Concord Township (part 3 of 5)

ASA COLEMAN (deceased), physician and surgeon ; was born in Glastonbury, Conn., July 2, 1788, and died in Troy, Ohio, Feb. 25, 1870; he was a descendant of Thomas Coleman, an English emigrant to the pilgrim colony in 1630, and was one to whom land was set off by original survey in 1639 and 1640 ; for six generations the name of Coleman has been identified with local and general positions in the various relations of church, state, masonry, medicine and surgery ; the same patriotic spirit which led their ancestors to enroll themselves under the Continental flag moved the descendants in later wars to lead the charging column, or alleviate distress in the field or the crowded hospital ; the line of descent of our subject from this American ancestor, is Noah Coleman first, second and third. Noah Coleman third was born in Hatfield, Mass., in 1704, married Mary Wright, of Colchester, and had a family of seven children, viz., Mary, Sibjd, Noah, Ozias, Daniel, Asaph and Zenas. Asaph, the fourth son, was born in Massachusetts in 1747 ; married Eunice Hollister, of Glastonbury, Conn., by whom he had six children - Julius, Eunice, Asa, Pamelia, Clarissa and Maria ; he was a prominent physician and surgeon in the Continental army. Asa Coleman, after receiving an academic education in his native town, turned his attention to medicine and surgery, pursuing his studies mainly under the instruction of his father ; May 23, 1810, he received a diploma from the Connecticut State Medical Society ; having made a prospecting tour to the new State of Ohio, in the fall of 1807, he resolved to make that his future home, and, in May, 1811, left his native State and located in Troy ; in November of same year, he received a diploma from the Ohio Board of Medical Examiners, and established himself in the town just named, in the practice of medicine and surgery, which he followed for more than half a centur}7, with constant success till the close of his career ; an enterprising pioneer, he took an active and leading part in all the early improvements of this now beautiful county seat. On Sept. 24, 1808, he had been commissioned Surgeon of the 6th Connecticut Militia, and, on the same date of 1811, was made Surgeon of the Ohio Militia ; was constantly on the round of duty, visiting the sick and wounded at the blockhouses and posts along the northern boundary of Miami Co., then the frontier settlement ; other commissions followed - as Surgeon, as Major, May 20, 1816, and Lieutenant Colonel July 27, 1818, from Gov. Worthington ; in October, 1816, was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and served in the first session ever held in Columbus, December, 1816 ; he was re-elected in the following year, and served a second term, declining a third, though strongly urged to become a candidate ; elected Associate Judge, he was commissioned Feb. 4, 1827, by Gov. Trimble for a period of seven years ; chosen as a Director of the Miami Co. Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, at its organization in 1846, he served as an officer till its close in 1866 ; he was instrumental in the organization of the First National Bank of Troy ; was elected its first President, served nearly two years and resigned through failing health ; he was made a Freemason in 1809 ; was a charter member of Franklin Lodge, Troy, in June, 1812, and was first Master of the same ; at the time of his death, in his 82d year, he was the last surviving charter member ; he was also a charter member of Franklin R. A. Chapter, Franklin Council R. & S. M., and Coleman Commandery, K. T. ; the last mentioned bearing his name in honor of his Masonic worth ; for six years he served as Director and Physician of the County Infirmary, and submitted the plan for the present building ; he was prominent in establishing the Protestant Episcopal Church in Troy, was elected first Senior Warden of Trinity Church in 1830, and annually re-elected up to the time of his death - a continued period of forty years ; fond of agricultural pursuits, he gave much of his time to operations on his farm, and retired thither during the last few years of his life ; he was above medium height, straight and well proportioned, and as erect in his advanced years as in his youthful manhood ; his bearing was dignified, his step firm, and his hair silver white as the snow ; he lived a long, active, useful and blameless life, and died as one, who, wearied with his labors, " wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." He was thrice married; his third wife was Mary Keifer, whom he married Oct. 24, 1822 ; she was born in Sharpsburg, Md., and came with her parents to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1812 ; she survived her husband but a few months, dying Dec. 5, 1870 ; by the last marriage they reared six children - Horace, Pamelia Hale, Augustus Henry,.

AUGUSTUS H. COLEMAN (deceased), a son of T)r. Asa Coleman, whose biography appears in this work, was born in Troy Oct. 29, 1829. He received his elementary education in the schools of Troy ; was remarkabl}' quiet and orderty in his deportment, always perfect in his recitations and accomplished thorough^ whatever he undertook ; he exhibited, even in his youthful days, that spirit of manliness and energy of character which so distinguished his life in after years. In June, 1847, he entered the Militar}^ Academy at West Point, where he pursued his studies for four years. At the close of his course, he returned home and engaged in agricultural pursuits. On the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private soldier, and recruited a company of over 100 men, in forty-eight hours, with whom he proceeded to Columbus April 26, 1861 ; he was chosen Captain of the company, and upon the organization of the 11th 0. V. I., was elected 5lajor of the same, and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Jan. 9, 1862. The fine discipline and great proficiency in drill of this regiment was obtained through him as Drill- Master. It has been said that he could manuver a regiment in less space than most officers required for company drill ; he was always vigilant and watchful against danger, but brave to a fault. Being in Washington on business for the regiment, he knew nothing of the movement of the brigade to Bull Bun, Aug. 27, 1862, till his return to camp. With all possible haste, he joined his regiment, finding the men in considerable confusion. His arrival wras hailed with a hearty cheer from his men, who were more rejoiced at his presence than if re-enforced b}' a thousand strangers. At South Mountain, he displayed the ability- and bravery of a successful commander, and his prospects for advancement to a high position battle of Antietam, on the ever-memorable 17th of September, 1862, at the superior command, " Forward ! Assault the bridge and carry it at all hazards, " forward

Peace be to his memory ! He fills the honored grave of a patriot soldier, and his noblest monument is the affectionate remembrance of brave men. He was married to Miss Clara, daughter of Eckert Shafer ; two children were the result of this union - Rachel Augusta and George Edwin.

HORACE COLEMAN, physician and surgeon, Troy : eldest son of Asa Coleman, whose biograplty appears in this work, was born in Troy Dec. 27, 1824 ; was educated at Gambier, Ohio ; studied medicine under his father, and graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, in 1849. After a few months' practice in Troy, lie located in Logansport, lnd., in the spring of 1850, where he remained thirteen years, actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, three of which he was a partner of Dr. G. N. Fitch. In October, 1861, he entered the army as surgeon of the 46th lnd. V. I., and served nearly three years, either as medical director or surgeon-in-chief of his division. In May, 1864, he became surgeon of the 147th 0. Y. I. His services in the army were distinguished throughout for efficiency, fidelity and signal devotion to the needs of the sick and wounded. At the close of the war, he returned to Troy and engaged in practice; he was subsequently appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Fourth District of Ohio, and tilled the office during its continuance. In 1868, he was a Republican delegate to the Chicago Presidential Convention that nominated Grant and Colfax. Among the local positions which lie has filled, are those of Director in the First National Bank ; a member of the City Council and President of the Board of Education. For a third of a century, he has been connected with the Masonic fraternity, and has occupied high positions of honor and trust therein ; he is a gentleman of reserved, yet affable manners, fine social qualities, and is highly esteemed b}' the community for his sterling personal worth. On Nov. 9, 1847, he married Mary L., daughter of C. Aldrich, an early settler of Troy, Ohio ; but a native of Rhode Island ; seven children resulted from this union ; five are living - Horace, Jessie L., Edward, Mary Rebecca and Warren. On the 8th of January, 1880, he moved to the old Coleman homestead, Prospect Hill, Staunton Township, with a view of making this his future and permanent home.

S. A. COLLINS, clothier, Troy. Maj. Collins, as he is familiarly and properly termed by his hosts of friends both far and near, is a native of the Hoosier State, and was born in Pulaski Co., Ind., on the 11th of September, 1840, but, at the early age of two years, was transplanted to Buckeye soil, where he was brought up on the farm until 17 years of age ; he then began the business of a contractor and builder, which he pursued quite successfully until the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion; in September, 1862, he enlisted in the famous 11th 0. V. I., and, taking naturally to the business of a soldier, he steadily and rapidly advanced in promotion ; after the second battle of Bull Run, in which engagement he participated, he was promoted on the field, by Col. Coleman, to the office of 2d Lieu tenant, as a reward for gallant services ; following the varied fortunes of this gallant regiment, he participated in the actions of Frederick City and Antietam, after which the regiment was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland ; here he was placed on detailed duty at Gallatin, Tenn., until he resigned his commission in September, 1863 ; in May, 1864, by the advice and direction of the State Military Examining Board, he accepted a Lieutenant's commission in the 147th 0. N. Gf., and served about four months with this regiment at Washington, D. C., and was mustered out with the regiment ; since the war, Mr. Collins has been engaged mostty in the lumber trade, exporting lumber to foreign markets, and as a dealer in building lumber ; in 1875, he took a prominent part in the organization of the Pearson Guards, Company C, of the 3d O. N. G., and was elected First Captain of the company, which position he held, making it one of the best military companies Miami Co. boasted ; subsequently, in December, 1876, he was elected and commissioned Major of the Third Regiment, and ably assisted in suppressing the railroad riots in this State in 1877 ; Maj. Collins is now the proprietor of the Eagle Clothing House, in Troy, and does an extensive and increasing business in that line. He was married to Hannah Earnheart May 7, 1864 ; she was a native of Miami Co., Ohio, and born in Brown Township in 1840 ; they have a family of three children - Effie, Arthur and Alva. The Major is ranked among Troy's best and most enterprising young business men, and will yet win a position and competence, if personal popularity, joined to honest and earnest effort is any assurance.

JOHN H. CONKLIN, City and Township Clerk, Troy ; was born in this township April 17, 1815 ; his parents, David and Mary J. (House) Conklin, were natives of Ohio, and in about 1814 settled in Piqua, where they made a permanent home ; his father met his death in Illinois by the hand of a murderous assassin, in the summer of 1837, aged 45 years ; his mother died in Missouri in 1861, aged 63 years ; they were parents of ten children, four of whom are living. Mr. C.'s boyhood was passed in Piqua, where he received the rudiments of an education, which was more fully developed by attending a school in Spring Creek Township ; in 1835, he came to Troy and was employed as salesman by Harker, Finner & Singer, with whom he remained four years ; since then he has been employed by many of the business houses here ; he served as Deputy Sheriff with Stephen Johnston one term. His marriage was celebrated with Mary J. Parsell, who has borne him ten children, eight of whom are living - Alfred L., Geraldine, Emma, Henry, Benjamin L., Bargoon, Lauren F. and John H. ; the deceased are David P. and Edmund ; Mrs. C. is a daughter of Bargoon and Susanna Parsed, who were residents of Clinton Co., Ohio. He has filled the office of Township Clerk twenty-one years in succession, been Deputy Treasurer for two years, and filled other positions of honor and trust - in ad, discharging every duty, and by so doing won the confidence of "his townsmen. He and his estimable wife have been members of the M. E. Church since 1850.

JOSEPH S. CRAY, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. We herewith present to the readers of the Miami Co. History, a sketch of the life of Joseph S. Cray, eldest son of Richard and Mary A. Cray ; he was born in Hunterdon Co., N. J., Nov. 25, 1827 ; his parents emigrated to Butler Co., Ohio, in 1838, and removed to Miami Co. in 1851. J. S. Cray was married to Miss Elizabeth Stine Aug. 30, 1854, and they commenced their married life on the Richard Morrow farm, in Washington Township ; their marriage was a happy one, but they toiled early and late, and were content with their lot as they saw their wealth gradually increasing ; their children - three boys and one girl - grew up around them, thus giving them greater stimulus for exertion ; J. Albert was born Nov. 20, 1855 ; Mary A. L., July 20, 1857 ; she is now the wife of Daniel Favorite ; Charles R. was born June 30, 1860 ; and William A., May 7, 1863 ; the daughter married into an old and wealthy family of this township ; she was married to Mr. Favorite, in Troy, by Rev. J. P. Watson, and an elegant reception was given them by the parents of the bride ; their first child was born March 24, 1878, and was named Joseph W. Mr. Cray is the owner of a fine farm of 102 acres ; his barns and outbuildings are first-class, and his orchard is a large one ; the farm is in a high state of cultivation, showing the prosperity of the owner. Typhoid fever made its appearance for the first time in the history of the county during his younger days, and two sisters and one brother fell victims to the disease ; he persistently refused to take the doctor's drugs, and was the only one who was attacked that recovered. He has held the office of School Director twelve years, and was elected Township Trustee, but resigned, as the office was forced upon him against his will ; he is well posted upon the current topics of the day, and votes his sentiments irrespective of party lines ; his home is one of comfort, and he is a kind and obliging neighbor, an excellent husband, and an indulgent father.

CHARLES H. CULBERTSON, attorney at law, Troy. Our subject was born in Troy Nov. 7, 1831, and is a son of Samuel and Mary (Hedges) Culbertson ; the ancestors of this famity originally came from Scotland and settled in Cumberland Co., Penn., early in the eighteenth century, where they established and built up what has since been known as Culbertson's Row ; five brothers, viz.. Joseph, Robert H., Henry W., Samuel and John, immigrated to this county in 1807, and located in Troy ; they were a family of merchants, and did the chief part of the business in Troy during a period of several years ; they were all prominent business men, and put up most of the early buildings of Troy, prominent among which are Culbertson's Mills, and Cairn's warehouse ; they were extensive boat-owners, and were buyers of pork, grain etc., furnishing a market for the produce of the country, and doing much to build up the commercial wealth of the county ; two of the brothers were soldiers in the war of 1812. Samuel and Mary (Hedges) Culbertson, were the parents of ten children, five boys and five girls, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood ; the eldest daughter, Catherine E. Moore, was one of the twent3r-seven organizers of the Christian Church in Troy ; she was an exemplary Christian woman of extraordinary ability and much force of character, having the mind to plan and the decision to execute. John W., the eldest son, is an oculist and aurist of considerable celebrity ; he is at the head of the eye and ear infirmary of Culbertson & Eaton, located at Indianapolis. Charles H. is a prominent lawyer and a self-made man ; as a jurist, he stands high in the profession, and has a most extensive practice, which his urbanity of manners and strict attention to business have justly merited ; he has made himself one of the solid men of the county, being a large real-estate owner. On the 1st of February, 1855. he was married to Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of Andrew Stewart, a wealthy farmer ; the nuptials wore performed at the house on the northwest corner of Market and Water streets, on the morning the brick building on the opposite corner was destro3*ed by fire ; Mr. C. soon after came in possession of the same property, where he has since erected one of the finest dwellings in Troy, in which Mr. and Mrs. C. have resided ever since, enioying the blessings of good health and congenial society ; their minds being of a similar cast, the3' have partaken of the same joys and pleasures; he is a member of the Masonic

Biographical Sketches

Order. The third son, Col. Samuel S., volunteered in the regular army, in September, 1861, as a private, but was soon after appointed 2d Lieutenant, upon the recommendation of Gov. 0. P. Morton ; he afterward rose, by his own efforts, to the rank of Major, and was brevetted Colonel for meritorious conduct ; he is now in charge of mines near Leadville. He married Miss Hill, daughter of John Hill, of Indianapolis. Asenath E., deceased wife of James Kerr, since removed to Illinois, and left a large family of children ; the fifth child of Samuel and Mary, was Nancy H., Mrs. Kerr. Joseph and Charlotte H., were twins ; Joseph was a soldier in the rebellion, a member of the 11th 0. V. I. ; he served for more than a year, and was discharged for wounds, for which he draws a full pension. He has since married the only daughter of Jonathan Drake, and reared a very interesting family of six children ; he is a prominent advocate of the cause of temperance. Charlotte H. married Augustas D. Grosvenor, son of Daniel Grosvenor, one of the oldest lawyers in the State, and resides at Clarinda, Iowa.

MRS. ELIZA (WRIGHT) CULBERTSON, retired, Troy ; the lady of the above name was born in Niagara Co., N. Y., in 1811. Her parents, Porter and Louise Wright, were born in Vermont, and removed to the above county at an early day, during one of the terrible Indian wars that infested that country ; there they lived a number of years ; her mother dying, her father came West, and in the State of Indiana departed this life. She has been thrice married, first with Nathaniel Heywood. in 1830, by whom she had five children, two living, viz., William H. and Alexander M.; Mr. H. died in 1840, aged 41 years. Her second marriage was with Daniel Bates, in 1843, by whom she had two children - Harriet L. and Eliza A. ; Mr. B. died in 1850, aged 38 years. Her third and last marriage was celebrated with Samuel Culbertson in 1857 ; he departed this life in April, 1876, aged 77 years. She has lived in Troy twenty-seven years. Death has been a frequent visitant to her family, but with true Christian fortitude she awaits the call that will again unite the ties that have been severed.

WILLIAM CURTIS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; Mr. Curtis is a man to whom we gladly give space in our biographical department. He is a self-made man, having started in life with very limited capital ; he is now reckoned as one of the wealthy men of the township ; and his farm is perhaps the equal of any for beauty and fertility. He was born in 1824 in this county. His parents' names were Hiram and Jane Curtis. Hiram was born in North Carolina, and came to Ohio when 7 years of age. Jane Sheets, the mother of William, was a native of Pennsylvania. During the war of 1812, Hiram helped supply the army with provisions. This lovely land was then the home of the Indian, wild deer and wolf. To-day it is the model of civilization and prosperity ; the heavy woodland has given way to the ax of the pioneer, and, in its stead, a heavy harvest is being gathered. William was married to Miss Sally Freese June 24, 1849 ; her parents were natives of North Carolina and were of German descent. William and Sally Curtis have had thirteen children, of whom twelve are now living - Sarah A. was born in 1850 ; Mary J. in 1851 ; Francis Z., July 25, 1853 ; William D., April 17, 1854; Martin A., April 5, 1856 ; Elwood J., Jan. 3, 1859 ; Peter H., Oct. 3, 1860 ; Calvin D., June 11, 1862 ; Lydia B., Nov. 5, 1863 ; Nannie E., Sept. 3, 1865 ; Minnie M., May 13, 1867 ; Burnette, Feb. 9, 1869, and Charles H., July 10, 1871. Calvin is the only member of the family that is not living. Sarah A. is the wife of David Stahl, and resides in Darke Co. All the other children live in this county, and have married well, Mr. Curtis has always been noted for his integrity, and has for several years been connected with the public schools in an official capacity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are members of the Christian Church, and live in accordance with its teachings. They have an elegant residence and live well, as Mr. Curtis is a generous provider. He never voted any other than the Republican ticket, but takes very little part in politics.

JOHN W. DEFREES, editor of the Miami Union , Troy ; son of John and Mary Defrees, was born Nov. 4, 1809, in Rockbridge Co., Ya. ; came with his parents to Piqua, Ohio, in December, 1814 ; remained with his father, who settled in the woods, two and one-half miles south of Piqua, until the fall of 1836, having aided, from the time he was large enough to do even the lightest work, in clearing up and cultivating the new farm ; left home in October, 1836, going to Goshen, Ind., where he took a position with the late John L. Meredith, in a store belonging to Mr. Wm. Barbee, of Troy ; returned home in 1837, and, in March, 1838, accepted a clerkship in the store of the late Wm. Scott, where he remained three consecutive years ; left the store in April, 1841, and, in the succeeding fall, purchased the office of the Piqua Intelligencer , remodeled it, and commenced the publication of the Piqua Register , which he continued to publish uninterruptedly until January, 1857, when he sold out ; during the latter part of the time, the paper was published three years semi-weekly, and then changed to a tri-weekly, and as tri-weekly and weekly ran four years ; after selling the Register office he spent one year on a farm, when he was nominated and elected County Auditor, serving two terms, retiring in 1863 ; at the close of 1864, at the solicitation of a number of prominent men of Troy, he brought on a new office, and commenced the publication, Jan. 1, 1865, of the Miami Union , with which he is still connected ; through the usual trials and tribulations attending the building up of a new paper (including the total loss by fire of an office, with all the materials, books, papers, stock and a good library), by dint of much hard work and assiduous attention to business, he has brought the Miami Union up to the position it now occupies.

JOHN B. DEWEESE, engineer, Troy. The subject of this sketch was born in this county in the year 1832 ; he is a son of Joshua and Mary (Gerard) Deweese ; Joshua was the son of Samuel, the first Baptist preacher in the Miami Valle}' ; Mary Gerard Deweese was the daughter of Henry Gerard, who came to this county in an early day, in company with Jacob and John Knoop, who made the first settlement in Staunton Township, where he lived to see the county change from a wilderness to one of the banner counties of the State ; he was the father of twenty-two children ; Mary, the mother of our subject, was, it is claimed, the first white woman born in Miami Co., in the year 1800, in w'hich place she lived till her decease, in 1878 ; she was the mother of fourteen children, thirteen of whom reached maturity. Mr. Deweese has always lived near Troy ; his early education was very limited, and, although he never attended school more than six months in his life, by close application and natural genius combined, he has educated himself as a successful business man ; he has mechanical genius, by which he has constructed a patent grain dump, now in successful operation ; for the past twenty-five years he has followed his trade, except during the war. Sept. 5, 1861, he enlisted in the 42d 0. V. I., under Col. James A. Garfield, in whose command he remained about one year ; he was afterward under Cols. Sheldon and Pardee ; was in the fight at Paintsville, and was penned in with his comrades at Cumberland Gap ; the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, and twice assisted in the taking of Jackson, Miss., and other battles of the Department of the Gulf ; he was discharged, after three years and three months' service, at Columbus, Ohio. Oct. 13, 1852, he celebrated his marriage with Caroline A. Hosier ; they are parents of four children - Jason K., born Aug. 10,1853; Charles W., born Oct. 21,1856; Callie B., born Oct. 8, 1858 ; and Nancy J., born Dec. 25, I860 - all of whom are with their parents except Jason R., who died in his 3d year.

J. D. DEWEESE, farmer; P. O. Troy. J. D. Deweese was born in Staunton Township, May 5, 1823 ; he was the eldest son of Thomas and Ruth Deweese, to whom were born seven children ; of this family, three of the boys, and one girl are yet living. Samuel Deweese was his first teacher and Mr. Bates the next ; Gen. Webb was also a pedagogue in those days, and wielded the birch with great dignity. The education young Deweese received was a very good one, considering the advantages he had. He was married to Miss Martha L. Ruth on the 27th of June, 1844, by Rev. Stephenson. Miss Ruth was born on the 15th of September, 1822, in Lancaster Co., Penn., and resided there until a short time before her marriage. They spent no time " seeing the sights " and spending money that could in those times be used to such good advantage in other ways, but at once commenced housekeeping on the old home farm, where Mr. Deweese was born. Oct. 2, 1845, William T. was born ; Matthias D. was born Dec. 18, 1847 ; he died March 13, 1870, after a lingering illness ; Andrew G\, the third son, was born Jan. 9, and now lives near Sedalia, Mo. He wedded Miss Clara Counts, of Staunton Township, Jan. 28, 1874. Harry L. was born Sept. 27, 1852, and is now living with his brother Andrew on their farm, near Sedalia, Mo. On the 12th day of September, 1859, little Ruth E. first saw the light ; the joy of the parents knew no bounds, but in two short years she was laid beneath the sod, and the soft September winds sang their gentle requiem over her grave ; her demise occurred Sept. 22, 1861. Mr. Deweese purchased his present home in 1859 ; before his removal thither, he erected the finest residence between Troy and Piqua, on the old Piqua Pike ; the view from this residence is the equal of any in this neighborhood, and overlooks the city of Troy, the Miami River and canal, as well as the magnificent Infirmary Building, which is a credit to Miami Co. The farm, of 117 acres, is in a high state of cultivation. They removed to this farm Dec. 17, 1873, and its nearness to Troy renders it convenient to trade, church privileges, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Deweese are both members of the Episcopal Church, and have lived in accordance with its rules for the past thirty-six years. They are surrounded by comforts, and their old age will surely be one of happiness and plenty.

W. H. H. DYE, proprietor of Dye's Oil Mill, Troy. Mr. Dye, being among the oldest as well as the most influential settlers of Miami Co., natural^ occupies a prominent position in the biographical department of his county's history. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Evans) Dye, and was born Dec. 26, 1813 ; the father, William, was a native of Pennsylvania, from which State he emigrated to Miami Co., and located in Staunton Township in the beginning of the present century, where his death occurred Jan. 28, 1823 ; the mother, Elizabeth, was born in Maryland, but immigrated with her parents to Kentucky in her infancy, where she resided until her marriage ; having reached a good old age, she died in 1850, at the residence of her son, W. H. H. Dye. William, as well as the grandfather, Andrew, with whom he emigrated here, figured conspicuously among the early pioneers of the county, and in another department of our work has received a more extended mention ; Andrew Dye died at the advanced age of 93 years. W. H. H. Dye, our subject, remained with his father upon the home farm, where he obtained a practical but limited education, till his 1 6th year, when he accepted a clerkship in Troy, which position he occupied about four years ; in 1832, he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he prospered, and in 1838, he began the distillery and milling business, by purchasing the property now known as Dye's mills, and continued this uninterruptedly until 1865, part of the time in connection with the mercantile trade ; he abandoned the distillery in 1865, and in 1877, he converted the same into an oil-mill, of which mention is made in the history of Troy. In 1871, he organized the banking house of W. H. H. Dye & Son, now known as the Miami Co. Bank. Mr. D. has prominently identified himself as a generous citizen, as well as a man of great ability in business. In 1839, he married Martha Culbertson, who has borne him seven children, six daughters and one son.

MRS. MARIA H. DYE, Troy. We are pleased to give Mrs. Dye a record in this history, as she represents a worthy family ; she was born Aug. 14, 1820 ; and was a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Oerhart) Thomas ; they are mentioned at length in the sketch of Aaron Thomas, as are also their children. Mrs. Dye's grandparents were Abraham and Susannah (Smith) Thomas, who were natives of Kentucky. The wedding of Miss Maria H. Thomas and Minor L. Dye was celebrated Oct. 27, 1840, Rev. Richard Brandriflf performing the ceremony ; their children were born in the following order : Orlando W., Sept. 9, 1841 ; Sarah C., Nov. 1, 1842 ; Thomas S., Feb. 15, 1844 ; Miranda L., March 3, 1845 ; Eva, Aug. 9, 1854, and Laura B., Jan. 25, 1858. Eva's demise occurred Oct. 11, 1855. Mr. Dye was a prosperous man, and left to his widow a lovely farm near Troy ; his death occurred July 19, 1879, and of him may truthfully be said, that for honesty and generosity he was ever noted. He was a life-long Christian, a loving father and a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. His descendants, for all time, may look back with pride upon the pure record of their ancestry. Mr. Dye was interred in the Thomas Cemetery. Their eldest daughter, Miranda L., wedded Charles B. Palmer, Dec. 25, 1866 ; their children were born in the following order: Minor J., April 13, 1868; Clinton E., April 11, 1870; L. T., Feb. 22, 1872 ; Charlie B., Jr., July 23, 1874 ; Wilbur 0., June 19, 1876, and Hugh D., Oct. 6, 1878. Orlando W. Dye wedded Miss Jennie Brandenbury Sept. 4, 1867, and their daughter, Effie G., was born Nov. 2, 1868. Thomas S. Dye married Miss Sallie Krise Nov. 12, 1874 ; he manages the farm, and resides with his mother ; his wife is a musician of merit, having been organist of the Lutheran Church, of which she has been a member since childhood ; they have two children - Leila W. and Walter E. ; Leila was born May 19, 1876, and Walter Sept. 6, 1878. The famityare very intelligent, and are much engaged in intellectual culture.

JOHN C. DYE, retired farmer ; P. 0. Troy. John C. Dye is one of the pioneers of Miami Co.; born in Greene Co., Penn., Oct. 16, 1807 ; he accompanied his father to Miami Co. in 1810 at 3 years of age, and settled in Elizabeth Township, where his father entered a section of rich farming land and spent the remainder of his days. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Clyne, a native also of Pennsylvania, and she had fourteen children, ten of whom lived to mature age. Two of his sisters still remain, one, Sarah, married to Mr. Stattler, still lives upon the old farm, and the other, Elizabeth, was married to Mr. James Dye. The subject of our sketch was raised on the home farm until he was 23 years of age, when he began life for himself as a farmer. He was married May 20, 1829, to Elizabeth Green, daughter of George W. Green, his wife being a native of Miami Co. She died March 30, 1879. They had eleven children, four of whom have died, there remaining the following : Jane, Benjamin H., Joseph G., Sidney, Elizabeth, Eleanor and William G. Mr. Dye followed farming ever since his marriage, and also learned the trade of a miller ; his farm increased to 300 acres, and he there resided until he removed to Troy in March, 1880, having disposed of his land. Politically, Mr. Dye is a Republican, and has always been a prominent worker in the party's ranks in his township. He served as Justice of the Peace for nine years in Elizabeth Township. He has been a member of the Baptist denomination for over fifteen years. His venerable father died in 1842, and his mother followed in 1855. He now expects to spend the remainder of his ripe old age in ease and comfort in Troy, surrounded by his children and the comforts of a life well spent, a duty well performed and a promise of the future happiness that awaits the humble Christian man.

MOSES B. EARNHART, lawyer. Troy. Mr. Earnhart is a young man of about 30 years ; he was born near Fletcher, this county, and is the only son of Jacob and Philena (Branson) Earnhart. His father is a Christian minister, and his mother a daughter of Moses N. Branson. He received his early education in the common schools, and in the high school of Troy, of which he is a graduate, after which he took a course at the Miami Universit}' at Oxford, Ohio, and the Michigan University Law School, where he graduated in 1874. His mother dying in his boyhood, he afterward made his home with his uncle, Commissioner Northeut, until 1875, when he removed to Troy and began the practice of his profession. He has served two terms in the office of Mayor, discharging the duties satisfactorily. In the fall of 1879, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county. He is an active worker in the affairs of the community, being Captain of Troy Guards at this time. As a practitioner, he is successful and entirely self made ; is a reticent, non-obtrusive gentleman, preferring that modest worth should win him the respect and confidence of the people ; his progress since his admission to the bar has been steady, and he bids fair to become one of the leading lawyers of the place. As a lecturer, he has a record not unworthy of mention ; he has made several successful efforts in that line, among which was " The Trial of Christ from a Legal Standpoint." On the 30th of July, 1876, he was joined in wedlock to Lizzie, daughter

MRS. LYDIA ENYEART, Troy. Mrs. Lydia Enyeart is a worthy representative of one of our oldest and best families ; she is a daughter of one of the first families in the county, and the name of Martindale is one ever associated with honor and gentility. Her husband, John L. Enyeart, came to this count}7 in 1830, with $10 in his pocket ; he was married in 1840, to the lady who still survives and bears his name. The children were ten in number, eight survive - Sarah J. (wife of David Coppock), Hester R. (the wife of H. H. Miller), Thomas J. (married Elizabeth Pearson), Elizabeth (married Leander McDonald), Martha C. (is the wife of Philip White), Rebecca (married Daniel Elliot,) John (is the husband of Maggie Connor), and Mary (is Johnston G-arvey's wife). Mr. Enyeart died in 1867. By industry and frugality, he was then owner of 358 acres of land, equaling any in the township, worth not less than $29,000. Thomas now lives with his mother and manages the farm. Mrs. Enyeart is now grandmother of twenty -three children. For more than a half-century, she has been a consistent member of the Christian Church ; her home is a pleasant one, near Troy, and her declining years will surely be passed in comfort.

WILLIAM A. EVANS, grocer, Troy. The subject of this sketch was born near Piqua, Ohio, in the year 1839 ; he is a son of Luke, a native of New Hampshire, and Rebekah (Adams) Evans, a native of New Jersey, who came to this county about forty-two years ago, and settled on a farm four miles northeast of Piqua, where he remained till the year 1869, when he removed to Piqua, and retired from active life. William A. lived with his parents on the farm, till the year 1861, when he went to Illinois, intending to try his fortune in the West. In August, 1862, at the call of his country, enlisted under Col. A. C. Harding, in the 83d I. V. I. On the 3d day of February, 1863, he was wounded at Ft. Donelson, after which, he remained in the hospital for twelve months, being removed from one place to another, and suffering the effects of transportation on his already impaired health. On the 3rd of February, 1864, he was honorably discharged on account of his wounds. After remaining in Monmouth, 111., for a few months, he returned to the home of his boyhood, where he remained with his parents till their removal to Piqua, being unable to perform manual labor, his health and constitution being broken down by army life. In the fall of 1869, the people, in appreciation of his character and services to his country, elected him Sheriff, which office he held for two successive terms. Sept. 16, 1873, while the incumbent of the office of Sheriff, he was joined in wedlock to Sarah B. Clyde, a daughter of George C. Clyde, one of Miami's oldest citizens. After retiring from office, Mr. A. spent his time in overseeing the farm, and other private affairs. In April, 1878, he opened a grocery in Troy, in connection with John C. Rogers, under the firm name of Evans & Rogers, where he continues to carry on a large trade, supported by his many friends.

CAREY A. FOWLER, farmer ; P. O. Troy. Carey A. Fowler is one of our prosperous farmers, and his standing in the community gives him a place in the front rank. His parents, John D. and Nancy Fowler, emigrated from Wabash, Indiana, and settled upon the quarter section now occupied by Carey, in 1835. John was a native of Pennsylvania, but came to Brown County, Ohio, in 1804; Nancy Fowler was born in Brown County, and they were married, probably, in 1821, and afterward moved to Kentucky ; again removed to Wabash, Indiana. He was rather peripatetic, but nevertheless managed to keep about all he ever owned. Game was plenty in those days, and many of the settlers depended upon the supplies derived from this source for sustenance. The Temperance Crusade was then a thing unthought of, and whisky was almost as common as water ; Carey was the exceptional boy who never partook of the beverage, and the old men really feared that his constitution would give way, did he not drink ; but nearly all of those are gone that indulged so freely ; Carey is as ardently opposed to tippling, as during his youthful days. Athletic sports were much indulged in the early settlement of the country, and prowess, rather than intellect, was in favor. His first school teacher was Col. Westlake, and his first writing desk, a slab laid upon pegs driven into the logs. Teachers all knew how to handle the birch to perfection. Carey was wedded to Miss Mar}' E. Murphy. Sept. 21,

1851. After a brief wedding tour, they settled on the farm upon which they now live, and where their children were born. Two sons - Frederick W. and Ulysses S. Grant; two daughters, Viola E. and Eldora M. Frederick is the husband of Miss Sarah E. Frazier, and resides on the Fowler homestead. Eldora M. is the wife of Charles Throckmorton, and resides in Brown Township. Ulysses S. is still continuing his studies, developing into a promising man. John D. Fowler was elected Justice in 1851, and removed to Troy. Carey purchased the land of him, and subsequently another 80 adjoining. He also owns property in Troy. His farm is one of the finest in the neighborhood, and has two of the finest orchards upon it, perhaps, in the township. His residence is a commanding one, and the barns and out-buildings large and well kept. He superintends his farm ; works, or not, as he pleases ; but devotes much of his time to reading. His library is a very good one, and constantly increasing. He is a Liberal Theologian, and a sound Republican, and for years has been Master of Troy Grange, and seta great store by this order, in which he has enjoyed great distinction. He has great faith in its moral, social, and intellectual development. John D., the father of Carey, died in March, 1871, and his mother, in 1876 ; they are lying side by side in Rosehill Cemetery.

NATHAN FRAZIER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. Nathan Frazier was born Feb. 22, 1831, and was the son of Israel and Sarah (Smith) Frazier ; his father died when Nathan was 18 months old, and his mother married John Deweese, in 1835 ; they moved to Darke Co., and Mr. Deweese bought a piece of woods, which, at that time, was called a farm. Deweese was a great hunter, and his time was spent in the chase with his dog and gun ; while the boys (Deweese had three sons) did the clearing, and, in fact, all that was done. Game of all kinds was abundant, and deer and turkeys were often shot from the cabin window. His life was an oppressive one, and his mother persuaded him to return to his native county, which he did in the spring of 1845. His education had been wholly neglected until this time. He engaged with his brother-in-law, Solomon Kerns, and worked for him until the age of 21, when he was furnished a suit of clothes, and $100 in cash. In

1852, his brother John urged him to go with him to California, to which he consented, and they started, very soon after, for New York. Upon their arrival there, it was ascertained that they would have to stay ninety days before the}' could obtain passage, all the berths in out-going vessels having been taken. They stopped in New York one week, and, finally, concluded to return home, which was at once acted upon. Nathan's ready cash was almost spent by the time of his arrival, and he, again commenced work for Mr. Kerns. Afterward, he hired to another man, for $12.50 per month. A strong attachment had been formed by Nathan for Miss Eleanor Robbins, and they were subsequently married, on the 21st of April, 1850. They had neither home, cow, horse nor sheep, and only $75 in money ; but in a small log cabin, which Nathan had built on his brother's land, they commenced their married life. In 1857, he began farming and buying stock. Year by year he prospered, and, in 1865, he purchased the handsome farm upon which lie now resides, and all the substantial improvements were made by him. The fine orchard, together with the large barns and granaries, make this one of the most desirable farms in the neighborhood. Five of the six children born to them are now living - Sarah E., Mary F., Emma B., Martha J., Charles W. and James E. ; Sarah is the wife of Frederick W. Fowler, and resides on the Fowler farm ; the other children are rapidly advancing in their studies, and are developing fine musical abilities. Their home is surrounded with comforts, and the courtesy shown to friends is a fitting tribute to the teaching of their estimable parents. From a wilderness, Mr. Frazier now beholds the fields of grain, where the forests once stood. His energy may be understood, when, for his tuition, he chopped

MICHAEL FRONTZ, retired, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. Mr. Michael Frontz is one of the prominent farmers, having lived forty-one years in the township. He was born in German}*, and came to Ohio in 1834, settling in Miamisburg. His earthly possessions consisted of only a few dollars, but fortune smiled on him from the first, and he has steadily prospered. He courted, and afterward married, Miss Mary Eberd, of Montgomery Co., May 4, 1836, Rev. Daniel Winters officiating. Their wedding tour was taken from Dayton to their home in a two-horse wagon. Housekeeping was commenced on a farm owned by the father of the bride, where they lived very happily together. The second year Mr. Frontz purchased four acres of land and erected a weaving establishment. He made a specialty of coverlets, and to say that they were genuine would be only the truth. The children each have a specimen of his work, looking almost as good as new, that was woven in 1837. Seven children were born, and three are now living - Sarah J. is the wife of Rev. George Tenney ; William, the only son, married Miss Sarah J. Honeyman ; Mary A. is the wife of William Sager, who now looks after the farming interests. Mr. Frontz had an attack of paralysis in October, 1879, since which time he has been confined to the house. His wife died April 12, 1868, since which time Mrs. Sager, his daughter, has superintended household matters, and is a splendid housekeeper. The orchard and buildings are all in good shape, and the farm is a nice one. They are comfortably situated and everything presents an appearance of neatness and prosperity. Mr. Frontz is 72 years old, and was born in Gutenberg, Germany, in 1807. He has witnessed much of the growth of this country, and his life has been a financial success. He views the situation politically from a Democratic standpoint, and is the first Democratic supporter of the Miami Co. history in this township. For fifty-eight years he has been an active member in the Lutheran Church, and has lived strictly in accordance with its teachings.

W. H. H. GAHAGAN (deceased) ; born in Miami Co., Ohio, Nov. 14, 1835 ; was a son of W. H. Gahagan, a prominent agriculturist ; he was the chief organizer of the Miami Co. Agricultural Society, and served as its Secretary for seventeen years; died April 14. 1870; his wife, whose maiden name was Hester L. Culbertson, died Sept. 9, 1874 ; they were the parents of nine children, four daughters now living. William Gahagan, the grandfather of our subject, was among the early pioneers of Miami Co., and, in 1809, entered a part of the land now within the corporation limits of Troy ; a few years later, he purchased a large part of the land upon which the business portion of Troy now stands, donating to the city for a cemeter}* the lot where now stands the first school. Our subject being the only son. followed the occupation of his father, succeeded him on the farm, which he greatly improved, exhibiting taste in beautifying and*tact in managing the same ; he was a Republican in politics, and, while he had no aspirations for office, labored hard for the success of the party ; was patriotic and manifested great interest in military affairs ; on the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, enlisted in the three months' service, then re-enlisted for three years in the 11th 0. V. I., and was appointed Second Lieutenant Co. D, which position he resigned on account of ill health ; in the fall of 1861, he returned home, and, never regaining his health, died Dec. 4, 1877. He was married to Hannah M. Smith April 2, 1863 ; who was born in Clark Co., Ohio, Nov. 20, 1838 ; they have three children, viz., Walter H., Mary E. and Bessie, all now residing with their mother, who is a daughter of David J. Smith, one of the early pioneers of Clark Co. ; was a native of Scotland ; came to America when an infant ; died in Clark Co., Sept. 13, 1878.

ELBERT P. GALBRAITH, proprietor Riverside Hotel, Troy ; %was born in Jackson, Cape Girardeau Co., Mo., March 22, 1844, and is a son of Samuel Galbraith, born in February, 1808, now residing in Ashtabula Co., Ohio. When an infant, our subject was taken by his parents to the city of St. Louis, where he remained in school until he attained his 10th year, at which time his parents removed to Ashtabula Co., where they now reside, and where our subject gave his whole attention to his education, receiving instruction in the academy ; when the war of the rebellion broke out, he was a student in the Normal School at West Kingsville ; leaving school, he enlisted Aug. 8, 1861, in the three months' service, 19th 0. V. I., in which organization he served out his time, and, in the following August, 1862, re-enlisted in the 105th 0. V. I., and was at once sent to the front ; he participated in several engagements prior to Oct. 8, 1862, at which date he was severely wounded, having two balls pass through his left arm, disabling him so that he was unfit for further service ; and on the 13th da}' of December, was mustered out of service ; he again entered the Normal School to finish his education ; commenced teaching school in 1865, and while teaching read medicine ; then he went to Kentucky, and was engaged for several years in dealing in stock, after which he was in mercantile business in Scioto Co. ; in 1876 he located in Miami Co., and has since been occupied as hotel keeper ; in 1878, he opened the Riverside House in Troy, of which he is now the proprietor, and has built up a business to the fullest capacity of the house. The writer of this article having been a guest of the hotel in question for several months, does not hesitate to state that during his travels of fifteen years, he has never found a better home nor a place where the comforts of travelers are more carefully cared for. Mr. Galbraith was married to Sarah A. Pierce Feb. 16, 1870 ; she was born in Greene Co., Ohio, in 1843 ; the result of this union are four children, viz., Elbert, Harry, Jessie and an infant ; Mrs. Pierce had been previously married to William E. Stubbs, a Methodist minister, who was born in Delaware, and died in October, 1863, by which union were two children - Charles E. and Rosa Bell ; her second husband, Wiley T. Pierce, was also a Methodist minister, a native of Tennessee ; died in Adams Co., Ohio, in 1869.

HARRISON GALE, restaurant and saloon keeper, Troy. Harrison Gale was born in Licking Co., Ohio, Dec. 4, 1822 ; his boyhood was spent on the farm, and his education received in the common schools ; at the age of 15, he engaged on the Ohio Canal, with a half-brother, working for the State ; when about 18, he started for himself, running a boat on the same canal, which he continued to do till 1849, at which time he brought his boat down the Ohio through the locks at Cincinnati into the Miami Canal, where he continued the boating business for a period of seven years, running on that and the Wabash Canal ; afterward he located in Troy and was elected Constable and Marshal for four successive years, performing his duties in a business like and satisfactory manner ; in 1860, he opened a restaurant in Troy (see directory), where he continues business, keeping everything in the line of eatables, and a supply of billiard tables, where his many friends can while away a pleasant hour. He has a wife and four children - Laura, Belle, William H. Courtney, and Harrison (deceased) ; he is surrounded by his children, and spending his mature years quietly and pleasantly ; his marriage occurred in 1863 with Miss Emily Ravenscraft.

I). C. GIDEON, physician and surgeon, Troy. A short genealogy will be first in order. Alfred L. Gideon was born in 1826 ; Elizabeth Clark Gideon. Dec. 15, 1820 ; their only child, David C. Gideon, Nov. 27, 1848 ; Jacob Row was born in 1810, and his wife, Sarah Bost, in 1811 ; they were parents of John, George, Jacob. Mary, Carrie, Lydia and Sarah ; D. C. Gideon and Sarah Row were married in 1868; their sons were born - Alfred L., June 4, 1868, and Clark McKenzie, April 6, 1873 ; Dr. Gideon's grandfather, Rev. David Clark, married Miss Sally Winans, daughter of Samuel and Sally Winans, in 1806 ; they emigrated to Miami Co., from New Jersey, in 1809 ; he had previously been here and purchased land, coming from Kentucky, in 1804 ; in 1805, he burned and delivered brick for the first brick house built in Cincinnati ; he was one of the pioneer Methodist ministers in this county ; they were parents of Winans, John, Carman, Sally H. and Elizabeth Clark ; his father, David Clark, Sr., was a native of Scotland ; Rev. David Clark was originally owner of the land Tippecanoe is now built upon, donating the lot for the Hyattsville M. E. Church ; he sold his possessions to Robert Evans, in 1830, and emigrated to Sangamon Co., 111. ; for forty years he was an ordained minister; D. C. Gideon began the study of medicine in 1865, and graduated at the Eclectic Medical Institute .of Cincinnati, Ohio, in Februar}r, 1873 ; he formed a partnership with his preceptor, Dr. John Clark ; during his stay in Danvers, McLean Co., 111., Dr. Gideon was editor and proprietor of the Danvers Independent , one of the spiciest local papers in the State ; he emigrated East instead of West, March 1, 1880, and settled in Troy, the home of his ancestr}\

PETER GRAY, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. This gentleman deserves a place in history, as he is a prominent farmer, and his influence in his neighborhood is considerable ; he is a native of Virginia, and was born in Morgan Co. in 1837 ; when he came to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1858, his worldly possessions amounted to $50 ; he stopped among strangers, and commenced work at $13 per month ; the next year, he was employed in farming the land of his former employer, and for his share received one-third of all he raised ; he continued on this farm for nine years, and by economy had managed to lay b}^ a nice little sum ; he then came to Troy and commenced work for Reuben Michaels, receiving 80 cents per day when he worked, and his board when he did nothing ; during this time, he formed an acquaintance with, and afterward married, Miss Josephine Byrkett, daughter of Solomon and Catharine Byrkett ; in January following, they commenced housekeeping in an old washhouse on the Favorite farm ; in March, he rented and moved upon a farm in the immediate vicinity ; after working this place one year, he purchased the farm where he now resides, paying for the same $75 per acre ; he now owns 100 acres of nice land, of which 90 acres are in cultivation ; all this was accumulated by his own hard labor. Their children are named respectively J ames P., John H. and Maggie E.; James P. was born March 19, 1871 ; John H. April 11, 1873, and Maggie H. Sept. 15, 1877 ; the schoolhouse across the way affords them an excellent opportunity for obtaining an education. Mrs. G. is a member of the Christian Church, and will surely rear her children in accordance with its teachings. Politically, Mr. Gra}^ is a Republican, and his business integrity has made him one of our solid men ; from $50 in 1858, to $10,000 in 1880, is a fitting exhibit of his industry.

DANIEL GROSVENOR (deceased). Daniel Grosvenor, who was ranked among the earliest inhabitants of Troy, was born in Fairfax Vt., May 8, 1795, and was directly descended from an old English family of that name ; his boyhood was spent on a farm, where he acquired his education mainly by his own exertions, studying such books as he could procure, by the light of a pine knot or the brush-heap fires. When 19 years of age, he belonged to a militia company of Green Mountain Boys, and went, with his squirrel rifle over his shoulder, to join the army and assist in repelling the British attack on Plattsburg, N. Y.; he here participated in the battle of Plattsburg, lasting about three days, in September, 1814, and was a witness to Commodore McDonough's victory over the British fleet on Lake Champlain. He came to Ohio in 1819, settling at Troy, where he supported himself by teaching school while pursuing his legal studies ; he was duly admitted to practice April 12, 1822, and served as Auditor of Miami Co. from 1822 to 1829. Dec. 1, 1829, he married Frances Barber ; she wTas born at Colerain, Mass., Juty 29, 1804, and, while yet a child, removed to Truxton, Cortland Co., N. Y.; in 1821, she came to Ohio with her relatives and settled in Troy ; they had seven children, all but one of whom arrived at mature age ; three were boys and four girls, and of these the eldest son and two daughters are deceased, and two sons and two daughters are yet living. The subject of our sketch continued in the practice of his profession at Troy many years, and also engaged in mercantile pursuits, until failing health compelled him to quit the law office ; he was prominent in political life as an original and out-spoken Abolitionist in the times when danger attended such an avowal, but he lived to see the fulfillment of his prophecies and hopes during the late civil war. He was long connected with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Troy until the time of his death, which event occurred in the month of August, 1867, at the advanced age of 72 years ; his aged widow survives, and still resides at the old family place in Troy.

WILLIAM B. HAMMOND, farmer ; P. O. Troy. W. B. Hammond has lived in Miami Co. since 1844, and is therefore entitled to representation ; his education has been of a practical sort, and previous to his marriage to Miss Amanda Miller, which was celebrated Jan. 3, 1869, he was engaged in teaching in Allen Co., since which he has devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Hammond are the parents of three children - John, George and Orpha ; John, the eldest, was born Nov. 5, 1869 ; George Jan. 3, 1873, and Orpha June 22, 1876; they are all attending school, and are children of much promise. Mr. Hammond was for a number of years connected with the Board of Education ; he is a prominent member of Franklin Lodge, No. 14, A., F. & A. M.. and also of Monroe Grange, No. 132 ; politically, he is a "straight Democrat." His wife's parents, Cornelius and Rosena Miller, were pioneers, and their biographies appear in this work.

CHARLES J. HARR, dealer in groceries, queensware, etc., Troy. Chas. J. Harr is junior member of the firm of Weatherhead & Co., the leading grocery establishment in Troy, Ohio ; Mr. Harr was born in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1845 ; his parents immigrated to Ohio probably in 1830 ; they were natives of Virginia ; they reared a family of six children ; two only are living, Charles and Julius ; the father and youngest son are now doing business in Troy. Charles learned the tinner's trade with Young & Smithers, commencing in 1861 ; he continued at that business for fourteen years ; in 1875, he formed a partnership with Henr}T P. Weatherhead, in the business in which he is now engaged ; their trade is large and rapidly increasing, and the reputation of the firm is beyond question. Mr. Harr was wedded to Miss Martha Worthington September, 1869 ; they are the parents of two children - Willie D. and Gracie ; Willie was born May 12, 1874, and Gracie Oct. 14, 1876. Mr. Harr owns a nice residence on Plum street, and is one of our most enterprising young men ; he is a charter member of Trojan Lodge, No. 100, K. P., and is also a member of the Brass Band of Troy, of which he is Treasurer ; he is a self-made man, having accumulated what he has b}r his own industry and fair dealing.

LEWIS HAYNER, manufacturer of fine whiskies, proprietary medicines, etc., Troy. Lewis Hayner is one of Troy's most enterprising men, and has probably done more to advance its business interests than an}T man who ever lived in the city ; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio, in 1822; his parents, John and Sarah (Meeker) Hayner. were the parents of ten children - William, Henry, Lewis, Clark, John M., Enoch, Nicholas, Maria, Sarah and Jane. The father was born in New York and the mother in New Jersey. Lewis Hayner has been principal^7 engaged during his business life in the manufacture of liquors ; he built the distillery now owned by E. Farrington in 1856 ; he erected his present distillery in 1866, the capacity of which is 100 bushels of grain per day ; he purchased the Troy Hydraulic of Knoop's heirs in 1879 ; it was built by a company, but until this time it had profited nothing ; Mr. Hayner proposes now to erect a paper-mill and turn this fine water-power to a good use ; he has, by a long series of experiments, perfected a " Lung Medicine," and " Catarrh Specific," from pure pine tar, and this promises to be a boon, not only to sufferers from disease, but, also, to the manufacturer ; he has made arrangements to manufacture these medicines on a large scale, and it will be a source of pride to the people of Troy to know that so valuable a remedy had its origin in their city. His marriage to Miss Eliza J. Leland was celebrated in 1848 ; they were parents of Sarah, Elizabeth, Jane and Clark Hayner ; Mrs. Hayner died in 1860, and his second marriage, to Miss Jane D}re, was consummated in 1862 ; they have no children ; their residence, on West Franklin street, is tastily furnished, and, with Mrs. Hayner as matron, is well presided over ; in spite of his many losses, Mr. Hayner is one of our wealthiest men, and has more enterprise, perhaps, than any other of our citizens. The principle he has solved in relation to his preparations of tar, has been vainly sought after for more than a century ; his simple appliances for the treatment of nasal catarrh and lung diseases are perfected, and will prove of much benefit to those afflicted with such diseases.

HON. M. W. HAYS, physician and statesman, Troy. We take great pride in writing the biography of Hon. M. W. Hays, whose portrait appears in this work ; he is, in every way, worthy of the position he now occupies, and does, not only himself but the county, honor ; he was born in Brown Co., Ohio, in 1840, and his parents were G-abriel and Elizabeth Hays ; they were the parents of the following named children : William, Thirza, Hamer K, Martin L., James, M. W., Thenia, Ellsberry, Mary P., and Eli M. To the sons we shall have occasion to again refer. The parents were natives of Virginia, but emigrated to Ohio at an early date. M. W. Hays did good service during his boyhood on the farm, driving an ox team, and doing heavy work ; his leisure hours were few, but these were highly improved ; his mind received impressions easily, and ere his parents were aware of the change of their bo}r from a lad, to the stature of a man, he stood before them, possessed of a splendid education, bearing in his hand a diploma honestly earned from one of the best colleges in the State of Ohio. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Foster's Company of Independent Cavalry, who, during the war, were assigned to duty at the headquarters of Hens. Fremont, McKinstrey, Halleck and McPherson, and were afterward with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. In December, 1861, he, together with ten others, was captured by a detachment of Hen. Poindexter's men, under command of Capt. Walker. The Doctor had made the assertion that he would never be put inside a rebel prison, and in this case it seemed as if his resolve would not hold good. With one of his comrades, he managed to escape the first night, owing to the extreme darkness, and reached the Union lines in safety the next afternoon. In June, 1863, on account of disability, he was discharged and returned home ; careful nursing soon effected a radical cure, and, full of patriotism for the cause which he espoused, he again enlisted, in the United States Navy, under Capt. Charles Litherberry, on board the United States receiving ship, " Grampus." He was at once detailed as Assistant Surgeon, by J. J. McElhenny, Surgeon in charge. In this capacity, he served with distinction during the remainder of the war. Returning to Russellville, Brown Co., he commenced the practice of his chosen profession in the fall of 1865. In 1869, he was wedded to Miss Sarah S., daughter of Joseph H. and Jane A. Stafford, since which time the beautiful city of Troy has been their home ; they are the parents of two children - William S. and Ollie E. In the spring of 1878, without opposition, Dr. Hays was elected Mayor of Troy, and, in the fall of the same year, President of the Miami County Agricultural Board ; re-elected in 1879, again in 1880, and is still a member of the board. In 1879, he was elected a member of the Sixty-fourth General Assembly, by the Republican Party, whose cause he has espoused from its beginning, and has never swerved from its solid principles. He resigned his official position as Mayor, and entered upon his duties as Representative of this district. To his honor be it said, that he was the author of the bill providing for the maintenance of the soldiers' and sailors' orphans, by the State instead of the county, which bill successfully passed both Houses. This law had previously been in force, but had been repealed by the Sixty-third General Assembly. As a citizen, a soldier, and a statesman, his record is without a stain. His brother William was the second man in Brown Co. to enlist under the Union banner during the war of the rebellion, and was elected Captain of Co. I, 12th 0. V. I. ; re-enlisting at the expiration of his term of service, he was commissioned Major of the 89th O. V. I. Hamer was elected Captain of Co. B, 8th Cavalry, and served during the war in the Rocky Mountains. Gabriel and Elizabeth Hays reared six stalwart sons, who did battle for the Union, and all were noble soldiers. Two of their children, William and Mary, are not living ; the mother of these gallant sons is also deceased ; the father still survives, is straight as an arrow, full of energy and pluck. Dr. M. W. Hays has a nice residence in Troy, furnished in a style commensurate with his means, which are ample. His wife's mother, Mrs. Stafford, and her daughter Agnes, find a pleasant home beneath his roof. His courteous demeanor has made him our most popular man, and he never fails as a candidate to run far ahead of his ticket.

A. P. IDDINGrS, farmer and stock-breeder ; P. 0. Troy. Mr. Alfred P. Iddings, one of the prosperous farmers of Concord Township, is the eldest son of Harrison and Eunice Iddings, who were among the early settlers of Union Township. They were married forty-six years ago ; Harrison, the father of Alfred, has been principally engaged in the mercantile business during his life, and now resides at Indianapolis, Ind. His son Alfred, the subject of this sketch, was born in March, 1835, in Union Township, Miami Co., Ohio ; when he was 4 years of age, his parents moved to Peru, Ind. ; Alfred still remembers the journey, and the large bands of Indians they passed ; when he was 7 years old, his mother died, and he, together with his younger brother, John, came back to Miami Co., and made their homes, John with his uncle, and Alfred with his grandmother ; at the expiration of a year, Alfred, also, went to his Uncle David Patty's to live. The boys were hard-worked, and but little attention was paid to their education. On the 27th day of March, 1855, Alfred was married to Miss Sarah A. Johnson, eldest daughter of John C. and Julia A. Johnson, of this township, Rev. T. P. Childs, of Troy, Ohio, conducting the ceremonies. They have resided in this township ever since ; commenced at the bottom of the financial ladder, but are now numbered with those at the top ; Mr. Iddings owning 220 acres of excellent land, of which he has 190 acres under cultivation, the other 40 being heavy timber. He pays especial attention to breeding fine horses, and has some of the best Clydesdale colts in the township ; the other stock - hogs, sheep and cattle - bear evidence of good care. Their children are five in number, three sons and two daughters ; the first child, John H., was born November 10, 1858, but died in infancy ; Joseph H. was born Jan. 9, 1860; Samuel P., Dec. 7, 1862; Rosa B., Aug. 28, 1865 ; Sarah A., March 31, 1870. Joseph H. will continue his studies until graduation, as, by an accident, he is incapacitated from farm work. The children are all lovers of literature, and the girls are especially interested in music. Mr. and Mrs. Iddings belong to the Christian Church, and are exemplary members. Politically, Mr. Iddings is a Conservative Republican, but in national affairs votes the sentiments of his party. His income is sufficient to supply every need ; he is a generous liver, and friends are always welcome.

MARVIN B. JAMES, photographer, Troy ; was born in Troy Dec. 11, 1855, and is a son of Benjamin and Ann E. James , his father was born in Maryland in 1819, and his mother in Michigan in 1835 ; both are living, and have been residents of Troy for many years ; they have three children - Marvin B., Franklin R. and Lotta. Our subject was reared in Troy, and received his education in the village schools ; at the age of 16, he entered the photograph galley, and, with A. C. Miller, made himself a proficient in the art ; he afterward contracted a partnership with a gentleman with whom he remained but a short time, when he assumed full proprietorship ; his pleasant rooms are located in Kessler's Block, in the southeast corner of the public square ; the walls are adorned with the finest works of art, and furnished in a neat and artistic manner. In 1878, he consummated a matrimonial alliance with Alice Looney, who has borne him one child, viz., Eugene, deceased. (See card in Directory.)

MRS. MARGERY JENKINS, Troy. We present to our readers a sketch of Mrs. Margery Jenkins ; she is the eldest daughter of Enoch and Rosannah Pearson, who were natives of South Carolina, and emigrated from Newberry Court House to Monroe Township. Margery was born March 7. 1818 ; during her girlhood, she received a liberal education, which was very beneficial to her ; when her father had his first cabin erected, he had no material to make doors of, so a blanket was substituted, and served its purpose well ; Margery's father was her first schoolteacher, and the log schoolhouse was only partly floored ; one log removed from the side gave light, and the benches were hewed logs, with pegs driven in holes for legs ; the fire-place nearly filled one end of the room, and would hold half a cord of wood ; this hardly served to keep them warm on a cold day ; the scholars would often bring their dinner in their pockets, consisting of raw potatoes, and these, roasted in the ashes, were considered quite a luxury ; "salt pork and lye hominy " were staple articles of diet. She was married to Jesse Jenkins March 29, 18357 Esquire David Jenkins tying the nuptial knot ; her wedding dress was of silk, which was considered rather stylish ; she began teaching " select school " in April, 1836, in her kitchen, superintending, in the meanwhile, her cooking, which was at that time all done by the fire-place ; Elizabeth, their first child, was born Feb. 20, 1837 ; she is now the wife of Benjamin Blackmore ; Enoch P. was born Sept. 24, 1839 ; Bosannah, June 24, 1842 ; Bebecca E., April 18, 1845 ; she is the wife of John Herr ; Buth A. was born Feb. 25, 1848, and is now the wife of Sherman Le Blonde ; they live with Mrs. Jenkins, and Mrs. Le Blonde is a very fine housekeeper and an " ardent supporter " of the Miami Co. History ; Mahala was born Feb. 9, 1850, and is now deceased; Margaret J., May 5, 1853 ; Silas L., Sept. 24, 1855 ; Sarah B., June 27, 1858, also deceased ; Silas L. was married to Bebecca Fogle. David Jenkins, the father and husband, died Oct. 9, 1870. Mrs. Jenkins is well provided for, and is a consistent member of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM C. JOHNSTON, Judge of the Probate Court, Troy ; son of Stephen and Uretta Johnston, was born J^uly 24, 1842, at Troy, in the old Sheriff's residence, his father being Sheriff of the county at that time, subsequently removed to Piqua. At the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, he enlisted as a private soldier in the 11th 0. V. I., and afterward was assigned to the staff of Gen. 0. W. Mitchell, with the rank of Lieutenant ; but a lingering fever, contracted while in service in Western Virginia, prevented him from entering upon the duties of that office ; he again served in the 147th 0. N. G., until near the close of the war ; for a time previous to November, 1865, was Deputy Collector United States Internal Bevenue ; in December, 1867, was admitted by the Supreme Court of Ohio to the practice of law ; for about a year, was Chief Clerk in the Assessor's Office United States Internal Bevenue, Fourth District, Ohio. In the spring of 1869, was elected City Solicitor or Attorney for the city of Piqua, which position he held, with the exception of a portion of one term, until February, 1879, when he became Judge of the Probate Court, which position he now holds.

M. C. KAUFFMAN, of the firm of Kauffman & Ellis, merchant tailors, and dealers in ready-made clothing, Troy, was born in Lebanon Co., Penn. ; his father, Jacob Kauffman, was born in the same State Feb. 21, 1804 ; died Jan. 31, 1840 ; his grandfather, Abraham, was born in 1771 ; died in 1826 ; his great-grandfather, Abraham, was born in 1741 ; died in 1802 ; his great-great-grandfather, Frederick, was born in Switzerland, in 1709 ; came to the United States in 1734 ; at the age

Lebanon Co., and died in 1789, aged 80 years ; Sarah, mother of M. C., and wife of Jacob Kauffman, was born Jan. 9, 1810 ; died Sept. 6, 1863, aged 53 years and 7 months. Our subject began learning the tailoring trade when only 12 years of age, in Lebanon, which was finished in the city of Philadelphia ; his education was mostly received in the latter place, by attending night schools. After completing his trade, he was employed as cutter in an establishment in the above city for some time, then came West, locating in Greenville, Ohio, where he did a general merchant tailoring and ready-made clothing business ; then afterward came to this place, and was employed as cutter. In 1868, he went to Omaha, where he was engaged as cutter and general overseer of all work for six months ; returned to Troy ; established himself in business, giving employment to a number of skilled workmen. He is a professional cutter, in the strongest sense which the term implies, and is testified too by all who have been so fortunate as to have their dimensions encircled by his tape. This firm, from their fair-dealing, and popular business habits, command what they deserve, the leading trade in Troy.

GEOBGE KEIFEB, physician and surgeon, Troy ; is a son of Margaret and George Keifer, and was born in Washington Co., Md., July 4, 1806 ; his father was born in Pennsylvania, and his mother in Maryland, in which State they were married ; they removed to Bethel Township, in Clark Co., Ohio, in 1812, the overland trip to Springfield occupying thirty-one days ; his father died Aug. 31, 1845, she in 1822 ; they were parents of five children, two living - Mrs. Catherine Hum- phrys and our subject ; Mr. K., Sr., was a farmer by occupation, and had much knowledge of the science of medicine, and, withal, was a very useful man. At the age of 12 years, our subject entered the Findlay Seminary, a Methodist institution, in which he obtained a preparatory education, which was afterward fully developed in the same institution ; in 1826, he began the stud}r of medicine in Tro}', under the guidance of the late Dr. Asa Coleman, who was his preceptor for three years ; he then entered the Ohio Medical College, which conferred on him their diploma of medicine and surgery. Returning to Troy, he entered on the duties of his profession, and for three years practiced with his former preceptor ; since then, with the exception of a short time, he has practiced independent of assisting physicians. He has been twice married ; first to Eliza Cushman, of Providence, R. I., Oct. 27, 1833', who bore him seven children, four living - Mary E., Asa C., Sarah J. and Henrietta ; the deceased are Charles L., George D. and Eliza. Mrs. K. died Dec. 12, 1845, aged 36 years. His second marriage was celebrated May 8, 1849, with Elizabeth Hazard, of New London, Conn.; she died May 5, 1880, aged 76 years. With one exception, the Doctor is the oldest practitioner in the county, and has built up a large practice. July 9, 1862, he was commissioned Surgeon of the 50th O. V. I., and had charge of General Hospital No. 19, in Louisville, Ky. ; he was honorably discharged Dec. 26, 1863 ; during Gov. Allen's administration, he became one of the managers of the Soldiers and Sailors' Orphan Home for three years, and was afterward appointed by the trustees as Superintendent of the same institution, receiving many compliments for his able management. In 1838, he was commissioned Brigadier General, by Gov. Vance, which position he held ten years. In extracts from the press during his term, we learn that the Doctor was a very gallant officer. At home he has always been a representative man, discharging the duties of Justice of the Peace for twenty-one years, Mayor three years, President and member of the Board of Education three jTears, which speaks much for the Doctor's official capacity. He has been a member of the Masonic Order since 1 830, and has held positions of honor and trust ; is also a member of the I. 0. 0. F. Order, in which he served as District Deputy Grand Master three }'ears.

ELI KELLY, dealer in books, music, etc., Troy. Seth Kelly, the father of our subject, emigrated from Massachusetts, about 1820, to West Milton, and was identified with his brother Samuel, for a number of years, in the building of saw- mills, factories, oil-mills, etc. ; he was the manufacturer of the celebrated " Kelly's Scythe " that earned a justly deserved reputation long before reaping machines were thought of. His wife's maiden name was Mary A. Coppock, a native of Ohio ; she was born near Ludlow Falls ; her death occurred in August. 1852, and her husband's in November, 1852. Eli, our subject, was born Nov. 4, 1839, near West Milton, and was 14 years of age when his parents died ; he saw but little of the sunny side of life during his boyhood, having to work at any kind of a job that offered itself ; on the farm in the summer, he attended the common schools in the winter, and obtained such an education as they then afforded ; at the beginning of the war he was 21 } ears of age, and enlisted as a private in Co. A, 44th O. V. I. ; served as such until the re-enlistment of regular veterans in 1864 ; when the 44th Regiment was re-organized with the 8th O. V. C., he received a commission as 2d Lieutenant, and was afterward appointed Adjutant of the regiment, and served until his resignation, June, 1865, which was accepted by the Governor of the State, for reason of wounds received in battle Jan. 11, 1865. Upon his return, he commenced the book and stationery business in Troy, which has been continued to the present time, and has been largely increased, until his establishment is now the best one of the kind in the county ; latety has been added the music and sewing machine branch of the business. His marriage to Miss Hattie L. Bates occurred May 4, 1867 ; she was a graduate of Adrian College, Mich., Class of 1866 ; they have had three children - Edward Bates was born Feb. 21, 1869 ; Harry, Feb. 21, 1870, and Robert, July 1, 1875 ; Harry died in his 4th year, Jan. 15, 1874, and his body was interred in a lovely spot in Rosehill Cemetery. Mr. Kelly is one of our most accommodating business men, and has hosts of friends.

.10HN KELLY, Troy, of the firm of Beedle & Kelly, manufacturers of the Champion corn-planter, plow, automatic gates, Monitor wind engines, etc. ; he was born in Union Township, Miami Co.. Ohio, Oct. 8, 1823, and is a son of Samuel Kelly, a man of great public spirit and enterprise, who was born in Massachusetts, and came to Miami Co., at the beginning of the present century, and located in Union Township ; he was a machinist by trade, and at an early day purchased several water privileges on the Stillwater, and erected the first and only cotton factory in the county ; he also erected other factories and mills ; he was liberal and did much to develop the Stillwater region ; in 1866, he emigrated to Iowa, where he died in 1874 ; our subject was raised and educated in the different manufacturing business in which his father was engaged, until 1844, at which date he went to Providence, and served as an apprentice, until he had completed the trade of machinist, when he went to West Milton and built the machinery for his father's factory ; he remained at West Milton and followed his occupation as machinist until 1868, during which time he built the machine^ for several factories and mills ; then he came to Troy, continuing at his trade in its different branches until 1873, when he became associated with his present partner in the above business, since which time their business has been on an increase and is now quite extensive having in their employ from forty-five to seventy-five hands ; the implements of their manufacture find a market in all the Western States ; Mr. Kelly manufactures the two-horse corn-planter, and in the past six years has taken six patents, all improvements on this machine ; the whole manufacturing department is under the supervision of our subject. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Miller in 1849, who was a daughter of Zachariah Miller, of West Milton, born in Virginia, of which union sprung four children, viz., Carrie, Mary, J. M. and G-eorge C. ; the two sons being foremen of the machine-shops and foundry of the firm.

SOLOMON KERNS, retired farmer ; P. 0. Troy. Among the early settlers of this township we are pleased to notice Mr. Solomon Kerns, who has lived the longest, perhaps, of any man in the county in one township ; he was born within one mile of his present home, sixty-seven years ago, and his entire life, with but short intermissions, has been spent in this county ; he is a son of Henry Kerns, who was born in North Carolina, in 1784, and emigrated from Rowan Co., N. C., and settled in Concord Township, in 1809 ; a few years later, he purchased the place now occupied by our subject, upon which he resided until his decease, which occurred in May, 1861, at the advanced age of 77 years. He married Mary Summey, also a native of the above State, who died in Concord Township, about the year 1875, at the remarkable old age of 93 years; they were the parents of sixteen children, of whom seven now survive ; Solomon Kerns was born May 13, 1813, upon the farm where he has always lived ; he has witnessed the transformation of the vast wilderness into well-cultivated farms, fine residences, take the place of the rude log cabins, and the wild savage become entirely extinct. The marriage nuptials of Solomon Kerns with Diana Frazier were celebrated in Concord Township in 1839 ; she was born March 22, 1822, and died March 5, 1879; they were the parents of three children, of whom Philadelphia and Harriet Frances now survive ; Mr. Kerns has devoted his whole life to agricultural pursuits, and was also extensively engaged in stock-dealing ; he owns 203 acres in his home farm, with good buildings, under a fine state of cultivation, and some timber land in other parts of the county, all of which he has accumulated by his own hard labor, energy and correct business habits ; he is now retired from active labor, having his farm rented out to good tenants. He is a Republican in politics, and, while he has no aspirations for political honors, he has held the office of Township Trustee for a period of twenty years in succession.

DAVID KERNS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. Mr. Kerns was born May 31, 1823, and has always followed the occupation of farming ; when he was 6 years of age, his parents immigrated to Indiana, near Muncie ; two years afterward his father died very suddenly, and the widow and her children removed to Darke Co., Ohio, settling near Greenville ; after living with his mother nine years, David came to this township and worked two and a half years for Solomon Kerns. During this time he became engaged to and afterward married Miss Amanda Kerns, Aug. 29, 1845, the Rev. John Stephenson officiating ; they went to Indiana, where Mrs. Kerns contracted the ague ; they left Indiana on that account and came back to Concord Township, where Mr. Kerns purchased a part of the land upon w hich they now reside ; the}' moved into an old log cabin, 16x18, comprising parlor, dining and sleeping rooms in one room ; he built a cabin the next }^ear that was the envy of the neighbors, it being plastered overhead and having a fine jforch attached. Six children are now living, one deceased, three married ; one son and the daughter Olive still live with their parents ; their names are Salista J., now the wife of John Strong ; Luther J. is the husband of Miss Mary A. Brown ; Alonzo R. married Miss Sarah J. Blackmore ; Winfield S., William H. and Olive E. are still single. Mr. and Mrs. Kems are in comfortable circumstances, and enjoy life, in their quiet way, in a high degree ; their farm is in a fine state of cultivation, superintended by Mr. Kerns, and paying him a nice profit ; the buildings and orchard are neatly kept, contentment reigning around the fireside.

WILLIAM KERR, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. William Kerr was born in this county ; his parents were Harvey and Sabra, who were also born in the county, and may be classed among the old settlers ; William was bom Dec. 11, 1834, and, from choice, he has followed farming ; work was too plent}r in his younger days for bo}s to get a very extensive knowdedge of books, but William managed to obtain enough education to aid him materially in his business ; at 18, he commenced working for himself, at the rate of $10 per month, and continued working on the same wages for six }ears. March 10, 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Mahala, eldest daughter of William Swailes ; she was born in October, 1830, on the farm where they now reside, and never has nor ever wishes to know any other home ; two daughters thus far have gladdened their home - Naomi and Effie, whose education is fast approaching completion; Naomi was born Feb. 1, 1865, and Effie May 7, 1868. Mr. Kerr is owner of 80 acres of splendid land, with substantial improvements ; an air of neatness is everywhere apparent, his farm paying him a large revenue ; much of the change that has taken place in this county has been closely observed by him, and his arm has done much toward its improvement ; he is Democratic in politics, and never misses an opportunity of voting ; is fond of company and very agreeable.