Warren County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 11 of 16)

DANIEL HEWITT, farmer, P. O., Maineville, was bom in this township and is a son of William and Catherine (Ertle) Hewitt. He was born in Ireland, and when 11 years old came to this country and located in New Jersey, where he resided until of age, when he removed to Rising Sun, Ind., and soon after enlisted in the War of 1812, and took part in the famous battle of Tippecanoe and other engagements of the war. After its termination he returned to Clermont Co., 0., where he was married to Catherine, eldest daughter of Daniel Ertle, and in 1816 settled on land in Survey 4,289, this township. He was a plasterer and mason by trade. He was moderately successful in business. To them were bom the following children: Mary Elizabeth, Emaline, Maria, Lena, Kate, Belle, John, Daniel, Benjamin, William and Sophia. He died Feb. 18, 1870, aged 82 years, 10 months, and 7 days. His wife died in 1856, aged 63 years, 4 months and 25 days, having met her death in receiving a kick from a colt. Our subject, at an early age, had to assume control of the management of the farm, as his father was much away from home. Jan. 25, 1844, he was married to Lydia, daughter of Job Sever, who bore him two children, viz: John F. and Benton S. Mrs. Hewett died Jan. 22, 1868, she was bom Jan. 18, 1825, in Warren Co. He was married again to Anna E. (Boyd) Burch, Aug. 9, 1864, by whom he had four children, two living, viz : Ida B. and Arthur; Susan and Harry deceased. Mr. Hewett has held some of the minor offices of the township and owns 89 1-6 acres of good land, well improved. His son John F. served in the 3 months service, and afterwards enlisted in the 11th, which was formerly the 10th Cavalry. His service was in the West among the Indians.

JAMES HOPKINS, retired farmer, postoffice Hopkinsville, was bom in Virginia, January 15, 1806, and is a son of William and Martha Hopkins, natives of the same State, who settled in Warren Co., in 1811, on land where our subject lives, and on which the town of Hopkinsville is now situated. His purchase consisted in 211 acres on which he lived till he died. He was one of the early commissioners of the county and served with Nathan Kelly and Jabez Phillips; he was also a trustee of his township and an exemplary member of the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an Elder with Ex-Gov. Jeremiah Morrow. To Martha Patton he was married in Virginia and by her had 7 children - 8 living, viz., Martha, now Mrs. Haney, Mary, now Mrs. Swank, and our subject. The deceased are David, Harrison, John and Samuel. He died in 1881, aged 48 years; she departed this life in 1843. Our subject was reared on the farm and received a limited education in the subscription schools. In 1832 he was married to Emaline Dudley, of Warren Co., who bore him 6 children - 2 living, viz., Pliny and Martha. The deceased are William, Robert, Lavina and Mary A. Mrs. H. died in 1875, aged 66 years. Mr. H. owns 198 acres of excellent land and was a trustee of his township for 6 years.

J. A. JAMESON, agent L. M. railroad, S. Lebanon. This well known gentleman is the accommodating and genial representative of the famous "Pan Handle" Company at the above-named place. He was born in Turtle Creek township, Warren Co., in the year 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah A. (Brown) Jameson, natives of New York, who located in Warren Co. in an early day. J. A. was reared on the farm, ar.d in the union schools of Lebanon received his education. He continued on the farm with his parents until 28 years of age. In 1866 he began learning the art of telegraphy and for one year worked for the L. M. R. R. at the Pendleton shops, and the six following years had charge of the at S. Lebanon and has charge of the telegraph, ticket, freight and express departments. In 1869 he was married to Emma M., daughter of James D. McCain, of Warren Co., who has borne him 8 children, viz., Nettie L., Sylvan D. and Gilbert F. Mr. J. was a member of Co. A. 46th 0. N. G. Enlisted in 1864, and served three months.

B. F. JOHNSON, farmer, P. 0., Maineville. The subject of this sketch is a brother to Sheriff Jaspar Johnson, of Warren Co., 0., and a son of James H. Johnson, one of the pioneers of this county. He was brought up to farm pursuits and in the common schools received his education. Aug. 1866, he was married to Indiana M. Weidmer, of Indiana, by whom he has had 5 children - 8 living, viz: Cora, Hattie and Edith. Charlotte and James F., deceased. With the exception of two years he has lived in the county since his birth. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Lodge in Maineville, No. 557, of which he is an exemplary and worthy brother. He owns 45 acres of land in Hamilton Township.

GEORGE KROENER, farmer, P. 0., Loveland. The gentleman whose name we present as the subject of this sketch was bom in Prussia in the year 1827, and is one of our representative German citizens. In his native land he was reared to farm pursuits. In 1848 he emigrated to this country, landing in Baltimore, after which he came to Cincinnati, where for ten succeeding years he worked at stove moulding. In 1860 he came to Hamilton Township, wThere he rented land for five years, when the savings from his labor enabled him to purchase 50 acres, on which he has since lived and prospered. In 1851 he was married to Louisa Feldkamp, a native of Germany, where she was bom in 1826. To them have been bom eight children, viz: Bernard, Harman, Mary, Fred, Lizzie, Johnny, Henry, and George, deceased. He belongs to the German Reformed Church, and is a Republican in politics.

JOSIAH LOWNES, deceased, was bom in Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, and was reared to man's estate near Ellicott's Mills in the State of Maryland. On the 16th day of May, 1882, he was married in Maryland, to Anna, a daughter of Wm. Burdsal. For nearly three years after hia marriage he continued to live in Maryland, when he removed to Montgomery Co., 0., and settled on a farm near Centerville, on which he lived twenty-four years, after which he settled near Springboro in this county, where he lived until 1869, at which time he bought 140 acres of land on which his widowed wife and two of their children viz: William S. and Miriam, now reside. His death occurred on the 87th anniversary of his marriage, May 16, 1870. He belonged to the Quaker society, in which he was reared and held a birth right. To them were bom five children, four of whom are living, viz: Elizabeth A., William S., Miriam, and Rebecca. Susan deceased. Mrs. Lownes was born in Virginia, Nov. 11, 1809. Her father settled in Clinton Co., 0., in 1885 or 1886, where he lived and died at the advanced age of 80 years. His wife departed this life in Montgomery Co., Md., in 1817. They also belonged to the Quaker society, as does Mrs. Lownes.

RICHARD LUDLUM, farmer, P. 0., Morrow. Richard Ludlum was bom in Hamilton Township, Warren Co., 0., on the 11th day of December, 1831. He is the son of Benjamin and Margaret Ludlum, who were among the first settlers of Warren Co., and whose sketch appears in connection with Dr. Ludlum's, of Maineville. Mr. Ludlum was reared on a farm, and received the rudiments of education in the ordinary district schools. He afterwards attended Delaware University, in which institution he remained about six months. He then returned to his home on the farm, where his services were required. He was married on March 15, 1855, to Maria Simonton, daughter of Alexander Simonton, of Warren Co. To them were born three children, viz. : Charles A., Alice C. and Elmer.

Mr. Ludlum is a zealous member of the Zoar Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been successful in business, and is the owner of 235 acres of fine, tillable land.

B. F. LUDLUM, physician and surgeon, P. 0., Maineville, was bom in Hamilton Township in the year 1835, and is a son of Benjamin Ludlum, who was a son of Smith Ludlum, who settled in this township in the year 1803 or 1804, from New Jersey. To Benjamin Ludlum and wife were bom eleven children, eight of whom are living. He returned to Pennsylvania in 1814, where he resided seven years, and was married to Margaret McCarter, March 14, 1814. He served in the War of 1812, and was a brick mason by trade. He also taught in the schools of the county for a number of years ; was a man successful in business and accumulated considerable property. He died July 14, 1881, and was born July 29, 1792. His wife died Sept. 9, 1867, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1794. They were old and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they became connected in 1816. Our subject was reared on the farm and received the rudiments of his education in the district schools, which was developed by a course of study in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, O. In March, 1863, he enlisted in the 66th Ohio Vol. Inf., and was commissioned Assistant Surgeon, he having previously studied medicine under Drs. Paulding, Mounts and Baker. With the regiment he remained until the close of the war, and was discharged in July, 1865. Upon his return to civil life he resumed his studies and graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1867, and also graduated from the Cincinnati School of Medicine and Surgery in 1863. After practising several years in Butlerville, 0., in 1876 located in 'Maineville, where he has since given his attention to the demands of his practice. In 1866 he was married to Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Thomas Jones, by whom he had four children, viz.: Mattie, Benjamin J., John C. and Margaret. He belongs to the medical society of the county, and to the I. 0. 0. F., Maineville Lodge, No. 557 ; was elected Treasurer of his township in 1880, and while living in Butlerville served as Clerk of Harlan Township. Mrs. Ludlum died at her home in Maineville, Sept. 2, 1881.

JOHN F. MARSH, farmer, P. 0., Maineville, was bom in Cincinnati in 1818, and is a son of Isaac Marsh, a native of New York, who settled in Cincinnati in 1812, where he followed plastering till 1838, when he purchased 100 acres of land, on which onr subject lives, and where he lived, and died, in 1869, aged 88 years. Mary, his wife, died in 1861, aged 77 years. They were parents of eleven children, of whom two are living in this county, viz., William and our subject. Mr. Marsh served a short time in the War of 1812. The boyhood of our subject was spent in Cincinnati, and came to the farm with his parents in 1833, where he has since lived. Nov. 28, 1852, he was married to Harriet Ludlum, daughter of Thomas Ludlum, by whom he has had eight children, seven living, viz., William, Frank, Anna, James, Charles, John and Lillie. Albert deceased. He owns 120 acres of land.

SAMUEL H. McFERREN, farmer, P. 0., Hopkinsville, is a son of James and Margaret McFerren. He was bom in South Carolina; she in Ireland, and when four years old emigrated with her parents to this country, and was six months on the voyage. They were married in South Carolina, and in 1813 emigrated to Warren County on horseback, and brought with them one child. When he landed here he had thirteen dollars in money, and the first season he worked for eight dollars per month and boarded himself. He was a shoemaker and his evenings were devoted to plying his trade. By economy and industry he succeeded, after years of toil, in accumulating a good property - about 734 acres of land - 300 of which was in Harlan Township, Warren County, 230 in Brown Co., O., and 204 in the home farm. To them were bom eleven children, nine living, viz: William, John, Elizabeth A., Mary, Andrew, Margaret J., Alexander, Nancy and Samuel. The deceased are James and Ellen, both of whom died leaving families. Mr. McFerren died March 20, 1866, aged 80 years. She died February 19, 1856, aged 56 years. Both were of Scotch-Insli descent. Mrs. Ellen McFerren, mother of James, ended her days in Ohio, with her son. Our subject was bom on the place where he lives January 4, 1838. He was married in 1862, to Mary A., daughter of Daniel Quimby, a native of Hamilton Co., 0., who became a resident of Warren County. To them seven children have been bom, four living, viz: Harry, Anna, Lillie and Rosy. Margaret, Katie and Lizzie, deceased. He owns 159 acres of land in Survey No. 1547. Katie, mother of Mrs. F., died in 1862, aged 54 years. She was the mother of two children, both living, viz: Nettie and Mary A.

W. R. MERRILL, carpenter, P. 0., Murdock, was bom in Brown Co., O., April 21, 1836, and is a son of Reuben Merrill. Our subject was reared on the farm in Goshen Township, in Clermont Co., 0. At the age of eighteen he began his trade, and served as a regular apprentice under John Schuyler. In September, 1860, he went to Liberty County, Texas, on the Trinity river, where he followed hi3 trade, doing bridge work for a while. In April, 1862, he was conscripted into the C. S. A. Service, Company I, 25th Texas Cavalry, under Capt. E. B. Pickett. Saw active service principally in Arkansas. Was captured at Arkansas Post in 1863, January, and sent north to Camp Butler at Springfield, 111., where, April 1, he took the oath of allegiance and returned to Cleremont Co., 0. Soon after he enlisted in the Ohio State Militia, and of a Company was made First Lieutenant, and soon after Captain. He participated in the celebrated John Morgan chase. September 10, 1868, he was married to Cynthia, a daughter of A. J. Walker. In 1866 he purchased land where he now lives, but has followed his trade almost exclusively. To Mr. and Mrs. M. five children have been bom, four of whom are living, viz: Clifton W., Hattie L., Leah M. and Myrtle M. Curtis, deceased. In his district he has been supervisor and school director for a number of years, and is a member of the Emery Lodge No. 558, F. & A. M. He and his estimable wife are also exemplary members of the Bethel Church, in which he has been a deacon for about ten or eleven years.

JAMES H. MONCE, P. 0., Maineville, is a son of Thomas Monce, who was bom in Virginia, and in 1810 came to Highland Co., 0., and in 1818 to this county and settled near Hopkinsville on a farm where he lived till his death. He and Ins wife, Sarah Irwin, were parents of ten children, but one living. Thomas

Monce was bom Feb. 16, 1775, and he died in 1842. His wife was bom April 9. 1792, and died Feb. 14, 1878, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. James H, their son, was bom in this township in 1827. He was married to Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin Ludlum, in 1852. Seven children were bom to them, of whom six are living, viz. : Ella, Cora, Anna, Esther, Ulysses and Edward ; Lorin deceased. Mrs. M. was bom in Hamilton Township in 1827, and is an exemplary member of the MaineviUe Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM P. MOUNTS, County Commissioner and farmer, P. 0., Morrow. The subject of this sketch was bom on the place where he lives Aug. 80, 1828, and is a son of Providence and Isabelle (Smith) Mounts, who were bom in Kentucky in the year 1795. He (Providence) was a son of William and Catherine Mounts, early pioneers of Warren Co., who settled here about 1796. Providence Mounts and Isabelle Smith were married in Warren Co., and she was a daughter of James Smith, an early settler. To. Mr. and Mrs. Mounts were bom nine children, of whom seven are living, viz.: Catherine, now Mrs. Kibbie, William P., James

W., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Roach, Marshall, Lavenia, now Mrs. Peck and Rebecca, now Mrs. Eagle. The deceased are - Nancy, (Mrs. Hopkins) and Martha E. Mr. Monnts was a successful business man and accumulated a good property. In the War of 1812 he served for some time, and was only 17 years of age. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He remained with his parents on the farm until he had attained his majority, after which, being fond of travel, he visited various parts of the country. Sept. 27, 1865, he was married to Henrietta Van Dusen, of Newport, Ky., after which event he located on the farm where he has since lived. In politics he has always been a Republican, and was elected one of the County Commissioners in 1874, and has since been twice re-elected, and now (1881) has two years of his last term to serve. He has also been Trustee of Hamilton Township, and his executive ability is of the recognizable type and thoroughly established in Warren Co. To Mr. and Mrs. Mounts five children have been bom, viz. : Ulysses G., Grade, Cora, Van and Providence. He owns 280 acres of the best land in the township, and his home farm is elegantly improved and beautifully situated, and as farm properly has not an equal in the county, and reflects much credit on its owner.

JAMES W. MOUNTS, farmer, P. 0., Morrow, was bom in this township, and is a son of Providence and Isabelle Mounts, (see sketch of William CL Mounts.) He was reared on the farm, and in the district schools received an ordinary education. In 1865 he was married to Elizabeth Davis, of Union Co., Ind., who has bore him three children, viz. : Harry, Catherine and Eugene. In 1862 he enlisted in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, Co. A, and took part in the battles of Vicksburg, Pittsburg Landing, Franklin, and many others of lesser note. Was first Serg( ant of his Company, and was honorably discharged in 1865. He resided in Iowa eight years previous to the war. He owns 100 acres of land, which is in an excellent state of cultivation and well improved.

LINDSEY MOUNTS, farmer, P. O., Morrow, was bom near Morrow, July 25, 1825, and is a son of Watson and Nancy (Lindsey) Mounts. He was the youngest child of William Mounts, a pioneer of Warren Co. To Watson Mounts and his wife were bom eleven children, viz: Rebecca, bom in 1820; Providence, bom in 1828, died in 1849; Lindsey, (as above); Joseph, bom in 1827; Leander, bom in 1829; James, bom in 1881; Dorcas, bom in 1888; John H., bom in 1885 and died in Feb. 1861 ; Gracy, bom in 1887 ; Catherine, bom in 1889, and William, who was bom in 1840. He was born in Warren Co., in 1799; Nancy, his wife, was bom in Kentucky in the same year. He died in May, 1875, and she departed this life in August, 1878 ; was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 40 years. Our subject has been twice married, first to Sarah, a daughter of Phineas Roach, February, 1855; she died June 7, 1855. His second marriage was celebrated June 10, 1856, with Angelina, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Miranda, and widow of Eli

T. Ludlum, by whom he has one child, viz: Albert C. Mrs. M. had three children by her first husband, viz : Marshall, Waldron and Hattie. In 1850 Mr. M. went overland to California, where he resided three years, and since then has lived in the county. He owns 135 acres of excellent land, which is more than ordinarily improved. Mrs. Mounts was bom in the county in 1825.

WILLIAM G. MOUNTS, farmer, P. 0., Morrow, is another of the old, well-known citizens of Warren Co. He was bom in Hamilton Township in 1809, and is a son of Joseph Mounts, one of the pioneers, a mention of whom is made in the sketch of Alex. Mounts, in Union Township's history. Our subject was brought up on the farm and received only a limited education in the early subscription schools. He was married on the 6th day of Oct., 1833, to Susan, daughter of Joseph Greene, who was bom in Cincinnati. After his marriage he located on the farm where he has since lived. Four children were bom to them, viz : Joseph, Elizabeth, Phoebe and William. Mrs. Mounts departed this life Jan. 14, 1870, aged 54 years, 6 months and 1 day. He owns upward of 300 acres of land, which is largely in cultivation and well improved. He has been an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since he was 16 years old, and is a genial, whole-souled and Christian gentleman. His son William enlisted in 1864, in Co. F. 146 0. N. G., served his time and was honorably discharged. He was married Oct. 8, 1872, to Susan A., daughter of Dr. Cottle, of Maineville, by whom he had three children, viz : Pearl, Mabel and Lucius. Mrs. M. was bom in the county in 1846 and departed this life Aug. 2, 1881. William M. was bom on the old home farm in 1844.

J. C. REDMAN, Justice of the Peace and conveyancer, P. 0., Maineville, was bom in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the year 1835, and is a son of John Redman, of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1830. Our subject received not the advantage of an education in the earlier part of his life, but afterwards, by studiously applying his mind, and chiefly through his own efforts, succeeded in obtaining a good business-like education. At the age of 15 he began learning the harness trade, which was completed three years after. It was then he began to realize the necessity of an education, which he set out in pursuit of, and won. After attaining his majority he engaged in teaching, which he followed five years, and as an educator became well and favorably known. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. K, 79th 0. V. I. ; saw active service until June, 1864, at which time he was wounded in front of Atlanta, Ga. For meritorious service he was after this promoted to a 1st Lieut., 'but being unable to pass muster on account of disability caused by the wound, could not accept the proffered honor. In September, 1865, he was "mustered out" and returned home, and a few months later went to Camp Denison, where he remained until 1866, since when he has been engaged in various enterprises. He is now established in Maineville in the capacity of conveyancer, and is in discharge of the duties and responsibilities of Justice of the Peace, Township and Corporation Clerk. He also does a large amount of legal writing, to do which he is fully competent. In 1856 he was married to Mary E., daughter of William T. Friend, of Woodville, Ohio, who has borne him seven children, viz: John W., Louisa, Edwin S., Debby J., Alice C., David and Anice. He is a worthy member of the Masonic Lodge of Manchester, Ohio, No. 191, and also of the Maineville Lodge 1. 0. 0. F., No. 557.

GEORGE J. ROACH, farmer, P. 0., Maineville, was bom in Salem Township, this county, in 1827, and is a son of Jonah and Rebecca (Gregg) Roach. He was bom in Virginia March 15, 1791. In 1812 he came to Ohio, and in the Spring of 1818 settled near Springboro, where he lived five years. Feb. 6, 1817, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Samuel Gregg, a pioneer. After the above event he located in Salem Township, where he resided eight or ten years, when he sold out and purchased about 400 acres of land in this township. To Mr. and Mrs. Roach were bom eight children, three living, viz: Ann E., Samantha and our subject. The deceased are: William, Samuel, James, Milton and Elizabeth. Mr. Roach was a successful and energetic farmer. He served in the War of 1812 as a home guard, and his death occurred in October, 1877. Mrs. Roach was bora in Warren Co., June 18, 1797, and died Sept. 28, 1867. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received only a limited education. In 1849 he was married to Mary A., a daughter of Smith Ludlum, who bore him nine children, five living, viz: Evaline, Rosa, Willie, Ollie and Charley* The deceased are: Samuel, who died Aug. 7, 1877; Jonah, who died Sept. 23, 1865, and Ettie, who died Jan. 4, 1864. The farm of Mr. Roach contains 174£ acres of choice tillable land, on which he has lived since 1856. He and his estimable wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Maineville, to which they have been connected for nearly twenty years, and both are very exemplary Christian people.

WILLIAM BOAT, farmer, P. 0., Loveland. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was bora in Hamilton Township in 1888, and is a son of Morris and Margaret Boat. He was bom in New Jersey, in 1806, and is a son of Michael and Elsie, C. (Huffman) Boat, natives of New Jersey, who located here in 1817, coming to Ohio by teams across the mountains of Pennsylvania. They purchased 100 acres of land. Michael and wife were parents of ten children, three living. He died in 188 i aged 60 years ; she died in 1848. The father of our subject was married in 1884 to a daughter of Nicolas Tiger, of New Jersey, who settled here in 1819. To Morris and wife were bom four children, all living, viz : Nicholas, Michael,

William and Jacob. Our subject was reared a farmer and received only a limited education. Dec. 81, 1868, he was married to Mary, a daughter of James Walker, who was a son of Samuel B. Walker. After his marriage he settled where he now resides. He owns 77 acres of good land, which is largely in cultivation. They have three children, viz: James A., Cora B. and Margaret O. Both are members of the Bethel Church, to which they have been connected for 18 or 19 years, and are exemplary Christian people.

H. SCHLOTMAN, farmer, P. O., Murdock, was bom in Hanover, Germany, in 1827. His early life up to 17 years of age was passed in his native country, at which time he, with his brother and sister (in 1844), set sail for this country, landing in New Orleans January, 1845. From there they came to Cincinnati, where he found employment at his trade - stove moulding - until 1856, when he went to Evansville, Ind., and soon after back to Cincinnati again, where he followed his trade till 1860, when he came to Hamilton Township, in which he worked leased land for 6 years. In 1865 he purchased 50 acres. From 1866 to 1872 he resided in Cincinnati, and since the latter date on his farm. During the last 6 years of his stay in Cincinnati he was employed as a guard in the county jail - his brother Henry being at the time sheriff of Hamilton Co., Ohio. June 12, 1851, he was married to Eliza Israel, of Cincinnati, by whom he has had nine children, eight living, viz: Lizzie, William, Chase, Charley, Alfred, Etta, Gus, Christ; Harry, deceased. Mr. Schlotman is a Republican and a gentleman thoroughly posted upon the events and questions of the day, and is ready at all times to intelligently discuss the merits and demerits of all cases at issue. He is a member of the German Reformed Church. Mrs. Schlotman with her parents came to America in 1845.

D. H. SHIELDS, farmer, P. 0., Murdock, was bom on the farm where he lives, Nov. 18, 1885, and is a son of George Shields, who was bora in West Moreland Co., Pa., in 1801. He was a son of Robert Shields of the same county. He (Robert) with his wife and children in 1810 came to this county, their trip being made from Pittsburg to Columbia down the Ohio river, in a "broad horn." A short time after arriving here he purchased a small tract of land on which he resided till 1840, when he removed to Clinton Co., Ohio, where he died Jan. 25, 1846; his wife, Martha Brown, died in Nov., 1868. She was bom in 1778. They were parents of eight children, three living, viz : Joseph, Robert and Lucinda. The deceased are

George, John, William, David and Mary. He was one of the organizers of the Bethel Church in 1814, and in which he was a Ruling Elder while he lived here, and was clerk of the sessions till 1835. He served under Capt. Simon ton in the

War of 1812. George, father of our subject, was married to Hannah, daughter of of Isaac and Esther (Walker) Spence, April, 14, 1825, and located where ourjsubject now lives. He was much interested in religious matters and a Ruling Elder of the Bethel Church. His first wife died March 29, 1840; she was bom Jan. 28, 1799. His second wife was Julia A. Randabush, whom he married in 1848. She died the following year. His third marriage was celebrated with Rachael Hines, in 1850.

' She died Aug. 8, 1880. He departed this life July 26, 1880. By his first wife he had six children, viz: Harriet, Samuel, Calvin, Mary J., D. H. and Luther. Our subject has been twice married, first to Minerva Chaney, of Cleremont Co., 0., Dec. 81, 1876, by whom he had four children, viz: George E., Rosa B., Eliza J.

and Harriet. Mrs. Shields died Jan. 24, 1867. Feb. 18, 1868, he was married to Martha McKinney, of Goshen, Ohio, by whom he has three children, viz : Curtis E., Nellie B., and Richard, deceased. He has been Trustee and Justice of the Peace of the township. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Church, of which he is a Ruling Elder and has been Deacon. He owns 884 acres of excellent land.

P. W. SKILLMAN, farmer, P. 0., Loveland, was bom in the State of New Jersey, Feb. 25, 1811, and is a son of Abraham and Hannah Skillman, natives of the same State, who settled near Hopkinsville in 1886, and a year later in Maineville, near which he worked a farm and labored on a contract he had on the L. M. R. R. Mrs. Skillman died in 1840, when he returned to New Jersey where he died in 1854. Their children, six in number, settled in Ohio, in which they lived for a number of years, viz: Jacob, Andrew, Peter W., James, Perry, and Hannah, who died near Maineville. Our subject returned to New Jersey with his father, and learned the plastering and brick laying trade. In 1852 he returned to Cincinnati, where he plied his trade, and did a regular contract business until 1862, when he went to Cleremont Co. Ohio, and soon after came to the place where he now resides. In 1857 he was married to Ruth A., daughter of Joseph Randabush, of Cleremont Co., who bore him six children, viz: Flora, Anna, Kate, Buela, Ella, and Abra. Mrs. Skillman died March 6, 1877, aged 44 years. He was again married to Hannah, daughter of James Spence, Sept. 29, 1880. He is a member of the Emory Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 558, having joined the order in 1857 ; is a Republican in politics, and has always voted with that party upon all questions at issue.

PETER W. SNOOK, farmer, P. 0., S. Lebanon, was bom in Deerfield in 1810 and is a son of Capt. William Snook, a native of New Jersey, who settled in Deerfield in 1805. He was a millwright by occupation, and helped build the Wright mill, one at Gainsborough and one in Deerfield for Gen. Sutton. In the War of 1812 he received a Captain's commission. By his first wife, Abi Fields, he had three children, viz: Lowery, Peter W. and Harrison. Mrs Snook died in 1814, and he was married to Hannah Stout (see sketch of Tarsilla Hopkins, Union Township.) He died Sept. 29, 1827, aged upwards of 50 years; was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lebanon. Our subject has followed mechanical pursuits, and for four years boating on the Ohio river, was plying between Cincinnati and New Orleans. He was married in 1886 to Amanda Vandervoort, of Warren Co., who has borne him ten children, eight living, viz: William H., Ephriam K., Irvin, John, Lewis, Joseph, Albert and Sarah. kJames and Eliza deceased. James was a member of Co. B. 2nd, Ohio Artillery, enlisted in 1868 and served till his death, which occurred in Knoxville, Tenn., July 11, 1865, aged 22 years. Mr. Snook owns 242 acres of excellent land, besides property in Deerfield; has been Trustee of his township two different times. William and Ellen (Steele) Vandervoort, parents of Mrs. Snook, came to Ohio from Virginia in 1808, and first settled in Cleremont Co., and soon after came to this township, in which they lived till their death, - respected and esteemed by all who knew them. He died Sept. 29, 1868, aged 88 years. She departed this life in 1889 at the age of 52 years. They were parents of ten children, viz: Maria, Paul, Amanda, Sarah, Phoebe, James, Maty, Elizabeth, Eliza and John. He was again married to Mrs. Nancy Drake. Mr. Van-

JOHN SPENCE JR., farmer, P. O., Loveland, is a son of Jas. B. and Sarah (Newell) S) ence. He was bom in Pennsylvania, and with his parents located here in 1802. Jas. B. was brought up a farmer and received a common education. He was married to a daughter of Wm. Newell, who settled here in 1810. He was one of the trustees of his township, and he and his wife were among the early members of the Bethel Church, of which he was a deacon. They were parents of six children, Wm. C., Isabelle, Sallie, John, Jane and Esther. By his second wife, Ruanza Phillips, he had one child, viz: Hannah. He died in 1875, aged 71 years. Our subject was a member of the 2d 0. Y. I. Co. I., in which he enlisted Sept. 12, 1861, and the regiment was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. Was in the battles of Perryville, Ky,, Stone River, Chicamauga, Mission Ridge and Atlanta; was slightly wounded once and was discharged Oct. 10, '64. He was married Sept. 7, '61, to Isabelle Swank. After his return from the army he located where he now lives. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Church. They have five children, viz: Fannie, Leslie D., Alice M., Nettie L., and Raymond. He owns 54 acres of land, and has a pleasant home. Mrs. Spence was bom in the county in 1837.

MILTON SPENCE, farmer, P. 0., Murdock, was bom in 1835, and is a son of Samuel W. and Hannah Spence. He (Samuel) was a son of Isaac and Esther Spence, who settled in this township in 1802. Samuel was married to Hannah, a daughter of Colen and Margaret (Walker) Spence, by whom he had five children, four of whom are living, viz : Amanda, Mary, Milton and Lizzie. The latter is a teacher in the Indian Territory. Newton, deceased. He and his wife were members of the Bethel Church, in which he was an elder for some years. He died in February, 1880, aged 77 years. She died in 1871, at the age of 65 years. Our subject was married Feb. 8, 1872, to Philanda Megrue, who bore him four children, viz: Samuel W., Sarah B., McPherson and Lewis R. Mrs. S. died May 9, 1880, aged 38 years. Mr. S. enlisted in March, 1862, in Co. B. of the First Kansas Cavalry, and served three years and three months. Was wounded at Lake Providence, La., and also at Vicksburg, where he was taken prisoner, and at Champion Hill he had a knee crushed. Was discharged in 1865, and returned to his home. Owns 320 acres of land in Kansas. Mary/ a daughter of Samuel W. Spence, is a member of the Bethel Church, to which she has belonged since sixteen years of age, and is 'much interested in religious matters, and in the Sabbath school is an untiring and zealous worker.

JOSEPH STRYKER, deceased. Joseph Stryker, the subject of our sketch, was bom in Hamilton Township, Warren Co., Ohio, on the twelfth day of August, 1828. His father, James Stryker, was a native of New Jersey, bom December 24, 1779. He was reared on a farm in his native State, until he arrived to the age of manhood, and from thence he removed to Warren Co., Ohio, in which county he was one of the first settlers. He was quite successful in business. To his children he left a handsome property. His son Joseph, the subject of our sketch, was also reared on a farm ; received his education in an ordinary district school. Was married on the 30th of October, 1854, to Martha Liddel. To them were bom four children, viz: John, Fanny, Mary and Jennie. He had been quite successful in business matters, and died on February 3, 1871. His widow still resides on the old homestead.

WILLIAM SWANK, farmer, P. O., Murdock. The subject of this sketch is another of the old and well-known citizens of the county. He was bom April 18, 1817, and is a son of Daniel and Esther (Morgan) Swank; she was bom in this county and was a daughter of Gabriel Morgan, one of the first pioneers. He was bom in Maryland, and was a son of Jacob Swank, who settled here about 1800. Jacob died in Goshen, Ohio, at the remarkable age of 105 years and was a Revolutionary soldier in the days of 1776. He brought to this county with him eight children, five boys and three girls - all deceased but one. He was a blacksmith by occupation and a pious man. Daniel was but 4 years old when his parents came to Ohio, and during the War of 1812 served with General Harrison; was in the siege of Ft. Meigs, in which he was severely wounded by the explosion of a shell. He lived in the vicinity of Comargo, and was a successful farmer. He died in October, 1832, aged upward of 40 years. His wife died ten or twelve years previously. He had by his first wife six children and three by the second. Our subject was brought up on the farm, and in the subscription schools he obtained only a limited education. He was married Nov. 8, 1888, to Frances M. Line, of Warren Co., who bore him six children, viz: Irwin, Isabelle, Caroline, Bishop C., William C. and Samuel A. Irwin was a member of the 2nd Reg. Ohio Vol. Inf., in which he enlisted in 1861 and served his country faithfully until 1864, when he was discharged. Mrs. S. died Aug. 4, 1869. She was bom June 80, 1820. Mr. S. was again married to Jane Spence, who died Feb. 29, 1880. His last marriage was with Mary Morrow Pendery, to whom he was joined Sept. 29, 1881. He has been connected with the Bethel Church many years, and has been a Ruling Elder for 20 years. He owns 67 acres of land, which is nicely improved.

A. L. THOMPSON, farmer, P. O., Loveland, was bom in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the year 1842, and is a son of John Thompson, a gentleman of Scotch parentage. Our subject received the rudiments of his education in the district schools, which was afterward developed at the Farmers' College, of which institution he is a graduate. In 1861 he enlisted in BurdsalTs 4th Cav. ; served three months'and then enlisted in the three years' service. With him were his brothers James and William. John, another brother, enlisted in 1864 in the 10th Cav. James came home Lieut. Col. of the 4th Cav., having seen active service all through the war and participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war. He was taken prisoner in fiont of Atlanta while trying to save one of his men. Our subject was quarter-master and forage-master most of the time he was out. All were honorably discharged at the close of the war. After his return home he engaged in the grocery and livery business, each in its turn, and eventually, on account of his wife's ill-health, in 1880 purchased a farm of 128 acres on which he resides. In 1866 he was married to Miss Lydia Hunter, who was bom in England. To them two children have been bom, viz: Charles H. and Jessie. He is an exemplary Christian gentleman and a member of the Bethel Church. Is a Republican.

W. H. WALKER, deceased, was bom on the old home farm in 1819, and was a son of Samuel B. Walker, a pioneer. He was reared on the farm, and in the district schools he fitted himself to teach. Some years before his death he left the farm, which he had carried on by others, and he opened a store in Murdock. He was a generous, kind-hearted man, and was always very kind to the poor, and his death was universally regretted by all. He was twice married, first to Sarah J. Millspaugh, who bore him three children, viz. : Maria, Margaret E. and Agnes J. Mrs. W. died in 1845. His second marriage was celebrated with Ellen Ward, of Cleremont Co., Ohio. He was a successful man and held some of the township offices, and was a Notary Public. He was a leading member in the Bethel Church, of which he was Treasurer. He died June 2, 1878, leaving at his death 200 acres of land. Mrs. W. was bom in Cleremont Co., O., in 1824, and is a member of the Bethel Church.

THOMAS D. WALKER, farmer, P. 0., Murdock. The above gentleman is a son of Samuel B. Walker, who was bom in Franklin Co., Pa., in 1779 or 1780. Samuel B. was a son of Samuel and Isabelle (Brice) Walker, of the above county. He purchased 1,000 acres of land in this township in 1798, but did not settle on this purchase until 1802. With Samuel B. came his two sisters, Esther and Margaret, who were the respective wives of Isaac and Colen Spence, who also settled in Hamilton Township. The father of our subject was married in 1804 to Hannah Spence, of Scott Co., Ky.', after which he settled on his portion of the land that was purchased in 1798, which he cleared up, and it became his home. He was Justice of the Peace for two terms, being first elected in 1810, and served eight or ten months in the War of 1812 under Capt. Simonton. In 1824 he became a member of the Bethel Church, of which he was treasurer for fifteen years before his death. His wife was an active member in the same church from its organization in 1814. Mr. W. was a surveyor of some note. To him were born ten children, four of whom are living, viz. : John S., Samuel, Andrew J. and Thomas D. The deceased are:

Sarah, Isabelle, James, William H., George W. and Margaret J. Mr. Walker died Dec. 6, 1845. She departed this life Feb. 4, 1851. Our subject was reared on the farm, and remained with his parents until of age. March 4, 1854, he was married to Eliza A. Chaney, of Cleremont Co., Ohio. After his marriage he lived eight years on the old home farm, when he came to his present place of residence. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Church, to which he has been connected forty years, and as deacon of the same for twenty years. He owns 117 acres of excellent land, which is nicely improved; in everything Mr. Walker is a representative man.

SAMUEL WALKER, farmer, P. 0., Maineville, is another of the old and well-known settlers, who is a native of the township which he lives ; is a son of Samuel B. Walker; was reared on the farm, and a limited education was all he got in the district, a subscription school. He was married to Mary A. Bigham in 1889, seven children being the result of their union, viz: John B., Alexander G., (who was a member of Co. I, 2d 0. V. I. He enlisted in 1861 ; served nearly two years, and was killed at Murfreesboro), Luther and Sarah; three are deceased, viz: Hannah A., Gilbert and Newton. Mrs. W. died in 1851. His second marriage was celebrated with Anna Hopkins in 1852; four children have been born to them, viz: Allen T., William H., Pluma A. and James. Mr. W. has lived in the county all his life, and has been successful in his undertakings.

ANDREW J. WALKER, farmer, P. 0., Murdock, was bom on the old home farm m the year 1815, and is a son of Samuel Walker, a pioneer; was reared on the farm, and received only a common education in the district schools. He was married in 1889 to Leah, daughter of Isaac Phillips, an early settler in this county. Since his marriage he has lived on the place where he now resides, and has prospered. He and his wife are members of the Bethel Church, to which he has belonged fifty years. He was Deacon of the church from 1840 to 1881, at which time He was elected a Ruling Elder. To Mr. and Mrs. W. nine children were bom, eight living, viz: Cynthia, Hannah L., Sarah R., LaFayette, (who is a minister in the Presbyterian Church,) Edward S., Isaac N., Vira and James L.; an infant deceased. Mr. W. owns 112 acres of excellent land, which is well improved. Five of his children are members of the Bethel Church, which is a source of gratification to their aged parents.

JAMES BAXTER, retired farmer; P. O. Mason. The gentleman whose name heads this memoir is another of the well and favorably known citizens of Warren County. He was born on Pleasant Ridge, in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the year 1798; he is a son of James and Jane Baxter, who were bora in County Tyrone, Ireland, in which they were reared and married. At the close of the Revolutionary war, about 1790, they, with their two children, emigrated to America and settled in Hamilton County, at a time when Cincinnati was almost unknown. He was a tanner by trade, yet he owned a farm, which he carried on in connection with his other business. They were parents of eight children, two living, viz., James and John; the deceased are Mary, William, Andrew, Samuel, Margaret and Jane. At the time he settled in Ohio, the whole country was a dense and howling wilderness, which was overrun by murderous Indians and ravenous beasts of prey. After over thirty years of toil in clearing up his home, he was overtaken by the last foe of man - death - Sept. 7, 1821. He was born in February, 1700; Jane Rogers, his wife, was born Dec. 7, 1708; they were married in County Tyrone, Ireland. Aug. 8, 1785; she departed this life Sept. 21, 1840. Our subject was reared on the farm, and in the subscription schools, to which he walked three and four miles; he received a meager education; the demands of labor kept the sturdy boys of the pioneers at the ax and plow, and among them a finished education was unknown; on the farm and in the tannery and distillery he labored for his father until of age. Oct. 5, 1820, he was married to Martha, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Mclntire, of Hamilton Co., Ohio; for three years following his marriage, he resided in his native county, and in 1823 removed to Warren County and located where he now resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Baxter were born three children, one living, viz., William R.; the deceased are David, who died in 1805, and Eliza J., who departed this life in October, 1849. Mrs. Baxter died at her home in Deerfield Township. Mr. Baxter's second marriage was celebrated with Mary, daughter of Jacob and Mary Le Fever, of Warren County; to them were born three children, two living, viz., Martha (Mrs. Clark), and Margaret (Mrs. Harper); Mary, deceased. Officially, Mr. Baxter has been prominently connected with the leading offices of the township, having served as Justice of the Peace for thirty-two consecutive years, Trustee for many years, and Clerk for two years; truly, he has been a representative man, and he has earned an enviable reputation by fearlessly discharging the required duties of each and every trust. Politically, he is a Democrat, and during his long life has voted with that party - since casting his first vote. Whenever the name of James Baxter was put on a ticket for office, it was seldom he had an opponent, as Republicans and Democrats combined at the polls to elect him. He has been successful during life, and all his businass transactions have been discharged to the strictest letter of the moral and divine law; temperate in every habit, never indulging in liquor, profane language nor the use of tobacco in any form, the record of our subject is indeed an exceptional one, and is worthy a place on the pages of any history, and should be perpetuated and held up as a model for the young man of to-day to take pattern from. For sixty years, he has been connected with the Presbyterian Church, and for forty years an Elder in the same; a consistent and unassuming Christian gentleman, a man whose ways, whose thoughts and whose deeds are ever formed from the principles of truth and love fur his fellow-man.

William R. Baxter, son of James, was born Feb. 9, 1826. He was reared to farm pursuits and received only a meager education in the district schools. March 6, 1850, he was married to Miss Martha, a daughter of James and Catherine Harper, of Hamilton Co., Ohio, who has borne him one child, viz., Martha S. In 1855, he removed to the Sixteen-Mile Stand in Hamilton Co., Ohio, where he kept a general store and was Postmaster for ten years. In 1865, he returned to the old home farm, on which he has resided until the present. During the summer and fall of 1881, he erected an elegant residence in the village of Mason, which will be his retired home for the future. He and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, with which he has been connected since 1855 or 1856; his wife, since childhood; since when he has been an Elder, and both he and his wife are much interested in matters pertaining to religion. Like his father, he is absolutely temperate in all things.

JOHN BAXTER, retired farmer; P. O. Sixteen-Mile Stand, Hamilton Co. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in the year 1800 ; he is a son of James Baxter; he was reared on the farm, and when age had developed his frame and toughened his muscles, in him was constituted the material so much needed to accomplish the slavish labor of clearing up and developing the resources of a new country. In 1826, he was married to Ruth, daughter of J ohn Ludlow, of Hamilton Co. , by whom he had four children, two living, viz., Andrew J. and Martha; the deceased are Susan J. and John. In 1830, he came to Warren County, in which he purchased the northeast, quarter of Sec. 32, in Deerfield Township. Politically, he is a Democrat, and with the exception of one term, in which he served as Trustee, he has been identified with no offica He is a member of the Cumberland Presbtyerian Church, to which he has belonged fcr forty years, and is an exemplary, consistent Christian gentleman. Like his elder brother, James, he, too, is temperate, abhorring the use of liquors and profane language, and, though in former days he indulged in the use of tobacco, he abandoned its use, thus showing his strong moral control over the force of habit. He has been successful in life, and at present owns 140 acres of choice land, which are largely in cultivation and well improved. Mrs. Baxter departed this life Dec. 13, 1843, aged 36 years and 1 day; she was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an exemplary Christian woman. Mr. Baxter has remained true to his early vows, and the many long years that have separated him from the idol of his youth are gradually approaching a terminus; though his frame is bending under the weight of more than eighty years, he is mentally and physically well preserved, and bids fair to enjoy life to a ripe old age.

Andrew J. Baxter, son of John Baxter, was born in 1833. He was married to Eliza Conrey in 1854, who has borne him one child, viz., Susan, wife of Finley Thompson. Mr. Baxter and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, to which they have belonged for twenty-seven years, and each vies with the other in the discharge of Christian duties. She was bom in Hamilton County in 1832; her father, Jonathan Conrey, was born in Kentucky Jan. 5, 1794; Eliza, his wife, and daughter of Thomas Whalen, of New Jersey, was bom Nov. 19, 1799; she was married to Mr. Conrey in 1817; he died Dec. 20, 1855; she departed this life in August. 1878.

R. H. BENNETT, retired farmer; P. O. Mason. The ancestry of the above gentleman on the paternal side we have been enabled to trace beyond the sea to the sunny and vine-clad hills of France. In the person of William Bennett, grandsire to the subject of this memoir, centers the remotest historical data to which access at this time can be had. Of him it is known that, when in early manhood, he emigrated from his native land to the then inhospitable shores of the New World, and located in New Jersey, previous to the breaking-out of the Revolutionary troubles. Himself being imbued with the spirit that characterized the French under the leadership and influence of the immortal La Fayette, took up arms against the minions of George the Third, and in defense of the homes and liberties of the oppressed colonists. During the battle of Bunker Hill, he bore aloft the colors of his regiment, and during the contest, received wound 8 from which he never recovered- After the close of the war, he married Adria Ann Britton, in his adopted State, who was bora in Holland and came to America during her infancy. Eventually, they moved westward, and located in Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland Co., Penn., where were born to them six sons and one daughter, and whose names are as follows: John, William,

Nicholas, Abram, Mary, David and Isaac. In 1815, he followed the star of empire westward, and on the northwest quarter of Sec. 33, in Turtle Creek Township, Warren Co., Ohio, he made another and his last home. With him came five of his children - John and Abram remaining in the Ligonier Valley, which they loved too well to leave. The children who came with their parents chose their own localities, and we note their respective places of settlement: William, in Jackson Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, of whom more extended notice is given in the sketch of D. E. Bennett, in this work. Nicholas settled first in Hamilton Co., Ohio, but afterward removed to Warren County and took up his abode on the southeast quarter of Sec. 33, in Turtle Creek Township. David located upon land in the southeast quarter of Sec. 2, in Deerfield Township, in Warren County; Isaac, on land owned by William Bennett, in Turtle Creek Township. Mary, the only daughter of William Bennett, became the wife of James Enos, who, after their marriage, removed to the vicinity of Aurora, Ind. At this time (1881), not one of the above children of William Bennett survives, and it remains for history to correctly perpetuate the memory of those who were prominently identified in the settlement of this county. John and Abraham, the sons who remained in Pennsylvania, served in the war of 1812 - the latter a Color-Bearer, thereby filling the position his father sustained so creditably to himself in that unequal and sanguinary contest at Bunker Hill. To Nicholas and Rachel (Anderson) Bennett were bora twelve children, of whom eight survive, viz., William, Abraham, Enos, Mary (Mrs. Conyers), Catherine (Mrs. Bennett), Nancy (Mrs. Phillips), Hannah J. (Mrs. Foster), and Andrew J.; the deceased are Adria Ann Morgan, n6e Bennett; Hiram, and two who died in infancy. Abraham, fourth son of William Bennett, was bora Nov. 19, 1789. He was married to Sarah Huston, a native of Ireland, in 1811. As above stated, he clung io his old valley home, in which the years of his life - three score and fifteen - were nearly numbered, his decease occurring in September, 1864. Thirteen children were the result of Abraham's union with Sarah Huston, of whom nine are living, and at present (1881) are located as follows: Mary E. (Mrs. Hutchinson), New Wilmington, PeDn; Richard H., the subject of this memoir; David B., Oregon; Margaret (Mrs. Ferguson), Pike Co., 111.; John B., California (since 1850); Isaac, Hamilton, Butler Co., Ohio; Agnes B. (Mrs. La Fever), Montgomery Co., Ohio; Elizabeth (Mrs. Salters), Missouri; Rachel J. (Mrs. Menoher), who resides on the old Bennett homestead in the Ligonier Valley. The deceased are William, who was a prominent physician; two, bearing the names of Samule and Sarah, who died in childhood. R. H. Bennett, the subject of this memoir, was bora in Westmoreland t o., Penn, Aug. 28, 1819. He was married to Catherine Bennett, of Warren County, April 5, 1845, who has borne him one son and two daughters, viz., John C., whose sketch appears in this work; May E., bora May 6, 1849, married G. L. Domm Sept 17, 1867, by whom she had one child, G. C., bora Sept. 12, 1868; Emma B., bom June 23, 1851, died in infancy. Our subject was reared a poor boy, and at the time he came to Ohio, in the fall of 1840, he landed in Cincinnati with 26 cents in money, 25 of which he paid for his supper. Possessing both energy and health, he went to work with a will, and he has won. His educational qualifications, which he secured through his own efforts, enabled him to teach, which he successfully did for five years. In 1850, the savings of ten years enabled him to open a store of general merchandise in Mason, which he carried on with profit to himself till he closed out, in 1868, when his son, John C., became his successor. Mr. Bennett is one of the most energetic and enterprising citizens, and a highly esteemed gentleman in the community. Though unassuming in disposition, he is benevolent and liberal, and all enterprises of a meritorious character he generously supports. For forty-two years, he has been identified with his community's interest, and, during that period of time, has done much in the way of assisting public improvement. In 1863, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was commissioned Notary Public at the same time, and the responsibilities of each he has discharged with credit to himself and entire satisfaction to all whose interests were in his hands.

DAVID E. BENNETT, farmer; P. O. Socialville; was born in Turtle Creek Township, Warren Co., Ohio, in the year 1822. He is a son of David and Elizabeth (Enyert) Bennett, who were born in Westmoreland Co., Penn. He (David, Sr.), in about 1815, when 21 years old, came to Ohio and located at Beadle Station in about 1815; he was a son of William Bennett, whose sketch appears in this work. After David, Jr.'s, marriage, he removed to near Johnsville, in Montgomery Co., Ohio, where he resided for awhile, then back to Warren County, locating in the Sea's neighborhood, where he lived four years, then removed to a place near where our subject now resides; soon after, he bought land on the east side of Sec. 4, on which he lived till his death, which occurred April 13, 1864, aged 72 years; his wife is now (1881) living, aged 85 years; they were parents of ten children, five living, viz., Isaac, David E., Andrew J., Permelia and Elizabeth; the deceased are Mary, William, Nancy, Adra and Sarah. He (David, Sr.) was a member of the Methodist Church, with which he was prominently connected. Politically, he enjoyed the confidence of his townsmen, and served them in the capacity of some of the offices of the township; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his now aged wife is a pensioner on the pension rolls of the United States Government. Our subject was married to Mary J. Eddingfield in 1854, who has borne him four children, three living, viz. William E., Leroy R. and John E. ; Eddie, deceased, aged 6 months. Mr. Bennett now owns 121 acres of fine land, which is all well improved. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, to which they have been connected many years, and are much interested in helping to advance Christianity.

J. C. BENNETT, Merchant, Mason. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is one of the prosperous business men of Warren County, and in the little village of Mason, he stands prominently to the front in the mercantile circles of the place; to say that his position to the " bulls " and " bears " of Mason can be likened unto the position that J ay Gould sustains to the "bears" and "bulls" of Wall street, is not putting it too strong, for "Cal." (the name he is known by among his friends) gives quotations and his cotemporaries are bound to " drop." He was born near Mason Sept. 7, 1846, and, for a sketch of hi3 ancestors, we refer the reader to the memoir of his honorable sire - R. H. Bennett. Cal.'s boyhood days were passed in his native village, and in the public schools of the place he received his education. The happy event of his marriage with Miss Fannie, an accomplished daughter of James H. and Sarah Webb, was celebrated in 1867. As marriage is the great pivotal place in man's career, he sought the practical part of life and immediately entered the mercantile world, and has since catered to the wants of his numerous customers. He carries the largest and best stock in town, and consumers always know the advantage of buying goods where they can get the most for their money. His mammoth stock consists in everything nice for the ladies, from an article of pure lily white to genuine laces, fringes in every artistic design, besides ribbons of the gayest colors - enough, indeed, to make the methodical old maid wish she was young again. To enumerate all would simply be impossible; to suffice, he carries everything usually found in any first-class retail house. To those who love the mysteries of the excavated and antiquated past, his cabinet affords many rare and interesting relics of pre-historic and aboriginal times. Archaeology, or the science of antiquities, demonstrates to the archaeologist that many of the specimens found here in Ohio substantiate the theory that a race once occupied this land who were far advanced in the arts and sciences; but who they were, or where they went to, is a matter of conjecture and idle speculation. Mr. B. is prominently identified with three well-known orders of the county, being a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lebanon, and an Eminent Sir Knight of Miami Commandery, No. 22; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F. , Mason Lodge, 209, and the Knights of Pythias, "Favorite Lodge," No. 118, of Mason, Ohio. The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are three in number, viz., James W., Albert H. and Viola G. Through transition, two live in spirit life, viz., Taney and Ova.

SAM C. BENNETT, hardware and agricultural implements, Mason; he was born in Westmoreland Co., Penn., May 10, 1854; he is a son of Isaac and Sarah J. College Bennett; Isaac is a son of Abraham Bennett, of whom mention is made in this work; he (Isaac) was reared in his native State (Pennsylvania), in which he was married and resided until 1800, when, with his family, he came to Ohio, the journey being made from Pittsburgh by the Ohio Biver. He located in Mason, in which he lived two years, and, in partnership with R H Bennett, together carried on a mercantile business until 1863, at which time he sold out his interest and removed to Monroe, in Butler Co., Ohio, whore he embarked in the grocery business, in which he was engaged ten years. In 1873 or 1874, he removed to Hamilton Co. , Ohio, in which he has since lived a retired life. Sarah College Bennett, daughter of William and Mary College, was born in Cambria Co., Penn., in which she was raised. Her marriage with Isaac Bennett was celebrated in Westmoreland Co., Penn. | to them have been born eleven children, all living, viz., Alsena (Mrs. Ruch); Joseph, Sam C. ; Emma (Mrs. Bennett); John, Hetty, Mabel, Robert O., Agnes, Lorena, Frank and Clarence. With the exception of Emma and Hetty, who reside in La Fayette, Ind., the other children reside in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Bennett are members of the U. B. Church, to which they have been connected since childhood. The boyhood of Sam C., up to his 6th year, was spent in his native county. The rudiments of his education were principally received in the village schools of Mason and Monroe, which was afterward developed in the Nelson Commercial College, of Cincinnati, where he took a full business course, closing his school labors in 1870. When yet in school, his experience in the mercantile world began, and, for several years, was employed as a salesman in some of the leading houses in prominent towns, among which we mention Cincinnati. Sept. 12, 1877, he was married to Mi9s Nellie, the accomplished daughter of Charles H. and Nancy (Bennett) Phillips, of Doniphan, Kan. After the consummation of this event, he, with his bride, returned to Mason, and the year following, was engaged as a salesman. In 1879, he purchased of L. Babbitt & Co. their stock of drugs, which he disposed of six months later. In the implement business he next engaged, in which he successfully operated.

and, May 10, 1881, purchased the hardware house of Cox & Randall, which he combined with his implement trade, and now he controls the custom of the surrounding country in both lines. He carries everything usually found in a first-class retail house, and the entire business is carried on under his supervision. Among the business men of Mason, Sam C. Bennett stands prominently to the front Having been schooled in mercantile pursuits from his boyhood, he received that drill which is always so indispensable to success. Through persistency and good business management, the boy salesman has worked his way to the front, and is now the owner of a well -stocked store and doing a large and paying business. Charles H. Phillips, father of Mrs. Bennett, was bora in Norwich, Conn. , in which he was raised, and in the schools and colleges of his native State he received his education. He is a thoroughly educated gentleman, a fine linguist, and, in former days, a prominent and successful educator. He came to Ohio when a young man and unmarried, and for some years taught the village school of Mason. In 1857 or 1858, he removed to Doniphan, Kan. , in which place he extensively engaged in the mercantile business, besides doing a regular stock shipping business. He was thus engaged for twenty years, when he withdrew from active business pursuits, and has since enjoyed the retirement of the farm. Nancy, mother of Mrs. B., was born in Warren County, and is a daughter of Nicholas Bennett. To them have been born four children - Nancy, Doily, Charley and Nellie. Mrs. Sam C. Bennett was bora in Kansas Aug. 22, 1859.

JOHN BERCAW, farmer; P. O. Mason; was bora in the place where he now lives in the year 1818; he is a son of Cornelius and Magdalene (Denmorel Bercaw, who were bora in Adams Co., Penn., where they were married In 1817, they came to Ohio, settling where our subject now resides. He purchased 180 acres of land, of which 130 is yet in the family nama He died Jan. 31, 1858, at the age of 74 years; she departed this life Nov. 19, 1831. They were parents of seven children, of whom our subject alone survives. The deceased are Sarah, David, Abraham, Margaret, George and Elizabeth. By Mr. B.'s second marriage with Mary Snodgrass, he had five children, one of whom is living, viz., Thomas. The deceased are Magdalene, Samuel, William and Rebecca The early life of our subject was passed on the farm, and received an education which was largely obtained through his own efforts, to enable him to become an assistant teacher. In 1842, he was married to Narcissa Coulsen, who bore him four children, two living, viz., Oscar M. and Mary J. The deceased are William H. and Marilda. The latter died on her 18th birthday. William H was a member of Company H, 89th O. Y. I. , having enlisted in the beginning of the war, and served till his death, which occurred in Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 7, 1862. Mrs. Bercaw departed this life in 1872, dying suddenly of heart disease.

THOMAS M. BERCAW, farmer; P. O. Mason. This gentleman was born where his half-brother now lives, Dec, 6, 1824; he is a son of Cornelius and Mary (Snodgrass) Bercaw, the second wife of Cornelius. Of this marriage, five children were the result, of whom only Thomas is now living. The deceased are Magdalene, Samuel and two infants. Mrs. Bercaw, mother of our subject, died in 1872, aged 86 years. Thomas was reared on the farm, and obtained only a limited education in the district schools. In 1855, he was married to Rachel A. Hercules, after which he located on land then owned by his brother, for a year or so; then removed to Mason, in which he lived three years, and was engaged in farming and teaming. Then he removed to Butler County, where he resided about two years; thence to Mason, for a period of five years, and finally, in 1869, removed to the place where he now resides. He owns 114 acres of excellent land, which is situated in Section 23. To Mr. and Mrs.

A. , Lorenzo P., Zuinglas V., Marcellus M., Reno R., Cecelia M., Thurman F. and Chalmers O. Two of his children came to their death through accident, viz. , U. S. Grant, while at play in the schoolhouse was pushed by a schoolmate against the corner of a seat, from which he received an injury that resulted in his death one week from the day of the accident, died May 3, 1877, aged 12 years; Clarence De. Orville accidentally fell from a wagon loaded with corn, and the wheels passing over his body at the intestinal parts, caused injuries from which he died two hours afterward, Oct. 28, 1877, aged 4 years and 6 months. Sylvanus Everett died, May 5, 1878, from the effects of a tumor, which, after removal, weighed eleven pounds; he was aged 3 years, 3 months and 3 days.

HAMILTON L. BERCAW, farmer; P. O. Mason; was bom on the place where he now lives Dec. 9, 1848; he is a son of Abraham and Mary A. (Robinson) Bercaw. She (Mary A.) was a daughter of Capt. John L. Robinson, an early settler of Warren County. Abraham Bercaw was a son of Cornelius Bercaw, whose sketch appears in this work. Abraham was bom in Adams Co., Penn., and, at the age of 5 years, he, with his parents, came to Ohio, as will be found elsewhere recorded. He was a prominent member of the M. E. Church; also a member of a muster company during the old muster days. Seven children were born to them, of whom three are living, viz., Hamilton L., Melissa F. (Mrs. Williamson), and Mary. The deceased are Charlotte A., Sylvanus V., Cornelius D. and Ida A. Mr. B. died Jan. 17, 1874, aged 62 years: Mrs.

B. departed this life Aug. 29, 1880, aged about 50 years. Mr. B. was successful during life, and, at the time of his death, owned 111J acres of land, besides other property of considerable proportions, which was all the result of his enterprise and industry. Where our subject was bom he has thus far in life resided, and at present (1881) is carrying on the old home farm, thus perpetuating a work that was begun by his parents. He is a member of the Mason Grange, No. 49; also to the Mason Horse Rangers, whose members constitute the best men in the township.

THOMAS J. BLACKBURN, farmer and harness-maker; P. O. Foster's Crossing. The above gentleman is one of the well-known citizens of Warren County; he was born in Monroe, Butler Co., Ohio, in 1828; his parents were Benjamin and Elizabeth (Biggs) ^Blackburn ; he was born in Cincinnati in 1790; she in Monongahela Co., Penn., in 1792. James, father of Benjamin, was bora near Blackburn's Ford, in Virginia, and was a Captain in the colonial forces during the Revolutionary war. He came to Ohio in either 1788 or 1789; came down the Ohio River in a canoe, and was one of the first settlers in Cincinnati, where he purchased a tract of land, living thereon for a few years, after which he came to Warren County and settled in Turtle Creek Township about 1791, in which he lived till his death, which occurred in 1825; he was a farmer and gunsmith by occupation, and, in an early day, a renowned hunter. Benjamin was married, in Lebanon, in 1813, to Elizabeth Biggs. After the sale of his father's property, in 1828, he went to Butler Co., and, in 1829, returned to Warren, in which he lived till his decease, which occurred in 1852; his wife departed this life in 1871. They were parents of eleven children, seven living, viz., Wiiliam, James, Thomas, Sarah, Dorothy, Lucinda and Elizabeth. The deceased are Permelia, Mary J., Hannah and Phineas. He served as Justice of the Peace for twenty -one years, his official life ending in 1851; he was a Commissioner for about the same length of time, Mayor of Lebanon for a number of years, and also served as Trustee in his township for a long period of time. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, under Gen. Hull. Our subject was reared in Lebanon, receiving his education in the village schools and the academy. In Lebanon, he learned the harness -maker's trade, living there till 28 years of age, when he moved to Mason, where he followed his trade; was appointed Postmaster of Mason, by Lincoln in his first term, and served consecutively till 1878, going out during Hayes' administration. Hi first marriage was celebrated in Mason with Miss Thisbe Gillespie, in 1858. She was a daughter of Simon Gillespie, one of the early settlers in Warren County, who came from Botetourt Co., Va., in the year 1799, and located in Hamilton Township. Our subject resided' in Mason till 1878,' when he removed to his farm near Foster's Crossing. He was Justice of the Peace of Deerfield Township from 1867 to 1869, and again from 1878 to 1881, and while in Mason, for a time, wa^ Mayor of the village. Mrs. B. died in 1867, aged about 42 years. His second marriage was celebrated with Dorcas L. Woodruff, daughter of Ezekiel and Ann Woodruff, distant relative of the well-known Morrow family. To them have been born three children, viz. , Anna E. , John M. and Mary P. He is a member of the Masonic order, Emory Lodge, No. 258, of Loveland, Ohio. He own 65 acres of land in the home place and a 13-acre tract in the corporation limits of Mason. Politically, he is a Republican in the broadest significance of the term, and before the organization of tljat party was an Old Line Whig. In politics, he is true to his party and a representative man in the broadest acceptation of the term.

JAMES BOWYER, Mason, Ohio. Our subject was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Dec. 9. 1810. His educational privileges were few, yet they planted in him an energetic disposition. For some five years of his early life he spent in boating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. On June 9, 1836, he married Mary Ann Seward, of Mason. This marriage was indeed a happy one, being blessed by a family of nine children - three sons and six daughters - Cythera, born May 13, 1837, and married James Kendall Aug. 30, 1855; Florella, born Oct. 27, 1838, married T. J. Armstrong in 1859, who died in 1862; she married M. O. Adams in 1865; Selects, born Nov. 28, 1840, married W. Hall in 1863, who died in 1872; she married Albert Buckingham in 1872; Eli, born March 4, 1843; Adrew, born Aug. 16, 1846, married Flora Lang in 1872; Wellington, bora March 12, 1848; Leora, born Feb. 3, 1851; Francisco, bora Nov. 29, 1853, married George Holdon in 1876; Ida, bora Jan. 20, 1857, married, 1878, Arthur Lacy. Eli, the oldest son, served in the late war, in the 4th O. V. C., and was drowned in the Ohio River Oct. 19, 1865; his body was found by some fishermen below Cincinnati, and was identified by his discharge papers, found upon his person; this bereavement was especially sad to the family from the fact that no clue to the accident has ever been found; the postmortem examination of the body gave rise, however, to the suspicion of foul play. Mrs. Bowyer died Nov. 15, 1864; she was a woman loved by all for her kind disposition, and while with the family she was kindly beloved by all of them; she was connected for many years with the Universalist denomination. Mr. Bowyer married for his second wife Miss H. A. Cline, of Mason, on Dec. 28, 1865. For some fifteen years, he was connected with the Ohio Light Infantry, in which he held various positions, from Sergeant up to Colonel. The greater part of his life has been spent upon the farm; his uprightness, generosity and kindness won for him the esteem of all. Prosperity has been the fruit of his striving aim. Besides helping his children, he has as a reserve, for the comfort of his old days, a farm of some 360 acres of fine land west of Mason; on this he has an extensive tile factory, which has been of much benefit to the country round. His father was John Bowyer, bora in Pennsylvania, near the RedStone Country, June 6, 1786; his wife was Jane Sheplar, born May 18, 1794. Mrs. Bowyer died Feb. 18, I860; Mr. Bowyer, in March, 1864. Their family record is as follows: James, bora in 1810; Hannah, in 1814; Levi, in 1816, who died in infancy; Eli, in 1818; Sarah, in 1820; John, in 1824; Jane, in 1826; Stephen, in 1835; Elizabeth, in 1831, and died in 1869; Mary, in 1837. The record of the family is an extensive one, and many are the descendants of that name now in the county; all are of that good, sturdy type, which has gained for them the esteem of all. In 1881, our subject left his farm, and is at present leading a retired life in Mason; he is a man of good judgment, and weighs all things carefully before venturing, and is well worthy of being an example for the younger men of the community.

JOHN S. BOWYER, fanner; P. O. Foster's Crossing. This gentleman is another of the old and well-known citizens of Warren County. He was born in Deerfield Township, on the farm adjoining the one on which he now lives, in 1824; his parents, John Bowyer and Jane Sheplar, were among the early pioneers of Warren County. John S. was reared on the farm, and in the district schools received a meager education. In 1845, he was married to Hannah, a daughter of James and Dorcas Clark, of Warren County; after the celebration of his nuptials, lived one year in Deerfield Township, after which he removed to Darke County, in Harrison Township, where he resided four years, then went to Union Township, Warren Co., living there a like length of time. In 1854, he located where he now resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowyer have been born two children, viz. , Elizabeth and Louisa. He owns 80 acres of land, which is largely in cultivation and comfortably improved; he and his estimable wife are old and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in the same, he has held the positions of Trustee. Steward and Class- Leader, and, withal, is one of the representative members, and a gentleman of enlarged and zealous religious views. He is comfortably situated in life, during which he has been tolerably successful, and, although not owning as much of this world's goods as some others, he has a handsome competency, which affords him all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. His wife was born at the place where she lives, in the year 1822. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was married to Elbert Hoff, by whom she has had eight children, viz. , Ollie, Charley, Nettie, William, Arthur, Lizzie (deceased), Frank and Forrest.

JOHN W. BOWYER, farmer; P. O. Mason; was bom in the house in which he lives Aug. 5, 1835; he is a son of Stephen and Mary (Clark) Bowyer. He (Stephen) was bom in Virginia, and when a young man, came with his father, Stephen, to Deerfield Township. Stephen B., Jr., was married to Maiy Clark, in this township; they were parents of eight children, four living, viz., Thomas, John W., Ellen and Stephen K. ; the deceased are Rachel, Elisha, Sarah and George. Mr. Bowyer. Sr., was bom Feb. 25, 1792; died Nov. 14, 1863. Mrs. Bowyer was bom May 19, 1808, and departed this life Dec. 30, 1857. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to that type of Christianity which so characterized our forefathers. Our subject was reared on the place where he was bom, and, during the portion of his life passed, he has known no other home. In 1860, he was married to Mary E., daughter of William and Charlotte White, who has borne him five children, four living, viz., Clark, Laura, Clifford and Lizzie; John E., deceased, died Aug. 1, 1869, aged 1 year 10 months and 20 days. Mr. Bowyer' s farm at present consists of 112\ acres, which is mostly in cultivation and well improved, which significantly shows the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He belongs to the order of Masonry, and is a member of the Mason Horse Ranger Company.

JOHN N. BREWER, farmer; P. O. Mason; was bom in West Chester, Butler Co., Ohio, in 1825, and is a son of Abram and Ann (Elder) Brewer. He was born in Johnson Co., Ky., in 1800; she was bom in Indiana Co., Penn., in 1799. He, with his father, Daniel Brewer, came to Butler Co., Ohio, in an early day, where the elder Brewer ended his days. Abram was a tailor by trade, and plied his vocation in West Chester, Ohio, until coming to Warren, when he settled on land where our subject lives; here he turned his attention fully to farming till his death, which occurred in 1857; she departed this life in 1873. They had seven children, four of whom grew to maturity, and three are yet living, viz., John N., David W. and Abram N. ; deceased are Sarah A., Matilda , Maria and Daniel K. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, Sr., were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was a Ruling Elder, and alike they were consistent Christian people. The boyhood of our subject was spent in his native village, and he was but 6 years old when his parents came to where he now lives; he received only a common education in the subscription schools, to which he walked several miles. After attaining his majority, he continued on the old home farm, where over half a century of his life has been, passed. He was married, in 1867, to L. M. Hutchinson, by whom he has had three children, viz., Ann C., Vienna P. and Elder R. He owns 220 acres of excellent land, which lies in the townships of Turtle Creek and Deerfield. He is a self-made man, as his success is largely due to his own efforts, which have resulted in a good home and is free from debt. His estimable wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and an exemplary Christian lady. Mr. Brewer belongs to the Mason Horse Rangers, which he joined in 1881.

W. M. BURCH, proprietor of Burch House, Mason, Ohio, was born in Deerfield Township in the year 1825. He is a son of Ebeneezer and Clarisa (Little) Burch, who were bom in Pennsylvania, where they were reared; they came to Ohio with their respective families, he in the year 1808 or 1809; after his arrival, he was married to Clarisa Little. During the greater portion of his life, he was a citizen of Warren County, only moving to Butler County just previous to his death. They were parents of twelve children, five of whom are living, viz., Mary J., Noah, Jacob, Ebeneezer and William M. The boyhood days of our subject were spent on the farm; he remained with his parents until of age. He was twice married - first, with Mary Bone, who bore him five children, viz., Thomas J., Jane, John, Ebeneezer and Sallie. His second marriage was celebrated with Julia Waldron, by whom he has had three children, viz., Charles, Starrora and Harry. He followed the farm until about 1857, when he came to Mason and began keeping hotel, and since catered to the hungry; in that most particular of all business, " landlording, " he is a success, and a genuine expert, knowing well how to look after the comfort and pleasure of his guests. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Mason Lodge, No. 209, to which he has belonged for a score of years.

JACOB BURSK, blacksmith, Mason, was bora in Lancaster Co., Penn., Feb. 13, 1825. He is a son of Joseph and Catherine (Mowery) Bursk, who were bora in Lancaster Co., Penn., he in the year 1797, she in 1798; they were married in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1824; he was a blacksmith by occupation, which he followed till 1830, when he came to Cincinnati, and, six weeks after, came to Mason, which was in the spring of 1831 ; here he followed his trade as long as he was able to perform the hard work of the shop; he died in 1878; she departed this life on her birthday, in 1855; they were parents of nine children, six of whom are living, viz., Jacob, Daniel, David, Joseph, Elizabeth and Susan; the deceased are Henry, George and Robert. Mr. Bursk was a member of the L O. O. F., Mason Lodge, No. 209. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, having been drafted in Philadelphia. Our subject was reared in Pennsylvania until his 6th year; he learned his trade in Mason under his father, and, with the exception of three years he lived in Kansas, has resided in Mason since his settlement here; his Kansas trip was an unfortunate one, as he lost about $3,000 in the operation. Jan. 1, 1856, he was married to Amanda, daughter of William Miller, by whom he has had six children, four living, viz., Anna K.. Mollie G., Joseph W. and Bertha; the deceased are Halleck E. and Frank.

WILLJAM W. CASSEDAY, farmer; P. O. Mason. The subject of this memoir was bora in the place where he lives, Oct. 31, 1817; he is a son of John Casseday, of whom a mention is made in this volume; his early life was passed on the farm and in a manner common with pioneer boys; school advantages were poor, and he only received such education as could be gotten in the subscription schools; he remained at home with his parents till his marriage, which was celebrated Sept. 12, 1845, with Judith, a daughter of Bernard and Rebecca (Hall) Yer Bryck, old settlers of this county. After his marriage, he continued on the old home farm as before, and, up to the present time (1882), his entire life's work has been done on the land that was his father's and grandfather's before him. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Casseday were six in number, of whom live are living, viz., Alonzo, Frank P., William W., Martha (now Mrs. Slade) and Hattie O. ; Rebecca J. , deceased. Mr. Casseday owns 160 acres of land, which is in a high state of cultivation and well improved; he is a modest and unassuming gentleman, with no desire whatever for notoriety, and has never been an aspirant for the empty bauble of local office. To the Mason Horse Rangers he has belonged since the organization of the society, and is a Republican in politics.

SAMUEL M. CASSEDAY, farmer; P. O. Mason; was born in Deerfield Township in the year 1819; he is a son of John and Martha (Wallace) Casseday; he was born in Rockbridge Co., Va., and she in the State of Kentucky. James Casseday, father of John, came with his family to Ohio in 1806, and located on land in Sec. 26, in this township, where William Casseday now lives; here he died in 1822; he was thrice married, and left a large number of descendants, of whom a number live in Warren County; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in the battle of Guilford. John Casseday was married to Martha Wallace in 1810; her parents came from Kentucky and settled in Turtle Creek Township in 1800, where they lived for some years, and then moved to Whitewater, Md. , where they died. John, after his marriage, settled on the old home farm; he died in 1860, aged 76 years; she departed this life in 1862, aged 76 years; to them were bora nine children, three living, viz., William, Samuel and Mary Ammons; the deceased are Elizabeth, Nancy, James, and three who died in infancy. Our subject remained with his parents on the farm until 23 years of age. In 1843, lie was married to Eliza, daughter of Patrick and Abigail Mohan. After his marriage, he lived four years on the home farm, then went to Butler County, where he resided three years, having in the meantime bought 61 acres of land, which he improved; with tiie exception of two years he passed in Mason, his time since has been passed on the land he first bought; he now owns 132 acres of choice farm land, which is nicely improved. To them have been born three children, viz., John, America and Sonora. He has served as Trustee of his township thirteen years. He was one of the founders of the new cemetery in Mason, and Treasurer of the fund. Mrs. Casseday was born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1824.

ALONZO CASSEDAY, farmer; P. O. Mason; is a sun of William Casseday; he was bora on the old farm April 2, 1848; he was reared to farm pursuits, and received only a common education in the district school. March % 1871, he was married to Catherine Duffy, whose parents died in Ireland, where they were born. After his marriage, he lived on the old home farm until 1876, at which time he came to the place where he now lives. He is a member of the well-known Horse Ranger Company of Mason, with which he has been connected since 1869. Politically, he is Democratic, having always voted with that party upon all questions at issue. To Mr. and Mrs. Casseday have been bora two children, viz., Grace, bora Dec. 7, 1874, and Edna M, born March 11, 1879.