Madison Township (part 17 of 30)

Mr. Humble 's successful career as a farmer began in 1851, when he settled on his present homestead in Walnut Township, which contains two hundred and forty acres of land, and was then in a wild, uncultivated condition. By persistent effort, seconded by intelligent and well-directed labor, he has wi'oughta marvelous change, clearing up much of the land and erecting a substantial set of buildings, and has a neat and orderly place that is an ornament to the neighborhood. Beside this farm, he has another of one hundred and sixt^'-two acres in Scioto Township, which is also well improved.

Our subject was first married to Rhoda Miller, who was born on the farm on which he lives, and was a daughter of Joseph and Pho?be (Hedges) Miller. One son was born of that marriage, Albert, a graduate of the Wesle3'an University, who is following in his father's footsteps as a successful educator, and was engaged in his profession in Oregon, but has now returned home and will take charge of the Nebraska School in Walnut Township. By his second wife, Catherine Miller, Mr. Humble had three sons, namely: Gilbert, Clerk of Walnut Township; Joseph, a resident of the State of Washington; and Frank, County Clerk and Recorder of Montezuma County, Colo., who was educated at the Lebanon, Ohio, Normal School.

Our subject's son Gilbert is a native of Pickaway County, and was born December 14, 1855. He was educated in the public schools of Walnut Township and, in due time, showed himself to be possessed of the requisite pusli and business tact necessaiy to secure success or to realize his ambitions, and he has already made his mark in his native count}'. He was first appointed Clerk of Walnut Townsliip in September, 1888, and in tlie spring of 1892 was re-elected to the office. In politics, he is an ardent Democrat, and socially, he is a member of the Masonic order, at Lithopolis.

The marriage of Gilbert Humble with Miss Lyda A. Brinker took place in 1882. She is a native of Walnut Township and a daughter of the late Barnabas and Elizabeth Brinker, who were early settlers of this part of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Humble have had four children, of whom two are livina: Edna M. and Frank.

eHARLES SLYH was born on the farm where he now lives, March 26, 1848, tlie old homestead being very pleasantly located five miles south of Plain City, Canaan Township, Madison County. His father, Mathias Slyh, was born at Harper's Ferry, Va., in 1800, and was reared amid the wild and i)icturesque scenery of that noted spot. He was a son of Henry Slyh, who was also a Virginian by birth, and was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812. He died in Columbus, this State, at the ripe old age of eighty years. He was of German descent, liis father having come from Germany in Colonial times and settled in Virginia.

Tlie mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Patterson, was born in Virginia in 1807, and was a daughter of Robert Patterson, who was also a native of that State, and was of Irish extraction. When she was about nine years old, her parents became pioneers of this State. The father of our subject came to Ohio in 1821. He was already married, having l»een wedded in Marj-- land when he was nineteen years old. His first wife, who accompanied him in his migration to this State, died in 1830, leaving four children, all of whom grew to maturity, and three of whom are still living. Mr. Slyh's second marriage was with the mother of our subject, and she bore him eleven children, of whom seven grew to manhood and womanhood, and six of them are still living.

The father of our subject is distinguished in the history of this county as one of its pioneers. He had first settled in Pickawa3' County, whence he removed to Columbus, where he remained one year, and at the expiration of that time he came to Madison County and located on the homestead owned and occupied at the Y)resent time by his son Charles. He built a log house, and vigorously entered upon the hard task of developing a farm, which under his careful management became one of the most desirable places in the vicinity, and in the comfortable home built up by his toil, he closed his eyes in death, January 12, 1883, thus ending a long and honorable life. He was greatly missed bv the people among whom he had lived so many years, who knew him to be a true Christian and an active worker in all good causes in which he was interested. He was for man}- years one of the leading members of the Darby Baptist Church, holding official positions therein, and doing miicli for its upbuilding. He was likewise a well-known figure in public life, having held the offices of Trustee and Assessor of the townshii) of Canaan. His wife survived liim until August, 1H91, and then she too passed away.

Charles Slyh, the subject of tliis biographical notice, is the tenth child and sixth son of his parents. His education was obtained in the district school, and on the old farm he early gained a clear insight into agricultural methods, and since he has been farming on his own account intelligently adapts the best to the conditions of the soil, and is a good, round-al)Out, practical farmer. He remained an inmate of the parental household until he was twenty-six years old, assisting his father in the management of the farm, and farming for himself. After marriage, he removed to the William Wilson Farm^ which he occupied two years. Returning then to the old homestead, he has ever since lived upon it. He has one hundred and fifty acres of land that is under a high state of cultivation, and is exceedingly productive. It is supplied with a neat and substantial set of buildings, and with all the modern appliances for carrying on agriculture to the best advantage.

Our subject is a lover of good horses, and keeps the best, having some fine specimens of blooded animals, and doing quite a business in buying and selling horses. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the horse, is an unerring judge of its good and bad points, and his opinion is often referred to by his associates. He is also interested in slieep, which he handles fortlie market, having handled as many as two thousand daring the season, and he now has a flock of Ave hundred of fine grade.

The marriage of Mr. Slyh with Miss Eliza Kilgore was cele})rated March 26, 1875. She was a native of Canaan Township, and here her entire life was passed, her death occurring in 1887. This was a sad blow, not only to the members of her own household, by whom she was greatlj- beloved, but by others bej'ond the home circle who were favored with her steadfast friendship. She was true in all the relations of life, and left a precious memory of a pleasant personality, and of a wife and mother who was devoted to husband and children, and self-sacriilcing in the faithful performance of her duties. Two daughters and a son are left to comfort our subject and help him in maintaining his home: Ora, Alma and Rodney.

This brief outline of the life of Mi. Slyh shows that he has arisen to an important place among the stockmen of his native county, and that he has been an influence in raising the standard of the horses bred within its l)orders. He has also mingled in the public life of the community, acting as Assessor of the township eleven 3ears, and he is active in social circles as a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, A. F. it A. M., at Plain City; of Lodge No. 159, K. P; and of the Red Men of that city. He was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in that place. In [)olitics, he is found with the Democrats.

ESSE NIGH, a leading groceryman of INIt. Sterling, who is also engaged in the under- ,^,.^1 taking business, has the honor of being a na- ^^1/ tive of Ohio. He was born in Fayette County, on the 24th of October, 1847, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Kemp) Nigh. His father was born in Fairfield Count}-, Ohio, in 1812, is a carpenter by trade and still resides in Pickawaj^ County. Of the familv, three sons and four daughters grew to mature years, and four are j^et living: Mrs. Mary Beale, who resides on the farm in Pleasant Township, Madison County, and has five children; Mrs. Lucinda Smith, who died and left six children; Mrs. Charlotte Bragg, who resides on a farm in Range Township, Madison County, and has three children; Mrs. Emma Downs, who with her four children makes her home in Pickaway County; Otho W., who enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, became cook for the Captain, and after one year in the service died of disease. His death occurred m Nashville and his remains were brought home and interred in Pleasant Cemetery in Mt. Sterling on his twenty-first birthda}-. Jesse P. is the younger, and Nathan died at the age of sixteen 3'ears.

Mr. Nigh, whose name heads this record, began life for himself at a very early age and has since made his own way in the world. He earned his first money by working as a farm hand. At the age of twenty-four, he was married to Miss Etta Javctt, their union being celebrated in Mt. Sterling, August 30, 1870. Mr. Nigh was then engaged in tiie harness business, which he continued for three 3'ears. On selling out, he engaged in farming for a .vear, after which he embarked in the grocery trade and was thus engaged for fourteen years. He then purchased fourteen acres of land m Pickawa}^ County, but after again following agricultural pursuits for one year, he abandoned that occupation to embark in his present business. He now has an excellent trade in the grocery business and his patronage is well deserved.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nigh have been born eight children: David Homer, Bertha Ora, William S., Freddie Milton, Flo^'d Bernard, Leslie Weir, Glenn and Ida Ma^' (twins). The eldest son was born in Harrisburgh, Franklin County, Ohio, and the other children are all natives of Mt. Sterling.

Mr. Nigh cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant, supporting the Republican party for a number of years, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition part}'. He has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business. Mr. and Mrs. Nigh and two of their children are members of the Methodist Chui-ch. He has served as Steward,

Class-leader and assistant Superintendent of the Sundaj^-school. In the churcli, he lias taken quite a prominent part, doini^ all in his power for its upbuilding. His life has been well and worthily spent and his straightforward course has won him the confidence of all with whom business or jjlcasure Iiave brouarht him in contact.

ELI HARSH. There is probably no citizen of Scioto Township, Pickaway County, better or more favorably known than Eli Harsh, whose portrait appears on the opposite page. He began life a poor boy, but has now gained considerable wealth. He has gained the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact in business and social life, and his standing as a merchant at Commercial Point is an enviable one.

Born in Carroll Count}^, Ohio, April 3, 1836, our subject is the son of Lewis Harsh, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1791. The}' are of German dfescent, grandfather Harsh having emigrated from Germany to America when a young man, just after the close of the Revolutionary War. After spending a number of 3'ears farming in Washington Count}', Pa., he migrated at an early day to Carroll County, Ohio, where he became one of the pioneers. There he bought quite a tract of land, and, settling in the wilderness, developed a fine farm. Indians were his near neighbors, and wolves and deer were often to be seen from his door. He was a noted huntsman and a good shot. He reared a large family and lived to complete more than ninety years.

The father of our subject was a 3'oung man when he came to Ohio. He bought eightv acres of timber land from his father and, having built for himself a house of hewed logs, settled down to develop his farm. He bought sixty acres additional and proved himself a hard worker and an industrious farmer, developing his estate and bringing it to a high state of cultivation. He lived to be ninety-one years of age, and was highl}' esteemed as a man of character and industry. He was a member of the German Reformed Church all his life and a faithful attendant upon religious services. In politics, he was a strong Democrat, but was not one who sought office. He married Silom i Gantz, a native of Pennsylvania, and tiiey reared to maturity eight sons and five daughters, namely: Andrew, Isaac, Rachel and Leah (twins), Cornelius, Zenus, Mary M., -Teremiah, Savina, Eli, Nathaniel, Maliala, and Philip. The mother of this numerous household, who was a member of the Reformed Church the greater i:)art of her life, died at the age of seventy-eight. Her family was also of German descent and her father was born in the Old Countr}-.

He of whom we write was reared and educated in Carroll County, Oliio, attending the pioneer schools in the log schoolhouses where the large open fireplace, the slab writing-desk, and the slab seats, were the only furnishing of which they could boast. The door had wooden hinges and a wooden latch, and the very earliest of these schoolhouses had oiled paper in the windows in lieu of glass. It was a subscription school and the teachers " boarded around." At eighteen years of age, iVIr. Harsh attended Mount Union College, in Stark County, Ohio, spending two years in that institution, and while there paid his expenses by chopping wood and making gardens. When twent}- years old, he began teaching school in Carroll County, and afterward pursued that profession in Franklin County, Vv'here he taught for one year in .Jackson Township and three years in Pleasant Township.

The marriage of our subject at Ilarrisburgh, Franklin County, this State, took place September 18, 1860, and united him with Caroline Miller, a native of that place. Her father, Henry Miller, was born at Ciuntersdorf, in Nassau, (jlerman}', December, 19, 1797, and her mother, Mary Catherine Strader, was born at Greifenstien, Prussia, April 10, 1789. They were married Septembei- 12, 1827, and in April, 183 4, took passage for America on the ship "Shenandoah." The vessel being wrecked, they were rescued and brought to this country by another ship, after having been on the ocean for six weeks. They lost one child in this disaster, but brought two safel}- through the trying ordeal to which they were subjected.

Mr. Miller began his career in the United Stales in great poverty, having lost ever3'tliing he possessed by shipwreck. At an early day, he settled in Columbus, Ohio, and after residing there for three years removed to Ilurrisburgh, where he carried on a general store and tailor shop, until within a few 3'ears of his death. He was one of the pioneer merchants of the town, and when locating there had to chop down trees to make a place upon which to build a house. His foiu- living children are Cathrine,Wilhelmina, Emily and Caroline; William was the name of the little son whom they lost upon the v03'age and who was then six years old. Mr. Miller died in his eight3'-second year and Mrs. Miller died at the age of seventy-five. They were both members of the German Reformed Church.

Three children have blessed the home of our subject: Lewis M. and Leslie A., who are partners in the dr3'-goods Imsiness in Columbus, and Carrie, who is still with her parents. Mr. Harsh located here in 1864 and established himself in the mercantile business, with a capital of onl3^ ^'300 or $400, and he is now considered worth some $40,- 00'). He has enlarged the business from time to time, and took his sons into partnership with him, continuing thu.s until a 3'ear ago, when the3' started their store in Columbus. He has had great success and has established a large trade. The present double two-stor3' store with baseinent was built in 1881, and he occupies the entire building, carrying a stock of from $10,000 to $12,000 in dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hardware, wall paper and general notions. His handson)e and commodious residence was erected b3' him in 1870, and he has a splendid farm of two hundred and fort3' acres adjoining the village on the south, which he has in the hands of a tenant, besides a town residence which he also rents. His residence and store occup3' three lots, and are considered a handsome addition to the town architecturall3'.

Mr. and Mrs. Harsh have been meml)ers of the Methodist Church throughout most of their lives, and he is the Steward and Trustee of that bod3', as well as one of its main financial supporters. In [)olitics, he is independent, with strong Prohibition proclivities, and rendered efficient service as Township Treasurer for fifteen 3'ears. He has been ver3' successful, as might well be expected from a man of his ability and thorough study of business principles and practice. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Eellovvs and is influential in that body.

UAYNE CALDWELL is a representative of one of the oldest and most respected ^%' families in the county and is one of the pushing, wide-awake business men of Circleville. He is 3^oung, enterprising and energetic, and stands very high both in financial and social circles. He is a native-born resident of Pickawa3^ County, Ohio, born in Jackson Township on the 23d of Jul3% 1848, and his father, Alexander Caldwell, was born in the same county and township in 1812. The grandfather, Alexander Caldwell, 8r., was a native of Scotland, and when a bo3^ of thirteen emigrated to the United States and first settled in Pennsylvania. Later, he moved to Virginia, and from there to Ohio at an early date, settling in Jackson Township, within a mile of where his son resides at the present time. He was among the pioneer settlers; his farm was all wild land, and he resided in a log house for man3' 3^ears. He was industrious and ambitious and soon made many improvements on his place. There his death occurred when about seventy-five years of age. He was a member of the Presb3'terian Church.

The father of our subject passed his youthful days in assisting his father in clearing the farm, and, as might naturally be expected, his educational advantages were not of the best, for he attended only now and then the schools taught in the log schoolhouses of that period. He remained iinder the parental roof until after his marriage, after which he branched out for himself, choosing the occupation to which he has been reared as his calling in life. lie has been favored in ever3" respect and is to-da3' one of the most successful farmers and stockmen in the county. He makes a specialt3' of Short-horn cattle and fine heav3' draft horses. During the war, he dealt quite ex- tensively in sheep. He did not enter the firniy on account of ill-health. He gradually accumulated twenty-four hundred acres of fine land on Sciota River. He is a good manager, a man of excellent business acumen, and no doubt inherited his thrift and energy from his sturdy Scotch ancestors. He is now eighty years of age, and is an active member of the Presbyterian C'hurch. His wife, whose maiden name was Charlotte Morris, was born in Walnut Township, this county, the daughter of John Morris, a native of Pennsylvania. She is now seventy-eight years of age.

Of the six children born to this couple, five are now living, and our subject is the second in order of birth. His earl)' school days were spent in tlie log schoolhouse with slab benches, a log left out at one side for a window, and other rude contrivances. Later, a much better schoolhouse was erected, and in this our subject remained until seventeen years of age, when he entered Bloomingburgh Academy, in Fayette County, Ohio. Three years later, he was graduated from that institution and intended to enter college, but was called home on account of his father's illness. After this, he continued at home and assisted his father until 1874, when he became tlie possessor of a farm of three hundred and eighty-seven acres in Scioto Township, all well improved and well cultivated. He followed agricultui'al pursuits on this until 1879, when he located in Circleville, but he has still continued to operate the farm through a superintendent.

Our subject bought out F. M. Shulz's crockery store and has continued this business up to the present time, adding to the original stock wallpaper and moulding, and now occupies three floors of the First National Bank Building. Notwithstanding Mr. Caldwell's business and the urgent demand it makes upon his attention, he is able to devote a portion of his time to i)ublic matters and every laudable enterprise receives his hearty support. He is practical, energetic and persevering, and a most reliable man of business.

Mr. Caldwell chose his life companion in the person of Miss Maggie Renick, and their marriage was solemnized in the year 1879. The result of this union has been three children, of whom only one survives, Felix. Mrs. Caldwell's father, Felix Renick, was a very extensive farmer and was the first settler in this township. She was born iiere, was educated in Hillsboro Female vSeininary, and is a lady of intelligence and refinement. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Board of Trade and was Secretary of the Pickaway Fair C(mii)any for some time. This company spent much time in building up and improving the grounds, but they received very little encouragement from the people, and so abandoned it. Mr. Caldwell still owns a partnership in this. He has shown his appreciation of secret orders by becoming a member of the Knights of P^^thias and the Ancient Free and Accei)ted Masons. He is a man of thorough understanding of public affairs and is interested in the success of Republican principles.

.ip^ AMUEL W. BENNETT, whose faini in ^^^ Monroe Township was reclaimed from the \j7\jl) primeval forests b}' his father, Samuel J_ ^^ Bennett, represents one of the early pioneer families of this State, and he is a fine type of the native-born sons of Pickaway County, whose agricultural interests he promotes by his progressive modes of farming. He was born on the old homestead on which he lives, December 11, 1851. His father, who was a native of Ross County, was a son of John Bennett, who was Itorn in Delaware, was of English ancestry, and was a farmer by occujiation. In the early part of the century, he came to Ohio, and made settlement in the forests of Ross Count}', where he bought a small tract of land, upon which he built a log cabin for a dwelling. He and his wife reared a large family, and in the fullness of time passed away from the scenes of their pioneer labors, his death occurring when he was seventy or more 3^ears old, and her's at the age of ninety-seven \'ears, nine months and fourteen days.

The father of our subject grew to a stalwart manhood in his native county, and in 1834 he was there married to Rebecca Hopkins, who was also born in Ross County, her birthplace lying on the shores of Big Paint Creek. Her parents, who lived to be very old, were among the early settlers of that county. These ten children were born to the Bennetts: Sarah A. (Mrs. Taylor), Mary A. (Mrs. Taylor), Jane (Mrs. Barnhart, now deceased), Will K,, Mahala (Mrs. Chittem), Nanc}' (Mrs. Corkwell, Samuel W., Fanny (Mrs. Barnhart), Rlioda (Mrs. p:nsley), and P^lnora (Mrs. Toben). The mother is still living, at the age of seventy-five, and bears her years well, still being active and retaining her faculties undinimed by the ravages of time. Nearl}' all her life she has been a member of the Methodist Church, and she is an exemplaiy Christian.

After marriage, Mr. Bennett came here to settle, and bought a tract of timber land, which is the old homestead occupied by our subject. He had to cut down the trees to make room to build a log cabin, which was the regulation pioneer dwelling, with its pnnclieon floor, open fireplace and rude home-made furnishings, and in that humble abode he and his wife commenced honsekeepmg. The country around was an almost unbroken wilderness, with but very few settlements, a log cabin here and there along Deer Creek marking the hon)e of some venturesome pioneer. Wild game of all kinds was abundant, and venison and wild turkey furnished agreeable additions to the somewhat limited bill of fare of the settlers. The father of our snbject was very diligent, worked hard to clear and develop his farm, and was well rewarded for his labors by the substantial competency that he acquired. He died lamented at the end of an upright, honorable life of sixty-flve years. He was of a trul}' religious nature, and took an active part in the upbuilding of the Methodist Chiirch at Yankeetown, to which he belonged. In politics, he was a Whig, until after the Republican party was formed, and from that time he gave the Republican cause his firm sup[)ort.

Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and early acquired a knowledge of agriculture in all its branches, that has been of good service to him. He was educated in the district schools, and the first that he attended was held in a log house, that was rudelv furnished with slab benches that were held up by wooden pins. At the youthful age of nineteen, he entered in earnest upon his lifework, and has farmed the old home place ever since. He has here tliree hundred and fift3^-eight acres, all under cultivation, and very thoroughly drained with tiles. He conducts mixed farming, and besides raising one hundred acres of grain each year, has his farm well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs of the most approved grades.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Mary Robison,a native of Mt.Sterlmg, Madison County, was solemnized August 26, 1874. Their pleasant home circle is completed by their two daughters, Lillis E. and Bertha M. Both have been well educated, and the former, who has a talent for music, is an accomplished pianist. Mrs. Bennett is a woman of fine disposition and character, whose influence for good is felt by all who come in contact with her. She and her daughters are members of the Methodist Church, and are prominent in its every good work. Mr. Bennett is a liberal-minded, open-handed man, who stands well in financial circles, and with his neighbors and fellow-citizens in general. His political sentiments are decidedly of the Republican order, and he is a stalwart advocate of the principles of his party.

<^ IVEISLEY DAVIS, a prosperous merchant of \/\//l Williamsport, Deer Creek Township, Pick- \^J awa_)- County, is a native-born citizen of this place. He was born October 28, 1839, and is a son of William and Mary (Funk) Davis, natives of Alrginia, who removed to Ohio in 1806. Wesley's father was a farmer by occupation, and came of a long-lived race.

Our subject received his education in the common school, and, at the early age of fifteen years, commenced in life for himself by working on a farm by the month, which he followed until May 30,1861. In that year, lie enlisted in the Civil War, being tlie first volunteer from his town. He enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, served his time and was discharged August 23, 1868. After he returned home, he attempted to

Mr. Davis again returned home May 1, 18(55, and subsequently engaged in the merchandise Imsiness at Williamsport, in which line of business he has contin ued ever since. He has been twenty-two years in the same store, and has been very successful and prosperous in the business. The business consists of dry goods, hardware, groceries, queensware, boots, shoes, wall paper and clothing. He is the proprietor of two stores, one of which is devoted almost exclusively to gents' furnishing goods. Mr. Davis has been a hard Avorker and began in life with but small capital, but he has wisely devoted his time and attention almost wholly to his business affairs.

This gentleman of whom we write took as his wife Miss Frances Leiby, a daughter of James Leib}', a native of Ohio. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride's parents in this place, July 15, 1865. Our subject is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and has taken the Thirty-second Degree. He is a member of the Town Council, and, in politics, affiliates with the Republican party. He and his good wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch of their town.

THOMAS K. PERDUE is City Engineer of Washington C. H., and is also engaged in the nursery business here. He is a son of Gresham and Abigail (Morse) Perdue, who were natives respectively of Bedford County, Va., and of Tuckerton, N. J., their parents being pioneers of this State. The father of our subject was born in 1790, and in 1813, in the opening 3^ears of a stalwart manhood, came to Ohio, and was one of the early settlers of Highland County, where he was variously engaged, principally' in the nursery business, he being one of the pioneer fruitmen of the State. He was married after coming to Ohio, his wife's people having come here from New Jersey in 1825, and settled in Champaign County'.

(iresham Perdue was, in turn, a AVhig, a Freesoiler and a Republican, and was in full sympathy with the anti-slavery cause, but his religious principles as a Friend forbade his taking up arms when Avar was declared. He died February 18, 1885, at the venerable age of ninety-five years, leaving behind him a noble record as a man eminently worthy of the respect and regard in wliicli he Avas always held. He was the fatlier of eight children, one by a former wife, Elizabeth Dukeminere. Five of these children are still living, our sultject being the youngest, (iresham Perdue's second wife, the mother of our subject, passed away May 14, 1878, at a ripe old age.

Thomas K. Perdue was born July .SO, 1838, in NcAv Martinsburgh, this county(Fa3'ette). He carl}' showed himself to be a good scholar, and he acquired an excellent education, whereby he was enabled to teach in the public schools, in which he had obtained much of his learning, supplemented by reading and private study. He began teaching in 1860, and for twenty winters was closely engaged in the profession, winning a high reputation as an educator of more than average abilit}^ During that time, he was also interested in the fruit business, in Avliich he still continues, and has built up an extensive trade as one of the leading nursery men of Fayette County.

In 1880, Mr. Perdue Avas elected County Surveyor, a position for which he Avas Avell qualified, as he had learned surveying from his father and is an expert in that line. After his election, he removed to Washington C. H. to enter upon the duties of his office, which he held six years, and he still continued surveying after the expiration of his term. He was subsequently elected Cit}' Engineer of Washington C. H., and is serving his fourth year in that capacity, giving full satisfaction by his intelligent and faithful performance of the duties thus incumbent upon him. In the A-ear 1883, he bought the place where he now lives in an attractive part of the city, and built a good frame house for the accommodation of himself and famil}'.

To the lady who presides over his home Jiiid looks so well to the comfort as well as happiness of the household, Mr. Perdue vvas wedded April 30, 1868. IMrs. Perdue, formerly Jane M. Smith, was born in Pickaway' County, February 24, 1847, and is a daughter of Isaac and Mary Smith, who were pioneers of that county, her father being a blacksmith. Her marriage with our subject has brought them nine children, all of whom are living, namely: Whittier, a civil engineer at Chicago; Miriam; Judith, who married Otis Conner and resides in Indianapolis; Alice; Morton, a civil engineer in Chicago; Homer; Lizzie; Helen and Gladys.

Our subject is an uncompromising Republican, and is well posted in regard to politics. For three years, he was Clerk of Perr}'^ Township, was Trustee for years, and was School Director for man}' terms, using his influence to secure the best possible educational advantages for the youth of the townshi[). He has had a good deal to do with the County Infirmary, of which he was a Director six years. He and all his family are members of the Society of Friends at JMartinsburgh. He is known by all as a man of unimpeachable integrity and sound honor.

(i[ ^-ILLIAM MILLIKAN, Si;., is a meml)er of \pj// the firm of AVilliam IMillikan & Son, pub- WM Ushers and proprietors of the Fayette County WecMy and Daily Herald. The latter jiaper has been jniblished for the past six years and is the only daily in the county, while the weekly was the first Republican organ in Washington C. II. They are both bright and newsy sheets and find their wa}' into hundreds of homes throughout this section.

The Fayette County Herald was established in 18r)8 })y our subject as a seven-column, four-page weekly, and continued to l)e of that size until Mr. INIillikan built up a good circulation. In 1871, he associated Avith him as partner in the Imsiness his son, W. W. Millikan. Tlie paper has been enlarged three different times, it now beino: a seven-column, eight-i)age paper, and it is aiding materially in forwarding the interests of this section. In December, 1885, they started the Daily Herald, which proved a success from the start, it being now a four-})age, seven-column i)aper.

Our subject was born in Colerain Township, Ross County, this State, September 22, 1806, and is the son of John Millikan, who was born in North Carolina, Avhere he grew to mature 3'ears, The father of our subject came to Ross County in 1804, where he was married to Miss Mary Wyatt. He was a Lieutenant in the War of 1812, and died in 1814, while in charge of British prisoners at Chillicothe. He of whom we write received a good education in Delaware Count}^, Ohio, whither the family had removed, and there foinid his first emplo3aiient in the office of the Delaware Gazette. When quite a young man, he purchased a half-interest in the paper, his partner being Judge Iilzra Griswold.

Selling out a few years later, Mr. Millikan removed to ]\Iarion and established The Western Galaxy, of which he was the publisher for four years. He then took up his abode at South Bend, Ind., and edited the Indiana Free Press, beingjoined a year or two later by his brother John, and here they continued in partnership for nine years, making a success of the venture. Our subject then sold out to Schu^'ler Colfax, and, going to Kalamazoo, Mich., bought a half interest in the Kalamazoo Telegraph, which he managed for two years, when he went to La Porte, Ind., in company with his brother, having purchased of him a half-interest in the La Forte County Whitj, which they published for nine years. Mr. Millikan then rested from his arduous labors for four years, and then, coming to Washington C. IL, has been identified with the interests of this section since that time. He has followed the life of a printer since 1830, with the exception of the four years above mentioned, and has probably ])een in that line of business longer than any other man in the Buckeye State.

Mr. Millikan was twice elected on the Whig ticket to represent his district in the State Legislature from La Porte County, Ind., and while residing there also sei'ved as INIayor of the city of

La Porte for one term. In the fall of 1875, he was elected to the Legislature from Fayette Count}", Ohio, and again elected to tlie same i)0sition m 1879, his last service being with the session of 1881. During that time, he served as Chairman of the Committee on Pul)]ic Printing for four years, and was also a member of various other important committees. He served as a member of the School Board six years, over which body he presided as President one term.

The lady to whom our subject was married in 1829 bore the name of Rachel Abbott. She departed this life in 1833, and INIr. Millikan was afterward married to Miss Amanda, daughter of Judge Homes, of Newark, Ohio. The wife and mother died in 1836, at South Bend, leaving a son and daughter: Charles A., of Mar^sville, Ohio, and Ann Eliza, the wife of E. E. Wood, an attorney of Cincinnati, residing at Avondale. The lady who became the third wife of Mr, Millikan was Emma Cleveland, of Elkhart County, Ind., and at her death left live children. Two have since died and there are living William W.; Emma, at home, and Evaline May, who is teaching stenography in the Lexington (Ky.) College. His fourth wife was Mrs. Mary B. Bostwick. of Fayette County.

Mr. Millikan is a man of broad culture and has filled wisely the editorial chair in this and other States. His son, William AV",, Jr., was born at South Bend, Ind., July 24, 1846. He received a good education in the common schools and later learned the trade of a printer from his father. He was married, in 1874, to Miss Nannie Smith, a native of New Lexington, Ohio, and the daughter of L. W. and L^'dia Smith. To them have been been born three children, two of whom are living, Susie and Pauline. One son, Hugh, is deceased.

^jf^LMER W. AVELSHEIMER. Among the l^ prominent residents of Washington C. H., /I' - ^ there is perhaps no one more worthy of mention in this volume than our subject, who was elected to the position of County Treasurer in

1890. He is a native of this State, having been born in Ross County, October 4. 1843, to William II. and Mahala (Robbins) Welsheimer. Tlie father was one of the jnoneers of the above-named county and was reared to agricultural pursuits.

The original of this sketch was given a good education in the country schools of his district, and later attended the temple of leai'ning at Blooming])urgh for two years. On the outbreak of tlie Civil War, he enlisted, in November, 1861, as a member of Compan}' G, Seventy-third Ohio Infantry, and accompanied his regiment to West Virginia, where they were under the command of Gen. Rosecrans. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run in 1862, under Poi)e, in which conflict he was wounded. He later fought at Fredericksburg, Chanceilorsville and Gettysburg, and soon after the last-named battle went south with Hooker to re-in force Rosecrans. The company of which he was a member arrived at Bridgeport October 28, 1863, and opened up the "cracker line" for Rosecrans. At that lime. Col. Smith's brigade charged the enemy, who were stationed on Raccoon Mountain, in which battle Mr, Welsheimer was wounded, necessitating the amputation of his foot fifteen days later. He was in the hospital at Nashville until the spring of 1864, at which time he returned home, having served his country bravely for a period of nearl}- three years.

Returning home from the war, our subject spent two and one-half years in school at Bloomingburgh, after which he launched out in the gcnei'al merchandising Inisiness and continued so occupied until elected Clerk of the Court in 1875. He was the incumbent of that position for twelve years, and at the expiration of that time engaged in the grocer}' and insurance business. In 1889, Mr. Welsheimer was elected County Treasurer, but did not assume the duties of the ofiice until September, 1890. At the expiration of his term, he was reelected to the same office, which expires in September, 1894, He has given general satisfaction to the people and fills the office in a most conscientious and efficient manner.

Portrait And Biograihical Record

maiTiage, and to them have been born tliree children, namely: Otis, who assists his father as County Treasurer, Olive and Lulu, In social matters, our subject is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is also connected with the John M. Bell Post, G, A. R. In politics, he is a Rei)ublican.

'iflOIIN (iUINCY ADAMS OLIVER, the Secretary and General Manager of the Scioto Machine Works, of Circleville, McEwing and Oliver, proprietors, is a leading business man of this place. He was born in Clinton County, N. Y., April 24, 1826, and is the only child of Rufusand Annie (Stark) Oliver. The grandfather, Robert Oliver, was a native of New Y'ork and became a Vermont farmer. His last da3'S, however, were spent in Clinton County, N. Y., where his death occurred at the age of fifty-eight years. He was of Scotch-Irish descent.

Rufus Oliver was born near Orwell, Rutland County, Vt. He served in the War of 1812. He engaged in farming in New York and married Miss Stark, who was born in Grand Isle County, N. Y., and was a daughter of Benajah and Mary (Sweet) Stark, both of whom were natives of the Green Mountain State. Mr, Stark was a farmer by occupation and for a number of j^ears prior to his death followed that business in Clinton County, N. Y. He was a relative of Gen. Stark, of Revolutionary fame. In 1833, Mr. Oliver removed with his family to Ilinckle}^, Medina County, Ohio, and purchased a farm of sixty acres at $4.50 per acre. His first home was a log cabin. In the spring of 1841, he removed to York Township in the same count}- and bought one liundred and twenty-seven acres of land, which he transformed into a highly improved farm. In politics, he was a stanch Whig and was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. He was quite a fine singer and served as a leader of the choir. His death occurred in 1862. His wife survived him some3^ears and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three.

Champlain. His education was acquired in the common schools, and he was early inured to the labors of the farm. He remained with his parents until their deaths. In 1855, he married Miss Rebecca Kimball, who was born in East Lyman, N. IL, and was a daughter of Charlton and Mary Kim- ))all, of Maine. Before her marriage, she engaged in school teaching. The}^ began their domestic life upon the home farm, where the wife died a few 3'ears later. Mr. Oliver then left the farm and for ten years, including the period of the late war, was a dealer in pianos and organs in Medina, Ohio, and also engaged in teaching music. Early in life, he manifested great love for that art and had studied both vocal and instrumental music.

In June, 1877, Mr. Oliver wedded Mrs. Elizabeth S. Springer, widow of the Rev. Cornelius Springer, a Methodist Protestant minister, of Zanesville, Ohio. The following year they became residents of Circleville, and our subject purchased stock in the Scioto Machine Works, which were incorporated, he becoming their Secretary and a Director. That position he held until the works were closed. On the 3d of November, 1885, in company with Mr. McEwing, his present partner, he bought the works from the assignees and they have since carried on the business successfully. The Scioto Machine Works are the largest of the kind in the county. They have a fort^'-horse power engine and all the modern improvements. Their buildings cover an acre and a quarter and consist of two warehouses, a machine shop, foundry, l)lacksmith-sliop, boiler-shop and engine rooms. The}' have furnished employment to from seventy-five to one hundred hands and manufacture portable and stationary engines, portable sawmills, gristmill machinery, cook, parlor and office stoves, fire fronts and grates, house fronts, and window caps. Their Inisiness is constantly increasing and lias become one of the leading industries of Circleville.

By his first marriage, Mr. Oliver had a famil}' of five children, four of whom grew to mature years: De Witt C, who was engaged in the insurance business in Helena, Mont., lost his health and died in Circleville, in August, 1889, at the age of thirtyfour; Angle M. is the wife of J. M. Wright, Prosecuting Attorney of Lancaster, Fairfield County,

Ohio; Annie is the wife of C. W. Botkin, proprietor of :i mnsic store in Columbus; Rebecca is living" in Columbus; and Carrie Ida died in eliildhood. For the past four ^ears, jNIr. Oliver has been engaged in teaciiing vocal music and also gives lessons on the violin. He is a member of the INIethodist Episcopal Church, and is musical director of the choir and fills the office of Steward. In politics, he is a Republican. Social!}', he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and the Independent Order of Good Templars, in which he is a very active worker. He spent two months of the past winter in Leesburgh, Fla. Mrs. Oliver owns two orange groves in that State. She is a very prominent temperance worker, being Vice-president of the AVomau 's Christian Temperance Union of Florida, wliere she makes her home through the winter. Slie has lectured in that State, in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, New York and New Jerse3% and is prominently known among temi)erance woikers throughout the States. She is also a regularly licensed minister of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Oliver is one of the prominent citizens of the community and his success in life is well deserved.

SAAC E. DREISBACH is one of the early settlers of Pickaway County, and an honored _ retired farmer now living in Circleville. He was born in Plast Buffalo Township, Union County, Pa., March 28, 1819, and is a son of the Rev. John Dreisbach, whose sketch ai)pears in connection with that of Martin Dreisbach on another page of this work.

The gentleman whose portrait and biographv we here present was reared to manhood in the Keystone State, and at an early age became inured to the hard labors of the farm. On the emigration of the family to the West, he drove a team, and after twent3'-one days of travel readied Pickaway County. The family settled on a farm and the boys engaged in its cultivation. Many of their evenings were devoted to study, and in this way our subject acquired his education. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and

On the Dtli of Fel)ruary, 18 11, in Wahiut Townshi[), I\Ir. Di'eisbach married Miss L\(lia llittel, wlio was born in Lehigh County, Pa., in 1821, a daugliter of John Hittel, who was a farmer of the Keystone State. In LS;?!, he came with his family to Ohio, and settled ujjon a farm in Walnut Township, where his death occurred two years later. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lydia Kern, was also a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Circleville at the age of sixty-two years.

Seven children were born to Mr. and ]\Irs. Dreisbach, namely: Mary, who is the wife of Prof. H. C. Smith, a music teacher of Naperville, 111.; Benjamin F.,who was graduated from the Northwestern College of Plainfleld, 111., is now farming in Circleville Township, Pickaway County; jNIartha, Avho was graduated from the Northwestern College, is the wife of Lewis Earnest, of Anderson County, Kan.; Rosalie is the wife of David Ludwig, of Pickaway County; tlie Rev. Charles, a graduate of the Northwestern College, of Naperville, 111., is a farmer and a minister of the Evangelical Church of Frankfort, S. Dak.; Reuben is a farmer of Pickaway Township, Pickaway County; Emma is the wife of the Rev. T. W. Woodside, a missionary, who is now in A'ilando, West Central Africa.

In 1840, Mr. Dreisbach bought a farm in Pickaaway Townshi[), upon which was a log house, and afterward jnirchased one hundred and sixty acres of land of his brother, making in all three hundred and twenty acres. In 1853, he built a brick residence thereon and subsequently bought one hundred and seventy-two acres of land adjoining his farm on the north. He afterward purchased two hundred and thirty-one acres one mile to the west, and engaged extensively in general farming and stock-raising. He stiil owns all of his land, which he rents. His home farm was one of the most highly cultivated in the communitj' and has yielded him a golden tribute, which has made him a wealthy citizen. In 1890, he left the farm and has since lived retired in Circleville, where he has a pleasant home. In February, 1891, he and his wife celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

1852 voted for John P. Hale, and in 1856 for Fremont, and then supported the Republican part}' until 1881, since which time he has been a stanch Prohibitionist. He is a consistent member of the Evangelical Association, has been a Class-leader for half a century, and for man}' long years was Superintendent of the 8unda3'-school. His life has been a busy and useful one and he has won the high regard of all.

LLISON GRIM, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, resides on the old Federal Road, a mile east of Range, whei'c he owns a fine farm of four hundred and fifteen acres. He was born in Huntington Township, Ross County, July 30, 1843, and is a son of John and Barbara (Grub) Grim. His father was born in Marj'land, January 15, 1807, and the mother in Pennsylvania, February 12, 1815. While children, they came with their parents to Ross County, Ohio, where they were married, February 19, 1833. They afterward went to Fayette County, then returned to Ross County, and in 1861 again went to Fayette County. Five years later, the}' came to Madison Coiinty, where they resided during the greater part of the time until the father's death in November, 1888. His wife passed away in 1867.

Our subject spent his boyhood days in the usual manner of farmer lads. At the age of twenty, he bought his time of his father, and in February, 1864, enlisted in Company K, Eighth Ohio Cavalry. He was on the Hunter raid in the Shenandoali Valley, participated m the battle of Winchester, and was at Cedar Creek when Sheridan made his famous ride. He saw the General when he came through, and was one of thc)se who followed him to victory that day. On the close of the war, he was discharged in Clarksburgh July 30, 1865, his twenty-second birthday.

Mr. Grim at once returned to his father's home in Fayette County and gave his attention to farming. He married Miss Mary M. Foster, December 12, 1868. She was born on the farm which is now their home, Sei)tember 6, 1845, and is the youngest daughter of James and Margaret (Bo wyer) Foster. Her father was born in Ross County, Ohio, March 4, 1802, and shortly after his twentieth birth-day, was married to ]\Iiss Bowyer, who was born November 7, 1801. Soon after, they started for Madison County, and INIr. Foster worked by the month at $7.25, having charge of the farm of Gen. Worthington, with whom he remained until the latter's death. Mrs. Worthington then made him the proposition that if he would still attend to the farm and engage in raising stock, she would furnish the money and divide the profits. This he did for a number of years, and laid the foundation of his immense fortune. He eventually began buying land belonging to the Worthington estate, and at length became owner of over twenty-one hundred acres in this county. He also bought six hundred acres for Mrs. Eliza Chenoweth, his daughter, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Piatt County, 111., and six hundred and forty acres in Madison County, which now belong to other parties. He was very generous, and frequently would give a horse or cow to a man just starting out in life. He became a member of the Methodist Church at the age of eleven and served as Class-leader for forty years. His financial aid was not confined to his own cliurch alone, but he gave freely to all. On one occasion when help was needed for a colored church in London, one of the County Commissioners said that he would give as much as any one else in the room. Mr. Foster asked how many others would do that and six more agreed, so he laid $50 down on the table, and as his associates were men of their word, they also put down similar amounts and the indebtedness was paid off the church.

In 1824, Mr. Foster cast his first vote for John Quincy Adams. lie was an Abolitionist and voted for J. C. Fremont in 1856. He never sought oftice or cared for it. He was never known to take advantage of any man and often remarked that he would rather give a man $100 than cheat him out of a penny. His death occurred November 25, 1873, and his wife passed away July 29, 1858. Four of their eleven children are still liv- ing: Eleanor, wife of J. S, Pancake, wliose sketch appears in this work; Elizabeth, wife of Jaines V>. Clienoweth, whose sketch is also given in this volume; James P., the only living son, and ]Mrs. Grim.

After his marriage, Mr. Grim began operatingone hundred and sixty acres of land given him by his father-in-law, and has since resided upon the farm. At the division cif the Foster estate, his landed possessions were increased to four hundred and fifteen acres. Five children were born in his home but all died in childhood. Mr. Grim and his wife are both members of the Methodist Church and are highly respected people, widel}' and favorably known in this community. He cast his first Presidential vote in 1864, for Abraham Lincoln, and supjxnted the Republican party until recentl}', when he joined the Prohiliition party. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and has attended National Re-unions in Columbus, Milwaukee, Boston and Detroit, and was a delegate to the State Encampment at Piqua in 1892. Mr. Grim is a representative farmer of this community and he and his estimable wife well deserve representation in this volume.

^ ACOB L. JAMISON, an extensive farmer and stock-dealer of Perry Township, Pickaway County, is a native of Washington C. H., ^_^ Fayette Count}-, this State. Ilis birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1850, and he was born to William and Malinda (Cecil) Jamison, both natives of Ohio, the father following the vocation of a tiller of the soil. The grandfather of our subject, Jacob Jamison, was born in Kentuck}', and at an early day removed to Ohio and Iniiltthe first house in Washington C. 11, He was Judge of the court for several years and was a prominent citizen in that county.

Of the five children born to the father and mother of Jacob L. Jamison, he is the third in order of birth. At the early age of seventeen years, he started to make his own wa}^ in the world by farming b}' the month, which he continued for six or seven years, and then engaged in the stock business. In this he has been more tlian ordinarily successful and carries on about the largest business of this kind in the county. lie has now associated with him as a partner Mr. William Woods, of Deer Creek Township. Mr. Jamison enjoys the reputation of being one of tlie best-natured men in the community, and his genial, [)leasant face has long l)een familiar to tlie citizens of his neighborhood. His heart and purse are always oi)en to aid and encourage.

Jacob L. Jamison, of this Iirief sketch, on the 15th of October, 1873, took as his life companion and hel|nnate IMiss Josephine Curran. ]Mrs. Jamison is a native of Fayette County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John and Melissa (Conner) Curran, both of Fayette County, this State- The union of our sul)ject and his amiable wife has been blessed l>y the birth of three children, who bear the respective names of James Quinn, Thomas and Donna Opal. In his political affiliations, Mr. Jamison is a strong advocate of the Repul)lican party.

R. M. II. MIESSE, ph3sician and surgeon, of Circleville, Ohio. Among tlie people of Circleville and surrounding country, the name that heads this sketch is a very familiar one, for, in his professional capacity, he has become intimately acquainted with a majority of the inhabitants. He was ))orn in Chillicothe, Ohio, November 16, 1843, and is a son of Dr. Benjamin and Sophia (Carpenter) JMiesse, natives of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, respectively. Grandfather Jacob IMiesse was also a native of the Keystone State, and was a successful agriculturist of that State. Our subject's maternal grandfather was an early settler of Athens Countj^ Ohio, and was also a tiller of the soil. He died in that county when eighty \'ears of age, and his wife passed away at the advanced age of ninet3'-six.

University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, in the department of medicine, and after coming West, he practiced his profession in Chillicothe for some time. Later, he came to Cireleville, and practiced his profession there until after the death of his wife, when he returned to Pennsylvania. His family consisted of three sons and one daughter, viz.: Dr. Benjamin F., who was an Assistant Surgeon in an r)hio Regiment during the Civil War and is now practicing his profession in Chillicothe; Edson B.,who lias a book-store in Chillicothe; and Lizzie, now Mrs. Reiche, who resides in York, Ya. Dr. M. H. Meisse was second in order of birth of the above-mentioned children. He passed his youthful days in Chillicothe, Cireleville and Athens, until his father went back to Pennsylvania, when he was a resident of that State for three 3ears. At the age of ten years, he returned to the Buckeye State and was a resident of Findlay for three years. After this, he was in Greenville, Ohio, with an uncle, until he was fifteen years of age, in 1859, when he entered tlie Ohio University' at Athens. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1864, after which he read medicine with his uncle. Dr. Jonathan IMeisse. From 1865 until 1866, he attended the Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in tlie fall of 1867 he went to New York, where he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in March, 1868, with the degree of M. D. Lie subsequently located at Royalton, Fairfield County, Ohio, and practiced his profession in that and Pickaway County until 1880, when he decided to settle in Cireleville for school advantages. During his residence in this count3\ he has become well and favorablj' known to the majority of her citizens as an able and successful medical practitioner. He has been a member of the Board of Pension Examiners here for the past three years, and was also a member of the Board of Pension Examiners at Chillicothe for about one year, or until the Board was estal)lished in Cireleville, when he was transferred to this place. He now has a pleasant office three doors north of the American House, and he has a comfortable residence on Scioto Street, near Main Street. He owns some real estate in Columbus, one hundred and sevent}' acres of well-improved land in Monroe Township, this county, and other property. All this the Doctor has made by his own industry and close attention to his profession. With money earned by teaching school, he received his medical education and he is now one of the leading physicians of the county, having a large and remunerative practice.

He was married in Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1868, to Miss Louisa E. Cummins, a native of Portsmouth, Ohio, and the daughter of Rev. S. P. Cummins, of West Virginia. Mr. Cummins was a Methodist Episcoi)al preacher and settled in Portsmouth, Ohio, at an early date. He was Treasurer of Scioto County two terms. The three children born to our subject and his wife are as follows: Ella, who married J. H. Chaney, an architect on the World's Fair buildings; Bertha, who graduated from the High School in 1891; and Alice, who will graduate in the Class of "93.

Dr. Miesse is a Knight Templar, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics, he is a true-blue Republican, and in religion, he is a Methodist. In May, 1864, after graduating, he enlisted at Athens, Ohio, in the One Hundred and Fort}^ first Ohio Infantry, Company B, and was mustered in at Gallipolis, Ohio, and four months later he mustered out at the same place. He was a Charter member of Groce Post. Dr. Miesse has been a delegate to several State and county conventions, and is President of the Garfield Republican Club, of Cireleville. He is Treasurer of the Republican Executive County Committee, which position he has held for several years, and he is a member of the County Committee. He was a member of the Hocking Valley Medical Society until it was disbanded.

EWIS NEISWANDER. The farming and stock-raising affairs of Pickaway County, ^ Ohio, and particularly of Madison Township, are ably represented by Mr. Neiswander, who is a descendant of thrifty and energetic German stock on both sides of the house.

Pa., on the 2d of December, 1846, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza Neiswander, who are now residing in Putnam County, Ohio. About 1850, the parents left the Keystone State, and hearing of tlie fertiU^ soil of Ohio, decided to locate witliin its borders. Tliey first settled in Walnut Townshi[), Pickawaj- County, and there made their home until their removal to Putnam County. Honest and upright in all their dealings, they won and held the respect of all who were fortunate enough to be acquainted with them.

Our subject's scholastic advantages were received in his native county, and were such as the common schools afforded. These advantages he improved to the utmost, and although he did not attend school after the age of thirteen years, he is acknowledged by all to be a man of intelligence and ability. At the age of eighteen j^ears, he decided that there was "no royal road to excellence without great labor" and he started out to fight his own way in life. Eor several years, he worked as a farm hand and received for his services from $18 to $25 per month in the busy season.

He selected his wife in the person of Miss Leah C. Olick, and their marriage was solemnized August 26, 186'J. Iler father, Daniel Glick, now makes his home with our subject. To INIr. and Mrs. Neiswander have been born two interesting children: Minnie Y. and Daniel B. N. Eor several years after his marriage, Mr. Neiswander tilled the soil on rented land, but he subsequently purchased one hundred and twenty acres and received forty acres through his wife, making one hundred and sixty acres in Madison Township, this county, and he is now one of the representative farmers and stockmen of his section. Although just in the prime of life, he has made his wa^' to the front ranks among the energetic farmers of this county, and, owing to the attention he has always paid to each minor detail, he has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. Coupled with his energy and enterprise, he inherits his father's excellent business qualities, and has succeeded far beyond his expectations, being now the owner of some of the most productive land to be found.

one of its most active meml)ers. He favors all enterprise tending towards the progress and development of Pickaway County and is publicspirited and progressive. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Eellows' lodge at Winchester, Ohio. Mr. Neiswander is well known in Madison Township and bears the reputation of sterling integrity and honesty in all business transactions. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

^^Jf,' cultural and stock interests of Madison County within the last quarter of a centurj', as one of the most enlightened and enterprising of its representative farmers and stockmen. His residence is half a mile north of Rosedale, in Pike Township, where he has a large landed property, including one of the finest and best ai^pointed farms in all the country round, where he does an extensive business in raising and dealing in cattle, horses, sheep and hogs of high grade.

Mr. Phellis, a native of this State, was born in Hamilton County Januaiy i», 1845. His father, Jacob Phellis, was also a native of Ohio, and was born in Butler Count}-. lie was a carpenter by trade, and was a large contractor, building many houses in Hamilton and Butler Counties, and for a while he was a resident of Cincinnati, where he erected several large buildings, some of which are still standing. He also had contracts in New London, where he put up some good buildings. He had control of a large business, was one of the leading contractors of his part of the State, and was in the midst of a highlj' successful career when he was stricken b}^ death in his fiftieth year. He was alive to public interests, and in his political views was a decided Democrat. The Phellis familj' originated in France, but a branch of it came to this countrj^ many years ago and were early settlers of Pennsylvania, where they flourished as large farmers. Thomas Phellis, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of that State. He came to Butler County, Ohio, in the very early days of its settlement, coming by the way of the Ohio River to Cincinnati. The mother of our subject, who is still living in Butler Count3% was Marikla Brundage in her maiden days. She was Ijorn in Beaver Count}^, Pa., seventy 3'ears ago, and came to Butler County wlien a small girl with her parents, who were both natives of Pennsylvania. Her mother lived to be ninety years old. The parents of oiu* subject were married in Butler Count3\ and then located at New Haven, in Hamilton County, whence they afterward went to Cincinnati. They were the parents of the following eight children, all of whom grew to maturity: Cyron A., the wife of James Snyder, who was for many years Commissioner of Mercer County, of which he is a prominent citizen; Elvira, who married William Roberts, and is now dead; Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Taylor .Salsburry, of Canton, Fulton Count}', TIL; "William B., a prominent farmer of Butler Count}'; Charles; Jacob W., a merchant of Okeana, Butler County; Robert W., a resident of Cottonwood Falls, Wis.; and .Tohn L., a I'esident of Coldwater, Mercer Count}', Ohio.

The subject of this biography is the fourth child and second son of iiis parents. At the age of nine years, he liad the misfortune to lose his father, and then came to Pike Township to live witii his uncle, Charles Phellis, who was a large land-holder here, and very prominent. He had attended school in his native place, and he was given fine educational advantages after he came to live with his uncle. He went first to the local district school in Pike Township, then entered the High School at Mechanicsburgh, and finally coml)leted his studies in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, of which he was a pupil four 3'ears. He was but a bo}' wlien the war broke out, 3'et the following 3'ear found him in the ranks, although he was but seventeen years old when he enlisted in Compau}' D, Sixtj'-sixth Ohio Infantry. Notwithstanding his vouth, he displayed fine soldierly rpialities when in active service, but his health gave wa}' under the privations and hardships that he had to endure, and at the end of seven months he was honorably discharged on account of disability.

experiences of army life, our subject continued his residence with his uncle for some 3'^ears, and in 1865 began business for himself as a farmer .and stock-raiser. After his marriage, in the summer of 1869, he settled immediately^ on a farm a mile north of the one on which he now resides, and which he still owns. He remained on that until 1890, wlien he took possession of this one. He has here a commodious and finely-built residence, roomy and well-arranged barns and other firstclass buildings, and all the conveniences of a model farm. He and his famil}^ are the proprietors of twenty-two hundred acres of valuable land, all in one body in Pike Township, about forty acres of it in heav_y timber, and the rest under a perfect S3^stem of cultivation, or devoted to pasturage, and provided w^ith various dwellings, barns, granaries and other outbuildings. All of the land is under our subject's personal supervision, and all the details of agriculture on a large scale are carried on in the most orderl}^ manner. He gives much of his attention to stock-raising with marked success, and is a leader in that industry in this part of Madison County. He has a fine herd of two hundred cattle of the purest stock best adapted to this locality, lias six hundred sheej) of superior grades, one hundred and fifty hogs, and nian3' horses of fine strain.

]Mr. Phellis was married August 3, 1869, to Miss Clara A., the 3'oungest daughter of William and Adalaide Gu3^, of Pike Township. Her father, who has attained the venerable age of ninet3'-eight yeai'S, has been long and favorabl3' known throughout the township and county. Mrs. Piiellis was born in Pike Township, August 14, 1850. She is a woman of true culture and is finely educated. She studied at tlie Female College at Cleveland, pursued a course at Sanford College, and also attended the Ohio Wesleyan Seminary at Delaware. She presides abl}' over her household, understanding full well the art of making a cozy and attractive home. Her congenial marriage with our subject has brought them two daughters and three sons of whom the following is recorded: Nellie A., born October 5, 1872, is a graduate in the Class of '92, of the Ohio Wesleyan Universit3^ at Delaware; Charles Waite, born July 15, 1875, has been an attendant at the military scliook at Gambier; Yerne II. was born June 10, 1881; Fullington Gn3', April 1, 1888; and Ethel Greeley, March 23, 1890. Our subject's sagacity in bxisiness matters, clear, comprehensive, well-trained intellect, and liis broad outlook on life generally, have brought him to the front as a valuable civic official, and he has held various responsible positions. He was Trustee of Pike Township and Township Clerk ten years, was at one time Justice of the Peace, and for one term was Count}^ Commissioner. It is said of him that "he is a true gentleman in everj' sense of the word;" he is alwaj'S courteous and affable in his intercourse with others, and a warmhearted and generous friend to all Avith whom he is associated. He is an entertaining conversationalist, and his talent for literary work has been turned to account during the last ten years, by his acting as correspondent of the Agricultural Department at Washington, D. C, for Madison County. In politics, he is a strong Republican. Sociallv, he is a member of Stephen Baxter Post No. 88, G. A. R., at Mechanicsburgh.

-vr^iYAN PHILLIPS. It is owing to the energy l^ and practical abilit}' of such men as our If - '-^ subject that Pickaway County enjoys the reputation of being one of the best developed and richest agricultural centers in Ohio. He is the fortunate proprietor of a large farm in Pickaway Township that ranks among the first and choicest to be found on the historical and fertile Pickaway Plains, in regard to its handsome appointments, cultivation and productiveness, and also as to its value as a stock farm.

Mr. Phillips was born in Lancaster Count}^ Pa., June 3, 1835. His father, William Phillips, who was a competent carpenter and also a farmer, came to Ohio in 1850, and was a I'esident of Guernsey County until his removal to Kansas, where he died at the ripe age of eighty-two years. His wife, whose maiden name was Priscilla White, preceded him in death. The}- had eight children, of whom seven ai'c livina^.

Our subject is the fourth child of his parents and passed his early life on a farm in his native State, attending the district schools during his boyhood. He was about fifteen years old when the family came to Ohio, and the following 3'ear he started out to earn his own living, as lie was an independent, resolute lad, with a well-formed am bition to make his own way in the world and achieve success by the use of the strong muscles and clear brain with which he was gifted. He began work at $9 a month, obtaining better wages as he grew older, and was in the employ of others eleven years. It is needless to say that a young man of his calibre and persistent natuie made and wisely saved money, and at the expiration of that time turned his attention to farming for himself. His farm contains four hundred acres of valuable land, of which nearly tiiree hundred acres lie en the famed Pickaway Plains. It is a beautiful farm and in a fine condition, with every appointment found on a model grain and stock farm. Its fine buildings are ample and adapted to the purposes for which they are intended, and an elegant frame house, of a modern stjde of architecture, erected in 1891, adds to the attractiveness of the place, and the farm with its well cultivated acres is a pleasing feature in the landscape. j\Ir. Phillips has it well stocked with all kinds of high-bred stock, and from that source, as well as from the grain and other products that he raises, he has a large yearly income.

The marriage of Mr. Phillips with Miss p]llen J. Hitler was solemnized April 19, 1862, and is a most congenial union. Mrs. Phillips is a native of Pickaway County, born in Washington Township, and a daughter of Jacob Hitler, one of its early settlers, of whom mention is made elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have ten children, all of whom have had fine educational advantages. They are Charles, Nelson, Florence I]., Josephine E., Delia, Maud, Dennis E., Rose O., Lilly C, and Arthur W. Charles married Miss Elizabeth Bartley, and lives in Washington Township. Florence E. married Jacob Ludwig and the}" live in Pickaway Township. The other children are at home.

which thoy dispense to their numerous friends in tlieir charming- home. He is unswerving in liis lo^^alty to the Democratic part3'. He has served as a Trustee of his townsliip three years, and is a man of genuine public spirit, wlio generously aids all movements in any way calculated to advance the interests of township or count3'.

OBERT C. PARKER is a farmer and stockrr man of wide experience and business quali- ^li \V fications of a high order, who has been an important agent in developing the rich agricultural resources of Fayette, lii.s native county. He is one of the first of his class in Paint Township, where he has a large and finely equipped farm, situated two and one-half miles north, and a little west, of Bloomingburgh. Upon the place he has erected a beautiful residence, a view of which accompanies this sketch.

Mr. Parker was born in Marion Township, November 28, 1828. His father, John Parker, who was one of the foremost pioneers of Fayette County in his day, was a Virginian by birth. He was married in his native State to Mary A. Whiteman, who was born in the same place as liimself. Soon after marriage, he brought his bride to Ohio, in 182(3, to brave the hardships and trials of frontier life, in order to build np a comfortal)le home for tiiemselves. He bought two hundred acres of land in Marion Township, but after living upon it five years, renaoved with liis family to Paint Township, and bougiit seven hundrid and fifty acres of land, which lie afterward developed into one of tlie finest farms in the neighborhood, and that was his home until he closed his e3'es in death, at the age of seventy-three, in the year 1873. He was a man of large enterprise, and acquired wealth and prominence as a farmer and stockman. In earl}^ life, he was a Whig, and in later years the Rei)ublican party had in him an earnest advocate, from the time of its formation until the hour of liis death. He was Township Trustee for man}' j'ears, and had the interests of his communitj^ at heart at all times. Religiously, he was of the Presb^'^terian faith, and was a member of the church of that denomination at Bloomingburgh. His wife survived him until 1883, and then passed away at the age of seventj'-five. They were the parents of six children, four daughters and two sons, all of whom grew to maturity, and two of whom are still living, our subject, and his sister, Mrs. Hannah B. Barker, of Paint Township. Their paternal grandfather, Robert Parker, was a native of A^irginia, and is suppose^d to have been of Irish descent.

Robert C. Parker, of this Inographical record, is the second child and first-born son of his parents. His education was conducted in the common schools of his bo^'hood davs, and on his father's farm he was well trained in agricultural pursuits. He continued to assist his father in the management of his extensive farming interests until he was twenty-seven years old, and at that age took upon himself the responsibilities of domestic life, being married January 29, 1856, to Miss Margaret Selsor, who has nobly performed her part in the upbuilding of their home, proving to be a true home-maker, devoted to the interests of her household. Mrs. Parker is a native of Madison County, and was born June 13, 1832, a daughter of Frederic and Maiy (Rankin) Seisor, the former of whom was an early settler of the State, coming here in 1815. Her father was born in Virginia, and her mother was a native of Fayette County. The former died at the age of eighty-six, and the latter when forty-two years old. Our subject and his wife have had two children: Alice M., who died at the age of eleven years; and William S., who married Miss Eva Creath, and resides on his father's farm.

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Parker located on the farm in Paint Township on which he still lives. It was mostly in its natural condition when it came into his possession, but he has wrought a wonderful transformation, whereb}' it has become one of the best ordered farms in the count}', its four hundred and eight}' acres of ricli soil nearly all under cultivation, and valuable improvements on eveiy hand adding to its worth and attractiveness. A substantial class of buildings adorn the place, the handsome and commodi- ous residence, of a pleasing style of architecture, being built in 1881, at a cost of |(),000. Mr. Parker is now interested principall}- in raising stock, devoting the most of the grain grown on liis farm to feeding his stock. lie has three hundred hogs, fifty head of cattle of superior breeds, beside other well-bred stock.

Our subject is endowed with strength of mind and native ability, and his sensible, practical views on all subjects with which he is familiar give liirn weight and influence in the community. In his active and bus}' career he has not stayed to ask if life is worth living, but has made it so by always doing the duty nearest at hand. In this way he has acquired wealth, and gained the vuiiversal resi)ect of his community. Me is a Republican, who stands by his party whether defeat or victor}^ perches on its banners. He was Township Trustee some years, and made a good record as a civic official, who looked carefull}- after the interests entrusted to him.

DAM NEBBERGALL, who has for many 3^ears been engaged in farming and stockraising in Wayne Township, occupies a high place among the farmers of Fa>'ette County, to wiiose intelligence and industry is greatly owing its substantial progress. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Ross County in 1819, he being the youngest of twelve children born into the pioneer home of Henry and Nancy Nebbergall, who were natives of Virginia.

The mother of our subject died at the time of liis birth and his father followed not many years after, as he never saw him but once after he was large enough to remember. Thus sadly orphaned on the very threshold of life, our subject was at on CO taken b}' his aunt, Mrs. Wag3\ At the age of eight years, he was bound out to Isaac Monroe, but as that gentleman had a large family of his own, he could not clothe and care for the little orphan properly, and so two ,years later he went to live with an elder brother, with whom he remained a short time, and until he was seventeen years old he lived with several different people, finding no permanent home. At that age, he went on a farm to work l)y the month for a small amount of money, and remained there eight years.

When our subject was twenty-five years old, he was married to Eliza, daughter of Josepli and Sarali Parrett, whose sketch is given in that of John H. Parrctt. After marriage, Mr. Nebbergall came at once to Fa3^ette Count}' and for a short time rented a farm. Later, he bought twenty-five acres of land that are now included in his present farm, borrowing mone}- with which to make the first payment. The ambitions, energetic and diligent young pioneer set to work with a good will to improve a farm, having but 114 left after he had settled on his lujinestead. He possessed a thouglitful, vigorous intellect, was a good scholar, and keenl}- feeling his early lack of school privileges, set about obtaining a higher education after he was of age, and went to school until he was fitted for a teacher, which profession he followed both in Ross and Fayette Counties, proving to be a most excellent instructor. His principal occupation through life has been farming, however, and he has met with more than ordinary success in his vocation. He has i)urchased over four hundred acres of land, paying for it all with money obtained by his own labors, and is one of the most prosperous farmers of his township. His first house was built of logs and had a clapboard roof and a mud and stick chimney. This has been superseded by a room}' modern dwelling, and a good set of farm buildings adorn the place, a view of which is presented to our readers.

To Mv. and JNIrs. Nelibergall have been Itorn three children, of whom two are deceased: Sarah A., who died in infancy, and Joseph M., who died at the age of twent}'-three. Tiieir only surviving child is Mary E., the wife of Emmit King and the mother of five children.

Our subject is a Republican of excellent standing in his party. His first vote was cast for Gen. William H. Harrison, and during the last Presidential campaign of 1888, he had the pleasure of supporting the grandson of the hero of Tippecanoe at the polls. During the late war,when Morgan,the bold rebel raider, was creating terror and liavoc through- out the southern part of the State, Mr. Nebbergall promptly responded to the call for troops to drive the rebels awa3', and did good service during the fifteen da3'S in which thoy were engaged in routing them. lie has also shown himself to be a publicspirited and useful civic official in the various township ollices that he has held from time to time. He is an Elder in the Pisgah Church and a man whose Christian living proves the sincerity of his religious belief.

AMUEL TAYLOR, who is one of the prominent farmers of Darby Township, Madison County, was born on the farm where he now lives, August 23, 1817. He is thus one of the oldest residents of the township and is well and honorably known to all the citizens of Plain City, as his farm, which is located on the banks of the Big Darby Creek, lies only onehalf mile east of the city. His father, Richard Taylor, Avas probably a Kentuckian by birth and his early training was received in Kentucky. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Polly M. McDuffe, and was also a Kentuckian. Tlie^' came from their native home to Union County, Ohio, and located in what is now Plain City in 1805, but after ihat they returned to Kentucky and remained for two years before permanently settling in Darby Township. Their farm was covered by a dense forest, and Indians were their most numerous neighbors. AVhen they hrst moved into their log house, it had no floor, and wild animals were frequently about their door. There they made their home through life, the mother dying at the age of seventy years and the father surviving to enter upon his tenth decade. Of their seven children, all but one grew to reach years of maturity.

Our subject is the youngest in his parents' famil}' and the only one who is now living. His whole life of seventy-live j^ears has been spent upon the farm where he was born. In 1839, he was united in marriage with Eunice Allen, and they became the parents of two cliildren, who grew to womanhood, namel}': Mary, who is now the wife of Eli Shover, of Darby Township, and Sarah, who is Mrs. David Brown, and resides near Mechanicsburgh, Ohio. Mrs. Taylor died aliout 1850, leaving tlie daughters motherless.

The present ]\Irs. Taylor was known in maidenhood as Rosina Kent, and to her were born two daughters and one son. The eldest, Rachel, is the wife of Wayne Kiser, of Plain City. Mahala is Mrs. Roy Ramsej^, and she and her husband reside with her father. Samuel E. was called from earth after he reached the age of thirty-sev.en years.

Our subject has a farm of over four hundred acres on his home place, and another of two hundred acres elsewhere in the township, besides two hundred and fifteen in Jerome Township, Union County, and most of this is under cultivation. When his father first came to this region, there were no schoolhouses and no pikes here and he has helped to build man}^ miles of the latter. He is now the oldest native-born man in the county, and has been a Republican from the time he was old enough to vote, and has held various local oflices, having been School Director, and Township Trustee for manj^ years, and having filled the office of Supervisor of Roads. Although he is not a member of any church, he is a believer in the doctrines of Christianity and a liberal contributor to the support of its institutions. His present home is in a handsome brick house which he erected man}' years ago.

NDREW J. VAN NP:SS, a hardware dealer of Mt. Sterling, began business in this line in 1891. He was at first associated in partnershiii with Mr. Passwater, but after six months the connection was discontinued and our subject has been alone. He has already built up a good trade b}' his industry, good management and courteous treatment, and has secured the confidence and good-will of all. He was born in Rossie Township, St. Lawrence Count}^ N. Y., on the 3d of May, 1841, and is a son of Jeremiah and Maria (Vrooman) Van Ness. His parents were also natives of tlie Klmpire State, both born and reared ncai- Schenectady, N. Y., and were of Holland Dutch descent. The father was a glassl)lower in early life but followed farming' in St. Lawrence Count}'.

Our subject was born and reared upon the farm. His early education, acquired in the common schools, was supplemented by a two-years' course in the Antwerp Academy, which he attended between the ages of nineteen and twenty-one years. He then returned home and began operating his fatlier's land. In December, 1864, he determined to seek his home in the West and came to Madison County, Ohio. For about two years, he was engaged in carrying the mail between AVashington C. H. and Columbus, going on horsel)ack when the roads were bad and with a hack when the roads were passable, at which time he also carried passengers. He next worked by the month at whatever he could find to do and from his earnings managed to save a small sum.

When he had a little capital, J\L-. Van Ness was united in marriage, December 14, 1871, to Miss Snrah Douglass, one of the fair daughters of Mt. Sterling. Her parents were David II. and Doroth}' (Yocum) Douglass. Two children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Zoa, who was born February 9, 1872, and graduated from the Mt. Sterling High School in 1891; and Wade D., born August 26, 1880. They also lost a daughter, Ella, who died October 10, 1888, at the age of twelve years and was buried in Pleasant Cemetery.

After his marriage, Mr. Van Ness engaged in business with his father-in-law as a dealer in general merchandise and continued his operations in that line for some thirteen years witli good success. In this way he got a start in life and secured a home. In 1885, under President Cleveland, he was appointed Postmaster and served for four years, when the change in administration caused his retirement. About a j^ear later, he embarked in his present business as before stated. He is sagacious and far-sighted and well deserves a prosperous career.

Mr. Van Ness proudl.y cast his first vote in 1864 for Gen. George B. McClelland, and has since been a stalwart advocate of Democratic principles. He

"Yl OSEPII C. HARPER, Treasurer of Pickaway County and Cit}' Treasurer of Circleville, is widely known throughout Ohio and well deserves representation in this volume, lie was born five miles west of Lancaster, in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 2, 1831. His paternal grandfather came to this State about 1801, but after two years returned with his entire family. He was a planter and was of Scotch-Irish descent, being a direct descendant of the founder of Harper's Ferry.

Alex IIari)er, father of our subject, was born in Berkeley County ,Va., and about 1825 came to < )hio. He located and improved a farm near Lancaster, where he remained until 1840, when he removed to Lima, Ohio. He afterwards returned to Fairfield County nnd sulisequently engaged in the hotel business in Tarlton, Pickaway County. He was also one of the early teachers of the State. In 1855, he settled in Peoria, III., where he died three years later, at the age of fifty-eight. Of the Methodist Church he was a prominent member. His wife, who bore the maiden name of .Jane Cunningham, was born near Lancaster, in 1812. The deatii of Mrs. Harper occurred in 1881. She was a member of the Methodist Church. Her father, Robert C'unninghani,was a native of Berkeley Count}', Va., and went by team to Fairfield County, in 1801. He enlisted in the War of 1812, under Gen. Sanderson, and was killed at the battle of Ft. ]\Ieigs. His wife reared the family and lived to be eighty years of age. She could handle a rifle as Avell as a man and was a remarkable woman in many respects. She was well read and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Our subject's great uncle, Samuel Harper, built the first gristmill in Fairfield County.

In the famil}' of Alexander Harper were four sons and two daughters who grew to mature years: Samuel A., who enlisted at the first call for troops and served throughout the late war, becoming Lieutenant, now resides in Peoria, and is prominent in Grand Army circles, liaving served as Commander of Illinois; John J., wlio was in the one hundred days' service, was ten years Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Portsmouth district and is a prominent attorney of Washington C. H.; William H. is a prominent farmer of Peoria County, 111.; one sister died in that county, and Mrs. Mary Williamson is living in tlie same county.

Our subject was the eldest of the family. He acquired a common-school education and at the ago of nineteen began teaching. After teaching in the district schools, he served as Principal of the sciiools in Lancaster, Ohio, from 1862 until 1865, was Superintendent of tlie Bucyrus schools for six years, of the Sidne}' schools for one .year, the Waverly schools for two years and the Newark school for three 3'ears. He was eminently successful as an instructor. In 1880, he located in Columbus and was interested in railroad projects. In 1884, he located in Circleville and for six months was Principal of the Madison Township High School. In the fall of 1885, he became Deputy County Treasurer and in 1888 was elected Treasurer and was re-elected in 1890.

On the 6th of October, 1853, in Tarlton, Prof. Harper married Miss Susan Foust. Her father, Andrew Foust, who was born in Delaware County, Ohio, was a carpenter b}' trade and died in 1883. He was also a prominent politician, representing his county in each house of the Legislature. His father, Jacob Foust, a native of Penns^dvania, was the first white man who ever raised a crop noith of Columbus, Ohio. The mother of Mi'S. Harper, whose maiden name was Rachel Drum, is seventy-nine 3'ears old. They have an adopted daughter, Mary K., whom they reared from childhood. She graduated from the Pleasantville Collegiate Institute and is the wife of T. E. Mithoff of Flagstaff, Ariz. Her only daughter, Marvene Ilarjier, finds a home with our subject.