Dayton City (part 37 of 50)

ACOB FREDERICK BUEHNER, who is a prominent citizen and business man of Miamisburg, was born on the Atlantic ocean, May 20, 1847. He is a son of John Martin and Christiana (Guhl) Buehner, who came to the United States in 1847, landing at New York June 27, from Muehlheim, ober amt Sulz, Wurtemberg. They arrived in Toledo. Ohio, July 4, having journeyed from Albany, N. Y. , by railroad and by boat on Lake Erie, reaching Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, on July 8, 1847.

his wife. The former came to the United States in 1858, located in Miamisburg, and died while on a visit to Preble county, Ohio, September 2, 1859. He was born May 15, 1778, and was at his death in his eighty-first year. He was the father of seventeen children, four of whom came to the United States, viz: John (now deceased), in 1832; Mary, deceased wife of John Schlotterbeck, who came in 1847; John Martin, father of the subject, who, as related above, came to this country in 1847, and is now deceased; and Annie, now deceased, who came to the United States in 1858. John M. Buehner was a carpenter, and followed that trade and also tobacco raising up to the time of his death. His wife was a daughter of Jacob and Christiana (Meyer) Guhl, of Germany, and bore him eleven children, of whom eight grew to mature years, as follows: Ann E., wife of Frederick Gunter; Mary M. , wife of John Schneider; Jacob F. ; Mary L., wife of Henry Betz; Catherine, wife of Henry Schneider; Christiana, wife of Charles O. Schuster; Amanda M. and Otto.

Jacob Frederick Buehner was reared in Miamisburg, was educated in the public schools and began life for himself, on attaining his majority, as a molder, learning his trade with D. H. Hoover & Son. He served an apprenticeship of two and a half years, and continued to follow the trade until December 28, 1874. On January 3, 1876, he embarked in the restaurant business, and has ever since then been thus successfully engaged. His property is one of the finest in Miamisburg. Mr. Buehner was one of the incorporators and stockholders of the Miamisburg Mowing Machine company, and he has been a member of the firm of Mays & Buehner, dealers in shoes, in Miamisburg, since 1892.

Mary M., deceased; Amanda C. ; Katie E., deceased; and Otto M. Mr. Buehner is a member of the Lutheran church, of the German order of Harugari, of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has served as district deputy and representative to the grand lodge of the state of Ohio of the latter order. Politically he is a democrat, and is a citizen of most excellent and admirable qualities.

OTTO BUEHNER, the well-known shoe dealer of Miamisburg, Ohio, is a native of that place, and was born January 12, 1861, a son of John Martin and Christiana (Guhl) Buehner, whose genealogy will be found in the biography of J. F. Buehner elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Buehner was educated in the public schools of Miamisburg, and here served an apprenticeship of three years at the shoemaker's trade, which he has followed since 1876. He became manager for Mr. Mays in the shoe business in 1892, and in 1894 bought an interest in the concern, and since that date the firm name has been Mays & Buehner.

Mr. Buehner was united in marriage, December 31, 1889, with Miss Charlotte L. Wachter, daughter of John C. and Hannah (Scheible) Wachter, of Springboro, W7arren county, Ohio, but formerly of Germany. One child, named John F. Buehner, has been born to this marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Buehner are devoted members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Buehner is a Knight of Pythias and also a member of the D. O. H. and A. O. U. W. In politics he is a democrat.

is a skillful workman and possessed of excellent business qualities. In all the walks of life he has been discreet and conservative and has thereby won the esteem of his fellow-citizens. Although thrifty he is yet liberal in all things, and is prompt in his aid to school and church and to the fraternities to which he gives adherence, as well as to all projects designed to benefit the people of his city and township.

Mrs. Buehner's father, John C. Wachter, was born in Rodendorf, Bavaria, Germany, April 25, 1817; came to America in 1846, locating in New York city, and in May, 1853, settled in Springboro, Warren county, Ohio, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade. He died there November 26, 1891. His wife died March 19, 1893.

OBERT W. BURNS, the affable and energetic secretary of the Friend Paper & Tablet company, of West Carrollton, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Lewistown, Mifflin county, Pa., March 1, 1861, a son of Robert and Angeline (Major) Burns. The paternal grandfather, Hugh Burns, was of Scotch-Irish descent and was a farmer near Lewistown; the maternal grandfather, Peacock Major, was a hotelkeeper at Lewistown during the Revolutionary war, and in the war of 1812 took part in the battle of Lake Erie, under Com. Perry.

Robert W. Burns, whose name opens this biography, was reared to manhood in his native city and educated in its public schools. In 1881 he came to Ohio, and for seven years filled the position of correspondent for S. J. Patterson, coal dealer at Dayton. In 1888 he formed a partnership in West Carrollton with Samuel Johnson, under the style of the American Tablet company, and did a successful business until 1894, when the American Tablet company was consolidated with the George H.

Friend Paper & Tablet company. Since then the concern has maintained a prosperous trade under its present title, and in this Mr. Burns, as its secretary, has been no small factor.

Mr. Burns was united in wedlock October 12, 1886, with Miss Sarah J. Williamson, daughter of George and Sarah A. (Jacobs) Williamson, well known residents of Fairfield, Greene county, Ohio, and to this union four children have been born, namely: James F., Angeline, Robert and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Burns are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are liberal in their contributions toward its support, as well as to the support of all worthy institutions designed for the public good. In politics Mr. Burns is a republican, but has never been an office seeker. Fraternally he is a royal arch Mason, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. Burns is quite prominent as a citizen of West Carrollton, and is foremost in every enterprise promising to advance the prosperity of his adopted town, which has become, largely through his push and energy, one of the prettiest, as well as most thriving, little hamlets of Montgomery county.

HBRAHAM K. BURTNER, a retired farmer of Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Mad River township, in the same county, June 8, 1839, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Kemp) Burtner, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively. His paternal grandparents, George and Catherine (Hoke) Burtner, originally of Lancaster county, Pa., settled in Mad River township in 1828, and engaged in farming. Their children were Henry, George, John, Jacob, Joseph, Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Peffler) and Fanny (Mrs. Jacob Kumler).

ther of Abraham K. , was born in Cumberland county, Pa., in 1808, and came with his parents to Mad River township in 1828. He was a farmer, and in 1845 removed to Preble county, and thence to Germantown in 1868, where he died May 7, 1886. His children were Julia (Mrs. Matthew Coffman), Lucinda (Mrs. William Zehring), Sarah (Mrs. Aaron Zehring), Abraham K., Joseph, Jacob, Joshua, and Francis.

Abraham K. Burtner was reared in Preble county, Ohio, from eight years of age, was educated in the common schools, and in 1861 began the work of life as a farmer in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, where he lived two and one-half years, then removed to German township and engaged in farming until 1868, since which time he has been a resident of Germantown. He married, August 8, 1861, Sarah C. , daughter of John and Rebecca (Bruner) Zeller, of Germantown, and has five children - Emma, Ida (Mrs. Rev. W. C. Mickey), Carrie (Mrs. Dr. F. M. Pottinger), Edward and Myrta. During the late Civil war Mr. Burtner was a member of company F, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and served 100 days, when he was honorably discharged. Mr. Burtner and wife are members of the United Brethren church. Politically Mr. Burtner is a republican.

Mr. Burtner has prospered in life through his own industry and skill, and is well deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors.

HMOS KENDALL CLAY (deceased), a prominent member of the Montgomery county bar, was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, May 9, 1847, a son of Adam and Sophia (Dubbs) Clay, natives, respectively, of Cumberland and Lehigh counties, Pa. His paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers of Wayne county, Ohio, in which county he lived until his death. Afterward his family removed to Saint Mary's, Mercer county, Ohio. His maternal grandfather, Daniel Dubbs, was a native of Lehigh county, Pa., was of Swiss descent, and settled in Miami township, Montgomery county, in 1836. In this county he engaged in farming, and here he passed the remainder of his life.

Adam Clay was born in Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa., November 12, 1819. He was a shoemaker by trade, and in 1832 removed to Ohio, locating in Wooster, with his father. In 1839 he went to Saint Mary's, Mercer county, Ohio; in 1841 removed to Dayton, and in 1842 to Miamisburg, where he carried on the shoe business until 1852, when he was admitted to the bar. From this time on until 1885 he continued in the active practice of his profession, his death occurring June 25 in that year. When the state was keeping up a militia organization he was captain of a company. In 1865 he was admitted to practice in the courts of the United States, and was a delegate to the constitutional convention of 1873. By his marriage he was the father of the following children: Amos K.,-

Amos K. Clay was reared in his native town and received the rudiments of his education there. Afterward he attended Notre Dame university at Notre Dame, Ind.; studied law with his father, and was admitted to the bar in 1868. After that time he was in the active practice of his profession in Miamisburg; met with unusual success, took high rank at the bar of his native county, and acquired a handsome competency through his known ability and careful attention to the interests of his clients. On February 10, 1890, he married Etta M. Weaver, daughter of

Amos Kendall Clay was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in politics a democrat, and by appointment served as city attorney of Miamisburg for many years. In all his relations with his fellow-men he observed the rules of propriety and integrity, and as a result was thoroughly trusted by all who needed the services of a member of the legal profession. Mr. Clay was called from earth in the prime of life and in the midst of usefulness. Although up to nearly his final hour he was in full enjoyment of perfect health and bade fair to live out the alotted "three score and ten years," on the 14th of June, 1896, he died very suddenly. His untimely demise cast a gloom over the whole community, and his death was mourned by all who knew him.

In early manhood Mr. Clay had assumed an enviable place among the members of his calling. As a lawyer and counselor, he was recognized as capable, faithful, conscientious and reliable. As a man and citizen none stood higher in public esteem and honor. He was unostentatious, reserved and dignified - a gentleman in the fullest sense of that term. He was exact and thoroughly trustworthy in all his business and professional transactions.

Mr. Clay was baptized in his youth. In his religious convictions he was a believer in evangelical Christianity and paid his annual stipend toward the support of the church of his parents. A few years since he placed a memorial window in the Reformed church in Miamisburg in memory of his father and mother.

The Montgomery county bar association, at his decease, met in the court room at Dayton and held a memorial service at which were passed resolutions of commendation and condolence. The pall bearers, selected from the bar of Montgomery county, were as follows: Judge Dennis Dwyer, Judge W. D.

McKemy, Oscar M. Gottschall and Judge J. W. Kreitzer. The chairman of the committee on resolutions was Judge Elihu Thompson. The Masonic fraternity, through their committee, consisting of Brothers L. H. Zehring, N. J. Catrow and M. G. Bohn, also submitted appropriate resolutions, couched in tender and feeling terms indicative of the high esteem in which their departed brother was held.

EWTON J. CATROW. - The progenitor of the Catrow family in America was Charles Catrow. He was a native of Holland, but of French descent, and in early manhood came to this country. Settling in Frederick county, Md., he there reared a family of eleven children, as follows : Charles, George, Jacob, Joseph,

Peter Catrow, the sixth child, was born March 1, 1781, and December 25, 1 803, settled in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio. Marrying in 1805, he, the same year, settled in Madison township, Butler county, where he purchased 160 acres of land in what was then an unbroken wilderness. This land he cleared and improved and lived upon it until within a few years of his death, which occurred at Sunbury, Ohio, July 4, 1852. His family consisted of five children, as follows : Zephaniah, George

C., Middleton, Catherine and Nancy. All of the brothers and sisters of Peter Catrow were pioneers of Butler and Montgomery counties, Ohio, and all lived to a ripe old age in the two counties mentioned.

George C. Catrow, second son of Peter and Christiania (Loy) Catrow, and their only surviving child, was born on the old homestead in Butler county, Ohio, October 10, 1814, and there he was reared to manhood and resided until 1856, in the meantime teaching school for many years. In the last-named year he removed to Dayton, where he was employed as clerk in the offices of the county clerk and county recorder for several years. In 1886 he removed to Miamisburg, where he has since resided. He married Mary A. Crider, daughter of Philip Crider, of German township, Montgomery county, and their children were born in the following order: Silas P. , deceased; William R. ; Newton J. ; and Sarah, wife of John Selby.

Newton Jason Catrow, third child of George C. and Mary A. (Crider) Catrow, was born on the old Catrow homestead in Butler county, April 24, 1845. He attained to manhood in his native county, and was educated in the common schools, and afterward in Greer's Commercial college, from which he was graduated in 1866. Locating in Miamisburg in 1858, he was there employed as clerk in the dry-goods store of William Huff & Son for seven years. In 1866 he entered the bank of H. Groby & Co., and filled the position of clerk in that institution until 1882, when he purchased a one-third interest in the bank. In 1886, with H. Groby, he purchased another third interest, and the bank was continued under the same name until 1888, when the First National bank of Miamisburg was organized, the bank of H. Groby & Co. merged into it, and Mr! Catrow elected cashier of the new bank. This position he held until the death of Mr. Groby, April 19, 1891, when he was elected president of the bank, which position he still occupies.

In addition to his banking interests, Mr. Catrow has an interest in the lumber and coal firm of Grove & Catrow, is president of the Miamisburg Twine & Cordage company, treasurer of the Miamisburg Paper company, and is connected with the Bookwalter Wheel company, beside being concerned in various other enterprises.

In 1865 Mr. Catrow was married to Melissa Groby, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Beck) Groby, of Miamisburg. He has two sons, viz: Herbert Groby, a graduate of the Pennsylvania Military college, and a member of the firm of Bartlett & Catrow, of Philadelphia, agents for European steamships and directors of foreign tours; and Henry, a student of the Pennsylvania Military college. Mr. Catrow is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, a Knight Templar, and a thirty-second degree Mason. Politically, he is a republican, and in religious affiliation he is a member of the Lutheran church.

ENRY CRAUDER, the well-known farmer and tile manufacturer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of Hamilton county, and was born October 15, 1848, of German parentage.

Jacob Crauder, his father, was born February 10, 1810, was a blacksmith by trade, and came from his native Germany to the United States in 1831. For a few years he made his home in the eastern states, but later came to Ohio and located near Cincinnati, where he followed his trade for twenty years, and in 1855 came to Montgomery county and settled in German township, purchased a farm, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying April 12, 1891. He had married Miss ery county, and here, from that age, until the present time, he has passed his life. He was educated in the public schools of German township, and began life as a farmer in Jefferson township, where he lived for eighteen years. He then returned to German township, and in 1885 purchased the farm of twenty-three acres on which he now resides, engaged in cultivating the soil and in the manufacture of tile. In this latter industry he has been quite prosperous, and is equally successful in his farming operations.

The marriage of Mr. Crauder took place in 1871, with Miss Ada Hunter, daughter of Jacob and Matilda (Boyer) Hunter, of Jefferson township, and to this union have been born twelve children, in the order here given : Lillie, Theodore, Clifford, Annie, Grigsby, Maud, Chester, Dona, Victor, Tillie, Willie H. and Claude. The children are reared in the faith of the United Brethren church, of which the parents have long been members.

Mr. Crauder, now in the prime of life, has had a gratifying business career, and has been a useful and industrious citizen. His success is of his own making, and his standing in the community in which he lives, and which is an enviable one, has been reached through his own personal qualities and merits.

AJ. ELIJAH CULBERT, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is paternally of Scotch descent and maternally springs from Pennsylvania-German ancestry.

Elijah Culbert, father of the major, was a native of New York state, but when a young man went to Pennsylvania, where he was clerk in the Washington furnace, at Laurel Hill, in the Alleghany mountains. He married, in Somerset county, Miss Eva Hicks, a native of the county named, who bore him one child, the subject of this biography. Mr. Culbert, at the early age of twenty-two years, and when his son was but fifteen months old, met with an untimely fate, being killed by a falling timber in the furnace while superintending some repairs. He was a well-educated and scholarly man, and his death was deeply deplored, not only by his young widow, but by his employers and a large circle of friends.

Maj. Culbert was born in Somerset, Pa., March 1, 1814, and the log house in which he was born is still standing. He received a rudimentary education in the common schools, early learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1836, when a young man of twenty-three years, came to Ohio, settled in Madison township, Montgomery county, and voted for Gen. William Henry Harrison for the presidency of the United States in the famous log cabin and hard cider campaign. September 25, 1838, he married Miss Mary Olinger, of Jefferson township, born August 13, 1816, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Olinger. Mr. Olinger was of German descent, was born in Pennsylvania, and was one of the original pioneers of Jefferson township, where he cleared up a farm from the forest, on which he ended his days. He died a member of the Dunkard church and a respected citizen, and there were left, to mourn his sad loss, the following children: John, Jacob, David, Elizabeth, Barbara, Mary, Nancy and Catherine.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Culbert lived a year with the wife's father, and then, in 1839, settled in Poast Town, where Mr. Culbert engaged in blacksmithing on his own account, prospered and erected a fine residence, in which he still resides. To Mr. and Mrs. Culbert were born five children, but two of whom are living - William H. and Amanda. Of the younger children, Elijah died at the age of thirty-nine years; Jacob at ten, and Elizabeth

As early as i860, Mr. Culbert was enrolled in the Second regiment, Ohio state militia, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, but this regiment was shortly afterward consolidated with the One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio national guard, and when mustered into the United States service at the opening of the Civil war, Col. Culbert was reduced in rank to major, in which capacity he served 100 days, being stationed at Baltimore and Washington, and receiving his discharge at Camp Chase, August 25, 1861. The major, however, had two sons who also served in the NCivil war - William H. and Elijah. William H. was a sergeant in company E, Seventyfirst volunteer infantry, became a veteran and served four years; he was twice wounded, once at Lovejoy's station and once at Nashville. Elijah was a sergeant in the One Hundred and Thirty-first (his father's^ regiment, and served 100 days. William H., who has been on the Dayton fire department for about eighteen years, married Miss Eliza Shafer, and is the father of one child - Clarence. Amanda C., the major's eldest daughter, was married to David B. Mumma, now deceased, and became the mother of two children - Harry C. and Willis, the latter of whom died at the age of seventeen years. Harry C. Mumma married Miss Rosie Arnold, and this union has been blessed with one child, Corinne.

In politics Maj. Culbert is a republican. He is at present engaged in the tile business in Post Town and probably no man in the township or county is more widely known or more respected than he. His progressiveness is proverbial, and his readiness to assist in the promotion of every movement designed for the public weal and his liberal contributions to such purposes are as household words in the

OHN J. DETRICK, one of the wellknown f arm ers of Randolph township, and a deacon in the German Baptist church, sprang from Pennsylvania- Dutch stock. John Detrick, his grandfather, was the descendant of one of three brothers of the name who came at an early day from Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania. John Detrick removed to Rockingham county, Va., and had children as follows: Abraham, John, Elizabeth, Mary and Susan - all whose names can now now recalled. The above were the children of his first wife. After her death Mr. Detrick married a Miss Snell, by whom he had the following children: Jacob, Daniel,

Benjamin and Lydia. John Detrick, who was an extensive farmer and a most prosperous man, died in Rockingham county, Va., aged about fifty years.

Abraham Detrick, father of John J., was born in Rockingham county, Va., July 5, 1818, was reared a farmer's boy, and naturally adopted that vocation as his own. In Hardy county, Va., he married Mahala Judy, who was born in Hardy county, March 1, 1816. Mr. Detrick lived in Rockingham county for about six years after he was married; then removed to Hampshire county, where he lived for about twelve years, coming in 1 856 to Ohio and settling in Montgomery county on a farm adjoining that now occupied by his son. After residing in Randolph township for about twenty years, he lived in Darke, Auglaize and Allen counties the remainder of his life, dying in the latter county, in 1892, at seventy-eight years of age. He was a devout member of the German Baptist church, and was an elder therein for many years. He was a man in

John J. Detrick was born September 11, 1847, in Hampshire county, Va., and came with his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, when he was eleven years old. Here he attended school in the country, and received a good common-school education. Brought up as a farmer, he learned the lessons of that calling from his father, beginning work on his own account when he was twenty-one years of age. On February 27, 1873, he married, in Madison township, Miss Catherine Smith, who was born October 6, 1851, in the same township. His wife is a daughter of Rev. John Smith, who was born and reared on his father's farm in Madison township, Montgomery county. Rev. John Smith was a son of Abraham Smith, of Pennsylvania, a well-known pioneer, whose wife was a Bowman. John was the only child of this union, his mother dying while yet young. Mr. Smith lived to be eighty-four years of age and was a quite prosperous farmer, owning 200 acres of land. In religious belief he was a Dunkard, or German Baptist, and stood high in the estimation of all that knew him.

Rev. John Smith married for his first wife, Susan Wolf, by whom he had the following children: Catherine, Andrew, Lucinda, Hattie, Oliver, Emma and Elizabeth. He married again Margaret Garber. He has been for many years a devout member of the German Baptist church and an elder of the church, and for several years has been an acceptable and successful preacher.

John J. Detrick, the subject of this sketch, settled on the Smith homestead and lived thereon several years, when he purchased the farm on which he now lives, and which contains 100 acres of land. By careful attention to correct methods and by constant industry, he has brought this farm up to a high state of cultivation, improving it in many ways, and has added to it sixteen acres. Mr. Detrick has been a devout member of the German Baptist church for the past fifteen years, and has reared his family in the same faith with himself. To him and his good wife there has been born one son, Perry Oliver. Mr. Detrick has that quality of thrift and habit of industry that made good citizens of his Pennsylvania ancestry. Ever since he was twentytwo years of age he has been identified with the church and with religious work. He is well known in the community as a man of integrity and moral worth.

LI DIEHL, of Perry township, is one of the prosperous farmers of Montgomery county, and a descendant of one of its oldest pioneer families. His ancestry were of the stock for generations known as Pennsylvania Dutch. Jacob Diehl, his grandfather, was from Huntingdon county, Pa., and married a Miss Shipley. To their marriage there were born the following children: John, Jacob, Abraham, Nancy and Elizabeth. Jabob Diehl settled in Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1806, in Jefferson township, two miles west of Liberty, entering land which was covered with timber, which he cleared, cultivated and made into a productive farm. After some years he removed to Perry township, one-half mile west of the present home of his grandson Eli. He completed the clearing of this tract, converted it into a good farm, and lived upon it until his death, which occurred when he was nearly eighty years of age. Jacob Diehl was an industrious man and well known for his character and ability. He was a member of the German Baptist church.

more than seventeen years of age when brought by his father to Ohio. The journey was made part of the way on horseback; but a wagon was occupied by the women of the family and the household goods, and was sent down the Ohio river to Cincinnati on a flat-boat. Thence the family traveled to Miamisburg by wagon, going through the woods from the mouth of Bear creek to Jefferson township, where they lived for some years. John Diehl, like his father before him, had the usual pioneer education. When about twenty-three years of age, in 1 8 r i or 1812, he married, in Jefferson township, Miss Susan Miller, who was born in Virginia in 1791. Moses Miller, her father, moved to Jefferson township from his Virginia home in 1804.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Diehl removed to Perry township and settled on land now occupied by their son John, and consisting of 160 acres. This farm Mr. Diehl cleared and brought under a high state of cultivation and productiveness, and in time erected a good dwelling house, which is still standing. This house succeeded the log cabin which he had built upon first settling on his land. He was always known as a man of high character, industrious, a good neighbor and a worthy citizen. His children were as follows: Aaron, Jacob, Samuel, Abraham, Elizabeth, John, Eli, Hannah, Noah and Adam. Noah served his country as a soldier in the late intestine war, as a member of an Ohio regiment. Mr. Diehl was a member of the German Baptist church, and was held in high estimation in the community. He lived to be eighty-five years of age, dying in 1 874.

Eli Diehl was born March 16, 1829, in Perry township. The schooling he received was better than that of his immediate ancestors, the country having become more thickly settled, and the people generally having become more interested in the subject of education. He attended the common schools in the winter season until he became of age, and then taught school in the country for about ten years, mostly in Perry, Madison, Jefferson and Jackson townships. Having a vigorous mind and a retentive memory, he was more than ordinarily successful in the profession of teaching, many of his scholars becoming distinguished men and women.

Mr. Diehl married, October 10, 1861, Mary Wilson, a daughter of Frederick Wilson, who was a native of Maryland, an early settler of Montgomery county, and a blacksmith by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Diehl there were born two children, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Diehl died in 1864, a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Diehl was again married on February 22, 1866, his second wife being Mrs. Mary A. Bates, a widow. She is a daughter of Johnsey and Nancy Randall. Mr. Randall was born in Baltimore county, Md., in 1792, and was of Scotch and English ancestry. He was the son of Johnsey and Rebecca (Dilworth) Randall. The Dilworth family were Philadelphia Quakers. Mr. Randall was well educated, a mechanic by trade, and was a soldier at Fort McHenry in the war of 1812. On July 15, 1815, he married in Maryland, and his children were David A., William, Elizabeth A., Anna E., John W. , Joseph W., Mary A., Thomas B. and Edward S. Mr. Randall came to Ohio in 1842, settling in Dayton, where he worked at his trade, and where he passed the remainder of his days, dying January 15, 1880. An excellent citizen, he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics a republican. Two of his sons were soldiers in the late Civil war - Joseph W. and Edward S. Edward S. was a sharpshooter, and served in the several battles of the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Randall belonged to the same stock as the famous Samuel Randall, of Philadelphia, who so honorably

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Diehl settled on the homestead farm. Their children are Edwin R. and Nellie E. Both parents are members of the German Reformed church, Mr. Diehl having been an elder for many years. Politically, he is a republican and as such has served as justice of the peace for three years. Mr. Diehl is one of the respected citizens of Perry township, and is an honored member of the order of Odd Fellows, in which he has passed all the chairs of his lodge, and has served as noble grand.

aHARLES W. DODDS was born in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, December 15, 1857, a son of William and Mary (Dodro) Dodds. His great-grandfather, Gen. William Dodds, a Revolutionary soldier, settled near Alexanderville, Montgomery county, in 1806, where he engaged in farming, and at one time owned the land where West Carrollton now stands. His wife was a Miss McGrew, and both died in Miami township, and are buried in the old Presbyterian cemetery in Washington township. Their children were Joseph, Margaret (Mrs. David Lamme), William, John M. , Polly (Mrs. Moses Smith), Sarah A. (Mrs. James McLain), James, Thomas and Martha (Mrs. John Smith). Of these, John M., the grandfather of Charles W. , having inherited land from his father's estate, was for nearly twenty years engaged in the milling business, operating a mill on the Miami, near the Pinnacles, and another on Hole's creek. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and captain of a company of light infantry in the days of militia. In 1840 he removed to Washington township, where he died in i860. He was twice married: first, to Mary Parsons, who bore him four children, all now deceased, viz: Auvilla, David L., Mary and Kate R. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of John Himes, a pioneer of Van Buren township, who bore him seven children: William, John H., Angeline (Mrs. Jerry Ewing), Thomas, James, Preston C. and Moses S. All the sons, except William and James, were soldiers in the late war.

William Dodds, the eldest son of John M. and Mary Dodds, and father of Charles W. , was born in Miami township, February 7, 1823. As a boy he worked in his father's mill; later boated on the canal, and for twenty-five years was a resident of Miamisburg, where he was engaged as a contractor on house painting, and in other business. His wife, Mary was a daughter of Conrad and Mary (Lemon) Dodro, formerly of Lancaster county, Pa., and pioneers of Dayton. Conrad Dodro was a fuller and carder by trade, also taught school, was for many years a resident of Dayton, and died while on a visit to his old home in Pennsylvania. William Dodds was the father of nine children, viz: Otto F. , Perry, Lizzie (Mrs. Dr. B. F. Mullen), Charles W., Ella (Mrs. Lee Silberman), Emma (Mrs. S. F. Evans), Clay, Clarence and Lehm. Mr. Dodds died in Miamisburg in 1873 and his wife, Mary, died in 1881.

Charles W. Dodds was reared to manhood in Miamisburg, where he received his education in the public schools and served an apprenticeship of two years at cigarmaking, after which he worked as a journeyman for several years in various cities and towns in the country. In 1878 he started a factory of his own in Miamisburg on a small scale, also retailing cigars and confectionery, and, as his means permitted, gradually enlarged his facilities, adding a stock of books, papers, notions, etc., until the business had grown to considerable dimensions. He continued in this occupation for fourteen years, and then turned it over to his brother Lehm, whom he had reared, and in 1892, as a member of the firm of Dodds & Mays, embarked in business as buyer and packer of leaf tobacco, in which he has since successfully continued.

Mr. Dodds was married in 1881 to Jennie, daughter of Samuel B. and Fannie (Northrup) Andrews, of West Carrollton, and has three children: Willard, Robert and Fannie. He is one of the leading business men of Miamisburg, is a member of the German Reformed church, and of the I. O. O. F. encampment, U. R., Patriarchs Militant, Daughters of Rebekah, and is a thirty-second degree Mason. He has been treasurer of Marion lodge, No. 18, I. O. O. F., Miamisburg, for ten years, and is also treasurer of the incorporation of the same body. He is a member of the Miamisburg school board and of the board of cemetery directors. In politics he is a stanch republican.

In the organization of the board of trade of Miamisburg Mr. Dodds was elected one of the members of the executive board, and was always one of its leading and active members. Through his efforts, push and energy the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company, one of the most thriving and valuable industries of the town, was located in Miamisburg.

EHM DODDS, dealer in cigars, newspapers and confectionery, was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, December 27, 1870, a son of William and Mary (Dodro) Dodds, whose history will be found in the preceding sketch of C. W. Dodds. He was reared in Miamisburg and educated in the public schools, started in life as a clerk in the store of his brother, Charles W., and served in that capacity until 1862, when he became a member of the firm of Dodds & Andrews, by tionery business of C. W. Dodds, his brother. He continued the partnership up to January 1, 1896, when he purchased his partner's interest, and has since successfully continued the business alone.

He married, September 25., 1895, Mary Edith, daughter of Jacob H. and Martha E. (Snoderly) Johnson, of Miamisburg. Mr. and Mrs. Dodds are members of the Reformed church and have been members of the choir for several years. Mr. Dodds is also a member of the O. U. A. M., Wayne council, No. 90; I. O. O. F. , Marion lodge, No. 18, and encampment, and Daughters of Rebekah. In politics he is a republican, but has never sought or held office. He is one of the most popular merchants in Miamisburg, and socially he and his wife enjoy the regard of a large circle of acquaintances.

ETER W. EAGLE, a highly-respected business man of Miamisburg, Ohio, and a gallant ex-soldier, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, November 15, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Wetzel) Eagle, natives, respectively, of Staunton, Va. , and Guilford Court House, N. C.

Peter Eagle, paternal grandfather of Peter W., was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in Miami township in 1809, locating two miles east of Miamisburg, where he cleared up and improved a farm. He married Miss Anna Hanger, the union resulting in the birth of the following-named children : Polley (Mrs.

Daniel Gebhart), Ann (Mrs. John Hoover), Sarah (Mrs. John DeRush), Saloma (Mrs. Jacob Wise), Henry, Jacob, George, David, John and Peter. Of these children, Peter, the father of the subject, was reared in Miami township from the age of five years. At the age of eighteen years he married Miss Mary Wetzel, daughter of Tobias and Mary (Gift)

Wetzel, and second cousin of Lewis Wetzel, the noted Indian fighter, who was with Adam Poe when the latter killed the celebrated Indian chief, Big Foot. Tobias Wetzel settled in Miami township in 1806, two miles west of Miamisburg, and resided in the township until his death. Peter Eagle reared a family of five children, named David, Anna (Mrs. Alexander Fox), Catherine (Mrs. Jonathan Reedy), Peter W. and Mary, and died, in 1884, at the residence of his son, Peter W., in his ninety-first year ; his wife died, in 1885, at the age of eighty- four years.

Peter W. Eagle reached manhood on the home farm in Miami township, followed farming until 1856, and then engaged in the leaf tobacco trade, a business he still pursues. In November, 1861, he enlisted in company D, Fourth regiment, Ohio volunteer cavalry, and served until honorably discharged, on account of disability, on surgeon's certificate, in 1863. He had been captured by the enemy on the courier line between Huntsville, Ala., and Shelby, Tenn., in May, 1862, and sent to Macon, Ga. In June of the same year he managed to successfully escape, but after seventeen days of liberty, was recaptured and sent to Savannah, in the same state, where he was confined three months in jail, then sent back to Macon, and thence to Annapolis, Md., whence, after six months' confinement, he managed to get home, and was discharged at Columbus, Ohio. Since 1872 he has been a resident of Miamisburg, and engaged in the tobacco trade.

Mr. Eagle was first married to Miss Elizabeth Fox, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Link) Fox, of Warren county, Ohio, and, after her decease, married Miss Katie, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Flaherty) Stanton, of Liverpool, England. To this second union have been born ten children, of whom six are still living, viz: Peter W., Jr., Harry, Thomas, Beatrice, Stanley and Genevieve. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Eagle is a democrat. Mr. Eagle is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is greatly respected socially, while as a business man he enjoys the confidence of both the city and farming communities, with whom he has had extensive business relations for so many years.

ISAAC EARLY, a retired farmer of much prominence, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, September 3, 1836, a son of John and Magdaline (Byerly) Early, and is of the fourth generation of this family in America, his greatgrandfather having come from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania; while the paternal grandfather was the first of the family to settle in Ohio, and made his residence in Preble county until his death, his remains being interred at West Alexandria. The maternal grandfather of Isaac Early was Joseph Byerly, who was born in Virginia and was also of German descent.

John Early, father of Isaac, was a native of Lancaster county, Pa., but passed forty years of his life in the state of Virginia, and in 1830 came to Ohio; he lived in Preble county until 1836, when he came to Montgomery county, settled in Miami township and followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1854. His children were born in the following order: John, David, Lydia (the present wife of John F. Fox), Sarah (the deceased wife of John F. Fox), Joseph, Jacob, and Isaac.

Isaac Early was educated in the common schools of Miami township, and was reared to farming, which vocation he followed until 1894, when he retired to Miamisburg, his present home. With the exception of twelve years, during which period he lived in Warren coun- ty, Ohio, all his life has been spent in Montgomery county, in Miami and Washington townships, in the latter of which he lived for thirty-two years.

In i860 Mr. Early was most happily united in matrimony with Miss Mary E. Pence, daughter of Joseph Pence, of Warren county, Ohio, and this union has been blessed with four children, viz: Charles F., Howard P. , William A., and Cora P. Mrs. Early's parents, Joseph and Barbara Ann (Null) Pence, were natives of Virginia, and pioneers of Warren county, Ohio. Mr. Pence was a farmer and at one time dealt largely in pork. He was prominent in public affairs and served for many years as justice of the peace. He and his wife passed the last years of their lives near Springboro, Warren county, and their remains were interred in Springboro cemetery. They had a family of nine children, namely: Edward H., deceased; George S., a farmer of Madison county, 111.; Sarah, deceased; John W. , who was a prominent and wealthy resident of Minneapolis, Minn., where he died a few years ago; Harriet, widow of Archibald See, living at Lebanon, Ohio; Cynthia Jane, deceased; Martha D., living in Springboro; Charles N., a retired farmer of Springboro, and Mary E., the wife of Isaac Early. Mr. Early is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his politics is a democrat. He has been a very successful farmer, has attained a place of prominence in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has won for himself a name that is honored throughout the country.

EORGE M. EBLING, the well known blacksmith of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, was born in Darke county, Ohio, April 28, 1859, and is a son of Michael and Margaret (Gouk) Ebling, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany.

John Ebling, the paternal grandfather of George M., with his wife, Mary, and their four children, Henry, Christian, George and Michael, came to America in 1851, and settled in Darke county, Ohio, where John followed the vocation of gardener until his decease. Michael Ebling, son of John and father of George M., was but fourteen years of age when brought to Ohio by his father, and grew to manhood in Darke county. On attaining his majority he engaged in the lumber business in New Madison, where, with the exception of four years passed in Dayton, Ohio, he has ever since resided, and where he is still in the lumber trade. He early married Margaret Gouk, daughter of Valentine and Marie Gouk, who came from Germany, and settled in Darke county, Ohio, in 1852. For twenty-five years prior to coming to the United States, Valentine Gouk had been a member of the police force of Hesse Darmstadt, and was a man of strong nerve and marked individualism. The children born to the marriage of Michael and Margaret Ebling were five in number and were named in order of birth: George M., Christian, Michael C. , Adam and Katie, all of whom still survive. George M. Ebling was reared to manhood in his native county of Darke, received an excellent common-school education, and served an apprenticeship of three years at the blacksmith trade in New Madison. For ten years after learning his trade he worked as a journeyman in various parts of the United States, but finally settled in Miamisburg, and in. 1891 embarked in business as a member of the firm of Simonton & Ebling, which firm had a continuous existence of five years, when it was dissolved by tf}<? mutual consent of the partners, in September, 1896. Since that date Mr. Ebling has conducted the business on his sole account, and has now one of the best blacksmith shops in the city of Miamisburg.

The marriage of Mr. Ebling took place October 3, 1880, to Miss Laura E. Brown, daughter of Isaiah and Christina (Beachler) Brown, of New Madison. Mr. and Mrs. Ebling are members of the Reformed church and in politics Mr. Ebling is a democrat. Fraternally he is a member of the K. of P., A. O. U. W. , D. O. H. and Jr. O. U. A. M., and few young men have a larger circle of warm friends than George M. Ebling.

R. THEODORE P. EBY, one of the leading dentists of Montgomery county and a man of education and culture, springs from Pennsylvania ancestors, the family having originated from one of two brothers that about 200 years ago came from either Switzerland or Prussia, settling in Pennsylvania at that time. The probability is, however, that the family comes of Swiss extraction.

Jacob Eby, the grandfather of Dr. Eby, was born at Mannheim, in Lancaster county, Pa., and was a maker of the old-fashioned English pattern clocks, clockmaking having been carried on in the family for several generations. Christian Eby, brother of Jacob, was a famous clockmaker, clocks of his make being still extant and highly valued. His clocks were of brass mechanism and so constructed that the face showed the phases of the moon. One of Jacob's clocks is now owned by Joseph E. Boyer, of Dayton, and one of Christian Eby's, clocks, now belonging to architect C. I. Williams, of Dayton, is still keeping good time and bids fair to continue to do so for a century.

Jacob Eby married, in Pennsylvania, Hannah Parkinson, a lady of English ancestry. To him and his wife there were born the following children: George, Jacob, 'Eliza, Maria, Hannah, Peter (who died young), and Rebecca.

George Eby, the eldest son of Jacob, was born at Mannheim, Pa., in January, 1802, and of his father learned the art of making clocks. In 1827 he married Dorothy Fritchey, near Harrisburg, Pa., and located in that city. His wife's parents were John G. and Dorothy Fritchey. After some time they removed to Mannheim, where they lived until 1846, when they removed to Cumberland county, Pa., and there Mr. Eby engaged in the mercantile business, continuing therein until 1849. In this year he removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, locating in the town of Union and engaging in the same business in partnership with D. K. Boyer. They remained in this connection for many years, and were quite successful. Mr. and Mrs. Eby were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he serving as church trustee. In his native town of Mannheim he was a member of the town council, and was also one of the school directors. He lived to be about fifty-six years old, dying in 1858. He was a business man of ability and integrity and a consistent Christian. In politics he was a democrat, and served as postmaster at Mannheim under President Polk's administration.

Mary E. , George W., Edwin J. and Thomas V. Mr. Eby had two sons in the late Civil war, viz: George W. and Thomas V., both in an Ohio infantry regiment.

Dr. Theodore P. Eby was born at Harrisburg, Pa., December 28, 1828, and was three months old when his parents removed to Mannheim. He began his business life with his father when quite young, and at the age of twenty years came with the rest of the family to Ohio, locating in Union, Montgomery county, in 1849. The journey was made from

Harrisburg to Pittsburg by way of the canal, down the Ohio river to Cincinnati by steamboat, and thence to Montgomery county by canal, and from Dayton to Union by wagon, It was a long and tedious undertaking, because of the slow means of travel, a journey which would then take two or three weeks being now accomplished in a day. Young Eby entered the employ of Boyer & Eby, Mr. Boyer being his uncle by marriage, and he remained with this firm for five years. Then beginning the study of dentistry with Dr. Samuel Hawkins, he remained thus engaged for two years. On April 9, 1856, in Randolph township, he married Miss Elizabeth Hikes, who was born July 3, 1834, in that township, and is a daughter of John and Susan Hikes. John Hikes was born in Cumberland county, Pa., and w'as a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bartlett) Hikes. Jacob Hikes emigrated at an early day as a pioneer to Montgomery county and settled in or near Dayton, and had a distillery on his farm. He was a man well known for many miles around for his uprightness and manliness of character.

John Hikes married in Montgomery county, and was a miller and distiller by occupation. His children were as follows: William, Henry C., Alfred, Charles, Elizabeth, Mary J., Julia and Alice. Mr. Hikes was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his early life was an old-line Whig in politics, later becoming a republican. He removed to Missouri and settled at Stewardsville, in De Kalb county, in 1858, and there died. He had three sons in the late Civil war, viz: William,

Dr. Eby located in Dayton as a dentist in partnership with Dr. Andrew Sheets, the firm name being Sheets & Eby. He <remained in Dayton two years, at the end of which time he returned to Union, in which place he still resides. Here he has ever since pursued his profession with success, and has a large and lucrative practice. He has been engaged in dentistry since 1857, and is the oldest practitioner in Montgomery county. He has always been an extensive reader of professional works, and thus has kept pace with the march of progress and has attained a high degree of skill. Mrs. Ebv died in 1886, a woman of many virtues and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Eby is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of St. John's blue lodge, No. 9, of Dayton. Politically he is a democrat, has held the position of clerk of his township for three years, township trustee two terms, and has served as a member of the school board. He was township treasurer for nine years, and in all public trusts he has given full satisfaction to his people.

By his first wife his children are as follows: Mary A., Susan G. and George H. In 1894, Dr. Eby married, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mrs. Frances M. Hoopes, a widow, whose maiden name was Martin.

^ILLIAM S. EBY, a well-known farmer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and also a successful auctioneer and an exsoldier, was born in this township June 9, 1838, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Shaffer) Eby.

John Eby was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1798, was a son of David Eby, of German descent, and by occupation was a farmer. He came to Ohio in 1836 and settled in German township, Montgomery county, buying a farm, which he partially cleared and improved, and upon which he resided until his death, in January, 1855. His wife was a daughter of John Shaffer, was also born in Lancaster county, Pa., and bore her hus- band eight children, of whom six are still living and are named Washington H., Artenius J., William S., Benjamin F., Rebecca (Mrs. Peter Pfaff), and Susan E. (Mrs. Jacob Slifer). The mother of this family also passed the closing years of her life in German township.

William S. Eby, whose name opens this biography, was educated in his native township and has here passed all his life, with the exception of three years, when he lived in Butler county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming the greater part of that time. Farming, indeed, has been his life-long occupation, but, having a ready command of language and being a keen judge of the value of personal property, he twenty years ago became an auctioneer, and is now one of the most popular of those engaged in the vocation in Montgomery county. For eighteen years, also, he has been a buyer and seller of tobacco.

Mr. Eby has been twice married. His first union was with Lucinda Gunckel, daughter of Jacob C. and Nancy (Catrow) Gunckel, of German township. To this marriage were born two children - Leo and Mildred. The second marriage of Mr. Eby was with Miss Susie Brown, daughter of Jason Brown, of Butler county, Ohio, but to this union no children have been born.

The military career of Mr. Eby is as follows: August 22, 1 86 1 , he enlisted in company H, Thirty-fifth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and served until honorably discharged, August 23, 1863. He re-entered the army, February 12, 1865, as first sergeant of company D, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, served until long after the war was brought to an end, and was again honorably discharged September 25, 1865.

He took part in all the marches and engagements of the army of the Cumberland during the two terms of his military service. He is now a member of Carlton Bear post, No. 516,

Grand Army of the Republic, of Germantown, and in politics is a silver democrat. Mr. Eby has been a prudent and successful worker in the affairs of life, and the high standing he enjoys in the esteem of the community in which he lives is due to his merits as a man, citizen and soldier.

AVID EMERT, a prominent citizen and farmer, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, September 18, 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Catherine ( Schell ) Emert, both natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal grandfather, Martin Emert, of German descent, was a clockmaker by trade, and lived and died in Pennsylvania. His maternal grandparents, Henry and Margaret ( Lesher ) Schell, both natives of Berks county, Pennsylvania, settled in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1820, and his maternal great-grandfather, Peter Schell, a native of Germany, and a farmer of Berks county, Pa., was a soldier of the war of the Revolution. Andrew Emert, father of David, was born in 1805, came to Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, in boyhood, worked at the shoemaker's trade a few years, and then returned to Pennsylvania for a legacy. He soon after removed to Miami township, and about 1826 purchrsed the farm now owned by Mary E. Emert, cleared and improved it and resided there until his death, in 1882. His children are David, Jonathan, Martin H., Albert and John.

David Emert was reared on the old homestead and educated in the common schools and in Farmer's college, Hamilton, Ohio. He has always followed farming as an occupation, has lived upon his present farm in Miami township since 1861, and is one of the active and progressive farmers of his township.

(Mrs. Samson P. Strader), Andrew A., Edward E., Clara A., Ira A., and Emma. Mr. Emert is a member of the Lutheran church and is a democrat in his political affiliations. His social connection is with the best people of Miami township, with whom he stands in the most pleasant relations, enjoying to the utmost their regard and esteem.

ACOB EBY, a well known farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Harrison township, in the -same county, May 2, 1849, and is a son of Adam and Susan (Mullendore) Eby. He was reared in Harrison township, received a good common-school education, and began life for himself as a farmer in Jefferson town- ! ship, where he lived five years. In 1877 he purchased a farm in Miami township, comprising 188 acres of land, to which he removed in 1878, and upon which he lived until 1893, when he removed to a farm of forty acres in West Carrollton, where he has since resided. Beside this, he owns a farm of 108 acres on the Cincinnati turnpike in Miami township, and also one of sixty acres in Jefferson township, 1 near the soldiers' home.

On December 8, 1887, he married Alice Baker, daughter of Aaron and Nancy (Simpson) Baker, of Jefferson township, and by this marriage he has four children, as follows; Dollie May, Susie, Owen A. and James. Mr. Eby is a member of Marion lodge, I. O. O. F., of Miamisburg, and in politics is a populist. He has always maintained an excellent reputation for honesty and integrity of character, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all to the j fullest extent.

Adam Eby, a prominent farmer of Harrison township, Montgomery county, was born in Baltimore county, Md., July 10, 1814, and is a son of Christian and Susannah (McDaniel) Eby. Christian Eby was a native of York county, Pa., and was of Swiss descent. He purchased a farm in Jackson township, Montgomery, county, Ohio, in 1832, on which he settled in 1838. Later he removed to Preble county, Ohio, and there died. His children were as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Kohler;

John; Jane, wife of Amos Markey; Samuel; Susan, wife of Jesse Royer; Christian; Nancy,, wife of Ephraim Engler; Adam, Wilson, James,. Lavina, wife of John Vail, and Jacob.

Adam Eby came to Montgomery county with his parents in 1838, and lived with them three years in Jackson township. In 1841 he purchased the farm in Harrison township which he now owns and occupies, on which he made all the improvements and on which he has ever since resided. The home farm comprises 270 acres, and he also owns one of 155 acres adjoining, and in addition a farm in Jefferson township of 157 acres. He is, in short, one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in Montgomery county.

On October 1, 1840, he married Susan Mullendore, daughter of David Mullendore, of Preble county, Ohio, and who bore him thirteen children, as follows: Jane, wife of Scott

Robinson; Elizabeth, wife of William Wogoman; Ephraim; Jacob; Susan, wife of Joseph Ulrich; Wilson, Adam, Clement L. V., Andrew, Christian, and three that have died. Mr. Eby has served as justice of the peace of Harrison township for eighteen years, and as township trustee for several years. Politically he was for many years a democrat, but of late years he has been an advocate of populism. He is a man of high character, always sustaining what he believes to be correct principles in morals, politics and religion.

a APT. AUGUSTUS ]. EMINGER was born near Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county, Pa., July 23, 1836, is a son of David and Magdalena (Miller) Eminger, and comes of German ancestry. His paternal grandfather, Andrew Eminger, was a son of Isaac Eminger, the progenitor of the family in America, a native of Berlin, Germany, who was among the pioneers of what is now Cumberland county, Pa., settling there about 1740. All the ancestors of Capt. Eminger in America were farmers, including his father, who died in Pennsylvania, in 1854. Andrew Eminger, the grandfather, was a first lieutenant in the Revolutionary war, and was also a soldier in the war of 1812.

Augustus J. Eminger spent the first seventeen years of his life on the home farm. He was educated in the common schools and in the Cumberland Valley institute, Mechanicsburg, Pa. In April, 1855, he came to Miamisburg, Ohio, and in the winter of 1855-6 attended the Bacon Commercial college, Cincinnati, Ohio, during which time and up to 1858, he was connected with what is now the R. G. Dun Commercial agency. In the fall of 1858 he located in Miamisburg, where he was employed as clerk in a dry-goods store until 1862.

On July 30, 1862, he enlisted in company E, Ninety-third Ohio volunteer infantry, went to the front as first lieutenant, and participated in the campaign of the armies of the Ohio and Cumberland, in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama. He was promoted to the captaincy of the company January 24, 1864, and was mustered out of the service at Nashville, Tenn., January 8, 1865. He at once returned to Miamisburg, where he entered the employ of D. H. Hoover & Co., later Hoover & Gamble, and on the incorporation of the Hoover & Gamble Co., in 1892,

Capt. Eminger was married, March 4, 1858, to Miss Maria S., daughter of Silas and Maria (South) Hall, of Miamisburg, and has five children: Mary (Mrs. J. F. Vogel), William F., Charles F., Robert L., and Clara H. (Mrs. Fred. C. Cotterman). Capt. Eminger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of the Ohio commandery, military order of the Loyal Legion, A1 Mason post, G. A. R., and of the subordinate lodge, encampment and patrirachs militant, I. O. O. F. He has held the office of mayor of Miamisburg for two successive terms, has served as member of the city council, and was a member and clerk of the board of education from 1868 to 1890. Politically, he is a stanch republican. To all public movements for the advancement of Miamisburg, Capt. Eminger has always been foremost in giving his time and work. His spirit of progressiveness has assisted much in the upbuilding of the town, and his high character has brought to him the universal esteem of the community in which he resides.

aHARLES FRANCIS EMINGER, an active business man of Miamisburg, was born in this city July 16, 1865. He is a son of Augustus J. and Maria (Hall) Eminger, and was reared in his native city, where he received his education, graduating from the high school in 1883, and where he has always resided. After reaching his eleventh year he was engaged several summers as a clerk in a grocery store, passing his school vacations in this way, and in 1884 he embarked in the grocery business at Miamisburg as a member of the firm of Forbes & Eminger, in which business and connection he continued two years. Since 1886 he has been in the flour business in copnection with Uriah Engleman, and has been practically manager of the entire sale and disposition of the products of the Engleman mill.

Mr. Eminger was married April 8, 1886, to Edna M. Engleman, daughter of Uriah and Sally (Marshall) Engleman, of Miamisburg. He has one daughter, Ethel L. Mr. Eminger is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar, a member of the Mystic Shrine, an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, a member of the camp of Sons of Veterans and of the military order of the Loyal Legion. In 1895 Mr. Eminger was one of five candidates for county auditor, but was defeated through his not being a resident of Dayton. He has always taken an active interest in politics, and is at the present time a leader in the younger element of republicanism in the southern part of Montgomery county. Though still a young man, Mr. Eminger has made an impression in the business and in the political and social world that bids fair to be both lasting and creditable.

I L L I A M EWRY, carriage and MM I wagon manufacturer and blacksmith, of Beavertown, was born in Van Buren township, Montgomery county, Ohio, July 31, 1839. He is a son of Bazil and Magdalene (Swigart) Ewry, both of whom were natives of Van Buren township. They were the parents of two children, William and David. Bazil Ewry was a farmer by occupation, and one of the best in the entire county. Both he and his wife, the latter of whom died in 1842, were members of the German Reformed church, in which he served most of his lifetime as an elder and a deacon. He was a popular and prominent man in the community, and led an honorable and useful life. For his second wife he married Elizabeth Swigart, by whom he had seven sons and one daughter, as follows: John, Benjamin, Albert, Oliver, Henry, Wilson and Mary, all still living, and one child, named Charles, who died in infancy.

Bazil Ewry's father, John Ewry, was a native of Maryland and came to Ohio at a very early day, settling in Van Buren township, and buying land one mile east'of the present site of Beavertown. Toward the erection of the first church he was one of the earliest to move, donating toward it for a site two acres of land, upon which is also located the cemetery. He reared a large family and lived to be very old. The maternal grandfather of William Ewry was Michael Swigart, a native of Maryland, who came to Ohio with eighty dollars in money and began the life of a farmer, in which he prospered greatly. Like many other pioneers, Mr. Swigart himself made the chairs and bedsteads with which he began housekeeping. His home was in Greene county, where he lived to the great age of ninety years.

William Ewry was reared on the farm and received his rudimentary education in the common schools. He began driving a team when eleven years old. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the wagonmaker's trade, and has followed this occupation ever since, having made wagons and carriages almost innumerable for his neighbors and other residents of Montgomery county. His business has grown and prospered, until at the present time he employs six men. He manufactures fine carriages, phaetons, and all kinds of wagons, and sends out from his shops some very handsome work. In all these years Mr. Ewry has built up character and reputation as well as business, and is well known throughout the surrounding country as a thoroughly honorable, reliable workman.

daughter, Maud. Mrs. Ewry died September 6, 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but after her marriage and removal to Beavertown, there being no Methodist church there, she identified herself with the United Brethren church. In March, 1884, Mr. Ewry married Miss Katie Fitzpatrick, daughter of William and Martha Fitzpatrick, and to this second marriage there have been born three children: Mattie, Charles and Mary. Mr. Ewry had two brothers, David and John, in the late Civil war, who served from the first call of President Lincoln for three months' men until the close, and were in twenty-eight battles. Mr. Ewry is a member of Montgomery lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F., and in politics is a republican. He has a beautiful home adjoining his place of business in Beavertown, and has been a resident of Van Buren township for fifty-seven years. Mr. Ewry's high standing as a citizen and his success in business are the best evidence of what may be accomplished in life through energy, industry and sound judgment.

ATHEW FABING, harness and trunk dealer of Miamisburg, was born near Trenton, Butler county, Ohio, July 10, 1 859, a son of Michael and Anna M. (Fabing) Fabing, both natives of Alsace-Lorraine. His maternal grandparents were Nicholas and Elizabeth (Bath) Fabing, who, with Michael Fabing, father of Mathew, came to America in 1857 and settled in Butler county, Ohio, where the latter engaged in farming, in which he continued until his death, December 24, 1879.

Prior to coming to this country Michael Fabing was a soldier in the French army, was honorably discharged in 1856, and was also a soldier in the Union army during the late Civil war, as a member of company F, Fourth Ohio cavalry. He enlisted October 3, 1864, and was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. His children were two- - Mathew and John M. - the latter a telegraph operator now residing at Valparaiso, Ind.

Mathew Fabing was reared in his native county, where he received a common-school education, and served an apprenticeship of three and one-half years at harness-making in Middletown, Ohio. September 30, 1878, he came to Miamisburg and worked at his trade for fourteen months as a journeyman, and December 20, 1879, embarked in business for himself, which he has since successfully continued, his uninterrupted prosperity being a strong illustration of the truth, that honesty, industry and economy form the basis of success in this life.

Mr. Fabing was married October 26, 1883, to Amanda, daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Gebhart) Dissinger, of Miamisburg; this union has been blessed with four children - May, Clara, Annie, and an infant son. Mr. Fabing is a member of the Lutheran church and is a R. A. M.; he is a member of the I. O. O. F. encampment, also of the K. of P., the Harugari, and the Sons of Veterans, and politically is a republican. He has been remarkably successful as a business man, and enjoys that respect in his community which personal worth and business ability invariably bring.

EVI FALKNER, farmer of Randolph township, and a son of one of the pioneers of Montgomery county, sprang from good Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Levi Falkner, Sr., his father, was born in Bedford county, Pa., was reared a farmer, and learned the carpenter's trade. While living in Bedford county, he married Margaret Nicodemus, daughter of Frederick Nicodemus, and almost immediately afterward they started for Ohio, each on horseback, having no baggage or other property except what they could carry in saddle bags. This was about 1813, and when they passed through Dayton, there were but a few log houses within the present limits of the place. Mr. and Mrs. Falkner went to the home of John Becker, where Henry Becker, son of John Becker, now lives. After about a year Mr. Falkner purchased of Henry Brumbaugh about forty acres of land in Randolph township, which was then in the thick woods. The first work performed by Mr. Falkner on his new farm, new in more senses than one, was to erect a rude log cabin, and to fit it with a puncheon floor, using a quilt for a door. His next work was to build a barn on Wolf creek for Henry Bouser, leaving his wife alone in the cabin in the woods during the day. Mr. Falkner cleared up his farm and soon afterward bought forty acres adjoining, making a farm of eighty acres, still later adding another eighty. acre tract. He continued to prosper, until his death, which occurred when he was fifty-three years of age. Mr. Falkner's life was an example of the industry and solid virtues required in a successful pioneer farmer. In politics he was an old-line democrat.

Levi Falkner, his son, was born September 22, 1822, in a log cabin in Randolph township, and 'received but a meager education. Early in life he began to work on the home farm, and has always followed farming for a living. When twenty-two years of age he married, November 8, 1844, Miss Nancy Herr, who was born in 1 822, and is a daughterof Samuel and Frances (Long) Herr. Samuel Herr was an old settler of Randolph township, and became a substantial farmer, owning some 300 acres of land. His children were as follows: Mary, Abraham, Nancy, Frances, Samuel, Christian, Hettie, Lizzie, Sarah and John. He was a member of the River Brethren church

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Falkner settled on the Falkner homestead in Randolph township, and after two years removed to the Herr homestead, where he lived one year, buying eighty acres of land in Clay township, and after some time added thereto eighty acres, lived there tw.enty-nine years and then purchased his present farm. He and his wife reared the following children: Carris; Angeline, who died when six years old; David C., Frances, Lorin, Mary A., Theodore and Jerome. Mrs. Falkner died in November, 1879, a woman of many virtues and a member of the Brethren church. Politically, Mr. Falkner is a democrat, but is in no sense an office seeker. He is content to cultivate and manage his farm, to thrive by his own industry, and to be an independent man.

HEODORE S. FOX, superintendent of schools of Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Brookville, Clay township, in the same county, June 12, 1862, and is a son of Levi and Barbara (Studebaker) Fox, both natives of Johnstown, Pa., and of German descent.

John Fox, his paternal grandfather, and also a native of Johnstown, Pa., early came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Clay township, Montgomery county, where he reared a family of nine children and passed there the remainder of his life. John Studebaker, the maternal grandfather, was also a pioneer farmer of Clay township.

Levi Fox, father of Theodore S., was a brickmaker by trade, and for many years engaged in business in Brookville, where he still has his residence, but is now retired. He has brought up a family of nine children, who were named, in order of birth, Martha (Mrs. Lee

Heck), Sarah J. (Mrs. A. F. Roller), Herman S., Silas B. (deceased), Theodore S., Libbie (Mrs. Perry Spitler), Albert, Charles, and Joseph (deceased).

Theodore S. Fox reached manhood in Brookville, Ohio, and received his preliminary education in the common schools. This education was supplemented by an attendance at the Ohio Wesleyan university, and later by an attendance at the National Normal university at Ada, Ohio. From the latter he was graduated in 1885, and at once entered upon the profession of teaching, and for two or three years filled positions in rural districts. From 1888 until 1890 he was superintendent of the Brookville public schools; from 1891 to 1893, inclusive, was superintendent of the Washington township schools, and since 1894 has been the efficient superintendent of the schools of Germantown. »

The marriage of Prof. Fox was celebrated April 8, 1887, with Miss Althea F. Arnold, daughter of John and Minnie (Bolt) Arnold, of Brookville, Ohio, and three children have been born to this marriage and named, in order of birth, Arnold, Helen, and Mildred. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, Prof. Fox is a democrat. In his fraternal relations he is an Odd Fellow of high degree, being a member of the encampment in that order, and he is also a Knight of Pythias. Both socially and professionally he holds a high position in the community which has entrusted to him the important work of directing the education of the children.

ANIEL C. FOX, Jr., a prominent farmer, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, January 14, 1830, and is a son of Frederick C. and Hannah (Kauffman) Fox, natives of

His paternal grandfather, Daniel B. Fox, born in Virginia June 6, 1783 was a son of Frederick Fox, a native of Germany (Hesse- Cassel), who came to America in 1768 and located in Virginia, on what is now known as the battle field of Antietam, where he engaged in the hotel business, and entertained such celebrities as George Washington. In 1807 he settled in Franklin, Ohio, where he resided for many years. In later life he located in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and died there. His first wife was Catherine Booker, and his second wife a widow, Mrs. Young. Daniel B. Fox settled in Miami township in 1808, and resided there until his death. His wife was Susan Crissman and bore him ten children, viz: Elizabeth (Mrs. William Phillips), Theresa (Mrs. Andrew King), Frederick C., Susan (Mrs. Jacob Mason), Mahala (Mrs. William Reed), Catherine (Mrs. James Boyd), Christina (Mrs. William Hendrickson), Melinda (Mrs. Pearson Etress), Mary (Mrs. Daniel Brininger) and Daniel C. Of these Frederick C. was reared, lived and died in Miami township, was a farmer by occupation, and cleared and improved the farm now owned by Mays & Zehring. His wife, Hannah, was a daughter of John and Rachel (Shoemaker) Kauffman, and his children were Daniel C., Jr., Fred C., Jr., Susan (Mrs. Daniel Weidner), Hannah (deceased), Catherine (Mrs. Franklin Petticrew), Caroline (Mrs. Enoch Stansell) and Delilah (Mrs. Okey McCabe).

Daniel C. Fox, Jr., is one of the fourth generation from Frederick Fox (first), the progenitor of the family in America. He was reared to manhood on the old homestead in Miami township, and received his education in the log school-house of his day. He began life as a farmer, which has been his principal voca- tion, but, being a mechanic by natural bent, has been identified with other projects in that direction. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter ol Jonathan and Elizabeth (Benner) Gebhart, of Miami township, who has borne him four children - Ellis (deceased), Harold, Mary E. (Mrs. Francis Yetter) and Daniel G. During the late Civil war Mr. Fox was a member of company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged after 100 days' service. He is a member of the G. A. R., in politics is a republican, and is one of the most widely-esteemed citizens of Miami township.

HDAM FRANK, mayor of Germantown, Ohio, and an attorney at law, was born in Germantown July 2, 1831, a son of Mathew and Barbara (Loy) Frank, natives of New York and Montgomery county, Ohio, respectively. His paternal grandfather, Lawrence Frank, was a farmer of New York state, and his maternal grandfather, George P. Loy, was a native of Maryland and a pioneer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he cleared and improved a farm; in later life he retired to Germantown, and died there. Mathew Frank was a pioneer shoemaker of Germantown, followed that vocation all his life, and died at Germantown in 1869, in his seventieth year. His children were Mary (Mrs. Daniel Bussard), George, Adam, John C. , William H. and Nancy J. (Mrs. Holcomb Snyder).

Adam Frank passed his youth in his native town and was graduated from the Germantown academy. During his minority he learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for twenty-five years, and during that period studied law. He was admitted to the bar in the early 'seventies, and has since been in the active practice of his profession at Germantown, where he has been prominent in the settlement of estates. Mr. Frank has been twice married; his first wife was Nancy, daughter of Israel and Catherine (Catrow) Lucas, of Wapakoneta, Ohio; to this union was born one daughter - Mary C. , now deceased. His second wife was Mrs. Vandalena L. (Hinkle) Stirewalt, of Germantown.

Mr. Frank, in his fraternal relations, is a thirty-second degree ' Mason, and is also past grand high priest of the grand encampment of Odd Fellows. He has been secretary of Friendship lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 21, of Germantown, since December, 1857, a period of thirty-nine consecutive years, and has filled all its various offices. He is a charter member of canton Frank, of Germantown, named in his honor, and organized March 28, 1888. He organized the first beautiful Rebekah work, put on the floor February 23, 1883, by Grace Rebekah lodge, No. 39, Germantown, and which has since developed in various forms throughout the United States. He has been representative to the grand lodge of Ohio for ten years, and of the grand encampment for about the same period; also district deputy grand master and district deputy grand patriarch for several years. In the Masonic fraternity he has been master of the Germantown lodge, No. 257, for twenty-seven years. He has served as justice of the peace of German township for thirty-seven years; mayor of Germantown, at intervals, for twenty-six years; clerk of the school board for twenty-five years; notary public for twenty-five years; secretary of the Germantown cemetery; and president of the Germantown Fire company for over thirty years. In politics Mr. Frank is a republican. In his societary connections, few men have attained positions so high in the various orders to which he belongs as has Mr. Frank, and this fact alone shows not only the caliber and strength of his mentality, but also the high respect in which he is held by his fellow-men. In his profession he stands in the foremost rank, and in all the relations of life has proved his worth as an individual and his value to society.

EV. JACOB GARBER, minister of the German Baptist church, and a substantial farmer of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born March 8, 1821, in the Shenandoah valley of Virginia, and was about fifteen years of age when brought to Ohio by his parents.

John Garber, his paternal grandfather, was probably born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and -moved from that state to Maryland and thence to the Shenandoah valley of Virginia. He was a farmer by vocation, and, like his ancestors, was a German Baptist in religion. He reared a family of five children, named John, Samuel, Solomon, Catherine and Rebecca, and lived to the patriarchal age of eighty-eight years. John Garber, father of the Rev. Jacob Garber, was born in Frederick county, Md., on Pike creek, about the year 1785, and went to the Shenandoah valley with his parents. After his marriage to Nancy Erbaugh, he located on a farm in Rockingham county, Va., on which he lived until the fall of 1835, when he brought his family to Ohio and settled on 160 acres in Madison township, Montgomery county - making the journey by wagon. Mr. Garber first occupied a log house on his new farm - for it had been partially improved - then fully redeemed his place from the woods, built a brick dwelling, and made for himself and family a comfortable home. His children were named Hettie, Jonathan, Sarah, Samuel, Jacob, John, Susan, Nancy, and Daniel, all of whomwereborn in the Shenandoah valley, and came to Ohio with their parents. The family were members of the German

Baptist church, of which two of the sons, Samuel and Jacob, became ministers. Mr. Garber was called from earth in 1858, in the seventy-third year of his age, honored by all his neighbors for the uprightness which had characterized a long and useful life.

Rev. Jacob Garber in his youth received the customary district school education and passed his earlier manhood on the home farm. November 3, 1842, he was united in wedlock, in Madison township, with Miss Catherine Vaniman, who was born November 10, 1820, in the same township, her parents being Jacob and Mary (Bowman) Vaniman.

The father, Jacob Vaniman, was a native of Bedford county, Pa., and at the age of fourteen years was brought to Ohio by his parents, John and Catherine (M*ortonj Vaniman, who settled in Montgomery county in 1802, cutting the way through the woods from Dayton to Madison township. John Vaniman, who was noted for his great size and strength, entered a full section of land in Madison township for a homestead, together with other tracts in Perry and Randolph townships, all lying in the unbroken forest. Indians were numerous in the neighborhood, having a camp on a hill upon Mr. Vaniman's homestead, but were neighborly and well disposed toward the white settlers. Mr. Vaniman erected a large stone house, the first in the township, cleared up a large farm, and died in his sixtieth year, one of the most honored of pioneers. His children were John, Kate, Betsie, Jacob, Polly, Hannah, Samuel, and others who died young.

Jacob Vaniman, the father of Mrs. Garber, after his marriage with Miss Mary Bowman, located on 160 acres of the old Vaniman homestead, cleared the tract from the wilderness and erected an excellent brick dwelling, improving the place with everything requisite to equip a model farm, and there passed his years, respected and happy, until death called him away in his sixty-fifth year. His children, in order of birth, were named Catherine, John, Elizabeth, David, Jacob, George, Daniel, Mary and Barbara.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Garber they located on a farm of 1574 acres in Madison township, which Mr. Garber had bought and partly cleared, and upon which he resided for eighteen years, when he removed, in 1868, to his present farm of 269 acres, which is now in an excellent state of cultivation and modern improvement. Mrs. Garber died July 3 1 , 1853. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Garber was blessed with six children, named Mary, Nancy, Lizzie, Susanna, Amanda, and Catherine (who died when young). Mr. Garber next married Miss Elizabeth Vaniman, and their children are Sarah, Barbara, Martha, Hettie, Harriet, Albert and Ezra. Mr. Garber united with the German Baptist church at the age of twenty-two years, and for the past thirty-five years has given faithful and untiring service in the ministry.

OHN GEIGER, a prosperous young farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, June 24, 1857, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lanehart) Geiger, natives of Germany.

Jacob Geiger came to America about the year 1850, and for a short time worked on a farm near Buffalo, N. Y. , at $4 per month; he then came to Montgomery county, Ohio, worked in the same capacity near Miamisburg for awhile, and later was for several years in the employ of Perry Pease, of West Carrollton, same county. In 1856 he married Miss Elizabeth Lanehart and moved to Shelby county, farmed there for five years, and then returned to Miami township and rented a farm. In 1872 he purchased the farm at West Carrollton on which his widow still resides; in

1881 he bought the tract in Miami township now occupied by his son, John Geiger, the subject of this memoir, and in 1892 purchased the farm on which his son-in-law, Charles Loesch, now lives. His fortune he accumulated solely by his business astuteness, and was a man of considerable wealth at the time of his death, which took place on his West Carrollton farm, December 15, 1895, at the age of sixty-two years, after a useful and honorable life. His children were five in number and were named, in order of birth, John, Henry, Frank, Carrie (Mrs. Charles Loesch), and George.

John Geiger, whose name opens this biography, was reared from early childhood to manhood in Miami township, and was educated in the common schools. His life occupation has been that of a farmer, and he has resided on his present place since 1882. In October, 1882, Mr. Geiger married Miss Catherine, daughter of Henry Loesch, of Miami township, and this union has been followed by the birth of four children, viz: Edith, Robert, Henry and Lester. In religion Mr. Geiger is a Lutheran, and in politics is a democrat. He has been very successful in his calling and his industry and upright conduct have deservedly gained him the esteem of all his neighbors.

OHN MARTIN GEPHART, a prosperous farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native here and was born July 17, 1844, a son of Peter P. and Sarah (Shupert) Gephart, both natives of Miami township and of old pioneer families.

John Gephart, the paternal grandfather of John M., whose wife was Julia Brosius, came from Berks county, Pa., and John Shupert, the maternal grandfather, was also from the Keystone state. Both were pioneer farmers of

Miami township, and were of German descent. Peter P. Gephart was reared to farming and this was his life-long and successful vocation. While still actively engaged in this calling, he died on his farm in 1856. To his marriage with Miss Sarah Shupert there were born four sons to perpetuate the family name in Montgomery county, these being, in order of birth, John M. , Christopher, Mortimer and Nelson.

John Martin Gephart was reared to agricultural pursuits, on the parental farm, and he has found it to be to his interest never to relinquish this noble and useful calling, which students of political economy name as the prime source of the wealth of any nation. Mr. Gephart received the ordinary education vouchsafed to farm lads in the public schools of his township, and was no inapt scholar. The learning he there acquired has been sufficient for all the ordinary purposes of rural life, and he has subsequently augmented it by careful reading of the current literature of the present day and much of that of times past. In 1872 he began farming on his individual account, and since 1878 has occupied his present premises, which will compare most favorably, as to tillage, neatness and general improvements, with any farm of like dimensions in Miami township.

Mr. Gephart was most happily united in marriage, March 26, 1872, with Miss Barbara A. E. Baver, daughter of Conrad and Mary (Gebhart) Baver, of Miami township, and to them have been born two children - Mary E. (Mrs. Kerr Routzang) and Earl Wellington, who married Inez R. Girrard. Mr. Gephart is a member of the Lutheran church, in politics is a democrat, and fraternally is a member of the I. O. O. F. encampment, D. O. H., A. O. U. W., and O. U. A. M. He enjoys the sincere regard of his neighbors and friends, and well sustains the honorable name bequeathed him by his ancestors.

MANUEL A. GEBHART, a prominent farmer of Montgomery county, Ohio, was born September 24, 1849, in Miami township, where he still resides, a son of John and Elizabeth (Kreitzer) Gebhart. His paternal grandfather, Henry Gebhart, came to Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, from Pennsylvania in 1827, cleared and improved a farm, a portion of which is still owned by his heirs, and upon which he died at the age of eighty-four years, his remains being buried in Ellerton cemetery. His children were Hettie ( Mrs. John Billman ), Hannah (Mrs. John Rider), Lucy (Mrs. Solomon Kreitzer), Rebecca (Mrs. John Kreitzer), John, and Sarah (Mrs. John Shuder ) - all natives of Pennsylvania. John, the only son, was born in 1818, was reared in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, from his ninth year, and in early manhood purchased a farm in Miami township, on which he resided until his death, in June, 1884. His wife was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah ( Gebhart ) Kreitzer, of Jefferson township, and his children were nine, of whom five grew to maturity : Jacob A. (now deceased), Emanuel A., John A., Minerva (Mrs. Charles Kline), and Mary (Mrs. Morris Kline ).

Emanuel A. Gebhart was reared in Miami township, was educated in the common schools and lived on the homestead until twenty-four years of age. He then lived seven years in Jefferson township, and, since 1882, has resided on the farm he now occupies in Miami township.

September 27, 1870, Mr. Gebhart married Miss Jennie, daughter of David and Julia A. ( Walburn ) Bolander, of Miami township, and has five children, viz : Luie, Elsie ( Mrs.

Charles Rice ), Daisy M. ( Mrs. Howard Bloss), Emma and Harry. David Bolander, father of Mrs. Gebhart, was born in Pennsylvania in 1802 and came to Miami township, Montgom-

Julia A. Walburn, wife of David Bolander, was also born in Pennsylvania, and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, when a girl. She has, since her husband's death, resided in the family of her son-in-law, Mr. Gebhart.

Emanuel A. Gebhart is a progressive farmer, a member of the Reformed church and has served eleven years as school director of Miami township ; he is one of the directors of the Montgomery county Mutual Fire association, and, politically, is a democrat. He is one of the thoroughgoing business men of his township, is public spirited, and ever ready, with his time and means, to assist in any enterprise designed for the benefit of the community. He is a true citizen, and, as guch, holds the confidence, good will and respect of all his fellowcitizens of Miami township.

AHLON O. GEBHART, a prosperous farmer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Miami township, in that county, February 27, 1852. His parents, George S. and Magdelena (Gebhart) Gebhart, were also born in Miami township. George Gebhart, his paternal grandfather, and his maternal grandfather, John Gebhart, were both natives of Pennsylvania and both pioneers of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, whither they came in the early days of the settlement of this section, and where they passed the remainder of their lives.

George S. Gebhart, the father of Mahlon O. , was reared on the homestead farm in Miami township, but, some years after his marriage came to German township and settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Mahlon O. , and after a prosperous and honorable life, died here October 8, 1888, leaving a widow and ten surviving children. The family of children born to George S. Gebhart numbered fifteen, of whom, however, but eleven reached the age of maturity, viz: Urias, Cornelius, Henry, Mahlon O., Julia (Mrs. Jacob Gebhart), Magdalene (now deceased), Sarah (Mrs. James Small), Susan (Mrs. Frank Gable), Hannah (Mrs. Andrew Organbright), Agnes (Mrs. Samuel McClain), and Emma (Mrs. Joseph Koeppel).

Mahlon O. Gebhart, the fourth named of the children of George S. Gebhart who grew to adult years, was reared a farmer and passed the days of youth and early manhood in Miami and German townships. He has devoted much of his time to tobacco culture, and for six years of his life lived in Tennessee, in order to perfect his knowledge in the cultivation of this staple product. Excepting this absence, Montgomery county, Ohio, has always been his home.