Pickaway County, Ohio - Chapter 31: Some Representative Men of the County, 1906 (part 1 of 17)

Chapter 31: Some Representative Men of the County

James Renick, the first sheriff of the county, who held the office from April 21, 1810, until 1814, was the son of Johm Renick, who. came to Jackson township, from Hardy County, Virginia, prior to 1805, and a brother of Jonathan Renick, the first settler of Jackson township. Sheriff Renick was a general in the War of 1812, and a brave officer. He was elected Representative in the General Assembly of Ohio, in 1814, serving one term. For many years he was in the mercantile business in Circleville. He was a bachelor. His death occurred in 1844, at the residence of Jacob Van Meter, in Jackson township.

James Denny, the first clerk of the courts, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent, and one of the prominent pioneers of this part of Ohio. In the War of 1812, he was major of a regiment raised in the Scioto Valley, of which Duncan McArthur was colonel, and was mustered in May 12, 1812, and did some efficient and active service in and about Detroit, but was included in General Hull's ignominious surrender at Detroit, on the 16th day of August, 1812, and was paroled and sent home. The year following Major Denny raised a regiment, in the valley counties, of which he was made colonel, and again entered the service, and was promoted to major general before the close of the war. He died in Philadelphia, on the 23rd of November, 1815, leaving a widow, who was the sister of John and Thomas Barr, prominent men of the county. The children were three daughters and a son. The eldest daughter married Dr. Daniel Turney, and became the mother of Nelson J. Turney, Dr. Samuel Turney and Mrs. Isabelle McCrea, the wife of Adam McCrea - all deceased for a number of years. After the death of Dr. Turney, she married Ralph Osborn, and of the children born of this marriage, one is living - Mrs. Catharine Ruggles, of Circleville. The second daughter of General Denny married Henry Delano, and was the mother of Lincoln G. Delano, James C. Delano and Mrs. Flora McCrea, the first wife of George McCrea - all three deceased. Mrs. Delano survived her husband, and some years after his death married the late William Renick, who survived her. The third daughter married Francis S. Muhlenberg, who lived on the' Muhlenberg estate, near Darbyville, and had prominence in public affairs. He lived but a few years after the marriage and his widow afterwards married R. H. Hopkins, a merchant of New York; subsequently a resident of Cincinnati. General Denny's only son was Samuel S. Denny, who served for a while as clerk of the courts and also as county auditof, and in his latter years was a local celebrity.

David Shelby, who was one of the pioneers of the Scioto Valley, coming to Chillicothe, with Gen. Nathaniel Massie and party in 1791, some time prior to 1800 located in Pickaway township, then part of Ross County, and in 1809 was elected one of the Representatives for the county in the General Assembly, convened on the first Monday in December, 1809, in which the bill creating the county of Pickaway was passed. This bill originated in the Senate and after passing that body was sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence, and after the House had passed the bill, Mr. Shelby was appointed to inform the Senate of the action of the House, neither branch then having, as in after years, a sergeant-at-arms to carry the messages. In 1812 Mr. Shelby was elected Senator from Pickaway County and served eight years in succession; in 1823 was again elected Senator for Pickaway and Hocking counties and served two years. He was justice of the peace in Pickaway township before the formation of the county. Mr. Shelby and his wife, Mary Williams, were natives of Rockingham County, Virginia. They were the parents of eight children. John Shelby, their eldest son, represented Logan and Wood counties in the Ohio House of Representatives from 1820 to 1827, and was Senator from Hardin. Madison, Union, Logan and Shelby counties from 1830 to 1833. Another son, Benjamin Shelby, who lived on the family homestead in Pickaway township, was a leading farmer and stock dealer, in his active life owning about 1,600 acres of land in Ohio and the West. He died May 4, 1876. Of their children but one, Mrs. Melinda Stage, is now living. Winton D. Shelby, ex-marshal of Circleville, is a grandson.

Valentine Keffer, who has a leading place in the early history of Pickaway County, coming to the territory now included in the county limits, in 1805, five years before the formation of the county, accompanying his father-in-law, Jacob Zeiger, whose daughter he married in Pennsylvania in 1802. Mr. Zeiger located section 19, on part of which the town of Circleville was laid out; Mr. Keffer located the fractional section adjoining that located by Mr. Zeiger, on the west to the river. His land originally was on a line from the corner of High and Canal streets, running to or beyond Huston street, comprising all the land west of that line to the Scioto River. He settled on the part between the creek and the Scioto River now owned by the Miller heirs and lived there until about the year 1838. Mr. Keffer had re- ceived a good education and was well qualified for public affairs. On the breaking out of the War of 1812, being identified with the militia of the county, he was appointed major, and accompanied Gen. James Renick on an expedition to the northern part of the State. After his return to the settlement, he was promoted to the rank of colonel, and at the election in October, 1813, was elected Representative in the General Assembly; was also eiected' in 1815, 1819, 1821, 1822, 1827 and 1828, serving eight years in the House of Representatives. During these years his popularity was very great and he was invincible when a candidate. He usually made the trips to and from Columbus on horseback, regular stage lines not having been established. Colonel Keffer was twice chosen presidential elector - in 1828 and 1832. He voted for Andrew Jackson. He was one of the original proprietors of the Circleville Watchman, the first Democratic paper established in the county, and for two or three years had editorial charge of it, following its first issue in 1837.

Colonel Keffer died at his home in Circleville March 9, 1852, in the 75th year of his age. The Circleville Herald, the Whig paper, in a sketch of Colonel Keffer, said: "During a long term of public and private life, his honesty of purpose was never doubted; and though strictly democratic in his political faith and rigidly conservative in his public and private relations, we give him credit for unyielding perseverance in what, he believed the right, and spotless integrity in the discharge of every official or social duty."

Augustus L. Perrill was one of the foremost men in the county, in business, social and political circles, for over 30 years. He was born in Hardy County, Virginia, January 20, 1807. His parents, Nathan and Christena Perrill, came to Pickaway County in 1816, settling upon a tract of land in Madison township. "Gus" Perrill, as he was commonly known, having obtained better than the average education in those days, upon reaching manhood taught school in the winter months, and worked on the farm in the summer season. In January, 1833, he entered public life under Sheriff

Jonathan Ellis, elected at the October election, 1832, who appointed Mr. Perrill as deputy sheriff, giving him the entire control and management of the office for the two years. In 1834 Mr. Perrill was elected sheriff; no party nominations were made and the race was a "free for all;'' the vote was as follows: A. L. Perrill, 1,217; Michael H. Alkire, 602; Jacob Leiby, 276; William Winstead, 83. At the close of the term, Mr. Perrill was not a candidate for re-election. In 1839 he was the candidate of the Democratic party for Representative in the General Assembly, and was elected by 192 majority over Andrew Huston, one of the most popular Whigs in the county. He declined re-election. In 1844 the Democrats of the congressional district, of which Pickaway County was a part, selected Mr. Perrill to run for Congress, against Col. Elias Florence, also of Pickaway, who had beaten Hon. William Medill, of Fairfield, two years before, and was thought by the Whigs to be invincible, never having been defeated before the people. Mr. Perrill was elected after an exciting contest, having 732 majority in the district. Two years later Mr. Perrill was defeated for re-election, by Dr. Thomas O. Edwards, of Lancaster, the Whig candidate, who had a small majority.

At the close of his term in Congress, March 4, 1847, Mr. Perrill gave his attention wholly to his farm in Madison township. In 1857 he was nominated for Senator in the Franklin- Pickaway district by the Democratic convention, the nomination being unsought by him, and was elected, being re-elected: in 1859 and 1861, defeating John Walke, of Pickaway, in 1857; George M. Parsons, of Franklin, in 1859, and R. B. Warden, of Franklin, in 1861 - all strong men. In 1865, when the political status of the county was to be determined at the first election after the close of the Civil War, Mr. Perrill was nominated by the Democrats, for Representative, and was elected by 306 majority ; he served one term, which closed his official career. He was a prudent, well-informed and influential legislator, strong in committee work and always popular with his fellow members.

On the 24th of December, 1833, Mr. Perrill was married to Mary Seymour, daughter of Judge William Seymour, one of the first settlers of Muhlenberg township. She died December 5, 1881, in her 74th year. Mr. Perrill died June 2, 1882, in his 76th year. Of their family, two are living - Nathan W. Perrill) of Madison township, and .a_ married daughter residing in Iowa.

William Doane. No man, who ever lived in Circleville, did more for the material interests, in the way of substantial improvements and financial management, with less cost to the city for his work as supervisor, than William Doane, whose death occurred on the goth of September. 1888. The Circleville Democrat and Watchman in its issue following his death, published a correct sketch of his life, which was as follows : -

Mr. Doane was born at New Milford, Litchfield County, Connecticut, in November, 1820, and was the eldest of the nine children of Noble Doane. The family removed to Ohio and settled in Pickaway County, in 1836, and soon thereafter William went to Greenfield, Ohio, where he learned the trade of coach and carriage maker. After the termination of his apprenticeship, he came to Circleville and entered the employ of John Morgan, carriage manutacturer, and a short time thereaiter, on the 6th of March, 1844, married his employer's daughter, Paulina Morgan, and subsequently bought the business of the late John P. Bolin, who had bought out Mr. Morgan and had taken Mr. Doane first as foreman and then for a short time as partner. Mr. Doane continued in the business until 1856, his manufactory being located on Franklin street, near the present site of the engine and market houses. He was afterwa: s engaged in several other business enterprises - from July, 1862, to November, 1863, was the manager of the Circleville Democrat and Watchman, afterwards for a while was a partner in the jewelry business with Freeman Dunkin, and in-1867 formed a partnership with J. D. Delaplane in the dry goods trade, continuing until May, 188s.

was scourged with the cholera, and the inhabitants were panic stricken, hundreds fleeing from the town, Mr. Doane was one of the two or three persons who bravely faced the danger ; ministering to the sick and burying the dead, never shrinking for a moment, and the older citizens all remember his noble heroism during those direful days of sickness and death. When the epidemic had apparently subsided, Mr. Doane and his wife were both attacked by the swift disease, and she died on the 23rd of August, 1850, aged 22 years. She was a woman of lovable character, beautiful in mind and person. Their only child, Charles Edwin, died of scarlet fever, on the 19th of October following, in the fourth year of his age.

The public and official life of Mr. Doane covered nearly 40 years. His first official position was as a member of the City Council, to which he was chosen in 1851, to fill a vacancy ; was elected for a full term in 1852, and 12 times successively re-elected, serving 27 years, from 1854 until his retirement from the Council, in 1878. During his long service as councilman, he gave the closest attention to the affairs of the city, its finances and general conditions, and was instrumental in the city having such fine streets and other excellent improvements. No man ever served any municipality with like assiduity and gratuitious, for so great length of time.

In 1856 Mr. Doane was the Democratic candidate for treasurer of Pickaway County; he was elected and in 1858 was re-elected, both times by large majorities, running ahead ef his ticket. In 1861 he was the Democratic candidate for Representative, but the war upheaval elected Col. Isaac N. Ross, of Darbyville, a hitherto Democrat who ran as the Union Republican candidate. In 1870 he was elected county commissioner, served three years, and declined a re-election.

In October, 1860, Mr. Doane was chosen a member of the Circleville Board of Education, serving in that capacity until his death, close to 28 years, and from 1861 was treasurer of the board. He gave special care to the financial interests of the schools, and superintended

He was one of the original members of the Forest Cemetery Association, and was elected a member of the board of trustees, July 30, 1857; he continued as a member the rest of his life and had a leading part in the arrangement and beautifying of the cemetery grounds. He was president of the Pickaway Fair Company, and a member of the city Board of Health, for several years prior to his death.

In every official position, he exhibited superior ability, administering every trust with the utmost fidelity, and retained the public confidence to the end of his life. °

Mr. Doane was one of the oldest members of Columbia Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., passed all its chairs, and was its property trustee from 1861 to his death, having the control and supervision of the Odd Fellows' Block, and the investment of the income derived therefrom. The success of his management is shown in the increasing surplus. He was a charter member of Philos Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was one of the first members of Indianola Tribe, I. O. R. M., and a member of the Independent Order of Mechanics.

Mr. Doane possessed mechanical genius and knowledge of a high order, and had he been educated to the profession of an architect, would have been one of the foremost. In the last 25 years of his life he acquired an extensive knowledge of architecture, and was quite proficient in the drawing of plans. He superintended the construction of the present school buildings of the city, the County Infirmary, the Strawboard Works, the Water Works, other public works and private buildings, and at the time of his death was a member of the Court House and Jail building committee, and superintendent of construction. All these will stand as a monument of his skill as a builder. His was a busy life. He was a continuous worker, his time always engrossed with some local enterprise, improvement or public duty.

he was prominent and influential in the party councils, and was chairman of the county committee during the fierce political contests of the war neriod.

Mr. Doane was a thorough common-sense man, frank and outspoken, devoid of sham and pretense; a man of inflexible integrity and the highest sense of honor; a courageous, just and generous man, who never shirked a public or private duty, or refused to assist a friend; social and genial, he won and kept a great many friends. Imbued with large public spirit, he was the zealous supporter of whatever would promote the prosperity of the city and county, and advance the interests and welfare of the people. Circleville may well deplore his death, for not soon will we have in our midst another man of such practical usefulness to the community as William Doane. He has spent an eventful and useful life, and goes to the graye esteemed by all. Long will be his name borne in memory by this city and county.

Gen. William Sooy Smith was born at Tarlton, Pickaway County, on the 22nd of July, 1830. His father was a captain in the War of 1812, and his grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier. Both belonged to the Society of Friends, but they severed their connection with their sect to fight for their country. In September, 1844, the father, yielding to the desires of his son, gave him two shillings and his blessing, and permitted him to go to Athens, the seat of the Ohio University. The young student attended a select school for one year and then entered the preparatory department of. the college. He rang the bell, swept the halls, carried coal, attended to the grounds, in short, was a veritable "professor of dust and ashes," and received sufficient salary to pay his expenses. . He graduated in 1849, and through the influence of the faculty and other friends he obtained an appointment as cadet in the West Point Military Academy. Mc- Pherson, Sill, Scofield, Terrill and other distinguished officers were classmates, and the two first mentioned were his roommates. During two years out of the four which he spent at the academy, Cadet Smith was reported as one of the distinguished members of his class; and upon graduation he was assigned as brevet 2nd lieutenant to the Third Artillery. When he became full 2nd lieutenant, he was transferred to the Second Artillery; but finding army life in time of peace rather monotonous, he soon resigned.

Buffalo, New York, then became his residence, and for two years he taught a select school, and then commenced civil engineering. In this he was very successful; he traveled through almost all the States, Canada and the West Indies. When the war broke out, he was engaged in the construction of a bridge over the Savannah River, where it is crossed by the railroad leading from Savannah to Charleston ; but, 10. days before the attack upon Sumter, he escaped to the North, and entered the volunteer service as assistant adjutant-general, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He was very soon made colonel of the 13th Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., and he immediately moved with the regiment to West Virginia, where he participated in the campaigns of the summer and fall of 1861, under McClellan and Rosecrans. In the reports of the batatle of Carnifax Ferry, he was specially mentioned for gallantry, and in the pursuit of Floyd he led the advance, and three times engaged the enemy's rear-guard, for which he was again honorably mentioned in official reports.

His regiment was transferred from West Virginia to Louisville, Kentucky, and was assigned to the Army of the Ohio under General Buell. Colonel Smith participated in the advance on Bowling Green and Nashville, and in the battle of Pittsburg Landing commanded the 14th Brigade, on the 7th of April, being engaged from 8 o'clock in the morning until the close of the battle. The same ground was fought over three times. The brigade captured Stanford's Mississippi battery twice, and _finally held it; many prisoners also were captured, among them Colonel (afterward General) Battle, of Tennessee. Six hundred and ten dead Rebels were counted in front of. the brigade, but some or these were killed the day before.

The brigade lost one-fifth of its number killed and wounded, but none was captured. Colonel Smith was again mentioned in official reports for gallantry and meritorious conduct, and was promoted to Brigadier-General, to rank from the 7th of April, 1862. General Smith was at the battle of Perryville and the siege of Vicksburg. Afterwards was assigned to duty on General Grant's staff, as chief of cavalry, and directed several successful raids. He resigned in July, 1864, because disabled by inflammatory rheumatism. General Smith for some years has resided in Chicago.

Vause Fox Decker

y.\U SE FOX DECKER, deceased, the father of Hannah Catherine Decker. who now occupies the fine old homestead of 380 acres on Walnut creek, Madison township, was one of the farmers, stock-raisers and pioneers of For a few years, when quite a young man, he was engaged in the tanning business, but with this exception was a lifelong agriculturist.

Vause I'ox Decker was born November 12, iSi4, and died June 2, 1891. He was a son of Luke and Ivea (Fox) Decker, who were among the first settlers of this portion of the State.

Luke Decker, the father, was porn in Virginia, April 17, 1774, and in 1806 migrated to Madison township, Pickaway County, and purchased the section of land upon which his descendants still reside. At that time the tract was a portion of Ross County. Although single at that time, Mr. Decker was accompanied by Ezekiel Groom and family. After building a house, improving some of his land and residing in the new country for two years, he returned to Virginia and married Ivea Fox, daughter of William and Sarah Fox. Soon afterward, with his wife, he located permanently on his farm, and lived there until his death. Ivea Fox, his wife, was a native of Hampshire County, Virginia, as was her husband; she was born January 6, 1787, and died March 22, 1872. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Luke Decker, as follows: John, born Deleading his day.

cember 28, 1808, who died December 3, 1875 ; Hannah (wife of Andrew Platter), born March 28, 1810, who died at the home of her daughter in Texas, April 27, 1879; Willian Thornton, born October 7, 1812, also deceased; and Vause F., the special subject of this sketch. The parents of Luke Decker were John and Hannah (Harness) Decker, long residents of the Old Dominion, of which they were probably natives. The Harness family has a most substantial standing in Virginia, and its genealogy may be traced to the colonial days.

Vause F. Decker was united in marriage, October 21, 1840, to Jemima Williams, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Ann (Fox) Williams, both natives of Virginia. An ancestor of Mrs. Decker, a Vincent, was a brave frontiersman and was finally killed and quartered by the Indians, not, however, until he had sent four or five of the dusky savages to their reward. Mr. and Mrs. Decker had a family of three children - Eliza Ann, who died after reaching maturity; Hannah Catherine, who was born on the old homestead where she now resides; and John Williams, who also occupies part of the old-home farm on which he was born. John Williams Decker married Hannah Millar, daughter of Michael Millar, and became the father of four children: Clifford Harness, who married Mary Fisher Duvall, daughter of Victor R. Duvall; Annie Millar, wife of Harley H. Duvall; Georgia Williams, who died on

Vause I*. Decker always took an active interest in public matters and served as township treasurer several years and also as townshi trustee. He was also prominent in county af.

ra] A. M., formerly judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Third Sub- Division of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio: is the senior member of the prominent law firm of Abernethy & Folsom, at Circleville. Judge Abernethy was born August 9, 1844, near Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, and is a son of James and Rhoda (Conner) Abernethy.

The Abernethy family is of English extraction and the family has long been a leading one in Virginia, where William Abernethy, the paternal grandfather of Judge Abernethy, was born. He died in Ohio. James Abernethy, father of Judge Abernethy, was also born in Virginia and married Rhoda Conner of the same locality. He spent over 50 years as a farmer in Pickaway County, where he died in 1890, aged 80 years. His estate comprised 258 acres of valuable land. He was prominent both in the Methodist Episcopal Church and also in the Democratic party. He had four children.

Isaac N. Abernethy was educated in a log schoolhouse in Monroe township, Pickaway County, and until he was 16 years of age remained at home assisting on the home farm. Then he began to teach school and to cherish hopes of a collegiate career. Although his father was able to give him excellent advantages, he probably decided that his son would be more likely to appreciate them, if they came through his own efforts, hence the young man was obliged to earn the means by which he could enjoy higher educational advantages.

He abundantly succeeded and in 1860 was able to enter Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in June, 1866, with the degree of A. B. He then began the study of the law with Alfred Yaple and later with Hon. R. A. Harrison, the former of whom was an ex-judge in Cincinnati and the latter, one of the leading members of the bar at Columbus, both are now deceased. Mr. Abernethy was admitted to the Ohio bar at Chillicothe, on September 1, 1868.

In 1869 Mr. Abernethy settled at Circleville where he was in partnership for one year with E. Z. Hayes. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney and served until January, 1877, when the firm of Abernethy & Grigsby was formed, which continued for two years. In 1878 Mr. Abernethy formed a partnership with H. F. Page, which continued for six years, when the firm of Page, Abernethy & Folsom came into existence and continued until 1887, when Mr. Page retired. In February, 1890, Mr. Abernethy was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas and for five years he filled the position with dignity and efficiency. On February 9, 1895, the present strong firm was formed, Judge Abernethy and Henry P. Folsom entering into partnership.

On September, 8, 1868, Judge Abernethy was married to Lizzie Busick, who was born at Mount Sterling, Ohio, and was a daughter of Ira Busick, of that place. Mrs. Abernethy died .in November, 1895, the mother of six children. Judge Abernethy was again married, November 30, 1899, to Wealtha E. Vieth, an accomplished lady who had been court stenographer for several years.

Politically, Judge Abernethy is a Democrat. For four years he served as a member of the County Board of School Examiners and had been its secretary for two years when he resigned. For a considerable period he was a member of the Circleville Board of Education and was a member of the City Council from the First Ward for some years. Judge Abernethy was a lecturer in the law department of the Ohio State University from its organization until 1895. Fraternally he isa Knight Templar Mason-and an Elk.

MAVID S. LUDWIG, one of the most prominent farmers and _ substantial citizens of Pickaway County, owning 705 acres of valuable farming land situated in the midst of the famous Pickaway Plains, was born June 16, 1842, on the same farm on which he now resides, which farm has been owned by Ludwigs for 100 years. He is a son of Jacob and Evaline (Morris) Ludwig.

1748, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Daniel and Mary Ludwig, who were natives of Germany. It is a family tradition that the last mentioned Daniel Ludwig left his native country on account of political difficulties and that in his own land he was closely connected with one of the ruling houses of Bavaria. He died in Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Daniel Ludwig, our supject's grandfather, was associated with Governor Joseph Heister, of Pennsylvania, in the operation of a store located at Reading, Pennsylvania, for a number of years. In the fall of 1806, he started for Ohio, taking with him his wife and nine children, together with a small stock of goods, all accommodated in a two-horse wagon. It was his intention to open a store in the new region as soon as conditions would seem to make an opening. For this purpose he erected a large brick house which stood, for many years, on the site of the present substantial frame house occupied by David S. Ludwig. In one portion of this building it was Mr. Ludwig's intention to start his little business, and in this way provide employment for some of his numerous children. Three of his sons died, however, and this caused Mr. Ludwig to abandon the enterprise and the goods were disposed of to the neighbors. The above meritioned brick house was erected in 1809, and without any doubt was the first brick House erected in Pickaway County.

this section with settlers wanting homes for their families and lands on which to graze their cattle. Hence he wisely invested, purchasing first a half section in this county and subsequently buying land in adjacent counties until he owned about 3,000 acres. He was the' original owner of the site on which stands the town of Logan, in Hocking County, Ohio. His whole life demonstrated that he was a man of much more than ordinary amount of judgment and business faculty. That he established his home in Pickaway County in 1806 is a fact, but from legal papers in the possession of the family it is also known that he made transfers of land as early as 1801, showing that his knowledge of Pickaway County must have begun some years prior to 1806.

Daniel Ludwig. was thrice married: first, in 1778, to Appelona Miller, daughter of Michael and Susanna Miller. She died May 14, 1787. His second marriage took place on March 11, 1788, to Eva Grissmer, who was a daughter of Caspar and Rebecca Grissmer. She died October 21, 1800. His third marriage, in 1802, was to Elizabeth Sheperd, who was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Sheperd. Daniel Ludwig died June 9, 1825, and his wife died May 3, 1816.

Jacob Ludwig, father of David S. Ludwig, was the third child and only son of the third marriage. When his father died, he inherited the property, which in turn descended tc David S. Ludwig, the present occupant. Jacob Ludwig was married on November 18, 1830, to Evaline Morris, a daughter of Henry and Charity Morris, who was born July 12, 1812, and died February 23, 1848. Their eight children were: Daniel, born November 23, 1831; Henry O., born December 16, 1832; Isaac, born September 21, 1834; George, born January 14, 1836; John, born December 17, 1837, who died April 7, 1848, from the effects of an accident ; Mary Elizabeth, born April 28, 1839, who married John P. Steely, now a resident of Fairfield County; David S., born June 16, 1842; and Jacob, born January 27, 1848, deceased in the same year.

acres - is in section 32, Circleville township, on which, in 1891, Mr. Ludwig erected a commodious frame dwelling, which is without exaggeration one of the most beautiful homes among the many beautiful ones for which Pickaway County is justly noted. It is built on a small elevation about a quarter of a mile from the Kingston turnpike, right in the center of what has been denominated the "Garden Spot of Ohio." This name has been given to that favored locality known as the Pickaway Plains. In order to erect this handsome building, Mr. Ludwig found it necessary to tear down the old brick structure which, with high hopes of mercantile success for his sons, the grandfather had built so many years before. For so many years this had been a landmark that his regret was shared by the whole community.

The above mentioned -100-acre farm in Circleville township is the old Ludwig homestead and here Mr. Ludwig resides. He owns 505 acres in Pickaway township and a tract of 40 acres in Washington township. Two acres have been cut off from the Circleville township farm and set aside for the Hitler-Ludwig burying place.

exception of one. The record is as follows: Evaline L., Fannie D., Edgar J. (deceased), Lydia Irene, Mary Rosalie and Mabel G. Evaline L. Ludwig married James:Dresbach and lives on a farm in Pickaway township owned by Mr. Ludwig. Their only child, Helen Irene, died at the age of four years. Fannie D. was educated in the local schools and in young womanhood married Henry T. Link, who reside at home and are prominent in the social circles in the neighborhood. The third child and only son of Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig, Edgar J., died September 22, 1902, at the age of twenty-four years. He was a fine, manly young man of great promise and his untimely death cast a shadow over the whole community as well as brought untold grief to his family. Politically Mr. Ludwig has always been identified with the Democratic party and has taken a prominent part in public matters of a local character. On numerous occasions he has served in various official positions, and has been township trustee and school director. In all that goes to make up good citizenship, he is a worthy representative of a fine old family.

Ev. David S. Tappan, D. D., Ll

EV. DAVID S. TAPPAN, D. D., LL. 4| D., pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Circleville, was born April 2, 1845, at Steubenville, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Oella (Stanton) Tappan.

Dr. Tappan's ancestry may be clearly traced to a remote period in the past. The name is a purely Anglo-Saxon one and was formerly spelled Topham, its meaning being 'Upper The family home was in Yorkshire and our subject is the 12th in descent from Robert of Linton, near Paley Bridge, West Riding, Yorkshire. This Robert died in 1550. Of the 12 immediate ancestors of Dr. Tappan, nine bore Scriptural names.

settled in Essex County, and in the following year was made a selectman. Benjamin Tappan, the grandson of Abraham, graduated at Harvard College, the whole family, up to the present time, having been distinguished for their learning and their piety. Many of them have been professional men, but the greatgrandfather of our subject seems to have been also a goldsmith. In 1770 the goldsmiths were the bankers and money lenders.

1799, and in 1809 located at Steubenville, Ohio. He was a man of distinction, a noted jurist and a United States Senator. The father of Dr. Tappan was a physician and his

Dr. Tappan was the third in a family of five children. He attended the public schools of Steubenville until September, 1860, when he entered the freshman class of Miami University. It was known through his entire course that he had the ministry in view. At graduation, in a class of 25, he took first honors and delivered the valedictory oration. During his collegiate attendance, he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and of the Miami Union Literary Society.

Directly after his graduation at the university, he entered upon the study of theology in the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and was graduated in April, 1867. In the summer of 1865 he had charge of an academy in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, and in the summer of 1866, of the Callensburg Academy, in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The Allegheny Presbytery licensed him to preach in the spring of 1866, and in September, 1867, he took charge of the Chariton Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Des Moines, Iowa. In February, 1871, he took charge of the Presbyterian Church at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he remained until April, 1890. While in Iowa he was honored with the offices of moderator and permanent clerk of his presbytery, in turn.

made stated clerk of the Synod of Iowa and served as such until his removal from the State. It was while he resided in Iowa that he received the honorary degree of A. M., from Wooster University. He was given his degree of Doctor of Divinity from Lenox College, Iowa, in 1886. It was also while residing in Iowa that he was appointed a commissioner to the General Assembly of his church on three different occasions. For six years he was president of the School Board at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and from 1887 to 1890 he was a trustee of the Presbyterian College at Fairfield, lowa.

On April 1, 1890, Dr. Tappan took the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church at Portsmouth, Ohio, the largest and strongest church in the Presbytery of Portsmouth. This pulpit he filled until September 1, 1899, when he became president of Miami University. In the connection at Portsmouth Dr. Tappan was, as usual, a leader among his ministerial brethren. He was frequently selected as moderator in the meetings of the presbytery, his learning, piety and tact making him particularly fitted for the position. In 1893 he was appointed a commissioner to. the General Assambly from the Portsmouth Presbytery and was one of the clerks. During his entire period of connection with that presbytery he was chairman of the committee on home missions. He was president of the City Board of Examiners and also a member of the Board of Education at Portsmouth.

In the Synod of Ohio, Dr. Tappan served three years as chairman of the committee on education, for three years was chairman of the committee on home missions and is at present chairman of the committee on ministerial relief. In November, 1899, he received the degree of LL. D., from Wooster University, a well deserved and appreciated honor. In a ministry of 32 years he had but three churches and each charge was an advance upon the previous one. In June, 1902, he resigned the presidency of Miami University .and in November of the same year he accepted the pastorate of the church at Circleville, Ohio.

Dr. Tappan occupies a very high position in his church, representing great scholarship, resolute will, executive ability and unquestioned piety. He is a tower of strength at the head of any institution, be it church or college.

a}|LIAS FLORENCE, one of the most prominent farmers and old and esteemed residents of Jackson township, with which he has been identified all his life, was born September 28, 1845, on Darby Creek, in Jackson township, Pickaway County, Ohio. His parents were Ezra and Sarah Ann (Renick) Florence.

Pickaway County has few older or more important families than that of Florence. Its establishment here dates very far back and its members have been leading ones in the civilization and material development of this section of the State. Although it at present lays no claim to noble lineage, being thoroughly and sincerely American, the fact remains that the great-great-grandfather of our subject was an Italian nobleman and belonged to a family which at one time owned the site of the old city of Florence, Italy. This scion of the old family was of adventurous spirit and broke away from the forms and ceremonies which hedged the nobility ; this angered his father and caused him to be disinherited. He probably reached American shores early in the days of the American Revolution, attracted the attention of General LaFayette, became an officer under the French commander and after the close of the struggle established his home at Warrington, Virginia, where the family still has many representatives.

In Judge William Florence, a son of the first settler, Ohio had a distinguished jurist. He was born at Warrington, Virginia, and came to Ohio at a very early day. He was a surveyor and had much to do with the early platting and dividing of lands. He acquired many hundreds of acres, reared a large family, took part in all the early civilizing movements of this section and finally died at the age of 96 years. For many years he served as probate judge in Williams County. He it was who established the standard bushel in Ohio. Judge William Florence was married on January 14, 1796, to Fanny Robinson, and their children were: Elias, born February 15, 1797; Nancy, born March 13, 1799; Sally, born February 27, 1801 ; Mary, born March 26, 1803; Kitty, born May 8, 1805; Betsy, born September 27, 1807; Robinson, born December 25, 1809; and William, born March 23, 1812.

Elias, the eldest son of Judge William Florence, and the grandfather of our subject, was probably the one member of the family to be born in Virginia, his birth occurring on February 15, 1797. The date of his location in Pickaway County was probably about 1806, and the whole of his long life was spent here. At one time he owned 6,000 acres of land in Muhlenberg and Monroe townships and a large portion he utilized in the raising of stock. He was a man of old-time integrity and was one of the leading public men of his day in this part of Ohio. A strong Whig, he was the choice of his party for high official position, served for years in both houses of the Ohio Legislature and subsequently represented this district in Congress. At one time he was colonel of the State militia. All the old records c* the public men of Pickaway County make extended mention of the life and services of Elia Florence. He lived to within two years of the age of his father, dying when 94 years old.

Ezra Florence, son of Elias Florence and father of our subject, was born in Muhlenberg township, Pickaway County, Ohio, on a farm some four miles distant from the farm occupied by his son. He wasa stockman and farmer and for several years was a man with large business interests. While he inherited many of the sterling qualities of his father and grandfather, he did not inherit their robust constitutions, his death occurring when he was but 29 years of age. He operated a farm of 2,400 acres, which his wife had inherited. In politics, Ezra Florence was a Whig. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian.

Ezra Florence married Sarah Ann Renick, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, October 17, 1828, and died at the age of 60 years. She was a daughter of Jonathan and Lucinda (Sudduth) Renick, who were married March 22, 1812, and had two children - Sarah Ann and Mary, the latter of whom died at the age of 21 years. Thus the mother of our subject inherited all the large possessions of her father, who was one of the substantial men of the county. The children of Ezra Florence and wife were: Elias, our subject; Jonathan, of Circleville; Gustavus, of Chicago; and Mary. The great-grandfather of our subject

Elias Florence was eight years old when his father died. His mother encouraged his attendance at school and he had many advantages, including some time in Robins' Select School for Boys, at Springfield, Ohio, and later a year at Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio. After completing his education, he returned to the home farm which he managed for his mother until the time of his marriage. If 1869 he settled on his present farm, which originally contained 340 acres. Subsequently he disposed of 100 acres to his son, but still operates 230 acres, devoting his attention to farming and stock-raising.

This farm is one of the best known properties in Pickaway County. With the Swearingen farm it occupies what has been known as the Darby Plains, Mr. Florence's land occupying a favorable position at the head of this large body of land. Formerly heavy timber covered the whole tract, enough of which ts still left to make light and shade and to open pleasant vistas over a large extent of country. The old Darby dam, a landmark here, 1s located on one corner of the Florence farm. Old settlers remember when all this tract was noted for the luscious wild strawberries which grew here. Mr. Florence found a log house on the property when he came here with his bride. This soon gave way to a more cammodious residence and up to the present time Mr. Florence has not ceased improving. All.of his yuildings are of a substantial character while his beautiful home, placed on an eminence which overlooks a great stretch -of the surrounding country, is one of the most attractive in the township. The name given this place, "Locust Farm," is a very appropriate one, on account of the magnificent locust trees which shade it.

In 1868 Mr. Florence was married to Catherine Fitzgerald, who was born in Madison County, Ohio, and is the estimable daughter of the late Judge Edward Fitzgerald. The latter was born and married in Virginia and served as probate judge in Madison County, Ohio, for many years. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Florence consist of a son and daughter - George and Anna, both living at home. The former served asa member of the Fourth Regiment, Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, in the

Spanish-American War. The latter is the wife of Harry Holderman. Mr. Florence has been a life-long Republican but, with the exception of serving one term as justice of the peace, he has never accepted The family belong to the Presbyterian Church.

whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is numbered with the eminent men of his profession in this section of the State and is an honored and esteemed citizen of Circleville. Judge Winstead was born in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County,

Judge Winstead's ancestors came from England and Holland, but for generations have been domiciled in America. William \Winstead, his grandfather, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, and emigrated to Ohio in young manhood, establishing a home in Clear Creek township, Fairfield County. Later he removed to Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, and still later, to Washington township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits until the close of his life. During the War of 1812 he served as an ensign and still later served with the rank of captain in the Ohio, State militia. The maternal grandfather of Judge Winstead served in the Revolutionary War.

Samuel S. Winstead, father of Judge Winstead, was born in 1818 in Pickaway County, Ohio. Like his father and like his son, our subject, he taught school in his early years, an interesting coincidence being that the three generations taught in the same school. He died in 1877 on his farm of 170 acres, in Pick~ away County, survived by his wife and two children, Jacob P. and Mary A., the latter of whom married Silas Young, of Washington township. The mother of Judge Winstead, Elizabeth Hoffman, was born in Washington township, Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1816, and died in March, 1890. She was a daughter of George Hoffman, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1805, served during the War of 1812 and became a man of prominence in his township. Mrs. \Winstead was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church.

Jacob P. \Vinstead was only two years old when his parents settled in Washington township, where he attended the local schools to the age of 18 years and then began to teach school, earning the means With which to continue his studies. After some time spent at Salem Academy, in Ross County, in the fall of 1868 he entered Miami University, at Oxford, and was graduated there in the scientific course in 186g. receiving the degree of B. S. His time was occupied 'in the study of the law with Judge Courtright and in teaching school until 1872. when he entered the law department of the University of Michigan. In the following year he was graduated there with the degree of LL. B.

In April, 1873, he settled at Circleville for the practice of his profession and this city has been his chosen home ever since. His success has been pronounced and his name has been Javorably connected with some of the most important litigation in the courts of Pickaway County. rom 1874 until 1878 he served as city solicitor and was prosecuting attorney from 1880 until 1885. In the fall of 1890 he was elected to the office of probate judge in which he served with distinction. Since his retirement from the bench he has continued his private practice.

Judge Winstead was married at Newton, Jowa, in 1873, to Lizzie A. McElroy, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, is a graduate of Salem .\cacemy and for some time was a school teacher. Tour children were born to this marriage: Samuel H., Wilham McElroy, Charles Ie. and Margaret. Mrs. \Winstead is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Politically the Judge is a Democrat and he has been very active in city, county and State politics. Fraternally he is connected with the leading organizations.

F. BALES, of the firm of J. F. Bales & Son, operators of a grain elevator at Circleville, was born in 1848 at London, Madison County, Ohio, and is a son of the late Moses Bales.

Moses Bales was born at Harper's Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia), and when about 22 years of age migrated to Madison County, Ohio. At this time he was accompanied by his father, Thomas Bales, who was an Abolitionist from principle and had freed his slaves. Moses Bales, like his father, was a fine man and was more or less prominent in politics for the greater part of his life.

J. F. Bales was reared and educated in Madison County, and remained on the home farm until 30 years of age. He then embarked in a mercantile business at Big Plain, Madison County, where he continued for three years and then came to Circleville. Here he engaged in-a dairy business for 12 years and then turned his attention to the grain business, utilizing the old Jackson elevator on the canal. \With Samuel Ashbrook, he built the present elevator which is situated in the eastern limits of Circleville. Two years later he bought Mr. Ash- | brook's interest and subsequently admitted his i-son, Robert R., into partnership, when the firm i stvle-of J. F. Bales'& Son was adopted. In _ connection with their grain interests, the firm | has established a great hay trade and they are ' extensive balers and shippers of hay. 'In 1875 Mr. Bales was married to Alice J. Rife. who is a daughter of Elias B. Rife, one , of the old settlers of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs, Bales have two sons - Blenn Rife and Robert R.

Dr. Blenn Rife Bales, of Circleville, was educated in the public schools here and subsequently graduated from the Starling Medical - College. \When the Spanish-American War | was declared, he enlisted in the Fourth Regi- ment, Ohio Infantry, U. S. Volunteers, as a private and accompanied the regiment to Puerto Rico, where he served as assistant surgeon. After completing his medical education, Dr. Bales settled for a short term of practice at Marietta, Ohio, and then came to Circleville, where he enjoys a very satisfactory practice.

Robert R. Bales, who is associated with his father in the grain business, was educated in the public schools at Circleville and then took a business course at Poughkeepsie, New York.

J. F. Bales is a member of Gilroy Lodge, 1. O. O. F., of Madison County and of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Circleville. He is one of the leading members of the Methodist I¢piscopal Church and belongs to the board of stewards. He is a Republican and has served as a member of the City Council from the old First Ward, overcoming a large Democratic majority.

BION. JOHN GROCE. For many years the late John Groce largely dominated the business interests of Circleville, where he was born on January 29, 1818, his parents, John and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Groce, having settled in Pickaway County in 1805.

The family of Groce originated in Germany but it has been established in America for at least four generations. Charles Groce, the grandfather of the late John Groce. was born in Maryland, where he followed agricultural pursuits and reared his family, in Frederick County.

John Groce, son of Charles and father of John, came to Pickaway County, Ohio, in 1805 and engaged in work as a carpenter until 1810, during which time the town of Circleville was platted. He recognized that here was an excellent business field and, after he had returned to Maryland and married, he settled permanently in the hamlet and had much to do with the erection of the older houses still standing here. He died in 1834, aged 55 years. He married Elizabeth Jacobs, who was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, and died in 1824. Both were worthy members and active supporters of the early Presbyterian Church in this city. Of their family of six children, none survive.

The late John Groce was reared in the rapidly growing village of Circleville and attended the early subscription schools. His father was one of the movers in the building of the academy here and our subject subsequently enjoyed academic advantages; but the death of his father, when he was only 16 years of age, prevented further educational advancement and practically threw him upon his own resources. By the advice of friends he became an apprentice to John A, Wolfley and learned the saddlery business, afterward working as a journeyman. When he had accumulated a capital of $85, he entered into a saddlery business for himself at Kingston, Ohio, in 1839, where he continued until 1848.

In the late summer of this year Mr. Groce came to Circleville, which by that time had grown into a busy, thriving town, and entered into a partnership in the grain and pork business with R. D. Atwater. In 1852 they enlarged the scope of their interests by becoming merchants. In the fall of this year Mr. Groce went to Milton, Indiana, to attend to the pork packing end of their business, while Mr. Atwater looked after the other interests in Circleville. After the death of Mr. Atwater shortly afterward, Mr. Groce purchased his interest and admitted Jacob Helman into partnership without capital, and in the fall of 1853 he resumed pork packing here and with such success that in 1860 he exchanged his interest in the dry goods store for the Olds Block of buildings and devoted himself exclusively to the packing of pork. On November 12, 1872, Mr. Groce took his 'only son, Charles E. Groce, into partnership and the firm name became Groce & Son. In 1870 Mr. Grece had built the present brick block on High street, great buildings tharoughly equipped for the immense-business carried on, in which he gave employment to many men who earned a subsistence by reason of his ability and enterprise. He not only provided foods for local consumption but the fame of his products in many sections equalled that of the great packers of the West. This business grew into the greatest industry of the city and brought Mr.-Grocé and those associated with him large fortunes.

Mr. Groce was married in young manhood, in December, 1839, after settling as a saddler, in Kingston, Ohio, to Elizabeth E. Graham, who was born near Kingston on September 25, 1820, and was a daughter of Robert J. Graham, who was born in Virginia but had settled among the pioneers of Ross. County, Ohio. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Groce were: Mary E., who is the widow of Bennett Foresman, of LaFavette, Indiana; Ellen G., deceased, who was the wife of F. M. Schulze, a wholesale grocer of Circleville; Jennie, who is the widow of Lemuel Boggs, a farmer of Pickaway township; Charles E., and a child that died young.

Few busy citizens of Circleville showed more genuine interest in the progress and development of his city than Mr. Groce. He served on numerous occasions as alderman and it was on account of his business acumen and his wise and sensible attitude that the city now enjoys many of its dearest privileges. He was one of the first to recognize the benefits which would accrue through securing the right of way through the town for the Scioto' Valley Traction Company's road, became a_ stockholder and a member of the board of directors and worked until it was an accomplished fact. He owned a very large amount of valuable property, including a handsome home and a large hereditary interest in the Franklin and Groce addition to Circleville. He was actively interested in various public-spirited movements and spent a great deal of time and effort in securing for the city the beautiful Forest Cemetery, where he now rests in company with many of his fellow-citizens.

In young manhood Mr. Groce cast his first presidential vote for Gen. William Henry Harrison and in 1852 he became identified with the Republican party, of which he was a useful member for many years afterward, serving in a number of party organizations. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention and helped to nominate Gen. Rutherford B. Hayes, and served in the same capacity in 1880, when Gen. James A. Garfield became the party's choice. During the Civil War he was a strong supporter of the government and contributed as largely as his means at that time permitted. Later he became president of the Third National Bank of Circleville.

Mr. Groce was a self-made man. He built up a business from small beginnings to a commercial enterprise, whose market covered the country. It still continues as a monument to his business ability, his concentration of faculties, his clear insight and his unflagging industry. His generosity was unbounded and his death left not only individuals but many organizations which miss his continual benefactions. He was a man of unostentatious lite, was singularly happy in his home, had reason to take satisfaction in his children and was the center of the domestic circle. His golden wedding, celebrated in 1889, will long be remembered by those who participated in the felicities of the occasion, although none of those who had been present 50 years before remained on this side of the dark river.

Co. Cuartes E. Groce, the only son of the late John Groce, was born at Circleville Ohio,:-in 1851, where he was given a good, comunon-school education. In 1872 he became associated with his able father in the pork packing business as the younger member of the firm of Groce & Son and his interests in this great industry still continue. He is also largely interested in the grain business and operates five elevators in Pickaway County. He is on the directing board of.the First National Bank of Circleville, and has numerous other interests. ¢

Colonel Groce obtained his title by reason of his having been a member of the staffs of Governors Foster and Foraker. He is a very prominent Republican, has served on the State Board of Public Works, for several years has. been chairman of the Republican County Committee and was a delegate to the Republican:

F. MOWERY, formerly treasurer of Salt Creek township, a prominent citizen and leading agriculturist, owns a fine farm of 209 acres which is situated in section 11. Mr. Mowery was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, February 3, 1848, and is a son of John and Rachel (Dunkle) Mowery.

The Mowery family, like many others in Salt Creek township, came to Ohio 'from Pennsylvania and was established in Salt Creek township by John Mowery, the grandfather of our subject, who came here from Berks County, Pennsylvania, when his son John was five years old. The grandfather settled on the very farm which is now owned by J. F. Mowery. Here John Mowery, the second, was reared and spent his whole life, dying in 1876. He was a man who was highly respected and one whose whole life was a credit to his community. Of his children, these survive: Leannah, widow of Elias Crites, living in Allen County, Ohio; Mary, widow of John Stout, living in Pickaway County; Rachel, widow of Amos Reichelderfer, living in Delaware County, Ohio; Susan, widow of Peter Myers, living at Stoutsville, Ohio; William H., who is a resident of Circleville; John F., of this sketch; Louisa J., widow of W. H. Housel, residing at Columbus; George D., who is president of the Salt Creek Valley Bank at Laurelville; and Allen S., who resides at Columbus.

John F. Mowery was reared to manhood in Salt Creek township and has always resided on the farm he now owns. Here he secured his agricultural training, his education being obtained in the district schools. He was married (first), in 1873, to Mary E. Wolf, who was born in Hocking. County, Ohio, and was a daughter of Col. S. S. Wolf, who is now a resident of Adelphi, Ohio. Of the five children of this marriage, three survive. namely: Orestes, a teacher in the public schools, who married Nellie F. Dresbach, daughter of Milton Dresbach; Ada S., wife of J. D. Hummel, of Circleville; and Jennie, wife of Nelson Strous, of Salt Creek township. Pearl and Blanche are deceased. Mr. Mowery was married (second), in 1895, to Emma Bowers, who is a daughter of Jacob Bowers, of Fairfield County, Ohio.

In politics Mr. Mowery is one of the leading Democrats of his section. He served for seven years as treasurer of Salt Creek township and during his incumbency enjoyed the reputation of being an admirable official. He has also been school director in District No. 1 and has always been active in looking after educational interests. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Tarlton and is one of the deacons and church trustees.

sician and surgeon at Circleville, who has been in the active practice of medicine and surgery here for the past 26 years and who is well and favorably known all over Pickaway County, was born November 16, 1843, at Chillicothe, Ohio, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Sophia (Carpenter) Miesse.

Jacob Miesse, the paternal grandfather of Dr. Miesse, was born in Pennsylvania, where he. followed agricultural pursuits all his life. On the maternal side, the ancestry is of New England birth; the maternal | grandfather migrated from Connecticut to Athens County, Ohio, at an early day, probably shortly after the birth of Dr. Miesse's mother.

Dr. Benjamin Miesse, father of our subject, was born in the vicinity of Reading, Pa. After graduating from the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he engaged in practice for some years and then settled at Circleville, where he continued in practice until the death of his wife broke up his domestic circle. He then went back to Pennsylvania, where the remainder of his life was spent among the scenes of his youth. He had three sons, two of whom became physicians, and one i daughter - Mrs. Lizzie Reiche, a resident of York, Pennsylvania. The brothers of our subject are: Dr. Benjamin F. Miesse, a physician in Chillicothe, Ohio, who during the Civil War served as an assistant surgeon in the army; and Edson B. Miesse, who is engaged in business at Chillicothe.

years. versity. at Athens, and was but 20 years old when he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. pleased with the vouth's mental gifts and gladly accepted him as a student in medicine. The vears 1865 and 1866 were spent at the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. In the sicians and Surgeons - inedical department of Columbia College - in New York City, where he was graduated in 1868. Soon after he located at the village of Royalton, in Fairfield County. Oliio. He continued to practice through Fairfield and Pickaway counties until 1880. when he came to Circleville. where he has not only built up a very large practice, but has acquired a large amount of real estate and has become a valued and public-spirited citizen. He owns a farm of 333 acres in Wayne township and one of 170 acres in Monroe township.

In 1868 Dr. Miesse was married at Chillicothe, Ohio, to Louisa E. Cummins, who was born at Portsmouth, Ohio, and is a daughter of Rev. S. P. Cummins. a minister of the Methedist Episcopal Church and for years a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Dr. and Mrs. Miesse have three children, namely: Ella C., wife of J. H. Chaney. a leading contractor of Chicago. Illinois: Bertha M., wife of William B. Frederick. a farmer of Wayne township: and Alice B., wife of H. E. Graham, a merchant of Circleville.

Reg., Ohio Vol. Inf. For 14 years he has been a member of the Board of Pension Examiners in Pickaway County, was a member of the Hocking Valley Medical Society as long as it was in existence and belongs to other medical organizations. His other connections in-

Knight Templar Mason and a member of Groce Post, G. A. R., of Circleville, while his social associations have always been those of a man of professional skill and personal integrity.

BJOHN R. ENTREKIN, who, as a citia} zen and agriculturist, is well and favorably known throughout Pickaway township, owns one of the lest farms and finest residences in this locality, the former containing about 300 acres of well-cultivated land. Mr. Entrekin was horn in this township on October 1, 1844. and

James [cntrekin, the original representative of his family in America, was a native of the Highlands of Scotland and resided in a mountain pass known as Entrekin Pass. His wie. who- was from the North of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish extraction, attained the great age of 103 years. Upon coming to America, they settle| in what is now the eastern part of Adams County, Pennsylvania. One son, \Villiam, with his entire family, was killed by the Indians at a small stream called Bloody Run. Joseph, the other son, married Elizabeth Hall, who, like himself, was'of Scotch-Irish descent ; they settled after marriage near Gettysburg, upon the ground where the great battle of 'the War of the Rebellion was fought.

Col. John Entrekin, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hall) Entrekin and grandfather of the subject of our sketch, was born in 1778 and at the age of 20 vears removed to the Northwest Territory, settling in what is now Ross County. He held' a commission as colonel in the War of 1812 and at the close of the war moved to Pickaway County, where he lived with his son, William W. Entrekin. He was one of the prominent men of Ross and Pickaway counties. His life up to 1828 was identified with these counties, as was shown by crumbling papers vellow with age that were in the possession of William W. Entrekin, father of the subject of this sketch. Col. John Entrekin was appointed justice of the peace in 18t5 by Governor Worthington, in 1819 by Governor Ethan A. Brown and in 1832 by Governor Allen Trumbull. His family was one of the half dozen families that composed the society of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church at Kingston, the first church of Ross County. The last public office he held was that of common pleas judge of Pickaway County, to which he was elected by the Legislature in 1838. He served in that office until his death, which occurred May 10, 1842, at the age of O4 years.

Wilham W. Entrekin was a worthy son of a worthy father. He was born and reared in Pickaway County, lived out a long and useful life here and died in 1892, at the age of 81 years. During the Civil War he was a stanch supporter of the Federal government, sent two substitutes into the army and secured 60 recruits for Pickaway and Ross counties, expending time and means to further the cause. He was one of the most active workers and generous supporters of the old Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, which recently celebrated its centennial. He married Jane Bell and of their children two survive, viz.: John R., of this sketch; and Tacy C., who is the wife of Newton Davis, of Decatur, [llinois. The venerable mother, now in her 87th year, resides in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Davis.

John R. Entrekin was reared in his native township, laid the foundation of his education in the district schools and those at Kingston, and in 1868 was graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio. His business operations have been confined to farming and_ stock-raising. His well-improved land testifies to his agricultural efficiency. His handsome home, with all modern comforts and conveniences, is situated near enough to Kingston to enable the family to enjoy both town and rural life.

On September 13, 1876, Mr. entrekin was united in marriage with Laura .\. Anderson, who was born in Ross County. Ohio, and is a daughter of D. C. Anderson, who is president of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank at Frankfort. Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Entrekin have one son, Carl A., who married Margaret Coffman, of Washington Court House. and is in business at Chillicothe.

Mr. Entrekin is athliated with the Republican party and takes a deep interest in keeping in office men, who in his judgnveat will carry out its principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church. He has heen identified for 16 vers with Lodge No. 419, Knights of Pythias. at Kingston, Ohio, with the farming interests of Tickaway County through a long and active life, resides on his farm of 200 acres in Madison township. He was born in the adjacent township of Walnut. on February 4, 1832, and is a son of David Hall and a grandson of Henry Hall. who was an early 'pioneer in Madison township, Pickaway County.

The Hall family came to Ohio from Pennsylvania, bringing with them the same habits which had made them prosperous in the Keystone State. David Hall, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and in youth accompanied his parents' family across the mountains to Ohio. 'He was reared in Madison township but after his marriage he removed to Walnut township, and developed a fine farm out of the wilderness.

Peter Hall was reared in Walnut township and assisted his father in clearing and cultivating his lands. The schools at that day, in his locality, were primitive in character, but he secured a good foundation and as he has mixed much with intelligent people all his life, and has been a great reader, he is a very well informed man. He has always followed farming and stock-raising. He has been a large investor in land and at one time owned 1,000 acres, but.

In 1856 Mr. Hall was married to Lavina Solt, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and they have had 12 children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Mary A., wife of Jackson Stein, of Madison township; Barbara J.. wife of Dr. Martin Luther Snyder, of Madison township; David, of Madison township; William, of Walnut township; Icimma, wife of Dr. J. Keckler, a practicing physician at Yorkshire, Darke County, Ohio; Illa. wife of Irvin. Payne, of Walnut township; John, of Madison township: and Ora, wife of Lewis Larue. The four deceased memhers of the family were: Samuel, who died at Columbus, Ohio, where he was a practicing attorney: Sarah, who was the wife of William Hoy, of Fairfield County, Ohio; and two who as infants passed over to the other side.

Mr. Hall did not remove to Madison township until several years after his marriage, but here the most of his children were born and here all his interests have been centered for very many years. He has always been much interested in the progress and development of his neighborhood and has been generous in Jending support to public improvements and to the advancing of educational and religious enterprises. He is one of the leading members as well as an elder of Trinity Lutheran Church, at Marey. Ohio, and has also served as trustee and deacon. His political support has always been given to the Democratic party. For 50 vears he and his devoted wife have journeyed down life's pathway together and it would be difficult to find in all northern Pickaway County a more highly esteemed and venerated couple. They have friends on every side: who wish them every blessing.

BIOHN HENRY PETERS. a prominent a) citizen and a trustee of \Walnut township, residing on his well-improved farm of 86 acres, was born in this township, on an adjoining farm, December 1, 1867. He is a son of Manton and Hester (Dum) Peters.

Manton Peters was born in Walnut township, Pickaway County, Ohio, August 7, 1833, and died February 9, 1889. He was a son of Stevenson Peters who settled in Walnut township at a very early day, coming among the pioneers. The wife of Manton Peters was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1832, and was a daughter of Jacob Dum. She accompanied the family to Fairfield County, where her father settled with his family of 13 children, when she was a girl. Manton Peters and wife had four children. all living, namely: Mrs. Pauline Kibler; Mrs. Isabelle Oman; John Henry and Mrs. Florence Balthaser. The Peters family is one of standing in both Pickaway and Fairfield counties and from its earliest establishment here has represented industry, integrity and good citizenship.

John H. Peters was reared in Walnut township and obtained his education in the country schools and at East Ringgold. When he reached maturity he married Mabel Maud Boysel, a daughter of Jacob and Cynthia (Mayes) Boysel. Mr. and Mrs. Peters have six children, namely: Stanley Brightman; George Albert; Harry Maeteer: Hester Genevieve; John Stevenson and Edwin Wilson.

Mr. Peters has been a life-long Democrat. In 1903 he was appointed township trustee to fill the unexpired term of C. E. Groce, when the latter removed from the township. His management of the affairs of the office proved eminently satisfactory and in the following year Mr. Peters was elected for a term of three years and still contiriues a useful member of the board. Outside of official duties, he devotes his attention to agricultural pursuits.

ma) AN PHILLIPS, a well-known citi- | zen and representative farmer of Pickaway township, who resides on his valuable farm in section 6, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 3, 1836, and is a son of William and Priscilla (White) Phillips.

County among the pioneers of that section. The maternal grandfather, Walter \V. White, lived in Guernsey County to the advanced age of 96 years.

Evan Phillips was reared to the age of 16 years in his native county, where his education was obtained in the district schools, and then he accompanied his brother, John W. Phillips, to Pickaway County and has been a continuous resident here ever since. His brother removed at a later date to Tazewell County, Illinois. From choice Mr. Phillips has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits.

In April, 1862, Mr. Phillips was married to Ellen Hitler, a daughter of the late Jacob Hitler, who was one of the prominent men of Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have had 10 children, as follows: Charles, of Pickaway township; Nelson H., of Washington township; Florence, widow of Jacob Ludwig, of Pickaway township; Emma J., wife of Adolphus Roth, of Fayette County, Ohio; Dell, at home; Maud E., wife of George H. Root, of Pickaway township; Dennis E., of Pickaway township; Rose E., at home; Lillie, wife of Gardner Duffy, of Circleville; and Arthur \W., at home.

Mr. Phillips is a Democrat and served at one time as a township trustee. He has always taken a deep interest in the advancement of education and testified to it by serving for 18 years as a school director of District No. 4.

. THADDEUS E. CROMLEY, one of the distinguished sons of Pickaway County, whose whole mature life has been one of change, progress and achievement, is now a resident of Walnut township, where he was born June 21, 1843. His parents were William and Sarah E. (Staige) Cromley, and his paternal grandfather, Paul Cromley.

The Cromley family originated in Germany and the old German orthography of the name, which was rendered Grammlich, and later softened to Gramlich, and still later to

Kramlich and eventually to Cromley, prevailed through at least two generations after the founder of the family in America, Valentine Grammilich, settled in Pennsylvania, in 1749. He established a home near Seiberlingsville, in Lehigh County. He was the great-great-grandfather of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley, of Pickaway County.

Paul Grammlich, or Cromley, to use the Anglicized spelling, one of the sons of Valentine, had six sons, viz.: Christian, Henry, Paul, George, Jacob and Jonathan, and of these, Jonathan, Jacob and Paul moved to Ohio.

Paul Cromley, son of Paul (1), had four sons and three daughters, viz.: Jonas, Stephen, Catherine, [Elizabeth, William, Mary and Thomas. The grandparents of Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley both died of typhoid fever, the father on March 8, 1826, aged 47 years, and the mother, on April 16, 1826, aged 41 years. They had come from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1815, and settled in Walnut township, Pickaway County, on the farm now owned by Mahlon Cromley. Their ashes rested on the farm now owned by John G. Haas until January, 1906, when they were reinterred in Reber Hill cemetery, in Walnut township.

William Cromley, son of Paul (2) and father of Hon. Thaddeus E., was born in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1813, and was two years old when his parents moved to Ohio. He was reared in Walnut township and his boyhood was passed with but tew educational opportunities, the time and place not yet encouraging the general establishment of schools, but he reached manhood a well-qualified farmer and as time went on he acquired a large amount of property, which his judgment and excellent management produced for him what was then considered a large fortune. After his marriage he purchased of his fatherin-law a portion of the farm on which he died. He acquired a part of the land on which Ashville now stands and subsequently laid it off in town lots. His life was one of quiet duty well performed and he is remembered by his cotemporaries and recalled by the present generation as one whose integrity was beyond question and whose life was exemplary in every particu- lav. lis standing was such that he was frequently called upon by his fellow-citizens to hill local offices, but these positions were merely incidental, for he was never an office seeker. He always stanchly supported the tenets of the Democratic party. Ilis death took place on April 25, 1888, at the age of 75 years, 1 month and 6 days.

William Cromley married Sarah E. Staige. who was the secon] daughter of Richard Staige, who entered the land from the government which now constitutes a part of the farm of the subject of this sketch. Two children were born to this marriage, viz.: Thaddeus E. ; and Mary Jane, who married Willham H. Morris - hoth now deceased. Mrs. Cromley died January 1, 1878, aged 62 years, 7 months and g days. Mr. Cromley and wife were supporters of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were laid to rest in Forest Cemetery, near Circleville.

Thaddeus IE. Cromley spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Walnut township and his primary education was obtained in a little log schoolhouse in the neai vicinity. When 16 years of age he entered the Circleville Union School, where he continued until 1861, when he entered Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio. He was graduated at this noted educational center, in 1865, receiving his degree of \. B., and three years later, that of A. M., from the same college. When the time arrived for him to choose a career, he gave way to his natural inclinations and chose the life of an agriculturist. "He has never lost his interest in agricultural pursuits and has always given close attention to his farm. He is one of the most practical? progressive and successful farmers in the county, never allowing the cares of public offices or cther positions of trust to abate his interest in farming and stock-raising.

Very early in his mature life, Mr. Cromley was identified with the Democratic party and he was scarcely through college before official position was proffered him. [or some years he held the larger number of the local offices at Ashville and in Harrison and Walnut townships. In 1887 he was the Democratic candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, carryisg the county by a plurality of 1.116, and in 1889 was re-elected by a plurality of 1.090. He was an active, influential member during the four sessions and had the entire confidence of all the members. In 1892 he was appointed by Governor McKinley as a trustee of the Boys' Industrial Seheol ini lairfield County, serving with the utmost efficiency until January, 1896, when he resigned, having been elected to the State Senate from the Verth Districet - Franklin and Vickaway counties -

In 1900 Mr, Cromley was elected a member of the State Board of Agriculture, and his re-election followed in January, 1905, having served in 1903 as its president. In 1900 he was the nominee of the Democratic party for the office of Secretary of State. He is now serving as a member of the Board of Education of Walnut township and of the committee of nine, chosen from the boards of education of Marrison and Walnut townships and the .\shville Special School District. which has charge of the High School at Ashville.

Thus briefly sketched, many years of Mr. Cromley's life have been devoted to serving the public in high and honorable positions. \t the near close of such: service, he stands before his fellow-citizens as one deserving of their respect and admiration. He has always championed the measures looking to agricultural development and educatiqnal advancement an has brought about many improvements through persistent personal effort.

Mr. Cromley is one of the county's capitalists. He owns 1,045 acres of valuable land, in Walnut township; is a leading stockholder in the Scioto Canning Company, whose plant is located at Ashville; a large stockholder and one of the directors of the Citizens' Bank, at Ashville; and a stockholder and one of the directors of the Capital Savings & Trust Com- pany, of Columbus, which occupies a 16-story building in that ctty and is one of the leading financial institutions of the State. Numerous other less prominent business enterprises have his financial support. His large body of land in Walnut township is devoted to general farming and the raising of very fine stock.

On Octoher 6, 1870, Mr. Cromley was united in marriage with Mary Rebecca Millar, who is a daughter of Isaac D. ant Sarah Ann (Millar) Millar. The parents of Mrs. Cromley were natives of Virginia and were early settlers in Harrison township, Pickaway County, where they became people of prominence and substance. Mr. and Mrs. Cromley have had eight children, namely: -Charles /dward, Alva Millar, Metta May, Annie Gertrude, Amy Lee, William M., Anna Marie, and Thaddeus LeRoy. Charles Edward was married to Blanche Petty, February 5, 1895, and they have four children: Pride Grace, born March 2, 1896; Paul, born November 1. 1898; Thaddeus Edward, born February 25, 1904; and Mary Rebecca, born December I, 1905. Alya Millar was married July 22, 1903, to Helen Butterfield, of Columbus. Metta May was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1900, to Chauncey McCord; they have one son, Harold Cromley, born April 12, 1903. Annie Gertrude died in infancy.

Mr. Cromley is a member of Palmetto Lodge, No. 513, Knights of Pythias, at Ashville, and he also retains his membership with his old college fraternities, especially the Chi Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. He has always been interested in the great Grange movement and has been a prominent factor in the. local organization. He is a man of fixed principles of right and his attitude on public questions was very well known during the many years when he was particularly in the public eye in this State. He has also always shown his interest in the welfare of his immediate community and probably would be pointed out by his fellowcitizens of Walnut township as their most able, popular and representative man. A _ portrait of Mr. Cromley accompanies this sketch, also a view of the residence of his son.

J. WEAVER, senior member of the wholesale grocery firm of \V. J. Weaver & Son, at Circleville, has been very prominently identified with the city's business interests for many years. He was born in Walnut

The parents of Mr. Weaver were born in Virginia and were pioneers in Pickaway County. They were married at Lancaster, Ohis, and started for their new home in the wilds of Pickaway County, riding on horseback as far as Belleville, Richland County, where they took a covered wagon and after reaching their destination, in 1823, lived in the conveyance until a cabin could be built. Tsaac Weaver continued to farm in Walnut township. until 1871, when he retired and in the following year removed to Circleville? where he lived until his death, at the age of 84 vears. His wife survived into her g2nd year.

W. J. Weaver attended the public schools and spent two years at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and then went to teaching. He was not much more than 20 vears old when he went into a general mercantile business at Nebraska, Pickaway County, where he remained some five years. He then removed to Circleville, where he became a clerk in an express and retail grocery business. In 1870 he embarked in the queensware business but later sold out this line and continued a retail grocery business until 1884, when he went into the wholesale trade. He formed a partnership and the business was conducted under the firm name of Weaver & Shulze, until 1899, at which time Mr. Weaver bought his partner's interest and admitted his son Charles F. to membership. The firm became then Weaver & Son. During 1885-86, covering a period in which his father owned the Pickaway Drug Store,-he was its manager, but otherwise the greater part of his business life has been associated with the wholesale grocery trade. He began as one of the drivers and is now a partner.

Cole, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, but who was engaged in farming and milling for many years in Pickaway County. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have but one son, Charles F., who has been almost continuously connected with the grocery trade since 1882. In 1887, Charles F. Weaver was married to Hattie R. Morrow, who is a daughter of Stephen Morrow, of Portsmouth, Ohio. They have one daughter, Helen. Like his father, Charles I'. Weaver is a 32nd degree Mason. He is also an Elk.

W. J. Weaver has been very closely connected with a number of Circleville's most prosperous enterprises. In 1882, with other capitalists, he organized-the Third National Bank of Circleville, of which he was vicepresident and president for 22 years. He was one of the incorporators of the Scioto Valley Traction Company, and was a member of the board of directors for three years during its construction. He was: also one of the main organizers and incorporators of the Circleville Water Supply Company, of which he has heen vice-president ever since its organization. He was one of the founders of the Board of Trade of Circleville and served as its first president. It was during his incumbency that the American Strawboard works were established in Circleville, in large degree through Mr. Weaver's efforts, he being one of the three delegates sent to Akron, Ohio, to secure the same. He has been president of the Forest Cemetery Association for many years. Mr. Weaver is a man of great business sagacity. He is also one of the city's most cultured citizens. having broadened his mind through extensive traveling, including many visits to different portions of the United States and all over Europe.

PWG||LTON DRESBACH. whose valuable, well-improved farm of 167 acres is situated in Salt Creek township, is one of the reliable citizens and substantial men of this section. He was born in Salt Creek township, Pickaway County, Ohio, September 26,

The Dresbach family is an old and honorable one in this part of Pickaway County, having been established here by George Dresbach, the grandfather. The Dresbach family history is more fully outlined in the sketch of James A. Dresbach, our subject's oldest brother, which appears elsewhere in this work. Both parents of Mr. Dresbach were born in this county.

When he was but 10 years old, Milton Dresbach suffered the loss of his kind, good mother. He remained on the home farm until maturity, in the meantime obtaining his education in the clistrict schools of Salt Creek townthip. His whole life has been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and he is a very competent authority on anything concerning the tilling of the soil or the raising of stock. His farm of 167 acres is in good condition and proves the above statement.

In 1881 Mr. Dresbach was married (first) to Lillie Myers, of Circlevile, Ohio, who at death left three children, viz.: Nellie F., wife of Orestes Mowery, who is a successful teacher in the public schools of Salt Creek township; Clark, a resident of Indiana; and Lillie, who lives at home. Mr. Dresbach was married (second), on December 24, 1896, to Kate B. Holderman, who is a daughter of the late Lewis Holderman, of Pickaway township.

Mr. Dresbach has served for three years as a trustee of Salt Creek township. Politically he is identified with the Republican party. While he has no church affiliation, he attends religious services and is ever ready to contribute to the spread of Christianity and also to advance the work of the public schools.

MHOMAS C. GOOLEY, - general mer- Mm) chant at New Holland, has been in business at his present site for the past 23 years and his growth has been commensurate with the growth of the town. Mr. Gooley was born at New Tloiland, Ohio, Octobér 25, 1864, and is a son of G. W. and Elizabeth (Gray) Gooley.

Charles C. Chappelear

The grandfather, Jacob Gooley, brought his family to Ohio from Virginia, and_ his whole subsequent life was spent as a farmer in Perry township, Pickaway County. G. W. Gooley was a small boy at the time of the family's exodus from Virginia, from which time he always resided in Pickaway County. For 45 years he was a justice of the peace, and during this time he married more than 473 couples. In his later years he removed to New Holland, where he died in 1904, aged 87 years. He married Elizabeth Gray, who was born in Perry township and was a daughter of Jesse Gray, a pioneer of this tow nship. She survived until March 27, 1g06, dying at the age of 84 years, having been the nottier of 14.children. Of these the. following grew to maturity: Henry, Joseph and W esley, of New Holland: Millard, of Columbus: Lydia (Dickason), of Chillicothe: Laura (Haney), of Dayton; Melissa (Barnes). deceased; Frank, a commercial traveler with home at Dayton; Stanley, deceased; Nation, who died from injuries received at the second battle of Bull Run; Nancy (Hallman), who died at Galesburg, Ill.; Thomas C., subject of this sketch; and Jacob and Lemuel, who died young.

Thomas C. Gooley is one of New Holland's most enterprising and progressive merchants and that he has continued to prosper from the time he entered commercial life, as proprietor of a peanut stand, is owing entirely to his own persevering efforts and business ability. The business soon expanded into a small restaurant which was gradually enlarged during the succeeding seven or eight years and grew into a general store. In 1898 Mr. Gooley suffered the 'loss of his effects by a fire which interrupted business at the old site for four months,, However, the very next day after the catastrophe, he opened up in the Ferguson Building, and began the erection of the twostory brick building in which he has been located ever since. He has a fine location and carries a large and well-assorted stock. He controls custom from far and near and on Saturdays and in holiday seasons, his store much resembles a city emporium. Close at-

Mr. Gooley was married (first) in 1885, to Dora Kimmey, who died 14 months later. On December 26, 1896, he was married (second ) who died 30 days later. In 1899 Mr. Gooley was united with the estimable lady now his wife, Ida Morgan, who was born in Salem, Ohio, and is a daughter of John Morgan, a farmer. They have two children - 'ern and Garnet. Mrs. Gooley is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In political sentiment Mr. Gooley is a Republican. I*raternally he is connected with the Masons, Order of the TFastern Star and Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Chappelear was reared and educated in his native State, and after completing his schooling engaged in teaching and from 1881 until 1888 was a well-known educator in Pickaway County. In the meantime he had been reading law and in June, 1889, was graduated from the law departmert of the University of Michigan, was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio, in October following, and in 1890 began the practice of the law at Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio.

In October, 1891, Mr. Chappelear removed to Circleville, 'and continued in practice until February 1, 1903, when he was appointed postmaster of the city and became proprietor of the Union-Herald. This journal is issued both weekly and daily. The former has the distinction of being the oldest paper in the county and under its present owner is one of the leading ones. The daily, which was established in newspaper in Pickaway County. In politics it zealously supports the principles and candidates of the Republican party, Mr. Chappelear being very prominent in this party in this section of Ohio. He has served as chairman of the Republican County Central and Executive commnittees, and for the years 1898 and 1899, was a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

On November 24, 1884, Mr. Chappelear was married to Nellie White, who is a daughter of the late Dr. T. F. White, of Williamsport, Pickaway County. They have one son, Thornton White, who was born at Circleville, October 4, 1896. A portrait of Mr, Chappe- Jear accompanies this sketch.

ZRA FLORENCE HILL, who since 1902 has been a resident of Darbyville, has long heen one of the prominent agriculturists and leading citizens of Pickaway County. He was the Hill homestead in Muhlenberg