha and Charles Marcellus.

Thomas Wheeler

The late Thomas Wheeler, a soldier in the Civil War and a well-known and highlyrespected citizen of Madison county, was born:in Carroll county, Maryland, June 17, 1841, and died on March 26, 1898, at his home in Oak Run township, on Big Plains, six miles southeast of Wondon.

Having enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, Thomas Wheeler served in the First Maryland Cavalry until the close of the war, having in the meantime been veteranized and having become a corporal. He was wounded three times; first, by a gun shot on the left side; second, by a bayonet thrust in the right side; and the third time by a saber cut on the head at the first battle of Bull Run. These injuries resulted in many years of inactivity. He was taken prisoner in a charge, was taken care of in a private house. and after his parole was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio. After returning to his regiment he was veteranized and served in Maryland and Virginia in the great cavalry campaigns of those states. He served in nearly all of the noted battles in these two states, and participated in many severe charges, suffering all of the privations of army life.

In the meantime, the late Thomas Wheeler's parents had come from Maryland to Madison county, Ohio. After his discharge, he also came to this county. In the fall of 1865 he met his future wife, Nancy Lewis, the daughter of Tilman and Mary Ann (Bettis) Lewis, who were living in Oak Runt township. Mr. Wheeler's parents lived in Union township, just across the township line, and the families had become neighbors. Tilman Lewis was a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and his wife of Madison county, having been born near London. Her parents were John and Mary Bettis, both of French origin. Tilman and Mary Ann (Bettis) Lewis lived in Oak Run and Union townships. Both died in the county, both at the age of about seventy-five. Thomas Lewis's father, Henry Lewis, was born in Germany, and Henry Lewis's wife, Catherine Boroff, was a native of Redstone, Virginia. She died in Oak Run township at the age of one hundred years, where the latter part of her life had been spent. Tilman and Mary Ann (Bettis) Lewis had ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom nine reached maturity. Only two daughters, Nancy and Mary, are living at the present time. Mary is the widow of Frank Palmer, of Clark county, Ohio. Of the sons, four are living. William is a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church at Columbus. He served as presiding elder and as superintendent of the Protestant hospital for fifteen years. He is a well-known minister, especially in Madison county. George lives in London; John, at Medway, Ohio; and Joseph, at Lilly Chapel, where he is a wellknown mechanic. Mrs. Nancy Wheeler was the eldest child. Catherine, who was the wife of Frank Summers, died three years ago. Margaret married Wilson Rice, and both are deceased. Mrs. Sarah Woods died in Columbus. © ~~ '

Thomas and Nancy (Lewis) Wheeler were married on October 18, 1866, and shortly afterwards moved to a home in Oak Run township, where he died. Since his death, Mrs. Wheeler has purchased a small home in London, where she is now living alone. Mr.

and Mrs. Wheeler had a family of several children, as follow: Mary Ellen is the widow of George Robey, of London; Laura is the wife of H. L. Hildinger, who is a farmer living near London; Scott lives at 'Mechanicsburg; John operates the old farm; Thomas is a merchant at West Mansfield, Ohio; Frank lives in Columbus; George lives in London; Jesse is a resident of Columbus; Leonard is a farmer in Range township; and Lewis died in infancy.

Nearly all of the Wheeler children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. All are prominent citizens of the respective communities where they live.

Frank Nelson

The lives of successful men are instructive as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of faith and purpose and of persistent endeavor only go to prove what is within the power of everyone to accomplish 'in the world. Frank Nelson, whose life story is herein briefly set forth, is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose in several different vocations, and who has achieved a definite measure of success in the latest sphere to which his talents and energies have been directed. A machinist by trade, but subsequently employed in railroad work, he turned his attention to the ministry, and, having been compelled to abandon it just before his confirmation has made commendable success of agriculture.

Frank Nelson, who is the proprietor of "The Glen," a fine farm situated seven miles north of London and seven miles west of West Jefferson, at the intersection of the Wilson, Wingage and Urbana pikes, in Monroe township, Madison county, owns more than five hundred acres in one tract. Mr. Nelson was born on September 3, 1861, in historic old Vincennes, the seat of one of the very earliest settlements in the Northwest Territory. His maternal grandmother was Adeline Allen, the daughter of Gen. Peter B. Allen, one of the pioneer settlers of Terre Haute, Indiana, whose large pioneer farm covered most of what is now the city of Terre Haute. Gen. Peter B. Allen was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and one of the heroes of that memorable struggle. Adeline Allen married Bert M. Harrison, the first mayor of Serre Haute and a prominent man in the early life of that well-known Indiana city.

Mr. Nelson grew to manhood in Indiana and Texas, having been taken to the latter state as a boy of seventeen. Charles R. Peddle, of Terre Haute, a builder of the Vandalia railroad, was an old friend of Mr. Nelson's father and was very anxious to have the son complete the course given at Rose Polytechnic Institute, which was then about to open. In the meantime, however, Mr. Nelson entered the railroad shops at Terre Haute, and began his apprenticeship as a machinist. Later, Frank finished his trade as a machinist at Denison, Texas, where his father was located as superintendent of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas railroad. Previously, his father, who was an old railroad man and a passenger. conductor for many years, was secretary of the first Railroad Men's Insurance Association of the United States, an ee which ae became the Order of Railroad Conductors. ;

Having been deprived of the opportunity to enter Rose Polytechnic, Mr. Nelson became a fireman and engineer and freight and ticket agent of the International railroad, at Swan, Texas. While connected with the Denver & Rio Grande railroad as a machinist, he began the study with the Rev. C. H. B. Turner for holy orders, and was admitted as a candidate for holy orders in the Episcopal church. Later he attended the Episcopal Seminary at Sewanee, Tennessee, to prepare for the ministry, and' while a_resident of Tennessee met his future wife, Anne Louise Smith, a graduate 'of the institute at Columbia, Tennessee, and the 'granddaughter of the late John G.' Dun. ,

Frank Nelson and Anne Louise Smith, daughter of Mrs. H. Bacon Smith, were married on January 20, 1892, at the old Dun home in Deer Creek township, Madison county,

Ohio. 'The failure of Mr. Nelson's eye-sight compelled him to leave the seminary when about ready for ordination. His bishop insisted upon ordination, but the oculist decided that he must take a different course. This changed the whole plan of Mr. Nelson's eareer. Soon after his marriage he engaged in fruit and truck gardening in Swan, Texas, and while living there became director of the State Fruit and Truck Growers' Association.

When Mrs. Nelson's grandmother's health failed, she desired her granddaughter and husband to return to Ohio. In 1899 they sold out in order to return to Ohio to assume charge of Mrs. Nelson's inheritance. She received the Dun estate, more than five hundred acres of land. Mr. Nelson is extensively engaged in raising live stock, including hogs and eattle, and breeds Red Polled cattle. He started in this business twelve years ago and now keeps a herd of from fifty to sixty head of registered cattle. The greater number of them are raised for breeding purposes, and are marketed in the state of Ohio. Yearling bulls average one hundred dollars each. Mr. Nelson produces on the farm great quantities of milk, selling the butter-fat and feeding the milk to the pigs. In 1914 an average of fourteen and one-half cows netted him ninety dollars per cow, not including profit from the sale of calves. A balance for the year showed an expense of twelve hundred forty-four dollars and twenty-five cents and an income of twenty-five hundred seventy-five dollars and eighty-one cents. He has a fourteen by fifty-foot silo with a capacity of more than two hundred tons. In fact, Mr. Nelson is a pioneer in the use of silos in Madison county. He is also a pioneer in the growing of alfalfa, having at the present time sixty acres.

The Nelson family consists of four sons and six daughters. Henry Turner is a student at the United States Naval Training School at Newport. Graham Smith, George Starr and Dun Harrison are all at home. The daughters include Elizabeth James, Cora Louise, Gertrude Dun, Anne, Mary and Frances.

During the past five years, Mr. Nelson has read the services in the Trinity church at London, having been licensed by Bishop Vincent. He is president of the school board and has served in this capacity for a number of years, very much to the satisfaction of the people of this township. Mrs. Nelson and all the children are confirmed as members of the Episcopal church. One might go far and look long before finding a better farmer and a better citizen of Deer Creek township than Frank Nelson.

John William Durflinger

The biographies of enterprising men, especially of good men, are instructive as guides and incentives to others. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is within the power of each to accomplish. That man who puts the best of himself into whatever duties and opportunities life holds out for him is bound to win success. This success may not lay along material lines or be of such character as will win the plaudits of a multitude, but may lay in other realms which are still more enduring than any material thing may be. A great philosopher has said, "An honest man is the noblest work of God," and that man who can truly deserve the title of "good and honest man" is one well worthy of the very highest esteem of his fellow men. One citizen of Jefferson township, this county, who is thus held in high esteem is John W. Durflinger, the immediate subject of this sketch.

Mr. Durflinger's farm of one hundred acres is located about two and one-half miles southwest of West Jefferson, on Rural Route No. 1, out of Lilly Chapel, and is known as "Shady-side Farm." John Durflinger is a native of Madison county, having been born on October 4, 1853, in Fairfield township, son of Daniel and Margaret (Anderson) Durflinger. Daniel Durflinger was born in Ross county, this state, son of Thomas Durflinger, who came to this state early in the settlement of this section, from his home in Virginia, and settled for a time in Ross county. When his son Daniel was twelve eeeokd, the family removed to Madison county and has been closely associated with the history of this section ever since. Daniel received his education in the early schools of this county and when a young man married Margaret Anderson, who, while still young, was brought to Franklin county by her parents. Daniel Durflinger passed the balance of his life within this county and was known as one of its leading citizens and most successful farmers. He was about ninety years of age at the time of his death. At that time he having been possessed of six hundred acres of land, all of which he had accumulated through his own efforts. There were eight children in his family, seven of whom are living at the present time. The eldest of these is Delilah, widow of Joshua Truitt, who resides in Jefferson township; Elizabeth resides in Kansas, the widow of G. E. Burnham; Anderson is a successful farmer and stockraiser in Texas and the next child in order of birth is John W., the immediate subject of this sketch. Matilda is the wife of Henry Wolfersberger and lives in Florida; Ella is Mrs. H. W. Goodson of Jefferson township, this county, and Mary is the widow of Charles Paxon of Ross county, this state. Susanna died in infancy.

Jobn W. Durflinger was reared on the paternal farm in Jefferson township, attending the district school near his home in winter, and from an early age assisting the father in the work of the farm during all his vacation periods. He remained on the homestead and, with his brother Anderson, farmed there and continued to live there for four years after his marriage.

On August 10, 1892, John W. Durflinger was united in marriage to Olive E. Smith, who was born in Columbus, this state, on January 13, 1864, daughter of Nathaniel and Amanda (Kiner) Smith. Nathaniel Smith first saw the light of day in Athens, Ohio, ind when a young man went to Columbus, where he met and married Amanda Kiner, whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Smith is still hale and hearty, at the age of eighty-eight. .He makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Durflinger and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. Mrs. John W. Durflinger is one of a family of six children, four of whom are still living, and passed the years of her young girlhood at Galloway, Franklin county, this state. She received her elementary education in the common schools near her home and also attended the normal course at the London (Ohio) school. For ten years she taught in the schools of Franklin and Madison counties and is held in the highest regard by many of the citizens of those counties who were once children under her charge. Four years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Durflinger moved to Columbus, the state capital, where they remained for seventeen years, during which time Mr. Durflinger was engaged in the mercantile business. They then returned to the farm in this county, which had been bequeathed to Mr. Durflinger by his father and there they have prospered, having been able to make many substantial improvements on the place, the chief of which was the erection of their splendid, modern brick dwelling house, which is regarded as one of the best in the community. ;

To Mr. and Mrs. Durflinger one son has been born, Glenn W., born on August 25, 1893, on his father's farm, who, at the age of three, went with his parents to Columbus, receiving his earlier education in the schools of that city. He passed through the grades, was graduated from the West high school and received advanced education in the Ohio State University, where he took a course in the liberal arts, being graduated therefrom. He is at the present contemplating eontinuing in that institution as a student in the law course, it being his ambition to become a useful member of the bar. Young Durflinger is active in college affairs, being a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and well liked by his fellows. He is now principal of the high school in

Mr. and Mrs. Durflinger are numbered among the leading people of their community, both being more than usually interested in all that makes for the upbullding of their community life. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, through the West Park Avenue church in Columbus, and Mr. Durflinger endorses the platform of the Republican party, although evincing no particular interest in political matters. Mrs. Durflinger is a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and of the Foreign Missionary Society, in the works of both of which organizations she takes an active interest, she being regarded as among the leaders in that form of social endeavor in the community in which she lives.

In Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, situated five miles south of Plain City, Ohio, on the East pike, lies "Spring Hill Farm," a beautiful tract of land comprising one hundred and eighty acres of which Andrew Elton Sherwood, a well-known citizen of Madison county, is the proprietor. About one-half mile away and south of "Spring Hill Farm," lies a tract of one hundred and fifty acres, also situated in Canaan township, and of which Mr. Sherwood is likewise the owner. 'The Sherwood home, however, is situated on "Spring Hill Farm," and here they have lived for about twelve years.

Andrew Elton Sherwood, who is one of the best-known, most enterprising and prosperous farmers of Madison county, Ohio, was born in the township where he resides on May 23, 1866. He is the son of Andrew and Emily (Kilbury) Sherwood, the former of whom was born near Plain City and who died when his son, Andrew Elton, was a babe, and the latter was also born in Canaan township and who also is deceased. They had two children, both of whom were sons. Webster EK. married Viola Beyer but is now deceased. His widow lives in Canaan township.

Andrew Elton Sherwood was reared on his father's farm in Canaan township and received a liberal education in the district schools and in select schools. His education was finished in Ohio State University, where for some time he was a student.

On May 25, 1892, Andrew Elton Sherwood was married to Della Millikin, the daughter of Robert Millikin, deceased, of Madison county. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood lived in Columbus, Ohio, for five years and there Mr. Sherwood was engaged in the bicycle business. Subsequently, however, he sold out and removed to a farm in Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio, where he lived for two years, or until 1899, when he came to Canaan -township. After renting land for two or three years, Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood moved to the farm they now occupy and where they now live, located on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood have had three children. Edith, the eldest, is a graduate of the Plain City high school and now -a student in the Ohio State University at Columbus. Harold M. is a student in the Plain City high school at the present time. Robert is only four years old.

Mr. Sherwood is an extensive stock breeder and makes a specialty of Shropshire sheep, which he raises in great numbers. He is a member of the National Shropshire Sheep Association. He also raises a high grade of horses and pure bred Chester White hogs, which are registered. During late years he has been interested in the cattle business, and raises Polled Durham cattle. Andrew Elton Sherwood is one of the SOREN citizens of Madison county, and one of its foremost farmers.

The Sherwood family are all 'members of the Big Darby Baptist 'church, and Mr. Sherwood is.one of the trustees of the church: and has been for some years. He is a member of Plain City Lodge No. 159, Knights of Pythias, and is a past chancellor and member of the grand lodge. He votes the Republican ticket. He has served as trustee in Canaan township and as a member of the school board, and has filled other minor offices within the gift of the people. He has discharged faithfully and well the duties of an enterprising, alert and public-spirited citizen. Mr. Sherwood's family are popular in Canaan township, where they have lived for many years.

_ Robert Millikin, grandfather of Mrs. Della (Millikin) Sherwood, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 15, 1832. a son of John Millikin, also a native of that county, born on the banks of Ten Mile creek, August 15, 1807. He was a driver and stock dealer. He married Rachael Bane, of Pennsylvania, who was born on December 21, 1811. Her father, James Bane, was also of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. Robert Millikin married in 1828 and located on a farm in Pennsylvania, where his wife died in July, 1854. He married, secondly, Cornelia Dodd, a widow of Lemuel Dodd. In 1856 he came to Ohio and settled in Canaan township, Madison county, where he farmed to within five years of his death. He retired and removed to Plain City. He died on February 23, 1881. He was a prominent Democrat and a meniber of the Presbyterian church. Robert Millikin and his first wife were the parents of the following children: James B., Robert, Annie h., and John L. Robert Millikin was educated in the common schools and lived in Canaan township. He had one hundred and fifty acres of land. He was married on December 10, 1867, to Rosa M. Vanschoyck, of Franklin county, Ohio, who was born on April 30, 1836, a daughter of David and Esther (Bailey) Vanschoyck. Her father was a native of Franklin county, Ohio. Mrs. Millikin died on January 28, 1884. They had two daughters: Cora, who died at the age of thirty years, and Della J., wife of A. IE. Sherwood. Robert Millikin was a Democrat and held township office and was a man well known in this county. His wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John T. Ballinger

The gentleman whose life is here briefly outlined is not an old man but he has made his imprint upon the community which has been his place of abode all his life, and to the community in and surrounding Plain City he owes all he possesses. In return it may well be proud to claim him as one of its public-spirited and honored citizens.

John T. Ballinger, of Plain City, Ohio, was born on July 20, 1859, in the city which is still his home. He is a son of Dr. W. I. Ballinger. His father was reared and educated at Plain City, and about 1876 was graduated from the Delaware College, and later studied medicine at Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Ballinger was associated with his father in the milling business for a number of years, and was later engaged in the cement business at St. Louis, Missouri, with his: brother, who was a contractor, remaining with him until his death, when he retired from the business and went into the general merchandise business at Morral, Marion county, Ohio, but at the end of the first year, he discontinued the business and moved to Plain City, where he has since been engaged in the real-estate business, in which he has been very successful. He has been justice of the peace for the past few years. Mr. Ballinger is a Republican. He is a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, Free arid Accepted Masons; Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand; member of Johan Encampment and Ase chief patriarch and' member of the Patriarchs Militant, of Columbus, Ohio.

The sketch of Dr. W. I. Ballinger is presented elsewhere in this volume. 'He was the father of five children, two of whom died in infancy. One son, J. L., was born on January 30, 1866,'and died on May 21, 1908.' Eva became the wife of Rev. A. L. Rogers, of Plain City, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, at Milford, Cincinnati, Ohio. John T., of Plain City.

John T. Ballinger was united in marriage, July 28, 1881, with Almada Linn, a native of Hocking county, Ohio. She was a daughter of Fernando and Hannah Linn. No children have been born to this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Ballinger had an adopted daughter, Jen-Eva, who is the wife of P. J. Ingle.

Mr. and Mrs. Ballinger enjoy a wide acquaintance at Plain City, where they represent the worthy and substantial citizenship. Mr. Ballinger is quiet and unassuming in disposition, and is well liked by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

James Millikin

few sections of Ohio are as favored with prosperous, industrious and successful farmers as Madison county. Much credit is due to those men who, by persistent endeavor, endless toil, judicious management and remarkable foresight, have so developed" the natural resources of their several communities as to make Madison county the veritable garden spot of the Buckeye state. In Canaan township, James Millikin, who owns a splendid farm on the East pike, six miles south of Plain City and six miles north of West Jefferson, on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City, unquestionably falls within the number of those men who have contributed so materially to the prosperity of Madison county.

James Millikin, who represents the fifth generation of a pre-Revolutionary family, each of whom has possessed a member by the name of James, was born on the farm where he now lives, August 25, 1860, the son of James and Rachel (Cary) Millikin, the former of whom was. born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1816, and who was the son of James and Elizabeth (Cook) Millikin.

James Millikin, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the son of James and Dolly (McFarland) Millikin, the original ancestors of the Millikin family in Madison county. James, the original ancestor, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, January 5, 1752, and Dolly McFarland, his wife, was born in 1762. They emigrated to the United States in 1771 and located in Washington county, Pennsylvania.

James Millikin, the second ancestor and paternal grandfather, spent his early life in Washington county, Pennsylvania, but in 1880 removed with his family to Madison county, settling on the Darby Plains on the farm now owned by Roy Wilson. He married Elizabeth Cook, who was born on March 4, 1777, in Washington county. After his wife's death on February 26, 1853, James Millikin removed from his farm and lived with his son-in-law until his death in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Millikin had nine children, six sons and three daughters, as follow: Samuel, Daniel, John, Jacob, James, Andrew, Mary, Anna and Elizabeth. All the children were born in Washington county, Pennsylvania. !

James Millikin, the father of the subject of this sketch, emigrated to Madison county with his parents early in the history of the county, in 1830. The family located on the Darby Plains, and here James Millikin grew to manhood, and in the meantime received his elementary education in the old log school house of Canaan township. On August 20, 1840, he was married to Rachel Cary. To this happy union eight children were born, three of whom are living. John, who married Martha E. Flenniken, lived in Peabody, Marion county, Kansas, died on October 1, 1915; Jane is the widow of Marshall C. Guy, and lives in Plain City; Mary D. is the wife of George Clevenger of Vaughnsville, Ohio; James is the subject of this sketch. The father of these -children died on September 21, 1896, and his wife died four years later, in 1900.

Reared to manhood on the farm in Canaan township, educated in the district: schools of that township and having attended high school one year at West Jefferson, James Millikin, the subject of this sketch, took up farming on his father's farm.

Subsequently, from 1882 to 1887, he and his father condueted a hardware business in West Jefferson. 'hey sold out the business, however, and' returned to the farm.

On December 31, 1890, James Millikin was married to Kittie Huddle, who was born . in Franklin county, Ohio, August 29, 1867. Mrs. Millikin was reared on a farm, received her elementary education in the common schools and attended high school. She taught school for a period of five years in Madison county. Her success as a teacher was marked, and her influence of a helpful and beneficial character, and her personality of such a nature as won for her the respect of her scholars. To Mr. and Mrs. Millikin there have been born four children. Helen, born on March 4, 1898, was graduated from the North high school at Columbus, became a teacher and taught for twenty-three months, and is now a student in the Lamar, Ohio, Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. James, born on November 15, 1895, was graduated from the Plain City high school in 1913. Lucile, born on October 14, 1897, was graduated. from Plain City high School in 1914, and is now a student at the State Normal at Plain City. Frances Klizabeth was born on May 29, 1910.

Mr. and Mrs. Millikin and family are devoted members of the Big Darby Baptist ehurch, and are actively engaged in the various activities of the church. Mr. Millikin is a member of lodge No. 221, Free and Accepted Masons at West Jefferson. He is an ardent Democrat, and, although never aspiring to office, is interested, as every loyal American citizen should be, in the political development of his community. On their farm, situated midway between Plain City and West Jefferson, Mr. and Mrs. Millikin enjoy the pleasures and comforts of life, and are representative of the prosperity and happiness that pervades Madison county.

William J. Chandler

William J. Chandler, a prosperous farmer of Canaan township, is the proprietor of "Oak Grove Farm" of sixty-six acres, situated seven miles south of Plain City on the M. V. High road. Mr. Chandler was born in Fluvanna county, Virginia, March 24, 1844, and is the son of Samuel and Martha (King) Chandler, the former of whom was a son of Carter and Plsie Chandler, both of whom lived in Fluvanna county, Virginia, until their removal to North Carolina, where they died. They had seven children, Howell, Samuel, James C., Robert, Rachel, Caroline and Sarah.

Samuel Chandler, father of William J., was reared in Fluyanna county, Virginia, and grew to manhood. He was married in that section of the state. Samuel and Martha (King) Chandler had seven children, one of whom died in infancy. William J. was the eldest; John H. was a soldier in the Confederate army; Mary E. died at the age of fourteen years; Samuel, Jr., is a retired farmer living in the state of Iilinois; Pemley was the wife of Norman Mitchell, but is now deceased; Andrew is a farmer in Virginia. The late Samuel Chandler, father of these children, was a miller by trade, and was employed in different parts of the country. He died in North Carolina in 1861, and his wife two years later.

William J. Chandler, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Virginia and North Carolina and attended the common schools in these states, and obtained a commonschool education. He worked in the mill with his father until he was twenty years old, and then was drafted for service in the Confederate army, serving until 1864, a 'period of three months. He then came to Ohio, in 1865, and settled in Franklin county where he worked on a farm by. the month.

On March 21, 1870, William J. Chandler was married to Nancy J. Fogle, who was the daughter of B. F. and Jane (Lisk) Fogle. Mrs. Chandler's father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Franklin county, Ohio. The former came to Ohio when he was a young man and here married. B. F. and Jane (Lisk) Fogle were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Naney J., married William J. Chandler; Ella, married William Arthur; Minnie, married Chris Poland; Katie, married Stephen Carey; John, a farmer of Union county, Ohio,. married Nancy Wagner; William, single, a farmer of Monroe township ;. Jacob, single, a farmer of Canaan township. , Those deceased are: Orlo H., who died at the age of forty-five; Maggie, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Chandler was. reared on the farm, and received a commonschool education. She has borne ber husband four children, three of whom are now living. S. W..married Dora Reece, .of Canaan township; J. F. married Jessie Erwin, of Canaan township; W. E. married Glenn Beach, who is in the lumber, business at Plain City. ; ; i

Wilson H. Reece

To be born and reared on the farm which one's father had owned before him and which in the period of nearly one hundred years has been held in one family and owned only by two persons, should be the source of no small pride. The venerable Wilson H. Reece, a veteran of the great Civil War and a resident of Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, owns and lives on the farm his father purchased in 1829. In all the relations of life the Reece family have stood foremost in Madison county. Three generations of the family who have lived in this section of the state have enjoyed the confidence and esteem of the public. In war and. peace the Reece family has performed well its every duty, and discharged faithfully its obligations.