Jefferson Township (part 14 of 15)

Progress and improvement are never the work of one man alone, but public ad\-ance is the result of aggregate endeavor and the county ow-cs its advancement to those men who in the various walks of life are reliable in business and trustworthy in citizenship. All such are worthy ()f mention i m the pages of the county's history and among this number m Greene county is John Bassett Lucas, who was born June 15, 1842, in Xenia township, upon the farm which he now resides, his parents being Thornton and Alary (Blessing) Lucas. The father was liorn in Berkeley county. West Virginia, in 1798. and the mother's l)irth occurred in Shenandoah county. Virginia. June 5. 1797. her parents being Lewis and Mar\- Elizabeth ( Beardshire) Blessing, both of whom were natives of Cierniany and with a party of nine emigrants came to America. Mrs. Blessing had one brother and three sisters who came at the same time. The Blessings settled in Pennsylvania. This was about 1760. Later they removed to Berkeley county, \^'est \'irginia, where both the grandfather and grandmother of our subject died. The mother of our subject was one of five children: Jacob; .\braham : John, who served as a private in the war of 181 2: ALary and Elizabeth.

Thornton Lucas, the father of our suV)- iect, came to this county in 1824. and took up his abode upon the farm where his .son (obn is now living, there spending his remaining days. The house which stands upon the place was commenced in 1824. About a year after his arrival Mr. Lucas married Mary Blessing, and to them were liorn three children, of whom one died in infancv. The others are John B. and Lewis Aforton, who died in 1861, at the age of seventeen vears. The father gave his political support to the Democratic party \mtil the time of the Civil war. after which he espoused the Republican party. He was a verv strong religious man an<l a worthy member of the Baptist churcli. wIkt contributed liberally to the support i>f the church and also laboreil in other ways for the sjjiritual upgrowth and the extension of the inlltience of the church. Both he and his wife were laid to rest in the cemetery of Xenia.

In tlie schools of the township the subject of this review was educated, antl during his vouth he assisted in clearing and de\-elo]iing the home farm, always residing thereon. He was married. August 18. 1864. to Miss .Mice Ouinn. who was born in Xenia township, a daughter of Amos and Jane (("loe) Ouinn. The father came from Ken- tucky ti< this ci miity in iSo_^. and setllcd 'it I.ndlow Creek. He was licirn in Dulilin, Ireland, and there ])repared for the churcli. expecting to Ijeconie an l-I])iscopalian ciergvman. He came to this country to complete his studies and afterward decided to devote his attention to some other calling than the church. He v.-as the third in order of hirth in a family of nine children: J"hn. Sanitiel, .\mos, Elias. Harvey. Rosa. Ann. Hetty and Xancy. Amos Quinn served for manv years as justice of the peace and was everywhere known as "squire."" He also served as sheriff of the count}' frimi 1N32 until 1837, represented his district in the legislature for two tei'tus and was a very prominent and influential citizen. He married Jane ( ioe. ^\ ho was Ivjrn near Pittsburg. T'eniis}'l\'ania, a daughter of Samuel and Ali-.-c ( \'an Home) ('ii>c. Iler father was a nati\e of the Emerald Isle. and. ha\'ing eniigrated to this country in c<ilonial days, he served as a memlier of the American army in the Re\'o!utionary war. In the early days he carried salt oxer the hills to (jreene county'. He was married in Pennsylvania, and in 181 T came to this count}-, settling near where the Powder Mill is now located. His wife was a sister of Harnett \'an Home, who was the first glassblower that e\'er came to America. By the marriage of Amos 'Quinn and Jane (Ioe were born three children : Elias, whn died in 1900: Sarah, who is living with Mrs. Lucas, who is the third of the family.

The marriage of 'Mv. and Mrs. Lucas was blessed with but one child, Tlmrntoii, Avho died in 1889, at the age of twent}'-five years. Mrs. Lucas is a lady of culture and refinement who engaged in teaching school in early life. ha\'ing followed that pmfession for nine }'ears. Both our subject and bis wife are members of the L'nited Pres-' byterian church, and politicall}' Mr. Lucas is a Republican. He has been a member of the infirmary board for fifteen years and for twenty years was the president of the Agricultural Society. He to-day owns a valuable farm of five liundred acres and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which his enterprising efforts are followed by gratifying success.

It is an impnrtant ])ublir duty t(i In inor and perpetuate as far as is jiossible tlie mcniory of an eminent citizen - one who bv his blaiiieless and honoralile life and distinguished career reflected credit nut onl\' upon the city in which he niade bis home, but upon the state. Xo man was ever more respected in Xenia or ever more fully enjoyed the confidence of the people than Frank .\. McClure. At the time of his death he was serving as cashier of the Citizens X^ational Bank, and he bore an unassailable reputation in financial circles. He was but a voung man, yet he acconiplished much during his earthly pilgrimage, and he left to his faniilv the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, while bis niemory is enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him.

Frank A. ^IcClure was born in Bellbrook on the 1 2th of July, 1836, and he was one of se\'en children whose parents were John and Mary (Cramer) AlcClure. His father was a native of Virginia and came to Bellbrook, Ohio, where he was interested in both farming and merchandising.

At the early age of fourteen years the su1jject of tliis re\ie\v started out to make his own living', securing employment in the mercantile house of General Merrick, with whom h.e remained for a few years. Later he returned to Bellhronk. lieing employed in his father's store. In the year 1862 he was ai->pointed hv the county commissioners to fill the office of treasurer of Greene county, made vacant hy the death of General Lewis. Li that oftice he displayed marked business capacity and an accommodating and pleasant disposition that won for him the high regard "f the public and led to his selection for the important position of teller in the First National Bank. When Mr. Trader resigned Mr. McClure was appointed his successor, and ihus ser\-ed until his life's laliors were ended in death. A local paper said of him after speaking of his business connections : "Such are a few brief outlines in the life of Mr. McClure. but how crowded during the past twelve years, with all the multifarious incidents and details of business that associated, him inimitably with a large pro])Mrtion nf the people of the county, with the rich and the poor, the man struggling against adversity and the widow with her mite. To wme of these did ]\lr. McClure ever turn a deaf ear, listening patiently to all they had t') say, entering confidently into their own ]5ersonal perplexities, freely gi\- ing all the advice and information posses.sed of, and freipiently putting himself to great trouble to meet the desires of people and to assist them in various ways without the slightest expectation of pecuniary compensation. And it can be said of him that whatever he promised to do in the way of purely disinterested accommodation he never failed to perform to the best of his ability.

To do this required a wonderful command of business resources, a mar\'elous memory, and a disposition that was not to be soured by mere selfish considerations. Indeed it seemed that business was a second nature to him: with such ease and facility diil he iierform not only the duties strictly connected with the institution over which he had charge, but the other self-imposed ones, that redounded so much to the credit of his heart as well as his head - to his high qualities as a man as well as a bank officer. In his capacit\- as cashier Mr. McClure displayed a remarkable know ledge of human nature and penetration, almost intuiti\"ely separating the true from the false, the worthy from the unworthy. He was the farthest remo\e;l from a machine officer, adapting liimself to every shade and variety of circumstance incident to business exigencies, and to all the mutations that credit is always liable outside of the large cities, at the same time not .sacrificing, l)ut on the contrary promoting the interests of his bank by a wise and just leniencv. He would have filled the .same position in any of the largest city banks with halt the dis])lay of the peculiar mental qualities that he so largely possessed. Speaking of Mr. McClure's intimate knowledge of the business of the people at large, we might say that nothing was more remarkable than this peculiarity. Let who would enter the bank, and Mr. McClure would generally know the nature of his business before a word was spoken, and would be prepared with an answer quick and decisive, as though he had iust l)een thinking about that particular case. A gentleman of this city, engaged in large and intricate business operations, has expressed to us his frequent astonisliment at the manifestation of this characteristic as

On the 23(1 of July. 1857. i" Bellhrook. .Mr. McClure was united in niarriajjc '.o .Sarah J. Steele, a daujjhter of James and Sarah (Bush) Steele. Her father was a native of Virqinia and in that state carried on farming- on an extensive scale. Me also operated a sawmill. I lis liirih occurred in the early part of 1793. and on the K.th of October, 1836. he was called to his final rest. His wife, who was Ijorn on the 24th of March, ijgi. died August 3. i<S()0. both being buried at Bellhrook. In their family were two daughters, hut Rachel E. died at the age of eleven years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McClnre were born five children, but only two of the number are living: Nettie A., now the wife of M. C. Williams, a resident of Lowell, Massachusetts: and M. Gertrude, the wife of Dr. William Cordon Dice, of Toledo, Ohio.

l\Ir. McChire was a man of domestic ta.stes. devoted to his family and their welfare. He rejoiced in his business ailvancement because it ga\e him greater op])ortunities to pro\'ide comfortabh' for his lo\ed ones. He ne\er happier than when dispensing the hospitality of his own home, assisted by his wife and children. He was a man who had deep regard for his fellow men in genera! and it is d(iubtful if few men of his }ears and opportunities have done more for those among whom thev have lived. In addition to his duties of the bank ]\Ir. McClnre had charge of the settlement of se\-eral large estates. He also performed the duties of various minor offices, which were urnemunerated but recjnired much attentii.in. He was often apjilied ti> in the m.'Uter of a loan or an in\estment and would frequently say that he would give the matter thought. He ahvax's aided these and if possible ga\e the assistance asked. He never failed to fulfill a prf)mise or keep an engagement, thus he had the unlimited confidence of his fellow men. who knew that his word was as go(xl as any bond ever solemnized l)y signature or seal. He gave his political sn]iport to ihe l\epublican party and was as loyal to it as to e\ery other cause in which he believed. It was on the i5tli of March. 1877, after a brief illness that he was called to his final rest, his remains being interred in Woodland cemetery. All of the business hcmses of the cit_\- were closed during the hours of the funeral services - a token of resj^ect which is onl\ shown to men of prominence and worth. Frank A. McClure iiossessed all the (|ualities of manhood. He was not onlv reliable in business and loyal to a trust, but he was genial and kindly and had a personality which was attractive, winning for him warm friends because of his genuine worth.

John Freinfint Harshman. who is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits in Bea\'ercreek township, his home lieing upon the Beaver Valley road, was born in this township on the 22(1 of September, 185C1. His father, John C. Harshman, was also a native of this township, br)rn in 1807, a representati\'e of one of the oldest pioneer families of this portion of the state. His parents were Philip and Frances Harshman, Iwth of whom were natix-es of ]\Iar\lan(l,

V hence the_\- came to Greene county in 1803. Tlieirs was a long and tiresome jcjurney across the country, for the roads were in poor condition and oftentimes there was scarcely more than an Indian trail to mark the path through the forest. They located first near Zimmerman and lived in a wagon until a log cabin could be built. Upon that place thev spent their remaining days, and the grand fatlier cleared and developed three hundred acres of land, transforming it into a gooil farm which returned a valualile iticome. The cabin home which he erected is still standi!ig as one of the land marks of the county and a mute reminder of the great changes which ha\e occurred as pioneer conditions have given way to the encroachments of civilization. In the family of Philip and Frances Harshman were six children : George ; John C. : Jacob : Elizabeth ; Polly, the wife of John Brown : and Betsy, the wife of Joiin Sipe.

Jolm C. Harshman. the father of our su1:)ject. remained under the parental roof until h.e had attained his majiirity and acquire! his education in a typical log school house of the time, \^"hen of age he purchased fifty acres of land north of Zimmerman and ;!t different times he added tracts of eiglity, fift\-, thirty and forty-five acres. He also bought another farm of well impro\ed land of ninety-five acres and still another of one hun(h"ed and twentv-seven acres, so that his realty holdings were cjuite extensi\e at the time of his death. He starteil out i;i life without capital, and liis education nas also limited, his training in aritlimetic being only to the rule of three. He was, however, a great reader and became one of the best posted men in his township. In his business affairs he alsi.i prospered and his cajjable management and sound practical judgment brought tu him merited prosperitv. Pie was married on the 28th of October, 1841, to Ann Maria Miller, wh(:> was born in Bath township April 25, 1819, a daughter of Daniel Miller. This worthy couple became the parents of nine children, of whom se\-en are yet living. Samuel Henry, the eldest, born October 10, 1 842, died ]\Iay 16. 1866. He enlisted for one hup.dred days" service as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, remaining at the front from ^lay until September, 1864. In the spring of 1865 he re-enlisted and continued at the front until the close of the war. Sarah Elizabeth, born October 10. 1844. married Andrew J. Tobias and is lixdng in Beavercreek townsliip. ]\lary Catherine, born Marcii 13, 1846. liecame the wife of Jacob Shonp and died Fel)ruary 28. 1868. Ann Alaria, born December 28, 1847. the wife of \\'. W. Ferguson. Ephraim Franklin was born Xoveniber 11. 1849. ^lartha Ellen. b(irn December 2^. 1851. is the wife of Ed. C. (ierlaugli, of Beavercreek townshi]i. Reuben !M., born January 29, 1852, resides ir. Dayton. John Fremont is the eighth of tlie family. Abraham Lincoln, born January 4, iS(')i, is the youngest and resi<les in Dayton. The father was called to his final rest January 2j. 1880. and his wife passed av.ay Octi^ier 3, 1895, their remains being interred in the Hawker cemetery in Beavercreek t(_>wnship. Mr. Harshman gave iiis early political supiiort to the \\'hig party. arid upon its dissolution joined the ranks of the new i'e]niblican party. He was a man of sucli well known reliability that he was often a]/poinled guardian of children and executor of estates. His wife was a faith-

John Fremont Harshman was educated in the common schools of tlie township, continuing his stuilies througli the winter montlis until nineteen years of age, while in the summer seasons he assisted in the work of the farm. He was thus engaged until his marriage, whicli occurred when he was twenty-three years of age, the wedding cere- ;nony being performed on the 226. of July, 1879. The lady of his choice was Alethea Ann Lafong, a daughter of O. B. and Rebecca LaFong, the former now deceased. Mrs. Harshman was born in Beavercreek township, Jinie 10. 1861, and by her husband was taken as a bride to the old family homestead, where thev remained for eight years, after which they spent one year upon her father's farm. In 1888 Air. Harshman purchased one hundred and tweh'e acres of land where he is now living. There were no buildings upon the place, but he has since erected a fine residence, a large barn an.l other substantial structures for the shelter of grain and stock, successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits along progressive and practical lines.

The children born unto Air. and Mrs. Harshman are as follows: John Buneth began his education at the age of eight years and completed tlie district school course at the age of twelve. He was graduated in the Beavercreek high school when si.xteen years of age with the class of 1899 and then took a special course of one }'ear in Dayton, after which lie entered the Columbus Universit}', where he is pursuing a Latin anil philosophical course as a member of the class of 1904. Anna \'iola. born September 2. 1887. died May 10, 1900, and was laid to rest in Beavercreek cemetery. Sara Myrtle, born August 2S, 1889, is at home. Mr. Flarshman is a stanch Republican and has filled many township offices. Since 1894 be has served continuously as a trustee of Beavercreek townshij). He is a member of the Alpha Building .\ssociation, is one of its trustees, and is also a school trustee. Of the Agricultural Society of Greene County he is a director, and socially he is connected \vith the Knights of Pythias Lodge of -\lpha, in which he has filled all of the chairs. Both he and his wife belong to the Beavercreek Reformed church, in which he is serving as trustee. Froni early bo\hood he has been familiar with agricultural work and throughout the vears of his manhood he has progressed in his business life, steadily advancing as the result of his untiring industry, strong purpose and capable management. He is a worthy representative of an honored family, which from the early history of Greene county has contributed in large measure to its substantial upbuilding anil improvement.

M. Edaioxd Evans

M. Edmond Evans, whose farming interests in Spring Valley township are an indication of his active, useful and honorable life, was born on the farm where he now lives, his natal day being December 18, 1866. and his parents being Moses and Sarah (Huston) Evans. The father died when his son was only two years old. Edmond was the in a family of nine children, five of whom are still living. His boyhood davs were snent on the home farm and in the district schools he acquired a good education, remaining under the parental roof witli his mother until he had attained his majority. Of the other heirs he has purchased a portion of tlie old homestead until he now owns fifty acres of that tract and altogether he has sixty-six acres. In addition) to this he has leased a considerable amount and now operates about two hundred and. twenty acres.

Mr. E\ans was married in Sugarcreek township. Se])tenil)er 14, 1893. to ?iliss Jennie K. Scarff, of Sugarcreek township, her parents lieing Milton and Corilla ( Truman ) Scarff. She was born in Xenia. Her father was also a native of this county and the mother was born in Spring Valley. The former died in June. 1900, at the age of seventy-five years, but the latter is still a resident of - Sugarcreek township. Unto ]Mr. and Mrs. Kvans have been born two children : Don Scarff. l)orn on the home farm February 12, 1896, and Hazel ]vlarie. liorn April 2, 1900.

Air. Eyans votes with the Republican partv. and socially is connected with Spring Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F. His wife is a meiuber of the Methodist Episcopal churcli.

In tlie iiromotion and conser\ation of advancement in all the normal lines of luiman progress and civilization there is no factor which has exercised a more potent influence than the press, which is toth tlie director and the mirror of public opinion. Oliio has been signally favored in the character of its newspapers, which iia\-e been vital, enthusiastic and progressive, ever aiming to advance the interests of this fa- \ ored section of the Union, to aid in laying fast and sure the foundations of an enlighte;ied commonwealth, to further the ends of justice and to uphold the banner of the Buckeye state. In a compilation of this nature, then, it is clearly incumbent that due recognition be accorded tlie jiewspaper press. Mr. Whiteman is one of the leading representatives of journalistic interests in this portion of Ohio, being the editor and proprietor of the Xenia Herald.

He was born in Xenia township, Greene county, February 15, 1842, and is a son of Joab and Mary (Thomas) Whiteman, both of whom were natives of Virginia. The Whiteman family is of English lineage but was founded in America at an early period in coltniial development. Jacob \\'hiteman, the grandfather of our suliject, was born and reared in the Old Dominion and thence c;'.me to Greene county. Ohio, in 1802. At li:at time Joab \Miiteman was a little lad of St veil summers and he rode a pony all the wa\- from Winchester, Virginia, to this county. His father followed the occupation of farming and to that pursuit the latter was rearetl. After arriving at years of maturity, lie wedded Mary Thomas and they became the parents of fi\e cliildren, all of whom reached years of maturity, while four are still living, but our subject is tlie only one now a resident of Xenia. At the age of forty-nine the father died, but the mother, w ho lived to tlie advanced age of ninety-one years, died in May, 1902.

In tlie usual manner of farmer lads, Lewis H. \\'hiteman pursued his eilucation and was reared to manhood. He had, howe\er, the advantage of attending a select school at Spring Valley for a lime. The cnuntrv won liis patriotic devotion at the lime of the C"i\il war. t)n the Kjtli of Sej)- ttniher. i8()i. lie became a jirivate in Com- ])any L. Tliird New Yori< Cavalry, under command of Captain Jeptha (iarrard and Colonel James H. Van Allen. He was mustered in at Camp Dennison. Cincinnati, September 24, 1861, and the regiment was assigned to the cavalry corps of the .\rm\- of tiie Potomac. With hi-; command Mr. W'hiteman participated in the liattles of Bali's Blufif. Winchester. P.urnt Hickory, Trenton. Tranter's Creek, (ireen\ille Lodge, Mill Creek, Xeuse River. Washington. Tarboro. Batchelor's Creek, Kingston. Whitehall, Cioldsboro. Jacksonville. Xewbern. Dover. Wise's Crossroads. Core Creek, Swift Creek, Camden and others of minor importance. He w'as appointed corporal January 5. iSfi,^, and was honorablv discharged on the 14th of December of that year in order that he might accept the first lieutenancy of Comi>any E, First Regiment of United States Colored Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain Charles Emerson and Colonel Jeptha (jarrard. The regiment was assigned to I'ayne's di\ision in the Eighteaith Army Cordis. Later the regiment was transferred to the Twenty-fifth Army Corps of the Army of tlie James and participated in the battles of Wilson's Landing, Cabin Point, in the capture of Richmond, and in the battle of Fort Powdiattan. Virginia, on the 25th of June, at which' place Mr. Whiteman was apjK»inted post commissary, serving in that caj)acity for several months. Afterward he went by transjxjrt to Texas, where he was engaged in perfomiing guard and garrison c'uty on the Mexican border with headquarters at Brazos and Santiago. Texas. At the latter place Lieutenant \\'hiteman received his final discharge on the 4th of Felaruarx'.

On the i6th of July, 1868, Lieutenant Whiteman was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Peterson, a native of Greene county, and to them were born two children, Howard Lee and Eftie, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. Whiteman has held a number of pilitical positions, in which his capability and elificiency have won for him high commendation. He served as postmaster of Xenia for four years and three months, being appointed l)v President Cleveh.nd. During the administration of that gentleman he was made chief clerk in the navy yard at Washington, D. C, anil was the first Ohio man to be turned out of office after the Republicans again came into power, Ijeing requested to leave the position ten days after President Harrison was inaugurated. He then went to Laurel, Maryland, the home of Senator Gorman, and at the request of the senator established the paper called the Laurel Democrat, w^hich he published for two years with good success. He then returned to Xenia and established the Xenia Herald, of which he has since been the editor and proprietor. He has purchased the Democrat-News and consolidated the two journals, so that the Xenia Herald is now the only Democratic paper in the county. It has a large circulation and is a bright and entertaining journal well deser\-ing the liberal patronage.

Fraternally, Mr. \\'hiteman is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He has also Ijeen a stanch advocate of Democratic principles and in 1898 he was the candidate of his party for congress in the Sixtli district iiut was defeated. His career has l.)een one of activity, full of incitlents and of results. In every sphere of life in which he has heen called upon to move he has made an indelihle impression, and hy his excellent ser\-ice and upright life he has won the high esteem and regard of all.

James B. Carruthers

It is natural when one has left the sea of earthly activities to review the life record completed and pass judgment upon what has been accomplished. The career of James B. Carruthers was one which would hear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for in business and in every relation of life he was an lionorable man, shaping his course l)y such principles as lead to the development of an upright character. For many years he was associated with the marcantile interests in Xenia and was well known in political and church circles, so that when calleil to the home beyond the community lost one of its most valued representatives.

Mr. Carruthers was a native of Scotland, l)orn on the 19th of March. 1821. His parents, John and Mary B. Carruthers, were also natives of the same country, and in the year 1834 they left tlie land of the heathers and crossed the ocean to the new world, taking up their abode in Xorth Carolina, where tliey remained for alxmt two years. In T836 they arrived in Ohio, first settling in Ross county, but after six years had passed they came to Greene county, where tliey spent their remaining days.

When James B. Carruthers accomjianied his parents to this country he was but a lad of thirteen years. Being anxious to contribute his sliare to tlic family support, he secured employment as a clerk in a country store, being thus employed in X^orth Caro- Hna for eighteen months. After coming to Ohio he assisted in the work of tlie farm, aiding in the cultivation of the fields until he was twenty-three years of age. He then began teaching in a country school and later was a student in the school conducted by Thomas Steele in Xenia. Again he engaged in teaching, and in the year 1850 he began bookkeeping for the firm of Frazer & Company, of Chillicothe, Ohio, continuing in that capacity for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Xenia. where with the capital he had acquired through his own efforts he established a grocerv store. Later he Ijecame connected with the dry goods trade, but afterward reentered the grocery business. Some time later he sold his store and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in Xenia township, where he owned a good farm near the city. His next change connected him with the coal business in Xenia, and with this entcri)rise he continued until his death, which was the result of a railroad accident i:i Xenia on the 2d of Deceml)er, 1898.

^Ir. Carruthers was united in marriage to Jeanette Smith, a daughter of William and Helen ( Scott) Smith, who were natives of Scotland. Five children were torn of this union: Johan.nah M., who died at the age of fourteen months; Ella B. ; Jennie S. : William S. ; and Jessie B. The wife and mother was called to her final rest September 2. 1S76. and on the 20th of August, 1878. ^Ir. Carruthers was again married, his second union being with Miss Eliza A. Hyslop, a daughter of George and Margaret Hvslop, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Pennsvlvania.

Air. CarruthtTs was a meinl.ier of the First United Preshyterian cluirch of Xenia, and took an active interest in all that pertained to the moral, intellectnal and material development ol the cnmmunitx-. For over thirty year.s he served as treasurer of Xenia Theological Seminarv and was also financial agent of the synod. In his church he served as ruling" elder antl his efforts were verv effective in promoting its growth and e.\tendin!2^ its influence. His political support was given with unwavering loyalty to the Republican iiarty. For si.x years he served as a member of the city council of Xenia and was also a police commissioner during the Civil war. He was commissioned by Governor Tod as captain of Company D, Second Regiment, of the Greene county militia. A man of scholarly attainments and broad general inforniatiou. he was well fitted to be- come a leader of i)ublic thought and opinion. He thoroughly enjoyed home life and took great pleasure in the society of his family and friends. Charitable and Ijenevolent. he always gave freely of his means in support of worthy charity and was particularly encouraging to those who were willing to help themselves. Flis life was e\'er honoralile and upright, and at all limes and under all circumstances he c<immanded the respect and esteem of his fellow men and was regarded as one of the representative citizens of Xenia. Mrs. Carruthers and four of his children still survive him. one daughter, Jennie S., 1)ein.g now the wife of the Rev. \\'. G. IMartin, of Grove Citv, Pennsvlvania. Mrs. Carruthers is a lady of superior intelligence and culture and has taken a very active part in the public interests of Xenia. For thirteen years she was a most successful school teacher of this citv. Since 1894 she has been a member of the city school board, and in 1896 she was elected a member of the board of county school examiners and has since served in that capacity. She now resides in a beautiful home on North King street, and it is the center of a cultured society circle.

Rev. Clark Kendall

A life devoted to the ministry and a memory that yet remains 'as a blessed benediction to all who knew him - such is the history of Rev. Clark Kendall. For many years he labored earnestly and untiringlv to promote the cause of Christianity, and was one of the strong and able preachers of the United Presbyterian church. He was born in Greene county, in Xenia township, January 14, 1S25, upon a farm now occupied by his widow. His parents were William and Eleanor (Jackson) Kendall. The father was born in Pennsylvania and afterward lived in Kentuck)-. and from that state came to Ohio at a very early day, taking up his abode in Xenia township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a tanner by trade and followed that pursuit to a considerable extent after coming to Ohio in connection with farming. Both he and his wife died in Xenia township at an advanced age upon the old family homestead. The father at one time owned the propert\- upon which W ilberforce now stands. His death occurreil in 1879, while Mrs. Kendall was called t<_) her final rest June 6, 1888.

ediicatiim in the district schools. He afterward pursued a cnurse of study in the Miami University, from wliich he was graduated and then determined to devote his life to the holy calling- nf the ministry. He pursued a theolcigical ci>urse in Oxford Theo logical Seminary, entering that institution in 1845. After his graduation he at once entered upon his ministerial work, taking cliarge oi a church at Buffalo, New York. v.here he remained for twenty-three years. He then accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian church at Bloomingburg. Ohio, where he remained for si.x years, after wliich he preached for one year at Seven Mile. Ohio. On the ex])iration of that period he organized a church at Jacksonburg. and upon leaving that place he retired to pri\-ate life, sjjending his last days in his old liome in Xenia township.

On the i5lh of I\Iarch. 1854. Rev. Kendall was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Sarah Hutchins. of Waterford. Erie county. Pennsylvania, but after about nine \-ears of hajjpy married life she passed away on the 3th of February. 1863, leaving one child. Mary, who was born in Buffalo. February 2, i860, and on the 2d of Fe1> ruary, 1881. liecame the wife of Dr. H. L. .Smith, a resident of Westerville, Ohio. They are devoted members of the Presbyterian church and ha\-e one son. Homer Kendall, now four vears of age. Thev also lost a daughter. Caroline, who died at the age of six \'ears. On the 30th of May, 1865, Re\'. Kendall was again married, his .second union being with ]\Iargery Stewart, of Hamilton. Ohio, who died April 18. 1877. They, too, had one child, William C, who is nn\v a minister of the Presl)ytcrinn cluu'ch <>]' lilimmingljurg, Ohio, the church <if which his father <_ince was pastor. He attended W'noster L'ni\-ersit\' : is a graduate of Ohio Universitv at Columbus, and of the McCormick Theological Seminary <>f Chicago, Illinois, and is a man of no restricted intluence in the ministry, being acknowledgetl an alile minister and the possessor of much strength. For his third wife Rev. Kendall chose Eliza Cameron, of Buffalo. Xew York, their marriage being celebrated on the 28th of October. 1879. She still survives her liusband and yet resides upon the old home place just off the Columbus l)ike in Xenia townshi]i. Hers is a pleasant home. ])rovided with many of the comforis of life, and throughout the communitv Mrs. Kendall enjoys the high regard of a large circle uf friends.

it was at this place that Rev. Clark Kendall spent his last days after many vears devoted ti) the work of the ministry. It wr.uld be almost tautological in this connection to enter into any series of .statements showing him to be a man of broad learning and wid;' culture, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review. He was a deep and earnest student, carrying his researches far and wide in the manv branches of knowledge, but all with the one ])urpose in view of making his life of greater benefit to his fellow men and advancing the cause of Christianity. He possessed deep sympathy and while he could not countenance wrong doing in the slightest degree, yet he was e\'er anxious and read}' to help the wrong-doer in order that a better way of life might be opened before him. He was called to his final rest F"ebruary 20. 1900. and his remains were interred in the Woodland cemetery. Xenia. Perhaps we cannot better close this review of his record than by i[Ui)tin.t;- from a publication of that time which said: "His life was one of great purity and he was highly respecteil for his gentle. Christlike spirit and his upriglit life. In Iiis earhcr life he was identilied with the United Presbyterian church, but for a number of years he was connected \\ith our ow m denomin.ation. He was a verv modest, unassuming man. yet his active ministr\- was one of great usefulness. He was permitted to welcome over one thousand memliers into tlie church. For a good many years he has been laid aside from the active work of the ministry, yet he was always in liis place at church and occasionally preached. In all the years of his suffering he was the same, gentle, sweet-spirited, cheerful Christian, feeding on the word of his Master and leanmg ui)on his Beloved. His faitliful and helpful wife with two children sur\ives him. Mrs. Dr. Smith, now in Xew \'ork. and Rev. \\'. C. Kendall, of Blooniingl)urg. Ohio, (}ne of the lields in which his departed father labored so successfully. He was a good man, strong in faith, and earnest in spirit, and as a shock of corn cometh in his season, so he came to his grave in full age.

" 'He has passed away. But his sweet will. Like a fragrant odor lingers still: l"he tender lesson that memory brings The mantle of patience o"er us flings. \\"e learn to follow the i)ath he trod To be more like him Who had gone to God.' "

Samuel M. Spahr

For more than sixty years the home in \\'hich Samuel Milton Spahr resides has stood as one of the land marks of Beavercreek township. He owns and operates one liundred and thirty-three acres which he has placed under a high state of cultivation, so that iiis labors bring to him creditable and gratifying success. lie was born in Caesarscreek township in w liat is now Xew Jasper towiishi]). his parents being Gideon and .\manda ( Hagler) Spahr. From an early ej)och in the history of this portion of the state the Spahr family has been a factor in the substantial upbuilding, which come from tiie successful conduct of legitimate business enterprises. Philip ;md Mary (Shook) Spahr caine from Virginia to Greene county in pioneer times. Among their children was Gideon Spahr, whose birth occurred in New Jasper t<:»wnsliip. whose education was acquired in the schools there and who remained with his parents throughout the perioil of his l3<iyho(jd and youth. He wedded Mary Amand.-i Ilagler, a sister of William L. Hagler, and for about eight or nine years they remained in Xew Jasper township. On the expiration of that period they removed to Jay count}-, Indiana, wdiere they made their home for two years and then returned to the old home in X'ew Jasper township. In 1864 they removed to Beavercreek township, but the father spent the last few years of his life retired in Bellbrook, where he died September 4, 1891, when more than se\enty years of age. his remains being interred in the Bellbrook cemetery. His wife, who was born January 17, 1825, now makes her home in Bellbrook. Gideon Spahr endorsed the Republican party and its principles by his ballot. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which both he and his wife belonged. They were the parents of six children, five sons and a daughter: J(jhn L.. a resident of Cedarville townshi]), married Hannali Peterson, and they have three children. - James Milton, Ida Jane and Osman P. j\Iarv Louise is the deceased wife of P)oyd G. Hopping-, of Xenia, and left three children, John, David and William. Philip R., a resident of Aljjha. married Ella Sivers. and their children are Lord, John, Ima. Emma, Philip and Esther. David Al.. of Beavercreek township, married Elizabeth Keiter, and their children are Pearl and Edith Amanda. Samuel Alilton is the next of the family. Closes B., of Xenia township, married Harriet Gatrell and they have two children. Ethel 'SI. and Walton.

Samuel M. Spahr was born April 19. 1S53, "' ^ew Jasper township, but was mostly educated in Beavercreek township. A\'hen old enough to be of any assistance he began to aid his father in the work of the farm, and after reaching manhood was interested in agricultural ]iursuits with his father operating rented land. They were quite extensively engaged in farming, one year operating a farm of nine hundred acres near Trebein after leaving Xew Jasper township. Later they spent eight years on a farm of six hundred and forty acres in Sugarcreek township, and from there removed to the farm in Beavercreek township now occupied by our subject. Here the\' cultivated two hundred and twenty acres, one hundred and thirt}-three acres of which the son subsequently purchased. The partnership between father and son continued until after the marriage of the latter, when Gideon Spah.r retired and moved to Bellbrook. Our subject remained upon the farm in Beavercreek township which they had rented, and in 1S93 he purchased one hundred and thirtv-three acres of that tract as previously stated. He has since made many improvements on the place and to-day has one of tlie well tilled and valuable farms in the southern part of the township.

On the nth of Xovember, 1886, Mr. Spahr \\ as united in marriage to Miss ilargaret Wolf, who was born in Cincinnati, a daughter of Frank and Margaret (Sorg) Wolf. Four children bless this union, namely: Harry Edmund, Edna Mae, Homer Milton and Florence Louise. The family is one well known in the communitw Mr. Sjjahr is widely recognized as a man of good business ability, his life being characterized by industry that never flags and by sound business judgment and honor. His success is due entirely to his own well directed efforts and he may therefore justly be called a self-made man. While a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, he has never been an aspirant for otnce. thijugh he takes an acti\e interest in educational affairs and has served as a member of the school board.

Tohx L. Ferguson

John L. Ferguson, a farmer whose home is just west of the corporation limits of Belllirook, was Ixirn June 16, 1850, six miles south of Xenia in Spring Valley township. His fath.er. Robert H. Ferguson, was born not far from \\'inchester, Virginia, Jul\- 17. T819. and was a .son of Samuel and Mildred (Garrison) Ferguson, who were also natives of Virginia. The great-grandfather of our subject, however, was a native of Scotland and at an early period in the de- \elopment of the colonies took up his abode in the Old Dominion. Samuel Ferguson was one of two cliiklren, and in the year 1832 he emigrated westward to Ohio, settling nn t!ie farm where our suhject was 1)1 irn. There he spent his remaining days, dying prinr to the marriage of liis S'ln, Robert H. He had served his country as a soldier in llic war of i8ij and was e\'er a I'lyal and ])uhlic-spirited citizen, llis wife was horn in 1782. She had lost her mother when quite young and as she li\ed near llannah W'asliington and her father had no housekeeper, Mrs. Fergusr)n remained for some time with Mrs. Washington, who was frequently \-isited hy her relati\e. the great General W'asliington. who often held Mrs. Ferguson upon his knee. She frequently described to her grandson, our subject, the carriage in which Washington rode, and ^\-hen John I.. I'erguson visited the Centennial at I'liiladelphia in 1876 he saw this vehicle.

Robert H. Ferguson accom])anied his father to Greene county in 1832 and upon the home farm was reared. Throughout his entire life he carried on agricultural pursuits and his death occurred in the spring of 1883 at the age of sixty-three years. In early manhood he had wedded Mary J. Cooper and they liecame the parents of four children, of whom our subject was the second. Horace A., the eldest, is residing in Dayton and has four children. Sally Mary is the wife of O. Frank Collett, of New Burlington, and has two children. \\'illiam married Mary Mendenhall and died January 6, 1889, leaving two children. Robert H. Ferguson gave his political support to the Democracy, but was never an aspirant for ofifice. He held membership with the Baptist church and his life was in consistent harmony with its principles.

Xo event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John L. Ferguson in his youth. He worked in the fields and accjuired a good common-school education. On the 29th of September, 1880, he married Miss ^ilargaret E. McClure, of Sugarcreek townshii), a daughter of John C. anrl Elvira (Young) McClure. She was reared upon the home farm where our subject now resides. She had one brother. Cyrus McClure, who became a niember of the Seventy-fourth Ohio Regiment and died of measles in the hos|)ital at Xashville. Tennessee. There were nine children in the family, of whom Mrs. Ferguson was the eighth. All reached years of maturity and six of the number are yet living. Mr. Ferguson iiurchased a small tract of land from his father and made it his home for six years, wlien he came w itii his family to his present place of residence, purchasing seventy acres of Mr. McClure. X^early all of the improvements upon tlie property have been made by our subject save a little building of one room which had been erected l)y Mr. McClure, who died shortly afterward, l)assing away March 5, 1886, while Mrs. McClure died May 18, 1901. In his farming methods ^Ir. Ferguson is enterprising, practical and progressive, and his labors have been attended with a high degree of success. His fields are now richly cultivated and his buildings are in good repair. His efforts have been so discerninglv directed along well defined lines of labor that his work has brought to him a very gratifying competence.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson has beenborn one child, Ethel, whose birth occurred in S]5ring Valley township and wdio is a graduate of the Belllirook high school of the class of 1901. The parents held membership in the Baptist chnrch. bnt on account of the distance of their hume fn>m a church of that denomination they identitieil themselves with the Methodist Protestant chnrch. Politically Mr. Ferguson is a Democrat, and for two terms served as justice of the peace of Sugarcreek township. The cases which he decidetl during that time showed that he was strictly fair and iml)ariial. and no decision which he ever rendered was c\er reversed.

Rev. Nicholas J. Kelly

Rev. Nicholas J. Kelly is pastor of St. Erigid's church of Xenia. He came here early in the year 1901 and soon gained a place in the respect and affections of his people, while engaged in the promotion of the cause of Catholicism. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 31st of August, 1851, being a son of Christopher C. and Catharine (Carey) Kelly, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and are now deceased. In the parochial schools of St. Peter"s Cathedral of Cincinnati Father Kelly pursued his early education, after which he was emploved for several years by the firm of Chatfield & Woods, proprietors of a large paper house of that city. Determining, however, to devote his life to the priesthood he resumed his education and from 1875 until 1878 was a student in St. Xavier College in Cincinnati. Subsequently he matriculated in. Mt. St. Mary's Seminary of the West, located at Price Hill, Cincinnati, and in 1880 he became a student in Mt. St. Mary's of Emmittsburgh, Maryland. In 1881 he once more entered St. Xavier College, from which he was graduated in the class cjf '83, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He tlien entered St. Marys Theological Seminary in Baltimore. Maryland, where he com- ])!eted the fidl course and was ordained to the priesthood on the iSth of December, 1886, by the Most Rev. William Henry Elder, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Cincinnati. Ohio.

During sixteen }ears he has devoted his time and energies with untiring zeal to the work and advancement of his church. For about a year he served in the mission field and was then stationed as the assistant pastor at St. Peter's Cathedral at Cincinnati, when on the 19th of October, 1889, he was appointed pastor of St. Gabriel's parish in Glendale, where he served eight years. On the 27th of September. 1897, '^^ ^^''^^ given charge of the parish of Lebanon and the attached missions of Monroe, Morrow, Foster's Crossing and Waynesville, where he remained until the 12th of March, 1901. He then took charge of St. Brigid's church in Xenia. He is a man of scholarlv attainments and broad general information as well as theological learning. Consecrated to his holy office he puts forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of his church and the moral and intellectual standing of the community at large and under his leadership the various churches with which he has been connected have matle very satisfacti iry advancement. He soon won friends in Xenia, not only in St. Brigid's church but among people of various denominations. His life is indeed a busy one. Each morning he celebrates mass at si.x o'clock and sometimes earlier. He is particularly watchful and helpful to the sick of the neighborliood and is a man of broad sympathies and humanitarian principles.

Rev. N. J. Kelley

St. Brigid's church, of which he is now serving' as pastor, is one of the strong CatlioHc chnrches in tiiis ix>rtion of Ohio. The large brick edifice, ninety-one by forty-tln^ee feet, is situated on tlie corner of Second and West streets, and tiie chnrcli jxroperty also ccjutains a school building of three rooms and the rectory, containing ten rooms, while there is a convent furnishing a pleasant home for the Si.sters of Charity, who have charge of the school. The early history of tile church is somewhat lost in ol>scurit\- because adequate recijrds have not been kept. There are church and marriage records dating back from 1849 but little other data was kept. It was learned that in 1844 there were live Catholic families in Xenia and that in that year a Rev. Father Junckcr of Dayton celebrated mass on the porch of the home of Jacob Klein. .Vlxmt 1849 Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati and Rev. Father Rosecrans celebrated mass before nine persons in Xenia. It is possible that other priests visited the city in the meantime and before the church edibce was erected. As the congregation grew it became imperative that a more commodious place of worship be had than a private residence. This was found in the basement of the court house, the use of which was given gratis to the Catholics and other denominations alike. In 1849 the Catholics of Xenia were organized into a denomination. Father Kearnev was in charge of the little church and was succeeded by Rev. Father Howard in May, 1850. Rev. Father Blake succeeded Father Howard and became the first resident pastor of Xenia. arriving in August. 185 1. It was intended to build a church in that year but the work was not accomplished and it was not until the nth of June. 1852, that the corner stone was laid, the church being ded- icated and the sacrament of confirmation administered on the 31st of October of the same year. The cost of the church was about five thousand dollars and it was called St. Brigid's in honor of the patroness of Ireland. Father Blake remained in charge for thirt\-four years, during which time the church made rapid and satisfactorv growth. The work was prganized in various departments and its influence was widely extended, in 1885 Father Blake practically retired and i''ather Cunningham of Yellow Springs took charge, remaining until 1887. when he was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Stoeppelmann, who' on the 4th of October of the same year was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac J. Hoster. The church was then in debt and though improvements were much to be desired, none were attempted until the debt was paid, and this was accomplished during his first year as pastor. In September, 1888, the lot adjoining the church and school was purchased for one thous;nid dollars and the sisters removed into a little cottage which stood on the lot. In the summer of 1889 another lot was purchased on which was a good house and in this the sisters took up their abode in August. The church and school have received excellent attention, many improvements being made. Three altars, costing fifteen hundred dollars, the bequest of Father Blake, were erected and used for the first time on Christmas Day of i888. In the spring of 1894 the pastoral residence was begun and was occupied on the 6th of Xo- \ember, following. The school is presided over by five Sisters of Charity and one hundred and forty-five scholars are enrolled. This school was begun in 1855 but it was not until 1879-80 that the Sisters of Charity took charge of the school. In February, 1898, the parochial school board was estal> lished which undertook to raise sufficient monev to support the scliool without drawing on the ordinary receipts of the church. Various church societies have l^een established and are in good working order and the influence of the church is being continually extended under the guidance of Father Kelly. Satisfactory progress is being made along many lines and he has the confidence and co-operation of his people to an unusual degree. This l>eing the jubilee year of the church, it having been founded fifty years ago, the pastor and congregation are making extraordinary efforts to fittingly cele- Wate the occasion. To this end the' pastor and people are making strenuous efforts to liquidate the present debt, which was January I, 1902, aliout forty-five hundred dollars, and at the present time have every reason to feel confident of success.

In the history of this county Rev. John S. MacCracken well deserves mention, for lie liore a very active part in the moral development and progress of his community. He devoted his entire life to the work of the ministry and although many years have passed since he departed this life his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of those Avho kne>v him.

Rev. MacCracken was born in Butler county. Ohio, .April 6, 1804, and came of an old .\merican family that was foundetl in this in colonial days. The greatgrandfather was killed by the Indians while standing in the yard of his frontier Penns\lvania home, ^\ bile his grandfather was killed duiing the Revolutionary war, Mav 31.

1778. The parents of our subject were John and Martha (Wilson) ^klacCracken. both natives of the Keystone state and early settlers of Brown county, Ohio. During the boyhood of their son, John S., the}^ remo\ecl to Greene county, this state, and there the father purchased land and developed a farm in the midst of the wilderness.

In Xenia Rev. John MacCracken accjuired his early education, being a pupil of the Rev. Hugh McMillen. He afterward eng'aged in teaching for several terms an;l th.en continued his own education as a stuilent in Miami University, wdiere he completed the course with the class of 1839 and at once entered upon the work of the ministry. His first charge was at Kenton. Ohio, where he succeeded in establishing the United Presbyterian church, donating onehalf of his salar\- - which at best was not a very large one - toward the erection of a church edifice. In 185 1, after an eight years' pastorate in Kenton, he rennjxed with his family to Oxford, this state, and while there \-isited many places which were destitute of moral instruction - organizing churches wherever he was called. He retained his residence in Oxford for five years and thence removed to Greene county, locating first ill Cedarville, where he and his son both engaged in teaching school for a year. The family then came to Xenia and it was in this city that the Rev. John S. ^lac- Cracken spent his remaining days.

On the iTth of Xo\-enibcr, 1839, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mrs. Eli.za \\'elch and they were blessed nith the following children : Henry, who i> now chancellor of the University of Xew ^ork; John Joseph, who fiied in infanc)-; George, an attorney at law of Urbana, Ohio; Anna ]\I., a teacher in the high school of Xenia; and one wlio died in infancy. ]\Irs. AlacCracken was a most intelligent and cultured lady. A daughter of James and Mary (Hawkins) Dougherty, she was born November j, 1810, in Jefferson county, Olno. Her father was a native of i\lar}-- land and her ninther <if Pennsylvania, and both were of Scotch-Irish and luiglish e.Ktractinn. They provided their daughter with excellent educational advantages for those days and she continually added to her knowledge by a thorough and comprehensive course of reading. She was a student in Steubcnville Female Seminarw of which Dr. Beatty was ])resident. That institution is the alma mater of hundreds of women who ha\e blessed and elevated society with their presence. She was first married to Re\-. Johnson ^\'clch. a graduate of .\lleghen\- Seminary, win 1 was a recognized power in the ministry, and at his death was president of Franklin College. Two children were born of this union: James, who has devoted his life to the preaching of the gospel and in kjoi was moderator of the synod of Kansas: and Eliza, wife of Professor A. Al. Llrook's, who became jirincipal of the Bettie Stuart Institute of Springfield, Illinois. The father of these children i)as.se(l away April ^y, 18,^7, and many friends, besides his immetliate family, mourned his loss. Left a widow, Mrs. Welch began teaching school, and in Oxford. Ohio, founded the ladies seminary which was the beginning of the present college at that place. After becoming the wife of ]Mr. ]\IacC"racken the lady continued her acti\'e work in the church and was a most able assistant to her husband. He passed away in Xenia on the tst of April, 1863, mourned by all who had known him. The poor and needy found in him a warm friend, the sorrowing and distressed a comforter. He had a deep sympathy which enabled him to enter into the troubles and sorrows of his parishioners. He was also very good and kindly and all realized that they had lost a true, faithful and generous friend. His wife long survived him and ])assed avva\' on the nth of January, 1893, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Her infinence had been like the perfume of the violet unobtrusive, yet ever present, and by her kindnesses and her gracious spirit she induced many to follow in the straight and narrow ])ath. Her children owe her a debt of gratitude not only for the personal sacrifices which she made that they might obtain the best ethicational achantages. l.)ut also because she e\er held before them the highest ideals of honestx', integritv. puiit\- and service.

Joseph B. y-.m Eaton departed this life in i8<)8, but he is rememliered by his man\- friends as a citizen of worth, as a progressive farmer and as a loyal s<")ldier in the I.'nion army during the Ci\il war. He wis born in (ireene count}' upon the t;irni in Xenia township where his widow now resides. His parents were John and Sarah (Bigger) \'an Eati>ri. Flis father lived and died in Greene county, having come to Xenia when a young man. He purchased a- farm of one hundred and forty-three acres, then a tract of wild land, and with characteristic energy began its further development and improvement. He erected good buildings, placed his land under a high state of ciiltivation and raised good graded stock, being an active representative of agricnltnral pnrsnits in Greene connty imtil called to his final rest at the age of sixty-four years. His widow passed away some years later. In their family were ten children, but only one of the number is now living.

Joseph B. \'an Eaton of this review spent his boyhood days upon the old family homestead and in the district schools of the neighlxirhood acquired his education. At tlie time uf the Civil war. however, he put aside all jicrsonal considerations and business interests in order to aid his country in her hoiu" of peril. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Infantry, as a private and was commissioned adjutant l)efore the recjiment left its first camp, and (luring the last year of his service he was promoted to the rank of captain in command of Company D - the company with which he had gone to the front. On the 12th of September, 1864, he was wounded and in tlic winter was discharged on account of his injuries. For several months he lay in the hosi-iital anil was for some time unable to resume work. After the close of the war he returned to his home in Xenia township, where he spent his remaining davs living the life of an honorable and upright man. his attention being devoted to farming and stock raising.

Chi the 15th of March, 1865, Mr. \'an Eaton was united in marriage to Miss Atartha Jewett Files, a daughter of Sylvanus B. and Martha (Janet) Files. Her father was a native of Rhode Island and her mother of Massachusetts. When a young man Mr. Files came to Ohio and was married in Co- Inmlnis, after which he removed with his wife to (ireene county, where he engaged in farming to some extent, but largely li\-ed retired from business cares. In the east he had engaged in business as a woolen manufacturer. He died in Holland, Ohio, when about seventy-nine years of age and his wife passed away at the advanced age of eightythree years.

L'nto Mr. and Mrs. \'an Eaton were born two children : Ida, who is now the wife of O. K. Putnam, of California, and is the mother of three children- - Raymond, M. \'irginia and Charles Harry. They spent the first year of their marriage in California and upon their return to Ohio Mr. Putnam's health failed and they again went to the Golden state. Harry Bigger, born in Xenia township, October 21. 1867. died June 12, 1892, at the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a graduate of the Xenia public schools, also of the Westminster College. For a time he engaged in teaching school in Darlington, Penns_\l- N'ania, and at the time of his death was a medical student in the Children's Hospital in Pittsburg. He was a young man of marked ability and his death was greatly mourned. He was an earnest antl discriminating student, a great lover of books and the future seemed bright before him on account ot liis superior ability, but death claimed him and he was laid to rest in the \\ Dodland cemeterv.

Mr. \'an Eaton, the father, was a Republican in his political views. A valued member of the First United Presbxterian church, he served as one of its deacons and took a deep and active interest in its growth atid upbuilding. His wife is also a member fif tiie church and like him assisted in its work. On the 28th of December, 1898. Mr. \'an Eaton was called to his final rest ami his remains were interred in the \\'oo(lland cemetery. In citizenship he was loyal, in Iriendship faithfnl, and in his frunilx' lie was known as a devoted luisljand and father. Throui^hout his entire lite he commanded the respect of his fellow men by reason I if his gennine worth, and his loss was deejilv monrned througlmnt the comnunnt}'.

.Mien H. Miars is one of the progressive and enter])rising' agricnlturists of Spring Valley township, and a glance at his well develojied and highly improved jilace indicates his careful supervision and modern methods. There is particular satisfaction in re\erting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review, since his mind bears the im])ress of the historic annals of the state from early pioneer days, and from the fact that l^e has been a loyal son of the republic and has attained to a position of distinctive prominence in the community where he has long resided. He was born in Union township, Clinton county, Ohio, April 21. 1828, a son of Samuel and Hannah f Haines) Miars. The paternal grandparents, Martin and Jane ( Summers) Miars. were both natives of Virginia, and in that state were married. The great-great-great-grandmotlier was a native of Germany. Martin Aliars, accom])anied by his wife and children, came to Ohio in the year 181 1. locating iiear Wilmington. Clinton county, where he spent his remaining days. His children were David. John, Martin, Jacob. Samuel. Betsev, Pollv and fane, all now deceased.

Samuel Miars. the father of our subject, was born in Frederick count}-. \'irginia. October 29. 1799. and in 181 1 accompanied his parents to Clinton count\'. Ohio. He pursued his education in a log sclioolhouse, devoted his entire time to farming throughout the years of his manhood, aiul at his death owned eight hundred acres of land. When he left home he had but four half dollars as his entire cajjital, but industry, economy and unremitting diligence made him a prosperous agriculturist. He married Miss Hannah Haines, a native of Clinton county and a daughter of Jacob Haines, who with his wife came fmm North Carolina to Ohio. He secured a tract of wild land in Clinton county, erected a log cabin, and cleared six acres of land which he planted. Pie was of Scotch . descent. Unto the parents of our subject were born six children : Allen H. ; Mary Jane, the wife of William Oglesbee, of Clinton county: Isaac, deceased: Milton, of Oklahoma; Martin, who lives on the old home farm in Clinton county; and Sarah Louise, the wife of Alfred ]\IcKay, of Wilnn'ngton, Ohio. The father died in 1874, and the mother passed away four days later. Thus the community lost two valued citizens of sterling worth.

Through the period of his youth Allen H. Miars attended the district schools in the winter months, when the work of the farm was practically over for the year. Throughout the remaining time he assisted in the work of the fields and meadows and thus gained that practical experience \vhich has been of much value to him in carrying on farm work on his own account. He remained at home until March. 1859. when he married Miss Mary Melinda Stump, a native of Greene county and a daughter of

Jonas and Prudence Stnmp. Her maternal grandfather. William Smalley. was born in New Jersey in 1761, and when fifteen years of age was stolen by Intlians, at Fort Du Ouesne and his father was killed by them. While with the red men Mr. Smalley was obliged to witness their atrocious cruelty as they burned several people to death. On one occasion he saw an infant torn from its mother's arms and thrown into the flames. In 1 784 he escaped from his captors and returned to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. A few years later he removed to Cincinnati. He afterward participated in military service in Harmar's campaign and was present when St. Gair was defeated. At that time he discharged his musket thirty-five times and it is said that twenty-one of the shots took effect. He was with Waynes' army, having charge of the sharpshooters, and was present when Colonels Lynch and Truman were killed. He escaped death by jumping behind a tree and telling the Indians that he had deserteil the whites. He helped to build one of the first houses in Cincinnati and was a valued pioneer who contributed much to the work of reclaiming the wild district, peopled by savages, for purposes of civilization. The parents of Mrs. Miars have both passed away. The mother, surviving her hu.sband for a few years, departed this life in January. 1902. at the age of ninety-two.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miars established their home in Clinton county, where he carried on farming for twenty years near Wilmington, and then sold the property preparatory to removing to Spring \'aliey township, Greene county. Arriving in 1882, he purchased two hundred and seventy-eight acres of land, to which he has since added thirtv-seven acres. He carries on general farming and keeps a good grade of stock, and in his business life has prospered. As the years have passed his income has increased, and to-day he is the possessor of a very valuable farm, which is the visible evidence of his life of industry.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miars has been born one son, FreiULint, who attended the common schools, was graduated in the high school of \\'ilmington. then attended the Wilmington College and also spent two years as a student in the National Normal Uni\ersity. He sjient a year and a half in \'irginia. but with the exception of that period has always resided with his parents, and now largely relieves his father of the care and labi>r of the home farm. He was married in February, 1893, to Miss Cora Bryce, of Spring \^alley, and to them has been born a daughter, Mary r^Iargaret. The father and son are both stanch Republicans and occupy a leading place as representative agriculturists of the community. Mr. Miars of this review has passed the seventyfourth milestone on life's journev, and well does he deserve the uniform respect which is extended him. He has faithfully performed his duties, with due regard for the rights of his fellow men, and in this portion of Ohio he has a large circle of friends.

Jesse S. Painter

.\o history of Greene county would be complete without mention of the Painter family. An entire century has passed since the first representatives of the name established a home in this locality. Great, indeed, was the difference in the conditions of the count}- at that time tlian what it is at tlie present time. Its forests were uncut, the trees standing in their primeval strengtli. The streams were unliriilged and tliere were few Iiouses to inchcate that the pioneer had made his wav into this wild region to reclaim the land for purposes of civilization.

The great-grandparents of our subject were David and Patsey (Faulkner) Painter, whi> were probably natives of \'ir,ginia. Emigrating westward, they located in W'aynesville. \\'arren county, Ohio, where together with other Quaker families tliey settled in the spring of 1802. They rode on horseback into the township of Caesarscreek and settled about one-half mile north of Paint ersville. although there was no town there at that time and this entire portion of the ciiuntrv was known as the Northwest Territory. There in the midst of the forest the great-grandfather of our subject cleared a little patch of ground, planted potatoes and corn ami built a cabin. In the fall the father and mother returned but left their children, Jesse and Hannah, in this county. It required a close watch to keep the Indians fmni stealing the girl because .she was the first white child they e\er "saw. In the spring, however, the ]3arents returned and s])ent their remaining days upon the nM homestead which was here developed. Their children were Hannah, Jesse, Thomas and Jacol).

Je.sse Painter, the grandfather of our sul)ject. was born in Virginia and pursued his education in an old time log schoolhouse. Pie li'.ed the life of a farmer and passed away upon the old homestead Septemlier i^. 1867. He it was wdio laid out the village of Paintersville. the place taking its name from its founder. As the years passed he laljored to cultivate and improve his land, and in course of time developed a good farm. Like his father, he had assisted in the work of improvement and progress at an earlv day and his efforts were of much avail in promoting the general improxement. He married Elizabeth Smitli and unto them were lx)rn the following named : Rachel ; David; .Samuel, who is living in Henry county, Indiana, at the age of eighty-three years; Martha; Mordecai : Rebecca: Theressa; Joseph, who is living in Xewton, Kansas ; and Hannah, who married John Lewis and resides in Clinton county, Ohio.

Da\id Painter, the father of our subject, was born near the town of Paintersville, - Greene county. At the usual age he began his education and the temple of learning was a little log structure, but he ma.stered the branches of learning taught in such institutions and when a young man he became a teacher, following that profession until his marriage, being employed in this capacity in \arious parts of this county. He wedded Miss ^lary Frazier and then turned his attention to farming upon the place which is now the home of his son, Jesse S. He erected a house and barn, getting out the lumber for them himself. As the years passed his efforts brought to him an excellent return for liis labor. He continued the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and in course of time his farm l:)ecame a valuable uroperty. In his political \-iews he was a Republican and both he and his wife were identified with the Society of Friends or Quakers. In their family were eight children : Deborah S., who is the witlow of Mordecai \\'alker and resides in Caesarscreek township; Berthena, wife of William Davis, of Marion, Indiana; Lydia, deceased;

Jesse S. ; ^iary Frances, the deceased wife of I^avid Parlott; Moses F., who is living in Indiana; Martlia. tiie wife of Samuel Faulkner, a resilient of Caesarscreek township; and David, who lives in Spring \'aliey township. The father died in 1863 at the age of furt}-h\e \ears and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1897, at the age of seventy-seven years, their remains being interred in the family Inu'ying grouml at the h'riends" church, where the cjther members of the Painter familv also lie buried. Throughout one hundred years connection with (ireene county representatives of the name have been well known agriculturists here, and their labors have resulted largely to the benefit of the general community as well as to their individual success.

Jesse S. Painter, whose name introduces this record, was born on the old Paintersvillc road. December 11. 1S50, an<l has al- Avays resided in this county, living on the old homestead with the exceptif)n of one vear. He pursued his education in the public schools and throughout his life has carried on farming. In 1874 he wedded Miss Lydia Faulkner, who died the following year and was laid to rest in Xenia cemetery. On the 25th of January. 1883. he wedded Irena McXair, a native of this county, and three children have blessed this union : ^lorris E., R(>\- D. and P>ertha L. Both are members of the Methodist Protestant church at Paintersville. and in his ])olitical views Mr. Painter is a Republican, but has never been a pr)litician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He has eighty-five acres of hue farming land and continues its cultivation in addition to stock-raising. The town of Paintersville stands as a monument to the enterprise of the family. Throughout an entire century the name has been closely interwoven with the county's history as the development from primitive conditions to the latter-day ]irogress has been made. Mr. Painter is a worthy representative of the family, and his interest in all that pertains to the general good is manifested by his active co-operation.

Sanuiel T. Mitchell, who became well known in educational circles and whose work was of great benefit, especially to the colored people, attained distinction in the line of his chosen profession and was known as a man of strong force of character as well as of marked individuality and superior intellectuality. He was born September 24, 1851, in Toledo, Ohio, his parents being David and Xanc\' A. Mitchell. Between the ages of six and thirteen years he pursued his education in the public schools of Cleveland. Cincinnati and Walnut Hills. On the 4th of October, 1864, he entered Wilberforce University and on the ist of February, 1865, he became converted and from that time forward devoted much of his time to the advancement of the cause of Christianity. He aided in organizing and naming the Sodalian Society, and advancing in his studies he at length became a teacher in the university. He attained his education in the face of many difficulties and obstacles. In order to meet the expenses of his college course he \vorked uix»n the farms in the \icinity. but was at length graduated with the highest honors on the completion of the course in June, 1873.

S. T. Mitchell, Ll. D.

For tuo years thereafter Professor Mitchell engaged in teaching in Wilmingtiin. Ohio, and subseqnently became principal of the Lincoln Institnte at JetYerson City, Missonri. where he was paid two thousand dollars annually. He aided in organizing the Colored State Teaciiers' Association and was its first president. He also drew up and secured the passage of a bill which opened the dnors in St. Louis, Kansas City and elsewhere to colored teachers. In 1875 Professor Mitchell was licensed by the .African Methodist Episcopal church to preach and gave considerable time to the work of the ministry in addition to his labors in the school room. For five years he served as principal of one of the schools of Springfield, Ohio. His work as an intellectual and moral educator was so closely interwoven from this time forward that it is almost impossible to s])eak of one without the other. He served as a lay delegate to the general conference at Baltimore, in 1884, and was the author of the Endowment Day and general educational scheme under which the African Methodist Episcopal church Connection has since operated. In 1884 he was also elected president of Wilberforce University and filled that position continually for about sixteen years. He saw the institution double its attendance and also its property value, while the endowment was likewise largely increased and the animal income became a gratifying one. Professor Mitchell planned and secured under statute the organization of the state normal and the industrial department at the university, which receives liberal support from the state of Ohio.

luu'ing the Doctor of Laws degree conferred upon him by the State University of Kentucky in 1889. He was also oppointcd b) L'nited States Commissioner Harris as a vice-president of the l^^ducational Congress at the Columbian Exposition. Under his direction Wilberforce University was represented at Xew Orleans, at the New Orleans E.xposition ; at the World's Fair in Paris ; and at the World's Columbian Exix)sition in Chicago, where a special award was given him. He was presitlent of the National Colored Teachers' Association at the time of his death. In June. 1900, on account of his health he resigned the presidency of the Wilberforce Uni\ersity. He had accunuilated an estate valued at alxnit eighteen thousand dollars although he started out in life a jjoor man. working his own way through school and throug-h the world. He had to br)rri;)\\ m(ine\- to buy a suit in which to appear at the graduating e.xerciscs. but he possessed strong determination and indomitable courage and steadily he advanced. Although a very generous man, .giving freely to many causes each year, he accpiired a good home and his progress was continuous along lines of intellectual and moral development.

On the 24th of June, 1876. Professor Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Mahina Fairfax, and to them were born six children: Mrs. Ethel McGee, who has one child, Juanita: Charles F.. a corporal in the Twenty-fifth Volunteer Infantry, of the Philippines: Lottie P.; Bessie Irene; Samuel L., and O'Neil T. Mrs. Mitchell was educated in Avery College in Pennsylvania, and at Wilberforce University, and while there she married Mr. Mitchell. For about nine 3'ears she was a teacher. Professor Mitchell passed away April 11, 1901, and was laid to rest in Tarlx)x cemeten.-. His life was a noble and upright one. lielpful in its influences and leaving its impress upon many with whom he came in contact. His aid was ever given to movements for the general good and for the uplifting of humanity and his entire life was devoted to work which proved of great benefit to others. Well does he deserve mention in this volume and with pleasure we present to our readers the life record of one wh<im to know was to respect and honor.

Bishop Bexjamix F. Lee. D. D.

This eminent scholar and divine, the son of Abel any Sarah Lee, was lx)rn in Gouldtown, New Jersey. September i8, 1841. He attended the public schools of his native town, where he finished a primary education. In 1865 he made his appearance at Wilberforce University in search of further knowledge. Being pnor. he did not enter as a regular student, but received private instruction from the faculty, in the meantime supporting himself by working the university land and taking care of the horses. He was a member of the first theological class organized in connection with Wilberforce. and after a .severe and prolonged struggle with poverty and its concomitant hindrances graduated in the theological department in 1872 as valedictorian of his class. During his entire course he mainly suppf)rted himself alternating his efforts between manual labor and teaching.

He joined the African Methodist Ei)iscopal church in 1862; was licensed to preach in 1868 by the Xenia, Ohio, Quarterly Conference; was ordained a deaciin in 1870 and was ordained an elder in Shelbyville. Kentucky. Thursday. October 3. 1872. The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop J. M. Brown from second Corinthians, fifth chajrter and twentieth verse. It was an able and forceable presentation of the nature, dutv and responsibilities of the ministerial office. Benjamin F. Lee, Thomas Dimeghy and Silas Crawford were ordained elders and Robert Turner and Charles B. Harris were ordained deacons.

In 1873 he married Mary A. .\she, oi Mobile. Alabama, who graduated with honors in that year from \\'ilberforce L'niversity. In 1873 '^^ ^^'i-'' ai>pointed to the chair of i)astoral theolog}-. homiletics and ecclesiastical history in Wilberforce made vacant by the resignation of Professor T. H. Jackson. This position he held until 1876. when, upon the resignation of Bishop Payne as president of ^^'ilberforce L'niversity, and on the reconunendation of the general conference, which met in Atlanta, Georgia, 1876, he was elected by the trustee board in June, ])residcnt, which office he held until June, 1884. His administration was wide, humane and successful. It was an era of peace and goodwill between the faculty and students, and no time in the history of the university has it enjoyed a greater success than during the administration of Benjamin F. Lee.

He was a memlacr of the general conference in 1876 and 1S80 and at the general conference, which assembled in Baltimore, May, 1884, \vas elected editor of the Christian Recorder. Tie made an excellent report at the general conference of 1888. at Indianapolis. Indiana, and was re-elected and continued to edit the paper and reported

In 1880 he was associated witli Dr. J- (i. Mitchell and Rev. R. A. Johnson to bear tlie fraternal greetings of the general conference of the African Methodist Episcopal church to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was also elected by the general conference of 1880 a delegate to the Ecumenical conference of Alethodists, w hicli met in London, England, September isl, and was cliosen by the western section of the general Ecumenical committee of 1884, embracing the American continent and islands, a member of the permanent committee of arrangements. His literary productions ha\e l)een extensive. He contributed an article to the "W'eslev Memorial Volume," a work edited by Rev. J. C. A. Gark, D. D., published by Phillips & Hunt, of New York. He has also written an introduction to "Outlines of our History and Government." by Rev. B. T. Tanner, D. D. As a linguist, he is the best production of the church's intellectual development, being ac(|uaiute(l with six different languages.

Dr. C. S. Smith says, when we come to measure the mental calibre of Bishop Lee, present and irrespective, we must first take into account the massiveness of his brain, which in size and weight is far above the average antl marked by great frontal expansion and prominence. His brain fibres are of great firmness and contain but little of the sensational elements, while the cells of the hardier and more compact form, which ex'olve thought processes slowly but substantialh-. His intellect is of keen, penetrating kind that pushes beyond the surface into the de]>ths of things, and that strips the planes of speculative inipiiry of their fascinating exterior and foliage and grasps for tiie root and ground of their foundation. He is a persistent and profound thinker. He is strong in logic, clear in analysis, and Fucid, though somewhat verbose in expression. A wider contact with the keen, cutting activities of busy, outside life will give him greater terseness of speech. In these whirling circles he will acquire the power of contraction, which is necessary to balance that of expansion, which he now possesses. His intellectual development has taken place under rather peculiar circumstances. He has been measurably shut in from the larger scenes and activities of life. He has been confined within a circle too narrow to admit of a broad unfolding of the genius and strength of his native mental endowments. The giant forces of his intellect will not appear until they have heard the tap of the drums that resoiuid in the widening circles of inspiring, associated forces. Like the resurrected T^zarus, his friends need to "loose him and let him go."

The development of his moral consciousness has been along the line of true manly instincts, and the highest and purest teachings of moral ethics. He has taken on all those higher '.irtues and moral forms that are embraced in the one word - Purity. Hence his character is unassailable and above reproach, and he is a model of chaste and upright conduct.

His social manner is uniformly affable and courteous. He is easily approached; of a gentle disposition, somewhat passive; a ready and interesting conversationalist, and always instructive. As a man, a scholar, a Christian and a toiler for the elevation of the race no words of praise can be bestowed on him tluit are not ileseived. To the young and aspiring he is a noble example of what can be accomplished by the sheer force of - I will. .After years of conflict with extreme ])overty and nant. and with nothing but his own stout heart anil implicit confidence in God to cheer anil strengthen him. he has turned the oasis of ad\erse circumstances into a place that is now fragrant with the aroma of his well achieved laurels. It was said of ['resident Garfield that he went "from the tow-path to the White House," and it mav be said of the suliject of our sketch that he went from an hostler's place to a college president's chair, where he sat for eight years the Xestor of all active, colored, American, Christian educator; distinguished in position: sublime in modesty.

Such was the tribute of Dr. C. S. Smith in 188,4, and we heartily endorse all that has been said and trust that the admonition and advice to the young will be heeded, and call attention to the projihetic portion of the tribute paid him. From personal knowledge we know that he has more than filled the mould during his services as editor of the Christian Recorder, and by the success that has attended his episcopal labors. Xo words of praise can add to his statue of worth either as a Christian, educator, reformer or Bishop.

At the general conference, which met in May, 1892, Philadelphia, he was elected bishop, May 14. and ordained May 19, 1892. by Bishops D. A. Payne, \\'. J. Gaines and Abi^aham Grant, assisted by EKlers W. JJohnson, of Ohio, J. B. Stansberry, of Phijadel])hia, T. H. Jackson, \\'. H. Brown, of Pittsburg, T. C. Denbam, of Texas, and A. .\. ^^'illiams, of .Arkansas, and was appointed to the tenth l-'.piscopal district, composed of tb.e Texas, west Texas, northeast Texas, central Texas, Louisiana, north Louisiana ami California conferences, and !)y the autln.ril}- of the general conferences organized the Puget Sound annual conference. These conferences covered the states of Louisiana. Texas. California. Washington, Oregon. Xe\'ada and Idaho, and a portion of British Xorth .\merica. This district emltraced more territory than the kingdom of Solomon, and (iod gave the bishop liealth and strength to visit his work during the Ouadrenninm. By his instructive lectures and gosiiel ijreaching he aroused the people to take a deeper interest in the cause of education and temperance, and induceil many to join the army of right against wrong. The i)resi(ling elders were to him what Aaron and Hur were to Moses, they held up his hands while executing the law, while the pastors walked with him up the mount of Transfiguration, where the law, gos])el and prophet met together, and the voice from the cloud of history were heard to say: "These are my beloved sons in whom I am well pleased."

Paul Ouinn College had the benefit o. the experience of the presiding bishop. The theological department was organized, and a system of theological correspondence, corrcsiKinding with the Itinerant conrse constituted.

The men of the district, the peojjle of the district had a higher conception of their duty tlian they ever had before. The fraternal relations between the denominations were cordial and jjleasant. Conference reciprocity was exchanged by bishops and conferences, and the seed sown during his Qu.'idrennium will yield a rich harvest for God and the race.

The Harper Institute at Baton Rouge made a nol^le figlit and succeeded because the ministers and niemliers of the Louisiana conierence resoKed tliat it should succeed and not be lost.

He is now president of the board of trustees of Wilberforce University, president of Payne's Theological Seminary and president of the Corresponding Sciionl of Theology of die church, also president of the board of education and is now directing and controlling- the moral and religious forces of more men, women and children than any man of the race. His past record is a prophecy for the future success of the trust reposed upon him by the general conference. If he receives the hearty co-operation and support, Pavne"s Theological Seminary will wicUl an influence in the future beyond the most sanguine expectation of its founder and benefactor.

At the general conference in ]S()fi. held at Wilmington, North Carolina, he was appointed to the third Episcopal district, consisting of the Ohio, North Ohio and Pittsburg annual conferences. It was in this border that the first resolution looking to an educated ministry was ever passed by an annual conference. It was in this celebrated district that tlie first school and manual labor farm was purchased and organized in 1845 near Columbus, Ohio. It was in this district that Bishops Payne, James A. Shorter and Dr. John G. Mitchell laid the foundation of our magnificent educational system by the purchase of Wilberforce University. It is fortunate we ha\e one at the head of our educational work and who was raised and trained by the leaders of the church and race, one who has been able to take the pruiciples of African Methodism, and whose

\ery being is saturated with the hopes of our future and inspired by their lives to trium[>h over every opposition and bear the standard of manhood Christianity on to certain victories.

After man\- years of honorable and active connection with agricultural pursuits J. C. Sims is now living retired in Spring Valley. He was born in Mount Holly, Warren county, Ohio, December 8, 1839, his parents being (ieorge and Sarah E. ( Buckles) Situs. The father, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came with his parents, John and I'lizabeth Sims, to Ohio, the familv becoming early settlers of Warren county. They located upon a farm <^n which George Sims was rearetl, but in early life he learned the omper's trade in Mount Holly, and there carried on business for man\ years. He also engaged in huckstering at the same time. He lived to be more thrm seventy years of age and throughout his long life commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. In his family were fom'teen chihlrcn, all of \\hom reached years of matm'ity and tweh-e are still living. Those who have passed away had married and reared families.

J. C. Sims, whose name iiUroduces this record, attended the public schools in early life, and when about fourteen years of age began working in his father's shop, where he was employed until twenty-two years of age. From the time of his marriage in 1861 until 1864 he was employed in the extensive coopering department of the large factory of Barrett & \\'alton. In the latter vear.

however, he put aside Imsiness cares and personal considerations and joined the oneliunched-day men, enHsting in Company G. One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment of Oliio X'ohintecrs. The command took part in tlie l)attle at Xew Creek, Init during that engagement he was sent to a block liouse to guard a bridge. After about four months at the front he returned to Ohio and again entered the e!n|)Ioy of his former firm, remaining tliere for three years. With tlie capital he had thus acquired through his industry and economy he in\ested in land, becoming owner of seventy-five acres, which is still in his possession.