Madison Township (part 14 of 30)

The original of this sketch devotes his entire time and attention to general farming, and has been more than ordinarily successful in his undertaking, ranking among the wealthy and influential agriculturists of this section. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill, one is deceased. William Newton was born July 14, 1832; he married .Sarah Geller, has nine children, and resides in Highland Township. Martha Jane was born October 13, 1834, and makes her home in Washington C. H.; she is the widow of John Wilson, by whom she had eight children; Edward E., the third child, will be spoken of elsewhere in this volume. Jacob S. was born July 20, 1839, and was married to Hannah R. Lj^mes, by whom he had nine children; they make their home in Perry Township, this county. Thomas R., who served for three years in the Civil War, was born Eebruary 18, 1842, and married Eliza Marchant; he died in 1884, leaving a widow and one child; Amelia C, born November 26, 1844, married John S. Eisher, by whom she has one child; they reside in this township. James W. was born August 18. 1847; he married Mary M. White, and they reside on a portion of the old homestead ; they have three children. Samuel S. was born June 12, 1850; he is the father of four children by his marriage with Mary Alice Craig, and resides m Washington C. H. Eldridge W. was born January 28, 1853, married Eliza J. Craig, and resides in the abovenamed city; they have two children. Eour of the sons took part in the late war: Newton, Edward E., Thomas R. and Jacob S.

Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill are members in good standing of the INIethodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination the3' have been connected for sixty-five years. Our subject has always been a great worker in all church afl:'airs, and is one of the leading singers in his congregation. In public matters, he has been Trustee of his township and a Director of the School Board. In politics, he votes the Republican ticket. Eleven years ago, our subject and his estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding, and last September commemorated the sixtieth anniversary of that event. They have forty grandchildren and twenty-nine great-grandchildren. They bear the good-will of all who know them, and their friends are as numei'ous as their acquaintances.

OHN T. MANTLE. This gentleman, who ranks among the prominent and wealthy agriculturists of Pickaway County, is one of the oldest residents of Darb}^ Township, having been born January 2, 1841. He has therefore witnessed the growth and development of this section from its primitive condition to prosperous farms and thriving villages. Mr. Mantle is at present residing in this township, where he is respected as a man possessing correct judgment and a love of truth and justice.

Our subject is the son of David Mantle, who was born in Chillicothe, this State, in 1808. His father, the grandfather of him of whom we write, was born in the Keystone State and was of German descent. The last-named gentleman was a tanner and farmer by occupation, and came to this State in the early part of the nineteenth centuiy, probabl,y in 1801 or 1802, as our subject has in his possession deeds purchased in Eebruary, 1803, in the township of Chillicothe, Ross Count}'. David Mantle was born m 1808, and made that place his home until a lad of eight 3'ears, when he came with the family to Darby Township. Here the grandfather purchased a small tract of land, built a log cabin and soon after started a tannery, which was the first in this section of counti*}-, and in this line of business he was very successful. Indians were very numerous in that early da}', but Mr. Mantle being on friendl}^ tenns v ith them, did not find tliem very troublesome. He was a very large man, weighing four hundred and fourteen pounds, and departed this life when a little past middle age.

David Mantle learned tlie trade of a tanner from his father, with which occupation he added that of a farmer. His educational advantages were limited to the common schools, where he received a fair education. He purchased the farm which is the property of our subject in 1835, cleared the land and erected the first hewed-log house in this locality. He was industrious and persevering and at his death owned two hundred acres of valuable land. He departed this life at the age of sixty-three years, in 1872.

Mrs. Matilda (Noland) Mantle, the mother of our subject, was born in Maryland, and by her union with Mr. Mantle became the mother of four children, all of whom are living, namely: Duncan, Isaac, John T. and Miranda, Mrs. Fitzgerald. She died in her seventieth year, firm in the faith of the Christian Church, of which denomination her husband was also a member.

John '1'. Mantle was reared to man's estate on the old home farm and attended the log schoolhouse in his district, where he acquired the rudiments of an education. The scliool was conducted on the subscription plan and young Mantle had to walk over a mile to and from the temple of learning. He began life on his own responsibility wlien reaching his majority and operated the home farm in partnership with his father for a number of years, and at the death of the latter purchased the homestead.

July 4, 1877, Miss Susan Rogenrifc, who was born in Hartleton, Union Count\^, Pa., became the wife of our subject. To them have been granted three children: Charles N., Esther and Laura. Mr. Mantle has added to his possessions, and at the present time is the owner of an estate containing three hundred and thirteen acres of land, all in one body. His estate is well improved with substantial buildings and machinery, and in addition to the cereals, our subject raises sheep, cattle and swine, in which industry he reaps a handsome income.

liberal contributor. The political views of our subject led him to identify himself with the Democratic party. He has never been an offlce-seeker, preferring to let those hold positions who have more time to give.

^OHN A LUTZ, Attorney-at-law in Circleville. A volume dedicated to the pioneers ^^ I of Pickaway County would be incomplete ^^^ were no mention made of the Lutz familj^, various members of which labored in behalf of its advancement during the early part of this century, contributing to its growth with a self-sacrifice which entitles them to the gratitude of the present and future generations.

Amid the foot-hills of the Lehigh Mountains, in wliat is now Lehigh Count}^, Pa., Samuel Lutz, father of our subject, was born March 13, 1789. Though it was nearly sixt^' years since his greatgrandfather landed in the New World, German was the language used by his parents, and the customs of the Fatherland were followed as closely as though lliey still lived among the vine-clad hills of the valley of the Neckar. From the settlement near the Lehigh River, the i)arents of Samuel Lutz moved to the Shamokin Valley, Northumberland Count}^, Pa., whence, in 1794, they made a second removal to the Buffalo Valley, in the same county.

September 7, 1802, the Lutz family left their Pennsylvania home, making the long journey to Ohio in a canvas-covered wag(m, and on October 9 reached Lancaster. The father of Samuel Lutz purchased a farm near Adelphi, where Samuel grew to be a man, married Elizabeth Fetherolf, October 15, 1811, and became the head of a family of fourteen children, eight of whom still survive. His earl}' inclinations were m the direction of mathematics and his ambition led him to the study of surveying, which he afterward followed the most of his life. AVhen the \Yar of 1812 interrupted the ordinary course of events, he enlisted in Col. James Renick's mounted militia and was in active service for nineteen da3s, then returned home.

Samuel I^itz served for man3' 3'ears as Justice of the Peace, and for four terms was a member of tlie State Legislature. During the War of the Rebellion, he was a vigorous supporter of the I'nion. lie belonged to a patriotic famil}', his father having served in the Revolutionary War, some of his kindred in the Mexican War, himself in the War of 1812 and several of his grandchildren in the Civil War. He died at his old homestead in Salt Creek Township, September 1, 1890, aged one hundred and one years, five months and eighteen days, leaving to his descendants the memor^^ of many worthy and unselfish deeds, unswerving integrit}' and nobility of character.

Tlie subject of this sketch was born in Salt Creek Township, December 29, 1824, and was reared on the old homestead. He engaged in teaching for a time in earl 3^ manhood, and April 8, 1848, entered Wittenberg College, where he was graduated in the spring of 1853, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later, the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him. In November following the close of his college life, he came to Circleville and commenced the stud}' of law under Judge Olds, a prominent attorney of that cit}-. He was admitted to the Lar in December, 1855, and has since been actively' engaged in the practice of law. During the first year he was with C. N. Olds, but upon the removal of the latter gentleman to Columbus, he continued alone. In connection with office and regular practice, he combines an extensive real-estate business. In 1868, in connection with another attorney, he laid out an addition, which is known as Lostwick <k Lutz's Addition to the cit}' of Circleville, and afterward platted another addition, the two containing ten acres. He still holds considerable property in the city, including tlie Lutz Block and two residences on the corner of Court and Union Streets, in one of which he makes his home.

In addition to his property- in Circleville, Mr. Lutz owns valuable land in other places, including a farm of one hundi-ed and sixty-seven acres in Monroe Township, Pickawa}' Count}'. At one time, he owned twelve hundred acres in Missouri, six hundred acres in Iowa, and one hundred and sixty acres in Wisconsin. In 185;i, he located twenty-two hundred acres of land warrants m four counties of Kansas, Osage, L^'on, Wabaunsee and Anderson, but has sold the land from time to time. He was appointed by ex-Oov. Todd Trustee of the Asylum for Imbeciles, and held the position for about sixteen 3'ears, when he resigned.

At Springfield, Ohio, June 14, 1855, Mr. Lutz married Miss Mary H. Humphreys. Mrs. Lutz is the daughter of James, and the granddaughter of John IIumplire3s, the latter a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America when a b03', and in the spring of 1799 became a pioneer farmer of Springfield. Mrs. Lutz was educated in a female seminary at Springfield and engaged in teaching several terms prior to her marriage. Six children completed the home circle, four of whom grew to manhood and womanhood.

John E., the eldest, was a seaman on a revenue cutter, later a cadet for two 3'ears, after which he was commissioned Third Lieutenant. He served one year on the Atlantic Coast, three 3'ears on the Pacific Coast and Alaska, four 3'ears on Puget Sound, and then resigned from the navy and located at Port Crescent, Wash., where he now resides. Harry E., a graduate of Wittenberg College with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, sailed for Europe immediatel}' after graduating in 1879, and s[)ent two years on the continent. Eor six months he remained at Stuttgart, where he studied German. He then traveled as far south as Naples and north to St. Petersburg, attended the dedication of the famous cathedral at Cologne, and afterward studied French at Geneva. The following year he went to Alexandria, Egypt, visited the P3'ramids, then traveled to the II0I3' Land, and visited the famous cities of Constantinople, Athens and Marseilles, as well as the principal points of interest in P2ngland, Scotland and Ireland, returning home in 1881. The result of his trip to foreign lands was the publication of the interesting book, "Student's Mews Abroad." After his return, he studied law with his father, was admitted to the Bar, and engaged in practice until March, 1884, when he was appointed Postmaster at Circleville. He resigned upon the election of President Cleveland, but was afterward re-appointed, and was editor of the

Union Herald for four years, while he was Postmaster. He is now a resident of Port Crescent, where he is a real-estate dealer, attorney-at-law and merchant. Samuel J., a graduate of the High School at Circleville, is engaged in the mercantile business at Port Crescent; Katharine, the only daughter, Avas graduated from the High School of Circleville with first honors, in June, 1891. and is an accomplished and popular young lady.

In his religious connections, Mr. Lutz is a member of the Presbyterian Church. For many years he was President of the County Sunday-school Association and also President of the Pickaway' County Bible Association. He was a delegate to the International Sunday-school Convention at Indianapolis, when the present system of international lessons was adopted. In his political sympathies, he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and has served his fellow-citizens in various official capacities, where his ability and tact were used for the prosperit}' of the communit}'.

GEORGE H. DARST is one of the most energetic, enterprising and successful farmers and stockmen in the Scioto River ^'alley, and is contributing his quota to the prosperity of Pickawa}' County, liis well-tilled, well-stocked farm in Jackson Township being one of the bestmanaged in this section of the State. He is a native of tliis place, born August 12, 1850. His father, George Darst, was born near Frederickstown Md., in 1792. The Darsts originated in Holland, and, coming to this country in Colonial times, settled in Maryland. The grandfatlier of our subject was a farmer and distiller, and was very wealthy, owning considerable property in Baltimore.

The early life of the father of our subject was passed on the old family homestead in Maryland in acquiring the knowledge of farming and in learning the trade of a distiller. In 1830, he came to Ohio, he tlien being in the prime of a vigorous manhood, and bought land in Somerset. In 1837, he came to Pickaway County and bought two hundred and forty acres of the farm owned by his son of wliom we write. He paid -$8 an acre for it, it being mostly timber. There was a roundlog house built in 1802, heated by a large open fireplace, and tlie floor made of puncheon. It is still standing and is an admirable relic of a pioneer dwelling of those earlv times. Mr. Darst developed about half of liis land, making a good farm of it, and here his honorable career was ended by his death in 1855. He was a Wliig in politics, and took an intelligent interest in all that concerned the welfare of the country. He married Margaret Nolan, who was born in Ross County in 1812, and our subject was their only child. She had been previously married to Irvin Jones and had two sons and a daughter by her first marriage: Irvin, John and Martha. The mother died in 1876. She was an earnest Christian, a member of the New-light Church, and she took and active part in religious matters.

Educated in the district scliools, and brought up to habits of industr}' as a farmer's boy, at the age of twenty years our subject entered upon his independent career as a practical farmer and stockraiser well fitted for his work. He possesses much natural ability, is ambitious, and lias been successful in every sense. The old homestead became his; he completed its development, added one hundred and ten acres to it liy further pui-- chase, and now has a fine farm of three hundred and fifty acres, three hundred and thirt_y of which are under a high state of cultivation. The improvements are modern in style, and comprise a commodious frame house erected in 1874, a large frame barn, put up in 1883, and other needed buildings. Tiie land all lies in the Scioto River Bottoms, the soil is very rich and wonderfully productive, eighty bushels of corn and twenty-five to forty bushels of wheat being the average raised to the acre in the season of 1891. Our subject also deals largely in stock, feeding sixty head of fat cattle every 3'ear, one hundred hogs, and raising some draft horses.

In politics, Mr. Darst is a stanch advocate of the Democratic part}^ He is liberal-minded and public-spirited, and takes great pride in his native county, doing all in his power to advance its inter-

.ests. Our subject was but nineteen years of age when he took unto himself a wife, December 5, 1869, in the person of Miss Margaret, daughter of William B. Caldwell. Mrs. Darst is also a native of Jackson Township, and was born .July 12, 1852. She is a fine woman, who has been of great assistance to her husband in the upbuilding of their home, and in her the Presbyterian Church finds a faithful member. Her marriage with our subject has brought them six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Mary, William; Jeanette, who married Harry Shockley, of Columbus; Harry; Josie, who is teaching school in tlie home district, and Chetwind.

AMUEL PARKER. Throughout Pickaway County there is no gentleman more highly esteemed or better known than this nativeborn citizen of Salt Creek Township, who is operating a splendid farm of two hundred and nine acres. Combining the advantages of a fertile soil and convenient location, the value of the estate is equaled by few farms in the county, and the buildings with which it has l^een embellished are first-class in ever}^ respect.

An lionored inmate of the pleasant home of Mr. Parker is his venerable fatlier, Labin, who was born in Pickaway Township, this county, October 10, 1812. In spite of his advanced age, he is in robust health, and for sixty-five years has not been ill enough to be confined to his room. Possessing a mental constitution no less vigorous than his physical development, he is universally esteemed for his noble qualities and upright character. His father, Allen, who was prolmblj' born in Maryland in 1759, died in Pickaway Townsliip in 1828, having emigrated hither with his family at a very early day.

When quite young, Labin Parker moved to Salt Creek Township, where he attended school held in a primitive log building whose furniture consisted of a few slat seats and a rude desk. The surrounding country was a wilderness, where deer.

bear, wolves and wild turkeys roamed at will, unmolested save b}^ an occasional hunter. After commencing to operate as a farmer, Mr. Parker was married, in 1828, to Miss Susan Bunn and the young couple settled down to housekeeping in a small log house. Mrs. Parker, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, died in 1852, leaving three sons: Samuel, of tlus sketch; Thomas C, who enlisted during the Civil AVar and fell at Yicksburg, May 22, 1863; and George W., who spent three years as a soldier in the late war, and died in Illinois soon after his return from the service.

In 1854, Mr. Parker was again married, his wife being Mrs. Caroline (Hall) Black, who died February 3, 1883. In his ))ractical belief. Mi'. Parker was an old-line AVhig first and afterward a Republican, joining the latter party in 1856. A devoted Christian, he was for fift}- years identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and was licensed as an exhorter, but did not devote much time to tlie ministry. He served as Class-leader and held other offices of trust connected witli the upbuilding of the church.

Born in Salt Creek Township, October 8, 1839, Samuel Parker received his education in the schools of that period and passed his youth in his father's house. In 1861, he was married to Miss Rebecca Karshner, who died in 1879. He was again married, in 1881, his bride being Miss Hattie Newhouse, a native of Salt Creek Township. Her parents, Isaac and Catherine (Bear) Newhouse, were born in Ohio, where the father followed farming pursuits. The mother died August 29, 1865, but the father survived until April 24, 1885.

During the late war, Mr. Parker proved his devotion to the l^nion by enlisting in its service as a member of Company K, One Hundred and Fiftyfifth Ohio Infantry, his enlistment being in the spring of 1864, for one hundred davs. He was sent to Martinsburgh, and through different parts of Virginia, serving as guard but not participating in any engagements. At the expiration of his term of service, he returned home and continued to engage in farming and stock-raising.

In his political belief, Mr. Parker is a firm adherent of the principles of the Prohibition part3', although he formerly affiliated with the Republi- cans. He served as Township Trustee tliree years, and has occupied other ofticial positions. In religion, he and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbj'terian Church, of which he is Trustee. He conducts farming operations on an extensive scale on the estate of two hundred and nine acres, of which one hundred and seventeen belong to his father. Through the exercise of industry and good judgment, Mr. Parker has attained to prosperity.

EVI ROWE, an old and honored resident ^ of Washington C. H.,is a member of a fam- /i'-^\\ ily that has been prominently connected with the rise and growth of Fayette County since the earl}' years of its settlement. He is a son of a former well-known citizen of this section, Jesse Rowe, Jr., who was called "Sugar Creek Rowe," the title "Junior" being dropped when another of the name was born.

The father of our subject was a son of Jesse Rowe, Sr., who came to tiiis State in 1809, from Albemarle County, Ya., and settled on Little Creek, Ross Count}', thus becoming one of its early pioneers. Four years later, he came to Fayette County, and located five hundred acres of land here. He was an exceedingly pious man, a strong Methodist - one of the first exhorters of that denomination in this region - and together with his wife was one of the founders of the first Methodist Church in the county, of which they, Lucy Preddy and Rev. John King and wife were the fiist members. The grandfather of our subject was married to Jane P. Ferris, in Albemarle County, Ya., and had a family of nine children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, viz.: Elizabeth, John, Mary, Jesse, Susan, Jane, William, Sarah, and James, who was a prominent Methodist minister in Alabama.

Jesse Rowe, Jr. (or Sugar Creek Jesse) was born in Albemarle County, Ya., in 1783, and died in the eighty-fourth year of his age. What education he had he acquired himself, as his school privileges in his native State were very meagre. He came to Ohio with his father in 1809, and helped him tolocntein Ross County. In 1811, he returned to Yirginia to claim his promised bride, Martha Sharp, of Louisa County, that State, a very handsome young lady, who had won his affections before he left for the West.

After his marriage, Mr. Rowe brought his young wife to Fayette County, and located on the land that his father had bought on Little Wabash Creek, in Greene Township. He remained there until 1824, when he proceeded further North and settled on another tract of land in this county, which comprised fifty acres in a wild condition. He worked hard at clearing it the ensuing two years, and then removed to Sugar Creek and took possession of two hundred acres of land along that stream, which he develoi)ed into a fine farm, and made it his home until death claimed him at a ripe age, October 25, 1867. He was a very successful farmer, and accumulated a valuable property, including a large quantity of land, and although he broke his leg early in life and could never plow, he was a great horseback rider. He was a leader in religious matters in his community, being an ardent Methodist, and his house was a stopping place for the old circuit-riders of his day. He was an old Jeffersonian Democrat, and took an active part in the affairs of his party. He was the father of four children: Elizabeth Ann; Mary C, who died in 1861, aged forty-five years; Levi, and Sandford, who died at the age of six years. The father and grandfather of our subject both had a ready wit, and always an answer for any one, and our subject tells this story in regard to his grandfather as illustrative of this trait: A family by the name of Newland, who had not a good reputation, lived in the neighborhood. One day Nicholas Newland went to Mr. Rowe to get him to give a bond for 1500 for him, saying to him: "Mr. Rowe, I am the very best of the Newlands." Mr. Rowe replied: "Bad is the best, Nicholas, bad is the best."

Levi Rowe, the subject of this biographical record, was born August 30, 1818, in the house that his father had built on Little Wabash Creek. He was given fair educational advantages, obtaining his first knowledge of books in the local district schools, then went to the schools of Washing- ton C. II., and completing- hi^ education at South Salem, and by a subsequent course in a select school. In 1841, he entered the profession of a teacher, for which he was admirably qualified, both b}' learning and bj^ a natural tact or skill in imparting knowledge. He carried the highest grade certificate in the count}", and taught all the branches required in the public or high schools. He was engaged at his vocation some fifteen years during the winter terms, and he also did quite a business as a practical surveyor.

When he was twenty-nine 3'ears old, our subject's father gave him a farm of one hundred acres, which he improved himself. September 30, 1849, he moved onto the place, and staid there a short time. In the fall of 1850, he took up his residence on a farm of one hundred acres adjoining his other farm, which he had purchased, and he remained on this last farm until 1874. In that year he came to AVashington C. H. to live, having built there a handsome and commodious residence, one of the finest in the city, on the corner of Washington Avenue and Elm Street, No. 505, and here he is very pleasantly spending his declining years. He is a man of independent views, of much true cidture, and is well informed. In politics, he was formerly a Democrat, but for the past few years he has voted without regard to party.

During the late war, Mr. Rowe enlisted in the army, but served onlv a short time, when he was discharged on account of deficiency in sight caused from taking cold by exposure while in camp near Cincinnati, Ohio. He has in his possession an honorable discharge. His habits are temperate, and he has never tasted tobacco, nor has he ever seen the inside of a saloon. For many years he was a conspicuous figure in public life, holding various important local offices. He was Assessor of Concord Township from 1845 until 1856, and then was elected Township Clerk, which position he held with entire satisfaction to all concerned, until he was obliged to give it up in 1867, on account of losing his sight from a cataract on one of his eyes. He is faithful to the religion so dear to his father and grandfather, is a conscientious and upright member of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, and gives liberally to its support.

Mr. Rowe was married September 9, 1849, to Eliza Ann David, in whom he has found a true companion and devoted wife. She is a daughter of AVilliam and Elizabeth David, who were pioneers of Ross County, Her venerable mother is living at the age of over ninet}' years. Her father was a carpenter, and contributed his share toward the advancement of Ross County. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have three children of their own and an adopted chihl, as follows: Oliver W. and Martha Elizabeth, who reside in Washington C. H.; Wesley- H., who is manager and editor of the daily He^-ald, in Huntingdon, W, Va.; and Rosa Arbella, the child of their adoption, who is married and lives in Los Angeles, Cal.

Since the preceding biographical sketch of the life of Levi Rowe was written, he has passed into that bourne whence no traveler returns, leaving a sorrowing wife and children to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father. He passed quietly away about 8 A. M., Tuesday, the 26th of July, 1892, aged seventh-three years, ten months and twent3'-six days. His death was unexpected, as he had been seen riding about the city two days before. An attack of cholera morbus, together with paralysis and the extreme heat, overpowered nature, and death came quickly. He was a large, portly, tine-looking man, very active, and appeared much 30unger than his 3'ears would indicate. He had a vein of good-humor and wit, and was full of life at all times, and on all occasions. His sufferings were great during Sunday and Monday, but he was never heard to murmur or complain, but was frequently noticed earnestly engaged in prayer, and maintained his cheerful disposition until he became unconscious. He has fought life's battle, and his familiar voice is now hushed forever. The funeral services took place at 4 o'clock, Thursday, July 28, 1892, from the residence, and were conducted by the Rev. Franklin McElfresh, pastor in charge of the Methodist Church, the church so dear to the departed. The Rev. Mr. McElfresh was assisted by the Rev. E. H. Dixon, an old family friend, of Washington C. IL, and the Rev, D. C. Thomas, a former pastor here, now of Delaware, Ohio; also Charles Vanpelt, of Leesburgh, Ohio, who has been a life-long friend of Mr. Rowe and family. The remains were then followed to their last resting place by a large number of sorrowing relatives and friends, there to sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, in the "windowless palace of rest."

*' IRAM COOK. In reviewing the leading |] business houses of Circleville, prominent mention is due the large establishment under the personal supervision and ownership of Mr. Cook. The book and stationery store with which his name has been identified for many 3'ears consists of a building 22x7.') feet in dimensions, and supplied with a complete stock of wall paper, glass, stationer}-, the latest news and periodicals, etc. In the basement, frame mouldings are manufactured, and considerable attention is also given to decorating. He furnishes the public library with periodicals, and is widely known as one of the most enterprising business men of Circleville.

March 7, 1835, Mr. Cook was born in Scliuylkill County, Pa., and many happy hours during his Ijoyhood days were passed on the banks of the beautiful river near his home, in whose clear waters he was accustomed to bathe and swim. He is the grandson of a German who emigrated from the Fatherland to Pennsylvania, where his father, George, was born. The latter engaged as a farmer, both in his native State and in Ross County, Ohio, whither he moved in 1846. He farmed ujion rented land for a short time, and afterward moved to the village of Adelphi, where he died in 1863, at the age of sixty-three years. He was an oldline Whig, politically, and in his religious views was identified with the Evangelical Church. His wife, who was known in maidenhood as Elizabeth Himrod, was born in the Keystone State, and died in Ross County in 1881.

The family circle was completed by the birth of six children, who lived to mature years, and five are now living, our subject being third in the order of birth. A brother, Amos, who now resides in Circleville, enlisted in 1864 as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and served for four months. Hiram Cook resided in Pennsylvania until he was eleven years old, and in 1846, moved to Ohio by canal, and on arriving at the Allegheny Mountains, the canal boats were put on trucks and drawn over the mountains by means of endless chains and stationary engines; thence by canal to Chillicothe, and from that village to his father's farm, where he assisted in tilling the soil. He remained at home until he was twenty-one, although for two years previous to that time he was engaged by David D. Faust, who was a cattle drover, in driving cattle over the mountains to New York. Each trip would require two months, and some of his experiences were of a most peculiar and thrilling nature.

At the age of twenty-one our subject formed a partnership with his brother in the carpenter's ti-ade, and coming to Circleville in 18;")9, engaged in contracting and building. At the first tap of the drum, ]ie enlisted in the Thirteenth Regiment, and organized a band, which was ordered to Camp Dennison, and was present at man}' important engagements, including Bridgeport and Chapel Hill. At the latter place the band was mustered out under order of the AVar Department to disband all regimental bands. About that time, Mr. Cook became very ill, and whenhe recovered, at the expiration of ten months, he enlisted as bugler in the Union Light Guard, Seventh Ohio Independent Cavahy, the date of his enlistment being December, 1863, and acted as escort to President Lincoln. Mr. Cook became personallj' acquainted with that famous man, and also enjoj'ed the friendship of many prominent citizens of Washington. When the President was assassinated, Mr. Cook with his bugle called the company to Ford's Theatre, which they reached within seven minutes after the call. The body guard escorted the remains to the White House, and were in the procession which followed them to the grave. Afterward, they continued to act as the body guard of President Johnson until they were mustered out in September, 186;").

At the close of the war Mr. Cook returned to Circleville, and for a few yeais followed the trade of a carpenter. In 1870, he moved to Columbus, where he embarked in the business as a sash, door and blind manufacturer, in partnership with P^red Wedon and John Shannon. In 1873, he returned to Circleville, where he bought out the newsstand of George R. Miller, in the post-ofTice. His trade increased to such an extent that he Avas compelled to remove to an adjoining store, which was more commodious, and there he transacted an extensive and lucrative business. He located at his present place in 1886, and has since been constantly enlarging his stock and increasing his trade. For a time he Avas in partnership with H. E. Miller, under the firm name of II. Cook c^^ Company, but since the fall of 1889 has been alone.

refinement, to whom he was married in 1870, at Circleville. She was Belle, daughter of Henrj- Long, formerly proprietor of the Union House, but now retired. She was first married to Capt. David Mitchell, a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, who died soon after the close of the War. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cook: Howard M. Mr. Cook is a prominent member of the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Circleville, the organization which built Memorial Hall. He is a charter member of Groce Post No. 156, G. A. R., and, as might be expected, is a true-blue Republican. Mrs. Cook is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is highly esteemed in the social circles of the citv.

, OBERT A. ROBINSON, Cashier of the People's and Drovers' Bank, in AVashington C. II., has been connected with this prominent financial institution since 1878, the year of its organization, prior to which time he had for ten years served efficiently as Cashier of the old First National Bank. In this city, where he was born and reared, and where his life has been thus far passed, he has always enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens, and has become well and favorably known as a man of the most unflinching integrity and probity of character, while he is also devoted to the welfare of the community.

The childhood home of our subject was on the southeast corner of Court and Main Streets, in Washington C. H., where he was born May 28, 1829. His father, Robert Robinson, was one of the pioneers of Southern Ohio and was in Fayette County at the time of the first sale of lots here, in 1809. When a young man, he had removed from his native place, Washington County, Pa., to Ross County, Ohio, and while a resident of that county participated in the War of 1812. Soon after its close, he removed to Washington C. H. and became one of the first members of the Bar in the village, of which he was a prominent citizen until his death, December 11, 1852. He was influential in getting the first railroad in the |)laee, being one of its incori)orator8, and taking an active part in raising the funds to build the old Muskingum A^alley Railroad.

Mr. Robinson, Sr., was three times married, his first wife being Rebecca Robinson; his second wife was Mary Miller, from Lancaster, Ohio. After her de^ith, he was iinited in marriage with Lucy Ann Dawson, who was born in Front Ro^'al, Xa., in June, 1828. They became the parents of seven children, of whom four still live, namely: our subject; Anna E., wife of Judge J. J. Harper, now of Washington C. H.; JMaria A., who married Judge George Gardner, of Hillsborough, Ohio; and James P., who has been Count}' Auditor for twenty years. The wife and mother survived her husband many years, passing away May 25, 1883.

Although he received a practical education in the subscription schools common in an early day, our subject has gained his education principally by experience and contact with people. He attended school three months each year until he was sixteen, after which he was engaged for a time in a woolen factory. Later, he became a clerk in a dry-goods establishment, where he remained until his marriage, March 19, 1850, to Miss Susan Holt. His next occupation was that of a drover and cattle dealer, and while thus engaged, it was his custom to drive cattle through to Philadelphia and New York. His longest drive was from Muscatine, Iowa, to Philadelphia, Pa., and consumed one hundred and ten days.

In 1860, Mr, Robinson became interested in the first bank ever organized in Washington C. H., and served as book-keeper and teller until January, 1867, when he was elected Cashier of the First National Bank. He has been with that bank and its successors, the People's and Drovers' Bank, ever since the date of organization. January 1, 1892, he rounded out a quarter-century as Cashier, and has been in the banking business nearly half a century. He is also a stockholder and Director in the People's and Drovers' Bank.

Mr. Robinson was one of the original organizers and Directors of the People's Building and Loan Association, a prosperous institution, with an incorporated capital of 11,000,000, and paying the last time four and one-half per cent, semi-annual dividend. He has always I)een liberal in helping any organization or railroad that would lie a benefit to the city. His real-estate interests are large and are principally centered in Washington C. H. Socially, he is an honored member of Fayette Lodge, Garfield Commandery, F. and A. M.

Mrs. Robinson is the daughter of William and P'Jizabeth Holt, old residents of Washington C. H., where she was born, her father being a member of the first City Council of Washington C. H, in 1851. They have one child, Frank H., who is one of the finest accountants in the count}- and is associated with his father in the bank. It has been said that every man has his hobby, and certainly if there is anything in which Mr. Robinson is more deeply interested and has done more to advance than any other citizen of Washington C. II., it is music. .Since he was fifteen 3ears old, he has had charge of the music of the city, and whatever musical talent has been developed here is due in a large measure to his efforts. Twice a week it is his custom to leave his business and visit the public schools in order to instruct and interest the children along the line of that art. He has also aided in the Sunday-school work, and in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member and Trustee. He is leader of the Music Club, which comprises the choir.

\|( AMES S. PANCAKE, a substantial and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser, residing in Range Township, Madison County, is a / native of the locality Avhich is still his home. He was born October 14, 1832. His father was born in Virginia, in 1789, came to Ohio in 1806, and served in the War of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. He was a pioneer farmer of Madison County, and here married Miss Jane Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to the county in 1812. They were both members of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Pancake assisted in building the first Midway church and aided in organizing the first class at a log schoolhouse, a mile south of Midway, of which he was the first Class-leader.

He also faithfully served as Trustee. Mr. Pancake was a self-made man, but b}' his own efforts w<m a competence. He came to this county at a day when the Indians were still plentiful and when deer were seen in large herds, and was numbered among its lionored pioneers. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat and w^as a man firm in his convictions of right and wrong. He was three times married. Four children of tiie first union grew to mature years and had families, and two are still living. By the third marriage, there were three children, but the eldest, Toland, died leaving one son, who bears his father's name and is now residing in the West. Our subject's sister, Mrs. Jane Johnson, resides in Kenton, Hardin County, Ohio, and has six children.

J. 8. Pancake remained on iiis father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he began clerking in Midway. After two years, he formed a partnership with J. Q. Wiushall, of London, and Samuel Withrow, and began business for himself. The connection continued for two years, after which Mr. Pancake established a store of his own and was alone in business for about two 3^ears. About this time, he was married to Miss Elaenor W. Foster, their union being celebrated January 23, 1856. The lady was born near Danville, Ohio, January 23, 1837, and was married on her eighteenth birthday. Her parents were James and INIargaret (Boyer) Foster. Her father owned about two thousand acres of land, and did not want our subject to follow merchandising, offering to give him a farm if he would abandon that occupation, wliich Mr. Pancake did. He resided upon his farm for twenty-eight years and it is still his [)ropertv. He has increased his landed possessions considerably since that time and now owns seven hundred and fortj'-one acres of valuable land.

Unlike most of his famil} , Mr. Pancake is a Republican, iiaving supported that party since he cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has served as President of the Board of Education for a number of years but has never been an officeseeker, preferring to devote his entire time to his business interests and the enjoyment of his home. At the age of twentj^-one, he became a member of the Methodist Church, to which all of his faniilj' belonged. He has been Class-leader and Steward for twenty-eight years and Recording Steward for twenty-seven 3ears, He was Sunday-school Superintendent for more tliaii twenty years, and his labors in relation to the church have been productive of much good.

Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Pancake were born tiiree sons and two daughters: Jesse, who was born on a farm in Range Township, June 15, 1860, attended school in London, and pursued a course in bookkeeping and banking in the Commercial College of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., from which he was graduated. He was then book-keei)er in the Central Bank of London for several years, after wliich he went to Kansas, and invested his capital in town propertv at Greensburgii. After three months spent at that ])lace, he became book-keeper and cashier for Sells Brothers, of Columbus, manufacturers and wholesale dealers in harness. Jennie, born in Range Township, May 2, 1864, is the wife of Dr. Edward Meade, of Midway, by whom she has one child. Ida Grace, born October 11, 1868, is the wife of Everett Beale, who resides near Mt. Sterling, and has one child. Earl Foster was born December 14, 1876, and Harford H. was born October 20, 1879.

Mr. Pancake has been very successful in his business dealings. By industry, enterprise and good management, he has acquired a handsome l)roperty and become well-to-do. In 1883, he erected an elegant residence upon his farm. His home is one of the best places in the communit3% the land has been tiled, the fields are under a high state of cultivation and fine buildings have been erected.

ONAH MARCHANT. So many men in these days of large chances have made more than handsome competencies, after having ^^ started out in life with nothing, that such cases have ceased to be remarkable. The qualifications necessary, however, to bring about such success can never cease to be w'orthy of our admiration. He whose name we place at the open- ing of this sketch is one of the army of pushing, aggressive men who are never satisfied unless they can attain tlie liighest i)osition that can he aimed for.

Our subject is a son of William IMarchant, deceased, who was born June 13, 1800, in Berkeley County, Va. I lis mother, vvlio bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Smith, was born in Berkeley Va., September 16, 1805. She was the daughter of Isaac Smith, an early settler in Ohio, who passed through all the hardships which fell to the lot of the early settlers. IMrs. Marchant remembers having heard him tell of a single-handed conflict which he had with an Indian wiio had tome to steal from him, the country at that time being infested with Indians.

AVilliam IMarchant was bound out when a lad to a man by the name of Bell, a resident of Greenfield, this State, to learn the trade of a blacksmith. After serving an apprenticeship of four years, he removed to Good Hope, where he carried on a shop on his own account. He was married, May 18, 1822, by Robert Waddle to the mother of our subject. The young couple then located on the old home farm in Periy Township, Fayette County, where, in addition to cultivating the soil, he prosecuted his trade. The father died in 1866; the mother still survives and makes her home on the old farm. Tlie^' were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living. In religious matters, they were identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. IMarchant was an official. He was veiy strict in his conduct throughout life, and in politics was a Whig in early life but later joined the ranks of the Republican party.

Tlie original of this sketch was the fifth child of the parental family, his birth occurring on the old homestead July 27, 1831. He was educated in the little log schoolhouse of that day, which was furnished with slab seats, puncheon floor, etc. He remained at home until reaching his majorit3' and when establishing a hearthstone of his own was married, December 28, 1854, to Maria A., daughter of Thomas G. Johnson. Mrs. Marchant Avas born November 11, 1838, in Fayette County, and passed from this life September 10, 1872, after haviny become the mother of eight children, all of whom, with one exception, are living. Thomas W. was l)orn Octolter 3, 1855; he married Victoria Dahl and makes his home in Washington C. H. They are the parents of one son. George W. was born September 12, 1857, and married Dora Klein by whom he became the father of two children; they are residing at the present time in South Dakota. Ileniy Curtis was born Januaiy 8, 1860, and resides in Kansas Cit}', ]Mo. Palmer C. was born August 20, 1862, married Ida Kleine, is the father of one child and lives in Marion, Iowa. INIarcus Sager was born February 18, 1865, and resides in Dayton, this State; he married IMiss Minnie Patten by whom he has one child. Ora Etta is the wife of Elmer Patton and is the father of two children; he was born Ma\' 1, 1867, and resides at Washington C. II. Maude ]Marie, who Avas born October 23, 1869, is at home.

Jonah IMarchant was again married, March 2It, 1876, this time to Martha A., daughter of Nathaniel P. and Maria (Heller) Sanders, the father born June 12, 1810, in Highland Count3% this State, and the mother IMarcli 27, 1806, in Virginia. The father of Mrs. Marchant was the son of Thomas Sanders, a strict Quaker. He was a well-educated gentleman and a practical surveyer. He also followed farming to some extent. Mr. Nathaniel Sanders died April 30, 1888, having been preceded to the better land by his good wife, who died August 27, 1876. Tlie}'^ were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are living. Mr. Sanders by a previous marriage had become the parent of two children, both of Avhom are living.

Mrs. Marchant was born June 3, 1838, in Highland Count}', this State, where she received a good education in the common schools. Mr. Maichant has lived on his present farm since 1855, and he has placed it under excellent improvement. It comprises two hundred and twelve and a-half acres, one hundred and Mty of which are under the plow. The eldest son of our subject, T. W., is following the profession of law, practicing at Washington C. H. Vj. C. Marchant, another son of our subject, has been County Surveyor of Hutchison County, Dak.

wife is identified with the Friends. He has been School Director in his district, and in his political affiliations is a Republican. He has been incumbent of the otlice of Trustee of Greene Township for one term, Township Treasurer two tei-ms, and Supervisor. During the Civil War, he was one of the "Squirrel Hunters" who went to Cincinnati under Capt. James Burton. He also participated in the Morgan raid, under Capt. James Dowden.

"^Ip^DWARD M. BOGGESS, iAI. D. Prominent 1^ among the younger physicians and surgeons ;3_Z-i' of Washington C. H. stands the gentleman w^ho is the subject of this sketch, and who has been engaged in i)ractice in this citj- since June 1, 18'J0. Alread}" he has gained an established practice and is one of the rising young practitioners of Ohio, of whose future the most flattering predictions may be confidently made.

Born near Buford, Highland County, Ohio, January 12, 1863, and the son of Andrew M. and Mary (Roberts) Boggess, our subject spent his childhood in a somewhat uneventful manner upon his father's farm. Realizing that the acquirement of a good education was to unlock the door to success, he resolved to take advantage of every oi)portunity afforded him to gain a large fund of knowledge, and therefore, after completing the common-school studies, he entered tlie Hillsboro High School, and from there proceeded to the Lebanon Normal School. To state that he employed his time tirelessly in his studies, is but to sa^^ what actually occurred.

His studies completed, our subject returned to his father's farm, but shortly afterward commenced to read medicine with Dr. J. W. Mathews, of Buford. Later, he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated in 1887, with a thorough theoretical knowledge of therapeutics. The young physician located first at Sugar Tree Ridge, Highland Count}', where he remained three years, meanwiiile building up a lucrative and extensive practice. He then removed to Washington C. H., in order to secure a broader field for practice as well as a more congenial place for a home. He is desirous of making surgery a specialty, and finds better opportunities in this city than at his former location for gaining a thorough experimental knowledge of the profession. He holds membership in the Highland Count}' Medical Association, as well as in the INIedical Institute of Fayette County. In his social connections, he is a Kniglit of Pj'thias.

Dr. Boggess occupies for his office a nicelyetpiipped suite of rooms on the corner of Fa\'ette and Court Streets. His residence is conveniently located on North F'ayette Street, and is presided over by his accomi)lished wife, formerly ]Miss Ada Peddicord, of Highland County, who was united in marriage Avith him June 30, 1887. They are the parents of one son, IJaldor M. Since locating in Washington C. H., Dr. Boggess has, by his kind treatment of all, won hosts of friends, who one and all wish him a continuance of his prosperity in the future.

^^^ COTT BEATTY, a resident of Perry Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, is a native V citizen of Marion Township, Fayette Count}", having had his birth September 9, 1850' The father bears the name of I. N. Beatty, and is one of the most prosperous farmers and stockraisers in Pickaway Count}-. A sketch of the father will be found elsewhere in this book. The mother was known in her maidenhood by the name of Margaret Hidy, and, with her husband, was a native of Ohio.

Our subject received the advantages of a common-school education, supplemented by a course of two years at the Southwestern Normal at Lebanon, Ohio. At the age of twenty-one years, he commenced in active life for himself, taking u[) farming and stock-raising on the same farm he now occupies and which occupation he still carries on successfully.

Decker, a native of Switzerland. The father came to this country at an early age and engaged in the business of harness-making, whicli vocation he has ever since continued. He married, in 1850, Catherine Tinimons, a native of Ohio, and by this union two children have been born, Mar^', the wife of our subject, being the elder. ,7. B. is now living in Fayette Count}-. One child has come to bless the home and fireside of our subject and his estimable wife, to whom they have given the name of Maggie Alma, who was born July 3, 1876.

Our subject is a stanch Republican in his political views, and, in his religious belief, is a Universalist. He is a member of F. tt A. M. Lodge No. 392, at New Holland, and also belongs to the John A. Logan Lodge, K. of P., and has belonged to the School Board, and been President of the same for years. His fine farm consists of two hundred and forty broad and fertile acres of finely improved land and is located three and onehalf miles from New Holland. On this place he carries on general farming, and is an extensive dealer in stock, having some of the best in the township. He is a man who is well liked by every one who meets him, and is a whole-souled and genial man, who has hosts of friends and acquaintances.

)ff AMES McCOLLISTER. The family of which this gentleman is an honored and able representative was among the earliest settlers of the Buckeye State, coming hither when dense forests occupied the present site of prosperous villages and fertile farms. Since that early day, the various members of the family have contributed to the development of the State, and especially of Pickaway County, clearing the land of its forest growth, tilling the soil in which the}' turned the first furrows, and erecting buildings adapted to farming purposes.

16, 1778, removed from INIaryland to Ohio in pioneer times and settled first in Ross County, whence he removed to Pickaway County and followed farming pursuits. His death occurred A[)ril 21, 1844, while a resident of Jackson Township. His wife, Margaret McCollister, Avas born June 1, 1783, and died July 24, 1852. The father of our subject. Nelson McCollister, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was one of a large family and was born in Ross County, November 6, 1809. He grew to manhood upon a farm and engaged as an agriculturist all his life. His farm was in Wayne Township, where he owned and operated a fine estate. During the early days, he was Captain of a Company of State militia, and served as Trustee of the township of Wayne for about ten years. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years prior to his decease, which occurred October 15, 1888. A man of broad information and culture, he stood high in the estimation of his neighbors.

The mother of our subject was Elizabeth, daughter of James Thompson, a native of A'irginia, who came to Ohio very early in the history of this State, married here and reared a family of children. Mrs. Elizabeth McCollister, who was born December 2G, 1817, is still living and makes her home with her son James. Religiously, she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is the mother of five children, four daughters and one son, namel}': Margaret, wife of James E. Elliott, of Ottawa, Kan.; Sarah, Mrs. E, L. Hall, who lives near our subject; .Tames, of this sketch; Mary E., wife of Joseph Hall, a resident of Wayne Township; and one that died in infancy.

Since his parents settled on the liomestead in Wayne Township, it has been the residence of our subject. Hither in 1888 he brought his bride, Mary E., daughter of John S. and Elizabeth (Owens) Neff, and a native of Jackson To wm ship. Her mother died when she was only about fourteen years old, and her father is now a farmer in .Tackson Township. Mr. and Mrs. McCollister lived together in happiness until separated by the death of the wife, which occurred January 5, 1892. She was sincerely mourned in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she was a faithful member; in the circle of warm personal friends, whom she had gathered around her, and especially in her home by the bereaved husband and orphaned boy. Two children had blessed the union: John Nelson, born August 11, 1889, and James Leroy, born July 15, 1891, who died in infancy.

In his political preference, Mr. McCollister has always been a strong temperance advocate and is now a Prohibitionist. His farm consists of eightyeight acres of well-improved land, and he is also the half owner of eleven hundred and sixt}^ acres in White County, Ind. In connection with general farming, he is interested in stock-raising, in which he has met with success.

illOMAS J. HOUSTON. One of the many fine farms in Madison County is located in ^^^' Summerford Township, and comprises two hundred acres of land, the most of which is under excellent cultivation. Our subject has placed on his estate various substantial buildings, supplied it with an adequate amount of machinery, and gradually' developed the land until it may justly be I'anked among the finest homesteads in the township. Mr. Houston has further improved his land by erecting thereon a nice brick residence, which is presided over by his amiable wife.

John M. and Maria E. (Cartmell) Iloustcm were natives respectively of Kentucky and Clarke County', this State, and after their mai-riage resided in the above-named place until 1837, when they came to Summerford Township, and there made their home for forty years. They then removed to London, where the}^ were residing at the time of their death, the father passing away in February, 1879, and the mother December 25, 1890. INIr. Houston was actively engaged in farming until his removal to London, where he was ranked among the best citizens.

Thomas J. Houston was the fourth child in the parental family of ten. He is a native of this township, his birth occurring April 24, 1842. He was reared on his home farm and received limited school advantages in his neighborhood. November 9, 1875, he was married to Miss Kate Locke, daughter of John B. and Lovisa (Morris) Lauck, whose biography the reader will find elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Houston was the eldest but one in their family of six children and was born in this township, August 2, 1849.

Soon after his marriage, he of whom we write located in London, where he conducted a grocery business for about two years. At the end of that time, selling out, he returned to this township, and for three years operated the old home farm. Again returning to Loudon, he carried on a thriving hardware trade for nearly twelve years, since which time he has made his home on his splendid estate of two hundred acres. Mr. and Mrs. Houston have a family of four children, viz.: Eva, Ora, .John L. and Elden B. Ora departed this life when young.

Mr. Houston has taken quite an active part in political affairs, being a stanch member of the Republican party. He is one of the enterprising and wide-awake farmers of this locality and has been prominently identified with the upbuilding of Madison Count}-, Ohio.

ILDINE SNYDER is an old and honored resident of Pickaway County, who for many years has been i)rosperously engaged in farming in Walnut Township, owning one of its well improved farms, pleasantly located on section 25. He is a native of Northampton County, Pa., born April 7, 1828. His parents were Daniel and Catherine (Solt) Snyder, who were of Pennsylvanian birth and of German extraction. Pearly in the '30s, the^' migrated to Ohio with their children and with his brother's family, making the journey with team and wagon, camping wherever night overtook them, and were several weeks on the way. They first located in Fairfield County, but subsequently came to Pickaway County and were among the early settlers of Walnut Township. A short time thereafter, the father's career as a useful pioneer was terminated

The subject of this biography was reared to manhood under pioneer influences, receiving his education in the primitive schools of the time, and early learning to do all kinds of farm work. At the age of nineteen, he began life as a farm hand in the employ of others, his wages ranging from $7 to llO and $12, and even $16 a mouth, and in that manner he obtained capital to start for himself, after being thus engaged for several years. He is a self-made man, and by the aid of his wife, who has been a true helpmate and a wise counselor, he has built up a home replete with comfort, and has improved one of the best farms of the township. It comprises three hundred and twent3'-two acres of choice land, which is well tilled, and is provided with a good set of buildings, his barn being one of the finest built in this section. Mr. Snyder is well known for his strict honesty and unswerving integrity- of thought and act, and he and his wife enjoy a high reputation for their unbounded hospitality and charitable spirit. They have witnessed the many ciianges that have been wrought in this township and they have played well their part in its material and social development. He has served as School Director and has never neglected an opportunity to do all in his power to promote the progress of the community. He and his wife are sincere Christians, and his religious relations are with the Lutheran Church, of which ho is a member, while she belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Snyder entered upon their wedded life November 20, 18.56, and it has been blessed to them b}' the birth of nine children, namely: Sarah F., wife of Daniel Stein; Mary C, wife of William May; Louisa J., wife of Lyman Reigle; Emma J., wife of John May; Clara B., wife of William Hall; Flora E., a student at the Normal School at Ada; Edson .J., also attending school at Ada; Ada F., and an infant who died unnamed.

of Daniel and Mary (Peters) Walters. Her father was a Pennsylvanian, while her mother was a native of Maryland, and was of (icrmnn descent. Her paternal grandparents were early settlers of Fairfield County, having located there when her father was eight years old. Mrs. Sn>'der is one of eleven children, of whom these six are living, .Tohn, Samuel, Festus, Caroline (Mrs. Reuben Murray), .Iosei)hine (Mrs. Thomas Oritfin) and Mrs. Snyder.

OSEPH M. HOWELL, M. D., Secretary of the Board of Pension Examiners and a leading physician and surgeon of Washington C. H., was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, March 17, 1863, the son of Joseph O. and Jane (Miller) Howell. His youth was passed upon his father's farm, and, like so many who have since attained to usefulness and conspicuous i)Ositions in the professions, he engaged in tilling the soil during his bo3iiood. He was a studious child, possessing unusual mental acuteness and keen perceptive qualities. Facts gleaned from his textbooks were stored in his mind, until he had accumulated a large fund of knowledge from which to draw as occasion suggested.

His course of stud}^ completed in the common schools of the neighborhood, our subject, ambitious to excel and desirous of increasing his knowledge, entered the Ohio University at Ada, where lie completed his literary studies. On starting out for himself, he taught for three winters in a select school in his native county, and employed his leisure time in reading medicine with Dr. H. L., Mann, of Wapakoneta, for one year, and with Prof. R. W. Thrift, of Lima, for about the same length of time. He took courses of medical lectures at the Starling Medical College, in Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated March 4, 1885.

Opening an office in Corning, Periy County, Ohio, the young Doctor soon established a good countiy practice, but feeling that his interests would be better subserved in another and larger city, he went on a tour of inspection through the West and Southwest, traveling some eight thousand miles, but returning better satisfied with the Buckeye State than ever before. In 1888, he located at Lumberton, Clinton County, from which place he removed to Washington C. H. in 1890. Although his residence in this city has extended over a comparatively brief period, he already is deei»ly engrossed in professional labors and has little time for social enjoyments and recreations. During the administration of President Harrison, he was appointed a member of the Board of Pension Examiners, through the influence of his intimate friend. Col. Doane, Member of Congress for this district, and soon after the appointment, January 11, 1891, was elected Secretary of the Board. In the enjoyment of the society of his wife and children, the Doctor finds one of his greatest pleasures. He was married April 10, 1884, to Miss Eva, daughter of Dr. J. M. Flood, of Springfield, Ohio, and they are the parents of two bright and intelligent children, Lorena and Fred. Dr. and Mrs. Howell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and sincere Christians, ever endeavoring to make the world better for their presence in it. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is identified with both the Fayette and Green County Medical Societies, and also the State Medical Society.

Wl OSEPII P. MILLER. Among the esteemed and representative citizens of Walnut Township, there arc none more worthy of a place in this record than the subject of this sketch and his good wife. He is a native of this part of Pickaway County, born September 10, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Mary (Scothorn) Miller, honored pioneers of this county, who were natives respectively of Berks County, Pa., and of Greenbrier County, Va.

When a young n an, Peter Miller emigrated to this county with his parents and other members of the family, coming with team and wagons, and settling on section 3, Walnut Township, taking up their abode in the woods, and being among the first pioneers to venture into these parts. They had to endure many hardships in their frontier life and to deny themselves of many comforts. Their somewhat limited fare was reinforced by wild game, as deer and other animals were them plentiful here. Peter Miller did good service as a soldier in the War of 1812. He was a man of a great deal of character, whose counsel was often sought, and he rose to prominence in his adopted county. For twenty-one years, he was Justice of the Peace, and so well did he administer the laws that in all the many cases tried before him there was never an appeal made to a higher court, the litigants aj)- pearing before him having the highest confidence in his honesty and fair spirit. He married nearly a hundred couples while acting as Justice, he being a favorite with the young people, who often came a distance of many miles on horseback, accompanied by their friends, to have him tie the nuptial knot. He served as County Commissioner several terras in an earl}^ day, and was otherwise active in public life. He was a Whig in politics, and voted for Gen. William Henry Harrison. He was an exceedingly charitable man, and while not a church member, contributed libei'ally to churches, and used his influence to promote morality and elevate the social status of the communit3^ He was thrown from a horse and killed in 1849, and was greatly lamented by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. His name is still cherished for his valuable services as a pioneer of the county.

Five of the eight children born to the parents of our subject are living: Elizabeth, wife of Enoch Hines; Stephen; Mary A., wife of Adam Klar; William H. and Joseph P. He of whom this sketch is principally written was reared to man's estate under pioneer influences, and has done his share of pioneer labor. His education was conducted in the earl}' district schools of Walnut Township, which did not offer the advantages afforded to the 3'outh of to-day, but by reading and observation our subject has become well informed and is posted on current topics. When the war was raging the fiercest, he deemed it his duty to leave his family, to place his interests in the hands of his watchful wife, and go forth from his beloved home to do what he could for the honor of the old flag, for which his father had nobly fought when it was assailed bj^ foreign foes in the early part of the centur_y. Accordingly, he identified himself with the Home Guards, becoming a member of Company C, One Hundred and Fiftyfifth Regiment, which was attached to the Army of the Potomac. He was placed on guard at Norfolk, Va., and acted in that capacity subsequently at City Point and White House Landing, and also at Martinsburg, Va. He was honorably discharged August 27, 1864, at the expiration of his term of enlistment of one hundred days. His army life is commemorated by his connection with Parson Post No. 670, G. A. R., at Nebraska, of which he is one of the leading members. He has served the post as Sergeant, and is now Chaplain thereof. He is a credit to the citizenship of his native county in every way, and is deeply concerned in all that pertains to its well being. He has assisted in the management of the locnl schools as Director, and in him the Republican party finds an intelligent supporter. Mr. Miller returned to his home in Madison Township after he left the arm}', and found that his capable wife had kept his farm in good order, keeping it up to the same high state of cultivation that it had reached under his fostering care. He still retains that farm, which comprises one hundred and twent3^-two acres of wellimproved land, but after living on it a quarter of a centur}' he removed with his family to his present pleasant place of residence on section 16, in his native township.

Mr. Miller was married, October 1, 1854, to Miss Mahala Culp, also a native of Walnut Township. Mrs. Miller was born June 7, 1835, and is a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Spangler) Culp. Her parents came to Pickaway County in the early da3'S of its settlement, and for a time lived in Salt Creek Township. They then came to Walnut Township, and resided here for years, the father d3'ing in 1872, and the mother in 1864. He was one of the early auctioneers of AYalnut Township. In politics, he was a Democrat. Both he and his wife were valued members of the Lutheran Church. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom these six are living: Amos; Harriet, wife of George

Cromley; Cynthia, widow of .John Zaayer; Naomi, widow of Monroe Bradley; Lorain, wife of Benjamin Brobst; and Mrs. Miller. Our subject and his wife have been blessed with two children: Sarah A., deceased, and Henry E.

living at Bloomingburgh, has been a resident of Fayette Covuity for nearly seventy 3^ears, ^^ and is one of its oldest and most venerated citizens, who is deserving of honor as a pioneer, in that he has reclaimed a goodl3' farm from the wilderness that prevailed when he came here as a h^y. A native of Ohio, our subject was born Februarv 3, 1810, in one of the earliest pioneer homes of Ross County, that was situated five miles from Chillicothe. His father, whose given name was William, and who was a Pennsylvanian by birth, came to this State in 1796, in Territorial days, and purchased Government land, which he developed into the farm just mentioned as the birthplace of his son, and on that he spent his remaining years, diligently engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in attending to the duties of his office as Justice of the Peace, in which capacit}" he served many years in Ross Count3'. He was a man of firm religious convictions, and the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member, found in him one of its mainstays. In politics, he was a Whig. He was of sterling Irish ancestry, both of his parents having been born in Ireland. He was twice married; the maiden name of his second wife, the mother our subject, was Sarah Con well, and she was a native of Penn- S3'lvania. Her parents also came from Ireland. She lived to be sevent3'-five years old. Of her eight children, all grew to maturity but one, who was drowned when young.

He of whom this biograph3' is principally written is the sixth child and third son of his parents. In 1824, he came to Fayette Count}^ with his mother, with whom he made his home until her death. He always devoted himself to farming, from the time he was old enough to handle a hoe and spade, until he retired witli a competency to spend his last years in comfort, free from the cares and labors that beset him earlier in his career. He remained on the same farm in Paint Township man}' years, and in the meantime placed his one hundred and thirty-six acres under good tillage, and erected a substantial set of buildings, including a comfortable, well-built house, good barns, etc. In 1875, he sold his farm at a good profit, and removed to his present place of residence in the pretty village of Bloom ingburgh, abandoning his business as a general farmer. Mr. Robinson is a man of unimpeachable rectitude of character, and the record of his long life is such as to command tiie fullest approbation and confidence of his fellow-men. He was active in public life for many 3'ears as Supervisor of Paint Township, and the Repul)licau party has always found in him a steadfast adiierent, while the Presbyterian Church numl)ers him among its most valued members.

Our subject has been blessed with a good wife, whose fidelity and constant helpfulness have been of important service to him. Mrs. Robinson, who bore the maiden name of Eliza A. Stitt, was born in Orange County, N. Y., Januar}- 24, 1811, a daughter of Luke and Jane (Young) Stitt. She was married to our subject, June 19, 1834, and for fifty-eight ^-ears thej' have shared life's joys and sorrows. They have never had any children but those of adoption, whom they have reared as tenderly as if they were their own.

>ipx,OAH O. DAVENPORT is another of the I jj man}' prominent citizens of Pickawa}^ /1\^^ County, Ohio, who was born in the Buckej^e State, and is one of the popular lumbermen of Circleville, that State. The "Davenport Lumber Yard" has, for many 3ears, been universally known in this city and count}' for fair dealing, reliability, and the variety and size of its stock of all kinds- of lumber that enter into the construction of buildings, fences, bridges, etc. The business was established in 1840 by the late Mr. George Davenport, who, until his decease last yeai'.

conducted it in a manner that gave it a reputation for reliability and enterprise, and won for it the confidence of the public. Since the decease of its founder, his son, Mr. N. G. Davenport, who has been associated with the business for eighteen years, purchased the interest of his father's estate, and has conducted the affairs of the enterprise. Mr. Davenport has taken hold of the affairs of this old and reliable business with push and energ}', is a man of excellent business acumen, and has met with well-deserved success. He has now in stock, a large variety of moulded front doors, verandas, porches, window and door screens, outside and inside blinds, mouldings, frames, casings, porch colums, and all the essentials for the construction of a house. He has a very large stock, with prices of the lowest, and that his efforts have resulted already in augmenting the business is evident from the fact that he has this spring secured contracts, in competition with home and foreign dealers, for furnishing material for some of the largest buildingjobs let this season, among which are thirteen cars of lumber for the Crites Brothers' Flouring Mill, now in process of construction.

The father of our subject, George Davenport, was born in Staffordshire, England, on the od of June, 1817, and his father, .Samuel Davenport, was also a native of that country, and was employed in her Majesty's service as Queen's Surveyor. The latter was a man of education, and one universally respected. He brought his family to Utica, N. Y., in 1832, was seventy days in making the voyage, and, after a short residence there, he came to Pickaway County, Ohio, locating on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Walnut Township, where he cultivated the soil until his death, when fifty years of age. He w\as a member of the Episcopal Church. The father of our subject w\as but fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to America and settled with them on the farm in Pickaway Ctunty, Walnut Township. After reaching mature years, he bought a farm of three hundred acres in Pickaway Township, but later located in Circleville, and was superintendent for his brother-in-law, James S. AVilkes, at his warehouse and in the lumber business, until the death of INIr. Wilkes. In 18.58. Mr. Davenport bought the lunibei--3aids in Cireleville, and continned to carry on this business in a very successful manner until his death on the 14th of November, 1890. In politics, he affiliated with the Republican part}^, and was on the City Council for some time. He was a member of the Board of Education, and socially, was a member of Columbia TiOdge No. 32, I. O. O. F. He was a successful lumber merchant for years, was known all over the county and vicinitj^, and was highly esteemed, both in business and social circles. He married jNIiss Margaret A. Lee, a native of Cireleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, and the daughter of Lloj^d Lee, who was one of the pioneer settlers here. Mr. Lee was a native of Baltimore, INId., but came to Ohio at an early date. Mrs. Davenport was the third in order of birth of four daughters, and was reared and educated in Cireleville. She now resides on the old home place, at the corner of Scioto aud AValnut Streets. The four children born to this worthy couple were named as follows: Ella, Mrs. George Krats, of Akron, Ohio; Noah G. (our subject); Lizzie, widow of Bud Ensworth, resides in Cireleville, and is register clerk at the Postofflce; and George A.

Our subject was born in Cireleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, on the 22d of October, 1857, and was reared and educated in the High School. In 1873, he entered the State University at Columbus, and attended about eighteen months. Two years later, he became associated with his father as manager of the yards, and continued in that capacity until the hitter's death. On the 9th of December, 1890, he became sole owner of the yards, the dimensions of which are 500x200 feet. The yard is on the Scioto Valley Railroad and also the Ohio Canal. Mr. Davenport handles all kinds of lumber and building material, has increased his yards and stock, and is doing a flourishing business. Me attends strictly to his lumber business, is a thorough-going, persevering and enterprising man, and is well deserving the measure of success which he has attained. He erected a fine residence at the corner of Washington and Mound Streets in 1888, and there he resides at the present time. Mr. Davenport was married in Upper Sandusky on the 22d of March, 1883, to iNIiss Belle Maxwell, a native of Upper Sandusky, and the daughter of J. A. Maxwell, who was engaged as a dry-goods meichant there. Mr. and Mrs. Davenport are the parents of one child: INIartha Lee. Our subject has been a member of the Board of Equalization for six years, and is the only Republican on the Board. He has shown his appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, Mystic Circle, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics, he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In the spring of 1892, he was elected a member of the City Council, from the Second Ward, with a majority of forty-five, having a majority of one hundred and forty-five to overcome, and has been a delegate to county and State conventions.

gratifying to the observant biographer to record for the perusal of future generations events of interest in tiie life of a gentleman who has met with success in the prosecution of his profession. In the best sense of the word. Dr. Page is successful, having gained the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends, as well as an enviable reputation as a dentist. Since 1887, he has followed his profession in Washington C. H., where he is busily engaged in attending to the demands of his extensive practice.

Born in Clermont County, Ohio, June 19, 1855, our subject is the son of Thomas Page, likewise a native of Clermont Count}' and an attorney by profession. His mother, Mary (Dennis) Page, is a sister of Dr. John F. Dennis, a prominent citizen of Washington C. H. Charles E. gained the rudiments of his education in the common schools of his native place and completed his schooling in Clermont Academy. After officiating in the capacity of a teacher for a time in Fayette County, he entered the office of Dr. Dennis, his uncle, with whom he commenced the study of dentistiy. Later, he entered the dental department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

With a large fund of information on the various questions arising in the professsion to which he iiad determined to devote his life, and with a worthy ambition to excel, the young Doctor opened an office in Frankfort, Ross County, Ohio, where he practiced for six years. The village was small, and realizing the benefit to be derived from a larger field of work, he resolved to remove to Washington C. H. Here he opened an office in a central location and, devoting himself to his profession with the same assiduity which ever characterized his labors, he soon gained an honorable place among his fellow-citizens, and an established reputation as a reliable dentist.

Tlie popular lady who presides over Dr. Page's home was formerly Miss Lizzie Irwin, and became tlie wife of the Doctor June 25, 1886, at Frankfort, Ohio. Her father, Thomas Irwin, was a resident of that village, where her entire life was spent prior to her marriage. She was a widow at tlie time of her union with the Doctor, her first liusband having been John Anderson. The religious home of Dr. and Mrs. Page is in the Presbyterian Church, and they are active workers in religious and benevolent circles. lie is looked upon as a man who encourages all worthy enterprises and gives his substantial support to whatever tends to the general welfare. Commencing life with little capital, he has already, through habits of industry combined with excellent judgment, accumulated a liandsome com])etence and has a pleasant home, in whicli are found all the comforts of life.

ILLIAIVI IT. THOMAS. It may well be the pride of our subject that he has reclaimed a fruitful tract of land from its natural condition, transforming it into a finely improved and highl}' cultivated farm, one of the best in Monroe Township, and in so doing has materially aided in perfecting the development of the rich agricultural resources of Pickaway, his native count}'. He was born in Monroe Township, May 15, 1835, in the pioneer home of Jackson and

Our subject was educated in the local district school, which in his early days was taught on the subscription plan. It was held in an old log house, that was rudely furnished with slab benches, and was a mile and a half from his home, the way to it lying through the forest, wherein his father Ijlazed the trees to mark the path. His school privileges were limited to three months' attendance in the winter, as his services were required on the farm at other seasons of the year. He was twelve years old when his father died, and at the age of nineteen, he began farming the home place, and carried it on until his marriage, when he located on the farm that he has since occupied in Monroe Township. The log house that stood on the place, and in which he and his bride commenced their wedded life, was burned the same 3'ear, and he built a commodious hewn-log house that is still standing.

In 1876, Mr. Thomas erected a commodious frame residence, a view of which is elsewhere shown. He has also built a good barn and other substantial buildings, and in the thirt>- and more 3^ears that he has had possession of his farm, which comprises two hundred and seventy-eight acres of soil of surpassing fertility, he has wrought a wondrous change b}' the power of persistent and skillful labor, and that which was once a wilderness is now one of the besttilled farms in the township, every acre being under cultivation. It was originall}^ swamp}^, but is now tiled in every direction, and is well drained. He devotes it to mixed farming, and the corn that he raises he feeds to his stock. He fat '.ens a good many cattle, selling a car-load every year, and also raises about a hundred hogs a 3'ear, making much of his money from the sale of his swine. A liberalminded, level-headed man, endowed with those traits of character that win confidence, he has not only done well in the management of his own private affairs, but has made a good public oflrtcial ;is Trustee of the township, which position he has held two 3'ears. His politics are of the Democratic order.

liave reared four children to honorable and useful lives. Their son, Edgar A., is at home; Nathan E. is Deput}' Treasurer of Pickaway* County; Agnes is the wife of Job Carpenter, a farmer residing in Darbyville; Ida M. is the wife of Cliarles vSchram, of New York. Mrs. Thomas was born in PerrA' Township, October 28, 1834, a daughter of 'Nathan Dick, an earl}' settler of the count}', and an extensive farmer of Perry Township in his day. IShe was a fine woman, and in her the Methodist Church had one of its most faitliful working members until her decease, wliich occurred on the 29tliof January, 1880.

^ OIIN J. WALTERS. This prominent farmer residing on section 11, Circleville Township, Pickaway County, was born in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, this State, August 28, 1833. He is the son of Daniel Walters, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio when eight 3'ears of age with his parents. His fatlier, George Walters, was also a native of the Keystone State, and on coming hither, settled in Fairfield County, clearing a farm in Amanda Township, wliere he continued to reside until his death.

The father of our subject was one in a family of six children, all of whom are deceased. He was reared on his father's farm and continued to live thereon until his death, in the latter part of the '50s, firm in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Peters. She passed from this life August 24, 1887, when in her eighty-first year. She liad been a member of the Metliodist p]piscopal Church for many years previous to her decease.

He of whom we write was the eldest in the parental famil}' of eleven children, six of whom are living. He was only permitted to attend school six months in his life, but fully appreciating the value of a knowledge of books, he studied at home and is thus self-made in all that that term implies. The schools of that early period wei-e carried on on the subscription plan and bore but little semblance to the schools of the pi*esent da}'. The original of this sketch was aliout twentv-one

3'ears of age on the death of his father, and thus remained at home and cared for his mother until reaching his thirty-first year. In 18G5, he located on a tract of land which he had purchased some time previously, and in 1880 moved to Circleville Township, where he became the owner of two hundred and forty-four acres of productive land, which was known as the old Stout P'arm.

March 5, 1860, Mary J. Dresbach, who was born in Pickaway Township, became the wife of our subject. Mrs. Walters was the daughter of Manuel Dresbach, a native of Fairfield County. Her mother was Mar}^ Rice, daughter of James E. and Jane Rice, early settlers in this county. Mrs. Walters was the eldest of their five children, her birth occurring January 4, 1847. Five children have been born to our subject and his estimable wife: Ida J., who was born November 2i^, 1865, is now deceased; Maggie, born May 19, 1867, is the wife of Edward Valentine and resides in Washington Township; Mazie was born August 29, 1869, and is the wife of Israel ^'alentine, a farmer of Washington Township; Mmie is deceased; John E. was born May 4, 1885.

In politics, Mr. Walters is a Republican and is wai'mly interested in all local aflfairs. He is the possessor of one hundred and thirteeii acres of land in Walnut Township, one hundred and six acres in P'airfield County and two hundred and forty-four acres in the home farm. He carries on general farming, in addition to which he raises the best breeds of cattle and horses. He started out in life with limited means and now ranks among the largest landholders of the count}-. He IS a typical American, having risen to his present station in life through his own exertions, and is now living in the enjoyment of the results of his early industry. A view of his pleasant home is presented on another page.

Samuel Peters, tlie maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Maryland, emigrating to Ohio in 1812 with a family of ten children and just that number of dollars in his pocket. One wagon held all their household effects on the journey hither, the trip being made overland, and they settled at once in Fairfield Count}'. The country round about in that earlv dav was covered with a

Manuel Dresbach, the father of Mrs. Walters, was born March t), 1820. lie fell a victim to one of those terrible crimes of violence which grew out of the Rebellion. In 1863, when residing in Amanda Township, Fairfield County, drafting of men for the army by the National Government was begun. In his neighborhood men were mustering in order to prevent being forced to do so. Partisan feeling ran high and violence was threatened in man}' instances. Mr. Dresbach l)eing a strong Unionist, was not one of those who feared to speak his sentiments, and on several occasions told various individuals they had no riglvt to resist the orders of the Government. It was feared by many of his friends that he would meet with violence, but they made no mention of their fear to him.

One day, while threshing upon his farm, Mr. Dresbach went to the house in order to make arrangements for the dinner of the men in his employ-. On his way, he met a man who had worked for him for several years and with whom he was on the l)est of terms, so far as he knew. The man held a rifle, and with scarcely a word of warning, raised it to his shoulder and fired. The ball took effect in the breast of Mr. Dresbach, but he did not fall. The assassin then drew a revolver to finish the bloody deed l»ut was driven away by the threshers, who pursued him with pitchforks, their only weapon at hand. Mr. Dresbach died in a few hours and his murderer narrowly escaped the gallows, but was sent to the penitentiary for life. No cause was even shown for the crime other than that Mr. Dresbach had been distasteful to some of the peoi)le in his neighborhood in regard to politics. It trans])ired in the trial that tlie man some years previously had committed a murder in Virginia.