Preble County, Ohio - The whole text, 1900 (part 20 of 20)

Mr. Garber was born in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, February 6, 1838, and is a son of Jonathan and Catharine (Rife) Garber, who was born, reared and married in Rockingham county, Virginia. At an early day they came to Montgomery county, this state and first located in Madison township, but subsequently spent some time in Perry township, and then returned to Madison township, where they continued to make their home throughout the remainder of their lives. Both were faithful members of the Dunkard church, and the father was a Democrat in politics. He died at the age of seventy-six years, his wife at the age of seventy-three. They were the parents of seventeen children, two of whom died in infancy, but the others, six sons and nine daughters, are still living. One resides in Indiana, two in Illinois, and the others in Montgomery, Preble and Darke counties, Ohio. All are married except two daughters. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers of our subject, John Garber and Jacob Rife, were natives of Germany, and when young men came to the United States, locating in Virginia, where they married and reared families. In religious belief they were Dunkards. John Garber spent his last days in Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he died at about the age of seventy-seven years.

The subject of this sketch is the oldest of the living children in his father's family. He attended the public schools of Montgomery county during the winter months and assisted in the work of the home farm in early life, remaining under the parental roof until he was married, in 1867, to Miss Catharine Kimmel. Both children born of that union died in infancy. Mr. Garber was again married, March 21, 1876, his second union being with Miss Adaline Hapner, by whom he has five children: Lee R., now a typewriter operator in Indianapolis, Indiana; and Alpha, Virgil M., Nina I. and Vinia B., all at home.

In 1867 Mr. Garber came to Preble county and first located on section 29, Harrison township, where he made his home for two years. At the end of that time he removed' to the west part of section 16, but now resides on the east half of the same section. He has a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. In connection with farming he was engaged in the farm-implement business in West Sonora from 1878 to 1884, but now gives his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuits. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Democratic party, and he takes an active and prominent part in local politics, being three times elected township trustee, and serving as land appraiser in 1889 and 1890. He is well and favorably known and has a host of warm friends in the community where he has so long made his home.

Thomas F. Ryder

Thomas F. Ryder, who is engaged in farming in Lanier township, was born on the 10th of August, 1848, and is one of the ten children of John and Hannah (Gephart) Ryder. His grandfather, Jacob Ryder, was born in Pennsylvania and was of German lineage, his grandfather having come from Germany to the United States at an early period in the development of this country.

John Ryder was born In Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, November 17, 1812, and when sixteen years of age accompanied his father to Ohio. They took up their abode in Montgomery county, near Liberty, where John Ryder was married to Hannah Gephart. She was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1816, a daughter of Henry Gephart. With her parents she came to Ohio when a maiden of twelve years, the family locating in Montgomery county, near Liberty, where her parents lived and died.

Soon after his marriage John Ryder came with his young wife to Preble county and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lanier township, upon which his son, James, is now living. In the spring of 1876 he purchased one hundred and twenty-seven acres of land in Twin township, a mile west of West Alexandria, and with his family removed to his r.ew home, leaving the subject of this sketch upon the old farmstead. There the father continued to reside until his death, which occurred March 30, 1887. He was a consistent member of the Reformed church, in which he served as deacon or elder during the greater part of his life. His political support was given the Democracy. His wife, too, was an active and earnest member of the Reformed church, and on the 6th of April, 1899, she was called to her final rest. Of the ten children born unto this worthy couple seven are yet living. In order of birth they are as follows : Mary, the wife of Henry Glander, of Lanier township; Sarah, deceased; Samuel, a farmer of Twin township; Catherine, the wife of Daniel Giddeon, of Montgomery county; Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Pundt, of Harrison township; John H. and Jacob, both deceased; Thomas F. ; Martha

Upon the home farm Thomas F. Ryder was reared and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He pursued his education in the common schools and at the age of twenty-two assumed the management of the home farm, his father retiring from active business life. He has been very successful in his farming" operations, also as a stock dealer, and is regarded as one of the substantial residents of his community. His methods are practical and progressive. In all his dealings he is strictly honorable, and through the careful conduct of his affairs he has gained a comfortable competence.

On the 6th of June, 1872, Mr. Ryder wedded Miss Mary Alice Sauer, a native of Twin township and a daughter of William and Sarah A. (Potterf) Sauer. Her father w'as a native of Germany and with his parents came to America when a young man, taking up his abode in Butler county, Ohio. Some years afterward he removed to Twin township, Preble county, where he spent his remaining days. His widow, however, still survives and is now living in West Alexandria. She was born in Lanier township, Preble county, a daughter of Joseph Potterf, one of the early settlers of this locality. After his marriage Mr. Ryder continued to operate, the home farm and after his father removed to Twin township, in the spring of 1876, he rented the place for a year. On the expiration of that period he purchased it and has since made it his place of abode. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Ryder has been blessed with one child, Minerva, now the wife of Oris Brubaker. His father-in-law assists in the operation of the farm. Mr. Ryder exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. He and his wife hold membership in the Reformed church and he contributes liberally to the support of all worthy charities and benevolent movements. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged and his circle of friends in Preble county is very extensive.

Levi M. Pontius

Levi M. Pontius is a prominent farmer of Preble county, who is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in Twin township. Washington said that "agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable of all occupations," and this is as true to-day as when uttered. Upon the farmer depends the commercial activity of the country. The crops and stock which he raises give the world its food supply, and the purchase and sale of the farm products form the basis of all business. Mr. Pontius has long been - identified with farming interests in this locality, and is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Clay township, Montgomery county, on the 4th of February, 1846. He is a son of John and Nancy (Marsh) Pontius and their only child to reach years of maturity. The father was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 9, 1817, and was a sen of Frederick Pontius, a native of Germany, who came to America soon after his marriage, taking up his abode in Berks county, where he resided until 1825. He then came to Ohio, locating three miles east of Winchester, in Montgomery county, where he purchased eighty acres of land^ making his home thereon until his death, which occurred when he had reached an advanced

Upon the old homestead farm John Pontius was reared. In 1840 he married Miss Nancy Marsh, who was born four southeast of Germantown, in Montgomery county, on the 29th of January,. 1814. Her father was a substantial farmer of the community, owning a valuable tract of land of four hundred acres. Soon after his marriage Mr. Pontius purchased and located upon eighty acres of land in Clay township, Montgomery county, where he. made his home until 1850, when he sold that farm and purchased the place in Preble county upon which his son, Levi, now resides. There he passed bis remaining days, being called to the home beyond August 5, 1875. He served as a trustee of his township, was a school director for many years and was a public-spirited citizen, who gave his co-operation to every movement calculated to prove of public good. Socially he was. connected with the Masonic order and in politics in early life he was a Democrat. After the inauguration of the civil war he joined the ranks of the Republican party. In all business transactions he was straightforward and in every relation of life was honorable and upright. He commanded the confidence of his fellow men, and at his. death the community lost one of its valued citizens.

Levi M. Pontius was reared to manhood under the parental, roof and attended the common schools near his home, but his educational privileges were somewhat limited and his knowledge has been acquired largely through reading, observation and experience. On the 4th of July, 1869, he was united in marriage to Mary L. V. Westerfield, a native of Pyrmont, Montgomery county, Ohio, and a daughter of Isaac and Sarah E. (Pierson) Westerfield. Her father was a member of Company I, Seventyfirst Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the civil war, and died from the effects of exposure at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Plis wife, a native of New Jersey, was a daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Ayres) Pierson, who came to Ohio when Mrs. Westerfield was only two years of age, making the journey by team and wagon. They located in Twin township, Preble county, becoming valued pioneer settlers of the community.

For three years prior to his marriage Mr. Pontius had engaged in operating the home farm upon shares, and after his marriage, as he was the only child, the farm was deeded to him, his father making his home with the son until his death. In 1876 Mr. Pontius erected on his land a handsome brick residence, which is to-day one of the most substantial and desirable country homes in Preble county. In 1881 he built a large barn and has made many other improvements which add to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In recent years he has devoted much of his attention to the raising of cattle and in that branch of his business is very successful. Everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance, the fields are well tilled, buildings kept in good repair and everything shows the careful supervision of a progressive owner.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Pontius has been blessed with five children : Clyde W., who married Miss Edna Ridenour, of Creene county, Ohio, and lives in Harrison township, Preble county; Clara M., now deceased; Lucy N. and John L., both at home; and Sarah E., who has also passed away. The parents and their living children are active members of the Lutheran church, and the family is one of the most highly esteemed in the county. For eleven years Mr. Pontius has served as a church officer, being either deacon or elder, and he does all in his power to promote the work of the church along its various lines. For many years he lias served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. In politics he is a stanch Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, yet has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, in which he has met with creditable and richly merited success, being to-day regarded as one of the progressive, practical and well-to-do agriculturists of his community.

John Quill

John Quill is a representative of one of the old and highly respected families in Preble county. He is numbered among the native sons of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Jefferson township, this county, on the 25th of June, 1859. Thomas Quill, his grandfather, was born on the Emerald Isle, and the father, John Quill, was born in county Kerry, Ireland, on the 1st of December, 1827. He spent his childhood and youth in the land of his nativity, but, thinking better opportunities were afforded young men in the new world, he made plans to take up his abode in America.

Bidding adieu to home and friends, he crossed the Atlantic, landing at New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 2d of February, 1852. Making his way northward he came to Ohio and entered the employ of Moses

Conger in Sugar Valley, Dixon township. For some time he continued to work by the month, after which he rented land belonging to David Sands. His industry and careful management at length enabled him to acquire some capital and in i860 he invested this in land, purchasing eighty acres in Jackson township, of Samuel Mitchell. Previous to this time he had resided upon this farm for three years, and after the purchase he made it his home for six years. In 1867 he purchased the farm upon which his son John now resides and made it his home until his death. He was at that time the owner of a valuable property of two hundred and sixty-five acres. All the improvements upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise, for his possessions were acquired entirely through his unaided efforts, save for the assistance of his estimable wife, who proved to him a capable helpmeet in life's journey. She managed the household affairs very economically and assisted him in other ways to get a good start in life. His political views were in harmony with the principles of Democracy and he was very active and prominent in the work of his party. In religious faith he was a zealous Catholic and contributed generously to the support of his church. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Gullivan and was a daughter of Jeremiah Gullivan, of the state of Iowa. She was reared about half a mile from the early home of Mr. Quill, but she became acquainted with him in this country while working for a family at West Florence. On the 24th of November, 1854, their marriage was celebrated, at which time the lady was only sixteen years of age. As before stated, she was very efficient &nd the assistance she rendered him was a very important factor in his prosperity. She superintended the affairs of the household, while he gave his energies to the work of the farm and the care ox his stock, having on his place a high grade of cattle, horses and hogs.

Mr. and Mrs. Quill were the parents of twelve children, of whom seven are now living, namely : Ella, the wife of Lafayette Spacht; Jeremiah M., a contractor and builder of Cincinnati; John, of this review; Thomas A., who is also a contractor and builder of Cincinnati ; Michael F., another member of the firm in Cincinnati ; Mary Ann, the wife of George Poos, a hardware merchant of Eaton, Illinois; and James W., who is with his brother Jeremiah in Cincinnati.

John Quill., whose name introduces this review, pursued his studies in the common schools, gaining a fair knowledge of the English branches of learning, whereby he was fitted for life's practical duties. He remained with his father until twenty-three years of age, when he went to Cincinnati and engaged in contracting for three years. On the expiration of that period he entered the service of the street railway company, with which he was connected for two and a half years. He conducted a coal office and feed store for some time and was at one time a dealer in horses, buying and selling fine stock. For three years he was on the police force of Cincinnati, but in 1898 he returned to Preble to take part of the old homestead, which he has since conducted in the interest of his mother and the other heirs. He keeps on hand the highest grades of cattle and is a successful and enterprising farmer who believes in advancement along all lines. His political support is given the Democracy. In the care and management of his property he displays much of the marked business ability which characterized his father.

Clem Cooper

Actively connected with the farming interests of Washington township, Mr. Cooper has spent his entire life in Preble county and now operates the old homestead property of eighty-two acres. He was born August 19, 1868, and is of Irish lineage. For many generations the family resided in county Louth, Ireland, and some of the representatives of the name became very prominent in public affairs. The great-grandfather of our subject was Michael Cooper, a native of county Louth, where also occurred the birth of the grandfather, Henry Cooper. The father, Michael Cooper, Jr., was born in that county, December 25, 1829, and spent his minority on the Emerald Isle and in early manhood determined to seek a home across the Atlantic, believing that he. might better his financial condition by emigrating to the new world. Accordingly he sailed, landing at Philadelphia on the 1st of Aprils 1851, after a voyage of twenty-eight days, made in a sailing vessel. He did not tarry long at Philadelphia, but went to Wilmington, Delaware, and in the vicinity of that city was employed upon a farm for sixty years. On the 1st of March, 1857, he removed to Ohio and began work for Guy Bloom in Jefferson township.

In the fall of 1862, however, he returned to Philadelphia in order to enlist in the ranks at President Lincoln's call for loyal men to aid in crushing out the rebellion. He had some friends in 'Philadelphia who were intending to join the army, and in order to" be with them at the front he joined Company C, of the One Hundred and Ninteeenth Pennsylvania Infantry, with which command he saw much hard service. He participated in the second battle of Bull. Run, in the engagements at Antietam and South Mountain and in many smaller battles. At length, becoming ill, he was sent to the hospital, but accommodations were there so poor that he had both feet frozen. In February, 1864, 011 account of his disability, he received an honorable discharge and returned to Ohio.

Here he began work by the day, but in 1866 rented a farm near the place on which our subject resides. In 1882 he purchased the property on which his son, Clem, is now living, and since that time he has added to his landed possessions. The comfortable competence which he has acquired now enables him to live retired. His has been a well spent, active and useful life, and by untiring energy he has worked his way steadily upward to a position of affluence. On the 8th of March, 1868, he wras married to Miss Elizabeth Pine, a daughter of Peter Pine, of Preble county.

Clem Cooper, their only child, was reared under the parental roof, pursued his education in the local schools and began work on the farm as soon as he wras old enough to handle the plow. Through the summer months he assisted in the cultivation of the fields, and when the golden grain was ready for the harvest he aided in gathering it into the barns. Upon his father's retirement to private life, in 1892, he took charge of the farm in Washington township, of eighty-two acres, and, in addition to the cultivation of grain best adapted to this climate, he successfully engaged in raising fine hogs, cattle and poultry. He owns some very fine short horn cattle with excellent pedigrees, and sells his cattle and poultry over a wide territory, farmers coming from long distances to make purchases. He has a very enviable reputation as a leading stockraiser and has done much to improve the grade of farm animals raised in this part of Ohio. His farming operations are carried on along progressive lines and the latest improved machinery and substantial buildings indicate that he is an active and enterprising agriculturist.

On the 30th of August, 1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cooper and Miss Minnie Schwartzel. Their union has been blessed with two children, Claud and Fern. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Preble county vigilance committee, a progressive citizen who gives his aid and co-operation to every movement and measure which he believes will prove of public good. He is widely known as a farmer and stock raiser, and certainly deserves great credit for what he has done in behalf of the improvement of farm animals. He has studied quite closely their needs, understands the best methods of feeding and caring for his stock and at no time are his horses and cattle allowed to suffer any neglect. This intelligent supervision has given him a very desirable reputation and he is now accounted one of the leading business men of this township.

Jesse Kenworthy

Jesse Kenworthy is one of the oldest farmers of Gratis township, Preble county His life has been a long, useful and active one, and his later years are crowned with the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded to one well advanced in age whose career has been honorable and trustworthy. He was born February 14, 1817, on the farm where he yet resides, in his forty-eighth year. His father, Jesse Kenworthy, Sr., was a native of North Carolina, and in 1805 removed from that state to the Buckeye state with his wife and two children. His home was on the seashore, two hundred miles from Charleston, South Carolina, and there he lived for some time prior to his removal to the Buckeye state. He married Rachel Cook, of that state, whose father was a planter. The two families came to Preble county and the grandfather Cook settled near the Kenworthy homestead, upon an adjoining farm. Each family secured a quarter-section of land from the government, for which was paid two dollars per acre. They were not in very good circumstances financially, but had money enough to pay for their land and thus gained a good start. Mr. Kenworthy is one 01 five children and with one exception all are married and had families, namely : William; John; Mary; Sallie, who died at the age of six years ; and Jesse, who is the only survivor of the familv. The mother died in 1829 at the age of fifty-eight years, her birth having occurred in 1771. The father passed away in 1858, at the advanced age of ninety years. They were members of the Society of Friends and became prosperous people.

Mr. Ivenworthy, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and was married April 26, 1838, to Mary Longston, who was born in Butler county, October 21, 1819, three miles from his home. Five children graced their marriage. John K. the eldest, is a real-estate dealer of Wichita, Kansas, and has a daughter and one son, and the daughter has a

-child which is the only great-grandchild of our subject now living. Mrs. Susan Stubbs, the second member of the Kenworthy family, is living in this neighborhood and has one daughter. Rachel C. is the wife of John F. Stubbs, and they have a daughter and a son, Zinai. He is one of the extensive landowners of Preble county, having seven hundred acres in this locality, together with two farms in Illinois, other property in Kansas and a section of land in Texas. He has thus become very wealthy.

Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy have spent their entire married life upon the farm which is still their home. A portion of the house was built in 1849, an addition was made in 1852 and a second in 1859. The old barn on the place was erected in 1814, and is still standing, in a good state of preservation. It was built of hewed logs. In 1851, however, another barn was built. Mr. Kenworthy has carried on general farming, but has given the greater part of his time and attention to the raising of hogs, selling more than two hundred head annually, at an average weight of three hundred pounds. One year he sold two hundred and fifty-seven hogs in one drove. He makes a specialty of the breeding of black or Poland China, some of which attain to the weight of three hundred and seventy pounds. He has probably sold more hogs than any other man in the county, and his business has been a very profitable and extensive one, bringing to him a handsome income, which now supplies him with all the and many of the luxuries of life.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy are active and consistent members of the Society of Friends. In the Preble county history .there is an account relating how Jesse Kenworthy, Sr., came to Ohio, in 1805, and settled on section 32, Gratis township. He traveled with a colony which came by land, driving their own teams, and after a long, tedious journey arrived here in the woods. Like many of the early settlers, they made the best arrangements possible until they could erect their first temporary home, a log or pole cabin. Mr. and Mrs. Kenworthy, of this review, began their domestic life on the old home farm, which his father willed to him, and this has been their residence for many years and here he has awaited that last summons to join the innumerable multitude in that mysterious realm, where each occupies his chamber in the silent halls of the dead; and, having suffered greatly, he will welcome the message, approaching his grave with an unfaltering trust,

Felix M. Marsh, Jr

In a profession where advancement is dependent on knowledge and subsequent success is achieved only through individual merit, it is a wise provision of nature that learning cannot be inherited, that all enter the world on an equal intellectual footing, except as to capacity, and thus are dependent upon their own labor and application for the knowledge which fits them for life's practical duties. Each individual must master the same rudiments of learning, and when this is done he has thus formed the ability to carry his investigations still farther along professional lines which fit them for a particular work. It is true that with only an elementary education some may enter certain lines of business and attain success, or by inheritance or influence they may secure control of an al- ready established business ; but in professional life prosperity and success depend solely upon the efforts of the individual and his close application, his mastery of scientific principles and his ability to apply these to the affairs of life. Greater credit is therefore due one w(ho owes his prosperity and enviable business standing to his own labors, as does Mr. Marsh. He now enjoys an enviable reputation at the Preble county bar, being recognized as a leading lawyer of Eaton. Born in this city on the 15th of May, 1843, he was educated in the common schools and in the Miami University, at Oxford. Throat trouble prevented him from enlisting in the war, although he was an ardent advocate of the Union cause.

In 1865 he went to Washington, where he was employed in the postoffice department until 1872. He studied law with his father as his preceptor and was admitted to practice at the capital city in 1871. The following year he returned to Eaton and opened an office here. In 1873 his father died and he and his brother became his successors. He has engaged in general law practice and has been very successful in criminal law, his reputation in that line extending throughout the state. He has tried cases in the United States courts in Cincinnati and is widely known for his ability in this direction. His arguments are logical and convincing and his deductions follow in natural sequence. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has remarkable powers of concentration and application and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterizes his preparation of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys in Eaton.

On the 1st of December, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Marsh and Miss Emma Yost, a daughter of Samuel Yost, of Pennsylvania, and a representative of one of the early families of Preble county. They have had five children, namely : Fanny, William, May, Maud and Edgar. In fraternal circles Mr. Marsh is prominent. For two years he was at the head of the Knights of Honor of this state. He is also a valued member of the Masonic fraternity. Having spent almost his entire life in Eaton, he is well known here, and many of his best friends are those with whom he has been acquainted since boyhood, showing that in all ways his career has been worthy of regard.

Mrs. Catherine Myers

Mrs. Catherine Meyers is one of the venerable ladies of Preble county, being now in her eighty-seventh year. She has long resided in this section of the state and her many estimable qualities have gained her the warm regard of many friends. She is of Holland lineage and her parents were Philip and Anna (Bennett) Peters, farming people of Pennsylvania, who removed from the Keystone state to Ohio. They had eleven children, ten of whom reached adult age, but only three are now living, namely : Mrs. Myers, Cyrus, who is a farmer and makes his home in the village of Mazon; and William, an agriculturist, who also has other ex-

Mrs. Myers was born in 1814, and under the parental roof was reared, assisting in the household duties and other labors that well fitted her for the care of a home of her own. She was trained to habits of industry, economy and good management. On the 30th of June, 1837, she gave her hand in marriage to Jacob B. Myers, a native of Rising Sun, Ohio. When a young man he went to Cincinnati, and thirty-three years ago settled upon the farm in Somers township, upon which Mrs. Myers now resides. The tract comprises one hundred and twenty acres and to its cultivation and development Mr. Myers devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in 1886, when he had reached the age of seventy-six years. He was a man of marked industry, possessing resolute purpose and keen discrimination in business affairs. His dealings were characterized by unqualified integrity, and he therefore enjoyed the high regard and confidence of all with whom he came in contact. In his work he was ably assisted by his estimable wife, whose labors proved an excellent supplement to his own. Thus they acquired a handsome property, and thereby Mrs. Myers is now surrounded by many of the comforts of life.

This worthy couple had three children who yet survive, namely : Winfield, who lives with his mother; Amanda, the Wife of Joseph Walters, by whom she has seven children; and William, a farmer of Somers, township, who has three sons. Three members of the family are deceased : Lavina, who died at the age of forty-four years; Theodore, who died at the age of fifty-four years, leaving two sons; and Henry, who died at the age of thirty, leaving a son and daughter.

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Myers had no capital, but the united efforts of husband and wife enabled them to yearly add to their possessions and they ultimately became the owner of what is known as the Robert Patterson farm. The old home upon the place is nearly a century old. The farm is operated by Winfield, who raises wheat, corn and oats, feeding the two latter crops to his stock. He also operates another tract of land, making altogether about two hundred acres. Mrs. Myers has lived a long and useful life, has brought up a family who are a credit to her name and has so lived as to win the esteem of all with whom she hasbeen brought in contact.

William H. Snyder

This honored and highly esteemed citizen of Lewisburg, Ohio, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 18, 1825^ and on both the paternal and maternal sides is of German descent. His father, Richard Snyder, was born, reared and educated in Baltimore and there followed the baker's trade throughout his active business life. In that city he married Melki Beck, who was born near Cumberland, Maryland, and was a daughter of Richard Beck, also a native of Maryland. The latter's father was born in Germany, as was also the paternal greatgrandfather of our subject. The grandfather, Peter Snyder, was a life-long resident of Baltimore. To Richard and Melki (Beck) Snyder were born three children, one of whom was William PI., our subject. Idis sister, Mary E.,is now the widow of William A. Reading and a resident of Baltimore. His brother, John, died in that city. The mother was again married, her second husband being

When fourteen years of age William H. Snyder came to Springfield, Ohio, with his mother and stepfather, and after residing there for about six months they located on a farm near that city, where our subject remained until nineteen years of age. He next made his home in Union, Montgomery county, until 1842, and while there learned the millwright's trade of John B. Watts, remaining with him one year. On coming to Lewisburg, in 1842, he secured work at his trade with W. R. DeRush, by whom he was employed twelve years, working at different places throughout the state. Later he spent a year or more with David Kumler, and then engaged in business for himself as a millwright for two or three years. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of Preble county, and so acceptably did he fill that office that he was re-elected in 1878, serving in all four years. Since then he has devoted his time and attention principally to farming and the tobacco business. In 1866 he removed to Neosho county, Kansas, but after spending about eighteen months there he returned to Preble county, and is now practically living a retired life in Lewisburg.

On the 2 1 st of June, 1845, Mr. Snyder was united in marriage with Miss Sarah A. Moore, a native of Butler county, Ohio, who died April 12, 1896. By that union he had six children, namely: Winfield Scott, at home; Benjamin Pranklin, Charles M., Willard L. and Elmer E.t all residents of Lewisburg; and Martha, who died at the age of two years. The wife and mother, who was a most estimable lady, was a member of the United Brethren church for twenty years and took an active part in its work.

In the fall of 1861, Mr. Snyder enlisted as a musician in the band of a regiment and served as a member of Company I for a time, being mustered in as a member of the colonel's staff. After serving one year he was honorably discharged, and is now a prominent member of Parmelee Home Post, No. 622, G. A. R., of which he wa^ quartermaster two years, and was also elected surgeon. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and has taken quite a prominent and influential part in local politics, having served as the mayor of Lewisburg six years, and a member of the city council several years. The first office he held in the county w!as that of constable of Harrison township, and he has served as census enumerator in the southern part of that township, and justice of the peace six years. In all of the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him, and he merits and receives the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Jacob L. Stover

Jacob L. Stover, the subject of this sketch, was born January 23, 1820, near Hagerstown, Maryland. His ancestry can be traced back to Dr. George Stover, his grandfather, a physician of note in his day, who spent his entire life in the Old Dominion. He was at one time very wealthy, but met with heavy losses through the depreciation in the value of continental money. He was highly esteemed not only for his ability in his profession, his wealth and social position, but for his kindness and philanthropy. Daniel Stover, the father of our subject, was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in 1773, resided for a time in

Maryland, and in 1826 came to Ohio. In 1830 he took up his abode in Enterprise, Lanier township, Preble county. He married Miss Susanna Funk, a daughter of Jacob Funk, and the Funks, like the Stovers, were of German descent. Daniel Stover died in Enterprise in the year 1869. His only son was Jacob F. Stover, our subject, but in the family were seven daughters, four older and three younger than he. There are three children living, namely : Elizabeth, the widow of Wilson Eby, living on their farm in Lanier township; Catherine, the widow of Isaac H. Ulrich; and Sarah, the wife of Joseph M. Shank. All but one sister had children and Mrs. Eby was the mother of nine.

Throughout his entire life Jacob F. Stover has been identified with the agricultural interests of Preble county and is one of its most leading and influential farmers. He is still actively identified with the grain and stock raising interests, although he leaves the management of his business largely to his son. His resolute purpose, indefatigable energy and reliable dealing have secured to him excellent success and made him one of the substantial residents of the community. On the 17th of February, 1853, Mr. Stover was united in marriage to Miss Catherine M. Chrisman, who w:as born March 17, 1829, in Gratis township, a daughter of John and Susanna (Fishbourn) Chrisman. Her mother's first husband was Richard D. Hall, who died in 1818, upon the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Stover now reside. There Mr. and Mrs. Hall located in 1809 and began the cultivation of their tract of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1820, having been left a widow, Mrs. Hall became the wife of John Chrisman. The children of this marriage were

Mrs. Stover, and Elizabeth, who was born December 10, 1822, and became the wife of Henry Riner. The mother died June 10, 1877, at the age of eighty-six years and four months, and the father passed away on the 26th of August, 1887. They were well known and well-to-do farming people and at their death left a good property.

Mr. and Mrs. Stover reside upon the old Chrisman homestead. One child was born to them, John C., whose birth occurred December 31, 1853. He was married October 11, 1883, to Miss Naomi E. Henkel, a native of Farmersville, Ohio, a daughter of Dr. G. C. and Catherine (Martin) Henkel, of Pennsylvania, now living in Farmersville, where the father is successfully practicing medicine. Mrs. J. C. Stover also has one sister living, Orpha, who is now the wife of W. U. Young, and one brother, Vernon Henkel, who is now living in Farmersville. Mr. and Mrs. John C. Stover lost a son, Charles, who died on his second birthday. He was a beautiful and precocious child and his death was a great blow to the family. The living children are : Harry J., born September 19, 1884, a bright youth and a dutiful son, and Susanna Catherine, born July 16, 1891.

John C. Stover remained at home until twenty-nine years of age and was early trained to habits of industry and economy upon the home farm. He early began work in the fields and more and more of the management of the property devolved upon him, for his father was in poor health. He devoted his entire time and energies to the operation of the land and made himself one of the active hands in the fields until it became necessary to devote all of his attention to the supervision and management of his business affairs, which in the meantime had grown quite large. On his splendid farm a barn 42x64 feet was built, about fortytwo years ago, and its substantial construction is shown by the fact that it is still one of the best in the county. A fine and pleasant brick residence was erected in 1884-5. These buildings and all outbuildings are kept well painted and in good repair and everything upon the place indicates his thrift, enterprise, thorough supervision and careful management.

Mr. Stover and his father are Republicans, as were both of his grandfathers. He and his wife are active members and liberal supporters of the Brethren church, of which Mr. Stover's father was one of the founders. They are people of the highest respectability in the community and enjoy the warm regard of many friends. During their active life in Preble county they have exerted their influence for good in many lines of public improvement.

Abram P. Johnson

For over four-score years this honored and venerable gentleman has been identified with the interests of Preble county, and for over seventy years has been a resident of New Paris. He was born on the 17th of P'ebruary, 1815, four miles south of Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, and is a son of Moses and Mary (Wagner) Johnson, the former a native of Trenton, New Jersey, the latter of Pennsylvania. On the paternal side he is of Scotch descent. It was in 1805 that his father removed to Butler county, Ohio, and in 1817 came to Preble county. He purchased forty acres of land in Jefferson township, upon which he erected a log house, making his home there until his death, which occurred January 5, 1830, when he was about seventy-four years of age. By trade he was a carpenter. The mother of our subject, who was his second wife, died at about the age of sixty years. He was married three times and had seventeen children, of whom our subject is the youngest and only one now living, though fourteen of the number reached adult age.

Abram P. Johnson was only a year and a half old when the family came to Preble county, and he remained on his father's farm until February 1.7, 1830, when he removed to New Paris, which place has since been his home. For fifty-five years he followed the tailor's trade and at one time did an extensive business, but is now living a retired life, enjoying a well-earned rest. He is the oldest resident of the town, his father having built the third house there, and has probably made his home in Preble county longer than any other of its citizens.

On the 22d of June, 1842, Mr. Johnson was united in mqrriage with Miss Sarah J. Davis, of Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, by whom he had one daughter, Mary C., now deceased. The wife and mother died in December, 1844, and for his second wife, Mr. Johnson married Anna Maria Payne. By that union he had three children: Sarah E., the wife of George Young, of New Paris; Charles H. L., who died at the age of two years; and Laura E., deceased. His third wife, who was Rebecca McKenney, is also deceased.

Politically Mr. Johnson has been a lifelong Democrat, and has never missed voting but at two elections since attaining his majority, and both of these were spring elections for township officers. His first presidential ballot was cast for Martin Van Buren. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has been hon- ored with several local offices, having served as school director, justice of the peace, postmaster of New Paris for ten years, and mayor of the town about two and a half years. He has been a very strong temperance man all his life, and organized the Sons of Temperance and the Washingtonians in New Paris, of which societies he was long an active and prominent member. Although he is not connected with any religious denomination, he is a believer in the doctrines of the Christian church, and has led an honorable, upright and useful life.

Henry K. Broadbury

Henry K. Broadbury is a farmer and dealer in butter and eggs in Israel township, Preble county, his home being on section 35, near the village of Morning Sun, Ohio. He was born in Millford township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1838, his home being near Daretown. His birthplace was the old family farmstead upon which his grandfather, James Broadbury, settled at a very early day. The Broadbury family is of English lineage and was founded in America by the greatgrandfather of our subject and his two brothers, who came to the new world prior to the Revolutionary war. They all participated in the struggle and one gave his life upon the altar of his country, thus being numbered among the heroes whose sacrifice brought independence to the nation. The great-grandfather of our subject died about 1853 and his remains were laid to rest in the old graveyard near Daretown. Joseph Broadbury, the father of our subject, was born December 4, 1805, on Four Mile creek, near Daretown, and died in Hanover township, Butler county, in 1850, his death resulting from the kick of a horse. Pie was married in 1837 to Miss Sarah Ann Waldon, a daughter of James Waldon, who still survives her husband. She has been a second time married and is now Mrs. Strowhuver, a widow of Butler county, where she lives with her daughter, Mrs. Pottinger, one of the children by her second marriage. By the first marriage she had five children : Henry K., of this sketch; James W., an agriculturist residing at College Corner ; Nancy, wife of John Simonson, of College Corner; Mary Elizabeth, widow of George Bartlow; and a son who died in infancy. The children of the second marriage are : William, a dealer in agricultural implements in Indiana, and Charlotte, wife of James Pottinger. The mother is still active in both body and mind, although eighty-four years of age, her birth having occurred October 25, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Broadbury were farming people residing on the old homestead which the father located in the midst of the forest. He cleared that land, and in his farming met with success, so that he was enabled to give each of his children a fair start in life. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he operated a saw and grist-mill and also carried on a distillery. When his country became engaged in the second war with England he enlisted, serving in the war of 1812.

Mr. Broadbury, whose name introduces this review, acquired a fair knowledge of the elementary branches of English learning in the district schools, pursuing his studies in a log school house of primitive construction, a portion of a log being removed to form a window. The text books were of various kinds. Mr. Broadbury worked at home, assisting in the cultivation and harvesting of the crops on his father's farm until he was twenty-eight years of age. lie then chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Mary Elizabeth Yeakle, who was born in Hanover township, Butler county, Ohio, December 27, 1843, a daughter of David and Mary (Henninger) Yeakle, the former a native of Butler county, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Her father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit throughout his business career. In their family were six children, four of whom reached mature years, namely : Julia Ann, wife of Marion Curry, a farmer of Kansas ; Michael, who was born in 1845, and is also living in Kansas; Polly Ann, wife of Jacob Henninger; and Mrs. Broadbury. The father of this family passed away at the age of fifty-five years and the mother was called to her final rest fourteen years later, her death occurring on the 4th of March, 1880, when she was sixty-eight years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Broadbury were married February 16, 1865, and located at two different places before coming to Preble county in 1867. Seven years ago, however, they took up their abode upon the present farm, comprising one hundred and eighty-three acres, and have since made it their home. For thirty-two years Mr. Broadbury has been engaged in raising vegetables and selling butter and eggs, driving his team and covered wagon throughout the county. He buys butter, eggs and poultry, and in handling these products has secured a comfortable competence. In 1866 ill health caused him to lose all that he had saved, but since that time he has acquired a good property, steadily working his way upward by determined purpose and unflagging industry. He built his new home on the hill and moved into it in 1897, while his son remains in the old farm house which was upon the place at the time the farm came into his possession. Other improvements on the place include two good barns and substantial outbuildings. The son there carries on general farming, raising good crops of grain and stock. He fattens about one hundred fine Chester White hogs anually and keeps a good herd of polled Durham cattle. He sells from five to six hundred bushels of wheat annually, but feeds his corn crop, consisting of about three thousand bushels. Mr. Broadbury and his son purchased their excellent farm at a bargain and it is now one of the most productive and highly improved farms in this section of the state, its present splendid condition being due to their energetic efforts, guided by intelligence and sound practical common sense.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Broadbury were born three children, but they lost an infant son. Their other son, David Joseph, who has been mentioned as operating and owning the homestead farm, was born April 19, 1867, and married Faura Riggs. Helena Maud, a daughter, is the wife of R. D. Marshall, of Sedalia, Missouri, and has a daughter, Mildred. Mr. and Mrs. Broadbury are members of the United Presbyterian church, take an active interest in its work and are people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

William W. Kinsey

William W. Kinsey, an ex-county clerk of Preble county, is well known in the county. He was born in Monroe township, May 1, 1834. His father, David Kinsey, was a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and the grandfather, David Kinsey, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania. Three brothers of the name came from Germany to the new world and were the founders of the family in Amer- ica. In religious faith they were Dunkards. The grandfather of our subject removed to Ohio in pioneer days, taking up his abode in Montgomery county, where David Kinsey, Jr., was born, reared and educated. He became a very successful farmer, carrying on agricultural pursuits in Ohio until 1845, wihen he removed to Kansas. He resided in that state during the time of the border warfare and was a stanch Whig in his political views, advocating the admission of Kansas into the Union as a free state. He was twice married. For his second wife he married Mrs. Mary Garber, nee Petry, daughter of Henry Petry, one of the early settlers of Ohio. In his religious faith David Kinsey held the belief advocated by his ancestry and was a member of the Dunkard church. He and his wife are both deceased.

William W. Kinsey, their only child, was educated in the common schools and in the Lebanon Normal School, acquiring a broad general knowledge which ably fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. In early life he was a successful teacher, being thus connected with the educational interests of Darke, Montgomery and Preble counties. For five years he served as the principal of the village schools of West Manchester. He afterward engaged in selling books, until 1893, when he was elected county clerk, and on the expiration of his term of three years was re-elected in 1896. He first took charge of the office August 1, 1894, and held it until August 1, 1900. Upon the close of his services in the county clerk's office Mr. Kinsey removed back to West Manchester, his present place of residence. He had previously held the office of assessor in Monroe township for five years, and has filled other positions, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. In addition to his official cares lie also superintended the operation of a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, which he owns in Harrison township.

On the 8th of December, 1884, Mr. Kinsey was united in marriage to Miss Elsa J. Huffman, a daughter of George Huffman, and Margaret (Hulser) Huffman, the father a native of Germany and the mother a native of Montgomery county, Ohio. Her father was a physician and lived and practiced in Darke county, where he died in 1862, when she was only a few months old. Her father was a graduate of the Eclectic Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, in 1856. Mrs. Kinsey was born in Darke county, August 30, 1861, but reared in Preble county. Her mother married a second time in life and for many years resided in Darke county, at Arcanum, where she died in 1893. Their union was blessed with three children, but only two are now living, - Edith and Margaret. The eldest, Ethel, died aged nearly one year, in 1886. Mr. Kinsey is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Foresters and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and at present he is an officer of the high courts of the Independent Order of Foresters for Ohio. He is influential in Republican politics and is an unswerving advocate of the principles of the "grand old party." His many reliable qualities and his social characteristics have made him a popular citizen, and he enjoys the high regard of many friends throughout the community.