Columbus City (part 29 of 57)

Mr. Pheneger is interested in the dairy business in connection with general farming, his land comprising eighty-four acres and the tract is' well improved and highly cultivated. Upon the farm are found all modern conveniences and accessories, and everything about the place denotes his faithful supervision. In his political views he votes with the Democracy, taking an active working interest in his party's welfare.

Hanson N. Myers

When the tocsin of war sounded in the middle of the nineteenth century and there were four years of bloodshed Hanson N. Myers responded to the call of his country, and with loyal heart and unfaltering courage went to the front to aid in defending the Union. Throughout the period of hostilities he followed the starry banner of the nation, and when the war was ended he returned to his home with a most creditable military record. A debt of gratitude is due to the soldiers that can never be repaid, but while memory lasts young hearts will be thrilled with the story of their heroism and fortitude.

]\Ir. Myers, who is now living in North Columbus, is a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, born December i, 1839. He was reared in the town of Tarlton, that county, and is a son of Samuel and Matilda (Hedge) Myers, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They became early settlers of Pickaway county, Ohio, where both attained to a ripe old age, but have now passed away. Our subject acquired a common-school education lie followed until the time of his enlistment for service in the Union army. He made an attempt to join the First Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but was not accepted on account of being under size. Later, however, he joined Company B, of the Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, for three months' service, and went to Camp Dennison, where the regiment remained until the time had expired. He received his discharge at Columbus and again went to his home, but on the 7th of October, 186 1, he was enrolled among the boys in blue of Company I, Fifty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in as sergeant. From Columbus the regiment was transferred to the scene of conflict in Kentucky, under General Lew Wallace. They left the boat on" the Tennessee river and formed into line of battle at Fort Donelson, where the rebels were soon afterward forced to surrender. The command then proceeded southward, taking part in the engagement at Shiloh, the brigade to which Mr. Myers was attached opening the battle at that place on Sunday morning. Following that engagement the Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry was at Corinth, Mississippi, later at Alilliken's Bend, Louisiana, on the 28th and 29th of December, 1862. They proceeded to Helena, Arkansas, and i\Ir. Myers, being taken ill, was sent to the hospital at St. Louis, Missouri. When he had partially recovered he was sent home, being mustered out, however, in St. Louis. He was discharged on the 28th of October, 1862, and after recuperating his health he re-enlisted, on the 20th of February, 1863, as a member of Company M, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered in as a private. He was then transferred to the front, joining his regiment at St. Louis, whence he proceeded to Tennessee, taking part in the battle of Stone River on the 31st of December, 1862, and on the 2d of January, 1863. He also participated in the engagement at Elk River, on the 2d of July of the latter year ; Chickamauga, on the 20th of September ; Washington, Tennessee, October i, 1863; Painted Rock, October 30; Cleveland, Tennessee, November 27; and Calhoun, Tennessee, on the i6th of December, 1863. In the following year he participated in the engagements at Decatur, on the 20th of May; Aloulton, Alabama, on the 29th of May; Lovejoy Station, August 20; and the Atlanta campaign. On the ist of April, 1865, he was in the engagement at Ebenezer, Georgia, on the following day took part in the battle at Columbus Church, Georgia, and was mustered out of service September 13, 1865, in Columbus, Ohio. His record is one of thrilling interest, for from first to last his was an active service upon the field of battle. During the dififerent terms of his enlistment he never missed an engagement in which his regiment participated. He displayed bravery and loyalty of a high order, and he has every reason to be proud of his military record.

Upon his return to civil life Mr. Myers resided in Pickaway county for a time, but about twenty years ago came to Columbus, where he has since remained, his home being now in North Columbus. He was married to Rachel Friend, and luito them has been born one son, A. J., who resides near his parents. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myers hold membership in tfie Methodist church and are worthy and consistent Christian people. He retains pleasant rela- tionship with his old army comrades throng-h his membership witli military organizations. He always attends the national annual reunions, and is interested and active in all soldiers' gatherings. Uurmg the recent war with Spain he made an effort to enter the service, but owing to his gray hairs and his advanced age he was not accepted. His son, however, joined the Fourth Ohio Regiment, as a member of the quartermaster's department, and did duty m Porto Rico. Fraternally Mr. Myers is connected with Curtis Lodge. No. 762, I. O. O. F., of Columbus, and in politics he is a Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the day which concerns the welfare of tne nation.

Jacob E. Slyh

Jacob E. Slyh, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Clmton township, and is accounted one of the most progressive ao-ricultunsts of Franklin county, was born at the place of his present residence May 30, 1831, his parents being Jacob and Emeline (Lakin) Slvh, honored pioneer settlers of the county. His boyhood davs were spent in 'his parentshome, his time being passed in a manner similar to that of pioneer lads of the period. He acquired his preliminary education in one of the primitive schools of the day - a log cabin with one window, a stick chimnev and puncheon floor. He subsequently spent a portion of one term in the college at Delaware but left that institution in April in order to aid in the work of the farm. Subsequently he was at different times for brief periods a student in Otterbein College, at Westerville, thus completing his education, which he obtained under serious difficulties, having to pursue his studies during the portions of lhe_ year when there was little to do upon the farm. In his early vouth he assisted m the labors of clearing and cultivating new land, for his father's farm was heavily timbered and it was necessary to clear away the forest trees and grub up the stumps ere the work of plowing and planting could be carried on. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until he had attained the oge of twenty-five years.

Mr. Slyh then completed arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage, on the 13th of December, 1855, to Miss Louisa Walcutt, a daughter of Robert and Susan (Legg) Walcutt, earlv settlers of Franklin countv. After their marriage they began their domestic life upon the farm where Mr. C5lyh now resides and which has been his home continuouslv since. To this worthy couple were born four children : Anna Maria ; William Henrv deceased ; Sarah Nattie Christina ; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Slyh is one of the enterprising and successful agriculturists of Franklin township, and to-day owns and operates one hundred and fiftv acres of land all of which IS under cultivation and supplied with substantial' and attractive improvements. He is energetic and diligent in the prosecution of his labors, and his industry and capable management have been crowned with a very desirable degree of success. He is recognized as one of the prominent and influential residents of the communitv. and has several times been called upon to serve in the capacity of township trustee. He was also justice of the peace for six months, school director for twenty-eight years and supervisor for many years. He is likewise a director of the Union Cemetery Association, in which capacity he has been associated with the organization through a long period, having been one of the incorporators. He has many times assessed his township, and in other public positions has discharged his duties with the utmost fidelity and promptness. He has ever been interested in all that tends to promote public progress and the general good, and is an enterprising citizen, actively co-operating in everything calculated to advance the general welfare. In igoo he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, Avho passed away on the 14th of July, at the age of sixty-two years, eight months and eight days. She was a consistent Christian woman, holding membership in the Episcopal church, to which Mt. Slyh also belongs, having been identified therewith for many years. Both he ancThis wife took an active part in religious work, and were people of broad charity and sympathy. Mr. Slyh has almost reached the age of four-score years and ten, but is a wellpreserved man yet, actively connected with business and public affairs. His entire life has been passed in Franklin county, and those who have know-n him from youth entertain for him the warmest regard, a fact which indicates that his career has ever been worthy of respect and emulation.

John Clark

John Clark is one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of Perry township, Franklin county. Few, indeed, of the settlers of this portion of the state can claim to have spent eighty-two years in this section, but this honor was justly accorded Mr. Clark, wdio was born on the old family homestead in Franklin county in 1819. His father, Uriah Clark, settled on the site of the Dublin Bridge January 28, 1815. The family is of English lineage, the grandfather of our subject having been born in England. \Vhen Uriah Clark came to Ohio he secured from the government one hundred acres of wild land and established his home in a little log cabin. He was a successful farmer, and lived and died in Perry township, where he carried on agricultural pursuits, his energy and labors bringing to him a handsome return. Although he started out in life a poor man, he accumulated a good property. He married Miss Nancy Pfeififer, the wedding being celebrated in Franklin county, although the lady was a native of Kentucky, her birth having occurred in 1800. They became the parents of eight children, namely: John, Samuel, Daniel, Lucy Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth, Martha and Cornelius. For a number of years Mr. Clark filled the office of justice of the peace, and also served as trustee, discharging the duties of both positions in a capable and satisfactory manner. He died in 1856, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife has also passed away. She was a deeply religious woman and wath her husband shared in the high regard of all with whom they came in contact. In politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat.

_ John Clark, whose name introduces this review, was reartd on the old iamily homestead near Dublin, amid the wild scenes of frontier life He received a hmited education in the common schools, and early assisted in the work ot clearmg the land and preparing it for the plow, giving his father the beneht of his services until he attained his majoritv. He then left home and, like most young men who start out upon a business career, secured a companion and helpmeet on the journey of life. He married Aliss Catherine Urtan, the wedding being celebrated when he was twenty-five years of ao-e bhe IS a daughter of John Urtan, one of the early settlers of Franklin countv who came to Ohio from Virginia. About a year after their marriage Al'r' and Mrs Clark removed to Delaware countv. Ohio, settling on a tract of ^vlld land, where they lived for four years. He erected a cabin and cleared about thirty acres of the land, but afterward returned to Perrv township and subsequently he bought a small farm in Union county Ohio where he carried on agricultural pursuits for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Perry township, where he has since remained, havinotor thirty-four years lived upon his present farm. He owns two hundred and sixty acres of valuable land out in Perry township, and the rich, alluvial soil returns splendid crops for the care and labor bestowed upon it '

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been blessed with ten children namely: Nancy, Maria, Milton, Holmes, Emma, Uriah, Josie. Martha Emilv and Dudley, the four last mentioned being the only ones living. The parents hold membership in the Christian church, and Mr. Clark has been a lifelonoiJemocrat; he cast his first presidential vote for ^lartin Van Buren

_ He is now well preserved for one of his vears. There is a particular satisfaction m reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the impress ot the historic annals of the state of Ohio from the earlv pioneer davs and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic'and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the countv where he has retained his residence until the present time; being now one of the revered patriarchs ct the community.

Daxiel M. Slyh

Daniel Isl. Slyh is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of Frankhn county, and is the second child of Jacob and Emeline (Lakin) blyh. He was born m Clinton township May 8. 1830. and his earlv education was obtained in the primitive schools common in the county. H'is father -vvas a prosperous man and was ambitious to give his children good practical education. Daniel Slyh was therefore sent to Otterbein University where he pursued his studies for two terms and diligentlv applied himself' to the mastery of the English branches of learning. During the time not ^pent in the school room he aided in clearing his father's land and developed it into highly cultivated fiekls. It was during the period of his earlv marriao-e that the arduous task of cutting down the great forests of Ohio and making their places cultivable fields was carried on, and in other work Mr. Slyh has borne his part. He chopped and hauled hundreds of cords of wood, which was disposed of on the Columbus market, often for a mere pittance. He can well remember when there were no houses north of Gay street in the capital city, and has cradled wdieat in the fields within the present site of Fourth and Fifth avenues and High street. For this laborious work he was well fitted by nature, being endowed with a strongly knit frame, wdiich gave him immunity from the exhaustion of hard and incessant labor. He remained under the parental roof uniil twenty-three years of age, and then made preparations for a home of his own by his marriage, on the 3d of November, 1853, to Miss Rosalthe, a daugliter of Martin and Mary (Osborne) Griswold, who located in Blendon township, Franklin county, in 1808. After his marriage he located upon a farm of two hundred and fourteen acres in Perry township, given him by bis father. At that time the land was but partially improved. After long years of hard toil he brought it to its present highly cultivated condition. Flere he yet resides, spending the evening of his life within sight of the scenes that have been familiar to him throughout his entire career. He has long been recognized as a representative citizen of the community, aiding in all movements which his judgment informs him are for the public good. He l:as never been an aspirant for office, yet he has been officially identified with township affairs.

To Mr. and Mrs. Slyh and his estimable wife have been born seven children, five of whom are yet living, namely : Ida Mary, \\\it of Hiram Richards, of Perry township; Clarence H., a merchant of North Columbus; Miriam, wife of Dr. John Gordon, a prominent physician of North Columbus; Almeda E., wife of W. H. Baker, of Trenton, Missouri; and Etta R., who since her mother's death has presided over her father's home. In 1895 Mr. Slyh was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the I5tli of ]\Iarch. She was born in Illinois April 10, 1835, and during her childhood came with her parents to this county. She possessed many excellent qualities of mind and heart, being a devoted Christian and a loving and tender wife and mother. She held membership in the Episcopal church throughout the greater part of her life, and jMr. Slyh is also one of its communicants. Long has he been numbered among the leading and influential agriculturists of Franklin county. His career has been one of honest industry, and his labors have resulted in bringing to him a gratifying competence.

Thomas Johnston

Thomas Johnston, deceased, was one of the early born citizens of Franklin county, iiis birth occurring in Hamilton township, December 7, 181 1. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Stewart) Johnston, were both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born January 2^, '^777^ the latter December 30, 1782, and in that state thev were united in marriage October 14. 1801. In

1S05 they migrated to Ohio, locating in the forest of Hamilton township, this county, wliere the father purchased land. He first built a barn, in which the family lived until a residence could be erected, and to the improvement and cultivation of his land he devoted his energies until called to his final rest, December 6, 1829. After his death his widow continued on the farm, where she reared her family. Of the thirteen children born to them five reached adult age, namely: William, Frank, Thomas, Edmund and Samuel, all now deceased. The father entered quite a large tract of land from the government, and became one of the prosperous and influential citizens of his community, representing his district in the state legislature for a time.

In the midst of pioneer scenes Thomas Johnston grew to manhood on the home farm, and early became inured to the arduous task of clearing the wild land and converting it into productive fields. On the 19th of December, 1839, l''^ l^d to the marriage altar Aliss Eliza Brobeck, a daughter of William and Rebecca (Baker) Brobeck, who were born, reared and married near Staunton, Virginia, and at the time of their emigration to Ohio had six children: Philip and Mahala, deceased; Eliza; Joseph; Rebecca, deceased; and Sarah. In this country three others were added to the family circle, namely : William; John, deceased; and George. It was in 1825 that the Brobeck family came to Ohio, and after spending a year in Clinton county moved to Perry township, Franklin county, locating on the land now owned by James T. Miller. The parents both died of cholera in September, 1852, within twenty-four hours of each other, at about the age of sixty-five years, both being born in the same week. Mr. Brobeck was a member of a Virginia regiment in the war of 1812, and in religious belief was a [Methodist, while his wife was a lifelong member of the Lutheran church.

After his marriage Mr. Johnston located on a farm in Perry township, which had been partially cleared and upon which a log cabin had been erected. Fle inherited three hundred acres of land from his father's estate, and became one of the most successful and leading agriculturists of his community, as well as one of its most highly respected citizens. He was an active and prominent member of the Presbyterian church, in which he served as elder for more than a quarter of a century, and his life was ever in harmony with his professions. His death occurred December 4, 1877. His widow still survives him. She was born in Virginia, and was eight years old when brought by her parents to this state. A most estimable lady of many sterling qualities, she has a large circle of friends throughout Franklin county, who appreciate her sterling worth. Of her two children, the younger, Sarah E., died in childhood.

William A. Johnston, the only son of Thomas and Eliza (Brobeck) Johnston, and the only male representative of the family in Franklin county, was born in Perry township March 12, 1841. and was educated in the common district schools and Miller Academy at Washington, Ohio, but after one year spent at the latter institution his eyes became so seriously affected by study that he was foced to leave school. Since then he has successfully engaged in farming on the old homestead. He was married April 2, 1862, to Miss JNIillie, daughter of Thomas Legg, a pioneer of this county. By this union were born three children, namely: iVda L., wife of N. F. Pheneger; Harlan L., who married Dora Lisk, of Lima, Ohio ; and Gertrude, wife of Charles R. Slyh. The family is one of considerable prominence in this community.

Louis Heinmiller

Formerly a well known resident of Columbus, Ohio, Louis Heinmiller, now deceased, is well remembered as a fine German scholar and a successful business man as' well as an honest public official. He was born in Columbus in 1838, his death occurring September 5, 1899, when he was sixty-one years old.

-Louis Heinmiller was the son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Bonafelt) Heinmiller, who came to this city about 1833, from Germany, their native land. They were people of worth, living to be eighty-three and sixty-two years' of age, respectively. Mr. Heinmiller was educated in the public schools and when of proper age entered another school, that of the printing office, also becoming a pupil at night school. He was both industrious and ambitious and in time became the foreman of the Myers Printing House, of this city, retaining this responsible position from 1865 to 1881. During eight years of this time he was engaged in translating into German all of the state papers upon public institutions, - a work of great magnitude.

A Democrat in his political views, Mr. Heinmiller took great interest in the public affairs of his city and county. He was elected sheriff, October 29, 1 88 1, and served for two terms. For four years he was a member of the city council, 1885-89, from the eleventh ward, and was also a member of the Democratic county and city committees.

The marriage of Mr. Heinmiller took place in i860, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza Wilson, a native of Connecticut, who had come to this city with her parents in 1849. She was a daughter of John Jameson and Lydia (Snyder) Wilson, natives of Hartford, Connecticut. The Wilson family originally emigrated from Pennsylvania to Connecticut and settled in Hartford, where John' Wilson, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Heinmiller, was a teacher and entered into service in the Revolutionary war. Her grandfather, Robert Wilson, was a lieutenant of the militia company in the w^ar of 181 2, and was a surveyor. Her father, J. J. Wilson, was a stationary engineer by profession, attending closely to his line of work until his death, at the age of eighty-one years, in 1896.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Heinmiller consisted of seven children, as follows: William, Henry and Albert, grocers on Mound street and active members of the Democratic party: Frank H., at home: Anna E., the wife of Charles Beck, of Columbus; Henrietta, the wife oi William Wienman, of Columbus; Lla Frances, the wife of Delmer Harrington, of Colum- bus; and Myrtle ^lay, the wife of Frederick Sniff, of the same city. The entire family is one well known and highly respected in Columlnis. For twenty-one years one brother of Mr. Heinmiller was chief of the city fire department, two others being John and AVilliam Heinmiller, in business in this place. Mrs. Heinmiller still resides in the pleasant residence built by her husband in 1865, on one of the beautiful streets of the capital city of Ohio.

William L. Pinkerton, who is successfully engaged in the practice of niedicine in Galloway, w^as born in Ohio county, West Virginia, on the 2d of February, 1840, and traces his ancestry back to the green isle of Erin. His great-grandfather, a native of that land, sailed from Londonderry to the new world and became a resident of Pennsylvania, where his remaining days were passed. He had three sons, one of whom was William Pinkerton, the grandfather of our subject. He was born in Pennsylvania and there acquired his education. Removing to West Virginia, he located near the line between Ohio and Pennsylvania, and there he engaged in teaching school for several years. He was married just across the Maryland line to a Miss Littig, and several years later he removed to Ohio, afterward taking up his abode in Mnton county, where he spent his remaining days, dying when between forty and forty-five years of age.

John White Pinkerton, the father of our subject, was born in West Virgmia, and married Miss Susan Burroughs, of the Old Dominion. They located in Ohio county, where the mother died in 1841. The father afterward came to Ohio, and died in Vinton county in 1843. Their children were: Amanda, who became Mrs. De Garmo, ancl died in West Virginia; Z^Iary C., wife of William Birkey, of Franklin county; Thomas Benton, who for thirty years has been engaged in teaching school as principal, in ^loncluva Lucas county; and William L.

The Doctor was eighteen months old at the time of his mother's death, and was left an orphan when three years of age. He went to live with John B. Wdson, by w^hom he was reared until he was nineteen years of age. In that tim.e he pursued his education in the common schools and became f'amiliar with the various duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He had a good home, being regarded as a member of the familv. When a young man of nineteen years he came to Ohio and secured a pos'ition as teacher in district Xo. I, of Prairie township, Franklin countv. He remained there during the winter of 1859-60. and also through the succeeding winter. On the 22d of April, 1861, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he responded to his country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion in its incipiencv. and joined Company B, of the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Captain James H May and Colonel I. H. Morrow. He served until June 20, 1864, when he was honorably discharged by reason of the expiration of his three years' term of service. He participated in the engagements at Rich Mountain. Perrv- ville and Stone River, the last named occurring during the winter of 1863-4. Subsequently he was on detached service under Colonel A. D. Street, of the Sevent3^-second Indiana, and was also with the Third Ohio, Seventy-second Indiana and the Eighty-eighth Indiana. He was almost continuously engaged in skirmishing. He participated in the battle of Sand Mountain, in Alabama, and kept up a running fight for almost five days. With thirteen hundred others he was captured near Rome, Georgia, and taken to Atlanta, where he met his uncle, Samuel Pinkerton, who was in the Confederate service as a chaplain. Mr. Pinkerton knew he was at that point and sent for him. The uncle came and asked to see the young man, who besought him to aid him in making his escape. He also complained of hunger, and the uncle replied that he would get him something to eat, but Mr. Pinkerton said that if he could not get something for his comrades he did not want it. He was sent from Atlanta to Knoxville, thence to Belle Isle, where he remained for two weeks, and thence he was paroled to Camp Chase, Columbus, arriving there in July, 1863. His regiment took part in the Holmes county raid at Fort Fizzle, where the Amish had resented the draft. He afterward assisted in the capture of Morgan, and was sent with his regiment to Nashville. Soon afterward he went into the Sequatchie valley, at the time the army was gathering for the battle of Chattanooga, his regiment being engaged in guard duty along the railroad. In the winter of 1863-4 they were on the Tennessee river near Kellogg's Landing, and later he w^as sent to Chattanooga, where he did guard duty until June, 1864. From there he was sent home to be discharged at Camp Denison, on the 20th of June.

In July following Dr. Pinkerton went to Helena, Arkansas, to act as guard on a cotton plantation, and there he remained until Christmas time. He then returned home, where he continued until the spring of 1865. and w^as engaged in teaching school in Franklin towship. He spent the summer or 1866 at work upon a farm in Franklin tow^nship, and in August of that year he married Miss Emily Demorest, of that township, a daughter of Gilimus snd Lucinda (Peterson) Demorest. Her great-grandfather was a blanket weaver mider LaFayette's command in the time of the war of the Revolution. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children: Charles G.. who married Ida C. , and is living in Galloway; Louis L., who died in

After his marriage Dr. Pinkerton engaged in teaching in Franklin township, in the winter of 1866, and spent the summer months of 1867-8 on the home farm. In the meantime he devoted his leisure hours to the study of medicine, and in the spring of 1869 he went to Delaware, Ohio, where he medicine under the direction of Dr. T. B. Williams. He was a student in the Starling Medical College from 1869 until 1871, being graduated in March of the latter year. In June of that year he began practice in Oswego, Kansas, and in 1873 he returned to Ohio, for the climate of the west did not agree with his wife's health. In July of the same year he took up his abode in Galloway, where he opened an office, and in ]\Iarch, 1875, he went to Broadway, Union county, Ohio, where he remained for a year. On the expiration 'A that period he came to Galloway, where he has since made his home, enjoying a large practice. He is a member of the Cincinnati. Ohio, Medical Society, and is 2 physician of skill, whose well-directed efforts have brought to him a good return for his labors.

In igoo the Doctor was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 6th of February, in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she had for some years been an active and consistent member. The Doctor belongs to the church, and is serving as steward. In politics he is a stalwart Republican. For a number of years he has been a member of \Y. H. Elliott Post, G. A. R., and he formerly belonged to Libby Post at Georgesville, of W'hich he was commander. He also holds membership relations with Prairie Lodge, No. 662. I. O. O. F.. and with ^ladison Lodge, No. 221. F. &" A. M. The Doctor is a well-known citizen of Franklin county, and takes a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community along the lines of substantial progress and intellectual development.

A physician and pharmacist, Milton H. Virden is one of the rising young representatives of the medical fraternity of Franklin county, carrying on blisiness at the corner of Fifth and Cleveland avenues, in Columbus, where he has a well-appointed pharmacy and office. He is a native of Marion. Marion county, Ohio, born in 1859, his parents being Theodore W. and Sarah Virden, both of whom were natives of the state of Delaware. The former came to Ohio about 1835, when fifteen years of age. He was a farmer by occupation and one of the substantial and respected citizens of Marion county. During the period of the Civil war he took an active part in raising money with which to encourage enlistments in the northern army. To him and his wife were born eight children, seven sons and one daughter. The father died in 1899, at the age of eighty-four years, and the mother passed away in 1870, at the age of fifty-seven.

In the public schools of ]MariQn county. Ohio, Dr. Virden pursued his elementary education. He possessed studious habits and devoted himself assiduously to the mastery of the branches forming the curriculum in the common schools. He made the best of his opportunities and became a good English scholar before entering the normal school at Lebanon. Ohio, in which institution he pursued his studies for four years. He took both literarv and scientific branches in the Lebanon Normal Extension, a replete curriculum, but just before completing the four years' course he was taken ill and had to leave the school a few days before the time of graduation. On recovering his health he entered the Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie. New York, in which he was graduated with the class of 188 1, winning a diploma upon the completion of the pharmaceutical course. The same vear he secured employment m the drug store of Dr. J. M. \\'ood, of Larue, Ohio, where he remained for some time in the capacity of prescription cLerk. He afterward purchased a half interest in the business from his employer, and the partnership was continued until the store and its contents were destroyed by lire, which unfortunately occurred a few days after the insurance had expired, entailmg a total loss.

Subsequently Dr. Virden estal^lished himself at the same place and conducted his enterprise for three years, meeting with a very gratifying degree of success. On the expiration of that period he sold out. In 1890 he began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. William Shira, a prominent antl well-known physician of Larue, and in 1891 he matriculated in the Ohio ]\JedicaI College, being one of the nine students who were in the school in the opening year. There he pursued the regular course and graduated in 1894. Liimediately afterward he opened an office on Front street, in Columbus, where he successfully practiced for a year, and then removed to his present location on Fifth and Cleveland avenues, where by assiduous attention to his professional duties he has built up a lucrative and constantly growing practice. In 189Q he erected a store building, which he stocked with a complete assortment of drugs and other such goods usually found in a first-class establishment of the kind, and that branch of his business is also proving prcfitable.

The Doctor was married to Miiss Louie Burke, formerly of Urbana, Ohio, and unto them has been born a son, George Leon, now a bright young lad of ten years. The Doctor is a member of the Academy of Medicme, of Columbus, and belongs to various fraternal organizations, holding membership with Lodge No. 32, B. P. O. E., of Marion, Ohio, with Champion Lodge, Xo. 105, K. P., of Columbus, and the Olentangy Tribe of Red Men. He is a social, genial gentleman, interested in all that pertains to the welfare of tlie capital city, and he has a large circle of warm friends, his friendship being best prized by those who have known him longest.

Henry Kiner

Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of Ohio is the subject of this review. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an earnest purpose. Litegrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points in his success, and his connection with the agricultural interests of Franklin county have been a decided advantage to this section of the state, promoting its material welfare in no uncertain manner, while bringing to him a financial return that numbers him among the wealthy men of his community. He has justly won the distinction of being what the public term a self-made man.

Henry Kiner was born December 10, 1838, in the old family homestead in Franklin county, and is the only surviving child of Casper and Elizabeth (IMock) Kiner. His father was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and there formed the acquaintance of and married ^liss jNIock, a daughter of

Michael Mock. In 18 18 he came to Ohio, first locating in Coshocton county, where he purchased land upon which he resided for a time. In 1823 he came to this county, locating in Clinton township, where he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land in partnership with Mr. Mock, paying for the same five dollars per acre. It was a swampy tract, covered with a forest. He Duilt a log cabin of one room, doing all the work himself, and in the construction of the little home he used no nails, for they w^ere very expensive and could hardly be obtained at any price. Into this pioneer cabin of round poles he removed with his wife and children. His financial resources were very limited, and in order to provide for his family he had to work for other people. As his sons grew older he began clearing the land and in the course of time placed it under a high state of cultivation. The parents spent their remaining days on the homestead. They were honest, industrious people, worthy the respect of all. Air. Kiner cared little for the honors of official position, yet in the early settlement of this township he served in the capacity of constable. Both he and his wife were devoted Christian people, and he held membership in the Presbyterian church, while his wife belonged to the Alethodist Episcopal church. They had a family of ten children, two or three having been born before their removal to Franklin county. The record is as follows : Michael, who married Sarah Meigs and reared a family; Jacob, who wedded Lavica Smith and had a family; Martha Jane, who became the wife of William Ring, by whom she had seven children; Peggy Ann, who married Solomon Hays and had a family; Lucinda, wife of Lafayette- Lazelle, by whom she had several children; Amanda, w'ife of Nathaniel Smith; Mary^ wdio died unmarried ; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Lafayette Lazelle after her sister's death, and they had several children; Henry, of this review; and John, who died in Clinton township. The parents have also' passed away.

Mr. Kiner, whose name introduces this record, was reared on the family homestead, and in the common schools of that locality was instructed in the rudiments of an English education. When old enough to be of assistance in the work of the farm he aided in clearing and improving that tract of land, and in connection with his brother John he engaged in the stock business in early life, buying and selling stock. This proved a very profitable venture, and they also raised stock of good grades and gained a good start in the financial world.

On the 3d of January, 1863, Mr. Kiner was united in marriage to Aliss Catherine De Nune, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Baker ) De Xune. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, her mother of Virginia, and they were married in Ohio, having come to this state in childhood. At an early period in the history of the Buckeye state Air. De Nune located south of Columbus, while his wife's people, the Bakers, settled on Alum creek. xA-fter their marriage I\Ir. and Mrs. De Nune resided in Franklin county, spending their remaining days within its borders. He was a well-educated man for his uay. and was one of the successful early teachers in that county. In the family were five children, four of whom reached mature years, namely : Will- iam R. ; Eliza, who married Solomon Hays; Mrs. Kiner; and John. The deceased member cf the family is Alexander, who died in youtli. Their mother's death occurred about 1870, and their father is also deceased.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kiner have been born twelve children, of whom seven are yet living. Alice is the wife of Milo Street; Ellis wedded Barbara Huy; Elmer married Lena Huy; Lambert became the husband of Bessie Burnett; Justin married Maud Brinklinger; and Annie and Emma are young ladies at home. The deceased children are Jennie, Clayton, Grace, Icy and Charles.

^Ir. Kiner's first investment in real estate made him the owner of thirty acres of wooded land in Clinton township. This he cleared and improved and as his financial resources increased he added to his possessions until he is now the owner of very extensive tracts of valuable property. He has been associated in his business affairs with his brother John and success has attended their efforts in a high degree. The home farm is well improved and is supplied with every modern accessory and convenience that go to facilitate agricultural pursuits. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kiner hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, with which they have long been actively identified, taking part in its work and upbuilding. The subject of this sketch is widely recognized as one of the most prosperous farmers and business men of the county, and is well known as a gentleman of excellent judgment and irreproachable character. His wife has indeed been a faithful companion and helpmeet to him, and to her he attributes his prosperity in no small degre?. They are widely known and have a large circle of warm friends.

Saaiuel Cashxer

Much has been said concerning the corruption of politics and the control of political affairs by unprincipled men. While this may be true to some extent in the larger cities, such a state does not exist in the smaller towns where the man who wins office must be worthy of the trust and confidence reposed in hmi. Some one has said, "You can fool all of the American people some of Mie time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time," and in this lies the safeguard of our American political system. As mayor of Gahanna, Mr. Cashner is capably discharging his duties to the best of his ability, and that ability is of no circumscribed order. His administration is at once practical and businesslike and he has brought about many needed reforms and improvements.

A native of Franklin county, Mr. Cashner was born April 15. 1837, and is a representative of one of the old families of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, Jacob Cashner, was a native of the Keystone state, whence he removed to Lithopolis, Fairfield county, Ohio, in an early day. By occupation he was a farmer and his death occurred in 1832. His wife, Christina Myers, was also born in Pennsylvania and accompanied her husband to Fairfield county during the days of the pioneer epoch. She was of German lineage.

Their son, Jeremiah Cashner, the father of our suljject, was born in Pennsylvania and became a resident of Frankhn county in 1826, here following the occupation of farmino- throughout his active business career. He weclded Christina Riggle and she too was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio about the time of her husband's removal. Her father, Philip Riggle, was born in the Keystone state and took up his abode in Fairfield county in the pioneer days; his death there occurred when he was ninety years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Moyer and came with him to Ohio, was of German extraction. The father of our subject died at the age of sixty-two, while his wife, long surviving him, passed away at the age of eighty-four. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters and with but one exception all reached years of maturity, but only three are now living the sisters being Mrs. Caroline McCisick and Mrs. Lucy Swickard.

Samuel Cashner, the fifth member of the family and the only survivincr son, was reared on the old family homestead in his native township, and m the log school house near his home pursued his education. At the age of nineteen years he engaged in the wholesale notion business, traveling from store to store and from town to town, being thus employed until the inauguration of the Civil war. He had watched with interest the progress of events and when rebellion reared its awful front he resolved to aid in the preservation of the ymon by service in the field of battle. Accordingly, at President Lincoln s first call ior troops he enlisted, joining Company A, of the Third Ohio Volunteer Lifantry, on the 15th of April, when the smoke from Fort Sumter s guns had hardly cleared away. On the 21st of June, of the same year he re-enhsted for three years' service and was discharged on the 13th of June, 1864, but the south had not been subjected and feeling that his duty was at the front he again offered his services, and joined Company D of the Eleventh Ohio Infantry, on the 2d of July. He remained with that regiment until June 27, 1865, when he was honorably discharged after a Ion- and faithful service of four years, one month and twenty-six days. He participated m the battles of Richmond, Pittsburg Landing, Stephenson Perryville, Murtreesboro, Round Mound and Iron Works, and Sand iVIountain He was taken prisoner at Sand Mountain and after being held a captive for fifteen days he was paroled and joined his command at Chattanooga, Tennessee after which he was discharged. In his next enlistment he joined his command at Atlanta and participated in the engagements of JMilledgeville Black Kiver, Savannah, Bentonville and in General Sherman's campaign to Greeneborough, North Carolina, and then marched with his regiment to Washin-ton D. L., and participated in the Grand Review, the most celebrated militarv pageant ever seen in the country, and was then honorablv discharo-ed He was wounded in the right leg in the battle of Sand .Alountain and'' received buckshot m the breast at Bentonville. North Carolina.

M'r.Cashner, after his return to Franklin countv. was married in Dixon Illinois, m 1865, to Miss Hetty S. Hand, a native of Plain township 'this county, and a daughter of Charles and Jane (Smith) Hand the former a native of New York, and the later of New Jersey. The mother became a resident of Frankhn county when seven years of age, and the father when eighteen years of age. He is still living at the ripe old age of ninety-two, hut his wife passed away at the age of eighty-nine. Thev had celebrated their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary. Mrs. Cashner is the seventh in order of birth among their ten children and was reared in her native township, Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cashner have been born three children : Clara Roletta is the widow of James Ryan, who was an engineer and was accidently killed October 3, 1898. They had four children: James C, Delia, Nellie M. and Charles Willis. Nellie, the second member of the family, is the wife of William Dorsey, a dairyman, and they have two children, Walter and' Eva. Charles W., the youngest of the family, is a grocer of Gahanna. He married JMiss Florence Dawson by whom he had two children, Hazel L. and Gail.

After their marriage our subject and his wife took up their abode in Mifflin township and he devoted his energies to selling notions to retail dealers for seven years. He then came to Gahanna and has since been engaged in auctioneering. In 1889 he was elected mayor and has since held the office, covering a period of eleven years, a record that can scarcely be paralleled in the history of a city, which indicates in an unmistakable manner his fidelity to duty and the conficlence reposed in his ability by his fellow townsmen. His administration has indeed been a creditable one and thus gained for him high regard and commendation. He holds membership in John A. IMiller Post, No. 192, G. A. R., in which he served as chaplain for about eight years. He has also been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1869, and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1862, while his name is found on the membership roll of the Union Veteran Legion, Columbus Camp, No. 78. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican and no man in the community is more deserving of the high regard of his fellow townsmen than Samuel Cashner. Local and public improvement are causes dear to his heart and he withholds his support from no measure calculated to prove of general good.

George H. Rader

The fine farm of fifty-seven acres which is now the property of Mrs. George H. Rader is a visible proof of the industry and economy of its purchaser, George H. Rader, now deceased, at one time one of the most respected residents of Franklin county, Ohio. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, March 8, 1854, a son of John and Elizabeth Rader, both of whom were natives of Germany, and had come to Franklin county, Ohio, when young. The father died in this county, at about sixty-five years, and the mother still survives, at the age of eighty years.

Mr. Rader was about fifteen years old when his father moved into the country and engaged in farming. He received his education in the city schools and spent three years at college. After marriage, Mr. Rader settled

Our subject was united in marriage to Miss Carohne Horgher, February 10, 1875. She was a native of Jackson township, Franklin county, born November 13, 1856, a daughter of Frank Horgher, a native of Germany who came to America previous to his marriage, this taking place some time later, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, w'hence he moved to Franklin county, Ohio, settled in Jackson township, and in 1875 moved to Columbus, and died there, at the age of seventy-seven years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Horgher: Rose; Catherine; John, who is the twin of Mrs. Rader, the widow of our subject, and an infant which died in infancy.

The death of Mr. Rader took place February i, 1897, when passed away a good husband and indulgent father. He left six estimable children to console his bereaved widow: Carrie R., who married Carl Gutnecght and has a daughter, Marie Ethel; George H., who assists on the farm; Alma F., Alice M., Lenora E. and Inez A.

Since the death of Mr. Rader, his widow has shown great ability in the management of the estate. Not only did she suffer loss when his life ended, but the community in which he had lived an honest life, filled with good deeds, felt the bereavement also. He was well known and had been called upon to serve as school director for some twelve years, his judgment making him particularly fitted for the position. A Democrat in his political convictions' he upheld the principles of that party. In his death the Lutheran church lost a valued member.

Allen Orders

The subject of this sketch has the distinction of being the oldest citizen of Jackson township, Franklin county, Ohio. He was' born on the Fullerton farm, five miles south of Columbus, October 22, 1814, a son of Jonas Orders, who was reared in Virginia and fought six years on the old western frontier, in the army of "Mad Anthony" Wayne, in campaigns against Indians who opposed the settlement of Ohio and adjacent states. Allen Order's grandfather in the paternal line was born and married in England and after the death of his wife emigrated to Virginia with his sons Job and Jonas, the first mentioned of whom never married. Jonas married Sarah Ford, a native of Maryland. He came to Franklin county on foot and was soon attacked by chills and fever, which, kept him "under the weather" ftn- about a vear. He lived in Jackson township, to the advanced age of one hundred years or thereabout, enjoying the title of oldest man in the county, and died after the close of the Civil war. during wliich he was an outspoken Union man. He was a member of the L'ni\ersalist church and as a citizen was prominent and progressive.

Sarah Ford, who married Jonas Orders and was the mother of the subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Benjamin) 54 " '

Ford and her father was' an early settler in Franklin county, Ohio, where, with his family, he located in the woods and cleared up a farm on which he li\ed until he died, past the age of seventy years. His wife also is deceased. They had four sons and four daughters. Jonas and Sarah (Ford) Orders had seven sons and three daughters, of whom Allen Orders' was the third son and fourth child in order of nativity.

Allen attended school in old fashioned log school houses and when he was seven years old his father left the Fullerton farm, where the boy was born, and moved on another, and at that time the lad practically took up the battle of life for himself, w^orking by the month or by the day at anything that his hands found to do. By hard economy he managed to save a little money which he invested in cattle, and when he turned the cattle over to his father to help him buy a piece of land he found himself as poor as when he had begun, but was not daunted by the prospect of beginning over again. He made such satisfactory progress' that just before he came of age he deemed it safe for him to marry and he took for his wife Miss Mary Gabon, a native of Virginia, whose family had settled in Ohio. After his marriage he lived for a year in the household of his father-in-law and after that rented a farm until, about 1838, he bought one hundred acres of land where he now lives, on which he built a log house which gave place to his' present residence in 1848 and which has been moved to Grove City where it does service as a stable. He has lived continuously in his native tjownship and has been identified with it during his whole life of eighty-six years and is at this time the oldest person living within its borders. Formerly a Whig, he has been a Republican since the organization of that party and has filled several township offices and has shown his public spirit by assisting many measures promising to benefit his fellow citizens and during all his active years set a good example to other farmers in the county by improving his farm of one hundred and forty-nine acres and cultivating it in a thoroughly up-to-date manner. Though not a member of any church, he testifies to a belief in the teachings of the Bible and has' always supported religious worship in his neighborhood. Of his seven children only two survive. These are George W., who has reared a family and now, aged sixty-five years, lives at Grove City; and Clorinda, who married Silas Borror, of Jackson township, Franklin county, a biographical sketch of whom appears in this work.

Blam Drake

Elam Drake is now living a retired life in Mifflin township after long years of active and honorable connection with the agricultural pursuits of Franklin county. His home is situated on the Johnstown and Columbus pike, about five miles from the state's capitol, and there he is surrounded by many comforts and luxuries which have come to hjm as the reward of earnest effort in former years. A native of Connecticut, he was born on the i6th of November, 1 812, in East Windsor, Hartford countv. Tradition savs that the family was founded in America by English ancestors who came to the new world early in the seventeenth century and located in the Charter Oak state. Elias Drake, the father of our subject, was also born in East \Vindsor and was a brick mason by occupation. Emigrating westward, he took up his abode upon a farm in Franklin county, Ohio, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Collins, and she, too, was a native of Connecticut and was of English' lineage. Her death occurred in Franklin county when she was sixty-four years of age. The marriage of this worthy couple was blessed with eight children, three sons and live daughters, of whom Elam was the third in order of birth. He has one sister, Mrs. Lucinda Lemon, who is now living in Iowa, but the others have all passed away.

Upon the Atlantic seacoast j\Ir. Drake of this review spent the first twenty years of his life, and in 183 1 he became a resident of Franklin county, Ohio, the family taking up their abode in a log cabin in Mifflin township. Here he began work at his trade of brick laying and plastering, which he had learned in Connecticut. As a boy he became familiar with those lines of industry, working under the direction of his father. He was thus identified with the building interests of Columbus for many years, aiding in its improvement at the time when it was a small village. He assisted in the erection of the first brick house in that city and for his services he received good wages, being a first-class mechanic. He helped support__his' mother and younger brothers and sisters. He did much work outside of the city, being called upon to construct the fronts of many of the buildings in the county. For some time he was in the employ of others, but eventually began contracting and building on his own account in Franklin and adjoining counties. For many years he was an active representative of that line of endeavor, and dozens of the best business houses and residences in Columbus stand as monuments to his thrift, enterprise and skill. At length he retired from that occupation, removing to his farm five miles from the city. He erected thereon a good brick residence and barn and has made many other substantial improvements upon his land, which constitutes a tract of sixty-two acres', now under a high state of cultivation.

In 1837 Mr. Drake was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Angeline Patterson, a native of Mifilin township, Franklin county. They have five sons and a daughter : Franklin, Charles P., Douglas C, D wight F., Alice A. and George B. Charles married Sarah Reese, and they have four children, - Homier, Rosella, Ray and Blanche. Douglas C. married Elsie \\\ IMoore. a native of Columbus and who was educated in that city. Her parents died during her infancy and she was reared by Mrs. Laura Moore. Unto Douglas and his wife have been born five children. Kate, Guy B., Ralph E., Clyde W. and Harold. Dwight F. married Lizzie Goodman, and they have a daughter, Florence. Alice A., is the wife of Henry Innis, and they have two daughters, Mabel A. and Mildred. The eldest and youngest sons are single. There

Mr. Drake is well known in the county and has aided much in its upbuilding and improvement. He cast his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but became a Republican on the organization of the party. Since that time, however, he has voted for various candidates. He is' a venerable gentleman of sterling worth whose life's record has been honorable and in many; respects well worthy of emulation. Through almost a century he has witnessed the development of the nation, and feels just pride in the wonderful accomplishments of his country. He has reached the eighty-eighth milestone on the journey of life and can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear.

Sarah J. Swagler

There are in every community women accounts of whose lives would be edifying as the biographical sketches of men are found to be, and it is to be regretted that more women are not represented in such works as this. One of the best known women of Jackson township, Franklin county, Ohio, is Mrs. Sarah J. Swagler, a brief account of whose busy life it will now be attempted to give. Mrs. Swagler was born in the township in which she now lives November ii, 1830, a daughter of William B. Duff.

William B. Duff was born, reared and educated in Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio, and passed his entire life there, except for six months' absence in Illinois. His earlier days were spent amid pioneer surroundings and the foundations of his education were laid in a primitive log school house. He married Nancy Orders, a native of Jackson township, Franklin county, Ohio, and located in the township just mentioned, where Mrs. Duff" died aged about forty. His second marriage was to Mrs. Jane Laslear, and after her death he married Mahala Hill. He lived to the advanced age of eighty-two years, rounding out an industrious and useful life and one crowned with measurable success. By his first marriage he had eight children: Sarah J., Elizabeth (Boucher), William, Nancy (deceased), George (deceased), John, and ]\Iary Ann (Robinson), David, Adam, and Ella (Haughn), the first of whom is the subject of this sketch. By his second marriage he had three children, - Michael W., Charles and Maud, - the last mentioned of whom married Mat. Hanna, of Fayette county, Ohio ; and by his last marriage there was no issue.

Mrs. Swagler, who was the first born of the children of William B. and Nancy (Orders) Duff, was reared in Jackson township and relates that she attended school in a small log building with slab benches and holes in the walls covered with greased papers for windows and that she was taught all the work performed by pioneer women in her clays and often spun woolen yarn for her own family and for neighbors. In 185 1 she married Phillip Near, who was born in Ross ccunty. Ohio, June 10, 1827, and mo\-ed to a point where her husljand died aljcut seven years afterward and where she remained for some years after that event, 'in 1868 she married Solomon Swagler and located on a farm in Jackson township, Franklin county, which i:, her present home. Mr. Swagier, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was married there to his first wife, Miss Sarah Conrad, who died in Jackson township, after having borne him eight children, four of whom are living : Jonathan and Henry Swagler and Elizabeth Borror and Sarah Standiford. Mr. Swagler was an influential Republican and took a great interest in public education and was elected to the office of school director, and he was a class leader in the Methodist Episcopal church in which he long held the office of trustee. He ranked among the leading farmers of his township and died August 28, 1892, deeply regretted by all who had known him.

By her first marriage Mrs. Swagler had three children, A. M., William J. and Milton Near. William J. died at the age of eight years and Milton is represented by a separate biographical sketch on another page. A. M. Near was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 20, 1852, and came with his mother wdien she returned to Franklin county, and remained with her until her marriage with Alice O'Connor, who died leaving three children named Ora, William and Mertie. For his second wife he married Clara Clemens, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and they have one son. Noble. He is now living in Pickaway county, Ohio. Mrs. Swagler bore her second husband three daughters: Emma, the eldest, married R. E. Shover and lives on the old home farm of his grandfather Duff and has two children, named Pearl and Oren. Jennie married L. J. Kolter and lives at Wapakoneta. Auglaize count v, Ohio. Viola married Otis Borror, of Jackson township, and has a son named Harold. Airs. Swagler has one great-grandchild, - Clvde Steel, a son of George and Ora (Near) Steel, of Cincinnati. Ohio.

Mrs. Swagler has been fifty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is well known throughout the county and is highly respected by all who have the honor of her acquaintance. Her homestead, which is one oJ the good farms of Jackson township, consists of one hundred and sixtyeight acres of well improved and well cultivated land.

John T. Dorsey

John T. Dorsey, who resides on the Johnstown pike, four miles from the state capitol, in Franklin county, was born in Licking county, Ohio, May 16, 1840. His father. James Dorsey. was a native of Pennsylvania where he spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He was of German descent and in his life manifested some of the best characteristics of that people. When a young man he removed to Licking county. Ohio, where he met and married Miss' Nancy Wells, a native of that county. He was a miller and erected a mill at Kirksville, Ohio, operating the same for many rears. On the expiration of that period he came to Franklin county where he purchased other mills.

continuing in that bu.-^iness until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-five years of age. He was a well known citizen of good business ability and sterling worth who enjoyed the confidence and regard of all who knew him. In politics he was' first a Whig and afterward a Republican, giving an earnest support to the principles in which he believed. His wife died oi smallpox at the age of sixty-five. They were the parents of three sons and three daughters, all of whom reached mature years, wdiile five are now living, namely : William H. H., the twin brother of our subject, who died in the service of his country during the Civil war, having enlisted in the Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; Mrs. Jane Nedrow; Albert G., who served in the Union army with the Twelfth Regiment of Ohio Cavalry; Mrs'. Angeline Damude and Mrs. Adeline O'Brien, twins.

Mr. Dorsey of this sketch and his twin brother were the first born. He was about twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Franklin county. He acquired his early education in the schools of Licking county and afterward became a student in the public schools of Norwich, Berry and Franklin tow^nships. Patriotism prompted his enlistment with the boys in blue at the time the country became involved in Civil war, qnd in 1861 he was enrolled among the members of Company K, of the First Ohio Cavalry. After serving for two years he was disabled by a horse falling upon him and on account of his disability received an honorable discharge in 1863. He served w-ith the Army of the Cumberland, participating in the engagements at Fort Donelson, Chattanooga, Stone river and in others of lesser importance.

When honorably discharged Mr. Dorsey returned to his home in Franklin county, and in 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Lackey, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 24, 1837. Her father, Alexander Lackey, was also a native of the Keystone state and in 1838 came to Franklin county, locating on the farm wdiere Mrs. Dorsey now resides. It was then a tract of wild timber land, but he cleared away the trees and continued the development of the fields until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-six years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Martha Hart, was also a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and her death' occurred when she had' attained the age of sixty-four years'. This worthy couple had eleven children and the family circle w'as unbroken until after they had attained- adult age, but only four are yet living. Mrs. Dorsey is the youngest and was only nine months old wdien brought by her parents to Franklin county, where she has therefore practically spent her entire life. She pursued her education in the log schoolhouse of those early days', and at the time of her marriage began her domestic life on the old homestead where she is yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey have had four children, - William Allen, Josephine Alice, Iva Cordelia and Mary Ellen ; the last named is now deceased. Josephine Alice became the wife of Peter Short, of Columbus, and has three children, - Edith May, Earl and Mary Elizabeth ; Iva Cordelia is' the wnfe of Fred. Spencer, of Mifflin township, and has five children, - Chester, Albert O.,

Hettie, Oscar and a baby boy ; and William Allen married Nellie Cashner and: resides on his father's homestead, and has two children, - Walter Adel and Eva Marie.

Mr. Dorsey has been engaged in general farming and in the dairy business for about thirteen years, and has managed his affairs in a manner that has brought to him creditable prosperity. He owns sixty-three and one-half acres of land which is highly cultivated, and the products of his field and dairy, owing to their excellent quality, find a ready sale upon the market.

In his political views Mr. Dorsey is a Republican. He has served as a school director and in other offices and is a well known citizen whose fidelity to every trust reposed in him is above question. He holds membership in Wells Post, G. A. R., and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, his life being permeated by his Christian faith. His worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged. The same loyalty which he manifested on the southern battle-fields has characterized his every relation of life and his example is in many respects w-ell worthy of emulation.

John Keys

For many years this gentleman was one of the active and progressive agriculturists of Franklin county, as well as one of its most reliable artd honored citizens, and now in his declining years is enjoying a well-earned rest, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life. He w^as born September 14, 1823, in Buckinghamshire. England, five miles from Aylesbury, and about forty miles from London. His father, Stephen Keys, was a native of the same place, and was what is known as a bailiff, or foreman of a farm in America. In 1833 he brought his family to the United States, and on landing in this country came immediately to Columbus, Ohio. He located on the farm in Clinton township, this county, now occupied by the State University, and upon that place he died at about the age of forty years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Payne, was also born in Buckinghamshire, England, and died in Worthington, this county, at the age of fifty-three. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom reached man and womanhood.

Of this family John Keys is the third child and third son. At the age of ten years he came with his parents to the new world and was reared on the Neil farm in Clinton township, where the family located. He has been three times married, his first wife being Emily Hennis, by whom he had one son, William D., a resident of this county. For his second wife he married Nancy Lane, and to them were born two children: Emma, deceased; and James E., a resident of Columbus and a street car conductor. In 1856, Mr. Keys was united in marriage with Mrs. Susan (Csirns) Harman, who was born in Pennsylvania, and came from Cumberland county, that state, to this county when about fourteen years of age. On the 2d of May, 1848, in Miami county, Ohio, she married David Harman, who died in August, of the follow- ing year, and the only child born to that union, a daughter, died at the age of twenty months. By his third marriage Mr. Keys has one daughter, Jeannett C, wife of Charles W. Grant, of Jackson township. The\ have two children: \Vinnie O., wife of Samuel Alspaw, of Reynoidsburg, Ohio; and John Nelson.

After his first marriage Mr. Keys remained on the Neil farm until the following spring, and then moved to Columbus, where for a time he was in the employ of G. W. Peters, a manufacturer of trunks. He was next employed as foreman by Charles G. Deshler in the ice l)usiness, and on resigning that position was appointed mail agent at the depot in Columbus, where he remained nine years. At the end of that time he purchased a farm in Jackson township, but after operating it for about two years, he sold the place and bought the farm which he still owns and now rents. It consists of eighty-four acres of rich and arable land and is pleasantly situated three miles southeast of Grove City. Mr. Keys retired from active farming in J 888, and in 1897 moved to Grove City, where he now makes his home.

In his political views he is a Democrat, and has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens in the capacity of road supervisor, school director and president of the board of education two years. Like his father he is a selfiTjade man. When the latter landed in Columbus, he had but twenty-five cents in his pocket and this he spent for bread. He was successful in getting work and soon gained a good start in life. Through his own self-directed efforts our subject has gained a comfortable competence, and his life has ever been such as to win for him the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life.

Gborge H. Distelhorst

A well known and successful business man of the city of Columbus, now retired from active labor, is George H. Distelhorst, who was born in Detmold, Germany, November 10, 1824, the eldest son of Simon and Wilhelmina Distelhorst, natives' of the same place, where they spent their entire lives. Until the age of tw^enty years George H. Distelhorst resided in Germany, engaging in teaching, after he had obtained his own education, and also was a teacher of music. In 1849 he came to America, locating first in Virginia and there engaging in farm work, by the month. His wages were eight dollars a month, the usual price that was paid for like labor at that time. He remained at this place for four years, coming then to Franklin county, Ohio. He owned a team by this time, and here engaged in hauling brick and stone and in general teaming. Soon after he rented a small tract of land near the city, where he began gardening, on a small scale, continuing, a? he succeeded, to add improvements. This place was cultivated for four years, l,ut in 1859 ^e bought his present farm and began gardening on a large scale. At that time there were few market gardens near the city, and Mr. Distelhorst made an immediate success of his venture. Until 1893 he continued in the active conduct of his business, but at that time he resigned the work to younger hands. He now has twentythree acres of valuable land where he resides, eight acres upon which his son George lives and owns nineteen mere acres as productive land.

Mr. Distelhorst was married in Germany, in 1847, to Miss Hermine Althoff, a native of his native county. She died November 6, 1897, having been the mother of eight children: Frederick, who married and located in Franklin township: George, who also settled in Franklin township, with his family; \\^illiam. Otto and Charles, deceased; Pauline, who married Robert \\'acker, of Columbus; Anna, at home; and Herman, who is married and engages in the gardening business, in this township.

Air. Distelhorst has -given his family every advantage in his power and takes much comfort in their material prosperity. He is well known and much respected, both in his immediate locality, and also in the business world of Columbus, and having a fine voice, was for many years' a member of the Maennerchor of Columbus. He is a member of the Independent Protestant church, of Columbus, and much credit is. due Mr. Distelhorst for his success in life, as it has been attained by his own unaided effort.

Joseph Shoaf

Joseph Shoaf, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and fifty acres on section i, Hamilton township, was born July 7, 1836, in the township where he yet makes his home. His father, Henry Shoaf, was a native of Virginia and removed to Franklin county at an early day, taking up his abode in the midst of the forest in Hamilton township. There he built a log house and improved the farm, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made when he located there. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits' and was also a successful stock-raiser. His father, Jacob Shoaf, was also a native of the old Dominion and when his children were small emigrated to Ohio, taking up his residence on the farm which is now the home of Adam Lenhardt. Here he spent his remaining days, and Henry Shoaf was a resident of the county from the age of seven years until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-four years of age. He married Rachel Stummel, also a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Michael Stummel, who became one of the honored pioneers of Franklin countv. :\Irs. Shoaf died at the age of sixty-six years.

Joseph Shoaf was one of three children born to his parents, and is now the_ only survivor of the family. The sun shone down upon many a farm which he plowed in his boyhood and ripened the grain which sprang from the seed which he planted, for he was early trained to the work of the home farm. His youth was passed in Hamilton township, and he began his education in a primitive log schoolhouse, the methods of instruction differing greatly from those now in vogue. Under the parental roof he remained until his marriage, which was celebrated July 19, 1859. Miss' Mary Ann Rohr becoming his wi^fe.

Rohr, and was born in Hamilton township, Franklin county, on the 4th of November, 1835. Her father was one of 'the pioneers of the county. He was born in Haycock township, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 20th of September, 1810, and' in 1816, when six years of age. acccjmpanied his ]5arents on their removal to Ohio. The family located in Madison township, where he was reared and after his marriage he removed to Hamilton township, where he reared his family of eleven children. He was widely and favorably known in the community, was a Republican in his political adherency and served as trustee of his township. His wife was a native of tlie Empire state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shoaf have been born three children. Flora, the eldest, is the wife of George W. Finks, a farmer of Hamilton township, and they have three children living, - Harry W., Anna G. and Albert S. Lorma E., the second child, is the wife of Jesse G. Gould, also an agriculturist of Hamilton township, and they have live children, - Mary F., Edith M., Charles J., Louisa L. and Walter E. Mary C., the youngest member of the Shoaf family, died at the age of five months.

At the time of their marriage our subject and his wife located' in what is now Marion township, on the farm now occupied by Mr. Davis. It is' situated on the Chillicothe pike, and there they remained until 1876, when they removed to Delaware county. After a year, however, they returned to Franklin county and have since made their home on section i, Hamilton township, where Mr. Shoaf owns one hundred and five acres of land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and has improved with many modern accessories and conveniences, rendering this one of the attractive farms of the community.

In his political views he is a Republican, having been identified with the party since attaining his majority. He served as a member of the school board for twelve years and is now serving in the thirteenth year as s'chool director. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has taken an active part in its work and advancement. His life is characterized by industry and by fidelity to both public and private duties and thus he is accounted one of the representative men of Hamilton township.

Eli Chrysler

Eli Chrysler is numbered among the early settlers of Alifflin township, Avhere he yet resides, his home being a half a mile west of Gahanna. Many years have passed since he came to Franklin county and decade after decade has been added to the cycle of the centuries. The contrast between the sight which met the gaze of the traveler when Mr. Chrysler first arrived here and the view which is spread out before the visitor of to-day is very great. Then there was to be seen unbroken forests and tracts of wet. marshy land, where to-day are fine fields of grain, surrounding commodious and substantial farm houses, while here and there are towns., villages and cities with all the business interests known to the much older east.

Mr. Chrysler was born in Ca}-uga county, New York, June 15, 1836. His father, Adam Chrysler, was a native of the Empire state and a farmer by occupation. In 1838 he came to Ohio, locating in Licking county, and in 1853 he took up his abode in Franklin county, his farm being situated in Truro township. His last days, however, were passed in ]\Iifflin township, where he died when about seventy years of age. He was of German lineage. His wife, who bore the name of Ruth Leonard, was a native of Vermont but was reared in New York and for many years was a resident of Ohio, her death occurring in Coluni'bus when she was about seventy years of age. She was of English descent. They were the parents of four sons and five daughters, eight of whom reached years of maturity.

'"Squire" Chrysler, as he is well known throughout Franklin county, was the fifth child and second son. When about two years of age he was brought by his parents from New York to Ohio, and at the age of seventeen accompanied the family on their removal from Licking to Franklin county. In the former locality he acquired his education in the common schools and through the months of summer he assisted in the labors of field and meadow. His first independent work was as a farm hand, at which he was employed by the day. He afterward embarked in the saw mill business in partnership with his brother in Truro township, where they continued until 1864. In 1865 they began the operation of a grist-mill and also engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber in Mifiiin township, the partnership being continued until the death of the brother. Mr. Chrysler afterward carried on the business alone until 1875. The following year he purchased another sawmill in Mififlin township and therein converted the timber into lumber. Throughout the greater part of his active business career Mr. Chrysler has been engaged in the sawmill business, and in the enterprise is now associated with his son, having a mill in Mifflin township. He also followed general farming through a portion of the time and has continuously given his attention to that industry during the past eight years, owning a farm of eighteen acres in ]\Iifflin township. In connection with his son he also owns forty-six acres in Blendon township and another tract of ninety-five acres in the same township, while :n Wal.ut township, Pickaway county, they have fifty acres.

In 1863 '"Squire" Chrysler was united in marriage to Miss Susan Roshell, who for about a quarter of a century was to him a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life, but her death occurred January 17, 1887. They had two children, Eva, now the wife of Harry Earl, a farmer of Mifflin township, and Charles H., who married Clara Palmer and resides with his father, with whom he is associated in business.

Mr. Chrysler was elected justice of the peace in 1878 and since that time has continuously filled that office, - a period of twenty-three coiisecutive years. His record in this regard is unparalleled by that of any incumbent in the office in the county. That he discharges his duties in a prompt and reliable manner and without fear or favor is indicated by his long continuance in the position. During this time he has not onlv administered the law concerning differences between litigants, but has also married about sixty couples. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat. Socially he is connected with Mifliin Lodge, No. 518, I. O. O. F., has filled all of its chairs and has taken a very active part in its work. At the time of the Civil war he was among the loyal defenders of the Union who wore the blue. He enlisted in August, 1862, as a member of Company I, Ninety-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for nine months. At the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, he was wounded by a gun shot, and on account of his injuries was honorably discharged. He holds membership in John A. Miller Post, No. 192, G. A. R., and has served as its quartermaster. At all times he has been faithful to his duties of citizenship, honorable in his business relations and loyal to the ties of social and home life. His history show^s the powder of industry as a means of wrestling fortune from the hands of an adverse fate. He is now a substantial citizen of Franklin county, and has attained to that position through his well directed efforts.

William A. Wilson, M. D., is a representative of both the professional and agricultural interests of Franklin county, wdiere he has attained prominence as a reliable physician and is also known as a leading farmer and stockraiser. He was born in the city of Columbus, on the 28th of June, 1854, and represents one of the old families of the community. The Wilsons are of Scotch lineage. The father, Washington Wilson, was born in Pennsylvania and became a machinist, in wdiich capacity he long served in the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad Company, having charge of the old Piqua shops at Columbus, and lived to be about seventy years of age. His wife, Caroline A. Moore, was a native of England and when a maiden of twelve summers crossed the Atlantic to the new world w'ith her people, the family making their way direct to Knox county, Ohio, and thence to Columbus. She is still living, at the age of sixty-seven years.

The Doctor is her second child and the only one of the family now living. He w^as educated in the public schools of his native city until twelve years of age, w^hen the family removed to Mifflin towaiship and he afterw^ard attended a private academy in that locality. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work he began his preparation to that end, when nineteen years of age, under the direction of Dr. D. N. Kinsman. Subsequently he attended the Columbus Medical College and upon completing the regularly prescribed course was graduated in 1878. He then located in Mifflin township, where he has since engaged in practice, keeping in touch with the progress which has been so marked in the profession through the past half century. He also has a fine stock farm, owning many valuable horses, including one stallion - Imperial Hal - having a record of 2:12^. He has seven w-ell-bred horses and other high grade stock upon his farm, which is located in Delaware county and comprises seventy acres. He is also engag^ed in general mercITan- dising in Gahanna, where he has erected the largest building in the town, It is two stories in height, with a large hall above, and is fifty-six by twentyfour feet in dimensions.

In 1878 the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Ella Belt, a native of Licking county, Ohio, and a daughter of James P. and Margaret (Baker) Belt. They became the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Estella L., Lois M., William A., and Washington A. The third child, Frank L., is now deceased. The eldest is the wife of George W. Nicholson, of Colambus. Lois is a student in that city and William A. will complete the course in the Gahanna high school in 1901. The cause of education finds the Doctor a warm friend and he is providing his children with excellent advantages in that direction. He has served as a member of the school board and has held other offices. In politics he is a stanch Republican and his varied business interests indicate his ability for he has carried all forward to successful completion.

Williaai House

One of the pioneer residents of Franklin township, Franklin county, Ohio, who watched' the growth and development of his section from almost a wilderness to its present flourishing state of cultivation, was the late William House, the subject of this mempir. He was born on his father's farm, in this township and county, January 27, 1816, in a log cabin on a little clearing" in tlie woods. His parents were Richard and Sarah (White) House, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Loudoun county, Virginia. Richard House was born in 1777, and wdien but a youth came to Franklin county, Ohio, about 1809, taking up his residence in this township. Fie came of sturdy Dutch stock and lived to a good old age. The mother of our subject was a daugliter of another old settler, named Samuel White, who^ had served in the Revolutionary war. He was one of the earliest pioneers of Franklin county and possessed five hundred acres of land, all of which he succeeded in clearing excepting about ten acres. He alsu lived to the age of about eighty. The mother of our subject was one of a pair of twins, in a family of six children, and lived to be about sixty-six years of age, always being proud of her Scotch descent. The parents of our subject reared four children in the little log house, he being the only surivivor, the others being George; Nancy Ann, who married James Vanderburgh and later Robert Riordan ; and John, who died when but twenty-one years old.

William House was reared in the primitive surroundings of the time and vicinity, growing into sturdy manhood upon his father's farm and enjoying all of the educational advantages provided at the district school. On February 14, 1843, 1''^ married Miss Julia Moler, a native of Tiffin, Ohio, born there September 22, 1825, a daughter of Rollin and Susan (Ransburgh) ]\Ioler, both natives of Maryland. They reared a large number of children. - John, Daniel, Sarah Ann. Julia Ann, Rollin G., Eliza. Maria, Hannah, Henry and

Cornelia; but jMrs. House, the wife of cur suljject, was the only survivor. She was five years of age when she came to Franklin township with her parents. She grew to womanhood in her native place, attended the district school and later the city schools in Columbus. After marriage she went to housekeeping in a cabin of logs located on the farm where their present beautiful residence is located, but when the family increased Mr. House built a larger cabin of the same useful material, where they remained- comfortable until circumstances caused the erection of the new brick mansion. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. House: Sarah, who died in infancy; Emily, who married William Miller, a resident of Columbus, and has three daughters - Gertrude, Clara and Pearl; Rollin, deceased, who married Lovina Bender and had two children, - Grace and George, - now residents of Columbus ; Virginia D., deceased; William D., born June 23, 1859, '^'^'ho attends to the farm; James H., who married Annie Haines, since deceased, and has two children, - Kichard and Cora ; and Nellie Blanch, who married Clark Allen and has two sons, William and Charles W., who reside on farms in Jackson township.

Mr. House was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, dealing extensively in caitje and hogs. His farm of one hundred and eighty acres he placed in a fine state of cultivation, with most attractive surrounding^s near his residence. HiS' own duties were lightened for some years by his son William, who attended to much of the work.

Politically, Mr. House was a Whig in earlier years and voted for General Harrison in 1840, after which time every Republican candidate for the high office of president received his ballot. He w^as very frequently called upon to hold ofiice, being at one time township trustee.. In 1840 he became a member of the Methodist church, after which time his allegiance never failed. Pie was ever one of the substantial men of Franklin county who did his duty to country, church and family. He died February 17, 1901, at the age of eighty-five years, and his wife departed this life only a few days previously, February 4, at the age of seventy-five years, and thus the social relations of the ccmmunity were severely affected.

Thomas Hart

This well known citizen of Franklin township, Franklin county, is the subject of the following sketch. He was born April 28, 1847, on the homestead farm of his parents, Theadore and Catherine A. (Walton) Hart, a sketch of whose lives appears upon another page of this history. He was reared upon that homestead, attending the district schools for his education and ^remaining at the parental home until his marriage, when he located upon a tract of land near Green Lawn and began farming for himself. As a farmer boy he had always been very successful, and his present fine farm shows that he thoroughly understands agricultural matters. For five years he followed agriculture in Jackson township previous to location at his present place, where he has about fifty-five acres, devoted to general farming. In 1900 he purchased the John Brown farm of one hundred and twenty-seven arces in Jackson township; and besides this property he also owns a half interest in thirty-seven acres of the old Dennison farm near Greenlawn cemetery.

At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Hart was married to Miss Sarah Jane Lott, a native of New Jersey, where she was reared until about sixteen years of age, when he came to Franklin township. She was one of a family of eleven children, and now has the satisfaction of having two sisters and a brother living in the same township. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have no children of their own, but have adopted a little child by the name of Raymond Bertrand, who came to their loving care when he was but seventeen days old.