Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (7 of 9 so headed), 1887

Biographical sketches

A. ACKER, Undertaker and Furniture Dealer, was born in Beaver Countv, Pennsvlvania, January' 20, 1847, son of Edward and Marv (Haskell) Acker. The father was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1832, and was a prominent phvsician in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, where he established a great water cure. He died October 25, 1855. His wife preceding him in 1850. Our subject received a good education in both German and English, and at the age of sixteen began for himself b}' going to Pittsburgh and learning the chair-making trade. In August, 1864, he enlisted in the Fifth Pennsylvania heavy artillery, and served until the close of the war. After that he resumed his trade, which he has since followed. Mr. Acker is perfectly conversant with all branches of his business, and has followed his occupation in many of the large cities. He established his present business in March, 1886, where he has since done an increasing trade, and earning his reputation as an honest and reliable citizen.

He was married July 18, 1874,10 Miss Harriet A. Darby, by whom he is the father of two children - Arminia F. and Agnes G. Pohtically he is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R.

F. W. AYDELOTT, Miller, is a native of Wayne County, Indiana, and was born October 23, 1837, the \ oungest of a family of three children, born to Stewart and Sarah (Stuart) Avdelott, natives of North Carolina, and among the earh' settlers of Wayne County, Indiana. The father was a Miller, which occupation he followed all his life. Our subject was brought up in Wayne County, enjoying the usual educational advantages offered by the district schools and assisted his father in the mill. After obtaining a complete knowledge of milling he began for himself by working at his trade in various localities, and in 1874 came to Xenia and rented the McFeely mill which establishment he conducted for a time, and then removed to Wabash, Indiana, where he remained until 1884 when he returned to Xenia and again took charge of the McFeely mill which he has since successfully conducted. The mill is a frame building, propelled by steam, and is prepared to do both merchant and custom work. Mr. Aydelott was married in 1859 ^^ Miss Catharine Halderman, by whom he is the father of two living children, Jacob and Mary A. Mrs. Aydelott died in 1873, and in 1874 Aydelott was united in maraiage with Pamelia Railsback, who died April 5, 1886. Politically he is a Republican and a good citizen.

ABRAHAM I. BEALL was born in Clark County, Ohio, the 27th of December, 1830. His parents were John and Martha (Inbow) Beall. The former was born in 1806 and died in 1834. The latter was born in 1810 and died in 1855. Both were natives of Ohio and were there married. Mr. Beall, the subject of this sketch, was the second of a family of three children, viz: Margaret Ann, Abraham and Sabina, of whom Margaret Ann has passed away and Sabina having married J. L. Wilson, who has removed to Nebraska. Mr. Beall spent his boyhood days on the farm, receiving there a fair education in the public schools of that place, and at the age of twenty the family came to Miami Count)-, and in 1858 settled on the farm on which he now resides. In 1855 he was married to Pauline Jump, of Cass County, a daughter of Charles and Mary ( Hopkins ) Jump, natives of Delaware, the former of English and the latter of Irish descent. This union was blessed by nine children, viz: Mary Etta, born June 5, 1857; Charles J., born October 31, 1858: Henry, born February 13, i860: Becky, born December 15, 1862: William Morton, born December 27, 1864; Williard A., born November 9, 1866; Frank Mannie, born June 9, 1868; Pearl, born January 9, 1872; Nora, born January 31, 1875. Henry and Mannie have since passed away, Harry, the 21st of February, and Mannie January 23, 1886.

Mr. and Mrs. Beall are members of tlie M. E. Church of Xenia. Beginning life a poor boj' on the farm, Mr. Beall has adopted farming for a profes.sion, and has by dint of industry gained a fine home of 200 acres of excellent land in sections 35 and 36, with firstclass improvements. Mr. Beall is an enterprising and energetic farmer and a No. i citizen.

THOMAS M. BUSBY, the son of Silas and Elizabeth (McAllister) Busby, was born in Madison County, Indiana, December I, 1843. Th© parents were both of English descent, the father being born in 182 1, in Indiana, and the mother in Virginia in 1820. The mother came to Indiana when a girl where she was married in 1841. To this union were born five children, viz: Thomas, John Isaac, Vinton, Hester and Elizabeth, all of whom are now living. Mr. Busby, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm in Madison Count}-, received a good education for that day of log school houses and puncheon floors. On the nth of December, 1864, Mr. Busby was married to Eliza Ellen Morris, daughter of Ephriam and Mar}- (McAllister) Morris, the former of Scotch and the mother of Irish descent, the father dying in 1844 Mr. Busby is a member of the I. O. O. F." They began life in Madison County, Indiana, and in February 1874, moved upon the farm on which he now lives in Section 13. To this marriage were born the following children, viz: Augustus, born September 23, 1865; Silas, born September 15, 1870, and Hester, born October 8, 1 881; all of whom are living. Beginning life a poor boy at the age of twenty-one, Mr. Busby has worked hard and has by dint of industry and perseverence gained a fine farm of 108 acres of well improved land in Section 13. As his early life was spent on a farm he has adopted it as a profession and is now an industrious, enterprising 3'oung farmer and a number one citizen.

THOMAS CREVISTON, deceased, was born in the State of Penns3-lvania, about the year 1805. He was a son of William and Katie (Brown) Creviston, who were also natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Miami County in 1842, and entered a tract of land in Jackson Township, and upon which his son and widow now lives. He was married in Grant County, Indiana, January 26, 1837, to Miss Rebecca Slagal, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born in the year 1820, and a daughter of Conrad and Polly (Homsley) Slagal. To their union the following children were born : Louisa, born November 26, 1837 (deceased), Ellen, born May 6, 1839, Lourinda, born January 14, 1841, David, born July 18, 1843, served in the late war in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Elmira, born March 6, 1847, Thomas J., born April 17, 1849, ^^^^y A., born July 6, 1851, James, born March 14, 1854, and Sarah, born September 3, 1858. Mr. Creviston followed farming through life, was one of the leading citizens of the county, and died May 12, 1869, honored and respected by all who knew him. James Creviston, the sixth child born to his parents, was reared upon the home farm, receiving his education at the common schools and selected farming as his vocation. He now owns 113 acres of the old homestead, which is under a good state of cultivation, and upon which are all modern improvements. He is interested in all matters of public welfare and is an industrious, progressive young man.

J. W. DALE, grocer, Xenia, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, November 10, 1852, being the eldest of a family of four children born to Enoch and Margaret (Whittaker) Dale, natives of Ohio and Indiana respectivel}'. The father removed to Howard County, Indiana, in 1855, where he followed his occupation - that of a shoemaker - until the breaking out of the war, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiment, and was taken sick and died at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1864. His widow survived him till 1869, when she died at Xenia. Our subject at the early age of eleven years was thrown upon his own resources, and began for himself by working on the farm, at which he continued until eighteen 3-ears old. At this age he accepted a clerkship in a store at Nevada, Indiana, and in 1869 came to Xenia, and was employed as a clerk in a grocery store. In the fall of 1879 he began doing business for himself, and is now one 'of the substantial business men of Xenia. He carries a stock of $2,000, doing a business of $9,000 per year. He is a live business man, and has a large and profitable trade. Mr. Dale was married in 1876 to Miss Eliza Marine, a daughter of Asa and Ann (Somers) Marine. Four children were born to this union - Hale V., born October 31, 1877; Mabel, born November 4, 1879; Homer, born April 15, 1881, and Laura E., born November i, 1883. Mr. Dale is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.

HON. JOHN W. EWARD, a native of Decatur County, Indiana, was born September 6, 1836, and is the fifth son of a familjof seven children, of whom James and Dorcas Eward were the parents, both natives of Nicholas County, Kentuck}-, the former born in 1S03 and the latter in 1806. They were married in their native count}-, and in 1831 removed to Decatur County, Indiana. The father who was a farmer was also engaged in the manufacture of flax-seed oil, and in 1845 he removed to Marion, Indiana, where his death occurred a year later. He was an honored citizen, and was connected with the Christian Church from boyhood. The mother still resides at Marion. John W. received a thorough, ordinary education in the public schools at Marion, Indiana, and while yet a boy, began learning the tanner's trade, at which he worked during the winter, and during the summer worked in the printing oflice at Marion, continuing in the latter until i860 when he began teaching school, and was thus engaged for two years. He then went into partnership with Judge Kell\' and purchased the Grant County Uiiioii, which partnership existed until the fall of 1862, when Judge Kelly was appointed Provost-Marshal. He then became associated with Judge Wallace, of Marion, who in the fall of 1863, was appointed paymaster of the army, and Mr. Eward continued to manage the Union until the return of Judge Wallace, which was in 1864. They then purchased the Marion yonrnaf, consolidating it with the Union. The yotirnal was a Republican paper, and was published by the above named gentleman until 1S65, when Mr. Wallace retired. Mr. Eward continued its publication one year, when he disposed of his interest and came to Xenia, where he has since resided, identified with the best interests of Miami Countv. Upon coming to Xenia he was, till 1870, engaged in the mercantile business with J. W. Flinn & Son. He then began the practice of law, and as a Republican, was in 1872, elected to the State Legislature from Miami Countv, and ser\-ed in the special session of 1872 and the regular session of 1873, proving a wise and acceptable legislator. In 1876 he was elected Justice of the Peace of his township. He is one of the organizers and stock-holders of the Xenia Agricultural Society, of which he has been secretary twelve years. He also assisted in organizing the Old Settlers' Association, of which he has been president for eight years, and is a member of the I.* O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities, and the Christian Church. He was married in 1865 to Miss Rebecca York, by whom he is the father of four living children - Jessie L., Edgar D., Freddie and Elbert.

JOHN O. FRAME, Justice of the Peace, born in Huntington County, Indiana, June 16, 1843, is the third of a famil}' of six children born to Felix G. and Mary M. (Alexander) Frame both natives of Preble County, Ohio, where they were married, and removed to Huntington County, Indiana in 1840. The father was a wagon-maker by occupation, which he followed at Warren, Indiana, and was also engaged in keeping hotel. In the year 1849, he removed to Huntington where he remained one year, then removed to Iowa, remaining one year, then returned to to Huntington where he resided until 1853. In the latter year he removed to a farm eight miles from Huntington, where his death occurred the same year. His widow survives him and lives at Andrews, Indiana. John O. was reared on a farm in his native county and was educated at the common schools. At the age of eighteen he enlisted as a private in Companj- F Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged as Sergeant. He participated in the following engagements: Port Gibson, Champion Hill, siege of Vicksburg, Red River campaign and numerous other engagements, performing many gallant services for his country. After the war he returned to his native county and engaged in farming for a number of years. In 1875 he embarked in the mercantile business at River, Indiana, and was appointed the first Postmaster of that place. He remained in business there until 1877, and in the following year removed to Xenia and engaged in the tin and stove business for a short time, and subsepuently took up the Insurance and Collecting business. In April, 1886, he was elected Justice of the Peace. In 1870 Mr. Frame was appointed and took the census of five townships of his, Huntington, Countv. He was married February 26, 1866, to Miss Ellen Miller, daughter of Leander H. Miller. Mrs. Frame was born July 22, 1846, in Wayne County, Indiana. Fiv'e children were born to this marriage : Effie M., Mary D., Laura E., Charles O. and Horace E. Mr. Frame is a Republican, a member of the Masonic fraternitv and G. A. R., and has always favored the advancement of all laudable public enterprises.

E. K. FRIERMOOD, M. D., is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, where he was born December 29, 1843, second of ten children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Baker) Friermood, who were also natives of Clarke County, Ohio, the former born in 1820 and the latter in 1822. The father is a farmer by occupation, and in 185 1 removed with his family to Grant Count}', Indiana, where he now resides, and is well known and universally respected. The moth'er died in 1883. Dr. Friermood received a good practical education at the common schools, and also attended school at Sprinfield, Ohio. In 1867 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Kimball, of Xenia, with whom he continued two years, and in February, 1869, graduated from Rush Medical College at Chicago. He soon after located at North Grove, Indiana, for the practice of his profession, where he remained for a short time, then removed to Wabash, Indiana, where he remained until 1877, in which year he located at Amboy, where he has since remained in actixe practice. He has secured a large and successful practice, and has the confidence and respect of the community. The Doctor took an active part in the late rebellion, enlisting August 16, 1862, in Company I, Ninety-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and faithfullv served until the close of the war. He was in the following battles: Jackson, Miss., Dallas, Tex., the Atlanta campaigns. Mission Ridge, was with Sherman in the memorable march to the sea, and was at Washington, D. C, at the Grand Review. In November, 1870, he was married to Catherine V. Thomas, a native of Clarke County, Ohio. Seven children were born to this union, these five yet living: Wilbur R., Elizabeth, Georgiana, Flora and Florence (twins). In 1880 the Doctor was elected Trustee of his township, which othce he creditably filled to himself and all concerned. He is a member of the Grant County

Biographicai, Sketches

JOHN E. HARRISON, dealer in Boots and Shoes, was born in Darke County, Ohio, September 25, 1830, the eldest child in a family of eight born to Harvey and Minerva J. (Downing) Harrison. His parents were natives respectively of Barren County, Kentuck\-, and Darke County, Ohio, the former born in 1804 and the latter in 1809. The father was a physician and farmer, and came to Darke County, Ohio, where he married, engaged in farming and, where, in conjunction with farming, followed his chosen profession, and conducted a large and successful practice until his death, which occurred in 1865. His widow still lives on the old home in Darke Conntv, Ohio. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Jesse Harrison, a native of Kentucky, where he followed agricultural pursuits and died in his native State. The maternal grandfather was John Downing, a native of South Carolina. He married Margaret Phares and removed to Ohio in the earh* settlement of that State, and where he died at the advanced age of ninet}- -seven years. His wife died during the late war. John E. Harrison was raised on the old homestead in his native county, where he received a common school education. September 9, 1861, he enhsted in Company G, Fortv-fourth Ohio Volunteer hifantry, and ser\'ed until August, 1865, when he was honorably dischared as Second Sergeant. He participated in the following engagements: Lewisburg, Va., May 22, 1862; siege of Knoxville, December, 1863, and Beverly, W. Va., and other engagements. He was captured by the enemy and taken to Libby Prison, where he was held thirty-five days, and passed through all the horrors of southern prison life during the war. Returning from the war to Ohio, he engaged in the mercantile business till 1869, in which year, he removed to Xenia, where he also engaged in the mercantile business, and later, in the boot and shoe business. Mr. Harrison is among the leading men of Xenia, and by strict attention to business has an established trade, which requires his entire attention, and which he justly merits. He is a Republican in politics, and commander of Post G. A. R. He was united in marriage on February 15, 1855, to Miss Harriet Benson, a native of Darke County, Ohio. Two living children by this union - Minerva E. and Nora J.

PETER HELMS, an old and highly esteemed citizen of Miami County, Indiana, was born in Bedford County, Penn.sylvania, January 24, i8ii. He is the fifth of a family of six children born to Frederick and Mary (Wilson) Helms, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Frederick Helms was by occupation a farmer and in 1820 removed with his family to Ohio where he resided until his death. Jacob Helm, the paternal grand-father was a native of Germany and came to America previous to the Revo- lutionary war, in which he served his adopted country. He later engaged in keeping hotel near Bradford, Pennnsylvania, where he died at an advanced age. The maternal grand-father was Caleb Wilson, who was a native of Maryland and of Irish extraction. Peter Helms was reared on a farm, and his educational training received in the common schools, and at an early age learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked for a number of years. In the fall of 1848 he came to Miami Countv and settled in Union Township where he lived three years, then removed to Jefferson Township, and thence in 1863 to Jackson Township, locating on his present farm, which consists of 160 acres of fine and well improved land. Lydia Jacobs, a native of Pickaway Count}-, Ohio, born March 11, 1820, a daughter of Charles Jacobs, became liis wife in the year 1840. This union was blessed with the following family: Riley, born November 29, 1840; Oron, born February, 1845; Mahala, born October 3, 1847: Harmon, born March 24, 1850; Charles, born June 14, 1854; Isaac, born January 22, 1857 and Allen, born February 2, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Helms are highly respected in the community in which they live. . He has always advocated the cause of the Democratic party, having cast his first ballot for Andrew Jackson in 18^2.

DR. JEREMIAH S. KELSEY, one of the leading physicians of Xenia, is descended from a famih- of that name, who were of Puritan stock, dating back to the early days of the colonies. His paternal grandfather, William Kelsey, was among the first to volunhis services in 181 2, in which war he died while fightin<r for the principles of his country, his wife being before marriage Miss Martha t?tansell. The father of William Kelsey, at the age of thirteen was, with an elder brother, captured by the Indians, and on trying to make their escape the eldest brother was killed and scalped, the Indians compelling the surviving brother to carr\- his brother's scalp. He afterward made his escape and located in Montgomery County, Ohio, where he was known as one of the most prosperous agriculturalists of the county. The grandfather on the maternal side was John Miller, an early settler of Ohio, but remo\ed to Carroll County, Indiana, in 1852, where he died at the age of eighty-four years. The parents of our subject are Thomas and Athelia Kelsey, natives of Montgomery County, Ohio. The father was a farmer by occupation and removed to Carroll Count^-, Indiana, in 1850, where he resided until his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-five. His widow survives him and resides in Carroll County. Dr. Kelsey is the second child in a family of five born to his parents, his birth occurring November 29, 1842, in Dayton, Ohio. After receiving his preliminary education in the common schools of his native State, he completed his schooling with a collegiate course. He began the study of medicine at Delphi, Indiana, under Dr. E. W. H. Beck, and during the winter of 1S63 and '64 he attended the Medical Department of the State University at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He later entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which institution he graduated March 15, 1866. In the same j'ear he began the practice of his profession in Carroll County, Indiana, where he was successfully engaged until March, 1886. At the latter date he removed to Xenia, and began practicing in partnership with Dr. A. D. Kimball, and this firm ranks among the first practitioners of the county. Dr. Kelsey is an enterprising and esteemed citizen, and a member of the F. and A. M. He was married June 23, 1870, to Miss Marj- Koutz, a daughter of Rev. W. P. Koutz, who is a graduate of the Logansport schools, and an esteemed lady. Fi\e children were the fruits of this union, viz: Mary B. (deceased), Thomas W., Eleanor B., Julia R. and George F.

JOHN KENDALL was born in Holmes Count\', Ohio, on March 27, 1845. John and Susannah (Yadee) Kendall were his parents, both of whom were of German descent. Both were children when they moved from Penns3lvania to Ohio, and there they were married, there the subject of this sketch was born, he spending his boyhood there at work upon liis father's farm. In 1863, he, with his parents, removed to Miami County, Indiana. The father died the same year he moved there. Mr. Kendall has four brothers and sisters, by name Abraham, Barbara, Diana and Lvdia living. The i6th of December, 1866, John married Diana Shrock, a daughter of Benjamin J. and Mary (Keck) Shrock. To this union were born seven children, viz: Sarah Ann, Mary, Alvin, Benjamin, Angeline, Abe and Diana. Diana and Mary are deceased. On April 19, 1877, his wife also passed away, and, after remaining a widower for five vears, he was on the 4th day of June, 1882, married to Marv Alice Aldrich, a daughter of John and Annie | Alian l Aldrich. Four children ha\e since blessed this union : Edna May, Eda Maud, Charley and Elizabeth. Mr. Kendall is a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party. He began life a poor boy, and has, bv dint of industry and perseverance, gained one of the best little farms in tlie township. It contains 150 acres, and has finel\- impro\ed buildings. Mr. Kendall is an enterprising, energetic young farmer and a number one citizen.

A. B. KIMBALL, farmer, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, May 23, 1828, son of Abner and Nancy (Jeffreys) Kimball, natives of New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father removed to Coshocton Countv, Ohio, in about 1822, where he engaged in farming, which vocation he followed with encouraging success, making it his life work. He died in Ohio at the advanced age of ninety-six, his wife dying at the age of sixty-one. The paternal grandfather, Moses Kimball, was a native of England, was married to Jemima Clement, and came to America in colonial times. He was a blacksmith by trade, took an active part in the Revolutionary war, and at the battle of Bunker Hill had his thumb shot off. He subsequently removed to Ohio, where he died near the town of Warren. Joseph Jeffrevs, the maternal grandfather, was also a native of England, was married to a Scotch lad}- and emigrated to America, setthng in Pennsvlvania, later removing to Ohio, where he passed the remainder of his vears. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a good academic education, and at the age of twentv-three began life for himself as a farmer. In i860 he removed to Miami Countv, Ind., and located on his present farm, the larger portion of which was at that time a dense forest. He cleared his farm, which contains eightv-two and one-half acres, and by industry has made it one of the most productive in the township. On March 20, 1851, he was united in marriage with Lydia J. Liggett, a daughter of Isaac and Ruth (Ewing) Liggett, natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kimball was also born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 4, 1827. To them three children have been born, whose names are Moses P., bom Nov. 2, 1852. died July 31, 1859; Einley A., born March 19, 1857, and Frank J., born yVugust 3, 1871. Mr. Kimball is held in high esteem as a w-orthy citizen, and himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been identified since the age of fourteen vears.

ROSCOE KIMPLE was born in Peru, Indiana. June 23, 1861. He is the eldest of a family of three children born to Henrjand Maria A. (Weesner) Kimple, natives of Wabash Countj-, Indiana. In 1859 the father removed to Peru, where, in partnership with Judge Ross, he was engaged in the mercantile business for a number of vears. In 1866 he returned to his native county, and resided until his death, which occurred in 1869. His widow survives him and resides at Xenia. Roscoe received a good practical education, graduating from the Somerset, Indiana, High School at the age of sixteen. He then taught school in Wabash Count\' for three years. During the winter of 1882-3 he attended the law department of the Ann Arbor University in Michigan, and in March, 1883, was admitted to the bar at Ann Arbor: also to practice in the Supreme Court, and was the same year admitted to the bar at Wabash County. Indiana. He soon after located at Kenia, where he has since been in the active practice of his profession, exxepting for a short time, during which he in partnership with A. L. Lawshe, established the Xenia yoiirnal, and with whom he continued until 1884. Mr. Kimple is a Republican in politics and one of the promising young men of the countj'.

ABRAHAM L. LAWSHE, editor and proprietor of the Xenia younial, is a native of Wabash County, Indiana, born at the town of Somerset on the 6th day of October, i860. His father, Henr}' D. Lawshe, was born in Lambertsville, New Jersey, July 9, 1816, and early learned the carpenter and builder's trade, at which he worked several years in the citj- of Philadelphia. He subsequently came to Indiana, locating at Elizabeth, Switzerland County, where on the nth day of May, 1844, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Hester A. Burgett, daughter of John and Ann ( V'anTassell) Richmond, of New York. Mrs. Lawshe w-asbornin the town of Allensville, Indiana, in 1820, and by her marriage with Mr. Lawshe had a family of eight children, four of whom, Thomas, Oscar, Dr. Isaac F. and A. L., are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Lawshe moved to Wabash County in the year 1853, and settled at the village of Somerset, where they still reside. They are both permanent members of the German Baptist or Dunkard Church, and have ever been noted for their active exertions in the interest of that denomination. A. L. Lawshe received a good education in the graded school of Somerset, and at the age of seventeen, apprenticed himself to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Wabash Courier, Wabash, Indiana, where he continued two vears, going to Indianapolis at the end of that time, in which cit\' he finished his trade in the printing and job otlice of Randall & Fish. He then accepted the position of foreman on the Wabash Courier, and after remaining in that capacity until 1883, established a job printing office in Wabash, which he continued until December, 18S4, when he came to Xenia, and in partnership with Roscoe Kimple, founded the Xenia youriial, one of the most successful local papers in Northern Indiana. He purchased his partner's interest at the end of the first }-ear, since which time he has been sole editor and proprietor, the paper under his management ha\ing won for itself a reputation second to that of no other in Miami County. Mr. Lawshe is a natural born journalist, a pungent and forcible writer, and with a determination to adhere to his profession, has before him a very promising future. He is a man of strong convictions, fearless in the expression of his opinions, and, although a Republican, is independent in the discussion of leading political issues of the day. On the i8th of October, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Ann Sweetser, daughter of James and Mary (Lowman) Sweetzer, a union blessed with the birth of two children.

AARON MICHAEL. Trustee, a native of Delaware County, Indiana, was born January 27, 1842. He is the eldest son of David and Martha A. (Brener) Michael, natives of Maryland and Kentucky respectively. The father came to Ohio, thence to Indiana in 1846 and subsequentK- settled in Grant County, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1866, when he removed to Wis- consin, where he died in the year of i88i,his wife following a year later. They were highly respected by all svho knew them, and worthy members of the Christian Church. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and on attaining his majority learned the blacksmith's trade, which he has since principally followed. He first located at Roseburg, Indiana, where he followed his trade till 1873, when he removed to Xenia and has since resided there. He is a good mechanic, commanding a large patronage and is also held in high esteem as a worthy citizen, and is now filling his second term as trustee of his township. He has also served in the town council and school board. Mr. Michael was married in i860 to Miss Hester A. Morgan, a native of Ohio. Of a familv of four children born to this union, these two, 'Daniel R. and George R. are yet li\ing. Mr. Michael is a member of the I. O. O. F. and a Democrat m politics.

JOHN W. MINOR, a son of John and Polly (Owens) Minor, was born the 14th of August, 1840, in Boyle County, Kentucky. The father was of English descent, and was born on July 4. 1790. He came to Kentucky- and there met the mother, who was born April 18, 1799, a native of that State. Thev were married Februar\- 5, 1818, to which union twelve children were born - - Sarah, Jeremiah, Edward, Mason, William. Dixon L., Martha Jane, Nancv, Elias, David, Logan and Johm \V. Of these Sarah, William, Dixen, Martha Jane, Nancy and John are still living. Mr. John Minor, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm in Kentucky, receiving a limited education, and in 1854 the famih' came to Hamilton, County, Indiana. At the age of fifteen Mr. Minor began life for himself, going to Missouri, and in i860 came back to Indiana, and, farming until February, 1865, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, and received an honrable discharge in August of the same year. In October, 1S65, he was married to Amelia Haskett, a daughter of Solomon and Lvdia (Ridge way) Haskett, a lady of English descent. This union was blessed by four children - Maud Evelina, Ulysses Kosby, Fannie Jane and John H. On March 8. 1872, John H. died, and the wife followed on January 26, 1874. John W. Minor had come to this count}- in 1865, settling in Harrison Township, where his father passed away November 9, 1869, and was followed by the mother one week afterwards, and in 1873 he settled on the farm on which he now lives, in section 35, Jackson Township. On September 2, 1875, Mr. Minor was married to Sarah Lindley, the dau<rhter of Thomas and Pegcv Lindlev, natives of Orange Count}-, Indiana. There were two children born to them - Lindlev Erta, who died when little over a month old, and Cora Ethel, born December 2, 1877. Beginning life a poor boy, Mr.

Minor has worked hard, and has by dint of industry and perseverance gained a beautiful home of 150 acres of as fine land as any in the township, and on which are the best of modern improvements.

LEVIN G. MURPHY, lumber dealer and leading citizen of Xenia, was born in Shelby County, Ohio, October i, 1841, is the fourth child, and one of the five children of George G. and Margaret (Arbuckle) Murphj-, the former a native of Delaware, born Februar}' 29, 1808, and the latter a native of Preble Count}', Ohio, born in November 18 13. The father in earl}- life followed the trade of a carpenter, and in 1849, removed with his family to Miami County, Indiana, locating at Peoria, where he engaged in saw-milling and where he now resides. The paternal grandfather was Reuben Murphy, a native of Delaware, and died with the cholera in Ohio in 1849. Samuel Arbuckle, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, was a soldier in the war of 1812, a farmer by occupation and died in Hamilton County, Ohio. Our subject was reared by his parents, his education being acquired in the common schools. September 11, he enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until December 9, 1864. He took part in a number of engagements, among which were Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Stone River, in which he recived a slight wound in the left shoulder and head, battle of Tullahoma, and with his brigade was the first to enter Chattanooga. His next battles were Mission Ridge, Knoxville, Buzzard Roost Gap, in the last named he was wounded in the leg, the battle of Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, in that famous charge of June 27, 1864, where he received a wound in the left eye, totally destroying the sight of that organ, and which effectually ended his militarj' career. He never wavered in the immediate discharge of such duties as devohed upon him, and throughout iiis military career was a brave and efficient soldier. He returned to Miami County after the war and engaged in the lumber business, in which he has successfully continued. Mr. Murphy was united in marriage January i, 1872, to Miss Marv C. Slocum, and one daughter has blessed their union, Ethel, born Jaiuiarv 19 1875. Mrs. Murphv is a native of Huron Count}-, Ohio, born February 7, 1846. Her parents are George and Eliza (Pierce) Slocum, natives of Peru, the father born July 3, 1823, and the mother March 12, 1825. They removed to Wabash Countv, Indiana, in the fall of 1846, where the father died January 20, i860. The mother is still living and resides in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy are among the best citizens of Xenia. He is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R.

Overman, was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 7th of February, 1816. When he was seven years of age his parents moved to Wayne County, where Mr. Overman was raised on his father's farm, receiving an education sufficient to enable him to teach six winters in the public schools of the State. During his boyhood Mr. Overman staid on his father's farm helping to clear it up, and was at home more or less until at the age of twenty-nine, when he was married to Nancy 0\'erman, a daughter of Cornelius and Rebecca Overman, and a second cousin to Mr. Overman. The young couple on the last day of 1845 came to Miami County and settled on 160 acres of land in Harrison Township which they entered from the Government. When they came here the land had not been surveyed and the Indians were still thick in the forest. Here thev began to clear the land, building a little log cabin with the usual stick chimney. Here all the family, with the exception of Martha Ann, a native of Wayne County, were born. Their names are Mary Jane, Elijah F., George, Irvin C, Nathan A. and luna. Elijah, Irvin, Nathan and luna are still living. On the 6th day of Jul}', 1869, the wife was taken away. Remaining a widower for two years he was, on the Sth of November, 1871, married to Mrs. Marv Annis, daughter of Benjamin and Mary Binford, with whom he he lived on the farm until in 1S85 when he moved to Amboy, where now resides. Mr. and Mrs. O. are members of the Friends Church. Beginning Hfe in poor circumstances, Mr. Overman has worked hard, and has, bv dint of industry and perseverance, gained a tine and well cultivated farm. He is the oldest citizen of Amboy, and his family has grown to be one of the most respected in the communit}-. There is a tradition in the Overman family to the effect that several generations ago three brothers by the name of Overman came to the United States from Germany, and from these all the Overmans of the country are descended, at any rate they are a very old family of the Carolinas, the grandfather being Isaac and the father Ephraim, to whom on the 17th day of October, 1782, was born Jesse, the father of William, Elijah and Joseph, all old residents of Miami County. Mr. Jesse Overman was a native of Pasquotank, N. C, being raised and educated on his father's farm at that place. The family left North Carolina for Virginia, and in 1807 emigrated to Indiana, then the far west and nothing but a howling wilderness, and settled in Waj-ne, where the city of Richmond now stands, and burned the stumps from the place where there are now large buildings. In 1810 Mr. Overman went to Preble County, and there in the Friends' Church was united in wedlock with Kesiah Stubbs, a native of Georgia, a lady of German descent. Beginning his married life in Butler County, most of his family of thirteen children, by name, Henry, Eli, Elizabeth, William,' Rachel, Rebecca, Ephraim, Nathan, Enoch and Elijah,

Joseph, Hannah and Mary were born. Elizabeth, Rachel and Mar} are dead. In 1823 he moved his family to Wayne County, Ind., where he raised and educated them. In 1835 the mother died, and the children growing up have married and raised families. About 1847 or '48 he came to Miami County, where several of his children had preceded him, and lived around among them until his death, which occurred on the 21st of September, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Overman were both members of the Friends' Church, and the remains of this sturdy pioneer now repose in the Amboy grave yard. Coming to this country when all was wilderness, ftlr. Overman carved a home out of the forest and raised a family a credit to himself and the community, and at last sinking under the weight of years, sought the haven where so many of his friends had preceded him.

JOSEPH POWELL, a native of England, was born April 17, 1816, son of Thomas and Henriette (Howell) Powell, natives of England. They, in about 1818, emigrated to America, and located in \'irginia, thence to Coshocton County, Ohio, where they resided until their deaths. The father was a farmer b}- occupation, which he followed with more than ordinarj^ success, and was an intelligent gentleman and in every respect a worth}- citizen. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, received a fair English education in the countr}' schools, and made his own start in life as a farmer, which business he has carried on all his life with good success. He remained in Ohio until 1849, ^^ which time he came to Miami County, Indiana, and located in Jackson Township, purchasing 143 acres of land upon which there was no improvement of any kind. He went to work with a will, and within a few jears, established a comfortable home, where he has since resided. He was married January 30, 1839, ^'^ ^'^'^^ Margaret Leighninger, a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, born October 12, 1819, a daughter of George and Mary (Wolf) Leighninger. The following family were born to this marriage, namely: Emily S., Mary H., Louisa, John C. (deceased), Francis W., who served in the late war, and took ill from exposure and died at home, March 28, 1864; Lewis, Henry C, Ella, William R. E. (deceased), Alonso J. and Carrie. . Mr. Powell and family are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has been steward and class leader for many years. He is a man of sterling qualities, and highly esteemed in the community in which he lives. He is a Republican in politics, and has been called to till several minor otiicial positions.

HENRY J. RAUSMAN, a prosperous merchant at Xenia, was born in Germany, November 19, 1842. His father dying, when he was but tive years old, his mother again married, and together with his mother and step-father, he, at the age of nine years, came to America. He received but a moderate schooling in youth, and began at the age of fourteen for himself by working on a farm. He later learned the moulder's trade at which he continued to work until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Forty-eighth Ohio Regiment with which he served until Maj- 25, 1866, when he was honorably discharged as Quarter-Master Sergeant. He participated in the following engagements : Shiloh, April sixth, seventh and eighth, 1862, in which he was slightly wounded in the left arm; siege and capture of Corinth, Mississippi, April 29th to 30th, 1862; Holly Springs, Mississippi, June 30th, 1862; Chickasaw Bluffs, Mississippi, December 28, 1862, to January I, 1863; Arkansas Post, Arkansas, Januarj^ 11, 1863; Port Gibson, May i, 1863; Champion Hill, Mississippi, May 16, 1863; Big Black River Bridge, Mississippi, May 17, 1863: Siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, from May 19 to July 4, 1863; Siege and Capture of Jackson, Mississippi, July 10 to Jul}- 17, 1863; Saline Cross Roads, Louisana, April 8, 1864; Cane River, Louisana, April 23, 1864; Yellow Bayou, Louisana, May 18, 1864: Escambia River, Florida, March 26, 1865; siege and capture of Fort Blakely, Alabama, from April first to ninth, 1865. Since the war Mr. Rausman has been engaged in various occupations, and in 1872 he came to Xenia, where he was employed as a clerk in a store, continuing in this until 1876. In the latter 3-ear he embarked in general merchandising on his own responsibilit}', and has established an extensive trade and carries a well assorted stock amounting to about $7,000. He began life poor, and by industry and good management he has secured a cornfortable income and established a reputation as an honorable upright citizen. He was married in 1866 to Rebecca McBride, who died March 29, 1885, He chose for his second wife and present companion, Mrs. Mary E. Strayton. Mr. Rausman is a Republican in pohtics and a member of the G. A. R.

JOHN J. ROSBURGH, grocer, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, December 28, 1828, son of John and Nancy (McDonald) Rosburgh, both of whom are natives of Virginia. The father was a soldier in the war of 181 2, and a farmer, which vocation he followed through life; his death occured in Ohio in 1842, in his fifty-third year. His widow survived him till 1882. The paternal grandfather was Robert Rosburgh, a native of New Jersey, and died in Virginia. The great grandfather was a native of Scotland, and came to America previous to the Revolutionary war, in which he was an active participant. Our subject's early life was passed on his father's farm in Ohio, and attending the common schools, from which he obtained a fair education. He learned the trade of carpentering and cabinet making, and in 1869 came to Randolph County, Indiana, and thence to Xenia in 1873, where he worked at his trade until 1882. In this year he res«lved to embark in business for himself and accordingly opened a grocery on Main street, where he has prospered and has a steadily increasing business. Mr. Rosburgh was married in Ohio in 1852, to Miss Sarah E. Dowden, by whom he is the father of seven children, only one of whom is living, Harry. Mr. Rosburgh is a member of the I. O. O. F. and F. and A. M., and politically is a Democrat.

REUBEN W. SMITH, M. D., the oldest established physician of Xenia, is a son of John and Isabel (Murph}-) Smith. The father was born in North Carolina, February 17, 1804, and is of English and Irish descent. He was brought to Indiana by his parents in 1806, they locating where the town of Richmond now stands. He was a farmer by occupation, and moved to Howard County, Indiana, in 1848. Here he was elected the first Justice of the Peace of his township. He resided in Howard County until 1872, when he returned to Henry County, where his death occurred in 1883. His wife preceded him in 1835. The father of John and grandfather of our subject was Robert Smith, who died in Henry Count}-, Indiana, his father being John Smith, one of the first settlers and merchants of Richmond, Indiana. The maternal grandfather of our subject was James Murphy, a native of Ireland, a soldier in the war of 181 2, and died at Hagerstown, Indiana. Dr. Reuben W. Smith was the only son of his parents, and his birth occurred in Henry County, Indiana, November 29, 183 1. His early education was obtained in the common schools, finishing the same at the State University at Bloomington. At the age of 22 he began the study of medicine at Wabash, Indiana, under the direction of Dr. Holloway, and in the session of 1855 and 1856 attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, after which he entered upon the practice of his profession at Farmland, Indiana. Here he remained until 1858, when he located at Xenia. The term of 1870 and 1871 he attended the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, from which he graduated in the latter year. In beginning the practice of his profession in Miami County, he has not only gained a lucrative practice in this and adjoining counties, but is recognized as one of the ablest physicians the county affords. He is a member of the Grant County and State Medical Societies, the Masonic fraternity, and in politics he is a Democrat. The Doctor was married in 1857 to Miss Matilda E. Franklin, a daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Personate) Franklin, of Henr^* Count}', Indiana. Five children were born to this union - Edgar A., John E., Benjamin F., Jennie M. and Mary B. (deceased).

NELSON T. TILMAN, proprietor of the Tilman House, is a native of Darke County Ohio, his birth occurring May 8, 1835, a son of Jacob and Mary (Thomas) Tilman, natives of South

Carolina and Tennessee respectively- The father removed with his parents to Tennessee, thence to Ohio, where he resided until 1843, in which year he came to Wabash County, Indiana, where he followed farming, and died in 1869. His widow surviving him until 1871. The paternal grandfather was Tobias Tilman a native of Germany, who came to America and served his adopted country in the Revolutionary war, was a farmer, and was married to Catharine Sharp, also a native of Germany. They died in Darke County Ohio. The maternal grandfather, John Thomas, was also a native of Germany, was married to Catherine Albright. He served in the war of 181 2 and died in Darke Count}-, Ohio, as did also his wife. Nelson T. Tilman was reared on a farm and came with his parents to Wabash County, Indiana, and at the age of Twenty he began doing for himself by engaging in saw-milling and the lumber business. He continued in this for a period of eleven 5'ears, then engaged irf the mercantile business for one year, and then farmed for three j-ears. In 1868 he came to Xenia and engaged in the drug business, continuing till the fall of 1885, since then he has conducted the Tilman House, of which he is the present popular proprietor. In 1856 his marriage with blessed this union. In 1864, Mrs. Tilman died, and in 1866 he was united in marriage with Jerusha A. Druley, who died November 27, 1880, after bearing the following children: Edy T., Ora L., Bertha, Cassandra, Mary and Edith. He chose for his third wife, Clara Atchinson, who died shortly after marriage. Mr. Tilman's fourth and present companion was formerly Mrs. Mary E. Hadle}-. Mr. Tilman has, by industry-, accumulated a comfortable income. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically is a Republican.

CHARLES N. WALES, postmaster at Xenia, is a native of Union Count}-, Indiana, where he was born, August 15, 1845, the youngest of eight children born to James and Jane (Haynes) Wales, the former a native of Susse.xshire, England, born in 1789 and the latter a native of Tennessee, born in 1805. The father came to Union County, Indiana, in 1819, where he followed farming, and resided there until his death, February 29, 1856. His widow still survives and is living in Miami County at an advanced age. Peter Wales, the paternal grand-father of Charles N., was a native of England, was married to Martha Cafhn and resided in his native countr}- all his life. The maternal grandfather was Richard Haynes, a native of Virginia, born in the year of 1763, was a farmer b}- occupation, a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and died in Union County, Indiana. Charles N. was raised to manhood in his native county, where he received a common school education and in 1873, eame to Miami County, located at

Xenia and engaged in the hardware business for one year and then for a period was engaged in the lumber business. In the fall of 1885 he was appointed Postmaster at Xenia and in addition to this he carries a stock of blank books, stationery, etc. He was married in September, 1876, to Miss Clara Kimball, by whom he is the father of one living child, Fannie. Mr. Wales is a member of the Masonic fraternit}' and a Democrat in politics.