Madison Township (part 2 of 6)

Not long after the organization, Rev. William Dickey administered baptism to the following-named children: Thomas, Daniel V. and James, sons of James and Sarah Pringle. In 1824, William Dickey being Moderator, the session met and received, on examination, Martha Pratt, William Edgar and his wife; and soon after, Joseph Vance became a member. Previous to 1831, the ordinance of baptism was administered to John Edgar, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Mary Jane, Susanna, Joseph Colvin, Thurea and Elisha, sons and daughters of Joseph Vance; also Sarah P. and Mary E., daughters of David Wilson. In the year 1833, Nancy Waddle was received on certificate.

January 25, 1835, Rev. John S. Galloway as Moderator, and James Pringle Ruling Elder, the session received the application of John Heiskell, and Elizabeth, his wife. During this year, James Pringle, Jr., was chosen Clerk, in which position he served acceptably until the year 1858.

Clain preached to the society for a number of years. Mr. E. Edwards was Clerk for a time previous to 1861. On the 9th of March of that year, Milton Clark was elected to that office, and has filled it with ability ever since Mr. Clark has held the position of Ruling Elder since 1862. James Pringle held the office of Ruling Elder from the organization of the society till his death, in 1867. He was a man of exemplary character, beloved and honored among men. James Pringle, Jr., was made a Ruling Elder in the year 1858, serving in that capacity until 1880, when, on account of continued ill-health, he was relieved.

Dr. Haight was called in the year 1859, and was the first resident Pastor of this church. Under his labors, the congregation took a new departure, and built their present house of worship. It is of brick, and was built at a cost of $5,000.

April 6, 1862, the congregation called Rev. N. S. Smith as Pastor. Bro. Smith accepted, but at the end of three months entered the Union army. He was succeeded in the pulpit by Rev. S. Jewett, temporarily. In August, 1863, Bro. Smith returned and resumed his pastors] labors. He was a man of remarkable activity in all labors of love - zealous, patient, pious. Under his labors the church prospered, and many were added to its membership. His wife was an excellent Christian lady, well fitted to be the helpmeet of her husband. In the year 1867, Bro. Smith accepted a call of a church in Ft. Wayne, Ind., greatly to the regret of his congregation here. On the 17th of August, 1867, the congregation called Rev. S. M. Schofield. His labors were full of good fruits; besides many being added to the church, the parsonage was built during his stay. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas, who preached two years. In 1878, Rev. S. Kelsey was called. He remained four years, and, through his welldirected efforis, aided by those of his excellent wife, the church was relieved of a burden of debt which for years had oppressed it. Aspirit of harmony was nurtured, the rich fruits of which were seen and felt on all hands.

Early in the history of the society, a Sabbath school was established. It has been continued from year to year with good results. James Pringle, Jr., was Superintendent for several years. Rev. N. S. Smith served in this capacity long and well. George Shepherd was the successor of Bro. Smith, and, in his peculiar style of usefulness, planted many seeds which have brought forth lasting good. He removed to Winchester, Va., in 1869, followed by many good wishes by the community. J. M. Jones was chosen as successor of Mr. Shepherd, and, during the past eleven years, has been earnest, efficient and faithful in his duties as Superintendent. During the same time, he has had the superintendency of a Sabbath school at Carthage, at which place he held Bible meetings a hundred nights in succession, resulting in the conversion of many. Miss Jennie Pringle served the church and Sabbath school as Organist and Chorister for more than twenty years, deserving to be named among those who labor for an imperishable reward. The membership numbers 125.

The Sabbath school of the society is organized as follows: J. M. Jones, Superintendent; William Ramsey, Assistant Superintendent; Secretary, James Hauk; Treasurer, A. Comrie; Organist, Mrs. Jennie Jones.

The village of Selma is situated on the P. C. & St. L. R. R., and in the extreme southwestern part of Madison Township. The State road, from Springfield to Hillsboro, crosses the Xenia & Columbus Pike at this place, Dr. Jesse Wilson, one of the early settlers, laid out the town in the year 1842; the lots are sixty feet front and 160 feet back. Dr. Wilson was the first Postmaster of the village; the office was transferred from Cortsville to Selma in 1845.

Landis & White were probably the first merchants. W.G. Thorpe, in 1844, put up a storehouse and sold goods on the site now occupied by John Scanland. A. S. Ballard was connected with Thorpe in this enterprise.

The original society by this name was organized in 1822, and worshiped near the residence of Samuel C. Howell, three-fourths of a mile northeast of the village of Selma. Patience Sleeper was one of the first preachers. The records fail to give any very definite account of the early doings of the meeting, or of its membership, for the first four years. In 1820, the society, here and elsewhere, on account of a question of doctrine, separated into two bodies; the one took upon itself the name " Orthodox," the other was afterward known as " Hicksites " - that is, followers of the doctrines as proclaimed by Elias Hicks.

Orthodox

This branch of the Green Plain Monthly Meeting of Friends left the Hicksites in possession of the meeting-house, and of whatever church property owned by the original society at the time of separation (1826), and, for lack of a meeting-house, the residence of John Wildman was used for that purpose. Friend Wildman's house was one mile east of Selma. This branch, at the time of the separation, numbered 236 members. Following is a list of the fathers of the society, who, with their wives and children, were the principal members: Samuel Sleeper, Seth Williams, John Wildman, Cephas Atkinson, Thomas Atkinson, William Vickers, Thomas Embree, Levi Hutton, Jeremiah Warder, Thomas Lewis, Seth Smith, Jackson Allen.

On the 28th day of July, 1832, the meeting numbered 220 members. At this date, they determined to build a meeting-house, and thereupon they purchased for that purpose, of John Bocock and Joshua Engle, one and a half acres of land near the village of Selma, and built thereon a frame church, 22x40 feet, one story high, and with the customary partition. They worshiped here till the year 1871, when they built the house they now occupy. It is a brick structure, 40x52 feet, with vestibule front, and is of modern architecture. The cost of this house was $4,300. The present membership is 150. Jacob Baker is the present Pastor.

This branch of the Friends' Society had its origin with the original Green Plain Monthly Meeting, as elsewhere stated, in 1822. When the separation took place in 1826, this branch held the church property, the meeting-house being near the residence of Samuel Howell, three-fourths of a mile northeast of Selma. There is norecord showing the strength of this branch when the society separated, but it is probable it was smaller than the branch known as the Orthodox.

They continued worshiping here till the year 1843, when on account of the agitation of the question of slavery, a division took place. A part of the society held extreme anti-slavery views, and a part were conservative; hence the separation. The extremists held the church building for several years, and then became extinct, partly by their members joining with one or the other branches of the original society, and partly by their joining other Christian denominations. The building, with the ground on which it stood, was abandoned. The conservative portion built a house of worship on the lands of Abel Walker, a mile northeast of the former one, completing it in March, 1844; their number at this time was 100. The church is of brick, 22x42 feet, and cost a cash outlay of $415.66. The Building Committee was Thomas Merritt, Joshua Harrison, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. The Title Trustees were John G. Oldham, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. Hannah P. Wilson and Ann Packer have preached to the society from time to time. The society now numbers nearly one hundred.

Selma Methodist Episcopal Church

Previous to the year 1828, the itinerant preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church held occasional meetings at the houses of members of that church, who had settled in the country from other localities. Of these householders, mention is made of William Brooks, Isaiah Holloway and George Fox.

Out of this itinerant work grew an organized class, after the plan of John Wesley, and soon a society followed. The demand for a place to hold their meetings resulted in the building of " Brooks' Meeting-House " in 1830. It was a hewed-log house, with a pulpit on the north sidé. The members at this time were not numerous, but they were full of zeal and good works. William Brooks and wife, J. Holloway and wife, David King and wife, Abram Hyers and wife, Nancy Fox, Cornelius Hill, Catherine Marshall, Mary Murphy, and others, were of the original membership. Nearly all these were faithful men and women, apd were instrumental in giving life, stability and character to the church of their choice. Brooks' Meeting-House continued to be a regular preaching-place for a quarter of a century. Here, in 1837, a remarkable revival of religion, under the Rev. Reed, occurred, lasting the greater part of the winter and resulting in the conversion of many souls. Of this number was John M. White, who, in after years, became a noted preacher of the church. The society was favored in these years by the preaching of Samuel Clark, Joshua Boucher, E. B. Chase, and many other worthy men of this denomination. About the year 1842, the church became divided on the question of slavery, many of the members holding extreme anti-slavery sentiments, and nearly an equal number holding conservative views. The extremists withdrew and formed themselves into a society at Cortsville, in the adjoining township, calling themselves Wesleyan Methodists. Those who remained were Catherine Marshall, Thomas Berry, David Fox, Elenor Baldwin, Cornelius Hill and Mary Murphy.

The evil results of this separation were seen and felt for many years. In the year 1855, the society built the " Gravel Church," which still stands on the site of the old Brooks' Meeting-House. The Gravel Church was formally dedicated by Granville Moody.

In the building of this church, Revs. Wesley Denit and T. Collett took a lively interest. Among the numerous Pastors who have filled this pulpit were Levi White, John G. Black, William Simmons, Andrew Murphy, Joseph Newson, Allen W. Tibbets, J. Verity, J. B. Ellsworth, David Whitmer, Stephen F. Coney, H. Stokes, M. P. Zink, J. L. Gregg and W. Q. Shannon. The charge belongs to Xenia District, Jamestown Circuit, Cincinnati Conference. Since 1864, an interesting Sabbath school has been sustained during the summer months; average attendance, fifty.

Green Plain Band Of Hope

An organization with the above name was effected at Selma April 3, 1873. Its object was to cultivate among the young to talk abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks, tobacco and profanity. The society was divided into two classes - adult and juvenile. The officers were a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Secretary and Treasurer; also, an Executive Committee of three.

The constitution provided a pledge, as tollows: "I hereby solemnly pledge myself to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks, including wine, beer and hard cider, as a beverage, the use of tobacco in every form, and from all profanity."

The officers of the adult organization were at first as follows: Superintendent, William Wildman; Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Lawrence; Secretary, Eliza Wildman; Treasurer, Rebecca Parker; Executive Committee, Oliver Smith, E. M. Smith and Hannah Lawrence.

The juvenile department of the band was organized as follows: President, Alford Thorne; Vice Presidents, Eva Roadamer, Nettie Crampton and Lida Smith; Assistant Secretary, Maggie W. Hannabery; Treasurer, Thomas Thorne; Usher, Seth Atkinson. This society met each month. The exercises were held in public, and consisted of Scriptural readings, devotion, essays, declamations, discussions, music, ete., etc.

For the several years following its organization, the band held stated meetings, and its teachings and influence were beyond computation, molding and fashioning many a young heart in the better way. In August, 1878, the band held its last meeting, so far as the record shows.

The colored Methodists of Selma organized a society in 1870, by the instrumentality of John Janitor and J. Underwood. They held occasional preaching at the schoolhouse and other places before building a house of worship.

A frame house costing $1,000 was built by this society in 1875. The principal contributors to the building fund were Mrs. Perry Larkins, Mrs, Matlock, Nimrod Gibson, William Nickens, Levi Atkinson, John Scanland and E. Hollingsworth. At that time, the society numbered thirty members.

The Pastors who have served the church since its organization have been William Johnson, Edward Taylor, James Ross, Benjamin Combash and John Hammond. A vigorous Sabbath school is maintained the year round - John Mc- Carrel, Superintendent - and the society promises well for the future.

The Underground Railroad

As early as 1830, the agitation of the subject of human slavery stirred up the people of Selma. Parts of the Quaker and Methodist Churches of the village were particularly bitter in their opposition to any measure that tended to favor the peculiar institution of the States of the South. This sentiment grew in strength and bitterness as years increased, until both the Methodist Episcopal and the Hicksite Quaker Churches suffered disruption on its account. But the extremists never faltered. They were not outlaws; but they recognized no human law which made. them tools to capture and carry back to bondage the fugitive human chattel of an inhuman master. For many years they labored and suffered for those in bonds, as bound with them. For many years they bowed in Christian love before God, and prayed for an oppressed people. With an unwavering faith and a tireless energy, they worked in fraternal union for the freedom and enfranchisement of their despised colored brethren, and shared to- gether the odium attached to the name of Abolitionist, and, though many of them died before the dawning of the day of jubilee, they left to their descendante a legacy of daring devotion to a cause which redeemed the land from the curse of slavery, though with the atoning blood of many a battle-field.

For many years preceding the outbreak of the rebellion of 1861, Selma was known as a station of the underground railroad. This fact was nearly as well known in Kentucky and Canada as in Ohio. Slaves escaping from their masters in Kentucky were, by a succession of night drives, or by weary nights on foot, brought by parties further south to this point on the route. Here they waited only long enough to change the manner of travel, or to make some necessary preparation for the remainder of the journey to Canada, and again were off in the direction of Mechanicsburg, Springfield or Marysville. The agents and employes of the raute were well organized; their trips were made on time, their trains seldom collided, and, during many years of active business, no article of freight was ever lost. The road has gone down for lack of business. The descendants of Thomas Borton, William Thorne, Isaac Newcomb, Daniel Wilson, Joseph A. Dugdale Richard Wright and Pressly Thomas have no reason to blush at the mention of the daring deeds of their heroic fathers in connection with the history of the underground railroad.

South Charleston

The village of South Charleston was founded by Conrad Critz on the Ist day of November, 1815. The original plat contains eight squares of four lots each, and was surveyed by John T. Stewart.

" Surveyed for Conrad Critz the foregoing platted town in Madison County, Stokes Township, described as follows: Columbus street runs north, sixty-one degrees east, crossing Chillicothe street at right angles. Chillicothe street runs south, twenty-nine degrees east. Given under my hand this Ist day of November, A. D. 1815. - John T. Stewart."

The affidavit of Conrad Critz in acknowledgment of the above was made before John Kelso, a Justice of the Peace of said Stokes Township, and is dated January 18, 1816.

Clement Stickley conducted a tannery on the western suburbs, near the residence of Henry Wilkinson, about 1825. The early settler remembers a large pond that extended from the present site of the post office to and beyond the Town Hall It was a fine place for duck-shooting. An unpretentious schoolhouse was built near the present residence of Dr. Bamwell. It was 12x18 feet in size, and constructed after the plan of that day. Here Christopher Lightfoot dispensed the rudiments of education, and the generation whose footprints have since marked the sands of time conned dull lessons.

The building of the P. C. & St. L. R. R., in 1848, gave new and lasting impetus to the business interest of the then little village, and from that day to the present it has enjoyed a fair share of prosperity.

Of the old residents in and about the village, and who were connected with its history and early growth, the names of David Vance, John Briggs, Nathan Low, James Pringle, Sr., Isaac Davisson, Jesse Ellsworth, Jeremiah Bodkin, Samuel Thomas, Seth Saint John and John MeCollum appear as most prominent.

In December, 1863, the First National Bank of South Charleston was organized, L. W. Haughey being elected President and Milton Clark Cashier, this institution doing a good business until March 24, 1877, at which date it surrendered its charter and continued as a private bank, under the name of the Bank of South Charleston, John Rankin becoming President and Mr. Clark still holding the position of Cashier. In 1871, a few of the more enterprising moneyed men of the town erected a large, commodious building for a hotel, which is called the Ackley House, in honor of one of the projectors who was most prominent in the movement. The P. C. & St. L. and Springfield Southern Railroads pass through South Charleston, giving good facilities to shippers. The town has also a live newspaper - the South Charleston Republican - published by Rice & Vanmetre, which is a newsy sheet, and wields its influence for good.

South Charleston Official Directory Secret Societies

Clark Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F., South Charleston. - Was chartered July 18, 1850. The charter members were John A. Skinner, Pressly Jones, Isaac P. Paist, Daniel Smith, William Paist, Jr., Michael Lidigh, William L. Warner.

Fielding Lodge, No. 192, A., F.& A. M., South Charleston. - Chartered October 18, 1850. The original petitioners were John A. Skinner, E. W. Steele, Alex

South Charleston Cemetery

This beautiful resting-place of the dead is situated a short distance from the village, and nearly north. It was purchased by the Town Council in September, 1855, and is under the careof a Superintendent. The lot contains eight. acres, and was purchased of T. Mattinson and George Murray for $800. The location is a very desirable one. and the whole is inclosed by a neat and substanial fence. The lot is platted into lots of convenient size, and the greater part of the walks and drives is properly graded and graveled, while numerous ornamental trees help to adorn and beautify the place, evincing taste and affection on the part of the living. Numerous shafts of marble and granite mark the resting-places of the departed of all ages, while here and there rests the body of one who gave his life that the country might live. To these, affection has recounted, on marble tablets, how nobly they fought and how heroically they fell; and here, when the joyousness of springtime comes to gladden the earth with flowers, the people meet, and, with twining leaves and flowers, bedeck the graves of those upon whose deeds the nation has built a proud history.

STATISTICS OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH CHARLESTON, IN MADISON TOWNSHIP, CLARK COUNTY, OHIO, FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1880.

Number of schoolhouses, 2; number of schoolrooms, 8; value of school property, $13,300; number of teachers employed, 8; prices paid teachers - gentlemen, $94; ladies, $38.

Rate of taxation in mills, 3.3; pupils enrolled during the year - boys, 122; girls, 159; total, 281; average monthy enrollment, 255; average daily attendance, 240.

Number of pupils in each branch of study - alphabet, 42; reading, 281; spelling, 281; writing, 261; arithmetic, 261; geography, 167; English grammar, 87; oral lessons, 150; composition, 87; map-drawing, 50; United States history, 60; physiology, 9; physical geography, 30; natural philosophy, 11; algebra, 35; Latin, 9.

Total receipts for the school year, $9,634.97; amount paid teachers for school year, $2,979.15; fuel and contingent expenses, $729.29; other expenses, TEE: total expenditures, $5,690.44; balance on hand September 1, 1880, $3,-

Number of subdistricts, 6; houses built during the year, 1; cost, $1,442; number of schoolrooms, 8; total value of school property, $8,000; average wages paid teachers - gentlemen, $45; ladies, $45; rate of school tax (mills), 2.7; number of pupils enrolled within the year - boys, 181; girls, 162; total, 343; average monthly enrollment - boys, 126; girls, 129; total, 255; average daily attendance - boys, 100; girls, 102; total, 202; number of pupils enrolled between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years - boys, 30; girls, 17; total, 47; number of pupils in each branch taught - alphabet, 23; reading, 333; spelling, 326; writing, 307; arithmetic, 287; geography, 189; English grammar, 137; oral lessons, 28; composition, 34.

Educational Reminiscences Furnished

Nothing can be much more difficult than to get a correct account of the various schools in a community for a period of nearly seventy years, yet we have endeavored to obtain as many items as possible worthy of note, and which we hope will be of much interest tothe citizens now living, whose memories go back many years, as well as to their descendants, even of the third and fourth generation; yea, even to those who live more than a hundred years to come.

In the absence of any records left of the early schools (for there are none), our plan' has been to get actual statements from those who either attended the schools of the earlier days, or who were well acquainted with the teachers and cireumstances connected with them. For many of these statements we are under obligations to Thomas Woosley, Dr. E. T. Collins and wife, Mr. and Mrs. D. O. Heiskell, Dr. Curtice, Mr. G. Sweet and others. These are all contributed items with reference to the first schools taught in the vicinity, and information with reference to the schools of the last twenty-five years has been obtained of those who attended or who were conversant with the affairs of these later-day schools.

The first schoolhouse ever built ii this vicinity was south of the village of South Charleston, near the Little Miami, on what is now Kendall Truitt's farm. A man by the name of Fairchild taught. In this school there, were but few scholars. This was about the year 1816. The next was not far from where Mr. George Gilroy now lives, northeast from town, in what is now John Thomas' field. A Mr. Landfield taught, and several of the older ctizens now living attended. Among those are Thomas Woosley, J. Bodkin, the Ellsworths and Davissons. The merest rudiments were taught. The next was west of town, not far from where James Pringle now lives. The building was a double log house, and Moses Pierce taught in one part, while his father's family lived in the other.. There were still but few pupils, and among them were Thomas Woosley, James and David Pringle, and the Hedrick boys. This same man afterward taught in a log schoolhouse near where William Holmes' stable: now stands. The village was then quite small, without any pavements, and as a consequence the'streets got quite muddy in the winter season, so that this little school was sufficient to meet the educational demands of the place. Mr. Pierce taught about two or three years, and was succeeded by Christopher Lightfoot. This gentleman is spoken of as being cross, and consequently not very successful. A Mr. Vincent succeeded him - a very nice man and a good teacher. He taught two years. He was followed by a teacher whose name was Peleg Whitteridge, a good scholar and quite a successful teacher. He had more pupils than had previously attended. At this time, the following branches were taught: spelling, reading (the English Reader being the text-book in reading), English grammar and arithmetic. The larger boys could not generally attend more than three or four months in the winter season, as their services were needed on the farms. Dr. Curtice, now living here, and who has been a physician here for many years, began his education under this Jast-named teacher. - -

Mr. Whitteridge taught in 1824 ànd in 1825. At about this time in the history of those schools, several ladies were from time to time employed to teach, but mostly in the summer season, and, while we find it difficult to bring them in in exact order, yet some of them appear te deserve special mention.

In about the year 1830, a Miss Lucy P. Monsow was teaching in this district. She was afterward married to Mr. Jesse Griffith, father of Cyrus Griffith, one of the carpenters here at this time. This lady was very kind as a teacher, and was regarded very highly by her pupils. On Friday afternoons, she gave her female pupils lessons in sewing. This was highly appreciated by them, and they studied hard during the other days, that they might have this privilege on Fridays. Mrs. D. O. Heiskell was one of her pupils, and speaks of her with great respect. Miss Ruth Householder was another lady who taught successfully; is recollected as intelligent and worthy of special mention in this connection; afterward married a Mr. Henry. She was the mother of Mrs. John Holmes. Miss Rice and a Miss Ransom are two other ladies who taught at about this time, and who are still kindly remembered by some of the older citizens, though they did not remain long in the place.

At about this time (1830), a tax was allowed by law for the support of publie schools, when the subscription schools gradually gave place to the free school, except, perhaps, during the summer season, when occasionally a school of this kind was taught. In 1831, a Mr. Furgison was teaching the publie sciiool, and it was decided by the male pupils on Christmas to make him * treat," according to a custom which appeared to be in vogue pretty generally. The larg: scholars had assembled at the schoolhouse early in the morning, and the boys had talked over their plan of procedure, which was, in brief, that, when the teacher came and called them to " books," they would refuse to obey, but make their »mands upon him, and if he refused, they were to tie him, take him to the creek and "duck " him, and it was decided that one of their number who was larger than the rest, whom we will designate as J. P., was to take the lead in executing this little plan. It may not be improper to say that J. P. was large, and was supposed to be stronger than the teacher, and he did not hesitate to tell the other boys that he would handle the teacher should he refuse to comply with his demands. The teacher finally came, and, it appeared, had anticipated some trouble, and, that he might be prepared, brought in his hand a nice large switch. Not waiting to yive any one a chance to say anything, he walked directly to his desk, put up his hat and called "books." No one moved; again he gave his orders, "Get to your books." Still the scholars did not move, but each of the others looked at J. P. to begin the programme, but it appeared that 'he presence of the "master" had a peculiar influence over him, and when, > moment later, the " master " approached the head of the line of boys and begaa a vigor- » ous attack with his switch, applying it forcibly on every one he came to, J. P., evidently considered discretion the better part of valor, and' took hi. seat and began studying with the rest of the scholars, without ever saying a word.

Mr. Furgison was not a large man, and, had the proposed plan of the boys been attempted, they could have no doubt carried it out, as had sometimes been done in other schools. It is a satisfaction to know that these old-time semi-barbarous customs have given way to the refining influences of a more enlightened age. Mr. Furgison was succeeded by Oswald Warrington, who taught a good school and was highly respected by his pupils. Col. Hathaway was the next teacher. He was a man of fine education, good address, and a very successful teacher His government was mild, and he was loved by pupils. He located near Plattsburg, where he died.

In 1836, Thomas Harris took charge of the school He was also a fine scholar, having graduated at the Ohio University at Athens. He taught about three years; was quite popular as a teacher; went from here to West Virginia, and. during the war, was a Brigadier General in the Union army.

_ The next teacher was a Mr. MeMillan, who taught two years; rather eccentric. and did not wear as well as some others. Following him came a Mr. Goldrick. who taught two years. He afterward went to California and became wealthy. The next was Mortimor Holt. He taught one year, went East, married and came back, and again taught one or two years. He was quite successful The people were very sorry to have him leave.

Several of the last-named teachers taught in a brick building a few rods directly east from where the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. This was a two-story building, with four rooms - two above and two below. A gentleman by the name of Eastman taught one or two years; an excellent teacher. He died here,lamented by many friends. John Miskey is very warmly remembered as one of the old-time teachers here. He was a man of great individuality, and was calculated to leave the imprint of his own character on that of his pupils. His forte in teaching was penmanship, maps, blaekboard exercises, etc. He taught about two years. Dr. Curtice, of whom mention has already been made in this sketch, began teaching here in 1843, and taught three years. He is remembered as a very excellent, thorough teacher. In addition to the common branches, he introduced and taught many of the higher branches, as natural philosophy, physiology, algebra, geometry, surveying, elements of Latin. The wages then received was about $25 per month.

The following are the names of several others who taught successfully, and of whom many good things might be said if our space would permit, viz.:

Job Haynes, Mr. Doan, McCracken and Whitelaw Reid. The last-named gentleman has since attained to eminence as a journalist, he being the editor-inchief of the New York Tribune. He taught here during the years 1856 and 1857. He is said to be the first who organized the graded schools in this place. He was assisted by a man whose name was Lawrence, and one or two lady teachers, whose names have not been received by the writer of this sketch. After Mr. Reid came Mr. Robert Story, who is remembered especially on account of a law-suit he had with the School Board, who required him to give up his school before his time expired. He brought suit and collected his salary for the unexpired term of his school.

Names of other teachers are Alfred Jones, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Maley, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Ed Goul, Mr. Ford, Mr. Aikman. The last gentleman taught in grammar department; also Mr. MeMurray. Mr. Campbell was one of the first who taught in the new brick building, the one now used. He taught two years, and was regarded as a very excellent teacher. He resigned his position here to accept the superintendency of the publie schools of Delaware, Ohio, which position he has held up to the present time, a period of perhaps seventeen years.

Mr. Cropman taught and superintended here about this time for two years. He was an Hastern gentleman, a good scholar and a successful teacher, yet withal was regarded by many as rather eccentric.

During the school year of 1868-69, the school was in charge of Mr. J. H. Gahns. He acted as Superintendent and teacher of the high school, as had been the eustom of those in charge for several years previous. He had five assistants, his sister being one of them. Mr. John Holmes was teacher of the grammar school this year, which position he has occupied until the present time, a period of thirteen years. From the various statements received from some of thecitizens with regard to Mr. Gahns, he was considered deficient in ability to govern and properly control the school; hence he was not regarded as a success in all respects. T

D. W. DeLay was employed as Superintendent and teacher of the high school for the year 1869-70. In the beginning of his administration he examined each grade or department of the school, with the assistance of Mr. John Holmes, teacher of the grammar school, and the teacher employed for each respective grade. This gave the new Superintendent an opportunity of knowing the exact standing of each and all his pupils. On the examinatoin of the high school, it was ascertained that the scholarship of those who had been in that department was scarcely as high as it should be in the common branches, and it was deemed best to place them in the grammar department in most of their studies, that they might undergo a thorough review before attempting a highschool course. Then there appeared to be much useless lumber in the curriculum of the high school, and it was found necessary to revise the course of study for the whole school, including that of this department.

After this revision, the course of study for the high school consisted of the following branches: Reading, English grammar, hygiene, arithmetic, physical geography, natural philosophy, physiology, history of the United States, botany, chemistry, rhetoric, Harkness' Introductory Latin, Latin grammar and reader, Cesar's Commentaries, Virgil's ZEneid, elementary algebra, and plane and solid geometry. This was. arranged for a three-years course. |. A At the present writing, Mr. DeLay is still in charge of these schools, having graduated five classes.

Taking it all in all, the people of South Charleston have reason to be proud of their schools, and it is believed that they will compare favorably with other schools in places not larger than this in the State.

Much of the success of this school is due to the faithful co-operation of the School Board, and many of the parents, with the earnest efforts of the Superintendent snd teachers.

The School Board, several years ago, seeing the folly of a frequent change of teachers without good reason for such change, adopted the plan of retaining the services of any and all who have shown themselves faithful and efficient.

At present, the number of pupils enumerated is about four hundred, and nearly three hundred attend school. There are in all in eight departments, including a colored school, and a separate teacher for each department."

THOMAS C. ACKERSON, slate roof contractor, Springfield; is a native of New Jersey; born in Monmouth County in 1829: His father, John Ackerson, removed to the vicinity of Springfield in 1848, but Thomas, being an apprentice at the blacksmith's trade, completed his apprenticeship and came to Springfield in 1850, and was employed at his trade in this vicinity until 1861, when he entered the 16th O. V. A., in which he served three years. After his return, he spent a short time recruiting his health. In the spring of 1867, he engaged in business here as dealer and contractor in slate and composition roofing, which business he still continues; his office is on Limestone street, and he is doing a very satisfactory business. He married, in 1873, Mary J., daughter of Louis C. Huffman; from this marriage have been born two daughters. Mr. Ackerson's residence is No. 68 East Mulberry street; he is a member of the High Street M. E. Church, and a respected citizen.

DAVID H. ACKERSON, slate and composition roofer, Springfield; he was born in New Jersey April 12, 1833; came to Ohio and to Clark County with his parents in 1848, and located in Springfield. After working some three or four years on the farm, he began the carpenter trade, at which he worked about seven years. In 1861, he established the business of slate and composition roofing, and was the first to start that branch of trade in this city; at first his work amounted to about $500 or $600 per year; it has so increased that now it amounts to $10,000 per annum. He was married, in April, 1859, to Mary E. Gram, daughter of John and Betsey Gram; they are the parents of five children. Mr. Ackerson is one of the Trustees of the First Baptist Church of this city; his parents were bcth natives of New Jersey; 'this father was a brick-mason by trade; died in 1855, and the mother in 1868.

BENJAMIN ALLEN, jeweler, Springfield. Mr. Allen has been for a number of years actively engaged in business here; he was born near Mt. Jackson, Shenandoah Co., Va., Feb. 6, 1810; son of Benjamin and Hannah (Walton) Allen. Mr. Allen, Sr., was a native of Chester Co., Penn., born in 1757, but removed to Shenandoah Co., Va., when a boy; his decease occurred in Belmont Co., Ohio, in 1838, he being nearly 81 years of age. Mrs. Allen was born in Berkeley Co., W. Va., in 1768, and died June 4, 1854, in her 86th year; her parents removed to Frederick Co., Va., near the Shenandoah County line, about 1776; both Mr. and Mrs. Allen were members of the Friends' Church. Benjamin was the youngest of eight children who attained majority, four of whom still survive, the three older being upward of 70 years of age. About 1810, Benjamin's parents made up their minds they would find a free community in which to raise their children; accordingly, his father came West with a view of locating land in the Miami Valley, but turned back on his arrival at Spring Valley, Greene County, where he had relatives, on account of becoming alarmed at the prevalence of ague; on his return, he purchased a tract of land in Belmont County, upon which there was a small opening and acabin 16x18 feet, to which he removed his family, arriving in November, after a wearying journey of twenty-one days. Mr. Allen, Jr.'s, first recollections are of scenes on this farm, the first being a fight between a wolf and their dog, assisted by the nearest neighbor's dog, which fight took place after night and within fiity teet of the cabin door; when 5 years of age, he began to attend school at the village, about two miles away; more than half this distance there was but a mere bridle path; during these school days, he heard many incidents of pioneer life, as the village was a place of rendezvous, and story-telling was the greater part of their entertainment, except muster-days," when the rougher element was out in force, and wrestling, horse-racing, fighting, etc., became the principal attractions; when 11 years of age, his labor was considered more necessary than further education, and Benjamin therefore assisted his father on the farm until 21 years of age, without further school privileges. After he arrived at majority, he hired to a carpenter at $8 per month, and continued to work at that trade, his wages gradually increasing, until he received $26 per month, as foreman; during this time, he superintended the construction of some of the first threshing machines made in that part of the State, and continued to follow his trade until 1842, when, on account of failing health, he was compelled to seek some lighter employment, and took instructions in repairing watches, and, being a natural mechanic, soon became proficient, and, in 1844, started business for himself in asmall village. Nov. 20, 1846, he married Elizabeth Adams; she was born in Loudoun Co., Va., Jan. 24 1824; her parents were William and Margaret Adams; in,1832, her father being deceased, her mother removed her family to Belmont Co., Ohio, where the mother died in 1867, being 75 years of age. In 1848, Mr. Allen removed to Indiana, where he had bought a farm, but sold out and returned to Ohio the following winter, and in April again engaged at the jeweler's trade; in October, 1853, he removed to Springfield, and purchased a stock in the room now occupied by Leo Braun, where he carried on business until 1864, when he sold his stock to J. P. Allen; subsequently engaged in same business with M. P. Davis, oceupying the room directly opposite his present place of business; his nephew, whose name is also Benjamin Allen, joined this firm. In 1866, circumstances compelled Mr. Allen to take the stock of the firm; in 1868, Mr. C. C. Fried took an interest with him, and they removed to his present stand, 35 East Main street, in April, 1869; this partnership continued until 1870, when Mr. Fried withdrew, and Mr. Allen has since continued the business alone at the same stand. Mr. Allen is one of the few now living who represent the connecting generation between the early pioneers and those who know nothing of the trials and hardships of those reared in pioneer days, without school advantages, and when the * best families" were compelled to labor to keep the wolf from the door; he is a quiet, unassuming man, who would have been much more successful in life but for the loss, to a great extent, of his hearing, which began to fail about 1842; but nevertheless, he has accumulated sufficient for the wants of his declining years, and is respected and regarded as an honest, upright business man and useful citizen.

GEORGE W. ALT, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He was born in Moorefield Township, this county, Jan. 19, 1820; worked on a farm until 21 years of age, when he began the trade of carpenter, at which he worked fourteen years, carrying on the business for himself in Springfield partof that time; he moved to his present home, and has since then followed farming. He is a son of Adam and Maria Alt. They came to this county from Maryland in 1815, and settled in what is now Springfield Township. Adam died in 1876. Maria is still living at the advanced ageof 81 years. George was married, Jan. 9, 1845, to Jane G., daughter of Matthew and Jane Wood, who were natives of Kentucky, and came to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1810, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives. Matthew died in 1830, and his wife in 1856. Of Mr. and Mrs. Alt's six children but four survive. George's first wife died in 1860, and, in 1862, he was again married, taking for his second wife Mrs. M. J. Moody, widow of Peter Moody, and daughter of James and Matilda Tanner. Mrs. M. J. Alt has always been a very active woman, giving her services willingly and cheerfully on occasions of festivals, suppers and other publie entertain- ments for benevolent purposes; she also took à very active part in the crusade. Mr. Alt is also a stanch temperance man, and, since the crusade, has been a faithful worker in the temperance army. 2

DANIEL D. ALT, farmer; P. O. Springfield. Mx. Alt was born in this county Jan. 9, 1837; he is the son of Adam and Maria E. (Drew) Alt; his father was a native of Maryland and settled in this county in an early day. Daniel lived with his parents until 23 years old; in 1861, he enlisted in the 44th O. V. L, during the late rebellion, and served to the end of the war, when he was honorably discharged; in 1863, the regiment was veteranized and changed to the 8th O. V. C.; for account of battles in which said regiment was engaged, see history of the late rebellion. Mr. Alt was married, Oct. 29, 1868, to Ellen H. Hinkle, daughter of John and Mary (Way) Hinkle (see biography of Michael Hinkle for sketch of her parents); four children have been born unto them, viz., Michael W., Adam S., John H., Charles L. Adam departed this life April 21, 1872. Mr. Alt is one of those quiet, good-natured farmers who practice the golden rule. Poltically, he is a stanch Republican.

NAHAM H. ANDREWS, merchant, of the firm of Andrews, Wise & Putnam. This establishment dates back to about 1850, with W. S. Field and Nathaniel Stone as proprietors; they were succeeded by Rice & Co. in 1865, and they by Wilson, Wise & Putnam, they by Wise & Putnam, and they by the present firm; the character of the stock was at first seeds and iron, afterward agricultural implements was added, seeds dropped, and a line of hardware and stoves were kept; recently, the present firm have added furniture, making it a stove and house-furnishing establishment; since removing to their present quarters, Nos. 34 and 36 South Limestone street, they occupy two rooms, one of which is devoted to furniture, of which they make a large display; in the other is found a great variety of heating and cook stoves, ranges, queensware, and all necessary culinary utensils, together with a line of shelf hardware. Mr. Naham H. Andrews, the senior member of this firm, is an experienced merchant; he is a native of Massachusetts, born in 1830; early in life he began a business career as clerk in Boston, and remembers when he received $4 per week, boarding himself - this, too, after he had become of age; but, by perseverance and fortune's favor, gradually rose in the financial scale until he became a proprietor. He came to Springfield in 1865, and has sinee been identified with the business of Springfield, except about four years, when he was absent doing business in Galion. He married, in 1853, Miss Lavina S. Maynard, also a native of Massachusetts.

THOMAS L. ARTHUR, dealer in lumber, Springfield; is a native of Pennsylvania, born near Pittsburgh in 1827; his father was a woolen manufacturer of Pittsburgh, but, during the boyhood days of Thomas L., sold out and engaged in the lumber trade, and, in 1847, removed to Ashland, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch was engaged in the lumber trade a number of years. Mr. Arthur removed to Springfield in 1867, and in connection with Mr. Vorhees, built the planing-mill at the corner of Pleasant and Limestone streets, and has since been identified with this establishment, now being sole owner and proprietor; his experience of more than thirty years enables him to know the wants of builders, and he is enjoying a flourishing trade. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and a useful, respected citizen; his residence is No. 335 South Limestone street. He married, in 1855, Miss Judith T. Liggett, and has a family of five children - William H., now an accountant in his father's office; Flora B., Daniel H., Edwin C. and Isabella M.

JAMES BACON, farmer and stock-breeder; P. O. Springfield. He lives in a beautiful brick house near Taylor's mill, about three miles east of Springfield; he takes great pleasure in raising fine horses and cattle, and has at present some very fine ones; he is a son of John and Mary (Cavileer) Bacon, and was born in Springfield Feb. 1, 1823; his father came to Ohio in 181 m locating in Urbana, Champaign Co., where he lived six years; thence to Springfield, living there until his death, which occurred March 5, 1878. His mother was born in Chestertown, Md.; her parents were among the earliest settlers of this county; she departed this life Dec. 22, 1868. James attended school until 15, when he entered his father's shop - he being a saddler - as an apprentice, and, at the end of six years, entered into partnership with his father, continuing the same some five years; he then went to New York City, clerking some five years in a wholesale hardware store; then, returning to Springfield, engaged in the dry goods business, under the firm name of Baldwin & Bacon, for ten years, when they sold out; he was then appointed, in 1861, Revenue Collector for this district, conducting the same satisfactorily two years, when he resigned, not engaging in any particular business until 1869, when he moved to where he now lives, and engaged in milling for a short time; since leaving the mill, he has devoted his time to his present occupation. He was united in marriage. Oct. 12, 1854, to Mary L. Topping, daughter of William and Mary Topping: four children - two boys and two girls - have gladdened their hearts. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have enjoyed their married life very much, and would be willing to live it over again. An incident in his father's life is worthy of note. The family, which consisted of father, mother and two children, moved from Connecticut to Ohio in a wagon drawn by two oxen; John, then 12 years old, drove the team the entire distance.

JOHN R. BAKER, farmer; P. O. Springfield. John R. Baker, son of Rudolph and Eve (Kiblinger) Baker, was born Aug. 27, 1807, in Shenandoah Co., Va.; in 1818, came with his parents from Virginia to Ohio, and to Clark County, and settled in German Township, where they lived the remainder of their lives; the father died in 1825, and the mother in 1845. John R. Baker was married, Nov. 1, 1832, to Sarah Miller, daughter of William C. and Mary M. Miller; Sarah was born in Lebanon Co., Penn., March 31, 1814, and came to Clark Co., Ohio, with her parents, in 1818, and settled near the Bakers, in German Township; her father departed this life in 1840, and her mother in 1860. Mr. and Mrs. John R. Baker are two worthy pioneers of this county; of their six children, but three are now living Ezra K., James T. and Mary M. William C., in 1862 (at the end of his third year in Wittenberg College), enlisted in the 94th O. V. I., and was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga; after suffering the horrors and privations of Libby, Danville and Andersonville Prisons, he died in Andersonville Prison Sept. 22, 1864, one year from the time he was taken prisoner. Ezra graduated at Wittenberg College in 1870, and is now a Lutheran minister; Mary was married, Nov. 22. 1855. to David Cutshaw; in 1866, she was left a widow by the death of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Baker remember well when they first settled iu this county; they had to "blaze" the trees when they went to a neighbor's house, in order to find their way home again.

CORNELIUS BAKER, ex-Sheriff, Springfield. He was born in York Co., Penn., Sept. 28, 1823; came to Clark Co., Ohio, in 1836, and settled in Springfield, where he sold goods until 1852; he then moved to the country and carried on farming for several years; during the war of the rebellion, he was appointed Enrolling Officer for German Township, and was Revenue Assessor six years. In 1872, he was elected Sheriff of Clark County, and served in said office four years, being re-elected in 1874. Mr. Baker is noted for his generosity and acts of kindness; he performed the duties of his ofticial positions to the satisfaction of all, coming out of office without a stain upon his character.

A. A. BAKER, physician and surgeon, Springfield. Dr. Baker is a lifetime resident of Clark County, and for many years has been a noted physician and surgeon in the locality in which he has done business. As one of our prominent men, then, he is deserving of a place in the history of the county. He was born in 1831, near Enon, and, during his boyhood, received an excellent education; his parents, Ezra D. and Anne (Morgan) Baker, reared four children, - Cassandra, Leander, Gustavius and our subject. In 1845, Dr. Baker commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. J. McElhinney, of Dayton; in 1846 and 1847, he attended medical lectures at Starling College, Ohio, since which time he has practiced his profession in this and Champaign Counties. His marriage to Miss Maggie Miller was celebrated in 1845; she isof the old Shellabarger stock that have ever been noted in the history of this and Champaign Counties; their children are four in number - Annetta M., Elizabeth A., Scipio E. and Nellie B.; the eldest daughter, Annetta, is the wife of Dr. E. Myers, who is now & partner of his father-in-law. In 1870, Dr. Baker graduated at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, although a highly reputable and educated physician, but wishing a diploma from one of the oldest schools in the West, and that the efficient instruction imparted at that institution would be of benefit to him, besides the release from business cares, determined him in this matter. Wishing to engage in a city practice, he came to Springfield in 1880 and associated in business with Dr. Myers, still being near enough his old patrons, who are loth to give him up. During the war, he was appointed Surgeon of the 53d O. N. G., but was forced to resign on account of disability. The Doctor is one of those genial men who will surely merit the confidence of the citizens of Springfield, and he already possesses this of numerous patrons in his former place of residence. His father is now the oldest living settler of Madison Township, and was County Commissioner four terms, besides being actively engaged in the county's business enterprises for many years. His mother died in 1867 at the age of 63 years. 3 CHARLES P. BALLARD, deceased. Mr. C. P. Ballard was born at Framington, Mass., on Nov. 7, 1820; he came to Athens, Ohio, in 1840, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and to Springfield just after the war; he commenced manufacturing in Springfield about 1866, buying out McClellan's interest in the firm of Rinehart & McClellan, the firm thus formed of Rinehart, Ballard & Co., continuing up to the present time. Mr. Ballard was twice married, first to Electa Stewart Hawkes, whom he lost by death, and then, on May 15, 1862, he married in New York City Miss Eunice E. Hibbard, of Massachusetts. Of Mr. Ballard's children three are living, to wit: William Whiting, who is in Colorado for business and health; and Misses Susie and Helen, who live with their mother in their elegant home on High street. Mr. Ballard was an exemplary Christian, estimable citizen, and essentially a substantial man in every way; he was Deacon in the Presbyterian Church at Athens, and Elder in the Second Presbyterian Church here; he died July 19, 1878. Mrs. Ballard retains her interest in the firm, of which appropriate mention is made in the historical part of this work. Two of his children are dead - Mary and John. Mr. Ballard's father died the 23d of August, 1880, nearly 90 years old.

LOUIS BANCROFT, retired merchant, Springfield. Mr. Bancroft is perhaps the oldest man who has lived continuously in the city; he came to Springfield in 1816, and established himself as one of the leading dry goods merchants during his business life; he also engaged in other ventures, all of which proved successful; at one time, he was a wholesale dealer in liquors, but, through the remonstrances of friends, relinquished the'very profitable business; for ten years he was County Gauger and Government Inspector, and he handled annually 10,000 barrels of liquor. He was born in Massachusetts in 1792, came

West in 1816, and was married to Miss Mary Christie in 1819; she was born in 1800, in New Boston, N. H.; they are the parents of six children - Leonidas, Phraotes E., La Fayette, Oscar Fitz, Amanda M. and Flavilla G. Another son, Louis Waters,died in infancy. Leonidas married Miss Mary Hartwell; Pharotes wedded Miss Lou Mayhew; Oscar is the husband of Miss Jennie Myers; Amanda is the wife of Benjamin P. Churchill; and Flavilla, married Mr. William Kleiman. All were wedded before except one, and, with the exception of Mrs. Churchill, live in the city. Mr. Bancroft was a resident of this county two years before the organization of Clark County, and has until the past few years been actively connected with its business interests. In October he will be 89 years of age. There is only one house now standing in the city that stood when he came here. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and while Deputy Sheriff during the early settlement of the county, achieved quite a reputation as an efficient officer, the men in some parts of the county being a very lawless set. He and his wife now live at their ease in a tasty cottage on West Washington street, and enjoy the respect of every one in the city.

PHRAOTES E. BANCROFT, hatter, Springfield. Mr. P. E. Bancroft was born in Springfield on Jan. 28, 1822, and is one of six children - four brothers and two sisters; he has been twice married - first, to Miss Catherine Moody, in 1844, by whom he had no children to live; and he married again in 1859, Lou M. Mayhew,of Warren County, by whom he has had one son, Robert Christie, born Nov. 7, 1866- - an exceptionally good and dutiful boy, and a great source of comfort and pride to his parents. Mr. Bancroft learned his trade with the firm of Cotes, Lathrop & Arden, entering his apprenticeship in 1839; commenced business for himself in his present stand in 1851, where he has grown with Springfield, been quite successful, and is doing now the principal hat and cap trade. His family attend the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bancroft, although not drafted, sent voluntarily to the army a substitute, at an expense to himself of about $700. Of his brothers and sisters, Leonidas has a billiard room; La Fayette is a tinner; Oscar F. is a photographer; and his two sisters are Mrs. Amanda Churchill and Mrs. Flavilla G. Kleiman. Mr. Bancroft's father, Louis Bancroft, is entitled to the distinction of being the oldest citizen, and no man knows more of early Springfield than he.

SAMUEL BARNETT, deceased. This well-known gentleman was born in Hanover, Dauphin Co., Penn., Sept, 30, 1790, and, at the age of 16, was left an orphan; had to struggle with adversity for many years, but finally, by dint of energy and honesty of purpose, he surmounted every obstacle to substantial success. He came to Ohio in 1817, settling in Warren County, residing in that and Butler Counties until 1841, when he came to Springfield, where he and his brother James, who had preceded him several years, erected a large flouring-mill, which was at that time the largest industrial enterprise of which Springfield could boast. He continued his milling business until 1859, then selling out to his son William A. Barnett and William Warder, retired from business. He was married, at West Hanover, Penn., Aug. 27, 1815, to Mary Mitchell, by the Rev. James Sharon, Pastor of Derry Church. She was born in West Hanover Jan. 16, 1790, and had born to her ten children, viz., James, Susannah W. (deceased), David M. (deceased), Mary, William A., Levi, Nancy A., Sarah, George W. and Samuel. Mrs. Barnett died May 17, 1851, and her husband May 10, 1869, full of honorable years. Samuel Barnett was a humble and devoted Christian, and warmly attached to the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an active and useful member; he lived to see all his children married, and all with sons-in-law and daughters-in-law members of his own church, with the exception of two, who are connected with another denomination. James, his eldest son, a graduate of Miami University, is a minister, and was sent in 1844 as a missionary to Damascus, Syria, and Cairo, Egypt, where he resided many years in establishing the now flourishing United Presbyterian Mission of the latter place, being in the foreign mission service thirty years, and now residing in Emporia, Kan. Mary married Dr. Joseph G. Paulding, and they accompanied James as missionaries to Damascus, where they resided eleven years. Mr. Barnett was a man of great personality, a vigorous character, of undeviating integrity; in personal appearance, tall, raw-boned, commanding, yet amiable, a man universally trusted and respected, whose counsels were sought, and whose friendship was esteemed a privilege to enjoy.

WILLIAM A. BARNETT, miller, Springfield. Mr. William A. Barnett was born Oct. 8, 1822, in Butler Co., Ohio, and passed the early part of his life in Butler and Warren Counties until 1841, when he came with his father, Samuel Barnett, to Springfield The family are now much scattered, some living in Illinois, some in Kansas and elsewhere. William A. went to Miami University in early life; was in his father's mill from August, 1845, to July 1, 1859, when he and William Warder (of the Warder family so prominent here), bought ihe property and business from Mr. Samuel Barnett, and have been carrying on the business under the name and style of Warder & Barnett, with gratifying success for twenty-one years, making thirty-five years in all of one business in one spot - a rare example of continuity of purpose and effort. On Dec. 18, 1855, he was married to Miss S. Belle Grove, of Chambersburg, Penn.; of their children, Annie S., Ella M. and a son are living, and they lost a son at 3 months of age. Their daughter Ella has recently married the Rev. Joseph Kyle, Pastor of the United Presbyterain Church of this city, of which Mr. Barnett's family are members. For full history of the Warder & Barnett milling interest, reference is made to the industrial branch of this history. Mr. Barnett mentions a curious fact that in his daily walks to and from his residence during his business life here, he has traversed on Limestone street alone over twentyfive thousand miles, or more than the whole circumference of the globe. He is one of those straightforward true men, the same to-day, to-morrow and always, and one whom all respect and honor; a man upon whom one can depend to the full extent of all he promises.

EDWIN L. BARRETT, publisher of specialties, Springfield. Mr. Edwin L. Barrett is a New Englander, having been born on Aug. 20, 1827, in Worcester Co., Mass.; his family on both sides was long lived; his mother, who now lives alternately with her children, being 78; her family name was Lawrence. His father was among the early cotton manufacturers of Massachusetts; owned a cotton-factory in Mr. Barrett's native county. On Jan. 4, 1849, he married, at Ashburnham, Mass, Miss Sarah B. Petts, a native of New York, daughter of Dr. John Petts and sister of Quincy A. Petts, Clark County Auditor, both residents of Springfield, the former being in his 84th year; by this union he had eight children - six sons and two daughters - of whom only three sons are living now, viz., Edward L., aged 30, and Fred W., aged 22, partners in business with their father; and George Lawrence, aged 19, now in Wittenberg College. Having lost his wife in 1805, Mr. Barrett married. on March 18, 1867, Miss Clara D. Hulsey, a native of Milledgeville, Ga. by whom he has had a son and a daughter now respectively 8 and 11 years old. At the age of 21, on account of failing health, Mr. Barrett went to North Carolina, living alternately in Franklin, Halifax and Warren Counties, where he remained until 1856, spending his time in teaching, having, in the meantime, charge of a female sem inary at White Sulphur Springs, and one also at Warrenton; he went from North Carolina to Oxford, Butler Co., Ohio, where, in connection with Rev. J. H. Buchanan, he conducted the Oxford Female Institute, continuing until 1861, from where, at that time, he came to Springfield, Ohio; here he went into the book business with Charles L. Petts, under the firm name of Barrett & Petts, later becoming associated with G. W. Hastings (now of the Springfield Republic), under the firm name of Hastings, Barrett & Petts, together carrying on, with their former business, book-binding and printing; this was in 1862, and continued several years; his brother-in-law and partner, Charles L. Petts, is now no more. On the dissolution of this firm, Mr. Barrett was for several years out of active business, his health again failing him; in 1865, he bought him a little farm a few miles out on the Charleston road, more, as he says, to die upon than anything else, and spent the intervening years between 1865 and 1867 in maturing legal and other forms, subsequently utilized in business, and, his health in the meantime becoming re-established, he commenced, in 1867, the business of his present firm of E. L. Barrett & Sons, for the manufacture of specialties in the line of legal, election and other blanks and forms and conveniences, which, under his thorough and careful management, has grown to be quite extensive and profitable. In 1872, he took his eldest son into partnership, and on Jan. 1, 1880, his second son was admitted to the firm; on the 27th of April, 1875, his eldest son, Edward L., was united in marriage with Miss Flora C. Lyon, of Cincinnati, and has now two sons and one daughter. Mr. Barrett, Sr., and his married son and their families, live in adjoining houses in the same farm he purchased in 1865. Most of Mr. Barrett's family are members and all attend the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Barrett is one of those excellent, eventempered men who go so largely to make up the most worthy part of all communities - kind, exact, careful, moderate, temperate, earnest and honorable; the influence of such men, while not sensibly pervading and aggressive, is only felt for good.

SAMOS BARR, general insurance agent, Springfield. While Mr. Amos Barr has not been a resident of Springfield as long as some others, he is most thoroughly identified with its interests. Born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1810, he came to Lebanon, Ohio, upon attaining his majority; removed to Cincinnati in 1858, and to Springfield in 1865. In 1834, he married Miss Martha H. Smith, of Strasburg, Penn., and of seven children born him, four daughters and one son are living, to wit, Mrs. Mary Winger, Mrs. Ann E. Smith, both of Springfield; Mrs. Martha B. Sperry, of Nashville, Tenn.; Mrs. Emma B. Scholl, of Baltimore; and Benjamin H. Barr, a resident of Chattanooga, Tenn., making a family group of seventeen when all together. The venerable subject of this sketch has been for many years identified with insurance interests, having been, since 1863, agent of that mammoth and honorable institution, the Cincinnati Mutual Life Insurance Company, with its $50,000,000 assets, and Mr. Barr has paid out to beneficiaries in Springfield alone over $100,000, and numbers among his policy-holders several hundred of Springtield's best men; he is also privileged agent of the Northwestern Mutual Life of Milwaukee, and regular agent of the Firemen's Fund of California, Farmer's Fire of York, Penn., and Amazon Fire of Cincinnati. Mr. Barr is one of those benign, courteous men, whom to know is to respect and admire; quiet, unostentatious, fatherly, and the embodiment of true innate gentility.

MRS. EMILY BARTHOLOMEW, Springfield. Mrs. Emily Bartholomew, nee Kbersole, is a native of Clark County; her father, John Ebersole, of Virginia. In his school days, Mr. Ebersole walked three miles to the nearest school, his path leading over the celebrated natural bridge. In early youth, he removed with his parents to Ohio; in 1819, married Miss Sally Keifer, of Sharpsburg, Md., who, with her parents, came to Ohio in childhood; after marriage, they went on horsebark to his home in Cincinnati. In 1822, they removed to his forest home in German Township, this county, where he built one of the finest hewed-log houses of that day and generation, every log, plank, beam and panel passing through his skilled hands. Of their family of one son and four daughters, Dr. E. P. Ebersole has been for years the leading physician in Preble County, and the daughters reside in this and adjoining counties, and have all had experience as teachers in this county. From 1? tó 15 years of age, Emily was with relatives in Troy, Miami Co.. receiving careful training in the family, church and school; when 16, she received from Isaac H. Lancey, her first certifieate as teacher, and her first efforts were in old log houses, teaching nine hours a day, thirteen weeks to a quarter. and receiving the princely remuneration of $8 per month. In some districts. almost any books were thought suitable for * readers," Robinson Crusoe being quite a favorite in some localities. She spent eight years teaching in the county and attending the Ohio Conference High School, during which time great progress was made in the methods of and facilities for education; feminine ability was recognized, new and better houses and books were freely provided, fewer hours required and better wages paid. In 1852, she accepted a position in the Springfield Female Seminary, remaining five years. In 1859, she married Dr. J. Bartholomew, of Butte Co., Cal., a native of Ohio, a graduate of Dennison University, in which he remained a number of years after graduation as instructor, preparing, meanwhile, for the practice of medicine; in 1850, he drove an ox team across the plains to California, acting as Captain and physician of his company. Soon after marriage, they sailed from New York for the Pacific Coast; the Doctor's death occurred four years thereafter, and Mrs. Bartholomew remained four years longer, and, in 1867, she, with her two little sons, Frank and Ralph, took the steamship Constitution, bound for New York, arriving in safety after a voyage of twentysix days. Since 1868, she has resided permanently in this city, and her sons are each pursuing a college course. It is appropriate to make in this connection passing mention of Miss May Ebersole, a most estimable aunt of Mrs. Bartholomew, who commenced herlife-work as a teacher in 1825; in 1833, she built the house still standing on the northwest corner of Columbia and Factory streets, and opered a day and boarding school for girls. The greater part of her life was devoted to instructing the young, and her zeal and earnestness in this direction were remarkable. She often remarked that the material she handled was imperishable, and that her work would be completed in eternity, and that therefore her vocation was specially dear to her. She died at an advanced age, at Murfreesboro, Tenn.

CHARLES A. BAUER, M. E., Superintendent of Champion Bar & Knife Company,Springfield. Mr. Bauer is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany; in 1852, his father's family then consisting of the father, mother and four children, of which number the subject of this sketch was the third, sailed for New York; during a long and stormy voyage, the ship was drifted from her course, and the family were unexpectedly landed at New Orleans, where, after the lapse of but ten months, the father fell a victim to the yellow fever. Mrs. Bauer's situation was now a truly trying one - a stranger in a foreign country, surrounded by the depressing influences of a wide-spread epidemic: the little means originally possessed by the family wasted by travel and sickness; but, with that true fortitude which has ever been a characteristic of the German people, she resolved to seek a healthier home in the North, and arrived in Cincinnati in 1853, where she yet resides. At the age of 11 years, Mr. Bauer was employed in the pyrotechnic manufactory of H. P. Diehl; in 1861, he became an apprentice to the gunsmithing business; in 1864, he entered the shops of Miles Greenwood & Co. as practical machinist, devoting his leisure hours to the study of mathematics and applied mechanics ; so successful was he in this that, in 1867, he was called to the Ohio Mechanics' Institute as a teacher of drawing; in 1871, he resigned this situation to become Superintendent of the Niles Tool Works at Hamilton, Ohio, which he vacated in 1873 to assume the duties of Consulting Engineer for Lane & Bodley, at Cincinnati. In 1875, Mr. Bauer was tendered the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Champion Bar & Knife Company Works in Springfield; in 1878, he was promoted to be the Superintendent in charge of the establishment, where he now remains. In1868, he was married to Miss Louise Haeseler, who came with her parents from St. Goar, Prussia, in 1851. Mrs. Bauer is a lady possessed of much refinement and culture, with admirable social qualities; the children of this union are three in number - Charles L., William A. and Louis E. Mr. Bauer is. a self-made man, and his career demonstrates what can be accomplished by application and economy of time; few mechanical men of this country can excel him in that peculiar faculty which enables one to analyze a difficult problem in mechanics, or trace causes to results, while his natural and acquired resources furnish a constant fund of cultivated ideas, ready for application in any emergency. He has a fine collection of technical works, which, with a choice selection of general and standard books, compose one of the best private libraries in the city.

ELIJAH BEARDSLEY, deceased,was born in New Fairfield, Conn., May 27, 1760; at the age of 16, he entered and served in the war for American independence; was married at New Fairfield, the place of his nativity, to Sally Hubbel, June 27,1780, to whom were born fourteen children - six sons and eight daughters; about À. D. 1796, removed to Delaware Co., N. Y.; early in the war of 1812, he removed with his family to the State of Ohio; lived a short time in Urbana, Champaign Co., thence to Springfield, then Champaign (now Clark) County, where his good wife died, July 23, 1828; he survived until Oct. 2, 1826, and died at the age of 66 years; he lived and died a true and honored patriot. At this time, the only member of his family now living at Springfield, Clark Co., Ohio, is Laura, the wife of J. S. Christie, aged 78 years.

JOHN BEAVER, brick-mason and contractor, Springfield. John Beaver was born May 23, 1829, in England; came to Springfield 1n 1859, at the age of 30 years. He was married in England, in 1849, to Helen Corcoran, and of six children, only three daughters are living. Mr. Beaver has been successful in Springfield - the result, however, of unflagging energy, close attention to business, and living strictly up to all his contracts. A great number of the buildings of this thriving city are of his erection, and all of the many and immense Champion shops. Mr. Beaver is a member of good standing of the Palestine Commandery, No. 33, Knights Templar; Springfield Council, No. 17, Royal and Select, Masters; Springfield Royal Arch Chapter, No. 48; Clark Lodge, No. 101, of Free and Accepted Masons; and Springfield Lodge, No. 33, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; also the Encampment. He lives in his own snug little home, with his daughters, at No. 18 Clifton street.

READ LETTS BELL, M. D., allopathic physician, Springfield. Dr. R. L. Bell was born in Morgan Township, Knox Co., Ohio; was the recipient of a liberal education, graduating from the Dennison University, Licking Co., Ohio, in June, 1872; then took a full medical course in Harvard University, of Massachusetts, graduating in 1876; practiced one year in Toledo, after which he settled permanently in Springfield, where he has had gratifying success, even beyond his expectations. On Jan. 18, 1877, he consummated a matrimonial alliance with Miss Sarah J. Robinson, of Coshocton, Ohio. Dr. Bell, although intended by his parents for a healer of souls, finds himself to-day in the almost as important work of healing bodies; as a boy he was, and even now is, a close student and a great reader, and possesses a fine memory, clearly calling to mind his schoolmates at the early age of 3 years. Dr. Bell stood well in his class in college; was its poet, and in his junior year was associate editor of the college paper. Dr. Bell is a man of prepossessing appearance, clear-cut features, pleas- ing address, and possesses all the qualities for success in his profession. The Doctor is also Fellow of the Massachusetts Medical Society of Boston.

WILLIAM H. BERGER, farmer; P.O. Lagonda. He is thesonof Daniel and Ester (Body) Berger, and was born in Berks Co., Penn., Jan. 21, 1830; his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were married April12, 1818; their family consisted of seven children - two boys and five girls; they came to this county in April, 1838, and settled in Lagonda, where they lived about one month; they then purchased (for $16 per acre) and removed to the farm which is now owned and occupied by William; his (Wiliiam's) father was born Nov. 5, 1794, and lived to the advanced age of 84 years; his mother was born Dec. 11, 1797; she is still in good health, living with William at the old homestead. William assisted his father, working for him until 22 years of age; he then rented the farm of his father, conducting it successfully seventeen years; during that time, he saved sufficient amount to enable him to purchase a part of the farm, and, by good management, in a few years more purchased the remainder, consisting in all of about 130 acres. At the age of 20, he taught the winter term of a school in Moorefield Township, this county; this was his first school; he continued teaching during the winter terms of the schools near home twenty-five years, being a successful teacher. He was married, March 18, 1852, to Mary J., daughter of John and Mary Jackson; she was born in Virginia Jan. 11, 1830; being left an orphan while yet a little child, she came to Ohio with her uncle, William Moore, and lived with him until her marriage with Mr. Berger. Five children hava blessed their home; they mourn the loss of two of them - Daniel F., who died Nov. 1, 1855, and William H., Jr., who died Nov. 9, 1866; the other three - - John M., Elizabeth A. and Mary E.--still remain, a comfort to their parents. Strict integrity and honorable dealing have been leading virtues of his life; he has frequently been selected and appointed guardian of children and administrator of estates. He has filled the office of Sunday-school Superintendent for twenty-five years, in which position he is still serving.

ANDREW T. BYERS, attorney and manufacturer, Springfield; was born in Madison Co., Ohio, in 1847; he was the son of a farmer, and remained on the farm until 18 years of age, receiving, in the meantime, a rudimentary education at the common schools; subsequently took a preparatory course at Oberlin, and graduated at the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, after which he read law in the office of Hon. Samuel Shellabarger, and was admitted to practice in 1875, and immediately began practice here, occupying the office a short time previously vacated by Shellabarger & Pringle, and has continued practice here since, having been twice elected City Solicitor - first in 1876, to fill a. vacancy, and again in 1877 for a full term of two years. In 1878, he was admitted to the bar of the United States Courts. He is now, in addition to his professional business, a member of the Common Sense Engine Company, of which further mention is made in the chapter relating to Springfield. Mr. Byers is a young but active man, a lawyer of recognized ability, and a careful business man, and we predict a successful future to the new manufacturing firm. He married, in 1877, Miss Ida Bidwell; she is also a native of Madison County, and a graduate of the Wesleyan Female Seminary. Mrs. Byers' mother, Jane Bidwell, is known in literary circle as contributor to some of the standard literary journals.

ANDREW C. BLACK, merchant and capitalist, Springfield; was born in North Ireland in 1828; came to Springfield in 1847 and engaged as clerk with his brother, Robert T., who was then operating a general merchandisestore. In 1853, he bought out his brother, and has continued in business ever since; the general store has become a dry goods and carpet store, and the firm was Black Bros. & Co., composed of A. C., W. M. and J. K. Black, W. M. being a younger brother, and J. K. being a cousin; they are located in Black's Opera House

Block, northwest corner of Main and Market streets. Mr. Black came to Springfield without means, and, by industry, economy and judicious management, he soon succeeded in becoming the head of one of the best mercantile establishments in Springfield, and has kept pace with the growth of the city, and is now one of its most substantial citizens. Black's Opera House Block, built by him in 1868, and now being somewhat remodeled, will long remain a fitting testimonial of his liberal enterprise. He was one of the company who established Fern Cliff Cemetery; has been a Director of the Springfield Savings Bank since its organization, and is now Vice President. Mr. Black is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and a supporter of all charitable and benevolent enterprises. He married, in 1860, Miss Octavia C., daughter of Dr. John Briggs, of Greenville, Darke Co.; from this union have been born four children, the younger two of whom are living - Annie and Warder S.

JOHN A. BLOUNT, manufacturer, Springfield; is a native of Clark County. Dr. Blount, who was an early resident, and for many years a prominent practicing physician, of Springfield, was his grandfather, and the first of the family to settle in Clark County. John R. Blount, deceased, formerly a dry goods merchant of Springfield, was his father; he was also a native of this county. The subject of this sketch was born in Springfield in 1849; he became connected with the firm of Babbitt, Steel & Co., woolen manufacturers, in 1871; in 1874, they sold the machinery, etc., connected with the manufacture of woolens, and the firm dissolved partnership. Inthe fall of the same year, Mr. Blount formed a partnership with Kissell & Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, who had been located on West Main street, and the new firm, Kissell, Blount & Co., removed into what had been the woolen-mill. In 1877, Mr. Alexander MeWilson became a member of the firm, and in 1878 the firm became Blount & MeWilson. They manufacture a line of agricultural implements, Excelsior cultivator, horse hay-rake and shovel-plows being the principal ones; they also manufacture a line of hardware specialties. Messrs. Blount and MeWilson are young men, and comparatively a new firm, but the success thus far attained proves the ability of the management, and assures their greater success as the facilities and capital of their firm shall become augmented by the inceasing trade. Mr. Blount married, in 1873, Miss Sarah L., second daughter of John W. Baldwin; they have two sons.

PATRICK BOLAN, produce dealer, Springfield; he was born near Ferbane, Kings County, Ireland, March 1, 1834; is a son of Michael and Bridget (Kagan) Bolan; he came to America with his father and five other children in the spring of 1851, the mother having died in Ireland in 1847, May 2. After stopping a'short time in New York, they came on to Springfield, this county; the father is still living here, being now 83 years old, and enjoys very fair health. Patrick worked the remainder of that year at manual labor (after his arrival at Springfield), saving $5, and, in the spring of 1852, with the $5 he bought a small stock of goods and started through the country on foot, going from house to house, offering his goods for sale. During the summer of that year, he saved $120, and, during the winter of 1852, attended school; in the spring of 1853, purchased a horse and wagon, and a larger stock of merchandise, and continued retailing through the country, but, in 1854, abandoned the retail trade and confined his sales to wholesaling in the small towns throughout the surrounding counties; but, on account of the Know-Nothing movement - he being an Irishman and a member of the Catholic Church - was compelled to sell his team, give up his trade and start anew, as it seemed to be one of the rules of that institution not to patronize a Catholic. . Hence he started again on foot, this time through Indiana; but, in 1855, the persecution of the Know-Nothings having died out, he again started with horse and wagon, and from that time on, fortune smiled upon him, and all his labor met with satisfactory results, and he now ranks among the wealthy men of Springtield. He continued tr: weling with the wagon until 1860, when he went to Wisconsin and engaged in farming, where he remained three years. when he returned to Springtield, and since then has been engaged in the produce trade, also handling serap-iron, ete. He was married. July 3, 1855. to Ellen Hackett, daughter of E dward and Catherine (Connor) Hackett, natives of Kings County. Ireland; Ellen was also born in that county in 1835; she eame to America in 1N32 with her sister and two brothers. their parents having died some time previous. Of Patrick and Ellen's eleven children, there are ten living, viz, John C., Katie A.. Michael P.. Mary Ann, Ed. ward S., Elizabeth L.. James, Charles, William H. and Ellen. Mr. Bolan, pohtieally. is independent: religiously, a member of the Catholic Church: and his success in life is a striking illustration of what determined industry ean accomplish when coupled with rigid economical liabits.

ASHLEY BRADFORD, Recorder, Springtield: is a native of New York State: was born in 1824: his parents, Clifford and Sibyl Bradford, removed to Clark County in 1838, coming by lake and canal to Columbns, and then by wagon to their new home in Springtield Township. where they resided the remainder of their lives. The subject of this sketeh was bronght up on the = and. when a young man. tanght school during the winter for a numberof years he eontiuued farming until Jan. 1, 1804, when he removed to Springfield to iie charge of the Recorder's office, to which he had been elected the previous October, and to which he has been re-elected each succeeding contest, which is sufficient proof of the able and satisfactory discharge of his duties. Mr. Brad ford married, in 1945. Julia A., daughter of George and Mary Knaub, of Pennsylvania. His death occurred here in 1868. Mrs. Khaub still roxides in Springfield, being now in the SIst year of her age. From this union are teu children - seven sons and three daughters, all of whom are living; the oldest son, Oliver P.. is agent of the American Express Jompany at Columbus: the second, Irving, is Deputy i in his father's office; the oldest daughter is the wife of Rev. H. K. Fenner, of Louisville; the second daughter is the wife of Rev. J. C. Kauffman, of Orrville, Ohio, both of whom are prominent ministers in the Lutheran Church. Mr. Bradford is a quiet, unostentatious citizen, which is illustrated by the fact that, in the fall of 1863, when his friends went to apprise him of his nomination, they found him busy sowing wheat, and the nomination was a clear surprise, affording one of those rare instances in the days in which the office seeks the man.

GEORGE BRAIN, Sr., deceased, came from England to America in the year 1829; he left Liverpool in August in a sail vessel, and was six weeks on the voyage to Philadelphia; there were no ocean steamers then. He came to Philadelphia expecting to settle in Pennsylvania, but, becoming aequainted with Mr. Jeremiah Warder, who was about settling in Springfield, he took Mr. Warder's advice and came to Springfield. Mr. Brain's route was by way of. New York and Albany, thence by Erie Canal to Buffalo, and by steamboat from Buffalo to Sandusky, and, as it happened, the last steamer before the close of navigation for the season; from Sandusky to Springfield by wagon, over a eorduroy road, in some places not very comfortable; the contrast between then and now as to travel is observable. Mr. Brain and his wife. Marv (Whitehead) Brain, brought with them seven children - Mary, now Mrs. Willard: Joseph J. W., deceased; Anna, the late Mrs. Green; Lydia and Martha, now living on High street; Lucy, now the widow of Dr. John Stoddard, who was a surgeon in the Union army, and killed while in that service; George. of whom more hereafter; William G. Brain, the youngest, is the only American born of the family, now lumberdealer in Spri ngfield. Maria Hipkins eame to America with Mr. Brain, and is DD yet an inmate of the family. and is now in her (ith year. Mr. Brain purchased a farm near what was then the village, but now the city, of Springfield, on which he lived till the time of his death. which occurred March 11. 1851, by his being thrown from his horse against a tree, killing him almost instantly. He was, as. to his religions eonnection when in England, an Independent, but, finding none of the order in Springfield, he united with the First Presbyterian Church, and afterward with the First Congregational Church. His wife survived him more than twenty years, and died in 1872, in the SIst year of her age. The younger George Brain was born in Staffordshire, England, March 2; 1827; he came with his parents to America, as before stated, in 1829, and has always lived on the farm, except a year or two when employed in Dr. John Ludlow's drug store. He was married, May 22, 1860, to Sarah M. Willard, daughter of Levi and Sarah (Allen) Willard, in Decatur, De Kalb Co., Ga., at which place Sarah M. was born July 6, 1839, and where her father had been in successful business many years. as a merchant. His residence is now on North Limestone street, Springfield; too old and infirm to attend to any active business. Mr. Brain has six children living - Willard, Jessie A., George H., Mary, Bessie and Grace. Alice died in infancy. Mr. Brain was too young when he left England (only 23 years old) to have any politieal opinions, and, in his growth to manhood, he became thoroughly Americanized; he is a quiet, unassuming gentleman, doing his duty throughout life in that upright, straightforward manner that has won for him the respect, good will and confidence of a large circle of the best citizens of Clark. County.

W. G. BRAIN, Springfield; a native of Springfield; is a son of George Brain, Sr. The subject of this sketch was born in 1830; when a youth, he engaged as clerk in a drug-store here, and subsequently engaged in the drug trade on his own account. and continued the business here ten or twelve years; he has been in the lumber trade here for the past eleven years, and has resided here, with the exception of one or two short intervals, all his life. He has been twice married, his. first marriage being with Mary Dyer, of Cincinnati, in 1858; she having died. he married Elizabeth Dyer, a sister of his first wife, in 1876. By his first wife he had four children, two of whom are living; he has one child by his second marriage. His residence is No. 272 West Pleasant street. His oldest daughter living, Miss Belle M., is Superintendent of Drawing in the city schools; Robert D. is a graduate of the high chool, and Stanley, the youngest, is a child of 3 years. My. Brain's lumber- yard and office are between the C..,. S. & C., and L. M. depots; he is handling large quantities of lumber, mostly in: ear lots.

BENJAMIN F. BRUBAKER, farmer; P. O. Springfield. He lives one mile north of the city of Springfield, between the Springfield & Urbana and Clark Union Pikes: he erected his beautiful, convenient and cozy residence in 1876; he is the only brother of Ephraim Brubaker, who lives on the adjoining farm north. Benjamin was born July 24, 1853; he is an active young farmer, who believes in making farming a pleasure instead of a drudge; he owns an excellent farm of 100 acres, which he has very appropriately named "Sunny Side Farm." He was married. Nov. 29, 1876, to Medora E. (familiarly known as Dora) Bosart; she is an intelligent, generous lady, well suited to make the life of a farmer radiant and cheerful; she delights in making her home pleasing to her husband and welcome to her friends and visitors; she is the daughter of T. L. and Matilda (Moss) Bosart, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work, and who were pioneers of the county. Mr. Brubaker is yet a young man, and his prospects are indeed brigbt and promising.