Dayton City (part 38 of 50)

daughter of Daniel and Mary Lease, of German township. Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart are consistent members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Gebhart is a free-silver democrat.

Mr. Gebhart bears a good name in the community in which he lives, and, while still a young man, he deserves much credit for the active part he has taken in the material advancement of German township.

ENRY B. GRAF, manager of the Miamisburg Brewing company, was born in Peru. Ind., January 26, 1863, a son of Henry and Ernestine (Krauss) Graf, both natives of Germany. His father, a wood carver by trade, came to America with his parents in 1847, and has been a resident of Peru, Ind., since 1863. Henry B. Graf was reared in his native city, was educated in the public schools, and, at the age of seventeen years, started out in the world for himself, locating at Hamilton, Ohio, in 1880, where he served an apprenticeship of five years at the molder's trade, and then took charge of a foundry as superintendent, serving in that capacity for two years. -In 1887 he resumed his trade, which he followed until 1891, when he engaged in the flour-mill machinery business at Hamilton, in which he continued up to October 1, 1895. He then removed to Miamisburg, where he was employed by the Miamisburg Star Bottling works until January 1, 1896, when he was appointed manager of the works, and on February 18, following, was appointed manager of the Miamisburg Brewing company, and is still holding that position, as well as being secretary and treasurer of the company.

Mr. Graf was married September 17, 1885, to Miss Ella S., daughter of Henry P. and Ellen (Ball) Deuscher, of Hamilton, Ohio, and now the mother of his two children - Frank H. and Fred E. Mr. Graf in religious belief is a Lutheran and in politics a democrat. He takes no especially active part in the affairs of his party, being simply content to exercise his franchise at the polls. He is public-spirited, however, and always ready to aid in promoting the good of the community as opportunity may offer, and through his hearty liberality has won many warm friends since he has been a resident of Montgomery county.

AVID GROBY, a prominent citizen of Miamisburg, proprietor of a planing mill and an extensive contractor, was born in Stouchsburg, Berks county, Pa., May 25, 1825, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Beck) Groby. The father, Henry Groby, a native of Germany, came to America in boyhood, and was 100 days in crossing the Atlantic ocean in a sailing vessel. He settled in Berks county, Pa. , and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1854, when he came to Miamisburg, Ohio, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1858, an honored citizen.

David Groby was reared to manhood in his native county, and received a fair education in the common schools, served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade, and received the sum of $50 for his services, in addition to the instruction given to him. He learned the trade thoroughly, however, and in 1844 came to Miamisburg, Ohio, and here worked as a journeyman for two years, when he made a trip to Illinois, where he passed eleven months, returning in 1847 to Miamisburg, where he again worked at his trade as a journeyman for five years; he then engaged in contracting. He built the bridge between Germantown and Carlisle in 1867, rebuilt the lower bridge at Miamisburg in 1868, and constructed the bridge over the Miami river at Miller's Fork in 1868-69. In 1871 he established his present planing-mill, which he has operated ever since with entire success. In 1895 he purchased the farm of 100 acres settled by his present wife's father in 1810, and which is now included within the corporate limits of Miamisburg, and also owns a fine farm of 140 acres one mile south of Miamisburg, purchased in 1865.

Mr. Groby has twice been married. His first union was with Miss Eliza, daughter of Jacob and Saloma (Weitzel) Warner, of Miami township, which marriage was blessed with five children, of whom three grew to maturity, viz: Sarah, the wife of Henry P. Brehm ;

Amanda, married to W. Henry Benner, and Jacob B. The present wife of Mr. Groby was a widow - Mrs. Catherine (Weiss) Eagle. Mr. and Mrs. Groby are consistent members of the

Lutheran church, and fraternally Mr. Groby is a thirty-second degree Mason, and also an active member of the Knights Templar encampment ; he has been an Odd Fellow for over fifty years, and is likewise a member of the D. O. H. In politics Mr. Groby is a republican through conviction, and not a partisan through a desire for public office. As a business man he has risen to eminence through his industry and strict integrity in all transactions, and his name as such stands without a blemish, while as a citizen he is prominent and progressive.

ENRY GROBY, the well-known contractor and builder of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Stouchsburg, Berks county, Pa., February 13, 1853, a son of Samuel and Lydia (Rabold) Groby, both also natives of Berks county. His paternal grandparents were Henry and Catherine (Beck) Groby, the former of whom was a native of Germany and came to America when a boy, being 100 days on the passage. He was reared to manhood in Berks county, Pa., came to Miamisburg in 1854, and here died in 1858.

Samuel and Lydia Groby, parents of Henry Groby, came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1859, and for four years Samuel Groby was engaged in the manufacture of cigars in Miamisburg, and then engaged in farming in Miami township - his present occupation. His children are three in number and are named Henry, Jacob, and Mary - the daughter being the wife of Martin Apple.

Henry Groby grew to manhood in Montgomery county from the age of six years, attended the public schools, and when of sufficient age served an apprenticeship of two years at the carpenter's trade with his uncle, David Groby, by whom he was afterward employed for eighteen years as a journeyman. In 1892 he embarked, on his own account, in the lumber, door, sash and blind business, and also in contracting and building, and has been so steadily successful that he now stands at the head of that line of industry in this city.

The marriage of Mr. Groby took place in 1876 with Miss Lena, daughter of Joseph and Magdalena (Krout) Yordy, of West Carrollton, the union resulting in the birth of two children - Bessie (Mrs. David Dunn), and C. Howard.

Mr. Groby is a member of the Reformed church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; is a charter member of and a director in the Miamisburg Building & Loan association, and in politics is a republican. He has won a well-established reputation as a master of his calling, his integrity and ability being widely recognized, and he and his family occupy a prominent place in the social circles of Miamisburg.

ON. GEORGE A. GROVE, one of the prominent citizens of Miamisburg, Ohio, and one who has been often honored with official position because of his eminent fitness for the places he has held, was born in Millersburg, Berks county, Pa., August 25, 1817. He is a son of Andrew and Eva (Holstein) Grove, and was reared by them in Berks county, Pa. In May, 1836, he removed to Miamisburg, where he served three years as clerk in a store, and was subsequently occupied in farming for ten years, residing on the Kercher farm until 1850. This farm many years ago became a portion of Miamisburg, and on it many of the finest residences in the place now stand. From 1850 to 1855 Mr. Grove prosecuted the grain and lumber business with Simon Huiet, owning a number of canal boats and engaging in trade along the Miami & Erie canal from Toledo to Cincinnati. In 1855 the firm of H. Groby & Co. was formed by H. Groby, Emanuel Shultz and Mr. Grove, for the purpose of entering the lumber trade, and in 1866 the well known banking establishment of H. Groby & Co. was founded by the same firm. This banking firm continued in business until 1879, when Mr. Grove withdrew.

Mr. Grove has been twice married; first to Christiana Kercher, daughter of Jacob Kercher, the founder of Miamisburg. To this marriage there were born two children, viz: John H., and Lucetta L. , wife of Christian Weber. The second wife of Mr. Grove was Sallie Gebhart, daughter of Peter M. and Hannah (Ulrich) Gebhart, of Miamisburg. To this marriage also there have been born two children, Eva L. and Grace L.

In politics Mr. Grove has always been a democrat, and in 1865 was elected county commissioner, being the only candidate on his ticket that was elected, and the only democratic county officer at that time in the county. In 1868 he was re-elected by a largely increased majority, and in 1875 was elected representative of the county in the lower house of the general assembly. In 1877 he was elected to the state senate over his friend and partner in business, Hon. Emanuel Shultz. In 1880 he was elected a member of the state board of equalization, and as a member of this board rendered his county valuable service, succeeding in having the county valuation reduced nearly $4,000,000. Mr. Grove has filled many minor positions of honor and trust, always with fidelity and efficiency, and has taken a prominent part for many years in all public enterprises and undertakings calculated to advance the material, moral and religious interests of Miamisburg. To his energy and perseverance is largely due the establishment of the Miamisburg hydraulic, and he was also instrumental in securing the city park, and has been a member of the board of park commissioners since its organization in 1889. For more than sixty years Mr. Grove has been a member of the Miamisburg Lutheran church, and is universally regarded one of the best and most useful citizens of the place. In 1896 Mr. Grove was reappointed one of the commissioners of the soldiers' relief committee, this being his third term of three years and closing in 1899.

HDAM GRUVER, blacksmith of Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in Stouchburg, Berks county, Pa., February 12, 1843. He is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Groby) Gruver, and his father having died and his mother married again, he removed with her, then Mrs. William Stupp, to Miamisburg in 1853, and here he grew to manhood, receiving a good education in the public schools. Afterward he served an apprenticeship of two and a half years in the blacksmith shop of Daniel Bookwalter, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Having completed his trade he was engaged in general blacksmithing in various parts of the country up to 1865. He then returned to Miami township and engaged in farming for two years, at the end of which time he entered the employ of Hoover & Gamble, in January, 1869, and remained with this firm until September, 1879, during the last five years of which period he was foreman of the blacksmithing department. In 1879 he established himself in business on his own account as a general blacksmith, and has thus been engaged ever since, meeting with well deserved success, and now conducting the busiest shop of its kind in Miamisburg.

Eliza (Eagle) Gebhart, of Miami township, and by this marriage he has seven children, viz: Sarah J., wife of Frank Hart; Anna E., wife of Charles M. Lambert; Charlie E., who married Anna Kimmerling; Edith M. , wife of Howard Brehm; Henry, Mary E., and Lester.

Mr. Gruver has been a member of the Lutheran church since his boyhood days, is a royal arch Mason, a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow (encampment and canton), and a Knight of Honor. In politics he is a republican, and as such he has served as a member of the city council of Miamisburg, meeting the general approbation of the people, and reflecting on himself 'the utmost credit for the ability he manifested in the transaction of the public business and the readiness with which he divested himself of all traces of partisanship while in his office. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gruver are people of excellent character and honorable impulses, and have many friends around them; they are ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy, and equally ready to aid in any project to advance the public welfare.

BREDERICK GWINNER, a well-known citizen of Montgomery county, Ohio, and one of the leading insurance men of Miamisburg, was born in Eneskerchen, near Cologne, on the Rhine, in Germany, May 12, 1832. He is a son of jacob F. and Christiana (Neuman) Gwinner. He was reared and educated in Germany, and there learned the locksmith's trade, and in 1851, when eighteen years of age, emigrated to the United States, locating in Philadelphia, where he was employed for seven years in a chandelier factory. In the spring of 1858 he settled in Miamisburg, Ohio, where for two years he was engaged in grape growing and in the raising of tobacco. In 1859 he purchased the Washington hotel property, remodeled and improved the building and successfully conducted the hotel for twenty-three years. In 1882, having acquired a competency through his prosperous business career, by frugality and strict attention to details, he retired from the hotel business, and for five years afterward was engaged in the buying of tobacco for a Detroit house. Since then he has given his attention mostly to the business of fire insurance, and to the management of his property. In 1878 he purchased the handsome brick block which stands on the corner of Main street and Central avenue, and which bears his name.

Mr. Gwinner was married in 1859 to Hannah Salomon, daughter of Joseph and Rose Salomon, of Germany, by which marriage he has four children: Rose, now Mrs. Samuel

H. Mays; Jennie, now Mrs. John W. Burns; Arnold F., and Hannah, now Mrs. William Stroop. Mr. Gwinner has always taken great interest in the advancement of Miamisburg, and for a number of years was a member of the city council, leaving a record as one of the best men for the place that ever held the office. He is interested in a number of leading stock companies, and for years has been a stockholder and director in the Teutonia Insurance company of Dayton. He is a director in the First National bank of Miamisburg, and a member of the Lutheran church. For more than forty years he has been an Odd Fellow, and for thirty years a member of the Harugari. He has been a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for seventeen years, and is also an active member of the Knights of Pythias. In 1890 he was elected decennial land appraiser tor Miami township. Politically, Mr. Gwinner is a democrat. He is a highly respected citizen of Montgomery county, being well known to all its people as a most useful and honorable member of the community.

OHN A. HALL, carriage painter, was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, his present place of residence, December 26, 1846, and is a son of Jeremiah and Anna M. (Thompson) Hall, both natives of the Buckeye state and of German and English (Quaker) descent, respectively. His paternal grandfather, William Hall, was a pioneer of Ohio and was for many years a blacksmith in Miamisburg, where he passed his latter days. The maternal grandfather of John A. Hall was a farmer of Butler county, Ohio.

Jeremiah Hall, father of John A., was a machinist by trade and was reared in Miamisburg. During the late Civil war he served as a member of company E, Thirty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, going out as corporal, and for meritorious conduct and bravery in the face of the enemy was promoted successively to be sergeant, lieutenant and captain. After serving four years and six months he was honorably discharged and returned to Miamisburg, where he resumed his trade and followed it until 1894, when he retired to the soldiers' home, near Dayton, Ohio, where he is quietly passing his declining years.

John A. Hall, the only child born to Jeremiah, was reared in Cincinnati and was there educated in the publicschools and alsoat Delaware college. He, too, became a soldier, enlisting in June, 1861, in company E, Thirtyninth Ohio volunteer infantry (his father's company), and serving two and a half years as drum-major; he was then honorably discharged, and in 1864 enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, serving three months as a private, and again received an honorable discharge.

After returning from the army, John A. Hall served an apprenticeship of three years at the painter's trade in Cincinnati with C. W. Miller. He worked for eight years at this vocation in the railroad shops at Zaleski, Vinton county, Ohio, and then for two years with the Bookwalter company, of Miamisburg. He next located at Columbus, Ohio, where he passed ten years, of which time two years and a half were spent as a guard at the state prison and the remainder of the time in working at his trade for the Columbus Buggy company. Since 1895, he has lived in Miamisburg in the employ of the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company.

Mr. Hall has been twice married. His first wife was Ada, daughter of Charles and Matilda Gist, of Zaleski, Ohio, and to this union were born four children - Charles J., Jeremiah C., Alice M. (Mrs. Milton Dutcher), and John B. His second marriage was with Miss M. Elenora Scothorn, a daughter of William J. and Lydia (Long) Scothorn, of Jackson county, Ohio, and this union has been followed by the birth of five children, viz: Arthur, Newton, Edward, Mabel and Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally Mr. Hall is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F., K. of P. and the G. A. R. In politics he is a republican and socially stands high in the esteem of the inhabitants of his native city of Miamisburg, having, beside, many warm friends in the various other towns in which he has passed so many years of his useful life.

ACOB HAMMEL, an experienced and well-known farmer of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born near Chambersburg, Franklin county, Pa., March 17, 1820, a son of Conrad and Christiania (Bittinger) Hammel, both natives of the Keystone state and of Swedish descent. The father was a blacksmith by trade and died in his native state at the age of eighty-four years - his wife dying when eighty-three years of age.

Jacob Hammel was reared to manhood in his native county, working on a farm during the summer months after he had become of suitable age for the performance of that class of labor. For five years after reaching his majority he drove a six-horse team, hauling freight from Chambersburg, Pa., to Baltimore, Md., and from the latter city to Pittsburg, Pa., there being no railroads in operation in those localities in that early day. In 1845 he was employed seven months in a boiler shop in New Orleans, La., and in the spring of 1846 came to Montgomery county, Ohio, and was employed one season in a brickyard in Alexandersville ; the following year he was employed as a teamster, and in 1848 he purchased a canal boat, trafficked on the canal for three months, and then engaged in the manufacture of brick on his own account, following this industry five years. Since then Mr. Hammel has devoted his attention to farming in Miami township, making a specialty of tobacco, to the cultivation of which he has set aside twenty-five acres and has averaged as high as eightysix and one-half cases of the product, of 400 pounds to the case - a success but seldom achieved in this latitude by the growers of this staple commodity.

Mr. Hammel has been thrice married, his first union having taken place in December, 1850, with Miss Elizabeth Leighty, who died in 1852; his second marriage, January 3, 1856, was with Miss Catherine Mease, of Miami township, and this union was blessed with five children, viz: Annie, William, Mary C. (Mrs. Marion Recher), Nancy and Nora (Mrs. Roland Bradford); the mother of this family died May 8, 1878; his third matrimonial alliance was with Mrs. Louis Riggs - the present Mrs. Hammel - and occurred September 24, 1887. The family are members of the Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Hammel is a democrat. No farmer in Miami township stands

HBRAHAM HARLEY, one of the most highly respected citizens of Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and a successful and substantial farmer, is descended from Rudolph Harley, the originator of the Ohio family, who came to America from the German empire in the .autumn of 1719.

While there has been some question as to the original nationality of the Harley family, which is a very ancient one, the preponderance of evidence points to Germany as the country of its origin, where it can be traced back as far, at least, as to the fifteenth century. It is true that the name appears in England, but chiefly after the date of the revocation of the edit of Nantes, 1685, through which over 4,000 of the best citizens of Germany fled the country in preference to becoming Catholics. In England, many of the Harley family became quite prominent, some even becoming members of parliament, and one, Robert Harley, became librarian to King George I. It is evident, too, that some of the family had gone to England prior to the revocation of the edict mentioned, probably under religious persecution, as one member, Thomas Harley, purchased from William Penn a tract of 5,000 acres of land in Pennsylvania, most of it in Montgomery county, the title to which is dated July 4, 1682. But it is not from him that Abraham Harley descends, as will be seen by the following record:

Rudolph Harley and his wife, great-greatgrandparents of Abraham Harley, came from Germany to America in 1719, having had a long and tedious voyage, during which a son, Rudolph, Jr., was born to them July 14, 1719, the vessel not reaching America until autumn. For a while Mr. and Mrs. Harley made their home in Pennsylvania, where a daughter, whose name is not now remembered, was born.

Going to Hunterdon county, N. J., Mr. Harley lived there a few years, and then returned to Pennsylvania and bought a large tract of land in Franconia township, Montgomery county, about two miles from the present town of Harleysville.

Rudolph Harley, Jr., great-grandfather of Abraham, married Mary Becker, daughter of Peter Becker, of Germantown, who was the first elder of the Brethren church in America. To this union were born thirteen children, viz: Rudolph ; Johanna, born April 21, 1743, and married to Honoly Stauffer ; Lena, who died young; Maria, born March 12, 1747, was first married to a Mr. Landis, then to Frederick Deal, and was the mother of nine children ; Rudolph, born February 7, 1749, first married Barbara Bach, and next a Miss Bombarger, and was the father of a large family ; Elizabeth, born September 9, 1750, was married to Christian Dettery, and had a large family ; Jacob was born June 8, 1752, never married, but lived to a good old age ; Heinrich was born July 1, 1754, married Elizabeth Keely, and had a family of fifteen or sixteen children ; Sarah was born June 20, 1756, was married to Elder George Price, of Coventry, Chester county, father of John Price and grandfather of Isaac Price, both eminent preachers in the Brethren church ; Samuel was born March 6, 1758, married Catherine Sauer, and had twelve children ; Joseph was born March 14, 1760, married, at the age of fifty years, Catherine Price, daughter of Jacob Reiff and widow of William Price ; Maria Margaretta, was born September 13, 1762, was married to Jacob Detwiler and also had a large family; Abraham, grandfather of our subject, was born June 14, 1765, and married Christiana Giesby, who was a very amiable

Abraham Harley, whose son's name opens this sketch, was a direct descendant of Rudolph Harley, the immigrant, and was born in Montgomery county, Pa., in 1790. He received a limited education in German, and attended English schools for about six weeks. Reared a farmer, he also learned the shoemaker's trade, and, beside these two callings, carried on milling. He married Miss Catherine Reiff, who was born in Montgomery county, Pa. To them were born seven sons, as follows : Elias, Isaiah, Abraham, John, Lewis,

Jacob and Aaron. Mr. Harley lived in Montgomery county, Pa., until 1819, and then removed his family, by means of teams and wagons, to Chester county, Pa., where he built a flouring mill. This mill he ran for several years, and in 1825 removed to Lancaster county, Pa., where he rented a mill in company with his brother. One year later he located within seven miles of Lancaster, Pa., and there rented a large flouring mill, still house and sawmill, which he operated for two years. In 1829 he came to Ohio, settling in Tuscarawas county, where he rented a mill. Remaining there one year he then ran a mill in Stark county, Ohio, which a year or two later burned to the ground. Mr. Harley was again obliged to seek a new location, this time within four miles of Wellsville, near the Ohio river. After carrying on the milling business here for a short time, he came, in the spring of 1832, to Montgomery county, where he again rented a mill, six miles north of Dayton, on the Stillwater, and one year later bought a small piece of land near where Henry Becker now lives. To this small tract he added until he had 143 acres, and lived upon it seven years, when, in the spring of 1840, he removed to McLean county, 111., where his wife died in

1856, and he married again, in Illinois. He was a man of extremely vigorous constitution, and died in 1880 at the age of ninety years. In his younger days he was a member of the German Baptist church, of which he became a minister, and later was connected with the River Brethren church. He was known everywhere as a man of strict integrity, of high Christian character, and of great kindness of heart. Physically, he was strong and hardy, with an iron constitution, as is sufficiently indicated by the life he led, as narrated above.

Abraham Harley, the subject of this sketch, was born March 25, 1818, in Montgomery county, Pa., was reared a farmer and given a good common-school education. With his father's family he came to Ohio about 1829, when he was about ten years old. Until his twenty-third year he remained at home, working with his father, going with him to Illinois in 1840. Returning to Ohio in the fall of 1842 he worked a farm in Randolph township, Montgomery county. On March 24, 1842, he married Anna Becker, on the Becker homestead, she having been born there September 29, 1820, and being a daughter of |ohn and Rebecca (Hart) Becker. For fuller mention of the Becker family the reader is referred to the biography of Henry Becker, to be found elsewhere in these pages.

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harley resided in Randolph township four years, and then, removing to Miami county, lived there ten years, when they returned to the old Becker homestead. On the death of Mr. Becker, Mr. Harley purchased the interest of the heirs and now owns the property, consisting of 102 acres of good farming land. Beside this he owns eighteen acres of the farm formerly owned by John Becker, the original pioneer of the Becker family. In i860 Mr. Harley built a fine, three-story brick residence and has made many other substantial improvements, adding to the comfort and value of his home. His brothers, John and Lewis, were soldiers im-the late Civil vvar; John died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn.; Lewis served three years in an Illinois regiment of infantry, and both were good soldiers.

died when ten months old; Samuel, who died at the age of three years; John W., who died when ten years old; Reuben, Laban and Ernst. Mrs. Harley, who died in 1893, aged seventytwo years, was a woman of many excellent traits of character. Mr. Harley has always been a republican in politics. His character is one of probity, and his life-long habits of industry and correct living have won him respect and confidence.

AVID HECKMAN, one of the thrifty farmers of Randolph township, and the head of an excellent family, is a son of one of the original pioneers. He sprang from sturdy German stock, his immediate ancestors being residents of Virginia. David Heckman, his grandfather, was a farmer by occupation, and married Mary Ann Snuffer, by whom he had the following children: William, Catherine, Sarah, Rebecca, Mary, John, Henry, Aaron and Samuel. David Heckman and his family were members of the German Baptist church. In 1811 he removed to Clarke county, Ohio, settled in the woods and erected a log cabin. Clearing up 160 of land he began the life of a successful and prosperous farmer. He entered land in Clay township, Montgomery county, and in other places, and also bought land for his children in Kossuth and Whitley counties, Ind., giving each of them a farm. He was a man of sterling character and lived an upright and honorable life, dying at the ripe age of eighty years.

William Heckman, father of David, was born December 25, 1804, in Franklin county, Va., and was about seven years of age when brought to Ohio by his parents. By reason of the scarcity and the poor quality of schools in that day, he received but a limited education. On July 5, 1827, he was married in Clarke county to Miss Mary A. Brandenburg, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, April 28, 1808, and was a daughter of Samuel and Johannah Brandenburg, they being of German ancestry and old settlers of Maryland. William Heckman settled in Clay township, Montgomery county, on eighty acres which he had entered from the government, cleared it of its timber, and built a log cabin before a stick of timber had been cut for a like purpose anywhere in the vicinity. His was the only house for many miles around, and he continued for many years to live upon the spot upon which he thus erected the first home for his family. Through industry and perseverance he not only improved his original farm but added to it 100 acres of land, and erected thereon a brick dwelling. Mr. Heckman was a member of the German Baptist church and a deacon therein for many years. His children, all of whom were born in Clay township, were as follows: Jacob, born September 21, 1828;

David, born May 15, 1830; Elizabeth, born October 6, 1832; Samuel, born March 25, 1835; Nancy, born September 1, 1837; Ezra, born December 6, 1840; Tabitha, born February 11, 1843; and Mary, born January 11, 1 847. Mr. Heckman died on his farm in 1 872, aged sixty-seven years and one month, having led the life of a pioneer and achieved a deserved measure of success. Mrs. Heckman died September 10, 1855.

David Heckman, the subject of this sketch, was born May 5, 1830, on his father's farm in Clay township, received a good, commonschool education, and became a farmer. He married, February 1, 1855, Hannah Brumbaugh, of Randolph township, born in 1834, and a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Rinehart) Brumbaugh. For fuller mention of the Brumbaugh family the reader is referred to the biography of John R. Brumbaugh, elsewhere in this volume.

Mr. Heckman settled on his present farm of 100 acres of land given to Mrs. Heckman, to which he has added, by industry and thrift, twenty acres more. In i860 Mr. Heckman built a substantial brick house, and later a good barn, as well as other improvements necessary on a properly conducted farm. He has lately added eighty acres to his land, and now enjoys the cultivation of 200 acres, constituting one of the best among the many fine farms of this section.

Marietta, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ellen, and Samuel. He and his family are members of the German Baptist church, and stand high in the estimation of the community. Mr. Heckman is well known throughout the county as a man of worth and integrity.

ENRY M. HERMAN, D. D., pastor of the First Reformed church of Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in Pequea, Lancaster county, Pa., March 20, 1834, a son of Samuel and Susan (Sorber) Herman, natives of Chester county, Pa. His paternal great-grandfather, Henry Herman, was a native of Germany, and an early pioneer of Chester county, Pa., whose wife bore the maiden name of Ruth Ann Howard, and was a native of Lancashire, England. Henry Herman, Jr., the only son of Henry, Sr., and the grandfather of Henry M., was born in Philadelphia, Pa., married Elizabeth Miller, a native of England, and also became a farmer of

Chester county, Pa. John Sorber, the maternal grandfather of Henry M. Herman, was of German descent and a merchant of Lancaster county, Pa. Samuel Herman, his father, was a carpenter by trade and passed all his life in the county of his nativity - Lancaster, Pa.

Rev. Henry M. Herman was reared to manhood in the county of his birth, received his elementary education in the common schools and passed to the high school of the city of Lancaster, and after graduating therefrom entered Franklin & Marshall college, of the same city, whence he was graduated in i860 with the degrees of A. B. and A. M. He next attended the Theological seminar)' at Mercersburg, Franklin county, Pa., from which he graduated in 1862. (His degree of D. D. was conferred by the Heidelberg university, of Tiffin, Ohio, in 1883.) For twenty years, from 1862 until 1881, Mr. Herman was pastor of the Reformed church at West Alexandria, Ohio, and from 1881 until the present time has been the pastor of the First Reformed church of Miamisburg. During all these long years Mr. Herman has been ardent, faithful and self-sacrificing in his holy calling, and his labors have been abundantly rewarded by additions to his church membership. Gifted with a power of eloquence peculiarly adapted to the pulpit, his sermons have always been attractive and instructive, and being, moreover, scholarly in his attainments and profound in theology, his discourses are naturally quite convincing.

Rev. Mr. Herman was united in the bonds of matrimony, May 10, 1862, with Miss Bella D. Orr, daughter of Hunter and Margaret L. (Lawson) Orr, of Lawsonham, Pa., and this union has been crowned by the birth of six children, in the following order: Susan (Mrs.

Charles E. Weaver), Fannie, Margaret (Mrs. Daniel Bookwalter), Howard H., Mary and Maurice. Mr. Herman is a thirty-second degree Mason and a Knight Templar, and is also a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a member of the board of regents of Heidelberg university, and has made himself useful and prominent in many charitable movements on the part of the church. In politics he is a republican.

^ILLIAM H. HOFFMAN, superintendent of the Louis Newburgh Tobacco Packing company, of Germantown, Ohio, and the largest concern of the kind in the United States, was born in German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, September 30, 1853, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Fink) Hoffman, natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Germany.

John Hoffman, by occupation a farmer, passed the greater part of his life in German township, and had born to his marriage eleven children, of whom nine grew to maturity, viz: Mary, now Mrs. Levi Kissinger; John, who served as a soldier in the late Civil war; Levi; Michael; Elizabeth, the- wife of Peter Heller; Leah, married to John Limbaugh; Susan, now Mrs. Levi Medler; William H., and Julia, who is the wife of Harvey King.

William H. Hoffman came to manhood in his native township, received his primary education in the district schools, and later passed through a course of instruction in Holbrook's college, in Lebanon, Ohio. He begun his business life as a clerk in a grocery in Germantown, but a year later embarked in tobacco growing; since 1878, however, he has been in the employ of the Louis Newburgh Tobacco Packing company - first as foreman for fourteen years; and next as superintendent of the business, which position he has most satisfactorily filled since 1892.

of Jacob and Rebecca (Welsh) Miller, of German township. Mrs. Hoffman died, in the faith of the Lutheran church, June 6, 1895. Mr. Hoffman, in his societary relations, is a master Mason, and is also a member of canton Frank, I. O. O. F. , encampment of Germantown. In his political affiliations he is a democrat.

EV. SAMUEL L. HERR, one of the prominent ministers of Montgomery county and a thriving farmer of Randolph township, springs from Pennsylvania ancestors. His remote ancestors came from Switzerland on account of religious persecution and settled in Pennsylvania under the protection of William Penn. They were Mennonites in religion, or followers of Menno Simons, who founded the modern school of Anapabtists in Holland, about 1 540. In after years some of these religionists settled on the Susquehanna river, in Pennsylvania, and were collected together by John and Jacob Engle, who formed them into a new denomination and called them Brethren in Christ. Menno Simons died in 1561, a man of gentle, earnest, modest and spiritual nature, and without any of the characteristics of a fanatic.

The grandfather of the subject was a farmer of Lebanon county, Pa., a member of the River Brethren denomination, and, it is believed, a minister. Of his children who are remembered, the following may be named: Abraham, Henry, Randolph, and Samuel, all of whom were reared on the old home farm at Lebanon, Pa.

Samuel Herr, the father of Samuel L. , was born in Lebanon county, Pa., in 1796; became a prosperous farmer, and married, in that county, Elizabeth Long, daughter of Abraham Long. Mr. Herr became a minister in the church of the River Brethren and preached therein many years. Selling his farm in Lebanon county, Pa., he removed to Ohio in 1832, settling on the farm on which his son now lives. At first he purchased 260 acres, to which, by. prudence and energy, he added other tracts until at length he owned 400 acres, becoming one of the most successful farmers in the county. Much of this land he cleared and improved, erecting good buildings and making a good home for his family. He was one of the first ministers of his church in this part of the country. In company with Rev. John Wenger, whose biography is elsewhere printed in this volume, he aided to found the first church organization of the kind in the county, and also aided in the erection of its first house of worship.

Fannie, Samuel L. , Christian, Hettie, Elizabeth, Sarah, and John. Rev. Mr. Herr lived to the great age of seventy-two years, dying on his farm, a man of wide experience and knowledge, and of great generosity and usefulness. He was noted everywhere for his high Christian character.

Rev. Samuel L. Herr, who was born April 6, 1 828, was about four years old when brought to Ohio by his parents, and well remembers many incidents of that journey, which was made by means of teams and wagons. He received the common-school education of the days of his youth, and became a farmer. On January 20, 1853, when he was twenty-three years of age, he married, in Dayton, Ohio, Miss Catherine Hocker, who was born October 21, 1832, and is a daughter of John and Catherine (Sterling) Hocker. For fuller mention of the Hockers the reader is referred to the biography of Jesse K. Brumbaugh, elsewhere published in this volume.

ing some 210 acres. Of this he gave his son a farm, retaining for himself 126 acres, which he has improved in many ways. Mr. Herr was ordained a minister in the church more than thirty years ago, and has ever since been engaged in preaching the gospel. He has always been liberal in his support of the church, and is widely known for his good works. To him and his wife there have been born the following children: Edna, David, Lavina, Levi,

Oiner, who died wheh twenty years of age; Martha, who died when three years old; and Mary, who died when two years old. Rev. Mr. Herr has been a life-long and earnest Christian, descending from a family of religious people. His personal character and his devotion to the cause of the church have won him the affection and esteem of a host of friends.

ENRY HERR, farmer of - Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and an old resident of the county, sprang from Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. His grandfather, Daniel Herr, was a cabinetmaker and miller by trade, and married Elizabeth Miller. John Herr, the original ancestor of the family in this country, came from Switzerland, and was one of the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. Daniel Herr was a citizen of Lancaster county, Pa., and there died at the age of about sixty-five years. He and his wife had the following children : Samuel, Martha, Rachael, Christiana, Mary, Joseph and Benjamin, and one that died when quite young. Daniel Herr was one of the solid men of his day, and fairly representative of the Pennsylvania stock, so many of whose descendants are to-day valued citizens of the Miami valley. ,

Samuel Herr, father of Henry, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1805. Reared as a farmer, he also became a carpenter and contractor. He married Mary Bowman, in Pennsylvania, daughter of Henry and Esther Bowman. Mr. Herr removed to Clarke county, Ohio, in 1850, where he remained for one year, coming in 1851 to Montgomery county, Ohio. Here he purchased 214 acres of land, which had been partly cleared. The remainder he cleared and converted the whole into an excellent farm, improving it in many ways, but especially by the erection of good buildings. Mr. Herr was a practical and progressive farmer, and one of the most successful of his day. His children were as follows : Susan, now deceased ; Henry, and Levi, the latter of whom died when about twenty-six years old. Politically Mr. Herr was a republican, and was a man of high character and strong convictions.

Henry Herr was born July 30, 1857, in Lancaster county, Pa., on a farm, and with his parents came to Montgomery county, Ohio. His father was a firm believer in the value of educating the young, and gave to each of his children the best education practicable for him to give. Young Herr being brought up on a farm became a farmer, and has always followed that occupation. Receiving 120 acres of his father's estate, he still retains it and has brought it up to a high state of cultivation. He is one of the progressive and successful farmers of his county. Politically Mr. Herr is a republican, standing high in his party's esteem, and is respected for the fine qualities of his character and disposition.

OHN HERSHEY, a progressive fanner of Randolph township, is of sterling Swiss ancestry. His remote ancestor came to Pennsylvania in early colonial times, a member of William Penn's colony, and was thus among the earliest settlers of that commonwealth, locating in Lancaster county. This colony fled from religious persecution in Europe, and its members became most excellent citizens of Pennsylvania. Jacob Hershey, the grandfather of John, was a farmer of Lancaster county, Pa., living five miles west of the present city of Lancaster, at what was then called "The Manor." He there owned a large farm and a stone flouring mill, having built what is still known as the Hershey mill.

Jacob Hershey married Barbara Heistand, by whom he had the following children: John, Jacob, Henry, Andrew, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Annie. Jacob Hershey was in religion a Mennonite, as was his father before him. He lived to be nearly seventy years old and died on his farm, a man of property and much respected. Jacob Hershey, his son and father of John, was born on the old Hershey homestead, which had been in the family for generations. He received the usual common-school education of the times of his youth, and was well informed, considering the opportunities afforded him. Brought up a farmer, he also acquired the milling trade, taking charge of his father's mill. He married Miss Mary Hertzler, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and was a daughter of John and Barbara (Weldy) Hertzler. John Hertzler and wife were the parents of the following children: John, Elizabeth, Daniel, Mary, Jacob, Benjamin, Ann and Lavina.

Jacob Hershey ran the old mill until 1835, and then came to Ohio, locating in Clarke county, where he bought a farm. This he afterward sold and bought the Speaker estate, owning at one time 800 acres of land. He was a most substantial man of affairs, and carried on a large business with decided ability and success. He lived to the venerable age of eighty years, dying in Clarke county, Ohio, esteemed for his personal character and remembered for his virtues as a citizen. Politically he was an old line whig, and later in life a republican and a strong Union man. One of his sons, Benjamin, was in the late Civil war, in an Indiana regiment of infantry, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea.

John Hershey, the subject of this sketch, was born September 20, 1814, in Lancaster county, Pa., on the homestead of his grandfather, in a stone house built in 1772. While receiving the common-school education of those days he also learned farming and milling, and came with his father to Ohio in 1835, and in Clarke county managed the mill. Afterward for some years he operated a mill near Dayton, Ohio, then traveled through Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, and on October 20, 1852, married in Randolph township, Miss Christian Hocker, who was a daughter of John and Catherine (Sterling) Hocker. For fuller mention of these people the reader is referred to the biography of Jesse K. Brumbaugh, elsewhere published in this volume.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hershey settled in Clarke county, where he followed farming for about two years, when he removed his family to Preble county, Ohio, and there was engaged for two years in milling. Then removing to Randolph township, Montgomery county, he followed farming for nine years, at the end of which period he purchased his present farm. This was in 1 866. The farm contained 175 acres, and was only partially improved. However, since it was bought by Mr. Hershey, he has added much to its convenience and value, by the erection of a commodious brick residence, and of other good buildings. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hershey are as follows: Benjamin Franklin, who lives in Dayton and is a successful lawyer; Rev. Henry; Jacob; Mary C., who died when twenty years of age; Albert J., who died when twenty-three years of age; Ira; Martha E.;

Hershey are members of the River Brethren church, and in politics Mr. Hershey is a republican. Mr. Hershey is a man of excellent character, and one in whom all who know him have the utmost confidence.

ACOB W. HOLDERMAN, of New Lebanon, Perry township, one of the veteran soldiers of the late Civil war, was born in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, December 19, 1840, and is a son of John and Eliza (Repp) Holderman. Educated in the common schools, he enlisted in company G, Eleventh Ohio volunteer infantry, in April, 1861, under the first call of President Lincoln, for 75,000 three months' troops. Having served out his term of enlistment he was honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. Returning to Montgomery county he re-enlisted in Dayton in October, 1862, in company G, Sixty-ninth Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years, or during the war, and served until discharged on surgeon's certificate of disability from hospital at Nashville, Tenn., August 4, 1863. He was in the battles of Stone River, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, and several skirmishes, and was at Gallatin after John Morgan's men. He was twice captured during his term of service and was in Libby prison forty days, when he was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. He was permanently disabled through sleeping on the ground, and lay in hospital at Nashville, Tenn., from April 28 to August 4, 1863. He has ever since been a sufferer from the effects of his exposures during the war.

On December 17, 1865, Mr. Holderman was married to Sarah J. Terhune, who was born at Peru, Ind., and who died in the following October, leaving no children. Mr. Holderman again married in July, 1872, his second wife being Matilda Gorman, the daughter of Patrick Gorman. The children by this marriage are Chauncey and Harry. Mrs. Holderman died October 2, 1877, and Mr. Holderman married for his third wife Rebecca J. Lewis, who was born near New Albany, Ind. , and is a daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Fishburn) Lewis. To this marriage there have been born the following children: Louis E., Izette M., Jasper E., Ray, Jesse A:, Grace I., and Charles J.

After the termination of the war Mr. Holderman went to Indiana, and later lived two years in the soldiers' home in Dayton, Ohio. In 1883 he located in New Lebanon, Ohio, where he has been variously engaged. For two years he was marshal of the place, and is now in the hack business in New Lebanon. Notwithstanding his disability Mr. Holderman has been persistently industrious. Politically he has always been a republican, and he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, A1 Mason post, No. 598, of Miamisburg, Ohio. He was a good soldier, active and efficient, in the performance of every duty until disabled, and until that time was in all the battles, marches and campaigns in which his regiment was engaged.

John G. Holderman, father of Jacob W., was born in Jefferson township, where the soldiers' home now stands. He is a son of Jacob Holderman and his wife, Sarah J. (Caylor) Holderman. Jacob Holderman was a farmer and also ran a still, as was the case with many of the early settlers. P'or thirteen years he was superintendent of the Montgomery county infirmary, and died at the age of sixty-four. His children were as follows: Henry, John C. , Jacob, David, Joseph, Daniel, Christopher, George, Absalom, Melinda, Mary A. and Julia A. Jacob Holderman was born near Lancaster, Pa., and came of Dutch ancestors. His great grandfather came from Germany and lived to be 100 years and three

Philip J., Amanda, Julia A., Ella, Maggie and Nettie, all of whom are now living. Mr. Holderman served his country during the late Civil war in the Sixty-ninth regiment, Ohio volunteer infantry, as wagon master. After the war he returned to his farm in Jefferson township, upon which he lived until his death in 1884. Politically he was always a republican, and as a citizen was of sterling character and excellent social and business qualities.

The Holderman family is one of the best in the county, patriotic and honorable and highly esteemed. Daniel R. Holderman, brother of Jacob W. , also served his country in the war as a member of the Sixty-ninth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, being in the service four years. Five of his uncles were soldiers in the late war, viz: JohnC., Jacob, David, Joseph

EORGE W. HOUS, M. D., the leading physician and surgeon of Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of this county and of German origin.

George Hous, grandfather of the doctor, came from Virginia, was a pioneer of Preble county, Ohio, there cleared up a farm from the wilderness, and reared a large family of children, of whom the names of the following are remembered: Adam, Simeon, John, Polly,

Mary Reichard, a native of this county and daughter of Joseph and Mary Reichard. Joseph was a native of Lancaster county. Pa., of German descent, and a pioneer of Perry township, Montgomery county. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and, after coming to Perry township, cleared a large farm, and for eighteen years served as a township trustee. He reared a family of four children - Elizabeth, William, Joseph and Mary, and died at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, a member of the Lutheran church.

Andrew Hous and wife located in Perry township on a farm of no acres, all, with the exception of thirteen acres, being in the forest. Mr. Hous cleared and improved the entire tract, building a substantial residence; and here he passed the remainder of the active years of his life until his retirement to Brookville, where his death took place May 25, 1895, at the age of seventy-five years. In religion he was a New School Lutheran, and in politics a democrat. His widow is still living in Brookville and has reached the age of seventy-three years, and their children, living, are as follows: Joseph, Elizabeth, George W.

Dr. George W. Hous was born July 5, 1849, in his father's original log cabin on the farm in Perry township, and received his early education in the district school at Pyrmont; this was supplemented by attending the school at Brookville and the normal school at Lebanon; he then entered the Medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati, where he received his diploma in 1877. He also studied medicine under Dr. Levi Spitler, of Dayton, and began practice at Pyrmont in the same year, 1877; and in October, 1878, removed to Salem, where he has since remained, enjoying a lucrative practice. In 1883 Dr. Hous attended the Polyclinic institute in New York city and the Long Island Hospital college at Brooklyn, N.Y., thus adding mat eriallyto his medical knowledge and skill. He is a member of the Montgomery county Medical society, the Ohio state Medical association, and the American Medical association, and is a patron and reader of the best medical journals of the day, his library being filled with the most approved works on medicine and surgery extant, and all the time that can be spared from his practice, which now embraces a large territory in and around Salem, is devoted to the study of the latest methods and advances in medicine.

Dr. Hous was married at Salem October 2 i , 1884, to Miss Nannie Irene Carl, who was born in Greenville, December 29, 1858, the only child of Jacob and Amanda J. (Schaeffer) Carl. Her father, Jacob Carl, a miller, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., came to Montgomery county, Ohio, when a young man, and married Amanda J. Schaeffer, a native and resident of Germantown, born July 4, 1837, a daughter of David and Susannah (Retro) Schaeffer. David Schaeffer, a farmer, was born in Adams county, Pa., and for sometime after coming to Germantown, Ohio, followed the trade of carpenter.

ca, Wilkerson, Mary A., Amanda J., Matilda, Charles and David. The father of these children died in Salem at an advanced age, a member of the United Brethren church. Jacob Carl followed milling for a number of years in Germantown, and then bought a farm in Butler township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the early age of forty years.

To the marriage of Dr. and Mrs, Hous have been born four children - Nellie C., Everett B., Mary A., who died at the age of three years, and Lincoln Rome. The parents are members of the United Brethren church ; in politics the doctor is a republican, and has served as treasurer of Randolph township. Fraternally, he is a member of Randolph lodge, No. 98, I. O. O. F.

EORGE W. HUBLER, of Miamisburg, Ohio, traveling salesman and collector for the McCormick Harvesting Machine company, of Chicago, was born in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, February 22, 1848, a son of George W. and Salome (Lesher) Hubler, and grandson of Michael and Margaret (Gebhart) Hubler, natives of Pennsylvania and pioneers of Miami township.

Michael Hubler was a native of Berks county, Pa., a son of Michael Hubler, and settled in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, about 1808, where he engaged in farming, and lived to be over ninety-two years of age. His wife was a daughter of Michael and Margaret Gebhart, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled in Miami township in 1806, cleared and improved the farm now owned and occupied by A. J. Hubler and died there. She bore him six children - Elizabeth (Mrs. John Wrights), George W. , Andrew J., Margaret, Perry and Louisa (Mrs. Samuel Bechtolt).

George W. Hubler, father of subject, was born in Miami township in 1810; after attaining his majority, he engaged in farming in Jefferson township until i860, when he removed to Miamisburg and conducted a clothing and tailoring establishment up to 1870, when he retired from business on account of ill health. During the late Civil war he served 100 days as a member of company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, received an honorable discharge at the expiration of service, and died in 1872. His wife was a daughter of Jacob Lesher, a pioneer of Miami township. She bore him three children - Christiana (Mrs. John Weaver), George W. and John H.

George W. Hubler, the subject, was reared in Montgomery county, educated in the public schools, and began life for himself as a telegraph operator, which calling he followed for two years - I 868-69. He then served an apprenticeship of four years at the carpenter's trade, and in 1873 went west, and was employed as engineer on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, and Denver & Rio Grande railroads until 1879, when he returned to Miamisburg, and entered the machinery department of the Hoover & Gamble works, where he remained until 1888 - a part of the time being on the road as traveling agent. In 1889 he was traveling salesman for the Champion Reaper & Mower company of Springfield, Ohio, and in June, 1890, entered into a contract with the McCormick company of Chicago, with whom he has since been engaged as salesman and collector.

Mr. Hubler was married November 12, 1867, to Sally, daughter of David and Margaret (Neible) Hetzel, of Miami township, and has two sons - Herbert H. and Robert L. He is a royal arch Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F. encampment, canton Groby, and a K. of P. ; in politics he is a republican, and in his business relations is energetic, painstaking and faithful to every duty entrusted to his care.

ENRY C. HUNT, one of the best known citizens and business men of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, was born in Wayne township, Butler county, Ohio, August 30, 1827, a son of Edward and Rachael (Sheafor) Hunt.

Edward Hunt was a native of New Jersey and a son of Edward and Susannah (Pearson) Hunt, of English descent. He settled in Wayne township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1818, and, being a tanner by trade, engaged in tanning, shoemaking and farming, and carried on a successful business until his death, in 1835. His wife was a daughter of Peter Sheafor, also a native of New Jersey, of

German descent, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and who, after living a few years in Kentucky, settled in Lemon township, Butler county, Ohio, in 1803, where he cleared up and improved a farm, on which he passed the remainder of his life.

Henry C. Hunt received a very good education in the common and select schools of his native township, and began his business life as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1845, in which position he remained two years. He then, in 1847, embarked in the dry-goods trade on his own account in Miltonville, Butler county, in which he continued eight years, after which he farmed in Madison township until 1862. He then removed to Seven Mile, Butler county, and engaged in the grain business until 1868, when he came to Miamisburg and engaged in the manufacture of carriage wheels as a member of the firm of Bookwalter Bros. & Co., with whom he was associated as secretary and treasurer until the concern was merged into the American Wheel company in 1890. Since that time, Mr. Hunt has done no more active work than properly guarding the investment of his capital. He has been president of the Miamisburg Building & Loan association since its organization in April, 1893, has been a stockholder in the First National bank, and is also interested in the Western Linoleum company, manufacturers of oilcloth, etc., at Akron, Ohio.

The marriage of Mr. Hunt was solemnized June 3, 1856, with Miss Catherine K. Kumler, daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Flickinger) Kumler, of Butler county, and residents of Ohio, since 1819. Mrs. Hunt is a niece of Bishop D. K. Flickinger, of the United Brethren church, and a granddaughter of Bishop Henry Kumler, of the same organization, The latter came from Lancaster county, Pa. , and settled in Butler county, Ohio, in 1819.

Jennie (deceased), Rachel L. (Mrs. W. D. Hoover), and William F. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have long been consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Hunt also having been superintendent of the Sabbath-school for seven years. He is a master Mason, in politics is a republican, and for nine years was a member of the school board. He is one of Miamisburg's most public-spirited citizens and has done much to increase the city's prosperity by the erection of business houses and other structures when needed, and has never failed to aid in promoting enterprises designed for the good of the general public. No man in the community stands higher in its esteem than does Henry C. Hunt.

AMUEL JUDY, a retired farmer, now residing in Germantown, Ohio, was born on the old Judy homestead, in German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, June 28, 1821, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Hitzler) Judy.

Christian Judy, his grandfather, was a son of Swiss parents, who came to America about 1760 and settled in Lancaster county, Pa. He married, in that state, a Miss Cooper, who bore to him six children, named John, Jacob, Elizabeth (Mrs. John Keller), Catherine (Mrs. Samuel Hitzler), Mary (Mrs. John Smith), still living in Montgomery county, Ohio, and Michael. From Dauphin county, Pa., Christian Judy brought his family to Ohio in 1805, and settled in German township, Montgomery county, on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Jacob, a brother of Samuel Judy. While clearing and improving this land he at times also worked at shoemaking, perhaps for a number of years, his sons in the meanwhile doing the work. On this farm the old pioneer

Jacob Judy, the father of Samuel, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio with his father; he was reared on the original Judy farm in German township, which he assisted in clearing in his early manhood. He married Miss Catherine Hitzler, daughter of George and Catherine (Ream) Hitzler, pioneers of German township. This union was blessed with seven children, born in the following order: John, Mary (Mrs. John Foutz), Samuel, Catherine (Mrs. Dr. James Comstock), Susan (Mrs. William Kemp), Jacob (now occupying the old farm), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. Daniel Eckert). After a long and useful life, the father of this family, Jacob Judy, died on the homestead in German township at the advanced age of eighty-three years.

Samuel Judy was reared to farming and received the common-school education usually given the children of our pioneer farmers, his school attendance being limited to two months in the year. On attaining his majority, Mr. Judy, in 1842, sold his interest in his patrimony and removed to Preble county, Ohio, where he purchased a farm of 500 acres, of which he still owns 324 acres, and there he remained until November, 1886, when he returned to his native township, where he has since lived in contented retirement.

Samuel Judy was united in marriage October 28, 1841, with Mary M. Ream, daughter of Martin and Catherine (Wisler) Ream, who were among the earlier settlers of German township. Of the nine children born to Samuel Judy and wife, seven reached maturity, viz: Jacob, who died of wounds received at the battle of Arkansas Post, in the late Civil war; Martin, who was the second born; Catherine, now the wife of George W. Hanger; Abraham, who resides in Butler county, Ohio; Mary, who is the wife of Henry H. Flickenger;

Charlie, who lives in Kansas; Lettie, now Mrs. George I. Coleman, of Butler county. Mrs. Mary M. Judy, a most estimable woman, was called away by death, and Mr. Judy married Mrs. Elizabeth (Francis) Williams, daughter of Samuel and Eda (Ford) Francis, of German township, but formerly of Lancaster county, Pa. George Francis, the paternal grandfather of the present Mrs. Judy, was a gallant soldier in the war of the Revolution, and was one of the foremost pioneers of Butler county, Ohio, deriving his warrant for his land from the United States government as a reward for his faithful services throughout the war for American independence. To the second marriage of Mr. Judy no children have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Judy are members of the United Brethren church, and in politics Mr. Judy is a republican.

ACOB KAUFFMAN, manufacturer of carriages, Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in Annville township, Lebanon county, Pa., October 24, 1830. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah ( Schirk ) Kauffman, and of Swiss descent. His paternal grandfather, Abraham Kauffman, was a son of Abraham Kauffman. and he a son of Frederick Kauffman, who was born in Switzerland in 1709, and in 1734 immigrated to America, settling in Annville township, Lebanon county, Pa. He was a Mennonite bishop, and died in 1789, aged eighty years. From this original Kauffman the father of the subject indirectly received the original Kauffman homestead in Lebanon county, Pa. Upon this old homestead stands the Kauffman meeting house, which was originally a church of the Mennonite denomination, but which has later been re-built and is now known as the Kauffman meeting house, and owned by the United Brethren church. This farm remained in possession of the Kauffman family until 1839, and even now goes by the name of the Kauffman farm, as the church does by that of the Kauffman meeting house. It stands five miles west of Lebanon and one and a half miles north of Annville.

Jacob Kauffman, whose name opens this sketch, was reared in his native county, received a common-school education, and in 1846 was apprenticed to the carriagemaker's trade, serving four years. For two years afterward he worked at his trade as a journeyman, and in 1853 embarked in business for himself at Jonestown, Lebanon county, Pa., where he remained in business until April 4, 1865. He then went to Meadville, Pa., where he worked as a journeyman for some time, and in 1867 started a carriage factory at Troy, Ohio, which he operated until January 1, 1869. Coming to Miamisburg, he founded the Kauffman & Co. Carriage works, which in 1880 became Kauffman & Sons ; and in 1883 the name was changed to the Kauffman Buggy company, under which style it is now operated. In the manufacture of first-class carriages, the firm is known from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean as one whose work is always up to the highest standard.

Mr. Kauffman was married in November, 1851, to Marian Leasher, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth ( Selzer ) Leasher, of Jonestown, Pa. To this marriage there have been born six children, as follows : Thomas J., William J., Harry L., Ann E. (Mrs. H. L. Kincaid), James A. and Richard B. Mr. Kauffman and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Kauffman is a member of the A. O. U. W. and of the Knights of Honor, and politically he is a sound republican. In nearly thirty7 years of residence in Miamisburg, he has achieved a fine reputation as a business man and has taken a prominent place as one of the most useful and excellent citizens of that community.

HOMAS JOSEPH KAUFFMAN, one of the best known young business men and popular citizens of Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in Annville, Lebanon county, Pa., January 13, 1853, a son of Jacob and Marian (Leasher) Kauffman, of the fifth generation from Frederick Kauffman, the founder of the family in America.

Frederick Kauffman was born in Switzerland in 1709, came to America in 1734, and settled at Annville, Pa., where he erected what is still known as the Kauffman Mennonite church, of which denomination he was a bishop. His son, Abraham, became the father of a son, also named Abraham, who also had a son named Abraham, whose son, Jacob, is the father of our subject. All these descendants of the original immigrant were tillers of the soil with the exception of Jacob, who was early apprenticed to carriagemaking and is now the president of the Kauffman Buggy company of Miamisburg, Ohio.

Benjamin Leasher, the maternal grandfather of Thomas J. Kauffman, was a citizen of Lebanon county, Pa., a major in the United States volunteer service in the war of 1812, and after the close of that war served as major in the Eleventh battalion, Pennsylvania militia, for many years.

Thomas Joseph Kauffman was reared and educated in the Keystone state until 1 867, when he came to Ohio with his parents, who settled in Miamisburg. Here young Kauffman at once began to learn the trade of carriagemaking with his father, and was fully instructed in every detail of the business. Upon completing his apprenticeship he became a member of the firm of Kauffman & Son, and upon the incorporation of the Kauffman Buggy company, in 1883, he was made its secretary, which position he filled with marked ability until 1885, when he became general traveling agent. In this capacity he developed a very large wholesale demand for the company's productions, which now have not only a national, but an international, reputation for their excellence and have been awarded numerous medals and diplomas for their superiority by all the leading expositions throughout this and other countries.

Mr. Kauffman was most happily married, June 20, 1876, to Miss Cora Allen, daughter of Firman and Louisa (Platt) Allen, of Miamisburg, three children being the result of the union, .viz: Allen, Cora and Thomas J., Jr.

The family worship at the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics Mr. Kauffman is a republican, under the auspices of which party he is now serving his fourth term as treasurer of Miamisburg. Fraternally, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Jr. O. U. A. M., and K. of P. ; he is also colonel of the Fourth regiment, uniform rank, K. of P., and in this position, as well as in all others that he has held, has won the well-merited approbation of his associates.

ELIX KERSTING, a prominent and successful merchant tailor of Miamisburg and a leading citizen of the place, was born in Wunnenberg, Germany, June 7, 1850. He is a son of Anthony and Mary C. (Doeren) Kersting. In his native country he received a good education in the common schools, and when thirteen years of age was apprenticed to the tailor's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years Afterward he worked as a journeyman for three years, and in 1869, when he was nineteen years of age, he emigrated to the United States. Upon arriving in this country he located in Quincy, 111., and there worked at his trade for three years, removing to Cincinnati in 1872. In Cincinnati he remained nine years in the leading tailoring establishment in the city, and during this period he perfected himself in the art of cutting. In January, 1 88 1, he removed to Miamisburg and embarked in the merchant tailoring business on his own account. After two years he formed a partnership with Henry Heitmann, and the business was then carried on for eight years under the firm name of Heitmann & Kersting. This partnership was dissolved in 1891, and since then Mr. Kersting has been conducting the business alone. In 1895 he erected the fine brick building on Main street which he now occupies as a store and residence. Soon after locating in Miamisburg, Mr. Kersting established a reputation for excellent workmanship, and, being gifted with good taste and judgment and thoroughly skilled in his vocation, he has steadily increased the large trade that he early secured, and now has a flourishing business.

Mr. Kersting was married, February 15, 1881, to Emma Glaser, daughter of Xavier and Caroline (Kessler) Glaser, of Miamisburg. To this marriage there have been born five children, who are still living, as follows: David, Albin, Clara, Marie, and Raymond. Mr. and Mrs. Kersting have also an adopted daughter, Katie. Mr. Kersting is an adherent of the Catholic faith, and takes great interest in the work of his church. He is also a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio, maintaining an excellent standing in the order, and, in politics, is a democrat, though he has never been a seeker after office.

^ILLIAM J. KAUFFMAN, of Montgomery county, president and superintendent of the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company, Miamisburg, was born in Jonestown, Lebanon county, Pa., January 4, 1855, He is a son of Jacob and Marian (Leasher) Kauffman, who were of Swiss descent, and who came to Miamisburg

William J. Kauffman was educated in the public schools of Meadville, Pa., of Troy and of Miamisburg, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he began an apprenticeship at the carriagemaker's trade, in his father's shop in Miamisburg, serving four years. The year 1873 he spent in Cincinnati, in the employ of Crane, Breed & Co., hearse and burial case manufacturers, and during the summer of 1875 he was employed in the carriage works of J. Alewine & Sons, of Philadelphia, Pa. In the fall of the same year he was appointed foreman of the blacksmith department in the shops of Kauffman & Co., at Miamisburg, which firm was afterward changed to Kauffman & Sons. Of this concern he was a member, and served in the capacity last mentioned, until 1890, when he became identified with the Enterprise Carriage company, whose extensive plant in Miamisburg was planned by Mr. Kauffman and was built entirely under his supervision. He has been vice-president and superintendent of the company ever since it began operations in 1890, and he has ever since furnished all the designs for the vehicles manufactured by the company. Mr. Kauffman's skill as a designer amounts well nigh to genius, and guided by his long experience and thorough knowledge of all departments of the business, he is indispensable to its success. The reputation of the company for artistic vehicles, brought to it by Mr. Kauffman, is second to that of no other establisnment of the kind in the United States, or perhaps in the world. Mr. Kauffman is the inventor of several patented devices and appliances to vehicles manufactured by the company, and which are used exclusively by them, among which may be mentioned a patent step, a fender attachment, spring brackets, and others of equal value.

Mr. Kauffman was married in October, 1877, to Fannie L., daughter of Dr. Joseph and Fannie (Swar) Weaver, of Miamisburg, and to this marriage there have been born three children: Mary, Fannie and William.

Mr. Kauffman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a republican, as such serving two years as councilman of Miamisburg, with credit to himself and to the general satisfaction of the people of the place.

aHARLES EDWARD KINDER, postmaster of Miamisburg, Ohio, and editor and proprietor of the Miamisburg News, was born in this place October 30, 1859. His parents, John E. and Elizabeth (Clark) Kinder, were natives respectively of Franklin and Miamisburg, Ohio, and his paternal grandfather, George Kinder, was born in Fayette county, Pa. George Kinder came to Ohio, settling in Franklin with his parents, in 1802. Here in after years he was a prominent contractor, building six miles of the Miami canal, also a portion of the Cincinnati & Dayton turnpike, and for many years ran a line of boats on the Miami canal. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Schnorf, was born near Lebanon, Ohio, in 1802.

John E. Kinder, father of Charles E., was reared in Franklin, where he learned the trade of harnessmaker, and was postmaster of that village for several years. About 1857 he removed to Miamisburg, where he was for some years engaged in milling. During the late Civil war he was a member of company E, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. His wife, Elizabeth Clark, was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 1832, and was a daughter of Nelson and Sarah (Tapscott) Clark, who settled in Miamisburg in 1825. Nelson Clark was a gun manufacturer of note, a natural botanist, a practical chemist, an inventor and musician, and died in 1859. Joseph Tapscott, father of Sarah Tapscott, came from New Jersey, and was the founder of what is known as the " Jersey settlement." His wife, Anna Schenck, was also of a prominent New Jersey family. John E. Kinder reared a family of five children, as follows: Anna E. , Charles E., Mary E., Sallie, wife of Herman F. Cellarius, and Bertha E.

Charles E. Kinder was educated in Miamisburg, graduating from the high school in 1874. After his graduation he spent five years in the printing office of his uncle, George D. Kinder, at Ottawa, Ohio. In 1880 he started the Miamisburg News, and of this paper he has ever since been <-he editor and publisher. In 1885 he was elected mayor of Miamisburg, an office which he resigned in 1886 in order to become postmaster of that town, retaining his latter position until 1889. In February, 1892, he was again elected mayor of Miamisburg, and in 1 894 again resigned to become postmaster of the place. This office he still holds, and is giving satisfaction to the people in his administration of its duties. Fraternally, Mr. Kinder is a royal arch Mason, and a Knight of Pythias, and in politics is a democrat. He is one of the best citizens of the community in which he lives, and that he possesses the confidence of all is sufficiently evident from the trusts he has held by election and by appointment.

BRANKLIN KLEPINGER, a farmer of Randolph township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and a grandson of one of the original pioneers, sprang from Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. His grandfather, John Klepinger, was born in Pennsylvania, January 31, 1774, and on December 31, 1799, married Elizabeth Benkard, who was born September 27, 1778. John and Elizabeth

10, 1810; William, born October 13, 1812; Sarah, born October 28, 1814; David, born May 14, 1817 ; and Samuel, born August 1, 1819. John Klepinger and his wife moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, about 1807, settling in Madison township. Later they removed to Indiana, locating near La Fayette, on the Tippecanoe battle ground. He and his wife were members of the German Baptist church and brought up their large family to be good and respected members of society. Mr. Klepinger died October 20, 1830, at the age of fifty-six years, eight months and twenty days.

John Klepinger, father of Franklin, was about five years old when he came to Ohio with his parents. He was reared a farmer boy, brought up to all kinds of pioneer experiences, and on April 22, 1830, married Elizabeth Boyer, who was born near Harper's Ferry, Md., July 20, 1808. Her father, Samuel

Boyer, came to Ohio, settling at an early day in Randolph township, Montgomery county, and was a successful farmer and honored pioneer citizen. John Klepinger and his wife, Elizabeth, were the parents of the following children: Amos, born January 15, 1831; Franklin, born August 23, 1832 ; Newton, born February 20, 1834; Matilda, born October 14, 1835 ! Harriet Ann, born April 27, 1837 ; Samuel, born June 7, 1839 ; Harvey, born February 22, 1842 ; John, born September 5, 1846; and Oliver, born November 29, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Klepinger, after their marriage, settled in Randolph township, about one mile south of the farm upon which their son Franklin now lives. John Klepinger purchased a farm of 161 acres, upon which he lived for many years. He greatly improved this farm in many ways, but especially by the erection of good buildings, including a substantial brick house. He was a man well known to all for many miles around as a straightforward and honorable citizen. He was a carpenter by trade and erected many houses in the county in which he lived.' Politically, he was a republican, and he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church. Two of his sons, Harvey and Samuel, were soldiers in the late Civil war. Samuel served three years in the Sixty-third Ohio volunteer infantry and participated in many battles. Harvey was in the three months' service. Mr. Klepinger was a thoroughly practical farmer and a prosperous man, and enjoyed the high regard of the entire community.

Franklin Klepinger was born August 23, 1832, as above stated, on his father's homestead. Like most of the farmers' boys of that day, he received only the limited education of the district school, and began very early to learn the sterner lessons of an active farm life. He put in many a day mowing grass with the old fashioned scythe and in cradling grain with the old fashioned cradle. Beside farming he learned the carpenter's trade, and was unusually skillful in the use of all kinds of tools.

On May 5, 1861, he was married to Miss Anne Hisey, daughter of Martin and Elizabeth (Engle) Hisey. To this marriage there were born three children, as follows: Martha, who died at the age of ten years; David, who died at the age of twenty-one years, and William, who died at the age of three months. Mrs. Klepinger died May 5, 1866, and on February 4, 1868, Mr. Klepinger married Mrs. Annie D. Syler, a widow who was born November 29, 1836, in Miami county, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Long) Dohner. John Dohner, father of Mrs. Klepinger, was a son of Joseph Dohner, who came from Germany, settling in Lebanon county, Pa. His children

John Dohner, the father of Mrs. Klepinger, was born November 5, 1794, in Pennsylvania, and was, on March 5, 1816, married to Elizabeth Long, in Lebanon county, Pa. They were the parents of the following children: Susannah, born December 16, 1816; Joseph,

29, 1836. John Dohner came to Ohio, locating in Miami county, in May, 1835, settling on 160 acres of land, which he cleared of its timber, and added thereto another 160 acres. This land he distributed among his boys, giving his daughters money instead of land. In religious belief he was a member of the church of the River Brethren, a good and upright man, a minister in the church for many years, and he brought up his children in the way that they should go. His character was beyond reproach, and when he died at the age of sixtythree years he was mourned by the entire community.

Annie D. Dohner was first married September 6, 1857, to John G. Syler, a farmer of Miami county. Her children by this marriage were as follows: Frances, who died at the age of fourteen years; Emma, who died when ten months old; and Harvey, who died at the age of three years. Mr. Syler died May 7, 1866, a member of the "New Light," or Disciple church.

born March 25, 1870, and died March 9, 1894, a married woman; Aaron Webster, born July 23, 1872; John Allen, born December 9, 1874; and Warren Perry, born September 17, 1877. Mr. Klepinger is a member of the German Baptist church and Mrs. Klepinger a member of the church of the River Brethren. Politically Mr. Klepinger is a republican, but is not an office seeker in any sense of the term. Beside his home farm of iooacres in Randolph township, he owns a farm of 197 acres in Clay township, upon which there are a good brick house and other valuable improvements. He is well known for his honesty and straightforward character, and is held in much esteem as a neighbor and a citizen. Aided by his faithful wife, he has reared an excellent family of children, bringing them up to ways of industry and right living.

OHN B. KOEPPEL, a well-known business man of Germantown, Ohio, was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, June 25, 1838, a son of John B. and Elizabeth (Kutz) Koeppel. His father was an agriculturist, and our subject was reared on a farm until fourteen years of age, receiving a common-school education. At the age mentioned he was apprenticed to the baker's trade, served one and a half years, and afterward worked as a journeyman in the principal cities of Baden until i860, when he sailed for the United States. He located at Cincinnati, Ohio, and there, and in that vicinity, worked as journeyman until 1863, when he entered the employ of the government as a baker. He worked at Camp Dennison, at Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Stevenson, and Huntsville, Ala., and continued in the government service until Lee's surrender at Appomattox, in 1865. He then returned to Cincinnati, remained there until July 15, 1866, when he located at Ger- mantown, where he embarked in business for himself, in which he has met with marked success. In 1880 Mr. Koeppel erected a tine double brick business block, which was destroyed by tire in 1886, but was rebuilt by him at once. He occupies both stores in his business, one as a bakery, grocery and confectionery, and the other as a cafe and billiard parlor.

In May, 1864, Mr. Koeppel was married to Anna M. Coyne, of Ireland, and has six children living - Elizabeth (Mrs. James B. Kelly), Robert, Joseph, Oliver T. , Ada, and John B., Jr. Mr. Koeppel and his wife are members of the Catholic church, and in politics he is a democrat. His life has been characterized by persistent industry, with shrewdness and sound judgment, and his present prosperity is the result of his own unaided exertions. He is a public-spirited citizen and always ready to assist any enterprise calculated to benefit the city of his adoption.

EONARD S. KRAUSS, M. D., the well-known young physician and surgeon of West Carrollton, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Cecil county, Md., February 5, 1852, and is a son of John H. and Margaret Abigail (Harlan) Krauss, who were respectively of German and Irish descent.

Leonard Krauss, paternal great-grandfather of the doctor, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and captain of a company in the war of 1812. For several years he was a resident of Lancaster county, Pa. , whence he moved to Cecil county, Md., where he was engaged in the mercantile business, and where he died in the ninety-ninth year of his age. The paternal grandfather of Dr. Krauss, who was also named Leonard, was a native of Cecil county, Md., and the maternal grandfather,

Leonard S. Krauss, whose name opens this biography, was educated academically at Mount Pleasant academy and at the Friends' Normal institute, both in Cecil county, Md. In 1873 he began the study of medicine, and in 1877 was graduated from Washington university, Baltimore, Md. ; in the latter year, also, he began the practice of medicine in his native county, and for three years met with a flattering success. In 1880 he came to Ohio and located in Germantown, Montgomery county, where he was associated for two years with Dr. V. B. Stevens in the practice of dentistry. In 1883 he removed to West Carrollton, where he has since resided, engaged in the active and successful practice of medicine. In 1895 he took an ad eundem course and was awarded the degree of doctor of medicine by the Ohio Medical university at Columbus.

The marriage of Dr. Krauss took place in July, 1882, with Miss Irene A., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Banker) Kercher, of Germantown, Ohio. The father of Mrs. Krauss was a cooper by trade, was a resident of Germantown for many years, and there died in 1862; the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Krauss, Solomon and Mary Ann (Coon) Banker, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky respectively, and were pioneers of Butler county, Ohio. To Dr. Krauss and wife have been born four children, in the following order: Harlan, Henry, Leonard and Louella.

The doctor is a member of the Presbyterian church, and fraternally is a member of the K. of P., I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. ; he is also a member of the Montgomery county Medical society and of the Ohio state Medical association. In politics he is a democrat. He and his family stand very high socially, and as a physician he stands in the front rank of the profession in Montgomery county.

aHARLES S. KURTZ, blacksmith, of Sunbury, German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in this village May 16, 1863, and is a son of Lemuel S. and Catherine (Grimes) Kurtz, both natives of the same township.

Peter Kurtz, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Maryland, but was a pioneer cooper of Sunbury, Ohio, and here carried on his trade for many years prior to his death. . To him and his wife, Sarah (Keister) Kurtz, there were born three children, named respectively, in order of birth, Lemuel S. ; Barbara, who was married to William Boore, and David.

Lemuel S. Kurtz, father of Charles S. Kurtz, was born in Sunbury about the year 1840, was here reared to manhood and here learned the coopering trade under his father. His wife, Catherine (Grimes) Kurtz, is a daughter of Cornelius and Sarah (Gunckel) Grimes, well-known and respected people of German township. To Lemuel S. and Catherine Kurtz have been born three children: Charles S., Leroy and Sarah - the last named being now deceased.

Charles S. Kurtz was educated in the common schools of Sunbury, and here served an apprenticeship of three years at the trade of blacksmithing with the Swartzle Bros., and after having served his apprenticeship was, for three years, in business with that firm. Being thoroughly a master of his trade, Mr. Kurtz, in 1888, established a shop of his own in his native village, and soon secured a patronage that justified him in employing two assistants. He has enjoyed a constantly increasing business ever since its inception.

Mr. Kurtz was married, in 1887, to Ida Emrick, daughter of Daniel and Josephine (Long) Emrick, of well-known families of Sunbury. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, Mr. Kurtz is a member of the

Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias; in politics he is a democrat, but has never sought public office. He is respected as mechanic, man and citizen, and is well deserving of the esteem in which he is universally held.

ENJAMIN KRUG, a well-known farmer of Montgomery county, and the head of a respected family, sprang from sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. His grandfather was Frederick Krug, who came from Germany to America shortly after the war of the Revolution, being at that time about nineteen years of age and single. Marrying in Pennsylvania, he settled on a farm in Lancaster county, where were born the following children: Henry, Daniel, Samuel, Frederick,

John, Elizabeth, Mary and Barbara. In addition to cultivating his farm, Mr. Krug was a tailor and followed that trade. He lived all his remaining days in Lancaster county, Pa., his farm being about nine miles south of the present city of Lancaster. He was a member of the Mennonite church, a man of good character and correct and useful life.

Henry Krug, father of Benjamin, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., married in that county, and had four children by his first wife, two of whom died young, those surviving being Susan and Elizabeth. The mother of these children having died, Mr. Krug married Miss Elizabeth Huber. By this marriage he had the following children: John, Benjamin,

Mary, Frances, and Esther. Mr. Krug was a member of the Mennonite church, an honest and hard-working man, and of a kindly disposition which won him many friends. His death occurred when he was about fifty-five years of age.

then being very numerous or very good he received but little education, and was early apprenticed to the wagonmaker's trade, serving in this relation three years. Afterward he worked one year at Martinsville and two years at Conestoga Center, and then for some time at journeyman's work at Leesburg, Pa., coming to Ohio in 1852 or 1853. Locating in Randolph township, Montgomery county, he worked for some time at farming. On March 31, 1859, he married Susannah Herr, born in Lancaster county, Pa., and daughter of Samtiel and Mary (Bowman) Herr, for fuller mention of whom the reader is referred to the biography of Henry Herr, elsewhere in this volume.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Krug settled on the Herr homestead, soon afterward purchasing the Warner homestead, and living on the latter place for thirteen years. This farm Mr. Krug still owns, having greatly improved it by careful cultivation and by erecting good buildings of various kinds. At the expiration of the period named he removed to the old Herr homstead, consisting of about ninetyfour acres, and which was received by Mrs. Krug from her parents. This farm, also, Mr. Krug has managed judiciously, erecting thereon, as one of the many improvements made by him, a substantial brick house. Mr. Krug is a member of the Mennonite church, as was his wife, who died January 2, 1884, an excellent woman in every way and a devoted worker in the church. She was a woman of many virtues, a good wife and mother, and was greatly lamented by Mr. Krug and the children. These were as follows: Leander J., Ann J., limited education. All his life he has followed the path of rectitude and honesty and has always striven to exercise a wholesome influence, not only at home upon his own children, but also as far as possible upon those with whom he came in contact.