Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (3 of 9 so headed), 1887

GEORGE BINKERD, of Butler Township, is a native of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, born near Miller's Eddy, December 20, 1816, being next eldest in a familv of twelve children born to John and Elizabeth (Buzard) Binkerd, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively. Our subject was reared in his native state, recei\ing a limited education, mostlv obtained by working and paying his own tuition. In 1845 he emigrated to and and settled on the farm where he now lives. November 7, 1850, his marriage with Mar}' A., daughter of John Miller, was solemnized and to their union three sons have been born, viz.: James P., who married Martha McDowell: Jacob, whose wife was Elizabeth Difert, and Isaac E., the latter living at home with his parents. Mr. Binkerd has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. Me now owns 280 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Democrat, but he does not allow partv bias or prejudice to control his vote. His property is the accumulation of his own industry and economv. He first worked as a farm hand, at which he was engaged one year, and at intervals cleared on his land.

OLIVER BORDEN, a prominent and early settler of Butler Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was born December 17, 1829, being the eldest in a family of four children, born to John and Jane (Acklev) Borden, who were both natives of New Jersev, the latter ot Scotch-Swede descent. The mother came with her parents to Hamilton County about 1808 or iSio, and the father came to that county about 1S23. They emigrated from there to Indiana, and settled in Miami Countv in 1848, of which thev continued residents until their death. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood in his native county. He received a common school education. April 4, 1852, his marriage with Elizabeth Benner was solemnized and to their union four children were born, of which only this one is now living - Joseph. Ma}' 20, 1857, Mr. Borden suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 20, i860, his and Sarah A. Blood's nuptials were celebrated, and their union has been blessed with four children, these three now living: Al- bert, Mark and Alice. His father was a cooper, and he learned in early life that trade, continuing to follow it until 1826, when, for the five or six years immediately subsequent, he divided his attention between his trade and farming, since which time he has followed agricultural pursuits exclusiveh', and he has been verj' successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican, and he was honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee, which he filled in a very creditable manner.

JAMES BOWERS, of Butler Township,"is a native of Scioto Count}', Ohio, where he was born July 26, 1828, being the onl}' child born to George and Mary (Deaver) Bowers, who were natives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Miami County in the year 1848 and settled in Harrison, living there until their death. Our subject was reared in his native state and received a common school education. June 13, 1850, his marriage with Martha M. Sitt was solemnized, and to their union thirteen children were born, of which these three are now living: Thomas J., who married Margaret Kessler; Charles S., whose wife was Flora Ogborn; Maggie F., wife of Ira McLane. Mar}- grew to womanhood and died at tlie age of twenty years. Mr. Bowers has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful in that pursuit. He now owns 220 acres of of well-improved land. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. He was honored with an election to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1882.

JOHN S. CONN, a leading pioneer of Butler Township, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born near Salem, January 24, 1842, being the fourth in a family of eight children born to Joseph H. and Alice A. (Pierce) Conn, who were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, the former of Irish descent; the latter dying in 1846 little is known of her origin. Subject's father emigrated to Indiana in 1851, locating in Wabash County, and died there July 22, i860, since which time John S. has been upon his own resources. He had obtained a common school education, such as was to be acquired in the primitive log school houses of those days. August 22, 1863, occurred his marriage with Elizabeth A. Manning, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Silas and Lydia Manning. To this union one child, Milo P., was born. August 5, 1873, Mr. Conn suffered the bereavement of losing his wife. September 10, 1875, his and Martha J. Webb's nuptials were celebrated. August 14, 1878, death removed Mr. Conn's second wife. March 11, 1880, Martha A. Wright became his wife, and their union has been blessed with two children, Omer C, and Lettie L. His occupation lias always been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 1 88 acres of improved land. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.. holding membership in Miami Lodge, No. 52, both Subordinate and Encampment. In politics he is Democratic, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county and communitj- in which he lives. He is at present acting as the Central Committeeman for his precinct.

GEORGE S. EVANS, a citizen of Butler Township, is a native of the adjoining County of Cass, where he was born December 9, 1842, being the eldest of a family of six children, born to Hugh and Mary E. (Oliver) Evans, who were natives of Virginia and Indiana, respectivel}', and were among the pioneer settlers of Cass County. Both died before our subject had attained the age of fifteen j-ears, and he was at that early age thrown upon his own resources. He engaged in 1858 with John W. Miller as a farm hand, with whom he continued four years. The next two years subsequent he rented farms, when, in 1863, he realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and when the countrv needed aid, enlisted in Compan}' G, 128th Indiana Volunteer Infantry as private, where he served until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis April 20, 1866. He participated in the following important engagements: Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Dalton, Ga., Resaca, Ga., Kenesaw Mountain, Lost Mountain, Burnt Hickory, Rough and Ready, Jonesboro, Lovejo}-, Columbia, Kingston, N. C. September 26, 1867, his marriage with Josephine Tillett was solemnized, and to their union eleven children have been born, of which these ten are now living: Marv A., Nora E., Susanna, Hattie P., Jessie M., Grade O., Ira M^, Geo. E., Frank O., and Carl G. The deceased child was James H., who died November 5, 1884, aged four years. Our subject has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful; he owns 507 acres of improved land; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., both Subordinate and Encampment, and G. A. R. fraternities. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has alwa>s manifested a good lively interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he has been honored with the election, in 1882, to the office of County Commissioner, and as a recognition of the creditable manner in which he filled that office he was re-elected.

JOHN B. IDDING, a resident of Buder Township, was born in Peru Township, August i, 1847, being the youngest of seven children, born to John D. and Susan (Hoover) Iddings, who were natives of Ohio, both of German descent. They emigrated from there to Miami County about 1840, locating in Peru. A gunsmith by trade ; he established a shop which he carried on about twenty- five years. A part of the time he owned and operated a farm. About 1865, he closed his gun shop and devoted his entire attention to farming in which he was successful, owning at the time of his death, a good farm. He died in June, 1880. at the advanced age of 68 years. He experienced religion a short time before his death and united with the Catholic Church. He formerly was a member of the I. O. O. F. fraternitv. The immediate subject lived with his parents until their death, receiving a common school education. October 2, 1877, his marriage with Marv Huber, of Lancaster, Ohio, was solemnized and to their union these three children have been born; Edward, Samuel and Mary. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been verv successful. He now owns over 200 acres of improved land. He is a member of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

JONATHAN JOHNSON, better known as "Spectacle" Johnson, a prominent citizen of Butler Township, is a native of Connecticut, born near the town of Greeidge, August 8, 181 2, being the third in a familv of nine children born to Robert and Doll}' (Patterson) Johnson, who were also natives of the New England States. They emigrated to Ohio by wagon, coming to Pittsburg, then down the Ohio on a flat-boat, and locating in Hamilton, where they ever afterward lived until their death. Our subject was reared to manhood there, receiving a common education, such as the facilities of those davs afforded - such as was to be obtained in the primitive log school houses. At the age of sixteen he was bound apprentice to learn the cooper's trade for four years and nine months, when he engaged in that trade for himself. Februar}- 26, 1836, his marriage with Rebecca Miller was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, of which four are now living, viz.: Elizabeth J., wife of Josiah Hann: James L., who married Mary May: William, whose wife was Marv A. Keves, and Jonathan, Jr., whose consort was Phoebe J. Armantrout. July 17, 1871, Mr. Johnson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 9, 1874, his and Eliza J. Wilson's nuptials were celebrated. Their union was of comparativelv short duration, she dving August 12, 1878. October 4, 1883, Lorenia Daley became his wife. In 1S49 he emigrated to Miami County, Indiana, settling on the farm where he now lives. Since 1873 he has devoted his entire attention to farming, prior to which time he followed coopering and farming together, and he has been verv successful. He now owns forty acres, and formerly owned about 400 acres, but started his children in life each with a farm. He is a member of the M. E. and his wife of the Presbyterian church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternitv, holding a membership at Peru. In politics he is

JOHN LAVENGOOD, a citizen of Butler Township, is a native of Coshocton County, Oiiio, born near New Bedford, November 21, 1S36, being the next eldest in a famih' of fourteen children born to George and Barbara (Bickel) Lavengood, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. John was reared in his native State and county, remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained his majorit}'. He received a limited education such as the schools of those days afforded. In 1857, at the age of 21, he emigrated to Indiana and Miami Count}-, of which he has since remained a resident. January 22, 1S64, his marriage with Margaret J., daughter of Robert Long, was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, of which these three are living: William H., Levi and George M. The deceased children were Schuyler and Annie V. His occupation has always been farming, in connection with which he operated a saw-mill, and he has been very successful. He now owns no acres of well improved land, which is the accummulation of his own industry and economy, besides he is the proprietor of 80 acres located in Clarke Count}-. February, 1864, Mr. Lavengood realized the necessity of the Union and enlisted in Company F., 153d Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served until the war closed. He is a member of the Luthern and his wife of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a staunch Democrat and he always manifests an interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he was honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee in 1884, his term expiring in 1886.

JAMES A. LONG, merchant at Peoria, or Reserve Postoffice, embarked in business in 1883, purchasing the stock of Noah Minnick, who had been employed in the business for fourteen Acars. The present proprietor carries a stock of about $2,000, doing an annual business of about $6,000. Mr. Long is a native of Wabash County, born January i, i860, being the fourth in a family of seven children born to Joseph and Lavina ( Lutz) Long, who were natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively. He emigrated to Indiana about 1S46. For some time thereafter Joseph worked as a farm hand at various places in Miami and Wabash Counties. In the spring of 1850 he went to Cuba, remaining tliere about eighteen months, when he returned and located in Wabash County, living there until 1874, when he removed to Peoria, of which he has since been a resident. By occupation he has always been a farmer, in which he has been very successful. He' is now the proprietor of 588 acres of land, the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He is the father of the following named children: William, Martha, Nancy,

James, Marv, Lemora and Luville. The immediate subject of this sketch remained at home until he had attained his majority, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did for three terms, since which time he has been in the mercantile business. November '], 1886, his marriage with Eva Poor was solemnized. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. In politics he is .a Republican, and he is now postmaster for the village of Peoria.

DANIEL MALONEY, of Buder, is a native of the Count)- of Karey, Ireland, where he was born, May, 1827, being the youngest of a family of six children born to Michael and Katharine (Flife) Maloney. Daniel was reared to manhood in his native countrv. He received a limited education. His parents were reasonably well-to-do. August, 1858, his marriage with Henora Rardon was solemnized: the day following^ they embarked for America and the United States. They were en route about sixty-six dajs. They landed at New York City,, from whence they came to and located near Greenville, Ohio, where thev lived about one vear, when he moved to Blackford County, and one year later moved to Marion County, living there one year, thence to Wabash County, staying there seven years, when he came to Miami Countv where he has since lived. Mr. Maloney came to the United States a poor man; he worked at anything he could get to do, such as ditching, chopping cord wood, etc., principalh' as a farm hand. He rented a farm for 16 years and by untiring industry and the strictest economy he is now one of Miami Countv's most substantial citizens. He is the proprietor of 260 acres of well improved land. To the union there have been seven children born. Mary, wife of Michael Riley; James, who married Kate Hays; Kate, Joanna, Daniel, Ellen and Bridget. He and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a L^emocrat.

DR. SIMEON S. MARSH, phy.sician and surgeon in Butler Township is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near Germantown, February 5, 1837; being the third in a famih* of eight children born to John and Catharine (Leavell) Marsh, who were natives of New York and North Carolina respectivelv. They emigrated from Miami County, Ohio, to Cass County in September, 1842, locating in Adams Township, that County. Where the former lived until killed by lightning in May, 1855,. His widow resided there until 1874, when she removed to and made Peru her home until her death, which occurred November i, 1885. The immediate subject of our sketch was reared to manhood in Cass County. He received a common school education. At the age of nineteen he was thrown upon his own resources. He from that time worked at intervals and went to school, supplementing his education by attendance at high school until 1861. In July of that year he entered the service of his country, enlisting in Company A, 20th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry-, as a private, where he served for over three years. He participated in the following important engagements: Seven days fight at Ciiickahominy, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the battles incident; Grant's Campaign from Culpepper to Petersburg, and nearly all the fights in which his regiment took part. He was honorably discharged July 29, 1864 at Indianapolis. That same year he commenced the studj- of medicine with Dr. W. H. Brenton, now of Peru, then practicing at Reserve, with whom he continued four years during which time he took a course of lectures at Bellevue Hospital Medical College at which he since has taked three and part of a fourth course, graduating from that institution in 1874. He has practiced almost without interruption since taking his first course and he has been ver}' successful. He is a member of the G. A. R. and Masonic fraternities. In politics he is a staunch Republican, casting his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.

JACOB E. MARSH, the next younger brother of Dr. S. S. Marsh, was born January 8, 1839, '" Montgomery County, Ohio. In early life he received a common school education, and in 1862 he enlisted in the 99th Regiment of Volunteers, in which he served until Jul}', 1865, and was then honorably discharged. He was with the Army of the Potomac from the beginning of the Seven Days fight, at Chickahominy, before Richmond, in nearly all the engagements around which his regiment participated. He married Elizabeth Miller, and they have the following family of five children now living: Levi, Irene, Nora, Delbert and Josie, the last two twins.

EDWARD H. MILLER, a citizen of Butler Township, is a native of Peru Township; was born April 22, 1842, being the next youn£*est in a family of eight (four now surviving) children, born to John W. and Julia A. (Leas) Miller, who were natives of York Count}-, Pennsylvania, and Preble County, Ohio, respectively, the former of German descent. The marriage occurred in Preble County about 1826; two years later, 'in 1828, they came to Indiana and Miami County, settling on the farm where our subject was born. They remained residents of this county until their death. Edward H. remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twent3--two jears. He received a limited education in the schools of the vicinity, which was supplemented by attendance at Notre Dame College for one term. January 21, 1864, his marriage with Luan Nesbit was solemnized. She was a daughter of Waiter D. and Luan (Riley) Nesbit. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller eleven children have been born, of which these seven are now living: Carrie E., Maxamillian C, Edward O. Louie, Jessie, John W., and Nellie B. His occupation is now farming, in connection with which he formerl}- dealt in stock, and he has been very successful. He now owns 238 acres of well improved land. In politics, he has been a life-long Democrat.

ROSS O. MILLER, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Butler Township, was born in Peru Township October 26, 1846, of a family of eight children born to John W. and Julia A. (Leese) Miller, of which he was the youngest. His parents, natives respectivel}- of Pennsylvania and Ohio, were among the earliest settlers of Miami County of which they remained residents until their death. Ross O. lived with his parents until he obtained the age of twentylive vears, receiving a common school education. About 187 1 he embarked in the business of trading and dealing in stock, which he continued four j-ears, when he engaged in farming which he has since followed meeting with very good success. He is the proprietor of 233 acres of well improved land. November, 1882, he was united in marriage with Harriet Evans. Mr. Miller is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is an ardent Democrat, being honored by his party with an election to the office of Township Asses.^ sor.

ANDREW PEARSON, a prominent citizen of Buder Township, is a native of Miami County, Ohio, where he was born Januarv 8, 1846, being the next eldest in a familv of eight children born to William and Sarah (Million ) Pearson, who were also natives of Miami Count}-, Ohio, the former of English and the latter of partial German descent. They came to Wabash County, the latter part of the year 1846, of which they have since continued residents. Our immediate subject was reared upon a farm, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twentj'-five vears. He received a common school education, supplemented by three terms attendance at High School. October 6, 1870, his marriage with Sarah Armstrong was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, viz: Bertha, Annetta, Mary, Susan, Augusta, Pearl and Harrv Andrew. His occupation has been mostly farming in connection with which he worked for a period of eight years at the blacksmithing trade, and he has Keen very successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican.

ADAM RAMER, a prominent farmer of Butler Township, is a native of Tuscarawas Countj^ Ohio, where he was born April I, 1829, being the eldest of eight children born to James and Catharine (Moore) Ramer. Thev moved, when our subject was quite young, to Coshocton where he was reared until he was seventeen years of age, which was in 1845, when the family emigrated to Williams County, Ohio, where they stopped for the winter, coming to Miami County the following spring, settling in Butler Township, wheix' they remained until 1861 or 1862, when they moved to Whitley County. After a residence there of a few j-ears they returned to Miami County and located in Perry Township, where Mrs. Ramer died. After her death he Hved for a time again in Butler Township, after which he removed to Pulaski County where he died March, 1885. In early life Mr. Ramer received a limited education in consequence of the poor facilities of those days. March 29, 1850, his marriage with Hannah (York) Shortridge was solemnized. B)' her former marriage Mrs. Ramer had one child, a daughter, Laura, now Mrs. David Lemon. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 124 acres of well improved land which is the accumulation of his own industr\- and economy. He made rails for 31^ cents a hundred for the man that owned the farm of which he is now the proprietor. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, of which he has been an Elder, and is now leader. In politics he is a Republican.

NATHANIEL RUNYAN, of Butler Township, is a native , of New Jersey, where he was born October 8, 1822, being the third in a family of five children born to Lewis and Mary Britton Runyan, who were also natives of New Jersey. The former died about 1830, when Nathaniel was taken and reared to manhood by his uncle, Robert Armstrong. He provided himself with a common school education. He at the age of twent}^- four started westward, working for a time in Ohio and Michigan, when he came to Miami County, to which his mother had preceded him in 1846. December, 1850, his marriage with Rachel Brown, daughter of Aaron Brown, was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, of which these two are now living - Charles L., and Mary, wife of John Miller. He had in early life learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed until he came to Peru, since which time he has made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 320 acres of improved land. In politics he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Mrs. Runvan died some vears ago.

SEYMOUR SMITH, of Buder Township, is a native of Augusta, Kentucky, where he was born February 3, 18 15, being the tiiird in a family of ten children born to Aquila and Polly (Seymour) Smith, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectivelv, tiieir marriage occurring in Newark, Ohio. Our immediate subject was reared mostly in Pickaway County, Ohio. He received a very limited education, such as the subscription schools of those days afforded. He remained at home until he attained his majority. October, 1844, his marriage with Margaret (Robinson) Strader was solemnized, and to their union ten children were born, of which these six are now living: Jane, now Mrs. F. Hay; Sarah, widow of Graham Bradley; John, who married Chatlie Ater; Elizabeth, consort of Levi Hurley; Irene and Martha. October 9, 1S82, Mr. Smith suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been verj- successful. He now owns 120 acres of improved land. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

JASPER D. SMITH, a leading citizen of Butler Township, is a native of Kosciusko County, born February 28, 1845, being the fifth in a famil\- of eleven children born to George C. and Rosanna (Dilsaverj Smith. The former, a native of Virginia,

In 181 1 his parents emigrated to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and was married to Elizabeth Van De vender; his first marriage was of comparatively short duration, his wife d\ing after four children had been born. His second marriage also occurred in Ohio. About 1842 he came to Indiana, first settling in Kosciusko County, where he lived until the spring of 1S46, when he came to Miami County, locating first on the Mississinewa, and subsequently moved to Pipe Creek, in what is now Jackson Township. He entered land in what is now Harrison Township, on which he lived until 1877, when he traded for a farm in Butler Township, to which he removed, living there until within ten months of his death, when he had become so enfeebled that he made his home with Sarah Plotner, his daughter, ending his days at her home March 7, 1881. He had been a member of the M. E. Church, having joined that organization when a young man. He was an exemplary, true and consistent Christian, and in his death the community lost an honored and respected citizen. He was elevated to the position of County Commissioner, being the incumbent of that office when the location and building of the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago railroad was in process, he being largely instrumental in securing and protecting the county's interest. He also served Harrison Township as one of its Trustees for a number of j^ears. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on the farm, remaining at home and assisting his parents on the farm until he attained his majority. He received a common school education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. At the age of 20, in 1865, he entered in the service of his country, serving until the close of the war, being honorablj' discharged on September of the same year. March 5i 1868, his marriage with Susan Plotner was solemnized, and to this union live children have been born, of which three are now living - Florence I., Clarence E. and Donna

E. Both of the deceased children were infants. Mr. Smith's occupation has been principally farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns sixty acres of improved land. The family are members of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has always manifested a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county in which he li\es, being the present member of the Central Committee representing his precinct.

JACOB S. THOMAS, a prominent citizen of BuUer Township, is a native of Jefferson Counlx', Virginia, where he was born October i6, 1812, being the eldest child of a family of thirteen children born to Archibald and Catharine (Swimley) Thomas, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia respectively, the former of Welsh-Irish and the latter of German descent. Leonard Thomas, paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Maryland from whence he removed to Virginia, where he lived until his death. Archibald Thomas, father of our subject, was born April 11, 17S7. He was a soldier of 1812. The he was a farmer. He died March 31, 1S63, at his home in Champaign, Green County, Ohio, to which he had emigrated in the year 1827. They making the entire journey from Virginia on foot. The immediate subject of our sketch remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty 3-ears. He had receiyed a meager education in his native State; this subsequent to his marriage was supplemented by his acquiring more knowledge by reading sufficient to enable him to teach which he followed several terms. March 6, 183^, hi.s marriage witli Elizabeth Stanley was solemnized. She was a daughter of Robert and Edith (Mason) Stanley. In 1853 he emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, settling on the farm where he now lives. He had learned milling in early life, and follo\\ed that vocation until he came to Indiana, where he engaged exclusively in farming for a period of ten years when in 1S63 he purchased a mill which he operated until 1S74, when his mill burned and he again resumed farming in which he has since continued. From a business point of view Mr. Thomas has been very successful. He is now the proprietor of 233 acres of \\ell improved land. To the union of Mr. and Mrs Thomas, ten children were born, of which these six are now living: Benjamin F., Joseph W., Arabell (now Mrs. R. Thornburg ), Catharine V. (w^ife of Dr. E. K. Friermood), E\aline and William R. H. October 22, 1S73, Mr. Thomas suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He is a member of the M. E. Church. He formerly belonged to the Masonic and I. O. O. F. fraternities. In politics he is an ardent Republican. Benjamin F. and Robert S., sons, served their country in the Rebel- lion. The latter died while in the service at Nashville, Tennessee. JOSEPH VOTAW, a farmer of Butler Township, is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born near Salem, August 2 1, 1812, being the fifth in a family of eight children born to Joseph and Phoebe (Yates) Votaw, who were both natives of Virginia, of French and English descent, respectively. Our subject was reared in his native State, securing a limited education, such as the facilities of those days offered. When 16 years of age he was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade. At about the age of 21 he emigrated to Wayne County, Indiana, where he remained about six years working at his trade. June, 1841, he came to Miami Count)' where he entered 80 acres of the land he now owns. In the fall he established a shop, in which he continued to work until 1876. November, 1836, his marriatre with Ruth Wersner was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, of which these two are now living, Phoebe, wife of Charles Pavy, and Daniel, who married Louisa Yuant. February 25, 1849, Mr. Votaw suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife; in 1852 his and Lydia Macy's nuptials were celebrated, and to their union nine children have been born. These four are now living; Nathan, Allen, Hannah M. and Emma L. Since 1876 he has devoted his entire attention to farming, which he had followed in connection with his smithing, prior to that, and he has been very successful. He now owns over 320 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Friends Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he has alwaj's manifested a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all wlio know him. Mr. Votaw was one of the pioneer settlers of Miami County, coming when the country was a wilderness of woods which abounded in wild game of all kinds.

ANDREW E. WALLACE, Trustee of Butler Township, is a native of Decatur Count}', born June 8, 1843, being the eldest of a familj' of seven children born to James and Margaret (Babcock) Wallace, natives of Ohio and of German-Scotch descent. Thev removed from Decatur to Fulton County about 1846, where the former still lives. Our subject was reared in Fulton Countv. He received a common school education. He remained at home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty ^ears, when in February, 1864, he entered the service of his countrv, enlisting in Companv F, 87th Regiment of Volunteer Infantrv, serving until the close of the war. He was present and participated in all the engagements incident to Sherman's campaign on his march to Atlanta and the Sea, and was honorablv discharged at Louisville Julv, 1865. April 20, 1867, his marriage with Sarah J. Wright was solemnized, and to their union eight ciiilchcn have been born, of wliicii these six are now hving: Cora E., Minnie M., Charley E., Anna INI., Edward II. and John R. The two deceased children were Bertha E. and an infant unnamed. Mrs. Wallace is the daugiiter of Edmund and Anna (Arnold) Wri<rht, who were natives of Warren and Miami Counties, Ohio, respectively. They were among the early settlers of this county. Mr. Wallace's occupation has always been that of farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 133 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Grange fraternities. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he hves, where he was in 1886 honored with an election to the oflice of Township Trustee, and is the present incumbent.

WILLIAM P. WAY, an old citizen of Buder County, is a native of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, born near Lewistown, August 20, 1S14, being the ninth in a famil\' of eleven children born to Joshua and Mary (Boyd) Way, who were also natives of Pennsvlvania, where the\' lived and died. Our subject was reared in his native State and countv, receiving a limited education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. February 15, 1838, his marriage with Martha McKinstry was solemnized, and to their union seven children were born, of which these five are now living: Mary C, wife of James Johnson, Thomas J., whose present wife was Carrie Sifert, William, who married Jennie Starbuck, Samuel B., whose consort was Elizabeth Baker, and George L., who espoused Marv Baker. August 12, 1844 Mr. Way suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 17, 1876, his and Mary J. (CaiUrel) Baker's nuptials were celebrated, by whom he became the father of this one child, Flora B. He emigrated from Pennsylvania to Indiana, and Miami County in 1844, where he has ever since lived. He now owns 205 acres of well improved land which is the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He and wife are members of the Presb}'terian Church. In politics he is a Democrat and he was honored with an election to the oflice of Township Trustee in 1880 and 1882, filling the position in a very creditable manner.

BENJAMIN S. YORK, of Butler Township, is a native of Preble County, Ohio, born near Eaton, January 18, 1832, being the fourth in a family of si.\ children born to Nathaniel and Elizabeth (Bishop) York, who were both natives of North Carolina and of English descent. In 1836 they emigrated to Indiana settling in Henry County, where they lived until 1842 when they came to Miami County, locating near where Peoria now stands, where the father died in 185 1. The mother is still living at the advanced age of

82 years. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his mother until he obtained his majority. August 20, 1857, his marriage with Elizabeth Laymon was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, of which onl\- this one is now living, John H., who married Ruth A. Reese. The deceased children were Susan E. and Lucretia, who died at the respective ages of nine and two years. His occupation has alwa3-s been farming and he has been very succesful. He now owns 109 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican and manifests a good interest in the political affairs of the community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

JOHN YOUNCE, a leading farmer of Butler Township, is a native of Ashe County, North Carolina, born near Jefferson Court House, Mav 22, 1832, being next to the youngest in a family of six children born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Sheets) Younce, who were also natives of Ashe County, North Carolina. They emigrated to Miami County, Ohio, in 1842, where they lived until the fall of 184S, when thev came to Miami County, Indiana, and located on the ground where the village of Peoria now stands. In 1S56 they removed to Minnesota, living there three 3-ears. Then they moved to Green County, Missouri, staying there until i86r, when he was compelled to leave that county and State in consequence of his views on the question of slavery. They then returned to Miami County, where they lived until their death. John went with the famih' to Minnesota, but only resided there two years, returning direct to this county, where he has since hved. In early life he had no opportunities afforded for obtaining an education. After attaining the age of eighteen he pursued a course at his home without the aid of a teacher, acquiring in that waj' a reasonabh' good education. His father was a blacksmith and wagonmaker, and he learned that trade, following it until January r6, 1862, when his marriage to Rachel Smith was solemnized, and to their union three children were born, of which these two are now living - Lettie, wife of Frank Kilander, and Webb. Since his marriage his occupation has been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 140 acres of well-improved land, the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he has always been a Republican, and he was honored with an election to the position of Township Assessor, tilling that office for two terms in a very creditable manner to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. April 8, 1868, Mr. Younce suffered the bereavement of his loving and beloved wife.