Madison Township (part 11 of 30)

The subject of this biography passed his youth on a farm and laid a solid foundation for his education in the local schools, which he attended until he was sixteen years old. At that age, he suspended his studies to teach school, and was thus engaged eight years. He then attended the Lebanon High School two years, and was graduated therefrom with high honors. Resuming the profession of teaching after his graduation, he devoted his spare time to studying medicine, and for five years applied himself diligently to his books, so that when he entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati he was already well grounded in the principles of medicine, and made rapid progress in his college studies. He was graduated from that institution in 1882, with third honors, in a class of one hundred and twenty-six, and at once opened an office at London, where he has been stationed ever since. By his frank and unaffected manner. Dr. Kepler soon gained favor with the people, and in due time his practical demonstration of skill in administering to various diseases, and his evident knowledge of medicine in all its branches, secured him their patronage, and he now has not only numerous patients in the village, but his practice in the country for many miles around is extensive. Notwithstanding the demands of his profession, to which he is devoted heart and soul, the Doctor is not an unfamiliar figure in public life. He was one of the ^'illage Council in 1886 and 1887, and is now a niemlier of the Board of Health. In politics, he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and a Kniglit of Pythias, He is prominent in the councils of various medical organizations, belonging to the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society, and to the Ohio Central Eclectic Medical Society, of which he was President in 1888.

Dafler, of Montgomery County, and a daughter of John W. and Rosanna C. (Risley) Dafler, natives of German}', who came to America when young, and were married in Maryland. In 1867, they came to Ohio and settled in Montgomer}^ County, where Mr. Dafler die I in 1889. His wife is still living there on the old homestead. In politics, he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife also belongs. They had eleven children, of whom ten are living: John E., David H., Christian C, Lewis P., Wesley W., Charles E., Andrew M., Mrs. Kepler, Elizabeth B. and Margaret C. Our subject and his wife have been blessed in their happy wedded life with three daughters, whom the}' have named Lauretta B., Dora Y. and Maggie E. respectively. All have been given excellent educational advantages, the two eldest daughters being graduates of the London High School. Lauretta B. is successfully engaged in the profession of teaching, and Dora is studying stenography with a view to preparing herself for office work. Dr. Kepler is a good business man as well as physician, and by judicious investments has acquired some valuable property, including a fine tract of land in Guthrie County, Iowa.

^y\\ ILAN L. SMITH is one of the oldest pio. neers living in Fayette County. He was born near Fincastle, AV. Va., February 29: 1810, to Mathias and Christena (Myers) Smith, also natives of West Virginia. They were of German and English descent, respectively. The maternal grandfather was born in England and was in the Revolutionary War and was an early settler of Virginia.

The father of our subject came to Fayette County, Ohio, in 1814, about two or three years after the Indians were driven out. Their mode of travel was by ox-team and wagon. This country was very wild and almost a forest. Wild game was very plentiful and deer were seen in large droves. Mathias Sinith first settled on Deer Creek, near

Waterloo, where he put up a little log cabin, in which he and his family lived until he had made some improvements. He was a wheelwright and mechanic by trade and worked at his trade some time after coming to this countr}'. He passed from this life in the year 1821, at the age of thirty-nine. He was the father of four sons and tlu-ee daughters, five of whom are now living.

Our subject is the eldest child living of his father's family, and was but ten 3'ears of age when he came to this country with his parents. There were very few school advantages in those da^s, but he was enabled to attend a private school for some time. The first schoolhouse he went to was a little log cabin with slab seats and puncheon floor. This young lad helped to clear up his father's farm and subsequently went to work b}' the montli for himself, receiving the small sum of 17 per month in a tan yard. In 1827, he was married and moved to Western Illinois, where he lived eighteen months on a farm, at which time he sold out and moved to his present place. This land he paid $15 an acre for when it was in a wild state of nature and was called the Big Woods. He has made all the improvements on his place of two hundred acres himself, and they are first-class. He donated a half-acre for the erection of a church on his place and has been a School Director and takes great interest in all educational matters and religious affairs.

The subject of this life history was married in March, 1827, to Miss Mahala Armstrong. To this couple, seven children were born, four sons and three daughters, six of whom are yet living. Mrs. Smith passed from life in July, 1878, and Mr. Smith was again married, this time to Margaret Custer, and they are both valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

^fp»)DWARD R. JOHNSON is Justice of the IW| Peace of Mt. Sterling and a well-known [i - ^ citizen of Madison County. His entire life has been passed in this State. He was born in Greenfield, Highland County, June 7, 1854, and is a son of Col. A. C. Johnson. Ilis father was a dentist b}^ profession. On the breaking out of the late war, he raised a company, of which he was elected Captain, and marched to the front. lie participated in twelve of the most important battles, and for his meritorious conduct was promoted to the rank of Colonel. After the war, he became a banker. Subsequently, he removed to Iowa, where he engaged in the grain trade, and later went to Nebraska, where he engaged in real estate. He married Louisa R. Jones and unto them were born six children, four of whom grew to mature years, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. Mary L. was married, and died, leaving one child; Munson C. is a farmer of Nebraska, where he resides with his wife and one child; Mrs. Ella R. Kearney is living in Linden, Iowa, and has a familj^ of two children.

When our subject was only two j^ears old, his parents removed to Washington C. H., where he grew to manhood. He acquired his literary education in the public schools of that city, after which, he pursued a business course in the Miami Commercial College, of Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1872. He then engaged in clerking in the Fayette County National Bank for two 3^ears, or until after the panic. In 1874, he organized the Farmers' Bank, of Mt. Sterling, with which he was connected one year, serving as teller. His next place of I'esidence was in Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio, where he organized the Citizens' Bank, in which he held the position of cashier for two years.

On the 27th of August, 1877, Mr, Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Laura Hughes, of Mt. Sterling. He then turned his attention to farming, following that occupation in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio, where he operated rented land for three years. He then removed to Linden, Iowa, where he engaged in the lumber business for four years and, on selling out, returned to Ohio and came to Mt. Sterling. Mr. Johnson owns a house and lot in Pleasant Township, close to the corporate limits of the city.

Four children were born to our subject and his wife, but two died in infanc}'. The living are: Lillie, who was born in Monroe Township, Pickaway County, April 17, 1879; and Aaron C, who was born in Linden, Iowa, January 4, 1883. In politics, Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and lias served two terms as City Clerk. He was elected Justice of tlie Peace in the spring of 1890. His public duties he has ever faithfully performed. He has several times served as a delegate to the county' conventions of his party and in its success feels a deep interest. Socially, lie is a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America.

ANIEL LUDWIG. This retired farmer of Pickaway Count3^ now residing in Circleville, was born in a large brick house on Kingston Pike, three miles southeast of Circleville, November 23, 1831. The first representatives of the famil}'^ in America were Daniel and Mary Ludwig, natives of Germany, who emigrated thence to the United States, and settled in Berks County, Pa. There the grandfather of our subject, also named Daniel, was born June 4, 1748. For a number of years he was associated with ex- Gov. Joseph Heister, of Penns^'lvania, in a store in Reading.

Having resolved to seek a home in the ra))idl3' growing West, Grandfather Ludwig, in the fall of 1806, emigrated to Ohio, accompanied by his wife and nine children, the journey being made with a two-iiorse team. He brought with him a small stock of goods, with which he intended to open a store. With that object in view, he erected a large brick house, in one portion of which the store was to be kept. But three of his sons, on whose aid he depended, died, and the store was never established, the goods being disposed of. The house alluded to was built in 1809, and was the largest and oldest brick house in the county. It stood until 1890, when the walls became unsafe, and it was torn down by the present owner, a grandson of the original owner. An elegant residence now stands on the site of that pioneer home.

and later entered land in this and adjoining connties, and became owner of abont three thousand acres. He was the original owner of the land on which the village of Logan, Hocking County, now stands, and was a man of great influence. His death occurred June 9, 1825. His son Jacob was born in Berks County, Pa., April 7, 1806, and was but six months old at the time of his parents' removal to Ohio. His education was obtained in the ordinary schools of that day, and he commenced to operate as a farmer in his youth, beginning with two hundred acres of land, to which he added from time to time. He became the possessor of the old homestead, where he resided until his death in October, 1881. By purchasing land at different times, and paying from $35 to $155 per acre, lie became owner of some eighteen hundred acres of improved property. In politics, he was a Democrat, and religiously, was identified with the Lutheran Church.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Morris, was a teamster in the War of 1812, and was a very successful farmer, continuing thus engaged until his death in 1873, at the age of eighty-five years. Unto him and his wife, Charity, were born several children, one of whom, P^velina, was born in Washington Township, Pickaway Count3\ She was married to Jacob Ludwig, November 18, 1830, and died Februar}' 23, 1848, while still comparatively' young. She was the mother of eight children, of whom six grew to maturity, and are living at the present time, Daniel being the eldest.

The early years of our subject were passed in gaining a knowledge of the "three R's" in the district school, and in becoming practically acquainted with farm work. He remained at home until he was thirty years old, aiding in cultivating the fifteen hundred acres of which it consisted, and then, in the fall of 1860, liecamc owner of the Mt. Oval farm of three hundred and thirty-three acres in Pickaway County, near where the chief Logan lived. Upon that place he successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1883, when he bought his father-in-law's estate of two hundred and twenty acres in the same township, becoming the owner of five hundred and fifty-three acres, divided into two splendid farms. His agricultural operations were rewarded with success, and finally.

in October, 1890, he retired to Circleville, where he purchased the beautiful home on Court Street, valued at $6,000, and one of the most attractive residences in the city. He rents his land totenantson shares, and still ovvns considerable stock. Before he came to the city, he was elected County Commissioner in 1878, and served three years, after which he refused to fill the position longer. He was also Township Treasurer for a number of years. .

The marriage of Daniel Ludwig in 1863, in Pickaway Township, united him to Miss Julia A., daughter of Lemuel Steely, an extensive cattle dealer of Pickaway Count}^ Mrs. Ludwig died in 1887, leaving four children, namely: AVillis, who was graduated with first honors at the Commercial College, of Pouglikeepsie, and is now in business at Pittsburgh, Pa.; Mary, Eveline and Lizzie are at home. The members of the family are identified with the Presbyterian Church at Circleville, and the young ladies are accomplished and well educated, occupying prominent positions in social circles. Mr. Ludwig served two terms as Assessor in Circleville Township, has been School Trustee, and represented his party, the Democratic, as delegate to county. State and congressional conventions. He is a man of probity and honor, whose life has been characterized by integrity, energy, and a desire to promote the welfare of his fellow-men, as well as his own personal advancement.

SAAC M. JOHNSON. Prominent among the prosperous and intelligent agriculturists of Perry Township, Fayette Count}', is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His fine farm with its excellent improvements forms one of the most attractive features of the township. He is the son of William and Jane B. (Dowden) Johnson, natives respectively of Delaware and A'irginia. The parents were married in the latter-named State and came hither in 1810, which was at an early day in the history of Ohio. They made their first location in Hellard's Bottom, Ross County, and in 1816 removed to Fayette County, where the father purchased one

William Johnson located with his family in Greene Township), where, in addition to the tract already mentioned, he pureliased two hundred acres more, which he cleared and improved. At the time of his death, which occurred about 1832, he was the possessor of a magnificent estate numbering six hundred acres of valuable land, all of which had been accumulated by his untiring industry and perseverance, coupled with his good judgment. The mother of our subject bore her husband thirteen children, only seven of whom are living, and died in the spring of 1880. Two sons, Caleb ri. and Isaac M., were soldiers in the late Civil War. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father in politics was a Whig. He was a patriot in the War of 1812, fighting under Gen. William Henry Harrison. The mother of our subject purchased another farm from the proceeds left her by her husband, and after remaining a widow for twelve years, was married to David Woodmansie, who is now deceased.

The original of this sketch was born September 9, 1822, on the old homestead in Greene Township, this county. His school privileges were very limited, he being privileged to attend onl}^ a few months in the year the old log schoolhouse, with slab seats, puncheon floor and greased-paper windows. He remained under the parental roof, aiding his father in clearing the farm, until his twentieth 3ear. Mr. Johnson aided in the construction through this section of the Cincinnati it Marietta Railroad, of which he was a stockholder, and when engaging to work out on farms, received as his first year's wages, -^58. 50 per month.

October 8, 1846, Cassandra, daughter of John Dick, became the wife of our subject. The father was a native of Virginia and after a short residence in this State removed to Indiana, where he passed his last da^'s near Wabash. Mrs. Johnson was born September 18, 1825. After his marriage, our subject woiked land on shares for Jackson Rogei's for another twelvemonth, at the end of which time he passed a like period on the old home farm. In the spring of 1849, he purchased his present farm of Stafford Junkins. Mrs. Johnson died October 27, 1855, after having borne her husband four children, all of whom are living with one exception: Jane .Joseplnne was born October 17, 1847, married David Shimp and resides in Perry Township, being the mother of five children; Mary L., born February 18, 1850, is the wife of Ch.arles A. Stafford, who makes his home in Concord Township, and has three children ; Henson D. was born September 24, 1855, married Killa Brannon and resides in this townsliip, their family including two children.

Our subject was again married, November 11, 1856, this time to Leeann, daughter of William and Matilda (Chambers) Clawson. The father of ]\Irs. Johnson was a soldier in the War of 1812, and passed from this life in 1869. His goov.1 wife bore him seven children and died in 1869. Miss Leeann was born Ma}' 10, 1828, in Ross Count}', this State. He of whom we write is the owner of three hundred and fourteen acres of valuable land, nearly all of which is under fine cultivation. The old log house has long since given way to a large brick I'csidence, which is presided over by Mrs. Johnson, who is a most intelligent and hospitable lady. The farm buildings are numerous and substantial, thus affording ample room for the storage of grain and the shelter of slock. Many rods of tiling thoroughly drain the land, which is some of the most productive in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which body they have been connected the past forty years. Our subject has been a Trustee and Steward in his dedomination and contributes generously of his means for its support. He has been a charter member of the Grange, in which organization he was Chaplain, and his good wife, who was also a member, was Flora. For a number of years he was a large stockholder and Director of the Grange Store. He has served on both the School and Township Board, and, in politics, votes the straight Republican ticket, firmly believing that party to be in the right. Always interested in township affairs, he served for a period as a Trustee.

btruction of his residence, and also in the schoolhouse of his district. He and his wife adopted a little daughter of Dr. Brown, of Buena Vista, who l)ore the name of Ella. Slie was an inmate of tlieir home for eight j^ears, when slie died. Our subject was born in this county, has helped to clear land, build roads and the railroad, has seen this county when it was a wilderness and has aided in all its development, until now, in liis declining years, his eyes look out upon as grand a country as the sun ever shone on.

ARCELLUS LE ROY 15RYAN, the wellknown editor and proprietor of the Madison County Democrat^ published at London? wields a powerful influence upon local politics and in the public life of the county, and for man}^ years has been potent in advancing its interests through the columns of this, one of the oldest established and most ably-conducted newspapers in this part of Ohio.

Our subject is a representative of one of the old families of the State, and was born in the count}^ town of Batavia, Clermont County, March 23, 1829. His grandfather, David Chester Bryan, was born on Long Island in 1771, was united in marriage with Ruth Bryan in 1792, and died in Batavia July 31, 1829. In 1800, he had left his old island home with his family, and after living three years in New .lersey, had migrated to this State, and had settled in Williamsbui'gh, Clermont County, removing his residence to Batavia in 1825, which town he platted and named. In 1806, he was elected a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, but his seat was contested and given to Thomas Morris, who afterward became United States Senatoi'. Mr. Bryan was subsequentl}' elected State Senator, and served as such from 1807 until 1810, when he resigned to become Clerk of the Courts of Clermont County, which office he tilled until his death, nineteen years later, his son Melancthon succeeding him as Clerk.

Chester Bryan, and he was born on Long Island. He was quite young when the family, came to Clermont County. July 14, 1828, he was married to Mary Malvina Moore, a daughter of Capt. Charles Moore, who was an officer in the War of 1812, and was one of the earliest settlers of Clermont County. Capt. Moore came to this State from Philadelpiiia, and bought a large tract of land near Batavia, on which he erected a flouring mill and a distillery on the East Fork of the Little Miami River. The mother of our subject still survives in the eighty-fourth year of her .age. Eight of her ten children are now living, of whom our subject is the eldest. David C. Bryan, Jr., was a man of some prominence in the communit}^ in which he lived. For some years he was the leading merchant in Batavia. About the year 183.5, he moved to Cincinnati and bought out a mercantile establishment on Lower Market Street, which he conducted a few years, or until he failed, owing to a stress in the money market. He afterward returned to Batavia, and a few years later removed to Fulton, which is now embraced in the corporate limits of Cincinnati, where he resided some years. At length, he returned once more to Batavia, and died there in 1869, from the effects of a sunstroke received some time previously. He served as Justice of the Peace for manj^ years, and was Auditor of Clermont County one term. In politics, he was an old-line Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined the Democratic forces and was a good Democrat the remainder of his life.

Marcellus Bryan served an apprenticesliip in the printing office of the Clermont Courier^ edited and pul>lished b^' Andrew Gest, since deceased. At the age of nineteen, he left home and went to Columbus to work as a type-setter in the office of the Ohio Statesman, then edited b}' Col. Samuel Medary. He was afterward employed as compositor on the Daily Fact, a paper conducted by Col. iH John Geary, and during tliat time he was united ^* in marriage witli Martha S^'dney Masterson, daughter of Mr. John Masterson, an educated gentleman, ^^ who came to Columbus from Ireland, and for sev- ^B eral years taught the languages in the Columbus High School. About a year after his marriage, our subject and his wife went to Circleville, where Mr. Brj'an took charge of and printed the Circleville Herald for gne year, returning- then to Columbus..

In December, 1857, Mr. Bi van and Mr. J. A. Kissinger came to London to assume charge of the National Democrat^ a small weekly' paper, owned by John M. Smith, now deceased, and published by Douglas King. After the lapse of about a year, Mr. Bryan bought Mr. Kissinger's interest, and some time after changed the name of the paper to the Madison County Democrat, which name it still bears, and it is conducted by Mr. Bryan and his sons, whose wide-awake and progressive policy has made of it one of the best publications of its kind in the State, always readable, keeping well abreast of the times, and a keen exponent of the principles of the party which it so alily represents.

The veteran editor of the Z>e»u)cranias belonged to the Democracy ever since he cast his first vote, and but few men in the count}^ have a clearer knowledge of politics than he. He is a man of large, round-about common sense, with a keen faculty of judging men and affairs that has been serviceable to him in his long and honorable career as an editor and whenever he has mingled in public life. He has l)een at the head of the village government as Mayor of London two terms, and he was Village Recorder one term.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have seven surviving children, namel}': Mary Letitia, Ormond Masterson, Chester Edwin, Charles Moore, Mattie Tenney, Marcellus and Addison Watson. Anna Omega died October 6, 1876, in the seventh year of her asre.

"^ AVID F. BINDER, dealer in gents' furnishing goods in Mt. Sterling, is a popular citizen and enterprising business man, well deserving of representation in this volume. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Greenfield, Highland County, August 15, 1844, and is a son of Frederick and Melinda (Heath) Binder. His father was born in Baden, Germany, and at the age of eighteen crossed the

Atlantic, coming on to Ohio, where he met and married Miss Heath, a native of Madison County. The father had learned the trade of a clock maker and for a time engaged in repairing and selling clocks on the road. He afterward embarked in the grocery business in Greenfield Three children of the family are yet living: David, of this sketch; Joseph K., a grocery merchant of Greenfield, and Fannie A., who is also living in Greenfield.

Our subject acquired an excellent education, pursuing a course in the Greenfield High School, from which lie was graduated at the age of nineteen. He received his business training in his father's grocery store.

In May, 1864, Mr. Binder enlisted for the late war as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry. At the battle of Cynthiana, Ky., he was made a prisoner, but was exchanged the following day, so that he continued in service with his regiment. After being mustered out, Mr. Binder returned to Greenfield and began clerking, which pursuit he followed until his removal to Mt. Sterling in 1865. He here secured a position as a salesman in the hardware store of N. J. D. Kauffelt, by whom he was employed for fourteen and a half years, a fact whicli indicates his faithful service and the confidence and high regard in which he was held b_v his employers. He made a popular salesman, his courteous and gentlemanly demeanor winning patronage.

Mr. Binder was married January 31, 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Timmons, of Mt. Sterling, who was born February 9, 1854. They had but one child, Frederick, who was born February 15, 1880, and died on the 9th of March, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Binder have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in this community and rank high in social circles. He is an honored member in the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken seven degrees. He also belongs to Bostwick Post No. 406, G. A. R., has filled nearly all its ortices and has attended a National Re-union in Columbus. He votes with the Democratic party on State and national questions, but independently at local elections. He has served as City Clerk for seven years, his duties being discharged with promptness and fidelity, wliicb won him thp commendation of all. On the 29th of Nov^ember, 1890, be embarked in his present business and has had a constantly' increasing trade, which has now assumed excellent proportions.

<:<\ MLLIAM H. DIAL, a member of the firm of \/y/l ^^^^ '^ Fullerton, the leading real-estate, \^^ loan and insurance men of this section, is doing an extensive business in that line in Washington C. H., where he has been located for the past seventeen years. He was born in Clermont County, this State, sixteen miles east of Cincinnati, September 26, 1847. His parents, Joseph S. and Lucinda (Weaver) Dial, were early settlers of the Buckeye State, the former being in his sevent3'-second 3'ear. He was a resident of Cincinnati for many years, or until until moving to his pleasant farm, sixteen miles east of Cincinnati, where he is living in retirement.

AV. H. Dial, of this sketch, received his education in Cincinnati, having taken a High School and commercial course, and, soon after completing his studies, located in Washington C. H. He was married in 1870 to Susie T., daughter of Capt. John S. Foster, who for manj^ years resided in Cincinnati but at present makes his home in Greenville, Darke County. Mr. Foster served all through the Civil War, in which conflict he received the title of Captain, and, being very prominent in local affairs, held the various positions of trust within the gift of the people, at one time being Sheriff of Brown County.

He of whom we write, on locating in this city, entered the real-estate, loan and insurance business, and has occupied a pleasant oflice at the corner of Court and Main Streets for the past sixteen years, during which time he has built up the largest business in his line in the count}^ In addition to the business already mentioned, he is President of the People's Savings and Loan Company, of which he was one of the organizers, and has been actively connected with it since that time.

The capital stock of the company is 11,000,000, it having been increased by an amended charter from *200,000. The firm of Dialtt Fullerton represent the largest insurance companies doing busiiness in the United States, and handle large amounts of city and farm property. Mr. Fullerton has been associated with our subject since June, 1887, and being a man of keen foresight and ability in his particular line, is well fitted to be the associate of such a man as our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Dial are the parents of three children: Sallie F., Georgia M. and John F., respectively. Our subject was a Councilman from the Second Ward at the time Washington C. H. was advanced from a village to a city, and while thus connected accomplished much good in advancing common-sense ideas, which were sustained by scientific experiments.

EMUEL II. LOOFBOURROW, who ranks among the successful and progressive agri- ^ culturists of Fayette County, was born in Madison Township, in the house in which he is at present residing January 31, 1861. He is the son of Lemuel P. and Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow who are still living, making their home in Mt. Sterling. Our subject was reared on the home farm and when reaching his majority went to Summer County, Kan., where he remained about three years engaged in farming.

On his return from the West, our subject was married February 9, 1887, to Miss Alta, daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth (Timmons) Clarridge. She is a native of this county and townshiji, her birth occurring February 3, 1864. To them have been granted a famil}' of four children, viz: Oel E., who was born November 29, 1887; Gertrude, March 3, 1889; (irace Inez, June 10, 1890, and Ruth October 11, 1891. Mr. Loufbourrow has always resided upon the home firm, which includes two hundred and seventy well-improved acres, with the exception of the time spent in Kansas. He cast his first Presidential vote for Cleveland in 1884, and while in Kansas served as

School Director. In social matters, he is a Knight of Pythias and with his wife is highly respected in the county where they make their home.

Mrs. Loufbourrow's father, who is now deceased, was born in Madison Township, this count3% October 9, 1826. He also followed farming for a time, and, having been given an excellent education, taught school for a number of years in Clarksburg, and Waterloo. He was married October 4, 1859, to Elizabeth Timmons, who was also born in this county, April 5, 1835. They became the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Loufbourrow was the second-born. Her sister Inez is now Mrs. B. W. Leavell, and her brother Howard, who was born September 6, 1873, resides at home. Mr. Clarridge died May 6, 1882, and his wife still resides in Madison Township. Previous to her marriage with the father of Mrs. Loufbourrow, she was the wife of John Leavell, by whom she became the mother of one child, Benjamin, who makes his home in Chicago.

MOS J. HOWARD. The name of this gentleman will long be remembered in Southern Ohio as one of the sturdy and true-hearted pioneers who aided in the progress of Summerford Township, Madison County. In many affairs, both public and private, he did good service to the vicinity, developing the material resources of the country and advancing the welfare of the people. Side by side with him, his excellent wife labored for many years, they being thoroughly identified with the progress of the community, with whose most highl}^ respected and useful pioneers they were classed.

The original of this sketch and of the accompanying portrait was born in Grafton Countj^, N. H., March 29, 1803, and was a lad of six years when his parents moved to Virginia, where they remained for one winter. In 1809, they came to Ohio, the elder Mr. Howard locating in what is now Summerford Township. Here Amos J. grew to manhood, his early life being passed in much the same fashion as that of other boys of his age - attending the common sciiools and being trained to farm pursuits. He, however, made the best of his opportunities in an educational way and taught school for a number of years in his district. His chief business in life, however, was thnt of farming and stock-raising, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. At one time he was the proprietor of an estate which comprised fifteen hundred broad acres. He adorned his place with a substantial set of all the necessary farm buildings, and made upon it first-class improvements.

Mr. Howard was married in what is now Summerford Township, December 23, 1825, to Rachael Kirkley, who was born in this township, Jul}^ 8, 1811. She was reared to womanhood in this locality, where she has alwa3'S resided, with the exception of one year spent in Champaign County.

To IMr. and ]\Irs. Howard was born a family of nine children, viz: Napoleon, who was a druggist in Lima, Ohio; Mar}' J., the wife of Judge Lawrence Weldon; Miriam, who died when nineteen j'ears of age; John Mills, a farmer in Champaign County; Clinton, a resident of Pana, 111.; Benton, who died in his twenty-sixth j^ear; Edwin M., who departed this life when twentyfour years of age; Marion, a farmer in this township, and Elizabeth, who departed this life when a young lady of nineteen j'ears. The mother of these children died at her home in this township, September 4, 1858.

The lady whom our subject chose as his second wife was Miss P^lizabeth Ann Cowan, their marriage being celebrated in Missouri, March 24, 1861. Mrs. Howard was born in Delaware Count}', N. Y., July 27, 1821, and was fourteen years of age when she went with her mother to Canada, whence they came, three years later, to Ohio. She began to teach school when fifteen years of age, which occupation she followed much of the time for twenty-four years. She is a most intelligent and cultured lad}' and aided her husband greatly in attaining the high standing which he occupied in this communit}'.

Amos J. Howard departed this life in Summerford Township, April 16, 1882. greatly mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a liberal contributor to the Episcopal Cliurch, and socially, was a member of the Masonic fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. With few advantageous surroundings, with no monied capital, he nevertheless acquired a competence which enabled his family to live in comfort. He possessed those sterling traits of cliaracter that mark a thoroughly conscientious and uprigiitman, and was greatly respected by all about him.

<JI I^ILLIAINI ERE. When a man is known to \/\l/l ''^^^ labored liard to make his way in the ^^ world, it is a source of gratification to his friends to know that he has succeeded in reaching a height that enables him to "take life easy." This is the case with the gentleman above named, whose career should encourage others to renewed energy, as it was not luck Init ])luck that brought a competence. For many years a prominent agriculturist of Madison County, he is now living retired in Lill_y Chapel, where his home is supplied with all the comforts of life.

Martin Erb, the father of our subject, was a native of Baden, (Germany, while his mother, Catherine, had her birth in the same country. She departed this life in Missouri, when our subject was a lad, his father dying in Harrison County, Ind., in 18G2. They were the parents of six children, of whom William, who was born April a, 1827, in Baden, (iermany, was the second in order of birth. He was an infant of eighteen months when his parents emigrated to the New World, and was here reared to farming pursuits. When old enough to do for himself, he engaged in working out for other parties and for several years was employed as fireman on a steamboat plying the Ohio River. In February, 1852, Mr. Erb came to ^Madison County, and for four years worked for the late John Byers. At the end of that time, he went to Pennsylvania, where he was married and resided for eighteen months and then returning to this county, cultivated rented land in Fairfield Township for five years. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and

On returning from the field of battle, our subject purchased land in Jefferson Township, and after a residence there of five years, sold out and purchased another farm of one hundred acres in the same township, which he operated for nine years. In the fall of 1881, he removed with his family to Lill}^ Chapel, where he owns a nice brick residence and is living retired from active work of any kind.

The lady to whom our subject was married in Beaver County, Pa., March 20, 1856, was Miss Caroline Gerhart, who was also a native of Baden, Germany, having been born January 22, 1838. She was the daughter of Christian and Magdalena Gerhart, also natives of the Fatherland, but who are now deceased, the mother passing away in Columbus, and the father while residing in West Jefferson. To Mr. and Mrs. P^rb has been born a famil}' of seven children, five of whom are living. Matilda married Samuel Sidner; Katie became the wife of William Neff; John married Belle Rine; Mary is now Mrs. Frank Horn; and Maggie became Mrs. Wesley Lill3\ Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are enjoying the respect and confidence of their many acquaintances.

Sterling, is one of the self-made men of I'i ]\Iadison County. He was born in ]\Iuhlenburg Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 31. 1850, and is one of nine children who were born unto Kendall W. and Hester A. (INIitchell) Hastings. His father, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, was born December 25, 1826, and his mother was born in Pickaway County, July 8, 1830. Mr. Hastings follows farming and now resides in Van Wert County. Seven children are yet living: John (t., a farmer residing in Auglaize Count}^ Ohio, who has two children; William, who resides with his family upon a farm in the same county; Isaac, a machinist of Payne, Ohio, is married and has two children; Mary J. is tlie wife of Dr. Worley, a practicing pliysician of Wetsel, Ohio; Mrs. Druzella Moore is living in Van Wert, Ohio, and has three children ; and Mrs. Mattie B. Sween resides with her three children in Melrose, Ohio.

Our subject grew to manhood upon a farm, his father having removed to a farm in Madison County, near Range. He acquired a good English education in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself, working by the month for about two years. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Anna A. Woodman, of Range, their union being celebrated February 6, 1873. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, May 2, 1848, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Carr) Woodman.

After his marriage, Mr. Hastings followed various occupations for two years, and then engaged in building fences for three years. After that time, he engaged in farming on rented land for two years. Subsequently, he removed with his family to Mt. Sterling, and established what has developed into his present business. He began with only a bench, and repaired watches and clocks. He is a natural mechanic. As a boy, he was always working in that line, and his genius and enterprise insure his success. Since coming to Mt. Sterling, in 1880, he has constantly' enlarged his business until he now carries a jewelry stock valued at $2,000, and does a large amount of I'epair work, his trade being almost greater than he can attend to.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hastings were born seven children, but five died in infancy. The two still living are Iva Florence, who was born in Range, Madison County, November 21, 1873, and was graduated from the Mt. Sterling High School in June, 1892; and Auloa Anna, who was born in Mt. Sterling, May 4, 1888.

Mr. Hastings cast his first Presidential vote in 1872 for Horace Greeley, and has since been a Democrat. He served as a member of the City Council, but refused the oflice of .Justice of the

Peace, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Mystic Circle. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts. He well deserves the liberal jjatronage which he receives, for his life has been a busy and useful one.

^ OSEPH MARION PARRETT, who is one of the best-known residents of Union Township, Fayette Count}', is a son of Joseph Parrett, who was born in Yirgina in 1811, and spent his early days in the Shenandoah Valley. At the age of eighteen, he came to Ohio with his parents, Isaac and Mary Parrett, about the year 1830, and settled in Ross County, Ohio. After some eight or ten years, the family moved to Fa}'- ette County, where Joseph Parrett was united in marriage with Elizabeth Harper, daughter of .John Harper, a prominent farmer of the county.

After this marriage, the young people settled in Jefferson Township, Fayette Count}', and lived there until their death, the wife passing from earth about the year 1845, and the husband living until the 1st of April, 1876. He was married a second time, to a widow, Mrs. Glaze, of P'ayette County. Joseph Parrett had a farm of four hundred and tweut}' acres of land in Jefferson Township. Three of his children are still living, the eldest of whom, James M., enlisted in the Ninetieth Ohio Infantry, and suffered much in health during his term of service, and finally died of measles, having just returned liome. He was a young man of character and promise, and was deeply mourned by those who knew him. Following him are Emeline, who married Mr. Saucus, and has now passed from life; our subject; Christiana, who married Daniel Webster Kestler, and makes her home on the old homestead, and Lewis Hamilton, who has a farm in Paint Township.

Deacon in tlie Presbyterian Church for twenty years. In his political tendencies, he was a Democrat. His son, our subject, was born May 11, 1843, in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, and had his education at home in the district schools. After concluding his studies, he worked for his father upon the farm about a year and a half before he was married, and then removed to the farm w^here he now lives, which was purchased for him by his father. On the 17tli of August, 1872, he was united in marriage with Ilulda Wright, daughter of a prominent farmer of this county, Allen Wright.

The young coui)le after mnrriage went home to the farm, and it has been their home ever since. In this farm there are now two hundred and fortyone acres, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. Grain is the principal product raised upon the farm, but Mr, Parrett pays some attention to stock. Mrs. Parrett is a lady of more than ordinary amiability and strength of character, and is esteemed most highly in her neighborhood. Mr. Parrett is an excellent manager, and has the respect and good-will of the community. His political views bring him into harmony with the Democratic party, but in local politics he always votes for the man whom his judgment endorses as best for the position. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active worker therein, and his fellow-members have made him one of the Trustees, for his business reputation and integrity give him the confidence of that l)odv.

=^EORGE II. PONTIUS. It is a trite observation that "there is no royal road to fortune," and this just statement is fully verified by a study of the lives of the successful business men of Ohio. When such a man as George II. Pontius starts out for himself, as he did, with no pecuniar}' help and with no fortune except good healtli and robust strength, and yet succeeds in securing a fine property and that degree of confidence which allows him to live in the enjoyment of the good things of life, we can surely

The original of this sketch is President of the School Board of Circleville, was Clerk of Pickaway County, and is now engaged in the active practice of law, being a member of the firm of Folson Si Pontius. He is truly a self-made man, as he began at the bottom round of the ladder of life and has worked his way up to his present high position in business circles. He was born in Washington Townshi)), just two and one-half miles east of Circleville, August 6, 1856, which was the birthplace of Amos Pontius, his father.

The grandfather of our subject, Daniel Pontius, was a native of Pennsylvania and was one of the early settlers in this State, where he became the proprietor of a large estate, numbering sixteen hundred acres. He was an active worker in the United Brethren Church, to the support of which body he was a liberal contributor. The father of our subject was reared to man's estate in this county and received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse. When starting out in life for himself, he became the proprietor of a quartersection of land, which he improved and operated until his removal to Circleville, He was very prominent in township affairs, holding many of the minor offices, the duties of which he discharged in a creditable manner. The United Brethren Church, of which the familj- were members, was located on a part of the old homestead.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Earnhort; she was a native of this county, her birth occurring in Washington Township. Mrs. Pontius was a daughter of William Earnhort, a native of Mainland, and an early settler on the Pickaway Plains, where he became the proprietor of a large tract of land. He later located in Washington Township, where he made his home until liis decease. He was a conscientious member of the United Brethren Chiu'ch. Mrs. Pontius departed this life in 1889, after having become the mother of six children, five of whom are living. The original of this sketch is the third eldest in the family and remained under the parental roof attending the common schools, until reaching his eighteenth vear. He then began teaching school, thus pa3'ing his own way through college, being a graduate of the National Normal School at Lebanon, finishing with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1879. Me then returned to Cireleville, where his father was residing, and engaged in teaching school. In the fall of 1884, he was elected Count^^ Clerk on the Democratic ticket with an increased majority. He was reelected to that i)Osition in 1887, and thus has many friends throughout the county.

Immediately on the close of his college career, ]Mr. Pontius chose the profession of law, and while a teacher studied under Judge Winstead, and in March, 1888, was admitted to the Ohio Bar by the Supreme Court. February 9, 1891, he formed his present partnership with H. P. Folson, and is engaged in the regular practice of law, December 8, 1887, Mr. Pontius was married to Miss Ora Hall, who was born in Logansport, Ind., but was reared and educated in Cireleville. She was orphaned at an earl}^ age bj' the death of her parents, and was then taken into the home of her uncle, Stephen Miller, and given a good education at Ladoga, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Pontius has been bora one son. Miller H.

He of whom we write is President of the County Board of Elections and was the first President in this county under the Australian Law. He is also a member and Director of the Opera House Company and a member and Director of the Board of Trade, of which organization he has been Secretary. vSocially, he is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and Knights of Pythias. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination he is one of the Trustees. His political views led him to identify himself with the Democratic part}', and in 1890 he served as Chairman of the County Central Committee. Mr. Pontius resides in a comfortable home on East Main Street, in the city of Cireleville.

Mr. Pontius has been very successful in all his undertakings and at the present time is a member of the Cireleville Land Improvement Company. He has traveled perhaps more than anv other man of his age in the county, in 1879 spending two weeks in Canada and sailing on the Lakes. In 1886, he crossed the Western plains and the Rocky INIountains, visiting the various places of interest in Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon and Washington, and spent several days in the beautiful and picturesque National Park. In 1887, he took a trip East, visiting the large cities, l)ut returned thoroughly satisfied with his Western home. In 1891, he took a trip to New Orleans, and thus has visited the various States, North, South, East and West. ]\Ir. Pontius has ever taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the localit}^ and State, and is an enterprising business man, of broad and intelligent views. He is deservedly very poi)ular, as he has always proved honest and true to the trusts reposed in him.

CLAY JOHNSON, a grocer of Mt. Sterling, is a successful business man and a prominent citizen of the community. He was yj born in Lancaster, Ohio, January 16, 1857, and is a son of William and Malinda (Hunter) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and were of English descent. The father lost his life by the caving in of a gravel bank and, at the age of two, our subject went to live with his maternal grandfather, Andrew Hunter, a farmer of Fairfield County, with whom he remained until he was al)Out ten years of age. He then went to live with his mother, who had married again. She still survives, and makes her home in Rich Valley, Ind.

Mr. Johnson remained with his mother until about seventeen years of age, when he started out in life for himself and has since been dependent upon his own resources. For a time he operated his step-father's farm in the summer months, and in winter attended school at Lancaster and Royalton, in Fairfield Count}^, thus acquiring a good education. He was married on the 20th of December, 1876, to Miss Anna Williamson, a native of Fairfield County, born September 10, 1856, and a daughter of Isaac N. and Elizabeth (Peters) Will- iamson. Unto them have been born five children, three sons and two daughters: Lillie P., born in Bloom Township, Fairfield County, January 25, 1878; Glenn II., born in Royalton, August 28, 1880; Emma Belle, born in Royalton, November 21, 1882; James Blaine, born June 1, 1885, and died December 8, 1886; and Clay, born in Mt. Sterling, on the 23d of April, 1891.

After his marriage, Mr. Johnson bought a house and lot in Royalton and seven and a half acres of land one mile from the town, where he made his home while engaged in farming. He continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he abandoned that work and engaged in general mercliandising in Royalton. Two years later, he sold out at that place and established a store in Mt. Sterling. Purchasing a lot, he built his store upon it and opened its doors to the general public in May, 1890. He now has a good trade, and by honest dealing has secured the confidence and good-will of the people. His courteous treatment has won him a liberal patronage, of which he is well deserving.

Mr. Johnson exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, his first vote being cast for Gen. J. A. Garfield in 1880. Socially, he is a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. Himself, wife and daughter are all members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Johnson is Clerk of the Board of Trustees. He is a self-made man, financially, and deserves great credit for his success in life, which has been won by industry, perseverance and good management. Mr. Johnson was elected a City Councilman at the spring election of 1892, receiving the largest number of votes of any of the nine candidates.

/p^iEORGE R. FITZGERALD, well known as [|[ ^__| one of the most enterprising farmers in ^^^^ Fairfield Township, is a fine representative of the class that has done so much toward the upbuilding of Madison County, and establishing its prosperity on a firm foundation. He is a son of the late Hon. PMward Fitzgerald, who Avas born in Hampshire County, Va., August 26, 1806. The lady to whom he was married October 15, 1827, was Miss Lacy Ann Taylor, also a native of Virginia, her birth occurring in February, 1810.

Immediately after their mai-riage, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald started for this State, and, stopping in Newark, there remained until the following spring, when the}^ removed to Lancaster, which place was their home until Ai)ril, 1829. After that date, they resided in this township until their decease, the father dying September 25, 1890, and the mother on February 5, 1888. The father of our subject was a very prominent man in his da3^ and was a member of the Ohio Legislature during the session of 1846-47. He was also Associate Judge for two years, and was truly one of Madison Count}' 's leading citizens.

Our subject was the youngest in the [)arental family of eleven children, his birth occurring in Fairfield Township, September 11, 1851. He here grew to manhood, and received a fair education, remaining under the parental roof until his marriage. He was associated with his father in farming and stock-raising until the death of the latter, since which time he has operated his estate, which comprises two hundred and fourteen acres.

November 17, 1875, Mr. Fitzgerald and Miss J^mma L., daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Phillips) Crookham, were united in marriage. The mother of Mrs. Fitzgerald died in Pickaway County in January, 1881, and the father, who is a well-to-do farmer, is still living in this county. They reared a family of five children, of whom Emma L. was the fourth in order of birth, and was born September 1, 1852. She was given a good education, and has been of great assistance to her husband in attaining his present high standing in the agricultural community.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald have two children: Warnie T. and Seisel P. The wife and mother departed this life at her residence in Fairfield Township December 4, 1891, greatly mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends. In his political relations, our subject votes with the Republican party, and in social matters is a member of Darby Lodge 770, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Fitzgerald was an intelligent and eoiirteous lady, devoted to her family and friends. But it was within her home, however, that her deepest love found exi)ression and her noblest qualities were best appreciated ; she was a devoted lielpniato and loving wife, and was one whose friends were as numerous as her acquaintances.

eIIARLP:8 BRADLEY is an intelligent, wideawake young farmer, a native of Madison County, who has contributed to its growth by improving a good farm that is located in Monroe Township, nine miles soutliwest of Plain City. This township is his birtli place, and he was born August 15, 1855. He is descended from the early pioneer stock of the county, his gran dfatlier, Jonah Bradley, a Virginian, coming here Mdien the country was a wilderness, with but few white settlers. The father of our subject, John Bradley, was born amid the pioneer scenes of Monroe Township, and here, in due time, he was married to Sarah A. Jones, who was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, seventy' ^ears ago, and is living in the enjoyment of a pleasant old age. After marriage, the parents of our subject located in Monroe Township, and here the father spent his entire life, and when he died, at the age of sixty-five, he was greatly missed in the communit}- whereof lie had been a useful and valued citizen, and where he was held in genuine respect.

Our subject is the sixth child and fourth son of a famil}^ of seven children, four sons and tliree daughters, of whom four are living. His boj'hood was passed on his father's farm in performing the labors that fell to his share, and in attending the district school. He continued to live with his parents until his marriage, in the autumn of 1878, and was engaged in working the old homestead on shares. After his marriage, he still continued to reside on the farm for about three years, and then hired from his father's estate his present farm, which comprises two hundred and twenty-four acres of land that is exceedingly fertile, and under Mr. Bradley's skillful cultivation yields abundant harvests. He has made all the improvements, which are of a substantial order, tlie property being covered with woods wiien it came into his i)Ossession. He has put up a good class of buildings, and in 1882 erected a neat and wellbuilt two-story frame house, at a cost of i>l,500. He does a general farming business and has his farm well stocked. Mr. Bradley lias proved himself an honor to the citizenship of his native township and count3% and is looked upon with favor b^' all who have known him as boy and man, and have watched his career as an intelligent, hard-working agriculturist. Politically, he is a Republican of the true stamp ; socially, he is a member of London Lodge No. 70, I. O. O. F.

Our subject was married September 26, 1878, to Miss Maggie, the fifth child and fourth daughter of William and Alice (Wilson) T^aley. She, too, is a native of Ohio, born in Logan County May 4, 1851. She was reared in Champaign, Union and Madison Counties. She is a true wife to her husband, a helpmate and companion, and their wedded life has brought them two children, Marion C. and Raymond D.

ALTER C. DARST. The Democratic Daily \/iJ// ''^"^^ Weekly Herald, which is published in )^J the city of Circleville, is owned by Messrs. Murphy Sz Darst. The paper was established in 1870, by McCoUister cV- Wolfly. In 1876, the sister of our subject, Miss Lillie C. Darst, took charge of the paper, and managed it successfully until 1883, in April of which year she died. The abovenamed firm then purchased the plant, and have successfully operated it from that date.

The original of this sketch was born August 9, 1858, and is the son of Jacob and Anna B. (Brower) Darst. The father was born in West Jefferson, this State, where he was a prominent dry-goods merchant, and there remained until his decease, which occurred in 1883.

Portrait And Biograihical Record

ing office to learn the trade. A few ^'ears later, he purchased the plant of his enii)loyer, and in .Tune, 1884, started the daily. He was married in Norfolk, Ya., in 1888, to Miss Daisy liatcs, a nntiveof Kentucky. Socially, INIr. Darst is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in politics, votes the straight Democratic ticket. He is a consistent member of the Episcopal Church, to the support of which body he contributes liberally and cheerfully.

OHN G. LOOFBOURROW, Cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Mt. Sterling, was born in Fayette County, 111., on the 27th of Octo- ^^^ ber, 1845. His parents, Lemuel P. and Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow, were both natives of the Buckeye State, being born and reared in the vicinity of Mt. Sterling. For a time, the father engaged in farming and merchandising in Illinois, but the year 1857 witnessed his return to Fa3'ette County, Ohio.

Our subject was then a lad of twelve years. He remained upon the farm and aided in its cultivation until 1867, and during that time acquired a good education, his early advantages being supplemented by a course at Holbrook's Normal School, of Le))anon, where he remained a year and a half. He began teaching at the age of nineteen and followed that profession for a year and a half. In the fall of 1867, he came to Mt. Sterling and secured a position as clerk in a drug store, where he remained for three years. He then purchased the stock of drugs and embarked in business in that line for himself, carrying on the store for three 3'ears. tie next became interested in the banking business, securing the position of Cashier in the Farmers' Bank in 1874. He has been its cashier from the organization, a fact which indicates his fidelity and faithfulness. Previous to this, in the fall of 1873, after selling out his drug store, he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course in Eastman's Business College, from which he was graduated with honor in 1874. He then returned and accepted his present position. He is one of ten partners who are equal stockholders in the bank.

On the 19th of May, 1874, Mr. Loofbourrow was united in marriage with Miss Ilulda Kauffelt, of TMt. Sterling. Unto them have been born three sons and one daughter: Ross K., who was born in March, 1876; Lemuel G., John R. and Delle E. The paients are both members of the Presbyterian Church, take an active part in its work, and oui' subject has served as Elder since 1888. He was reared in the Democratic part}^, but. thinks that politics consists mostly of a struggle between the old parties for the spoils. He has served as Township Clerk, but has never been an office-seeker. Mr. Loofbourrow is recognised, as an honorable, upright business man. and the success of the Farmers' Bank is <lue largely to his untiring efforts and his popularity. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community, and has given his support to all enter-, prises calculated to prove of public benefit.

I LLIAM D. GIBSON. The subject of this sketch is engaged in the tobacco and \T/ cigar business at Washington C. H., where he is building up a lucrative trade, carrying the best grade of goods to be found in the city. He is a very pleasant and genial gentleman, whose friends are as numerous as his acquaintances. He is the son of William Gibson, who was born in South Carolina, his parents being respectively Scotch and Welsh. The elder Mr. Gibson later removed to this State, locating in Greene County in 1832. He was married to Miss Margaret Dougherty, who was of Welsh descent, and who bore him six children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, but only one of whom is living at the present time. They bore the respective names of Eliza, James, Jane, Joseph, Rebecca and William D. The father of our subject, when first locating in Greene County, purchased a tract of one hundred and three acres, upon which he resided until his death. In [>olitics, he was a Republican, and in religiou.s lujitters was a, niemher of the Presbyterian Cliurcli, in wliicli denomination he lield tlie ottice of Elder. lie was an active worker and liberal contribntor to the su})port of his denomination, and [)assed from this life firm in his faith. -

AVilliam D. Gibson was born November 4, 1820, in York, S. C, being educated in the schools of that district and in his new liome in this State. When fourteen years of age, he began clerking in a dry-goods store, holding that position for about three months, wiien he started in that line of business for himself, being backed by a wealthy gentleman, who furnished him with a capital of $3,000. lie opened his store at Jamestown, and at the early age of fourteen, had the responsibility of running a large establishment, employing two clerks. A year later, he went to New York City and bought a fresh stock of goods, and continued to have the support of his wealthy friend for six years.

In 1848, the original of this sketch removed to Bloomingburgh, where he continued in the drygoods business until 1871. At that date, he came to Washington C. H. and clerked in the store of J. L. Van Deman & Co., and for other firms, until 1888, when, after a rest of two years, he started out in the retail cigar and tobacco trade.

Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Strong November 23, 1842. Mrs. Gibson was a native of Ohio, and passed from this life March 12, 1848. September 12, 1849, he married Miss Sarah A. Sheets, by whom he became the father of four children, all deceased : P^lla B., Ada, Frank and -James. She died September 10, 1857. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married August 9, 1858, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Pinkerton. They are the parents of the following-named children : William A., who is a music teacher in the city ; Walter, a telegraph operator at Mussel man ; Lj^da M., married J. M. Minturn, who is a book-keeper for Dahl & Baer, at Washington C. IT.; -Joe M. is a broker, in business at Richmond, Ind. ; Lena Louise, at home; Harry E., residing in Mobile, Ala.; R03' S., at home, and Lucy Irene, who died May 22, 1870, and also James, who died December 27, 1870.

fairs. lie is a memlter of the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs. He has made a success of his business, and ranks among the well-to-do and progressive citizens of the place. ]\Ir. (iibson was a strong Unionist during the war, and was only i)revented from offi-ring his services to defend his country's honor on account of physical disability. He was very patriotic, however, and hired a substitute for ^(lOO. He is the possessor of considerable real estate in this city, and is in fair circumstances.

^OHN MORRIS. This gentleman, who holds the resi)Onsible position of Supenntendent of the Pickaway County Infirmary, is one _ of the most prominent and inlluential citizens of the county, Avhere he is favorably and widel}' known, and where his friends are as numerous as his acquauitances.

Mr. Morris, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a native of Washington Township, his birth occurring October 7, 1831. He is the son of P^zekiel Morris, who was born in 1801 in Virginia. His father, also named John Morris, hailed from the Dominion and emigrated to Ohio in an early day, where he was among the pioneers of Walnut Township. He entered land from the Government, which he cleared and placed under the best of cultivation. In that early day, when going to market, he was obliged to blaze the trees in order to find his way home through the dense forests. He was a patriot in the AVar of 1812 and passed from this life in 1840. The father of our subject was one in a familj^ of eleven children, four of whom are living. When starting out on his own account, he followed the occupation of a farmer in Walnut Township. Later, however, he removed to Washington Township, where he purchased a farm and continued to reside until his death, which occurred .June 27, 1891, when in his ninetieth year. He was greatly respected in his community and was the incumbent of many positions of responsibility and trust, serving two terms as Commissioner of Pickaway County and

Justice of the Peace many 3'ears. He possessed the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens and was often called upon to settle estates, which he alwa^^s did in a most satisfactory manner, lie was a gentleman who made the most of his opportunities and possessed a good understanding of law, which thus qualified him to occupy positions of responsibility.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Bowman. She was born in Virginia in 1809 and emigrated to this State in an early day with her parents, who settled in Washington Township, Pickaway County. She passed from this life in 1883, in the sevent3'-fourth year of her age, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The six children of the parental family included four daughters and two sons, all of whom are living with one exception.

The educational advantages of our subject, like those of most pioneer youths, were limited, but he acquired enough to give him an impetus to go on by himself, and ranks to-day among the intelligent and well-to-do citizens of the county. The temples of learning in that early day in this State were rude indeed, being built of logs, with puncheon floor and slab seats. Our subject began to battle with life on his own account when twent}'- flve years of age and operated a sawmill in Ashville for about twelve years. He then abandoned that line of work and, locating in Walnut Township, followed the occupation of a farmer for five 3^ears.

In 1871, Mr. Morris engaged in the distilling business at Circleville, the firm name being Morris, Steele & Co., they operating thus for five years. In 1872, he was appointed to his present position of Superintendent of the Pickawa}^ County Infirmary, which office he fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He was the first to occup}^ the large handsome brick asylum which had just been completed at the time of his appointment, and where he has charge of sixt3"-five inmates. He has also been given the supervision of the Children's Home, which is located on the same farm and is the home of thirty children. This farm contains two hundred and fifty-nine acres on sections 11 and 14, all of which

In 1866, Miss Elizabeth C4ibson became the wife of our subject. She was born in Pennsylvania and is the daughter of Thomas Gibson, who emigrated to this State when she was a child. Her parents died in Van Wert County, where they were residents. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have had a family of eight children, viz.: William (deceased), Mary, Edward, Minnie, Bertie and Alice (deceased) , Nettie, and one that died in infancy.

In politics, ]Mr. INIorris is a Democrat, believing that party to be in the right. Mrs. Morris is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church and is active in all good works. Our subject is the proprietor of one hundred and fifty-three and one-half acres of valuable land on section 4, Washington Township, which bears all the improvements of a first-class estate.

RANSOM DAVIS. The persistent industry and good judgment of Mr. Davis have been rewarded and he is to-day residing on a beautiful farm situated in Greene Township, Fayette County. His estate bears all the improvements which will be found on a first-class farm, and the soil is so cultivated as to bring its owner handsome returns.

The original of this sketch is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurring in Crawford County December 1.5, 1811. He is the son of David and Hannah (Gelden) Davis, natives of Pennsjlvania. The father was a farmer by occupation, and fought in the War of 1812. He came West to Ohio in 1813, and, locating in Pike County, remained there for a twelvemonth, when he removed to Highland County. In 1816, he came to Faj^ette County and made his home on Rattlesnake Creek in Greene Township. This section was little more than a wilderness in that early day, but Mr. Davis, like many of the other pioneers, set about subduing nature, building cabins, and clearing and cultivating his fields. Wild game was plentiful, thus the family did not suffer for fresli meat, as animals of every description could be had for the shooting. The settlers were ver3' few, there being only three houses between that occupied by ]Mr. Davis and Washington C. II., a distance of nine miles. The father of our subject disposed of the above-named purchase and bought a tract on Lee's Creek, same township, where he was residing at the time of his decease, in 1855. His good wife survived him a short time, her death taking place the following 3'ear.

The parental family of our subject included eight children, only two of whom are living. Bransom was reared on the home farm, and received but a limited education in the district school. He has been an important factor in helping to develop this portion of the county, and has watched with interest the gradual evolution of the' land from its original wildness into cultivated and productive fields and thriving towns.

When twenty-one years of age, Bransom Davis started out to make his own way in the world, and, choosing an occupation, became a farmer, to which calling he had been reared. In 1834, he was married to Jane, daughter of John and Polly (Rowe) Draper, natives of Virginia, where they were married and whence they came to the Buckeye State in an early day, being among the early settlers of Greene Township, P^ayette County. Mrs. Davis was born in 1806 and died in 1868. By her union with our subject were born four children, two of whom are living: Maria, Mrs. Benjamin Tudor, resides in Indiana and has two children, and Jane, the wife of Ferrill Patton. The latter make their home in Greene Township, and are the parents of four children.

June 17, 1870, Mr. Davis was the second time married, the lady of his choice being Sidney Ann (Clapps) Draper, the widow of Richard Draper, the brother of our subject's first wife. Of the nine children born to her parents four are now living: James Harvey, Elijah Eddj', Margaret Ann, and Mary Ellen. After his marriage, he of whom we write settled on his father's farm, where he resided for seven 3^ears, at the end of which time he rented property until purchasing a farm of his own, which he did in 1846. Ten years later, he removed to his present abiding-place, which includes two hundred and eight acres of valuable land.

In politics, he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832, and has served his fellow-townsmen acceptably as Supervisor of Roads. Our subject and his estimable wife are widely and favorably known in this locality', where they are held in high esteem.

.11 Pickaway County, who has made his liome *^^'^ here since 1832. He is of an excellent and highly intelligent famil}-, being a distant relative of William Gibson, the silver-tongued orator of Ohio, and is himself recognized as being one of the best-informed men in the township, having throughout life carried on a course of extensive and judicious reading.

Our subject was born in Dayton, this State, January 9,1823, and his father, Rol)ert CTibson,who was born in Pennsylvania, July 17, 1787, was a son of James Gibson, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young man, and settled in Pennsylvania. In his early experience in this country, while going on horseback to look up some land, he was taken from his horse and robbed by a highwayman. He bought a farm in Fulton County, Pa., which lay along the creek, and there he made a specialty of hay. His son, the father of our subject, was a fanner, and learned the trade of a tanner. He was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and served under W^illiam Henry Harrison in the Northwest campaign, and while in service helped to erect Ft. Meigs.

Robert Gibson settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1816, and there opened a tannery and carried it on for some years. It was in 1832 that he settled in this township and began the double operation of a tannery and a farm. He was married at P^aton,

Preble County, Ohio, to Ruhama Williamson, a native of Penns3'lvania, who reared to maturity six children, namely: Eleazer W., James A., Martha, Mary J., Rebecca M. and Sarah M. She died in her seventy-sixth year, and had been from girlhood a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which her husband was an Elder at the time of his death, and of which the}^ were both active members.

iNIrs. Gibson's father, Eleazer Williamson, was a native of Wasliington County, Pa., and served througli the entire period of the Revolutionary War. He had the rank of a Captain, and until his deatli he drew a pension of |4H0 per year. He came to Ohio in 1808, journeying on flatboats down the Ohio River and up the Scioto. He located below Chillicothe, and a short time later came to this township, thus being one of the very first to settle here, if not the verj' first. He erected a log cabin and lived among the Indians and wolves, completing here his eighty-four ^^ears of useful and hardy life. He was a man of fine physical development and unusual natural ability, having the best characteristics of the Scotch-Irish blood, from which he was descended. He was a noted huntsman, and kept the neighborhood supplied with venison.

He of whom we write was in his tenth year when he settled in this township, and through his boyhood he studied in the old log cabin schoolhouse, furnished with slab benches, slal) writingdesks on the wall, and large open fireplace. When the family came here, there was only one man in the tovvnship who owned a wagon. Deer were numerous in those days, and wild turkeys had to be shot to keep them from destroying the corn. At the age of twenty-six, the young man began life for himself, having helped his father up to that time. He learned the boot and shoe trade, and for some time carried on a store.

Our subject was married February 14, 1856, to P^sther A. Crabb, who was born near London, Madison County, Ohio, October 26, 1833. Her parents, 'riu>mas and Sarah (Satchel) Crabb, were both Itorn in Ohio, in Ross Count}-, of which her grandfather, Osman Crabb, was one of the first settlers. Mrs. (Jibson's father was a farmer, and owned one hundred and fifty acres in Ross County, which he sold in 1853, and, coming to Pickaway County, here bought one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he lived until his death, at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Gibson's mother died at the age of forty-one, and as there were seven children in the family, and most of them were small at the time of the mother's death, much responsibilitj^ fell upon the daughter p]sther.

Our subject and his worthy wife have had born to them three children, namely: Sarah R., who is married to Littleton Gochenour, and resides on a farm in this township, and Martha A. and Maiy J., who reside at home with their parents. When our subject settled here in the woods after marriage, he could not see out to the road, the forest was so dense. The}^ lived in a log cabin, and worked hard to clear u[) the farm, and make the improvements which appear here to-day. Upon this farm of one hundred and ninety and one-half acres, he carries on mixed farming, raising both grain and stock. From his large flock of sheep he makes an excellent profit. Mr. Gibson Avas a very hard worker up to the year 1881, l)ut since that time he has been an invalid, on account of rheumatism, and for five years has not been able to bear his weight upon his feet. He is independent in politics, and uses excellent judgment in his choice of candidates and policy of government. He has a remarkable memory, and has thus laid up in his mind much of value, which he has gained from his broad and extensive reading. His wife is an earnest and efHcient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gibson has been Trustee of the township for one or two terms, and has frequently declined other otficial positions which have been offered him.

^ OHN M. DEER. We herewith present the sketch of a prominent and wealthy farmer, whose beautiful estate is pleasantly' situated in Concord Tovvnship, F'a3'ette County, where he devotes his entire time and attention to its cultivation. He is the son of Absalom and

Elizabeth (Wilson) Deer, natives of Madison County, Va., where they were married, shortl}' after which event they came to Ohio and located on Rattlesnake Creek, Highland Collnt3^ There the father cleared and improved a wild tract of land, continuing to make that place his home for about twenty years, Miien he came in 1854 to this county, settling upon the old IMcLean farm in Union Townsliip. There the elder Mr. Deer died in 1865, ills good wife surviving until 1888, when she too passed away.

Of the parental famil}- of eight children, two are now living, our subject and Mrs. Amy A. Patch. He of whom we write was born November 22, 1837, in Highland County, this State, where he was given a fair education in the common schools of his district. He has always followed the occupation of an agriculturist, being thoroughly trained to the duties of that calling on the home estate. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority, at which time he was married, December 23, 1858, to Ann Eliza Mc- Clellan, daughter of William McClellan, a native of Maine and an eail}' settler in Concord Township.

Mrs. Deer was born March 9, 1832, in Fayette Count}', the birth of her parents occurring respectively August 7, 1797, and .September 5, 1809. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Deer rented a farm for two years in Union Township, after which he removed to another portion of the township, making a stay of a like period. He made another removal where he remained for ten years, and then occupied the farm of Levi Rovve for five years. In 1878, our subject purchased his present estate, upon which he located the following year. It contains one hundred and thirty acres, and is known as the home farm. He is also the possessor of one hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres north of Concord Township and one hundred and thirty acres in Union Tovvnship, making an aggregate of three hundred and eighty-two and one-half acres of valuable land, which his industry has placed under cultivation. He has erected substantial and suitable buildings on his estate, liaving all the improvements which best subserve the interests of a first-class agriculturist. His property

Mr. and Mrs. Deer have had born to them a family of six children, two of whom are deceased: James W. is a traveling salesman; Edward L. married Carrie Cline, resides in Union Township and has one child; Rufus L. took for his wife Miss Carrie Reed and makes his home in Chicago, 111.; Car3' O. is at home. They have all been given excellent educational advantages, James W. and Rufus L. being graduates of the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School. The youngest. Car}-, is a student at Ada, Ohio.

Mrs. Deer departed this life August 24, 1«86, firm in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church and greatly mourned by her numerous friends and acquaintances. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and has served as a member of the School Board for a number of terms. At the present time he is an incumbent of the office of Township Trustee and is widely and favorably known throughout this section as a man of principles and upright and honest life. His son, James W., while a resident of Washington C. H., was Postmaster of that city.

BEL II. JANES. The beautiful home of this gentleman is one of the pleasant sights which is seen by the traveler along the highways of Jasper Township, Fayette Count3^ His industry and perseverance have made a success of farming, as he is at present tlie proprietor of one hundred and ninety-five acres of land, located in Jasper Township. It is well cultivated, Mr. Janes believing that the best methods and latest improvements in agriculture bring him in the largest returns.

William P. Janes, the father of our subject, was born in 1809, in Pendleton County, Ya., and ten years later accompanied his fatlier's family to Fayette County, locating for a year in Paint Townsliip, later going to Jefferson Township. The present site of the village of Jefferson occupies a portion of that farm which, at the time they located upon it, was in its original wildness; it has been in the possession of the family ever since. The elder Mr. Janes was very prominent in township affairs, and for a number of years served in the capacity of Justice of tlie Peace. In politics, he alwaj^s cast his vote and intiuence in favor of Democratic principles and candidates, believing that pai-ty to be in the right. AVilliam P. departed this life in 1866, greatly mourned l\y all who knew him.

Tlie maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Ivlock; she was born in Greene County, this State, in lH14,and was the daugiiter of John Mock, a native of North Carolina. The latter was a patriot in the War of 1812, and located in Greene County in an early day. He later removed to .Jefferson Township, Fayette County, where he passed his last days. Mrs. Janes died in 1883, after having become the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are living. Two sons participated in tlie Civil War, Evan L. and he of whom we write. Mrs. Janes was a member in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Cliurch, and died firm in the faith of that body.

Tlie original of this sketch was born February 11, 1839, on tlie old Janes homestead, where he grew to manhood and received a district-school education. He did much hard pioneer work in tlie early days, and, when old enougii, began life for himself on the old homestead. On the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company II, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, joining his regiment in tlie Shenandoah A^alley. He participated in the engagement at Harper's Ferry, where he was taken prisoner, but was soon paroled. He was then sent to Annapolis, going on foot from Harper's Ferry, and from that city to Baltimore, and thence to Chicago, where he was mustered out. In 1864, Mr. Janes again enlisted in defense of his country, and became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Sixt3^-eiglith Ohio Infantry, being mustered in as First Lieutenant. He participated in the Morgan raid, and received his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. His soldiers were known as the "Squirrel Hunters." They were State militia. While a member of the One Hundred and Sixtv-eisfhth

Regiment, our subject was again taken prisoner, June 11, 1864, at Cynthiana,K3'., while on the Morgan raid, and he received very cruel treatment; he was afterward paroled near Claysville, that State.

Miss Almeda Hays was married in January, 1867, to our subject. She was the daughter of Morgan Hays, a resident of Paint Township. Fa}'- ette County, where he has attained to the ripe old age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Janes was born April 2, 1845, in Fayette County, where she was given a good education and received a certificate to teach. He of whom we write moved on his present farm in 1868, where he has his entire acreage under cultivation, with the exception of fift}^ acres. He is engaged in general farming, and his success in that line has placed him in the foremost rank among the agriculturists in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Janes have become the parents of five children, four of whom are living, namely : William M., Cass G., Jennie P. and Chester II. They have all been given good educations, and are well fitted to become useful and progressive citizens. Mr. Janes has served on the School Board, and socially is identified with the Independent (Jrder of Odd Fellows at Miliedgeville, having been through all the chairs of that organization. He is a member of the I. Gilbert Grand Army Post, of Jeffersonville, and in politics is a Republican, with which party he has alwaj'S cast his vote. He stands high among his fellow-men, who regard him as a man whose word is as good as his bond, and in public life he has rcjiresented them as Trustee of Jasper Township.

\.Z\\ ORGAN J. JENKINS, M. D. Among the British-American citizens of Plain Cit}' none is more worthy of respect and notice than he whose name appears at the head of this brief narrative, as his private life in our midst and his professional standing place him in the front rank. He was born in South Wales, November 15, 1853. His father, Thomas Jenkins, was a Congregationalist minister of Wales and was located at Merthyr Tydvil. After his emigration to this country, he made liis home in Pennsylvania, and is now in charge of a congregation in Wilkesbarre,

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Jones, and is also a native of Wales. She is still living and is the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters. All have lived to the years of maturity, with the exception of one who died in childhood, and he of whom we write is the second child and second son of this household. It was when he was only ten years old that liis parents moved to this county, and this son had his earh' training and education at .Johnstown, where he remained until he reached the age of seventeen. There he received his first schooling, and afterward became a student in the Ohio AVesleyan Universit}' at Delaware, after which he went to Richwood, Ohio, and there began the stud}" of medicine under the guidance of Dr. P. H. Bauer. During the three years of his tutorship under this able physician, he also attended lectures at the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, spending his winters in that city. His diploma was granted him there in March, 1878, and during the same year he took up his residence in Plain City.

The political tendencies of Dr. .Jenkins have brought him into active S3 mpathy and co-operation with the Republican part}', and his intelligence and professional standing have made him a leader among his fellow-citizens. He is now filling the position of Health Officer, and was for some time a member of the Board of Education. In the Masonic fraternit}^, he belongs to Trania Lodge No. 311, and is also a Ivnight Templar and a member of the Mt. A'ernon Commandery. As an Odd Fellow, he is a member of Lodge No. 193, of Plain City, and he also belongs to the Ivnights of Pythias, being a charter member of the Plain City Lodge No. 159. He was elected Grand Outer Guard in 1890, and the following year was made Grand Inner Guard of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

The marriage of Dr. Jenkins took place in Richwood, Ohio, December 24, 1879, and he was then united witli INIay, the eldest daughter of Oren and Ellen Beem, of that place. 13r. and Mrs. Jenkins have become the parents of two childien, a son and a daughter, to whom they gave the names of Thomas and Rose. The latter was taken from them by death at the age of three years, and in her loss they feel deeply bereaved.

AURICE BRADFIELD owns and occupies a farm of goodl}^ size in Jefferson Township, Madison Count}-, where the work of his hands is plainly indicated by its present condition. The property consists of one hundi'ed and ninety-live acres and bears the usual improvements made by a man of enterprising spirit and good judgment, and presents an appearance of home comfort attractive to the passer-by. Abner Bradfield, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and died in Georgesville, Franklin County, this State, in 1870, where also the mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Lnekens, departed this life. Like her husband, she was a native of the Keystone State and reared a family of seven children, of whom Maurice was the fifth in order of birth. He was born in Franklin County, January 19, 1839, and, being reared to farm pursuits, has made that calling his life occupation.

March 13, 1862, he of whom we write and Miss Jane, daughter of Robert and Ann (Stump) Worthington, were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Bradfield were natives of Pennsylvania and died in Pleasant Township, Franklin County, this State. They reared a family of six children, of whom Miss Jane was the eldest, her birth occurring in the above-named county, September 20, 1842.