Madison Township (part 4 of 30)

Tlie parental family of our subject included seven children, of whom Dr. John was the youngest Init one. He was born in Amity, in Canaan Township, Januaiy 27, 1829, where he was reared to manlK^od, and received his earl}' education in the common schools. After attaining his fifteenth year, he took a course of study in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, and three years later began the stud} of medicine with the late Dr. Charles McCloud. Entering the Starling Medical College, at Columbus, Dr. Beach completed the course of study in that institution, and in due time received his credentials as Doctor of Medicine, being at that time onl}- twenty-one years of age.

Dr. Beach began the practice of medicine in Unionville Center, Union County, where he remained for three years, and then came to Plain City, INIadison County, where he made his home for five years, at the end of which time he located in West Jefferson, Madison County, in 1858, where he has since been engaged in active practice, with the exception of the time spent in the army. The following is a copy of the promotions of Dr. John N. Beach, which appear in the History of the Fortieth Ohio Infantry: "Surgeon, April 14, with rank from April 1, 1862. On staff duty as follows: Surgeon of the Third Brigade, Ann}- of the Kana- wha, in the fall of 1862, at Gallipolis, Ohio; Medical Director of the District of Eastern Kentucky in tlie winter of 1862-63, at Cattletsburg, Ky.; Medical Director of the Tliird Division, Army of the Ohio, in the spring of 1863, at Eranklin, Tenn.; Surgeon of the First Brigade, First Division, Reserved Corps, Army of the Cumberland, July 24, 1863, until after the battle of Chickamauga; Surgeon of the Second Brigade, First Division Fourth Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, October, 1863, which position he held at the expiration of his term of service; Operating Surgeon in Field Hospital of First Division, Fourth Army Corps, during the Atlanta campaign, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 1864."

On returning home from the army, Dr. Beach again located in West Jefferson, where he has been active in various phases of political work. He believes in doing right at all times and under all circumstances, regardless of the opinions of the public, and his actions as well as his opinions have been characterized by manly independence. In the fall of 1875, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature on the Republican ticket, and served the full term of two years. In 1878, he was api)ointed Surgeon to the Fourteenth Regiment Ohio National Guard, which position he held for a period of five years, although, in 1880, he was commissioned Surgeon-General of Ohio, by ex-Governor Foster, being the incumbent of that position for four years.

Dr. Beach stands very high in social affairs, and has been Commander of Wilson Burrows Post No. 389, G. A. R.; is a member of the Loyal Legion of the Ohio Commandery; has been on the Staff of Gen. Hurst as Aide and Department Commander, and has also served on the Staff of Gen. Alger, National Ccmimander, G. A. R. Dr. Beach is a member of the Madison County Medical Societ}', also of the District Medical Societ}^, State Medical Society, National Medical Association, the International Medical Congress, and the National Association of Railway Surgeons.

The lady to whom our subject was married in Champaign County, this State, June 31, 1858, was Miss Eliza J. Snyder. She is a native of the above county, and the daughter of Daniel and Anna

(Kiser) Snyder. By her union with Dr. Beach, a family of two children has been born, the elder of whom, Edith, is the wife of Prof. John R. Rathmell, of Chattanooga, Tenn.; Anna, who married Charles A. Shinn, also makes her home in that cit3\ The Doctor is a member of the Masonic fraternit}^ and with his wife has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church for a number of years. They are both well and favorably known throughout Madison Count}^, and the tasteful arrangement of their beautiful residence displays the culture and refinement of its inmates.

LONZO C. WEST, proprietor of the Palace Livery and Feed Stable, on Market Street, between Fayette and Main Streets, Washington C. IL, is an active and enterprising young man and controls a good business. Fayette is his native county, Jefferson Township the place of his birth, and June 13, 1861, the date of that important event in his life.

Our subject is a son of Edmund West; a wellknown resident of Jefferson Township, of which his ]:)arents were early settlers. They had come to this county from Virginia, his native State, when he was a boy, and from that day the name of West has been familiar as connected with the rise and growth of Fayette Count3^ The grandfather of our subject lived to a good old age, dying in 1880. Our subject's mother was Mary Edge before her marriage. Of her seven children, six are living. The father of our subject is a stanch Republican and takes much interest in politics. He is prominent in the religious life of his community as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

He of whom we write is the youngest of the faniil}'. After completing his education in the public schools of the county, he gave his attention to farming for eight years. Abandoning that calling, he came to Washington C. H., in October, 1891, to establish himself in the livery business, to which he has since devoted himself with financial success. His stable is well equipped and supplied with carriages, buggies, sleighs, and all vehicles tliat are in demand in a city like this, and the horses, which are well kept, are good roadsters, combining speed and endurance. Our subject conducts his business in a manner that has won the confidence of his i)atrons, iiis name is good in financial circles, and lie has a good deal of custom. He is a man of pleasant social qualities, and he stands high among the young Republicans of his native county in politics.

Mr. West and Miss Armeada A. Creamer were united in marriage Octo1)er 10, 1886, and tliey have made for themselves a home as comfortable and cozy as possible, and the scene of triie hospitality. Tiiree children complete their household: Mary, Nina and Roy. Mrs. West is a daughter of William A. Creamer, an old settler of Jasper Township, this county.

/:_^^0N. TIIADDEUS E. CROMLEY, A. M., the former popular, enterprising and useful Representative from Pickaway Count}' to the Sixty-eighth and Sixty-ninth General Assembly of Ohio, is at present residing in Walnut Township. He is a native of this count}', having been born in the above-named township, June 21, 1843. His parents, William and Sarah E. (Staige) Cromley, were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Pickaway County, this vState. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Richard Staige, entered from the Government the land whereon the Hon. Mr. Cromley makes his home at the present time.

William Cromley emigrated to this State at an early day, from Lehigh County, Pa., and located with his father, Conrad Cromley, in Walnut Township, where the latter-named gentleman passed the remainder of his life. To the pai'ents of our subject two children were born: Thaddeus E., and Mary J., who is now the widow of William H. Morris, of Ashville, this State. Mr. Cromley was very prominent in local affairs and served Walnut Townshij) in the capacity of Trustee for several years. In his political belief, he was a Democrat and was warmly interested in all measures advocated by his party. At his death he left an estate of eight hundred acres of valuable land, a sufficient proof of the fact that he was a successful business man and a good financier.

Thaddeus E. Cromley was reared on his fatlier's ' farm and attended school in a little log cabin, with a puncheon floor, slab seats, etc., until about twelve years of age. P'our years later, he entered the Circleville Union Schools, there prei>aring himself for college, and in 18G1 became a student in Kenyon College, at Gaml)ier, this State. He took the full collegiate course and was graduated in 1H()5 with the degree of I>achelor of Arts. Three years later, the degree of INLaster of Arts was conferred upon him.

Owing to close application to his studies while in college, Mr. Cromley 's health failed him, and instead of choosing a professional life he preferred outdoor employment and became an agriculturist. He has always taken a deep interest in educational matters and served as a member of the School lioard for a number of terms He has been the recipient of various official positions, for a number of years being identified with tiie Town Council of Ashville, and Trustee of Walnut and Harrison Townships. He has been an active worker in the ranks of Democracy, and in 1886 was selected by that party as a Representative from Pickaway County. On the expiration of his term of office, he was re-elected, in 1888, serving until January, 1892. In 1890, he was nominated for Secretary of State, but was defeated by about ten thousand votes.

October 6, 1870, our sul)ject was united in marriage with Mary R., daughter of Isaac D. and Sarah A. Miller, the former of whom is deceased and the latter makes her home in Harrison Township. Mrs. Cromley was born in the above-named township and in her youth was given a good education. She is a most estimable lady and has many warm friends in this locality. Her parents were early settlers of Harrison Township and were born in the Old Dominion.

They bear the respective names of Charles E., Alvah M., MettaM., Amy L., Annie G. (deceased), Willie C, Anna M, and Thaddeus R. Mr. Cromley is the proprietor of a magnificent estate of eight hundred acres which bears excellent improvements in the way of buildings and machiner}^, for the owner believes that the best methods and latest improvements bring him in the largest returns.

The Hon. Thaddeus E. Cromley is a member of the Grange and the Knights of Honor, serving the latter order as Dictator of Lodge No. 3005. While in the Legislature, he was Chairman of the Cominittee on Military Affairs, and was Chairman, pro tern, of the Committee on Agriculture. He was the framer and author of a Farmers' Institute Bill, making the Farmers' Institute a permanent organization in different counties. He was also identified with tlie development and with the practical work of the Ohio Experimental Station, at present located at Columbus. These two bills, especiallj^, gave him a State repiitation and were the means of securing him the nomination for Secretary of State. As a Legislator, he reflected great credit upon himself and his constituents, the welfare of the public always being held in view by him in tlie light of patriotism. He is a cultured and educated gentleman, of high financial and social standing, enjoying the entire confidence of the public. The biographer found him to be genial, hospitable, entertaining and thoroughly conversant with the leading topics agitating the body politic to-day. We are, therefore, pleased to be able to place before our readers the life sketcii and portrait of so honorable and influential a gentleman, who is widely and favorably known throughout the State as a man of uprightness and thorough honesty of heart.

^( OHN M. SHAFFER, who combines the occupation of a manufacturer of drain tile, Iniilding blocks and pressed brick with that of a farmer, is residing at Sedalia. He was born in Jefferson County, this State, November 10, 1837, and is the son of Jacob and Christina (Coffman) Shaffer, the former of whom was born in

Soon after his marriage, the father of our subject enlisted in the State militia and participated in the War of 1812. He moved to Pennsylvania in 1827, locating in what is now Braddock Fields, where he followed his occupation of a blacksmith. His eldest child, Maria, was born in Shenandoah County-, in 1814, and the remainder of the family were Barbara, Anna H., Susan; Noah N., who was Lieutenant-Colonel in the secret service during the Civil War, Martin C, who was born in 1825; Ambrose B., in 1827; Margaret J., in 1830; Sarah Catherine, in 1832; Alex C, in 1834 and our subject in 1837. He of Avhom we write lived in Jefferson County until 1853, when he removed with his parents to Wheeling, Va. His father, in the meantime, had abandoned blacksmithing and operated a gristmill on Short Creek, in which line of work our subject was employed till he went to the Old Dominion. In AVheeling, he began clerking in a general store, which he followed for three years, and then remaved with his parents to Marion County, Mo., which was their home until the fall of 1859. While residing in the AVest, John M. worked in a woolen mill until the above date, when, the slavery question being agitated warmly ,tlie famil}^ came to Marietta, this State, and he began working on the Cleona Fruit Farm, owned by E. J. Plumbley, a good old Quaker gentleman.

In 1860, after casting their vote for Abraham Lincoln, our subject and his brother, Alex C, loaded a vessel with produce, which they marketed at New Orleans for Mr. Plumbic}', receiving $45 per month for the trip. It was a very dangerous proceeding, as men were shot down on all sides, and their lives were only safe when hiding in the bottom of the boat. They returned in the spring, and that summer Mr. Shaffer operated a drill, boring for oil in the vicinity of Marietta.

September 7, 1861, he of whom we write enlisted in Company L, Ohio Cavalry, under Capt. T. J. Patton, and was mustered in at Camp Chase. There he remained until, with his regiment, he was sent to Kentucky, and near Lexington waited until they received their arms. He participated in many skir- raishes and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing came up with the reserve on the day after the battle. He was wounded on the road between that city and Corinth, an artery being severed in his right leg just above the knee. In addition to that misfortune, he was taken with the fever, and being sent to the field hospital, remained there seven or eight days, when he was taken to St. Louis, and ten da>'S later to Camp Chase, thence home to Marietta. In December, he was ordered to Columbus, where he received his honorable discharge on the 10th of that month. He was at that time given a pass to travel wherever he pleased in the army, and fitting himself with a stock of goods, peddled his wares among the boys, thus furnishing tliem with man}' necessary articles which the}' could not have otherwise obtained.

.lolm M. Shaffer and Miss Almeda Sims were united in marriage August 6, 1863. He had first met the lady wlien a cavalryman, when siie was so frightened at the sight of the soldiers that, on being asked for a drink of water, she replied that she would go to the spring to get some, but the moment she was out of sight ran as if for her life. Mrs. Shaffer was born in Franklin Count}' seven miles from Columbus, August 24, 1845, and was the daughter of Edward J. and Sarah (Rose) Sims.

Our subject amassed quite a little fortune in peddling among the soldiers but he later lost it by investing in a panorama of Lincoln's deatli. In 1865, he removed from Columbus to Spring Hill, Madison County, and operated a sawmill for three years, at the end of which time he began the manufacture of tile. In 1881, he moved to Midway and established in that line of business, manufacturing pressed brick, building blocks, etc., having an income of about 13,500 per year.

Mr. and INIrs. Shaffer have become the parents of ten children: Rhodolp S. is engaged as a printer in Midway, and also is employed with liis father in the manufacture of tile; Ellen M.,Mrs. J. T. Crabb, lives in Columbus; Ora A. married M. J. Busick and resides in Chenowith, Madison County; Eva J. became the wife of E. J. Clawson and makes her home in Clarke County; Arthur died October 15, 1876; Leona, AValter H., Bessie P., Carl A. and Newell B. are at home with their parents.

Our sul)ject supported the Republican party from 1860 until of recent years, when he joined the Prohibitionists. He lias been Justice of the Peace six years, in Fairfield Township, Madison County, and Constable two years. With his wife, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body he has been Trustee. Socially, he is a Mason and has been Chaplain in tlie Blue Lodge. He is also an Odd Fellow, and has been tlirough the encampment, liolding membership at Lilly Chapel and London. He is a charter member of A'incent Allen Post No. 678, G. A. R., and has attended the State National Encampment of tliat order. He is also a member of the Sons of Temperance and belongs to the (irand rx)dge of the State of Oiiio, of which he has been Chaplain.

(f^^j S. ALKlRE. A large number of the young f(({^>\ gentlemen of Madison County are occu- ^jfS^ P.yiiig positions of honor and responsibility in tlicir various townships, and are entering upon careers which give every indication of future welfare and affluence. Among this number is tlie sul)ject of this biographical notice, who was born in Pleasant Township, Marcli 1, 1865, and is successfully engaged as a farmer and stock-raiser on the old homestead where he was l)orn.

Tlie history of the Alkire family in America is quite fully given in the biographies of Abraham R. and Gabriel Alkire, presented in another porti<m of this volume. The former gentleman, who is the father of our subject, is one of the most prominent citizens of Mt. Sterling and a man whom everyone honors for his sterling traits of character. T. S. grew to manhood on his father's farm, where he early acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture, meanwhile receiving his education in the schools of Mt. Sterling, which village adjoined the farm.

After finishing his education, our subject carried on the homestead with his father until the latter moved to the village in 1888. He then divided the farm among his sons, the liome place of sixty-eight acres becoming the property of our subject, beside lliree hundred find eighteen acres in Darby Township, Pickaway County. The land is mostly in grass, which Hts it si)lendidly for the raising of stock, a successful department of the agricultural work.

September 21, 1891, Mr. Alkire was married to Miss Bessie, daughter of the Rev. S. T. and Sarah A. (VVallis) Morris, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. In his political afHliations, Mr. Alkire is a standi adherent of Republican principles, and cast his Presidential ballot for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. In his social connections, he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, having joined that order in 1890. A man of stanch integrity and utmost probity, it is not strange that his friends look to his future with great expectancy of honors and success.

\j? EWIS C. MALLOW. Prominent in social I /@i and business circles of Jasi)er Township, JLA\v Fayette County, is the family of L. C. Mallow, whose attractive home and beautiful farm is one of the finest in the county. His estate comprises the magnificent sum of eight hundred and eighty acres, all of which are under the best methods of improvement.

The father of our subject, Simeon Mallow, was a native of Ross County, this State, his birth occurring in 1813. His father, Adam Mallow, hailed from Virginia, where his father, also named Adam, was born, and where the family were among the F. F. Vs. The last-named gentleman was captured when six years of age, together with his mother, by the Indians, and was kept in bondage six years. The mother was traded, after a period of two years, to some Frenchmen, by whom she was taken to New Orleans, but later returned home.

The grandfather of our subject was Colonel of an Ohio regiment in the War of 1812. The maiden name of our subject's motiier was Jane Campl)ell. She was born in Kentucky, and was the daughter of AViiliam Campbell, who was among the early settlers of Fayette Count}', this State, where he was a prominent agricultiuist. Mer birth occurred in 1818 and after her marriage with Mr Mallow, resided for a time in Fayette County, and later removed to Ross County, where her death occurred in 1875; the father passed awa}^ in 1884. The}'^ were the parents of three sons and one daughter.

The original of this sketch was born March 3, 1840, in Ross Count}^ and was trained to the life of a farmer on the old homestead. His e<lucation was received in the schools of his district, supplementing the knowledge gained therein by a course of reading in later years. He was married November 23, 1863, to Eliza J., daughter of Andrew Haughey, of Clinton County, this State. To them has been l)orn one daughter, .Tennie E., who is the wife of N. B. Hall, and resides in Washington C. H.; she is the mother of three children.

Mrs. Eliza J. Mallow departed this life February 23, 1865, and the present marriage of our subject occurred December 28, 1869, at which time IMiss Ellen, daughter of James H. Hays, became his wife. The following-named six sons have been born to them: Orville S., Werter IL, Russell C, Earl L., Carl S. and Roy G. In May, 1864, Mr. Mallow enlifited in the Union army, joining Company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guards, being mustered in as Second Sergeant. The company went from Cincinnati to Baltimore, thence to Saulsbury, Del., to Washington, D. C, to Harper's Feny and Frederick City, being engaged in skirmishing around Washington and in Virginia and Maryland. He was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, when he returned home and engaged in the peaceful pursuits of farm life.

Mr. Mallow, in the spring of 1863, came to Fayette Count}', and located on the Eustace Survey, where he made his home until removing to his present location on Webb's Survey, which he did in 1888. His beautiful residence, which was erected three years ago, is the finest in the township. It is supplied witli all the modern conveniences, and is finished and furnished in a style that shows its inmates to be people of ample means and cultured taste. Mr. IMallow has placed his entire estate of eight hundred and eighty acres under cultivation, and has caused many thousand rods of tiling to be laid. Large and commodious buildings add to the value of the place, and stamp Mr. Mallow as a wide-awake and progressive citizen.

Socially, he of whom we write is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being idcntilied with the lodge at Washington C. II. He is also a Knight Templar, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chai)- ter. Mrs. Mallow is a Dunkard in religious matters, and is a very intelligent and highly-esteemed lady, who has done her full share in aiding her husband to attain his present financial standing in the agricultural community. Our subject votes the straight Republican ticket, and has served as a member of the School Board. He has also been Trustee of his township, and for six years was County Commissioner, having been Chairman of the Board. He has been a delegate to county conventions, and, all in all, is a very active and l)rominent citizen. When locating in Jasper Township, it was Democratic in politics; now it shows a Republican majority of seventy-five, of which fact Mr. Mallow is justly proud, as he has been a hard worker for the intei-est of that grand old party. He is a jovial, good-natured gentleman, and numbers his friends by the score. He carries on a mixed husbandry, to which industry he adds that of stock-raising, having about fifty cattle, one hundred and fifty sheep and thirty horses.

^ EREMIAH B. CHENOWETH, a retired farmer and stock-raiser of Range Township, Madison County, was born twelve miles from Columbus, in Franklin County, Ohio, September 22, 1816. His parents were John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Cheuoweth. The father, was born in Kentuckj^ in 1792, and when twelve years of age became a resident of Franklin County, where his wife was born and reared, although her parents were natives of Scotland and were of Scotch-Irish descent. He was drafted for the AYar of 1812, but sent a substitute in his stead. He started in life a poor man and made rails by the hundred, but as fast as possible, invested his earnings in lands and became a wealthy farmer and stock owner. He was a Democrat up to the time of Jackson's administration, when he became a Whig and in 1856, he joined the Rei)ul)lican ranks. He was a stanch Abolitionist and a prominent citizen. He served as County Commissioner of Highways for many years, was Justice of the l*eace for twenty years, and was twice elected to the Ohio Legislature. He took great delight in hunting and was an expert marksman.

Our subject was the fourth in a family of fourteen children, of whom two died in infancy and one at the age of thirteen. The others grew to mature years and had families, while seven are still living, and with the exception of Lewis, who resides in Sumner County, Kan., all are residents of Madison County. Jeremiah remained at home and aided his father in the labors of the farm until twent3'-five ^years of age. He had exitected to receive some of the [troperty, but his father had to pa}' ¥30,000 security and so our subject claimed nothing and started out in life empty-handed. He was married September 23, 1841, to Miss Eliza Foster, of Range Township, a daughter of James and Margaret (Boyer) Foster, and a native of Ross County, Ohio, born August 2, 1824. They began their domestic life upon a rented farm, which Mr. Chenoweth operated for five years, when he purchased two hundred acres. This he afterward sold and bought a thousand-acre tract. From time to time his landed possessions were increased until the family has fourteen hundred acres, as Mr. Chenoweth has given a part of it to his children.

Unto our subject and his wife were l)orn seven sons and two daughters, but the latter died in childhood. James F., who was l)orn September 7, 1844,enhsted for one hundred days' service in the late war, returned home sick, and died soon afterward, at the age of twenty; John W., born September 9, 1846, is a farmer of Range Township, where he resides with his wife and two children; Daniel B., who was born January 10, 1849, was educated in the common schools and in Loudon, and follows agricultural pursuits; Nelson P., born April 26, 1851, is also a farmer and stock-raiser; George W., born October 3, 1853, was a farmer, and died August 4, 1887, leaving one child; Jeremiah 8., born December 11, 1855, is living in Range Townsiiip and has four children; Newton M., born December 25,1857, is married and resides in Range Township, lie has one son, Earl Ilix, born July 7, 188G.

]Mr. Chenowetli proudly cast his lirst vote for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and is now a stalwart Republican, as are his sons, with the exception of two who vote the Prohibition ticket. He became a member of the IMethodist Church in 1844, and has been Steward, a Trustee and Teacher in the Sunday-school for many years. With the exception of two of his children all belong to the same church. He has aided in the building of churches in this locality, and has given his support to all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He is public-spirited and progressive and a valued citizen. liis ui)right life and sterhng worth have won him the conlidence and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact.

^ IDGE SAMUEL W. COURTRIGHT, attorne_v-at-law of Circleville, is one of the most iniluential and prominent citizens of Pickawav County, and is also widely and favorably known throughout the States. Through his profession, politics and Masonry, he has formed a wide acquaintance and is held in the highest esteem by all. His life record will prove of interest to many.

The Judge was born in Walnut Township, this county, December 9, 1842, and is the son of Hon, Jesse D. Courtright, who was born in Eairfield County, Ohio, May 5, 1811. The great-greatgrandfather, Johannas ^"on Courtright, came from Amsterdam to Staten Island with the first families of New York and was prominent among the Knickerbocker families of New York. The grandfather, John Courtright, was born in Pennsylvania. His father, Capt. Jesse Von Courtright, had dropped the title-prefix to his name on removing to Pennsylvania. He was born on Staten Island, and served as a Captain in the Revolutionary War. About 1802,

John Courtright emigrated with his family to Ohio, traveling over the mountains and through the forests with a three-horse wagon. He bought land near Royalton, Eairfield County, improved a farm in the midst of the wilderness, and was very successful becoming owner of twenty-one hundred acres of land. He built the first brick house in that vicinity. His death occurred at the age of eighty-four \^ears. He, too, had been a soldier, serving in the War of 1812. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Drake, was born in Scotland and came of the same family as Sir Erancis Drake.

Hon. Jesse D. Courtright, father of our subject, was reared in Eairfield County, and educated in the old log schoolhouse. When a young man, he married Sallie Stout, who was born in Washington Township, Pickaway County. Her grandfather, George Stout, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in this county in the latter part of the eighteenth century-. He brought his family and household effects in a wagon. Among his goods was a very large clock, which is still well preserved and is now in the possession of our subject. Mr. Stout became a prominent and wealthy farmer. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Courtright located in AValnut Township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and successfully engaged in farming. He always followed farming and finally became the owner of some two thousand acres of valuable land. He served one term in the State Legislature and refused a re-nomination. He ran on the Democratic ticket and was elected over a large Whig majority. He also long served as Township Assessor and Trustee and for more than thirty years was Justice of the Peace. He was an Polder and leading member of the Presb3'terian Church, and was an iniluential and highly respected man. In 1870, he removed to Circleville, living retired until his death in Eebruaiy, 1873. His estimable wife passed away in 1881, at the age of seventythree years, flight of their nine children grew to mature years and seven are yet living. One son, Dr. George S., was a Surgeon in the regular United States army in Gen. Kit Carson's command, and is now a prominent physician of Lithopolis, Ohio.

and his early education was supplemented by a course in South Salem Academy, where he remained until 1861. He then began studying law in the otHce of the late David M. Jones, and in October, 1862, entered the Law College in Cincinnati, from which lie was graduated in 1863, with the degree of L. L. B. A few days afterward, he was admitted to the Bar, and, returning home, immediately opened a law olllce in Circleville. His skill and ability were at once recognized by his election to public olHce. In April, 1864, he was elected City Solicitor, and re-elected in 1866. In October, 1867, he was elected Country Prosecuting Attorney, reelected in 1869, and satisfactorily- filled the otHce. In 1870, he was elected a member of the Board of Education of the Union Schools, was chosen President and was successively re-elected for four 3'ears. In April, 1875, he was elected one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the Fifth Judicial District of Ohio without opposition and was the youngest Judge in the State. After serving a full term of five 3'ears on the Bench, he resumed the practice of law and has since devoted himself to his profession.

In Circleville, December 14, 1865, Judge Courtright married Miss Jennie IL, daughter of ex-Mayor Z. R. Martin, a native of Pennsylvania and an honored pioneer of Circleville. He served as Mayor for six 3^ears and was a prominent business man. Three children have been born to our suliject and his wife: Florence B., who graduated from the Circleville High School and completed her vocal and instrumental instruction in music inider Prof. Snyder and Miss Cranch, of Cincinnati, is an accomplished lady, now the wife of E. F. Dunn, the largest dry-goods merchant of Circleville. Jennie B., a {jupil in the Circleville High School, has considerable musical talent. Marguerite B. completes the family. Their pleasant home is a magnificent residence on the corner of Court and I'nion Streets. It is the largest and most tastefull}' furnished home in Circleville and is the abode of hospitality. The Judge also owns several valuable and well-improved farms in Pickaway County and one in Bloom Township, Fairfield County.

Lodge, Council Cha[)ter and Commandery of Circleville, and after serving as Grand Master of the State in 1876, 1877 and 1878, declined a re-election. He has been Grand Dictator of the Knights of Honor of Ohio and was thrice Representative to the Supreme Lodge. He is also Past Chief Patriarch of the Odd Fellows' society, and is a consistent and active member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has served as Trustee. The Democracy finds in him a most ardent supporter, and his influence and power have done much for its upbuilding. From January, 1884, to Januar}-, 1886, he served on Gov. Hoadley's military staff, with the rank of Colonel, and rendered important service during the Cincinnati riot and at other times He was also Colonel and a prominent member of fiov. Campbell's staff from January, 1890, until January, 1892. The Judge is a most successful attorney. His quick powers of perception, his logical reasoning and his convincing arguments well fit him for the profession he has chosen. He has just been appointed b}- the Supreme Court of the State a third time as a member of the Ohio Board of Commissioners for examining candidates for admission to the Bar. The Judge is a large, well-proportioned and fine looking man, whose face gives evidence of that cordial and genial nature that has made him so popular. He is pleasant and affable, and, as stated in the beginning of this sketch, is undouliedly one of the most infiuential citizens of the count3\

^UDGE ISAAC N. ABERNETHY, A. B., A. M., Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the Third Subdivision of the Fifth Judicial District, embracing Franklin. Pickaway and INIadison Counties, resides in Circleville. He is a native of Ohio, born near Chillicothe, Ross County, August 9, 1844. His grandfather, William Abernethy, was born in Virginia. He belonged to the F. F. V.'s and was of I]nglish descent. He came with his family to Ohio and died in Ross County. James Abernethy, father of our subject, came with his parents to this State. He married Rhoda Connor, also a native of Vii'ginia. In 1848, he came to Pickaway Count>' and rented a farm near Darby ville. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1890, at the age of eighty 3'ears, he owned two hundred and fifty-eight acres of valuable land. He was a prominent member of tiie Methodist Church and served as Class-leader. In politics, he was a Democrat. His wife died in 1856.

Our subject was the third in a family of four children, all of whom reside in Pickaway County. His first recollections are of Darbyville. His early education was acquired in a logschoolhouse, but he made the most of his opportunities and at tiie age of sixteen secured a teacher's certificate. He afterward engaged in teaching, then started to college. In order to pay his tuition, he engaged in teaching and in raising water melons. In the year 1860, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University from which he was graduated in June, 1866, with the degree of A. B., and subsequently the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him. Wishing to make the practice of law his life work, he began studying with Alfred Yaple, now ex-Judge of Cincinnati. He afterward studied with Hon. R. A. Plarrison, one of the leading attorneys of the State, now of Columbas, and was admitted to the Ohio Bar at Chillicothe, September 1, 1868. For three years he was Principal of the schools in Mt. Sterling.

On the 8th of September, 1868, Judge Abernethy was married in Mt. Sterling to Miss Lizzie Busick, a native of that place, and a daughter of Ira Busick, who was then a merchant of Mt. Sterling. Unto them have been born six children: Ira, Charles, Harry, Rhoda, Bernard and Minnie.

The year succeeding his marriage, Mr. Abernethy located in Circleville and for a year engaged in practice as a partner of Mr. IIa3'es. In 1872, he was elected Prosecuting Attorney, and served from January, 1873, until January, 1877, The firm of Abernethy ife Grigsby was then formed and continued business for two years. In 1878, our subject foi'med a partnership with II. F. Page for six years, when the firm of Page, Abernethy A Folsom was formed, Mr. Folsom being a nephew of Mr. Page. In 1887, Mr. Page retired. In February, 1890, having been elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court on the Democratic ticket for a five-years' term, Mr, Abernethy entered upon the duties of that ollice. His rulings are wise and he has well demonstrated the fact that he is ably fitted for the office.

The Judge served as a member of the County Board of School Flxaminers for four years and was its Secretary for two years, when he resigned. He was twice a member of the City Council from the First Ward and was for some 3'ears a member of the City Board of Education. Socially, he is a Knight Templar Mason, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. Judge Abernethy owns a fine farm of one hundred and forty-three acres in JMonroe Township, in addition to the residence on North Court Street and other real estate, and laid out Abernethy 's First and Second Additions to Ciicleville, comprising over thirt}^ lots. He is a stockholder and Director in the Masonic Temple Association and is a stockholder in the Circleville Opera House Company. His life work in many respects is well worth}^ of emulation. He started in life a poor boy and by his own efforts has worked his way upwards to the proud position he now occupies. The Judge has been a lecturer in the law department of the Ohio State University for the last year on the subjects of mortgages and liens.

SA SILVER. In this biographical sketch will be recorded a few incidents in the life (IJ of a prominent resident of Jefferson Township, Madison County. The parents of our subject, John and Mary (Koontz) Silver, were natives of Pennsylvania, the father's birth occurring July 1, 1800. The mother departed this life in the Ke3'stone State, October 21, 1832, leaving a family of three children, viz: Richard, Henry and Asa.

The father of our subject chose as his second wife Miss Catherine Speaker, and to them were born eight children. A sketch of George T., one of the sons, will appear on another page in this volume. In 1854, the father of our subject united with the Baptist Church at .Jefferson, soon after which he was elected Deacon, of which position he was tlie incumbent at the time of his doatli. He was a very industrious and hard-woriving man and departed this life in .Tuly, 1882, leaving a large estate.

The original of this sivctch was born in Bedford County, Pa., October 25, 1831, and was a lad of six when he accompanied his father to this county. He has always resided in Jefferson Township, and since choosing an occupation for himself, has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The lady to whom he was married April 26, 1860, was Miss Delilah, daughter of David and Nanc}- (Morrow) Bradley, and the sister of Quinn Bradley', of West Jefferson, whose biography will be found on another page.

Mrs. Silver was born in Monroe Township, this count}^, December 2, 1837, and by lier union with our subject has become tlie mother of three children: Myron A., Charles and Minnie. Mr. Silver has not been interested in politics, other than to cast a straight Republican vote during elections. Religiously, Mrs. Silver is a member of the Baptist Church and is active in all good works. Our subject owns four hundred and twentj' acres of good land, which is cultivated in such a manner as to place it among the well-regulated estates in this count}^, and lias adorned the place with all the needful buildings, not the least among which is the comfortable farm residence.

OSHUA HEDGES. Walnut Township, Pickaway County, is the home of many wealthy and influential citizens, not the least among / whom is the subject of tliis sketch and of the accompanying portrait. He is the proprietor of a valuable estate on section 16, which his industry and good judgment have placed under thorough cultivation, and which brings him in a handsome income.

dent, as he was born in this county July 18, 1832. His parents, .Jabez and Maria (Williamson) Hedges, were natives respectively of Virginia and Pickaway County, this State, and the father was a soldier in the War of 1812. He located in this State in 1803, making his home in Fairfield County. A year later, he came to this county with his famih', and made settlement in the woods in Walnut Townshi[). He was employed, as were all the pioneers of that day, in subduing nature, building cabins, clearing land, breaking prairie, etc., but with all that labor was social and hapin', having a care for the morals and education of his growing famil}^ Mr. Hedges died in 1880, having been preceded to the land beyond b^^ his good wife, who died May 13, 1868.

In Walnut Township our subject was reared to man's estate, and has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. His education was obtained in the log cabin of that period, Avhich was carried on under the rate-bill system. He made the best of his limited opportunities, however, and is to-day an intelligent and well-read gentleman. September 13, 1855, Mr. Hedges was united in marriage with Sarah A. Hartman, who was born in this county May 4, 1834. Mrs. Hedges was the daughter of Jonas and Sarah (Iloffhimes) Hartman, natives of Penns3'lvania, who emigrated to this county in an earl}' da\'. When she was an infant of one 3'ear, her parents removed to Hancock County, 111., where she grew to mature years, and was given a fair education in the log schoolhouse with slab seats and puncheon floor.

To our subject and his worthy wife have been granted a family of nine children, eight of whom are living, namely: Clara, the wife of John Oman; Hattie, Mrs. W. A. Parks; Emma, who is a musical instructor in Nicholasville, Ky., being employed in a private female seminary; Chester, P>dgar, John, Claude and Anne G. Mrs. Hedges is a member of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, and is active in all good works. Our subject has been tlie incumbent of various positions of trust and responsibility, among which were those of Township Treasurer and Trustee. Since 1853, he has been identified with the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Pickaway Lodge No. 32, at Circleville. In poll- tics, he casts his vote and intlueiice in favor of Democratic principles and candidates, and is interested in all measnres that have for their object the upbnilding of his community. He has watched the details of improvement and the gradual evolution of his section from the original wild state to its present prosperous air of rural life. He owns over five hundred acres of valuable farming land, thi'ee hundred and twent}^ of which comprise the home farm. The famil}^ are among the old pioneer residents of the county, and occupy a high position socially in their community.

I]SRAP:L VALENTINP:. Among the old residents of Pickaway County, there is probably /li none more worthy of our attention than he whose name has just been given, for not only is he one of the pioneers of this count}, but he comes of that noble class of men who have built up its agricultural interests until it is a garden spot in the great commonwealth of Ohio.

Mr. Valentine was born in this county on the 26th of January, 1819, and is a son of John and Margaret (Zeiger) Valentine, both natives of the Eastern States. The father was born and reared near Baltimore, Md., and when a young man became desu'ous of owning some of the fertile soil of the liuckeye State. He came of Penns3'lvania German stock and probably inherited his thrift and energy from his sturdy and industrious ancestors. At any rate, he started out on horseback for Ohio early in 1800, made several trips back and forth, and finally located on the property no\v owned by his son. He bought part of this from his father-in-law (or he who subsequently became his father-in-law), old Jacob Zeiger, who was the owner of large tracts of land here. Mr. Valentine married Miss Margaret Zeiger, and this ambitious and thrifty young couple began housekeeping in a log house. They worked hard in their new home and gradually gathered around them many comforts and conveniences. To the original tract of land was added more from time to time, until at the time of Mr. Valentine's death he owned four hundred acres. His wife died about 1827, and his second marriage was to Miss Elizabeth Bowers, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. Of the eight children born to the first union, only one besides our subject is now living, Jacob, of Circleville. Eight children were also born to the second union.

Reared on his father's farm, our subject became familiar with the arduous duties of the same at an early age, and he had fairly good educational ad- Vantages. He attended the old academy of Circleville and remembers the old mounds in the vicinity. Tntil twenty-two years of age, he remained with his parents, and then bought eighty-three acres of land in the same part of the township. In 1841, in Circle ville, he mari'ied Miss Caroline Stout, a native of Washington Township, Pickaway Count}', Ohio, and the daughter of John Stout, who was originally from the Keystone State. The latter settled in Washington Township, this county, at an early date, and became a ver}' extensive farmer. He passed the closing scenes of his life here, as did his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Myers, also of Pennsylvania.

Our subject and wife started out for themselves in one room of a two-story house, and the former bent all his energies towards clearing and improving his farm. Later, he added eighty -six acres to his former purchase, operated both, and as success crowned his efforts on all sides, he purchased the old Stout Farm of two hundred acres. This was in AVashington Township, about four miles from Circleville, and he rented it to his sons. He also purchased the Markle Farm of one hundred and five acres in Circleville Township, cm which were many improvements, and the old Zearing place of over eighty acres, in Fairfield County. Since then he has purchased the Ruby Farm of two hundred acres in Washington Townshi[), and is now the owner of over seven hundred and sixty acres of good land. For the most of this he paid $55, $70 and $100, per acre, all lieing well-improved farms. Since 1887, he has given much of his land to his children, but he retains one hundred acres of the Stout Farm and the two home places. He has been very successful in farming and the buildings and other improvements on his farms are substantial and of the latest designs. Fine groves and large orchards are on all his farms and running streams furnish plenty of water for the stock. Mr. Valentine's estimal)le wife, the sharer of his joys and sorrows, died on the 11th of August, 1887, when sixt^'-five years of age. Although well along in years, our sultject is still hale and hearty, and is a most pleasant and agreeable gentleman to meet. His marriage resulted in the birth of seven sons and four daughters: William, a farmer in Washington Township, this county; L\'dia A., who died here when thirty-seven years of age; Lizzie, at home; John, who died in Fairfield County, Ohio, when forty-one years of age; George, a fanner, who resides in Washington Township; James, a farmer residing in Harrison Township, this county; Mary, now Mrs. Metzgar, residing in Circleville Township; Emanuel, who farms in Washingtown Township, this county; Sarah E., who died when four years of age; and I^dward and Israel, Jr., twins, wiio are engaged in farming in Washington Townshii). iMr. Valentine is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Circleville and assisted with his means to build a church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

^( OIIN C. CAPPS. One of the pleasant homes in Perry Township, Faj^ette County, is that of Mr. Capps, which is jointly presided over (^^' by Mr. Capps and his daughter, Mrs. Todhunter. Our subject is the son of William Capps, who was born in A^irginia in 1792, and was a son of Humphrey Capps, who hailed from North Carolina and served seven years in the Revolutionary War. William Capps was a soldier in the War of 1812.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Margaret Pope. She was born in Virginia in 1799 and was the daughter of William Pope. Both parents came to the Buckej^e State with their respective families when quite young, Mr. Capps coming as early as 1800. They were married in Highland County, where they made their home for a number of years, removing to Indiana in 1826. They made Morgan County, that State, their home for a ])eriod and then tried their fortunes in Vermillion Count3\ Later they settled on a farm in Fulton County, 111., removing thence to Knox County, the same State, where they i)assed their last days, the father dying in June, 1875, and the mother passing away a j-ear of two before.

The parental family of our subject included thirteen children, five of whom are living. One son, Curtis II., enlisted during the Civil War in the Union army and died soon after in Knox County, III. Mr. and Mrs. William Capps were members of the Methodist Ei)iscopal Church, and, in politics, the father was first a Democrat, later a Whig and, finally, a Republican.

John C. Capps was born April 23, 1820, in Highland County, this State. He received a limited education in the district schools and began for himself when attaining twent}' years of age. He was married May 27, 1817, to Jane, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rowe) Anderson, early settlers of the Buckeye State and natives of Virginia. Robert Anderson, who was a very zealous Christian and exhorter, established the first Methodist Ej)iscopal Church in this section. Mrs. Capi)s was one of a family of six children, and was l)orn in 1824, in Fayette County, where she received a fair education.

After marriage, our subject located u()on the farm given him by his father-in-law, in CJreen Township, this county, which he cleared and placed imder good cultivation. Thirty-three jears ago, he moved to his present farm, which ranks among the best in the township. Mrs. Jane Capps died August 12, 1885, after having borne her husband four children, one of whom is deceased. Sallie is the wife of Robert Todhunter and has had three children, one of whom is deceased. INIargaret married Levi Bryan, who is deceased, and also has had three children, one of whom is deceased. She later married William Eyre and resides in this township. Mary Jane married Ilenrj' Johnson, has had nine children, of whom one is deceased, and makes her home in Green Township. Robert became the husband of Anna White and died February 24, 1881. They had one child.

Mr. Capps of this sketch is a conscientious member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which society he is Steward and Trustee. He is very liberal in contributing of his means to its support and, indeed, is interested in all measures that elevate the standard of society in his communit3\ In politics, lie is a Republican and his interest in school matters has placed him on the Board. He did very effective work for his township as Supervisor, and is highly esteemed for his honest and upright character by all Avho know him. Mr. Johnson began in life emptj-handed and at the present time is the owner of one hundred and fifty-one acres of land, which his industry has placed in a very productive condition. His present position in the farming community has been attained largely through the good advice and economy of his late wife, to whom he accords all due praise.

eHARLES A. PALMER, attorney-at-law, has been an active practitioner of Washington C. H. since the date of his admission to the Bar, April 15, 1860. During the more than thirty years that have come and gone, he has established an enviable reputation as an able lawyev and honorable man, while his profound and varied knowledge of jurisprudence entitles him to be ranked among the eminent men of Ohio.

In what is now Jasper Township, Eayette County, Mr. Palmer was born, January 28, 1839, the son of William and Margaret (Whiteside) Palmer, natives of Virginia, who settled in this county as early as 1805 or 1807. William Palmer was prominently connected with the early history of Southern Ohio, and during the AVar of 1812 raised a company, of which he was Captain, and which was called out and served thirteen days, but was not mustered into service. In 1840-41, he was the representative of Fayette County in the State Legislature, to Avhich he was elected on the Democratic ticket by a majority of twelve votes, his opponent being Gen. B. Harrison, in a strong Whig count}'.

William Palmer accomplished much for the advancement of Fayette County by introducing thorough-bred Short-horn cattle, and fine horses. He was a pioneer in raising fine stock, the value of which he proved so conclusively as to create a sentiment in their favor. His farming operations were so successful that he l)ecame the owner of one thousand acres, most of which he cleared and cultivated. He was especially interested in the Agricultural Society of the county, and officiated for a time as its President. Having served his fellowmen both in public and private capacities for a long period, he i)assed to his rest at the age of four-score, and his mortal remains were buried January 1, 1867.

The family of which our subject is a member consists of the following children: Emily W. Turrell, P] valine INI. llankins, Granville C, Mar}^ J. Houston, Margaret M. Smith, William H., Rebecca A. Cox and Charles A. The mother of the family died in 1865. She was a member of the Uuiversalist Church, which was likewise the faith of her husband. After gleaning a common-school education in Jasper Township, our subject was a student successively at Antiochand Marietta Colleges, and Miami University at Oxford, where his literary education was completed.

Having resolved to commence the stud}^ of law, Mr. Palmer entered the office of Judge Robert M. Briggs, of AVashington C. H., and after remaining there for a time, continued his studies in the Cincinati Law School, graduating in 1860. He was admitted to practice in all courts of the State of Ohio, and shortly afterward in the Federal Courts. Upon commencing the practice of his profession, he was alone until Judge Briggs left the Bench, when a partnership was formed, which existed until the death of the latter in 1871, since which year INIr. Palmer has practiced alone. His practice is extensive and lucrative, and he is the acknowledged peer of the best attorneys of the city. His political belief bruigs him into affiliation with the Democrats, which is not the popular faith in this section of Ohio. His party has twice nominated him for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, but, being in the minority', failed to elect him.

of Mr. Palmer, bore the maiden name of Jean M. Briggs, and is a sister of Judge Briggs, of whom mention has already been made. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Palmer, as follows: Robert B., private stenographer to (iov. Campbell during his term of oflice, now Assistant Secretary to the Committee on Military Affairs in Congress, and also the owner and proprietor of the Ohio States Register; Margaret P., wife of H. B. Maynard, of Atlanta, Ga.; Paul, who is engaged in farming in Clinton County; Helen, who is a student in the college at Painesville; Luther S., William M., Alice and Harrison B., who are at home. The members of the family are attendants at the Episcopal Churcli, of which they are devoted members. In his social atliliations, Mr. Palmer is a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, Fa^^ette Chapter, F. ct A. M. He owns a splendid farm in the western part of Fayette County, where he has a fine line of trotters.

Judge Robert INIoore Briggs, lirother-in-law of Mr. Palmer, was so closely identified with him during the latter part of his life, that brief mention of his career will be of interest to the reader. He was born in Richmond, Va., about 1835, the son of Dr. Robert and Helen (Buckner) Briggs, and was named Robert INIoore, after his father and the celebrated English poet, from whom he was descended. His father, a very prominent physician of Richmond, died when he was young, and afterward he and his sister accompanied their mother to Ohio, to look after their landed interests.

Although he read medicine for a short time, Mr. Briggs showed such an aptitude for the law that he turned his attention to legal studies, and was graduated from the Cincinnati Law School. He commenced to practice at Chillicothe, but some time in the 50 's came to Fayette County, where he afterward resided. His aversion to slaver}' was so great that he and his mother and sister set free the slaves they had inherited from his father. Soon after locating in Washington C. H., he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Fayette Count}', and later served two terms in the Legislature, where he was an active and prominent member. He was next elected to the Common Pleas Bench to supply an extra Judgeship that had been provided for h} the Legislature. In that position he was noted foi his executive ability and dispatch of business, and attained eminence throughout the State. After filling the position for five years, he resumed his practice and continued thus occupied until his death in October, 1871. After the close of the Civil War, he followed the course of Chase, Greely and other eminent Republicans, and joined the ranks of Democracy. His wife was Catherine, daughter of Charles Robinson, and a niece of Bishop Merrill, of the Methodist Episcopal Chuix-h, and of the late Rev. Dr. Stuart Robinson, of Louisville, Ky.

r^^ OTTLIEB F. WITTICH. Wittich was the name of the celebrated son of the Ijlacksmith Wieland in the old heroic tradition, who, on account of his origin, wore a hammer and tongs in his coat of arms and a serpent on his helmet. He was the hero of the King P^rmenrich and Dietrichs Von Bern. Tiie old heroic traditions have contributed much to the diffusion of certain names, and there is no doubt that those who first adopted the name Wittich as a family name, did so in honor of the famous hero. The name is derived from "Wite" - the old High German "Witu" - meaning "woods, or forest." Hence, Wittich means man of the forest.

The oldest ancestor of our subject of whom v/e have any knowledge was Johannes AVittich, who was born in 1670. He was a Commissioner, or Superintendent, of Foresti'y in the service of the Prussian Government, l)eing stationed near the border of Bohemia. From there he was called to fill an engagement in the same capacity in the Dukedom of AVurtemljerg, where he served until his death, Avhich occurred about 1730. Probably the family seal or escutcheon, which is still used by some of its members, was adopted by him, for it represents a deer leaping out of a shield, with the initials of the respective member of the family using it. There is little doubt but that Johannes Wittich was the first one of that name in Wurtem-

The paternal grandfather of our subject, C4eorge Jacob Witticli, was born in 1710 and was a Lutheran minister and the son of Joliannes Wittich, mentioned above. His first charge was in Durnau in tlie Dukedom of AVurtemberg. In 1743, he was married to Maria Dorothea, daugliter of tlie Rev. V. L. Neuffer. To them six children were born, only one of whom grew to maturity. Mrs. Maria Wittich died in 1754, and the succeeding year, the grandfather was married to Clu'istiana Fredricks, daugliter of the Rev. J. J. Neubich, of Wurtemberg. Six of the twelve children l)orn of that union attained to old age. Of these, our subject's fatlier died July 2, 1839, when sixtj'-ciglit years of age. Mrs. Wittich departed this life November 3, 1775. In 1757, George J. Wittich took charge of the Lutheran congregation in Liebenzeil. In 1771, he Avas appointed to the cliarge of Wittershausen, where he died about 1785, in the seventyfifth year of his age.

Emanuel Frederick Wittich, the father of our subject, was born in Lielienzell. After finishing his studies in the public schools, liis father intended to have him enter one of the professions, but when out horseback riding, he was thrown from his horse, and, falling on a stone, received serious in jur}- to his Ineast, which deprived him of speech for some time. On recovering from the accident, although regaining his speech, he was left with an impediment sufficient to prevent him from becoming a public speaker. He was then advised b_y his father to choose a trade, which he did by apprenticing himself to learn the business of a book-binder. In 1801, he established in business for himself in Ebingen, Wurtembcrg, a manufacturing town of about four thousand or five thousand people.

November 18, 1802, the father of our subject married Miss Maria Catherina, daughter of Johannes Wolfer. She was born in 1782, and departed this life in Circleville in 1841. Mr. Wittich continued in the book-binder's business, to which he added a stock of school and hymn books for sale, until 1836, at which time he set sail for the New World. Locating in Circleville, he engaged in his trade, taking in as his partner his son, Ferdinand F., and continued thus until his death, in April, 1839. The three children born to him were P'erdinand F., who died in 1861; Sophia, Mrs. Hartmeyer, who departed this life in Circleville when in her seventy-eighth year; and our subject.

The original of this sketch was born in Ebingen, Wurtcmberg, German}^, November 28, 1819. He began going to school when in his sixth year, and four years later, having had some instruction in vocal music, was invited to sing in a choir. About that time, he entered the High School, which was then called the Latin School, where he studied Latin, drawing and French, in addition to his other general studies. He was confirmed in 1838, and at that time, his brother Ferdinand F. having come to America, lie learned the book-binder's trade under his father, with whom he worked until receiving an urgent request from his brother to come to the New World. They left home June 20, 1836, going to Havre, France, via Strasburg and Paris, their party consisting of father, mother and sister's husband and child. They boarded the sailing-vessel, "Poland," which was commanded by Capt. Anthony, on the 1st of July, and after a tedious voyage of thirty-five days, landed at Castle Garden. They immediately came by way of boat to Circleville, where they were met by Ferdinand F., he having secured a position as book-binder in the office of the lleligious Telescope.

Gottlieb F. Wittich, on arriving at his new home, assisted his father and brother in binding seven thousand hymn books which the}' had contracted for. In May, 1837, as there was not enough work at their trade to keep them all busy, his brother secured him a position with Joseph P. Ma3'er, at Cincinnati, with whom he learned the confectionery business, receiving as remuneration for his services $4 per month for the first j'^earand $6 per month the second year.

In August, 1839, our subject came to Circleville, and, in partnership with his brother, started in the confectionery bvismess, which connection lasted for eight years, during which time they were very successful. Mr. Wittich has ever since been engaged in the manufacture and wholesaling of con- fectionery and ice-cream. In 1855, he erected the brick block where he carries on liis business, and which contains two stores, witli a frontage of fortytliree feet of ground. It at that time was two stories in height, but in 1882 he added a story, which with the second story is used for olHces. He occupies one store and rents the adjoining room. He is the owner of a handsome residence, located on Court Street. Mr. Wittich also owns considerable other real estate in the city and in Port Townsend and Tacoma, Wash., and in Chicago. He lias tlie finest confectionery store in the city, in addition to which business he has added a stock of toys. He is the oldest mercliant in the place, and now ranks among the wealth}' and progressive citizens of the county, having been the architect of his own fortune. He is a fine scholar, as well as draftsman and penman, and lias in his possession the onl}' original co])y of a l)ird's-e3'e-view of Circleville as it was in 18.'>(), when it was really in a circle.

In October, 1841, Mr. Wittich was married to Miss Henrietta, daughter of Col. Valentine Keffer, of Pennsylvania, who came to this county in 1805, and located near Circleville, on a farm, where he became one of the prominent and wealth}^ farmers. The grandfather of Mrs. Wittich was Jacob Keffer, who was born in Zeselberg, Germany, in 1734. Col. Keffer owned a portion of the original site of the city of Circleville, and during the War of 1812 served as Major under Gen. Joseph Renick. At the close of hostilities, he was mustered out with the commission of Colonel. He was very prominent in this localit}- and for ten years was a member of the Ohio State Legislature, his popularity being such that he very seldom had an opposing candidate. In 1840, he was Presidential Elector on Jackson's ticket. His wife was Catherina, daughter of Jacob Zieger, a pioneer of Circleville, and he departed this life March 9, 1852.

Mrs. Wittich died in October, 1871, having become the mother of nine children, eight of whom grew to mature j^ears. Albert is a fine musician and is located at St. Louis, Mo., where he is sole agent for the Estey & Camp Music Company; Melancthon is in business in Chicago; Theophilus is a Professor of Music at San Francisco, Cal.; Rosa married vS. C. Gamble, who is a prominent attorney in Circleville; Willis is a graduate of West Point and is Captain in the Twent3'-first United States Infantiy, stationed at Ft. Randall, S. Dak., and participated in the campaign against the Indians in Dakota; Ella is the wife of Dr. E. A. Mearns, Surgeon in the United States army at Ft. Snelling, Minn.; Edward is in the employ of his father and is a fine musician; Frank is engaged in the boot and slioe business at St. Louis, Mo.

Our subject has been a Townshi[) Trustee for two years and a meml)er of the School Poard for a period of thirty years, being the oldest memlieron the Board. In religious matters, he is a Lutheran, and votes the Democratic ticket.

»\EORGE W. VALENTINE, a native of Pickaway County, born in C'ircleville October G, 1844, is a farmer of much enterprise and practical experience, and has a substantiall}' improved, alil^'-managed farm in Washington Township that is classed among the liest in this region. Our subject is the fifth of the eleven children, eight of whom are living, of Israel and Caroline (Stout) A'alentine, of whom mention is made in another part of this work. He was born and reared on a farm, and obtained his education in the district school. He remained at the home of his parents, within the corporate limits of Circleville, until he attained his majority, and in 1865 began farming on his father's farm in Circleville Township.

In the fall of 1887, Mr. Valentine purchased the farm that he now occupies in Washington Township. It comprises one hundred and sis acres of land of surpassing fertility, which is under the best of tillage, the methods best adapted to the soil being employed in its cultivation, and a fine set of buildings adorn the i)lace, including a handsome and conveniently arranged frame residence. The land is well drained, having over two miles of tile, and it is admiralil}- adaj^ted to general farming purposes, to which our subject de- votes it. He has it well stocked with all kinds of stock of good grades, and from that source has a good income. Mr. Valentine is a thoroughly good man, whom his neighbors trust and respect very highly for his many virtues of head and heart. He takes an intelligent interest in political affairs, and gives his fealty to the Democratic party. Religiously, both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, for whose support they do much.

Mr. Valentine was married in 1865 to Miss Sarah Jane Stout, a native of Washington Townshi]), and a daughter of Jeremiah and Caroline (Sitler) Stout. Her parents were Pennsylvanians, but they left their native State and came to Ohio prior to their marriage. He liecame a prosperous farmer, and is living in this county. His wife died May 15, 1890. Eight of their ten children are living. Mr. and Mrs. Valentine have been blessed in their marriage, which is an exnmple of a true wedded life, by the birth of three children, whom they have named Florence, Edson F. and Turney W., respectively.

"^ OB R. RENICK. The late Job R. Renick, who belonged to one of the oldest and wealthiest families of l*ickaway County, rose to prominence as one of its foremost farmers and stockmen, who controlled large landed and stock interests, centering in Jackson Township. At his death the county lost one of the truest and best of her native-born sons, who had ever been an honor to her citizenship.

Mr. Renick was born on the old Renick homestead in Jackson Township, where he always lived, Febrviary 9, 1820. He obtained his early schooling in the log schoolhouses that were among the first established in the county, and later attended the Blendon and Athens academies. His father was an invalid for six years prior to his death, and our subject and his brother, Thomas T., farmed the home place on shares until his death, and then they bought it, thus aggregating nearlj' twelve hundred acres of land. At his death, Thomas willed his interest in the farm to our subject. The latter once farmed very extensively, but subsequently went into the stock business largely, making a specialty of fine Durham and Rose of Sharon cattle, and of draft horses and roadsters of the best breeds, beside raising sheep. He was a first-class farmer, and he showed good judgment and wise economy in feeding all the corn that he raised, never selling but one load in his life. He was a man of splendid business endowments, and under his care his property increased greatl}' in value, and he also added to his landed estate, so that at the time of his death he owned seventeen hundred acres of choice real estate. The commodious frame residence, the finest and largest in Jackson Township, occupied by his wife and children, was built by him in 1890, but he was never to live in it, as he died February 19, 1891, just before the famil}'^ moved into it,

June 8, 1875, Mr. Renick was married to Miss Ella Rutter, a native of Circleville, and her devotion and companionship, with that of the children, made his last years his best and happiest. Mrs. Renick is a daughter of Jacob and Deborah (^Mc- Clelland) Rutter, who are natives, respectively, of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Her father came to this count}^ in 1831, and established himself in the tailoring business under the firm name of Rock & Rutter. He was engaged at that eleven or twelve years, and then turned his attention to farming, buying a place in Washington Township, upon which he lived a year. He stocked the farm, and though he returned to the city, continued to manage it for some years, and also bought another farm in Monroe Township. Subsequently, he entered into the hardware business at Circleville, carrying it on for some twenty-five j^ears with two other gentlemen, under the firm name of Rutter, Wolfley & Rains, the latter part of the time as Rutter & Wolfley. He now lives retired from active business in Circleville, but still retains a farm of two hundred and fortj'-one acres in Muhlenberg Township, which he rents. He and his wife have reared three children: Anna M., who died in 1864, aged twent3--one; Edward T., who died in 1887, at the age of thirty-two years, and Mrs. Renick. The latter became the mother of four children, but one,

Nellie, died in infancy. The others are Harry R., Job E. and John J. Mrs. Renick is in every way a most admirable woman, of pronounced ability and remarkable business qualifications, as is manifested by the skillful way in which she manages her large farm of sixteen hundred aci'es, and at the same time has a well-ordered household. She is a member of the Methodist Church, and her name is associated with its every good work.

Mr. Renick was a man of much strength of character, of a kind and loving disposition, who, although he saw much trouble in his life, bore it cheerfully, and was never disposed to make others help him l)ear his burdens, or to sadden others with them. He was not a member of the church, but was a true believer in religion, and gave liberall}" of liis means in support of tiie church and all good objects. One of his last public acts was to give a lot on which to build a Methodist Church. His fellow-men always found him kind and S3'mpathizing, and generous where charity was needed, and in his family' he was a devoted husband and an indulgent father. A strong Republican, he took a great interest in national affairs, and was influential in local politics. He was urged to accept the nomination for Representative to the State Legislature, but declined the honor.

occupies a prominent position in the agricultural community, owning eight hundred and ninety-one acres of land in Circleville, Walnut and Jackson Townships, which has been accumulated through his own persistent efforts and good judgment. In business circles he is influential, his word being considered as good as his bond.

He of whom we write was born in Walnut Township, this county, August 22, 1830. He is therefore acquainted with the gradual evolution of this section from the orisfinal wild state of the land to its present prosperous air of rural life. His father, William Bell, was l)orn in Ireland, August 13, 1802, and emigrated to America with his father, James Bell, about 1807. The latternamed gentleman was also a native of the Emerald Isle, and on locating in Pennsylvania, followed the occupation of farmer for a few yeai'S. The family later came to this county, about 1812, where the grandparents died, leaving a family of three sons and five daughters.

The father of our subject was the eldest son of the parental family, and after reaching mature years was married to Catherine Caldwell, a native of this State, who was born March 24, 1802. The date of their marriage was November 20, 1825. Mr. Bell followed farming in Walnut Township, along the Columbus Turnpike, and was thus engaged until he died, April 30,1851. Mrs. Bell passed from this life December IG, 1889, firm in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which body her husband was also a member. She was the daughter of Alexander Caldwell, a native of Ireland, who came to the New AVorld early in the nnieteenth century, and settled in this county, Avhere he was one of the early pioneers. Mr. Bell was Captain of a company of militia in early times.

Mr. and Mrs. William Bell were the parents of the following-named eight children: James, Jane, our subject, Ruth, William, Catherine, Caroline S., and one who died in infancy. Caroline S., who makes her home with our subject, is the only member of the family beside Mr. Bell who is living. The educational advantages of our subject, like those of most pioneer youths, were limited, but he acquired enough to give him an impetus to go on, and to-day he ranks among the intelligent and progressive citizens of the county. His father dying when he was nineteen years of age, the care of the family fell upon his shoulders, but he sturdily braved all the responsibilities, and started out to earn money to supply the necessities of life b}^ working out on a farm in Walnut Township, Pickawa}^ County.

The parental homestead included two hundred acres, one-fifth of which fell to the lot of our subject. In company with two brothers, he purchased the interest of bis two sisters, the three operating the farm in partnership for a number of years. They later pnrchased two liundred and twenty acres additional, of which, when divided, our subject took the farm which he now occupies in Circlevillo Township, and upon which he moved a few years later.

' October 25, 1855, Miss Minerva R. Reber, who was born in Fairfield County, this State, March 5, 1834, became the wife of our subject. She was the daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Allen) Reber, natives of Pennsj'Ivania. Her parents were farmers, and removed to Wyandot Count^^ about 1854, where the father still resides, being in his ninetieth year. Mrs. Reber died in 1891. Only five of their family of eight children arc living. Mrs. Bell died October 15, 1875, after having become the mother of nine children, namel}': Thomas R., Lucy K., Clara J., Charles, Flora, Rachel, Lyman A.,Mcttie M. and Annie O. The eldest son married Miss Ella Helvring, and is engaged in the grain business in Circleville; Lucy K. is Mrs. John D. Newton, whose husband is a farmer of Walnut Townshi|); Clara J. is the wife of Benjamin Renick, a farmer in Harrison Township, Pickaway Count}'; Charles married Annie Stine, and lives in Circleville Townsliip: P'lora became Mrs. Chai'les A'an Meter, of Savannah, Tenn.; Rachel married Arthur Wiggins, also a farmer in Harrison Township; Lyman A., formerly a stenographer in the dry-goods house of Siegel, Cooper & Co., of Chicago, is now in Denver, Colo.; the two youngest children are at home. They have all been given excellent educations, and occup^^ good positions in the community.

Mr. Bell was again married, September 17, 1885, this time to Mrs. Sally E. Valentine, who was born in Circleville, and was the daughter of Bentley Groce, who died in 1890. Mrs. Bell passed from this life in 1886, just six months after her marriage.

In politics, Mr. Bell is a Democrat. He was elected County Commissioner in the fall of 1887,and re-elected in the fall of 1890. His estate comprises the magnificent sura of eight hundred and ninetyone acres of land in Circleville, Walnut and Jackson Townships. A view of his home is shown on another page. His place is stocked with cattle, his favorite being Short-horns. His accumulations have been the result of his industry and good management, as he started out in life with but forty acres.

ONROE SCOTHORN. Occupying a high place among the pioneers of Pickaway County is the gentleman whose name we place at the head of this sketch. He is at present residing in Walnut Township, where he has a finely-improved farm and is living in the enjoyment of the fruits of his early toil. He is held in reverence liy all who know him and his name will be long remembered when earth shall know him no more.

Monroe Scothorn was born March 20, 1830, in Walnut Township, and is the son of Joseph and Hannah (Crum) Scothorn, natives of "Nlrginia. The paternal ancestors of our subject were of Scotch birth, while those on the maternal side are said to have been German. Joseph Scothorn was born March 4, 1796, and was nine years of age when his parents emigrated to Ohio, locating in the eastern portion of Walnut Township. There the elder Mr. Scothorn died, and Joseph made permanent settlement on a portion of the farm which is the property of his son, our subject. It was then in a wild state, but Mr. Scothorn set himself industriously to work to prepare a home for his family and clear and cultivate his land. He endured all the hardships known to that earl,y day, and has watched the gradual evolution from the original wild state of the land into its present prosperous condition.

Ten cliildren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scothorn, of whom we name the following: Elizabeth became the wife of Jackson Hoover; Monroe, Frank A. and Thornton. In the death of Mr. Scothorn, Pickaway County lost one of its progressive, successful and wide-awake citizens. The original of this sketch was reared to man's estate in the neighborhood where he is at present residing, and with which all his earl}' associations are connected. The hardships which they were called upon to pass through in their eari\' settlement here have made a lasting impression ui^on liis mind,

Monroe Scothorn has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, and that his persistent industry and good judgment have been rewarded is assured by a view of the beautiful farm on section 8, His education, like tliat of most of the pioneer youths, was limited, he being permitted to attend the house of learning only a few montlis during the winter.

Februar}' 12, 1852, he of whom we write and Miss Margaret Morrison were united in marriage. Mrs. Scothorn was born in Lancaster County, Pa.. April 23, 1833, and was the daughter of George and P^lizabeth (Crawson) Morrison. She accompanied her parents on their removal to Fairfield County, this State, being at that time only three 3'ears of age. Mr. and Mrs. Morrison resided in the above-named place for several years and then came to Walnut Township, this county, where they were numbered among the early residents, and where they passed their last days. They were the parents of a familj^ of nine children, only five of whom survive, viz: Mrs. Scothorn; James; Rachel, Mrs. Wilson Newton; George and Samuel. Mr. Morrison was Justice of the Peace in his community, and was otherwise warmly interested in all townshi]) affairs.

To our subject and his estimable wife have been born six children, all of whom, with one exception, are living, namelj': Ollie, Mrs. P. E. Hoover; George; Emma, the wife of J. L. Hoover; Lida C., who married C. F. Brinker, and Ira M. Mr. Scothorn is the possessor of an estate which includes one hundred and fort3'-nine acres of valuable land. His progressiveness and enterprise have led him to place that entire amount under good cultivation, which not only makes a beautiful spot in the landscape of Walnut Township, but is the source of a handsome income to its owner. He is practically self-made, as his accumulations are the result of his good judgment and industry. With his wife, he is a member in good standing of the United Bi-ethren Church, in which body he is an active worker. In politics, Mr. Scothorn votes the Democratic ticket, and is in favor of all measures tending to upbuild and benefit his community. For eighteen 3'ears he held the responsible otllcc of Justice of the Peace, and for three years was Township Treasurer and Township Trustee for a period of two years. He is now in advanced ^^ears and is passing his last da^'S surrounded by his children and friends, enjoying tlie confidence of all who know him.

TIIO W. LOOFBOURROW is one of the most active members of tlic farming community of Madison County and, l)y liis progressive spirit, has succeeded in placing his farm in Pleasant Township under excellent cultivation. In addition to raising cereals, he gives considerable time and attention to grazing stock, from which branch of agriculture he reaps a handsome income. His estate is located one mile south of Mt. Sterling, in which place he was born August 30, 184L

Our suJ)ject is the son of James and Jane (Gregory) Loofbourrow, the grandson of Thomas, greatgrandson of John Wade Loofbourrow, and greatgreat-grandson of Wade Looflionrrow, who emigrated from Scotland to America and settled near Ambo}', N. J. The date of emigration we are unable to ascertain. His descendants removed fronr Aniboy to Virginia about 1797, and from that State to Ohio in 1803. Our sul)ject lost both parents, also one sister and brother, b}' cholera in Jul}', 1852, and afterward made his home with Mrs. Elizabeth Williams until he was fourteen 3'ears of age, when he went to the home of M. I\L Thomas, his uncle and guardian.

When eighteen years old, Mr. Loofbourrow enlisted as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry. He participated in the battles of Chickamauga, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Wilson's Creek, Bentonville, and was with Gen. Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. After taking part in the (Jrand Review at Washington, D. C, he returned home in Jul}', 1865, and on November 19th of the same year was married to Miss Malvina Loofbourrow. This lady was born in Madison County, July 13, 1843, and is the daughter of L. P. and Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow.

In addition to the farm above mentioned, Mr. Loofbourrow is the proprietor of a good tract of land in Fayette ('ount>^, and one two miles northwest of Mt. Sterling. lie has been the architect of his own fortune and enjoys an extended reputation as an al)le financier. He was elected County Commissioner in 1889, and has been active in protecting the interests of the people in the building of the court house, jail and sheriff's residence.

Tliree children comprise the family of Mr. and Mrs. Loofbourrow: Rena Helen, who was born in Mt. Sterling, September 24, 1866, is a graduate of the Mt. Sterling schools and also attended the colleges at Oberlin and Lebanon. October 7, 1890, she was married to Harry Fitzgerald and is the mother of one son. Lisle H. Milton Floyd was born in Fayette Count}-, April 17, 1872, and was graduated from the Mt. Sterling schools in 1891. Two years before receiving his di[)loma he was engaged in tlie bank at Mt. Sterling and is now studying civil engineering at the Ohio State University at Columbus. P.essie was born in Fayette County, September 9, 1H73, and was graduated in 1892 from the Mt. Sterllna: schools.

^^EORGE SPINDLER, a native-liorn citizen [II ^~ - , of Pickaway County, is one of the leading ^^i^' farmers of Walnut Township, where he has a good farm pleasantl}' located on section 10. Our subject was born in Harrison Township Januar}^ 30, 1845, and is a son of .John M. and Mary A. (Cummins) Spindler. His father was for many years, until liis death, a prominent and greatly honored citizen of this county. He was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1818, and was a son of Mathias and Elizabeth Spindler, who were of German origin, and with whom lie came to Ohio when he was a 3-oung man. The family settled in Franklin County, wliere he remained a short time, and then entered the teacher's profession, for he was well educated, and he was engaged at that several terms, teaching mostly in Pickaway County. He subsequentl}' owned and operated a sawmill and a gristmill on Walnut Creek, on section 5, Walnut Township, where Ids widow still resides. He was an active figure m local public life, and was one of the leaders among the Republicans. Although tlie majority of his fellow- townsmen did not agree with him in politics, they honored him as a man, and occasionally showed their confidence in him by electing lum to some important office. He served as Justice of the Peace upwards of twenty years, and he also was Trustee of Walnut Township at one time. He was once brought forward as candidate for Representative, but being on the Republican ticket, he was defeated on account of liis Republicanism. He was public-spirited and progressive, and earnestl}' in favor of whatever would elevate society or advance the interests of the count}'. He was identified with the Grange as an Intel Hgent member, and he was a valued member of the Metliodist Episcopal Church, in which he held the office of Trustee for several years. In his death, September 9, 1880, the communit}' suffered a severe loss.

The mother of our subject was born in Harrison Township, in 1821, and is a daughter of William and Mary Cummins, early settlers of that township. She is the mother of eleven children, of whom seven are living, namely: George, John W.; Mary J., wifeof William Hummel; Ann E.; Emma, wife of George C. Morrison; fvlizabeth, wife of C. S, Perry, and Luc.y. John W., who is a graduate of the Ohio Wesle3\an University at Delaware, is Superintendent of tlie Public Schools at Winfield, Kan.

George Spindler has passed the most of his life in Pickaway County, the famil}- removing to Walnut Township wlien he was very young. His early education was obtained in the district school, and at the age of sixteen he entered Wesleyan University at Delaware. He was a close student in that institution one year, winning a good reputation for scholarship, and then the breaking out of the war caused a change in his plans, and he was obliged to give up his studies. In the summer of 1864, he enlisted in the one hundred days' service as a member of Company C, One hundred and Fifty-fifth Oliio Infantry, and did guaid duty, principally with the Army of tlie Potomac, and was at the front about four month.s. His military career is commemorated by his connection with the Parsons' Post No. 670, (i. A. P., at Nebraska, Ohio, as one of its prominent members, he holding the position of (Quartermaster.

After leaving the army, our subject turned his attention to teaching, and won local distinction as an educator of no mean ability. He taught his first school in the winter of 1864-65, and taught continuously every winter until 1872, and one winter after that. He had a predilection for agricultural pursuits, and has since devoted himself to farming, doing a good business as a general farmer, and having an excellent farm of one hundred acres of land, which is well cultivated, and the improvements are of a good class. Mr. Sjiindler stands high in social and religious circles, and in him the Republican party of this section finds one of its most devoted adherents. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he served as Trustee, and he has done much for the welfare of the church.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Alice A. Culp was celebrated Ma}^ 11, 1869, and has been productive of mutual felicity. Among its blessings arc the five children that have been born to them, to whom they have given these names: Charles E., Delia, Mamie S., Emma A. and John L. Mrs. Spindler is a native of Walnut Township, and a daughter of Lewis and Sophronia Culp.

ENJAMIN HARRISON, a higiily respected farmer residing in Range Township, Madison County, Ohio, was born in Ross Count3% this State, February 8, 1815, and is a son of Batteal and Elizabeth (Scott) Harrison. Our subject is a distant relative of President Harrison. His grandfather, Benjamin Harrison, served in the Revolutionary War, and his father was a soldier in the War of 1812, under William Henry Harrison. He was born about 1780, and when he was a young lad his parents moved from Virginia to Kentucky, but he remained with an uncle on account of the hidians in the locality to which his father went. In 1797, he accompanied his uncle's famil^f to Belmont County, Ohio, where he was reared. At one time he went to join his father, who had removed to Missouri, but hearing that his mother was dead gave up the trij). He then joined the army, as ]>efore stated, and served as recruiting officer at Chillicothe, Ohio. During that time he was married, February 3, 1814, to Elizabeth Scott. During a portion of that time, he was Captain and commanded a compau}-. Our subject was the eldest of their six children, all of whom grew to mature years, and had families, while three are still living. Two sons, ]\Iatthew Scott and John Joseph, served in the War of the Rebellion. The latter was taken a prisoner and died in Georgia. Matthew was a Captain, and after the war removed to Saline County, IMo., where he died.