Dayton City (part 47 of 50)

Of their children, Emma is now the widow of Jordan Falkner, and has three children - Ward W., Olive M. and Beatrice P.; Sarah S., deceased, was the wife of Henry Binkley, an architect of Dayton, and the mother of two children - Edwin W. and Edith B. ; William married Caroline Binkley, is a stock dealer in Clay township, and has five children - Howard, Clark, Carrie, George and Earnest; Julia was married to Aaron Mummert, a farmer, and has two children - Florence and Hayes; Jane married Alonzo M. Campbell, of Brookville. Of the survivors, all maintain an excellent standing in the esteem of the members of their respective communities.

Edith Binkley, daughter of Henry and Sarah S. (Wormon) Binkley, married Allen Howard November 4, 1894, and is the mother of one child, Lowell E., who was born March 23, 1896, and is the only great-grandchild of Solomon Wormon.

Mrs. George Bixler

EORGE BIXLER, now living in retirement in Brookville, Clay township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Carroll county, Md., December 1 8, 1820. His great-great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Maryland in the old colonial days. Peter Bixler, grandfather of George, was born in Frederick county, Md., but located in Carroll county early in life, married a Miss Vance, and had born to him the following children : John,

Samuel Bixler, son of Peter aifd father of George Bixler, was born in Carroll county, Md., October 6, 1799, and in his youthful days learned milling, which he followed for ten years. He married, in Carroll county, Miss Leah Maus, who was born in 1802, daughter of George and Mary (Kittsmitter) Maus, and to this marriage were born seven children, viz : George, Savilla, Eliza, Margaret (who died at two years of age), Kate, Mary and David. Samuel Bixler, after working for several years in his father-in-law's mill in Maryland, came to Ohio in 1828, and for three months lived in Lewisburg, Preble county ; then moved to what was then known as Fisher's mill, on Twin creek, remained there a year and a half, and then, in 1830, came to Montgomery county and bought a 160-acre farm in Perry township, about ten miles west of Dayton, at $5 per acre, sixty acres being cleared and improved with a good log house and barn. This farm he paid for in silver - $800; of this sum he borrowed $500 from his father, in Maryland, making the trip thither on horseback. He stowed the silver in his saddle-bags, and was twelve days in crossing the mountains on his return. At night he would stop at some old-fashioned inn of the landlord. Mr. Bixler succeeded in clearing up his farm and in making an excellent home, where he died in 1859, aged nearly sixty years. He and his wife were members of the New Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Bixler was a democrat. He reared his family in respectability, and he himself died an honored man.

George Bixler was reared to hard farm labor, and aided his father in clearing the home farm on coming to Ohio, he being then but eight years of age. He attended school two months each winter until seventeen yearsold, and at the age of twenty-seven, February 22, 1847, Perry township, Montgomery county, married Miss Rachael A. Clemmer, who was born December 20, 1827, a daughter of John and Phebe (Nevins) Clemmer. John Clemmer was a native of Virginia, married in Rockingham county, that state, and brought his family to Ohio, about 1812, and settled on Twin river, in Perry township, Montgomery county, cleared a farm of 160 acres, and there died at the age of eighty-one years. He was the father of ten children: Fannie, Mary,

Mr. and Mrs. Bixler, just after marriage,, located on a farm of eighty acres in Perrytownship, of which fifteen acres had been cleared. Mr. Bixler lived here but one year, having in the meantime built a log house. He then moved upon his father's farm, where he lived for a year, going thence to a farm of 148 acres in the same township, which he still owns. To this he added until he owned 250 acres in Montgomery county and 380 acres in Darke county, and finally retired from his farm residence to Brookville, February 28, 1895, having given each of his children sufficient means to start them well in life. In politics Mr. Bixler was first a democrat, but was early' imbued with republican ideas, and was one of the organizers of that party in Montgomery county, voting for its first nominee for the presidency of the United States, John C. Fremont. He and his wife are members of the New Lutheran church, in which faith they have reared their seven children, who were named, in order of birth, Phebe, Samuel, John, Mary, David, William and Jesse F. The family are held in high esteem throughout the township and in all parts of the county, where the name is widely known.

OHN F. BEARDSHEAR, a well-known farmer of Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he still resides, August 23, 1838, and is a son of Isaac and Sarah

Ezra Bimm, and John F. The father was a skillful and thriving farmer, accumulated considerable land, and in 1850 erected the dwelling in which his son, John F. , now lives. He died June 5, 1882, at the age of seventy-six years, in the faith of the Baptist church, while his wife, who was a Methodist, survived until September 20, 1888, when she died at the age of seventy-two years.

George Beardshear, the paternal grandfather of John F. Beardshear, was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and at a very early day came to Ohio, bought or entered several tracts of land in what is now Harrison township, reared a large family, and here died somewhat past middle life. John Booher, the maternal grandfather of John F. Beardshear, was born near Baltimore, Md., and was also an early settler of Ohio.

bought out the interest of the other heirs to the home place, upon which he has since resided. He owns eighty-two acres of excellently cultivated land, improved with every modern convenience. He has never married, and his pleasant home is under the care of his aunt, Mrs. Catherine Booher, widow of Daniel Booher. Politically, Mr. Beardshear is an independent democrat.

AMUEL BRUMBAUGH, a farmer of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is descended from Pennsylv^Kiia-Dutch stock, the founder of the family in America having come from Germany. He was Conrad Brumbaugh, and was the grandfather of Samuel Brumbaugh. It is believed that he was married in Germany. Two of his brothers also came to America, but the date of their coming is not now known. From these three brothers sprang all the Brumbaughs of Pennsylvania.

Conrad Brumbaugh settled in Lancaster county, Pa., probably before 1761, as it is believed that all of his large family were born in Pennsylvania, and the youngest of his thirteen children was born in 1787. After a part of his children were born he removed to Morrison's Cove, Bedford county, Pa., but the Indians becoming troublesome he returned to the more thickly settled portion of the state. When he reached Morrison's Cove he found the Indians in possession, and that they had destroyed everything he had left behind, and had killed all the remaining settlers. After the Indian t oubles ceased, Conrad Brumbaugh returned to this place with his family, made a home and lived there for some time. Then removing to Allegheny county, Pa., he made a home for his family there in the wilderness, and became one of the pioneers of that section of the state. His children werejohn, Daniel, Jacob,

William, Conrad, David, George, Elizabeth and Christiana. Mr. Brumbaugh was well educated in Germany, and after reaching this country taught school and became a minister in the German Baptist church, being one of the first ministers of that church in America.

George Brumbaugh, father of Samuel, was born April 2, 1788, at Morrison's Cove, Pa., and received the meager education of the times in which he lived. Brought up on the farm, he himself became a farmer, served in the war of 1812, and in 1815 married Elizabeth Vaniman, who was born in Pennsylvania, September 15. 1789. She was a daughter of John and Catherine (Martin) Vaniman, the former of whom was born in England, but came to America at a very early day, lived for many years in Pennsylvania, and then removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1805. John Vaniman settled in Madison township and entered a full section of government land. He erected a log cabin three miles south of the present home of Samuel Brumbaugh. In those early days he was surrounded by Indians, who were, however, friendly, and frequently went to his cabin for food. Mr. Vaniman put in a piece of corn on the Mad River bottoms, had a good crop, and during the first winter he and his family lived on corn bread, turnips, and wild game, the latter being then quite plentiful.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Vaniman were John, Jacob, Catherine, Elizabeth, Polly and Hannah, all of whom lived to become men and women. Mr. Vaniman was a German Baptist in religion, and lived to a good old age, dying on his farm. He was well known for miles around as one of the sturdy, honest and industrious pioneers. By his constant and well-directed efforts he accumulated considerable property, gave to each of his children 160 acres, and left to his widow 320 acres of land.

George Brumbaugh settled on 160 acres of land which his wife had received from her father. He cleared the entire tract of its timber, excepting four acres, which had already been cleared, and made it into a good farm. He lived on this farm until March, 1848, when he died, leaving the honored name of a good, useful and upright citizen. His children were Samuel and Catherine.

Samuel Brumbaugh was born February 4, 1823, on his present farm, and received the usual common-school education of the day. He was reared a farmer, and at the age of twenty-two, on September 11, 1845, married Miss Mary Rife, who was born February 11, 1823, in Rockingham county, Va. She is a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Barker) Rife. Jacob Rife came to Perry county about 1837 and lived there until his death, which occurred when he was sixty-eight years old. His children were as follows: By his first

Samuel Brumbaugh has always lived on his present farm, upon which his father settled in 1815, eighty-two years ago. To the original 160 acres of land he has added twenty-six acres, so that his farm now contains 186 acres, and is well improved with excellent buildings, and under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Brumbaugh is a member of the German Baptist church, and stands high among his fellowcitizens. To him and his wife have been born the following children : George. Jacob, Emanuel, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah and Isaac.

ESSE GILBERT, a well-to-do farmer of Jackson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of Frederick county, Md., and was born July 18, 1826, of remotely German ancestors, who, on coming to America, made their home in the wilderness of Frederick county, Md., where many of the family name reached distinction. The Ohio family may be traced back to George Gilbert, whose children, Adam, David, James and Isaac, were all born in Maryland, where George himself lived and died.

Adam Gilbert, son of George Gilbert, and the father of Jesse, was born in Frederick county, Md., February 5, 1800, was reared a farmer, and married Catherine Diffenbaugh, a native of the same county, and a daughter of Henry and Catherine Diffenbaugh, also of German origin. To Adam Gilbert and wife were born ten children, viz: Jesse, Eleanor, John,

Jane, Nelson, Mary, Joshua, Julia A., Louisa and Rebecca. The farm of Adam Gilbert was situated in Carroll county, Md., which county was cut off from Frederick and Baltimore counties after the birth of his son Jesse. He owned about 200 acres of land, located near Westminister, and there he died in 1865, a member of the Reformed church. In the later years of his life he was a strong republican in politics and a stanch supporter of the Union during the Civil war.

Jesse Gilbert received a fair commonschool education, was a strong and rugged boy and did a great deal of useful work on the home farm. When about twenty-two years of age, in 1848, he came to Ohio, and located in Jackson township, Montgomery county. He here married Mrs. Hannah Mullendore, who bore the maiden name of Swinehart, and was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Swinehart. Peter Swinehart was of German descent, a native of Washington county, Pa., and came to Jackson township among the early pioneers, entering the land upon which Jesse Gilbert now lives, the tract consisting of 160 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Swinehart were the parents of eight children and were strict members of the Dunkard or German Baptist church and worthy members of the community in which they lived. Hannah Mullendore (Mrs. Gilbert), by her first husband, Daniel Mullendore, was the mother of Ifive children - Anna Maria, Josiah (who died young), Leona, and two others (who also died young).

Jesse Gilbert and wife, at their marriage, settled on the Swinehart homestead, and here Mr. Gilbert has since lived. Mr. Gilbert has done much toward clearing up and improving this homestead, working long and industriously to bring it to its present condition of fertility and productiveness. He has been very prosperous, being expert in his calling, and is now the owner of 300 acres of excellent farming land. To the marriage of Jesse and Hannah Gilbert were born two children - Adam and Alice - the latter deceased. Mrs. Gilbert was called away February 13, 1880, dying in the faith of the Dunkard church, of which Mr. Gilbert is also a member. The son, Adam, was born on the homestead July 18, 1854, married Miss Elizabeth Moyer, and has two children, Jesse and Pearl. In politics Jesse Gilbert was formerly an old-line whig, but of recent years he has affiliated with the democratic party. He is public-spirited and disposed to aid all undertakings designed for the public good, and he enjoys the sincere respect of all his fellow-citizens and neighbors.

HOMAS GILBERT, farmer of Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, sprang from sterling English ancestry on his father's side and from German stock on his mother's side of the family. George Gilbert, his father, was born in Maryland, October 2, 1786. He was a carpenter by trade, and married Catherine Wampler, January 27, 1825. To them were born the following children: James, born November 23, 1825; Samuel, born September 10, 1827; Thomas, born

January 1 8, 1829. The mother of these children died, and Mr. Gilbert married a widow named Mary Wampler, whose maiden name was Brown. To this marriage there were born George and Gideon. Mr. Gilbert and family settled three-fourths of a mile east of Liberty, in Jefferson township, on 160 acres of land, which was at the time partly cleared of its timber. To this he added until at length he owned 300 acres of excellent land, which he improved both by intelligent cultivation and by the erection of good buildings. He was an unusually prosperous man, and was well known for many miles around as a straightforward, honorable citizen. Mr. Gilbert was a democrat in politics and was honored by his fellow-citizens with election to the offices of township trustee and township treasurer, beside several other minor offices of trust. He died in 1862, at the age of seventy-six, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas Gilbert, the subject of this sketch, was born in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio. He received the education then given to the country-bred children, in a subscription school, and upon arriving at a suitable age was put to learning the carpenter's trade, at which he subsequently worked for many years. He married, when he was twenty-seven years of age, July 4, 1855, Miss Ellen E. Colliflower, who was born in Maryland and was a daughter of Peter and Mary Colliflower. Peter Colliflower was born in Maryland, of German extraction, and lived and died in his native state. His widow then brought her family to Ohio and settled in Liberty in 1848. The children were William, Joel, Abraham and Ellen E.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert settled east of Liberty on three acres of land, he working at his trade for fifteen years. He then purchased forty acres of land in Jackson township, where he lived until 1866, when he removed to Perry township, having purchased here ninety-eight acres of land, partly cleared. This farm he has greatly improved, and in 1872-3 erected his present commodious residence. He is a most careful and practical farmer, and now has his farm under a high state of cultivation.

The eldest child born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert was Leroy, who educated himself and graduated from the high school of Trumbull county, Ohio, attended Oberlin college, also a college in Tennessee and the college at Delaware, Ohio. He was professor in an eastern college, and later was vice-president of a college at New Orleans. Then going to Washington, he became superintendent of the public schools at Tacoma, where he died, leaving a reputation for high character and fine scholarship. He married Miss Harriet Faulkner, of Trumbull county, Ohio, by whom he had two children. The second child of Thomas Gilbert is Charles, who married Margaret Lamkin. He is a farmer of Jackson township, and has three children. Emma lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. Nettie married John Bowman, a farmer of Jackson township, and has two children.

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Gilbert is a democrat and as such he has been elected a school director of his district. In private as well as in public life he has always been looked upon as a man of integrity and of honorable character.

Mr. Gilbert learned his trade as carpenter very thoroughly, serving two years as an apprentice and two years as journeyman, acquiring all the knowledge necessary for a first-class mechanic, and has erected many business buildings and residences.

The great-grandfather of Thomas Gilbert came from England, settled in Maryland, and married a German woman. He had two children, Jeremiah and Susan, to the former of whom he gave a farm. On May 9, 1779, Jeremiah married Catherine Weaver, whose father was a soldier of the Revolution, and the children of this marriage were Thomas, Elizabeth, Catherine, George, Hannah, Jeremiah, Sophia and one that died in infancy. The mother of these children having died, Mr. Gilbert married for his second wife Miss Powell, August 27, 1793, and by her he had the following children: Reuben, Jeremiah, William, Isaac,

James, Sarah, Rhoda, Mary, John, Joseph, Lydia, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Solomon. In all he was the father of twenty-three children, two of whom died when quite young. Jeremiah Gilbert was a prosperous farmer, a good citizen, and died in 1822, when sixty-one years of age. He was a member of the German Baptist church.

EV. SAMUEL HORNING, one of the present preachers of the German Baptist church in Montgomery county, Ohio, and also a progressive and successful farmer, came from excellent Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestors. His remote ancestry came from Germany, and were among the early German Baptists to settle in Pennsylvania. His great-grandfather, Ludwig Horning, was born in Germany in 1708. Among - his children were Peter, Samuel and John, the last named of whom was born in 1755, lived on the old homestead in Skippack township, Montgomery county, Pa., and was married to Elizabeth Hall, May 11, 1780. Their children were Jacob, Lewis, Catherine, John, Mary, Ann, Samuel, Henry, William and Isaac.

William Horning, the father of Samuel, was born in Montgomery county, Pa., February 16, 1801, and received a common-school education in his native state. Being of a mechanical turn of mind he learned the millwright trade and in many ways showed that he was possessed of rare ability in this direction. He married in his native state, August 12, 1826, Hannah Price, who was descended from one of the oldest of the German- Baptist ministers of the country.

Jacob Preisz was the original founder of the Price family in America, and was born in Wetzenstein, Prussia, about the beginning of the eighteenth century. He came to this country in the fall of 1719, being one of the many who were persecuted on account of their religious principles in their native land. After reaching America he remained for a time at Germantown, Pa., and about 1721 settled at Indian Creek, Lower Salford township, Montgomery county, Pa. He was a preacher of great power and influence. Jacob Preisz died and his remains lie buried on the old homestead now occupied by his great-great-grandson, Abraham Price. He had one son, John, who was also a minister, and who wrote poetry of considerable merit, a collection of which was published by Christopher Sam in 1753. John Price married young, and was the father of two sons, Daniel and John. Daniel Price, of the third generation from the founder of the family in America, was the father of thirteen children, of whom the following married' and reared families. These children were John,

Hannah. George Price, who was of the fourth generation, was the father of eight children, of whom the names of six are remembered, viz: Mary, Sarah, Daniel, George, Hannah and John. John became a minister of the gospel so young that he was known far and wide as " Johnny Price, the boy preacher." Wherever he went to preach people of all denominations flocked to hear him. He originated the Sunday-school in Coventry, not without much opposition. In his early life he kept a store in the house now occupied by John Ellis, and while thus engaged he changed the name to

Price to correspond with its pronunciation. When he died the entire church mourned his loss, for " Lo, a great man is fallen in Israel." John Price was the father of twelve children, ten of whom lived to marry and rear families of their own. These ten were Isaac, George, Rebecca, Mary, Hannah, Sarah, Elizabeth, Lydia, Anna and John R. The Price family have long been prominently identified with the progress and prosperity of Pennsylvania. They appear to have been a priestly race as far back as we have any knowledge of them, as Jacob was a noted preacher in Europe, and his son, John, was a preacher and poet. Daniel, son of John, was also a preacher, and had two sons who were preachers, while in every generation since there have been one or more ministers of the gospel.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Horning settled in Montgomery county, Pa., and there he ran a grist-mill and a clovermill on his farm. He and his wife had seven children born to them, as follows: John P. ,

Elhanan, Daniel, Elizabeth, Mary, Jonas and Samuel. In the fall of 1840 Mr. Horning moved from Pennsylvania, settling in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio, where he purchased 160 acres of land, to which he later added 100 acres. To him and his wife there were born the following children: Rebecca, Lydia and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Horning were members of the German Baptist church. Mr. Horning was an ingenious mechanician, having built a threshing machine in Pennsylvania and also a feed-cutter, which he himself invented. In Ohio he invented the force-feed grain-drill, which was constructed on the same fundamental principle as those now in most general use. He also invented a horse hay-rake and a horsepower for threshers, and a two-roller cane-mill, beside several minor implements He was both skillful and industrious, and was known far and wide for his integrity of character and fur his genial disposition. He was one of the early advocates of the temperance cause and among the first who undertook the suppression of the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage in his neighborhood.

Rev. Samuel Horning, the subject of this sketch, was born March 5, 1848, on the old homestead in Perry township, Montgomery county, Ohio. He was educated in the public schools, was reared a farmer and learned of his father the trade of blacksmith, thus becoming familiar with the use of all kinds of tools. When he was twenty-three years of age he married Anna Matilda Eversole, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 11, 1850, and who is a daughter of Abraham Eversole and his wife, who was Margaret Folkrath. The father of Mrs. Horning was born December 8, 1804, in Shepherdstown, Jefferson county, Va. , and was a weaver and a farmer. He located in Hagerstown, Md., and there married Mary Logue, removing to Ohio in 1832, and settling in Greene county, where his first wife died. He afterward married Margaret Folkrath in 1834, and by this second marriage had ten children, as follows: Daniel,

Catherine, Maria, Henry C., Elizabeth, Julia, Anna M., Sarah F., John C. and Laura L. He is a most excellent neighbor and an honored member of the community. While a member of no church, yet he is a supporter of religious work, giving the ground for the building of the Eversole church, which is located on his farm. Mr. Eversole is the last living member of his father's family, Mrs. Elizabeth Roop, another member, having recently died.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Horning settled on the farm and moved into the ancient mansion, remaining there three years, then bought part of the old homestead and erected excellent modern buildings, where they still reside. Their children are as follows: John,

Jr., who died at the age of twenty years; Edwin L. and Clara. Rev. Samuel Horning has been a minister of the German Baptist church for the past fourteen years, or since August 31, 1882, and has worthily followed in the footsteps of his ancestors. He is possessed of a broad and liberal education, and so highly appreciates the advantages of educating the youth, that he has given his children the best education within his means, and the best the facilities of the present day permit. He is a man of wide and careful reading, informed on all current topics, and well versed in ancient and modern history and theology. He and his wife have been members of the church since 1872, their children also uniting with the church in early life.

HBRAHAM NEFF, of Perry township, one of the oldest and most respected native-born farmers of Montgomery county, Ohio, is a native of Jefferson township, was born June 7, 1818, and is remotely of German descent.

Leonard Neff, his grandfather, was a native of Virginia, and when a young man removed to Somerset county, Pa., where he married Elizabeth Miller. He went thence to Kentucky, where he was a compatriot of the famous Daniel Boone, and at one time found shelter in the same fort with him during an Indian raid. Mr. Neff cleared a plantation in Jessamine county, Ky., and there died at the age of about seventy-six years, the father of the following children: John, Peter, Elizabeth, Mary, Michael, Jonathan, Joseph and Margaret.

Michael Neff, father of Abraham, was born in Kentucky in 1794. He was reared to farming in Jessamine county and also learned the blacksmith trade. He came to Ohio in 1815 and was married in Montgomery county, in l 1816 or 1817, to Esther Weaver, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1795 or 1796, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Heistand) Weaver, the latter a native of Pennsylvania and of German extraction.

Peter Weaver was born in Germany, came to America when a young man, and first made his home in Pennsylvania, married in that state, later brought his family to Ohio, and was a pioneer of what is now Jefferson township, Montgomery county, and at one time owned a section and a half of land, which at the present time is divided into eight farms. His children were named John, Jacob, Henry, Elizabeth, Barbara, Esther, Peter and Abraham. He was for many years a faithful member of the German Baptist church, lived to the great age of ninety-four years, and died in Elkhart county, Ind., at the home of his eldest son, John.

Michael Neff and wife, after their marriage, settled on the Peter Weaver farm in Jefferson township, and here were born their four children - Abraham (the subject of this memoir), Margaret, Michael and Elizabeth, and here, also, Mrs. Esther Neff was called from earth about 1824. Mr. Neff next married Miss Barbara Floro, daughter of Joseph Floro, and this union resulted also in the birth of four children - Sarah, Joseph, Eve and Jonathan - all probably born in Perry township, whither after his second marriage Mr. Neff removed about 1827 or 1828, and settled on 160 acres in the woods, of which tract, however, twenty acres had been cleared. This land had been entered by Peter Weaver in 1812, the deed being signed by President Madison; the parchment is still preserved by Abraham Neff, who now lives upon the farm. Michael Neff thoroughly developed this place and lived upon it until failing health called a respite from labor, when he made a visit to Charleston, W.

Va., in hope of recuperating, but there died July io, 1851, at the age of fifty-seven years. He was a whig in politics, an unswervingly honest man, and honored universally as a useful citizen.

Abraham Neff, with whose name this biography is opened, was reared to farming and was educated in an old-fashioned log schoolhouse. He learned from his father the blacksmith's trade, also, and, when of a little over twenty-two years old, was married January 9, 1840, in Jefferson township, to Tracy Bellmier, who was born in Washington county, Md., December 15, 1817, a daughter of Gabriel and Margaret (Toby) Bellmier, the former of whom was a Marylander by birth, but of German descent. He was a farmer and came to Montgomery county in 1827 or 1828, settling on 160 acres of land in Jefferson township, but about 1850 removed to Ogle county, 111., where he died at the age of sixty-four years, the father of the following children: Catherine, Susan,

Abraham Neff and wife, after their marriage, lived for four years on an eighty-acre farm in Defiance county, and then returned to the old Neff homestead in Montgomery county, their present home. To this farm Mr. Neff has given much intelligent labor, improving it with modern and convenient buildings, and bringing it under a high state of cultivation, so that it now ranks among the best places in the township. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Neff are John, Miranda, Allen, Mary, Maggie, Amelia and Althea (twins), Peter, Hettie and Minnie. The family are members of the old-school German Baptist church. Mr. Neff is very popular with his fellow-citizens and has served them as town trustee for ten terms and as a member of the school board for seventeen years. He has always been a promoter of good schools, has liberally aided other churches beside his

ISAAC C. HAINES, farmer, of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, sprang from German and Irish ancestry, his paternal ancestors being from Germany and settlers in Pennsylvania. Three brothers named Haines came from Germany at an early day.

Allen Haines, the father of Isaac C., was born in Lancaster county, Pa., was a shoemaker by trade, and married, in Lancaster county, Nancy Lemmon, who was brought from Ireland by her parents when she was seven years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Haines were the parents of the following children: Lemmon, Frank, Catherine, Caroline, Isaac C., Cyrus, Levi, Israel, Henry, Samuel and John. In 1826 Mr. Haines came to Ohio, settling in Clay township, near Phillipsburg. Later he removed to Miami county, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife was a member of the Lutheran church and lived to a good old age.

Isaac C. Haines was born October 9, 1826, in Lancaster county, Pa., and was brought to Montgomery county, Ohio, by his parents when he was about six months old. Receiving a common-school education, he was reared a farmer, and when twenty-one years of age he married, August 17, 1846, Miss Barbara Alice Teetor, who was born December 1 7, 1829, in Washington county, Pa. She is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Donson) Teetor. Her grandfather, Francis Teetor, came from Germany with his family. His wife, Catherine Donaldson, was born in Germany. Their children were as follows: John, George, Catherine, Barbara, Susan and Jacob.

Jacob Teetor, the father of Mrs. Haines, was born December i, 1805, on the Ohio river, and was reared a farmer's boy, though losing his father when he was but two years of age. He grew to manhood and married in Washington county, Pa., the maiden name of his wife having been Elizabeth Donson. She was born in Maryland, and was a daughter of Thomas and Barbara (Garber) Donson. Thomas Donson was a wealthy man, one of the original pioneers of Union and Randolph townships, and owned saw-mills and distilleries in the early days.

Jacob Teetor came to Ohio in 1827 with his family and first settled in-Union, Randolph township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres of land. Later he purchased 160 acres of land in Madison township, upon which he lived for a time, afterward removing to Weaver station. Here he bought a tract of fifty acres, and later removed to Stringtown, Madison township, where he purchased seventy-five acres, upon which he remained until his death, reaching the great age of eighty-five years. He was always an active man and held several important positions of honor and trust, such as superintendent of the Montgomery county infirmary for five years, and also that of township trustee for some time. Politically he was a republican and in religion he belonged to the German Baptist church. He and his wife reared the following children: Barbara Alice,

Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Haines, after their marriage, settled in Madison township near Trotwood. In 1851 or 1852 Mr. Haines purchased land in this township and lived upon it for some years. In 1879 he was appointed superintendent of the Montgomery county infirmary, a position which he held with credit for seven years. In 1886 he purchased his present farm, which contains 155 acres in Madison township, and which is well improved. Politically Mr. Haines is a democrat and as such has served the people as township trustee for some years. As a man of character he stands high in the community, and enjoys general confidence and respect. His children are Eva, Webster, Sallie, Birdie Emma, Walter and Clarence. Mr. Haines had three brothers in the late Civil war - Henry, Samuel and John. Henry was a member of the Fifteenth U. S. infantry, and the other brothers served in Ohio regiments.

Eva Haines married Charles Winters, a hardware merchant of Braidwood, 111., and has two children - Pearl and Amy. Sallie married Charles Hoffman, of Little York, Montgomery county, and has three children, Claudie, Ethel and Roscoe. Walter, who is clerk of Madison township, married Laura Stauffer; Clarence married a Miss Mumma, and is a carpenter, but living on a farm.

ACOB A. HEPNER, a farmer of Perry township, and a grandson of one of the original pioneers of Montgomery county, springs from German ancestry. His great-grandfather, George Hepner, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1731, and came to this country a young man, accompanied by a brother, in 1757. He settled in Lancaster county, Pa., and in 1760 married Nellie Kline. Their children were Henry and Catherine. Later he removed to Rockingham county, Va., where he settled on a farm. Still later he came to Ohio with his son Henry, who settled in Jackson township in 1806. Here the old man died in 1808, when he was seventy-seven years of age. He was a member of the Lutheran church, a man of strong character, and the founder of the' Hepner family in America.

He was buried in the woods one and a quarter miles southeast of New Lebanon, his last resting place being on what is now the farm of Henry Schoenfeld, but formerly the farm of Henry Hepner.

Henry Hepner, the grandfather of Jacob A., was born in Lancaster county, Pa., in 1762, was reared a farmer and learned the blacksmith trade. In his native county he married Mary Hyser, and by this marriage he became the father of the following children: George and Polly, twins; John; Sophia; Lydia and Leona, twins; the first four being born in Virginia, and the last two in Ohio. Henry Hepner brought his family to America in 1806, and located on the line between Jefferson and Jackson townships, entering 160 acres of land in the latter township and forty acres in the former township. Selecting a huge oak tree, he cut it down and built his cabin round the stump. This stump trimmed and dressed to bring it into proper shape, served for a table for a number of years. Mr. Hepner was well known among the pioneers in all that region as a man of safe and reliable judgment and was unusually influential in his neighborhood. Being a vigorous and energetic worker, he prospered and became a substantial farmer. He was a member of the German Baptist Church.

John Hepner, father of Jacob A., was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1797, and was therefore but nine years old when brought to Ohio by his father. Educated principally in the German tongue, yet he acquired a sufficient knowledge of the English to enable him to read and converse in this language. His father being a blacksmith as well as a farmer, young Hepner was trained in both callings. He married Elizabeth Diehl, who was born November 29, 1800, in Bedford county, Pa., and was a daughter of Jacob Diehl, for fuller mention of whom the reader is referred to the biography of the Diehl family, published elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Hepner settled on section 34, Perry township, on iro acres of land in the woods, which had been entered by Jacob Diehl. This land Mr. Hepner cleared and upon it built his home. In his earlier life, in this then wild country, he was accustomed to do a great deal of hunting, killing many deer, wolves and wild turkeys, wildcats and panthers. He was a most industrious man on his farm, and by thrift and careful management of his affairs he came to own 271 acres of excellent land in Montgomery county, and also 150 acres in Lake county, Ind. Religiously he was a member of the German Baptist church, and was noted for his strong, upright, Christian character. Politically he was an old-line whig. Mr. Hepner lived to be fortyfour years of age, and died on his farm. His children were George, Jacob A., Elizabeth, Rosanna, John and Lydia. His wife died when she was forty-nine years of age, a member of the German Baptist church.

Jacob A. Hepner was born May 24, 1828, on his father's farm. Obtaining the commonschool education of his day, he was reared a farmer, and on September 19, 1852, married Miss Eve Neff, who was born February 6, 1836, in Perry township, and was a daughter of Michael and Barbara (Floro) Neff. For fuller mention of Miss Eva Neff the reader is referred to the biography of Abraham Neff.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hepner settled on the homestead farm, on which they lived until 1857, when they removed to their present farm of 107 acres. Of this Mr. Hepner cleared about forty acres, which he materially improved. Adding other acres to its original number, he at length became possessed of 136 acres of good farming land. He and his wife reared the following children: Mary

October 9, 1858; Elizabeth, born December 23, i860, died a married woman; Emma, born April 7, 1862, died in April, 1893; Clara, born March 22, 1865; George W., born January 4, 1867; Jacob A., born April 12, 1870; William A., born January 14, 1872; Morris, born January 3, 1876, and died January 10, 1876; and Omar V., born February 27, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Hepner are members of the German Baptist church, and Mr. Hepner has been an active politician for many years, being an excellent speaker and an efficient worker. Politically he was in early life an old-line whig, but has been a member of the republican party since its organization. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and exercises his influence in the direction of good schools. He has for this reason served as a member of the school board for many years.

Wehrly, of Dayton, Ohio, and has one son; Sarah A. married Samuel Fasnacht, a farmer of Sumner county, Kans., and has one child; Amanda R. married Martin B. Fasnacht, a farmer of Sumner county, Kans., and has five children; Elizabeth married James L. Weaver, of Boulder county, Colo., had three children, and is now deceased; Emma married David C Cloppart, a farmer of Montgomery county, Ohio, and has one child; Clara married for her first husband Lucien Berk, by whom she had one child, and after the death of her first husband Mrs. Berk married William T. Ninninger, of Johnson county, Mo. ; George W. married Clara Bowser, of Montgomery county, and has two children; Jacob A. married Hattie Bowser, is living on the home farm and has one child, and William A. married Bessie Slyder, is a farmer of Montgomery county, and has one child. The Hepner family is one of the most respected in Montgomery county, and comes from good, old pioneer stock.

ISAAC MILLER, whose post-office is Chambersburg, Ohio, is one of the old soldiers of the Civil war and a highlyrespected citizen. He was born in Butler township, Montgomery county, Ohio, March 7, 1828, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Sunderland) Miller. Isaac was a son of James Miller, who came to Montgomery county, Ohio, from Kentucky, in 1794, settling in Butler township. His children were John, James, Mary, Martha and Isaac. When he came to Ohio in 1794 James Miller settled on 140 acres of land, being the first settler within the limits of Butler township. His farm consisted of an unbroken forest, which he cleared as fast as possible, in the meantime making a part of his living by hunting. Later he left Butler township and settled on the Wabash river near Lafayette, Ind. He was a typical pioneer, and lived to a great age, dying in the last-named state.

Isaac Miller, father of the subject, was born in 1790, and came with his parents from Kentuck}' to Ohio in 1794. Growing up in the wilderness among the pioneers, his education was necessarily limited. He married in 1811, when he was twenty-one years old, Elizabeth Sunderland, who was born in 1794, in Pennsylvania, and who was a daughter of Richard and Nancy Sunderland, for fuller mention of whom the reader is referred to the biography of Richard Sunderland, in this volume. After their marriage Isaac Miller and his wife settled on the old Sunderland homestead, and lived there the remainder of their lives. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Greenville about eight months. He and his wife had the following children: Nancy, Martha, Pattie, Massie, Richard, Martin, William, Isaac, Benjamin, John and Elizabeth. Mr. Miller lived to be seventy-nine years old. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and in politics was first an old-line whig and became a republican upon the formation of that party. Four of his sons were in the Civil war, viz: Richard, Martin, Benjamin and Isaac. Martin was a private soldier in company H, Thirty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry, served his full time and was in many battles. Benjamin was in an Illinois regiment, served three years and veteranized, and participated in many engagements.

Isaac Miller, the subject of this sketch, was born March 7, 1828, in Butler township, and was educated in the common schools. Reared on the farm he naturally became a farmer. On October 14, 1833, was born Martha Westerman, whom Mr. Miller married in Butler township. She was a daughter of Henry and Ellen (Harrison) Westerman, the former of whom was of English ancestry, and married his wife in Maryland. His children were as follows: Mary, Martha, Elizabeth, Thomas, Lafayette, William, and one that died in infancy. Henry Westerman came as a pioneer to Butler township and purchased a good farm of 100 acres. He lived to be eighty-two years old, an honored citizen and an upright man.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller settled on the old Sunderland homestead, upon which they lived for thirty years, and then moved to Henry Westerman's farm in Butler township, upon which they lived ten years. They then removed to their present home in Chambersburg. Mr. Miller now owns a farm of fifty-six acres and is in comfortable circumstances. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had the following children: Ellen, Henry, who died at the age of eleven years, and Elizabeth. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Miller has been a trustee of his church for twentyfive years. In politics he is a republican.

Mr. Miller enlisted in the army, leaving his wife and three little children at home. At that time he was thirty-five years old. He became a member of company F, Seventy-fourth

Ohio volunteer infantry, and enlisted to serve three years, or during the war. He served until he veteranized at Chattanooga in 1864, in the same organization, and served until mustered out at Camp Dennison, July 17, 1865, thus serving his country faithfully three years and nine months. He was in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. The principal battles in which he took part were Stone River, Dalton, Buzzard's Roost Mountain, Peachtree Creek, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, the battle of Atlanta, in which McPherson was killed, and Jonesboro. Mr. Miller was also in many minor battles and skirmishes, and went with Sherman to the sea, taking part in the battle of Savannah. He was in all the battles, marches and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged. He is a member of Milton Weaver post, No. 594, G. A. R., and has held the offices of junior and senior vice-commander. Mr. Miller is now a hale and hearty man, and is a splendid specimen of the veteran American soldier and the true and worthy American citizen.

OHN R. PEIFFER, one of the most expert mechanics of Miamisburg, Ohio, was born in Newmanstown, Lebanon county, Pa., March 14, 1850, a son of John and Catherine (Rabold) Peiffer, also natives of the Ivej'stone state, and of German descent.

John R. Peiffer received an excellent education, both common-school and academical, in his native town, and then served two years as an apprentice to a miller. He followed this calling until he reached his majority, and then, in March, 1871, came to Miamisburg, Ohio, which has since been his place of residence. Here he entered the employ of the Bookwalter Wheel company, starting as a day- man, and was so attentive and faithful in the performance of his duties that he was promoted, from time to time, until he was finally placed in charge of the bentwood department. After filling out the long period of twenty years with the Bookwalter company, he accepted a position with the Acme Folding Boat company, as general mechanic, and this place he has most creditably filled.

Mr. Peiffer was united in marriage, December 25, 1870, with Miss Alice C. Fidler, a a daughter of Augustus and Catherine (Treon) Fidler, of Womelsdorf, Berks county, Pa. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Peiffer have been born three children, viz: Catherine (Mrs. Ira C. Koehne), Edward and Luella. The family worship at the German Reformed church. In politics Mr. Peiffer is a republican, serving at present his first term as a member of the city council. He is fraternally an Odd Fellow, a Knight of Pythias, a Forester and a Knight of Honor, and is held in high regard as a public-spirited and useful citizen.

OHN RIEGEL, one of the old and substantial farmers of Jackson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and a resident of the county since six years of age, was born in Berks county, Pa., July 12, 1826, of German ancestors.

Adam, Jonas, Joseph, Susan, Rebecca, Hannah, David, Lydia, Polly and Sallie. John Riegel came to Ohio in 1832 and settled in Perry township on 160 acres of land that had been cleared only in small part, and here he built a log house and in course of time cleared all his land and made a comfortable home.

county, Pa., and there married Elizabeth Koucker. He followed farming and milling until 1832 in his native county, and then came to Ohio, lived for a short time in Germantown, Montgomery county, and then bought a tract of 160 acres in Perry township, all in the woods, but which he subsequently converted into a fertile and profitable farm. He also purchased an additional tract of 301 acres, and became one of the most respected and solid men of the township. The children born to David Riegel and wife were named Mary (who died at the age of thirteen years), John, Leah, Franklin J. and Harry. The parents were long members of the United Brethren church, and contributed largely toward the erection of the house of worship belonging to that denomination in Perry township. In politics Mr. Riegel was a democrat, but never sought public office.

John Riegel, the subject of this memoir, grew to manhood on his father's farfn. February 15, 1849, he married, in Jackson township, Miss Rebecca Leis, who was born in Berks county, Pa., June 9, 1832, a daughter of Henry and Rebecca (Fidler) Leis.

Peter Leis, grandfather of Mrs. Riegel, was of German descent and came from Berks county, Pa., to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1831 or 1832, bought a farm of 160 acres and lived to an advanced age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Kalbough, bore him nine children, viz: Henry, John, Adam, Polly,

Henry Leis, father of Mrs. Riegel and also a native of Berks county, Pa., came to Ohio when his father came, brought his family with him, settled on 160 acres of land near Slyfer's church in Jackson township, Montgomery county, and cleared up an excellent farm. His children were named Israel, Peter, John, Adam (who died at the age of twenty years), Henry

(who died at thirteen years) and Rebecca. This family also were members of the Reformed church, and in politics Mr. Leis was a democrat. He lived to be about seventy-five years of age and died a well-to-do farmer and an honored citizen.

John Riegel, the subject of this memoir, at his marriage, settled on his present farm, which he bought from his father, and which comprised 177 acres, all in the woods with the exception of about fifteen acres. Through persevering industry he cleared up the entire tract, improved it with substantial buildings and all the accessories proper to the success of husbandry, and has now as fine a farm as there is in the township of Jackson. To his marriage there have been born eight children, in the following order: David, William H. , John A.,

Franklin, Mary A., Amanda, Emma K. and Rebecca E. The parents are members of the United Brethren church, and in this faith have reared their family. They freely contribute of their means toward the support of their denomination, and Mr. Riegel was largely instrumental in causing the erection of the Johnsville church edifice, to the construction of which he also freely contributed. In politics, Mr. Riegel is a democrat. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Riegel, David is a farmer of Jackson township, married Belle Fulse, and has five children; William, also of Jackson township, married Mary A. Minderman, and has four children; John A., living on the home farm, married Lucy Dechant, and has eight children; Franklin, farmer of Jackson township, married Mary Sheppard, and has two children; Mary A. is married to Peter Leis, and has two children; Amanda (deceased) was married to Benjamin Comar (deceased), and had five children; Emma K,, married to Theodore Dechant, has one child, and Rebecca E. is married to Oliver Patterson and has four children. Mr. and Mrs. Riegel, now nearly half a century married, have had eight children, have thirty-one grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They have resided for fortyseven years on their present homestead and have so lived as to have been able to confer many benefits upon the community and in turn to win the respect and esteem of the residents of the country all around them.

OSHUA SWARTZEL, farmer of Jackson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, comes of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestors, his grandfather having been Matthias Swartzel, who came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania. His children were Abraham, Henry, Philip, Matthias and one that died in infancy. These children he brought with him from Germany, beside a sister of his, who afterward married a Boomershine and settled in Montgomery county, Ohio.

Matthias Swartzel came to Jackson township after his son, Abraham, had settled here. While he married three times, all his children were by his first wife, who came with him from Germany. He lived to be seventy years of age and died on the farm adjoining that on which Joshua Swartzel now lives. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served as fifer under Gen. Washington.

Abraham Swartzel, father of Joshua, was born in Pennsylvania, and there married Elizabeth Izor, also a native of that state. Their children were as follows: Annie, Matthias,

Philip, John, Elizabeth, Sarah, Abraham, Henry, Daniel, Polly, Joshua, Susan and one that died in infancy. In the year 1800 they came to Ohio, living for about one year in Franklin, Warren county, and removing in 1801 to Jackson township, where they settled on the section on which Joshua Swartzel now lives. Abraham Swartzel was, in fact, the second man to settle in the township, the first

Mr. Swartzel was the second man north of Germantown, there being no one in the county to the north or west of him, and the country being literally a howling wilderness, filled by wolves, panthers, deer, bear, and many other kinds of wild animals. Erecting a small log cabin, Mr. Swartzel cleared up a portion of his farm. He entered an entire section, 640 acres, and made a comfortable home for himself and family, putting up good buildings, and continuing to buy land, so that he was able to give each of his children a farm. The land on which Farmersville now stands he sold to his brother Henry, all of his brothers being settlers in Montgomery county. Mr. Swartzel was a member of the German Reformed church, and aided in the erection of several church buildings in Montgomery county. He was one of the most prominent members of Stiver church, assisting to erect the building, and afterward liberally supported the organization, and filled the offices of deacon and elder for many years. Politically he was a Jackson democrat. He died in 1840, at the age of sixty-one.

Joshua Swartzel, the subject of this sketch, was born May 7, 1819, on the farm which adjoins his present farm on the west. Brought up among the pioneers, he learned their habits of industry and simple living, and cleared up a considerable body of land. On May 7, 1840, he married Catherine Miller, who was born March 3, 1819, in Warren county, Ohio. She was a daughter of Jacob Miller, who was one of the pioneers of that county, and whose father was Christian Miller. Beside Catherine, the children of Jacob Miller were John, Elizabeth, Susannah, Joseph, Mary A., Rose Ann and Adam.

years, and in 1851 moved to his present farm, which then contained 128 acres, nearly all of which he cleared. By quiet and persistent industry he made his farm one of the best in Montgomery county. His children by his first 1 wife were as follows: Elizabeth, Jefferson,

Mrs. Swartzel died in August, 1873, when about fifty-three years of age, and Mr. Swartzel married for his second wife Sarah Albaugh, a widow, whose maiden name was Michael. Mr. Swartzel is now living on the old farm, his children having all married and gone to homes of their own. He is a new-school Lutheran, and a democrat. He has always been liberal in his support of his church, as well as public-spirited in relation to enterprises designed to benefit the general community. While he is now seventy-eight years of age he is yet hale and vigorous, and has probably many years of usefulness and influence yet before him.

W* ILLIAM DUCKWALL, a pioneer MM I of Ohio, and one of the most venerable of the citizens of Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Berkeley county, Va., August 15, 1808. His parents were Henry and Rosanna (Lingerfelter) Duckwall, both of German descent.

Henry Duckwall was a native either of Maryland or Virginia, and was a son of Lewis Duckwall, a local Methodist preacher, who, about 1804, settled in Highland county, Ohio, and died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, the father of the following-named children: Henry, Mary, John, Frederick, Elizabeth, Jacob, Samuel, Lewis and Daniel, to each of whom he, being the owner of a large estate, gave a home. Henry Duckwall came to Ohia in 1812, lived in Clinton county two years, and in 1814 came to Montgomery county and bought 320 acres in the woods in German township, which land, with the assistance of his sons, he cleared and converted into a fertile farm. He was a man of considerable importance in his township, and in the early days his house was a place of entertainment for the pioneer land-seeker. In politics he was first a whig and later a republican, and filled the office of justice of the peace for many years. He died at the age of about seventy-three years, a member of the Method- * ist church, of which his wife was also a communicant. To his marriage there were born the following children: William, Mary, Lewis, Elizabeth, Henry, John, Susan, Daniel, Jacob and Sarah.

William Duckwall, the subject, was but four years of age when he was brought to Ohio by his parents. Here he was reared - as were all other backwoods lads in the pioneer days - to the hard work of clearing and developing the primitive farm. He was first married, July 8, 1834, in Middletown, Butler county, Ohio, to Miss Eleanor Bake, who was born January 8, 1813, but died May 25, 1836, themotherof one child - Edwin. The second marriage of Mr. Duckwall was with Miss Caroline Bruner, who was born in Virginia, January 27, 1820, a daughter of Daniel and Ellinor (Custard) Bruner.

Daniel Bruner, whose father came from Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, was born in Virginia, but for some time lived near Frederick, Md., and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1826. He reared a family of five children, viz: Elizabeth, Caroline, Margaret,

Ellen and Mary Jane. His death took place at the age of eighty-six years in the faith of the Methodist church, of which his wife was also a member. He was first a whig in politics and later a republican, an influential and well-to-

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Duckwall first located on a farm of eighty acres, but later moved to a farm of 116 acres near Brookville, which farm Mr. Duckwall improved! with good buildings and cultivated until 1893, when he retired to Brookville to pass in comfort his remaining years, but still owns his farm. In politics he was in his early days a whig, and voted for Henry Clay for president, but on the disintegration of that party he assisted in founding the republican party, voted for John C. Fremont, and still adheres to that organization. He and his wife have long been consistent members of the Methodist church, and are the parents of the following children: Sarah A., John William, Mary J., Laura, Charles, Francis, Clayton, Clara (who died at seven years of age) and Elmer E. Of these Francis is a physician of Dayton; Laura has been a teacher within the county for the past twenty-five years, of which five years were passed in Brookville; John was a soldier for four years during the Civil war in the Sixtythird Onio volunteer infantry, was a veteran, and served with Sherman through his famous campaigns. The Duckwall family is widelyknown in Montgomery county, and its venerable head, William Duckwall, who has fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, stands high in the esteem of its citizens.

a LARK YOUNT, one of the old-time farmers and citizens of Butler township, Montgomery county, Ohio, descends from an old pioneer family and is himself a native of the Buckeye state, of remotely German ancestry.

William Henry, Jacob, John and Catherine - came to America many years prior to the opening of the Revolutionary war, landed in Philadelphia, Pa., and thence went to North Carolina, some years later, where they all founded their homes, close to Deep river. In 1801, however, George Yount brought his family to Ohio and located in Warren county, near Lebanon, but later moved to a farm on the east side of the Stillwater, near Union, Montgomery county, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying April 23, 1810, a Quaker in religion. His wife bore the maiden name of Rosanna Waymire, was born in Germany, and died August 16, 1814. They were the parents of the following children: John,

John Yount, grandfather of Clark Yount, was born in Pennsylvania September 23, 1768, and there married Mary Low, who was born March 28, 1771, and to this union were born Henry, Delilah, Rebecca, Solomon and Frederick. John Yount moved with his family to North Carolina, probably about the year 1799. About two years later the family went to Kentucky, and a year afterward, in 1802, came to Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled on a tract of 156 acres in the wild woods, for which Mr. Yount paid $2 per acre. The Younts, Hoovers and Marts, who all came at the same time, are thought to have been the first white men to tread the wilderness of this part of the county. They had to cut a wagon road through the woods to Dayton- - the first in this part of the township. Indians were numerous, game abundant, and the hardships and toil unremitting. But industry conquered all things, and Mr. Yount died a wealthy man, at the age of about fifty years, in the faith of the Society of Friends, December 1, 1822. His widow, first a Quakeress and later a Dunkard, died July 22, 1842.

Frederick Yount, father of Clark, was born in North Carolina, July 30, 1799, and was brought to Ohio by his parents in 1802. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, which, as he grew in years, he aided in clearing, and also worked in his father's saw-mill on Dry Branch creek. At the age of twenty-two years, in February, 1821, he married Miss Catherine Engle, who was born in February, 1802, a daughter of Michael Engle, a pioneer of Covington, Miami county, Ohio. Mr. Engle was of German descent and had a family of ten children, viz: John, Michael and Philip (twins), Adam, Henry, Matthew, Catherine, Sallie, Eve and Abraham. The sons were all great hunters, and one, Abraham, accidentally shot himself while engaged in the chase. They were all patriots and served in the war of 1812. To Frederick Yount and wife were born the following children : Enos,

17, 1838 - died in 1841; Oliver, born March 29, 1837 - died March 11, 1838; Eli, born September 24, 1840; Rebecca, born January 4, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Yount passed all their days on the old homestead, and no family in the county stood higher in the esteem of their fellow-citizens. They were faithful in their adherence to the Quaker faith and were endowed with all the good qualities for which the Society of Friends are so justly famous.

original Yount homestead, entered by John Yount, covered the site of that village - extending, as it does, from Mongomery county into Miami county, in the latter of which counties Fredericksburg is situated. Clark received a good education in a select school, and at the age of twenty-one years married, in Dayton, June 8, 1845, Miss Mary Smith, who was born November 12, 1825, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Whitehead) Smith. David Smith was a pioneer farmer of Montgomery county, and to him and wife were born the following children: Susan, Jacob,

Mary, Esther, John, Solomon, Samuel and Levina. Mr. Smith was the owner of two good farms and he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church. His death took place at the age of forty-eight years.

After marriage Clark Yount lived on his father's land for a year, then for a year east of Union, and in 1848 moved to his present farm, which consisted of 1 57 acres and was but partly cleared. He now has a model home of 172 acres, improved with a modern dwelling and giving evidence of thrift and prosperity. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Yount have been born the following children: Oliver F. , Elizabeth C. , Catherine, Emily, Rebecca A., Levina and Eli. Mr. Yount and all the family are members of the German Baptist church, of which Oliver F. was an elder and minister for sixteen years prior to his death in 1888.

David P. Sollenberger, who married Miss Rebecca A. Yount, October 10, 1875, is a son of John W. and Catherine (Peffiey) Sollenberger. John W. is a son of Jacob, who was born in Lancaster county, Pa., there married Annie Wenger and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1827. He settled two miles west of Dayton, and died on his farm the same year, leaving two children - John W. and Elizabeth. His widow married John Miller. John W. Sollenberger was born in Pennsylvania

March 10, 1823, and came to Ohio with his parents. Here he was reared by his mother and step-father, and March 7, 1843, married Catherine Peffley, who was born November 6, 1824, in Montgomery county. He then moved to Elkhart county, Ind., bought 160 acres of land, lived there eight years, then returned to Montgomery county, Ohio, and settled on 100 acres in Randolph township, and there died March 22, 1892, aged sixty-nine years, his wife having died on February 7, 1876, at the age of fifty-two. Mr. Sollenberger was for many years a minister in the German Baptist church, and was greatly respected. His children are named Jacob, John, David, Aaron, Moses, Elizabeth, William and Henry.

David P. Sollenberger was born November 14, 1851, in St. Joseph county, Ind., and his wife was born on the Yount homestead January 13, 1854; they are now the parents of six children - John J., Mary E. , Phebe C., Oliver C. , Isaac J. and David Laurel. Mr. Sollenberger has been a deacon in the German Baptist church for nineteen years, and for two years a minister. He is the owner of a fine farm of 117 acres in Miami county, and is an esteemed and useful member of society.

OHN R. BRUMBAUGH, Union postoffice, Ohio, a farmer of Randolph township, Montgomery county, is a grandson of one of the original pioneers of the county. His remote ancestor came from Germany, four or five brothers of the family coming across the sea together, and settling in Pennsylvania. They were among the first of the German Baptist pioneers that came to this country on account of religious persecutions in their native land.

farmer in Woodcock valley, Pa. While still living in Pennsylvania he married Elizabeth Fulk, who was reared at Morrison's Cove, in that state. He and his wife had the following children: Jacob, Samuel, Daniel, George,

Henry, Esther, Nancy, Susan, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary. In 1814 Mr. Brumbaugh moved to Montgomery county with his family, floating down the Ohio river in a boat and thence coming by wagon across the country to Dayton. Entering land in Randolph township, 160 acres covered with timber, he built a log cabin on it, and proceeded as rapidly as possible to clear up the land. In the course of time he added other acres and became a prosperous farmer. He was one of the hardy and successful pioneers, a man of great strength, and lived to a good old age. He assisted in the founding of the German Baptist church in Randolph township.

Samuel Brumbaugh, son of Henry, and father of John R., was born April 12, 1806, in Huntingdon county, Pa., and was a boy of eight years of age when he came to Montgomery county. Reared on a farm he became a farmer, and, in Preble county, Ohio, married Elizabeth Rhinehart, who was born in Virginia, and was a daughter of Jacob and Susan (Brower) Rhinehart. Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh settled on 100 acres of land in Clay township, which was then in the woods, and this tract Mr. Brumbaugh cleared of its timber and made productive. Afterward he removed one mile south of where his son, John R., now lives, settling on a good farm of 240 acres, upon which he lived the remainder of his days. He was in religious belief a German Baptist and for many years a deacon of his church. His children were as follows: John R., Hannah, Mary, deceased; Lydia, Sarah, Jacob and one that died in infancy. Mr. Brumbaugh lived to be eighty-nine years of age, was well known to all the old settlers,

John R. Brumbaugh, the subject of this sketch, was born in Clay township, December 24, 1829. Reared on the farm, he early became inured to hard work. On August 21, 1852, he married Elizabeth Heckman, who was born October 6, 1832, in Clay township, Montgomery county, and who was a daughter of William and Mary A. (Brandenburgh) Beckman. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brumbaugh settled on his present farm of 112 acres. Their children were born as follows: Clara, Mary A. and Simon, the latter of whom died at the age of nine years. Mrs. Brumbaugh died April 21, i860, a woman of many excellent qualities of character and disposition and a member of the German Baptist church. Mr. Brumbaugh was married the second time, in October, 1861, to Nancy J. Heckman, who was born September 6, 1837, and is a sister of his first wife. The children by this second marriage are Harriet, Amanda, Martha, Enos and Jessie. Mr. Brumbaugh has continuously lived on the same farm, and by his thrift and toil has added thereto until at the present time he owns 350 acres, and has also given 139 acres to his children. He has been a life-long member of the German Baptist church and is one of the most prominent citizens of his township. Politically he is a republican.

of Wayne township, Montgomery ^ J county, Ohio, was born on the farm on which he still lives, July 4, 1825, and descends from ancestors who came to America prior to the Revolutionary war.

John Cuppy, his grandfather, was a native of Prussia, came to America a young man and landed in New York in 1750. He went to Canada as a soldier in the French and Indian war of 1754, and after his return married Elizabeth Devore. He then settled in New Jersey, near Morristown, where he combined his trade of stonemason with the vocation of farming. His children were named Abraham, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Catherine, John and Ann. From New Jersey Mr. Cuppy moved to Hampshire county, then in Virginia, but now' in West Virginia, and settled near Romney, where he died at the age of eighty-six years, and where he had been a substantial farmer and, for a number of years, served as a justice of the peace.

John Cuppy, his son, and father of 'Squire Cuppy, was born in New Jersey March 11, 1761. He received as good an education as the common schools of that early day afforded, and was reared a farmer. He grew to manhood in Virginia and there married, in Hampshire county, Rachel Caxton, the union resulting in the birth of Abraham, Benjamin, Daniel, Elizabeth, Catherine and Hannah. The mother of these children died in Virginia in 1820, and Mr. Cuppy again married, his second wife being Miss Lydia Oilar, whom he married in Montgomery county, Ohio, in October, 1823. She was born in Greenbrier county, Va. , February 8, 1798, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Hanks) Oilar, her maternal grandmother being a relative of the mother of Abraham Lincoln. Henry Oilar was of German descent, was a carpenter and farmer, came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1808, and settled on Mud creek, but died, at the age of seventy-eight years, in Lafayette, Ind. To the second marriage of Mr. Cuppy were born three children - Henry, Fletcher and John A.

John Cuppy, father of 'Squire Cuppy, when a young man, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and served under Gen. Greene; also fought at the battle of the Brandywine and afterward was a scout for Gen. Wayne on the Ohio river, and had many encounters with the Indians. He was later captain of a Virginia militia company, and took part in the famous whisky rebellion in Pennsylvania in 1794. The same year he passed the spot where Dayton now stands, being at that time a bearer of dispatches from Cincinnati to Gen. Wayne, who was encamped on Mad river, near where the town of Osborn now stands. Simon Kenton, the famous Indian fighter, scout and backwoodsman, was a frequent visitor to Mr. Cuppy in his old age in Ohio. On coming to the Buckeye state Mr. Cuppy bought 320 acres of land from Daniel Sunderland, in Wayne township, Montgomery county, a small spot only being cleared; but he brought eighty acres under cultivation and made a comfortable pioneer home, and this land now belongs to Henry Cuppy. Mr Cuppy also bought tracts of land in Tippecanoe, Wabash and Dearborn counties, Ind., and at his death was able to give all his children farms. Mr. Cuppy was converted and baptized by the eccentric pioneer preacher, Lorenzo Dow. In politics he was successively a Jackson democrat, a whig and a republican. He voted for Washington for president, and thereafter voted at each presidential election until thetime of Fremont, in 1856. He was awarded a section of land for his services as scout, which he located in Virginia, on the Ohio river, and in his old age he received a land warrant for his services in the Revolution, which he located in Wapello county, Iowa. He reached the patriarchal age of 100 years, three months and seventeen days, dying June 8, 1861.

Henry Cuppy received the usual instruction to be obtained in the pioneer schools of Ohio, and was reared a farmer. While still young he taught school in Wayne township for seven months, and among his pupils were the now famous Gen. Geo. W. Crook and his brothers, Capt. Walter Crook and Chas. Crook. He married in Dayton, in 1878, Sarah A. Cuppy, a very distant relative, who was born near Mount Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, a daughter of Abraham and Susan (Perrin) Cuppy. Abraham was a farmer and coal miner on his own land; he was a son of Abraham Cuppy, who was a son of John, the founder of the family in America. To the parents of Mrs. Henry Cuppy were born seven children, viz: John, William, Caroline, Mary, Sarah A., Elthiza and Margaret. To 'Squire Cuppy and wife were born three children, the only survivor being Emma, a teacher in the public schools. Mrs. Cuppy died June 1 8, 1887, a member of the Protestant Methodist church, and Mr. Cuppy married for his second wife Mary Griffin. In politics Mr. Cuppy is an independent democrat and was elected a justice of the peace three years ago. This office he has administered to the entire satisfaction of the public and with much credit to himself. He is hale and hearty at the age of seventy-two years, has lived an honorable, upright and useful life, and stands to-day among the most respected of the citizens of Wayne township.

>-j*OSEPH M. HENDRIX, a well-known farmer of Madison township, Montgom- A 1 ery county, is of Pennsylvania-Dutch ancestry. The founder of the family in this country was Adam Hendrix, his greatgreat-grandfather, who came from Germany and settled in York county, Pa., where for many years he followed farming. His sons were William and Joseph. The eminent statesman, Thomas Hendricks, of Indiana, was a member of this family, different branches thereof spelling the name in different ways. Several members of the family served the cause of the patriots in the Revolutionary war.

the southern branch of the family. Joseph Hendrix, who was the great-grandfather of Joseph M. , was, like his father before him, a farmer of York county, Pa. In that county ^he lived and died, leaving two children, Joseph and Isaac. The elder of these two sons, Joseph, was the grandfather of the subject. A native of York county, Pa., and a farmer, he married Miss Agnes McDonald, by whom he had the following children: Adam, Isaac,

John, Daniel, Washington, Sarah A., and Joseph, the latter of whom was a physician of Oxford, Pa. The father of these children was a man of wonderful constitution and health, and lived to be eighty-three years of age. He was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and a man of great strength of character as well as of body.

The third son of Joseph Hendrix, John, was the father of Joseph M. Hendrix. He was born in York county January 4, 1814. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Murray, was born in Carroll county, Md., near Baltimore, and was a daughter of John Murray, who was of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix came from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1841, lived there a year and then removed to Preble county, Ohio, locating near Winchester. By continuous labor and thrift Mr. Hendrix increased his landed possessions until he owned some 400 acres, and became a most prosperous man. He and his wife had the following children: Joseph M., Sarah A., Agnes J., Virginia R. , John E., Delos F. , Franklin D., Edwin and Clara. In politics Mr. Hendrix was a democrat, as such serving as township trustee several terms.

Joseph M. Hendrix was born in 1842 in Montgomery county, near Farmersville. While yet an infant he was taken to Preble county, Ohio, where he received a common-school education and was reared on a farm. On Janu- ary 24, 1874, he was married in Harrison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, to Rebecca A. Wampler, who is a daughter of William and Mary (Roop) Wampler, and was born in Harrison township. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix settled on their present farm, and to them were born the following children: Elmer D., Edith R. and Nora A.

Mr. Hendrix has always been a successful farmer and a man of principle and sterling character. Politically he is a democrat, and religiously a devoted member of the German Baptist church.

David Wampler, great-grandfather of Mrs. Hendrix, was of German ancestry, and came to Ohio from Carroll county, Md. He married in Maryland, and upon arriving in Montgomery county, settled on Wolf creek and cleared up a farm. His children were Philip and David. Philip was the grandfather of Mrs. Hendrix, was a native of Maryland, and married Catherine Royer, by whom he had the following children: Mary A., Edwin, Jesse,

David, William, Maria, Elizabeth, Catherine, Samuel, Annie, John and Joseph. Philip Wampler settled in Harrison township, cleared up a farm of 162 acres, was a valued member of the community, and lived to be seventy-nine years old. He was a member of the German Baptist church.

William Wampler, the father of Mrs. Hendrix, was born in Carroll county, Md., on Sunday, February 29, 1824. When three years of age he was brought by his parents to Montgomery county. Receiving the usual common-school education of the times, he grew to manhood upon the farm, and upon attaining his majority married Mary Roop, daughter of David and Rebecca (Grimm) Roop. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. W7ampler settled on a farm in Harrison township consisting of 162 acres of land, to which he added until he ultimately owned 459 acres in Ohio, besides 1,000 acres in Missouri. He was known for his probity of character no less than for his thrift and success in business. He and his wife had the following children: Rebecca A., Catherine, Elizabeth, David and William. Politically he was a republican, religiously a member of the German Baptist church, and in every respect a useful and most worthy citizen.

HARON KIMMEL, one of the oldest settlers of Montgomery county, sprang from Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. His grandfather was Daniel Kimmel, from Berks county, Pa., a farmer and a member of the German Baptist church. He married Barbara Kroner, by whom he had the following children: Susan, John, Daniel,

Jonas, Lewis, Michael, Mattie and Hannah. He made several journeys to Montgomery county, Ohio, on horseback, and one trip to southern Illinois, in the same manner. This was at a very early day, and on his journeys he was accustomed to camp out wherever night overtook him. About 1810 he removed his family to Montgomery county, settling five miles west of Dayton in the woods, on 160 acres of land. Clearing this land of its timber, he made of it a fine farm, and in course of time bought more land. He lived to be about sixty years old.

Michael Kimmel, son of Daniel and father of Aaron Kimmel, was born in Berks county, Pa., in January, 1810. He received the usual common-school education of the times, and was reared a farmer's boy. He married Catherine Armantropt, who was born in Ohio, March 15, 1815, and was a daughter of Peter Armantropt, of Maryland. Peter Armantropt was one of the pioneers of Warren county, Ohio, settling there at a very early day. In religion he was a Lutheran. His children

Jesse, Elias, Catherine and Elizabeth. Mr. Armantropt died in Warren county at a comparatively early age, though his wife lived to be over ninety years oid.

After his marriage, Michael Kimmel settled in Jackson township, in the woods, on 172 acres of land. This farm he cleared and improved and set out upon it one of the finest orchards in that part of the country. In 1855 he sold this farm and removed to Jefferson township, where he bought 196 acres, upon which he died in 1889 at the age of sixty-eight. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. They reared the following children: Henry S., Aaron, Mary, George W. , Michael C. , Sarah, David O. and Susan.

Aaron Kimmel was born May 2, 1835, in Jackson township, Montgomery county, and was fairly well educated in the district schools. On June 1, 1858, he married Elizabeth Wallace, who was born May 18, 1839, in Montgomery county, Ohio. She is a daughter of William and Margaret (Brown) Wallace. Mr. Wallace was of sterling Scotch ancestry, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Brough) Wallace, and was of an old Virginia family.

William Wallace was a merchant of Liberty, coming to Ohio directly after his marriage. By trade he was a hatter, but became a merchant. He died in 1849 of cholera, when he was thirty-nine years of age, his wife having died seven years before. They left the following children: Sarah, Eli, John, Elizabeth and

Mary A. After the death of his first wife Mr. Wallace married Mary Beck. To this marriage there were born three children, viz: James A., Samuel and Margaret. Mr. Wallace was a member of the United Brethren church, and a man of strong character, and stood high in the community in which he lived.

lived on the Kimmel homestead five years, moving thence to Jackson township, where they settled on fifty-three acres of land. In 1865 Mr. Kimmel sold this farm and moved to Crawford county, 111., where he bought a farm of ninety acres. Returning to Montgomery county in the same year, he bought his present farm of eighty-one acres, which he has greatly improved by judicious cultivation, by the planting of orchards, and by the erection of good buildings. To him and his wife there have been born the following children: Jonathan

P., Althea, Emma, Harvey M., Mary A., Leslie B., Jessie D. and Carl W. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel have been members of the United Brethren church for twenty years. Politically Mr. Kimmel is a prohibitionist. He is an unaffiliated member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, Randolph lodge, and is in all ways an excellent man and citizen.

the nurseries of Montgomery county, it having been established by his father in 1852. He springs from Virginia ancestry, his greatgrandfather having come from Virginia to Montgomery county, Ohio, by horses and wagons, in the early days. He was a brother of the grandfather of Jesse Kinsey, a German Baptist minister, whose biography is published elsewhere in this volume. The maiden name of his wife was Miss Beckener, and by her he had the following children: Levi, Mathias,

Joel, Levina and Judah. Mr. Kinsey, upon arriving in Montgomery county, settled in the woods, on what is now the Truxel farm, one and a half miles east of Salem. This farm he cleared of its timber, lived upon it until he reached old age, and then removed to Whitley county, Ind., where he died at the age of sev- enty years. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and a deacon thereof for many years and a man of fine mind and high moral character.

Joel Kinsey, grandfather of William N., was born in Virginia, and came with his parents to Ohio when a boy. He was the eldest child, was reared on the farm and married, in Randolph township, Elizabeth Brumbaugh, who was from Morrison's Cove, Pa. After their marriage Joel and Mrs. Kinsey settled near Covington, Miami county, Ohio, and he there died when but thirty-three years of age. He was a member of the German Baptist church, and his children were Samuel, Lydia, Noah and David, the latter of whom died when quite young.

Samuel Kinsey, father of the subject, was born near Covington, Ohio, May 26, 1832, received a good common-school education, and learned the carpenter's trade. He married at the age of twenty years, on the farm on which William N. Kinsey now lives, on April 23, 1852, Barbara Nead, who was born December 19, 1832, and was a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Yount) Nead. Peter Nead was born in Maryland in 1796, near Hagerstown, and was a son of Daniel Nead, a farmer and slaveowner, who also owned a large tannery. He was a member of the Lutheran church. Peter Nead married in Virginia, managed a tannery near Broadway, Rockingham county, Va., moving later in life to Augusta county, where he engaged in farming. In 1846 he came to Ohio, when his daughter Barbara was fourteen years old. Settling near Trotwood on ninety acres of land partially cleared, he cleared the remainder of the farm, improved it and made of it an excellent home for his family. He and his wife were parents of the following children: Samuel, Daniel, Mary and Barbara. Mr. Nead was first a Lutheran, then a Methodist, and later a member of the German Baptist church.

He was an elder and a minister of the lastnamed church for many years, and was distinguished by being among the first ministers of that church to preach in English. He lived to the great age of eighty-one years, and died on his farm. His wife died when she was seventy-seven years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kinsey lived on Indian lands in Indiana for a year or two after their marriage, and then settled on the farm adjoining the Nead farm. Of this Mr. Kinsey cleared up fifty acres, and by degrees added to it until he had 185 acres of good land in one body, besides seventy-five acres in Indiana and eighty acres in Kansas. Mr. Kinsey established his nursery in 1852, and was exceedingly prosperous in the business, being a practical and skillful nurseryman. Both he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church, in which he was an elder and a minister for many years. They had born to them the following children: Almira J., Mary E., Cynthia A., Clarinda, William N., Lydia L. , Sallie C. , Ellen B., Charles P., Jesse E., Allen V. and two that died young. Mr. Kinsey was a man of great industry and attended to his business with the closest application. He was a man of sterling integrity of character, and died in 1883, at the age of fifty-one years.

William N. Kinsey was born July 17, 1859, on the old homestead, on which he now lives. Receiving a good common-school education, he afterward attended the Northwestern Normal academy at Ada, Ohio, and also the Miami Commercial college, at Dayton, Ohio. When thirty years of age he married, July 30, 1889, Nettie B. Seiber, who was born July 25, 1872, in Montgomery county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Ephraim and Sarah J. (Leighton) Seiber. Ephraim Seiber came from Pennsylvania, and is of Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. Marrying in Ohio, his children are Susan, Amanda, William, John (who died a young man), Aldebal, Nettie B. and Lottie. To Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey have been born two children, Roy H. and Isabel, the latter of whom died at the age of four years and seven months.

Mr. Kinsey is a deacon in the German Baptist church, a man of ability, and has all his life been engaged in the nursery business. He was thus employed with his father for many years, which thoroughly qualified him for the successful management of the enterprise, and at his father's death he took it up and has since carried it on. Mr. Kinsey was a member of the County Agricultural society for several years, and thus became widely and well known in this part of the state. His nursery contains about ioo acres, and in it he grows all kinds of fruit trees, shrubbery, and small fruits of many leading varieties.

ILLIAM KREITZER, farmer of Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio, was born in Berks county, Pa., May 24, 1836, and is of German descent.

Peter Kreitzer, his grandfather, was born, reared and married in Berks county, became the father of four children - Jacob, John, Elizabeth and Catherine - and died in his native county. Jacob Kreitzer, son of Peter and father of William, was also born in Berks county, and there married Catherine Deckler; he was the owner of two farms in Pennsylvania, one of which he sold in 1838, when he came to Ohio and settled in Perry township, Montgomery county, on a tract of 120 acres. Here he resided the remainder of his days, dying at the age of sixty-seven years, the father of the following children: Jacob, Catherine,

William Kreitzer, whose name opens this biographical memoir, was aged but two years, when brought by his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, in the spring of 1838. Opportunities for schooling were somewhat meager in his boyhood days, but he made the most of them. At the age of thirty-three years, he married, in Madison township, Miss Martha Heeter, a native of the township, born August 12, 1847, a daughter of Samuel and Ruhama (Nation) Heeter. Her paternal grandfather, Sebastian Heeter, was born in Pennsylvania, of German descent, and married Elizabeth Rarick, who was born in Philadelphia county, Pa., February 25, 1777, and was eighteen years of age when she was married to Mr. Heeter, August 11, 1795. She was a daughter of Henry and Katie Rarick. The children born to Sebastian Heeter and wife were born in the following order: Henry, Frederick,

Sebastian Heeter was an early settler of Madison township, Montgomery county, Ohio, and made his home on the farm on which his daughter-in-law, Ruhama Heeter, now lives - the widow of his son, Samuel. For this farm of 160 acres he traded four horses and a wagon, the land being located in a dense forest, through which ran an old Indian trail. Forest and trail were soon annihilated, yet with a great expenditure of labor, and a productive farm substituted in their place. Sebastian Heeter was an ardent Lutheran, and contributed liberally toward the erection of the first edifice devoted to worship by that denomination in Gettysburg.

Samuel Heeter married Ruhama Nation, and by her became the father of the following named children - Mary M., Jacob, Paulina and Catherine - who grew to maturity. There were two others who died in infancy. Mr. Heeter was a democrat in politics; in religion he was a Lutheran, and died in that faith at the age of sixty-six years. His widow is now eighty-three years old.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kreitzer settled for the time being on a farm of eightyeight acres which he had purchased in Jackson township, but three years later Mr. Kreitzer bought his present farm in Jefferson township, comprising 160 acres. He has added materially to his lands since residing here, and now owns three good farms, comprising, in all, 389! acres. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kreitzer were named Samuel J.; William A., who died at the age of nine months; John D.; Ruhama C. ; Jacob H., who died at the age of six years; Mary M., who died when three years old; and Noah, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kreitzer are members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr. Kreitzer is a trustee, having taken the place of Samuel Heeter at the death of the latter; in politics he is a democrat. He is a self-made man, and all he possesses he has made through his own good management, assisted only by his wife and elder children.