Elizabeth Township (part 2 of 2)

Having penned a general outline of the history of the New Light and Baptist churches, we now turn our attention to the Methodist Episcopal. The first meetings were held at the house of Samuel Mitchell. A society was afterward formed near the location of the present McKendree Chapel ; this was in 1815. Aunt Betsy Stafford is the only surviving member of this class ; the others have long passed away. Joseph Oglesby was the first circuit minister : and Abbott Codart the first quarterly minister. In 1822, a structure was built on Section two, southeast of Miami City, and called McKendree Chapel. In 1845, the building was torn down to make way for an edifice of brick, which is, at present, attended by a large congregation. At the first Sunday school of this church the first lesson was the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. Luke. John Bruce was elected Superintendent.

We wish to remark while writing on this subject, that religiously, Elizabeth is unsurpassed by any township in the county. The family Bible occupies a conspicious position in nearly every household. In the cares and pleasures of daily life, devotional exercises are never forgotten. The examples set fourscore years ago have passed from generation to generation. That religion and morality will ever have a firm foothold is a foregone conclusion. So mote it be.

One of the prime objects of the pioneers was the establishment of suitable schools for the children. Pennsylvania, to whom the township owes her earliest settlers, offered poor and uninviting educational facilities. John M. Dye, it is said, left his native State for that reason. Obstacles in the way of establishing suitable schools were many. There were, as yet, very few people in the district ; money was scarce ; able and efficient teachers could not be obtained ; much labor was required in building a suitable house for educational purposes. But, in spite of all these difficulties, the pioneer did not waver. A site was selected, logs were hewn, and erelong the house was ready for occupancy. A teacher was procured who received a small compensation, and boarded £; round." The original schoolhouse was situated on the farm of Christian Knoop, near the Staunton line. The first person to officiate therein as schoolmaster wras John Enyeart, who combined writh the duties of pedagogue that of Justice of the Peace. Later on a schoolhouse was built near the present Staley mill, in what is now known as Bethel Township.

In 1812, the schoolhouse on the Lost Creek Crossing was taught by John Schell, when he was sober. For charts, rude boards on which were inscribed in rough caricatures the alphabet and easy monosyllables, were used. Noah Webster's spelling book, Dilworth's arithmetic, the Bible, or any other book obtainable, completed the outfit. Under careful, economical management, the educational interests of this locality progressed gradually and satisfactorily. As the general surroundings advanced in civilization, the population increased ; the pioneer was slowly placing himself and his interests on a firm financial basis, thus enabling him to afford his children better facilities for obtaining a good common-school education. Prior to 1840, there were but two schoolhouses in the township. To-day, eight fine brick structures, erected at an average cost of $2,000, bear testimony to the rapid strides made in this direction.

A stranger is impressed by the numerous graveyards located in nearly every section of the township. They are not populated very thickly, but their number and location show a change induced by the absence of roads, and strengthen the idea that each family buried its own dead on the home place. No costly monument was erected in ye olden times, a plain, rough sandstone, simply inscribed, marking the silent resting-place. The oldest known grave is that of Mrs. Lowder, who rests in the burying-place in the rear of Charles Yoorhis' residence. The Methodist Episcopal cemetery is the oldest public burying-ground in the township. James Mitchell was the first person buried here ; July 19, 1815, is the date. In this city of the dead repose soldiers of all American wars, a singular coincidence. We append the names : Revolutionary' war, Samuel Mitchell, John Burns ; war of

1812, Jacob Ullery, John Drury, William Mitchell ; Mexican war, John French ; rebellion, Jacob Sterrett, Randolph Moore, Merriam Kester, Edward Kemp. The New Light cemete^, adjoining Henry Carver's propertj', is beautifully situated. From its highest point can be obtained a full view of the entire neighborhood. Here sleeps Michael Carver, an early settler. The following is engraved on his tombstone :

Michael Carver

A native of Pennsylvania, who died Dec. 2, 1842, aged 60 years and 2 months. He was one of the first settlers in this vicinity, and emigrated to this county in 1799, where he lived respected, and died regretted, leaving a large family to inherit his name and practice his many virtues.

Miami City, or Alcony P. O., is the only village. It was laid out in 1858 by M. G. Carr, Levi Hart and William Yandeveer; it is situated on the Troy and

Springfield pike, having formerly been a stopping-point on the Troy and Springfield stage-route. The first house was erected by Philip Dick, and used as a cooper-shop. In 1860, it was bought by John Drury, and changed into a tavern stand ; the tavern is closed at present. The town has a population of about 150. A post office has been established ; in what year, we could not ascertain. Mail is carried from Troy, via this place, to Christiansburg, Champaign Co., on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week. The early records of the office having been lost, we can give a list of the recent Postmasters only : William Schoby, 1869 ;

Christian Seuer, 1870 ; S. B. Thatcher, 1871-72 ; William Scott, 1872, who continued in office until 1878, when J. M. Smith, the present incumbent, was appointed. Following is a showing of the business interests of the towm : Dry goods, groceries, etc., J. M. Smith, J. M. Hart ; blacksmithing and wagon-making, W. A. Baker, J. A. Robinson, W. Anderson ; physicians, V. S. Deaton, J. 0. Davy ; shoemaking, Rudolph Billett. The only saloon has been closed.

Man}' of the early records are lost or destroyed ; therefore it is impossible to give a complete list of all the officers of the township. John M. Dye w^as Justice of the Peace in 1811. Thomas Sayers held the office of Clerk for many years ; he was also a Justice of the Peace. Debts were sometimes contracted which could not be paid when due, and the accounts were left in the hands of the " Squire " for collection. This constituted the chief legal business.

Inasmuch as the above-mentioned home is situated in this township, and on the land donated by one of her former most prominent citizens, we will endeavor to present a brief sketch of the founding and management of this institution. For many years, the subject of building a suitable asylum for the accommodation of children who had been deprived of the comforts of a home, had been agitated by philanthropists of this county. Year after year, it became more and more apparent that decisive steps must be taken toward the accomplishment of this object. The matter was first brought before the public by the Women's Christian Association, of whom it may well be said that they laid the corner-stone of the handsome edifice which now greets the eye of the passer-by. In their official semi-annual Report of March, 1877, the Directors of the County Infirmary advocated, in the strongest terms, the establishment of a home for destitute children, a number of whom were at that time supported by the managers of the Infirmary. They called attention to the bad examples set before the little ones, while inmates of that institution, and urged that the evil influences by which they were surrounded would certainly lead to bad results.

On the 4th day of June, 1877. John II. Knoop conveyed to Isaac Clyne, W. II. Northcutt and 1). C. Branson, Commissioners of Miami County, the grounds known as the " John Statler farm " (jointly owned by his brother Jacob and himself), in Elizabeth Township; containing about 160 acres of land, on which the " Home Buildings'' are now located. The Commissioners authorized the Auditor to notify the qualified electors of the county that they would be called upon to vote on the question of building a Children's* Home, at the October election, of 1877. The result of this election was as follows : For the Home, 5,891 ; against the Home, 175.

During the winter of 1877, and spring of 1878, the Commissioners visited a number of homes throughout the State, with a view of gaining an insight into the construction of these institutions. I>. W. Gibbs, of Toledo, was selected architect, who drew up the plans and specifications of the proposed building. On the 8th of May, 1878, the contract for constructing the building was awarded to various parties at a cost of $16,270.25. Much additional work and many improvements have swelled the total cost to $30,000. January 15. 1878, the Commissioners appointed the following gentlemen to serve as Trustees ; R. 1'. Spiker, Piqua, one year ; Jacob Rohrer, Tippecanoe, two years ; Samuel K. Harter, Troy, three years. January

21, 1879, Washington Barnes, of Tnty, was appointed Superintendent. On the 30th of the same month, the building was completed and ready for occupancy.

Having decided upon giving the readers of this work a detailed account of the manner in which this institution is conducted, we repaired to the home. Upon ringing the door-bell, we were ushered into the cozy reception-room by a servant, a few moments later we were greeted by the genial Matron, to whom our wants were made known, and who kindly offered to conduct us through the building. Adjoining the reception-room is the office of the Superintendent and also of the physician ; across the hall is the parlor, through which we pass into the sitting-room. Everything presents a neat and inviting appearance. The children's dining-room, linen-room, etc., are also found on this (ground) floor. On the second floor , is located the hospital, Superintendent's private apartment, spare room, girls' dormitory, baby-room, occupied at this writing by eight sweet little cherubs, under the watchful eye of a nurse. The girls' sleeping apartments,' and the dormitories and sleeping apartments of the boys, are also on this floor. The chapel and servants' apartments are on the third floor. In the basement is the employees' dining-hall, kitchen and storerooms. Back of the main building is the engineroom, laundry and baker}7. The building is heated by steam and illuminated by gasoline. An inexhaustible spring furnishes water, which is forced to all parts of the building. Healthy bath-rooms have been provided, and the children are bathed once a week - Saturday. Visitors are admitted from 1 to 4 o'clock, P. M., daily, except Saturday and Sunday. . Those who wish to attend the Sabbath school will be welcomed. The Trustees meet on the first Monday of each month. The friends of the children are also allowed to call on them on that day.

The total number of children who are inmates at this writing, is sixty-nine. The following is the number of employes, and the character of their duties : One teacher, two cooks, one baker, three laundry girls, three nurses, one chambermaid, one maid-of-all-work, one engineer, three laborers. The Matron has been much encouraged by favorable comments made by visitors, and well she might ; a person more fitted for the responsible position could not be found. The Superintendent also takes an active interest in the welfare of all connected with the institution. Becently, the Female Bible Societies, of Troy and Piqua, presented the home with Bibles. A Sabbath school has been organized, and is visited by friends of the institution from far and near. Thus is the seed of moralit}7 and religion sown in these young hearts, and the Divine injunction, " Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not," is literal^ obeyed.

Miami County may well be proud of her Children's Home. Situated on the grounds donated by descendants of her earliest settlers, built by the almost unanimous consent of her people, and managed b}7 some of her most charitable citizens, she may ever point with pride to the Knoop Children's Home.

JACOB ARMSTRONG, farmer and stock dealer ; P. O. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. March 27, 1827 ; is a son of James and Hannah (Saylor) Armstrong ; he was born in Virginia, and she in Miami Co., the grandparents being natives of Virginia. James, the father, came with his parents to Miami Co., and located here among the early settlers. James and Hannah were parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz., Jacob, Margaret, Fanny, James and Mary. Mr. Armstrong lived with his father till his marriage, which occurred in the fall of 1847 ; in the spring of 1848, he located upon the farm where he now resides ; he married Jane Ann, daughter of Henry and Mary Beals, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of five children, of whom three are living, viz., Jane Ann, Eliza and Isaac Alexander. Mr. Armstrong and wife had seven children, two are living, viz., Clara Bell and Jacob Albert ; Mr. Armstrong has a fine farm of 150 acres, with good buildings and improvements ; he has been an extensive stock, dealer, probably one of the largest in this section of the country. In former years, he made a great deal of money in this business, but since met with heavy losses ; but in this connection we would say, although he has worked hard and had a variety of success and reverses in his business, yet he has probably benefited his neighbors and community, by making a market for their stock, and was never known to fail to pay every man from whom he bought stock, no matter what reverses he might meet.

Barnes, natives of New England, the ancestry being of English descent. S. S. Barnes and wife located in Adrian, Mich., about 1833, and there followed his trade, that of a carpenter, at wiiich he continued to work throughout his life ; in about 1840, removed to Cincinnati, where he remained till his death, which occurred in 1852, his wife surviving him till 1863 : they were parents of four children, three now surviving, viz., Louisa (now Mrs. Hart), Helen M. (now Mrs. George Clyde) and Washington. Mr. Barnes resided with his father till his death, being then 17 years of age, and soon after went to Xenia, Ohio, as an apprentice in the carriage manufacturing business ; after becoming proficient in this trade, he continued to work at it until March 1, 1879, when he received his appointment and took charge of the " Knoop Children's Home," as its Superintendent, which position he has since held ; and we can say that to all appearance, the institution which has just been founded, and is, as it were, in its infancy, is being well managed, and will doubtless, in a reasonable time become established upon a basis and a perfection that will ensure its success, and enable it to fulfill the object of its establishment, to the credit of its founder, its Superintendent, and all who have a controlling power over its welfare. On April 7, 1856, Mr. Barnes married Miss Martha Jane, daughter of James and Sarah Ann Jolly, natives of Ohio, who were parents of two children - Simeon and Martha Jane ; also by a second wife there are three children, viz., Mellie (now Mrs. Hammer, living in Fayette Co., Ohio), John and .Sallie (now Mrs. West, of Casstown).

ISAAC A. BEALS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Pennsylvania Nov. 26, 1831 ; is a son of Henry and Mary (Day) Beals, who were natives of Pennsylvania, where the grandparents were also born. Henry and Mary removed from Pennsylvania to this county in the spring of 1834, and located in Elizabeth Township. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are now living, viz., Jane Ann, Eliza and Isaac A. The parents died in this township, he June 22, 1853, and she Jan 20, 1856. Mr. Beals lived with his parents till their death. On Jan. 31, 1856, he married Miss Mary C., daughter of John and Ellen Gearheart. By this union, they had one child, viz., James Nelson. Mr. Beals lost his wife June 12, 1858. On Sept. 11, 1859, he was married to Miss Nancy, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Rowe, he being a native of Pennsylvania, and she of Ohio. By this marriage they have had one child, viz., Henry R. Mr. Beals, after his marriage, bought 50 acres of land on Sec. 15, where he resided till 1867, when he bought the farm upon which he now lives ; in this farm he has 202 acres of fine land, 175 acres in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. In justice to Mr. Beals, we would add that their fine property has been made mainly by his own labor and industry. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having been such for twenty -four years, and his wife has been connected with the Christian Church for twenty-nine years.

REASON BUTT, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Greene Co., Ohio, June 22, 1812 ; is son of Samuel and Ellen (Borders) Butt, he being born in Maryland and she in Virginia, the ancestry coming from Germany. Samuel, the father, removed to Ohio and located in Greene Co., where in 1808, he married Ellen Borders, by which union they had six children, three now living, viz.. Reason, Otho and Anna. After their marriage, he was in the war of 1812, and served under Gen. Tupper through the entire war, being in several important battles. He resided in Greene Co. till 1832, when he removed to Darke Co., where he died in 1864, his wife having died in 1835. Our subject lived with his father till May, 1831, when he located in Elizabeth Township, Miami Co. Having learned the milling business, he followed that trade till 1815, then bought the farm now owned by John Lefevre, and in 1850, exchanged it for one in Shelby Co., where he lived until I860, then removed to his present location, where he has since resided. In 1836, he was united in marriage with Jacqueline, daughter of Mark and Mary Kerr, natives of Virginia, who were early settlers of Ohio, locating first in Montgomery Co., then removing to Miami Co. Mr. Butt had four children, two now living - Jane, now Mrs. I. W. McDowell, living in Shelby Co., and Sarah Bell, now Mrs. J. C. Knoop, also in Shelby Co. Mrs. Butt died June 20, 1859. On Sept. 7, 1862, he married Mrs. Maria Sanderson, daughter of Henry and Rachel Ann Harvey, natives of Pennsylvania. They had three children, viz., Eva, Charles and Dora (twins). Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and, having the confidence of the people, has held various offices, was District Land Appraiser in Shelby Co., and in Miami Co. has been Township Trustee one term, and Justice of the Peace for sixteen years. The father, Samuel Butt, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and served through the war under Glen. T upper, being in some important battles, but returned home safely to his family.

HENRY G. CARVER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; he was born in Miami Co. on the farm where he now resides Nov. 14, 1816, and is a son of Michael and Anna (Lenon) Carver, who were both born in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather Carver, came from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, where he lived and died ; Michael and Anna were parents of eight children, of whom three are now living, viz., Jacob, residing in Kansas, Benjamin and Henry G. ; Michael removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio and located in Miami Co. in 1799 ; his wife (as she afterward became), came to this State with the Knoop family in 1796 ; soon after his marriage, he settled upon the farm where his son Henry now lives ; this land he bought from the S}^mmes purchase ; here he commenced right in the primeval forest, and cleared up the land, enduring all the hardships and deprivations to which those early settlers were subjected ; but by his labor and industry, and the help of his noble family, he was enabled, in his later da}7s, to enjoy some of the comforts of a good farm and the home which his labors had made ; he departed this life Dec. 2, 1843 ; his wife lived till June 6, 1850, when she, too, passed away. Mr. Carver, our subject, lived with his father till his death. On Nov. 16, 1843, he was united in marriage with Milly Knoop, who was born Sept. 12, 1819 ; she is a a daughter of Christopher and Catharine (Shidaker) Knoop, he being a native of Pennsylvania and she of Maryland ; the grandfather Knoop came from Germany ; Christopher and Catharine were parents of five children, of whom four are now living, viz., James L., living in Shelby Co.; Abraham ; Henry, living in Dayton, Ohio, and Milly ; Mr. Carver and wife, by this union, have had Six children, of whom three are now living, viz., Mordecai B., George W., and Mary B., now Mrs. L. Nysewander ; Mr. Carver has always remained on the home farm, where he has a fine body of land of 423 acres, mostly in cultivation, and has erected large, commodious buildings ; in connection with his farm, he is also owner of a large, woolenmrll, which he bought over a year ago ; this sketch is the record of two of the old pioneer families of Miami Co., the Knoops being among the first settlers, and the Carvers coming about the same time ; too much praise cannot be given in behalf of these hardy old pioneers, who spent their strength and their lives in bringing out from the wilderness these beautiful farms and homes ; and, as we place their names and record here, we do it that the future generations may read their names and their works and give them due remembrance and honor. Mr. Carver and wife are members of the Christian Church, having been such for twenty years.

ISAAC CLYNE, farmer; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. March 18, 1818, on the farm where he still resides ; is a son of Isaac and Olive (Ingraham) Clyne, both bom in Pennsylvania ; the grandfather Clyne was a native of Saxony ; the grandfather Arthur Ingraham, of Ipswich, England. Isaac and Olive, the parents, located in Miami Co. in 1809 or 1811 ; they came by river to Cincinnati, and there landed, when there was nothing there but the block-house ; they located upon the farm upon which the son Isaac now lives ; here he cut out the first stick of timber, put up his log cabin, and roughed it in pioneer style, his nearest neighbor being nearty two miles distant, and in other directions much further ; they were parents of eleven children, five of whom are living, viz., Hannah (now Widow Deweese), Elizabeth (now Mrs. Dye, living in Indiana), Letitia (now Widow Crane), Isaac, and Ingraham (now living in Delaware Co., Ind.) ; his death occurred in 1833, from cholera, his wife living till 1852 Mr. Clyne, the subject of this sketch, lived with his father till his death, after which the oldest son came home and farmed the place one year, and trained up the younger sons, so that they took care of the farm after the first year. April 11, 1839, Mr. Clyne was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine (James) Knight, born in Pennsylvania, and were among the early pioneers of this county, their ancestry coming from ' England, and the Jameses of Scotch descent ; her father, Jonathan, cleared up the land on the farm where the Orphans' Home is now erected ; the works and labors of the Knight family come largely into the early history of Miami Co.; by this marriage they have had eleven children, of whom six are living, viz., Mary Ann (now Mrs. J. M. Studebaker), Nettie (now Mrs. William Frazee), Priscilla (now Mrs. B. F. Hance), Horatio S., William K. and Minerva Ellen ; Mr. Clyne has always resided on the old home place, has improved and cleared up the farm, and brought most of it into good cultivation, erecting fine buildings upon it ; this land has now been in possession of the father and son nearly seventy years. Mr. Clyne is, political^, a Democrat ; has been Township Trustee for many years, and is now serving his second term as Commissioner of the count}'. He and his wife have been members of the Baptist Church for twenty-four years.

JOSHUA H. COTTINGHAM, farmer ; P.O. Tippecanoe City ; was born in this county Nov. 30, 1828 ; is a son of Joshua E. and Elizabeth (Harritt) Cottingham ; he was born Oct. 23, 1792, in Maryland, and she Oct. 24, 1791, in Pennsylvania; the grandfather, William, was born Feb. 7, 1775, the ancestry being from England ; the grandfather, Harritt, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father, Joshua, came with his parents to Bourbon Co., Ky., when about 5 }Tears of age ; thence to Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1807. On June 16, 1814, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Harritt and located in G-reene Co., where they resided till December, 1822, thence to Miami Co., and located on the farm upon which Joshua now lives ; here he died Aug. 11, 1879, nearty 87 years of age ; his wife, Elizabeth, is still living, in her 89th year. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he for sixty-two years, and she for seventy-three years. They were the parents of eight children, viz., Mary Leah, William, Robert H., Abigail, James, Joshua H., Elizabeth and Louisa, all living, the father's death being the first in the family. Mr. Cottingham, the subject of our sketch, lived with his father till about 22 years of age. On Feb. 14, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth Bousman, who was born Aug. 28, 1832, and is a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth (Jackson) Bousman ; he being a native of Virginia and she of Pennsylvania. They were the parents of nine children, seven now living, viz., Mary, Catharine, Elizabeth, William, Eliza, Henr}r and Harriet. Mr. Cottingham and wife, by this union have two children, viz., Milton A., born Feb. 28, 1858, and Freeman O., born Oct. 25, 1860. Mr. Cottingham. after his marriage, lived on various rented farms for about seven years ; then rented a farm near Tippecanoe, where they lived for sixteen years ; finally removing to the old home farm, where he has 116 acres of good land, mostly in cultivation.

JESSE O. DAVY, M. D., physician, Alcony ; was born in Delaware Co., Ohio, Oct. 18, 1840 ; is a son of Henry D. and Elizabeth (Leatherman) Davy ; he was born in Ohio and she in Maryland, the paternal ancestry coming from England, and the maternal from Germany. Henry D. and wife were parents of ten children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Catharine, now Mrs. Hodgden, in Kansas; Ruth, now Mrs. Clawson, in Delaware Co., Ohio ; John L., Ezra J., William, Jesse O. and Mary, now Mrs. Gilmore, of Knox Co. ; lie lost his wife by death in 1850, and, in 1851, was married to Catharine Bastater, daughter of Jacob Bastater, born in Maryland ; by this union he has had three children, viz., Alvin J., of Troy ; H. Dolphus, of Cincinnati, and Elias S. Dr. Davy, our subject, received while young a good common-school education ; in 1858, he attended a select school at Olive Green, Delaware Co., and, during his attendance here, determined to adopt the medical profession ; he went to Navarre, Stark Co., where he devoted one year to the study of medicine, and, April 6, 1861, entered Wittenberg College, at Springfield, Ohio, where he graduated in 1868 ; soon after entering the college, in April, 1861, he enlisted in the three-months service, in the war of the rebellion; at the expiration of which he returned to college and remained two years ; thence, again, he enlisted in the 59th O. V. I., and served till the close of the war, being while in the army most of the time in the Brigade Hospital as Brigade Steward ; his duties were to examine all the wounded as they were brought back to the hospital for treatment, and to assign them to their proper tents, which afforded him splendid opportunities for future usefulness in treating traumatic wounds ; at the close of the war he returned to the college, completed his studies and graduated as above stated ; from there he went to Cincinnati and attended two courses of lectures at the Ohio Medical College ; removed to Springfield and began practice, meeting with very flattering success, and situated under very favorable auspices ; but, like many others, not satisfied to let " well enough alone," he left his profession and entered upon a manufacturing business, which financially proved very disastrous ; during the settlement of his business affairs, he took an agency with the Champion Machine Company, which he held for about two years ; when he entered again upon his profession, at his present location, Miami City, by buying out Dr. Thatcher, an old resident physician ; he has been in practice here for four years, and is meeting with good success and remunerative returns; from his thorough qualifications for his profession, and the love, interest and energy he displays in its prosecution, there is no question of his future success. On June 30, 1868, was celebrated his marriage with Susanna A. Hopper, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Hopper ; he being a native of New York State and she of Ohio ; they were the parents of four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Johanna, now Mrs. C. C. Johnson, living in Hamilton ; Angeline, now Mrs. Ernsberger, living in Bichland Co., and Susanna A.

VAN S. DEATON, M. D., physician, Alcony; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Aug. 1, 1847 ; is a son of Nathan and Sarah (Schoby) Deaton, he being born in Virginia, and she in Ohio ; the grandfather, George W. Deaton, was also a native of Virginia ; the grandparents Schoby were born in New Jersey, the grandmother Schoby living to be 89 years of age. The ancestry of the Deaton family were from England. Nathan and Sarah were parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., Van' S., Lydia A. (now Mrs. J. Cutter, of Kansas), Emery G. (also in Kansas), Emma D. (now Mrs. John McMorran, living in St. Paris, Ohio), and William D. (of Clark Co.). Dr. Deaton being onty 9 years of age .when his parents died, was raised by his uncle, Levi Deaton, till 17 years of age. Then he enlisted in the war of the rebellion, in the 1 6th Ohio Battery, in which he served till the close of the war, received an honorable discharge and returned home ; he then remained with his uncle for a time, but, having obtained a limited education in his boyhood days, he felt a desire for a more proficient scholarship, and in 1867, entered the National Normal School, at Lebanon. Ohio, taking such a course of study as would prepare him for the profession of teacher ; he continued at this school for two years, and then taught for several terms, during which time he studied medicine under Dr. Thatcher, of Miami City, then attended three courses of lectures at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in the winter of 1871-72 and the spring of 1873, graduating at the close of the latter term ; he located at Addison, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he practiced for four years, then went to Miami City, where he has continued his practice for nearly three years. On March 6, 1876, he married Laura E., daughter of Henry C. and Elizabeth Shidaker, by which union they have had two children, viz., Clarence Boss and Ernest Eldridge. Dr. Deaton, since commencing the practice of medicine, has been favored with abundant success, having, during the seven years of his professional duties, won the favor and a good share of the patronage of the community. The thorough education and qualifications he possesses, coupled with an energy and purpose of will to excel in his profession, will doubtless win for him in the future the favor of the people, and give him a high standing in the medical profession.

JAMES M. DYE, deceased. The name that heads this sketch was one of the prominent men of this county, and will ever be remembered for his many virtues and kind acts ; many j^ears have passed since the name of James Dye was first known, and his family were among the foremost pioneers of Miami Co. ; the Dyes, as will be seen in the county and township history, were a numerous and energetic people, and to them is due, in a great measure, the prosperity of our county. Mr. Dye was born in Miami Co. Sept. 6, 1805 ; his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jackson) Dye, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in that State ; when he came to Warren Co., he was very poor, but, possessed of indomitable pluck and energy, began accumulating, slow^, means for a livelihood ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom Sarah Meeks, William Benjamin and Maria Jones are now living. During his boyhood, and, in fact, all his lifetime, James Dye was engaged in agriculture, and, from a humble beginning, accumulated wealth rapidly, through good management, until he left a large landed estate of 1,390 acres. His marriage to Miss Letty Cecil, who was born Aug. 28, 1806, was celebrated March 3, 1825 ; her parents were natives of Pulaski Co., Va., and emigrated to Miami Co. in 1812 ; their names were Thomas and Nancy (Gra}*son) Cecil ; they had thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Letty D}e, the widow of our subject, survives. James and Letty Dye reared a large family ; Thomas C. Dye, their eldest son, was born June 22, 1827 ; Benjamin F., Jan. 28, 1829 ; Gordon C., July 15, 1831 ; Joseph C., April 25, 1833; Milton, Jan. 29, 1835 ; Boswell S., March 30, 1837 ; Elizabeth, Feb. 21, 1839 ; Grayson, Jan. 11, 1841 ; Bobert, Aug. 19, 1842 ; Nancy J., May 26, 1845 ; and Webster, Feb. 11, 1848 ; of these, Milton, Gordon, Bobert, Webster and Benjamin F. are now dead ; the demise of their father, James M., occurred Nov. 10, 1873 ; he was a man widely known, and his business qualifications brought him in contact with the prominent men of this as well as other counties ; his integrity was beyond question, and he was authority on agricultural topics. The marriage of Benjamin F. Dye and Sarah L. Tally, of Clermont Co., Ohio, was celebrated Jan. 8, 1856 ; Joseph wedded Alice Miller, probably in 1860 ; Grayson married Louisa Shaffer in October, 1864 ; Thomas was married to Mrs. Catharine Moore, of Vermillion Co., 111. ; the two daughters, Lizzie and Nannie, live with their mother on the Dye homestead, a beautiful and well-improved farm near Troy ; their residence is a large two-story frame, well furnished, presenting an air of neatness and comfort, which, added to the cordiality of the hostess, makes it a pleasant place to visit. Elizabeth (Jackson) Dye was a native of Bedstone, Tenn., and came from that place to Ohio in 1798 ; her death occurred Feb. 1, 1817 ; Benjamin Dye died July 23, 1843 ; he was aged 64 years. The portrait of James M. Dye appears in this work.

BENJAMIN FLINN, deceased ; born in Miami Co., April 2, 1822 ; was a son of John and Agnes (Priest) Flinn, he being born in Virginia, and she in Kentuck}\ The father, John, with his mother, was captured in Virginia by the Indians, and kept in captivity for fourteen years, during which Mrs. Flinn died ; John, gaining the confidence of the Indians, was granted many privileges to go and come as he pleased, and finally was permitted to visit his friends in Virginia, which he did, and then returned to the Indians ; becoming dissatisfied with them, he went back to Virginia, soon after come West, and became interpreter for Johnson, the Indian Agent, during the war of 1812. It is supposed that he became a settler of Miami Co. prior to 1807, which would make him one of the early pioneers. Here he married Agnes Priest, by whom he had a large family of children, of whom Benjamin was the seventh child. He lived with his father, mostly, till his marriage, which occurred Nov. 20, 1845, with Catharine, daughter of John and Bebecca Smith ; he was born in Maryland, and she in Virginia. By this union they had six children, of whom five are living, viz., Agnes, Bebecca Jane, Charlotte, Franklin and Mary. After their marriage, they located upon the farm where his widow, Mrs. Flinn, now resides. He died March 13, 1879. Since his death, the son, Franklin, and son-inlaw, Mr. Pence, are taking charge of the home farm, consisting of 158 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements ; also another farm of 89 acres. Mr. Flinn was an industrious, enterprising man ; a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, and one who had the confidence of the people, as indicated by the offices he held, being School Director for several years. Township Trustee for two years.

Biographical Sketches

and filling other offices. He was an active member of the Christian Church for some twent}r-five or thirty years, and his wife for twenty-two years.

HENRY GARDNER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Ireland ; is a son of Charles and Ann Gardner, who were also born in Ireland, and lived and died there. They were parents of six children, of whom four are now living, viz., John, who is somewhere in America ; William, who came to America, but returned again to Ireland, where he still lives ; Charles, living in Canada ; and Henry. Mr. Gardner, our subject, came from Ireland to America in 1847, and was in Canada about two years, then removed to Miami Co., and located first on the Robert Sproul farm, where he lived about eighteen years ; then on the farm where he now resides. On Feb. 28, 1854, he married Rebecca Jane, daughter of Robert and Isabella Sproul. They have had six children, viz., Nancy Bell, Robert Charles, Sarah Elizabeth, William Thomas, Samuel Ellsworth and Elvin Hays. Mr. Gardner has now resided twelve years on his present farm of 150 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements.

O. C. GARMAN, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Adams Co., Ohio. Feb. 22, 1843 ; is a son of Peter and Hannah (Countryman) Garman, who were born in Highland Co., Ohio. The grandparents were natives of Virginia, the ancestry originally coming from Germany. Peter and Hannah, the parents, have always resided in Adams Co. They were the parents of six children, viz., Susanna, now Mrs. Bell ; Salome, now Mrs. J. Pulse ; Mary Ann, now Mrs. Murphy ; Obadiah C., Daniel H. and Hymen P., living in Kansas. Mr. Garman lived with his father till 20 years of age. In August, 1862, he went to the defense of his country, and enlisted in the 60th 0. V. I., serving three months, being captured by the rebels, then paroled, and re-enlisted in June, 1863, in the 1st Ohio Heavy Artillery, where he remained till the close of the war. After his return from the army, he attended the National Normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, during the summer, and taught school during the winter, until he graduated, after which he followed teaching for five years, and since, has farmed and taught alternately. On Aug. 21, 1873, he was united in marriage with Mary P. Phillips, daughter of Clark C. and Mary P. Phillips. They had three children, viz., Anna E., Cora May and Clark P. After their marriage, they located in Higginsport, Ohio, where he was the principal of their schools for one year, thence to Patriot, Ind, where he remained two years as principal of their schools, with his wife (who is also a graduate of the same school at Lebanon) as a teacher, then to West Milton, this county, for one year, and. afterward to the farm where he now resides. Mr. Garman has 60 acres of land, 50 of which are in cultivation, with excellent buildings upon them. Mr. Garman, though a recent resident of Miami Co., has served as Township Clerk one year. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, having been such for fifteen years.

JAMES M. GEARHEART, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born in Miami Co., March 10, 1824 ; is a son of John and Eleanor (Beatty) Gearheart, who were natives of Virginia ; the grandfather Gearheart was a native of Virginia, the grandfather Beatty was born in Ireland. John, the father, came to Miami Co. with his parents, and became one of the early settlers, locating a little north of the Dye farm. John located on the farm now owned by Thompson Ely, where he lived about seventeen years, thence to the farm where James now lives ; here he died Aug. 16, 1850, his wife Jan. 3, 1871. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are now living, viz., James M. and John N. Our subject lived with his father until his marriage, Sept. 16, 1847, when he was united with Maria Matilda, daughter of Robert and Isabella Sproul. By this union they had six children, viz., John H., Robert S., William J. (deceased), James E., Thomas B. and Mary B. Mr. Gearheart, after his marriage, located upon the home farm, where he has resided up to the present time. He has a fine farm of 150 acres, 110 acres in cultivation. Politically, Mr. Gearheart is a Republican, Religiously he is a Methodist, his wife 'and children being Presbyterians.

JOHN N. GEARHEART, farmer; P. O. Troy; born in Miami Co., Jan. 6, 1826 ; is a son of Johmand Eleanor (Beatty) Gearheart ; he being born in Miami

Co., in about 1800, and she in Champaign Co. ; the grandfather, John, being a native of Virginia, and removing to this county about 1799, cotemporary with the Knoops, Gerards, etc., the first pioneers of the county. He located on the old Gearheart place, on the west edge of Elizabeth Township, where he lived and died, at the ripe old age of about 100 years. His son John, the father of our subject, after his marriage, located on the farm now owned by Thompson Ely, where he cleared up a farm, most of it right from the native forest ; here he remained for many years, and brought the farm into a good state of cultivation ; then located two miles north, on land now owned by Mr. Turner and James Gearheart, where he lived till his death, which occurred when he was about 52 years of age. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are now living, viz., James M. and John N. John. N., our subject, lived with his father till 1849, when he was united in marriage with Mary A. Rowe, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Rowe ; he being born in Pennsylvania, but locating in this county when about 18 jrears of age; she was born in this township ; they were the parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz., Mary A. and Nancy, now Mrs. Isaac A. Beales. After Mr. Gearheart's marriage, he located on a part of his father's place, which Mr. Turner now owns, and resided there some four or five years ; then removed to the farm where he now lives. They are the parents of nine children, of whom eight are now living, viz., John C.; Henry R., dying in infancy; Elizabeth E., now Mrs. William Greer ; Laura J., now Mrs Gross, living in Preble Co.; Nancy C., now Mrs. McNeal ; William M. R., Mary F., Nelson E. and Iva B. Mr. Gearheart has a fine farm of 200 acres, and all but 40 acres in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Gearheart and wife are members of the Christian Church, he having been such for thirty years, and she for thirty -five years. They have also had the pleasure to see all their children but one become Christians and members of the same church.

S. DAVIS GREEN, farmer and stock-dealer ; P. O. Troy ; he was born in Lost Creek Township, Dec. 2, 1S23, and is the son of George W. and Nancy (King) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this county and located in Lost Creek Township about 1810 to 1812. He was married three times, first to Martha Gray, by whom he had one child, viz., William ; his second marriage was to Miss Nancy King, by whom he had five children, of whom two now survive, viz., Nancy, now Mrs. Harter, and S. Davis ; his third consort was Mary Hendricks, who had five children, viz., Margaret, Jane, Samuel, Ann and Robert ; the mother of our subject died in 1825 ; about 1831, the father located in Elizabeth Township, and died in 1833. Our subject being only 10 years of age when his father died, he was placed in the care of John C. Dye, with whom he remained until October, 1845, when he was married to Miss Hannah, daughter of Asa and Hannah French, he a native of New Jersey, and she of Kentuc.k}' ; by this union they have had five children, viz., Asa, Zelora, Sarah Eliza, now Mrs. A. Thackara, Joseph F., and Glenn. Mr. Green farmed on rented land for nine }rears, then bought and located upon the farm where he has now lived for twenty-six years ; he has 170 acres, 140 of which are cleared and in cultivation, and since his occupation has erected a fine brick house, a large barn and other buildings for comfort and convenience. Mr. Green and wife are members of the Casstown Baptist Church, having united with it while it was located in Staunton ; it is the oldest Baptist Church in the county, having been organized in 1804 ; he has been a member of this church for thirty -four years, and Clerk of the same for the past twelve }rears ; his wife has been a member for thirtysix years.

BENJAMIN F. IIANCE, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; he was born in Miami Co., Dec. 24, 1842, and is a son of Joseph and Patsy (Wilson) Ilance ; he was a native of Kentucky, and she of Ohio ; the grandfather Ilance was born in England, and came to America during the Revolutionary war ; Joseph, the father, came with his father to Miami Co., about 1812 or 1813, and located in Lost Creek Township, where his father died; Joseph and wife were parents of twelve children, of whom eight are now living, viz., Lydia, Margaret, William, Sarepta, Benjamin F., Seymour, Willis, and Letitia ; Joseph died in Lost Creek Township, May 16, 1864 ; his wife died Nov. 5, 1855. Our subject lived with his father till 17 years of age, when he went to learn the carpenter's trade with his brother Lewis, with whom he remained about four years, thence returned with his father, where he remained till his death. On Feb. 15, 1866, he was united in marriage with Priscilla Clyne, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Clyne ; by this union they have had two children, viz., Horatio Ingraham and William Otho. After Mr. Hance was married, he remained on the old home farm for two years, thence went to St. Paris, Ohio, for two years, and finally settled on the farm where he now resides ; here he has 100 acres of good land with excellent improvements.

BENNETT J. HARTER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in Kentucky, Feb. 19, 1819 ; is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Harter ; he was a native of Virginia, and she of Kentucky. The grandfather Harter was born in Maryland, and the grandmother Harter in Virginia, the ancestry being originally from Germany. Jacobr the father, removed to Miami Co. about 1820, and located in Elizabeth Township, where he followed his trade as hatter, in connection with farming, for about twentythree years, then sold out and bought a grist-mill and distillery, about three miles southwest from his first locality ; here he carried on the business some ten years, then removed to a farm just east of there, and farmed for a few years, when he retired from active business and located in Troy, and resided till his death, which occurred in 1875. When Mr. J. first came to this county, he commenced with but a few dollars' capital, but by industry and unfaltering energy, enduring faithfully all the hardships and deprivations of those early settlers, his diligence and economy won for him a large competency7, so that during the latter years of his life he could enjoy all that money or wealth could procure ; but it is said that he declared that the happiest period of his life was during his first years in Miami Co., when he had to labor the hardest and economize the most. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom four are now living, viz., Bennett J., Samuel K., Catharine (now Widow Randolph), and Franklin L. Mr. Harter, our subject, lived with his father till about 28 years of age. In 1844, he married Miss Nancy Green, daughter of George and Nancy (Knight) Green ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in Ohio ; by this union they have had six children, of whom three are living, viz.. Bell S. (now Mrs. Charles C. Royce, of Washington, D. C.), Mary Josephine (now Mrs. E. W. Hey wood, of Boston), and Jacob D. After his marriage, he lived on a rented farm for two years, then bought the Smulser farm, where he lived about five years, then removed to the Cove Spring farm, where he has since resided. He has 366 acres of excellent land well improved.

JAMES T. HERMAN, farmer; P. O. Troy ; born in Clark Co., Ohio, July 4, 1848 ; is a son of Lawson D. and Hannah (Rail) Herman, also born in Ohio, the grandparents being from Maryland and New Jersey ; Lawson and wife were the parents of nine children ; three are living, viz., John Wesley, Mary Louisa and James T. ; Lawson D. Herman lost his wife in 1849 ; in 1852, he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Flinn, of whom mention is made in the sketch of Benjamin Flinn ; by this marriage they had one child, viz., Lawson A. ; Mr. Herman, the father, lived in Clark and Miami Cos. ; he started in life very poor, his only capital being good health, energy and a determination to gain a home and the comforts of life ; in this he was successful, as he became owner of 400 acres of land and some $10,000 in money besides ; he was born March 2, 1807, and died in Clark Co. Feb. 2, 1874. Our subject lived with his father till 25 years of age ; on Jan. 25, 1874, he was united in marriage with Margaret M., daughter of George and Ruth Ann Mumford ; by this union they have three children, viz., Anna Bertha, Charlie Wilbert and James Edward ; Mr. Herman, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now lives, and commenced in a log cabin ; he has everything in good repair, fine new buildings erected and all the conveniences required for a pleasant home.

SAMUEL KNICK, farmer ; P. O. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. Dec. 9, 1832 ; is a son of William and Rachel (Armstrong) Knick, natives of Virginia, who came to this county among the early settlers ; they were the parents of nine children, six now living, viz., William, James, George, Isaac, Samuel and Thomas ; Mr. Knick, the father, was in the war of 1812, and, after his death, his widow drew a pension ; he died Dec. 14, 1848, aged 56 }rears 2 months and 7 days ; she died Oct. 3, 1864, aged 71 years and 7 months. Our subject was 16 years of age at the time of his father's death, after which he worked by the month till about 23 years of age. Oct. 18, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth, born Feb. 27, 1835, a daughter of David and Catharine Ann Strock, natives of Pennsylvania ; they were the parents of nine children ; seven are living, viz., Oliver, Mary Elizabeth, Jacob, John, David, George and Addison. Mr. Knick has had six children, viz., Melissa, bom Aug. 25, 1856 ; Emma J., Oct. 31, 1858 ; Frank, May 18, 1862 ; Charles, Dec. 18, 1865 ; Ella, May 9, 1873 ; and Ida, Sept. 12. 1877. After their marriage, Mr. Knick located on the farm where the Orphans' Home is now located ; remained about two years, then bought and located upon the farm where they now reside ; they have a fine farm of 140 acres, and good improvements. Mr. Knick is a Democrat, and has been Township Trustee for four years ; he and wife are members of the Christian Church, he having been a member for fourteen years, and she for thirty years.

ISAAC N. KYLE, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born in Miami Co. June 19, 1832, on the farm upon which he now resides ; is a son of Samuel and Mary (Bell) Kyle ; he was born in Pennsylvania and she in Virginia ; the grandfather Kyle was also bora in Pennsylvania; the ancestry originally came from Scotland. Grandfather Kyle emigrated from Pennsylvania to Miami Co., in 1807, and located in Concord Township, where he and other members of the family entered five quarter-sections of land ; here he died, after a few years' residence, at an advanced age. The father, Samuel, remained there till 1814, when he located upon the farm where Isaac now resides ; here he opened out in the dense forests, cutting the first stick of timber ever taken from its native growth, and toiling on for }Tears, in pioneer style, to make a farm and a home, enduring the hardships and deprivations which only those honored old pioneers of our country knew and experienced. About the time of his locating on this farm, he was chosen Representative of this county to the Legislature, and, having located late in the. fall, he had to repair to Columbus before he had completed his log house for a dwelling for his family ; but, leaving instructions for the completion of his house, he started for Columbus on horseback. He was, during his life, a very active and prominent man in the county, being public-spirited, enterprising and taking an active part in everything for the good of his county and neighborhood. They were parents of twelve children, of whom eight are now living, viz., William H. H., now living in Kansas ; Samuel B., living in Arkansas ; Mary F., now Mrs. Yount, of Union City ; Elizabeth A., now Mrs. J. Yount, living in Iowa ; Logan K., also in Iowa ; Sarah A., now Mrs. McNeal ; Nancy C., now Mrs. Furrow, of Iowa, and Isaac N. Samuel Kyle was an earnest Christian from his early manhood, and was one of the founders of the Christian Church ; a member of the Miami Conference from its organization, he was ordained a minister in the church in 1810 ; was an active, energetic minister of the Gospel for twenty-five years, and probably organized more churches, during this period, than any other man in the county. His Christian work was one of constant labor in his Master's vineyard ; and his death, which occurred April 8, 1836, was that of one who believed in the triumphs of a living faith, and had an unfaltering hope of a blessed immortality. His wife departed this life in 1862. Isaac N. Kyle, our subject, and the youngest child of the family, has always remained upon the home place, where he now has 160 acres of land, of which 120 acres are in cultivation, with fine buildings and improvements. He was united in marriage Jan. 1, 1857, with Elizabeth A. Sayers, daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Talbot) Sayers. They have five children, viz., Barton W., Clara F., Mary A., Maggie A. and Harry N. Mr. Kyle, like his father, has always been a public-spirited man. who has had the confidence of his people, and is known from one end of the county to the other as one who is interested in all public matters and improvements. He was elected a member of the School Board in 1859, in which he has since served.

DANIEL MoNEAL. farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Pennsylvania Oct. 10, 1816 ; is a son of Daniel and Sarah (Brougher) McNeal, who were also natives of Penns}dvania ; the grandfather McNeal was a Scotchman, and the grandfather Brougher, or his ancestry, came from Germany. Daniel, the father, lived and died in Pennsylvania, but his wife, Sarah, came to Ohio and died in this county. They were parents of four children, of whom two are now living, viz., John and Daniel. Daniel, our subject, was only 11 years of age when his father died, but the mother, to her credit, managed to keep her family together till they grew to maturity, and came to Miami Co Mr. McNeal removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1839. and located on the farm where he now resides ; he first purchased 123 acres of land, most of which was still a dense forest ; he commenced with a capital of $1,000, and from year to year he cleared up and improved his land, from time to time purchasing more land adjoining him, as means and opportunity would permit, till now he is owner of nearly 800 acres of land, the greater portion of it in cultivation. This large amount of property has been accumulated by his own labor, industry and good management, being a good example to the future generations of what may be accomplished by industry and economy, In 1838, Mr. McNeal was united in marriage with Barbara Brechbill, daughter of Frederick and Ann Maria Brechbill, who were natives of Pennsylvania. By this union they had eleven children, of whom six are now living, viz., Maria, now Mrs. Thompson ; Frederick B. ; Louisa, now Mrs. Stafford ; George, James and Marcellus. He lost his wife by death in 1864 ; in 1873, was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann V. Kessler, daughter of Peter and Rebecca Yore, he a native of Pennsylvania and she of Ohio. By this union they have had two children, of whom one only is now living, viz., Henry Ernest. Mr. McNeal has not only been a man of energy and industry, and accumulated a competency of this world's goods, but he has been a man of ability, commanding the confidence of the people of his community and township, as indicated by the offices he has held, having been Township Trustee for many years, and Justice of the Peace for nine years ; he is, at the present time, Township Treasurer and Land Appraiser ; in fact, there is scarcely a township office but what he has held, and no year of his life but what he has held one or more offices. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, in which they have been active members for twentyseven years.

A. C. & W. P. MARTIN, farmers ; P. O. Troy ; natives of Miami Co., Lost Creek Township, A. C. Martin being born Dec. 23, 1827, and W. P. Martin Feb. 15, 1830 ; are sons of Joseph and Mary (Clyne) Martin, who were also born in Miami Co. The grandparents came from Pennsylvania at a very early day. Joseph and Mary were parents of three children, viz., Abijah C., William P. and Hannah, now Widow Kellogg, living in Iowa. Joseph and Mary's lives were very brief, being victims of that terrible scourge, the cholera, which visited this section in 1832 and 1833 ; they were both attacked with the disease, and lived but a few hours, there being less than an hour's difference in their deaths ; he only 27 years of age, being cut off in the prime of life, and the children left orphans when very young ; Abijah C., the eldest, was only 5 years of age, and William C., 3 years old. They were placed under the guardianship of their uncle, who put them to various occupations until they were able to care for themselves. They have, since becoming of age, made farming theii; principal occupation, having owned three different farms successively in partnership in this and Lost Creek Township. About seven years ago, they bought the farm upon which they now live and have since resided. This consists of 204 acres, mostly under cultivation, with large and commodious buildings attached. Abijah C. was united in marriage March 2, 1859, with Elizabeth Knoop, daughter of Daniel and Lucy Knoop. By this union they have had four children, viz., Mary B., Charles D., John K. and Lucy.

DANIEL MORRETT, farmer ; P. O. Christiansburgh, Champaign Co.; born in Pennsylvania Sept. 24, 1815 ; is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Strock) Morrett, also born in Pennsylvania, their ancestry coming from Germany. The}7 were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., Catharine, Daniel, Rachel, Jacob, now in Iowa, Elizabeth, Eli, now in Pennsylvania, and Rebecca. Mr. Morrett lived with his father till 23 years of age. In the spring of 1839, he came to Ohio, and in the fall of 1840, was married to Catharine Ann, daughter of John and Susan Slaybaugh, also from Pennsylvania. By this union they have had ten children, seven living - Jacob, John, Alfred, Mary, Fanny, William and Emma Louisa. In 1841, Mr. Morrett located upon his present farm, which he has cleared and improved, has erected good buildings and now has 100 acres in cultivation with all the conveniences needed for a farmer's residence. Politically, Mr. Morrett is a Republican.

GEORGE MUMFORD, farmer ; Alcony P. 0.; born in Maryland Feb. 16, 1812 ; is a son of John and Hannah Mumford ; he was born in England, his wife being born in Maryland ; he lived and died in Maryland ; the mother came to this county, where she died ; they were the parents of fourteen children, of whom three are now living, viz., Hannah, George and Miranda. The subject of this sketch, in the fall of 1833, came to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where he remained about one year, then returned to Maryland, and was united in marriage, Aug. 6, 1835, with Ruth Ann, daughter of Isaac and Ruth Ann Martin, both natives of Maryland ; by this union they had ten children, of whom eight are living, viz., Martha, Josephine, Wilber Harrison, Isaac, Maria M., George, Melissa and Clara Bell ; after Mr. Mumford's marriage, he came to Ohio and located in Muskingum Co., but afterward removed to Miami Co., where he has since resided ; he has been a resident upon the farm where he now lives some twenty-five years ; he has 416 acres in one body, constituting three farms, all having good buildings ; this estate he has accumulated by his own labor, industry and economy, having commenced in life with comparatively nothing but a good constitution, energy and a determination to make a home and the comforts of life, which he has abundantly accomplished.

WILLIAM R. MUMFORD, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. June 7, 1841 ; is a son of John and Mary M. (Cromer) Mumford, who were born in Maryland, and came to Ohio with his brother George. John, the father, when he came to this county, lived on rented farms for about eight years, then bought the farm upon which his son William now lives, where he died, Sept. 16, 1868 ; his widow is still living with their son William, and is 71 years of age ; they were the parents of ten children, of whom five are now living, viz., John P., William, Joseph E. (of Clark Co.), Mary Jane and Sarah Amanda. William R., our subject, lived with his father till his death. On Nov. 7, 1867, he was united in marriage with Olivia, a daughter of John and Sarah A. Schindler ; by this union he has had four children, of whom three are now living, viz., Irving, Eben and Viola ; William R. has always remained on the home place, and had charge of the farm since his father's death, and for many years before, as his father was crippled and helpless for some ten years, from rheumatic affections ; William R. lost his wife Sept. 7, 1876, at 31 years of age. Mr. Mumford has been a member of the Universalist Church for four years ; his mother, Mary M., has been a member of the Lutheran Church for a period of fifty-two years.

JOHN H. RAMSEY, farmer and Justice of the Peace; P. 0. Alcony; is a son of Samuel and Ellen (Fletcher) Ramsey ; he was born in Pennsylvania, she in England, emigrating to America when 12 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey became residents of Lycoming Co., and while there our subject was born, Feb. 11, 1810. Of nine children born to the parents, six now survive - John II., Jane, Thomas, Mary Ann, Margaret and Harriet. They removed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, locating at Dayton, in 1811 ; thence went to Elizabeth Township. Miami Co., in 1817, where he resided till his death. In the war of 1812, he was a soldier in Hull's army. He was a man of great energy and industrious habits, and. by the help of his sons, cleared over 100 acres of land, and brought it into good cultivation. Our subject lived with his father till 23 years of age. On March 14, 1833, he was married to Miss Dorothy, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Neff; he was born in Virginia, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were the parents of nine children, three now living - Mary, Dorothy and Elizabeth. As the issue of this union, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have two children - William and Sarah. Mr. Ramsey, after his marriage, located upon his father's place, and resided on his several farms for fourteen years ; thence went to the Booker farm for four years ; and finally to the farm where he now resides ; became owner of 425 acres of land, *and sold 210 acres to his son-in-law, still owning 215 acres. The crowning traits of Mr. Ramsey's life have been energy, industry, economy and honor. Having the entire confidence of the people, they have extended to him many offices of trust ; he has served as Justice of the Peace twenty-four consecutive years ; and, in testimon}' of his honor as it has been manifested in his official career, we have the evidence of the many compromised cases which were brought before him, threatening extensive law-suits ; through Mr. Ramsey's pacific efforts between the contending parties, the differences were amicably settled without appealing to law. William, son of our subject, residing at home with his father, was married, March 20, 1868, to Miss Abby, daughter of David and Martha Neff ; they have seven children, six now living - George, John, Mary, Charlie, Samuel and Walter.

ANDREW S. SAUNDERS, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Nov. 11, 1816 ; is a son of William and Elizabeth (Sheets) Saunders, born in Pennsylvania ; the Grandfather Saunders removed from Pennsjdvania to this county when William was 11 years of age, locating here a few years after the Knoops ; William and Elizabeth were the parents of six children, of whom five are now living, viz., Andrew S., Henry R., Sarah Ann, Catharine Morter and Isaac ; the grandfathers were among the pioneers of the county, having to go to mill for their grist and market their flour at Cincinnati ; but they accomplished their work, and lived to see and enjoy many improvements and comforts. Our subject lived with his father till 18 years of age, then worked b}T the month till January, 1837, when he was united in marriage with Delilah, daughter of Michael and Sarah Kissinger, who were natives of Virginia and the parents of two children, viz., Delilah and Nancy (deceased). After Mr. Saunders' marriage, he rented a farm of his Grandfather Sheets for about two years, then went to Shelby Co., and has followed farming there and in this county until the present time ; he owns 200 acres of fine land, with good buildings and improvements ; Mr. Saunders has done a large share of pioneer work, having cleared up about 200 acres of land ; he has held several offices, having been Constable, Appraiser, Township Clerk, etc., but he desires to avoid office as much as possible, preferring to attend strictly to his own personal business.

THOMAS JEFFERSON SAYERS, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Oct. 15, 1808 ; is a son of Thomas and Francis (Dye) Sayers ; he was born in Virginia Dec. 26, 1770, and she in Pennsylvania Jan. 7, 1777. The grandparents removed from Virginia to Pennsylvania when Thomas was only a child, where he lived till arriving at maturity. On April 3, 1795, was celebrated his marriage, and they resided in Pennsylvania till the fall of 1808, at which time they removed to Miami Co., and located on the farm where Jefferson now lives ; here he settled in the woods, his nearest neighbors being the Knoops, located in Staunton Township ; he was in the war of 1812, and served six months ; Mr. Sayers was a man of energy, and toiled and labored to make a farm and a home. They had a family numbering seventeen children, six now living, viz., Andrew D., James, Elizabeth, T. Jefferson, Clarissa and William D. On Oct. 17, 1830, our subject was married to Margaret French, born June 16, 1807, a daughter of Asa and Sarah French ; he was born in New Jersey, and she in Pennsylvania ; they were parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, viz., Ezekiel, Simeon, Margaret. Jacob, Lewis and David. Jefferson and wife have had ten children, and seven are now living, viz., Ezekiel F., John H., Harrison, Sarah, Enos, A. Judson and Milton C. During the war of the rebellion, this family furnished three soldiers for the defense of our country,- Enos, enlisting in the 26th Regiment, and A. Judson in the 11th O. V. I., who served through the war, and Milton C., who enlisted in the navy and served one year. Mr. Sayers resided on the home farm until 1867, when he removed to Casstown and resided ten years, thence to the farm where he still resides. Mr. Sayers bought the farm of his father in 1837, and experienced many hard days' work in paying for it ; but he and his wife never despaired, and now, after many years of toil and labors, are possessed of a fine farm and home. He has also helped each. of his children, by furnishing them means. This farm, the home place, has been in possession of the Sayers family for a period of seventy-two years. Mr. Sayers has been a member of the Casstown Baptist Church for fortysix years, and his wife for fifty-six years ; he has also been Deacon of the church for forty years. They have raised seven of their children, and have had the pleasure to see them all become Christians and active members in the church.

ANDREW D. SAYERS, farmer; P. 0. Troy ; born in Pennsylvania March 22, 1797 ; is a son of Thomas and Frances Sayers. The parents came from Pennsylvania to this county in the fall of 1808, when our subject was 11 years of age. Mr. Sayers lived with his father till 25 years of age. July 19, 1821, he was married to Miss Sarah, daughter of Sampson and Jane Talbott, who were born in Kentucky, but came to Ohio at quite an early day. By this union they have had eight children, who grew to maturity, five of whom are now living, viz., Sampson, Ezrn, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Kyle ; Pressley and Mary. After his marriage, he lived on his father's farm for two years, then on a rented farm in Lost Creek Township ; afterward bought a farm in Brown Township, where he lived five years ; then went into Lost Creek Township, where he resided thirty years ; and finally to the farm where he now lives and has made a continued residence of twenty-two years. He has a fine farm of 160 acres, of which 110 acres are in cultivation, with good buildings and improvements. Mr. Sayers is now nearly 84 years of age, being one of the oldest persons now living in Elizabeth Township. He lost his wife by death Jan. 13. 1879, they having traveled the journey of life together for over fifty-seven years. The}7 had been members of the Baptist Church for nearly half a century.

JOHN SCHINDLER, retired, Alcony ; born in Maryland Dec. 5, 1822; isa son of John and Hannah (Leatherman) Schindler ; he was born in Germany, and came to Maryland when 1 1 years of age ; she was born in Maryland. They removed to Ohio in 1852, and located in Clark Co., where he lived and died ; she is still living, and resides in Miami City, this county, at the advanced age of 82 years. The}7 were parents of five children, of whom four are now living viz., Peter A., of Springfield, Ohio ; John; Daniel L., of Hanover, Penn.; and Louisa C. Mr. Schindler, our subject, remained with his father till 23 years of age, and on March 12, 1846, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann Rice, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Williard) Rice, who were born and raised in Maryland. They were parents of three children, one only now living, viz., Sarah Ann. Mr. and Mrs. Schindler have had five children, of whom three are now living, viz.. Rice, Millard and Mina. Mr. Schindler, after his marriage, rented his father's saw and grist mill, where he remained and carried on the business about seven years ; then followed the millwright and carpenter business for three years ; he removed to Ohio in spring of 1856, and located in Springfield, where he engaged as a partner with his brother in the furniture-manufacturing business, where he continued for five years ; then bought the mill property which he now owns, and located here in 1861, where he and his sons have continued business to the present time. Mr. Schindler is a natural mechanic and machinist, and has always done all his own millwright work, repairing, etc. The mill property he sold to his sons a few years since, who are running a strictly first class custom mill, and with the assistance of the large, practical experience of their father, are enabled to give their customers universal satisfaction. Mr. Schindler has been a man of energy and industry, and had at one time accumulated quite a comfortable property, but met with some reverses, and when he located in this county, nineteen years ago, was possessed of but a limited capital ; by his energy, industry and good management, he has accumulated a competency, and is now able to live retired from active business, enjoying some of the benefits of his past labors. That he has the confidence of his community, is shown by the offices he has held, having been Township Trustee one term, and Treasurer of the township for eight years. Mr. Schindler and wife have been members of the Reformed Church for a period of forty years..

SAMUEL SCOTT, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; born in this township Dec. 9, 1844 ; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Sproul) Scott ; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in South Carolina, John located in this township about 1830 ; had a fine farm of 320 acres, where he lived and died ; being one of the early settlers of that neighborhood ; they had ten children, who grew up to maturity, nine of whom are now living - William; Isabella; now Mrs. Walker ; Jane, now Mrs. Telford ; Robert; Fannie ; Elizabeth ; Maggie, now Mrs. McCurdy ; Samuel and Thomas ; our subject lived with his father till his death. Dec. 2, 1872, was married to Miss Mary E., daughter of John and Margaretta Farver ; he was born in Maryland and she in Ireland, coming to this country when a small child ; they were quite early settlers of this county ; Mr. Scott and wife by this union have three children - Sarah Nelly, John Gustave and Bessie Margaretta ; they resided on the old home farm till the spring of 1880, when they located on the farm where they now reside ; the Scott family were early settlers, clearing up a large farm right from the dense forests, and, by their own labor and industry, became possessed of a fine cultivated farm and a pleasant home ; have a good competency, and present another example of prosperity, arising from energy and close application to business.

WILLIAM SCOTT, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Pennsylvania Jan. 18, 1822 ; is a son of William and Sarah (Kinney) Scott, who were also born in Pennsylvania ; the ancestry being from Scotland. The parents, William and Sarah, came to this county about 1865, and located in this township, remaining here one year, then removed to Troy, where he has resided to the present time, living a retired life, he being in his 85th year ; his wife died in 1876 ; they were parents of nine children, of whom five are now living, viz., William, Mar}7 E., James, Sarah Jane and Margaret Elizabeth (twins). Our subject remained with his parents till 28 years of age, when he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Henry and J ane Krimer, natives of Pennsylvania ; they had four children, of whom two are now living, viz., Henry and Sharon Kinney ; his wife died May 29, 1857. On March 5, 1863, was celebrated his marriage with Sarah L., daughter of Zenas and Elizabeth Hart, who were born in New Jersey, removing to this county about 1815, and locating in this township, opening out in the forests a home and farm, and enduring all the hardships of those early settlers ; but he lived to accomplish his work ; obtained a fine farm with good buildings, and all conveniences necessary for comfort ; there he was permitted to enjoy only a few years, dying Nov. 15, 1844, and his wife April 10, 1849 ; they were parents of seven children, of whom five are living - Mary, Levi, William H. Harrison, Sarah L. and John. Mr. Scott first located in this county, where he has since lived, following farming most of the time ; he has a pleasant home and residence, with 50 acres of land all in cultivation ; here they have resided nine years ; they have two other pieces of land of 40 and 5 O' acres respectively ; Mr Scott has held several offices - was Supervisor several terms, Township Trustee one term, and Postmaster for six years.

JOHN K. SHEETS, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born on the farm where he now lives Sept. 27, 1833 ; is a son of Isaac S. and Nancy Sheets ; our subject lived with his father till his marriage, which was celebrated June 4, 1861, when he was united with Miss Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob and Sybil Null, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio when Ann E. was an infant ; twelve children were born to them, of whom eleven are now living, viz., John M., Ann E., Frances (now Mrs. Leonard), Jesse, Margaret (now Mrs. Starr), Etta (now Mrs. Smith), Andrew, Alice (now Mrs. Johnson), Leonora (now Mrs. Hooper), Capitola and Grant ; Mr. Sheets after his marriage located on the old home place, by Sheets' Mill, and ran the mill two years ; then went to Indiana and lived nine months ; returned to the south part of the old home farm and lived till 1879, finally settling on his present place of residence. Mr. Sheets and wife have two children - -Mary Jane and Isaac S.; their farm is composed of 320 acres of excellent land, mostly in cultivation, constituting two fine farms, with good buildings ; they also have another good farm of 154 acres, in Staunton Township; he also, in connection with his brother George, owns the grist-mill at the home place, which was built by their father nearly half a century ago, and has always done an extensive business, being one of the best mills in this section of the country.

ELIZABETH SHEETS, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Miami Co. Feb. 7, 1826; is a daughter of Isaac S. and Nancy (Knoop) Sheets; he was born in Pennsylvania, and she in Staunton Township. The grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania. The grandfather Sheets removed to Tennessee when Isaac was a child ; went to Miami Co., in fall of 1812, and located on the farm now owned by Joseph Studebaker, where he lived till about 1832, when he removed to Clark Co., where he died. Mr. Isaac Sheets, after his marriage, lived with his father about two years, then located on what has been known as the " Sheets place," where he resided during the remainder of his life. He cleared up all the farm but about 10 acres, upon which were small log buildings. Soon after locating here, he built a saw-mill, and in' 1832 erected a grist-mill, where they commenced grinding about the 4th of July, 1834. Mr. Sheets and wife were the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, viz., Elizabeth, Mary, John K., Barbara Jane and George M. He lost his wife May 3, 1862 ; he died suddenly Sept. 24. 1876, from disease of the heart, while at Philadelphia attending the Centennial, being nearly 78 years of age. Mr. Sheets was a great worker with both mind and body, and accomplished a vast amount of labor during his life, being a public-spirited man and a leader in all public improvements. At his death he was the owner of over 500 acres of land, with good buildings upon all his farms. He was a very popular man in the community, having served as County Commissioner for two terms. At his death, the subject of this sketch came into possession of 120 acres of land, on which she lives, surrounded by good buildings and improvements.

HENRY C. SHIDAKER, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born in Miami Co., on the farm where he now resides, Feb. 20, 1825 ; is a son of Valentine and Emily (Harter) Shidaker ; he was born in Maryland and she in Kentucky. The grandfather, Michael, was also a native of Maryland, the ancestry originall}' coming from Germany. The grandfather, Michael, removed from Maryland to Miami Co., in 1805, and located in Elizabeth Township, entering Sec. 14, in the dense forest, with no neighbors nearer than two to three miles, being as it were, an. opening wedge in the pioneer work in this section. He died after performing many years of hard labor, and was succeeded by his son Valentine, who continued the work of clearing up and making improvements until he died, in 1846. He and wife Emily had eight children, of whom seven are now living, viz., Mitchell, Catharine, Hemy C., Andrew, Jonathan, Sarah and Robert. Our subject always lived with his father till his death, since which he has succeeded him in possession of the old home farm. He was united in marriage, Oct. 8, 1847, with Elizabeth, daughter of Benjamin Edmunds, who came from Virginia. They had three children, viz., Lucy Matilda, Laura E. and Clara F. He has a fine farm of 127 acres, of whicli 100 acres are in cultivation, with very fine buildings attached. This farm has now been the residence of the Shidaker family for seventy-five years.

ANTHONY SNYDER, farmer; P. O. Troy; born in York Co., Penn., Aug. 12, 1818 ; is a son of Philip and Elizabeth Snyder. The ancestry came from Germany. The parents died in Pennsylvania, leaving nine children, of whom six are now living, viz., John, Abraham, Michael, Susan, Mary and George. Our subject was 8 years of age when his mother died ; he was then bound out to Aaron G. Blackford, with whom he lived till 16 years of age, then, until 30 years of age, he worked by the month. March. 1848, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of John and Elizabeth Roller, natives of Pennsylvania, and were parents of six children, viz.. Joseph, Mary, Barbara, Rebecca, George and Sarah. After Mr. Snyder's marriage, he located in Center Co., Penn., till about 1864, when he removed to Miami Co., and in the spring of 1880, settled on the Scott farm, where he now resides. They have had three children, viz., Angeline, James and John

R. James, the second child, married Jane Walders, daughter of Jacob Walders, by which union they had two children, viz., Flora and Sabin. James also lives on the Scott farm, assisting his father and brother in cultivating it. Mr. Snyder and wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, he having been a member for fort}' years, and she for thirty years. Their two sons are also members of the same church.

ROBERT SPROUL, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; born on the farm where he now resides Feb. 11, 1826 ; is a son of Robert and Isabella (Hayes) Sproul, who were born in Ireland ; he came to America in 1800, and she in 1793 ; they first located in South Carolina, but, about 1812, removed to Miami Co. ; while here he was drafted for the war and sent to Greenville, doing military duty two months, when he returned home ; in 1813, he located upon the farm where his son Robert now resides; he died June 14, 1858, his wife April 2, 1868; they were parents of twelve children, of whom eight are still living, viz., Sallie Hayes, Nancy, Thomas, James, Isabella, Jane, Maria Matilda and Robert ; when Mr. Sproul took this place he entered it from the Government, commenced in the woods, and spent his life in making a farm and home ; by industry and economy, he had, before he died, a fine farm in cultivation, with good buildings and everything necessary for comfort and convenience. Our subject lived with his father till his death, and shared in the hardships of clearing up half or more of the farm. Dec. 8, 1859, he was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of John Hannan, a native of Ireland ; they have had two children, of whom one is living, viz., Sarah Bell ; his wife died Oct. 23, 1863 ; on Aug. 25, 1870, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of Robert and Jane Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania ; they had four children, three living - Ann, Jane and Rebecca ; Mr. Sproul has always resided upon the home farm, which has been in the possession of the Sproul family for sixty-seven years. Mr. Sproul and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

LEVI STALEY, farmer ; P. 0. Alcony ; born in Miami Co. March 27, 1840 ; is a son of Elias and Hannah (Ritter) Staley, who were natives of Maryland, the ancestry supposed to have been from Switzerland ; the father removed from Maryland to Ohio in about 1802. and, in quite an early day, became a citizen of Bethel Township, this county, where he lived and died ; they were parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, viz., Simon, Andrew, John and Levi. Mr. Staley, our subject, lived with his father till after his majority ; in 1867, he was united in marriage with Ann Thompson, daughter of Mark and Rebecca Thompson, who were natives of New York State ; they were parents of seven children, of whom six are now living, viz., Eleanor (now Widow Davis), William, Elmira (now Mrs. Bare), Ann, Giles T. and Minerva (now Mrs. Cromer) ; Mr. Staley and wife have one child - Newton Kiefer. Mr. Staley, after his marriage, located upon the farm where he now resides ; he has 193 acres of land, of which 160 are in cultivation, with good improvements attached.

WILLIAM STEWART, farmer ; P. O. Casstown ; born in Pennsylvania April 3, 1822 ; is a son of James and Mary (Hayes) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, the ancestry being of Irish descent ; James and Mary located in Miami Co. in 1834; about one year after arriving here, James died from that dreaded disease, cancer ; the mother died in 1875 ; they were parents of six children, of whom four are now living, viz., William, David Hayes and Eleazar (now in Iowa) and Jane (now Mrs. Maxwell) ; the children all being young when the father died, quite a responsibility came upon the mother to keep together and raise her family, which work she nobly performed until they all arrived at majority. In February, 1852, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Ann, daughter of Robert and Jane Wilson, natives of Pennsylvania ; they have five children, viz., James W., John Hayes, William, Mary Jane (now Mrs. A. Knoop) and Anna R. Mr. Stewart has always remained on the old home farm ; after the children arrived at majority, Mr. Stewart, being the eldest of the family, bought out the other heirs and became sole owner of the farm ; he has 120 acres of good land, of which 100 acres are in cultivation, with fine buildings and improvements ; they are members of the Presbyterian Church.

ISAAC S. STUDEBAKER, farmer ; P. 0. Casstown ; born in Bethel Township, Miami Co., March 23, 1822 ; is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Steele) .Studebaker, who were both born in Bedford Co., Penn. The grandfather Studebaker was also born in Pennsylvania, but the great-grandfather came from Germany. Abraham came to Bethel Township in 1812 ; bought land on credit to the amount of $500, and worked hard to pay for it, but, becoming discouraged, he proposed to give it up, but was told to keep it and pay for it when he could. By great economy and hard work, he finally paid for his land ; he was industrious, prospered, and purchased more land, and before his death he owned 700 acres of land. On his home place he had good improvements, and everything comfortable and pleasant around him. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom nine are now living, viz., John, Lydia, Samuel, Isaac S., Abraham. Elizabeth, Rebecca and Phebe (twins), and Joseph. He lost his wife, and was afterward married to Barbara Weaver, by whom he had one child, now deceased. Isaac lived with his father till about 26 years of age. On Jan. 25, 1848, he was married to Anna, daughter of George and Catharine (Olinger) Warner, who were born in Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in quite an earl}" day ; they were the parents of three children, two are now living, viz., Anna and John 0. Mr. Studebaker and wife, by this marriage have had ten children, of whom three are now living, viz., Anna, Priscilla and Martha. After his marriage, Mr. Studebaker located upon the farm where he still resides? moving into a log cabin erected in one day's time ; here they began their journey of life, having about 40 acres cleared ; he has 480 acres of good land, of which 340 acres are in cultivation, constituting two farms, with good build ings on both ; the home place having a fine brick house, an excellent barn, and all other buildings necessary for comfort and convenience. Such is again the result of indefatigable labor and industry, coupled with economy and good management, which will stand as a bright and lasting example for future generations. Mr. Studebaker and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been connected for twenty-seven years.

ARTHUR A. VANDEVER (deceased) ; he was born in Warren Co., Ohio, July 7, 1807, was a son of Arthur and Althea Vandever, natives of New Jersey, who removed to Ohio in a very early day. They were the parents of ten children, two now living, viz., Ann and Charles. Mr. Vandever lived with his father till of age ; and on Aug. 17, 1828, was united in marriage with Eliza M., daughter of Elisha and Isabel Shepherd ; they had nine children, of whom three are now living, viz., Eleanor, William and Arthur ; he lost his wife May 3, 1843 ; on May 20, 1844, he married his second wife, Amanda Jane, daughter of Robert and Winnefred Russell, natives of Kentucky, who located in Ohio at a very early day and were the parents of ten children,