Pickaway County, Ohio - Chapter 31: Some Representative Men of the County, 1906 (part 2 of 17)

The Hill family is of Scotch extraction and was founded in America by our subject's greatgrandfather, who subsequently served in the \War of the Revolution. His son, Capt. Wilvam Hill, was born in Virginia and settled in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1815, locating in Muhlenberg township. During the war of pany of volunteers. He became a very prominent man in Pickaway County and served as a justice of the peace from 1828 to 1840, having charge of the whole half of the county west of the river, prior to its division imto townships. At his death, at the age of 83 years, he owned 700 acres of land, a large portion of which was under cultivation.

Thomas Hill, born February 21, 1807, in Hampshire County, Virginia, now West Virginia, and accompanied his parents to Muhlenberg township, where he later cultivated a farm given him by his father.

He died September 10, 1885, leaving an estate of 215 acres of land. For about a quarter of a century he was a trustee of Muhlenberg. township. In early days he was a Whig in his political affiliation, but became a Republican upon the organization of the party. Thomas Hill married Julia A. Sharp, who was born in New York, July 1, 1813, and died May 14. 1895. She came to Pickaway County with her parents, who were of German descent. Thomas Hill and wife had 10 children and all of these are living with the exception of Marcus, who died at the age of three years. The nine who survive are as follows: Mrs. Margaret Darst, of Muhlenberg township; Mrs. Elizabeth Whiteside, of Darby township ; Mrs. Mary Bolin, of Darbyville; Mrs. Ellen McKinley, of Franklin County; William C., of whom a sketch will be found in this volume; Mrs. Matilda Wilson, of White County, Indiana: Robert C., residing on the old homesketch of whom will be found in this with his parents until his marriage. lor some eight years following this event, he rented land and then purchased 136 acres of what was known as the Colonel Florence farm, located on the Florence Hill Chapel turnpike. There were no buildings on the property, so Mr. Hill and his family continued to reside on the home place but he farmed:the land until 1905, when he disposed of it. In 1894 Mr. Fill purchased what was called the John McKinley farm, consisting of 205 acres. Here he took up his residence and lived until 1902, when he moved to Darbyville. .\t this time he purchased village property, which included a dwelling and This property he has greatly improved. Since coming to the village, he has offered a fine line of carriages for sale. J*or so many years he has been actively employed that time would hang heavily on his hands without on the Harrisburg and Darbyville turnpike, on Darby Creek, 37 acres of the Colonel Florence farm, and 50 acres of the old homestead. In all, he owns 409 acres in Muhlenberg township and 100 acres in Darby township. He continues to oversee operations on a large portion of this farming land, his interest still continuing, although he has turned the direct management over to younger hands.

Mr. Hill was married (first) in 1879, and his children are as follows: Coleman H., a teacher, residing at home; Harvey, who operates the McKinley farm; Lena May, of Cleveland; and Joseph B., who is attending the Bliss Business College at Columbus. Mr. Hill was married (second) on February 28, 1906, to Lissa M. Hewitt, daughter of William and Mary Hewitt. She was born in Pickaway County and before her marriage was a successful teacher in the public schools of Pickaway and Madison counties.

Politically Mr. Hill has always been identified with the Republican party and has been a very prominent factor in township and county affairs, serving many times as a delegate to county, State and Congressional conventions. He has served three terms as trustee of the

Spee 1 TAM = MARTIN MILLER, iG é cashier of the Citizens' Bank of : | Ashville, and a prominent citizen : Ss; of the town, was born February 14, 1860, and is a son of Samuel

Samuel M. Miller and his wife were both natives of Fairfield County, Ohio. Mrs. Miller clied in September, 1905, at the age of 63 years. They had three children: William M., the subject of this sketch; Alice, who married C. C. Staiger, of Ashville; and Emma, who lives at home.

When William M. Miller was two years old, his parents moved to Pickaway County and located in Walnut township. Here he resided until 1887, attending the common schools of the township, next taking a business course at Lebanon in 1879, after which he taught school for nine years and also clerked for some time in a store. In 1887 he moved to Ashville and took a position as bookkeeper Later he was appointed assistant county auditor by County Auditor Samuel W. Miller, but subse-

He engaged in business with James Ward under the firm name of Ward & Miller; they purchased what was known as the Hughes elevator and conducted it until 1894, when they organized the Citizens' Bank at Ashville. Mr. Miller has been cashier of the bank since its organization.

Mr. Miller was married October 21, 1890, to Agnes Wright, a daughter of William and Caroline Wright, the latter of whom is de- Two children have been born to this union - Grace and Harry.

Mr. Miller is a Republican in_ politics. While a resident of Walnut township, he served three terms as township clerk; the fact that he was thrice successful in being elected in a township which normally goes Democratic by from 60 to 80 votes shows the estimation in which he was held in that township. Mr. Miller was elected mayor of Ashville in 1888 and subsequently re-elected three times. He

Education of Harrison township. At his second election, in 1903, he made the matter of a new building for the High School an issue, although the project had been defeated at a previous election. Mr. Miller takes great pride in the fact that he was instrumental in securing for Ashville a High School building which would be a credit to towns of much larger population. After the new code separating the town from the township went into effect, Mr. Miller was again elected and is at present a member of the Ashville Village District Board of Education. He served in 1896 as chairman of the Republican Central Committee and in 1897 as chairman of the Republican Executive Committee.

Iraternally, Mr. Miller is a member of Palmetto Lodge, No. 513, K. of P., at Ashville. He is also. a Knight Templar Mason, being a member of Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, and of the Chapter and Commandery at Circleville.

SAAC C. DUNKEL, an esteemed resig dent of Circleville township, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 12, 1853, and is a son of Amos and Catherine (Stout) Dunkel, a sketch of whom will be found in this work.

Mr. Dunkel: came to Circleville township with his parents when three years old and has made this his home ever since. cated in the common schools of the county and later attended the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, after which he taught school for some time. He was married on November 1. 1877, to Rosa A. Kellstadt, a daughter of Jacob and Rosa (Bowers) Kellstadt. Mr. and Mrs. Dunkel have had four children, namely: Walter R., born August 25, 1878; Wilson, born | October 17, 1880; Amos J., born October 30, | i children, viz.: Ellen G., who is the wife of W.

1882; and Frances Matilda, the only daughter and the youngest member of the Dunkel family, who died at the age of one year. Walter R. Dunkel, the oldest son, who is a teacher in the county schools, was reared and educated in his native county. He married Fannie Brown and has one child - Kenneth Ray. Wilson Dunkel teaches school in Wayne township. Amos J., the youngest son, after completing his school course in this county, attended the Dhio Normal University at Ada. He is now teaching school in Circleville township, and is a county school examiner, being in all probability the youngest school examiner in the State.

Mr. Dunkel is a Democrat and has served as township assessor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters and Modern Woodmen of America.

MOHN O. BECKETT, one of the leading citizens of Commercial Point as well as of Scioto township, who is proprietor of a mercantile business which was founded in 1844 by his grandfather, has been identified with this section all his life. He was born at Commercial Point, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 22, 1852, and is a son of James A. and Margaret (Coontz) Beckett.

early day in Scioto township. The paternal grandfather, Wiley H. Beckett, came from Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1830 and settled in Scioto township, where he resided until his death.

James A. Beckett was nine years of age when, in 1830, his parents made the trip from Virginia to Ohio in a covered wagon, and settled in Scioto township a short distance west of Commercial Point. Here he lived until his death in 1884, after a successful commercial career of many years. He married Margaret Coontz, who was born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, and who survived her husband but thrée years. They had five

H. Migley, and resides in Scioto township; Cornelia A., who is the wife of Thomas H. Durret and resides at Commercial Point; Clara R., who is the wife of John Peters and resides in Scioto township; Laura J., deceased in childhood; and John O., of this sketch.

In 1844 the business which our subject conducts at Commercial Point was established by his father and grandfather and it has beeir continuously carried on ever since, for a perioc approaching 62 years. It was the pioneer general store, there being but two or three houses standing in the village when it was established. In 1851, the population having increased considerably, the town was incorporated by the Legislature under the name of Genoa. The plat had been laid out as early as 1842. All government business, as well as almost every 1mportant business transaction of the place, was carried on at Beckett's store, and the postofhce was Beckett's store, which was the general name applied to the settlement. In 1871 it became Commercial Point, but the old business house still continues under the same name anil the same family.

John O. Beckett was educated in the schools at Commercial Point and supplemented his literary with a business training, graduating from a commercial college in 1871. Fle then entered the Beckett store with his father and uncle and three years later became his father's partner; at the death of his father, he bacame sole proprietor. Throngh all this period, covering more than half a century, the methods of this business house have never changed from the honorable ones on which it was founded. In politics Mr. Beckett is a Democrat. He served as postmaster under both of President Cleveland's adiinistrations. He owns two fine farms in Scioto township, one containing 125 acres and the other, 50 acres, both well cultivated and improved.

Mr. Beckett was married on February 16, 1882, to Ermina Gray, a daughter of Alexander and Wilhelmina (Miller) Gray, and they have these children: Otis M., who is in the store with his father, preparing to take his place as merchant in the fourth generation of the family; Clara M., Hazel L. and James Randall Courtright.

3OURTNEY TANNER, Sr., formerly county commissioner of Pickaway County, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, resides cn his finely cultivated farm of 260 acres in Darby township. He was bern August 27,

The grandfather of our subject established the Tanner family in Pickaway County, coming here at a very early day and taking up large tracts of virgin land, in whose cultivation he Was interested for the remainder of his life. He was twice married. His first wife. Mary Ann Alkire, was born October 5, 1781. and was the oldest daughter and child born to \Villiains and Elizabeth (Moore) Alkire.

The Alkire family has been domiciled in America for the past 200 years. The family history is traced back to the year 1626 when. according to evidence copied from records at The Hague, there lived a family in Holland near Arnheim on the Rhine River, bearing a coat of arms given by William I], Prince of Orange; the baronetcy name of this family was Algire. The arms which were on a silver shield may be thus described: Crest, a falcon, red beak and feet; bunch of grapes and wineplass; pike and cross sword; with the motto - "Cum Salus.' As only noblemen and men ot rank used gold and silver shields the com- apparent that the Algires were a family of considerable importance. In religious belief they were Lutherans. Their forefathers were from Scotland, where the family name was spelled Alkirk. In the 17th century one Almonas Algire came to America with Lord Baltimore and others, settling on Albemarle Sound, near the Virginia shore. He took part with the Governor in, the latter's various campaigns with the Indians. In 1720, near Moorefield, Virginia (now West Virginia), a descendant of the original emigrant, also named Almonas, married Mary Crayman and to this union were born four children, namely: \Villiam, born in 1724; Deborah, born in 1728; Almonas, Jr., born in 1730; and Sarah, born in 1732.

William Alkire, the eldest son of Almonas Algire, was probably reared in Virginia where he was married to his first wife, Elizabeth Moore. To this union were born 12 children: Mary Ann, born October 5, 1781, who became the first wife of Courtney Tanner, the grandfather oi our subject; Robert, born October 3. 1783. who married Elizabeth Douglass; John, born December 17, 1785. who died in infancy; Margaret, born in 1786, who married James Denison; Jacob, born April 1, 1787, who married Mary Phebus; Isaac, born October 12, 1788. who married Mary Graham; Abraham, born August 6, 1790, who married Jennie Martin Creath; Lydia, born January 3, 1792, who married John Graham; Harmon, born February 10, 1794, who never married; John (2), born October 15, 1795, who married Susan Mantle; Delilah, born in 1796, who married John Metz; and William, born in 1797, who married Hannah Osborn. By his second wife, Temperance Clay, of Kentucky, a sister ot Henry Clay, William Alkire had two sons: Henry Green Clay and Joseph.

Two children were born to the union of Courtney Tanner and Mary Ann Alkire, namely: Harvey, born November 25. 1805, deceased December 18, 1865. who married Hester Ann Neff, who was born March 11, 1811. and died October 31, 1864; and Elizabeth, whe married William D. Wood and died at the age of 69 years and 24 days.

Courtney 'Tanner, the grandfather of our subject, married for his second wife Hannah Emery, of Virginia. To this union were born five children, namely: Rebecca, born January 6, 1806, deceased August 4, 1879. who married William Heath; John, the father of our subject; Harriet. who married Robert Manly; Isliza, who married Wesley MeCollister; and Edmund, born November 12, 1816, and deceased] September 7, 1870, who married Nancy Gilliland, who was born October 20, 1821, and died September 18, 1904. oe

John Tanner, son of Courtney and Hannah (Emery) Tanner, and father of our subject, was born in Darby township, Pickaway County, Ohio, October 8, 1809, and died at Palestine, March 4, 1868. He was married in Madison County. Ohio, to Mary Margaret Alkire, daughter of .\braham and Jennie Martin (Creath) Alkire, named in the preceding paragraph. Abraham Alkire, who was a son of William and Elizabeth (Moore) Alkire, was probably a native of Virginia, although reared in Kentucky. As stated above, his birth took place August 6, 1790, while his death occurred May 19, 1859. In Ohio, on April 16, 1812, he was married to Jennie Martin Creath, who died January 27, 1862. The following were their children: Mary Margaret, born February 5, 1813, the mother of our subject; Elizabeth, born November 5, 1814, deceased May 17, 1815; William G., born July 24, 1817, who married Mary Ann Riddle and died July 5, 1846; Martha Jane, born February 7, 1827, who married Adam Kious and died September 10, 1846; and Abraham Reid, born February 27, 1830, who married Mary Jane Tanner, and died in Madison County on February 12, 1902. The mother of our subject died Irebruary 11, 1892, in Madison County at the home of her youngest daughter, Mrs. Mary M. Taylor. Seven children were born to John and Mary Margaret (Alkire) Tanner, of whom John and Katharine died in infancy. The five that grew to maturity were as follows: Melissa Ann, who married James Taylor and died December 7, 1871, at the age of 38 years, 1 month and 7 days; Courtney, the subject of this sketch; Hannah Jane, born May 4, 1837, who 'married James Taylor and died September 3, 1863; Abraham, born near Mount Sterling, Ohio, December 4, 1838, and deceased November 15, 1898, at London, Ohio, who was treasurer of Madison County for two terms- - he married manda Taylor, who was born November 15, 1853, and they had four children, Jessie (born September 18, 1874), Warner (born January '17, 1876), Bruce (born June 18, 1881), and Marie (born May 1, 1887); and Mary Margaret, born July 28, 1850. Mary Margaret Tanner married William Taylor, who was born October 22, 1836, and died October 4, 1893. To this union was born one child, Ella, who married John Zaha and has one son - Maxwell Taylor Zahn. Courtney Tanner has always followed agricultural pursuits and is one of the extensive farmers of the western section of the county. He has also been interested at various times in a number of successful business ventures. In the spring of 1859 in partnership with his uncle, Abraham Reid Alkire, he engaged in a general mercantile business at Palestine, Ohio. In 1862 they sold their stock of goods to N. T. Tenny, of Mount Sterling, Ohio. In 1865 he formed a partnership with his brother, Abraham Tanner, and they continued im the mercantile business for a number of years. Some time in the 7o's, after the close of the War of the Rebellion, he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, William Taylor, and for a number of years they were engaged in buying and delivering hogs to the porkpacking establishment of Samuel H. Ruggles, at Circleville. He was also in partnership for some time with his brother, Abraham Tanner, and his brother-in-law, William Taylor, their business being that of buying and shipping cattle and hogs to Eastern markets. He was one of the charter members of the turnpike company, whose toll road ran from Mount Sterling to Harrisburg, Ohio - a distance of eight miles. He was eleeted treasurer of the company by the directors and continued to hold this position until the road was sold in 1883 to the county commissioners of Pickaway County. He was treasurer of C. Tanner & Company from 1888, when the company's elevator at Palestine, Ohio, was built, until the elevator was sold to Joseph Smith, of Circleville, in 1897. On account of his various business duties outside of farming and also by reason of many official duties pertaining to the important offices to which he has been called by his fellow-citizens, he has not devoted all his time to his farm but has continued to exercise a strict supervision. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party. [For a number of years he served as school director in his district; for 20 years was treasurer of Darby township; served two terms, in 1880 and in 1890, as land appraiser and in 1894 he was elected county commissioner, serving out his term with the same devotion to the best interests of his section, which has characterized all his official life. He is one of the directors of the First National Bank at Mount Sterling.

died June 18, 1879. To this union three children were born, of whom Lula and -\innie died in infancy. At Mrs. Tanner's death she left one son, John R., born October 2, 1874, who is serving as probate judge of Madison County, Ohio. He is but 32 years of age and enjoys the distinction of being the youngest pro bate judge in the State. He was married I*ebruary 21, 1895, to Alice Ingrim, of Mount Sterling, Ohio, and to them were born four children,as follows: A son that died in infancy ; Esther M., born November 12, 1887; John Robert, born April 13, 1902; and Charles Courtney, born February 13, 1906. Courtney Tanner, our subject, was married (second) to Mrs. Amanda (Davis) McDowell, widow of William A. McDowell. She was born February 19, 1852, and is a daughter of John Davis, one of the old residents of Pickaway County. The children born to the second union were: Alwilda, born November 2, 1883; Ella E., born March 30, 1885; and Clarence B., born October 21, 1889. The two daughters are both graduates of the Mount Sterling High School. Alwilda is a talented musician and at present is teaching 'music. Clarence B. is at present a student in the Derby High. School. Mrs. Courtney Tanner owns two fine farms in Pickaway County - one of 103 acres, in Darby township and another, of 153 acres, in Monroe township.

GRANT SWEARINGEN, a representative citizen of Jackson township, a leading agriculturist and a member of a very prominent family of this section, was born February 24, 1863, on the Bedinger tract, his present farm of 180 acres, situated on the Florence Chapel turnpike, and now known as "Tanglewood Farm," being a part of the Bedinger survey. He is a son of Henry Bedinger and Elizabeth (Nesbitt) Swearingen. A comprehensive history of the Swearingen family will be found in the sketch of James Strode Swearingen, appearing elsewhere in this work.

the old homestead farm which comprises a portion of the tract that was granted his greatgrandfather, Captain Bedinger, for distinguished military services in the Revolutionary War. The whole tract, comprising several fine farms, has always remained in the possession of the family, none of it having been either bought or sold. Here Mr. Swearingen has always lived, being absent only for four years, during which time his father rented a property at Gambier, in order to afford his sons educational opportunities at Kenyon College, which all the sons attended, and where our subject's next youngest brother, Henry B., was graduated. Of all his studies in college, the one which our subject most enjoyed was botany. His love of Nature, of trees and flowers and all growing things, he may have inherited from his mother, who was a successful grower and a passionate lover of flowers of every kind. This taste she communicated to every member of her family. This beloved mother was known far and wide, also, for her many benevolences and when her beautiful life closed, in 1881, it was not only her bereaved family mourned her departure. The father of our subject died October 15, 18809. The family consisted of eight children, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. When Mr. Swearingen settled on his 180 acres of the homestead farm, the forest was still so dense that, as he expresses it, the buildings could easily be lost to sight. He has cleared about half of his farm. He put in the first tile on the whole tract of 1,400 acres. In 1893 he built his substantial barn, which has dimensions of 64 by 34 feet. In 1903, after plans made by his wife, he erected his present handsome home, which has been constructed with an eye to beauty as well as comfort. It is situated in the midst of a fine grove of black oak, hickory, white oak, sugar maple and mountain ash, and in the autumn the brilliant coloring of the leaves makes a gorgeous picture worthy the brush of an artist. Mr. Swearingen enjoys his trees with the love of an arboriculturist and an appreciator of what is beautiful and inspiring in Nature. He understands them, knows their habits of growth and

"Tanglewood Farm," as Mr. Swearingen's farm is named, is situated five and a half miles northwest of Circleville, on the Florence Chapel turnpike, and about half a mile from lox, which is the first postoffice established in Pickaway County, and was on the Bedinger survey. Mr. Swearingen conducts his farm as a stock farm, raising high-grade cattle, horses, sheep and hogs, his choice being Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle, Poland-China hogs and Shropshire sheep. An important appendage of the farm is a noble shepherd «dog, "Bab," whose stock was imported from Scotland at great expense. Mr. Swearingen has many very interesting relics with which to entertain his guests, - and he has the family reputation for hospitality, - these consisting of curious bits of polished stone, evidently of a great age and of doubtful utility to modern eves, and also many Indian relics which are better known.

Hedges, natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Swearingen's father died at Louisville, Kentucky, but her mother, now Mrs. G. L. Nesbitt, still survives, being a resident'of Jackson township, Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen were married at Xenia, Ohio, whither Mrs. Swearingen's parents removed when she was 12 years old. Mrs. Swearingen.is a direct descendent of Sir Thomas Dent, who in 1662 emigrated to. Maryland from Giesboro, Yorkshire, England, being the first proprietor of ""Giesboro Manor," an estate that he named for his family seat ia England. This estate, which was granted him by the British crown, is situated at the mouth of the Anacostia River, known as the Eastern Branch of the Potomac. Mrs. Swearingen's great-great-grandfather, Sir John Dent, was a member of the first provincial convention of Maryland, which on the 26th of July, 1775, issued its famous manifesto to which his name was attached. He became a brigadier general in the Revolutionary Army and in 1776 was in command of all the Maryland troops. After the battle of Long Island, when it became necessary for the American Army to retreat, a small brigade of the Maryland line under General Dent was selected by Washington to cover the retreat and hold the enemy in check. Washington, who from an elevated position, witnessed. the brave conduct of this devoted little band, exclaimed, wringing his hands in agony: "Great God! What brave men I shail lose to-day!' John Dent was elected the firs: Governor of Maryland. Mrs. Swearingen's father was a son of Maj. Alexander Dent, who was an officer in the War of 1812.

Mr. and Mrs. Swearingen have one daughter who was born at "Tanglewood Farm" and bears the name of Virginia Dent Van Swearingen, the family name having formerly had the prefix "Van."

The parents of our subject were charter members of Florence Grange, which for a time was dormant until the subject of this sketch reorganized and put new life into the society. Politically, Mr. Swearingen is a Republican. He is a member of St. Philip's Protestant Episcopal Church at Circleville, of which he has been a member of the vestry for 10 years, for a long period being junior warden. Like all members of his family, he has been identifiel with many of the important movements of the agricultural, educational and social circles of his section of Pickaway County, where his family name has been so long held in the highest esteem.

LVA WILLIAM BENNETT, one of Monroe township's _ enterprising business men and representative and respected citizens, residing on a wellimproved farm of 81 acres, situated

Samuel J. Bennett, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, was a son of John Bennett, who owned a farm near New Holland. Samuel J. Bennett became the owner of the present Bennett homestead. He married Rebecca Hopkins, a daughter of John Hopkins, of Ross County. She had two brothers - John and William - and two sisters - Mahala and Ann. Samuel J. Bennett had three brothers - William, Kendall and John. Samuel J. Bennett and wife had the following children: Sarah A., who married Philip Taylor and lives in Fayette County; Mary, who married Jonathan Taylor and lives in Monroe township; Nancy, who married William Corkwell and lives at Portland, Indiana; Jane, who married Jacob Barnhart - both now deceased; Frances, who married Thomas Barnhart and lives at Portland, Indiana; Mahala, who married Joseph Chittem and lives at Portland, Indiana ; Rhoda, who married Jeremiah Ensley and lives at Mount Sterling, Ohio; Nora, who married Alvin Tobin and lives in Madison County; Samuel W., deceased, who married Mary Robinson; and William Kendall.

William Kendall Bennett, father of our subject, was born May 27, 1845, on his present farm, his father owning 268 acres in one tract and go acres in another, just across the road. At that time the country was still covered by timber. William K. Bennett married Catherine Bailey, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and is a daughter of James Bailey. Her three brothers were: Martin, who married Elizabeth Smith ; Adam, who married Margaret Fletcher ; and Reuben, who married Julia Davis. Her sisters were: Sadie, who married James Dick and lives at New Holland; Mary Ann, who married Joseph Larkins and lives at Portsmouth, Ohio; Levina, who married Rugg Higgins and lives at Columbus ; Hannah, who married John Corkell and lives in Kansas; and Anna, who married Thomas Taylor and met death by being killed by a railroad 'train - Mr. Taylor is a resident of Cleveland.

William K. Bennett and wife had three children, viz.: Lora, who died in infancy ; Cora, who married-Charles Stewart, has two children - Iva and Homer - and resides at Water-

Our subject was educated in the schools of Monroe township and has always resided on the homestead farm. It belongs to his father, but he has had the entire management of it for a number of years and has made the improvements, which include the building of a very comfortable frame residence. For the last 18 years he has owned a sawmill, where he employs from two to four men and does a good business. He also owns a threshing machine and takes contracts all over the county, hiring a number of men and keeping busy all through the season. Mr. Bennett is president of the Tri-County Percheron Horse Company, which owns the famous stallion, '"Galiffet," No. 54,981.

On September 17, 1891, Mr. Bennett was married to Suda Sollars, who was born September 4, 1872, and is a daughter of Jackson and Sarah (Farren) Sollars, of Madison County, Ohio, the former of whom died in 1889. Mrs. Bennett has two sisters, viz.: Minerva, who married Thomas J. Dick and lives in Montoe township, and Nancy A., who married John Evans and lives in Fayette County. Her brothers are: Thomas, residing in Monroe township, who married Laura Gillenwater ; James, a resident of Madison County, who married Josephine Johnson; and Frank, who married Emma Chittem and lives in Fayette County.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have three children, viz.: Grace L., born February 20, 1893; William Howard, born August 23, 1896, deceased November 8, 1899; and Gladys, born September 6, 1904.

Mr. Bennett is a very prominent man in Monroe township and has served for three years as township trustee and has held other offices. For seven years he served as a member of the Board of Education and during this period the schools were put in fine condition. He belongs to the Threshers' National Protective Association, No. 273, of which he is secretary; he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 566, and belongs to both the lower and higher branches of Odd Fellow-

Although he has never united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Bennett has been one of the founders and liberal supporters of this branch of Christian work in his community. This religious body has a comfortable church edifice and a rapidly increasing membership at Yankeetown and this good result was brought about through the efforts of seven individuals. This little band of earnest men and women consisted of Alva W. Bennett and wife, Z. D. Fisher, J. W. Morton and wife, Ettie Leary and E. F. Taylor. They organized the Yankeetown Sunday-school and the first meetings were held in School District No. 3. Mr. Bennett was unanimously chosen assistant superintendent and this position he has most efficiently filled ever since. The school has brought about excellent results and is a credit to the neighborhood.

RISCAR McCLELLAN DICK, a prom- Z| inent agriculturist and leading citizen of Darby township, owns a fine farm of 160 acres which he operates with very satisfactory results. Mr. Dick was born August 22, 1864, in an old log house which still stands on his farm (now utilized as a corn crib) and is a son of Peter J. and Margaret (Bolen) Dick.

Both parents of Mr. Dick were born in Pickaway County. They settled in Darby township when the whole country in this locality was still covered by virgin forests. Their family consisted of five daughters and one son, namely: Oscar M., of this sketch; Mrs. Olivia Leist, a widow; Mrs. Mary Beale; Mrs. Amanda Lutz; Mrs. Jennie Stone; and 'Blanche, deceased, who was the wife of Edward Selman.

The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm and has always made agriculture his main business in life. He owns a valuable farm, raises abundant crops and gives attention also to stock-raising. He is one of the substantial, representative men of his locality. Always a strong supporter of the Democratic party, he has been something of a leader in its affairs and in 1905 was elected chairman of the Democratic Committee. He is a member of the township School Board.

Mr. Dick married Maggie Stone, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1868, and is a daughter of John and Rachel (Carter) Stone. The former died at Mount Sterling, Ohio, but the latter still survives. Mrs. Dick is one of a family of six children, the others being: Mary (Moore) ; Ida (Truett) ; James, who married a Miss Rankin, of London, Ohio; Clarence, who married a Miss Sherman ; and Leslie, who married a Miss Dick.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick have had five children, viz.: Stanley, who died in infancy; Harry, who is a student in the Darby High School: and John, Blanche and Clarence, all at home.

Mr. Dick is a member of the Knights of Pythias and takes a great deal of interest in the work of the order. With his family he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he gives liberal support.

ENRY NOECKER, one of the prominent citizens of Madison township, residing on his valuable farm of 240 acres, situated in section 33, was born in this township on November 20,

John Noecker was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio, at an early day, being employed as a tinner at Columbus, as early as 1832. He continued to work at this trade until his marriage, when he settled in Madison township, Pickaway County, and spent the remainder of his life engaged in farming. He married Catherine Kroninger, who was a daughter of Peter Kroninger, a pioneer of Madison township, who established his home here when the country was all wild and bears and other animals roamed through the great forests that were then standing. Of the children of John Noecker and wife, these survive: Henry, of this sketch: Peter, of Monticello, [linois; Phebe. wife of Jacob Longenbaugh, of Cisco, Mlinois ; Dinah. wife of John J. Fisher, of Madison township: William, of Madison township: Mary. wife of John N. Peters, of Madison township; and Catherine, wife of Peter IX. Floffhines, of Ashville. John Noecker was a consistent member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in Madison township. He was a man who stood very high in the eyes of his community. being known as a good, honest and honorable citizen. His family. has always been one of the most highly respected i in Madison township.

Henry Noecker has been a life-long resident of Madison township and has devoted the whole of his mature life to agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the public schools and to their maintenance and extension of usefulness he has always given time and effort. His large farm shows in its appearance and productiveness that it is well managed and Mr. Noecker is counted with the progressive agriculturists of Pickaway County, where good farmers are the rule. He is also one of the leading men in public affairs, and an influential member of the Democratic party. For several years he has served as township treasurer,

On December 25, 1862, Mr. Noecker was united in marriage with Sarah M. Roof, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, not far from Circleville, on December 22, 1839, and is a daughter of Rev. Joseph A. and Christina (Creglow) Roof.

Rev. Joseph A. Roof was born in Switzerland and his wife in Maryland. He was a wellknown pioneer preacher of the Lutheran faith in Pickaway County, and for 21 years served the Lutheran Church at Circleville. and also was pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Madison township, which was founded through his zeal. Later he went to Iowa and preached there for several years, but subsequently returned to the pastorate of St. Paul's in Madison township. He was twice married and the surviving children of his first wife are: Annie M., widow of Adam Snyder, of Fairfield County, Ohio; William H., of Iowa; Martin L., of Ashville; Deborah, wife of Nathan Noecker, of Madison township; and Sarah M., wife of our subject The children of a later marriage, who still survive, are: Fannie, wife of Rev. Yeisley, of Pennsylvania; Joseph A., a

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Noecker were: George B., of Monticello, I]linois; Joseph R., a well-known druggist at Circleville; John H., of Madison township; and Christina, deceased, who was the eldest of the family.

Mr. Noecker and his estimable wife are both members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, in which both are active workers. He has been church treasurer for many years and has also served as chorister and sexton. Mrs. Noecker is a member of the. Ladies' Aid Society and is prominent in all the church's beneyolent enterprises. They are among the most

RIURR H. RADER, a prominent citizen | and member of the board of trustees of Pickaway township, resides on his fine farm of 320 acres, which is situated in section 12. Mr. Rader was at an early day and both of the parents of Burr H. Rader were born there. Adam Rader, the paternal grandfather, came to Ohio from Virginia. The family remained in Pike County until 1875, when James Rader removed with his family to Pickaway County and settled in Pickaway township, where he resided, carrying on farming activities, until the end of his life, his death taking place April 17, 1902. His wife passed away in June, 1891. Of their large family of children, these survive: Annie, wite of Levin Odaffer, living in the neighborhood of Ashville; George B. McClellan, of Oklahoma; Nettie, of Pickaway township; Dennis C., of Pickaway township, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Burr H., of this sketch; Dorothy. wife of Ralph Head, of Pickaway township; Florence, of Pike County ; W. Scott, of Cleveland, Ohio; Cora, wife of Chester Hood, of Pickaway township; Smiley, of Pickaway County; and J. G. Cleveland, of Pickaway County. James Rader was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.

Burr H. Rader was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools of District No. 5, Pickaway township. His whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits and he is considered one of the representative farmers of his township.

In November, 1893, Mr. Rader was united in marriage with Carrie Head, who is a daughter of the late George Head. of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Rader have five children: Madge L., Gladys M., Mary C., Glenn and Ruth.

Mr. Rader has always been affiliated with the Democratic party. He is serving his first term as trustee of Pickaway township and in the performance of his duties demonstrates his good citizenship.

LARENCE CURTAIN, a_ leading member of the bar of Pickaway County, and one of the prominent citizens of Circleville, was born near London, Madison County, Ohio, in the year 1853.

schools. Later he attended school in London and from there went to the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the law department in 1874. Almost immediately he settled at Circleville and entered upon the practice of his profession, having been admitted to practice in this State by the District Court in Circleville. Mr. Curtain entered the office of A. T. Walling, who was at that time the nominee for Congress, to which he was subsequently elected, but the firm of Walling & Curtain continued until 1879. Since its dissolution, Mr. Curtain has practiced alone.

torney of Pickaway County and served in that capacity for six years, this being the only public office he has ever accepted. He has devoted his entire attention to the law and is well known all over the county for his legal knowledge and ability. He belongs to the Pickaway County Bar Association and is president of the Pickaway County Law Library Association. He is a director of the First National Bank and was the attorney for the same for a number of vears,

In 1882 Mr. Curtain was married to Mary Carper, and they have one son, Ralph, who was graduated from the Circleville High School in 1g06. Mr. Curtain belongs to the Odd Fellows' lodge at Circleville.

ge\WIS C. HOOVER, a prominent citi- Si} =4zen and extensive farmer and _ stockraiser of Pickaway County, whose beautiful home, known as "Woodside Farm," is located in Harrison township, served the county through two terms as sheriff, his second term expiring in 1905. Mr. Hoover was born July 10, 1848, in Walnut township, "Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Jackson and Elizabeth (Scothorn) Hoover.

"The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hoover came to Pickaway County from Virginia in 1805, and settled in what is now known as Walnut township. The old brick home is owned by a brother of our subject. The maternal grandparents came here from Pennsylvania, settling as pioneers in this section. Their names were Joseph and Hannah Scothorn and they were as widely known as were the Hoovers, for those sterling qualities which have been transmitted in large measure to their descendants.

Jackson Hoover, father of Lewis C., was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1820, and in- 1849 moved across Walnut Creek and settled in Harrison township. He became one of the leading men in his community. In 1860 he was elected land assessor for Harrison township and in 1869 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, county commissioner of Pickaway County and served in this office satisfactorily through two terms. For 25 years he was township trustee and then refused te serve longer. His death took place at the home of our subject, at Circleville, in August, 1905, in his 85th year. He was wonderfully preserved in mind and body until he suffered from an accident which was the real cause of his death. He married Elizabeth Scothorn, who was born in Walnut township and died in 1897 at the age of 77 years. They had seven children, namely : Sophronia, who died at the age of 15 years; Ivy, who died aged three months and was the first person buried in' the Hoover and Scothorn Cemetery; Lewis C., of this sketch; Monroe, a resident of Columbus; Sarah, who died aged 17 years; Nancy, wife of A. B. Whitehead, residing near Ashville; and Francis W., who resides with our subject.

Lewis C. Hoover was reared on the home farm and received his education in the local schools. Until he entered into active political life, his time was engaged in farming, sawnulling and.running a threshing machine. In 1880 he was elected land assessor and his services were so satisfactory that in 1890 he was reelected to this office. For a number of years he served as township clerk. He has always been: closely identified with the Democratic party and in 1900 he was elected on that ticket sheriff of Pickaway County. No better sign of appreciation could have heen shown by his party and his fellow citizens, than his second nomination and his subsequent reelection. He served as sheriff until 1905.

Mr. Hoover was united in marriage with Hannah Brintlinger, a daughter of Thomas and Harriet Brintlinger, of Harrison township. They have.two. daughters - Harriet Elizabeth and Alma I. The family occupy a beautiful home and take part in the social life of the neighborhood.

Mr. Hoover belongs to Palmetto Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Ashville, Ohio. He is one of the representative men of Pickaway County. A group picture of the Hoover family accompanies this sketch. Elsewhere in this work is shown a view of Mr. Hoover's home.

is a son of Simon and Mary (Colwell) Phebus. Simon Phebus was born in Deer Creek township, just south of our subject's present farm, where he lived until maturity, and then removed to the farm on which Rezin W. was born. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life and died on his farm in September, 1881. His burial took place on the same day that President Garfield was buried. He married (first) Mary Colwell, who was a daughter of James and Mary (Hanson) Colwell. James Colwell was a large property owner anil an extensive trader. At one time he was one of the largest capitalists of this section, but he unfortunately went security and was obliged to pay the sum of $20,000. Even with this loss, he owned 1,500 acres of land in the vicinity of Clarksburg, when he died. Two children and his older brother, Amaziah, who lives at Williamsport. The second marriage of Simon Phebus was to Louisa Walston, and two children of this marriage reached maturity - Mrs. Amanda Cox, and Merwin, who lives at Savannah, Georgia.

Rezin W. Phebus was reared and educated in Deer Creek township and, although he has resided in various parts, with the exception of one year he has always lived in his native township. This has resulted in a very close acquaintance with his neighbors and the formation of many pleasant ties of friendship and good feeling.

locating on what is now the W. H. Plummer place, but shortly afterward he moved to the present F. D. Alkire place. where he lived for seven vears. His father then bought a part of the old J. Walston farm, southeast of Williamsport and he remained on that until his marriage and then moved to the farm now owned by Joseph Schleich. From there he moved to the old Thomas Walston place for one year, then to the -\mos Rector place, next to the Obed Walston farm, where he remained for seven years. His next removal was to the Isaac Hornbeck farm and from there he removed, in 1893, to his present farm, which he rented for one year and bought in the fall following. This is a part of the old Walston farm and contains very good land, which under Mr. Phebus' management yields abundantly.

| is a daughter of Amos D. and Martha ( Wiggins) Rector. Her father was a native of this county all his life, and died on his farm August 29. 1880. His widow subsequently married Edward Ulm, of Madison County, Ohio, who is now deceased. The children of Amos D. Rector and wife were: Mrs. Flora Blacker, of Columbus: Ora (Mrs. Phebus) ; Trimble, of Madison County ; Mrs. Etta Eckert, of Indiana; Matilda, of Missouri; and Vista, who died aged 22 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Phebus have had two children, Nellie and Thomas. Nellie married Harry White, of Williamsport, who now resides in Columbus: they have one child - Maxine. Thomas, who was born June 4, 1890, died of diphtheria, on August 2, 1896, aged six years.

Politically Mr. Phebus is a Republican. For the past three years he has been a member of the School Board. Fraternally he belongs to Heber Lodge, No. 501, F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Methodist [piscopal Church.

SB APAYEFTE HEFFNER, deceased, was a well-known and most highly respected citizen of Salt Creek township, where he was born May 2, 1&5, and died October 27, 1897. Tis parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (Toller) Heffner. Extended mention of this prominent old family of this county will be found in another part of this work.

schools through his boyhood and into youth, until farm work claimed all his time. He grew up a thorough farmer, well acquainted with all the details which make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful agriculturist. He was industrious and possessed excellent business judgment. His estate consisted of a farm of 135 acres, all of which he placed under an excellent state of cultivation. He also owned excellent stock and had his farm equipped with good buildings and the best of farm machinery.

On February 11, 1886, Mr. Heffner was married to Laura Karshner, who was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Wiggins) Karshner, who still reside in Hocking County. Mr. and Mrs. Heffner had two sons born to them, Clarence and Earl. They, with their estimable mother, have suffered a great loss in the death of the husband and father. In the former relation he was kind and careful, affectionate and thoughtful, and in the latter he was all that a devoted parent could be.

In his neighborhood and township, Mr. Heffner was most highly thought of. He was chosen school director of District No. 5, because his fellow-citizens knew that he would give close attention to the duties of the office and he was seldom absent from the appointed meetings and did much to make his district school a credit to the locality. Mr. Heffner was a worthy member of the Evangelical Association, as is his widow, and both heartily seconded the benevolent work suggested and followed out by their pastor. The family is very well known and regret was universal that Salt Creek township should lose so excellent a citizen as was the late Lafayette Heffner.

[LLMORE BEAVERS, a substantial farmer of Scioto township, operating one of the farms belonging to the well-known William Rush' estate, and, although a young man, a leading Democratic politician of the county, was born near where he resides on the 28th of December, 1871. He is a son of Walter Balfour and Elizabeth (Rush) Beavers, and received his education in the township schools and at the Ohio Normal University at Ada.

When he was twenty years of age Mr. Beavers left school and commenced farming - the avocation he has followed continuously and sticcessfully since. He remained on the homestead for a short time, but when 21 years of age branched out in an independent career. The farm which he now operates consists ot 479 acres, and, as stated, forms part of the William Rush estate. In the conduct of the work he employs two teams and conducts mixed farming, such as the raising of corn, wheat, hay and oats, and the feeding of hogs. From 70 to 8o acres are in corn and from 50 to 60 in wheat.

In 1891 our subject was united in marriage with Viola Peters, daughter of James and Sarah Peters, formerly of Scioto township, this county, now of Madison county, this State. Nine children have been born to this union, viz.: Ethel, Carrie, Byron, Myrtle, Hettie (who died in early infancy), Elizabeth, Gladys, Essie and Irma. Mrs. Beaver's parents were both born in Scioto township, Pickaway County, Ohio, where they still reside, the father at the age of about 56 and the mother at 50 years of age.

In. the family of our subject's parents, there are, in addition to himself, one son and one daughter, namely: William, who married Lillian Johnson and is engaged, in farming in Scioto township, and Alice, who married Chauncey O. Johnson and after his death became the wife of l*inley . Lerch - they reside in Scioto township north of Commercial Point.

The Beavers and the Rush families were among the first settlers of the township and the county, and the details of their ancestry and pioneer work in this locality are given in the biography of \Walter Balfour. Beavers, the father of our subject, and in the sketches of other members.

Fillmore Beavers upholds the -reputation of the stanch families from which he is descended. He is already an influential Democratic leader of the county, and is a natural politician. Before he was 20 years old he was elected a central committeeman, and in all the stirring campaigns for which Scioto township has become locally famous he has fought in the front ranks; so that although still comparatively young he has had the experience of many men of twice his age. Mr. Beavers has alrealy served five years on the Central Committee and two years on the Executive Committee. From 1891 to 1905 he was a member of the School Board of Scioto township, being elected for four terms of three years each, and serving one year by lok, after the new law was passed. Fraternally Mr. Beavers is connected with the Improved Order of Red Men.

SIHOMAS M. WITHGOTT, one of y} Perry township's leading citizens, a soldier in the Civil War and later an educator, has been a_ representative agriculturist for the past 20 years. Mr. \Withgott was born in Ross County, Ohio, July 6, 1842, and is a son of Reuben and Sarah (Bowdle) Withgott.

Reuben Withgott, father of Thomas M., was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1801, and died there in 1861. He was a son of Thomas Withgott. a native of Maryland, who was a ship carpenter on a vessel plying between Baltimore and Annapolis. He came to Ohio in 1799, accompanied by his wife Elizabeth, and settled on a farm west of Chillicothe, on which they died. That farm remained in the possession of the family until 1890. Reuben Withgott married Sarah Bowdle, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, and lived there until her death in 1880. She was a daughter of William and Anna (Brown) Bowdle, the latter of whota was a daughter of White Brown, one of the early settlers of. Perry township. Pickaway County. Eight children were born to Reuben Withgott and wife, namely: Jane, deceased; Margaret F., living near Kingston, Ohio, who is the widow of the late W. R. Nichols, a native of Ross County, Ohio - they were married in that county and lived there some time after marriage, subsequently removing to

Pickaway County and settling near New Holland; Jesse L., deceased; Elizabeth A., who married Rey. R. Wolf - their three surviving sons had a narrow escape from death in the earthquake and fire at San Francisco, their home being in the destroyed residence district ; Lucretia W. and Katherine R., both of Kingston; James F., who died at Kingston; and Thomas M., of this sketch.

Thomas M. Withgott was reared in Ross County but had not completed his education when he enlisted for service in the Civil War. In May, 1864, he entered Company E, 149th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf., for the 100-day service and during this period he participated in the battles of Monocacy, Snicker's Gap, Harper's Ferry, Winchester, Deal's Island and saw much of the hardships of real war. At the close of his term of enlistment, having performed every duty of a good soldier, he returned to his home and set about completing his education, taking up high school studies and later becoming a student at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1869. Mr. Withgott then entered the educational field as a teacher and for the next decade or more dvoted his time entirely to educational work. At many points he is remembered as a very faithful as well as capable instructor. He taught one year at Dellbrook, three years at Piketon, Pike County, and one year at the Bloomingburg Academy and for five years was superintendent of the schools of New Holland.

When Mr. Withgott decided to become a farmer, he first bought land in "Egypt," and later purchased land across the road from his present farm, the latter being his wife's inheritance. He carries on general farming and stock-raising operations. After his marriage he settled at New Holland.

In 1875 Mr. Withgott was united in marriage with Henrietta E. Timmons, who was a daughter of Rev. F. A. Timmons and died in 1876. Mr. Withgott was married (second) to Nannie M. Evans, a daughter of John and Amanda (Lieby) Evans. Mr. Evans was a prominent citizen and a large landowner, possessing some 600 acres of land in the vicinity

Mr. and Mrs. Withgott have five children, viz.: Frank, a student in civil engineering at the Ohio State University, who is now on railroad construction work for the Denver, Northwestern & Pacific Railway, in Colorado ; Grace, who married John May, a son of Dr. J. B. May, of New Holland, resides in Cincinnati and has two children - Robert and Margaret; and Mary A., Esther M. and John E., who are at home.

In political sentiment, Mr. Withgott is a Republican. He has always been interested in educational matters and has testified to his sincerity by serving as a member of the School Board for the past 26 years. His fraternal relations are with New Holland Lodge, No. 392, I'. & A. M.; Fayette Chapter, R...\. M., at Washington Court House; Ferguson Post. Grand 'Army of the Republic, at New Holland, and formerly was active in Odd lellowship. Since he was a youth he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His standing in his community is that of an honorable, upright man and public- spirited citizen.

OSEPH BRANHAM = JUSTICE, fi M. D., one of Darbyville's successful medical practitioners and prominent citizens, was born April 1, 1863, on a farm near Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio, and is a son of John G. and Ohio (Casey) Justice.

The father of Dr. Justice was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, where he still resides. In the period of the Civil War he served, during 1864, in the gist Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and was with Gen. Phil. H. Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley. His business has been farming and working in various iron furnaces. He married Ohio Casey and they had 11 children, six of whom are now living, as follows: Joseph Branham; John George, of Ironton, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Rice, of Dayton, Ohio; James, of Lawrence County, Ohio; Estella (Hall); and Josephine, wife of John Burk, of Jackson County, Ohio.

able to assist him very much in the way of securing the educational opportunities he crave |. He remained at home until he was 21 years of age. In the meantime he made every effort to secure an education and succeeded in passing the examinations, receiving at the age of 22 years a certificate entitling him to teach school. During the seven years in which he continued to teach school in Lawrence County, he applied himself to the study of medicine, and without assistance prepared himself for college. In 1893, having completed his preparation and provided himself with the means, he entered the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. He was graduated there in 1896 and immediately afterward opened an office at Hanging Rock, in Hamilton township, Lawrence County. In November, 1898, he came to Darbyville and has been closely engaged in professional work here ever since.

Irom the time he came into political privileges, Dr. Justice has been a Democrat, and while a resident of Lawrence County, as he has since, took an active interest in public matters. Formerly he attended all the important conventions of his party and was a very popular member of it, but he was not willing to accept office, on one occasion refusing to accept the nomination for sheriff. Prior to leaving Lawrence County, he was a member of the county convention and of the committee on resolutions, in which he opposed free silver with all his ability, the motion being defeated in the committee. Since coming to Pickaway County, professional duties have largely absorbed him, although he has served five years in the Village Council. He has also served his precinct one term on the central committee.

On March 24, 1889, Dr. Justice was married to Ida May Silbaugh, who was born i Lawrence County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William Henry and Mary Jane (Fv erly) Silbaugh. The former was born in Germany and came to America at the age of 16 years. He served three years in an artillery regiment during the Civil War. Mr. Silbaugh was a substantial citizen and highly respected man. The mother of Mrs. Justice was born at Morgan- town, West Virginia, and still survives. The children of Dr. and Mrs. Justice are: Glenn Leroy, born January 25, 1890, at Ironton, Ohio, who is a member of the graduating class of 1907 at the Williamsport High School; Ivan Silbaugh, born August 10, 1893, at Ironton, Ohio; Mary Helen, born June 30, 1896, at Lronton, Ohio; Dean Hudson, born February 13, 1899, at Darbyville, Ohio; and Donald, born May 25, 1904, at Darbyville, Ohio.

Dr. Justice has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was 20 years of age and has been trustee and treasurer of the Darbyville church almost from the date of his location in the village. His fraternal connections include the Masonic lodge at Williamsport, the Odd Fellows lodge at Derby and the Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Darbyville. lormerly he was connected with the Heptasophs at Ironton. He belongs also to the Academy of Medicine, at Columbus, Ohio.

Dr, Justice is a self-made man and is an exaniple of one who has attained professional prominence and personal esteem through his own unaided efforts.

MILLIS EDMUND PAYNE, post- "| master of Ashville and a prominent citizen of the town, was born February 1866, in Walnut township (near Nebraska), Pickaway County, Ohio, and is a son of Jefferson and Sarah Jane (Ward) Payne and a grandson of Joel Payne.

Joel Payne was born in Pennsylvania and his wife in Virginia. At an early date they settled in Pickaway County, Ohio. Jefferson Payne and' his wife, the parents of our subject, were both natives of Pickaway County; both died in the year 1897, the former at the age of 60 vears and the latter at the age of 57. They were the parents of four children, of whom one died in infancy. The others were: Eva E.; Marcus Walter, assistant postmaster at Ashville, and Willis Edmund.

The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of Walnut township and completed his education in the schools at Ashville, graduating from the High School at the age of 20. After finishing school, he accepted a position with Samuel W. Miller as a clerk in a store at Ashville, which position he held for two years. After leaving Mr. Miller's employ, he engaged in the mercantile business for himself, which he conducted for 10 years. On October 12, 1897, he was appointed postmaster at Ashville, which at that time was a fourthclass office. Mr. Payne has succeeded, with the growth of the town, in building up the office, so that the revenues were increased sufticiently to raise its standard to that of a thirdclass office, which it became on January 1, 1905. Mr. Payne has always strongly advocated improvements in the service and it was through his personal efforts and his influence with the postal authorities that rural free delivery of mail from the Ashville office was established, thus accommodating the rural population with a daily service. It was the first permanent rural mail route in Pickaway County. This service went into effect from Ashville on February 1, 1902. In being raised to a third-class office, Ashville became an international money-order office and at that time Mr. Payne was appointed by President Roosevelt for four years.

Mr. Payne was married January 3, 1889, to Minnie Alice McMun, a daughter of Edmund and Sarah McMun, of Walnut township, who were natives of Ohio. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Payne, - Ruby Agnes and Sarah Irene, - both of whom are attending school.

Mr. Payne has always been an active worker in politics and is one of the representative men in the Republican party of Pickaway County. He has always been active in all matters pertaining to the advancement of Ashville. He took an active part in securing for Ashville the High School Building, fighting the effort made by many to locate the school outside the village. Mr. Payne is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and circulated the peti-

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN DREISBACH, one of the prominent citizens, stockraiserg and agriculturists of Pickaway County, who owns 332% acres of valuable land in Circleville and Washington townships, his homestead being located in section 32, Circleville township, was born June 13, 1845. on a farm located in Pickaway township, three miles distant from his present home. 'The parents of Mr. Dreisbach were Isaac E. and Lydia (Hittle) Dreisbach.

The Dreisbach family is an old one in Pickaway County, having been established here by the grandparents of Benjamin I. Dreisbach, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio as pioneers, crossing the mountains in a covered wagon, bringing with them their children and household possessions and settling in Pickaway township, Pickaway County. They found a wilderness and _ belonged to that vanguard that opened up civilization in this section and made possible the plenty, comfort and privileges now enjoyed by their descendants. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Rev. John Dreisbach. was a pioneer preacher of the Evangelical -\ssociation in this section. Before he came to Ohio, he had preached in New York and Pennsylvania and had served as a member of the State Legislature in the latter State.

Isaac I. Dreisbach was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was 12 years of age when his parents came to. Pickaway County, Ohio. Here he lived a long and useful life, passing away at Circleville, Ohio, in 1897. He was the father of seven children, namely: Mary D., who is the wife of Prof. H. C. Smith, who holds the chair of languages, at Northwestern College; Benjamin Franklin: Mrs. Martha A. Earnest, of Kansas: Rosalie, wite of David S. Ludwig, of Circleville township; Iemma Grace, wife of Rey. T. \W. \Woodside, a missionary in \Vest Central .\frica; Charles H., a minister of the Congregational Church, who now lives retired on a farm in Spink County, South Dakota; and Reuben H.. ceceased, who owned the old homestead at the time of death, which is now occupied by his widow and four children.

Benjamin I*. Dreisbach was reared on his father's farm, where he was trained in practical farm work. In the meantime he was afforded educational opportunities; in the district school he prepared for the High School at Circleville, and after one year in that institution he spent two years as a student at Northwestern College, where he was graduated on his 21st birthday, on June 13, 1866. He enjoys the distinction of having been the first male graduate of this excellent institution of learning. Mr. Dreisbach then returned to Pickaway County and soon took charge of a school. He continued to teach during the winters until his marriage in 1873, his summers being spent in agricultural labor on his father's farm.

Mr. Dreisbach now owns some of the most valuable Jand in this section of the State, as it is situated in the heart of the famous Pickaway Plains, 18214 acres lying in Circleville township, and 150 acres in Washington township. In 1874-75 he erected on the farm in Circleville township one of the finest homes in Pickaway County - a large brick residence which not only presents a handsome appearance but is fittéd with every comfort and convenience to be found in any city residence. All of the other improvements are of a most substantial character and add to the property's value and attractiveness. Mr. Dreisbach has also improved his \Vashington township farm on which stands a substantial brick dwelling. He rents this farm, but continues to operate the one in Circleville township, raising corn, wheat and clover. :

On November 6, 1873, Mr. Dreisbach was united in marriage with Mary .\. Hitler, who is a daughter of \braham and Eleanor (Morris) Hitler, who were prominent pioneers in Pickaway County. The marriage took place in the old brick home on Mr. J)reishach's farm

Dennis H. Dreisbach was educated in the public schools of Circleville township, the Circleville High School, and spent one year at the Ohio Normal University at Ada. He married Nellie Dunlap, who is a daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth Dunlap, of Pickaway township, and they have one daughter - Elizabeth.

Guy Evans Dreisbach enjoyed the same educational privileges as did his brother. He is now a capable telegraph operator and is employed at Lafayette, Indiana.

Emma Grace, the only daughter, graduated at the Circleville High School in the class of 1g00. She spent one year in study at the National Park Seminary at Washington, D. C., and then took a course in voice culture in New York City.

Orin Woodside, the youngest son, is a student in the Circleville High School. He bears the name of his uncle, Rey. T. W. Woodside, a missionary in Africa, as above stated.

From boyhood Benjamin F. Dreisbach has been connected with the Evangelical Association and for 31 years he has been superintendent of the Ebenezer Evangelical Church Sunday-school, of Pickaway township. He is a life | member of the Evangelical Sunday School Association of Ohio, and for a number of years has been connected with the county association as vice-president and as corresponding secretary. Having been so closely identified with Sunday- school work for so many years, it was particularly appropriate that Mr. Dreisbach should have been a member of' the World's lfourth Sunday School Convention, which was one of the most notable gatherings, in point of numbers, experiences and personnel, that has ever been recorded. This convention was held at Jerusalem on April 21-22, 1904. Tew individuals, comparatively speaking, ever enjoy the opportunity of making such a journey. Through study for many previous years, Mr.

aEWIS NEISWANDER. In the death HM 6of Lewis Neiswander, on December 2, 1903, Madison township lost a most estimable man and respected citizen. He was born December 2, 1846, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Daniel and Eliza (Tyson) Neiswander. The Neiswander family is of German extraction and many of its members still live in Pennsylvania and many more in Ohio. From the former State to Pickaway County, Ohio, came Daniel Neiswander and his family, in 1850, when Lewis was but a child. Several years later they removed to Fairfield County. later Daniel Neiswander removed to Wood County, Ohio, after a short residence in Putnam County, during which period his wife died. Daniel Neiswander died in Wood County, in advanced age. Lewis Neiswander

| mature life and in pursuing the peaceful pursuits of agriculture he lived a quiet, useful life, and when he died he left behind a good property as well as a good name. He was one of -the leading members of the Reformed

Ohio, in which he had served as deacon for 17 years and was also one of the elders. In political sentiment he was a Democrat, and for more than 25 years he was an Odd Fellow.

On August 24, 1869, in Fairfield County, Ohio, Mr. Neiswander was united in marriage with Leah C. Glick,' who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, on August 25, 1848, and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary M. (Nothstine) Glick. Daniel Glick, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. Neiswander, was a son of Benjamin Glick, who was born in Pennsylvania and was one of the early settlers of Fairfield County. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Neiswander was John Nothstine, a very early settler in Madison township. The father of Mrs. Neiswander, now a venerable citizen, in his S4th year, is one of the most highly esteemed residents of Madison township. His wife passed away in February, 1878. Three of their children still survive, viz.: Leah C. (Mrs. Neiswander); Sarah .\.. who resides with her sister; and James U., of Columbus. Mrs. Neiswander resides on her excellent farm of 160 acres in Madison township. She has two children - Minnie V. and Daniel FE. In September, 1899, Daniel B. Neiswander Was married to Maud B. Runkle, daughter of the late Samuel Runkle, of Franklin County, Ohio; they have two children - Festus C. and Lura VY. Since she was 16 years of age Mrs. Neiswander has been a member ot the Reformed Church in Bloom township. With her late husband she visited and frequently entertained neighbors all over the township, a pleasant social custom which cemented friendships. Mr. Neiswander was always welcome, heing a man of pleasant ways and such sterling character that he had a very wide circle of friends. At home he was beloved for his kindness and justice as husband and father.

ON. AARON: R. VAN CLIEAF was born at Arneytown, Burlington County, New Jersey, March 20, 1838, the son of Lewis and Ann (Reeves) Van Cleaf, who, when he was four years

The subject of this sketch attended the common schools until 14 years of age, when he en- 'tered the Monmouth Democrat office, at I*reehold, and learned the printer's trade, remaining there, with the exception of a few months, until April, 1859, when he removed to Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio, where he was connected ard for a short time, until the paper was merged into what is now the Brown County News-Democrat, Jn October, 1859, he became the editor and publisher of the Democratic Ciligen, at Lebanon, Ohio, the office of which waraided by a mob of political opponents and destroyed, the night of \ugust 12, 1862. Tle refitted the office and continued the publica tion of the paper until May, 1803. In Novem ber, 1863, he purchased the Circleville Denice crat, now the Circleville Democrat and [oatelman, and has since conducted the paper and ix the senior Democratic editor in service ip Ohio. In 1871 Mr. Van Cleaf was elected Representative in the General .\ssembly by 477 plurality over James Laughry. Republi can. \t the conclusion of his term, he de clined a re-election. In 1877 he was again nominated for Representative by acclamation, and was elected by 946 plurality over Frederick Thorn, Republican. He was appointed a member of the House committees on finance. reform schools and public printing and was chairman of the O'Connor investigating com: mittee. In 1879 Mr. Van Cleaf was elected Senator from the roth Distriet - Franklin and. Pickaway counties - having 1,632 plurality over Henry C. Taylor, of Franklin: in 1883 Mr. Van Cleaf was again elected Senator, bv 2,708 plurality over William .\. Welch, of Pickaway and in 1885 was re-elected, receiving 14,907 votes to 678 votes for the Prohibition candidate, the Republicans not having a candidate; in 1889 he was elected Senator for the fourth time, having + 2,269 plurality over Thomas M. Bigger, of Franklin, and in 1X91 was re-elected by 1,381 plurality over L. \V. Buckmaster, Republican, of Franklin, making five terms, IO years, in the State Senate, and is the only Senator serving 10 years in the last 60 years. ;

In the Senate, each session, Mr. Van Cleat was appointed on important conimittees; in 1886, was chairman of the bi-partisan special committee, appointed to investigate the election in Cincinnati in 1885: at the sessious of 1890- 1891 was chairman of the committees on finance and public printing, and also a member of the committees on municipal corporations. privileges and elections, county affairs, reform schools and rules; and was chairman of the bi-partisan joint committee appointed to investigate the municipal affairs of Cincinnati, November and December, 1890; in 1892-93 was a member of the committees on finance, municipal corporations, privileges and _ elections, benevolent institutions, labor, public printing, Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home and School for Imbecile Youth and rules.

Mr. Van Cleaf, during his 14 years in the (ieneral .\ssembly, voted in eight elections for United States Senator, in a regular election each session, and in the election in January, 1881, to fill the place of James A. Garfield, chosen United States Senator, in January, ik8o0, and elected President of the United States, at the November election of the same vear.

In 1896 Mr. Van Cleaf was elected probate judge of Pickaway County and re-elected in 1Xog, closing six years in the office lebruary «), 1903. He is now one of the trustees of the Girls' Industrial Home, in Delaware County, sppointed by Governor Herrick, for the term ot five years, from the first Monday of April, 405.

Mr. Van Cleaf has been a member of the democratic County Executive Committee from 1864 to the present time, excepting I9o01, and chairman of the committee since 1866, except- 'ng three years - r18go, 1896 and 1901; was chairman. of the County Central Committee from 1867 until 1885; and also was chairman mIENRY ALLEN HEDGES, a prosperous farmer and prominent citizen of Scioto township, was born May 21, 1856, in Madison township, Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Hunt) Hedges.

The Hedges family came from Virginia and was founded in Fairfield County, Ohio, by the paternal grandfather, Elijah Hedges, at a very early period, his son, the father of our subject, being then a mere lad. Samuel Hedges returned to his old home in Virginia but probably found changes in the few years he had been absent and it is a matter of family history that he was only nine years old when he walked all the way from Virginia back to the new home in [airfield County, Ohio. The exact date has not been preserved but it was prior to 1814. He died in Fairfield County in 1875. The mother of our subject was twice married, her first union being with Harmon | Waits. Mr. Waits left two children, Eli and Annie. The former resides on the old home- | stead in Madison township, Fairfield County. The latter is the wife of Philip Wilcox, of Amanda township, Fairfield County. Our subject has one brother, William Nelson, who is employed in the Industrial School at Lancaster, Ohio.

Heury A. Hedges was reared on the home farm and.received his education in the public | schools of Tairfield County. He has devoted i his entire attention to farming. Prior to his marriage he was engaged in farming for some time in Walnut township, where he was married. He then lived one year in Scioto township,. after which he moved back to Walnut township, taking up his residence on the present farm where he now lives in 1896. "It is a valuable property of 160 acres, belonging to the Seeds estate, located half a mile west: and north of Commercial Point. Mr. Hedges carries on mixed farming, running two teams, and is considered one of the township's most successful agriculturists.

On January 10, 1884, Mr. Hedges was married to Mary Noggle, who is a daughter of Jonas and Angeline (DeLong) Noggle, of Scioto township. Mr. and Mrs. Hedges have one son, Otto P., who was born October 15, 1884. He resides at home and assists his father.

STANTON RIDGWAY, township trustee and owner of the old Ridgway family homestead of 128 acres in Darby township, is a son of Thomas D. and Rebecca A. (Smith) Ridgway. Thomas D. Ridgway was brought to Ohio from Virginia by his father, Joshua Ridgway, who settled near Chillicothe. After his marriage, Thomas D. Ridgway bought the farm in Darby township now owned by our subject. His wife was a daughter of Sampson B. and Margaret (Hill) Smith, who came to Ohio from the State of Maryland. Consequently Mr. Ridgway comes of good old Southern stock.

George W., who married Mrs. Amanda Shriner and is in buséness at Columbus; Alice, formerly postmistress at Derby, who was married in the spring: of 1906 to A. E. Brown and died soon after, on June 9, 1906; Newton, deceased at the age of 20 years; T. Stanton, our subject; and Samuel Harvey, who married Clara K. Caldwell and is engaged in farming in Darby township. Mr. Ridgway has a half-sister livinge - Lucinda (Whittaker) and one dead - Margaret (Adair).

T. Stanton Ridgway was born August 28, 1849, near his present residence in Darby township. He was reared and educated in this locality, and on July 16, 1881, was married to Margaret Bauhan, a daughter of Josephus Bauhan, the ceremony taking place at his present home, in which he then had an interest. In the Bauhan family were three sons and six daughters, namely: William, who married Jane Thomas; Holton, deceased, who married Ella Anderson; Levi, who married Louise Chamberlain; Rachel, who became the wife of John Kinney and is deceased; Lydia, also deceased, who was the wife of Cornelius Kinney ; Mollie, who married D, Walker; Sally, single; Phoebe, wife of Alfred Brooks; and Margaret, our subject's wife. Mrs. Ridgway's mother died in 1885; her father is still living. The eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. T. Stanton Ridgway are as follows: Edward M., Nellie A., Stella, Charles, Hazel, Sally, Smith N. and Eldon T.

Since his marriage, Mr. Ridgway has lived on several farms which he subsequently disposed of, but has always retained his interest in the old family homestead, and finally purchased the claims of all the heirs and occupied it as his own home. The property was originally the 'Jacob Merrill estate, its owner selling it to the father of our subject, who at his death left it to his children.

Mr. Ridgway is domestic and has few interests outside the family circle. Like other faithful citizens, however, he has devoted a portion of his time to the public welfare, having served for seven years as township trustee. He is identified fraternally with the Odd Fellows, be-~ ing a member of the Mount Sterling encampment and the subordinate lodge at Derby. As a farmer he conducts general operations and raises live stock.

MANIEL LUDWIG, a highly esteemed retired resident of Circleville, for a number of years prominent in public life in Pickaway County, was for an extended period an extensive farmer and stock-raiser. He was born in Circleville township, Pickaway County, Ohio, November 23, 1831, and is a son of Jacob and Evaline Ludwig. '

The great-grandfather of our subject, Daniel Ludwig, who was a native of Germany. emigrated to America with his wife Mary and located in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Here his son Daniel, the grandfather of our subject, was born, on June 4, 1748. The latter was associated for a number of years with Governor Joseph Heister, of Pennsylvania, in the operation of a store at Reading, Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1806 he came to Ohio and settled in

Circleville township. He built the first large brick house ever erected in Pickaway County. He was the owner of about 3,000 acres of land and was not only a man of substance but also of political prominence. He was a Democrat and was so thoroughly respected and relied on that he was frequently elected to public office and served for six years as county commissioner.

Jacob Ludwig was but six months old when his parents came to Ohio, and he was reared and was educated in a log structure in Circleville township. His whole life was devoted to farming and stock-raising. He was a Democrat and became a man of prominence like his father. He married Evaline Morris, a daughter of Henry Morris, who was a soldier in the War of 1812. To this union were born six children, the four survivors: being: Daniel, of this sketch; Isaac, a prominent farmer of Pickaway township; David S., living on the old Ludwig homestead in Circleville township; and Mary Elizabeth, wife of John P. Steely, of Rushville, Fairfield County, Ohio.

Daniel Ludwig was reared and educated in Circleville township, having many more advantages than his father. He also became a large landowner, investing in some 600 acres of land, and engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising until 1890, making a feature of feeding fat cattle. Since then Mr. Ludwig has lived retired in his handsome home in Circleville.

Politically Mr. Ludwig affiliates with the Democratic party. He served three years as county commissioner and then refused to allow his name to be brought forward again. For a number of years he was also treasurer of Pickaway tow nship, his long years in the public service but adding to the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

In 1863 Mr. Ludwig was married to Julia A. Steely, a daughter of Lemuel Steely, who was a prominent old settler of Pickaway township. The surviving children of this marriage are: Willis, president of the Pickaway township School Board, and formerly clerk of Pickaway township, who is a graduate of Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, New

York; Mary, wife of Charles E. Tuller, living near Elmwood, in Franklin County, Ohio; Evelyn, wife of Warren K. Moorehead, of Andover, Massachusetts; and Elizabeth, who spent one year at Wells College, Aurora, New York, and now lives at home with her father. Mrs. Ludwig died April 13, 1887. Mr. Ludwig and family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

} sentative agriculturist of Pickaway township, where he has long been a leading citizen, is a member of the well-known stock firm of Schleyer & Valentine, which operates a stock farm of 280 acres in the eastern portion of this township. Mr. Valentine was born July 12, 1843, in Fairfield County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Stepelton) Valentine.

The father of Mr. Valentine was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in Fairfield County, Ohio. The latter died when her son, Solomon S. Valentine, was but three years old and he was reared in the home of a relative, in Fairfield County, until the age of 17*years. He then went to Henry County, where shortly afterward, in the spring of 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company F, 14th Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. During his first énlistinent. which covered four months, the young soldier saw much hard service as he participated in the battles of Philippi, Carrick's Ford, Bull Run and Cedar Creek. Honorably discharged, he re-enlisted in 1862, entering Company C, 88th Reg., Ohio Vet. Vol. Inf., and remained at the post of duty until the close of the war. His whole term of service covered three years, a part of it being passed on guard duty at Columbus. He received a second honorable discharge and is now an honored veteran of that never-to-be forgotten period.

Mr. Valentine returned to Fairfield County after his army service was over, and several years later came to Pickaway County, where he has been a resident ever since. For some 18 years Mr. Valentine farmed a part of the Ruggles farm, in Pickaway township, but since

Reuben H. Dreisbach

190! he has been in partnership with Gustavus H. Schleyer, who owns the stock farm mentioned and is the well-known cashier of the Second Nationai Bank of Circleville. The business is mainly the raising of colts, Shorthorn cattle and hogs, the last named being a feature,

In 1869 Mr. Valentine was married to Mary Moyer, who was born in Fairfield County. Ohio, and they have these children: Pearl M.. wife of Reuben Hall: Harley G.; Arthur, of Pickaway township; Mrs. Mary Fleming, of Salt Creek township; and Ollie and Roy, of Pickaway township.

Mr. Valentine belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic post at Kingston and also to the Odd Fellows lodge at Farlton. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. He may be justly named a self-made man. From infancy motherless, when but a lad exposed to the dangers and temptations of army life, with only limited educational opportunities, all he has he earned for himself. To-day he stands as an honorable business man in his community and enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellowcitizens in general.

Pickaway township one of its representative and highly respected citi- 'zens. He was born in the northern part of Pickaway township, on the farm' still occupied by his widow, August 21, 1858, and was a son of Isaac E. and Lydia (Hittle) Dreisbach.

settlers in Pickaway township, where the names of Dreisbach and Hittle have been prominent since pioneer times. He was a grandson of Rev. John Dreisbach, who for years in the early history of this section, traveled through the wilderness of this part of the State, administering to the spiritual and often to the physical needs of the scattered pioneers. Isaac E. Dreisbach is deceased, but the venerable mother of the late Reuben H. Dreisbach still survives.

Reuben H. Dreisbach grew from a promising childhood into an intelligent youth and the advantages afforded him both in the public schools and at college were not wasted, for he developed into a man of learning and sound judgment. He was qualified to follow a professional life, but, from choice, was a farmer. His estate of 331 acres was carefully and economically conducted and is still owned by his widow who resides upon it.

Mr. Dreisbach was married February 10, 1887, to Amelia C. Rickert, who was born in Ogle County, Illinois, November 18, 1862, and is a daughter of Samuel H. and Elizabeth (Hummel) Rickert, who are now residents of Naperville, Illinois. Mrs. Dreisbach's father and mother were born in Pennsylvania; the latter was a daughter of Rev. Christian Hummel, who was one of the pioneer preachers of the Evangelical Association.

Mr. Dreisbach was a man of high principles. He was an active member of the Prohibition party, served as clerk of Pickaway township and on one occasion was selected by his party as its candidate for State Senator. He was always prominent in agricultural movements in township and county and was an active worker in farmers' institutes and was president of the county organization. For many years he was a worthy member and liberal supporter of the Evangelical Association. His many estimable traits of character gave him the respect, confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. sketch.

ELSON- F. REICHELDERFER, a substantial citizen and~ prominent farmer of Salt Creek township, whose fine farm is situated in section 5, belongs to one of the old pioneer families of this locality. He was born November

John Reichelderfer, the grandfather, came to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1806, and was one of the early settlers of Salt Creek township, where his son, Jacob S. Reichelderfer, was born and spent the most of his life. In 1851 the latter removed to Monroe township and died there March 13, 1862. He was a leading member of the German Lutheran Church. In politics he was a stanch Democrat. He married Lydia Dresbach, a member of one of the old pioneer families of this county, and the surviving members of their family are: Isaac, a farmer, of Monroe township; Daniel, of Weldon, Illinois; Allen, of Madison County, Ohio; Nelson F., of this sketch; Simon, of Monroe township; and- Mary, wife of Seth Hoskins, of Pickaway County.

Nelson F. Reichelderfer was two years old when his parents moved to Monroe township, where he attended the district schools and assisted on the homé farm until 18 years of age. His business training was that of a farmer and his subsequent success has proved that he was an apt scholar. He grew into manhood with the robust appearance which is a family trait, his father having weighed at one time as much as 385 pounds. This was during a period when he was conducting a meat market at Stringtown, prior to moving to Monroe township.

On March 5, 1874, our subject was married to Catherine Dresbach, who is a daughter of William and Margaret (Earnhart) Dresbach, both of whom were born in Pickaway County and further mention of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Reichelderfer have one son, Wayne, who is a prominent citizen of Tarlton, Ohio, where he is a member of the Village Council. Wayne Reichelderfer is also treasurer of Salt Creek township. He married Myrtle Mowery, a daughter of Henry Mowery, of Tarlton, Ohio, and they have one son - Arnold.

as a member of the School Board of Clear Creek township. Politically he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are prominent and active members of the old Dresbach United Brethren Church, founded by those worthy old pioneers, George and Jonathan Dresbach. The church edifice was built in 1829. Mr. Reichelderfer is one of the trustees. He is a prominent man in all local movements, his opinion having weight when public improvements are proposed or enterprises for the general good are entered upon.

\LLISON L. TIMMONS, who has enjoyed the distinction of being mayor of Williamsport for the past 17 years, is one of the town's public-spirited and progressive business men. Mr. Timmons was born in Ross County, Ohio, December 12, 1855, and was orphaned at the age of two years by the death of his mother. He was educated in the Williamsport schools and before he had attained his majority had become prominent and popular enough to be elected to the position of town marshal, in which he served several years. The duties of the position included also those of constable. 'At the close of this service, he was elected a justice of the peace and then was made mayor of the town. His wise management of the affairs of Williamsport has made no change <lesirable.

Mr. Timmons, however, has not devoted all his time to the public. In partnership with W. I. Wood, and the latter's sister, Miss Mary Wood, he operated a meat business here for 15 years. This business was disposed of in 1905, the purchasers being Bishop & Company. In the spring of 1906, Mr. Timmons established a grocery and restaurant and those who know his enterprising spirit predict a very successful enterprise.

Mr. Timmons was united in marriage with Julia Tool, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and is a daughter of James Tool, who died in Pickaway County some years since. The children born to this marriage were: Mary Alice, deceased; Pearl, wife of Joseph Win- deceased, one of three sisters who died within three weeks of each other, of diphtheria; and Vera and Thurlow, also at home. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Timmons is prominent in fraternal life. He is a member of Heber Lodge, No.

Mr. Timmons has owned considerable property at various times both in the town and country which he has handled advantageously. His long incumbency in official position shows how thoroughly he enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens.