Dayton City (part 42 of 50)

Israel Denlinger, whose name opens this sketch, after his marriage settled on the Denlinger homestead, where he lived a short time, and then removed to Randolph township, living there two and a half years. Then buying j a tract in Madison township, containing ninetyfour and a half acres, he removed to that ! farm, which he still owns and to which he afterward added by purchased seventeen acres. He and his wife reared the following children:

I Viola, Allen, William, Walter F., Carlton, who died a young man; Vernon, Elwood and Carrie. Mr. and Mrs. Denlinger belong to the old German Baptist church, and are most excellent members of the community, in which they have the respect of all for their kindly Christian characters.

AMUEL EARNST, a prosperous farmer of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, comes from sturdy German ancestry. His father, Mathias F. Earnst, or, as he spelled his name, Arnst, was born in Wittenberg, Germany, near the village of Falebaugh. His father owned a farm in that county. Mathias F. Arnst came to America when he was twenty-two years of age, settled in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, and married Sallie Martin, who was born in Pennsylvania. Soon after his marriage he removed to Maryland, locating near Liberty, in that state. In 1823 he came to Ohio and settled on the section of land on which Samuel Earnst now lives, his farm containing eighty acres of land, which he cleared of its timber and converted into an excellent farm. Here he lived and labored many years, prospered as a reward for his industry, and, in addition to his land in Ohio, entered 237 acres in Bartholomew county, Ind., which his two sons afterward purchased of him. Mr. and Mrs. Arnst were the parents of the following children: Hannah, John, Mary, Samuel, George, Catherine and Sallie.. Mr. Arnst died in his eighty-sixth year, at the home of his son, Samuel. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and was in all respects an honorable and upright citizen.

Samuel Earnst was born February 8, 1818, in Maryland, near Liberty. He was therefore but five years old when he came to Ohio with his parents. At that time there were no common schools, as that term is now understood, but in their place there were subscription schools, each parent paying so much for each child that he sent to be educated. At one of these subscription schools young Earnst received his early education, and it was Granville Andress, the teacher of this subscription school, who changed the spelling of the name from Arnst to Earnst. Mr. Earnst well remembers the journey from Maryland to Ohio, which was made by means of wagons. After his school days were over he took up the hard work of the farm, and when he was twentyfive years old he married Susannah Holsapple, a daughter of Adam Holsapple, the marriage ceremony being performed October 6, 1843, by Daniel Miller, a minister of the German Baptist church. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Earnst lived with her father, Adam Holsapple, for a short time, when Mr. Holsapple died, and Mr. Earnst then managed the farm for several years. In 1864 he bought his father-in-law's farm, containing eighty acres, and later purchased his present farm of seventy-five acres, which was partly cleared.

To Mr. and Mrs. Earnst were born the following children: Anna, Mary, Rebecca, Sarah, John, Noah, Nancy and Lee. After the death of his first wife Mr. Earnst married a widow, Mrs. Catherine Brown, whose maiden name was Hoover. By this marriage he had no children. After the death of his second wife he married Catherine Gnodle, who yet survives him.

Mr. Earnst, by his industry and good management, added to his possessions until he acquired 400 acres of good land, of which he has given portions to his children, and now retains only the homestead, consisting of 139 acres, and also eighty-four acres in Madison township. For fifteen years Mr. Earnst bought and sold cattle, and was also successfully engaged in the butcher's business. He has always been a good business man, and justly esteemed for his straightforward dealings with his fellow-men. He is a member of the German Baptist church.

ACOB EBY, the well-known horticulturist and farmer of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born here January 23, 1843, and springs from Pennsylvania-German stock, intermixed with Scotch-Irish.

Christian Eby, grandfather of Jacob, was born in the Keystone state, married Susan McDaniels, of Scotch-Irish descent, moved to Maryland, and settled on a farm near Hagerstown. There were born to this marriage twelve children, named John, Christian, Adam, Samuel, Wilson, James, Jacob, Betsy, Jane, Catherine, Susanna and Levina. From Maryland Christian Eby came to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he had previously bought a large tract of land on Twin creek, cleared a farm from the woods, and then moved across the line into Preble county, where he died at

Wilson Eby, father of Jacob, was, in all probability, born in Maryland ; and before twenty-one years old he came to Montgomery county, Ohio, a year before his father, Christian Eby, came, and settled on a part of the land his father had previously purchased on Twin creek. He married Elizabeth Stover, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Daniel and Susan (Fink) Stover, and to this union were born the following children : Jane, Jacob, Daniel, Susan, Catherine, James, Wilson, Christian and Elizabeth.

Wilson Eby cleared a fine farm on Twin creek, then, later, moved to Preble county, where he bought 320 acres, but eventually returned to Montgomery county and purchased 160 acres of the farm on which his son, Jacob, now lives. He was a consistent member of the German Baptist church, and died in that faith in 1884, at the age of sixty-eight years, after a life of industry, usefulness, and unswerving integrity.

Jacob Eby, whose name opens this sketch, received a good district-school education, grew to manhood on his father's farm, and on December 24, 1 866, married Miss Martha J. Jordan, who was born September 29,' 1848, in Clermont county, Ohio, a daughter of Nathaniel Wesley and Esther Ann (Scott) Jordan.

Nathaniel W. Jordan was born in North Carolina, June 22, 1813, a son of Silas Jordan, who was a slave owner and factory proprietor near Edenton, on Albemarle sound, and a very wealthy man. Nathaniel, his brother, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Silas was one of the pioneers of Clermont county, Ohio, and the Edenton of that county was by him named after the Edenton in North Carolina, and was built on his land. He lived to be eighty-six years of age, and died in

Edenton, Ohio, the father of the following children: Nathaniel W. , Jane, Louisa, Caroline and Elizabeth. He was one of the founders of the Methodist Episcopal church in Edenton, Ohio, of whi«h he was a member, and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Nathaniel W. Jordan came to Ohio with his father, and was married November 24, 1836, to Miss Esther Ann Scott, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, January 17, 1821. In 1834 the Scott family j moved from Warren county to West Woodville, in Clermont county, and settled on 180 acres of land, and in this county the daughter was married to Mr. Jordan. After his mar- : riage Mr. Jordan located on a part of his father's farm, and to his marriage there were born nine children, viz: Silas, Alexander V.,

Hannah E., Charles, Amos, Martha J., Louisa, Caroline and Frank.' Mrs. Jordan died October 27, 1893, but Mr. Jordan still survives at the age of eighty-three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Eby, after their marriage, first located on a farm of 100 acres in Preble county, Ohio, but, in 1881, a cyclone destroyed everything on the farm - fences, timber, crops, buildings, and all, excepting the residence. Mr. Eby then sold out and returned to Montgomery county, where he already owned half of his present farm, his father owning the other half, which Jacob bought. Mr. Eby is here largely engaged in the culture of fruit, having many acres in pears, grapes, apples, and other fruits. He carries on, beside, general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Eby are the parents of four children - Charles, Perry J., Daniel C., and Katie L. These children have been carefully reared and well educated. In politic Mr. Eby is a democrat, and has been a member of the school board at intervals for twenty-five years.

1753, and in that country married Martha Evans in 1784; came to America in 1794, became a minister in Grand Valley, Pa., outlived eight sons and ten daughters, and died June 23, 1834. Mrs. Jacob Eby had two brothers, Alexander and Charles, who served during the Civil war in company H, One Hundred and Fifty-third Ohio volunteer infantry; Charles died a prisoner of war at Florence, S. C., in his twenty-first year.

SAAC ERBAUGH is one of the solid farmers of Perry township, and a son of an early settler in Montgomery county. His grandfather, Jacob Erbaugh, was a native of Rockingham county, Va., married a Miss Funk, and came to Ohio in 1834. He was the father of the following children: Polly, Catherine, Susan, Nancy,

Esther, Jacob and Abraham. Jacob Erbaugh died two months after reaching Montgomery county. In Rockingham county, Va., he owned 600 acres of land, so that his family was left in comfortable circumstances. He was seventy-eight years of age at the time of his death.

Jacob Erbaugh, the father of Isaac, 'was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1797. He received a good common-school education in the German language. While yet living in Virginia he married Sarah Kibler, who was born in 1795. Mr. Erbaugh settled on his father's estate, and his children were as follows: Isaac, Jacob, Philip, Susannah, Polly and Elizabeth, the latter of whom died in infancy. Mr. Erbaugh came to Montgomery county in the fall of 1834, moving with a fourhorse team and wagon, and settling in Perry township, on the farm now occupied by his son Isaac, and which then contained seventy-five acres. Four years later Jacob Erbaugh died. From the time he was twenty-five years of age

Isaac Erbaugh was born September 11, 1820, in Rockingham county, Va., received a good common-school education, was reared on the farm, and came with his father to Ohio when about fourteen years old. He drove the four-horse team, a somewhat difficult task for a boy of that age, and was three weeks on the way. His father being blind, Isaac began while very young to do the work on the farm, and his entire youth was spent in the toil of that occupation.

He was married, April 27, 1843, to Miss Margaret Bowser, who was born November 14, 1820, in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, and is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Myers) Bowser. George Bowser was born in 1783, in Frenchtown, Pa., and became a farmer. Coming to Ohio, he married in Montgomery county. To George Bowser and wife there were born the following children: John and Betsy (twins), Nancy, Katie, Polly, Margaret, William, Philip, Henry, George, Benjamin, Daniel, and Christian. These lived to become men and women, and four others died young. George Bowser was a pioneer of Jefferson township, settled in the woods on 160 acres of land, and, in addition, owned 240 acres in Tipton county, Ind. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and lived to be nearly eighty years of age.

Mr. Erbaugh settled on the farm where he now lives, and has lived there for the past sixty-two years. He and his wife have had no children born to them; but they have reared two children, Levi Harris and Ella Johnson, the latter of whom is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh gave them a pleasant home and a good education, and treated them in every way as though they were their own. Mr. Erbaugh is a practical farmer and has a most excellent farm of 122 acres. By careful thrift and continued industry he has prospered and is now well to do. He has been a member of the German Baptist church for the past fortythree years, and is probably the oldest church member in the township. He has always been a consistent Christian man, kindly disposed toward all, and always ready to help the needy and unfortunate.

HLBERT J. ZIMMERMAN, city marshal of Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of Dauphin county Pa., born September 6, 1854, a son of Joseph and Mary (Bross) Zimmerman, of German descent. Joseph Zimmerman, also a native of Pennsylvania, was a tanner by occupation, served as a soldier in the late Civil war, and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863.

Albert J. Zimmerman received his education at the Mount Joy Soldiers' Orphan school in Lancaster county, Pa., and learned telegraphy at Jonestown, Lebanon county. He was employed in the latter capacity by the P. & R. Railroad company until 1876, when he came to Ohio and was employed at various occupations in Miamisburg until 1894. He was then elected city marshal, the duties of which office he performed so thoroughly to the satisfaction of the public that he was re-elected in 1896, and is now filling the position with great credit to himself, and, as in his first term, with the general approbation of the community.

The marriage of A. J. Zimmerman was celebrated June 19, 1879, with Miss OlettaBuehner, daughter of John and Louisa (Dechant) Buehner, the former of whom was one of the pioneer German Miamisburg contractors. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman has been blessed by the birth of four children, named, in order of birth, Pearl, Louis, Mary and Burton, and who have been reared in the religious faith of their parents - that of the Lutheran church. In his societary relations Mr. Zimmerman is a Forester, is a member of the uniform rank Knight of Pythias, and of the Sons of Veterans organization. In politics he is a republican, while the social relations of himself and family are all that could be desired.

APOLEON B. BAILEY, a prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of Washington township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born near Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, March 31, 1819. He is a son of Henry and Margaret (Musser) Bailey, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, and both of excellent families. They were the parents of four children, three of whom are still living, as follows: Simon K., of Huntington, Ind. ; Napoleon B., and William, of Dayton, Ohio.

Henry Bailey was by occupation a farmer. In early days he came to Ohio and settled in Mad River township, Clarke county, near Springfield, where he lived for some years. Then removing to Warren county he remained there until 1832, when he came to Montgomery county. In religious belief he was a Quaker, and was one of the upright, honorable band of pioneers who laid the foundations of society and of the state broad and deep. He died some two miles south of Centerville about 1834, when he was seventy-seven years of age. His wife, who was a Baptist in religion, survived him some twenty years, and died when she was about seventy years of age.

Josiah Bailey, the paternal grandfather of Napoleon B. Bailey, was a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer by occupation, a Quaker in religious belief, and died in Pennsylvania. His came to America with William Penn. The maternal grandfather, Jacob Musser, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, a farmer by occupation, and died at an advanced age in West Virginia.

Napoleon B. Bailey was reared in Warren county until he was thirteen years of age, and! then came to Montgomery county. His education was received in the common schools of both counties, and when he was eighteen years of age he began to learn the trade of a stonecutter. This trade he followed seven years, after which he lived for about three years on land rented of his father-in-law, Jesse Kelsey. At the end of this period he purchased eightyfive acres of land in Washington township, to which he has added, from time to time, until now he owns 295 acres, all of which is finely improved. From the time he was thirteen years of age he has lived in Washington township, and has been during the whole of that time, a period of more than sixty years, an important factor in bringing about the development of the county into one of the richest in the state.

Mr. Bailey was married April 8, 1846, to Rebecca A. Kelsey, daughter of Jesse and (Marsh) Kelsey. To this marriage there were born three children, viz: Jesse

Alonzo, William Henry and one who died in infancy. Jesse Alonzo married Ella Clark; William Henry married Caroline Montgomery, and has two children, Charles and Estella. Mrs. Rebecca A. Bailey died February 15, 1854, a member of the Baptist church.

Mr. Bailey again married, his second wife being Elizabeth A. Tibbals, daughter of Noah K. and Elizabeth (Silvers) Tibbals. To this second marriage there were born two children - Perry N. and Clara Belle. Clara Belle married James Lewis and has four children: Ellery, Ethel, Ralph and Herman. Elizabeth A. Bailey, the second wife of Napoleon B. Bailey,

Mr. Bailey married for his third wife Amanda E. Carver, daughter of Smith and Rachel Carver, the marriage taking place August 29, 1867. To this marriage there were born six children, as follows: Ada M., Lewis

M., Wilbur H., Rutherford H., Walter Edmund and Arthur. Rutherford H. died in infancy; Ada M. married Henry Durth, and has one child, Emma; Lewis M. married Mary Reedy. Amanda E. Bailey died June 24, 1890, a member of the Christian church.

Politically, Mr. Bailey is a republican, but has never sought official station. The esteem in which he is held in the community is inspired not alone by his material success, but by his upright character and his lifelong record as a good citizen.

HOMAS BRIDGMAN (deceased), formerly of Van Buren township, was born at Harper's Ferry, Va. , April 15, 1803. He was a son of Francis and Mary (Scott) Bridgman, natives of Virginia, the former of whom was of English and French, and the latter of Irish descent. Francis and Mary Bridgman were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom lived to mature years. Mr. Bridgman died in his native state.

Thomas Bridgman was twenty-four years of age when he came to Ohio, and he located on the farm upon which he died, and which is now occupied by his widow. His son, Charles, and his family also live on the old farm. Mr. Bridgman was a member of the United Brethren church, to which his widow still belongs. Thomas Bridgman first married, May 25, 1829, Miss Sarah John. They were the parents of two children, viz: Benjamin F. and Asa J.

for his second wife, Esther John, a sister of his deceased wife. She was born June 12, 1820. They were the parents of nine children, as follows: Sarah, Mary Jane, William Henry Harrison, John Thomas, Perry B., Albert Orion, Laura, Francis Marion, and Charles Grant.

All these children are living but Benjamin F., the first child of his first wife. Benjamin F. > had married Miss Kate Magee, and, after her death, he married a German lady. By his 1 first wife Benjamin F. had one child, Mary E. Asa J., the second child of Mr. Bridgman's first | wife, married Elizabeth Magee. They have six children, viz: Orion, Annie, Elma, Ida,

William, Cora, Annie, Calvin, Morris and Emma. William Henry Harrison married for his first wife Miss Adeline Fellows. They had four children, Henry Clay, Bertha, Ollie and Bert. For his second wife he married Hannah , Dedrick, by whom he had one child, Maud Marie. John Thomas married Laura Huston, , by whom he had four children, Edward, Min- 1 nie, Lewis and Ettie. Perry B. married Kate ! Protzman. They have three children, Leroy, 1 John and Foster. Albert Orion married Sarah Owens, who died in 1888, her two children having both died previously. Albert is a farmer of Greene county. Laura married John Shutts. 1 They have two children, May and Clarence. Francis Marion married Annie Eagle. They j have four children, Esther, Perdita, Orville and Chalmer. Charles Grant married Emma Min- : nerup, daughter of George and Mary (Link) | Minnerup. They have two children, Callie and Robert.

war of 1812 he served his country as a soldier. He bought 100 acres of land, upon which his daughter, Esther, now resides. A portion of this farm he gave to her, and Thomas Bridgman, whom she married, purchased the rest. Asa John bought another farm adjoining, which is now occupied by his son, John. Upon this farm he died about 1873, at the age of eighty-two years, his wife having died some years before, at the age of sixty-five. Both were members of the Christian church, and excellent people. In the old farm, which is owned by Mrs. Thomas Bridgman, there are 1 5 1 acres, and the entire farm is well improved. The old sawmill is run by Charles G. Bridgman and Elmer John. Charles G. Bridgman also manages a dairy and is one of the enterprising and successful farmers of the county.

AMUEL ERBAUGH, farmer, Perry township/Montgomery county, Ohio, is a son of one of the early pioneers. He was born February 2, 1836, in Rockingham county, Va., and is a son of Abraham and Susannah (Coffman) Erbaugh. He was reared a farmer and received his early education in one of the old-fashioned log cabin school-houses. He married, at the age of twenty years, August 22, 1850, Miss Esther Hay, who was born April 5., 1832, in Perry township, and who is the daughter of Michael and Christina (Krull) Hay. Michael Hay was born in Pennsylvania and when yet a young man removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he married. For fuller mention of Mr. Hay the reader is referred to the biography of George Erbaugh, elsewhere in this volume.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh settled on seventy acres of land, on which they still live. This farm he cleared of its timber, with the exception of twenty-five acres, which were cleared when he settled thereon. He has greatly improved this farm and at this time it is one of the best in the township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh are as follows: Mary A., Rachael, Susannah, Michael,

Christina, Samuel C. , John O., Harvey and Uriah E. Both Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh are members of the German Baptist church, and believe strongly in the education of the young. They are carrying their belief into practical effect by giving their own children the best available education. One of his sons, Uriah E., is a school-teacher.

Of the children of Samuel Erbaugh, Mary Ann, married Jacob Brumbaugh, by whom she has three children. They are living on a farm in Darke county. Rachael married Joseph Musselman, a contractor and builder of Dayton, and has seven children living and four deceased. Michael married Agnes Lyday, is a farmer of Perry township, and has six children. Christina married George Lyday, a carpenter and contractor of Dayton, and has four children living. John married Catherine Gerhart, is a farmer of Perry township, and has three children. Harvey married Mary Brower, of Preble county, and has one child. Uriah E., a dry-goods merchant of Pyrmont, married Lizzie Alslagel, and has one child. Samuel C. married Cora A. Rauch.

EORGE ERBAUGH, a well-known farmer of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and a member of the conservative branch of the German Baptist church, was born in Montgomery county. The family is df German origin, ?tHfe great-grandfather of George Erbaugh, Lawrence Erbach, as the name was then spelled, coming from Mannheim, Germany, and settling in Bucks county, Pa., on land frt Lower

Milford township. Here he lived and became a man of considerable wealth. His wife was Anna Mary Christian, and they had the following children: Jacob; Anne Mary, who married Theobald Samuel; Margaret, who married Jacob Rothrock; Catherine, who married David Groff; Barbara, who married John Stucker; and Anna, who married John Huber. Another son, Abraham, met his death by accident when sixteen years old.

Jacob Erbach, or Erbaugh, as the name had by this time come to' be spelled, son of Lawrence, was the grandfather of George Erbaugh. He married a Miss Funk, by whom he had the following children: Mary, wife of

Michael Billheimer; Catherine, wife of Michael Garber; Susannah, wife of Jacob Billheimer; Anna, wife of John Garber; Esther, wife of George Miller; Abraham; Rebecca, who married John Coffman, and Jacob. Mr. Erbaugh removed in 1790 to Rockingham county, Va., where he bought land and made a home for his family. In 1833 he came to Ohio, with his son, Abraham, and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by George Erbaugh, the farm being purchased by Abraham. Jacob Erbaugh was a member of the German Baptist church, and was a man of sterling character. He lived to the age of seventy-two, dying on his farm, and leaving a goodly property to his children.

Abraham Erbaugh, father of George, was born July 6, 1799, in Rockingham county, Va. By occupation he was a farmer, and in 1820 or 1821 married Miss Susannah Coffman, in that county. She was born October 26, 1799, in Rockingham county, and was a daughter of Christian Coffman. To Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh there were born the following children: Anna, Sallie, John, Samuel, Abraham, Susannah, Hester and George. In 1833 Mr. Erbaugh brought his family to Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled in Perry township, on the farm now occupied by his son George - this farm, containing 205 acres, being then mostly covered with timber. Abraham Erbaugh lived to be seventy-two years of age, dying in 1871. He was a minister of the German Baptist church, and for some years an elder. For many years he was prominent both in his church and in general society, and was a man of high Christian character, who exercised an excellent influence on all with whom he came in contact. His wife lived to be ninety years of age.

George Erbaugh, the subject of this sketch, was born March 20, 1841, on the homestead farm, and received a good common-school education. When twenty-four years of age he married Mary A. Hay, who was born October 11, 1843, Perry township, and is a daughter of Michael and Christina (Krull) Hay. Michael Hay was of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent, was born in Pennsylvania and came, when a child, to Montgomery county with his father, Valentine Hay, whose wife, the mother of Michael, was Esther Martin. The children of Michael and Christina Hay were as follows: John, Hester, Salome, Joseph, Michael, Abraham and Mary A. Michael Hay lived to be seventy-two years of age, while his wife lived to be eighty-three.

Mr. and Mrs. Erbaugh, after their marriage, settled on the Erbaugh homestead, upon which they have ever since lived. Their children are as follows: Laura B., who married Peter Neff; Amy K., who died at the age of twenty-three, the wife of Isaac Brumbaugh; Meda A., wife of J. P. Bowman; George A., Ivan L. , John O., and Ina M. Mr. Erbaugh has been a minister in the German Baptist church for fifteen years, and has during that period preached the gospel from the pulpit of the church. He stands high among his people, and is a well-read and unusually intelligent man, well equipped for the duties of his calling.

ANIEL FRANTZ, one of the wealthy pioneers of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, descends from Pennsylvania - German stock. His grandfather, Christian Frantz, moved from Berks county, Pa., to Botetourt (now Roanoke) county, Va., where he bought a farm and was successful as an agriculturist. He was a member of the German Baptist church, in the faith of which he died at a very old age, leaving four children - Michael, John, Christian and Henry. The youngest of this family, Henry Frantz, was born in Berks county, Pa., went with his father to Botetourt county, Va. , there married Mary Kinsey, and became the father of the following family: Christian,

Henry Frantz, in the fall of 1825, came from Virginia to Ohio with his family, conveying his personal effects in a four-horse wagon and Mrs. Frantz riding a saddled horse. After a journey of three weeks they reached Madison township, Montgomery county, and here Mr. Frantz purchased 160 acres of wild land, developed a good farm and passed the remainder of his days, dying in the fall of 1840, at the age of sixty-seven years, and leaving behind a name that his descendants still recall with pride.

Daniel Frantz was born in Botetourt county, Va. , February 7, 1813, and was about thirteen years old when he came to Montgomery county, Ohio, with his parents. He received little or no education, as there were no district schools at that day, but was inured to all the hard labor pertaining to a frontier farm, yet found frequent recreation in shooting wild turkeys and squirrels, and occasionally made trips into Darke county for deer. His first marriage was with Salomie Radabaugh, of Harrison township, Montgomery county, a daughter of Adam and Catherine Radabaugh, to which union were born five children, of whom two are deceased, and three - Maria, Catherine and Lucinda - are still living. The mother of these children was called from earth May 23, 1853, aged nearly forty-one years, and Mr. Frantz next married Miss Susan Arnold, who was born in Perry township, Montgomery county, a daughter of John and Barbara (Friend) Arnold, and to this union there were born three children - Ananias, Ira and Alice. Mrs. Susan Frantz died December 2, 1891, a member of the German Baptist church.

Mr. Frantz has always been a hard-working, industrious farmer, and after his first marriage rented a forty-acre tract in Madison township, then bought his present farm of 155 acres, added seventy-five acres, and by thrift and economy continued to accumulate until he now owns nearly 600 acres. Although Mr. Frantz was uneducated, he was yet a good manager and possessed of keen business perceptions. He reared his children in respectability, educated them well, and has been able to endow them with land and money as they entered upon the duties of life on their own account. In politics he is a republican, and at the age of eighty-four years retains his faculties to a remarkable degree and has an extraordinarily retentive memory.

Ira Frantz, son of Daniel and Susan (Arnold) Frantz, was born on the homestead in Madison township, September 5, 1857, and lent ready assistance in his early manhood to the development of the home farm. He was fairly well educated in the common schools, and was married in Randolph township, April 11, 1880, to Miss Elizabeth Sollenberger, who was born November 6, 1859, in the same township, a daughter of John and Catherine (Teffley) Sollenberger. Mr. Sollenberger was born in Pennsylvania, and when a boy was brought by his father, Jacob Sollenberger, to Montgomery county, Ohio, and became a substan- tial farmer of Randolph township. His children were named Elizabeth, Jacob, John, David, Aaron, Moses, William and Henry. Mr. Sollenberger was also a German Baptist minister, and died in March, 1892.

Mr. and Mrs. Frantz, after marriage, settled on the old homestead, Mr. Frantz having been presented by his father with 164 acres of land, which he has converted into a first-class farm, and to this he has added, through thrift and good management, sixty-nine acres, now owning 233 acres of fine farming land, all in one body. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Frantz has been blessed with two children: Marion A., born September 15, 1881, and Loretta B., born September 24, 1886. In politics Mr. Frantz is a republican, and has served as a member of the school board of Randolph township. He is a thoroughly practical farmer, is public spirited and prompt to aid in all enterprises designed to promote the public welfare, and enjoys the high regard of the entire community.

ANIEL GARRISON, farmer, of Washington township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in this township, on the farm upon which he now lives, August 20, 1834. He is a son of Daniel and Catherine (Metterd) Garrison, the former of whom was a native of the Red Stone country, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. They were the parents of four children, all sons, three of whom are still living: George, Daniel and Jacob. The second son of the family, Jonathan, is dead.

Daniel Garrison, the father of these children, was a blacksmith by trade, came to Ohio about 1819, and lived in Butler county for about five years. Then, removing to Montgomery county, he settled on the farm on which his son Daniel was born. His first purchase was of three acres only, and to this he added by successive purchases, from time to time, until he owned more than 100 acres at the time of his death, which occurred November 1, 1866, when he was sixty-six years of age. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, in which he held the office of deacon. She survived him until 1877, when she died, at the age of seventy-eight.

The paternal grandfather of the subject, Jonathan Garrison, was of German descent and a native of Pennsylvania. He followed ! the occupation of farming, came to Ohio at an early day, reared a family of twenty-seven children, by three wives, and died near Middletown. The maternal grandfather, George 1 Metterd, was also of German descent, and a | native of Maryland. He came to Ohio in pio- | neer days and settled in Miami township. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and likewise fol- i lowed farming. He reared a family of seven I children, and died in Washington township t when eighty years of age.

Daniel Garrison was reared on the farm upon which he now lives, and on which he has lived all his life. His education was received in the district schools, and after he became of ' age he purchased a piece of land containing five and a half acres, to which he has added from time to time until he has now eighty 1 acres, beside the home farm.

On February 15, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha Maze. To this marriage there have been born four children, viz: Rachel, Emma, Albert and Frank. Rachel married Clyde Barclow, and lives in Germantown. \ She and her husband have three children, Cecil, Glenn and Everett. Emma married Ed- j ward J. Bennett, and died in April, 1895. ' is Mr. Garrison. Politically he is a democrat. His life has been one of industry and thrift, and he has well earned his standing as a useful and reliable citizen.

OSEPH HOUS, farmer, of Perry township, Montgomery county, who is descended from one of the early pioneers of the county, was born in Preble county, Ohio, September 22, 1844. He is a son of Andrew and Mary (Richard) Hous, who gave him the best education obtainable in the district schools. Reared a farmer, he adopted that vocation for a livelihood, and married, November 27, 1868, in Perry township, Miss Eliza A. Hansbarger, who was born July 20, 1852, on the homestead of her parents, Andrew and Hannah (Wogoman) Hansbarger. Andrew Hansbarger, her father, was a son of John and Elizabeth (Niswonger) Hansbarger, the former of whom was born in Virginia, and moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, as one of the early pioneers, settling in Perry township in the fall of 1833. He cleared up his farm from the dense woods, and it is on this farm that Joseph Hous now lives. He was one of the most substantial farmers of his time. His children were as follows: Ephraim, George,

Andrew Hansbarger, the father of Mrs. Hous, was born in Virginia in 1823, and came with his father to Montgomery county in 1833. He was the father of six children, as follows: Ephraim, Sabina, Eliza, Elizabeth, John, and Daniel, the latter of whom died young. Mr. Hansbarger was one of the leading farmers of his township, owning 160 acres of land, the old Hansbarger homestead. He died when but thirty-nine years of age.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hous settled on the Hansbarger homestead, eighty acres of the old farm, where they now live, and which they have greatly improved. Mr. Hous has always been a careful and practical farmer, and is looked upon as one of the representative men of his community. He and his wife have had one child, Minnie, who on December 25, 1889, married Hugh Weaver. She died when twenty-two years of age, leaving one son, Otto H., born on the homestead, November 18, 1890. Politically, Mr. Hous is a stanch democrat.

ICHAEL HUSTON, a successful farmer of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, was born in Greene county, Ohio, eight miles from Dayton, April 24, 1837. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Swigart) Huston, the former of whom was born a short distance north of Dayton, and the latter in Greene county, Ohio. William and Elizabeth Huston were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, two of whom are now living, Michael and John. William Huston was reared on the farm north of Dayton, and grew to manhood in Montgomery county. After his first marriage he removed to Greene county, and lived there until his death, in June, 1894, when he was eighty-six years and five months old. His wife died in 1850. They were both, when young, members of the Lutheran church, but later became members of the German Reformed church. For his second wife he married Mrs. Caroline Mayhew, whose maiden name was Burke. By his second marriage he had one child, William F. Mrs. Huston, by her former marriage had a son, John B. Mayhew, and a daughter, Matilda, who died in young girlhood.

The paternal grandfather of Michael Huston was John Huston, an old Indian trader, who was in the early days at the post of Colerain, and at Fort Meigs. He was a native of Ireland, but was reared in Highland county, Ohio. He and his wife were the parents of sixteen children, and he at his death was buried at South Whitley, Ind. The maternal grandfather, Michael Swigart, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and came to Ohio at an early day, settling in Greene county, where he acquired 1,200 acres of land. He was twice married, and when he died was upward of eighty-six years of age.

Michael Huston was reared on the farm in Greene county, which adjoins the farm he now owns in Montgomery county. He followed farming until he was nineteen years of age and then learned the carpenter trade, following that trade until the breaking out of the late Civil war. In 1864 he enlisted in company K, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served six months. After the war he returned to his home in Montgomery county and resumed farming, which occupation he has followed ever since. He began by renting 100 acres of his father, which later fell to him in accordance with his father's will.

On July 27, 1870, he married Martha M. Morgan, daughter of Merrill Morgan and Jane (Allen) Morgan. To this marriage there were born three children, Harry G., Belle and David Franklin, all of whom are living at home. Mrs. Huston died in 1886, a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Huston belongs to the Old Guard post, No. 23, G. A. R. , of Dayton. Politically he is a republican, but has never sought office of any kind. During his entire life of fifty-nine years he has lived within about eight miles of Dayton. He has always been a man of high standing among his fellow-citizens, and is one of those in whom all place confidence.

EV. AMOS HYRE, a member of the old German Baptist church, is a grandson of one of the pioneers of Montgomery county. His grandfather, Wesley Hyre, was from North Carolina, and was an original pioneer, settling in Madison township at a very early day. At the time of his arrival in this county, the land was almost entirely covered with timber, so that his first home here was in the forest, from which he cleared his farm. He and his wife reared the following children: Wesley, Solomon, Isaac, Moses, Abraham, Absalom, Daniel, Belinda and Nancy. The head of this family lived to a great age. In religion he was a member of the German Baptist church.

Moses Hyre, fourth child of Wesley, was the father of Amos Hyre. He was born in Madison township, Montgomery county, March 19, 1819. By trade a bricklayer, he also ran a sawmill in company with his brother, Absalom. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Stoner, was a native of Frederick county, Md., and a daughter of . William and Elizabeth Stoner. Their children were named William, Amos, Sarah and Susan. After his marriage Moses Hyre settled on land in Madison township, upon which he spent the rest of his life, dying when seventy-three years of age. A man of high character and a member of the German Baptist church, he stood well in the estimation of the community.

Rev. Amos Hyre was born March 14, 1846, in Madison township, and in his youth received a common-school education. At the age of twenty-one he married Miss Mary Denlinger, who was born in Madison township, September 14, 1843, and is a daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Miller) Denlinger. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hyre settled on seventy-six acres of land, his present farm, which was at the time only partially cleared. This farm he has greatly improved by systematic cultivation and by the erection of good buildings. To Rev. Mr. Hyre and his wife there have been born the following children: Jennie, Edwin E., Abraham \V. , Mazie

E. and Orpha. Beside these, who are all yet living, there were born several others, who have died. Mr. Hyre has been a deacon in the German Baptist church since December, 1 88 1, and a minister of the church since April 28, 1882, since which time he has been earnestly engaged in preaching the gospel to the people. He is one of the most worthy men in Montgomery county, and stands high among those who know him not alone for his devotion to his calling, but also for his sterling character as a man and citizen.

ESSE P. KIMMEL, of Trotwood, Ohio, a successful farmer of Madison township, is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Montgomery county. Fuller mention of the Kimmel family will be found in the biography of Aaron Kimmel, in this volume.

Louis Kimmel, father of Jesse P., was born in Somerset county, Pa., August 24, 1804, and was a son of David and Barbara (Kroner) Kimmel. The founder of this family in America was David Kimmel, the grandfather of Louis Kimmel, he coming to this country from Switzerland in 1760. He settled in York county, Pa., and reared a family of eight children, as follows: Abram, Jacob, Isaac,

Philip, David, Solomon, Michael and Lizzie. Of this family, David was the father of Louis Kimmel, who was the father of Jesse P. Barbara Kroner, wife of David Kimmel, was born in Somerset county, Pa., and they were the parents of six children.

Louis Kimmel had but limited educational advantages, though he made the best use of such as he enjoyed. His father carne to Montgomery county in 1817, and settled on land in Madison township, Louis living at home until his father's death, which occurred September 25, 1827. David Kimmel was a Jacksonian democrat, and a member of the German Baptist church. His wife died November 28, 1840, a devout member of the same church with her husband. Louis Kimmel married, August 28, 1828, in Clay township, Mary Niswonger, who was born May 26, 1808, the daughter of Levi Niswonger. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel became the parents of twelve children, as follows: Michael, Sarah, Eliza, Joseph, Barbara,

Mary, Susan, Levi S., Ellen, Jesse P., Louis C. , and Charles, all of whom lived to mature years except Eliza, and all are now living except Eliza, Michael and Charles. Louis Kimmel settled on his father's old homestead, where the soldiers' home is now located, and assisted in clearing up the farm from the woods. He lived on this homestead, which originally consisted of 200 acres, and to which he added by thrift and industry until he owned 450 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel were members of the German Reformed church. Mr. Kimmel was a democrat of the Jacksonian type, and a typical pioneer. He lived to be about seventyfour years old, dying in 1878.

Jesse P. Kimmel, the subject of this sketch, was born May, 27, 1846, on the old homestead, and received the usual common-school education of the day. Reared a farmer, he adopted that occupation as his life work, and on March 28, 1869, he married, at Dayton, Ohio, Catherine Lingle, who was born November 8, 1847, in Miami township, a daughter of Daniel and Anna Mary (Long) Lingle.

Daniel Lingle was of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock, and when a young man came to Montgomery county, Ohio. He was a shoemaker by trade, and married Anna Mary Long, March 10, 1842. She was born June 14, 1812, at Annville, Pa., and was a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Grebil) Long. Henry Long moved by wagon as a pioneer to Montgomery county, Ohio, settling in West Dayton, where he entered 200 acres of land and cleared up a fine farm. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Henry, Jacob, Christopher, Anna Mary, Katie, Susan and Barbara. Mr. Long was a substantial farmer, a member of the River Brethren church, and lived to a good old age. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lingle settled on land in Van Buren township, where he worked at his trade until his death, which occurred in middle life. His children were Amanda and Catherine, and others who died in their infancy or youth.

Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel settled on land in Madison township, and at length he purchased a farm of 123 acres, to which by good husbandry he has added other acres, and made an excellent farm. He erected an attractive farm residence and other buildings, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. His children are Edward B. and Ida M. Politically Mr. Kimmel is a democrat. Edward B. Kimmel, a farmer of Montgomery county, married, February 22, 1894, Susan Beachley, and Ida M. married Frank James, an attorney at law of Dayton, Ohio.

Dward Franklin Newcom

DWARD FRANKLIN NEWCOM, farmer, of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, was born February 7, 1858. He is a son of Edward and Cynthia (Irvin) Newcom, both of whom were natives of Ohio. Edward and Cynthia Newcom were the parents of seven children, two sons and five daughters. Four of the seven children are still living, as follows: Irene, wife of Christian F. Rohrer; Caroline, wife of William Richmond; Lucy, wife of Oliver Roop, and Edward Franklin.

dealer, and lived his entire life on the old farm, % in Van Buren township. He died March 23, f 1882, at the age of sixty-seven years. His s wife is still living on the old place. She is a member of the United Brethren church.

Edward Newcom, the paternal grandfather ' of Edward F. , was a native of Ireland, came to America with his parents when a boy, mar- <j ried here and reared a family of nine children. The maternal grandfather, Moses P. Irvin, ! was a native of North Carolina, and left that ! state with his parents when he was nine years t old, they settling in Washington township, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he grew to mature years. There he continued to reside \ until his death, in 1861, when he was seventy | years of age. His wife, whose maiden name j was Rachael Tibbies, died about six years before her husband.

Edward Franklin Newcom lives on the old farm upon which both he and his father were born. This farm now contains 160 acres of land. On January 12, 1887, he married Miss Nettie C. Prugh, daughter of Levi and Ruhama (Marshall) Prugh. To this marriage there have been born three children: Virgil,

Noble and Essa. Mr. Newcom, in politics, is i a republican, but is in no sense of the word an ! office-seeker. He is a member of one of the oldest and best known families in the county, and is a progressive thinker and farmer.

EORGE OLDT, postmaster of Beavertown, was born in New York city June 5, 1839. He is a son of George J. and Catherine (Kuntz) Oldt, the former a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and the latter of Rheinbrein, Germany. They were the parents of two children - Catherine, now deceased, and George. George J. Oldt was a shoemaker by trade, and came to the United States in 1833, locating in the city of

New York, and for some time working as a journeyman. About 1 846 he removed to Pennsylvaniasburg, Ind., where he carried on the shoe business until his death, at the age of sixty-four years. His wife survived him for some two years, and died at the age of sixtytwo. Both were Christians, he a member of the Lutheran church and she of the Catholic church. The paternal grandfather, George Oldt, was a miller by trade, had a family of four sons, and died in Germany. The maternal grandfather had a large vineyard, kept a public house, and also died in Germany.

George Oldt removed to Indiana with his parents, grew to manhood at Pennsylvaniasburg, and there learned the trade of his father - the shoemaker's trade. Remaining at home until the breaking out of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Sixteenth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served thirteen months as corporal. At the end of this time he re-enlisted, in the Eightv-third Indiana volunteer infantry, company G, of which company he was commissioned first lieutenant, served in that capacity one and a half years, and was then commissioned captain. In this position he served until the close of the war, his entire service covering something more than four years, from April, 1861, to June, 1865. His first engagement was at Chickasaw Bayou, where he suffered a gunshot wound in the left arm. After being for some weeks in the hospital at Paducah, Ky. , he rejoined his regiment at Vicksburg. Going thence to Memphis he marched to Bridgeport, Ala., and was afterward in the battle of Missionary Ridge, that most remarkable battle of the war in one respect, having been won by the private soldiers against the orders of the commanding general. His next engagement was at Resaca, where he was wounded in the leg. He was in nearly all the battles of the famous Atlanta campaign, being under fire more than two hundred consecutive days. From Atlanta he marched to the sea, and thence up through the Carolinas, and was within three days' march of Richmond when that place was surrendered to Gen. Grant.

Returning to his home after the war was over, Mr. Oldt was married, September 20, 1865, to Miss Helen Ratheuser, daughter of Frederick and Helen (Yink) Ratheuser. To this marriage five children were born, two sons and three daughters: George Frederick,

Charles William, Emma, Annie and Ellen. George Frederick has been in the regular army for eight years, and Charles recently returned from the regular army, in which he had served three years. Emma married William Hiney, and lives with her family, consisting of husband and four children, in Dayton. The names of the children are as follows: Nellie, Frederick, George Calvin and Anna May. Annie married George Castenborder, of Dayton, and Ellen lives at home.

Mrs. Helen Oldt, first wife of George Oldt, and mother of the above-named five children, died in 1877, a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Oldt married, March 5, 1879, Miss Margaret Buehler, daughter of Mark and Margaret (Boyer) Buehler. To this second marriage there have been born four children, one son and three daughters, as follows: Frank, Gertie, Mary and Caroline. Mr. Oldt is a Lutheran in religion. He is a member of Earnshaw post, No. 590, G. A. R., and in politics is a democrat. As such he has served as township clerk for nineteen years, and has recently been elected for another term. Under the first administration of President Cleveland he was postmaster at Beavertown postoffice, and again served in that capacity under the second administration of President Cleveland. Having lived in Beavertown since 1867, he is one of the oldest as well as one of the most highly respected citizens of the place. His grocery store he has conducted for about eighteen years. Mr. Oldt is widely known throughout Montgomery and surrounding counties, and is as well known for his integrity as for his business capacity.

OHN H. PLANDER, one of the substantial farmers of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born April 22, 1842, in Hanover, Germany, near Bremen, a son of Gerd A. and Adaline (Windhorst) Plander. The father, Gerd A., was born in the same place, where his ancestors had lived for generations. He was a farmer, but in humble circumstances, and worked at farm labor for the current wages paid able-bodied hands - six cents per day; but he was industrious and frugal, and managed to keep his family in comfort. He and his wife were the parents of John H., Margaret and Sophia (who died in Germany at the age of thirty years, the wife of John Voge). The father died at the age of seventy-six years and the mother at sixty-six, both in the faith of the Lutheran church.

John H. Plander was early trained to hard work, received the usual public-school education, and at the age of seventeen years began working for neighboring farmers, receiving for his first year's labor $17. He so worked for several years, and the last year in his home neighborhood received $35 in gold; he then went to another part of the country, and for one year's labor was given his board and $40 in gold. In 1867 he came to America, sailing from Bremen in the steamer Atlanta, and arriving in New York September 13. He went to Cincinnati and then to West Alexandria, Preble county, Ohio; he worked in the latter place four weeks, and then returned to Cincinnati, where he was employed for a time in the Eagle White Lead factory. Finding that this business was injurious to his health, he then worked in a foundry two and a half years; he j| then found employment with the Herman | lit' Lackman Brewing company, with which he j fe remained twelve years, of which period he was ! for eight years its trusted collector - having : 111 the charge of six routes and collecting annu- ik ally $350,000. j *t

The marriage of Mr. Plander took place thin West Alexandria, Ohio, February 28, 1868, ; c with Miss Annie Maggie Sekamp, who was ® born in Germany April 8, 1848, and came to ll America in the same steamer with her future - ; husband. To this marriage have been born two children - John F. and Harry A. April 19, 1

1883, Mr. Plander brought his family to Mont- 1 gomery county and settled on eighty acres of improved land in Perry township, and to this he has added until he now owns 1 1 1 acres, and has a most pleasant home. He is largely engaged in the breeding of swine and poultry.

Mr. and Mrs. Plander are members of the Lutheran church at West Alexandria, of which Mr. Plander has been a trustee. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Honor, of Humboldt lodge, I. O. O. F., I. O. R. M. and the A. P. A., all of Cincinnati. In politics he is a republican, and has served as judge of elections for three years. He is much respected for his straightforward methods of doing business and for his unswerving integrity of character.

LARK PINE, formerly an active farmer, now retired, and living at Centerville, Ohio, was born in Miami township, Montgomery county, Ohio, December 23, 1831. His parents, Simeon - and Sarah (Haines) Pine, were both natives of New Jersey. Six children were born to Simeon and Sarah Pine, as follows: Susan, widow of

Simeon Pine came to Ohio, in 1 8 1 8, from nail New Jersey, walking all the way, and carrying hf his wallet on a stick. Upon arriving at va! j Waynesville he had only his bull's eye watch, ln8iand thirty-seven cents in money. This was the sum total of his wealth, and the capital with which he began to make his way in life in Ci this then wild western country. His first work was as a farm laborer, *and his wages $8 per month and board. After some time spent in j this way he began raising crops on other people's land, and at length purchased 164 acres of land for himself, one-half of which Clark Pine now owns. This purchase was made in 1836, and upon this farm he lived until 1855, when he died at the age of fifty-five. Simeon Pine was in politics a whig, was a believer in a tariff for protection and took great delight in I discussing political questions. In religion he was a Quaker, as was also his wife, who sur- ; vived him and who married a second time.

Samuel Pine, the paternal grandfather of Clark Pine, was a native of Camden, N. J. He was one of a large family, the members of which upon reaching their maturity scattered throughout the different states of the Union. Samuel, however, remained in New Jersey, became a farmer and died in his native state. He and his wife reared a large family, and they both died well advanced in years. The maternal grandfather, John Haines, was also a native of Camden, N. J., was one of the earliest of the settlers of Montgomery county, Ohio, lived some years in Washington township, and removed thence to Springboro, Warren county, where he died at an advanced age. He was married three times, all of his wives dying before him. In religion he was a Quaker, and by occupation a farmer.

Clark Pine was reared in Montgomery county, and has lived in Washington township since 1836. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of ag.e, having in the meantime secured a good education in the district schools. Dreading an ax and a cross-cut saw more than almost anything else, he went to Dayton just before he was twenty-one years of age, and was examined for a teacher's certificate, which he was granted, and thereafter for three years he taught school in the winter season, working on the farm in the summer time. During this period his father died, and Clark, returning to the farm, was the main support of the family for some years.

Young Pine went to Cincinnati with the intention of learning bookkeeping, but being dissatisfied with that study and with the labor of keeping books, he returned to his home, where he taught school and carried on farming, in the manner related above, for three years. During this time he was unusually successful in his business management, as he not only paid off a debt of $1,000 of his father's, but also accumulated $1,000 for himself, all out of his one-third interest in the farm proceeds. For three years longer he continued to farm, and then purchased half of the farm of the heirs, on which there were no buildings. His portion he then improved, erected a house and other buildings, and still owns the half thus purchased. This farm lies one mile and a half south of Centerville.

On November 11, 1858, Mr. Pine was married to Theresa Miskelley, daughter of Robert and Mary (Jackson) Miskelley. To this marriage there have been born six children, as follows: Edwin, Robert, Lewis, Samuel K.,

Laura and Clara. Edwin married Susan Hannah and has two children, Dell and Elbert. Edwin is himself now farming on the old place. Robert is keeping store in Centerville; he married Laura Watkins and has one child, Herbert. Lewis, who lives on the Allen place, married Nettie Wilson and has two children, John and Ernest. Samuel K. is in the office of County Treasurer Sunderland, and is un-

Mr. Pine is in politics a republican, and as such was elected township treasurer of Washington township, in i860, holding the office for thirty years in all, twenty-eight years in succession. He is serving as clerk of the township at the present time. For twenty years he has been notary public, and he has also served as justice of the peace several terms. For the past ten or eleven years he has lived in Centerville, where he had before lived two or three times at intervals, managing the store for two years and a half.

Mr. Pine has been one of the most prominent men of the county for many years, and has been honored by his fellow-citizens beyond the average of men. He belongs to one of the oldest families in the county, and is fully sustaining its reputation for all that constitutes good citizenship and an honorable manhood.

OHN W. PRISER, whose post-office is Pyrmont, Ohio, and who is one of the thriving farmers of Perry township, is a grandson of one of the old pioneers of Montgomery county. His grandfather, Philip Priser, was born in Pennsylvania, and in that state married Mary Foutz, who was of German antecedents in Maryland. Philip Priser removed to Ohio in 1816, and settled on Bear creek, in Perry township, on 160 acres of land, but little of which had been cleared. The rest of his land he cleared and made a good home for his family. His children were as follows: Frederick, Michael,

Daniel, Sarah and Mary. In 1832-33 a cyclone passed over his land, laying low a great deal of his timber, and barely missing his house, a double log cabin, in which fifteen people had taken shelter. Philip Priser was a member of the German Baptist church, and lived to be eighty-six years of age, dying at Sharpsburg. ; He was well known as one of the sturdy pio- in neers of Perry township, and a trustworthy, j li« honorable man.

Michael Priser, the father of John W. , was , born in Pennsylvania, and came with his father te1 to Ohio when he was sixteen years of age. In j t» Perry township he married Sarah Flory, whose j 3 parents came from Germany. The ship in , which they crossed the ocean was boarded by , pirates, and robbed of all its supplies. They i > lost all the money they possessed and the j grandmother died of fright.

W., Mary and Joseph. Mrs. Priser died in 1834, at the age of sixty-two years, and Mr. Priser again married, his second wife being Margaret Shepler, by whom he had one son, William. After the death of his second wife, and Noah. Mr. Priser first entered eighty acres of land, which he afterward sold, and then entered eighty acres in Perry township, which latter he improved and made into a good farm and home. He was a member of the German Baptist church. His death occurred in 1875, at the age of seventy-five years, and his wife survived him eleven years.

John W. Priser, the subject of this sketch, was born March 27, 1830, in Perry township. Reared a farmer's boy, he became a farmer, and was married, October 5, 1851, in Preble county, to Miss Jernimah Wysong, who was J born in November, 1829', and was a daughter of Charles and Margaret (Gustin) Wysong. Charles Wysong was of German ancestry and came from Virginia, and was a son of Jacob and Jernimah (Cottrell) Wysong. Jacob Wysong was one of the pioneers of Preble county, who settled there in the woods about 1818, and cleared up a farm of 160 acres. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and lived to be over seventy years of age. His children were as follows: Stephen, Charles,

John, Joseph, Robert, Matthew, James, Elizabeth, Lydia, William, Henry, Jacob and Valentine. Mr. Wysong, father of Mrs. Priser, married Margaret Gustin, by whom he had the following children: Hannah, Harrison, Jemimah, Stephen, Lydia, Betsey, -Rachael, Jacob, Margaret, Dorothy, Annie and Mary, the last of whom died in infancy. Mr. Wysong was engaged in sheep husbandry, and died in 1890. Politically, he was a democrat.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Priser settled in Perry township on a farm, and lived there until 1856, when Mr. Priser bought seventy-two acres of land, which he cleared of its timber and converted into a home. His children are as follows: Catherine, Benjamin

F., John H., Rachael A., Joseph, Perry, Nora, Minnie and Mattie. Politically, Mr. Priser, though formerly a republican, is now a democrat. He has held the office of township trustee one year, and that of treasurer six years. He has also served as a member of the school board, and as justice of the peace four years. He has reared his children in such a manner that they have all won for themselves respectable positions in society, and they, like their parents, are esteemed for their many excellent qualities of mind and heart.

ILLIAM RICHMAN, farmer, of Van Buren township, Montgomery county, was born in Dayton, Ohio, September 22, 1830. He is a son of David and Ruth (Johnson) Richman, both natives of Salem county, N. J. David and Ruth Richman were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, William being the only one now living. They came to Ohio about

1826, driving over the mountains, and locating in Dayton, where Mr. Richman died in 1832. While living in the east Mr. Richman followed farming and ran a saw-mill, but after reaching Dayton he became a grocer. His wife survived until 1 878, when she died at the age of seventysix. She was a most exemplary woman, of strong character, and a member of the Universalist church.

Daniel Richman, the paternal grandfather of William, was a native of Salem county, N. J., and for some time served there as judge. He was the father of a large family and died at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Johnson, was also a native of Salem county, N. J., a farmer by occupation, the father of a large family, and lived to an old age. Both grandfathers were factors in the development of Salem county, and the memory of both is cherished until the present day in the county of their birth.

William Richman lived in Dayton, Ohio, until he was ten years old, removing then to Madison county, where he lived until 1874. For many years he was engaged in driving and leading horses over the mountains to Philadelphia, making three trips each year. In 1 874 he removed to Van Buren township, Montgomery county, and bought a farm of 190 acres, known as the Clint Wilson farm, and lying directly across the road from his present home; this is owned by his wife, and contains seventy acres. Mr. Richman also has 320 acres in Madison county, and all three farms are finely improved. While Mr. Richman's education in his youth was but limited, yet by careful reading and thinking, and by wide and accurate observatidri of men and events, he has acquired a large fund of information and is one of the best-read' man of his community.

Laura D., Dora, Estes, Ruth and Carrie. Edward N. is a bookkeeper in Buffalo, N. Y. The other children are living at home. Mr. Richman has been a successful man, having acquired what property he now owns by his own thrift and industry, aided by the efforts of his most excellent wife. The Newcom family is so well identified with the history of Montgomery county, that it would be superfluous to here further allude to it.

$ I Van Buren township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Schuylkill county, Pa., December 22, 1822. He is a son of Daniel and Catherine (Faustenock) Yike, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and the parents of eleven children, five of whom are still living, as follows: Daniel; Rebecca, widow of Aquilla Parish; Catherine, wife of David Baughman; Elizabeth, widow of Frank Meek, and Abraham.

Daniel and Catherine Yike lived to be quite aged people, highly respected and honored by the pioneers who formed their acquaintance. Mr. Yike came to Ohio about 1836, and was one of the most useful of the early settlers, being a blacksmith by trade, as well as a farmer. He settled in Fairfield county, and there lived until his death, April 18, 1884, when he was seventy-five years of age. His wife lived four or five years after his death. They were members of the Christian, or, as it was then known, the New Light church.

The paternal grandfather of the subject, Daniel Yike, was a native of Germany, and upon emigrating to the United States, settled in the state of Pennsylvania, where he died at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather lived and died in the same state. Both these

Daniel Yike, whose name opens this sketch, was about fourteen years old when his parents came to Ohio. Fg>r eight years he lived in Fairfield county, and then removed to Montgomery county, which has ever since been his home, though he traveled extensively in his youth in the United States and Canada. On February 28, 1853, he married Miss Elizabeth Parish, daughter of Luke and Rachel (Pearce) Parish, then of Fairfield county, though originally from Maryland. To this marriage there were born three children: Rachel, Romancy

Ann and Joseph. Rachel married Jacob Bellman of Van Buren township, and has seven children. Romancy Ann married Samuel Herrington. They live at Ellenwood, Kans. , and have no children. Joseph married Kittie Routsong, and has had four children, two of whom are living. After the death of his first wife, Joseph Yike married Maggie Sheehe, and they now live at Indianapolis, Ind., and have one child.

Daniel and Mrs. Yike have lived in their present beautiful home ever since the first year after their marriage. When Mr. Yike was a young man he learned the carpenter trade, and followed that trade for forty years. He has a well-improved farm of fifty-one acres, which is under a high state of cultivation. The county of Montgomery, since Mr. Yike became an inhabitant thereof, has made wonderful strides in growth and development, and is now one of the foremost in the state. Mr. Yike is universally respected for his temperate, upright and useful life. His wife, who like himself has hosts of friends, is a member of the Reformed church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Yike have so lived that they can look back through the vista of the many years they have passed so happily together, and heave no sigh because of the neglect of any duty.

Of Dayton And Mc

^ ENRY APPLE, of Germantown, Ohio, one of the substantial farmers 1 F of Jefferson township, Montgomery county, and a most prosperous and respected citizen, sprang from Pennsylvania Dutch stock.

His grandfather, who was also named Henry Apple, was born in Berks county, Pa., and was a son of John Apple. This grandfather, Henry, married Sarah E. Gebhart, of Berks county, and they became the parents of thirteen children, all of whom reached mature years, married and reared families of their j own. These thirteen children were as follows: John, Henry, George, Catherine, Elizabeth, Magdalene, Margaret, Eli, Encch, Eve, Barbara, Daniel and Tennie. Henry Apple removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1805, entering land in Jefferson township, eighty acres, which he cleared up and lived upon about seven years. In 1813 he removed to Jackson township and there bought 160 acres, which he ij made his permanent home, clearing up this lat- 1 ter farm from the woods. He became prosperous because of his steady, industrious habits, bought more land, and gave eighty acres to each of his children. He was a Lutheran in religion, and was one of the founders of the Slyfer church, in connection with Philip Slyfer. This church was founded in 1819 and is still in existence. Politically, Mr. Apple was a democrat and was one of the foremost citizens of Jackson township. He was one of the sturdy pioneers, and an honorable man. His father, John, came later to this country, and here passed the remainder of his days.

Henry Apple, son of the above and father of the subject, was born in 1802, in Berks county, Pa., where two of his brothers, John and George, were also born, the remainder of the family being born in Montgomery county, Ohio. Henry was but three years old when brought to Ohio by his parents, and grew up a pioneer among the pioneers. Trained to a farmer's life he naturally adopted that vocation. He married Elizabeth Rodehefer, who was born in 1807, and was a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Ruby) Rodehefer, both of whom were of German descent and pioneers of Montgomery county. Henry Apple and his wife settled in the woods in Jackson township, prospered by hard work and economical management, and in 1838 bought 160 acres of land in that township. Mr. Apple also entered 160 acres in Darke county. He was a member of the Lutheran church, in which he was a deacon and an elder, as was his father before him. His children were as follows: William, Julia,

George, Solon, Catherine, Barbara, Henry and Elizabeth. The above children were by his first wife, after whose death he married Sarah Stroup, by whom he had the following children: John; Samuel; Louisa, who died at the age of seventeen; Mary, who died at the age of twenty years; Lydia, Hiram, David, and Sarah Eve. Thushewas the father of sixteen children, fourteen of whom were living at the time of his death. Politically, he was a democrat, and as a citizen he was held in high regard.

Henry Apple, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jackson township, August 6, 1835, received a common-school education and was reared a farmer. On March 13, 1856, he married Catherine Meckley, daughter of Christian and Nancy (Kuner) Meckley, of whom fuller mention is made elsewhere in this volume. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Apple settled on 144 acres of land in Jefferson township, upon which they lived thirty-five years. This land Mr. Apple cleared up from the woods and made of it a good farm and home, putting up good buildings and improving the farm in every way. By careful management and hardy thrift he added to his possessions, owning at one time 320 acres of land. In 1892 he built a pleasant residence on the township line, and now lives on a small property, his children having been given the greater part of his land. He is a member of the Slyfer Presbyterian church, of which he has been for many years a trustee. His wife is a member of the Reformed church. Mr. Apple was a member of the building committee of the new Slyfer church edifice, built for the Union church. Politically, he is a democrat, but is not an office seeker. His children are as follows: Lucinda; Benjamin F. ; Oliver, who died at the age of three years; and Perry. Mr. Apple is a most worthy citizen, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of valued friends and acquaintances.

AMUEL BECK, prominent as a contractor and builder in his native town- ^ j ship of Jefferson, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born August 17, 1850, a son of Samuel and Annie (Getter) Beck, and here he has been reared to manhood, his present post-office address being Ellerton, Ohio.

Henry Beck, his paternal grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, but early became one of the pioneers of Salem, Montgomery county, Ohio; while John Getter, his maternal grandfather, also a native of Pennsylvania, was one of the pioneers of Jefferson township; and thus it will be seen that Samuel Beck, our subject, is of long-time Buckeye descent.

Samuel Beck, Sr., settled on a farm near Liberty, Montgomery county, Ohio, prior to 1840, and here pursued his trade of carpentering until his death, which occurred in 1850. His children were four in number and were named, in order of birth, Mary, who became the wife of Frederick Staver; Martha J., the wife of Fred Schwartztrauben ; Henry; and Samuel, whose name opens this sketch.

HNDREW H. BAKER, one of the early merchants of Phillipsburg, and now among the most respected citizens of Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born on his father's farm, in Randolph township, same county, March 25, 1821.

Grandfather Baeker, as the name was originally spelled, came from Pennsylvania about the year 1800 and entered a section of land in Randolph township, settling near the saw-mill ship and received the best education its com- ,|L« mon schools afforded, and, after having passed through his schoolboy days, served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he learned thoroughly. For six years after serving his term of apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman, perfecting himself in the meanwhile in- his trade, and was thus enabled, in 1878, to start in business on his own account in Gettersburg, Montgomery county, the postoffice of which village, as has been mentioned, is known as Ellerton. He has made a marked success in his vocation, and is probably now the most prosperous contractor and builder of Jefferson township.

The marriage of Mr. Beck took place, in 1878, to Miss Martha Howser, the accomplished daughter of John and Sarah Ellen (Drill) Howser, of Miarnisburg, Ohio, and as a result of this union there are ten children. They are John H. , who is a teacher by profession; Samuel; Jennie, the wife of Harley Long; Annie; Ida, married to Furman Woodward; Howard, Charles, Edith, Flora and Ethel. The father is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in politics adheres to the democratic party, and no man is more favorably known throughout the county, as a business man and public-spirited citizen, tha«n Samuel Beck.

now owned by Henry Baker. The tract at that time was a dense forest, but Mr. Baeker i cleared up a fine farm from the woods. His wife bore the maiden name of Echelman, and bore -her husband five children, who were named John, Samuel, David, Henry and An drew. The father of these children, however, did not live many years after reaching Ohio, and at his death divided his property equally among his children.

David Baker, father of Andrew H. Baker, was a youth when brought to Ohio by his parents, and here attained his majority on the home farm. He married Salomi Hart, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1797, and whose parents came to Ohio at the same time with the Bakers - the Hart children being named William, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Salomi, of whom Elizabeth and Rebecca were respectively married, in Ohio, to a Mr. Kessler and a Mr. Hazen. After his marriage David Baker settled on his own farm of 112 acres, near the old homestead in Randolph township, close to the county line. He died, however, at a comparatively early age, the father of three children - Lavina, Andrew H. and David. Mrs. Baker afterward married John Turner, to which union was born one child, Rebecca, who married James Ross.

Andrew H. Baker was educated in the pioneer schools of his early day, and at the age of sixteen years began learning the cabinetmaker's trade in Salem, served three years, and then worked one year in Dayton, with R. J. Wagoner. But he did not long continue at his trade, as in 1842, at the age of twenty-one years, he engaged in mercantile business in Phillipsburg, which he found to be more to his taste and profit, and which he pursued for the long period of nearly fifty years, selling out in 1890, when he retired with a competency. In his career as a merchant, Mr. Baker formed several co-partnerships, viz: First, with John

Fry, who was the earliest responsible merchant of Phillipsburg, the partnership lasting six years; next, with David Swank, four years; then, with his own brother, David Baker, for several years. At one time the firm was composed of four members - Andrew H. and David Baker, Peter Smith and David Swank. These partners carried on a store in Phillipsburg and one at West Alexandria, in Preble county, and did a large country trade until the dissolution of the firm. Andrew H. continued alone for some years in Phillipsburg, then admitted his son, Charles W., into partnership, but for the last few years of his mercantile life he was again alone. Although practically retired, Mr. Baker still owns a sawmill, over which he keeps a supervision.

Andrew H. Baker was united in marriage March 29, 1842, in Phillipsburg, with Miss Hannah Thomas, who was born in that village January 3, 1825, a daughter of Dr. William and Mary (Cox) Thomas. Dr. William Thomas was a son of John Thomas, who came from South Carolina in the early part of the present century and settled in Clay township, where he entered a farm, on which he died at an advanced age, the father of four children - Isaiah, George, William and Nancy. Dr. William Thomas, father of Mrs. Baker, was a physician of note in Phillipsburg, but removed to and died in Indiana, the father of seven children - Hugh M., Micajah, Priscilla, Asenath, Nancy, Hannah and Sarah. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Baker has been blessed with the following children : Charles W., Granville (died September 5, 1896), Dr. Edson R. ,

In politics Andrew H. Baker was originally a democrat, but was a strong prohibitionist, and became one of the organizers of the republican party in his township. His was the only house in Phillipsburg, in the early days, that would give shelter to an abolitionist, but he adhered tenaciously to the cause until it at last became triumphant. He never sought public office, but as a matter of duty served nine years as justice of the peace. He was a strong Union man during the Civil war, and furnished two sons to the army - Charles and Granville - both of whom were in the threeyears' service, were in the Atlanta campaign and followed Sherman to the sea. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Christian church, and Mr. Baker, a man of broad intelligence, is liberal in his religious views. He occupies a high position in the esteem of his fellow-citizens, and his influence is felt throughout the county in ever}' movement designed to promote the public good.

AMUEL G. CLAGETT, a successful farmer and fruit grower of Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in this township, within a quarter of a mile of his present home, December 26, 1852. His parents, Samuel M. and Elizabeth ("Drill ) Clagett, were Natives of Maryland, he of Frederick county, and she of Washington county. They were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: Annie J., wife of S. W. Lakin, living in Columbus, Ohio; Harriet, widow of George McCausland; Mary, wife of S. A. Bailey; John W. ; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Smith, of Dayton; Martha, wife of George K. Funderberg, of Carlisle, Ohio; Samuel G. ; Maggie, wife of Charles B. Attick, and James W.

Samuel M. Clagett was by occupation a farmer, came to Ohio about 1836, lived in Dayton one year, and then removed to Wayne township. After living in Wayne township a few years, he settled in Harrison township, where he continued a resident the rest of his life, a period of nearly forty years, his death occurring in 1876. He was at the time sixty- ;| seven years of age. His wife died in 1891, aged seventy-four. Both were members of 5 the Methodist Episcopal church, and of his church he was trustee and steward for many j ;; years. Politically he was a democrat up to the breaking out of the war, and then became j a republican, acting with this party the re- 1 mainder of his life.

The paternal grandfather of Samuel G. Clagett was a native of England, was a miller and distiller by occupation, reared a family of six children, and died in Maryland when ; seventy years of age. The maternal grandfather, George Drill, was of German ancestry, but a native of Maryland, was a soldier in the war of 1812, came to Ohio at an early day and settled in Harrison township, where he died at : the age of forty-eight.

Samuel G. Clagett has lived his entire life i in Harrison township. He was reared a farm- ! er's boy, was well educated in the district schools, and has kept himself thoroughly informed upon the important events and questions of the day. Remaining at home with his parents until he attained his manhood, he was married October 16, 1877, to Miss Alvina Darst, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Ann j (Dean) Darst. To their marriage there have j been born four sons, as follows: Warren D.,

Mr. and Mrs. Clagett are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Clagett is now and has for the past thirteen years been a class leader in his church. He was also ! superintendent of the Sunday-school for seventeen years. In 1895 he was elected treasurer ( of his township, being the first republican to hold that office since the war. Beginning life for himself by working for his father, he has since made a well-deserved success as a farmer, and as a useful and influential citizen.

xty ; He now owns ninety-one acres of land, well 191 improved. Mr. Clagett is a charter member of 0 | Linden lodge 412, K. of P. , and has also been member of the I. O. O. F. for over twenty inj years. He is a descendant and a worthy representative of two of the oldest and best fam- ; ilies in Montgomery county, and well sustains i their reputation, established by long years of straightforward and honorable dealing with ] their fellow-men.

ONATHAN BRUESTLE, one of the old settlers of Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Berks county, Pa., July 1, 1829, and is of German extraction.

Christian Bruestle, his grandfather, was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, a tailor by trade, and married Sabina Wert, by whom he became the father of the following children: Christian, Henry Charles, Caroline and another, whose name has been forgotten by the present generation. The father of this family died in his native country, a member of the Lutheran church, at the age of fifty-seven years, and his second son, Henry Charles, became the progenitor of the Bruestle family in America. Christian, the eldest brother, was a German Baptist minister, was born in Germany in 1772, made three visits to America, returned as many times to his native land, and died January 1, 1841, at the homeof his father.

Henry Charles Bruestle, father of Jonathan, was born in Germany November 22, 1780, received a liberal collegiate education, and became master of seven languages. April 25, 1819, he departed for America, and after a voyage of four months landed in Philadelphia, August 25, 1819. Later he went to Tulpehocken township, Berks county, Pa., where he married, August 31, 1823, Elizabeth Oldwine. In April, 1853, he came to Ohio and bought a small plat of ten acres at Air Hill, Perry township, Montgomery county, and on this little garden spot he died April 25, 1857, a member of the Lutheran church, of which he had been an elder for sixteen years before he came to Ohio. His wife, daughter of Warner and Catherine (Long) Oldwine, was born in Lebanon county, Pa., January 22, 1795, and

Warner Oldwine, the father of Mrs. Bruestle, was born in Germany and was twentyfive years of age when he came to America. Here he enlisted in the patriot army and bore a valiant part in the Revolutionary war at the battle of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, and elsewhere, fought through the whole of the glorious struggle, and lived also to take part in the war of 1812. He made his home in Lebanon county, Pa., where he owned 200 acres of farming land, and where he reared a family of four children, viz: Anty, Jacob, Samuel and Elizabeth. His death took place at the age of seventy-five years, and his patriotic services were gratefully remembered by his fellowcitizens, who interred his remains with the honors of war.

Jonathan Bruestle was reared on the home farm, received a good education in his youthful days, and was also taught the cabinetmaker's and carpenter's trades. At the age of about twenty-five years, in 1853, he came to Ohio and for two years lived in Miamisburg, and then removed to Salem. In the interval, April 27, 1854, he married Ann Mary Buechler, the ceremony being performed in Madison township by Rev. John Reichert, of the German Reformed church. Miss Buechler was born March 15, 1826, in Pine Grove township, Schuylkill county, Pa., and is a daughter of John and Barbara (Stein) Buechler.

tied on a farm of 144 acres in Madison township, Montgomery county, and died in 1880, at the age of eighty-three years. To him and his wife were born a family that became useful members of the community of Madison township, both those who were born in Pennsylvania and those born in the Buckeye state. They were named, in order of birth, William, George, John, Henry, Daniel, Ann Mary (Mrs. Bruestle) and Katie.

Jonathan Bruestle, after his marriage, located in Salem, Montgomery county, and for seventeen years was the leading cabinetmaker and undertaker of the town and the surrounding country, but in the meantime, October 4, 1864, bought a tract of sixty-six acres, which he devoted to general farming and tobacco growing, making a specialty of the latter product. He erected a good barn, a fine tobacco shed and other necessary buildings, was industrious and thrifty, and added to his land until it covered eighty acres, which he still owns, and on which he is passing in peace his declining years. In religion Mr. Bruestle, with his wife, is a member of the Lutheran church, in which he has held the offices of elder and trustee, in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in the latter state, for over five years, he was the sexton for his congregation. His only child, John Davis Buechtel Bruestle, was born June 10, 1859, in Salem, and is now a representative citizen of Clay township.

AVID CRIPE, farmer, of Madison township, is a son of one of the early pioneers of Montgomery county. John Cripe, Sr., his grandfather, came to Ohio, probably in 1806, from Blair county, Pa., settling in Madison township, two miles south of where David now lives. His wife was Catherine Ullery, and his children were as follows: Stephen, David, John,

Susan, Esther and Elizabeth. Mr. Cripe cleared a farm of 160 acres, lived in Montgomery county all his life, and died at an advanced age. He was a minister of the German Baptist church.

John Cripe, Jr., son of John Cripe and father of David, was born in Blair county, Pa., about 1804, and was two years old when brought by his father to Montgomery county, Ohio. Young Cripe was brought up among the pioneers and became a farmer. Upon arriving at maturity he married Catherine Shively, by whom he had the following children: Eli; John, who died when two years old; David, Esther, Catherine, Mary, Hannah and Stephen. Mr. and Mrs. Cripe settled on the farm upon which their son David now lives, and which then consisted of 160 acres of land, all in the woods, with the exception of five acres, which were partly cleared. This land Mr. Cripe cleared of its timber, made of it a good farm, and greatly improved it with excellent buildings. In 1853 he removed to Indiana, locating near Peru, and there bought 160 acres of land, upon, which he passed the remainder of his days, dying when seventy-two years of age. He was one of the best men of his time, and a member of the German Baptist church, in which he was a deacon for m^ny years. Always a diligent and industrious man, he was successful in his business affairs, and was well known for his honesty and integrity of character.

David Cripe was born February 19, 1831, on the farm on which he now lives. His education was received in the common district school. Reared a farmer, he has followed that honorable and independent occupation all his life. He married, October 16, 1851, Miss Mary Ullery, who was born on the Stillwater river, in Randolph township, and is a daughter of Samuel and Susan (Whitehead) Ullery. Samuel Ullery was born in Blair

:county, Pa., near Hollidaysburg, in 1794, and when seventeen years old came to Montgom- ;ery county with his parents, Stephen and Mary (Rench) Ullery.

Stephen Ullery came to Montgomery county in 1811, and settled in Madison township, near Stillwater Junction, where he entered government land, to the extent of 160 acres, which he cleared and upon which he lived for many years. His children were Joseph, Stephen, Samuel, Mary and Catherine. Stephen lived to be an aged man, was a German Baptist and a valued citizen.

; settled on the farm adjoining the Cripe homestead. His first wife was Mary Miller, a daughter of Daniel Miller, the pioneer. By this wife he had one daughter, Susannah. Mrs. Ullery having died, Mr. Ullery married Susannah Whitehead, by whom he had ten children, as follows: Lydia, Moses, Annie,

Aaron, Stephen, Mary, David, Samuel, Christopher, and Valentine. Samuel Ullery devoted himself to farming, and became a very prosperous man. By industry he thrived until at length he owned 600 acres of land, which he divided among his children, giving each a farm. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and died in his seventy-first year. His wife died October 19, 1882, in her seventyeighth year.

Mr. and Mrs. Cripe, after their marriage, settled on the Cripe homestead, which has since been their home. Mrs. Cripe's mother made her home with them, living with them for about eighteen years, and it was at their home that she died at an advanced age. She had been most of her life a member of the German Baptist church, and all her life an excellent woman.