Preble County, Ohio - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 3 of 13)

John Lander came to America when a young man and settled, first, in Butler county, Ohio, where he followed farming. Later, in the sixties, he moved to Preble county and settled in Twin township. Later, in the fall of 1867, he moved to Eaton, and started a provision store in the basement of the Charles Thum store. In 1869 he moved to the Kline building, in which location he conducted a grocery and bakery until 1872. In 1870 he bought a building in the Commercial Block and opened a grocery where his youngest son now does business. In 1876 there was a fire, which burned out the buildings adjoining him on the east, and he then bought the lots and erected a new building, in which he conducted his business until May, 1890. At that time his sons, William O. and Solomon, bought him out, and they continued together until March, 1909, under the firm name of Lander Brothers. William Landers died on March 26, 1909, from a stroke of apoplexy. John Landers died July 23, 1892, at the age of seventy-one, and his wife lived until February 13, 1910, dying at the age of eighty-seven years and five months. She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

The paternal grandparents of Solomon S. Lander were born, reared and died in Germany. They had five children, John, Jacob, William, Philip and Gertrude. Mr. Lander's maternal grandparents were William Krauth and wife, who died in Butler county and Montgomery county, Ohio, respectively.

They were the parents of eight children, Caroline, Agnes, William, Gottlieb, Elizabeth, Johanna, Joseph and Catharine. Solomon S. Lander is descended from Huguenot stock on his paternal side.

Solomon S. Lander was bom and reared in Preble county, and has lived in Eaton since 1867, in which year, when he was six years old, his parents moved to that city.4 He attended the public schools and began helping- his father in the store in the winter of 1879, continuing with him until he and his brother bought their father out. Since his brother William's death he has continued the business alone.

Mr. Lander was married November 25, 1890, to Catharine Deekin, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Deekin, of Cincinnati. Mrs. Lander is a member of the Catholic church. Her father died before she was born and her mother died in 1906, at the age of eighty-four.

Mr. Lander is a member of the Democratic party and takes a keen interest in political affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Lander are well known and highly respected citizens of 'Eaton and Preble county.

Ernest R. Shaver

Ernest R. Shaver is recognized as one of the energetic, well known business men of Eaton, Ohio, who, by his enterprise and progressive methods, has contributed in a material way to the commercial advancement of the locality where he lives. He has been successful in the many lines to which his efforts have been directed, and enjoys a distinctive prestige among the representative men of his community.

Ernest R. Shaver, who operates an automobile garage and repair shop in Eaton, Ohio, was born July 4, 1874, in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio, the son of Madison and Nancy (Whitesell) Shaver, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, who were the parents of two children, the other of whom also was a son, George.

Madison Shaver was reared on a farm in Roanoke county, Virginia, and, during the Civil War, enlisted for service in the Confederate army for three years. He served four years as a private and after the close of the war came to Ohio and settled in Preble county, where he married and where he engaged in farming. For the last twenty-five years he has lived in Eaton, where he has been engaged in various pursuits.

came to Preble county from Virginia some years after the close of the Civil War, but moved to Indiana later, where he lived in Wayne county, near Richmond. His death occurred there, he being well advanced in years at the time of his demise; He was the father of Madison, James, Jacob, Barbara, Lucy and Margaret.

The maternal ^giacidparents of Ernest R. Shaver were George and Esther (McCulloch) Whitesell, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively. They died in Preble county well advanced in years, having reared a family of six children: John, David, Rhodes, Samuel, Frank and Nancy.

Ernest R. Shaver was reared on a farm in Preble county, Ohio. He attended the district schools of his home neighborhood and was also a student in the Eaton public schools. After leaving school he followed various pursuits, finally learning the machinist's trade, which he has followed ever since. He operated a bicycle repair shop for eleven years, but for the past six years has been engaged in the automobile repair business on East Main street in Eaton.

Mr. Shaver was married March 23, 1908, to Adaline Ehrhardt, who was born in Eaton, Ohio, the daughter of Fred and Catherine (Schabell) Ehrhardt. Her parents have been residents of Eaton for thirty years, and reared two children, the other of whom also is a daughter, Gertrude.

Mr. Shaver is a member of Waverley Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, although he has never been especially active in political affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Shaver are popular in Eaton, where they have a large circle of friends, who admire them for their many good qualities of head and heart.

William R. Hines

The record of the subject of this sketch is that of a man who, by his own unaided efforts, has worked his way from a moderate beginning to a place of influence in his community. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has followed have won for him the unbounded confidence of his fellow citizens of Preble county, whose interests he has ever had at heart and which he has always labored to promote.

north of Camden, December n, 1852. He is a son of Christopher and Margaret (O'Brien) Hines. Christopher Hines was bom in County Dublin, Ireland, and after his marriage came to the United States, in 1849, landing at New Orleans on the 17th day of March. He and his wife were without material means and their lives, after reaching this country, for a few years were characterized by much self-denial and strenuous efforts, he accepting any honest employment that offered itself. Eventually, he and his wife, made their way to Cincinnati, Ohio, and later to Camden, Preble county, where he found work and was employed there until some time afterwards, when he located on a farm in Somers township, where he remained until his death in April, 1858. His widow survived him many years, dying June 23, 1891. They were the parents of but two children, the subject of this sketch and one who died during the voyage across the Atlantic.

William R. Hines was reared in the neighborhood of Camden and attended the copimon schools of that locality until about fifteen years of age. As soon as old enough, he applied his energies to farming, remaining with his widowed mother, and at the age of twenty-three years, he was married. His career as an agriculturist has been characterized by hard work and his efforts have been crowned with a due measure of success. Mr. Hines gives attention to every phase of farming and is a close reader of agricultural literature, being numbered among the intelligent and successful farmers of Dixon township.

On January 24, 1876, Mr. Hines married Claretta B. Welch, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, May 5, 1856, the daughter of Michael and Mary Welch. The latter were originally from Illinois whence they moved to Indiana, later to Kentucky and finally located in Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hines have been born seven children, of whom five are living, Cora, a graduate of the Fairhaven high school and the wife of Thomas Markey; Mabel, the wife of William McKilligette ; Mary E., the deceased wife of Lawrence Weadick; Margaret, the wife of David Groves, of Dayton, Ohio; Florence, who is unmarried and lives at Dayton; W. F., who is unmarried and lives at home: and Sylvester, who is a graduate of the local high school and lives in Dayton, Ohio.

Politically, William R. Hines is identified with the Democratic party and for eighteen years rendered efficient service to his community as a member of the board of education and has also served as a ditch commissioner and a member of the board of health. Fraternally, he is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs and has been a member of the grand lodge. Mr. Hines is a splen- did type of the intelligent, up-to-date, self-made American in the fullest sense of the term and is regarded as one of the best citizens of his community. As a citizen he is progressive and abreast of the times in all that concerns the common weal and merits the respect and confidence of all.

Irvin Orlando Baker

One of the influential citizens of Eaton, Ohio, is Irvin Orlando Baker, a man who ranks with the city's leading business men and representative citizens. Br. Baker fs a man of excellent endowment and upright character. He has been a valuable factor in local affairs and has always had the confidence and esteem of the people where he is known. He has been loyal to the larger interests of the community and vigilant in his efforts to promote the civic welfare.

Irvin Orlando Baker was born January 3, 1861, near Manchester, Preble county, Ohio, the son of James L. and Lydia M. (Creager) Baker, natives of Ohio, whose only other child died in infancy.

James L. Baker was reared near Eldorado, in Preble county, and all his life was a farmer. He died in 1861 at the age of twenty-eight, his wife dying in 1902 at the age of sixty-six. She was a member of the Lutheran church.

The paternal grandparents of Irvin O. Baker were George and Martha Baker, natives of Maryland and early settlers in Preble county, Ohio, where they farmed. Both lived to ripe old age. Mr. Baker was killed by a train. They were the parents of James, Andrew, Daniel, Albert. Mary Jane and several children who died in infancy. Mr. Baker's maternal grandparents were Ezra and Delilah Creager, natives of Ohio, the former of whom was a farmer and active in the civic life of his township, having held several township offices. He died at the age of seventy-three and his wife at the age of seventy-five. They had nine children, Lydia, Betty. Angeline, Catherine, Mary, Jennie, John, Levi and Joseph.

Irvin O. Baker was reared in Washington township on his grandfather Creager's farm and attended the district schools of that township. He lived with his grandfather until grown and then worked for himself a short time before his marriage. He first rented a farm in Washington township for two years and then bought eighty acres in Jay county, Indiana, and was there a few years. He sold out and returned to Preble county, farming there until 1908. He then went to Lewisburg and went into the meat business. In 1910 he moved to Eaton and until* recently operated two meat markets. His present location is at the northeast comer of Main and Barron streets where he owns a first-class market and does a large business.

Mr. Bakdf vVas married November 27, 1882, to Sadie Eddius, the daughter of Ivan Eddius and 'wife. Five children have been bom to this union, Hallie, Bertie, Harry, Charles and Stanley. Hallie married Charles Marker, a farmer of Washington township, and has one son, Ralph. Bertie, deceased, was the wife of John Lanthrop and had one son, Glenn. Harry, who works for his father, married Ethel Floyd. Charles and Stanley also work for their father.

Mrs. Baker was born at Eldorado. Ohio, her parents being natives of this state. Her mother died when she was a small- child and her father is still living at the age of eighty-six. They had two children, Sadie and Ellen.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Christian church and Mr. Baker belongs *to the Lewisburg lodge of Knights of Pythia*s. Politically, Mr. Baker is a Democrat. The Baker family are highly respected and valuable citizens of Eaton and Preble county.

Charles B. Cokefair

Few residents of Preble county, Ohio, are more favorably known or more enterprising in business than Charles B. Cokefair, a druggist of Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Cokefair is in every sense a representative citizen and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the community. Very few men are more devoted to matters of public interest than Mr. Cokefair.

Charles B. Cokefair was born in Cambridge City, Indiana, May 18, 1857, the son of James Monroe and Catherine (Cokefair) Cokefair, natives of New Jersey and Union county, Indiana, respectively, who were the parents of four children, Carrie, the wife of Dr. H. E. Jones, of Anderson, Indiana; Etta C, the widow of Dr. George Miller, of Anderson, Indiana; Lafayette, deceased; and Charles B., of Eaton.

James Monroe Cokefair was reared in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and was a cabinet maker by trade. He migrated west to Indiana in 1846 and located in Union county, where he started a furniture factory, but disposed of it in order to take service as a soldier during the Mexican War, after which he located in Cambridge City, Indiana, where he again engaged in the manufacture of furniture, disposing of this business, in turn, to enlist as a soldier in the Civil War. He served throughout the entire four years of the war as captain of the Third Indiana Battery. After the war he became one of the publishers of the Indianapolis Sentinel and died in Indianapolis, February 16, 1867, at the age of forty-seven, his wife dying in Anderson, Indiana, at the age of seventy-seven. They were members of the Presbyterian church. James M. Cokefair was a prominent man in his day. He was well known throughout the state of Indiana and was deeply interested in its political and business life.

The paternal grandfather of Charles B. Cokefair was Michael Cokefair, who was a hatter in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and who died in Cambridge City, Indiana, in 1864, at an advanced age. He and his wife had a large family, including Isaac, Burton, Emmons and James Monroe. The maternal grandparents of Charles B. Cokefair were Elisha and Francis (Miller) Cokefair, natives of New Jersey, who were the parents of Lewis, John, Catherine and Caroline (twins), Sylvanus, Frances and Elisha. Elisha Cokefair, Sr., was a pioneer in Union county, Indiana, in which county he located in 1820. He operated the first woolen factory in the state of Indiana. He and his wife died in Union county at advanced ages.

Charles B. Cokefair was reared in Cambridge City, Indiana, and attended the public schools at that place. He entered a drug store at the age of fourteen and has followed the drug business ever since. He is a registered pharmacist. Mr. Cokefair located in College Corners, Ohio, in 1879 and remained there until 1888, in which year he came to Eaton and established a drug store which he has conducted since that time, a period of twenty-six years.

On November 16, 1887, Charles B. Cokefair was married to Della V. Silver, the daughter of James R. and Amanda (Gregg) Silver. Mr. and Mrs. Cokefair are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cokefair is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons; Eaton Chapter No. 22, Royal Arch Masons; Reese Council, Royal and Select Masters, Dayton, Ohio; Reed Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, of Dayton; Antioch Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and Miami Valley Consistory, Scottish Rite Masons. He also is a member of Waverley Lodge No. 143, Knights of Pythias. Mr. Cokefair is a stanch Democrat and has served as county coroner one term and in that position discharged his duties faithfully and well. He is vice-president of the Eaton Lighting Company, and also vice-president of the Eaton Telephone Company, a director in the Camden Telephone Company, a director in the New Paris Telephone Corn-

Mrs. Cokefair was born in Pendleton, Indiana. Her mother was bom at Franklin, Ohio, and her father at Newcastle, Indiana. Her father died in 1912 at the age of eighty-five years and ten months. Her mother died on February 23, 1915. They had seven children, four of whom lived to maturity, William G., Harry, Della and Arthur. Mrs. Cokefair's father was a dry gooods merchant in young manhood, but he later looked after his farms in Madison county.

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Cokefair were William and Ann (Robinson) Silver, early settlers of Madison county, Indiana. Mrs. Silver was a native of Kentucky and died at the age of forty-four, her husband surviving her many years, his death not occurring until he was eighty-five years old. They had five children, Josephine, Quincy, Araminta, Louisa and James. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Cokefair were William and Susanne (Millard) Gregg, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of whom was a farmer near Springboro, Ohio, who died there at the age of seventyeight, his wife dying at the age of seventy-seven. They were the parents of Mordecai, Hiram, Jonah, James, George, Amanda and Catherine.

Charles B. Cokefair, in his personal and business life, has proved a worthy son of a prominent father and enjoys the unlimited confidence of the people of the community in which he has lived for so many years.

William H. Straw

Preble county has been fortunate in the number and character of its farmers, and very much of the prosperity of the county can be attributed to the fact that its farmers have kept abreast of the times. It can hardly be questioned that the farmer is an index to the civilization of the community. If the farmers are progressive and up to date, it follows naturally that the standard of living in that community will be high. Thousands of banks have been organized within the last few years in order to supply the needs of the farmer. The farmer and his stock furnishes most of the money for most of the smaller banks throughout the United States. The wholesome living, which is the good fortune of the farmers, is a big factor in maintaining the general tone of a county. Preble county has long been known as one of the best farming counties of Ohio, and among the excellent farmers

William H. Straw was born April 6, 1840, in Preble county, Ohio, the son of Peter and Mariah (Huffman) Straw, both natives of Germany, who were married in Preble county and were extremely successful as farmers. Peter Straw was quite well-to-do, having, with the aid of his good wife, made the entire competence which he possessed at the time of his death in 1874. His wife died in 1880. Peter Straw and wife were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living: William H. ; Joseph; George W., and Sarah, who is the wife of Robert Appleby.

William H. Straw was reared on a farm in Preble county, Ohio. His education was somewhat neglected. Early in life he worked in a slaughter house, but quit this work for farming after his marriage at the age of twenty-one. When he married he had absolutely nothing but a strong body and a willing mind, dominated by a determination to do well those things which his hand found to do. He began life as a renter of a small farm, and, with the constant and encouraging aid of his good wife, prospered from the very beginning of his farming venture. He presently was able to buy an excellent farm of one hundred and one acres, to which he later added one hundred and six acres and later a strip of forty-seven acres, having had, at the time he sold his place and retired from the active life of the farm, an admirable farm of two hundred and fifty-four* acres, -all of which he had brought to an excellent state of cultivation and which he had improved according to the most approved methods of modem agriculture. Mr. and Mrs. Straw attribute their success in life to their habits of thrift and frugality, in which they became so well grounded during the days of their early struggles for a foothold, and it is highly fitting that the lesson of their lives should be set out here in the history of the county in which this success was achieved.

Mr. Straw was married October 10, 1861, to Melvina Stetler, the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Marona) Stetler, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Delaware, who came to Preble county, Ohio, from their native states, their daughter, Melvina, being bom in Washington township, January 23, 1840. She was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools. To William H. and Melvina (Stetler) Straw were born two children, Alice and Florence, the latter of whom married John W. Horine and had one daughter, Pauline, and died at the age of thirty-seven. Alice, the wife of Leonard Spacht, lives in Washington township.

Mrs. Straw is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Straw is a member of Eaton Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Republican. Few men living in Eaton are more highly respected than William H. Straw, and very few have contributed more to the substantial wellbeing of the community in which he lives.

Joseph Fleisch

The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have succeeded in their special vocations in Preble county and at the same time are impressing their personalities on the community, men who are cpnferring honor upon the locality in which they reside, would be incomplete were there a failure to make specific mention of Joseph Fleisch, a farmer of Dixon township. His success has been the direct result of his industry, optimism and good business management.

Joseph Fleisch was born in the southern part of Preble county, Ohio, October 26, 1841, the son of Michael and Catherine (Megley) Fleisch. Michael Fleisch was born in Bavaria, Germany, and his wife was also a native of Germany. She was first married to a man by the name of Vanier. Michael Fleisch came to the United States at an early age and finally located in Butler county, Ohio, where he was married. His wife lived at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, before coming to Ohio. Michael Fleisch worked in a distillery in Butler county. He came to Preble county, Ohio, in 1842, where he bought a farm and lived upon it until his death in 1891. He was the father of ten children, only two of whom are living, Joseph and Jacob, the latter of whom lives in Kansas.

Joseph Fleisch has been a resident of Preble county, Ohio, since 1841. He worked on a farm during his younger days and after he had reached his majority he was employed by his father for five hundred dollars a year, working for him until he was twenty-four years old.

On November 2, 1865, Mr. Fleisch was married to Lucinda Laflin, who was bom and reared in Union county, Indiana, July 2, 1845, ^ie daughter of William and Mary (Maddox) Laflin. To this union were born eight children, seven of whom are living: Lottie, the wife of L. C. Reaver; Jacob, who is married and lives in Dixon township; Lawrence, who is married and lives in Wavne county, Indiana: Ida, the widows of Waldo Powell:

Mu. And Mkn. Joseph Klkiscii

Viola, the wife of Frank Brandley; William, who married Ethel Duffield and lives on the farm with his father, and Warner, who married Minnie Parker and lives in Wayne county, Indiana.

Mr. Fleisch now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but at different times in his life has owned much more than this. He is a Democrat, although he has never taken an especially active part in political affairs and has never held office. He is a man highly respected in his community, not only for his enterprising habits, but for his genial temperament and native friendliness. Few men have a larger claim to the gracious regard of his neighbors and friends than Joseph Fleisch.

James Swihart

The present generation derives great pleasure in contemplating the careers and works of those of the generation whose active lives are finished. In the hurly-burly of active life there is little time to measure accurately one's own successes and triumphs, defeats and rebuffs. Moreover, selfanalysis is difficult for one of a proper perspective. With a passed generation, whose works are finished, a focus is obtainable and deeds appear in their proper proportion. It is not difficult, for example, to measure the many good deeds of the venerable James Swihart, of Eaton, Ohio, whose live has been devoted unceasingly to noble thoughts and unselfish service.

James Swihart, now living retired in Eaton, Ohio, was born January 8, 1825, in Montgomery county, Ohio, the son of Jonathan and Sophia (Cloyd) Swihart, the former born in Pennsylvania in 1802 and the latter in Virginia in 1805, who were the parents of eight children, James, Stephen, Henry, Jonathan, Harvey, Catharine, Eliza and Anna.

Jonathan Swihart and wife came west to Ohio in 1810 and settled in Montgomery county, where they engaged in farming. They died there, he at the age of seventy-four and she at the age of ninety-six years, three months and six days. Throughout their lives they were devout members of the German Baptist church.

The paternal grandparents of James Swihart were Adam Swihart and wife, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1810, where they died. Adam Swihart was a farmer and was descended from good German stock. Among his children were Jonathan, Henry, (32)

Daniel and Levi. The maternal grandparents of James Swihart were James and Sophia Cloyd, natives of Virginia and of Irish descent, Mrs. Cloyd's father having come from Ireland to America. Their children were Edward, Joshua, Stephen, Sophia and Hannah.

James Swihart was reared in Montgomery county, Ohio, and came to Preble county in 1850, settling one-half mile south of New Hope in Jackson township, where he bought a farm of seventy-six acres for fifteen hundred dollars. He improved this farm and added fifty-two acres to it and there lived more than sixty years, at the end of which time he sold the farm and moved to Eaton, April 19, 1914. The bam on this farm was built in 1854 and the house in 1866.

On September 15, 1847, James Swihart was married to Mary Miller, the daughter of Rev. Daniel and Sarah (Harris) Miller, the former of whom was a German Baptist minister, born in 1799. To James and Mary (Miller) Swihart four children were born, as follows: John Henry, of

Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, who married Melissa Surface and has two children, Charles and Mary; Sarah Ann, the wife of Martin Saylor, of Eaton, Ohio, to whom have been bom five children, Hugh, Dora, Mary, George and Abraham, the latter of whom died in infancy; Daniel M., of Eaton, who has one daughter, Dessie, and Sophia, who died at the age of twentytwo months. Mrs. Swihart died in 1870, at the age of forty-two. She had two sisters, Anna and Sarah, and one brother, Samuel.

Mr. Swihart married, secondly, May 15, 1872, Mrs. Catherine Wysong, the widow of Columbus Wysong, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Eikenbary) Wysong, who had two children by her former marriage, Alice and one who died in infancy'. Alice married John Markey, of Preble county and they had five children, two of whom are now living, Clarence and Esther.

Mrs. Catherine Swihart was bom in Preble county, November 22, 1848. Her parents were natives of Preble county and her father died here about 1894 at the age of sixty-eight. Her mother, who was born January 7, 1828, is still living at the age of eighty-six years. John and Elizabeth (Eikenbary) Wysong were the parents of ten children, Catharine, Isaac B., Adam, Reuben, Simon, Eli, Sarah Ann, Delilah, Mary and Harriett.

Mr. and Mrs. James Swihart are members of the German Baptist church in which Mr. Swihart is a deacon. Politically, he is identified with the Republican party. Although past eighty-nine years of age Mr. Swihart is well preserved, has a keen intellect and a remarkably good memory. He has been a resident of Preble county sixty-four years and has seen a won- derful development in that time. He has always been an industrious man, a hard worker, feeling that it is better to wear out by industrious habits than to rust out. His strength of body and active mind have, no doubt, been so well preserved as a consequence of his energetic physical and mental exercise. He and his good wife are now enjoying a well-earned respite from their long years of toil. They have a substantial competency for their old age, are loved by everybody and enjoy the reflections and commendations which come to those whose lives have been well spent.

Daniel M. Swihart was reared on his father's farm in Jackson township and attended the district schools. He lived at home until twenty-three years of age and then began farming for himself. In 1891 he moved to Eaton and worked in a hardware store for seventeen years. For the past six years he has been in the insurance business, in partnership with George H. Kelly and Daisy Kline, the firm being Kelly, Kline and Swihart.

Daniel M. Swihart was married April 17, 1881, to Elizabeth Scheid, the daughter of George and Catherine (Miller) Scheid. One daughter, Dessie, as has been before mentioned, was bom to this union. Mrs. Daniel Swihart 's parents were natives of Germany and came to America, settling in Butler county, Ohio, where they were married. Her father is deceased but her mother is still living. They were the parents of ten children, Mary, Elizabeth, Ella, Ottilia, Nora, Anna, Emma, Frank, Reuben and Edward.

The Swihart family are eminently respected citizens of Preble county and enjoy the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Dr. Horatio Z. Silver

The subject of this biographical sketch was bom in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, September 22, 1872, a son of Oscar W. and Helena (Button) Silver, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. Oscar W, Silver and wife were the parents of three children, Dr. Horatio Z., of Eaton; William B., of Dixon township, this county, and one who died in infancy.

Oscar W. Silver was reared on a farm and has always followed this vocation. He lived on the same farm in Dixon township for about fifty years, and he now owns one hundred and sixty acres. He was a soldier in the Civil War, being a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fiftysixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a private. He is of Quaker faith, while Mrs. Silver is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The paternal grandparents of Doctor Silver were William B. and Ann (Johnson) Silver, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Delaware, who were early settlers in Preble county. William B. Silver was a well-known farmer, and was one of the first salesmen for the McCormick Reape* Company. He and his wife lived to an advanced age, and were the parents of leighf'children, Joshua, Horatio, Oscar W., Joseph, Robert, Mrs. Maggie Jennings, Mrs. Reba Freeman, and a daughter who died in early childhood.

The maternal grandparents of Doctor Silver were George and Alice (Zimmerman) Button, natives of North Carolina and early settlers in Preble county, who were located near Camden. George Button was a farmer and died in Gasper township, at the age of sixty-five years. His widow survived him some years, her death occurring in Dixon township at the age of eighty-two years. George Button and wife were the parents of eight children, namely: John, who was killed at the battle of Stone River; Thomas, Williagi, George, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Helena.

Doctor Silver was married June 19, 1900, to Lora Smith, the daughter of Joseph M. and Hannah (Phares) Smith, and to this union one daughter has been born, Helena. Mrs. Silver is a native of Ohio, where her parents also were born. Her mother died in Rushville, Indiana, in 1885, and her father now lives in Dayton, Ohio. Joseph M. Smith and wife were the parents of six children. Lora, Edna, Harriet, Jessie, and two sons who died in childhood. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Silver was Stephen Smith, and he and his wife were the parents of the following children: Sarah, Nettie, Belle, Charles, Watson, Joseph, James W., Marietta, Lydia and Baxter.

Lewis Johnson

The biographies of the representative men of a county bring to light many hidden treasures of mind, character and courage well calculated to arouse the pride of family and community. It is a source of regret that the people are not more familiar with the personal history of such men, in the ranks of whom may be found farmers, mechanics, teachers, lawyers, physicians, bankers and members of other vocations and professions. Lewis Johnson is distinctively one of the representative citizens of Preble county, and as such he has made his influence felt among his fellow men. He has justly deserved the reputation he has for enterprise, integrity and honor, qualities which entitle him to consideration in a work of this character.

Lewis Johnson was born in Butler county, Ohio, April 25, 1866, a son of Benjamin and Lydia (Moore) Johnson, both of whom were born in Butler county, Ohio, the latter's birth occurring near the town of Oxford. Benjamin Johnson enlisted for service in the Union army in May, 1864, and served one hundred days in Company 1, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered out of service Septem- .ber 8, 1864. After the war Benjamin Johnson returned to Butler county, Ohio, where he again took up farming, and during the remainder of his life he followed agricultural pursuits in Butler county, his death occurring in 1876. He was the father of six children, five of whom are still living, as follows: Lewis, the immediate subject of this review; Joseph Johnson, a resident of Richmond, Indiana; Belle, the wife of Frank Hill, a farmer of Gasper township, in this county; Alva, the wife of Sylvester Lowman, of Dayton, Ohio, and Hattie, the wife of Adam Surface, of New Hope, Ohio.

Lewis Johnson was reared on a farm in Butler county, Ohio, and there received his education in the district schools, which he attended during the winter seasons, working on the farm during the summers. At the age of twelve he began to "dig" for himself. Part of his earnings after this age were given to his mother, who was left a widow when Benjamin was ten years old, and this practice he continued until he had reached his majority, at which time Lewis Johnson bought his first suit of "store" clothes, necessity previously having limited him to home-made clothes.

Mr. Johnson was married in February, 1894, at the age of twentyseven, to Clara Rumley, a daughter of Charles Rumley, and a native of Maryland. At the time of his marriage Mr. Johnson had about five hundred dollars. He rented land for eleven years, and in 1905 he purchased ninetysix acres in sections 24 and 25 of Dixon township, this county, and on this farm he carries on a system of general farming, and enjoys the well deserved success which he has attained in his vocation. He and his wife are the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living: Ethel, Clarence, Mabel, Grace, Robert and Charles. Marie, the second child, died at the age of sixteen years.

Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Sugar Valley Methodist Episcopal church, in which she takes an active and interested part. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Democrat. He is a quiet man of modest demeanor, an honorable citizen of Dixon township, and a man who thoroughly deserves the kind consideration bestowed upon him by a large circle of neighbors and friends.

Solomon C. Wilson

As long as history endures the United States will acknowledge its indebtedness to the heroes of 1861-1865, who fought for the preservation of the Union, the honor of the stars and stripes, a flag which has never trailed in the dust in any struggle in which this country has been involved. Among those whose records as valiant soldiers in the Civil War reflects lasting honor upon them and their descendants is Solomon C. Wilson, a retired farmer living at 206 North Maple street, Eaton, Ohio, and one of the well-known citizens of Preble county.

Solomon C. Wilson was born in Columbia, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1842, the son of James and Susanna (Cramer) Wilson. James Wilson was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to this county with his parents, William and Ann (Clownv) Wilson, who settled first in New York state and later removed to Franklin county, Pennsylvania. They came to Ohio in 1844, locating in Preble county, and here they spent the rest of their lives. Mrs. Wilson was a devout member of the Presbyterian church and exerted a profound religious influence in her family. She and her husband were the parents of ten children, James, William, Joseph, Robert, John, Isaac, Sarah, Jane, Mary A. and Margaret.

James Wilson was married in Pennsylvania and came to Preble county in 1844, locating at Camden, and lived on a tract of land near that town. He was a stone mason by trade and worked at his trade in connection with farming. His wife died in 1858 and he married again, this second union being without issue. Five children of the first marriage are still living, as follow: Sarah, who is the wife of Abraham Roush; Solomon C., the subject of this sketch; Susan E., the widow of J. P. Wilson; Irene, the wife of T. R. Maddock ; and Rebecca, the widow of George R. Spivey. James Wilson died in 1879.

Solomon C. Wilson was reared on a farm near Camden, Ohio, and received his education in the district schools. At the age of nineteen, being fired with patriotism and love of his native country, he left home and friends and on July 29, 1861, enlisted in Company D, Forty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he saw three years of hard service. His regiment operated in West Virginia about eighteen months and took part in the battle of Vicksburg. After the battle of Vicksburg his company and regiment were assigned to the Second Brigade, the Second Division of the Fifteenth Army Corps, under General Sherman, and in the fall of 1863 operated around Memphis and Chattanooga, taking part in the battle of Mission- ary Ridge. Mr. Wilson was with Sherman's army until August 27, 1864, when he was discharged near Atlanta, Georgia, his term of enlistment having expired. Upon his discharge from the army, Mr. Wilson returned to Preble county and resumed farming.

On January 5, 1865, Solomon C. Wilson was married to Matilda Leach, who was born near Eaton, February 16, 1848, the daughter of Jacob and Matilda (Jennings) Leach. The Jennings family were natives of England and the Leach family came from Tennessee. Mrs. Wilson was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson began housekeeping in a very moderate way. They farmed until 1892 when Mr. Wilson was appointed superintendent and his wife matron of the Preble county infirmary. They remained there ten years, at the end of which time they returned to the farm for one year, moving to Eaton, in 1903, where they have since lived. One daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson is living, Mary E., born June 15, 1866, who was graduated from the common schools and is the wife of D. C. Payne, of Camden, Ohio. One son, James Herbert, bom November 12, 1867, died in infancy.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican and for many years has been active in the local councils of his party. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Eaton, Mr. Wilson being a member of the official board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and past commander of the local post. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are quiet, unassuming people who have performed every duty and discharged every obligation, both public and private, that has arisen during their long and honorable lives.

Charles O. Acton

There is nothing which stimulates a man to deeds of worth and a life of uprightness and rectitude more than the recollection of the strength of character and examples of right living which have been shown by his forefathers. In this respect, Charles O. Acton is fortunate beyond the majority of men in being descended from a line of men who, in their community, have been men of strength and influence, doing their duty well whether in the peaceful pursuits of ordinary life or in positions of public trust. The heritage of such memories of the lives of one's forefathers is of more value than material wealth. In the business affairs of Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Acton occupies a position of importance and stands high among his associates.

Charles O. Acton, ex-marshall of Eaton, living at 912 North Baronstreet, and now a stone and cement contractor, was bom in Eaton, May 28, 1877, the son of Joseph P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton. Joseph P. Acton was the son of John W. and Amanda (Bryant) Acton. John W. Acton was the son of John and Hettie (Ward) Acton.

The Ward family were natives of Pennsylvania, but moved to Virginia during the Revolutionary War and Hettie Ward became acquainted with and married John Acton, a slave holder in Virginia, who operated a wagon shop where slaves were employed. John W. Acton, issue of this marriage, had many experiences w ith slaves and was much opposed to slavery. In order to secure relief from conditions prevailing in the slave section, he came to Preble county and here conducted a wagon shop for many years. John W. Acton married Amanda Bryant, to wrhich union wrere born nine sons and one daughter, Joseph P., William C., George, James, John, Cary, Albert, Lewis, Elizabeth and Pleasant, all of whom are living save Joseph P. and Pleasant, the latter of whom died at the age of twelve.

Joseph P. Acton, the father of Charles O., wras born in Eaton, Ohio, and learned the carpenter trade early in life. He enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil War and served throughout the war in the Seventy-fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was taken prisoner just before the end of the war and was confined ninety-eight days at Andersonville. He also suffered severe wounds during the war. He returned to Eaton after the declaration of peace and married in Eaton, where he continued to reside until 1870, in w'hich year he moved to Decatur, Michigan, where he worked as a contractor and carpenter until 1890, in wrhich year he retired and returned to Eaton. In 1893 he moved to Jackson, Michigan, w'here his death occurred in *1912. His wfidow is still living in Michigan. Joseph P. and Mary I. (Cutting) Acton were the parents of six children, Robert S., who was killed wrhile employed as a railroad conductor on the Michigan Central railroad; Minnie B., the wife of Andrew Koons; Mary M., the wife of Robert Clampion; Edward S., of Michigan; Harley, who died in infancy; and Charles O., the subject of this sketch.

Charles O. Acton was three years old when his parents moved to Michigan and there he received his education. He was employed in different occupations and for different people during his early years but eventually learned the mason's trade and for years was a bridge builder on railroad jobs in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky, and served one term as marshal at Eaton.

who was bom in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, March 14, 1874, the daughter of Joseph C. and Rebecca Hartin. She was educated in the Eaton public schools, having come to Eaton with her parents at the age of three months. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Acton, Clyde B., born April 19, 1892, and Hilda M., born April 3, 1906. Clyde B. was graduated from the Eaton high school and took the civil service examination, now being employed as a clerk in the Eaton postoffice. He is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons. Hilda M. is the third grade in the public schools.

Charles O. Acton is a member of Bolivar Lodge No. 82, Free and Accepted Masons in which lodge he has served two terms as junior deacon and is the present tyler. In politics, Mr. Acton is a devoted and loyal Republican. He is a quiet, unassuming man, but capable and worthy and enjoys the esteem of all the people with whom he has come in contact. He deserves to rank as a representative citizen of Eaton, where he lives.

John C. Rlner

In the daily struggle for an honorable competence there is little in the life of the average farmer to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter. To a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, however, there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally w ins not only a pecuniary independence, but what is far greater and higher, the respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have brought him into contact. Such a man is John C. Riner, a retired farmer and former commissioner of Preble county, who is now living retired in Eaton, Ohio.

John C. Riner, who formerly lived in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, was born on a farm in that township, April 7, 1848, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Christman) Riner. Henry Riner wras born in the same township and was the son of John Riner, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland. John Riner came to Preble county, Ohio, when a young man and settled in Gratis township, where he married Lena Huffman, upon whose death he married, secondly, Mary Osborne, who was the mother of Henrv, Weslev, Julia A., Rebecca, Marv and Elizabeth.

Henry Riner was reared in Gratis township and there married Elizabeth Christman, a member of an old and ' respected family in Preble county, to which union three children were bom, Susanna, the widow of Doctor Quimby; John C., the subject of this sketch; and C. W., of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

John C. Riner was reared on the farm and attended the district schools, later attending a select school at Seven Mile, Butler county, Ohio. He lived in this latter county until twenty years of age, at which time he returned to Gratis township, where he lived for five years, after which he returned to Butler county, where he was married, June 18, 1873, to Elizabeth A. Speer, who was reared at Seven Mile, in Butler county, and was educated at the academy at that place. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Riner lived at Seven Mile for one year and then came to Preble county, locating in Gratis* township, where they remained until their removal to Eaton in September, 1907. Mr. Riner owns ten acres on the Lewisburg road, known as the Henry Kester place, which is his home. He also owns two hundred and three acres of excellent land in Gratis township, practically all of which he has acquired by his own efforts.

Mr. and Mrs. Riner are the parents of seven children, Charles Hawley, Harry, Edward J., Nellie, Clifford, Edith and Glenn S., all of whom are married except Edith and Glenn S.

Charles Hawley Riner, who was a farmer, married Agnes Young, to which union two children were born, John Alden and Lloyd Young. He died in 1905 and his widow is now living in Wisconsin. Harry Riner, who is a traveling salesman for the Rumley Products Company, married Neda B. Englar and is living at Columbus, Ohio. Edward J. Riner married Laura Harrell and is living at Spokane, Washington, where he is engaged as superintendent of grounds and buildings of the Spokane public schools. Clifford Riner, who is a traveling salesman for a lumber company and lives at Columbus, Ohio, married Bessie Englar and has one son, J. Englar. Nellie married C. V. Zimmerman, an attorney, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has two children, Margaret and Elizabeth. Edith is living at home with her parents. Glenn S. Riner lives at Dayton, Ohio, where he is employed as a salesman with the Rike-Kumler Company. These children of Mr. and Mrs. Riner received their elementary education in the home schools, supplementing the same with courses at the Ohio State Normal.

For many years Mr. Riner was one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Gratis township. He is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Preble county. By his sound judgment, he has accumulated a handsome farm that is well kept* he having kept abreast of the latest agricultural methods. Mr. Riner's wife has been a faithful and loving helpmate, her assistance having been a vqry material factor in the attainment of the distinct success which has marked their efforts.

Mr. Riner is a Republican and .was elected county commissioner in 1884 and served until 1891, a little more than six years. Mr. and Mrs. Riner and family are members of the Presbyterian church. As a neighbor, he has held a high place in the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He made a faithful member of the board of county commissioners and looked well after the interests of the county while holding this office. Mr. and Mrs. Riner now live at the north end of Maple street in their large brick dwelling, situated on ten acres of land, and are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors. Few people in Preble county are better known or more highly respected than Mr. and Mrs. John C. Riner.

Joseph L. Baker

The men most influential in promoting social growth and development and in giving character to the times in which they live are men of influence. Men may exercise influence in two ways, first by example and second by the precepts which they expound. J. L. Baker, a farmer living on Rural Route 9, out of Eaton, Ohio, is a man whose life serves as a worthy example to the rising generation. Moreover, Mr. Baker for many years was a school teacher in Ohio and still later a preceptor in Indian schools in the west. His life therefore combines the two most important functions by which man is enabled to serve humanity. Mr. Baker is a man who combines the elements of the student and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs. A considerable part of his life has been devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching a race that is fast disappearing in this country. With this wide and varied experience behind him and his unusual success as a farmer, Mr. Baker is entitled to rank as a representative citizen of Preble county.

Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, March 21, 1856, the son of Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker, the former a native of Germany who came to the United States and settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked at his trade of tailor until he enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War. He was a member of Company C, Thirty-fifth Regiment

Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in September, 1861, and serving nearly four years. The last battle in which he was engaged was that of Nashville, Tennessee. He took part in many battles and throughout his career as a soldier was never wounded.

In 1850, at New Orleans, Louisiana, Emillian Baker married Sarah Quigley, who came from Germany to New Orleans with a friend and became acquainted with Mr. Baker in that city. After their marriage, they located at Jacksonboro, Butler county, Ohio, where Mr. Baker lived as a farmer the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1904. His widow survived him ten years, her death occurring in December, 1914.

Emillian and Sarah (Quigley) Baker were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living, John Q., the postmaster of Middletown, Ohio; William E., a well-known engineer of Middletown, Ohio; James M., a successful physician and surgeon at Decatur, Illinois; Albert L., who is in the cement business in Houston, Texas; Mary, the wife of James Rainey, of Decatur, Illinois, and J. L., the subject of this sketch.

Joseph L. Baker was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and when three years old moved with his parents to Jacksonboro, Ohio, where he attended the graded school, finishing the course. In 1873 Mr. Baker began to teach and for some years taught in the schools of Jacksonboro, Somerville, West Middletown and Amanda.

On October 1, 1881, Joseph L. Baker was married at Jacksonboro, Ohio, to Henrietta Owsley, who was born March 25, 1857, the daughter of Samuel and Lucy (Betterton) Owsley. After their marriage, Mr. Baker was made superintendent and Mrs. Baker matron of the Indian schools at Ft. Peck, Montana. After they were there four years the institution was destroyed bv fire and they were transferred to Ft. Shaw, Montana, occupying similar positions there for six months, at the end of which time Mr. Baker was sent to Ft. Hall, Idaho, Mrs. Baker occupying the position of matron at that place also. They remained there one year and were then transferred to Harrison Indian Institute in Oregon, both retaining the positions they had occupied at their previous stations. After being there one year, Mr. Baker resigned and was out of the service six months. At the end of that period he was reinstated and sent to the Sisseton Indian school, in South Dakota, at which point Mrs. Baker again was made matron. They held these positions for six years and were then transferred to the Osage Indian school in Oklahoma. After being at this latter school for three and one-half years, both quit the Indian education service permanently and Mr. Baker purchased his present farm in Dixon township, Preble county.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker are the parents of two daughters, Anna, who isthe wife of Orville Flora and lives on the same farm as Mr. and Mrs. Baker,, and Jessie, who was graduated from the Germantown high school and is still at home.

Mr. Baker is independent in politics. Fraternally, he Js. a .member of the Masonic lodge at- Middletown, Ohio. The Baker 'family are well known, and highly respected in Preble county, and it is unnecessary to say that they merit the esteem in which they are held by their many friends.

George W. Straw

George W. Straw needs no introduction to the people of Preble county,, since his entire life has been spent in this county. His life has been devoted,, not only to fostering his own interests, but also to the welfare of his neighbors. An honorable representative of one of the esteemed families of his section, and a gentleman of high character and worthy ambition, he has filled no small place in the public eye. He is a splendid type of the intelligent, self-made American in the full sense of the term, and is regarded as one of the very enterprising farmers of Preble county. Mr. Straw is nowliving retired at 531 North Baron street, Eaton, Ohio.

George W. Straw was born on a farm in Washington township, September 14, 1850, a son of Peter and Maria (Huffman) Straw. Peter Straw was born in Germany, and was educated in that country. He came to the United States when a young man and located in Twin township, this county. His wife also was a native of Germany, and came to the United States when young, her parents also locating in Twin township, this county. Peter Straw had but seventy-five cents when he landed in this country, but with true German thrift, he set to work at once, first being employed on a farm by the month, and 'when he was married* had saved but little. He was a man worth ten thousand dollars when he died in 1874. His wife died in 1880.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Straw were the parents of the following children r William, a retired farmer, who lives on Maple street, Eaton, Ohio; Joseph, a farmer of Washington township, this county; George W., the immediate subject of this review; Emma, the wife of George Boner, of Kansas, and Sarah, the wife of Robert Appleby, who lives on Cherry street, Eaton.

George W. Straw was reared on a farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he moved to Eaton and there learned the harness trade..

He did not like this trade, however, and presently purchased fifty-four acres of land in Washington township, this county. By industry and economy he paid for this land and finally became the owner of ninety-five acres of good farming land. He remained on this farm for sixteen years, when he returned to Eaton and worked at his trade for John Deem for four years, after which, in 1905, he retired from active life.

Mr. Straw was married November 19, 1874, to Elizabeth Siebert, who was born November 19, 1856, the daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (Shafer) Siebert, the former a native of Germany and the latter a native of Preble county, Ohio, who were the parents of ten children, four of whom are now living as follow: Catherine, the wife of Christian Gugel, of Dayton, Ohio; Augustus, of Millville, Ohio; Maria, the wife of Joseph Straw, of Washington township, this county; Elizabeth, the wife of Mr. Straw, who received her education in the public schools of Eaton.

wife of Bruce Rollman, who lives in Coldwater, Ohio; Augustus, a farmer of Washington township, this county, and Myrtle, the wife of Lerton Lincoln, who lives in Montgomery county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have ten grandchildren.

Mr. Straw is identified with the Republican party and was at one time a trustee of Washington township. Fraternally, he is a member of Eaton Eodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a past grand in that lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Straw are now enjoying the fruits of their early labors, and surrounded by every convenience are thoroughly equipped to enjoy their declining years. They are honored and respected in the community where they live.

Edwin O. Murray

The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence there. Edwin O. Murray has resided in Jefiferson township, Preble county, Ohio, practically all of his life. His career has been a commendable one and well deserves to be perpetuated, on the pages of a historical work such as this. Mr. Murray applied himself diligently to his work and waited for the reward which the fullness of time has brought. Today he is one of the substantial financiers of Preble county, a successful merchant, a wise and judicious banker and a capable farmer.

Edwin O. Murray was born south of New Paris in Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, on April 13, 1873, son °f James and Martha (Mills) Murray. James Murray, who died March 25, 1905, was the son of Mitchell and Lydia (Brazier) Murray. Mitchell Murray was reared, educated and married in Delaware. He came to Preble county, Ohio, about 1840, and located in Eaton, then a mere village, where he lived for several years. Later he located in the southern part of Darke county, Ohio, north of Eldorado, and there lived on a farm. Subsequently, he moved to a farm in Jackson township, Preble county, and after several years of residence there purchased a farm in Darke county, Ohio, where he spent the rest of his life. Mitchell Murray was the father of ten children. Seven of his sons, David, Joseph, Lemuel, John, James, Alfred and Henry, enlisted from Jackson township, Preble county, in the Union army and served their country during the Civil War. John Murray was confined in Libby prison for eighteen months, but survived the war. Besides these children, there were Tunard, Amos and Sarah, the latter the wife of John F. Ervin, of Eldorado, all of whom are now deceased.

James Murray was the father of seven children, six of whom are living: Edwin O., the subject of this sketch; Olive M., who married J. W. Tyler and died July 16, 1914; Charles A., a graduate of New Paris high school and a farmer of Jackson township; Elwood, who was graduated from the Jackson township high school at Campbellstown and lives at home in Jefferson* township ; Cora, who was graduated from the New Paris high school and is the wife of Dr. W. H. Swisher, of Dayton, Ohio; Ethel, who is unmarried and at home, and Elbert J., who was graduated from the New Paris high school and also is at home.

Edwin O. Murray was reared on the farm and educated in the public schools and the New Paris high school. He also was graduated from the Richmond (Indiana) Business College, after which he accepted a position in the First National Bank at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained about two years. At the end of this time, Mr. Murray was elected cashier of the Farmers Bank at New Paris, Ohio. Mr. Murray assisted in the reorganization of this latter bank, which is now known as the Farmers Banking Company. He served ten years as cashier and is still in the bank as one of the directors. He also is a director of the bank at New Madison. Mr. Murray also spends considerable time looking after his heavy farming interests.

On June 18, 1908, Edwin O. Murray was married to Minnie Coons, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, and who was graduated from the Eldorado high school. She also attended the National Normal School at

Lebanon, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Murray began housekeeping at New Paris, where they now live. They have two children, Janice, bom January 19, 1910, and Stanley J., born November 17, 1912.

Mr. Murray is a Republican and for years has possessed considerable local influence in politics. He has served as a member of the New Paris town council. Mr. Murray is a member of the Presbyterian church and has served as one of the trustees of this church. Fraternally, he is a member of Harmony Lodge No. 396, Knights of Pythias, in which he has served as keeper of the records and seal. He is a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, possessed of much natural good sense and sound judgment. His heavy financial interests have not interfered with his duties to the public. His larger obligations to the community have been faithfully fulfilled. He is a man who, in every way, deserves the esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens.

John J. Kayler

Among the successful, self-made men of Preble county, Ohio, whose efforts and influence have contributed to the progress and prosperity of this county, John J. Kayler, a fanner and stockman and ex-president of the Preble County Fair Association, occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the first, Mr. Kayler has sumiounted difficulties and has arisen to a prominent position in the commercial, agricultural and financial circles of his community. Not only this, but he has won the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has had relations in either a business or social range and for years has been considered one of the representative citizens of Preble county. Early in life, Mr. Kayler realized that there is a definite purpose in life and that no honor is worth while which is not founded on worth and no achievements of any consequence that are not founded on unremitting zeal. His life and labors have been worthy in every respect, because they have contributed to a proper understanding of the life and the problems of the community in which he lives.

John J. Kayler, one of the leading factors in the Preble County Fair Association for twenty-five years and the proprietor of "Lowery Hill" farm, consisting of two hundred and sixty acres, four and one-half miles north of Eaton, was born on the farm he now owns November 17, 1849. He the son of William and Rebecca (Delawter) Kayler, the former of whom was born in Rockingham county, Virginia. At the age of six William Kay- ler came with his parents to Ohio and here grew to manhood. He married Rebecca Delawter, the daughter of Jacob Delawter. John Kayler, the father of William Kayler, came to Preble county, Ohio, from Virginia, settling in 1815 on the farm which Mr: Kayler now owns. William Kayler was a prominent worker in the Lutheran church and throughout his life was an active and Influential Democrat. He died in 1876, his wife dying in 1892. They were the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, Matilda, Levi and Franklin; Josiah and Elizabeth died after reaching mature years. Six are still living, Mary J., the wife of Samuel Kesler; Malinda, the widow of Francis Harshman; Sarah, the wife of Henry Ehler; Laura, the wife of Frank Dalrymple; Nora, the wife of George Ehler, and John J.

John J. Kayler was reared on the home farm where he now lives, and was educated in the public schools. He obtained a certificate to teach school early in life. He remained with his father until his marriage at the age of twenty-seven, on October 28, 1875, to Sarah V. Dalrymple, who was the daughter of John Dalrymple and was reared in Preble county, Ohio.

To John J. and Sarah V. (Dalrymple) Kayler were born six children, two of whom are now living, Estie, who married Tresie Morris; Bertie, the wife of Wilbur McMechan, of Campbellstown, Ohio; Benjamin L., who died at the age of thirty-three; Charles, who died at the age of twentyeight, and Maude, the wife of Alvin House, who died at the age of eighteen. The mother of these children died December 31, 1908, and Mr. Kayler married, secondly, October 28, 1910, Gertrude Thompson, to which union four children have been bom, Paul, born in November, 1911; Wilson, born October 23, 1912; Leonard, bom October 14, 1913, and John J., Jr., born April 3, 1915.

Mr. and Mrs. Kayler are members of the First Christian church at Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Kayler is a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 143, Knights of Pythias, and served as a member of the building committee of this lodge.

He is also a past chancellor of this lodge, and his two sons, Charles and Benjamin, also were past chancellors. Mr. Kayler is a member of Bolivar Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Eaton, and of the Independent Order of Foresters, of which he was a charter member. Politically, he is a Democrat and served for many years as a justice of the peace. He has been the main spring of the Preble County Fair Association for many years, and is at present a member of the executive committee. Mr. Kayler is a general stock raiser. He is known as a great friend of the children and aside from his own family, reared Ora Noaks and Lovie Wolf.

In 1914 the state of Ohio gave a trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York to the boy who raised the most corn on an acre of land, and to the girl who could bake the best bread. Mr. Kayler accompanied the winners of these prizes on this trip and enjoyed the trip immensely. Mr. Kayler is a popular and representative citizen of Preble county and his life has been filled with good works.

Nelson J. Quinn

It is one of the commendable features of our government that it acknowledges no hereditary rank or title, no nobility save that of nature, leaving every man to establish his own rank or become the artificer of his own fortune. Places of honor and trust, rank or preferment, thus happily placed before every individual, high or low, rich or poor, to be striven for by all, but earned only by perseverance, are almost sure t<* 6e filled by deserving men, or at least, by those possessing the energy and talent essential to success in public position. Nelson J. Quinn affords a conspicuous example of the successful, self-made American citizen who is not only eminently deserving the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens but who also possesses the energy and talent necessary to discharge the duties involved in heavy business responsibilities. The dean of commercial circles in Eaton, Ohio, he having been longer in continuous business service than any other merchant or tradesman in that city, possessed of a vigorous mentality, Mr. Quinn finds these qualities the chief factors in carving out a career that has been above reproach.

Nelson J. Quinn, dealer in coal building material and leaf tobacco, at Eaton, Ohio, was born in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, May 1, 1841, the son and only child of John L. and Louisa (Hewitt) Quinn, natives of Preble county.

John L. Quinn was a farmer in young manhood, later going to Eaton, where, in 1862, he engaged in the grain business, which business he continued for several years, at the end of which time he and his son, Nelson J., became dealers in leaf tobacco in which business they continued until the death of John L. Quinn in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years and four months. His wife had preceded him to the grave four years, her death having occurred in 1895 at the age of seventy-five years. Th$y were members of the Christian (Newlight) church, in which Mr. Quinn was a deacon for forty-one years, in all of which time he never missed a communion service. He was township trustee and infirmary director at the same time for several years.

The paternal grandparents of Nelson J. Quinn were James and Sarah (Glines) Quinn, the former a native of Georgia and the latter of one of the eastern states. They were pioneers of Preble -county, having. come here in 1808. James Quinn was a farmer and died at the age of forty-four, his wife living to be seventy-five. They had seven children, John L., Eliza, Robert M., James H., William D., Joseph H. and Sarah Jane. The maternal grandparents of Nelson J. Quinn were Philip and Hannah (Clawson) Hewitt, natives of North Carolina and Ohio, respectively, pioneer farmers in Twin township, Preble county. In their declining years they moved to Miamisburg, where Mrs. Hewitt died. Mr. Hewitt then returned to Preble county and here spent the remainder of his days. They were the parents of Levi, Louisa, Elizabeth, Celina and Hannah. Philip Hewitt's father was Philip Hewitt, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, who enlisted from Guilford county, North Carolina. He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, March 8, 1754, and died in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 14, 1846, at the age of ninety-two. His wife died ten days prior to his death. They had nine children, Henry, Simon, Philip, Michael, Mary, Fanny, Catharine, Elizabeth and Sarah.

Nelson J. Quinn was born and reared in Preble county and this county has always been his home. He grew up on the farm and attended the district schools, later attending the Eaton high school. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served about four months as a coqx>ral. Before going to the was he was in business with his father, in the sale of leaf tobacco, and after the war resumed this business with his father, which he still continues in connection with the coal business.

On March 3, 1864, Nelson J. Quinn was married to Martha A. May, who was bom January 11, 1845, the daughter of Jacob and Isabel (Patton) May, to which union twelve children were born, Minnie, Laura, Irvin L., Lucy, Grace, Elsie, Bertha, Harry, John L., Walter, Ada and one who died in infancy. Minnie lives at home. I-aura married F. E. Overholser, of Eaton, and has two children, Harold and Henry Nelson. Irvin L. is in his father's employ. Lucy is at home. Grace (deceased) was the wife of Frank Burson. Elise married Robert Bloom, of Dayton, and has one daughter, Martha. Bertha is at home. Harry, who resides in Eaton, mar- ried Gertrude Pugh and has one son, Pearson. John L., who is in the grocery business with his brother, Harry, married Anna Huber and has three children, William, Robert and Maxwell. Walter died at the age of seven. Ada is at home. The mother of these children died January 13, 1912, at the age of sixty-seven years and two days. Mrs. Quinn was a member of the Christian church, as is also Mr. Quinn, having joined the church in 1872. She was born in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio. Her parents came from Hamilton county, Ohio, to Preble county when they were young and spent all of their lives here. They had fifteen children, a number of whom died young. Those who lived to maturity were Louisa, Martha, Martin, Allen, David and Caroline.

Mrs. Quinn was a devoted wife and a loving mother and took a keen interest in her children and in the business success of her husband. She was unselfish, generous and devoted to the precepts of the Christian religion which she practiced in her every day life.

Mr. Quinn is one of the venerable citizens of Preble county and no man stands higher in public esteem at Eaton than he. He is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, attached to the post at Eaton, arid takes an active interest in the affairs of the same. He is devoted to the best interests of his home city and ever has been found in the forefront of those most active in promoting the general welfare of the community.

Edward R. Clark

The twentieth century farmer knows very little of the disadvantages which surrounded the pioneer farmer of Ohio. No longer is the farmer compelled to rise early in the morning and continue his labors far into the evening. The farmer of today can do as much work in a half-day as his father fifty years ago could do in a whole day. The free mail delivery leaves the daily paper on his doorstep each morning. The telephone puts him into communication with his neighbors, while the interurban car and automobile enable him to participate in all of the entertaining features of city life. The present generation of farmers has no forests to clear, few swamps to drain, and hundreds of inventions have been designed to lighten the labors of the farm and to make the toil less arduous. The flail of our fathers has given way to the threshing machine ; even the old-fashioned corn cutter is laid on the shelf and corn is now cut by machinery. The old-fashioned shucking- peg has given way to the modem corn-shredder, and, surrounded by such conditions, the fanner of the present century can have all the advantages of the dwellers of the city with few of their disadvantages. The pioneer farmers are fast passing away and in the next few years they will be gone. The subject of this sketch is one of the present generation of farmers who is possessed of a comfortable competency and who has made a remarkable success in his chosen vocation. Edward R. Clark not only is well known in Jefferson township, but, as an enterprising and progressive farmer, is known throughout Preble county.

Edward R. Clark was born June 15, 1870, in Wayne county, Indiana. He is now the proprietor of "Fair Mead" stock farm, consisting of two hundred and ninety acres one mile southeast of New Paris. Mr. Clark's parents were George W. and Martha A. (Reid) Clark, the former of whom was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1836, and the latter in New Paris, Ohio, in 1837. George W. Clark was the son of William and Emily (Ward) Clark. William Clark was a native of Maryland, and his wife was a native of Union county, Indiana. William Clark and Emily Ward were married in Union county, Indiana, and moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1862. They lived there until past middle age, when they moved to New Paris, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives. William Clark was a wellknown millwright and skilled mechanic in his early life and he built many grist, saw and carding mills. He was an active and enterprising citizen and an upright man in every respect. He operated the famous Willow Grove mill near Centerville, Indiana, under the firm name of Clark & Smith. William Clark and wife were the parents of six children, three of whom are now living: Martha, the wife of James Norton, of Ashley, Illinois; F. M., a retired miller of Richmond, Indiana, and O. P., who is secretary and treasurer of the Los Angeles (California) Title and Trust Company.

George W. Clark was reared in Union and Wayne counties, Indiana, and was educated in the district schools. He learned the miller's trade and was engaged in this business for twenty-five years under the firm name of Clark & Yaryan. In 1880 he purchased the farm now owned by Edward Clark and moved on it, living there until the fall of 1893, when he moved to New Paris, Ohio, where he died, December 1, 1904. George W. Clark was frnarried in Preble county, Ohio, and was the father of four children : W.

R-, a traveling salesman, who lives in New Paris; Edwrard R., the subject of this sketch; Walter C, a traveling salesman, of New York City, and Mary, the wife of Earl C. Pence, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

cated in the Preble county schools and in New Paris. After he had finished his education, he began farming. He has made an unusual success of farming and is an extensive breeder of the best grades of live stock.

On November 15, 1893, Edward R. Clark was married to Carrie L. Kirkpatrick, a native of New Paris, Ohio, born February 17, 1872, who was graduated from the New Paris High School. To this union three children have been born: Paul W., who was graduated from the New Paris high school and is now a student in Ohio State University at Columbus, Ohio; F. Mildred, who also was graduated from the New Paris high school, and Julian E., born December 23, 1914.

Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church at New Paris and Mr. Clark is a deacon in this church and a member of the official board. Fraternally, he is a member and past master of Fellowship Lodge No. 106, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of Eaton Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. He is a member of New Paris Lodge No. 303, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a past grand in that lodge. He has represented the Masonic lodge at the Ohio grand lodge. ' Politically. Mr. Clark is a Republican and served as trustee of Jefferson township for ten years, and is now a member of the board of education of that township. Mr. Clark made a splendid record as a public official. In the township where he lives, his interest and ability as an educational director are generally recognized. The Clark family are popular socially in New Paris and Jefferson township and are well known throughout Preble county. Mr. Clark must be accepted as one of the leading citizens of this county.

Martin J. Cunningham

The United States is the most cosmopolitan nation of the earth. Her citizens are drawn from every country ami clime, and a residence of a few years in this country so imbues the newcomers with the American spirit that they become our best citizens. No nation has furnished better or more substantial citizens to this country than has the little island of Ireland. From the Emerald Isle have come many families who have won honored places in the communities where they have settled. Among the many families of Irish descent that have come to Ohio, there is none more loyal to the adopted country than the Cunningham family, of New Paris and Preble county.

Martin J. Cunningham, the present head of the family in the New Paris section of Preble county, and a section foreman in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, was born in New Paris, Ohio, November 25, 1868, the son of Simon and Mary (Maloney) Cunningham, the former bom in County Clare, Ireland, in 1839, and the latter bom in the same county. They came to the United States early in life and located at Richmond, Indiana. Simon Cunningham became a section foreman and for many years had charge of the same section of tracks now supervised by his son, Martin J. Simon Cunningham lived at Dayton a short time, but later located in New Paris, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1878, his wife surviving him until June 13, 1907. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living: Thomas S., who is a fireman on the Rock Island & Pacific Railroad and lives in Chicago, Illinois; John F., who lives in Dayton, Ohio, and is in the state auditor's office; Maggie, who is unmarried and lives in Chicago, Illinois; Martin J., the subject of this sketch, and Nora, the wife of A. J. Canny, who lives in New Paris. The deceased children are Michael, Simon A., Michael the second and Mary, who was the wife of William Colvin.

Martin J. Cunningham was reared in New Paris, Ohio, and attended the public schools of the village. He was first employed as a water boy and in lighting the switch lamps on the Pennsylvania railroad. Later he was employed as section hand, and in April, 1888, was promoted to section foreman, in which capacity he is still serving.

Mr. Cunningham was married January 26, 1898, to Mary Westendorf, who was born in Aurora, Indiana, April 10, 1875, and who lived in Richmond untd she was married. Mrs. Cunningham was educated in the Catholic schools of Richmond, Indiana.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham began houskeeping in New Paris, Ohio. They were only modestly circumstanced when they started in life, but have managed to acquire a substantial competence and now own a splendid home in New Paris. They have one child living, Simon M., who was born March 26, 1900, and who is in his second year in the New Paris high school.

All of the members of the Cunningham family are members of the Catholic church at New Paris. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians at Richmond, Indiana. Politically, he is a Democrat. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham are quiet, unassuming people and honorable citizens of New Paris, where they have spent most of their lives.

Sophia And Elizabeth Rehfuss

Two of the best known women living in the city of Eaton, Ohio, are Sophia and Elizabeth Rehfuss, whose home is at No. 223 Main street. The Misses Rehfuss are daughters of Martin and Catherine A. (Rehfuss) Rehfuss. Martin Rehfuss was born February 11, 1827, in Balingen, Wurtemburg, Germany, and came to America in 1854, the trip across the Atlantic requiring seventy days. He first located at Franklin, Ohio, where he fob lowed the tanner's trade, which trade he had previously learned in his native land. Later he came to Preble county and was in the tanning business for himself at West Alexandria, for two years. He then came to Eaton, Ohio, and engaged in the tannery business which he continued for forty years. In 1867 he built his home in Eaton, and also the building in which his business was housed, on South Beach street.

Martin Rehfuss was married June 29, 1856, at Eaton, Ohio, to Catherine A. Rehfuss, who was born September 4, 1837, *n the same city as her husband, and who came to America when seventeen years of age. Mrs. Rehfuss was a faithful and loving mother and a dutiful and honored wife. To this union twelve children were born, nine of whom are now living. Martin Rehfuss, Jr., a retired wholesale leather and harness dealer, married Emma Moffett, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles A., a druggist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, married Cora Porter, of Belvidere, Illinois, and they have one daughter, Leonette; George, a wholesale harness and leather dealer of Peoria, Illinois, married Jennie Selby, of Peoria; Jacob H., a druggist of Brooklyn, New York, married Mayme Sivers, of Stockton, California, and they had one child, who died in ininfacy; William H., unmarried, is engaged in the wholesale harness and leather business with his brother, George, at Peoria, Illinois; Mary R., the widow of F. M. Deem, lives in Eaton, Ohio, and has one daughter, Marie Catherine Deem; Sophia and Elizabeth, both unmarried, and the immediate subjects of this sketch, living in Eaton, Ohio, and Carrie, the wife of Millard F. Michael, of Eaton, Ohio.

The father of these children died on December 23, 1911, and his widow died on September 6, 1913. Mr. Rehfuss was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also of the encampment. He loved his lodge very much and was a faithful attendant throughout his life, particularly in the days when he was enjoying good health. He was confirmed in the German Lutheran church in the old country. Martin Rehfuss was a man of genial disposition and much beloved in the community in which he lived for so many years. His wife also was confirmed in the German Lutheran church at the age of fourteen in her native land, but there being no church of this denomination in Eaton, Mrs. Rehfuss later became a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and her four daughters are active and earnest workers in that church.

Both Sophia and Elizabeth Rehfuss are women of strong mental attainments, are wide readers and are well informed in the sphere of women's activities. They are cultured and refined and popular in their home community, where they have a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Winfield S. Plummer

The greatness of a community or state does not consist of the machinery of government or institutions, but rather of the sterling qualities of the individual citizen. In his capacity for high and unselfish effort and his devotion to the public welfare, Winfield S. Plummer has conferred honor and dignity upon his locality because he has led an honorable life, has been successful in his private business and is a potent influence for good in the community in which he lives. His labors have contributed to make Preble county one of the most flourishing and progressive sections of the state of Ohio.

Winfield S. Plummer was born July 31, 1852, on the farm which he now owns in Washington township, Preble county, Ohio. He is the son of Thomas and Martha (Williams) Plummer, the former of whom was born in North Carolina. Thomas Plummer went with his parents to Indiana when a lad and lived there for a short time. Later he came to Preble county, Ohio, locating in Washington township, one-half mile southwest of Eaton. After a sometime residence there he went west to Iowa and later to Kansas, where he died. His widow returned to Preble county and lived here the remainder of her life. Thomas Plummer and wife were the parents of six children, three of whom are living, Winfield S., the subject of this sketch, James W. Plummer, of Topeka, Kansas, and L. B., of Eaton, Ohio.

Winfield S. Plummer was reared on the farm in Washington township and lived there until seventeen years old, at which time he went with his parents to Iowa. They lived there about eighteen months when they went to Kansas. Here they Jived until 1901 when they returned to Preble county.

Ohio. Mr. Plummer received his education in the common schools of Ohio and Iowa. When he was twenty-one years of age he homesteaded eighty acres and lived on this until the claim was proved. Later he lived on another eighty acres which his mother owned and bought eighty acres in addition to that which he previously owned.

In May, 1879, Winfield S. Plummer was married to Maria Lawson, the daughter of James and Margaret Lawson, who was born in Indiana and educated in the public schools of Indiana and Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Plummer are the parents of four children, Bonnie, James B., Martha and Charles. Bonnie is the wife of Charles Stephens and lives in Eaton. James B. finished the district schools and took a business course. He is now a farmer in Montana; Martha and Charles are at home with their parents.

Mr. Plummer is the proprietor of "Crystal Springs'1 farm, consisting of one hundred and ninety-eight acres one-half mile southwest of Eaton, Ohio. He is a breeder of mule-foot hogs, the herd being headed by "Plummer's Choice." All the rest of the stock is strictly high grade.

Mr. Plummer is a quiet, unassuming, honorable citizen, highly respected in the community in which he lives. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. He is identified with the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs. He is a member of the Fraternal Aid Association.

John Schlotterbeck

The life which is most useful and desirable is the one which results in the greatest good to the greatest number. Though all do not reach the heights to which they aspire, yet in some things each can win success and make life a blessing to his fellow men. It is not necessary for one to occupy eminent public position to do so, for in other walks of life there remains much good to be accomplished and many opportunities for the exercise of talent and influence that in some way will touch the lives of those with whom we come in contact, making their lives better and brighter. No profession perhaps, offers a better opportunity for doing good and making one's self felt in the world than that of education. In the educational life of Preble county, Ohio, John Schlotterbeck, the superintendent of schools at Eldorado, occupies a prominent place, and his career forcibly illustrates what a life of

John Schlotterbeck was born in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, February 11, 1887, the son of Leo and Abbie (Penrod) Schlotterbeck. Leo Schlotterbeck was born in Preble county, Ohio, while his wife was a native of Shelby county, Ohio. After their marriage they resided on a farm in the latter county for two years, at the end of which time they came to Preble county, locating in Twin township, where they lived until 1905, in which year Mr. Schlotterbeck went to Lewisburg, where for some years he engaged in the mercantile business, and is now a retired merchant of that village. Leo Schlotterbeck and wife are the parents of ten children, as follow: Christian, who was graduated from Northwestern University, at Naperville, Illinois, and is a teacher in the public schools of Monroe township in this county; Elma, the wife of Jacob Laird; Jennie, the wife of George Stockslager; John, the immediate subject of this review; Agnes, a graduate of the high school at Lewisburg, is now the wife of Roscoe Snyder; Elkanah, a student at Bonebrake Seminary, a training school for the ministry in the United Brethren church; Susie, a graduate of the high school, is the wife of Everett Berly; Mary, also a graduate of the high school is the wife of Ralph Birely; Grant, a graduate of the high school, is unmarried and lives at home; Seth, a student in the high school at Lewisburg, Ohio.

John Schlotterbeck was married November 16, 1909, to Mary Waggoner, a daughter of William and Sarah Waggoner. Mrs. Schlotterbeck was reared in Monroe township, receiving her education in the common schools. To this union three children have been born: Geneva, aged five; Lavone, aged three, and Helen, aged one. Mr. Schlotterbeck has served as principal of the Eldorado high school for four years, and as superintendent for one year. He was graduated from the Lewisburg high school and has done work at Earlham College, Antioch College and at Oxford.

Politically, Mr. Schlotterbeck is a Democrat, and has1 been somewhat active in local politics. His father always has been prominent in local politics. The Schlotterbeck family, are all members of the church. Leo, the father, is superintendent of the United Brethren church at Lewisburg at the present time. Christian and wife are members of the Wares chapel in Monroe township; Jennie and husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lewisburg; John and wife and Elma and husband hold membership at the Lutheran church at Lewisburg while the other members of the family are workers in and members of the United Brethren church at Lewisburg.

John Schlotterbeck is a quiet, unassuming man, an honorable citizen of Preble county, who has added and will continue to add distinction to the citizenship of this great county, and very properly is held in the highest regard by all who have been brought in touch with his engaging personality.

Joseph Longanecker

Preble county has been the home and the scene of the labors of many men who not only led lives which served as lessons and inspirations to those who followed after them, but who also were of important service to the generation in which they labored. Elder Joseph Longanecker, who, in his generation, is included in this class, is a man of well-rounded character, sincere, devoted and loyal. His labors long have been directed toward the growth of righteous living in the community he so long has served. Elder Longanecker is a man of pleasing personality, of abiding and fixed convictions and an efficient and capable leader of public movements within the range of his activity.

Joseph Longanecker, a minister of the gospel and a retired farmer living on Rural Route i, out of West Manchester, Ohio, is a native of Miami county, this state, born September 19, 1848, the son of Benjamin and Rebecca (Wilbaum) Longanecker. Benjamin Longanecker was the son of Henry and Anna (Hart) Longanecker. Henry Longanecker was a native of Pennsylvania, who migrated with his family to Miami county, about the year 1835, settling on an unbroken farm near Covington. He cleared away a place in the woods and there spent the rest of his life. He was a pioneer minister of the gospel. He and his wife were the parents of four sons and five daughters, Benjamin, David, Sarah, Anna, Esther, Henry, Fannie, Susanna and Isaac, all of whom are now deceased.