Columbus City (part 20 of 57)

His first call was to become assistant pastor in the large congregation of Rev. J. F. Buenger, in St. Louis. Fie accepted this call, although he w^asin doubt whether he could long endure the hot climate. His fears provedi well founded, for in little more than a year he was incapacitated for the workby a sunstroke, from which he recovered slowly and which, notwithstanding; his efforts to go on with his labors, compelled him to resign, much against the wishes of the congregation. He then, in 1867, accepted a call to a sma!? congregation in Indiana, where the work was comparatively light and where he had ample opportunity toi recuperate and to continue his studies. But it was only a few years that he was permitted to enjoy this retreat. In 1869 he was called to a professorship in the Northwestern University, at Watertown, Wisconsin, where he spent five years in teaching ancient languages. As this was in accordance with his inclinations, he, in 1874, accepted a call to a similar position in Concordia College, his ahna mater, where he expected to have a larger field of usefulness, though his present field of labor was quite congenial.

After six years of work at Fort Wayne troubles came. They were not in his department of work, and were not of a nature to affect his position ; but as a member of the church he was interested in the controversies which arose, and as a constant student of theological subjects he was doubly interested in them. The Missouri Synod, of which he was a member and under whose control the college was, in which he was a professor, promulgated a doctrine of predestination, which is essentially Calvinistic and which he. as: an earnest Lutheran, could not accept. He was therefore at war with his own synod, and was glad to accept a call which was extended to him to a higher position, by the synod of Ohio, which was not in harmony with the synod of Missouri. He accepted the call to a professorship of theology in Capital University, and since the spring of 1881 has been performing the duties of his office in quietness and in strength at Capital University, in the city of Columbus, a part of that time also serving as the president of the college after the resignation of Dr. Schuette.

It is only since Professor Stellhorn has come to Columbus that he has fully developed his strength. Here he has had a field of labor that has furnished the proper opportunities for his varied powers. In conn'ection with his college and semiiiary work, into- which he entered with a zeal that is born of faith and love, he became the editor of the German weekly journal published by the synod, and later of the theological bi-monthly, as well as a contributor to other periodicals and being active in other synodical labors. He has also published books of value to the church, prominent among which are a dictionary of New Testament Greek, a practical commentary on the four gospels for popular use in Enghsh, a commentary on the Acts of the -Vpostles, and an exposition of the pastoral epistles in German. His favorite studies and labors are in the line of exegesis, for which he has eminent qualications, both natural and acquired, his judgment being accurate and profound and his knowledge of the original languages of the Scripture being extensive and critical. He is engaged at present on a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, which is appearing in parts m the Theological Magazine, and 'will no doubt soon be published in book form.

Dr. Stellhorn was married in 1866 to Miss Christiana Buenger, who was a faithful helper to him in all of his labors and trials, and with whom lie lived happily until her death, in 1899.. In this union eight children were born to him, four sons and four daughters. Three of these sons are pastors of Evangelical Lutheran congregations, respectively at Marion, Sandusky and Botkms, Ohio, and the oldest daughter is the wife of Rev. L. Hess, the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran church at Crestline, Ohio. One daughter died at the age of four years. One son and two daughters still remain with their father at the old home across the w'ay from the campus and buildings of Capital University, and there he still continues to perform the arduous and effective work which duty and love have laid upon him, and which the synod hopes will in the goodness of God be continued yet for many years.

One of the oldest residents and most prominent citizens of Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio, is Joseph M. Briggs. the subject of this sketch. Mr. Briggs was born upon the land where his home is now located, in the village of Briggsdale, November 25. 1833. The grandmother of our subject. Alary Briggs, widow of Edward Briggs, a soldier in the war of 181 2, emigrated from New Jersey to Franklin county in 181 6, and settled on the west side of the Scioto river, four miles south of the present city of Colum- bus. She had a family of seven children, - ^John, Henry, Nicholas, Mary, Catherine, Lydia and George. The latter went to New York, and there became a prominent man in political and business life. He was three times elected to congress and was a strong Whig for many years, but later adopted the principles of the American party. The father of our subject was Nicholas Briggs, who was born on the 26th of February, 1807, and with his brothers, John and Henry, he bought a large tract of land in the vicinity of what is now Briggsdale. They improved the land, but had to contend with a great deal of sickness of a malarial nature, incident to the settling up of any new country, and from this disease Nicholas Briggs died in 1843. He was a Whig, although he voted for Jackson in 1828, and in 1840 cast his ballot for Harrison. The name of the mother of our subject was Martha Johnson Chambers, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Franklin county about 1825, making the journey on horseback. She was married in 1832, and lived a widow for twenty-one years, attending capably to the business of the estate, not only retaining it intact, but adding to it. . Her death occurred in 1864, when she had reached her fifty-third year. She was of Holland and Irish ancestry, while the Briggs family trace back a long English line and possess a coat of arms. The family of our subject's parents consisted of six children: Elizabeth, deceased wife of H. C. Darnell; William, a resident of Columbus; Sarah, now the deceased wife of William H. Davis, a resident of Dublin, Ohio; Katherine R., the deceased wife of \Mlliam Armistead; and John Edward, deceased.

Joseph M. Briggs, the eldest of the family, was reared on the home farm, hisi time being divided between its duties and his attendance upon the district school. He also attended the grammar school in Columbus, completing his schooling at the Ohio Wxsleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He early displayed a taste for public life, resulting in his election as township assessor at the age of twenty-one years, this being followed by six years' service as treasurer. In 1857 he visited Kansas for the purpose of investing in land, the trip resulting in a purchase of eleven hundred acres, from which he sold a few lots at a large advance in price. In 1864 he became interested in the purchase of cotton, making a trip to Vicksburg, ^Mississippi, v.-here he met with excellent success. Mr. Briggs is a large land and property OA\ner in Briggsdale. He also possesses much property in the city of Columlxis, which is of high value, including twenty-seven residences. The rental from all of this property aggregates a large amount annually. In 1861 Mr. Briggs' was elected first lieutenant of a militia company of one hundred and seven men, - Company B, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Militia. - going out to defend the state against Morgan's raiders. He was afterward commissioned captain of this company by Governor Brough.

The public services of ]\Ir. Briggs are well known in the county. In 1880 he was elected county commissioner, his re-election following in 1883. His term of service covered more than six years, in which many of the most necessary and substantial county improvements were brought to a satis- factory end. It wasi during his administration that the Broad street and State street bridges were buih, also the bridge at Diibhn and many others through the county, making such permanent improvement that his .services earned the thanks of the community. While Mr. Briggs had influence on the board the land was bought for the county poor farm and the buildings erected, as was also the new court house. Mr. Briggs has taken a great interest in the town that bears his name, contributing largely to its interests, and has been one of the active promoters of the street railway that runs through it. Since 1887 he has been the postmaster of Briggsdale, with the exception of a period of nine months, being reappointed to the office, although he has always been a Democrat.

Mr. Briggs was married, October 16, 1867, to Miss Louisana Ransburgh, a native of New Madrid, Missouri, whose father, John Ransburgh, many years ago was a citizen of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs have reared seven children, - William Irving, John R., Joseph M., Lillie (who is the wife of L. W. Morehead), Claud N., Martha and Josephine. During the period of thirty-five years Mr. Briggs has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also belongs to the Woodmen and for three years has been the president of the Franklin County Pioneer Association. He is a consistent and esteemed member of the Methodist church, in which he is a trustee. He and his associate trustees are now building a six-thousand-dollar church in Briggsdale. No one in the county is more highly regarded than the subject of this review, his public services having been acceptable and his private life has been without reproach. In all matters pertaining to the commercial growth of his iSection he has been earnest and progressive, and much of its development may be directly traced to his influence.

Andrew G. Pugh

Andrew G. Pugh, a contractor for street-paving of all kinds, sewers, masonry, etc., was born in this (Franklin) county June 5, 1857, the third son of Richard and Elizabeth (Jones) Pugh, who were born and married in Wales. Leaving their native country in 1854, the latter sailed for the United States. Arriving in New York, they at once proceeded westward, locating here in Franklin county, Ohio, where the father engaged in farming pursuits. Both his father and mother are still living.

After his education in the Columbus public schools our subject was engaged for about a year in the employ of Brown Brothers, civil engineers. In December, 1873; he entered the city engineer's office, under John (Graham, civil engineer, and was employed in this office until April, 1878, w^hen he entered the service of Kanmacher & Denig, contractors for building the Indiana statehouse, under Thomas H. Johnson, the chief engineer for the contractors on masonry foundations for the Indiana statehouse at Indianapolis. Next he was under W. H. Jenningsi, the chief engineer of the Hocking Valle^y Railroad, for a short period, on the location of branch coal lines in Hocking,

Perry and Athens counties, Ohio. Then he was the clerk for Chief Engineer M. J. Becker, of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Raih'oad Company, until the spring of 1880, when he was detailed as assistant engineer master of work on Indianapolis division of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway vuitil the spring of 1882, then appointed superintending engineer on the construction of the northeast main trunk sewer at Columbus, under John Graham, city engineer, which work was completed December 15, 1883; diameters of sewers from nine to six feet. Next Mr. Pugh was with Thomas H. Johnson again, the principal assistant engineer of the above mentioned railroad, on special surveys on the Chicago division. In the spring of 1884 he was appointed assistant city engineer, in special charge of sewer construction for two years, until the spring of 1886. He vvas the superintendent of block stone paving on High street from Xaghten street to Livingston avenue for contracts made by Booth & Flinn, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in October, 1886, and built for that firm the first brick roadway in Columbus on Spring street from High street to Third street.

November i, 1886, Mr. Pugh went to New York city, as supermtendent for Booth & Flinn, on a large contract they had there for laying gas mains for the Standard Gas Company, and completed this work with a large force of men by December 31, that year. Next, under M. J. Becker, the chief engineer of the Pennsylvania lines, Mr. Pugh was the superintending engineer on the sev/er system built at the Columbus shops in January. February and March, 1887, and superintendent of masonry on the Little :\Iiami, Louisville, Richmond and Chicago divisions until the close of the year 1887. During the next March, 1888, he commenced work as a contractor, and is still engaged in business wherever contracts can be secured. He laid the first concrete foundation for brick streets in Columbus, in 1899, and for the street railway in this city on Neil street from Spring street to Naghten street in 1899.

October 25, 1882, Mr. Pugh was married to IMiss ^Mary Helen Black, a daughter of John and Edna (Mann) Black, of Richmond, Indiana, and thev have had two children, - Edna Helen and Grace Black. ]\Its. Pugh died July 12, 1894, and Mr. Pugh was again married, this time, September I, 1896, to Miss Jessie Miles, a daughter of Yearsley and Minerva (Fitzwater) Miles. Mr. Pugh is a member of Goodale Lodge, No. 372, F. & A. M., and has attained the Knight Templar degrees, also the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite; and^ he is also a member of Aladdin Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Lorenzo D. Allegre

Lorenzo D. Allegre, deceased, was. one who for many years exerted a strong influence for good in Franklin county. As the morning of hope, the noontide of activity and the evening of completed effort ending in the grate- ful rest and quiet of the night, so was the hfe of this good man. He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 25, 1805. His father, James Allegre, born in Kentucky, was a prominent farmer of Albany, Delaware county, Indiana, through a number of years, removing to that place from Highland county, Ohio, and here he spent his remaining days. His children were: Matilda, who became the wife of John Mann and died in Indiana; Lorenzo; Lucinda, deceased; Erasmus, married, and Asbury, married, both of whom died in Indiana; Rhoda, deceased' wife of Evan Evans; Mary, deceased wife of William Denton; and Minerva, deceased, the wife of Simeon Long; Calista, the deceased wife of ^^'ade Posey, a Methodist minister; and James and Emily, deceased.

Lorenzo Dow Allegre spent the first eleven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents' on their removal to Highland county and soon afterward to Fayette county, Ohio, so that he became a resident of the state in 18 16. On leaving that county he took up his abode on his farm in Franklin county in 1850, upon which he spent his remaining days. Throughout his business career he carried on agricultural pursuits and was the owner of a good tract of land which yielded to him an excellent living in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon it. As a companion and helpmeet on the journey of life he chose Angeline Taylor, their wedding being celebrated on the 21st of June, 1827. For more than sixty-two years they lived happily together, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the years went by. Mrsi. Allegre was a daughter of Aquilla Taylor, who was born August 8, 1764, in Frederick county, Maryland, and with his wife, Rachel E. Taylor, came to Ohio, locating in Clermont county in 181 7, where they made a permanent home. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allegre were born eight children : Emily, who died at the age of fifteen ; Francis Marion, of Anderr-on county, Kansas, is married ; Angeline, the wife of William Kern, is deceased ; Wesley, married, who died in Indiana ; Mary, the wife of Joseph W. Tipton; William, who was a member of the Sixtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in 1881 ; Emily, the wife of Isaac Tipton, o'f Columbus; and Rachel Elizabeth, the wife of James Butler Taylor.

Mr. Allegre was to his family a devoted and affectionate husband and father. He endeavored to instill into the minds of his children lessons of industry, uprightness and probity. He counseled them to love one another and especially to care for their mother. He was always doing service for others, always appreciated what was done for himself and he expressed much gratitude to his friends and neighbors for attention during hisi last illness. In early manhood he was specially impressed with the immortal declaration *'all men are created free and equal," and he regarded African slavery as barbarous, advocated its overthrow, always felt that the down-trodden colored man and the poor and needy of every race had a claim upon him and in dispensing hist charities he learned that "it was more blessed to give than to receive." By acts of kindness and benevolence he laid the foundation of the respect which in his old age was constantly shown him throughout the com- munity in which he Hved. A home of poverty was always sure to attract his attention and received from him a measure of rehef proportionate to his: means and to the necessities of those whom he aided. For many years he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and was a devout Christian gentleman. He died in the faith of that denomination, at his home in Prau'ie township, October 14, 1889.

Mrs. Allegre died at the old home in Prairie township November 26, 1893. She wa's born in Frederick county, Maryland, and at the age of fourteen years came with her parents to Ohio, where she experienced many of the hardships and privations of pioneer life. She was a lady of quiet disposition, with no trace of revenge or enmity in her nature. She possessed a wonderful memory and could relate many incidents of the early days m Franklin county During her childhood she joined the Methodist Episcopal church and was ever afterward one of its faithful members. She loved to read her Testament and all good books. Her influence was marked, although quietly

Mrs Taylor the youngest member of her family, was born in Fayette county March 6, '1846, and was four years of age when brought by her parents to Franklin county. She attended the district schools, her first teacher beino- William Beech. At heme she was trained by her mother m the duties of tbe household and on the 5th of January, 1868, she gave her hand m marriage to James B. Taylor, by whom she had two children : Daisy Dell, who died in infancy ; and Lorenzo Erwin, who was' born on the home farm September o^ 1871. There he was reared and attended the district schools imtil eighteen years of age. His grandfather died about that time and the labors of the old homestead devolved upon him. He has since carried on general farming and is a worthy representative of his honored ancestry. He was married, October 24, 1894. to Miss Chloe Doherty, a daughter of Jame.j M. Dohertv now deceased. They have two children: Daisv Gertrude, born July 11V1897; and Norman, born November 5, 1900. In his political views Lorenzo E. Taylor is a stanch Republican.

James E. Crum

Well known as a prominent farmer of Prairie township. James E. Crtim Is certainly worthy of mention in this volume. He was born eight miles northwest of Columbus on the i6th of December. 1848. He is a grandson of Cornelius Crum. and a son of Samuel D. Crum. The latter was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsvlvania, near Enosville, and there resided until nineteen years of age, wheii he left the Keystone state and became a resident of Ohio, acconipanyino- his parents on their removal to this state. The educational privileges which he enjoyed were those afforded by the common schools and his life was spent in the usual manner of farmer lads who assist in the work of field and meadow. He was married in Norwich township to Miss Martha Gray, a daughter of James Gray. After his marriage he engaged in farming for a number of years, when he purchased .Fishinger's mill in Norwidi township, on the Scioto river, following that pursuit for five or six years. He afterward was a resident of Hilliard, and later removed to Columbus, where he established a grocery store, which he conducted for four years. In 1869 he traded his store for farm property in Prairie townsliip, becoming the owner of the tract of land which is now in the possession of his son James E. He operated his fields for a number of years, and then sold' that property and again took up his abode in Hilliard, where he was engaged in the grain business. In connection with Mr. Koehler he engaged in dealing in stock for a time. He afterward engaged in farming, liaving a six-acre tract of land near Hilliard. He died in that town in ylugust, 1888, respected by all who knew him. He was twice married, his first wife passing away in 1859. Two years later, in 1861, he wedded Miss Jane C. Parker, a native of the Empire state, who survived him for some time. Unto Samuel and Alartha (Gray) Crum were born eight children, namely: Cornelius, who was accidently killed by the cars' in Hilliard, when seventeen A^ears of age; Mary E., the .wife of Hosea Romick, of Hilliard; James E., of this review; Jobn and Sarah, who died in infancy; Samantha, the deceased wife of David Hamilton; and William R. and Edward T., both of whom are residents of Kansas.

James E. Crum has spent nearly his entire life in Franklin county. He pursued his education in the public 'schools through the winter terms and in Delaware College, where he was a student for a year. The summer months or vacation were passed upon the home farm, where he took his place in the fields. At the age of nineteen he completed his literary course and put aside his text^books in order to enter upon the responsible dutiesi of life. He continued as his father's assistant until his marriage, which was celebrated on the 5th of December, 1872, Miss Julia M. McWilliams becoming his wife. She is a daughter of John W. and Ellen (Postle) McWilliams, and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, one son and two daughters: Harry Clyde, Leonora and Edna E., all yet with their parents, the family circle remaining unbroken by the hand of death.

After his marriage Mr. Crum located upon his farm of thirty-five acres, one mile west of Alton, and there resided for seven years, when he sold that property and rented a 'farm in Norwich township, belonging to his uncle, William Crum. He resided there for two years and then purchased his present farm comprising sixty acres of the rich land of Prairie township. He has made all of the improvements upon the place, has built fences, substantial buildings, laid many rods of tiling and has added the modern accessories and improvements found upon a model farm of the twentieth century.

Centennial Biographical History. S77

He carries on general farming and stock raising and is meeting with creditable success in his undertakings. Mr. Crum is a citizen of worth who v;ithholds his support from no measure or movement calculated to prove of general good. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Galloway. He takes an active part in its work and has served as steward and trustee. He joined the church at the age of sixteen years, and his wife has also long been a member. Socially he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Galloway, and in politics he is a stanch Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the principles of the party.

One of the oldest representative law firms in Columbus is that of Rogers & Rogers. The members of the firm, John F. and Charles M. Rogers, are brothers, 'belonging to one of the oldest and most respected and honored pioneer families of Franklin county.

The Rogers family is of English lineage, some of whom emigrated to America and settled in New England at an early period. William Rogers and his wife Mary located at Bradford, Connecticut, about 1690, from whom are descended Jonathan and his son Eli, who was born at Westfield, ^lassachusetts, in 1740. Eli Rogers moved to Lowville, New York, and his son Eli, born October 15, 1769, married Abigail Moore, from which union there were born three daughters and nine sons, of whom Apollos Rogers, born July 22), 1792, the grandfather of the subject of this review, was the second son.

Apollos Rogers married Keturah Hough and resided at Houseville. Lewis county. New York, until her death, September 3, 183 1, leaving four children. After her death he married Emily (Clapp) Rogers, and in the fall of 1836 removed from Lewis county, New York, to Franklin county, Ohio, buying and settling on three hundred acres of heavily timbered land on the west side of the Scioto, which is now known as the Marcellus Rogers farm in Norwich township. His family consisted of the following children : Milton, who has always been a farmer and now resides on a part of the old home farm; Martin, the father of our subjects; Marcellus, who was a farmer and died at the old homestead April 15, 1890; and Amanda, who is the wife of E. C. Stevens, of Grandin, North Dakota. Afterward, by the second marriage, twin sons, Eli A., a farmer near Hilliard, Ohio, and Ela C, of Daytona, Florida, were born. Apollos Rogers' died September 17, 1840, and was survived by his wife, Emily, who died February 9, 1871. They were devoted members of the IMethodist Episcopal church, and in the community where they resided enjoyed the confidence and respect of all with Avhom they came in contact.

Martin Rogers, the father of our subjects, was born in the Empire state September 2, 1824, and was therefore twelve years of age when he came with his father to Ohio. He was reared upon the home farm, became a farmer and has alway.s followed that occupation. He married Miss Abigail Merriss, who was born near Dublin, Franklin county, Ohio, February 23, 1826, and died May 20, 1890. Her father, Benjamin J. Merriss, was a native of Vermont, and married in Franklin county, Ohio, Angeline Strain, a native of Virginia. The Merriss family were originally from England, and became early settlers of New England. Benjamin J. Merriss was a farmer wlio resided near Hilliard, Franklin county, Ohio, and died there July 13, 1865. The marriage of Martin Rogers and Abigail Merriss was blessed with the following children: John F. and Charles M., of this review; Ion Elhvood and Adella May, all of whom reside in Columbus.

John F. Rogers was born March 21, 1853, spent his boyhood days on his father's farm and attended the common schools of Norwich township. He became a student of the law under the direction of William C. Stewart, of Columbus, Ohio. His reading was subsequently directed by William J. Clarke, and on the 2d day of June, 1880, he w^as admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio, and began the practice of his chosen profession. Charles M. Rogers was born November 30, 1854, attended the common schools and was later graduated at Otterbein University, in the class of 1877. He then read law with the firm of Harrison, Olds & Marsh, of Columbus, and was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Ohio in ]^\Iarch, 1880. The brothers at once formed a partnership and opened offices in Columbus, under the firm name of Rogers & Rogers. They have ever since been engaged in the general law practice, and have gained a reputation of high standing as representatives of the legal profession in central Ohio. In 1898 Charles M. Rogers was appointed referee in bankruptcy for Franklin county by Hon. George R. Sage, judge of the United States district court for the southern district of Ohio, and has since filled that office with efficiency and distinction. He is recognized as a high authority on bankruptcy law.

Throughout their business career John F. and Charles M. Rogers, by their thorough knowledge of the law and their careful preparation and successful management of important litigation, have won and retained the respect and admiration of their contemporary lawyers. Their many sterling traits of character, their strict integrity, their courteous, unostentatious manner and their conscientious counsiel have given them the full confidence not only of the members of their profession but also of their fellow citizens. The acquaintance of such men is a pleasure and their companionship a favor.

John Frederick Horch

All that can be said in praise of American citizens of German nativity, and that is a good deal, applies to the subject of this sketch, a well-known and successful farmer of Washington township, Franklin county, Ohio, who was born in Baden, Germany, May 11, 1839. Mr. Horch's grandfather in the paternal line was a farmer and lived and died in Germany. Abraham Hoirch, father of John F. Horch, was born in Baden, Germany. November

21, 1805. He left school at fourteen years of age and devoted himself to farm work, and in due time married Margaret Neu. In 1846, with his wife and children, he came to the United States, sailing from Havre, France, to New York city, where he landed after a voyage which had consumed thirty days. From New York they w^ent to Buffalo, and thence to Cleveland, Ohio, by lake. From Cleveland they made their way by canal to Columbus, and thence to Washington township, where they stayed for a short time under the roof of Mr. Horch's brother Jacob, who had come to the United States two years earlier and was then living on his own farm. In the fall of 1846 Abraham Hoirch and his family located on a farm in the southwestern part of Washington township, which he had purchased and which became a landmark in that part of the county when the Lutheran church was built on it. It consisted of eighty acres of land, one-half of which was cleared, and the family began their life there in a hewed-log house, thirty by forty feet in area, which was divided into two rooms and which had a big wide fireplace in which huge logs were consumed. Mrs. Ho-rch died on that pioneer farm before the close of the year of her arrival there, and Mr. Horch later married Miss Annie Miller, who was a native of Germany.

By his first mardage Mr. Horch had children as follows : Jacob, who married Mary Fladt, and died in Norwich township, Franklin county ; Mary, who became Mrs. Samuel Paulus, of Dublin ; Henry, who married Charlotte Wolpert, and died in Dublin; John F., who is the immediate suliject of this sketch; Barbara; and Laura, who died of cholera in 1848. Abraham and Annie (Miller) Horch had born to them the following children: Carolme, who became Mrs. George Geyer, of Franklin township, Franklin county; Michael, who married Mary Ring, and lives in Perry township; Samuel, who married Margaret Datz, and lives in Washington township; George, who married Margaret Smith, and lives on the family homestead in Washmgton township.

John F. Horch attended school one year in his native land, and was seven years old when his parents came to the United States. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Franklin county and attended school in a log schoolhouse in his district when his services were not required on his father's farm, where he remained until he was twenty-one years old. He then worked for a year on the farm of John Thomas in Perry township, and after that for two years as a brick mason for his brother-in-law, Samuel Paulus, of Dublin, Franklin county. Mr. Thomas paid him one hundred and forty-five dollars for his year's service in addition to his board, and Mr. Paulus paid him one hundred dollars the first year and one hundred and twenty dollars the second vear. He now returned to farming, renting from his father a tract of land'iust west of the Horch home farm. He worked rented land for eleven vears. and then bought eighty acres now owned by Philip Wolpert and John A. Horch, on which he lived until 1879. when he exchanged it for one hundred acres of his present farm, to which he has since added twenty acres. His residence was completed iu its present form in 1887, and he has made many other improvements on the place, incUiding fencing- and tihng. He also owns a farm of one hundred and six acres on Hayden run in Norwich township, Franklin county, and is everywhere recognized as a good farmer and a useful citizen, indutrious, intelligent, hospitable, public spirited and helpful to all local interests.

In politics he is a Democrat, and he is a member of the Lutheran church of his township, whose present house of worship was dedicated October 14, 1900, and which he was influential in erecting as an active member of the building committee. His father, Abraham Horch, died on his homestead in Washington township, Franklin county, July 24, 1898, at the age of ninetythree.

John F. Horch was married December 16, 1862, to Miss Barbara Wolpert, who was born in Hesse, Germany, April 4, 1843, ^ daughter of Christian VVolpert, and died June 19, 1865. His second wife, whom he married April 6, 1866, was Catherine Scheuer, a daughter of George Peter and Christina Scheuer. She was born December 14, 1841, in Hesse, Germany, and emigrated w4th her parents to America in 1847, finally locating in Morrow county, Ohio. By his first marriage he had children as follows : Mary M., born January 19, 1863, who married John Orb, of Columbus, Ohio; and Christian, born August 17, 1864, who died at Chicago, Illinois, in 1899. We give a few items concerning the children of the second marriage as follows: Abraham, born February 25, 1867, died in infancy; Jacob Abraham, born February 16, 1868, concerning whom more is said further on; William, who was born February i, 1870, married Emma Finch, and lives in Washington township; George Philip, born April 19, 1872, is a successful school teacher; Michael was born July 4, 1874, married Lena Pretz in August, 1900, and lives in Washington township; Anna Margaret, born October 20, 1876, John Samuel, born March 3, 1879, and Clara, born October 2^, 1881, are members of their father's household.

Jacob Abraham Horch, son of John F. Horch, was educated in the public schools near his home in Washington township, Franklin county. Ohio, and at Ringsville school, and was reared to farm work. After a course in telegraphy at Sheridan's school of telegraphy, at Oberlin, he entered the employ of the Baltimore Railroad Company as a telegrapher at Sterling, Ohio. After seven months' service there he went to Seville, Medina county, Ohio, and after working there for a time returned home. He soon went to Minnesota, however, as telegraph operator for the Great Northern Railroad Company at Granite Falls, Yellow Medicine county, and from there he went to Sioux City, Iowa, where he worked for a short time in the train dispatcher's ofiice of the Sioux City & Northern Railroad. Afterward he was employed for a time in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in the spring of 1893 he enlisted in the United States army and was sent to Chicago. After the World's Fair closed he was sent to Columbus, where he was for three months under instruction, and was then assigned to service in the Eighteenth Regiment, United States Infantry, at FoTt Clark, Texas, whence he was ordered nine months later to^ Fort Sam Houston, at San iVntonio, Texas. In ]May, 1896, he was given a three-months furlough with permission to go to San Francisco, California, and at its expiration was discharg'ed because the end of the term of service for which he had enlisted had arrived. He returned home Lo Ohio, and before the close of that year enlisted at Columbus in the Seventeenth Regiment, United States Infantry, and was stationed at the Ohio capital for eighteen months afterward. At the outbreak of the Spanish- American war his regiment was sent to Tampa, Florida, and assigned to the Fifth Army Corps, under General Shafter, and arrived in Cuba June 27,, 1898. Mr. Horch participated in the fighting at El Caney July i, at San Juan hill July 2, and at Santiago July 3, 10 and 11. While in camp he was taken with yellow fever, from which he recovered in fifteen days, and when Roosevelt's regiment was threatened with annihilation by the Spanish and was saved by the Tenth Regiment, Colored Cavalry, the Seventeenth Infantry arrived on the scene as the final shots were being exchanged, and Mr. Horch was a witness of the end of the engagement. From Cuba the Seventeenth Regiment was sent to camp at Montauk Point to recuperate, and from there went to Columbus barracks. January 15, 1899, it left Columbus for New York, and four days later it sailed for Manila, Philippine islands. A four days' stop was made at Gibraltar, and after passing through the canal and the Red sea, the next stop was made at Aden, Arabia, for coal, thence the regiment proceeded to Ceylon, landing at Colombo for coal and provisions, thence to Singapore, and thence to Manila by way of the Chinese sea, arriving J\Iarch 10, 1899. The regiment was put in the Manila trenches, where it fought nightly for a time. It then went on a raid up the Rio Grande, and for a time was under command of the late General Lawton. Thence it went to San Fernando, where it was assigned tO' General McArthur's division and saw arduous service. June 16 it participated in the battle of San Fernand'o, which it was claimed marked the turning point in the Philippine rebellion. August 9 the regiment was in another important engagement there, and many of its members fell, among them Joseph Thackeray, of Hilliard, Franklin county, Ohio, who was shot through the neck ; and Tod Ballinger, of Plain City, Uni'on county, Ohio, who was killed instantly. Later fights in which the regiment participated were at Calulute, August II, and at Angelese, August 12. After the last battle mentioned the Seventeenth Rtegiment was ordered back to Calulute to guard the town, and Mr. Horch was honorably discharged from the service October 2, 1899, at the end of the period for which he had enlisted.

He took passage at Manila October 7 for the United States on board the City of Pueblo, and sailed by the way of Nagasaki, Japan, and the inland sea, and arrived at San Francisco, California, November i, and at Columbus, Ohio, November 9. He was taken sick at Columbus, of typhoid fever, and did not reach his home until November 21. His record as a soldier is one of which his friends are proud, and he is regarded as one of the most promising young men of his township.

William R. Gault

Among the most widely known residents of Columljiis is W' illiam Rogers Gault, vice president of the Market Exchange Bank and president of the Columbus Driving Park Association. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the highest degree of prosperity which is to-day his.

M(r. Gault w^as born in Columbus in 1840, at the family home at the corner of Grant avenue and Main street. The family is of Irish lineage, the paternal grandparents having emigrated from the Emerald Isle to Baltimore, Maryland. James Gault, the father of our subject, came to Ohio from Baltimore in the year 1838, and at once engaged in the butchering business, which he continued until 1856, w^hen his life's labors were ended in death. He was then about forty-five years of age. In Maryland he married Miss Ellen Coleman, of Baltimore, who is a native of Ireland and became a resident of Baltimore when twelve years of age. She is still living in Columbus, at the age of eighty-one, retaining her mental and physical faculties to a remarkable degree.

In his youth William Rogers Gault attended the public schools, and since 1865 has been continuously connected with the business affairs of Columbus. In 1863, however, he enlisted in the cavalry service of the Civil war as a member of the Fifth Ohio Battalion, and in that command served in Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1864 he was discharged, but re-enlisted as a member of the navy, and was assigned to Farragut's fleet, doing duty at New Orleans. With that command he participated in the engagements at Spanish Fort, Fort Morgan and Mobile, and the Milwaukee, upon which lie served, was blown up in the last named action. At the close of the war, in 1865,' he received an honorable discharge and with a creditable military record he returned to his home.

In 1865 Mr. Gault became connected with the butchering business, in which he continued until 1885. He had the best conducted meat market in the city ,and his trade was therefore very extensive. It brought to him excellent success, but on account of his health he was forced to abandon further effort in that line. Since then he has been engaged in the live-stock commission business, and is connected with agricultural interests, ow^ning a large farm of two hundred acres on the Winchester pike in Franklin county, and one of t^v'o hundred and fifty acres in Fairfield county. He was one of the organizers of the Columbus Driving Association in 1892, has since served as a member of its board, and' for the past five years has been its president. This association has one of the best tracks in the world and holds some of the best trotting meets in the United States. At the one of 1900 they lowered the record for the three fastest heats hitherto made. The purses amounted to forty thousand dollars, and about two hundred and fifty horses were entered. Mr. Gault is also the president of the Columbus Stockyards Com- pany, which was organized in 1896, and previous to that time, for fifteen years, he was the president of the Central Ohio Stockyards Company. lie is an excellent judge of fine stock, and has done much toward encouraging the raising of a good grade of animals. He has also been a director and the vice-president of the Market Exchange Bank since its organization.

Mr. Gault married Miss Mary Bower, a daughter of David Bower, who in 1849 went from Columbus io California, in which state his death occurred. His wife passed away in 1893. Both were natives of Germany. Mr. Gault is a member of the Presbyterian church, although for a number of generations the religious faith of the family was that of the Lutheran denomination, and his wife belongs to the German Lutheran church. Since 1865 Mr. Gault has been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In political sentiment he is a stalwart Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of party principles. He was the candidate 'for sheriff in 1892 and is well known as a worker in Republican ranks. In business circles he sustained- an enviable reputation by reason of his straightforward methods. His life history most happily illustrates what may be obtained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest purpose, and while his labors have been of personal benefit, at the same time they have contributed to the material welfare of the community in no uncertain manner.

Samuel A. Decker

The family of Decker which was represented at Columbus, Ohio, by the late August Stoner Decker, mayor of the city from 1846 to 1850. and by his son, Samuel Decker, is an old one in the United States, especially in Pennsylvania, where the late Mayor Decker's ancestors settled when they emigrated from Germany many years ago, and where his grandfather was born and enlisted iov service in defense of American liberty in the Revolutionary war. There Michael Decker, son of this pioneer and father of the late August S. Decker, was born, and there he married Mary Stoner; and their son, the future mayor of Columbus, was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 18 18.

In 1822, when their son was four years old, Michael and Mary (Stoner) Decker emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio and located at Columbus, where Mr. Decker, wdio was a millwright, carried on business until his death, in 1858. Be was a pushing, energetic man, and no less patriotic than progressive, and, following in the footsteps of his father, he did what he could to help America to whip the British in the war of 1812. August Stoner Decker was educated in the public schools at Columbus, and while yet a mere youth became a clerk in a dry-goods store. In 1840 he engaged in the drygoods business on his own account, and in 1853. with a Mr. Hibbs as a partner, he embarked in the wholesale grocery business, which he continued until his retirement, about 1868. Politically he was a Whig, later a Republican, and he took an active part in politics and held many positions of honor and trust. He was for twelve or fourteen 3'ears a member of the city council, served as mayor from 1S46 to 1850, was director of the Franklin county infirmary, was a member of the board of education of the city of Columbus from 1846 to 1850, and was for many years a trustee and steward of the Town Street Methodist Episcopal church, while for twenty-six years he was superintendent of its Sunday-school, giving much time and contributing liberally of his means to advance the interests of his church. In all these positions he sustained a high character and was noted for his firmness and integrity. He was a man of great industry and faithfulness, and never counted any work beneath him in fulfilling duties devolving upon him, and from his youth was most temperate in all his habits.

Mr. Decker married Miss Martha Crum, a daughter of Christian Crum, who came from Virginia to Ohio about 1822 and located at Franklinton. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Decker were born the following children: Harriet E. married Olmsted Gates, formerly a jeweler at Columbus, now a resident of Hartford, Connecticut. Samuel August was born in 1842 and was educated in his native city, Columbus, In 1861, at the age of nineteen, he went from college to the seat of war as a member of the Eighty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served as first lieutenant of Company H for three months in the Army of the Cumberland. Later he was appointed general delivery clerk in the Columbus postofiice, in which position lie served eighteen years or until his retirement in 1887. Charles Decker also served in the Eighty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private. After the war he engaged in business at Nelsonville, Athens county, Ohio, where he died in 1880, leaving a widow, Mrs. Mary (Cotton) Decker, now of Columbus. Another daughter of our subject married Ottowell Hoffman, who is a well-known druggist at Columbus. Michael Decker, deceased, was for some years in the jewelry business in Columbus in connection with his brother-in-law, Olmsted Gates.

Samuel August Decker was born on East Rich street, and for many years lived on that thoroughfare, where his father located in 1852. He is now a resident of Nyack, New York.

George D. Freeman

One of the prominent citizens of Columbus, Ohio, who has taken an active part in many of the improvements which have made it one of the most beautiful cities in the state, is George D. Freeman, the subject of this sketch. He was born at Ovid, Franklin county, Ohio, August 11, 1842. Flis father. Usual W. Freeman, together with his mother, Margaret (Christy) Freeman, came from New Jersey to Ohio in 1833. Usual Freeman served with distinction in the New York militia during the war of 181 2, and was also an assistant engineer for the city of New York during the platting of the part of the city north of Canal street; and his father, William Freeman, was a soldier of the Revolution.

George D. Freeman took advantage of the limited educational opportunities afforded by the common schools of his early days, at a later period supplementing the instruction thus obtained by attendance upon night schools. When but six years of age he lost his father, and at the age of eleven years he became the only support of his mother, and bravely did he assume the responsibility.

When still a lad he entered the studio of D. D. Winchester, then the leading artist of Columbus, but left the employ of this gentleman to become a page in the Ohio house of representatives, at the last session held in Odeon hall and the first held in the present capitol building. He received his appointment from Nelson H. Van Vorhees, the speaker of the first Republican legislature of Ohio. From here he entered the dry-goods house of Headly & Elerly, with whom he remained until 1866, when he was admitted as a junior partner in this firm. Later years found him the senior partner of Freeman, Staley & Norton, who were the successors of Headly & Elerly.

In 1880 Mr. Freeman withdrew from the dry-goods trade and entered the furniture business as a member of the firm of Halm, Bellows' & Butler, who were succeeded by Freeman, Halm & McAllister. Later Mr. Freeman withdrew from this business to establish the George D. Freeman Mantel Company, engaged in the manufacture of mantels and interior furnishings.

In 1878, on the organization of the state militia into the Ohio National Guard, Mr. Freeman, at the urgent request of the regiment, assumed command and became the colonel of the famous Fourteenth Ohio National Guard, in which capacity he served the state for thirteen years. The period of his command was marked with many trying ordeals, where bravery, good judgment and a cool head were very necessary attributes in a commanding officer. The well-remembered Cincinnati riots were among these occasions, and .it was at this time that Colonel Freeman's abilitie;s as a commander were shown. He brought peace and order out of the turbulent mob that surged through the streets of the city, endangering life and property. In 1890, through press of business, Colonel Freeman was obliged to resign his post. At the breaking out of the Spanish-American war Colonel Freeman was called tO' the position of acting assistant quartermaster general, and was. active at Camp Bushnell in equipping the troops for the front ; in fact, put up the camp. From there he was ordered to the duty of superintendent of the 'State arsenal, where he is still on duty; and he had two sons in the same Spanish war, - one son now in the Philippines, a lieutenant in the Nineteenth Infantry.

Our subject has taken a prominent part in all public enterprises, serving for some years on the county board of agriculture, and took an active interest in securing to the city the beautiful spot known as Franklin Park. This was not a political service, nor has he held any political office, although frequently pressed to do so.

Colonel Freeman has been before the public, in this state, for many years, and his reputation for integrity, energy and stability is unquestioned.

Colonel Freeman was married October 31, 1865, to Miss Julia A. Diemer, whose parents were pioneers in the settlement of central Ohio. A family of four children have been born of this union, - Harry D., Stanton S., George D. and Julia E.

Frank P. Dill

Frank P. Dill was born July 12, 1852, in Blendon township, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the county that in the earliest period of development in this section of the state came to the county, and through identification with its early interests aided" in its development and progress along lines of material and substantial improvement. These were strong men and true that came to found the empire of the west - these hardy settlers who built their rude domiciles, grappled w-ith the giants of the forests, and from the sylvan wilds evolved the fertile and productive fields which have these many years been furrowed by the plowshare. On both the paternal and maternal sides Mr. Dill is descended from pioneer ancestry. John Dill, the grandfather, was a native of Nova Scotia, and his wife was also born in the same country. In early life he w'as a seafaring man, and, having accumulated some money, he purchased a ship of his own, which was shortly afterward sunk at sea, so that he lost all that he had acquired. Subsequently he came to the United States, locating in Baltimore, ]\laryland. While on the voyage one of his two children died and was buried in the ocean. After arriving in Baltimore Mr. Dill took a contract to build an underground race for a mill, an extensive and important piece of work at that time. He successfully completed it, but his partner proved dishonest and defrauded' him of most of his profits. Later Mr. Dill erected a mill and carried on business on an extensive licale, but the commission men who handled his flour failed when heavily in debt to him, and thus Mr. Dill again suffered great loss. He saved just enough out of the wreck of his fortune to buy a farm of one hundred acres, and made the purchase in Mifllin township, Franklin county. Here he devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, and his industry and perseverance concjuered an adverse fate, so that at his death he left a fortune valued at ninety thousand dollars.

The parents of Frank P. Dill were Edward and Jane (Cooper) Dill. His father was born in Baltimore, Maryland, about 1820, and there grew 10 manhood, learning the miller's trade in his youth. When a young man he came to Ohio with his parents and his first employment here w-as on the construction of the canal which was then being builded through Columbus. After about a year spent in the capital city the family removed to Mifflin township, where the grandfather purchased a farm, and there he and his wdfe spent their remaining days. He became a prosperous agriculturist, acquiring seven hundred acres of land. Soon after the family took up their abode on the old homestead in Mifilin township Edward Dill went to the south and for four years conducted a wood yard on the Mississippi river, in the state of Mississippi. He then returned to Ohio and engaged in the operation of a portion of the home farm. After his marriage he purchased a farm of one hundred acres in Blendon tOAvnship, in the Cherry bottoms, and began agricultural pursuits on his own account, making his home there until called to Ins final rest. He was the owner of three hundred acres of rich land prior to his demise. In ante belliim days he supported the Whig party and was a strong opponent of slavery. Later, when the Republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined its ranks and earnestly advocated its principles. In the Presbyterian church he held membership, and his life was loyal to its teachings. He married Jane Cooper, who was

'ives. Her father was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, June 11, 1777, and there he was reared, learning the carpenter's trade in early life! In 1808 he came on horseback to Ohio and purchased between four and five hundred acres of land, a strip extending from the Hart road to the township line. He made the purchase for himself and his brother, William Cooper, and a brother-in-law, Isaac Harrison. All of this land is still owned by their descendants excepting one hundred and ten acres, which is known as the Harrison tract.

After making the purchase Mr. Cooper returned to Virginia, and on the 22d of September following he was married. Two weeks later he started with his bride for Ohio, making the journey in a four-horse wagon loaded with their household effects and those of Isaac Harrison. Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Harrison rode on horseback and drove the cattle. On^ their arrival the grandparents of our subject spent the first winter in Tobeytown, Fairfield county, and the following spring came to Franklin county,' living in their wagon while their log house was being built. The land was very heavily timbered, and wild game was found in abundance in the forests. Mr. Cooper was very fond of hunting, and kept the table well supplied with all kinds of wild meat. On their arrival they made sugar from the maple sap, and that was all the sugar they had through the following twelve months.' The nearest church was at Franklinton, but the minister would often stop at a house in the country and its owner would then notify his neighbors to quit work and congregate at his home in order to engage in service. Everything was primitive and new. The groceries were purchased in Chillicothe. but they depended mostly upon the farm and upon wild game to supply the table. Many hardships, inconveniences and trials were endured by the early settlers, but the land was made to yield its tribute under the effective endeavors of tlie pioneer. To establish a home amid such surroundings and to cope with the many privations and difiiculties which were the inevitable concomitants demanded an invincible courage and fortitude, strong hearts and willing hands. All these were characteristic of the pioneers whose names and deeds' should be held in perpetual reverence by those who enjoy the fruits of their toil. Mr Cooper was a Democrat in politics and for several years held the ofiice of township treasurer. A man of influence in the community, he was highlyrespected for his integrity, upright dealing and genuine worth. Of the Presbyterian church he was a leadmg member, and died in that faith October 30, 1861. His wafe, who was born in Augusta county, Virginia, April 27^ 1783, was a sister of Robert Craig, one of the w^ealthy rolling-mill operators and extensive slaveholders of Virgmia, and' a prominent figure in the cause of the Confederacy during the Civil w^ar, contributing largely to the cause of the south at that time.

It was to the Cooper family that came to Ohio in pioneer days that Mrs. Dill belonged. Grandmother Cooper died August 21, 1863. A member of the Presbyterian church, she was loved and respected by all wdio knew her. Mrs. Dill had six children, of whom four are yet living, namely : James, a resident farmer of Blendon township; Crawford, now a resident of Central College; Marcella, the widow of Huston T. Gould, who was a stock dealer of Blendon township; Frank P.; and Melissa, who was the wife of Charles Gastinger, of Blendon township, but is now deceased.

The subject of this review was only eighteen months old at the time of his mother's death. He then became an inmate of the home of his maternal grandfather, where he was reared to manhood. His education was acquired m the common schools, in Central College and in Westerville Union school, where he pursued a complete course of study. He was also a student in Otterbein University. On putting aside his text-books he spent one year on the farm with his uncle, William Cooper, w^ho then owned the old family homestead. His uncle was well known in Franklin county as a prominent Democrat, and for four years he was one of the commissioners of Franklin county. He died in 1882.

In 1878 Mr. Dill went to Texas, wdiere for three years he was engaged in farming and stock-raising, and also aided in building the Western Pacific Railroad from Weatherford, Texas, to the southern plains. In December, 1 88 1, he returned to Ohio, after disposing of his stock and interests in the south, and assumed charge of the farm belonging to his uncle, William Cooper, who was ill. He has since managed the property, and he and his aunt, Mary Ann, the only survivor of the family, own together two hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He is one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community, progressive in his methods of work and carrying on his labors along the line of advanced thought.

Mr. Dill is also identified with a number of fraternal organizations, including Blendon Lodge, No. 339, A. F. & A. M.; Mizpah Chapter, No. 38, Order of the Eastern Star; Rainbow Lodge, No. 327, I. O. O. F. ; Twilight Lodge, No. 383, of the Order of Rebekah; of Westerville Lodge, No. 2yT,, K. of P.; Blendon Grange, No. 708, Patrons of Husbandry; and also of the Pomona Grange of Franklin county. No. 22.

He keeps in touch with improved methods of farming and stock-raising through his membership connection with the Farmers' Institute, with the

State Horticultural Society and the Franklin County Horticultural Society. He has filled many offices in the lodges with which he is identified, and is regarded as a valued representative of those organizations.

Jacob Borror

Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity, and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor, and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes an important factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Mr. Borror, through such means, has attained a leading place amcpg the wealthy and representative men of Jackson township, and his wellspent and honorable life commainds the respect of all who know him.

In the township where he still makes his home, Mr. Borror was born April 14, 1832, in his father's house in the yard where he now resides, and is a representative of one of the oldest families of the county. His father, Jacob Borror, a native of Virginia, located here in 1809, being one of the first settlers of Jackson township, there being only two houses between his home and Columbus. On coming to the county he was accompanied by two brothers, and soon afterward was joined by his mother. Ln the midst of the unbroken forest he erected a cabin, and at once began to clear and improve his farm. He married Catherine Conrad, also a native of the Old Dominion, who died at the age of seventy-eight years, while he passed away at the age of fortyeio-ht. They ^\^ere the parents of nine children, all born on the old homestead where our subject now resides, but only three are now living, these being Joel, Jacob and Silas, all residents of Jackson township.

Of this family Jacob Borror is the sixth in order of birth. _ Reared m his native township, he assisted in the work of the farm for about mine months out of the year, while during the remaining three months: of winter he attended school in the primitive log school houses of that early day, beginning his education, however, in a church. He was about thirteen years of age when his father died and upon him and his brothers devolved the arduous task of clearing and improving the home farm.

On the 26th of January, i860, Mr. Borror was united in marriage with Miss Isabel T. German, who was born, reared and educated in Hamilton towniship, this county. Unto them were born seven children, six of whom are still living, namely : ^larv Alice, wife cA Michael Duff, of Hamilton township; Ida Belle, wife of S.'R. Shover, who lives with our subject; James M., who' married Mary Hagans and resides in Pickaway county ; Jacob C, wdio married Laura McCord aind makes his home in Jackson township; Otis H., who married Viola Swagler and also lives in Jackson township; Albert B., who married Leona Harvey and resides in the same township: and Xora ^lay, who died at the ag-e of thirteen months.

Upon his marriage Mr. Borror brought his bride to the old homestead in Jackson township, where they have resided uninterruptedly ever since.

Throughout his entire business career he has followed general farming and stock raising, and has met with marked success in his labors. He has invested largely in land, and is now the owner of eighteen hundred and thirty-five acres, all of which is now operated by his children with exception of one hundred and ninety acres in Pickaway county which he rents to other parties. He also has money out at interest, and is to-day the wealthiest man in Jackson township. His success is the result of honest, persistent effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing, and he has mack an untarnished record and unspotted reputation as a business man. In his political at^liations Mr. Borror is a Demo^ crat, and has filled the office of school director in his district.

Randolph Wilson Walton

The subject of this; sketch, Randolph Wilson Walton, correspondence clerk in the office of Governor Nash, is ecjually known as a writer and as an orator, and is one of the most prominent of the younger generation of politicians and journalists at Colum'bus, Ohio-. He was born at Woodsiield, Monroe county, Ohio, in a house which stood on the present site of the Lude home, October 15, 1870, a son of Dr. William Walton. The latter was a son of William Carlisle Walton, who was born at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and when a boy located with his father, James Walton, on a farm in Monroe county, Ohio, where hie rose to prominence as a citizen and as a Democrat. His death occurred in 1852. William Carlisle Walton studied law at Woodsfield and practiced his profession as long as he lived. He represented his fellow citizens in the state legislature and in the state senate, and at the time of his death was a candidate for congress. Governor Shannon was nominated in his place and was elected, and later became governor of Ohio. He married Miss Sidney Kygier, a daughter of Sidney Kyger, a pioneer settler o£^ Ohio.

Dr. William Walton w-as born in ]\Ionroe county, Ohio', in 1835, wasi educated at Washington, District of Columbia, and was graduated in medi-' cine in the medical department of Columbia College about 1859. Imme-i diately afterward he began the practice of his profession at Woodsfield. In 1863 he became snrgeon, with the rank of major, in the Tw^enty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until 1866, when he resumed practice at Woodfield. In 1877 he removed to Clarington, Monroe connty, Ohio, where he died in 1890. He gave strict attention to his profession and gained a high reputation as a surgeon and a general medical practitioner. He married Virginia Fitz-Randolph, daughter of Joel Fitz-Randolph, who came to Monroe county from Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and died there in 1865, aged seventy-one years. He w^as the first abolitionist in the county, was a "station master" on the underground railroad and was sheriff of the county. He developed from a Whig to a Republican, and was prominent not only as a politician but as a business man. He was born in

New Jersey, a son of James Fitz-Ranclolph, a Quaker, who lived near Plainfield. His wife was a daughter of Jeremiah Williams, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. He married Alary Ewart, who was lx)rn September 8, 1778, and came to ^^>tzel county, West Virginia, in 1785, locating on land on which he was buried, and which in the sixth generation of his descendants is owned by some of them. He was' a surveyor, filled the ofiice of justice of the peace and was commissioned lieutenant by Governor Beverly Randolph. Mr. Waltom's brother, William W. Walton, is also interested in politics, and hasi become well known as a member of a popular Republican glee club. His brother, Thomas E. Walton, is a resident of Boston, Massachusetts. His mother is the head of his household in Columbus.

Randolph Wilson Walton passed his childhood at Woo,dsfield and lived at Clarington from 1877 to 1893, '^^'hen he and his mother and two brothers removed to Columbus. His education was. obtained in the public schools at Clarington and at a business college in Columbus. He learned much in the office of the Clarington Independent, and more by reading, to which he devoted all his spare time. He began the study of medicine with his father, but the death of the latter two years later rendered it impossible for him to continue. At Columbus he acquired a knowledge of stenography, and while working in a drug store devoted himself to the study of law and hopes soon to be admitted to the bar.

Politics has always had a fascination for him, and though most of his relatives and some of his warmest friends were Democrats, he has always been a thorough and consistent Republican and has battled manfully for the principles of that party. He has contributed many able political articles to tie jMonroe Gazette, the New York Tribune, Ohio State Journal, Wheeling Intelligencer, American Economist and other well known journals. He made stump speeches before he was old enough to vote, and the first ticket he voted, in 1 89 1, had his name on it as a candidate for town clerk. In 1892 he made a hopeless race for the office of recorder of Monroe county on the Republican ticket. In 1893 ^^^ was one of the three delegates from Alonroe county to the state convention that nominated William McKinley for his second term as governor of Ohio. He has worked in every campaign since he has lived in Columbus, and in the fall of 1898, when Mr. Huggins was a candidate for congress, he made a favorable impression as a speaker. In the campaign of Mr. Swartz for the mayoralty he made about twenty speeches, at times two or three in an evening. He was one of Judge Nash's original supporters for governor before the convention, and was one of the organizers of the Young Men's Nash Club, and at its organization sounded the keynote to the Judge's canvass, and during the campaign that followed had numerous assignments as a speaker, which he filled in a manner that pleased his audiences and the state and county committees of his party; for his speeches were not confined to Columbus and Franklin county, but were made in other parts of the state upon assignments by the Republican state committee. The Ohio State Journal and other papers complimented him on, his success as an orator. He was active in the presidential campaign of 1900 and his services were in demand in Ohio, Illinois and West Virginia. He was appointed correspondence clerk im the office of Governor Nash January i, 1900.

Edward Evans

Among the well-to-do and successful farmers of Brown township is numbered the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A native of the north of Wales, he was born in Montgomeryshire, January 21, 1837, a-^'^d is a son of Edward and Jane (Hughes) Evans, also natives; of the same place, and the latter a daughter of Edward Hughes, a farmer of that country. Our subject's father was born about 1798 and throughout life followed the occupation of farming in his native land, where he died in 1848. The death of his wife occurred about 1866, when she was seventy-three years of age. To them were born seven children as follows : Evan went to the gold mines of Australia, and after working there for a time he obtained employment at his trade of puddler. He is now a resident of Wallaroo, of which town his son, John Evans, is mayor. Sina married John Griffiths and died in Wales. Edward, our subject, is next in order of birth. John married Miriam Jones and lives in Lancastershire, England. Thomas married Martha Ann Barlow and resides in Logan county, Ohio. Jane married John Jones and died in Columbus, Ohio. Mary first married David Jones and second \\'illiam Thickstone and died in Liverpool, England.

Edward Evans attended the common schools of his native land until fifteen years of age, but not being satisfied with the education he had acquired he afterward pursued his studies in night school for a time. The children were all young when the father died and were forced to earn their own livelihood at a tender age. Our subject began a seven-years apprenticeship to the stonecutter's trade, but at the end of three years he went to Liverpool, where he worked in a tea warehouse for three years. At Liverpool, England, April 14, 1859, he took passage on a sailing vessel. Monarch of the Sea, and after^ a voyage of four weeks landed in New York city, penniless, having had just enough money to buy his ticket to this country. After seven weeks spent in that city, he proceeded to Cincinnati, where he worked' in an iron foundry.

In 1861 Mr. Evans came to Franklin county, and was employed by farmers in Btowu township by the day and month until the fall of 1863, when he entered the service of his adopted country by enlisting in the First Ohio Cavalry, which became a part of Sherman's army and participated in the Kilpatrick raid around Atlanta and also in the Wilson raid and the battle of Selma, Alabama. Mr. Evans was mustered out at Hilton Head, South Carolina, in September, 1865, and returned to this county, where he worked as a farm hand until 1867.

In that year he married Miss Mary Ann Jerman, who w^as born in the city of Columbus, May 7, 1847, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth (Evans)

Jerman. By this union were born the fohowing children: Elizabeth Jane, wife of Jewett Bancroft, of Columbus; Alargaret Ann, wife of Christian Traftzer, of Brown township; Sarah, wife ot Edward Elliott, of Norwich township; Hattie, a school teacher; Bessie, at home; Emma, who died in July, 1900; Mary, who died in infancy; and a son, who also died in infancy, unnamed.

For twelve years after his marriage Mr. Evans engaged in farming on rented land, but in 1877 he purchased fifty acres across the road from his present farm. Upon that place he made his home from 1879 until 1890, when he moved to his present farm in Brown township. He owns one hundred and twenty-eight acres of valuable land divided into two farms, both under a high state of cultivation and wtW improved with good buildings. In 1897 his house w'as totally destroyed by fire, but has since been replaced by the beautiful residence which he now occupies. For the success that he has achieved in life he deserves great credit as he came to the new world empty-handed, and by industry, perseyerance and good management has acquired a good' home and comfortable competence. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Alton, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He has filled the office of school director and has served as trustee of his town for the long period of twenty years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concernied. Fraternally he is an honored member of West Jefferson Post, G. A. R.

James Ross

The value of faithfulness in small things has exemplification in these new century days in the advancement which is given public officials who have been conscientious in the performance of the duties seemingly trivial and unimportant. This idea is illustrated in the career of James Ross, of Columbus, Ohio, a brief account of which it will be attempted to give in this connection. Mr. Ross was born in Reynoldsburg, Truro township, Franklin county, Ohio, July 10, 1862, a son of Frederick and Christina (Grossman) Ross, both natives of Germany, who came to America in 1849, landing in New York and proceeding thence to Franklin county, Ohio, where they settled on the place now known as the Sullivan farm, west of Columbus, where Mrs. Ross died in 1862, 'Soon after having given birth to the subject of this sketch and where Mr. Ross died in 1866, when James Ross was scarcely more than four years old.

The child was taken by relatives and cared for until he was a sturdy boy with an early de\'eloped ambition to make his own way in the world. After that he lived principally among strangers, doing farm work and such other work as his hands found to do. He attended district schools and later the high school at Columbus and he managed to secure a commercial course in Bryant's college, at Columbus. After he completed his studies he was for a time employed as a clerk in a store, and later became deputy clerk under

John J. clerk of the court of FrankHn county, at Columbus, In 1888 he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Brice W. Custer and served in that capacity for four years. So satisfactory to the people was his performance of the duties thus devolving upon him that they elected him sheriff of Franklin county in the fall of 1891 and he began his administration of that high and honorable office, January i, following, and was re-elected in 1893, serving through a period of four years altogether. In 1897 he took a very active part in the campaign and defence of Horace L. Chapman, candidate for governor of Ohio and was a member of the Democratic state executive committee. He was a courteous opponent.

After his retirement from the oiffce of sheriff' he turned his attention to real estate operations, handling chiefly city property, in w-hich he has been successful, dividing his time between this interest and public interest of the county and state. He has served as chairman of the Democratic county executive committee and has done otherwise much effective political work. He is an Elk and a Knight of Pythias, and, while very popular in these orders he is no less so in business, political and social circles.

William J. Clark

William J. Clark, who is an engineer on a passenger train running betw^een Columbus and Indianapolis, was born in Springfield, Ohio, in the year 1857, and is a son of Samuel and Jane D. Clark, who have resided in Xenia, Ohio, since i860. His father lost both of his arms in the year 1863, but by determined purpose he worked on, his resolute spirit enabling him to continue his labors althofugh thus hindered'. He provided for his family, who have now grown to years of maturity. Llis children are : Mary Bell', William J., Samuel R., Margaret and Martha, Mary Bell died when two years of age. Samuel R. is now a bookkeeper of Xenia, Ohio; Margaret, a normal school graduate, is engaged in teaching and is living in Xenia"; while Martha died in that city July 9, 1899.

William J. Clark, whose name introduces this record, acquired his education in the public schools of Xenia and afterward learned the moulder's trade at that place. His railroad service dates from 1875, at which time he secured a position as brakeman on the Pennsylvania road, running out of Xenia. He was employed in that way for two months Avhen he met with an accident, breaking his collar bone. That caused him to abandon that occupation and he became a fireman on the same road, under engineer Nathaniel Collins. After four years he was made a freight engineer and subsequently promoted to passenger engineer, in which capacity he has since served. He has never had an accident since becoming fireman nor has he missed a day's' pay, for he has always! been found at his post of duty. He now has one of the best and most responsible runs on the limited trains between Columbus and Indianapohs. His promotion was well merited by close application, carefulness and ability. On the 25th of November, 1898, Mr. Clark was married, in Spring- field, Ohio, to Miss Cora Belle Rideiiour. Her father, Cyrus Rideiiour, was born in Graceham, Frederick county, Maryland, March lo, 1843, and her mother was born at Woodrick, Kent, England, January 9, 1848. They were married in Springfield, Ohio, and became the parents of the following children : Charles Edward, born September 27, 1871, was married in Springfield, Ohio, to Miss Minnie Smith, by whom he has two children. Charles and Mildred, and he is now engaged in the plumbing business in Springfield ; Florence May, born July 15, 1873, is at home; George Frederick, born March 23, 1876; Grace Vernon, the youngest, wasi born January 17, 1880, and died March 19, 1900, in Springfield, Ohio, at the age of twenty years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been born one son, William Earl, who was born August 13, 1899, and has one daughter, Grace Vernon, born on the 6th of February, 1901.

Two years ago J\Ir. Clark removed with his family from Xenia to Columbus, and they now occupy a new and attractive residence at No. 153 North E\ighteenth street. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and is a Royal Arch Mason, having held membership in Xenia Chapter, R. A. M., for many years. His wife is a member of the Eastwood Congregational church, of Columbus. They are people of genuine worth, whose many excellent traits of character have gained them many friends, whose high regard they have no difficulty to retain.

Herman H. Buck

One of the practical, enterprising and progressive farmers of Blendon township is Herman H. Buck, who is numbered among the native sons that the fatherland has furnished to Franklin county. He was born in Hanover, Germany, April i, 1850. His father, Frederick Buck, waS' also a native of the same province, born in 1826, and there he was reared to manhood and married. He wedded Miss Christina Bahne, who was born in Hanover, about 1824. In order to provide for his family the father followed agricultural pursuits, having been familiar with the work of the farm from early youth. In 1852, after the birth of our subject, their first child, he came with his wife to America, locating first in Schenectady-, New York, where he learned the trade of a broom-maker, following that pursuit in the east until 1854. In that year he came to Columbus with Charles Schwenker and Henry Behren and established the first broom factory ever conducted i'n Columbus. He followed that pursuit until about ten years ago, when he retired from active business life a.nd has since lived among his children. In politics^ he is a stanch Democrat. His wife died in 1899. They had eight children, of whom four are yet living, namely: Herman H. ; Frank; Mary, wife of Herbert Leech, of Blendon township; and Henry, also a resident farmer of Blendon township.

Herman H. Buck came to America in 1857 with his grandparents, and then joined his parents. His youth embraced a period of business activity, for at the early age of nine years he began work in his father's broom maiiufactory. His education was so badly neglected that when eighteen years of age he could nut write his own name, and he had come to rcahze how necessary and important is education in the world and he therefore began a course of study at night school in Columbus. Thereby he acquired a good knowledge of the branches of English learning wdiich fit one for practical duties, and in later years reading, study, experience and. observation have made him a \\t\\ informed man. When twenty years of age he left the parental roof and entered upon a business career in the employ of Toll & Wolfley, broom manufacturers, wdth whom he remained for about six months. On the expiration of that period he purchased the business, wdiich he removed to Toledo-, Ohio, wdiere he remained for four years, during which time he was united in marriage to Miss Regina Gillmeister, a native of Mecklenburg, Germany. In 1874 Mr. Buck returned to Columbus and after a short period' spent at his trade he was appointed on the police force, where he served for one year. He then resigned and again engaged in the manufacture of brooms. Ini 1884 he came to Blendon township, Franklin county, where he turned hisi atention to farming in connection Avith broom manufacturing, his home being upon the J. Geigle farm for three years. On the expiration of that period he removed to the Howard farm, where he followed his dual occupation for five years, and in 1892 he purchased the Sammis farm in Blendon towaiship, upon which he has since made his home. There he engaged in broom-making, following farming in only a limited degree until July, 1900, when he accepted the position of foreman in the factory of the penitentiary, operated by the National Broom Company. His thorough understanding of the business, excellent workmanship and superior executive ability well qualified him for this position and he has given excellent satisfaction asi manager oi the broom making interests there.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buck have been born eleven children, namely : Dora, the wife of William H. Budd, of Columbus ; Minnie, the wife of A. C. Longshore, a farmer of Blendon township ; Frank, Kate, Edward, Elizabeth. Herman H., Carry and Lydia, all of whom are yet under the parental roof, and Mary and Tilly died when young.

Mr. Buck is a stanch Democrat in his political affiliationsi and has served as township trustee, land appraiser and for many years has been a member of the school board, serving at 'the present time in that capacity. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend. He ha=i a iust appreciation of its importance and value in the practical affairs of life and lends his support and influence to the advancement of all measui^es wdiich he believes will prove of practical good to the schools. Socially he is connected with Blendon Lodge, No. 339, F. & A. M., and is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, while with Deerfoot Tribe, No. 113, Order of Red Men, he is also associated. While he does not held membership in any church, he and his wife are regular attendants on the services of the Lutheran church, and be contributed very liberally to its support. A publ'c spirited and prosfressive man, he wdthholds not his aid from any movement which he feelsi will contribute to the general good.

Christopher Davis

Among the residents of Franklin county who have reached the age of sixty-eight years, few can claim the honor of being a native son of the locality, but Christopher Davis, now a well known farmer of Pleasant township, was borni in Prairie township, September ii, 1833. The family is of Welsh lineage. His grandfather located in North Carolina and thence removed to Cynthiana, Kentucky. In 1808 he came to Ohio, locating on the present site of Galloway, in Prairie township, trading his Kentucky property for five hundred acres oi land. The journey to this state was made by wagon, and everything was in the primitive condition left by the hand of nature. After making some improvements upon his new farm Mr. Davis learned that someone had a prior claim to the land and he was forced tO' lose it. He then purchased a tract of ninety acres west of that place and erected a log cabin. He was probably the first settler in his section of the county. He afterward bought two hundred and fifty acres of military land, a part of which he sold and among his children divided the remainder, but again he learned that he had an imperfect title to the property and once more lost all that he had invested therein. The Indians were still quite numerous in the neighborhood when he came to Ohio, but he always maintained pleasant relations with them and they occasioned him no trouble. He aided in the arduous task of reclaiming the wild country for purposes of civilization and assisted in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of this portion of the state. One of his sons, Simon Davis, resided in the eastern portion of Prairie township, on part of the grandfather's farm.

Christopher Davis, the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, December 30, 1783, and during his boyhood accompanied his parents to Kentucky, residing at Cynthiana, where he married a Miss Locket. With his wife he came to Ohio and after a time settled on what is now the Lavely farm in Prairie township. At the time of the uprising of the Indians he enlisted for military service and the troops were on their way to reinforce Hull when they learned of the surrender. Christopher Davis, Sr., received a good education for his time. In an early day he would frequently go to Franklinton and aid in mustering in the men for frontier service. After coming to Ohio he lost his first wife, and on the loth of July, 1828, he married America Hickman, who was born in a little log cabin on the site of Franklinton, November 25, 1807, a daughter of Joseph Hickman, of Loudoun county, Virginia. At that place her father enlisted in the Colonial army and served throughout the war of the Revolution. He afterward came to Franklin county, Ohio, locating in Franklinton, where it i& supposed that he died of paralysis. When only twelve years of age Mrs. Davis had to begin earning her own living and for a long time she was employed as a domestic in the home of Michael Sullivan. She possessed excellent ability as a nurse, being particularly proficient in the care of little children, and she was often sent for to visit the homes of neighbors and pioneer people for miles around, making the necessary journey on horseback. Mr. Davis, the father of our subject, died December 31, 1856, in his seventy-third year, and his second wife passed away November 10, 1879. From the age of twelve years she was a member of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Davis also belonged, and they lived earnest and consistent Christian lives. In politics he was a Whig and was much interested in political affairs. By his first marriage he had four children : John, who died in Missouri ; Obediah, who died in Pleasant township, about 1874; William, whose death occurred in Franklin county in 1850; and James, who passed away at his home in Whitley county, Indiana, in 1865. The parents of our subject had nine children. The eldest, George Washington Mahlon, of Barton county, Missouri, served as a captain in an Ohio regiment, enlisting at the call for one-hundred-day men. Elizabeth became the wife of James Ward and removed to Indiana, where her husband joined a regiment for service in the war of the Rebelhon. He died in a hospital in Kentucky, and she was afterward twice married, her third husband being Christopher Smeltz. Their home is now in Walkerton, Indiana. Christopher, of this review, is the next of the family. Jeremiah died in childhood. Joseph makes his home in Walkerton, Indiana. Smith W. died in that place in 1892. Ruhama became the wife of John Lavely and died in Prairie township; Jennie is the wife of George Burton, of Terre Haute, Indiana. Jesse died in Terre Haute, December 26, 1900.

In the midst of the wild scenes of pioneer life Christopher Davis was reared to manhood. The family home was a log cabin and few were the privileges and luxuries wdiich were enjoyed by the frontier settlers. Pie acquired the greater part of his education in the subscription schools. The first school which he attended was held in a private dwelling and was taught by Miss Sarah Ann Welsh. Later a hewed-log building was erected to be used as a school and therein he pursued his education, under the direction of Mr. Frisseil and Mr. Neff. He attended only through winter terms, for in the summer months his services were needed upon the home farm. He began lo work in the fields when a small boy and soon became familiar with all the departments of farm labor. In those days he would break the corn off the stalks and it was then taken to the barn, where the merry corn huskings were held. Mr. Davis also attended many log rollings, at which all the men and larger boys of the neighborhood would gather. Two men would then choose sides and divide the ground, and the side which succeeded in accomplishing its work first was proclaimed victorious. On account of his father's ill health Mr. Davis assumed the management of the home farm and after his father's demise he cultivated the place for his widowed mother until his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 2d of April, 1861, the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia Ann Scott, who was born on the farm where our subject now resides, her parents being William and Martha (Upp) Scott.