Madison County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 8 of 20)

Of this patriotic stock the venerable Wilson H. Reece, a farmer and pioneer citizen of Madison county, living on. rural route No.-1, out of Hilliard, Ohio, was born on June 7, 1845, his parents being Abram and Therisa (King) Reece. Abram Reece was born in the Old Dominion state and came to Ohio at the age of fourteen years with his parents, growing to manhood in Madison county, Ohio, where subsequently he married Therisa King, who was born in this state. About the time of his marriage he bought the Reece farm in Canaan township, and, having established himself on this farm, lived here the remainder of his life. Abram Reece was born on October 7, 1804, and died on May 5, 1874. His wife was born on March 21, 1805, and died on September 2, 1860, just before the breakout of the Civil War. Mrs. Abram Reece was the first person to be buried in the Baptist cemetery. She did not live to see her children, the sons she had nurtured, lay aside the instruments of peace and take up, at the beginning of our great civil conflict, the weapons of war. Three of her sons served in that great war. They were Robert K., David and Wilson H., the subject of this sketch. Robert K. enlisted in Company K, First Ohio Cavalry, and served four years, having been mustered into service in 1861 and mustered out of the service in 1865. He is still living and is a highly-honored and respected citizen of Brown township. David enlisted in the Union army and served in different regiments. He was, however, one year and one-balf in one company. He is now deceased. Wilson H. Reece enlisted in Company ¥, One Hundred and Highty-eighth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in February, 1865. He was just past eighteen years old and served until September 27, 1865, at the close of the. war. Mr. Reece draws a substantial pension.

The other children' born to the late Abram and Therisa (King). Reece were: Charles E., a resident of Putnam county, Ohio, and the youngest in the family; Lavona, the eldest child, now deceased; George W.; William. K.; Sophrona; Edwin W., and Lena M.

After the war, Wilson H. Reece returned to his farm in Madison county, and here he has lived ever since. Three years after the close of the war, on October 8, 1868, he was married to Mary J. Walker, the daughter of Nathan and Clara (Amentrout) Walker, who was born in Centerville, Iowa, in 1851. Mr. and Mrs. Reece are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are now living. One died in: infancy, and Ray R., born on ,.October 5, 1885, died on September 11, 1914. The living children are: Dora R., the wife of Willard Chandler; Nora, the wife of Martin 'Nunanaker; Clarence, who married Bertha Biglow; Walker, who married. Nellie Lendle; Maud, the wife of _Jobn Scofield; Clara, E., the wife of Rodney. Bidwell; Anna M., who is unmarried and lives at home; and Hazie, who was graduated from the Plain City high school and is a teacher in Brown township.

. Mr. and Mrs. Reéce have one rata ae, tar acres. of land, ninety-eight acres of which are in Canaan township, and thirty-five acres are in Brown township. They are quiet and unassuming citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Reece are members of the Big Darby Baptist church. Mr. Reece has been a. member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and votes the Democratic ticket.

The late Webster E. Sherwood, who was a prosperous farmer of Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, until his death on December 29, 1909, was a son of Andrew and Emily Sherwood, and was born in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, May 30, 1863. He was reared by his grandparents on the farm. and received: a common-school ,education in the public schools of his native township.

On June 1, 1892, Webster. E. Sherwood was married to Viola M. Beyer; who was _reared on a farm in Brown township. She received her early educational training in the public schools, and later became a student at Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood were the parents of four children: -Rollin B., born on July 17, 1898, is unmarried and lives with his mother; Neal A., February 12, 1895, a graduate of the Plain City high schools, also lives at home with his mother; Mary E., December 22, 1896,. also a graduate of the Plain City high school; and Virginia M., January 17, 1899, who is living at home with her mother, is a graduate of the Plain City high school.

Mrs. Webster E. Sherwood was vai in Franklin county, Ohio, March 30, 1866, and is a daughter of Cornelius and Mary (Hamilton) Beyer, the former of whom was born in the Keystone state, October 30, 1886, the eldest of ten children. Cornelius Beyer. was descended from Abraham Beyer, who came from Austria to this country, landing at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1736. Cornelius Beyer belonged to the fourth generation of the Beyer family in America. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1844. They Iccated near Columbus in 1853, and nine years later they came on to Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, and settled on the Big Darby creek.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Cornelius Beyer enlisted in the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. He was made a corporal and later. he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was wounded and captured. on October 1, 1863. After being taken prisoner he was confined in Libby prison and at Danville until his parole on October 1, 1864. He was discharged from the service on October 1, 1864.

Cornelius Beyer and wife were members of the Baptist church. and took an active and interested part in the church work. he being 'the superintendent of the Sunday 'school of the Big Dazby: Baptist church for many'years.. By his marriage to Mary J. Hamilton on March 16, 1865, there were four children born: Viola, the eldest, is now the widow of Webster E. Sherwood; William M. married Della Helser; Harriet R., the wife of Riley Wilcox; and Margaret, the wife of Harry Wilkins.

was a Republican in politics, and took an active and interested part in local public matters. He died at his home on April 27, 1907. His widow is still living.

The late Webster E. Sherwood was a member of the Big Darby Baptist church, and was very active in the work of this church, serving as treasurer for some time. All of the members of the Sherwood family are connected with the Big Darby Baptist church and are active in the various societies and organizations of that church. Mr. Sherwood was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He voted the Republican ticket.

Mrs. Sherwood is a lady of quiet refinement and culture, a very highly respected woman in the neighborhood where she lives, and where she owns one hundred and fifteen acres of land. Her farm is located six miles south of Plain City, Ohio.

Richard Peard

Many years ago there came to America with his widowed mother, a poor Irish lad, who in time was to become one of the influential citizens, financiers and property owners of London, this county; a man whose broad charity was to influence the lives and conduct of hundreds of people, who came under his benign influence. This poor Irish lad was the late Richard Peard, who died at a hospital in Cincinnati, on March 2, 1911.

Richard Peard was born on February 26, 1841, in the village of Fermoy, County _ Cork, Ireland. After the death of his father, his brother, John, went to Australia and is still living at Albury, New South Wales. When he was sixteen years old, in 1857, Richard Peard came to America with his mother and, after landing in this country, came direct to Madison county. where, after living a few years, in the Bailey woods, be obtained a farm. Later Richard Peard moved to London, the county seat, and entered the grocery business on the site of the James Dwyer block on south Main street. Later he bought a brick building, where he remained in business until his retirement some fourteen years before his death. In the meantime, he had carried on farming on three different farms, which he owned in this county, during which period he was in partnership with his tenants, who owned with him his stock and farm equipments. He made a practice of buying up run-down farms and improving them by the erection of new buildings, the building of fences and the installation of drainage. Likewise in town, he was accustomed to buy run-down properties and to build them up for the market or for rentals. He not only built dwellings, but he built business houses as well and the city of London owes a great deal'to his enterprise, his foresight and his good management. He was one of the original advocates of good roads and good streets and, as long as twenty-five years ago, was engaged almost single-handed in an effort to obtain the paving of Main street, which work, however, was not finished until 1914.

The late Richard Peard preferred to attend to his own business, rather than to engage in public enterprises or to seek a public career. However, he had served as a member of the London council. Much of his success in life undoubtedly was due to his ability to forecast future developments and this fact has been deeply realized sinc his death. '

Reared in the Catholic church, Richard Peard afliliated with St. Patrick's parish and was interested in all of its various activities, including especially the' school, where the early education of his children was received. He was very fond of music and took considerable pride in giving the very best advantages to his' daughter, Caroline, who was possessed of a fine lyric soprano voice and, who during her life, filled many musical engagements, and at times was heard with great favor in the 'great music hall at Cincinnati. Richard Peard's head was full of music, especially the old airs of Ireland and Scotland. He was ever clean in his life and: was never known to' use foul lan- guage. He enjoyed his companions and his old friends, especially those who became dependent upon his charities. His charity was one of the noteworthy features of his life.

On February 12, 1878, Richard Peard was married to Mary Fogarty, of London, this county, daughter of John and Ellen Fogarty. She was born in London and was about fifteen years her husband's junior. The London home of the Peards was for many years one of the attractive and well-known social centers of the county. This was especially true during the time the two elder Peard daughters were at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Feard were the parents of seven children, of whom six are living. Caroline and Delphine were educated in the London high school and at St. Mary's of the Springs Academy, an institution maintained by the Dominican Sisters at Columbus, Ohio. At the latter place, she was well started on her musical career and even before her graduation from St. Mary's, she had been praised very highly. on account 'of her beautiful voice. Later she pursued vocal training under Professor Hosea, of Cincinnati, and her voice attracted considerable attention in the Queen City. In her home town she was well known, not only in musical circles, but in religious work. Her death, on April 20, 1910, at the age of twenty-eight vears, was keenly felt by the people of that city. During the later years of her life, she was permitted to travel a great deal, which, no doubt, prolonged her life to a considerable extent. Another daughter, Delphine, is now Mrs. J. J. Lucik, whose husband is a furniture manufacturer of New Albany, Indiana. Mrs. Lucik also enjoyed educational advantages quite similar to those of her sister, Caroline, and is a graduate of the Hayward School of Elocution and Acting at Cincinnati. John, one of the sons who still lives at home, attended Niagara University, at Niagara Falls and is the administrator of the Peard estate. He is special agent for his mother and has pursued the policy of his father in building houses and improving vacant lots owned by the father at the time of his death. The other Peard children are Mary, Walter, Helen and Henry, who live at home.

Leonard Lane

Few of the younger farmers of Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, have accomplished more than Leonard Lane, a prosperous young farmer who owns the old Lane homestead in Canaan township, located five miles south of Plain City, and sixty acres in another farm in Canaan township. Mr. Lane lives on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City, and on the farm which is a part of the old Lane farm.

leonard Lane was born on February 2, 1879, in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio. He is the son of Luther, Jr., and Josephine (Kees) Lane, the former of whom was born on the farm now owned and occupied by his son. He was reared on the old Lane homestead and died about 1889. The history of the Lane family is contained elsewhere in this volume under the sketch of Luther Lane, Sr.

To Luther and Josephine (Kees) Lane were born two children: Leonard, the subject of this sketch; and Lillian, who is the wife of Vernon Barlow, of Los Angeles, California.

Leonard Lane was reared in Canaan township but lived subsequently in Plain City, where he attended the Plain City schools. He was graduated from the Plain City high school with the class of 1900. For some time thereafter he lived in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Lane was married, in 1901, to Mattie E. Davis, who is the daughter of John and Sarah (Thomas) Davis. Mrs. Lane was educated in the public schools of Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio. She has borne her husband one daughter, Lucile, who was born in September, 1902.

Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Big Darby Baptist church. Mr. Lane votes the Republican ticket. He and his wife are honorable citizens of Canaan township, highly respected in the community where they live and popular among their neighbors.

Rev. F. Marion Myers

There is no earthly station higher than the ministry of the gospel and no life can be more uplifting and grander than that which is devoted to the amelioration of the human race, a life devoted to the betterment of human conditions. A man who is willing to cast aside all earthly crown and laurels of fame in order. to follow the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. deserves the highest praise and commendation for his sacrifices. It is not possible to measure adequately the breadth of such a life, for its influenc2 permeates the lives of succeeding generations, and the power and influence zoes on unceasingly. One of the self-sacrificing, ardent and loyal spirits of the Christian religion is Rev. F.. Marion Myers, pastor of the Big Darby Baptist church, which is lecated five miles south of Plain City, Ohio, on the Plain City and West Jefferson pikes.

. FE. Marion Myers was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, September 1, 1855, and is the son of Elijah and Rebecca (Evans) Myers, the former of whom was the son of Solomon and Mildred (Hunt) Myers. Rebecca (Evans) Myers was the daughter of Divid and Jane (McFarland) Evans. Solomon Myers was born in. Montgomery county, Kenutcky. He was a farmer by occupation and an active worker in the Baptist church in which he served as.deacon for many years. Subsequently, he removed to Harrison county,- Kentucky, and farmed there until his death. He had three sons and one daughterter, James, Robert, Julia A. and Elijah.

The paternal great-grandparents were Henry and se Meyers. He died in 1824 and she died in 1886. Both came from Virginia and located near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, where they lived until their death.

Elijah Myers grew to manhood in Harrison county, Kentucky, and, having received a common-school education and being a man of more than average native ability, he became a leading farmer in his community. He was an active worker in the Baptist church. By his first marriage, the following children were born, Mary E., James R., Harriett M., John G., Luther H., F. Marion. Emma J., and David W. By his marriage, secondly, to Sarah Poynter, there were three children, Lew P., Edgar and Joseph L.

F¥. Marion Myers was reared on a farm in Harrison county, Kentucky, and, when old enough, entered the district schools and ceutinued his education in the public schools until about seventeen. Later he taught in the public schools of Montgomery county, Kentucky, but finally entered Bethel College, at Russellville, Kentucky. He took a partial course. Still later he entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, at Louisville, an institution that was organized in 1859 and of which Dr. E. Y. Mullins is now president, and was graduated in the class of 1884.

After his graduation Mr. Myers was appointed a missionary to Saltillo, Mexico, where he served for about one year. Upon returning to Kentucky, he became pastor of the Baptist church at Augusta. After being there for three years, he came to Ohio. During 1892 Mr. Myers was pastor of the Big Darby church. Mr. Myers then went to Sidney, Ohio, where he remained for six years. From Sidney he removed to Galion, where he was pastor for three years, and from Galion to Sunbury, Ohio, where he was pastor for another three years. From Sunbury he removed to Pomeroy, Ohio, where he served six years, returning to Big Darby in 1911. Since 1911, Mr. Myers has had charge of the church at Big Darby.

The Rev. F. Marion Myers was first married to Mary S. Thompson of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, who bore him one child. Mrs. Myers died in 1885 and the child in infancy.

In 1892 Mr. Myers was married to Lottie M. Coe, of Union county, Ohio. She was born in Allen townghip, Union county, and was educated in the common schools and in the Marysville high school. Later, she attended the University at Wooster, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Myers had no children. Although Mr. Myers was born a Democrat, he has never taken any considerable interest in politics. He has devoted himself, rather, to the ministry of the Christian religion, which is his chosen field, the work he loves and the work wherein he can and does perform the greatest service.

Andrew J. Torbert

Some of the best citizens and some of the best farmers now living in the great Buckeye state have come here from Pennsylvania, but few of them have enjoyed the Same or approximate measure of success as Andrew J. Torbert, a prosperous farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Obio, and the proprietor of "Fairview Stock Farm," a magnificent tract of land comprising two hundred acres, which is situated two miles east of Plain City. Mr. Torbert was one of nine children, and having been born of a large family, found it necessary in life to shift for himself. If there is any one reason greater than another for his present affluence, it is because he acquired the habit early in life of saving a part of his earnings, no matter how small they might be. Starting with a small tract of land in Darby township, he has added to it from year to year until he now owns a large farm and is comfortably situated.

Andrew J. Torbert was born in York county, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1863, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Clark) Torbert, both of whom are now deceased. They had nine children, of whom only five are living at the present time.

Andrew J. Torbert was reared on his father's farm in York county, Pennsylvania, and lived with them until he was fifteen years old, attending the public schools in the meantime so far as he was able to do this. After he was fifteen years old he began working on neighboring farms and out of his meager earnings saved a little every month and every year. He continued in 'this way for a period of seven years, until he was about twenty-two years old, and had been able to save rather an attractive sum of money. ;

At the age of twenty-two, in 1885, Andrew J. Torbert was married to Anna Mottler, and after his marriage rented land for a period of about seventeen years. He then purchased fifty-one acres of land, and has added' to this tract until he now owns his splendid farm in Darby township. The important phase of Mr. Torbert's career is not that he owns two hundred acres of land, not that he has been successful, but that he has been able to build his own fortune unaided and unfavored.

From the time he was a boy he has been iriterested in good horses, and on his farm today has a great many purebred and registered Percheron horses. He also keeps high grades of other live stock, espcially Duroc-Jersey hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Torbert have a family of seven living children, as follow: Ina graduated from the Plain City high school, and is the wife of Ellis Means, of California; Emma is also a graduate of the Plain City high school, married Hugene Deleon and resides in Plain City; Flora is unmarried, and lives at home with her parents; Samuel and William are also at home; Alice is a student in the Plain City high school, and Phyllis is just beginning' school. being only seven years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Torbert are members of the Presbyterian church at Plain City. Mr. Torbert usually 'votes the Democratic ticket but is independent both in thought and action, and is not definitely attached to any party, choosing among the candidates for public office as he would choose in any 'Other responsibility of life, with wisdom,

Thomas C. Gregg

However great may be the contribution which the professional man makes to his community, it should be remembered that the business man who conducts his affairs with due regard to the principles of honor also becomes a benefactor. Few residents of this county are as well known as the man whose history is here recorded briefly. He is representative not only of the business interests but of a type of manhood which always deserves and wins the admiration of friends and the esteem and confidence of the public. Thomas C. Gregg, vice-president of the West Jefferson Commercial Bank, has done much to advance the material welfare of the community in which he and his family have lived. He is a native of Jefferson township, having been born here on July 138, 1866.

Thomas C. Gregg is the son of Ashton A. and Mary M. (Pierce) Gregg, the former of whom was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, his parents being John and Margaret Gregg. After the death of John Gregg, which occurred in his native state, his widow and her three sons, Ashton A., Thomas and Carlton, all of whom are deceased, located in Jefferson township where Ashton was reared and attended school. When a young man, Ashton A. Gregg began the enterprises which later resulted in a successful career, but he lived with his devoted mother until his twenty-first year. He first bought and cleared land, selling lumber to the railroad; at the same time giving some attention to the subject of stock raising. So successful was he that he acquired two thousand acres: of valuable Jand. He was much interested in politics, and was regarded as a man of considerable political influence. He contributed liberally to the church, and both he and his wife saw to it that their children all had careful religious training. He died on March 11, 1911. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living. All of the sons have the qualifications which go to make the successful business man. John, retired from business, lives in Columbus, Ohio; Pierce M. has large farming interests, is commissioner of Madison county, and president of the West Jefferson Commercial Bank; a daughter is the wife of J. R. Engle, a retired business man of West Jefferson; Arabella, the youngest daughter, also a resident of this city, has never married.

The early environment of Thomas C. Gregg was that of the country, and his schooling that which was offered by local schools. He had ambitions for a career which farm life failed to satisfy, and soon after his twentieth birthday, he was bookkeeper in the bank of which he later became vice-president. His mental alertness and fidelity to every trust, attracting the attention of his employers, he was afterward promoted to the position of cashier, serving in that capacity until January, 1915, when he was elected vice-president of the bank, his former position being filled by his nephew, A. A. Gregg. Mr. Gregg has never entirely relinquished his farming interests, and owns three hundred acres of land in this township.

The home life of Mr. and Mrs. Gregg has been happy, and many friends have been attracted to their hospitable fireside. Mrs. Gregg was formerly Ellen Recob, her marriage taking place in 1892. A daughter of Val Recob, she was born and reared in this county, and attended its schools. One child, a son named McClellan, was born in this home in September, 1894. After graduating from the Jefferson high school, he entered upon a business career, and is now one of the owners of the Ember Department Store Company. His wife is Mary Hummell, daughter of M. E. Hummell.

The Commercial Bank of West Jefferson has figured conspicuously in the lives of three generations of this family, and three out of its four chief officials bear the name of Gregg. The bank was organized in 1885 as a private business concern, and was owned by Ashton A. Gregg, who was its first president. Its present officers are:

Mr. Gregg and his family are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he is a prominent member of the Free and Accepted Masons, lodge No. 221. A Republican in doctrine, he has been active in local politics.

. While Mr. Gregg is quiet and unassuming in manner, he is, at. the same time, forceful in personality. He has the rare ability of deciding on a course of action, and having done this, to concentrate his efforts until the goal has been reached. But he is always considerate of others, a man of strong convictions and the moral courage to stand by them, and one who not only commands respect, but having won, retains it Mr. Gregg is one of the most highly respected citizens of the county.

Emilius M. Kilbury

It is difficult to estimate what those farmers have accomplished toward increasing the yield of corn who have given their attention to the development of specific varieties. Emilius M. Kilbury, the proprietor of 'Yellow Corn Farm," of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, and the producer and grower of "Kilbury Yellow Hybrid" corn, is a most successful farmer and a leading citizen of this township. Interested in education, he has had a prominent part in the movement for consolidated schools, having served as president of the Jerome township board of education. He has also been one of the organizers of the farmers' institute at Plain City and twice has served as president; one of the organizers of the Plain City Corn Carnival and a member of the executive committee; a member of the Plain City Matinee and for some time official starter; also prominent in the membership of the Grange; and, at present, one of the lecturers of the latter organization.

Emilius M. Kilbury, who is descended from an old and honorable family, now living at Kileville, was born in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, March 15, 18658. He is the son of TT. T. and Darthula (Perkins) Kilbury, the former of whom was born in Canaan township, June 6, 18380. He was the son of Thomas Kilbury, who was the son of Richard Kilbury. Richard Kilbury came to Madison county and settled on Darby Plains in 1813, where he lived until his death. He was born in 1797. Richard Kilbury had several children, among them being Thomas, who was the grandfather of Emilius M. Kilbury. Thomas Kilbury was the father of thirteen children by his first marriage, among whom were Ira, Orson, Armenus, T. T., Sarah, John, and James. After the death of his first wife, he married Polly Clark and to them were born five children, Isaac, Emily, Harrison, Levi and Nina. :

Few educational opportunities were available during the boyhood and youth of T. T. Kilbury. He grew to manhood in Madison county, Ohio, and in 1860 moved to Union county, north of Plain City, where he remained until the time of his death. He was a devoutly religious man, public-spirited as a citizen, a leading stockman of his community during his day and generation and his judgment was widely sought by his neighbors and highly valued. He raised the first Merino sheep in this section of the state, paying eleven hundred dollars for ten ewes and a buck lamb. He was accustomed to raise his sheep and then drive them over the mountains to Philadelphia and was known as the first man who drove cattle from Darby Plains to the East. T. T. and Darthula (Perkins) Kilbury were the parents of seven children, Elmore S., who is deceased; Amanda, who is the wife of Ed Powell, of Madison county; Emilius M., the subject of this sketch; Ulysses G., who lives in New York state; Clark R., who is a farmer of Union county; Emma S., who is deceased; Thomas E., who is a farmer of by his parents to Union county, where he attended the public schools of Jerome township in the winter and assisted with the work on the farm in the summer.

After remaining at home until twenty-five years of age, Emilius M. Kilbury was married on December 13, 1883, to Ida Tway, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 5, 1861, and who was educated in the common schools. Mrs. Kilbury is the uaughter of Nelson and Philoma (Frazell) Tway, the former of whom served in the Seventh Regiment Ohio Independent Cavalry, and acted as the body guard for President Lincoln during the Civil War. He carried orders from the President to the officers in the field.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kilbury bought the farm of sixty-six acres now known as "Yellow Corn Farm.' They have been the parents of two children, Bertha L., who married Walter Lathon. Before her marriage, she was graduated from the Plain City high school. Clinton S., the other child, is a graduate of the Plain City schools and was the honor man of his class. He is unmarried and lives at home.

Burr E. Carpenter

On the West Jefferson and. Plain City pikes, four miles south of Plain City, Ohio, is situated "Spring Run Farm," comprising two hundred and twenty-five acres of land, of which Burr E. Carpenter is the proprietor. He is one of the most successful farmers of Canaan township, and one of the best-known men in the community in which he lives.

Burr E. Carpenter was born on July 14, 1850, and is the son of Wesley and Sarah (Smith) Carpenter, the former of whom was born in Galena, Delaware county, Ohio, and the. latter was born in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio. Mr. Carpenter's father came to Madison county, Ohio, at the age of twenty-seven years, and after his marriage located on the farm where Burr E. now lives and here spent the remainder of his life. He was a Republican in politics. Three children were born to Wesley and Sarah (Smith) Carpenter, as follow: Irene is the wife of John Stolbert of Canaan township; Mary is the wife of Benjamin Johnson of Madison county, Ohio; Burr E. is the subject of this sketch.

Burr EK. Carpenter was reared on the farm he owns in Madison 'county, and was educated in the district school of Canaan township. He attended school in the winter and worked at home on the farm during the summer. When Mr. Carpenter had reached his majerity, he began life on his own responsibility but worked at home for his father and with his father until his marriage.

On September 16, 1876, Burr IE. Carpenter was married to Amelia, Porter, who "was born in Canaan township, and is the daughter of Silas and Cynthia (Beetley) Porter. She was educated in the common schools of the township, and attended the same school as her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are the parents of two children. Stanley P. married Laura Wright. He was educated in the common schools and in the high school. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley P. Carpenter live on Mr. Carpenter's farm and have one child, Helen, Laura is a graduate of the Plain City high school. She is unmarried and lives at home with her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are quiet, unassuming people, and have a host of friends in this county. He is public spirited in the large meaning of the term, and has done much in behalf of the prosperity of Canaan township. Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Big Darby Baptist church, and Mr. Carpenter is one of the trustees. He is a Republican and has served several terms as trustee of Canaan .township. .

Howard D. Bowman

Howard D. Bowman is an excellent young farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, who has charge of one hundred and ninety-one acres of land belonging to his father. Mr. Bowman was born in Morgan county, Ohio, October 3, 1885, and is the son of Henry and Rachael Bowman, the latter of whom was born in Morgan county, Ohio, and the former was born in Washington county, Ohio, in 1847. Mrs. Rachael Bewman died on February 4, 1909. Since this time, Henry Bowman has been married to Flora Latimore. They live in Plain City, Ohio.

Henry and Rachael Bowman were the parents of four children, as follow: Joseph, who is a graduate of the Chesterhill high school and spent two years in Ohio State University. is a farmer in Morgan county, Ohio, and his wife before her marriage was Nannie Smith; Elizabeth, who is a graduate of the Chesterhill high school, is the wife of Thomas Lovell, and they live in Montana; Edith is a graduate of the high school, and the wife of Emmitt Watson; Howard D. is the subject of this sketch.

Howard D. Bowman, who was reared in Morgan county, Ohio, and educated in the public schools of that county and in the high school at Chesterhill, came to Madison county in 1904, and five years later was married to May D. O'Harra, the daughter of Harry and Della (Kilbury) O'Harra. The marriage was solemnized on November 13, 1909. Mrs. Bowman's father was born in Madison county, Ohio, and her mother in Union county, Ohio. She died on May 17, 1918. Harry and Della (Kilbury) O'Harra were the parents of four children, namely: Fay is the wife of J. B. McCune; Laura is the wife of Pearl Harper; May, who was born in Madison Se May 1, 1886, is now Mrs Bowman; Bessie is the wife of F. C. Berg.

Mr. and Mrs. Howard D. Bowman have one child, William H., born on February 26, 1915. Mr. Bowman is a Republican in politics but is a young man and has never been active in the councils of his party. He is devoting his whole energy to' the various aspects of farming and already has accomplished a great deal in mastering the intricacies of present day farming. Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are popular and well known in Darby township.

Fred Kile

Fred Kile, the proprietor of the grain elevator at Kileville, Ohio, as an enterprising farmer of Union, Madison and Franklin counties, Ohio, has long been prominent in the pclitical life of this section of the state. As an active Republican and one whose counsel is widely sought by the rank and file of his party, he is a member of the county central committee, and formerly a delegate to county, congressional, judicial and state conventions of the "Grand Old Party." Although prominent in politics all of his life, Mr. Kile has never held office. Besides the elevator at Kileville, he owns one hundred and thirty-five acres of land and divides his attention between the farm and the elevator.

Fred Kile was born in Madison county, Ohio, January 5, 1863, the son of J. A. and Mary (Martin) Kile, the former of whom was a native of Licking county, Ohio, and the latter was born in Franklin county, Ohio. They were married, however, in Madison county and made this county their home "until their deaths. J. A. Kile passed away at his home on September 19, 1899, and his wife about three yéars later in May, 1902. He was a prominent farmer and stock dealer, a Republican in politics and a charter member and 'past grand of Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in the affairs of the church until their deaths. They were the parents. of five children, three of whom are living, R. P., who is a farmer at Lander, Fremont

Born and reared on a farm in Madison county, Ohio, Fred Kile was educated in the district schools, attending school in the winter and working at home on the farm during the summer. On April 2, 1885, Mr. Kile was married to Elizabeth Purdum, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, in November, 1862, and who received a commonschool education in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Kile have only one living child at this time, Elton M. Kile, a prominent lawyer and farmer of this community. Another son, W. T. S., was a successful grain dealer. He died on November 5, 1909. ,

Mr. and Mrs. Kile ure members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Plain City and Mr. Kile, as a member of the official board, is active in the work of the church.

Prominent as he is in the religious and political life of this community, he is naturally well known, not only in Madison county, but in Franklin and Union counties as well. He is an honorable citizen, an upright man, one who does his full duty, private or public.

Michael E. Dwyer

The successful business men in nearly every line have begun life on the farm, their sturdy youth having been just the material necessary for a solid foundation of achievement. Michael E. Dwyer, a prominent merchant of London, this county, is po exception to the rule. Born on March 9, 1864, on the farm of his father, Michael Dwyer, he early developed the thrift which was characteristic of his parents, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and soon made the name of Dwyer a synonym for efficiency and worth.

Michael and Johanna (Hourigan) Dwyer, soon after their arrival in America, settled first in Greene county, Ohio, later moving to Madison county. Not quite satisfied with this location as a permanent home, they finally removed to Clark county, where 'they reared and educated their children as progressive, Christian citizens and where Michael Dwyer, in 1867, passed to his eternal rest, leaving a wife and four children to mourn his loss. In 1880, just thirteen years later, death claimed the wife and mother who had proved herself, not only a wise and loyal helpmeet, but a kind and loving mother, whose training and example were to make those she left behind, a power for good among all who know them.

When Michael E. Dwyer was fourteen years of age, his mother and her children moved to London, his father having previously died. His brother, Thomas J., and a sister, Mrs. Mary E. Corbett, now reside in London. Mrs. T. F. Ryan, another sister, now reside in Columbus, Ohio.

Michael E. Dwyer was educated in the public schools of London, where at the age of eighteen, he learned the tinner's trade which he followed for ten years. His ambition and thrift during these ten years, brought him such a measure of success that before he was twenty-one, he had purchased the business of James J. Welsh, his former employer. For four years he conducted that business unaided after which the firm. of Dwyer Brothers was formed, his brother, Thomas J.,: becoming a partner. Together they bought, April 9, 1888, the lot upon which the building they now occupy was erected in 1892. This building is sixty by ninety feet and consists of two floors, but in addition to this they also use the upper floor space, fifty by eighty, in another building. When Mr. Dwyer first became a merchant, he sold hardware exclusively, put his affability and honesty soon increased the demands of the trade to such an extent that a full line of high-grade furniture was added.

On August 17, 1899, after winning success and proving his ability to become the head of a household, Michael E. Dwyer was united in marriage to Margaret Bindon,

. Dwyer's sterling worth won him the distinction of election as the first president - the London Board of Trade and he has served as a member of the board of public works for two terms. He is an honored member of the Knights of Columbus and an active worker in the Catholic church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Mr. Dwyer is probably the largest individual property holder in London and, aside from the twenty-five or more pieces of rental property in town, he owns a farm in Union township, located two and one-half: miles east of London, on which flows a magnetic spring whose water analysis shows a favorable comparison with the best mineral springs of the world. This energetic man has achieved a most remarkable success in life, not because of so-called luck, but because of his real ability and the desire not only to grasp his opportunity but to make it. 'This is the secret of true success, but so few have the courage necessary to real achievement. Opportunity and luck are but the products of diligent application and the daily wisdom absorbed from the experience of solving each problem by conscientious endeavor. |

Such have been the tools Mr. Dwyer has used in his garden of life and the brilliant flowers grown therein will not fade, but spread a lasting fragrance to be inhaled by future generations.

Robert Slyh

In Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, is a fertile, highly productive, beautiful and well-kept farm owned by Robert Slyh, a pioneer of Canaan township and one of the most highly-respected citizens of this community. Mr. Slyh's farm comprises two hundred and fourteen acres and not only is a beautiful tract of land but is conveniently situated with reference to schools and markets.

Robert Slyh was born in Canaan township, November 19, 1848, the son of Mathias and Sarah (Patterson) Slyh, both of whom were born in the Old Dominion state.

Before his marriage to Sarah Patterson, Mathias Slyh had been previously married, but his first wife died leaving four children. He then came to Ohio, where he was married to Sarah Patterson. They had a family of seven children, as follow: Isabelle married Daniel Walker: Elizabeth married William Milliken; Mary married William Wilson; Ann is the wife of Robert Reece; Ruth is the wife of Isaac Beach; Robert is the subject of this sketch; Charles married Eliza Kilgore.

Robert Slyh was reared on a farm in Canaan township, and attended the country schools of Madison county. He remained at home until a year after having reached his majority, and then began life on his own account, about which time he was married to Sarah Smith, a native of Canaan township, and the daughter of Alva and Catherine (Moore) Smith. Mrs. Slyh was reared on a farm in Canaan township. She died on November 15, 1914, after having borne seven children, six of whom are now living. Alva married Anna Baily and lives in Franklin county, Ohio. They have three children, Robert B., Frank F., and Catherine. Sarah L. is unmarried and lives at home. Matthew married Maud Wright and has three children, Louise, Geraldine and Geneva. twins. Walter is unmarried and lives at home with his father. Frank married Imogene Steele and is a resident of Springfield. Ohio. He was graduated from the Plain City high school. They have one daughter, Maxine IL. Forest, married Maude Ray and is a resident of Columbus, Ohio, where he is a street car conductor. se

Mr. Slyh, besides his farm in Canaan township, has other minor interests. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party. He is a man of quiet and unassuming manner, and is popular in the community where he lives. He is a man well known in this section of the county, being one of the oldest settlers in this section of the county.

George A. Shover

George A. Shover, a successful farmer of Darby township and a breeder of Percheron horses and purebred Duroc-Jersey hogs, is one of the best-known citizens of the township. Mr. Shover owns a tract of two hundred and fifty-five acres of land on the Post road, two miles east of Plain City, Ohio, a farm that is under a high state of cultivation and well improved.

George A. Shover was born on the farm which he now owns, August 31, 1868. He is the son of Eli and Mary (Taylor) Shover, the former of whom was born in Union county, Ohio, in 1834, and the latter was born in Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, March 9, 1842. Eli Shover died in May 1915, and his widow is still living in Plain City, Ohio.

To Eli and Mary (Taylor) Shover were born four children, three of whom are now living. Rosa, who is deceased, was the wife of Harry L. Doughty. She had two children. Fred married three times, his present wife being May Courtney. They live in California. George A. is the subject of this sketch. May is unmarried and lives with her mother in Plain City, Ohio.

Mr. Shover was reared on the farm he now owns, and educated in the district schools, which he attended during the winter working at home on the farm during the summer. After finishing the common schools, Mr. Shover took up book-keeping at Plain City, Ohio, and was graduated from a business college at that place. Upon finishing his course, he returned to the farm and has lived on the home farm ever since.

George A. Shover is a quiet, unassuming man, an honorable citizen of Madison county and one who is highly respected in the neighborhood where he lives. He is a member of Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plain City. and is a past grand in this lodge. He votes the Republican ticket. but has never been an office seeker. The men who have large agricultural interests have little time to devote to politics, and Mr. Shover is a man of this class. Mrs. Shover is a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. and a past noble grand. Mr. Shover is also a member of this lodge. |

In face the character of a community one examines the standing and, aR yi: of its citizens. One of Darby township's agriculturists who is deserving of a place in a volume of this nature is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Lysander G. Huff, whose courage and self-reliance, together with his long residence in Madison county, have given him a prestige above the average, is one of the honored and highly respected inhabitants, and his wide range of experience has given him a prominence not occupied by many.

Lysander G. Huff, farmer, Darby township, Madison county, was born on October 24, 1838, at Pierpont, Ashtabula county, Ohio. He is a son of James R. and Lydia (Austin) Huff.. He was reared on a farm and attended the district schools until seventeen years of age, after which he went to Onondago county, New York, where he was employed by the New York Central railroad as freight agent, and served in this capacity for one year, during which time he attended high school. After leaving this position Mr. Huff went to Washington C. H., where he was employed in a distillery plant. He saved his money and in 1868 came to Madison county and operated a distillery. At the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company G,: Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was with the company four months, and later enlisted, on December 10, 1861, for three months, and on being discharged returned to Madison county, but in a short time, he again enlisted, in Company K, Fifty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded on April 6, 1862, in the first peeve of Shiloh, which disabled him from further service. He was in the hospital until August, 1862, when he was discharged. He again tried to enter the army, but was refused on account of his wound. Mr. Huff has always been a strong aipaeats of Republican principles, and gave his support by serving on the election board for many years. His religious membership is with the Universalist ehurech, and his fraternal membership is with Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 198, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is a past noble grand, and is the oldest member of the lodge. He now acts as past grand, and both Mr. and Mrs. Huff are members of the Rebekah Lodge No. 182, in which Mrs. Huff is a past noble grand. Mr. Huff was quartermaster of the Grand Army of the Republic for seventeen years. He now receives a monthly pension of forty-six dollars.

James R. Huff, father of the subject of this sketch, was born at Lyons, Wayne . county, New York, of which county his wife, Lydia (Austin) Huff, was also a native. They lived most of their lives at Hartsgrove, Ohio, where he was a farmer. They were the parents of eight children - six daughters and two sons. Lydia is the only one of their daughters living in 1915. She is the wife of 'Chauncy Hopkins, of Broadhead, Wisconsin. ie

Lysander G. Huff was united in marriage, January Ss 1864, with Ellen M. Baker, daughter of Hiram E. and Margaret (Wilson) Baker. She was born on June 25, 1845, in Delaware county, Ohio. She came with her parents to Morrow county, Ohio, 'locating at Cardington, where she attended the public schools of the village. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Huff settled on a farm in Union county, and on April 9, 1867, they settled on the farm where they now live. , Mr, Huff owns seventeen acres of land, on which he has put valuable improvements, including the present buildings. His place is located one mile south of Plain City. This union has been blest with three children: Clara, who is the wife of S. T. Simkins, who lives in Union county, Ohio; Annetta became the wife of Clark Kile, and lives in Union county; Clayton A. is married to Ora Slyh, and also lives in Union county.

Mr. and Mrs. Huff are citizens of eminent respectability, and enjoy the esteem of all who know them in Madison county, where they have spent the most of their lives.

Louis Motteler

Louis Motteler, a well-known young farmer of Darby township, Madison conus, Ohio; and one of the trustees of Darby township, was born on August 24, 1876, and is the son of George and. Selitia (Taylor) Motteler, both. of whom. are now residents of the state of Washington,. where they are engaged in farming.

George and Selitia (Taylor) Motteler have had nine children, eight of whom: are now living, namely: Henry is a rancher in the state of Washington; Anna is the wife of 'A. J: Torbert, of Darby township; Ollie is the wife of Lee Iden, of Wyandot county, Ohio; William A. is a farmer in Canaan township; Frank lives in Washington; Rosa is deceased; Louis lives in this state; Clinton lives in Washington, and Dell in the same 'state. 7

Born -and reared in Union county, Ohio, Louis Motteler was four years old when he was brought to Madison county, Ohio, by. his parents. He. remained in Madison county until six years of age and then went with his parents to Tennessee, where he remained until eight years old. At the end of that time the family returned to Madison county and here Mr. Motteler has lived ever since. His education was obtained in the public schools of Tennessee and of Madison county, Ohio.

On March 30, 1898, Mr. Motteler was married to Mary Wise, who was born in Union county, Ohio, and was educated in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Motteler have had four children, as follow: Oral K., born on December 15, 1902, is a student in the Plain City public schools, and has now advanced to the seventh grade; Harold, June 9, 1905, is the twin brother of Helen; Francis, May 14, 1911. All of the children live at home with their parents.

Mr. Motteler has charge of one hundred and twenty-five acres of land two miles east of Plain City, and for some years has been breeding Percheron horses. He also keeps a good grade of other kinds of live stock, and feeds the grains raised on the farm to the stock.

Mr. Motteler is a Democrat. He is a member of Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 193, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has taken more or less prominent part in the affairs of this lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Motteler are quiet unassuming people, honorable citizens and highly respected in the community where they live.

A lawyer by profession, but, for a number of years, engaged in farming in Darby township, Mudison county, Ohio, Elion M. Kile has made his presence felt in the legal circles of Plain City and in the agricultural life of Darby township. Since his graduation from Ohio State University, from which he received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor, the former in 1910 and the latter in 1912, and where he was preminent for many years as a debater, he has divided his time between law and agriculture. Mr. Kile owns thirty acres of land and has charge of the ninety acres owned by his father.

Elton M. Kile was born in Jerome township, Union county, Ohio, May 3, 1887, and is the son of Fred and Elizabeth (Purdum) Kile, both of whom are residents of Union county.

Mr. Kile was reared on a farm in Jerome township, Union county, which is just north of the Madison county line, and was educated in the district schools at Kileville and was graduated from the Plain City high school. After completing his secondary education he entered Ohio State University in the fall of 1906, and four years later received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and six years later the degree of Juris Doctor. He was admitted to the bar in December, 1911, shortly before his graduation. While a student at the university he was identified with the college debating and was a member of the teams which defeated Indiana University, at Bloomington, Indiana, and the University of Illinois, at Champaign, Illinois.

A few months after his graduation from college, in September, 1912, Elton M. Kile was married to Edith Worthington. the daughter of Charles Worthington and a graduate of the Plain City high school with the class of 1906. Mrs. Kile had been a teacher in the district schools and in the Plain City schools.

Appointed as a Republican, Elton M. Kile was chosen by the members of the Ohio House of Representatives as message clerk for the 1915 session, and served faithfully in this capacity until the close of the session. He. has. always taken an active part in politics and is a member of the Plain City village district school board. It comprises all of the territory in the neighborhood of Kileville. At one time Mr. Kile was a teacher in the district schools of Darby township and also for one year in the grade schools of Plain City. He is a man of great promise in this community, a young man who is greatly admired and one whose future is regarded as very bright. In his rather brief career he has devoted himself with all seriousness to the business of life and is already well started on an honorable and useful career.

William F. Lowry

William F. Lowry, an industrious and hard-working farmer of Darby township, Madison county, Ohio, has made all of the wealth of which he is now possessed exclusively by his own efforts. He owns a farm of seventy-five acres on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City, Ohio, and, in partnership with his son, O. M. Lowry, has charge of about two hundred and fifty acres.

William F. Lowry was born in Ross county, Ohio, July 6, 1850, and is the son of Washington and Mariah (Boyer) Lowry, the former of whom was born in Winchester, Virginia, July 12, 1807, and who died on December 3, 1887, and the latter was born in Lebanon, Ohio, May 10, 1817, and who died on November 1, 1873. The greatgrandfather was a native of County Down, Ireland. His family were linen bleachers by trade, and some of them came to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry were married in Chillicothe, Ohio. They had a family of seven sons and four daughters, of whom, William F., the subject of this sketch, was the eighth born. The names of the chiidren, in the order of their birth, are as follow: George W., born on March 81, 1835, who served in the Civil War, is deceased; John C., September 5, 1836, a first lieutenant in the union army of the Civil War, is also deceased; Maria L., September 30, 1888, and Mary A., August 22, 1840, are living; Richard H., August 31, 1842, was a soldier in the Civil War; Moses C., February 22, 1845, was a soldier in the Civil War, and died in the defense of his country at Rome, Georgia; James R., May 20, 1847, was a soldier in the Civil War, and died in the service; William F., the subject of this sketch, July 6, 1850; Frank K., April 16, 1853, is a farmer in Union county, Ohio; Rachel V., April 19, 1856, is the wife of James Vanschoy, of Ross county, Ohio; Charlotte E., the youngest, February 21, 1859, and is the widow of Marion Ertel, of Dayton, Ohio.

William IF. Lowry, the subject of this sketch, grew up on a farm in Ross county, Ohio, and received a good common-school education in the district schools of that county. He attended school until about eighteen years old, and, in the meantime, learned. the miller's trade with Marfield Brothers, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and was employed by them until 1876, when he removed to Madison county to take charge of the grist-mill owned by W. I. Ballinger & Sons. Mr. Lowry was head miller of this mill for twenty-three years.

While engaged in the milling business Mr. Lowry purchased seventy-five acres of land from L. D. Converse and moved to the farm. He has made extensive improyements on the farms, and is one of the extensive farmers of this section. He breeds Percheron horses, and raises a great many Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

Mr. Lowry's wife. before her marriage, was Sarah F. Comer, of Fairfield county, Ohio, who was born in that county, January 1, 1850, and who is the daughter of Isaac and Anna (Cotterill) Comer. Isaac Comer was descended from Nicholas Bary, who came to the United States from Switzerland in 1707. Anna Cotterill was the daughter of the Rev. Thomas Cotterill, of the Old Dominion state. Her parents came to Fairfield county, Ohio, from Virginia. They had six children, but Mrs. Lowry is the only one living at this time. She was educated in the public schools of Lancaster, Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. William F. Lowry have three living children. William W. Lowry, born on December 28, 1873, was a teacher at the age of seventeen years. He married Bessie Jones, and they live in Plain City, Ohio, and have two children. He is in the employ of the United States mail service and has a run from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to St. Louis, Missouri. O. M. Lowry was born in Madison county, Ohio, August 1, 1880, and was educated in the Plain City public schools. He married Carrie Armentrout. and they have two sons, Samuel and Sherman. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Plain City, and is vice-chancellor of the lodge. Anna E. Lowry, born on July 17, 1888, received a good common-school education in the Plain City schools, and married Charles Violet, of Pike townhsip, Madison county, Ohio.

William I. Lowry has served four terms, comprising a period of eight years, as trustee of Darby township, having been elected as a Republican. He has served as a member of the school board at Plain City. He is also a member of the Knights of Py thias lodge and is a past chancellor. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served as noble grand in the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. Lowry and his sons have all been active in local and county politics, and are among the most highly-respected citizens of Darby township.

William B. Kilgore

To occupy the position of bank president is an advertisement of the character and standing of a man, and establishes the fact that he has the confidence and respect, not only of his immediate associates, but the community at large. Mr. Kilgore, whose name introduces this sketch, not only enjoys the place of honor in one of the representative institutions of Plain City, Ohio, but his fine executive ability has been of great value to the business.

William B. Kilgore, president' of the First State Bank of Plain City, Ohio, was born on February 28, 1869, in Canaan township, Madison county, and is a son of William and Mary (Boyd) Kilgore. He-was reared in the township of his birth, and was edueated in the district schools, attending school during the winter seasons, and assisting with the farm work during the summers, until he was eighteen years old. At the age of twenty-one, he became ambitious to try another line of business, and began to buy live stock, which proved so successful that he continued in the business for eighteen years, under the firm name of Foust & Kilgore. In the fall of 1904, Mr. Kilgore moved to Plain City. He is a stanch Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Plain City, in which church Mr. Kilgore officiates as one of the board members. He owns a splendid farm of two hundred and seventeen acres in Madison county, known as '"'Sugar Run Stock Farm," and one of two hundred acres, known as "Homestead Farm." He was elected president of the- First State Bank of Plain City at its organization, February si 1914, with officers 'as follows: William B. Kilgore, president; Charles Wilson, vice-president: and W. P. Wilson, cashier. The directors are: William B. Kilgore, Charles Wilson, O. K: Howland, Frank Cary, W. LL. Blaney; D. LaMar QE AR G. B. Chapman, C. D. esaes and Henry Bowman.

William Kilgore, father of the subject of this 'sketch, was born, saree 26, 1823, in Canaan township, and his wife, Mary (Boyd) Kilgore, was born on June 25, 1830, in Washington county, Pennsylvania. She was a daughter of James and Martha (Milliken) Boyd. Mr. Kilgore was a son of Thomas and Jane (Patterson) Kilgore. He came to this county when a young man, and was married here, remaining in the county until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore were born four children, Martha, Eliza, Etta, and William. Martha Kilgore became the wife of S. H. Francis, of Brown township, Franklin county, Ohio, where he follows agriculture. Eliza Kilgore, deceased, was married to Charles Slyh. Etta is the wife of A. P. Hieronymus, of Kansas City, Missouri.

James and Martha (Milliken) Boyd, the maternal grandparents of Mr. Kilgore, came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, to Madison county, Ohio, in 1830. Mrs. Boyd was a daughter of Col. James Milliken, a large landowner in- ea 'township, this county. -

William B. Kilgore was united in marriage on March 27, 1890, with Irene Howland. daughter of Dr. J. S. Howland. She was born on April 17, 1870, near Richwood, Union county, Ohio, and was educated in the schools of New California, Ohio. To this union have been born two children: Joseph W., born' on' November 10, 1894, who was graduated from the Plain City high school in the class of 1914; and Mary Louise Kilgore, who was born on September 7, 1896, and died on March 9, 1914. She was also a graduate of the Plain City high school, of which she was to have been valedictorian at the graduation exercises. She stood high in her class, and died just prior to her graduation. . ,

Mr. and Mrs. Kilgore are-highly esteemed for their kind consideration of those in trouble vr distress. They have the sincere regard and confidence of many warm and admiring friends.

William Taylor, of Plain City, Darby township, was born on August 30, 1859, in Canaan township, Madison county, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Kilgore) Taylor. His boyhood days were spent on the farm, attending school during the winter months and assisting with the farm work in the summer. He remained at home until the death of his father, after which he was married and began farming for himself. With close attention to business details, industry | and thrift, he has continued to increase his worldly goods, until he now owns a fine tract of four hundred acres of the most valuable farm land in Marison county, known as ''Artesian Stock Farm," because of its splendid artesian well. Mr. Taylor has been active and is deeply interested in the success of the Republican party, rendering efficient service as trustee of Canaan township. < |

Jacob Taylor, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on October 20, 1819, in Canaan township, and was perhaps' the oldest native citizen of Madison county. He was united in marriage on April 8, 1845, with Rebecca Kilgore and was a son of William and Elizabeth (Cato) Taylor. His education was obtained in Darby township in a rudely built house, with a mud-and-stick chimney. Wis father died when he was eighteen years old, necessitating his attention and assistance 'in caring 'for his mother and the other members of the family until he was twenty-three years of age, when he began farming for himself, paying two dollars 'a month for his land, which was a large amount in those days. He received twenty-five cents a cord for cutting wood, and split rails at twenty cents a hundred. With industry and economy he saved enough for the purchase of a farm consisting of one hundred and three acres in Canaan township, which, under his care, soon became a beautiful home. His wife, Rebecca (Kilgore) Taylor, was born in 1827, in Madison county. They were the parents of five children: Sarah, Zachary, William, Jane and Jennie, only two of whom are living in 1915. Jennie, who became the wife of C. H. Andrew, and is living in Plain City, was a devoted daughter, and spent much of her time with her aged father while the shadows are growing long; and William. Mr. Taylor was a stanch Republican from the birth of that party, but never sought official reward, and never coveted honor in connection with the spoils of office. He died on October 20, 1913, aged ninety-four years and eight months. es ; . .

William Taylor, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and an early settler in Madison county, coming here from Kentucky in 1803, and locating in Darby township. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cato, a native of New Jersey, who came with her parents to Ohio in 1808, and located at the present site of Cincinnati. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor moved to a farm in Darby township, and later to Canaan township, where Mrs. Taylor's father lived until his death.

William Taylor was united in marriage on 'November 15, 1914, with Bertha Latimer, daughter of Slack and Flora (Currier) Latimer, of Union county, Ohio, where she was reared and received her early education at the district schools, from which she was a graduate. After leaving school she was employed as a Clerk in a dry-goods store. Mrs. Taylor's religious membership is with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Dennis Clark

Dennis Clark, second son and fifth child of Raphael and Mary (Rose) Clark, was porn in Fairfield county, Ohio, April 8, 1827. His father was a native of Maryland. At the age of eighteen he marched through Ohio in the War of 1812. After his marriage to Mary Rose, also of Maryland, he returned to the land made familiar by his campaign and settled near Lancaster, Ohio, where he lived until the subject of this sketch was about one year old, at which time the family removed to the "Sandusky Plains" near Upper Sandusky. The playfellows of the Clark children at that time were the iittle Indians on the Wyandot reservation nearby, and many and interesting were the stories Dennis Clark told his own children in a later time, of the intimate home life of the famous chiefs, Lump-on-the-Head and Between-the-Logs. This childish playtime was brief, however, for, in accord with the idea of the times, Raphael Clark removed his family to Clifton, Green county, that his children might be put to work in the cotton mills at that place and so become bread winners for the family. Dennis was but ten years old at that time, but his life work was begun, as he pursued the manufacturing business, first of cotton, later of woolen goods, all the rest of his life. At the age of seventeen, he had charge of the spinning department of a large cotton factory at Dayton, and such was his dignity, tact and self-control, that he handled the rough gang of men under him with entire satisfaction, despite their previous discontent, as they had objected to having a boy made "boss" over them.

In 1850 Dennis Clark took charge of a woolen-mill owned by C. K. Single and situated one mile north of London at the Slagle homestead. He married Virginia Frances, the eldest child of Mr. Slagle, on February 8, 1852, and shortly after purchased the mill, which he operated with great financial success until it burned down in July, 1864. <A story told of this occurrence is illuminative of Mr. Clark's character. When all had been forced by the intense heat to desist from their efforts to save the goods, Mr. Clark had retreated to the top of the hill and was silently gazing on the destruction of his property, when a friend ventured to express his sympathy. To his surprise, Mr. Clark said, "Well, maybe it's all for the best. I was getting rich very fast and it might have made a mean man of me. I never wanted to be a mean man."

Mr. Clark then purchased a part interest in a woolen-mill at Washington C. H., and resided there about a year, at the end of which time a stock company was formed and a large four and one-half story factory was erected in London. Mr. Clark was recalled to be superintendent and stockholder in the company: This mill was operated from 1866 till December, 1871, when it was robbed and burned. The memory of that spectacular fire on that desperately cold winter night is vivid to all of the older inhabitants of Madison county. The building had been erected with infinite pains to make it fireproof, but it had been set on fire from within. The integrity of the outer walls, however, can be vouched for, as they are now a part of the building known as the London Flouring Mills. The loss, estimated at sixty thousand dollars, was almost entire, as, owing to an oversight of a secretary, most of the insurance had lapsed a few days previously. : ae Mr. Clark had by this time bought up most of the stock, the loss fell most heavily on him and he became again a man possessing scarcely more than his two hands. He possessed that quality of courage, however, which confronts seemingly overwhelming trouble with a dauntless front, and the ashes were scarcely cooled before he, with his eldest son, set about rebuilding, this time only a small wooden building, a factory containing only one set of machines. Such, however, was Mr. Clark's business acumen that he was fast regaining his place as a man of importance in the financial world, when his death occurred on July 20, 1886.

Dennis Clark was a man of immense imporiance in the world of human interest. He was ever a leader in what 'pertained to the good of man in his community and the world at large, though he was ever cn the unpopular side, because he lived ahead of his times; but he had the great joy of seeing, in many instances, the rear guard of the army of human progress camping where only the vanguard had ventured.

The political life of Dennis Clark was lived along the lines of succor to the oppressed. He voted the Abolition ticket when he had to write it himself. A political party to him was merely an instrument by which some reform was brought about. When it no. longer had a living issue, he was not at all reluctant to fare him forth into another that was working for some high principle. 'Therefore, he came from the Whig through the Republican to the Prohibition party, for which latter great principle he was working when he died:

Dennis Clark was an optimistic. man, with great control of temper and sweetness of disposition, thoroughly honest in his dealings with other men, with himself and with his God. His personality gave his principles many a hearing in unfriendly quarters.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark had a family of eleven children, five of whom died in infancy. Their youngest son, Albert Slagle, principal musician with the rank' of sergeant in the regular army, died of cholera at Vigan, Luzon, Philippine Islands, August 2, 1902, aged thirty-five years. Of the remaining children. W. Floyd married Jennie Blizzard. They reside with their four children in Columbus, Ohio. Alice M. is the wife of J. R. Manning. They, also, live in Columbus, Ohio, with a family of six children. George W. served many years in the recorder's and auditor's office of Madison county; was engaged in the grocery business and at present is on the staff of the Madison County Democrat. Mary F. has been for many years a teacher in the public schools of Chicago, Illinois. Nellie M. is married to Dr. Virgil Newell and has two sons. They reside at Stafford, Kansas. Mrs. Clark died on February 17, 1915, aged eighty-two years.

Thomas Douglas

Thomas Douglas, who owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Darby township, and a residence in Plain City, Ohio, was born on June 16, 1864, in Canada. and is a son of John and Rosanna (Martin) Douglas, the former of whom was born in Seotland, and who came to Canada at the age of fourteen years.

John Douglas, the father of Thomas, worked by the month on farms until he was married to Rosanna Martin, who was a native of Ireland, and who, at the age of three, was brought to America by her parents. They settled in Canada, where she grew to womanhood, and where she was married. John Douglas and wife were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom are now living: Richard, a real estate dealer on the western coast; Susan, the wife of Angus McMullen, a farmer living in Canada; Donald, a carpenter in Canada; Thomas, the immediate subject of this review; Mary, the wife of David Philips, a resident of Canada; Robert and John, twins, both residents of Canada, where the former is a farmer and the latter is a stationary engineer; Lavina, a resident of Canada.

Reared on a farm in Canada and educated in the Canadian schools, Thomas Douglas lived in the Dominion until nineteen years of age, when he came to the United States and located in the state of Ohio. Later he married Ora Lombard, who was born in Darby township, and who is a daughter of Dyer and Samantha Lombard. Mrs. Douglas was educated in the common schools of her home county. Thomas Douglas and wife are the parents of three children: Ruth, a graduate of the Plain City high school, and a teacher in Darby township; Louise, a graduate of the Plain City high school; and Bruce, who is a student in the high school at Plain City.

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas are members of the Universalist church at Plain City, in which they take an active interest. Mr. Douglas is a Republican, although his farming interests prevent his taking a very active part in political matters. He is well known throughout his township as an extensive breeder of Duroc-Jersey hogs, and raises only purebred stock and has them registered.

William H. Haner

William H. Haner, vice-president of the Farmers National Bank, of Plain City, Ohio, was born on April 8, 1870, in the city where he now resides, and is a son of Doctor Albert and Elizabeth (Leonard) Haner. He was educated in the public schools of Plain City, and later entered Ohio State University at Columbus, after which, for a period of six years. he was engaged in the grain business two years with R. H. Andrew and four years by himself, and then changed this line for the hardware business, which he followed for nine years. Mr. Haner owns a beautiful farm in Madison county, also one in Union county, comprising two hundred acres, and known as "Cedar Brook Farm." He is vice-president of the Farmers National Bank of Plain City, of which he is also a director. Mr. Haner is a Republican, and at one time was a member of the council. He is a member of Urania Todge No. 311. Free and Accepted Masons, and the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

Albert Haner, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on October 16, 1832, in Chautauqua county. New York, and was a son of Henry H. and Sarah (Stroupe) Haner. He was the sixth child of the family, and was six years old when he came to Ohio. His early education was obtained at the schools of Wyandot, after which he began the study of medicine at the Eclectic College of Cincinnati, Ohio, attending the Jectures from 1856 to 1858. He received his diploma from that institution and immediately established himself in practice at Cincinnat. Oho, where he was eminently successful for a number of years, his first case being one of smallpox. Doctor Haner went to Urbana in 1861, but at the end of the second year there he came to Plain City, where he practiced until his death, which occurred on February 6, 1896. He was united in marriage, in 1852, with Elizabeth Leonard, daughter of Jacob Leonard. by whom he had two sons, Jacob L. and William H. Doctor Haner was a member of the Masonic lodge No. 311, Plain City; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Improved Order of Red Men, all of Plain City. His wife conducted a dry-goods business in Plain City at one time. Doctor Haner died on February 6, 1896, and his wife died in March, 1913.

The paternal grandfather, Henry H. Haner, was born in Rensselaer county, New York, about seven miles from Albany, where he followed farming. coming to Wyandot, Ohio, early in 1838, where he continued his vocation of a farmer. He later moved to Franklin county, Kansas, seven miles from Ottawa, and in 1863 he bought a farm there and lived on it until he died, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He was a son of Philip Haner, a native of Germany, who lived to be one hundred and ten years old. His wife was Sarah (Stroupe) Haner, daughter of John Stroupe, a native of Germany. Sarah (Stroupe) Haner was born in the Empire state and was sixty-nine years aa when she died. 'To this union were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters.

daughter of Jeremiah and Mollie (Sherwood) Douglass. She was born in Union county. This union has been blest with one daughter, Vivian N., who is a graduate of the Plain City high school, and later attended Ohio State University for two years. She is a member of the Methodist church.

Mr. Haner has been rewarded for his industry by a liberal portion of the comforts and blessings of life, and will doubtless have many years of usefulness and prosperity.

John M. Morse, although a young man in the medical profession, has established and now enjoys a splendid practice at Resaca, Ohio. He has built up a reputation as a skillful physician and surgeon, and his list of patients is not confined to his home town. They come from far beyond the township limits, in order to have the satisfaction of knowing they will receive a scientific diagnosis, followed by the best treatment to be obtained in that district.

John M. Morse was born on May 4, 1882, in Monroe township, Ohio, and is a son of John P. and Mary J. (Mitchell) Morse. He was reared in the township of his birth on a farm, attending at first the public schools and later entered the Milford high school. from which he graduated in the class of 1901. He then entered the Starling Medical College. at Columbus, from which he was graduated after a four-year course, witb the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The day of his graduation occurred on his twenty-third birthday, May 4, 1905, and the same year he located at Resaca, where he has since been in active practice. Doctor Morse was the youngest member of his class who passed the state board. Doctor Morse is a strong believer in the principles of the Republican party. His fraternal alliance is with Urania Lodge No. 311, Free and Accepted Masons. He took a competitive examination for physician in the Sioux Indian reservation schools, of Lower Broule Indian Reservation, and was one of the few to get an appointment as inspector on the reservations as to sanitary conditions. He is a member of the Madison County, Ohio State and American Medical Associations, and occupied the position of health oflicer for several years.

John P. Morse. father of the subject of this sketch, was born on December 28, 1839. in Union county. Ohio, and was a son of Ray G. and Sarah (Parthmore) Morse. He was reared in Monroe township. and was a man who was well liked on account of his cheerful disposition. He always looked on the bright side of everything. He went to the Civil War, June 22. 1863. in Company B. Highty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. and served until the close of the war. On November 29, 1871, John P. Morse was united in marriage with Mary J. Mitchell. daughter of David and Elizabeth Mitchell. This union was blest with six children, George N.. a high school graduate, was married to Mabel Guyer, and follows farming in Union county, Ohio; Renna, a graduate of the Milford Center high school, was a teacher for a number of years, but is now the wife of Fred Burns; John Millard, the subject of this sketch; Ruby A., who was graduated from the Milford Center high school, became the wife of Thomas Kreamer, a farmer in Union county. Ohio: William C., attended the public schools and then entered the high school at Milford Center, from where he went to Ada, Ohio, was married to Esther Kezerta. and lives in Union county. Ohio; Sarah E. died in infancy. John P. Morse died on January 20, 1913. He was a stanch Republican, and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Dr. John M. Morse was united in marriage on June 26, 1905, with Vaughan C. Ziegler, daughter of Dr. A. M. Ziegler, of Mingo, Ohio. She was born on April 7, 1885, and was reared and educated in the public schools of Champaign county, Ohio,

Mary Rettberg, of King's Creek, Ohio. He was educated at the public schools and taught school several years afterward. He was graduated in 1881 from Starling Medical College, at Columbus, und took up his practice at Urbana, Ohio. One year later he moved to Mingo, Ohio. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Junior Order of Americin Mechanics, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the American Medical Association. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Doctor and Mrs. Ziegler were the parents of four children. Vaughn C., Naomi H., Ruth and John A. Mrs. Morse's mother was first married to David Winter, an attorney of Wooster, Ohio, and one child was born to this union, Florence Estella.

Theodore Vogelsberg

Theodore Vogelsberg is a general contractor of Madison county and one of the well-known citizens of this section of Ohio. He was born at Rome, Franklin county, Ohio, November 12, 1869, and in the spring of 1870, was brought by his parents to this county, the family locating in London, the county seat.

Mr. Vogelsberg's father, Gus Vogelsberg, was a native of Bavaria, Germany, who had come to the United States about 1840 and who, at the age of ten years, settled near Columbus, where, for some time, he was engaged in farming. He was also engaged in street and cellar work in the city of Columbus. For a time he rented land and later purchased land on Darby plains and became a very successful farmer, owning one hundred and thirty-seven acres. Finally he retired and moved to Springfield. Ohio, where he now lives. He and his wife had a family of ten children, among whom are the following: Nora, who married Ed. Hodge and lives in Springfield; Hattie, who is the wife of A. S. Heath, of Pike township; Katie, who became the wife of Thomas Scott, of Springfield; Bessie, who married Peter Koontz, of Springfield; Jennie, who lives in Columbus; Ada, who is the wife of Roy Rickard, of Springfield; Theodore, - the subject of this sketch; Frank, who is the proprietor of the Bookwalter hotel at Springfield, 'and George, who died in Arkansas.

Theodore Vogelsberg lived on the farm until twenty-two years old, at which time he began building roads under contract. About that time he farmed six hundred acres of land and, after seven years, he sold out and moved to Springfield, where he engaged in railway contract work. He built forty miles of the Dayton, Springfield & Urbana electric railway. During the next three years he operated a farm and then moved to Greene county, Ohio, where he purchased one hundred and five acres. After two years, he sold out and bought two hundred and forty acres in Warren county. In the meantime, he returned to Madison county and settled down to road and bridge contracting. At the present time, Mr. Vogelsberg has about one hundred thousand dollars worth of work ahead. He has a complete equipment for road building, which is worth more than twenty thousand dollars, and employs from sixty-five to seventyfive teams and men. He keeps five or six foremen, who have active supervision of the outside work. Ordinarily, Mr. Vogelsberg does from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars worth of work every year. He has built many gravel roads in Madison county and also makes a specialty of building macadam roads, having constructed Greenlawn avenue in the city of Columbus. He also built the Franklin road out of Columbus. Ordinarily, he manages from four to six jobs at one time. While his specialty is road building, he is able, with the equipment he has, to do all kinds of bridge work or whatever is connected with the construction of roads.

Mr. Vogelsberg attends strictly to his own business and has no important outside interests. He is not interested especially in politics and, so far as he exercises his right as an American citizen, he votes independently, not being tied to any party. He is a member of the London lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Vogelsberg is a member of the Quaker church and Mr. Vogelsberg is a Lutheran. f

Marion F. Sanford

Marion F. Sanford, farmer, London, Ohio, was born on January 12, 1853, in Monroe township, Madison county, and is a son of William and Caroline (Brown) Sanford. He was reared on a farm and obtained his early education at the public schools, after which he attended the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio. When his normal course was completed he began to teach and followed that work for eight years, abandoning school work for agricultural pursuits, in which he was much interested. After his marriage he rented the home farm from 1895 to 1902. Mr. Sanford is a stanch Republican, and has served as township treasurer, as well as township clerk, for several terms, in addition to which he served as census enumerator in 1890 and 1900. He is greatly interested in the subject and science of agriculture, and is president of the Madison County Agricultural Society, in which he is serving his third term. Mr. Sanford is a member of the Methodist church, has served on the official board, and is now superintendent of the Sunday school at Plumwood, and is an active worker in the church, to which he contributes liberally.

William Sanford, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on March 2, 1819, at Hoboken, New Jersey, and was a son of Nathan P. and Anna Sanford. His wife was Caroline (Brown) Sanford. He came with his parents to Somerford township in 1833, and settled there, remaining until 1855. To William and Caroline Sanford were born ten ehildren, seven of whom are living in 1915: David B., born on May 18, 1850; Mary A., October 23, 1851, and is the widow of John W. Williams, and lives at Jeffersonville, Fayette county. Ohio; Charles, December 20, 1854; Marshall, December 20, 1856, is an attorney at Lima. Ohio; Louisa became the wife of John Sceva, president of the Farmers Bank at Mechanicsburg, Ohio 7 Marion F., January 12. 1863; Carrie M., July 29, 1865, is the wife of Percy Moore, a dry-goods merchant at Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Those decensed are: Fletcher, born on May 1, 1853, died on September 14, 1880; Edwin H., February 5, 1869, died on March 17, 1878; and Arthur, October 3, 1860, died in August, 1883.

Nathan P. Sanford, the paternal grandfather, settled in Somerford township, Madison county, but later moved to Allen county, where he spent the remainder of his life. His wife, Anna Sanford, died in 1855. They were the parents of seven children.

Marion F. Sanford was united in marriage, June 5, 1895, with Carrie Morris, daughter of Josiah and Orpha (Sidebottom) Morris. She was born in Monroe township and educated in the public schools, and later entered the Milford Center high school. After graduating she became a teacher in the public schools and was there several years. They have one. son, Morris B., who was born on November 21, 1898, and attended three years at the Plumwood high school. He is now a senior at London high school. ° c

Josiah Morris, the father of Mrs. Marion F. Sanford, was born on March 23, 1837, in Monroe township, and was a son of David and Sarah (Weaver) Morris. He was reared on a farm and received a good education, for those days, at the public schools. He went to the Civil War on May 26, 1862, in Company D, Eighty-fourth Regiment.

Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged at Camp Delaware, September 20, 1862, his term of enlistment having expired. On July 4, 1863, he was elected captain of Company E, Second Regiment of Infantry, Ohio Militia, for the term of five years. At the beginning of the Civil War, he was farming in Missouri, when he was drafted in the Confederate Army, but he deserted and came to Ohio and enlisted, as above stated. Mr. Morris was married on February 21, 1865, to Orpha Sidebottom, who was born on November 10, 1846, at Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio. She was a school teacher. To Mr. and Mrs. Morris were born two children, Rosa, who became the wife of C. D. Trimble, and is living at Columbus; and Carrie M., who was born on August 18, 1871. Josiah Morris is a member of the Masonic lodge at Plain City, Ohio. He moved to London in 1908. His splendid farm consists of three hundred and fortyfive acres and is located in Monroe township. Mrs. Morris is an earnest and attentive member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are both honored citizens of the section in which they reside.

David Morris, father of Josiah Morris, was married on June 14, 1831, to Sarah Weaver, daughter of George and Elizabeth Weaver. He came with his parents, Joseph and Levina (Drake) Morris, to Clark county, Ohio, in 1812. This union was blest with six children: John W., Benjamin F., Solomon and Josiah, twins, and both living in 1915, Saurilda, and one other. David Morris, after his marriage, located on a farm in Logan county. and lived there until he came to Madison county and settled in Monroe township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He served his township as justice of the peace, treasurer, and trustee. His death occurred in 1894.

Mr. Sanford is a strictly honorable man in every sense of the word. He is quiet, retiring in his disposition, and has many loyal friends. He moved to his present farm of one hundred and seventy acres in 1902. On this farm he has put valuable improvemeuts, consisting of a good house and barn, and now has a pleasant, comfortable home, which he and his wife enjoy to the fullest extent.

John C. Butler

John C. Butler, a skillful farmer of Darby townhsip, Madison county, Ohio, who lives on rural route No. 2, out of Plain City, Ohio, and who cultivates two hundred and sixty acres in this township, was born in Union county, Ohio, May 16, 1865, the son of John and Jane (Crego) Butler.