Dayton City (part 39 of 50)

HBRAHAM M. LANDIS, one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Montgomery county, whose farm lies in Randolph township, is a son of one of the original pioneers of Madison township. His father, whose name was also Abraham, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., and was of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. He was a descendant of one of the original German Baptist settlers, who came in very early times from Germany. He was a farmer by occupation, and married, in Pennsylvania, Mary Miller, by whom he had the following children: Sallie, who died when young; Jacob, Samuel, Elizabeth, Daniel, Polly, Catherine, Nancy, Leah, Susannah, Abraham M., John, Lydia, and Michael. Thus it will be seen there were fourteen children in all, an old-fashioned pioneer family.

After the birth of his son Daniel, Mr. Landis moved to Ohio, settling near Canton, in 1818. After remaining there a few years he came (in 1821) to Montgomery county, Ohio, locating in Madison township, and buying land for $4 per acre. Afterward he bought more land, until he became the owner of ninety-five acres. This land he himself cleared up from the woods, and made it into a good farm and home for his family. Upon this little farm he passed the remainder of his days, dying when seventy-seven years of age. In his religious views he agreed with the German Baptists. He was a hard-working man, honest and industrious, and brought up his boys to believe that hard work is honorable.

Abraham M. Landis, with whose name this sketch opens, was born in Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, August 22, 1829. Reared a farmer, he received the commonschool education of those primitive days, and learned the lessons of labor from his early boyhood. When twenty-four years of age he married, in Randolph township, August 26, 1854, Lydia Overholtz, who was born on her father's farm in that township. She is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Overholtz. Jacob Overholtz was born in Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, his father being one of the pioneers of that state. Jacob Overholtz settled on the farm now occupied by Mr. Landis, which then contained 15 1 acres of land. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and an upright and respected citizen. His children were as follows: Mary,

Susannah, Rosie, Catharine, Lydia, Sallie, Rebecca, John, and Lila, the last two dying young. Mr. Overholtz lived on his farm until his death, at seventy-seven years of age.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Landis settled first near Trotwood on twenty acres of land, which he purchased. Four years later they removed to the Overholtz homestead, upon which they have since lived, with the exception of one year, during which they lived in Miami county, Ohio, returning to the Overholtz farm on the death of Mr. Overholtz, in 1866 or 1867. Mr. Landis purchased this farm, and has since then greatly improved it by judicious cultivation, as well as by the erection of substantial farm buildings. He has been a careful and economical manager, and, in addition to the Overholtz farm, has purchased 104 acres in Randolph township. Mr. and Mrs. Landis are members of the German Baptist church. He gave one acre of land on which to erect the church of his denomination, and has always been liberal in its support. At the time of its erection there were but fourteen members, while now there are about sixty. Mr. Landis also aided to build the old Salem district church, being a member of the building committee. He has been a deacon of his church for twenty-five years, and is a sincere Christian gentleman, who has earned the esteem of his neighbors by a consistent and useful life. His children are as follows: Sarah,

OHN MARTIN LEFEVRE, a wellknown farmer of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Washington county, Md., August 21, 1834. He is a son of Isaac and Ann (Martin) Lefevre, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia. Isaac and Ann Lefevre were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, five of whom are still living, as follows: Mary Elizabeth, wife of

Joseph Bigger; John Martin; William H., whose biographical sketch appears on page 1004, this volume ; Isaac M. , a farmer of Washington township, and Augusta, wife of George Van Doren.

When a young man Isaac Lefevre learned the tanner's trade, but always followed farming for a livelihood. In 1836 he came to Montgomery county, Ohio, lived in Dayton one year, and then bought a farm of ninetyseven acres in Washington township, upon which he lived fourteen years. Afterward he purchased a farm of 200 acres in sections 34 and 35, upon which latter farm he lived until his death, which occurred in January, 1895, in his eighty-ninth year. His wife had died in 1888 at seventy-five years of age. Both were members of the Reformed church. Mr.

Isaac Lefevre's father, John Lefevre, was a native of Maryland, and died in that state when in middle life. He had a family of seven children. The father of Ann (Martin) Lefevre, George Martin, was also a native of Maryland, of English ancestry, a farmer by occupation, and died in Maryland at middle age.

John Martin Lefevre was not quite two years old when his parents brought him to Ohio, and has ever since lived in Montgomery county. He was reared a farmer's boy, and received his early education in the district schools. Later he became a student in Wittenberg college, Springfield, Ohio, and there acquitted himself in a most creditable manner, although he did not graduate. When the boys attained their majority they together bought a farm of fifty-five acres, a portion of the Himes farm, which they jointly worked for one year. They then bought what is known as the George Lefevre farm, containing sixty-three acres, and also had active charge of their father's farm, all working in partnership until they were married.

October 14, 1875, Mr. Lefevre married Miss Millie Whipp, daughter of Jonathan and Catherine (Shank) Whipp. To this marriage there have been born four children, two sons and two daughters, as follows: John, who died in infancy; Charles M., Stella and Marie. Mr. and Mrs. Lefevre are members of the David's Reformed church, and of this church Mr. Lefevre is one of the deacons. Politically he is a democrat, and as such held the office of township assessor for twelve years. In 1890 he was assessor and land appraiser. He is now serving his second term as township trustee. His farm, containing 144 acres of land, is finely improved, and lies about four miles from Dayton.

Mr. Lefevre has lived in Montgomery county for sixty years, having occupied his present farm since the time when it was almost wholly covered with heavy timber. To the growth and development of the county which have taken place during that time, Mr. Lefevre has been not only an eye-witness, but also a valuable contributor. He carries on general farming, is industrious and thrifty, and has one of the best farms in the county - clean, well improved and productive. His buildings are among the most substantial anywhere to be found, and everything about the place has a neat and attractive appearance. Mr. Lefevre is a man of progressive ideas and tendencies, is genial, hospitable, and one of the best of neighbors, and a most affable gentleman. He is one of those whose religion is an everyday affair, carried without ostentation into his life and . into all his associations with his fellow-men.

ILLIAM H. LEFEVRE, a prominent farmer of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, Ohio, whose farm lies in section 35, was born in Washington township, same county, May 14, 1837. He is a son of Isaac and Ann (Martin) Lefevre, the former of whom was a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia. Isaac and Ann Lefevre were the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, five of whom are still living, as follows: MaryE., wife of Joseph A. Bigger, of Dayton; John M., of Van Buren township; William H. ; Isaac M., of Washington township, and E. Augusta, wife of George Van Doren, of West Carrollton.

Isaac Lefevre was a tanner in his youth, but in after life became a farmer. In 1836 he removed to Ohio from his native state, locating in Dayton, and in 1837 removed to Washington township, where he purchased a farm upon which he lived until 1850, when he sold it and bought the farm upon which his son,

William H., now resides. Upon this farm he lived until his death, which occurred in January, 1895, when he was upward of eightyeight years of age. His wife, who died in 1 888, was seventy-five years of age. Both were members of the Reformed church, and Mr. Lefevre was frequently honored by his fellowcitizens with election to local offices, in which he rendered faithful and intelligent service.

John Lefevre, the father of Isaac Lefevre, was a native of Maryland, having been born in Washington county, that state, though his ancestry originally came from France. By occupation he was a farmer, and he served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in Maryland when about forty-five years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Christina Household, survived him many years, and died at the age of eighty-five, during the progress of the late Civil war. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters. His earliest ancestors in this country emigrated from France in 1667, and were of Huguenot extraction.

The maternal grandfather of William H. was John Martin, who was a native of England, and came to this country when quite a small boy with his father, who settled in Virginia, and followed farming in Berkeley county, that state. There John died in middle life. He, too, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and reared a family of six children, two sons and four daughters.

William H. Lefevre has all his life lived in Montgomery county, the first thirteen years having been spent in Washington township, the rest in Van Buren township. His education was received in the district schools of these two townships, and afterward he attended school in Dayton. He remained at. home on his father's farm until he was thirty years of age. When the children became of age they managed the farm together, and shared in the profits. In 1868 William H. sold his interest in the business and began traveling for the agricultural implement company of Warder, Mitchell & Co., with whom he remained in this capacity for eight years, having charge of their exhibit at the centennial exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. After this he became traveling salesman for the Farmers' Friend Manufacturing company, of Dayton, soon buying an interest in the business, and remaining with that company for twelve years, at the end of which time the concern sold out to the Stoddard Manufacturing company. After his father died Mr. Lefevre purchased the old homestead and is now again occupying it at his home. It contains 194 acres of land, and is highly improved. Mr. Lefevre has never married. He has seen the development of the county and of the city of Dayton, and has contributed largely to the growth of both. He is a member of the Reformed church, and in politics a democrat. He has served as treasurer of Van Buren township, and in the spring of 1896 was elected justice of the peace without any effort or solicitation on his part.

Mr. Lefevre has had large experience in the business world as a traveling salesman and is a good judge of human nature. He is of a genial and happy disposition, unusually popular with all who know him, and is a worthy representative of one of the oldest and best families of Montgomery county.

AMUEL LINDERMUTH, farmer, of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in this township December 30, 1833, a son of Thomas and Maria (Tobias) Lindermuth, natives of Berks county, Pa. Both his grandfathers, Jacob Lindermuth and John Tobias, were of German descent, and natives and farmers of Berks county, Pa., where they lived and died.

Thomas Lindermuth, who was born April 12, 1791, came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1824, and soon afterward purchased 136 acres of land in German township, cleared and improved it, and resided there until his death, January 13, 1870. His children were Mary (Mrs. Samuel Bussard), Joseph, Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Snavely), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Linebaugh), Michael, Catherine (Mrs. Isaac Fox), Samuel, Caroline (Mrs. Charles Denius), and Rachel.

Samuel Lindermuth was reared on the homestead, where he was born, and resided there until 1866; he received a common-school education, and began life as a farmer, which vocation he followed up to 1888, when he practically retired from active business. He has occupied the farm where he now resides, one mile west of Germantown, since 1866, and made all the improvements thereon. He married September 3, 1857, Maria, daughter of John and Christina (Emrick) Stiver, and granddaughter of Michael Emrick, who settled in German township in 1804. Mr. Lindermuth and wife are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Lindermuth has been a director of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance association since 1889. In politics he is a democrat.

- OB I AS KUHNLE, a very prosperous farmer of German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, February 2, 1840, and is a son of Philip A. and Margaret (Schuster) Kuhnle, who came to America in 1854 and settled near Germantown, Ohio.

Philip A. Kuhnle was born in 1806, and on coming to Montgomery county, Ohio, engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1893. To himself and his wife Margaret, were born the following-named children: Frederick, Tobias, Gottleib, Philip, John,

Tobias Kuhnle, up to the age of fourteen years, had been educated in the excellent common schools of his native country, and on reaching America continued his studies in the public schools of Montgomery county, Ohio, and to the knowledge here acquired he has added largely by self-application. He was reared to farming on the homestead which his father had purchased on coming to this county, and from his early manhood devoted his attention to general agriculture, making a specialty, however, of the culture of tobacco. In February, 1865, he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, in which he served until honorably discharged in September of that year.

The marriage of Tobias Kuhnle took place, in 1864, to Miss Lydia J. Knouse, daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Oswald) Knouse, of German township. To this marriage have been born three children, Elmer E., Frank and Flora - the last named being the wife of E. A. Poe. The family are of the Lutheran faith in religion. In his societary relations Mr. Kuhnle is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics, he is a democrat, has held several of the minor offices of his township, and in 1896 was elected a trustee. He has always held the confidence of his fellow-citizens of German township, and is esteemed as one of the substantial men of Montgomery county.

ILLIAM LEIS was born in Miami MM I township, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 20, 1838, a son of George and Salome (Leis) Leis. His paternal grandfather, John Peter Leis, a native of Pennsylvania, lived and died in Berks county, that state, and after his death his widow, formerly Catherine Reiser, came to Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and died here. The maternal grandfather of William Leis, also named John Peter Leis, a native of Berks county, Pa., settled in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1836, and engaged in farming - the parents of William coming the same year and engaging in the same vocation. The children of George Leis were named John A., William, Rebecca, Peter and Ella (Mrs. George Long).

William Leis was reared in Miami township, where he has always resided. He was educated in the common schools, and has followed farming as an occupation. He married, December 23, 1862, Rachel, daughter of Henry P. and Sarah ( Eagle) Treon, of Miami township, and has five children, who are named Edward C., Agnes A. (Mrs. Joseph Kehrle), William A., Ida J. (Mrs. Henry Gunter) and George A. Mr. Leis is a member of the Reformed church, while his family are Lutherans. He is secretary of the Miami township Vigilant society, member of the Miami township Mutual Fire Insurance company, has been a trustee of Miami township since 1883, and in politics is a democrat. He is an industrious and progressive farmer, has made a success of his calling, and has attained a high position in the esteem and friendship of his neighbors. He never hesitates to lend a helping hand to all worthy undertakings, and is charitable in his disposition, as well as liberal in his aid to the support of churches and schools.

is a son of Franz and Regina (Lug) Liesenhoff,. and was educated in his native country. There he served a three years' apprenticeship to the tailor's trade, at which as a journeyman he worked from 1849 to 1 8 56, in which latter year he embarked in business for himself at Hoerdt. There he remained in business for five years, and in 1862 sailed for the United States, landing in Portland, Me., where he was engaged with his friend, William Koehling, for two years in the merchant tailoring business. In 1864 he came to Ohio, and in July of that year located in Miamisburg, where he has since resided. Here he at once engaged in the merchant tailoring and men's furnishing business, in which he continued alone until 1892, when he admitted his son, Edward, into partnership, and since that time the business has been conducted under the firm name of E. Liesenhoff & Co.

Mr. Liesenhoff was married, in 1857, to Lizetta Meinholt, of Germany, who bore him three children - Edward, Carl G., and Lena, who died in childhood, and soon after the birth of the last child, Mrs. Liesenhoff died. His second wife was Sophia Linkersdorfer, of Cincinnati, by whom he has one daughter, Emma, now the wife of Clayton O. Shupert. Mr. Liesenhoff is a Mason, and in politics is a democrat.

Edward Liesenhoff, son of the above, was born in Hoerdt, Germany, November 5, 1857. In 1865 he located in Miamisburg, and here grew to manhood, receiving his education in the Miamisburg public schools, and in the commercial college at Dayton, Ohio. After serving a four years' apprenticeship at the cutter's trade he located, in 1879, at Franklin, Ohio, where he conducted a merchant tailoring business for three years. Thence he removed to Middleton, and there remained nine years engaged in the same business. Since January, 1892, he has been a member of the

Edward Liesenhoff was married August 3 1, 1881, to Anna May Brigham, daughter of William and Tilly (Thompson) Brigham, of Carlisle, Ohio. By this marriage he has three children, viz: Frank, Elsie and Hazel. Mr.

Liesenhoff is a member of the Lutheran church, and is a Free & Accepted Mason. His business establishment is one of the most successful of its kind in the country, and Mr. Liesenhoff ranks amongthe reliable and valued citizens of Miamisburg.

HOMAS VENARD LYONS, Sr., M. D., deceased, of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, was born in Clear Creek tonwship, near Springboro, Warren county, Onio, January 20, 1829. of Irish parentage. Thrown upon his own resources when but eight years of age, he worked upon a farm from that time until he was nineteen, receiving his education in the public school, as well as under a private tutor, Thomas Dixon, a prominent Scotch instructor in his day. In 1849 Mr. Lyons began the study of medicine with Dr. Jacob Smizer, of Waynesville, Ohio, and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1851. On March 4, of the same year, he located in Miamisburg, where he began the active practice of medicine and thus continued with unusual success until 1891, a period of forty years, when he retired from active and regular practice, except for the accommodation of his friends and old patrons in office business. He died October 6, 1896.

During his residence in Miamisburg he was prominent, and even foremost, in any enterprise calculated to promote the best interests of the town, dealt largely in real estate in the town and vicinity, and was the owner of several farms and also twenty-five tenement houses in Miamisburg, beside his fine residence, which stands on East Linden avenue. Dr. Lyons was one of the organizers of the Ohio Paper company, of Miamisburg, in 1879, and was interested in it for several years, serving for some time as its president. He was one of the organizers of, and a stockholder in, the Miamisburg Binder Twine & Cordage company, and was its president during its existence. He was also a stockholder in the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company, of Miamisburg, and one of the founders of the Citizens National bank, of which he served as vice-president from its incorporation, in 1893, up to his death.

Dr. Lyons was twice married, his first wife having been Elizabeth A. Null, daughter of Henry and Mary (Gebhart) Null, of Warren county, Ohio. By this wife he had four children, of whom one, Howard B., M. D., survives. His second marriage was with Amanda R. Mays, daughter of Col. Samuel and Caroline (Richardson) Mays, of Miamisburg, by whom he had one child, Thomas V. Lyons, Jr., cashier of the Citizens' National bank, of Miamisburg. During the late Civil war Dr. Lyons was appointed captain of a company raised in Miamisburg for the service of the government, but at the earnest solicitation of friends and of the people, who thought that, by reason of his medical experience and skill, he was more needed at home than at the front, he resigned his commission and remained at home, patriotically treating the families of the Union soldiers free of charge until the close of the war.

Dr. Lyons was a member of the First Reformed church of Miamisburg; of Marion lodge No. 18, I. O. O. F. , of Miamisburg; of the Odd Fellows encampment and the Daughters of Rebekah, and was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 44, and of Ruth

Temple, No. io, Rathbone (Pythian) Sisters, of Miamisburg. For many years prior to his retirement from active practice he was a member of the Miami valley Eclectic Medical association, was its president for several years, and he was also a member of the Ohio state Eclectic Medical association. Politically Dr. Lyons was always a republican, and served as mayor of Miamisburg four years, as a member of the city council eighteen years, and as a member of the board of education nine years. He stood high in the esteem of the people of the county and was one of its worthy representative citizens.

ORACE BENTLEY LYONS, M. D., was born in Miamisburg, Ohio, June 13, 1856, a son of Dr. Thomas V. and Elizabeth A. (Null) Lyons. He was graduated from the Miamisburg highschool in 1874, began the study of medicine with his father in 1875, and was graduated from the Eclectic Medical college, Cincinnati, in 1877. He at once formed a partnership with his father, with whom he practiced his profession in Miamisburg for nineteen years. Dr. Lyons is identified with many of the leading industries of Miamisburg, is a director in the Kauffman Buggy company, a director in the Miamisburg Twine & Cordage company, a stockholder in the First National and Citizens' National banks of Miamisburg, a director and stockholder in the Miamisburg Electric company, and is also interested in other enterprises.

The doctor was married October 23, 1884, to Miss Hattie, daughter of William D. and Letitia (Thirkield) Schenck, of Miamisburg. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and in politics is a republican, although he has never been a partisan in the office-seeking sense of the word. In his business relations his name

HOMAS VENARD LYONS, Jr., cashier of the Citizens' National bank, of Miamisburg, was born in the Gem City, August 9, 1869. He is a son of Dr. Thomas V. and Amanda R. (Mays) Lyons, the former of whom was a prominent and enterprising citizen of Miamisburg and also a successful physician, of whom full mention is made in a preceding biographical notice. Mr. Lyons was reared to manhood in his native city, was educated in its public and high schools, and graduated from the latter in 1887. In 1890 he began his business career as bookkeeper for the Miamisburg Binder Twine & Cordage company, continuing in that position for one year, and afterward, until 1893, looked after his father's varied business interests. He was then appointed messenger for the Citizens' National bank, from which position he was promoted, through his own merits, to the place of bookkeeper, and later to that of cashier, which position he still holds. He is a stockholder and a director in the bank, and also in the First National bank of Miamisburg, and a stockholder in the Miamisburg Twine & Cordage company.

Mr. Lyons was married November 14, 1895, to Ida M. Gamble, daughter of William and Samantha (Hoover) Gamble, of Miamisburg. He is in religion a member of the First Reformed church, and [fraternally, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, is quartermaster of the Fourth regiment, and holds the rank of captain of the uniform rank of Knights of Pythias of the state of Ohio. Politically, he is a republican, and in business and social circles maintains a high standing for integrity and honorable dealing with his fellow-men.

His business ability is of a high order, and through the possession of .this admirable quality has risen to a position which few men of his years have been able to attain.

OHN J. McCARTER, one of the old soldiers of the late Civil war, who has suffered many years from the affliction of total blindness from the effects of his service in the army of the Union, sprang from sterling Scotch-Irish ancestry. His progenitors settled in the Keystone state in early colonial times.

John McCarter, his father, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., and was a bricklayer and stonemason. At Carlisle, Pa., he married his second wife Sarah Cart, who was born in Carlisle, and was a daughter of Jacob Cart, of Scotch-Irish descent on the maternal side of the family. John McCarter moved to Ohio about 1840, and settled in Montgomery county, living a short time at Little York, and afterward at Vandalia, where he passed his remaining days. His first wife died in Carlisle, Pa., and their children were as follows: Alexander, James, George, Sarah A.,, Maria, and Cecilia. The children by his second wife, Sarah Cart, were as follows: John J., Eliza, William and

Benjamin. Mr. McCarter was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church for many years. In politics he was a republican, and had three sons in the late Civil war, viz: James, Benjamin and John J. Benjamin was in the Sixty-third Ohio volunteer infantry and participated in many battles, being badly wounded in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain. James was a sergeant in company E, Seventyfourth Ohio volunteer infantry, was in the service about three years and was discharged after the battle of Stone River on account of physical disability. Mr. McCarter was a very strong Union man and lived to the great age

John J. McCarter was born at Carlisle, Pa., October 9, 1832, and received a commonschool education in both Pennsylvania and Ohio, having come to Ohio with his parents when he was but eight years old. When yet a young man he engaged in the butcher business at Vandalia, continuing in this line at that place until October 21, 1861, when he enlisted in company F, Seventy-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three years or during the war. He veteranized at Chattanooga, Tenn., December 13, 1863, re-enlisting then for three years or during the war in the same organization. He served until he was honorably discharged January 6, 1865, at Savannah, Ga., having served his country faithfully during four years. He was in the battles of Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Mackinoe Cove, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, most of those of the famous Atlanta campaign, including Buzzard Roost Mountain, Resaca, and the twentyone days of fighting and skirmishing along Pumpkin Vine creek. During this latter period, when rain fell every day, the sufferings and discomforts of our soldier and his comrades were beyond expression. He was in the great battle of Kenesaw Mountain, the battle of Atlanta and the battle of Jonesboro, this being the last engagement in which he fought. He was badly wounded in the battle of Stone River by the explosion of a shell, which struck the ground near him and threw the powder and dirt in his eyes, completely blinding him. He was taken to the rear by his comrades, and while being taken to the field hospital, the comrade Who was leading him was shot dead, and Mr. McCarter lay down by his side, as he was totallv blind and did not know which way to go. Soon, however, a soldier came along and led him to the creek to wash his face and eyes, but: the washing did his sight no good, for it was gone. He was then taken to the field hospital, where he remained one night, and was then taken to the hospital at Nashville, where, after remaing about two days, he began to recover a little use of his right eye, and rejoined his regiment. He was under treatment for about three months by the regimental surgeon, and regained his sight to such an extent that he served out his term. Through the entire war, except when thus temporarily disabled, he was an active soldier, always prompt and cheerful in the discharge of his duties, and was in all the battles and .skirmishes of his regiment, except as prevented by his wounds.

After the termination of the war, Mr. Mc- Carter returned to Vandalia and resumed the butcher business. On June n, 1865, he married Harriet A. Hoffman, who was born February 16, 1848, at Vandalia, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Maria (Camp) Hoffman. William Hoffman was born in Pennsylvania, March 10, 1816, of Pennsylvania- Dutch ancestors. He came to Ohio a young man, and married, in Clarke county, Maria Camp, who was born May 17, 1820, in New Jersey, of English ancestors. Mr. Hoffman moved to Vandalia and there passed his remaining days. He was an old-time constable of Butler township, and a republican in politics. He had one son, William, in the late Civil war, who was a soldier in company E, Seventyfourth Ohio volunteer infantry, serving for three years, and was in practically the same battles and had experiences very much the same as those of Mr. McCarter.

Mr. Hoffman, the father of Mrs. McCarter, died in 1857, in his forty-fourth year. Mrs. Hoffman died May 17, 1894, aged seventy-five years, dying on her birthday. She was a superior woman in many ways, and possessed of many virtues. The children she bore her

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCarter settled in Vandalia, he following his business there for some years. Then he was engaged in huckstering for about ten years, until he became totally blind from his old injury, and was thus obliged to give up all work. About twenty years ago he located in Union, buying a fine residence, and has since resided in this village. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarter are as follo\vs: Orrin L. and Minnie M. Orrin L., who married Miss Estella Davis, is a huckster residing in Union. Minnie M. married James Folker, a farmer of Randolph township, and has one son, John L. Mr. and Mrs. McCarter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of w'hich he has for many years been a trustee. Politically, he is a prohibitionist, and is a man of unblemished character and is respected as a soldier who served his country faithfully during her darkest days, standing by her to the end.

ENRY LOESCH, now one of the oldest and most respected agriculturists of West Carrollton, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and was born August 17, 1816. He is a son of John and Barbara (Stett) Loesch, also natives of the kingdom of Bavaria, and was reared to manhood under the parental roof. He was educated in the common schools and later served an apprenticeship of two years at the cooper's trade, after which he worked as a journeyman for five years in his native land. When about twenty-four years of age, or in 1840, he came to America and immediately made his way to Ohio; he located in West Carrollton and for twelve years w'orked at his trade of cooper in that village, made and saved money, and then purchased the farm on which he still resides. As a farmer he has met with abundant success and has accumulated considerable wealth, while his farm is considered one of the best tilled and most productive in the county. His prosperity is due largely to his own industry and close observation of the laws of cause and effect, and to a happy faculty of adopting means to the desired end, a faculty, which, though indeed valuable, is not always possessed by the tiller of the soil.

January 3, 1847, Mr. Loesch was united in marriage with Phebe Zimmer, daughter of George and Phebe (Olinger) Zimmer, of Miami township, and this congenial union has resulted in the birth of four children, still living, and named, in the order of their birth: George, Charles, Kittie (Mrs. John Geiger) and Edward. Mr. Loesch is in religion a Lutheran, and has reared his family in the faith of that church; politically he is a democrat but has never sought office. Fraternally Mr. Loesch is a member of the order of Harugari, and socially he enjoys the respect and substantial esteem of a large circle of neighbors and acquaintances.

ORVILLE McCRAY, M. D., of West Carrollton, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of the Buckeye state and was born in Clarksville, Clinton county, April 3, 1868, a son of Samuel and Samantha (Wright) McCray, and, paternally, is of Scotch descent. Armstrong McCray, his grandfather, was a native of Maryland, but with his wife, Jane, came from Virginia to Ohio, and settled in Warren county, where Armstrong became a farmer among the pioneers and attained great prominence in local affairs. The maternal grandfather of the doctor, Mitchell Wright, was a Virginian by birth and a pioneer farmer of Clinton county, Ohio. Samuel McCray, father of the doctor, is a native of Ohio, and is now the proprietor of a flouring mill in Clarksville, which ranks among the most important industries of that thriving little city.

Orville McCray, the subject proper of this memoir, received his elementary education in his native city of Clarksville through attending the common schools in his earlier boyhood days, and the rudimentary information thus acquired was supplemented by his attendance at the National normal university at Lebanon, Warren county. In 1889 he began the study of medicine, and March 13, 1893, wasgraduated from the medical department of the university of Louisville, Ky. , and at once entered upon the practice of his profession in Clarksville, Ohio. But that field was too contracted or too much occupied by practitioners of the science he had chosen as his life pursuit, and, although his success was very flattering, he availed himself, in September, 1893, of a wider opening in West Carrollton, Montgomery county, where his skill was at once recognized and where he has built up, within the short interval between then and now, a lucrative and satisfactory practice. He is now surgeon to the Friend Paper & Tablet company, and also medical examiner for several life insurance companies.

Dr. McCray was united in marriage, May 6, 1894, with Marietta Flack, daughter of Adam and Nancy (McCray) Flack, of Warren county, and to this union has been given one child - Beulah. In his fraternal affiliations the doctor is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow, while his political association is with the republican party. His social connection is of a most pleasant character, and as a citizen, as well as physician and surgeon, he is respected by the entire community of West Carrollton and Miami township.

HE MAYS FAMILY, one of the most prominent and widely known of Montgomery county, Ohio, sprang from John Nicholas Mays, who was born in Lachen, Switzerland, November 24, 1741. He was a son of John George and Anna M. L. (Diopelin) Mays, and emigrated to America at an early age, settling near Shaefferstown, Lebanon county, Pa., as a farmer. Entering the Revolutionary army as a private soldier, he fought in the cause of the colonists against King George III, and was one of the patriotic founders of the republic. His family consisted of one daughter, Elizabeth, and five sons, viz: Valentine, Philip, Benjamin, Henry,

Samuel Mays was a son of Valentine Mays, and a grandson of John Nicholas Mays, the founder of the family in America. Valentine Mays married Sabina Heilman, and their son, Samuel, was born in Heidelberg, Lebanon county, Pa., April 25, 1805. Samuel assisted his father on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, and was then apprenticed to a carpenter and builder, afterward following that trade for more than thirty years. From 1854 to 1856 he was superintendent of the south division of the Miami canal, and afterward for several years was engaged in the manufacture of wine, owning a vineyard of several acres near Miamisburg. Still later he was engaged as a buyer of tobacco for several years for a New York firm, and, in 1869, as a member of the firm of Stevenson & Mays, he embarked in the shoe business, the partnership continuing one year, when he carried on the business alone up to 1878. In this latter year he formed a partnership with his son, Samuel H. Mays, under the firm name of S. & S. H. Mays, which continued in existence until his death, which occurred June 29, 1891.

R., wife of Dr. T. V. Lyons; William A.; George D., and Samuel H. Like all his ancestors, Samuel Mays was an active member and worker in the German Reformed church from his boyhood up, and took great interest in everything pertaining to the church and its institutions, as is indicated by the fact that he superintended the 'building of the church in Miamisburg. During the early days he served as colonel of a militia regiment, and the title of " colonel " adhered to him until his death. Personally he was a true friend, and he was a worthy and honored citizen. He was a royal arch Mason, and in politics a Jacksonian democrat.

William A. Mays, a prominent and widely known citizen of Montgomery county, was born in Miamisburg, June 7, 1842, and is a son of Samuel and Caroline (Richardson) Mays. He was reared to manhood in his native city, and received his preliminary education in the public schools thereof. Later he attended the Cumberland Valley institute at Mechanicsburg, Pa., and in i860 began his business career as clerk in a general store, following that vocation for nine years, in Miamisburg, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Chicago. In 1 869 he returned to Dayton, where he served for two years as clerk in the office of the county treasurer, and afterward he was bookkeeper for Harshman & Bros.' bank. In 1873 he was elected auditor of Montgomery county, and was re-elected in 1875, his second term expiring in November, 1877. He was one of the most popular officials Montgomery county ever had.

Mr. Mays was engaged in the tobacco business for two years, and in 1879, in connection with others, organized the Ohio Paper company, of which he has ever since been secretary and treasurer. He has also been prominently identified with other manufacturing in- terests of Miamisburg, and at the present time he is a director of the Dayton Traction company, and one of the projectors of the electric railroad that connects Dayton and Miamisburg.

During the late Civil war Mr. Mays was a member of company D, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio volunteer infantry, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Politically, he has always been a democrat, and he has always been a patriotic and honorable citizen.

Samuel H. Mays, son of Samuel and Caroline (Richardson) Mays, was born in Miamisburg, January 21, 1852. In Miamisburg he grew to manhood, and has always resided there, receiving his education in the public schools of that place. In 1869 he entered the shoe store of his father as clerk, retaining the position until 1878, when he became a partner in the firm, the business being then conducted under the firm name of S. & S. H. Mays, until the death of the former in 1891, S. H. Mays still retaining his interest in the firm. Since 1892 he has been engaged in the tobacco business, as a member of the firm of Dodds & Mays.

Mr. Mays was married April 15, 1884, to Rose Gwinner, daughter of Frederick and Hannah (Solomon) Gwinner, of Miamisburg. By this marriage he is the father of two children, Jeannette and Samuel F. Mr. Mays is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar, a Knight of Pythias, and a democrat. In every way he is maintaining the honorable name of his family at its high standard, and is everywhere regarded as a useful and upright man and citizen.

HRNOLD MEIENBERG, restaurant keeper of Miamisburg, was born in Bremgarten, canton Aargau, Switzerland, January 20, 1842, and is a son of Alois and Mena (Wiederkehr) Meienberg, the father a merchant of that ancient little city in the valley of the Reuso river. Arnold was reared to manhood in his native canton, received a very good common-school education and also served an apprenticeship of three years at harnessmaking. After learning his trade, he traveled for six years through various parts of Switzerland, Germany, Russia and France, following his calling as he journeyed, and in 1866 came to America. He first made his way to Cincinnati, where he worked at his trade for nearly two years, after which he crossed the Ohio river and worked at harnessmaking at Newport, Ky. , until the latter part of 1868, when he came to Miamisburg, Ohio, which city he has since made his home. Here he worked at his trade as journeyman for six years, and in 1875 embarked in the harness business on his own account and successfully carried it on until 1886, when he engaged in restaurant keeping, and for the period of ten years, has carried on a successful and prosperous trade, having made hosts of warm friends and, by his close attention to the needs and tastes of his patrons, won to himself the good will of the public in general.

The marriage of Mr. Meienberg took place January 4, 1870, to Miss Frederica Buehner, a daughter of John Frederick and Anna (Schuettenhelm) Buehner and granddaughter of John Frederick and Anna C. (Zeller) Buehner, of Muehlheim, Wurtemburg, Germany. This union has resulted in the birth of nine children, four living and here named in order of birth: Clara who is married to Jacob

Farrell; Rose, who is the wife of Jacob Benner; Albert and Mena, who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Meienberg is a supporter of the Lutheran church, with which his family affiliate, and fraternally he is a member of the D. O. H., and of the A. O. U. W. He is a democrat in politics, and is recognized as a liberal and useful citizen.

EVI W. MEASE, formerly a wellknown and successful farmer, now retired, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, January i, 1824, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Zehring) Mease, both natives of Lebanon county, Pa. Lewis Mease was p. wheelwright by trade, -came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1816, and worked one season in Germantown. The same year he purchased a tract of land in Miami township, leased it for a period of three years, and at once returned to Pennsylvania, where he married Mary Zehring in 1819. Together with his wife, her father and three brothers, he came overland to Ohio, being six weeks in making the journey, and immediately on reaching Montgomery county settled on the tract of land he had purchased in 1816. This land he cleared and improved, made it a good farm, and resided upon it until his death in 1856. Mrs. Mease was a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth Zehring, of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, but formerly of Lebanon county, Pa. She bore him six children, three of whom grew to mature years, as follows: Lewis, now deceased;

Levi W., and Rev. Samuel, the latter a minister of the Reformed church, and editor of the Christian World for twelve years, but now deceased.

Levi W. Mease was reared on the old homestead, received a good education, and lived on the farm until 1878, when he retired from farm life and removed to Miamisburg, where he has since resided. From the time he was seventeen years of age until he was twenty-one, he was a clerk in a general store at Miamisburg, and from that time until 1878 he was engaged in farming on the old homestead, which contains 185 acres of land, and which he still owns. On December 8, 1878, he married Elizabeth A. Fox, daughter of John and Catherine (Fox) Fox, pioneers of

Warren county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Mease are members of the Reformed church, are both active in the performance of religious and social duties, and excellent people in every way. Mr. Mease is in politics a democrat, but has never sought political preferment in any form.

HRNOLD MACY, of Randolph township, Montgomery county, whose post-office address is Little York, and who was a soldier of the late Civil war, comes of English ancestors, who first settled in this country on Nantucket Island, off the coast of Massachusetts.

Thomas Macy was a farmer near Jonesboro, East Tennessee. His children were as follows: John, Thomas, Paul, Aaron, Jonathan, Nancy, Phoebe and Rebecca. About 1809 Thomas Macy came to Ohio, settled in Fredericksburg, and cleared up a farm, upon which he died at ninety years of age. In religion he was a Quaker. Paul Macy, his son, and father of Arnold, was born in East Tennessee about 1798, ana came to Ohio with his parents in 1809. Receiving but a limited education, he was brought up on the farm and married Mary Yount, who was born in North Carolina in 1799. Paul Macy and his wife were the parents of the following children: Sallie, Eli, Davis, Rosanna, Enos, George, Arnold, Mary J., Ellen, Annie and Jonathan. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Macy settled on 160 acres in the woods near Fredericksburg, cleared up the land and made of it a good farm. Selling this farm he purchased another, three-fourths of a mile from Fredericksburg, this farm also containing 160 acres, and here Mr. Macy became a substantial farmer. This farm he at length sold and bought still another, containing also 160 acres, five miles north of Dayton, and lived thereon until 1859, when he removed to Phillipsburg. He died November 27, 1892, at the great age of ninety-three years and eight months, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Sallie Mart'.ndale. He was a member of the Christian church, and in politics a republican. He had five sons in the late Civil war, each of whom was six feet in height. These sons were as follows: Eli,

David, Enos, Arnold and Jonathan. Jonathan was in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, or, as it was called, the Ohio national guard. Paul Macy was a sturdy pioneer, well known, as a straightforward, honorable man, and possessed of a vigorous and healthy mind. His memory was much more than ordinarily retentive, and he was a man of considerable importance for many years in Miami and Montgomery counties. He was a strong republican, a careful and extensive reader and observer, and kept abreast of current events, in which he took a keen interest. As a husband he was faithful, and as a father was kind and helpful. He and his wife, Mary Yount, were the parents of twelve children. At the time of his death he had thirty-seven grandchildren, fourteen greatgrandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, making in all sixty-five direct descendants. Thus there were living at one time five generations of Macys.

Arnold Macy, the subject of this sketch, was born March 8, 1834, in Montgomery county, Ohio, received his education in the common schools, and was brought up on the farm. He enlisted at Dayton, Ohio, in company K, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio national guard, for 100 days, and served at Baltimore, Md., being stationed in the provost marshal's office, and was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, in September, 1864. On February 22, 1865, he re-enlisted, this time in company H, One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve one year, but, the war coming to an end, he was discharged at Baltimore, Md. , September n, 1865. During the period of enlistment he saw service in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia. While he was sick in camp for two months, yet he was not in the hospital, and, excepting during this sickness, he was always prompt and active in the performance of his duties as a soldier.

On December 28, 1865, he was married in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Frees, who was born December 21, 1843, and is a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Alloway) Frees. Jacob Frees was a native of Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in the early days and settling in Montgomery county on a farm in Clay township. He was a well-educated man, and was county surveyor for many years and also justice of the peace. In his earlier life he was a school teacher for years. He was married in Pennsylvania, and his children were as follows : Peter, Rebecca, Catherine, David, Samuel, Mary, George and Elizabeth. He was a good farmer and improved his already excellent farm, making it one of the very best in the county. He lived to be sixty-eight years of age and was a member of the Lutheran church. Politically, he was a democrat, and was a man of high character and standing in the community. He had two sons in the late Civil war, viz : Samuel, who served three years in the Eighteenth U. S. regular infantry, and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing and Stone River ; and George, who served one year in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Macy settled on eighty acres of land in Darke county, Ohio, and lived there for three years, when they removed to Phillipsburg. Here they lived one year and then went to Kansas, in 1871, settling on 160 acres of land in Greenwood county. Here they lived twenty-four years, improving and cultivating their land, and then returned to Montgomery county, Ohio, having bought their present farm in 1893. Both are members of the Christian church, and in politics Mr. Macy is a republican. He is a man of great strength and independence of character and maintains the principles in which he believes with much force of reason and sound judgment. Few men, if any, in this county, are looked upon with more favor and respect than is the subject of this sketch.

EORGE W. MELLINGER, of Brookville, Ohio, sprang from Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. He was born near Carlisle, Cumberland county, Pa., April 5, 1844, and is a son of Joseph and Lydia (Kissinger) Mellinger. When he was nine months old he was brought by his parents to Ohio, where they first settled in Crawford county, living there until 1856, when they removed with their family to Montgomery county, and settled in Salem. In these two counties their son George was educated, attending the common school until he was seventeen years old, and in November, 1861, he enlisted at Troy, Ohio, in company E, Seventy-first Ohio volunteer infantry, for three years or during the war. He veteranized as a member of this same company January 14, 1864, at Gallatin, Tenn., was discharged at San Antonio, Tex., and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, January 9, 1865. He was in the battle of Shiloh, and was captured at Bowling Green, Ivy., in August, 1862. Being immediately paroled, he was sent to Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, where he was exchanged, and in January, 1863, returned to his regiment at Fort Henry, Tenn. He was in the latter part of the Atlanta campaign, and participated in the battle at Lovejoy Station, after which he was in the march to Nashville, Tenn., having a skirmish with the rebels at

Pulaski, Tenn., and a battle at Franklin, Tenn., on the way to Nashville. In the battle of Nashville he was wounded by a glancing shot in the left leg, from the effects of which he was compelled to lie in hospital at Nashville and at Jeffersonville, Ind., for six weeks. Rejoining his regiment at Huntsville, Ala., he went with it to Texas and served there during the remainder of his term of enlistment. Mr. Mellinger regards as his hardest march that from Atlanta to Nashville, another trying experience being a march in Texas, on which the troops suffered exceedingly from want of water. He was a participant in all the active service of his regiment, and was promoted to corporal for meritorious conduct.

The war having ended, he returned to Montgomery county, and on May 26, 1868, married Malinda Spitler, who was born October 20, 1846, in Perry township. She is a daughter of David and Nancy L. (McCormick) Spitler, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of Jacob and Catherine (Houk) Spitler. David Spitler was one of the original pioneers of Perry township, settling on the farm now owned by Jesse Wagoman. Jacob Spitler was also one of the original settlers of Perry township, clearing up a farm from the woods.

David Spitler was twice married, his children by his first wife being: Grizzann, William, Catherine, Mary and Daniel, the latter of whom died at the age of twenty-three. By his second wife David Spitler had the following children: Malinda, Abner, Jacob, Martha

Jane and David. He was a man of high character, a member of the Lutheran church, to which most of his children also belonged, and was a substantial and successful farmer. He served as township trustee, and lived to be sixty-five years of age.

Irene, who died March n, 1893; Flora B., Cleora V. and Lottie F. Mr. and Mrs. Mellinger are members of the Lutheran church, as was the daughter who died. Politically, Mr. Mellinger is a democrat. He is a member of Foster-Marshall post, No. 587, G. A. R. , of which he has been officer of the day and also guard.

aHRISTIAN MEYER, a successful farmer, of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born June 7, 1840, in Wuldungen, village of Klinnen, Prussia, and is a son of Christian and Catherine (Toegen) Meyer, the former of whom was a farmer, owning 100 acres of land which had belonged to his father, Frederick Meyer, who, in his turn, had inherited it from his forefathers. It had been in the family for many generations. Christian Meyer and wife were the parents of the following children : Conrad, Jacob, Henry, Christian, Dorothy, Elizabeth and Catherine. Mr. Meyer was a member of the Lutheran church, was well-todo, was an honored and valued citizen, and died at the age of seventy-three.

Christian Meyer, the subject of this sketch, received a good common-school education in Prussia, and there learned the carpenter's trade. He came to the United States when nineteen years of age, sailing from Bremen, Germany, May 12, 1858, in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, and was some seven weeks on the sea, landing in New York in July, and reaching Chicago on July 4. Here he followed his trade for a month and then went to Dayton, Ohio, where he had friends, and where he worked at his trade, and also in a sash factory.

Like many other foreigners, he entered the volunteer army of the Union, enlisting August 16, 1861, at Dayton, Ohio, becoming a member of company B, First regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve for three years or during the war. Lewis Coleman was his captain. Having served his full term he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky., August 16, 1864. He was in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, and in the entire Atlanta campaign, during which his regiment was under fire almost without cessation for four months. During this campaign he was in the battles of Buzzard's Roost Mountain, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Atlanta, in which last engagement Gen. McPherson was killed. Mr. Meyer was discharged at White's Station and mustered out at Louisville; Ky. He was always an active soldier, and being in company B, a flanking company, was in many skirmishes and in other positions of unusual danger. He was in all the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, and was slightly wounded at Stone River by a musket ball, but did not go to the hospital.

Returning to Dayton, Ohio, from the war, he worked for some time at his trade and then went to Nashville for the government in 1864, remaining about a year. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, in 1868, to Miss Frederika Pfeiffer, who was born August 18, 1847, in the village in Prussia which was her husband's birthplace. She was a daughter of Carl and Henrietta (Bruno) Pfeiffer, who were the parents of the following children : Elizabeth,

Henrietta, Frederika and Augusta. Mr. Pfeiffer was well educated, a member of the Lutheran church and died in Prussia at the ripe age of seventy-one years.

Christian Meyer, after his marriage, settled in Dayton, where he worked at his trade for several years. In 1878 he removed to Perry township, where he purchased a farm of sixtytwo acres, upon which he has since lived and which he has improved and developed in many directions. He and his wife have the following children : Charles, Louis, Catherine, William, Henry, Sadie and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the Lutheran church, as are also their children. Mr. Meyer is a republican in politics.

OSHUA V. MILLS, a prominent citizen of Montgomery county, Ohio, was born August 31, 1839, in Perry township. His parents were William and Jane (Campbell) Mills, the former of whom was the son of Joshua and Lucy Mills. Joshua Mills was a New Jersey farmer, and was married in that state. He and his wife, Lucy, were the parents of the following children: Nancy, Jane, John, Rebecca, William, Sallie, Grace and Mary. Joshua Mills moved from New Jersey to Ohio in 1818, and entered a tract of 160 acres of land near Pyrmont, settling thereon when it and most of the surrounding country was covered with timber. He was a well-known pioneer and citizen of the early days, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in 1852, at the age of seventy-seven years.

William Mills, father of Joshua V. Mills, was born in 1806, and came with his father, Joshua, to Ohio, when he was little more than twelve years of age. He received the usual education and training of the district school, and grew up on the farm. He married Jane Campbell, daughter of John and Naomi (Gustin) Campbell, the family of the latter being early settlers of Perry township. John Campbell was a farmer of Scotch ancestry.

Immediately after their marriage William and Jane Mills settled one and a half miles south of Pyrmont, on sixty-one acres of land, from which they added from time to time until their farm contained 180 acres, all under cultivation, and nearly all of which they had cleared from the woods. They were people of excellent character, highly esteemed by their neighbors, and reared a family of seven children, as follows: Bethany, John, Lucy, Samuel, Naomi, Joshua V. and William. Mrs. Mills died in 1848, and Mr. Mills then married Miss Jane Clemmer, by whom he had five children: George, Edgar, Eliza J., Joseph

Joshua V. Mills was brought up to the life of a farmer. On October 28, 1861, he enlisted in company B, Seventy-first Ohio volunteer infantry, under Capt. McConnell, for three years or during the war. Having served his time he veteranized, January 13, 1864, at Gallatin,

1 865, at San Antonio, Tex. He was promoted first to corporal, and in February, 1863, to sergeant. He was in some of the most important battles of the war, among them those of Shiloh and Fort Donelson, and most of those of the Atlanta campaign, including Jonesboro and Lovejoy Station. Returning after this campaign to Nashville by way of Columbia, Tenn., and Spring Hill, he was in the battle of Franklin and also in that of Nashville, when Gen. Hood was so overwhelmingly defeated by Gen. Thomas. Afterward his regiment went to Greenville, east Tennessee. Returning to Nashville, Mr. Mills went with his regiment to New Orleans, arriving there June 28, and on the 5th of July went down to the gulf of Mexico and to Texas, remaining until December. In Texas the regiment marched from Indianola to San Antonio and on to Matagorda Bay. Companies B and E of this regiment were engaged from July, 1863, to August, 1864, in fighting guerrillas in Tennessee, Alabama and Kentucky, and were in many skirmishes.

striking him in the right shoulder. He walked five miles before having any attention given to his wound, when the ball was extracted and the wound dressed. Next morning at daylight he rejoined his regiment. He was in all the battles, marches and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged, and was a good and faithful soldier throughout the war.

After returning from the army he was married, November I, 1865, in Perry township, Montgomery county, to Miss Anna Myers, who was born in that township March 19, 1846, and who is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hilton) Myers. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mills settled on eighty acres of land, upon which they still live and which he has greatly improved. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are the parents of ten children, as follows: Emma,

Flora, John, Mattie, Cora, Eva, Ada, William, Orlando and Earl. Mr. Mills is a trustee in the United Brethren church, of which both he and his wife are members. In politics, he is a republican. The children have received a good education, and one of them, Mattie, is now a school-teacher, having been prepared in the Ada Normal school.

Jacob Myers, father of Mrs. Mills, was born August 17, 1818, in Lancaster county, Pa., and is a son of Samuel and Barbara (Harnish) Myers. In 1843 he was married in Lancaster county, to Catherine Hiller, a native of that county, and a daughter of John and Annie (Resh) Hiller. In 1845 Mr. and Mrs. Myers settled in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, on 160 acres of land, mostly covered with woods, which Mr. Myers converted into a most excellent farm. He and his wife reared the following children: Annie, John, Jacob, Allen, Mary E., Emma, Amanda, and Idella. Mr. Myers was a trustee in the United Brethren church, of which his wife was also a member, and in politics, he was a republican, as such holding the office of township trustee for several years. His death occurred July 22, 1891, when he was seventy-three years of age. He is remembered as a man of integrity and high character. His son John wasamember of company B, Ninety-third Ohio volunteer infantry, and served his country well, though only sixteen years old when he enlisted.

EE MITCHELL, secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Bookwaiter Wheel company, and a prominent citizen of Montgomery county, was born in Camden, Preble county, Ohio, June 6, 1846. He is a son of Samuel and Maria (Walters) Mitchell, both natives of Ohio. Samuel Mitchell, a cabinetmaker by trade, was for many years engaged as a farmer in Illinois. In 1865 he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred July 5, 1890, in his eighty-third year. He and his wife were the parents of two children: Ebenezer, a soldier in the Mte Civil war, who died in 1864, of disease contracted in the service, and Lee, the subject of this sketch.

Lee Mitchell was reared in Ohio and Illinois, received a good common-school education, and came to Dayton with his parents in 1865. Here in company with his father he went into the grocery business, under the firm name of Mitchell & Son, and continued thus engaged for four years. In 1870 he located in Miamisburg, and went to work as a shop hand for Bookwalter, Bro. & Co., of which firm his father was a stockholder, young Lee also representing his father's interests in the concern. The intention was that he should learn the business thoroughly and then be given an official position in the company, which intention was carried out. After several years of active service in the shops he was made bookkeeper for the firm, which position he held until 1889, when he was made general manager. At length, in 1890, the Standard Wheel company absorbed Bookwalter, Bro. & Co., and Mr. Mitchell held the same position with the new company until it closed down. He then became secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Bookwalter Wheel company, which he assisted in organizing in 1891; this position he still holds, having therein full charge of the business. His special qualifications for the business have made him unusually successful, and to his business ability and energy the company owes much of its present success and prosperity.

Mr. Mitchell has been twice married. His first wife was Helen Reel, daughter of Abram Reel, of Dayton, Ohio, and by her he had one child, Charles L. Mitchell, a graduate of the university of Michigan and now a successful dentist. His second wife was Hannah Zehring, of Miamisburg, by whom he has four children, as follows: S. Wilbur, Edith M., Helen and

Howard L. Mr. Mitchell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a Knight of Pythias. He is a stockholder and director in the Citizens' National bank, and a stockholder in the Miamisburg Twine & Cordage company. In politics he is a republican, and in all respects he is a much esteemed citizen of the county in which he lives, enjoying the confidence of the community to an unusual degree.

OHN F. MOIST, an active farmer of Randolph township, springs from stalwart Pennsylvania stock, his ancestors having come originally from Switzerland. Henry Moist, his grandfather, owned a farm in Juniata county, Pa., and was the father of the following children: Henry, David,

Jacob Moist, the father of John F., was born in Juniata county, Pa., in 1820, and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1845. The next year he married Miss Annie Hocker, who was born in Dauphin county, Pa., October 15, 1824, and was a daughter of John and Catherine (Sterling) Hocker. John Hocker was born in Dauphin county, Pa., removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1837, and settled on the farm of 240 acres now occupied by his son, Adam Hocker. His wife, Catherine Sterling, was born in Germany on the river Neckar, and lived to the great age of ninetyeight years, dying in 1890 or 1891.

Jacob Moist, soon after his marriage, settled on a farm near Harrisburg, and lived there one year, when, in 1848, he bought the farm on which his son now lives, and which contained sixty-two acres. He partially cleared it of its timber and converted it into a productive farm. He was well known for many miles around as a man of high character and upright living, and was in every way trustworthy. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Moist were as follows: John F. , Almira J., Frances C., and three that died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Moist were members of the church of the Brethren in Christ, or River Brethren. Mrs. Moist died January 2 1 , 1879.

John F. Moist was born January 16, 1847, in Randolph township, Montgomery county, was reared on the farm and received a good education in the district school. He afterward attended the National normal institute, at Lebanon, Ohio, for three winters, in order to fit himself for teaching school. After this he taught school for five years in Randolph, Clay and Madison townships, being a successful teacher. He resided on the farm, and combined farming with teaching. When he was thirty years of age he married Sarah E.

Ralston, the ceremony being performed April 1 7 , 1877. She was a daughter of James and Hettie (Moist) Ralston, and was born October 24, 1856. James Ralston, her father, was a son of Samuel and Rachael (Henderson) Ralston, the former of whom was born in England and came to America when he was twentyone years of age, leaving in England two brothers and a sister. For some time he lived in Philadelphia, and then moved to Lancaster county, Pa., married and had the following children: Samuel, Alfred, David, Dayton,

James H. Ralston, the father of Mrs. Moist, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., November 4, 1827, and received a commonschool education. He lost his father when he was ten years old, and the support of his mother and the younger children thereupon devolved largely on him for a number of years. Upon arriving at mature years he married Hettie Moist, who was born in Juniata county, Pa., February 7, 1833, and was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Runk) Moist. James H. Ralston settled in Center county, Pa. , and in 1862 removed to Ohio, locating in Miami county, a short distance west of Troy, and in 1870 settled three miles east of Troy, still in Miami county. In 1885 he went to Kansas, settling in Nemaha county, where he died January 21, 1891. His children were as follows: Sarah E., George, Philip, James W., Jacob, Alfred, Samuel, David, Dora. Mrs. Ralston died in 1875, aged forty-two years. She was a woman of excellent qualities, and a member of the church of the River Brethren. Mr. Ralston was a practical farmer and a most excellent man in every way, reliable, truthful and successful.

sided on the farm ever since his birth, and in 1887 he purchased the farm. He ranks among the most advanced and intelligent members of the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Moist there have been born the following children; Ianthe M. , Harvey C. , J acob F. , Albert R. , Arthur G. , and Annie M. The parents are members of the River Brethren church. Politically, Mr. Moist is a republican, and is much interested in public affairs. He has served as a member of the school board for thirteen years, and his children have been well educated. Ianthe M. graduated in the township high school in 1895, and holds a teacher's certificate. Mr. and Mrs. Moist are among the best people in the county, taking great interest in educational and religious work, and exerting a wide influence for good in their vicinity.

BRANK S. NELSON, secretary and treasurer of the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company, and a prominent citizen of Montgomery county, was born in Newport, Ky., January 25, 1863. He is a son of Robert and Mary F. (Henderson) Nelson and is of Scotch-Irish descent. He was reared in Cincinnati, and was educated first in the public schools, and afterward in Oberlin college, one of the most famous institutions of learning in the country. In 1882 he began his business career as bookkeeper for a Cincinnati house, which position he retained until 1891, when he removed to Miamisburg with the Enterprise Carriage Manufacturing company, which had been established in Cincinnati in 1879. Its plant in Miamisburg is one of the largest in the world for the manufacture of popular priced vehicles of all descriptions. Much of its machinery was built after special designs and for the exclusive use of the factory in Miamisburg, which is without doubt the most perfectly equipped establish- ment of the kind in the country. The products of this manufactory have a world-wide reputation, and it has been kept working to the limit of its capacity almost constantly since its establishment in Miamisburg. Mr. Nelson is a large stockholder, and has held the positions of secretary and treasurer since its establishment in Miamisburg. The success and present standing of the enterprise is largely due to his intelligent and tactful management.

Mr. Nelson was married, November 20, 1895, to Miss Effie, daughter of Eden and Alice Engleman, of Maryland. He is one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of Miamisburg, is a thirty-second degree Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and in politics is a democrat. Few men, if any, in the county, stand higher in the estimation of the business, social and religious world than does Mr. Nelson.

OUIS NEWBURGH, president of the Louis Newburgh company, packers of leaf tobacco, with their Montgomery county, Ohio, office and warehouse in Germantown, and an office and salesroom at No. 232 East Fourth street, Cincinnati, Ohio, was born January 22, 1839, at Pottsville, Lancaster county, Pa. Shortly after his birth his parents moved to New York, and in the spring of 1842 they moved to Chicago. In 1855 they went back to New York, and in 1859 their son Louis entered the tobacco business as a clerk. In the year i860 he moved to Cincinnati, entered into the cigar-leaf jobbing business, and in 1876 purchased a warehouse in Germantown, Montgomery county, and began packing tobacco. In January, 1893, he formed the corporation known as the Louis Newburgh company, and admitted his son (S. M. Newburgh), his son-in-law (Alexander Pappen-

About the year 1880, Louis Newburgh concluded from his experience that the tobacco raised in Ohio had so deteriorated in quality that it could no longer compete with cigarleaf raised in other states. He conceived the idea of introducing seed that would be an improvement, and, with this end in view, procured from the island of Cuba a quantity of seed which he distributed among the growers of Montgomery and Warren counties. The hot and dry summer of 1881, however, was detrimental to the germination of the seed, and the growers became discouraged and refused to make another attempt at propagation.

Mr. Zimmer, of Miamisburg, knowing that the Ohio seed had degenerated, and that something was required to improve the tobacco product, continued the propagation of this seed until he produced seed that was acclimated, and from that time a filler tobacco has been grown that is unsurpassed throughout the United States, and Mr. Zimmer has received due credit by its being named Zimmer's Spanish tobacco. The quantity at first produced was very small - some 300 boxes; this has since increased, so that there are now produced from 35,000 to 45,000 boxes annually. The Louis Newburgh company purchased and packed of this variety last season over 12,000 boxes, and are now recognized as the largest packers in Ohio, if not in the United States.

Louis Newburgh began his career as a packer with the determination to put up his goods in an honest and careful manner, and to acquire a reputation for his house; and to this policy, faithfully carried out, is due the high standing of the company throughout the country. The officers of the company are: Louis Newburgh, president; S. M. Newburgh, vice-president; Alexander Pappenheimer, secretary; and Henry Newburgh, treasurer.

OLIVER PERRY NISWONGER, a traveling salesman of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, was born in West Senora, Preble county, Ohio, November 21, 1853, and is a son of John D. and Mary (Ruse) Niswonger, both natives of Montgomery county. His paternal grandfather, Samuel, and great-grandfather, John Niswonger - both from Fincastle, Va., and of Swiss descent - were among the pioneer farmers of Montgomery county, Clay township, where they lived and died, and are buried in the cemetery at Salem, Ohio. The wife of Samuel was a Miss Dillon, of Irish birth, and their children were Polly (Mrs. Louis Kimmel), Betsey (Mrs. John Overhulser), John D., James, Sally (Mrs. Slengsby Barnes), Samuel, Catherine (Mrs. Andrew Faulkner), Eliza (Mrs. Ruel Vorhees), Prudence ( Mrs. Andrew Spitler), and Levi. Of these the father of Oliver P. was born in Clay township, Montgomery county, April 13, 18 1 1, where he grew to manhood. His business has been farming, buying and shipping stock and dealing in grain, and he has been a resident of Preble county, Ohio, for upwards of fifty years. His wife was a daughter of John and Mary ( Heckathorn) Ruse of Madison, township, Montgomery county, who bore him eight children - Horace, Maggie, Ann, Eva (deceased), Samuel (deceased), Levi, Oliver P. and James B.

Oliver P. Niswonger was reared in Preble county, was educated in the common schools, and began life for himself in 1876 as a traveling salesman for agricultural implements, which business he has followed up to this time. He has been a resident of Miamisburg since 1882. He married, September 2, 1876, America, a daughter of Henry and Delilah (Harsh) Frazer, of West Senora, Ohio, and has three children, Charles H., Myrtle and Dorman D. Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger are consistent members of the German Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Niswonger is a republican. Socially the family stands very high in the community, and Mr. Niswonger's genial qualities have not only made him popular on the road, but have won for him hosts of friends at and near his immediate home. In his business career, Mr. Niswonger has been in the employ only of firms of national reputation, such as W. N. Whiteley, of Springfield, the McCormick company, of Chicago, and the Warder, Bushnell & Glessner company, of Springfield, Ohio.

ERNARD J. PANSING, a prosperous business man of Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in this place May 20, 1847. He is a son of John Henry and Johanna Lucie (Borcherring) Pansing, the former of whom was born in Diepholz, Hanover, Germany, December 13, 1803, and was there reared to manhood.

John Henry Pansing learned the cabinetmaker's trade, and served twelve years in the German army. In 1836 he came to the United States, located in Cincinnati, and there worked at his trade a year and a half, removing to Miamisburg in 1838. In Miamisburg he established himself in business as an undertaker, cabinetmaker and dealer in furniture, erecting the building on Main street now occupied by David Clark for business and residence purposes. He continued in that business up to the time of his death, but in connection therewith, on account of ill health and the consequent need of out-door occupation and exercise, he carried on truck farming near Miamisburg for several years.

On January 3, 1837, he married Johanna Lucie Borcherring, then of Germantown, Ohio, but formerly of Hanover, Germany. By this marriage he had nine children, six of whom grew to adult years, as follows: Wilhelmina, now deceased; Louis F., deceased; Bernard J.; William H. ; Melinda M., wife of Jacob Swartz, and Martha M., wife of Joseph Rockey. Mr. Pansing and his family were, and those still living are, members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and in politics he was a democrat. His death occurred March 4, 1879, and that of his wife, November 13, 1880.

Bernard J. Pansing came to man's estate in Miamisburg, and received his preliminary education in the public schools. His business education was received in the Miami Commercial college of Dayton, Ohio. His business career was begun with the Hunter Cutlery company, which company was engaged in the manufacture of cutlery in Miamisburg, and which he assisted to organize in 1872. After remaining connected with this company until 1876, he and his brother, William H., formed a co-partnership which, under the firm name of Pansing Bros., engaged in the general grocery and hardware business. In 1893, he and others organized the Citizens' National bank of Miamisburg, of which he is a stockholder, and in which he served for two years as a director. He erected, or more accurately, remodeled the building now occupied by Pansing Bros., for business purposes, and has in all his business career and connections been recognized as a straightforward and honorable gentleman.

Mr. Pansing was first married to Miss Chrissie A. Schuster, daughter of Christian and Mary (Kline) Schuster, of Miamisburg. By this wife he had two children, viz: Ida N., and Mary L. His second wife was, before her marriage, Emma Dill, daughter of Lewis and Louisa (Shaffer) Dill, of Germantown, and by her he has had three children, viz: Wilbur,

Bernice and Dill, the latter deceased. Mr. Pansing is an Odd Fellow, a member of the encampment, and of the Daughters of Rebekah. He has passed all the chairs and is now adjutant of the Second regiment, P. M., I. O. O. F. He has been a member of the Miamisburg board of education for three years, of the board of health for six years, and in politics he is a democrat. Mr. Pansing and wife are members of the Evangelical church, and are earnest workers in the cause of religion. Both are fervent believers in the value of education, and are doing what they can to prepare their children for a successful and rational career. In 1883 Mr. Pansing erected a fine residence on East Linden street, in which he and his family now live, and are surrounded by a large circle of admiring friends.

MCRY C. OBLINGER, cashier of the First National bank, of Germantown, was born in Germantown, Ohio, June 5, 1865, a son of David L. and Mary A. (Clark) Oblinger, both natives of Montgomery county.

Gabriel Oblinger, paternal grandfather of Emory C., was a native of Pennsylvania and among the pioneers of Germantown, Ohio, where he first engaged in merchandizing, in 1825, in which he continued for many years, residing in that town until his death in 1874. His children were David L. , Ellen (Mrs. Dr. J. J. Antrim), Orion, Daniel, Elizabeth (Mrs. Noah W. Kumber), Clayton and Catherine (Mrs. Charles Rohrer).

David L. Oblinger, father of Emory C., was born in Germantown in 1839. On attaining his majority he engaged in business with his father, and later embarked in the drygoods trade, under the firm name of D. L. Oblinger & Co., in which he continued up to his death. His wife was a daughter of Levi L. and Mary L. (Gunckel) Clark, pioneers of Germantown, and granddaughter of Thomas and Catherine (Lehmen) Clark, of Lebanon county, Pa., on the paternal side, and on the

Emory C. Oblinger was reared in his native town, was educated in the public schools, and at the age of nineteen embarked in the grocery business in Germantown, in which he continued for five years. In 1889 he was appointed assistant cashier of the First National bank of Germantown, and was promoted to cashier in 1890, a position he has since held with credit to himself and to the management of the bank. In September, 1888, Mr. Oblinger married Pearl, daughter of George and Maria (Emrick) Schafer, of Sunsbury, Ohio, and to this marriage has been born one son - David L. Mr. Oblinger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and of the I. O. O. F., and politically is a republican. It will be seen from the above that Mr. Oblinger descends from two of the oldest pioneer families of German township. Emory C. Oblinger has well maintained the good name of his ancestors, and is now looked upon as one of the brightest young business men of Germantown.

IRA S. OWENS, one of the veteran soldiers of the late Civil war, sprang from sturdy Welsh stock. William Owens, the founder of the family in America, was a settler in Virginia during colonial days. His son William was born in Brunswick county, Va., March 9, 1779, became a farmer, and married Lucy Wright, who was born in the same county, June 19, 1773. Their children were Samuel Thomas and George B. William Owens emigrated to Greene county, Ohio, in 1 8 1 1 , and cleared up a farm of fifty acres, two and and a half miles south of Xenia. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in his eighty-fourth year, December 26, 1862, at the residence of his son, Capt. Samuel Thomas

Owens, of Xenia, Ohio. He was a typical pioneer, a man of high character and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which faith he brought up his sons. In politics he was in early life an old-line whig and later a republican.

Rev. George B. Owens, father of Ira S., was born July 14, 1809, in Brunswick county, Va., and was about two years old when brought to this state by his parents. He received a common-school education and afterward engaged in teaching school, continuing in this vocation for many years. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church when twelve years of age, and was for a long time a minister in that church, riding on horseback to his different appointments through the country for many miles. He was licensed as a local preacher in 1842, and in 1850 was employed as a supply on Concord circuit by Dr. Elliott, presiding elder. In 1851 he was employed on Franklin circuit and in 1852 on Camden circuit. In 1853 he was admitted into the Cincinnati conference and filled the following appointments : Venice circuit, two years ; Cumminsville circuit, 1856 and 1857 ; Monroe circuit, 1858-59; Laurel circuit, i860; Enon, 1861 ; Rayville, 1862 ; and Bethany, 1863.

Rev. Mr. Owens was a man of more than ordinary talents, was a sweet singer, a powerful preacher, and often witnessed great revivals of religion among his people. In 1829 he married Miss Eleanor Brewington, who was born of English parents in Maryland. To this marriage there were born the following children: Ira S. ; William R. ; Thomas L. , who died when eight months old ; and John F. Rev. Mr. Owens died November 23, 1862, at residence of his son Ira, two and a half miles south of Xenia, in his fifty-fourth year.

Reared a farmer, he received a good commonschool education. On December 15, 1856, when he was twenty-six years old, he married in Greene county, Miss Malinda Middleton, who was born June 14, 1831, in Greene county, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Susan (Mussetter) Middleton. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Owens settled on her father's farm, living there one year, and then moved to the Owens homestead, wherethey remained until his enlistment in the army. This occurred at Xenia, Ohio, October 7, 1861, in company B, Seventy-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, to serve three years or during the war. His captain was Stephen A. Bassford. Later he was transferred to company C, under Capt. Samuel T. Owens, his uncle. He served faithfully until January 26, 1864, when he veteranized at Nashville, Tenn., in the same organization, re-enlisting for three years or during the war. He was honorably discharged, on account of the termination of the war, June 10, 1865. He was in the battles of Stone River and on the famous Atlanta campaign, participating during that great campaign in the battles of Buzzard Roost Mountain, Resaca, Dallas, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Chattahoochie, and in the general engagement at Atlanta, in which Gen. McPherson was killed. He was also in the battle of Jonesboro. He then went on the march to the sea with Sherman, marched on to Goldsboro, was in the Carolina campaign, and went on to Washington, D. C., where he participated in the grand review. At the battle of Stone River, December 31, 1862, he was wounded, being shot through the left thigh, and was taken to the field hospital, but one week later rejoined his regiment. He was taken sick on the march from Murfreesboro to Chattanooga, and was in the hospital on this account one week at Manchester. He was then in hospital at Nashville eight weeks, where he was made ward master of ward 3, remaining in this capacity about six months. During the entire period of his service, with the exceptions noted, he was an active soldier, and always with his regiment on the march and in battle when it was thus engaged. He was, however, not in the battle of Chickamauga, being in the hospital at that time. But he rendered good service to the wounded in that battle. After the battle of Stone River Mr. Owens was detailed as head clerk of the mustering officer of Gen. Negley's headquarters, and served in this capacity for three weeks. He was promoted to corporal in 1862, and served as such officer to the end of the war. After the war he returned to the old homestead, the same year going to Putnam county, Ind., where he bought a farm of eighty acres, and where he taught school two winters. His wife died October 24, 1869, and he then moved to Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio, where he lived with his mother for two years. His children by his first wife were John W., James Allison, Lura E. and Alice. At Yellow Springs he again married, on March 21, 1872, his second wife being Catherine Real, by whom he had no children. She died in 1890.

Mr. Owens followed farming in Greene county until he removed to Beavertown in 1891. Afterward he removed to Byron, Greene county, and was there made postmaster under President Harrison's administration, serving about one year. He then removed to Union in 1893, and was appointed notary public by Gov. McKinley, May 9, 1894. His' second wife having died, as stated above, he married on May 7, 1891, at Beavertown, Miss Elizabeth Real, a sister of his second wife. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a steward of the church. In politics he is a republican, and is a man of undoubted honor and integrity, taking great pride, as he is justified in doing, in his record as a soldier. He is a member of Yellow Springs lodge, No. 420, F. &A. M., is a man of excellent literary attainments, and has written a volume on Greene's County's Soldiers in the Civil War. He is a member of Austin Macy post, No. 671, G. A. R. , and is a poet of no mean ability. He has written many war poems and was a newspaper correspondent during the war. Mr. Owens is thus shown to be a man of excellent parts and talents, and he is everywhere recognized as an honorable citizen and an upright man. Mr. Owens is at the present time correspondent for the Dayton Herald.

%jL>l burg, Ohio, and a member of the firm of Pansing Bros., was born in this place December 26, 1849. He is a son of John H. and Johanna Lucie (Borcherring) Pansing, mention of whom is made in the biographical sketch of Bernard J. Pansing. William H. Pansing came to manhood in Miamisburg, and was educated in its public schools, and also at the Miami Commercial college at Dayton. After completing his education he began life for himself as a farmer and continued t o follow farming until 1875. On March 1, 1876, he engaged in the general grocery, hardware, iron and steel business in connection with his brother, Bernard J. Pansing, under the firm name of Pansing Bros. , and has continued a member of the firm* ever since. His straightforward dealings with all persons with whom he comes in contact are calculated to build up the strength of the firm, largely adding to its trade and reputation.

Mr. Pansing was married October 14, 1875, to Amelia R. Shupert, daughter of George and Mary M. (Troxell) Shupert, of Miamisburg. To this marriage there have been born four children, as follows: Charles H. ; Howard, deceased; Mary M. and Ruth. Mr. Pansing has always taken great interest in religious and Sunday-school matters. He has been a member of the Lutheran church since he was fifteen years of age, and for the past twentytwo years has been a member of the choir. For seven years he has led the Sunday-school in singing, and in all ways has been a very active and useful member of both church and Sunday-school.

In 1884 he erected the business block now occupied by Mr. Clark, on Main street, and he owns and occupies a fine residence on Park avenue. Mr. Pansing is an Odd Fellow and a Patriarch Militant, uniform rank. Politically, he has always been a democrat, and as such served two years in the city council of Miamisburg, with entire credit to himself and with satisfaction to his constituents. He and his brother, Bernard J., have contributed largely to the erection of the present Lutheran church building, as did also their father, and the brothers are doing their full share toward its support.

AMALIEL PEASE, one of the exten- sive tobacco growers and general farmers of Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native here and was born May 31, 1837, a son of George and Ellen (Wheatley) Pease.

George Pease, his father, was born in Suffield, Conn., November 25, 1798, and in his early manhood followed the profession of schoolteaching. In 1825 he came west, crossing the mountains by stage to Pittsburg, Pa., where he and a companion purchased a canoe and floated down the Ohio river to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he passed the winter. In the spring of 1826, he came to Miami township, Montgomery county, and until 1828 stopped with his brother Perry, who was proprietor of a distillery at Lamme's Mills, and for a short time had charge of the distillery. He then moved to Carrollton, where he had charge of the mill office for his brothers, Horace and Perry, until 1848, when he purchased a home and engaged in miscellaneous activities. He was for a number of years treasurer and general manager of the Great Miami Turnpike company, but in 1868 retired from active business life.