Madison Township (part 26 of 30)

At the age of sevent3-tliree, death closed the life of this good man, but he still lives in the hearts of those who knew and loved him for his pure, noble character. He was simple and straightforward in his manner, sound and sensible in his opinions, and he was a veritable Christian, with strong religious convictions. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and did much to encourage the growth of the denomination in his neighborhood, having preaching at his house, and in other wa3'S promoting the cause in which his sympathies were so deepl3- enlisted. He had a good record as a soldier, serving with devoted patriotism throughout the War of 1812. He helped to cany the da3' in the famous battle of Lake Erie, fought near Put-in-Bay September 10. 1813. when for the first time a whole British squadron surrendered in a naval contest with Americans, the victory being announced to Gen. Harrison by the brave Capt. Oliver H. Perrv, In- wiiose invincible courage and determination it had been won, in the message so famous for its simple brevity', 3'et so full of meaning: " We have met the enemy and they are ours - two ships, two brigs, one schooner, and one sloop." So greatl}- did the father of our subject admire and reverence his old commander, he named his son of whom we write in his honor. An uncle of our subject was killed in that same war. The Doctor's mother, of blessed memory, departed this life at the age of sixty-five. She was George Brinker's second wife, and was the mother of three children : Catherine E., now deceased, one who died in infancy, and the Doctor. His first wife was the mother of a large family of children, carefully training them to honorable lives: Barney, John, Silas, George, Nancy, Susan, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Lavina.

Our subject was reared on a farm in his native township. His father and mother died when he was a boy, within seven weeks of each other, and after that sad event in his life he went to live with his sister Nancy. His earl}' education was conducted in the district schoolhouse, which was built of logs and furnished with slab benches, and the school was carried on undei- the rate-bill system. When about eighteen years of age, the Doctor went to college at Delaware, but was taken sick a few months later and had to return home. He then had private instructions in Fairfield Count}', and after obtaining a certificate, taught school one winter there and one term in Franklin County. Deciding to enter the medical profession, for which he had a natural taste, he began to prepare himself for it under tlie instruction of Dr. George E. Eels, of Lithopolis, with whom he read medicine three years, thus laying a solid foundation for the course that he subsequent!}^ pursued at the Ohio INIedieal College, at Cincinnati, of which he is a graduate.

After leaving college, the Doctor entered upon the practice of his profession with his old instructor, Dr. Eels, with whom he remained six months. Returning tiien to Pickaway County, he established himself at Bloomfield, whence he went a year later to Shadeville, Franklin County, where he built up a large and lucrative practice. He was a resident of that town from 1865 until 1880, with the exception of a year spent at Circleville. In the latter year, he came to Darbyville, which he has since made his home. For some time, he devoted himself exclusively to liis practice, which was extensive, covering a good deal of territory, for he early made a name for himself as a physician of rare alulit}', well grounded in medical learning and the proper treatment of the prevailing diseases of this section of the country. Of late, he has given much attention to farming and stock interests, and buys and raises a considerable number of cattle and hogs, owning some very fine cattle of standard breeds. He has two hundred and thirt3'-six and one-eighth acres of land, one hundred acres in one tract, the remainder in another, and all in Muhlenberg Township, except thirtythree and one-third acres in Jackson Township, and he rents it, taking his pay in grain, which brings him in a good income. In the season of 1884-85, he built the frame residence on ISIain Street, Darbyville, in which he and his wife have a home attractive in its appointments and abounding in the comforts that add so much to the pleasure of living.

Our subject was married, in the fall of 1864, to Miss Kate Hill, a native of this township, whose family history will be found in the biographical sketch of her sister, Mrs. Anna Montgomery. Mrs. Brinker is a true, womanly woman, whose fine personal attributes have won her the sincere regard of all who come under her influence. She is of the Methodist faith in religion and a devoted member of the church. Of the four children born to her and her subject, three have passed through the gates of death to the land of the immortals: George E., Annie Bell and Frank. One son, Erasmus W., is left to be their pride and comfort in their declining years. He is a bright and talented young man, well educated, a member of the Columbus Bar, and has a promising future before him in his profession. He is popular in social circles, and is an earnest worker in the INIethodist Church, of which he is a member in high standing.

Dr. Brinker is a man of strong personality, with a broad, calm, practical mind and firm will, and a keen sagacit}^ in business matters, whereby he has achieved financial success. He is of a generous temper, has given liberally of his means to churches and charitable objects, and his name is associated with man}' of the progressive movements that have resulted in local improvement. He was head of the village government as Mayor for some years, and administered public affairs with a firm and steady hand, and he was also School Director for a short time. In his politics, he was a Democrat, until that part}' repealed the Dow Prohibition Law, but since then he has been independent.

'^ AMES A. McLEAN, who is widely and favorably known throughout Fayette County as one who has held high official positions, / is one of the leading citizens of AVashington C. II.. where he has a beautiful home. He is a native of that city, born March 4, 1841, in a house that stood on the present site of the Arlington House, the place being at that time the property of his father, Samuel IMcLean.

Samuel McLean was born in one of the early homes of Ross County in 1808, and was reared amid the pioneer scenes of his birthplace. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and were of Scotch descent. After completing his education, Samuel McLean came to Washington C. H., in 1837, and established himself in this city m the general mercantile business. He was married that year to Miss Eliza C. Robinson, who was a daughter of John Robinson, a prominent farmer of Ross County at that time. Mr. McLean continued prosperously engaged in his business until his death, August, 22, 1852. He was one of the original settlers of Washington C. H., and his widow, who is still living at a venerable age, is one of the oldest residents of the town, whose good fortune it is to have witnessed its rise and progress almost from the beo-inning. Samuel McLean was a Whig and had an intelligent understanding of politics in his day. He was the father of seven children, of whom these four are living: James A.; John R., a resident of Washington C. H.; Cincinnatus, a jeweler at Athens; and lone, the wife of M. B. Bryan, a resident of Washington C. H. and a farmer by occupation.

The subject of this sketch attended the public schools of his native city, and after his education was completed, he taught two terms of school <luring the winters of 18()1 and 1802. In tlie latter year, in which he attainc<l iiis inajf>rity. he threw .aside all personal aims and ambitions, to take his pl.ace in the ranks of brave hoys in blue If) iielp fight his country's battles, his name being placed on the roll of Company C. One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, on the 0th of August, he having been engaged previously in assisting to recruit the regiment, and he w.as commissioned Sergeant of his company. He was present at the siege of Vicksl)urg, faced the enemy in the Itattle of Arkansas Post, on the White River, and did his share of fighting in other engagements. However zealous he was in the interest of the cause for which he and his comrades did battle, and however loyalty to the flag prompted him to dare and suffer much, he was obliged to succumb to the hardships and privationsof war, and Fel)ruary G, 1803, was honorably discharged on account of disability and returned to his home and friends with a fine i-ecord for good soldiership, of which they were proud.

After he left the army, Mr. oNIcLean resumed teaching and was so employed one term. He tiien received the appointment to the office of De|)uty Collector of Internal Revenue for the Sixth District of Southern Ohio. He acted in that cap.acity for two 3^ears and was then made Deputy Assessor of the Internal Revenue for the same di^strict, which position he filled six years. He next worked as civil engineer and Surveyor of the County. He filled the office of Surveyor of Fayette County twelve years and was regarded as one of the most useful and reliable of the officials who liad eveiserved the county in that position. At the ex [)i ration of his term of office, Mr. McLean turned his attention to farming, purchasing a farm of five hundred .acres in Wayne Townshij); and taking up his residence on the place, he devoted himself zealously to tilling the soil and r.aising stock and continued to occupy the farm for ten years, with the exception of several winters spent in W.ashington C. H. that the children might attend school. In the fall of 1888, he settled here permanently with his family, having jiurchased a residence at No. 225 East East Street, in a very attractive quarter of the city. Mr. McLean is prominent socially as a member of the Masonic fiaternity and as a Knight

Mr. McLean was married, in 1867, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Charles Briggs. who Avas a prominent farmer of Ross County. She is a woman eminently fitted in ever}^ way for a home-maker, and to her devotion to his interests our subject owes much. The}' are the parents of five children: Nettie, the wife of Dr. Charles B. Jones, a practicing ph3'sician at Kingston; Charles R., who is at home; Eliza, wlio is attending the Ontario Ladies' College, at Whitb^', Ontario, Canada; Fred B. and Mary, who are at home attending school.

eR. DALBEY is a member of the famous firm of Dalbey Bros., of Washington C. IL, proprietors of the Fayette Poultr}' Yards, and one of the largest dealers in their line iii the State. The Dalbey brothers are sons of the Rev. R. M. Dalbey, who was born in Great Grove, Greene County, in 1816, coming of one of the early families of Ohio. He attended the pioneer schools of that county, but was mainly self-educated, as he was very fond of books and tlu'oughout life was a great student. He was earl}- converted to the cause of Christ, into which he threw his whole soul, and at the age of twenty-six he entered the ministry, joining the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church. He devoted himself earnestly to his sacred calling twenty years, and then, being obliged to abandon it on account of a throat trouble, lie turned his attention to the grocery business, which he carried on some twelve years. Returning then to the pulpit, he continued to occup}- it until the hour of his death, which occurred at -Tasper Mills in the fifty-ninth year of his age.

The mother of our sul)ject was Elizabeth A. (Harrison) Dalbe^', a native of England, and a sister of Hon. Richard A. Harrison, of Columbus, and a daughter of the Rev. Robert Harrison, who was a native of England, and a resident of Springfield, this State, many years, coming to this country in 1830, and a pioneer preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Six of the seven children born to the Rev. R. M. Dalbey and wife are still living, five sons and one daughter. The eldest is the Rev. J. H. Dalbey, who is a member of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church ; the sister, Mar_)' E., lives at the family residence at Washington C. IL, as also does her brother next younger; the Rev. A. F. Dalbey, a member of the Cincinnati Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church; our sul)ject is the fourth in order of birth; after him comes J. L., a member of the Cincinnati Conference, who has charge of a church at Christiansburgh; W. R., the youngest of the family', is city editor of the Cyclone., a Republican organ, is Secretary of the Southern Ohio Poultry Association, and a member of the Mystic Circle. The Rev. J. H. is a member of the Masonic fraternity, to which his brother A. F. also belongs, beside being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. All are Republicans, with the exception of J. L., who is a Prohibitionist. Like his brother, our subject is also a zealous member of the Methodist Church, and is an active worker in the Sunda3'-school. The mother of this famil\- died in 1880, at Jasper Mills, and her mortal remains were placed beside those of her husband. The principal subject of this sketch, C. R. Dalbe}', was born in the town of Xenia. He was educated in the public schools of Springfield, and after leaving school learned the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked five years. At the end of that time, he inaugurated the enterprise which has grown into one of the most extensive poultrj' businesses in this part of the country. All of his brothers are associated with him, and theirs is one of the largest poultry firms in the State. Tlieir establishment is located at Nos. 387, 389 and 391 Washington Avenue. Their business is ably conducted under the name of the Fa3'ette Poultry Yards, which is known far and wide, as they have patrons throughout the Ujiion. They breed about thirt}^ different varieties of fanc^' poultry, dealing in none but the purest breeds. One reason for their remarkable success is their far-sighted policy of extensive advertising, hy which means the}' have readied nearly two millions of people in various parts of the United States. They are now getting out their seventh annual catalogue, which will be issued in a neat form, and will be fully illustrated-

^OlIN RIDDLE and liis intelligent and interesting wife are recognized universally as among the foremost people of Darby Town- ^ ship, Pickaway County. He is a man of excellent judgment, and few farmers who began with scant means, as did he, have accumulated so much property in as short a time. He was born in Madison County, just north of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, September 1, 1831. His father, Abner Riddle, was bc;"i in Pennsylvania, in 1783, but came to Madison Count}', Ohio, when a young man, traveling by wagon. He worked out for neighboring farmers for several years, and after his marriage bought a farm one-half mile north of Mt. Sterling.

The young couple settled in the woods in a log cabin and had frequent calls from Indian neighbors. Game was plentiful and the deer and turkeys which fell by the young farmer's gun supplied his family with meat. He owned one hundred and thirty acres of land, which he improved and developed into a good farm. At one time, he was a member of the Christian Church. His politics were of the Whig persuasion, but he never cared to occup}^ office. His death occurred in 1848.

The mother of our subject was born near Harper's Ferry. Va., and was known in maidenhood as Sarah Thomas. When quite young, she came to Ohio with her parents, who were earh^ settlers in tliese parts. She reared to ^-ears of maturity eight children, namely: Mary A., Mrs. Alkire; Jackson; Maria, Mrs. Robison; Harrison; Letha, Mrs. Corney; John, Abner, and William L. The mother died at the age of eighty-four, having spent a long life in usefulness. She was a member of the Christian Church, and was very active in her early days, but on accoimt of her loss of eyesight in her later years, she did not often attend divine service. Both parents lie at rest in the Alkire Cemetery, near Mt. Sterling.

He of whom we write had his early training and education upon the farm mihI in tlic piimitivc! schoolhouse. Ho wa>^ allowed to attend scho(jl in the winter only, as his help was needed upon the farm during the summer. He Itegan life for himself at the age of eighteen, hiring out to neighbors by the month at the wages of %7, and continued working for otiiers until he readied tlie age of thirty-five, laboring most of the time in Ohio, hut spending some time in Illinois and Indiana. During I8o6, he was in Piatt County, 111., and in 1S63 was in Benton County. Ind., where he had an interest in some cattle wliidi he was engaged in herding. In 185(5, he drove a large number of cattle through to the Eastern market.

November 21, 1866, our subject was married to Martha Elizabeth Young, who was born near Mt. Sterling, December 16, 184L They lost two ciiildren, who died in early infancy, and have one living, Tenny E., a son of eighteen years, who is now attending school at Darby. Immediateh' after marriage, they settled on tlie farm where tiiey now live, a property which belonged to tlie father of Mrs. Riddle, and which was bought In Mr. Riddle in 1868. To the three hundred and forty original acres he has added until he now has five hundred and thirty acres and here he has made substantial and permanent improvements, putting in drainage, establishing fences, and erecting excellent farm buildings. They first settled in a log house, but in 1876 built the large frame house in which they now reside, and during the same year put u[) the frame barn.

Although Mr. Riddle pays considerable attention to wheat, his principal crop is corn, much of which is fed to his stock and the remainder sold. He keeps large numbers of hogs, cattle and shee|). and has shipped some stock, but sells most of it in the home market. His financial success has been principall}' gained in this way, through the medium of corn and hogs. One hundred acres of his land are in timber and four hundred and thirty acres are improved.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Riddle are efticient and earnest members of the Christian Church, in which they take an active interest and for which thej' are ever ready to give of their means and efforts.

Portrait And Biograppiical Record

They contributed to build the church and are generous in its support. The doctrines of the Republican party were in accordance with the views of Mr. Riddle, and he voted that ticket until two years ago, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He began in poverty, but has made a great success of his work and business by dint of hard work and good management. He never borrowed a cent of mone3\ but now is able to loan large amounts. He was one of the five men who laid out and platted the city of Derby, in the progress of which he has ever been interested.

(^ MLLIAM E. MORRIS, Clerk of the Courts \rJ\l of Pickaway County, and an enterprising, \^m public-spirited citizen of Circleville, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, September 8, 1861, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Elliott) Morris. The grandfather, Isaac Morris, was Ijorn in Pennsylvania, and when a young man emigrated with his family to Highland County, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until his death. The Morris famil}^ is of English descent.

John Morris was born in Highland County, and his wife in Clinton County. Her father, Benjamin Elliott, was also a native of Clinton County, and is still living, at the age of eight}' years. Mr. Morris located in that county, where he engaged in farming until 1861. In that year, he removed to Jay County, Ind., and there enlisted as private in the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry. He died in the hospital in Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, and was there buried. After his death, his widow returned to Clinton County, Ohio, and now resides in New Holland.

Our subject was their onl}' child. His education was acquired in the common schools, and when sixteen years of age he began clerking in the postofflce in Sabina, where he remained two years. He then spent eighteen months as a clerk in a drug store, after which he removed to Canon City, Col., and spent one summer in the drug business at that place. On his return to Sabina, he was employed as a salesman until 1882, when he removed to New Holland and established a drug store. He built up the largest business at tliat i)lace, and is still owner of the store.

Mr. Morris was married in New Holland, November 22, 1885, to Miss Kate Kennedy, a native of that place, and a daughter of Andrew Kennedy, a native of the Emerald Isle, who became an early settler of New Holland. He now resides in Springfield, Ohio. Two interesting children have been born to our subject and his wife: Mary and Frank.

Mr. Morris held the position of Postmaster in Holland from 1885 until 1889, and was a member of the City Council for several years. In the autumn of 1890, he was nominated on the Democratic ticket, and elected to the otlice of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Court of Common Pleas, and entered upon the duties of the position February 9, 1891. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He is a charter member of the Sons of Veterans of Bob McCook Camp, the largest camp in the State, and has twice served as its Captain. Mr. Morris is a gentleman of sterling worth and integrity, held in high regard throughout the community for his many excellencies of character.

0-^ RLANDO VAN BUSKIRK. The greatgrandfather of our subject, Peter Van Buskirk, was one of the first pioneers to brave the dangers and hardships of the wilderness to found a home in Pickaway County, and from that day to this the Van Buskirks, from generation to generation, have been closely identified with its rise and growth, with its material progress, and with its higher interests. Orlando Van Buskirk, of whom we write, is one of the most intelligent and enlightened farmers of Monroe Township. He was l)orn in said township, one mile east of his present home, August 25, 1848. His father, Peter Van Buskirk, was born in Perry Township, May 15, 1826, a son of John Van Buskirk, who was born in Allegan}- County, Md., November 19, 179^. The American branch of the family tliat originated in Holland was established by nine brothers, who came here in Colonial times and settled in different parts of the Plast.

The great-grandfather of our subject, who was a Maryland farmer in the early days, came over the mountains to Ohio in 1799, with pack-horses. He spent a 3'ear in Chillicothe, and then penetrated into the wilderness to a point on Deer Creek, near Williamsport, in this county, where he located on a tract of nine hundred acres of land that he bought of the Government. He there erected a log cabin, and with his family began the primitive life necessitated by their wild surroundings. He partly developed a farm, and on Deer Creek built the first grist-mill in that vicinity, building it of logs and fastening the shingles with wooden pins, there being no nails then. He operated the mill for some years, and also a distillery in connection with it. He and his wife both lived to a good old age, and reared a large family of boys and girls. When she came to this State, she brought some apple seeds in her pocket from ^laryland, and planted them on the farm on Deer Creek now owned by Mr. Dunlap, and some of the trees that sprang therefrom are still standing and are very large.

The grandfather of our subject was a boy when he came here. He had no school advantages, with the exception of one term's schooling, but learned to read at home. He was married Februarv 8, 1821, to Sophia Seward, who was born in Mrginia July 8, 1799. In early life he was an infidel, Init soon after his marriage he was converted, and began to preach the Gospel in houses, barns and schoolhouses, as there were no churches at that time. August 8, 1823, he united with the Christian Church at Williamsport, and was a noble worker in its upbuilding. He was a self-educated man, of strong common sense and of no mean ability, and his earnestness and desire to do good carried conviction to the hearts of those with whom he labored. He was prospered in his calling as a farmer, and became the owner of six hundred acres of land in this township, beside seven hundred acres near Muncie, Ind. His wife was a woman of strong convictions, though lacking in education, and she fdled a useful si)liere in life, being well beloved by all who knew her for her fine qualities of mind and iicait. She was a Christian in every sense of the word, always cherishing tlie welfare of the church, and she was noted for her benevolence in giving to the needy, and in helping lo build different churches. She passed away .January 10. 1868. and ( i rand father ^'an Buskuk, September 15, 1874, the latter aged nearly seventy-nine 3'ears.

This is the record of their children: Caroline, l)orn June 18, 1822, married John Wood .Inly 5, 1840, and is now dead; Diantha, born October 12, 1824, married Lieut. Samuel Roland, August 23, 1846, and died January 20, 1849; Peter, the father of our subject, was the next in order of birth; then came Rhoda, who was born June 2, 1831, married William Bennett in August, 1845, and died March 22, 1874; Sarah, born August 28, 1833, married Hiram Russell February 3, 1857, and lives in Delaware County, Ind.; Orlando, born June 6, 1829, was married in August. 1856, to Elizabeth Betts, and died in Clarksburgh, .January II, 1858; Francis M., I)()rn September 5, 1838, married Diana T. Ha\s, and died September 27, 1865; Mary, born March 26. 1836, married Adam Bailey, and lives at JNIt. Sterling; William FI., horn May 3, 1842, died November 2, 1865.

The father of our suV>ject was reared to the life of a farmer, and when he began his independent career in that line, he settled on the farm now occupied by his son Orlando, and in due time had the woods cleared away, and the land under good cultivation. He owned four hundred acres of land, and did an extensive business as a general farmer. He made a specialty- of raising hogs, and also had other stock, and was one of the substantial men of his townshi[). He was an exemplar}- citizen and a sound Republican, l»ut never aspired to olHce. He was of a sincerely religious nature, and nearly all his life was a consistent member of the Christian Church. The mother of our subject was Rebecca Wood in her maiden days, a daughter of Col. William D. and Elizabeth Woofi, and was born in Madison County. December 5, 1825. She took an active inteiest in the Christian Cliiuch.

of which she was a life-long member, and in her death, at the age of forty-nine years, it lost one of its most devoted followers. She was the mother of three children: Orlando V.; Elizabeth, who was born July 17, 1850, and is now the wife of W. F. Mercer, of Columbus; and Isabelle, who was born August 20, 1852, married 8. Timmons, and is now dead.

The boyhood of our subject was passed much as that of other farmer's boys in like circumstances. The first school that he attended was held in a t3'pical pioneer log house, with a large open fire-place for heating purposes, and slab benches for seats. The scliool was conducted on the subscription plan. He later attended the Normal at Lebanon for about four months. He lived at home with his parents until their death, his father buying a farm and giving him a half-interest in it if he would remain with them. After marriage, he settled on the farm that he now occupies, and his mother came to live with him and died a year later. At the time of the death of his father, our subject and his mother and two sisters were ill with typhoid fever, and unable to be present at the last sad rites when the beloved one was laid to rest.

Mr. Van Buskirk has a fine farm of three hundred acres of land, all improved and well drained. He was formerly engaged in the manufacture of tile, the second man to establish that line of business in this county. He began it in 1874, and was extensively employed in making it until 1887. He made from two-inch to ten-inch tiles, burning as many as twelve kilns a season, and he had the reputation of manufacturing the best tile in the county. There was a large demand for it, and during the fourteen years that he dealt in it he always gave perfect satisfaction. He now gives his attention to mixed farming, raising grain and stock. He formerly engaged quite extensively in dealing in cattle and hogs, buying many cattle in. the northern part of the State, and he has wintered as many as one hundred and fifty.

Our subject is a great reader, and has a well-selected library as one of the attractions of his pleasant home. He is possessed of a large fund of information, is an interesting conversationalist.

and always seems to know when to say the right word in the right place. He is a man of gen^ous breadth, unselfish in thought and action, and it is said of him that "he is one of the few who live not alone for self, but to do good to others." He and his wife are members of the Christian Church, both taking an earnest interest in religious matters, and he was once Trustee of the church, and served three j'ears as Superintendent of the Sunday-school. Politically, he is a Republican, and he held the oflSce of Land Appraiser in 1890. He is a member of the Masonic order at Mt. Sterling; Fayette Chapter No. 103, and Garfield Commandery No. 28, at Washington C. H. Mr. Van Buskirk was married .January 11, 1872, to Miss Emma Rowlen, by whom he has five children: William G., Pearl, Ma^^ and Minnie (twins) and Verna.

HARLES W. HORN, the Editor of the Plain City Dealer, was born at Martin's Ferry, Belmont Count}-, Ohio, August 19, 1857 His father, Gary Horn, a native of Ohio, born near Cadiz, Harrison County, was a farmer and tilemaker. He was married in Ohio to Miss Sarah Spring, a native of this State, and they located at Martin's Ferry. They became the parents of four children, three sons and one daughter. The eldest, Adolph, is the Postmaster in Plain City; Armeda is the wife of D. La Mar Lombard; and M. W., who is the twin brother of our subject, is a painter. All of the family, both parents and children, make their home in Plain City. Our subject, in his earlier years, lived with his parents at Somerville and Woodstock, then in INIarion, Ohio, before coming to Plain City. He remained with his father until his marriage, and began learning the printer's trade after coming to Plain City, working for several firms before starting a paper for himself.

Mr. Horn established the Plain City Dealer, which has now about seven hundred circulation and has been very successful as a business enterprise. A fine grade of job printing and a great variet}^ of work is done in his office. The mar- riage of our subject, wliicli took place in the 3'ear 1885, united him with Miss Jessie ITaynos, of Plain City. She was born in New California, Ohio, but as she came to Plain City with her parents when an infant, has found her home here through life. One daughter has blessed this home, to whom has been given the name of Louise. Altliough Mr. Horn is, in his personal preferences, a Republican in politics, his paper is neutral in political affairs and devotes itself mainly to the promotion of the prosperity and business interests of Plain City.

OHN W. ALLEN is nxunbered among the enterprising and successful farmers of Range Township, Madison County. He was born in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, December 13, 1835, and is a son of Adam and Rosanna (Hidy) Allen. His father, who was born in March, 1811, is still living in Jefferson Township, Fayette Count}'.

Our subject had limited educational advantages, but his training in hard labor was not at all meagre. After attaining to man's estate, he led to the marriage altar, on the 5th of October, 1857, Miss Harriet A. Fent, of Jefferson Township, and unto them have been born twelve children, nine of whom are still living. Vena Olive was married, and at her death left two children; Addie May died at the age of seven years; Delia is the wife of AVilliam Badger, of Fayette Count}-, and has one child; Hulda and Eugene Sheridan are at home; Rosanna Catherine is the wife of Charles Baughn ; Cora F., Icy, Urban, Osa and Emily are under the parental roof; and one child died in infancy.

When Mr. Allen started out in life for himself, he had to go in debt for his team and farming implements, and for two years he resided upon rented land. He entered the army August 13, 1862, joining the boys in blue of Company K, Fortyfourth Ohio Infantry. He participated in the battles of Dutton Hill, Louisville, and the siege of Knoxville. In 1864, he was transferred to the Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and saw service in the Shenandoah

A'alley, under Sheridan. lie participated in the battle of AVinchestei-, and also in the engajicmenl when (ien. Sheridan made his famous ride. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, and was honorably discharged in May, 1865.

When the country no longer neecled his services, i\Ir. Allen retuiiied Ikiuu' and ai^aiii rented land for a time. 11 is lirst purchase consisted of tiftyeight acres in Jefferson Township, Fayette Counly. After two years, lie sold this, and bought one hundred acres in Stokes Township, Madison County. In 1884, he purchased his present farm, becoming owner of one hundred and fifty-four acres. His fields are well tilled, his improvements many, and a glance at the place indicates the supervision of a careful manager.

]Mr. Allen has been a stanch Kepulilicun since lie cast his first Presidential \M)te for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. He has fre(iuently served as a delegate to the county conventions, but has never sought or desired public office. He holds niemliership with A'incent Allen Post No. 678, (i. A. K., of Sedalia, and attended the National Reunion in Columbus and in Detroit. He was a valiant soldier during the late war, is a leading agriculturist of the community, and a prominent citizen, highly esteemed by all who know him.

RS. DR. E. A. VAN RIPER is a lady whom nature seems to have es{)ecially fitted for the profession she is now following, and she has met with unusual success in this calling. She has all those attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor graces of manner and person, essential to the making of a truly great physician. The Doctor was born in Lodi, Washtenaw County, Mich., and is a daughter of Edmon G. and Lucinda (Isbell) Rogers, both natives of New York State, the father born in Orange and the mother in Madi^-on County.

Grandfather Edmon G. Rogers was a native of Sheffield, England, but came to America at an early date and located in Orange County. N. Y., where he became a very wealth}' man and a man of leisure. His wife had been formerly Miss Martha E. Galk\y, a lady of Irish descent and a descendant of one of the best Irish families. The Rogers are also descendants of a very prominent famil}^ and trace their ancestrj' back to Lord Rogers, of England.

The father of our subject was a well-educated man and a graduate of West Point. After finishing his education, he came to Michigan and purchased a farm in Lodi Township, Washtenaw County, which he operated until his death, early in 1861. He was an excellent citizen and a man universally respected. In politics, he was a strong adherent of the principles of the Republican part}'. His wife was the daughter of Leonard Isl)ell, who was a native of one of the Eastern States, of Scotch descent and an early settler of Washtenaw Count}', Mich. He served in the War of 1812, and later located at Stoekltridge, Mich., where he received his final summons. The mother of our subject resides in Jackson, Mich., at the present time. Five daughters and one son were born to her marriage.

At the early age of three years, our su])ject was sent to school, where she displayed so much abilit}- and advanced so rapidly in her studies that when fourteen years of age she went to Ann Arbor, Mich., and attended the High School for aliout five years. On the 4th of Augest, 1864, she married Dr. M. H. Van Riper, a native of New York State, and of Dutch and Welsh extraction. II is father, John Van Riper, was a prominent attorney of Albany, N. Y. Mr. Van Riper was educated in New York, studied medicine for two years at Eellevue College and then went to Michigan, where he intended entering the medical department of Ann Arbor Universit}-, but instead enlisted in a Michigan regiment as Surgeon. He was wounded at Malvern Hill and, after being in several Southei-n hosi)itals, was taken to Detroit more dead than alive. He finally recovered, was honorabl}' discharged and, when able, continued his medical studies, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1865, with the degree of M. D.

After marriage, our subject and her husband removed to Momence, 111., practiced there for three vears and then located at Kankakee. She began the study of medicine under her husband and took lectures from him every evening for eight years. She became very proficient in this profession and was examined and registered by William Kanagie as a practicing physician in Illinois. She then practiced in Kankakee until April 16, 1881, when she located in Circleville and has been a successful practitioner here since.

Three children were born to this union and were in the order of their births as follows: Myron E., a practical printer, of Chicago; Garrett A. is a pressman in New York City, and Marquis De La- Fayette is at home. Dr. Van Riper has given her children good educational advantages and they are all bright young men. In politics, the Doctor is a stanch Republican.

'~ R. MARSHALL, the popular Editor and Manager of the Ohio State Register at Washington C. IL, has occupied that position on the paper for the past two and one-half A native of New York, he was born in Newark, Wayne County, October 22, 1843, and is the son of Francis H. Marshall, who is engaged in the manufacture of wagons, buggies, etc. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah J. Miller; she was the daughter of Jasper Miller, who is now deceased, having lived for nearly a century. He of whom we write was given a good education in the schools of Lockport, N. Y., whither his parents removed when he was quite young. When old enough to start out in life on his own responsibility, he began work in the office of the Daily Union, at Lockport, where he learned the "art pre servative," and remained for six 3'ears. At the expiration of that time, Mr. Marshall went to Albany, in the same State, and later to New York Cit}', where he was employed on job work, and there made his home until 1867, which was the date of his coming to Highland County, this State. At Hillsboro, he was engaged in publishing the Gazette for seventeen years, at the end of which time he went to Springfield and puz'chased an interest in the Siinday News, where he remained for the five succeeding 3'ears. In September. 1888, he came to

Wasliington C. H. and assumed the business management of the Register Democrat. A year latei', however, in company' with Wolf and Jones, our subject established the Ohio State Register, with which paper he is still connected, although the paper is owned b}^ R. B. Palmer.

The lady to whom our subject Avas married July 14, 1862, was Miss Sarah L.Barnes, and to them have been born three children, viz.: Nellie M., Maude and Maurice. Mrs. Marshall was born in Niagara County^, N. Y.,in 1845, and was the daughter of Joel P. and Sarah A. Barnes, her father being a prominent bridge contractor and builder. The father of our subject is still living and makes his home in Lockport, N. Y. In social matters, he of whom we write has been for many years a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously, Mrs. Marshall is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

"jflOHN G.WILSON, M. D. The witness of tlie transformations wrought b}^ fifty years in the improvement and development of Fayette County, Dr. Wilson not only endured the hardsiiips of pioneer life, but it has also been his privilege to enjoy the fruits of his early toil. He is the sole survivor of the little band of physicians who were engaged in practice at Washington C. H., in June, 1841, when he cast in his lot with the pioneers of the place.

The childhood years of our subject were passed amid the scenes of Ross Count}', Ohio, where he was born March 19, 1811. His father, John Wilson, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and came to Ross County from his native State, Penns^'lvania, at a very early day, taking up a tract of unimproved land. He married Miss Luc}' Ta} lor, and unto them were born eleven children, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. Few events of importance occurred to break the monotony of our subject's youth, his time being diligently devoted to tilling the soil in the summer and attending school during the winter seasons. The " temples of learning " in those eai'ly days were primitive in construction, made of logs, with split rails fojseats, and with greased paper in>tead <»f window lights. At a somewhat later date, a better house was erected, and gradually the opportunities afforded the children for accpiiring an education were improved, both in I'cgard to the furnishings of the l)uilding and the method of instruction.

Upon attaining to his majority, our sulijcfi commenced to read medicine with l)v. James Robbins, of Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio, who was a memljor of the l)oard of examiners appointed by the State to exainine for litiiess to practice. After gaining a thorougli practical knowledge of therapeutics, the young Doctor removed West as far as Dayton, then a town of four thousand inhabitants. He i)racticed his profession there in 1835 and 1836. in partnership with Henry Van Tuyl. a prominent physician. He next proceeded to Indiana, locating nineteen miles up the river from the old Tippecanoe battleground, where at the time there were plenty of Indians and wild animals. At that time, the Wabash Canal was being built, along which he had a large practice. He voted for William Henry Ilanison for President in 1836, and again four years later, when he was the successful candidate.

Coming to Washington C. H. in the spring of 1841, Dr. Wilson purchased the property on the corner of Court and North Streets, which was then in the suburbs of the village, but is now in the center of the cit}'. Here he has resided for fifty years and more, while those avIio were children when first he settled on the old iiomestead have grown to maturity, entered the world of active business, and some, grown old and weary with the cares of life, have sunk intc) the slumber of death. But all of them - youth, and middie-aiicd and old - have known Dr. Wilson and have f)een proud to regard him as their friend. Tc> his patients, he was more than the kind, considerate, skillful physician - he was the unchanging friend.

For twent}' years. Dr Wilson was an attendant at the County Infirmary. President Grant appointed him Examining Surgeon of Fa\ette County, and he served as President of the Board until the election of President Cleveland, when he resigned. He had established a splendid practice, which, to- gether with his position at the Infirmary, lie resigned when he accepted the position of Examining Surgeon. Some four years ago, he retired from active labors, and now is passing his declining years in quiet seclusion.

In 1838, Dr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda Mackerley, whom he had known in childhood, her father's farm adjoining that belonging to his father. At the time of his marriage, the Doctor rode on horseback two hundred and fifty miles to the bride's home, and, after the ceremony was performed, drove back to \Yashington C. H. with his young wife, the journey being made in a buggy which he had purchased. They have had two daughters: Mary L., the. wife of -Tared L. Millikan, who now resides with oar subject, and Lucinda, who died when about twentyone years old. Politically, the Doctor has always been an active Republican and is firm in his adheieuce to the principles of the party.

<^ jhlLUAM ATKINSON stands among the W^l ^^ ^''^ progressive, enlightened WW anfl enterprising farmers and business men who have had the making of Madison County, and perhaps no man has done more for the development of its rich agricultural resources within the last three or four decades than he. His farm, which is four miles south of Plain City, in Canaan Township, is one of the largest and best-managed, and is considered one of the finest-improved, in this part of the State.

Our subject was born in Ross Township, Greene County, February 2, 1832. His father was Cephas Atkinson, who was born in York County, Pa., in 1790. He in turn was a son of Joseph Atkinson, who was of English descent, but is thought to have been a native of Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject, Abigail Oren, was likewise a Pennsylvanian by birth, and was of English extraction. She M^as reared partly in Tennessee and partly in Ohio, coming to this State when she had nearly attained womanhood. She Avas married to Cejihas

Atkinson in Clinton County, and they moved soon after to Clarke County, whence they returned to Greene County. From there they subsequently went to Champaign County, where the father died in 1860 and the mother in 1875, finding their last resting place in its soil. They were the parents of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, three of whom died in infancy, the others growing to maturity, and these four of them are still living: .Tane; William; Margaret C, wife of James Hunt, of South Charleston, Clarke County; and Thomas S., a resident of Indianapolis, Ind! The father was a man of superior business qualifications, who invested his money judiciously, and acquired a goodly amount of property, including fifteen hundred and ten acres of land in Madison County, which he purchased from 1842 to 1852.

The subject of this biographical review is the ninth child and fifth son of his parents. He was eight years old when they removed to Champaign County, where the rest of his boyhood was spent, and he remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. He obtained his education in the district schools, and on bis father's farm was well trained in all that pertains to farming. In the opening years of a vigorous, stalwart manhood, he came to Madison County, in 1854, to enter upon the hard pioneer task that lay before him of literally hewing out a farm from the forests by the strength of his strong right arm, seconded by the force of a steady brain to plan his work wisely. His father had given him three hundred and seventy-seven acres of timber land and oak openings in Canaan Township, on which no improvements had been made. He went to work with a will, and in time had the forest cleared away, had dug ditches for drainage, and had placed his land under fine cultivation.

All this Mr. Atkinson accomplished without a cent of capital, but his labors lesultcd in his becoming wealthy, and he was enabled to buy more land, and now has one thousand and thirty-seven acres of the very best farming land, of which between four and five hundred acres are under a complete system of drainage, tiles and ditches running in every direction, making the rich soil more productive, and the farm one of the most perfectly drained in the county. He was the first to introduce tiling in this part of the county, having shipped tile on the cars before it had ever been manufactured in this section. He lias spared neither raone}^ nor pains in making improvements and has a well-ai)- pointed set of buildings. P^lsewliere in this volume will be noticed a view of his large and eh^gant twostory brick residence, whicli is situated a quarter of a mile from the Wilson Pike. It was erected in 1882 at a cost of $6,000, and contains thirteen spacious rooms and halls, finely finished and tastefully furnished. His barns are commodious and convenient!}" arranged, and lie has other necessary buildings. He pays considerable attention to raising stock of high grades, and has one hundred cattle, having disposed of fifty last winter; six hundred and fifty sheep, and some liogs, having sold seventy-five of the latter last fall. He has had as many as fifteen hundred and fifty sheep at one time, and raises and keeps as many horses as he needs to work his extensive farm.

Mr. Atkinson was married May 29, 1866, to Lucinda, daughter of John and Mary (Rliulen) Nonnemaker, and widow of Robert V. Fleming. Mrs. Atkinson is a native of Ohio, born in Fairfield County November 2, 1839, and is of (ierman extraction. She is a woman of noble character, who fills in every way her position as wife, mother and friend. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since the age of seventeen. To her and our subject have been born three children, to whom is being given the best of educational advantages the State affords. Their son. Charles Francis, born June 24, 1870, attended Wittenburg College, at Springfield, four years, and is now pursuing a course of study at the Nelson Business College in the same city. Cephas, who was born December 24, 1875, is preparing for college in a school at Plain City. Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson's only daughter, Mary Eva, who was born June 17, 1867, attended AVittenburg College two years, was a student one year at Wooster and one year at Gambler, Ohio. She became an expert stenographer and type-writer, and commanded a salary of $100 a month prior to her marriage with Henry S. Francis, a prominent druggist of Uhrichville. Mrs. Francis belongs to the Episcopal

Church, while her husband and brotlier Cephas are identified with the INIethodist Episcopal Chiirch. Mr. Atkinson is a man of large, roundalxmt common sense, positive character, more than average executive ability, and his standing in financial circles is of the highest. He is well known as President of tlie Farmers' Bank, of I'laiii City, which, under his administratujn, is one of tin- lead - ing monetary institutions of Madison Count\-. In l)()litics, he is first, last and alwa\'s a Republican, and uses his inllueiu-e to further the interests of his party. Socially, he is identified with rrania Lodge No. ."51 1. A. F. and A. M. lb- is publicspirited, and all enterprises looking to the advancement of his township or county are sure of his cordial ai)probation and material assistance.

\f|EREMlAIl REA. Tiie geiitleiiian of whom it is our pleasure and privilege to here give a biographical sketch in outline has spent his life in doing good to others and u})- holding the rights of all. Few of the agriculturists of Oak Run Township. ^ladison County, are better known than is he, who is engaged in cultivating the soil and lireeding fine stock. His beautiful home is pleasantly located seven miles from London and is supplied with all the comforts wiiicii are to be found upon a first-class estate.

Our subject, who was born in London October 19, 1824, is the son of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea. His father was also an agriculturist and stock-breeder and was born near Rockbridge, ^'a.. in 179:5. He participated in the War of 1812 under (4en. Harrison and did eflicient and valiant service during those trying times. In 1H18. the elder INIr. Rea located in Union Township, Fayette County, and worked on rented laud for a time and later became one of the weallliy and prominent men of this section. The grandparents of our subject also came hither in the above-named date, but being poor people Mathew had to make his own wa}- in the world without an}- monetary assistance, and at the time of his death, in company with his sons, was the possessor of two thousand acres of land. Ill polities, he was a Whig uutil tiie dissolution of that pai-t3% when he became a Democrat. He is what may be termed a self-made man as his advantages for obtaining an education were very limited. He was elected County Commissioner of liis township and in many ways represented lus district in positions of trust.

Our subject was the eldest of the parental family of four children: Joseph, wlio was born April 10, 1829, died November 6, 1873; Robert, who was born in 1831, is a prominent stock-dealer in London, this State; Margaret Elizabeth married F. M. Cbenoweth and makes her home in London. Jereiniali of this sketch was reared to farming pursuits, and after establishing himself in business on his OM'u account, remained in partnership with his father until reaching liis thirty-fiftli year. He was married, August 22, 1850, to Miss Catherine, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bostwick) Leach. Mrs. Rea was born in Fayette County, September 19, 1829, and shortly after her marriage removed to what is now the present home of oar subject.

In his political relations, he of whom we write cast his first Presidential vote in 1848 for Zachary Taylor. In 18.56, he joined the ranks of the Democrats and voted for James Buchanan. He has been Clerk and Treasurer of the township and has also served as School Director for over twenty 3'ears. He was at one time a candidate on the Independent ticket for County Commissioners, but as he refused to electioneer, was defeated. He at one time was the nominee for County Treasurer, his opponent being elected bj' a very small majority.

Mr. Rea received about six hundred acres of land on the division of his father's estate and has added to it from time to time until now he has a handsome proi)erty of fourteen hundred acres. By industry and energy, he has placed his farm under thorough tillage and put in man^' feet of tiling. The buildings are of the best description, and stamp their owner as a man of enterprise and progress.

The two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rea are Mathew, who lives on the old homestead and was boi'n July 19, 1858, and Sarah Louisa, who was born August 1, 1863. The son, in addition to receiving a common-school education, attended the

High School at London and is now^ one of the prominent farmers and stock-raisers of this section. He was married, December 13, 1882, to Miss Grace Dodds, of Mason, Warren County, this State, where she was born January 9, 1862. She is a most intelligent and cultured lady and is the daughter of E. C. and Lavina F. (Keever) Dodds. She has become the mother of two children: Earl D., who was born January 15, 1886, and Robert C, who was born July 24, 1889, and resides with her husband on a portion of the old home farm. Mathew li. is also a Democrat in politics, and in 1880 voted for Hancock. He has been very prominent in local affairs and when only twenty-two j^ears of age was elected to the responsible position of Trustee, which office he held two terms, and was made Treasurer of his township in 1891. His interest in school affairs led him to be placed on the School Board as Director in 1890 and in the fall of the following year he was elected County Commissioner. His popularity is shown in the fact that his opponent was one of the representative men of the count3' and the opposing party had a majority of three hundred and fifty. He received every vote in his township with the exception of nineteen and carried the Fourth Ward in London, which had always been given to the opposing party. The daughter of our subject married Isaac F. Beery, a banker of Upper Sandusky, this State, and is the mother of three children, viz: Isaac R., Mathew L. and Brooks F.

\fj OHN PERRILL. The finely-improved farm I belonging to Mr. Perrill is conveniently and pleasantly located in Jasper Township, Fa3'ette Count} , and consists of five hundred and thirtj'-seven acres, upon which first-class improvements have been placed. While he devotes considerable attention to general farming, he makes a specialty of raising cattle and hogs, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. His residence is one of the most attractive in the township, while the other buildings are substantial and well adapted to their various uses.

During the early 3ears of the settlement of Ohio, Hugh Perrill, father of our subject, came hither with his parents and located eight miles east of Lancaster. His birthplace was in Virginia, although the most of his active life was passed in the Buckeye State. He was married to Miss Margaret Caldwell, of Ohio, and shortly afterward removed to Highland County, which remained his home until the death of his wife. He then removed to Kentucky and resided near Greensburgh until his death, which occurred several years since. It is thought that he met with foul play, as he had started on a visit to his children in Ohio with considerable money in his possession, and when his body was found in Tiger Creek, tiiere was no mone\^ whatever upon it.

John Perrill was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 17, 1823, and until he was twenty-two, I'esided in the place of his birth. During the following eight years, he was a resident of Pike County, where he was emplojed in farming pursuits and also drove cattle across the mountains. He was thirt}' yeavs old when he came to Fayette County and settled upon the farm where he still resides. Shortl}' after coming to this county, he was married to Miss Margaret J., daughter of Elias and Elizabeth (Hall) Sparks, natives of Bourbon County, Ky. Mrs. Perrill was born in the Blue Grass State November 9, 1837, and died October 7, 1890, mourned not only by her immediate family, but by all who knew her and who esteemed her for the noble traits of character and sincere Christian earnestness which characterized her life.

Mr. and Mrs. Perrill became the parents of nine children, as follows: George N., who married Elizabeth Vaneman ; Iva, who married .Tolin Acton ; Louis, who married Mamie Gray; Edward, who married Sall}^ .Tarrill; Rebecca, who married James Curtis; Charles, Laura, Maggie and Frank. All of the children are living. Mr. Perrill has been a kind and generous father, and has provided well for his children, having presented them with land and given them a good start in the world. He has secured his large property by diligence and economy, seconded by wise judgment and excellent investments. In the political issues of the day, he maintains a deep interest, and is an ardent adherent of Republican princi{)les. In liis religious sympathies, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a liberal sui)portcr of Christian enterprises.

-II.LTAIM D. WOOD, a retired farmer of I\It. Sterling, and an honored veteran of the late war, was boin in I'nion Townsliip. IXvette County, Ohio, on the 27th of February, 1841. His parents were Daniel and Tabitiia (Feach) Wood. He was I'eared to manhood upon liis father's farm and actpiired liis education in tlic common schools, which he attended during tiic winter season, while in the summer months he worked in the fields. He remained under the parental roof until twenty years of age, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Compan}- A, Fift}'-fourth Ohio Infantry. 'I'he regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and he participated in the battles of Siiiloh, Corinth, the siege of \'icksburg, .lackson, ^Mission Ridge, and the Atlanta cami)aign. Previous to this, he had re-enlisted as a veteran, his three-years term of service having expired. While his regiment was engaged in the Atlanta campaign, Mr. Wood served on detached diity, guarding railroad bridges. He rejoined his regiment in Goldsboro, N. C, and participated in the (irand Review in Washington, D. C., the most brilliant military pageant ever seen in this country. He tlien went to Louisville, Ky., and on to Little Hock, Ark., where he was mustered out in August, I860.

When the war was over. Mr. Wood returned to his home, and on the 27th of February. 1866, was joined in wedlock with ^liss ^Nlarj' Parker. He began farming on a part of his father's farm., and afterward his father gave him seventy acres or more of land. In 1871, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 12th of Jul}'. He was again married. May 2, 1872, his second uftion being with Miss Rebecca Swope, of Fairfield County. Two children grace their union: AUtert Thomas, who was liorn in Madison Town- ship, Fayette County, Ohio, March 23, 1874, is now attending the High School of Mt. Sterling; and Arley Ray was born in Madison Townshii) on the 13th of November, 1878.

Upon the death of his father, Mr. Wood inherited more land, and now has four hundred and forty-eight acres in Madison Township, beside twelve acres which he purchased in Mt. Sterling. He is industrious and enterprising and made of his business life a success, so that he is now enabled to lay aside business cares, resting in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Mr. Wood is a man highly respected throughout the community, and is recognized as a valued citizen of Mt. Sterling, wliere he has made his home since 1884. He is a member of the Old-school Baptist Church, and in politics is a Republican, having been a standi advocate of that party and its principles since he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He was a faithful soldier during tiie late war, and may well be proud of tlie part which he ])ore in preserving the Union.

OLOMON D. RIEGEL is one of the extensive land-owners and prominent agriculturists and stock-raisers of Pickaway County. He now makes his home in Circleville, and devotes his attention to the care of his property. The Riegel family has long been identified with the public interests of the community, its upbuilding and progress. The father of our subject, Solomon Riegel, Sr., was born in Berks County, Pa., April 10, 181 Land is a son of George and Eliza Riegel. He came to Salt Creek, Ohio, in 1832, having heard favorable reports of the country from his lirother Jesse, and others. He was married October 31, 1834, to Mary Dunkle, who was born in Ross Country, Ohio, March 31, 1803. Soon afterward, they removed to Fairfield County, where they spent two and a half years, and then went to Hocking County, where Mr. Riegel worked for his broLher-in-law, George Dunkle. Soon afterward, his father gave him a farm of one hundred acres in Fairfield County. and,locating thereon, he laid the foundation for his splendid success. Prosperity attended his efforts, and ten years later he bought a sawmill, a woolen factory, and about two hundred and fifty acres of land, and engaged in business on an extensive scale. At Laurelville, he erected a hotel and other buildings, and contributed largely to the improvement of that place. He has done much in the line of building, and l)y a member of the family it was estimated that he has erected within a few miles of the boundary lines of Pickaway, Hocking and Ross Counties, nineteen dwellings and barns, mills and other buildings, making a total of over one hundred. In this work, he has usuall}' been his own contractor, designer and superintendent, getting the timber from the woods, the stone from the quarry, and manufacturing his own lumber. Throughout his life he has followed farming and stock-raising extensively. It has been through his effoits that some of the best turnpikes of Pickaway County have ])een built. He has ever been a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and what he has done for the county cannot be estimated in words. Mr. Riegel is now in his eighty-sectrnd year, but still operates a mill in Salt Creek Township, and is enjoying excellent health for one of his age. By appointment, he served as a Director of the Infirmary. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Reformed Church.

In tiie Riegel family were eight children: George D., who was a merchant in Laurelville, Ohio, and afterward in Brooklyn, N. Y., is now deceased; Harvey D. resides in Montana; Jane is the wife of A. Def en bough, of Salt Creek Township, Ohio; Samuel D.; Sarah Ann D. is the wife of W. C. Markle, of Salt Creek Township; Mary Elizabeth D. is the wife of George H. Lutz, of Circleville; the subject of this sketch is the next 3^ounger; and Emma C. D. is now Mrs. Rush, of Salt Creek Township.

Sol D. Riegel, as lie is familiarly known, was born near Ringgold, Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1848. When about eighteen months old, he went with his parents to Hocking County, and remained in Laurelville until thirteen years of age, when he became a resident of Salt Creek Township. His education was acquired in the common schools.

At an early age he was inured to hard labor, and on attaining his niajorit_y he started out in life for himself. Pie engaged in farming and stockraising, purchasing one hun(h-ed acres of land in Creek Township. He afterward bought a partially improved farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Pickaway Township, this county, operating both by tenants. In purchasing these, he contracted an indebtedness of $13,000, but he never missed making a payment uj^on them, and in course of time had them free from all encumbrance. Mr. Riegel has dealt extensively in live stock. He has fed from seven to eight hundred hogs each year, and in this way paid off his debt. He subsequently bought eight3^-eight acres of land adjoining liis home farm. This made it a one hundred and eighty-eight acre tract, upon which he resided, giving his personal supervision to its improvements. He afterwards bought ninetyseven acres in Ross County, which he has rented. He has sold his original one hundred acres of land, but still has eighty-eight acres in Salt Creek Township, a fine stock farm, and another farm of one hundred and seventj'-five acres. He still feeds stock, grazing over one hundred cattle, beside feeding a large number of hogs. He was the first m this section of the count}' to purchase fullblooded Jerseys, which he still raises. He has also raised some fine horses and sheep, and has taken many premiums at different fairs. His home farm is considered the finest in the township.

In Ross County, Ohio, in October, 1873, Mr. Riegel led to the marriage altar IVIiss IMary A. Rush, a native of that count}', and a daugliter of John and Melinda Rush, of Ross County, prominent farming people. Four children have been born of their union: Bertha May, Grace Rush, Harry Rush, and Bessie Rush. They have a pleasant and commodious residence on East Main Street, and the members of the familj' rank high in social circles.

Mr. Riegel has been prominently identified with the leading interests of the county. He was one of the organizers of the Southeastern Ohio Fair Association, of which he was Treasurer until it was discontinued. He is Treasurer of the Circleviile Land Improvement Comi)an3', is one of the Directors of the Board of Trade, of Circleville, and is the owner of considerable real estate in Wichita, Kan. Like his honored father, he has done much for tiie turnpike roads of the county. He was President of the Circleville and Adclphi Turnpike, when it was bought by liie county, is still Secretary of the Salt Creek \'alley Turnpike, and owns an interest in, and is Director of. the turnpike in Hocking County, Ohio.

In his political atHliations, Mr. Riegel is a Democrat, and has served as a delegate to both the count}' and State conventions. He belongs to the Reformed Church in Salt Creek Township, in which he was Trustee for many .years, and has also served as both Deacon and Elder. He has been active in both church and Sunday-school work, and has contributed liberally to the cause. Mr. Riegel is a man of most excellent business ability, and well deserves the success that lias crowned his efforts. He is a progressive citizen, and ever has the interests of the community at heart.

BRAHAM WEAVER. This prominent and influential resident of the farming comti) munity of Washington Township, Pickaway County, is a native of that place, his birth occurring September 7, 1835. He is the son of Jacob Weaver, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1797. The latter emigrated to Ohio when a young man, and, locating in Fairfield County, there worked at his trade as a shoemaker.

The elder Mr. Weaver was married in Fairfield Count}' to the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Bimhcimer, and was a native of that place. Her parents emigrated from Germany, and, locating in Ohio, were among the early settlers of Fairfield County.

Mr. Bimheimer entered a large tract of land from the Government, and at his death was very wealthy, dividing his estate among his large family of children, giving to each one hundred and sixty acres. After his marriage, Mr. Jacob Weaver came to Pickaway County, and purchased forty acres of land in Washington Township. This he cleared and improved and in a sliort time added another forty to his possessions. He later added at one time eight}- acres, at another one hnndred and sixty and at another one hundred and sixty more. Subsequentl}' adding another quarter-section to his already magnificent estate, he became the owner of a square section of land. He later purchased one hundred and forty acres in Pickawa}' Township, and at the time of his decease was one of the largest, if not tlie largest, land-holder in the count}', owning one thousand acres of valuable land, and had placed to his credit in the bank $10,000. He was a man whose influence was greatly felt in the community, and one who counted his friends as numerous as his acquaintances. His accumulations were entirely the result of his own industry and perseverance, as he started out in life without a cent. He obtained the money to pay for his first forty acres by making shoes. He often hauled his wheat to market at Zanesville, receiving for the same an equivalent of thirty cents per bushel, the pay being given in salt. His corn marketed at ten cents per bushel.

In the earl}' days, the father of our subject, in company with several of his neighbors, built a flatboat, which they loaded with flour, and drifted down the Scipio Creek to the Scioto River, and thence down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, where they found a ready market for their product. Tlie men would then walk home, keeping along tlie banks of the rivers. Mr. Weaver served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was highly esteemed by everyone who had the honor of his acquaintance. He was very larominent in all local affairs, and held many of the township offices. In religious matters, he was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which body he died, April 14, 1869, greatly mourned by the entire community. He was a law-abiding citizen, bearing the good-will of all his neighbors. Mrs. Jacob Weaver passed from this life November 17, 1890, when nearly eighty-seven years of age. She drew a pension from the Government from the time of her husband's death until her decease.

of birth of his parent's family of eight children, six of whom are living. He was born and reared witliin sight of his present beautiful home, and was given a good education in the district schools of his neighborhood. He remained at home, assisting his father in the cultivation of his vast acres, until reaching tiis thirty-second year. Our subject was married in 1864 to Miss Mary A. Moore, who was born and reared in Washington Township, Pickaway County. Mrs. Weaver was the daughter of Caleb and IMariah Moore, the father born in this county, where he followed the trade of a blacksmith. He later, however, purchased a farm and followed the pursuits of an agriculturist, in which occupation he was very successful. He afterward removed to Fairfield County, where he purchased a farm in Madison Township, upon which he resided until his death in 1884.

After his marriage, the original of this sketch removed to Fairfield County in company with his father-in-law, and made that place his home for the succeeding two years. In 1867, he returned to tliis county, and, locating in Pickaway Township, was engaged in cultivating the soil for seven years. He later rented that property and purchased a home in Washington Township, Pickaway County, removing hither on account of the superior schools in this locality.

For nine years, Mr. Weaver of this sketch operated a steam sawmill, which he found to be a very profitable business. He now gives the greater portion of his time to cultivating his splendid estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have been born seven children: Katie, who is the wife of Winter Shelby, resides in Piatt County, 111.; Susan, who is at home; Caleb, deceased; Maria, tiie wife of Wilison Bttz, a farmer in AYashington Township; Cliff, Eugenia, and Earl W. are at home. They have all been given excellent educations, and Katie and Susan taught school for a number of years.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Weaver inclines toward Democratic principles. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for over fifteen years, and his interest in educational matters caused him to be placed on the Board, where he did very effective work. In 1862, our subject was commis- sioned Captain of Company H b}- Gov. Todd, and drilling a company of State militia, was stationed at Cam)) Green. lie was later called out and engaged in the Morgan raid. Previous to that time, however, he had belonged to a c<^)mpany of militia for five years, and was thus thoroughly acquainted with military tactics.

Mr. Weaver holds the entire confidence of the people of his community, and has acted in the capacity of guardian, administrator, commissioner of estates and assignee on various occasions. His advice on legal matters is much sought after by his neighbors, who place high value upon his wise and judicious decisions. He has pi'esided over many law suits, and always advises settlement when it is possible. He has also performed numerous marriage ceremonies, and is favorably and widely known throughout the county. His landed estate comprises one hundred and sixty acres on Scipio Creek, Pickaway County, all of which is under the most thorough cultivation.

^^^ AMUEL M. WALLACE, who owns a highly ^^^ productive and well-equipped farm in lll/ji) Pickaway Township, is an example of the younger generation of farmers who are such important agents in sustaining and advancing the great agricultural interests of Pickaway County. Our subject was born in Chillicothe, Ross County, April 10, 1867, and is a son of Samuel Logan Wallace, who was born in Green Township, that county, in 1825. His parents were among the early settlers of that place, and he was reared in a pioneer home. He lived on a farm until he attained his majority.

Our subject was a bright scholar, and being very ambitious to obtain an education, he taught school a few years to earn the means to take him to college, from which he was subsequently graduated with a high standing for learning. He was of a legal turn of mind, and after pursuing his professional studies, he began to practice at Chillicothe. He was first associated with Judge Alfred S. Yaple, and sul)sequently witli .Tudge Minshall. both of whom are now Supicnic .liidgcs of the State. He rose to a high position in liis profession, and is said to liave been one <»f the ablest lawyers that ever practiced in the Cf)urts of Ross County. His fame won him a large clientage, and lie was vcrv popular, his felk>w-citizens often tendi'riiig liiiii offices of honor, which lie steadily refused, partly on account of his business cares and Itecause he was wra|)ped up in his beloved profession. He was, however, a iiiaii of true public spirit, and his death, February lii. 187t), at the age of fifty-two years, was considered a serious loss to his county.

The mother of our sul)ject. whose maiden name was Mary A. Moore, is a native of Chillicotlie, which city is still her home. She is a daviglitcr of Dr. James J. Moore, a former celebrated physician of that city, a pioneer of his jirofession in Ross County. He was a \'irginian by liirtli. and he came from the old Dominion lo Ohio at an earl}' day in its settlement. Heat first established himself at Londonderry, but he subsequently i-emoved to Chillicothe, where he practiced a great many 3'ears. He died in 1872, and left behind him many warm friends and a life record as a good citizen and an able ph\-sician. Mrs. Wallace is a lady of refined character, whose many pleasant attributes have won her a high place in the estimation of all who come under her influence. Beside other valuable property, she owns a farm of one hundred and sixteen acres adjoining her son's in Pickaway Township, which is known as the old ^laj. John Bogg's Homestead, and on that land stands the famous Logan Kim, the tree named for the noted Mingo chief, Logan, who made his immortal speech under its spreading boughs when concluding a treaty of peace with Gov. Dunmore, of Virginia, in 1774, whereb}' the Territor}' of the Northwest was tiirown open to white settlers.

Samuel M. Wallace is the only survivor of the three children born to his parents. He was well educated in the graded schools of his native cit\', and had a solid foundation for any calling that he might choose to follow. He had a decided taste for agricultural pursuits, and in September of the year that he attained his majority (1«8«), he purchased a farm of one hundred .and thirty-two acres of fine land in I'ickaway Township, and has sjient his time since then mostl}' on liis farm, which he is managing with a good degree of success, employing none but the methods most adapted to the soil in cultivating his land, and continually making judicious improvements, which add to the value of the place. lie has already- won a high reputation for skill, prudence and practical ability in handling his affairs, and bids fair to become one of the leading farmers of the county. He stands well in social circles, having a good address and pleasant personal qualities, and among politicians he is known as a promising 3'oung Democrat, who will l)e an influence in his party at no distant date.

Mrs. Moore, the grandmotlier of Samuel Walhice, is a gentle old ladj' of seventy-six years, with a philosophic turn of mind, which is a great advantage to her as she has been an invalid for years.

^\ ARTIN V. HIGH. Ohio was well represented at the front by her native-born sons during the late war, many of whom bravely sacrificed the opening years of their manhood in valiantly fighting for their country. Of this number is our subject, who gained military honors as an officer of one of the regiments of his State. He has since done as good service in the interests of agriculture, and is successfully managing his farm, which is six miles south of Plain Cit3^ Mr. High was born in the cit}- of Columbus, Franklin Count}^ April 12, 1837, and is a son of Hosea Iligli, who was born near Camden, N. J., in 1802, and there grew to a stalwart manhood. In 1823, he set out on foot for the "Wild West," and in due time arrived at Columbus, which was then a mere hamlet. He there met the 3'oung lady whom he afterward maiTied, Mar}' A. McComick, who, it is supposed, was born in that city, of which her father, Frank McComick, a A'iiginian, was a very early settler. He was a soldier in the AVarof 1812, and he was present at St. Clair's defeat. The father of our subject established himself as a shoemaker in Columbus, and there he lived until he removed with his family-, in 1840, to a farm seven miles distant. In 1853, he went from there to a farm in Big Darb}', in the same county, and there his long life was rounded out by his death, when he was seventj^-eight j^ears old. The mother then returned to Columbus, where she is quietly spending her old age, she having passed the eighty-ninth milestone in life's journe}- last November. She IS the mother of eleven children, all but one of whom grew to maturity', and seven are now living, all in Ohio.

Our subject is the seventh child and fourth son of the family. He became thoroughly grounded in all that pertains to agriculture, assisting his father on his farm until he was tw^entj^-three years old. The great Civil War then broke out, and he entered the ranks of the brave boys in blue, who went to the front to defend the Stars and Stripes, enlisting in Company K, First Ohio Cavalry. He went into the army as a private, but he soon showed of what metal he was made, and for meritorious conduct was promoted to the office of Second Lieutenant, and afterward his gallant conduct won him the commission of First Lieutenant. He fought well at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing, but on account of disability came home on a furlough after that. He took part in the battles of Stone River and Perrysville, faced the enemy in the disastrous engagement at Chickamauga, heli)ed to carry the day for the I'nion forces at Mission Ridge, and did good service in the various battles that took place on the Atlanta campaign. Tliere his term of enlistment expired and he was discharged after three long and trying 3'ears of service in camp and on the field.

Upon leaving the arm}-, our subject returned to his father and remained with him, farming the old homestead until his marriage, which took place November 4, 1869, when he was wedded to Miss Angeline, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Alder, who w^ere natives respectively of Madisjn County and of Pennsylvania, both coming of the old pioneer stock of this State. Mrs. High was born in Canaan Township, August 29, 1847, and was reared to womanhood in this township. After his marriage, Mr. High located on a rented farm, which he gave up a year and a half later for one of his own. Mrs. High was born in Canaan Township August 29, 1847, and was there reared to womanhood. Her marriage to our subject has been blessed to them b}^ the birth of four daughters and three sons, named respectively, Delia, Lizzie, Laura, Etta, "Walter, Hosea and Harry, all of whom are still members of the famil}' circle except Lizzie, who is deceased, and all were born on the farm that has always been their home.

After marriage, Mr. High first located on a rented farm, which he gave up a year and a half later for one of his own, also situated in Canaan Township, which is still in his possession. It comprises one hundred and forty -seven acres of land that is exceedingl}' fertile, is well tilled, and is provided with modern improvements. It is admirably adapted to general farming purposes, and its fields yield abundant harvests, while its rich pastures afford good feed for the stock that is here raised. Mr. High is unswerving in his loyalty to the Democratic party. Religiously, he is a member in high standing of the Universalist Church, the society to which he belongs worshipping in Alder Chapel, in Jefferson Township. He is jn-ominent socially as a member of tlie Andrew Burrus Post, G. A. R. and of West Jefferson Lodge No. 221, A. F. and A, M.

^AMES L. ZIMMERIMAN, LL. B., attorneyat-law in Washington C. IL, lias been activel}' engaged in the practice of his profession since the fall of 1884, and has his office in a pleasant suite of rooms in the Yeoman Block. We invite the reader's attention to his portrait and the following sketch of his life. He is a native of Fayette County and was born February 7, 1860, on the farm which is still the home of his parents. His education was commenced in the district and public schools of Washington C. H., and completed in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware.

The legal profession proved so fascinating to the peculiar alnlity and mental acquirements of Mr. Zimmerman that he resolved to commence its study. Accordingly, he entered the law school nt Cincinnati and was graduated in 188 L after wliicli he at once established an office in Wasliinglon C. IL, forming a partnei'ship witli J. B. Priddy. A branch otiice was opened at Mt. Sterling, Oliio, of which our subject afterward assumed entire ciiarge. On the removal of Mr. Priddy to the AVesl in tlie spring of 188G, the connection was dissolved, since which time ^Iv. Zimmerman has conduftiM] his practice alone.

Although the law is his chosen j)rofession and he considers faithful attention to his practice liis first duty, ]Mr. Zimmerman, nevertheless, finds time for other interests, both of a public and private nature. He superintends the management of the farm which he owns in Fayette County and derives a good income from its rental. He is .Secretary of the Cincinnati Southern Loan Company and liohls other positions of trust and honor. His library is one of the finest in the county and contains a large number of rare and valuable books of a general, as well as legal, character, and he has also the finest collection of art works in the county.

A biograph}- of Mr. Zimmerman would he of little value to him did it not contain extended mention of liis father, who has been one of tiie most enterprising citizens of Fayette County since he settled here in his early manhood. Ohediah Zimmerman was born on Twin Creek, in Koss County, Ohio, Octolier 14, 1811, and was the son of Andrew and Ruth (Taylor) Zimmerman, natives of Maryland. He received his education in tiie subscription schools of that early day and remauied with his father, aiding in tiie %vork of develoi)ing tiic farm, until his marriage to Miss Nancy Simmons. He then i)urchased a tract of land in tlie southern part of Fayette County, near New Martinslnirgh, and remained there until 1857. M-hen he moved to I'luon Township, this county, his |)resent home, and began the task of clearing and cultivating the soil.

After the death of his first wife, Ohediah Zimmerman was married, M.ay 14. 1850, to Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Isaac House. Her grandmother was an aunt of President James K. Polk. Six children were born of that union: Margaret Caroline, born March 18, 1851, became the wife of Al- bert P. Kilgore, of Fayette County, November 18, 1875; Jolni Jefferson, who was born February 23, 1853, married Emma Fisher, February 21, 1882, and resides in Fayette County; Isaac Newton, whose birth occurred June 10, 1855, is a farmer in this county; Amanda Ann, born April 2, 1857, became the wife of Ashley Wood, March 11, 1875; our subject was the next in order of birth; Clara E., born May 22, 1862, was married February 21, 1882, to the Rev. Joseph Griffeth, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

The father lived on the old farm until after the birth of three children, when he located at his present home, and here he and his faithful wife have lived and labored for thirty-five years. They are sincere members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Elizabetli Zimmerman was born November 24, 1825, and was reared to womanhood in the pioneer home which her father established in Faj^ctte County in March, 1807. She is a devoted wife and mother, and ever uppermost in her thoughts are the interests of her husband and children.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Isaac House, was born November 3, 1847, and died January 21, 1850. He removed from Shenandoah County, Va., to Ohio in 1807, and took up a tract of land, now a part of the Zimmerman homestead, when it was an entire wilderness, with the nearest neigiibors three miles distant. Ilis marriage united him with Mary Ann Winegardner and took place in Fairfield County in March, 1823. Mrs. House was born in Pendleton County, Va., February 2, 1790, and died September 29, 1831.

Four children were born of their union, namely: Elizabeth Jane, of whom mention has already been made; Charity Ann. born March 1, 1827, is the wife of C. C. Plyley; Caroline, born September 14, 1828, is the wife of James G. Beatty, of Seldon; John, born April 25, 1831, died January 1, 1866. The last-named at his death left a widow and four children, as follows: L. F. House, M. D., of Adams County; Clara E. Seaburn, who resides in Fayette County; Allie E., Mrs. Langdon, and Ul^-sses S., who reads law in the office of our subject and passed his examination for admission to the Bar at Columbus, in October, 1891.

There was an agreement in the Winegardner family that those who married were to have no share in the family estate, while those who remained single were to have the whole of the fortune. The last unmarried member of the family died recently, leaving an estate valued at more than 1500,000, which reverted to the heirs of the family. They are known as one of the wealthiest and most widely-known families of Fairfield County, and for generations have been identified with its ffrowth.

R. RALPH iMORDEN. Few, perhaps none, save those who have trod the arduous paths of the profession, can picture to themselves the array of attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor graces of manner and person, essential to the making of a truly successful physician. His constitution must needs be of the hardiest to withstand the constant shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of sleep and rest, the ever-gathering load of care, the insidious approach of every form of fell disease to which his daily round of duties momently exposes him. Such a physician we find in the person of Dr. Ralph Morden, who is one of the oldest homeopathists in Circleville.

The Doctor is a native of London, Ontario, born August 8, 1852, the son of Andrew B. Morden, and the grandson of the Rev. Ralph Morden. The great-great-grandfather, Ralph Morden, was born in Yorkshire, England, and was a Quaker in his religious views. He came to America about 1742, and settled in New Jersej^ or Delaware, where he followed agricultural pursuits. During the Revolutionary War, he would not fight, and was prosecuted. The family then moved to Canada, his son John, the grandfather of our subject, being then sixteen years of age. They located on the present site of Dundas, and received a grant of one thousand acres of land. Here John grew to manhood, married, and his son Ralph, grandfather of our subject, was the first w^hite child born in Dundas. The latter had seven brothers and two sisters and each drew two hundred acres of hind in London Township, Middlesex County. Tliis land was then a wilderness, and they began at once to clear it and make improvements. Near this is now a city of thirtyfive thousand inhabitants. This made the Mordens near!}' all farmers.