Monroe Township (part 5 of 5)

CAPT. NEWELL KERR (deceased), was, during his lifetime, a prominent man, not only as an agriculturist, but a local politician as well ; he was the only one of the name in Miami Co. that espoused the Republican cause, but his motive for doing so was no doubt a pure one. His marriage to Mrs. Martha J. Kerr was celebrated Sept. 21, 1851, and for three years they resided on the farm now owned by Joseph Conrey, on the Da}'ton Pike; from there they came to the beautiful farm upon which Mrs. Kerr now lives, which is appropriately named Glen Forest. Mrs. Martha Kerr is a daughter of John D. and Nancy Fowler, who came to this country in 1821, and were alwaj'S prominent citizens. The death of Newell Kerr occurred July 16, 1876 ; in his lifetime he was a prominent Magistrate, and, during a nine-years official career, never had one of his decisions reversed ; he held a commission as Captain in the Home Guards, but, when the war broke out, resigned his captaincy and enlisted in Co. L, 8th U. S. C. ; he was in Hunter's memorable raid through the Shenandoah Valley, and endured many hardships and privations; he was captured by the rebels at Beverly, W. Va., and thrown into Libby Prison, the horrors of which are graphically described in the history of the civil war in America; he was exchanged after fort}' days' confinement, weighing 180 pounds upon entering the prison, and only ninety-eight pounds when released ; this was caused b}r starvation alone, and the blood-curdling tales related by those who were confined in that prison pen are truly appalling ; he was discharged in April, 1874, having given his life almost in the defense of his country ; all their children were born before his enlistment - John F., Edward V., llhoda, Hamilton, Lulu M., Carey F. and Carrie Evalyn ; Mrs. Kerr's son, by her first husband, also enlisted, and died during his term of service ; four of the children are married ; Hamilton married M iss Eva Martin, of Xenia, Ohio, and manages the farm, which is beyond question the best-arranged farm in Monroe Township ; the elegant residence is luxuriously furnished ; everything that wealth can procure is lavishly supplied ; books, music, works of art, etc., are everywhere seen in profusion ; the style in which they live is not equaled, perhaps, by any family in the county. Mr. Kerr was one of the leading spirits in the Kentucky Home Grange, which was organized under his management, and he was a number of terms Master of Tippecanoe Lodge, A., F. & A. M. ; he was an honorable, conscientious man, and did his whole duty as a husband and father, a neighbor and a soldier.

J AM ES K E It R, farmer ; P. O. Troy ; is the first one of his name to give us information of bis family history, and Monroe Township furnishes a list of family reminiscences equal perhaps to any in the county. A long historical sketch appears of 8 ally Kerr, the wife of James Kerr, and the parents of Hanford, Hamilton, George, Margaret, Jonathan, Rebecca, William, James, John, Perry and Sally A. Kerr. To avoid repetition, we here state that her children are nearly all represented in the biography of this work, and Aunt Sally's sketch will explain where and when they settled in the county. James was born in 1834 ; his education is a good one. In 1858, his marriage to Miss Mary E. McPherson was celebrated, and they purchased the farm upon which they now reside, in 1860. Their four sons were born and named in the following order : James M., born Jan. 15, 1859 ; William M., born Dec. 8, 1860 ; Wesley Nov. 13,1865 ; and Albert B., born Dec. 30, 1867. Under the able management of Mr. Kerr, assisted 'by his sons, the farm is a source of great revenue. The boys promise to make men of substantial character and intelligence. James Kerr is an honorable and upright Mason, is now Master of Franklin Lodge, No. 14, A., F. & A. M., and also is Master of Concord Grange, No. 144 ; both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Democrat in whom there is no guile ; for many years he has been connected with the public schools, and is also Pike Superintendent in this district. He is a generous, hospitable host, and enjoys the confidence of every man who knows him.

PERKY KERR, farmer ; P. 0., Troy ; is Mrs. Sally Kerr's youngest son, and has managed the home farm for many years, and the general appearance of the buildings and farm are indicative of his care and adaptation for his business ; the brick residence is the first one of the kind erected in the neighborhood. Perry was married to Miss Susannah E. Kessler March 28, 1876 ; her father was wounded at the battle of Lexington, Ky., and died from effects ofthe injury. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are the parents of Hanford W., born Feb. 8, 1867 ; Cora A., Jan. 29, 1869 ; Susannah E., Nov. 26, 1870 ; Alva M., Feb. 23, 1874 ; Sarah E., Dec. 24, 1876 ; and Martha A., Feb. 13, 1879. They are a splendid family of children. Through the efforts of Perry and James Kerr, the Nashville and Troy (Branch) Pike was built, which is one of the best in the township. Perry Kerr is owner of 220 acres of elegant land, which was mostly purchased by himself, and contains the principal part of the homestead ; the site of the old home has never been disturbed by the plow, and is revered as " consecrated ground." Many things dear to childhood's memories are yet to be seen ; the rock upon which they cracked their hickory nuts, the remains of the walnut stump that stood at the end of the porch, and three trees that were budded by different ones of the family, and since have been called by their names ; the old hearth-stones, and the old chimney-place are still visible, and are the dearest objects to the famity, who revere the memory of the man who did so much for them in childhood's happy hour. Aunt Sally makes her home with Perry and his amiable wife, and is now 81 years of age. Perry, like his father, is a lavish provider of the good things of earth, and follows in his political footsteps, Democratic, first, last and always.

J. A. KERR, attorney, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Chambersburg, Montgomery Co., July 7, 1853, and is the son of J. T. Kerr, and a direct descendant of George Kerr, the pioneer ; J. T. is a farmer by occupation ; born in this township March 11, 1828, and married Feb. 10, 1851, to Matilda, daughter of Col. Westlake, an early settler ; by this union he had a family of five sons and one daughter ; one son died in infancy. He is the son of James and the grandson of George Kerr, who was born in the county of Kerry, Ireland, near the Lake of Killarney and the Eagle's Nest ; he married Martha Newel, of the same place, and came to America with his parents just previous to the Revolutionary war, in which struggle he took a part ; was one of the first settlers in Marietta, Ohio, and, in 1813 or 1814, moved to Lebanon ; his father was brutally murdered by the Indians ; he had six sons and one daughter. Our subject is the second child of the family ; he passed his earty life on the farm, attending the common school till 16, when he entered the National Normal, of Lebanon, Ohio, and attended it for two subsequent winters, where he learned the science of surveying, which he has since practiced ; as earty as 1868, he turned his attention to the study of law, and, in 1873, was admitted to practice in the State, and, at the age of 23, was admitted to the United States Courts ; in the fall of 1873, he located in Tippecanoe, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law ; he has, by careful attention to business, won the confidence and esteem of the public, and is one of the promising and energetic young attorneys of Miami Co. ; in politics, he is a Democrat, and a member of the City Council. He was married, at the age of 20, to Elizabeth, daughter of Lemuel Coat, a descendant of Samuel Pearson, a pioneer ; one daughter has been the issue of this union.

GEORGE KERR, farmer ; P. 0. Troy. The last man of the Kerr family to place on our list is as well known in this county as any man now living in it ; he was a brother to Newell, John and Furnace Kerr, and it may be proper to remark that the Kerr and Miller families are the best represented in this work, and the most wealthy farmers in Monroe Township. George was born July 16, 1831 ; he married Miss Nancy J. Culbertson in 1853 ; they are the parents of Samuel Ii., Otto and Otho (twins) ; Samuel was born Oct. 18, 1856 ; Otto and Otho, Jan. 17, 1858 ; the other child died in infancy ; Samuel is the husband of Miss Minnie E. Stewart, and Otto married Miss Elizabeth Northcutt. Mrs. Nancy Kerr was born March 8, 1836. Mr. Kerr owns 500 acres in this county, part of which is in Concord Township ; the extreme neatness of this farm must be seen to be appreciated ; evidences of wealth abound everywhere. For the past twenty-one years, he has been connected with our public schools, and his long continuance in this capacity is evidence of his good judgment; he has also been Master of Monroe Grange for the last seven years, and is one of the charter members of Coleman Commandery, K. T., No. 17 ; these are honors of which his children may well be proud, and gladly are these laurels incorporated in the family biography ; himself and brothers are acknowledged leaders of the Democratic party in their neighborhood, and better men cannot be chosen as standard-bearers.

FURNACE KERR, farmer; P. 0. Tippecanoe City. Furnace Kerr ranks high in the estimation of our people, and we are pleased to note that his father, Hamilton Kerr, came to this county in 1806, before any settlements worthy of mention were made, the wild deer, the panther and the Indian having full sway in the trackless forest, which has given way to the march of progress, until our beautiful land ranks second to none. Furnace is the youngest child of Hamilton and Rhoda Kerr, and was born on Sec. 18, Feb. 22, 1836 ; there were three other sons ; the Pearson and Newell Kerr farms were the first ones settled upon in this township. Furnace was wedded to Miss Anna, daughter of David and Annie Skiller, of Shelby Co., Jan. 6, 1870 ; he was an almost confirmed bachelor, but now makes a model husband ; they are the parents of Enona and Hamilton, two lovely children. The buildings upon this farm are the finest in Monroe Township, and are second to none in the county ; the house is luxuriantly furnished, and everything necessary for pleasure or comfort has been procured ; to say that we feel a just pride in the sons of Miami Co., would be a feeble expression compared to their industry and prosperity ; the Miami Valley against the world for wealth and productiveness. Mr. Kerr is a Jacksonian Democrat, an honest man, and a member of Tippecanoe Lodge of A.. F. & A. M.

MRS. ANNA KESSLER, P. O. Troy ; Mr. and Mrs. Kessler were both born in this count}' - he Nov. 13, 1816, she March 10, 1819 ; she is a daughter of Solomon and Barbara Hoover, who were also born in the county - he in 1795, she in 1800 ; Mrs. Kessler has one brother and two sisters living - Sarah Leighton, Nancy Blue and Henry Hoover. Her marriage to Martin Kessler was celebrated on April 3, 1838, Esquire David Jenkins performing the ceremony. They had eleven children - William H. H., born Jan. 13, 1839 ; Susannah E., born Sept. 7, 1840 ; David S., born June 18, 1842 ; John O.. born July 31, 1844 ; Samuel C., born March 24, 1847 ; Solomon W., born April 8, 1849 ; Sarah M., born March 7, 1851 ; Martha A., born Sept. 17, 1854; Martin W., born June 2, 1857 ; Webster P., born June 19, 1859, and Elizabeth B., born Sept. 20, 1862 ; all are living, and five are married. Mr. Kessler was a gallant soldier during the war of the rebellion, but died during his term of service ; lie was a good man, and highly respected by all who knew him ; his death occurred July 23, 1863 ; the remains were brought home in October following, and were interred in the Wheelock Cemetery. The widow and six of the children live on the farm, which is superintended by the sons, and furnishes a good income. John, William and Samuel were also soldiers during the war of the rebellion, and were brave and daring volunteers. We remember with pride our gallant men who filled the ranks, from Miami Co., and are ever ready to do them honor.

ERNST KOETITZ, carpenter, Tippecanoe City; was born in Germany in 1830 ; his father, Nicholas, was a carpenter by trade, and married Mary Scholl, by whom he had thirteen children ; eight still survive. Our subject, the second child of the family, was reared and schooled in his native country ; at the age of 15, he learned the carpenter's trade, and has since followed it ; he emigrated to America in 1859, landing in New York City, whence he came to Tippecanoe ; here he engaged at once at his trade, and, in the earty part of 1868, formed a partnership with the firm of Trupp, Weakley & Co. ; Mr. K. is one of the industrious and enterprising citizens of Tippecanoe City, and is always found interested in matters pertaining to the welfare of the community. He is a member of the H. 0. D., and of the German Lutheran Church. He has been married twice, first, in 1859, to Mary Roehling, of Germany, and, second, to Mary Schoch, of the same place, in 1876.

H. L. LEHMAN, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton. Hemy L. Lehman is a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Miami in June, 1852 ; in 1854, his wedding was celebrated, he leading to the marriage altar Miss Catharine Kellar ; his trade is that of a miller, and, during his early residence in this country, he followed this business ; in 1856, he purchased the fine farm upon which he now resides, since which time his attention has been devoted to agriculture ; they have seven children living - Daniel, Mary E., Samuel C.. John, Annie, Emma and David ; Henry is not living ; David is the husband of Miss Alga Haines, and resides in Marshall Co., Ind. ; Mr. Lehman owns 135 acres of land, and upon it is a splendid orchard, small fruits, etc., of every variety known in this climate ; he has the finest sorghum mill in the county, and the best and latest improved machinery ; both himself and wife belong to the " Church of God ; " three terms he has held the office of School Director in his district ; his sons cultivate the farm, and Mr. Lehman lives at his ease ; they are surrounded with comforts on every hand, and are both good and useful members of society ; he is also considered one of the best theologians belonging to his church, and is also well posted on the current topics of the day.

T. C. LEONARD, superintendent wheel-works, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Covington, Miami Co., in 1850, and is the son of Joseph and Margaret Leonard ; Joseph followed merchandising most of his life, his death occurring when our subject was quite small ; he had four children, two of whom have died ; T. C. is the youngest of the family ; his boyhood and 3Touth were passed in his native place, attending school ; his business career in Covington was passed as a clerk in a dry-goods store, where he obtained that practical education which has secured him success since ; he came to this place in the fall of 1876, and at once took stock in the wheel- works known as the "Ford & Co. Wheel- Works," where he has since been engaged ; he has lately been made superintendent of the establishment ; it is one of the most extensive factories in the county, and empkys continually from seventy-five to one hundred hands, turning out from fifty to sixty sets of wheels per day ; the establishment has gained a wide reputation for manufacturing the best quality of work, which is evidenced by the demand for their work being much larger than the supply ; Mr. Leonard is one of the most enterprising young men of Tippecanoe, with good business sagacity. Politically, he is a Democrat ; personally, affable and pleasant. He is a member of the Town Council. He was married, in 1875, to Mary, daughter of Jacob Rohrer ; one son and one daughter have been the issue of this union.

YOUNG G. McCOOL, shoemaker, Fidelity; has a history of interest, and, although 75 years of age, does good work at the bench, and has followed this business for fifty-five consecutive years ; he was born in 1804, in Newberry District, S. C.; his parents moved first to Savannah, Ga., thence to North Carolina, thence to Yirginia, and lastly to Miami Co.; his father, James D. B. McCool, was born in 1777, and Charity Chapman, his wife, in 1781 ; three of his children - Young G., William and Grace Mehafiy, are now living. Young was married to his first wife, Miss Margaret Cloyde, in January, 1828 ; they were the parents of six- teen children, eight of whom are living - Esther Stanfield. William, Caroline Houser, Eliza Cress, Thomas A., John A., Hannah Zimmerman and Jesse ; all live in this county except Alfred and Caroline ; Mrs. McCool died in 1862. During the late war, Young enlisted in Co. L, 8th 0. V. C., and was honorably discharged in 1864. His marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth Hepher was consummated July 20, 1867 ; they had no children ; her death occurred in 1876, since which time Mr. McCool has been his own housekeeper ; he is a jolly fellow, and dispenses his charity with a liberal hand ; many a needy person has been the recipient of his bounty ; he is still as sprightly as a lad of 20, and has worked in the harvest field for fifty-five consecutive years ; his library is large, and he is a great reader ; and last, but not least, he is a Republican, and reveres the grand principles of his part}'.

SAMUEL McGIFFIN, physician and surgeon, Tippecanoe City ; prominent among the physicians of Tippecanoe ; was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1824, and is the son of David and Nancy (Hudson) McGiffin, both of the same county. David was a farmer, and followed the pursuit of agriculture and stock-dealing throughout his active life ; he still survives at the advanced age of 86 years ; he had nine children, of whom the Doctor is the fifth child ; he was brought upon the farm, and received his early education in the characteristic pioneer log cabin, under the usual difficulties of his day. At the age of 14,. he moved with his parents to Jackson Co., and here began the study of medicine at the age of 17, under the tutorship of Dr. Kenan ; he continued his studies here a few years, and then entered the practice in Berlin, and at the end of two years established himself in Allensville for ten years, and then returned to Berlin in 1860, and went to Waverly, Pike Co.,where he remained till the breaking-out of the war, when he repaired to Camp Douglas, Chicago, and became surgeon of the 15th Veteran Reserve Corps, but subsequently, was placed in charge of the " Rebel Prison Ward Hospital,'' at the same place, where he remained until the spring of 1864, when he returned to Ohio, practicing a short time in Zanesville, and then went to Perry Co., where he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; his eminent success in this field is attested by the fact that he took charge of a circuit in great disorder and confusion from political factions, and by much earnest labor brought it to a good condition, and added 186 members to the church. At the end of the year, he resumed his practice, and came to this county in April, 1871, where he has since successfully practiced. The Doctor feels the responsibility which his profession imposes upon him, and is conscientious and careful in the discharge of his duty. He finds his religious creed in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and, with his wife, is a faithful member of the same. He was married in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Smith, of Jackson Co., Ohio. One child, who died in infancy, has been the issue of this union.

ROBERT MARTINDALE, farmer ; P. 0. Ginghamsburg. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, has spent more than a half-century within sight of his present home ; he was born in 1827. and his parents, John and Am}' Martindale, were well known ; he was born in South Carolina in 1798, and settled on Mill Creek, near Frederickstown, in 1808. Amy was born in Pennsylvania in 1806, and came to Montgomery Co. in 1818. They were married in 1823 ; the children were twelve in number, and eleven of them are yet living - Jesse, Elizabeth. Robert, Marv, Samuel, John, William, Stewart, Martin, Rebecca, Cynthia A. and Martha. All the children were living at the time of their parents' death. The father died in March, 1859, the mother, April 28, 1865 ; they were among the noted pioneers, and reared a family that are an honor to the county. Their eyes beheld the beauty of the country they loved, and their lives were the better for helping in its development. Their son Robert, was wedded to Miss Alvina Waymire in 1849. Her father is the oldest man living that was born in Butler Township. Montgomery Co. Her mother, Mary Gallihan, was born in that county, and her ancestry were from North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Martindale are parents of one child, only - Alexander G. ; he was born Jan. 14, 1851, and married Miss Mary Coppock, a daughter of one of the pioneers, in 1871 ; they are the parents of Dora, Charles and Samuel, bright and splendid-looking children. Mr. Robert Martindgle lives like a prince ; his house is a neat one, his barns and other buildings large and commodious ; he owns 110 acres of land, equaling any in his neighborhood. He was a volunteer in Co. G, 147th 0. V. I. during the war, having rank of 3d Sergeant. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, and he is also a member of Coleman Commandery. As a host, he cannot be equaled in this or any other county, and his name, for honor and veracity, is without a stain.

F. C. MERKLE, harnessmaker and saddler, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Auglaize Co. April, 1851 ; is the son of Charles T., a native of Germany, and a wagon-maker by trade ; he married Ann E. Cottenberger, of Germany, by whom he had nine children, five of whom still survive. Our subject is the third child of the family, and was reared and schooled in the town of Wapakoneta, his native place ; began an apprenticeship at the harness trade at the age of 14, and served some three years ; he then engaged at butchering for three years, and then at railroading for three years, when in 1874 he came to Tippecanoe and began the manufacture of harness, and, by his enterprise and careful attention to business, has established a gratifying trade ; he is located on North Main street, between First and Second streets, where he keeps on hand a full line of first-class stock. He took a course in the Commercial College of Dajdon, Ohio, in 1871, thus acquiring a thorough business education. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. and M. R. A., of Tippecanoe. He married Elizabeth Pohlkotte, of Montgomery Co., in 1873 ; they have a family of three children.

A. W. MILES, confectioner, grocer and Postmaster, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Newton Township, this county, Nov. 27. 1839, and is the son of Wade and grandson of Jonathan Miles, one of Newton Township's first settlers. Wade was a native of same place, and a farmer by occupation ; he was married twice, first to Mary Tucker, of this county, and second to Malinda Hayes, nee Thomas ; eight children were born of the first, and one child of the second marriage ; a son and two daughters are dead. The subject of this sketch is the second child of the family, he was brought up on the farm, and educated in the common school. He assisted in the duties of the farm till his father's death, and one year after this, began the profession of'teaching, which he continued till 1858 ; in the fall of 1858, he entered a dry-goods store as clerk, and continued here till the outbreak of the late rebellion, when, at the first call for troops, he responded, and entered the army as a member of the 11th O. V. I., Co. H, in which he served till the close of the war, a period of four years three months and five da}^s ; enlisted as a private and was promoted to Corps Commissary, which office he held when mustered out ; participated in the hard-fought battles of second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, around Chattanooga, Atlanta campaign, besides numerous skirmishes ; was with Sherman to the sea, in the campaign of South Carolina, at close of the war, and from latter place went to Washington City, and then to Louisville Ky., where he was mustered out ; he returned to Tippecanoe and engaged as clerk in a dry-goods store till May, 1868, when he became clerk in the post office, and in March, 1869, received appointment as Postmaster, which position he has since filled with fidelity and satisfaction to the public. In connection with the post office, he keeps a full line of fancy groceries and confectionery. His motto is excellence in quality, integrity in transactions, low prices and quick sales. He finds his political views in the Republican party, and has frequently held the office of Township Trustee. He is a member of the A., F. & A. M. and M. R. A. of this place, and also a member and clerk of the Baptist Church of this place. He was married in January, 1867, to Mary C. Wesler, of this county, who died last Febuary, leaving four sons, a son and a daughter having previously died.

JOHN MILLER, grocer, Tippecanoe City ; one of the well-established business men of Tippecanoe ; was born in Baden, Germany, in 1834 ; his father, Philip, . was a farmer by occupation and raised four sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the youngest son ; he was reared on a farm and schooled in his native country. He immigrated to America in 1854, landing in New York from which place he came to this, where he shortly engaged in the coopering busi, ness ; this he followed two years and then embarked in the occupation of a baker, which, with hotel-keeping, he continued till 1875, when he engaged in the grocery trade. He is located on North Main, between First and Second streets, where he keeps on hand a full line of groceries and queensware, which he sells at lowest prices ; he is reliable and honest in all his dealings. In politics, he is a Democrat, but no politician. He has been member of the Council, and for five years of the fire department, of which he is now Treasurer, and in 1861 carried the mail from Charleston to Brandt. He married Catharine Steck, of Alsace, Germany, in 1858. Of the five children born to this union, one has died.

ALBERT MILLER, farmer ; P. O. Troy. Albert Miller was born and reared in the township in which he resides, his parents, John R. and Mary Miller, then being residents of the county. He was 20 years of age when wedded to Miss Amanda Honey man, which event was celebrated March 25, 1852, Squire David Jenkins tying the nuptial knot ; his parents gave him one horse, a cow and a feather bed ; after farming with his father one year, he began business for himself. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Miller were the parents of nine children, of whom five are now living - Matilda J.. Calista Belle, Ella D., Cora E. and Lulu M. Matilda married Lewis Schafer ; none of the others are yet married ; they are eminently fitted to adorn any position in society. Mr. Miller is a Democrat of the conservative stamp ; his wife is an excellent housekeeper ; their residence is neatly furnished, and Mr. Miller provides liberally for his family. The splendid farm of 60 acres, with the neat residence and substantial outbuildings, surrounded by forest trees, is a home as cozy as an}' in the township.

J. W. MILLER, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; is the eldest son of John V. and Rebecca Miller ; was born April 22, 1838. Miss Sarah A. Shoemaker, of Dayton, became his wife in 1865 ; their children were born in the following order : William A., Sept. 20, 1867 ; Asbury W., Feb. 22,1870 ; Isaac N., Jan. 20, 1872 ; Belle, Aug. 27, 1875 ; and Jeannette R., March 17, 1878 ; they are a most interesting family of children ; Mrs. Miller is a native of Pennsylvania, and was raised in a city, but, as a farmer's wife, she can scarcely have an equal ; Mr. Miller proposes to move to Kansas in the spring of 1881, and engage with his brothers in the stock business ; Miami Co. will thus lose one of her best men, who can illy be spared ; they are both influential members of the M. E. Church, and here will their loss be felt. Mr. Miller sold his elegant farm last year, and intends investing a large part of his money in lands in Kansas. He carries with him the kindest wishes of every family in Monroe Township.

ISAIAH K. MILLER, stock-breeder ; P. O. Troy. His mother, Rebecca Kessler, was born in this county in 181 3,' and his father, John V. Miller, in Berkeley Co.,Va., in 1803 ; he came to this county in 1832, and was married at the residence of the bride's parents, in 1834 ; David Jenkins, Esq., conducted the marriage ceremonies ; an old log cabin was the birthplace of their first children ; six of eight children born now survive - John W., Henry II., Levi S.. Isaiah Iv., Susannah E. and Elizabeth J. ; almost the entire tract of country was then covered with heavy timber, and the pioneer was used to rough fare, and the howling of the wolves ; every year found them prospering, and Mr. Miller, at the time of his death, which occurred Sept. 17, 1878, was owner of nearly 900 acres; Isaiah has had practical control of the farm since the age of 16, and his experience in breeding thoroughbred stock has made him famous throughout the country ; his herd has produced the finest Durhams in the county ; himself and Levi S. Miller have purchased a large tract of land in Kansas, upon which Levi resides ; they are now conducting the breeding of thoroughbred cattle on a large scale ; J. K. Miller is also partner in the steam saw-mill near his residence. Ilis marriage to Miss Lizzie Cron was celebrated Feb. 5, 1874, in Cincinnati, Ohio ; her parents were natives of Jefferson Co., Va., but now live in this county. They are, at this time, the parents of two children - Samuel C. and Minnie V. ; Mrs. Rebecca Miller makes her home with her son Isaiah, and they have everything necessary for the promotion of comfort. The tidy house, the neatly trimmed orchard, substantial barns, etc., etc.,

JOHN MILLS, farmer ; P. 0. Ginghamsburg ; the subject of one of our most wonderful biographies, is well known in this neighborhood ; his grandfather, Elias Mills, was born in 1683, and married Miss Martha Stiles ; he weighed 485 pounds, and was considered not only the strongest but also the fleetest man in the world ; he challenged England to produce a man who could compete with him as an athlete ; a man came, and they started in a race, Elias easily coming out ahead and running backward all the while ; he was killed by a kick from a horse, at the remarkable age of 140 years. John Mills was born in 1812, and was the youngest son of Richard and Martha Mills ; they emigrated to Montgomery Co., in 1800 ; he was a blacksmith, and was of great service to the early settlers ; they were the parents of Jonathan, Lydia, Rachel, Lutitia, Ira, Henry, John and Gideon ; John is the only one now living of this large family. He married Miss Elizabeth Watkins, in 1836 ; they were the parents of twelve children, three of whom are deceased ; Cerelda, Richard, Carletta, Joanna, Mahala, Sarah, David, Henry and Joseph C. are living ; five are married, and live in this county ; John and his wife are grandparents of twenty-one children ; his farm consists of 80^ acres of land, which is cultivated by his sons ; he is a Democrat, and has reared a family of sons who are all strong in the faith ; his descendants can hereby trace their relationship to their great-grandfather, who was supposed to be the strongest man living in his time.

JACOB W. MYERS ; farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; is a native of Lancaster Co., Penn., and was born in 1822 ; his parents were named Daniel and Hester Myers ; his mother died when Jacob was one year old ; as he grew to manhood, he learned the trade of weaving, and, in 1842, in company with some friends, emigrated to Clark Co. He engaged in weaving near Carlisle, previous to his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shuman, which event occurred in 1850 ; one and a half years after the marriage, Mrs. Myers died, also their infant daughter, Magdalena. He continued weaving in winter and farming in summer, until his marriage to Miss Sarah Mott, in 1855 ; they are the parents of ten children, of whom Mary J. and Lilly F. are deceased. Daniel is the husband of Miss Mary Gottschall, and has two children - G-eorge Arthur and Bertha Estella ; William, Eunice L., Otho P., Calista E., Jacob W., Sarah E. and Charles are now living with their parents, and form an interesting family. Jacob is a prosperous farmer and generous provider; has always voted the Republican ticket ; his wife and daughters are excellent housekeepers.

LUCINDA NEAL ; P. 0. Fidelity ; is the widow of a man well known in this county, and their names are worthy of remembrance ; they were born in Monroe Township in 1808, and have always lived near their birth-place ; Mrs. Neal's parents were married in Tennessee, and emigrated to Miami Co. in 1807 ; their names were Francis and Jemima Million ; they were the parents of five children, of whom William Jester and the worthy lady whose name heads this sketch are yet living ; they are among the eldest settlers now living in the county. Lucinda was wedded to William Neal in 1828, and they were blest with seven children - Melinda, Phoebe, Matilda, Annie, Israel, Francis and Henry ; four of these are married; Mr. Neal was 66 }^earsof age at the time of his death, and left a large estate ; he was a very prominest man, being Township Trustee and School Director a number of times ; he was a cordial supporter of everything that tended toward advancement, both morally and socially. Mrs. Neal owns 120 acres in her own right, and all her children have nice farms ; the home place is a lovely spot, and is carefully looked after ; the neat house near the old homestead belongs to one of the sons, and is one of the most tasteful residences in that part of the township. Mrs. Neal leaves her children a birthright of honesty and sociability.

GEORGE P. NISWONGER, farmer ; P. O. Troy. George P. Niswonger was born in Preble Co., Ohio, June 25, 1845 ; his father, John Niswonger, being a native of Ohio, and his wife, Lj^dia Rhinehart, of Virginia ; their marriage was celebrated in 1838, and they were the parents of eight children - William, Amanda, John M.,

David A., George P. (was born June 25, 1845), next came Joseph E., Christian S, and Melinda A., born Oct. 8, 1852 ; she is the wife of Franklin Slack, and mother of three children, John, Ida and Lydia. George and Melinda are the only children now living of the numerous family of John and Lydia Niswonger. George married Miss Margaret Clawson, Feb. 4, 1875 ; they are the parents of two bright little girls - Lydia J. and Clara E. The old folks reside with them, and the old gentleman is a jolly Democrat of the Jacksonian type, and his son has the principles of the party deeply instilled in his nature. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, under command of Admiral Porter, of the Mississippi Squadron. He participated in several bloody engagements, was never wounded while on duty, and was honorably discharged in December, 1864. Asa farmer he is very successful. The family library is large and well read. This family is highly respected, and lives in good style on a farm near Troy.

SAMUEL PEARSON, farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; is a representative of that branch of the Pearson family who can trace their ancestry to the landing of the Mayflower, three brothers coming on that vessel, one going to South Carolina, one stopping in New Jersey, the other in Pennsylvania. Samuel is a descendant of the South Carolina branch, and was born in 1820, within a half-mile of where he now lives. His parents, Enoch and Rosanah Pearson, were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are now living, Samuel, Margery Mahala, Ruth, Hirzah, Pemberton and Enoch. All live in this county except Mahala and Ruth. Samuel was married to Miss Sarah Enyeart, Oct. 28, 1849 ; they are the parents of three sons - Silas G., Leroy and Webster. Silas was married to Miss Matilda B. Patterson. Mr. Pearson is comfortably located on a nice farm of 60 acres, is a member of the Christian Church, an ardent temperance man, a good Republican, and also a member of Tippecanoe Lodge, A., F. & A. M. and Franklin Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M. He is well acquainted with all the facts and incidents detailed in full in this history.

MISS MARY PEARSON, Tippecanoe City. Miss Mary Pearson is a daughter of Benjamin and Ruth Pearson ; they were among the first settlers, Samuel, the father of Benjamin, coming to Monroe Township in 1804; he was born Aug. 27, 1796, and his wife, Ruth Pegg, Dec. 9, 1795; he died May 26, 1875, and his wife in June of the same year; they were, at that time, the oldest living couple in the township, and, during their long wedded life, were separated only five weeks ; hand in hand, they journeyed down the hillside of life, always loving and encouraging each other ; they reared a family of four children - Sarah, Esther, Valentine and Mary ; the two latter are still living. Mary is the owner of the home farm, which she has rightly named " Wilderness Home ; " she has reared, from infancy, her sister Sarah's only daughter ; she is an intelligent lady, and, in her neighborhood, there are none more universally respected than Mary Byrkett ; she was born in 1856. Miss Pearson lives ver}* comfortably, and the home she loves is hers by birthright ; she is an estimable lady, and we are glad to give her the place she deserves in the biography of her township. Benjamin Pearson was a native of South Carolina, and his wife's grandfather was one of the first settlers in that State, coming as early as 1680. There are few families that can trace their genealogy further back than those of the Pearson name.

JOHN M. PEARSON, apiarist; P. O. Troy ; the eldest son of Rachel (Moore) and Aaron Pearson, was born Oct. 21, 1831 ; he had three brothers and one sister - George W., Eli W., Christopher C. and Sarah A. ; John, Eli and Christopher are yet living ; George was for eight years a soldier in the United States Regular Army, and fought during the war of the rebellion, and was in several of the hardest-fought battles of the war ; he died in December, 1872, and his name is recorded among those of our gallant soldiers who defended the cause they loved. John's parents came from South Carolina in 1804 and settled near where Frederickstown now stands. John M. was married to Miss Harriet Russell Feb. 19, 1857 ; she was a daughter of Tamar and Isaac Russell, and was born March 16, 1835 ; they have no children. John M. Pearson purchased the farm upon which he now resides in 1873; it is in a high* state of cultivation ; for the past year he has been engaged in getting under way an apiary, which promises to be a lucrative business ; he has facilities for manufacturing his own hives, and has a large number filled with bees ; he is a Republican of the radical sort ; he and his wife belong to the Christian Church, and are also members of Monroe Grange. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. G, 147th 0. V. I., and acquitted himself with honor.

ELI PEARSON, Sr., farmer ; P. 0. Tippecanoe City ; is well known in the count}7, and perhaps there is no one who is so well skilled in all branches of mechanism as himself, who never served an apprenticeship ; his parents were Samuel and Mary Pearson, whose maiden name was Coats ; her parents were among the first settlers in this township, and are mentioned in this history ; they were the parents of eleven children, four are living - Henry, aged 82 ; Hiram, 80 ; Sampson, 70 and Eli, 62, their united ages amounting to 294 years. Eli was married to Miss Rebecca Mooney, daughter of Sarah and John J. Mooney, Oct. 15, 1837 ; they were the parents of Joseph J., Mary J., Benjamin S., Martha A. and William H. ; Mary is the wife of G. K. Westlake, and Joseph married Miss Phoebe Stewart ; Mrs. Pearson died Jan. 14, 1854. His marriage, to Hannah Julien, was celebrated April 15, 1856 ; they have two sons, Sylvanus E. and Warren J. Among the relics of olden times, in possession of Mr. Pearson, are a wooden clamp to catch wild hogs, made by his father in 1804, which is now as strong and efficient as ever ; a mirror, that was made in 1680, and has been in the possession of his ancestry two centuries ; and a wagon, built by his father in South Carolina, in 1799, that carried them to this county from that State, was used in transportation of supplies for the army in 1812, and was driven by his brother Benjamin j it has been used by every son of his father's family until he could buy himself one, and is now used for heavy work on the farm. His son Joseph enlisted during the war in Co. Ar 11th 0. Y. C., under command of Maj. O'Farrell ; his battalion was ordered to the frontier, and guarded the United States mail during the war ; he was honorably discharged in 1 865, having passed through the whole campaign without a wround. Mr. Pearson is one of the most social men in the county, and, with his wife as hostess, there cannot be a more inviting place to visit. The products of her dairy cannot be excelled in the State of Ohio. The finest spring in the county bubbles from a fissure in the rocks, and, passing through the dairy room, furnishes water enough to supply all the stock bred in the State. The beautiful spring-house was planned and built by Mr. Pearson, the stones of which were squared and laid with his own hands ; the tasteful appearance of everything shows his skill and energy. He is a member of Coleman Commandery, No. 17. They are both professed Christians, he being a member of the Christian, and she of the Baptist, Church. His farm of 160 acres is a beautiful one, and is well tilled. His son, Benjamin, was also a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Co. G, 147th O. y. I. ; he died in 1867. Mr. Pearson was a member of the Board of Education for thirty -nine consecutive years.

ELI PEARSON, Jr., farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; represents one of the oldest men in Monroe Township, his grandfather, Samuel Pearson, emigrating to this township in 1806 ; Hiram, the father of Eli, Jr., was born in 1800, and was married to Elizabeth Jenkins in 1824, according to the forms of the Quaker Church, and their marriage certificate is now in possession of his son ; they are quaint old documents, and are signed by all the wedding guests ; three of that large number are yet living, and are the oldest persons living in the county ; their children were seven in number, four of whom are living - Jesse, Rosanna, Eli and Elizabeth ; Jesse is living in Indiana ; Hiram's wife died in 1857, and his home is made with his son Eli, who lives on the home farm. Eli was married, in 1852, to Miss Nancy y daughter of Noah and Florentine Pearson, whose maiden name was Siddons ; their children number five, and are all living ; their names are Mary E., Alva Y., George W., Luetta F. and Jennie ; the eldest daughter, Mary, is the wife of James Counts. Mr. and Mrs. Pearson are members of the Christian Church, and of Kentucky Home Grange. Mr. Pearson is a member of Franklin Chapter, No. 24, and is also

Master of Tippecanoe Lodge, No. 174, A., F. & A. M. There are 80 acres in the home farm, which is highly cultivated ; himself and lady are a genial couple, and enjoy a large acquaintance in the county ; his father is still living, is hale and hearty, and is now absent, having taken a trip to Indiana.

ROSANNA PEARSON ; P. 0. Tippecanoe City. Every one in this vicinity is well acquainted with the lady named, and will read this brief sketch with interest ; aside from the fact of her being the eldest pioneer now living in the township, she is mentally well gifted, and can tell of incidents that happened long ago ; Rosanna Pearson has furnished considerable material for the Monroe Township history ^ she is the oldest lady now living in the township, and has a remarkable memory ; she was born in South Carolina in 1797, and is now 82 years of age ; she has a sister, Mrs. Margaret Ingle, who lives in Indiana, and is 93 years of age. Her father, Robert McClure, was a Captain in the Revolutionary war ; his wife's maiden name was Mary Buffington ; they emigrated to Ohio in 1806. Rosanna was married to Enoch Pearson in 1815 ; the}7 have six children living - Samuel, Enoch (the youngest child), Mahala Gates, Ruth Reisensaign, Tirzah Pemberton and Mrs. Margery Jenkins, who has given a great deal of information for this work ; Rosanna's husband died in 1860. When Robert McClure first settled in Shelby Co., there were no neighbors but Indians, and during the war of 1812, they moved to Fort Piqua ; Rosanna gave the Indians who murdered Gerard, Dilbone and his wife, their dinner, the next day after the murder was committed ; they had scarcely finished their meal when their pursuers arrived, hunting them ; during one winter, Rosanna killed twenty -two coon, six wolves, two deer and one panther, with her rifle ; she wTas a woman of much energy, and deserves to live long in the minds of the settlers of Miami Co.; Miss Alice Brown is her housekeeper, and makes her home with the old lady, whom we leave in excellent health.

WILLIAM L. PENCE, farmer ; P. 0. Ginghamsburg ; is a man of much influence in his neighborhood ; his farm, adjoining the pleasant little village of Ginghamsburg, is highly improved, and is a cozy, homelike place. William was born in Champaign Co. in 1821 ; his parents, Reuben and Annie Pence, coming to this county in 1835 ; they settled first in Champaign Co. in 1804 ; they had six children - Ocey, Phoebe, Mary, Annie, Rhoda J. and William L. ; his grandparents both lived to the extraordinary age of 104 years. William was married to Miss Harriet Rudy in 1848. They were the parents of one son, Joseph B. Mrs. Pence died in 1849, and Joseph in 1863. In 1851, Mr. Pence was married to Miss Barbara Rudy ; they are the parents of five children - Harriet T., Alfred F., Mary Annetta, William H. and Daisy P. Harriet is the w ife of J. F. Kerr, and is the mother of Guy and William Newell Kerr. Alfred married Miss Ella Stoher, and Mary is the wife of John F. Eidemiller. The children are all well educated, and Alfred has been engaged in teaching. W. L. Pence was elected Justice of the Peace in 1867, and served two terms ; for twenty -three years, he has been connected with the School Board, which is a good record in itself. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church He has been Township Trustee for four years ; he votes the Republican ticket, and is one of the most genial of men ; he has also been connected with the ministry for fourteen years, and has done much for the cause he loves.

JOHN H. REICHEL, grocer, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Germany, near Frankfort on-the-Main, Sept. 23, 1828, and is the son of J. G. and Mary E. (Weil) Reichel, the former a practical farmer, who had a family of eight children, six of whom he reared ; he is still living at the age of 74 years. Our subject was the .oldest child, and the only one who emigrated to America ; he was inured to farm labor, and educated in the common schools; in 1852, he came to this country, making his first permanent location at Sandusky City, Ohio, where lie engaged in farm work over one year; in the fall of 1853, took a trip to New Orleans as a steward on a boat, and, while in the latter city, he fell sick, and, after recovering, returned to Cincinnati, where he had a relapse and lay in the hospital for some time ; after recovering, he found himself unable to go at hard labor, and almost penniless ; with his little money he purchased some notions and embarked in the peddling business, which he continued six years with eminent success ; he then located at Foster's Crossing, Warren Co., Ohio, and engaged with marked success for five years, when he went to Springboro, and in 1876, came to Tippecanoe, where he has since been engaged in the grocer}^ trade ; he keeps on hand gents' furnishing goods also ; Mr. Reichel is thoroughly acquainted with his business, and reliable ; honesty and integrity are his ruling principles in all actions. He has been married twice ; first in September, 1859, to Ethlinda Miller, who died in 1866, and again to Hannah A. Cartwright. He had one child, now dead, by his first wife, and four children by the second union.

B. F. RHODEHAMEL, manufacturer, Tippecanoe ; one of the enterprising and well-established business men of Tippecanoe ; was born near Sydney, Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1843, and is the son of Jacob and Julia R., the former of Pennsylvania and the latter of Dayton, Ohio. Jacob was a farmer by occupation, and came to this State when a young man ; his death occurred about twenty-seven years ago, and that of his devoted wife, August, 1878. They had a family of four sons and four daughters, all growing up to maturity ; one son and two daughters have died ; the son died in the service of late civil war ; was a member of the 57th 0. V. I. Our subject was the youngest son, and was reared and schooled in his native county ; followed farming till 18 years old, when he came to this county, locating in Piqua, where he embarked in the wholesale notion business. This he continued with gratifying results for fifteen years, and then moved to Tippecanoe, where he has since been engaged in the manufacture of linseed oil and flour. With his brother he holds the largest stock interest in the " Grape Sugar Co.," lately organized in Tippecanoe. Mr. R. is a successful and reliable business man, and has the confidence and esteem of the public. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the Masonic Order, Royal Arcanum and M. E. Church. He was married, June 11, 1873, to Angie, daughter of Dr. Harrison, of Covington, Ohio.

JACOB ROHRER, farmer, etc. ; P. 0. Tippecanoe City. Of the citizens of Miami County, none are more worthy of notice than the subject of this sketch. He was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1815, and is the son of Christian Rohrer, who was born on the same farm that our subject was, as was his grandfather, Christian. A brother died on the same farm, November, 1878, at the age of 86, which ended a family ownership in the land that had been existing over 150 years, the place having been deeded to a member of the family by one of Wm. Penn's agents. The father of our subject passed his entire life on his farm, his death occurring June 22, 1825, the first to die in a family of eleven. He had nine children, all reared to maturity. He was married to Maria Farrer, who lived to the advanced age of 83 years. Our subject was raised on a farm, and early taught the art and dignity of farm labor ; the pursuit of agriculture has been his chief occupation, in which he has taken a great interest and been eminently successful. In May, 1835, he immigrated to Ohio, locating four miles east of Dayton, where he remained seven years, and then moved to his present place, near Tippecanoe City, which place he had purchased June 23, 1837, of Joseph Jones, who had entered it. On this farm he moved March 1, 1842. Besides farming, he is largely identified with various manufacturing interests of the county ; he owns a controlling interest in the " Wheel Works " of Tippecanoe ; has an interest in the " Grape Sugar Co.," recently organized in the same place, and also the "Troy Spring Wagon and Wheel Works," and the "Spiker Wagon Works," at Piqua. Formerly an Old Line Whig, he became identified with the Republican party at its organization, and has ardently supported it since. Although no politician, but few persons have filled so many positions of honor and trust as Mr. R. In 1857 or 1858, he was elected County Commissioner, and subsequently re-elected, serving six years. He is now filling his third term as Land Appraiser of Monroe Township ; was fifteen years a Director in Troy Bank, and for four or five years has been Vice President. He is a Director in the Fireman's Insurance Co., of Dayton, Ohio, and a Trustee of the Knoop Children's Home, of Elizabeth Township. The duties of all these posi- tions he has discharged with fidelity and satisfaction to the public. He has, perhaps, settled more estates than an}' man in the county. He is one of the most enterprising of men, and is found identified with whatever promotes the welfare of the community ; careful in all business affairs, strictly honest, and possessing more than an ordinary foresight, he is one whose judgment in public matters is highly respected. He was married, Dec. 25, 1838, to Elizabeth Kendig, of Lancaster Co., Penn. One son and two daughters have been the issue of this union.

SAMUEL RUSSELL, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; is the son of Isaac Russell, who was born in 1799, and came to Miami Co. as early as 1806. He was married in 1822, to Tamar Mendenhall, whose parents were natives of North Carolina, in which State she was also born ; they settled on the farm now owned by J ohn Westlake, and entered a quarter-section adjoining ; they had nine children, seven are living - Samuel, our subject, Joseph, Rachel, Rosanna, Oliver, Harriet and Tamar; Ruth and Isaac are dead. Samuel grew up on the farm, and was ever an honest, vigorous lad. At the age of 21, he was wedded to Miss Harriet Franklin ; they commenced housekeeping, and have always lived on part of the land originally entered by his father ; their children are named Louisa, Margaret A., John F., Mary J., Isaac N., Samuel L. and Jesse M. ; Louisa and John are not living ; Mary J. is the wife of James H. Snavely ; Margaret wedded Jacob A. Cain. Mr. Russell is one of our substantial men, and lives in a style commensurate with his means ; his wife died Aug. 1, 1880; she was a noble woman, whose loss will be deeply felt, not only by her husband and children, but by the entire neighborhood. Isaac Russell was wedded to Miss Frances J. Curtis ; Mr. Russell was born Nov. 17, 1822, and his wife Jan. 30, 1824, in Warren Co., Ohio ; they were a model pair, and the children should ever feel a just pride in having an ancestry who were ever foremost in promoting all that pertained to honesty and morality.

JAMES S. SAYLOR, retired farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; an early settler of the county, was born in Bethel Township Jan. 15, 1827 ; his parents were Jacob and Rachel (McPherson) Saylor, the former born in Virginia, near Harper's Ferry, and the latter in this State. Jacob died in January, 1859, at the age of 80 ; his father, Jacob, was of German birth, and was brought to this country when only 4 years old ; he moved to Ohio with his family in 1800, or previous, and halted for a short time in Montgomery Co., and then moved on up the Miami to Bethel Township, where his death occurred at the advanced age of 94 years ; two of his children, Jacob and Philip, in the fall of 1800, in their early manhood, pioneered their way up the Miami and entered one-half section of land in Bethel Township, and moved on it the following spring with their father ; here Jacob began with an unyielding determination to hew out a home in the wilderness, bearing with fortitude the privations and hardships of pioneer life ; he had six sons and six daughters, only four of whom still survive. Our subject was the eleventh child, and his life has been that of a farmer ; the experiences of his boyhood and youth were those of most any farmer boy at that time ; his education was obtained in the characteristic pioneer log schoolhouse. and consequently was much limited ; he lived on his birthplace till 8 years ago, when he moved to Tippecanoe City ; he now owns and operates one half the homestead ; he finds his political views in the Republican party, and, although no political aspirant, he was elected in October. 1871, to the office of County Commissioner, the duties of which he faithfully and satisfactorily discharged. He was married, March 31, 1853, to Jealy Dye, of this county, a descendant of early settlers, her grandfather, Stephen Dye, being among the first settlers of the county ; one daughter, Lillie, has been born to this union, who became the wife of Dr. Sterrett, of Troy, and died Feb. 9, 1875.

GEORGE SMITH, farmer and manufacturer ; l\ O. Tippecanoe ; is one of the prominent citizens and well-established business men of Tippecanoe ; born in England, in Lincolnshire, in 1816 ; he is the son of William and Mildred Smith, who subsequently emigrated to America ; they had seven children. George received no education but what he acquired by his own exertions and close observation throughout life. In 1838, he emigrated to this country, landing in New York City, then went to Dayton, Ohio, by steamer, canal-boat and wagon ; he worked as a laborer at Greenville Falls a short time, and then entered a distillery east of Dayton ; he engaged at this in the vicinity of Dayton, as a laborer, for about five years, and then at merchandising at Fairfield, Ohio, for sixteen months, when he, with his brother-in-law, leased and operated for three years the distillery^, flouring and saw-mill at G-reenville Falls ; subsequently for two years they operated a distillery at Casstown, where, in 1 852, they erected the first one in this place ; then built a flour and oil mill, which he operated for some eight or nine years ; he then turned his attention to farming, which he has since engaged in ; he is now President of and a stockholder in the " Grape Sugar Company," of this place, which was recently organized, with a capital stock of $50,000 ; he has frequently held offices of trust in township and town, as Corporation and Township Treasurer for many years, member of School Board, City School Treasurer, etc. He is a self-made man. When he arrived at Dayton, in 1838, he had only a sixpence in his pocket, but his energy, industry and business sagacity have won for him a place among the foremost business men of the county. He has done much for the improvement of the city, and is identified with all measures of public interest. He is a Republican in politics, and, with his wife, a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the A., F. & A. M. fraternity. He has been married twice, first to Miss Jane Smith, in 1839, who died Oct. 14, 1877. His second wife was Sarah E. Galloway nee Bennett. One child, now dead, was the issue of this latter union.

JOHN SMITH, farmer ; P. 0. Ginghamsburg ; is a prominent farmer of Monroe Township, whose father was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., and came to this couffiy in 1835. Elizabeth Whitehead, his wife, was born in Montgomery Co., about 1805, and they were married in 1821 ; they were the parents of Susannah, Jacob, Mary, Esther, John, Solomon, Samuel, Elizabeth and Elvira. John was born in Montgomery Co., in 1827, and he has always followed the occupation of farming. He was wedded to Eve Yount, in 1847 ; the}7 had two children - Catharine E. and Ira Y. Smith. His second marriage was celebrated in 1855, Miss Mary Eidemiller being the lady of his choice ; their children are George J., John H., Alexander D., Elizabeth, Peter E., Mary J., Ida, Esther and Lillie M., and Jacob, Catharine and Ira are married and reside in Montgomery Co. Mr. Smith is a prominent local politician, and is a thoroughbred Democrat. He commenced life with a small capital, and by honesty and industry owns a farm of 264 acres of elegant land. His home and its surroundings are of the substantial kind, characteristic of democracy, and stamp him as one of our most practical men.

ROBERT TEN EICK, farmer, Tippecanoe City ; he is a son of Henry Ten Eick, and was born in Bethel Township in 1843 ; he was raised on the farm, and passed his youth and boyhood in the country ; he came with his parents to Tippecanoe City, in 1865, where he has since lived ; he moved to his present fine residence, April 1, 1880, where he has a neat home, surrounded with all the comforts of life ; he is physically disabled, but superintends a farm in Bethel Township. He was married November, 1877, to Lizzie Smith, a native of Montgomery Co.

WILLIAM B. TEN EICK, farmer ; P. 0. Tippecanoe City ; the son of Henry Ten Eick, was born in this county in 1834 ; he was brought up on the farm and educated in the common school ; he lived at home till the age of 20, when he went to Wyandot Co., and took charge of his father's stock-farm, which he operated for four years, he then returned to the homestead, where he remained engaged in agricultural pursuits till last December, when he moved to his present fine residence in Tippecanoe. In 1864, he enlisted in the United States service, and served as a Sergeant in the 147th O. N. G. ; he is a Republican, in politics, and finds his religious creed in the Baptist Church ; he is also a member of the patrons of Husbandry. He married, in 1858, Louisa Kiser, of Indiana ; of the five children born to this union, only one, a son, still survives.

HENRY TEN EICK, retired farmer ; P. O. Tippecanoe City ; one of the earliest settlers and prominent citizens of Miami Co. ; he comes from a vigorous and long-lived family ; his paternal grandparents were Hollanders ; he was born in

Somerset Co., N. J., Aug. 14, 1802, and is the son of Matthew and Cornelia (Post) Ten Eick; the former born May 4, 1764, in the same county as our subject ; his father, Henry, came from Holland in an early day, and settled in New Jersey ; he served as a Captain under Gen. Washington, in the struggle for American Independence, and was a brave man ; he participated in the battle of Bunker Hill and others ; he survived to the advanced age of 86 years, and had seven sons and one daughter ; the daughter married Benjamin J. Hayes, the celebrated New York detective ; Matthew was the seventh son, and, according to the old superstitious belief that the seventh son was endowed with extraordinary curative powers, he was educated for the medical profession, and practiced medicine to some extent through life ; though quite young, he participated in the war of 1776, and was 1st Lieutenant of a New Jersey company. He married Cornelia Post April 9, 1796, who was born Jan. 4, 1771, in New Jersey ; Matthew emigrated to Ohio in the fall of 1812, making the trip by team ; he located in Montgomery Co., near the present site of Miamisburg ; here he erected his rude log cabin, and began pioneer life ; he soon purchased a farm, and, with unflagging industry and perseverance, established a permanent home, where he passed the remainder of his active life, the latter eight years of his life being passed in Bethel Township, Miami Co., with our subject ; he died at the age of nearly 90 years, April, 1853, and his wife in May, 1849 ; he had four sons and one daughter ; Matthew, his youngest son, went to Iowa earl}7, and with Gov. Lucas, laid out Iowa City, and his oldest daughter was the first child born in the place. Our subject was the third son, and his early life was that of a pioneer ; the hardships and privations of which developed a vigorous constitution and a fine physique ; in the fall of 1821, he teamed to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he first met and made the acquaintance of Col. Johnston, with whom he was an intimate friend ever after ; in the spring of 1822, he moved to Shelby Co., on a farm, where he began a career as a farmer, land and stock-dealer , and which has been marked with signal success, due to his unusual foresight as a business man, his industry and economy ; he remained six years in Shelby Co., and then removed to Bethel Township, Miami Co., and in 1865, came to his present place in Tippecanoe City ; while in Shelby Co., he lived a neighbor to Col. Johnston ; he began life with small financial means, and, by his unflagging industry and business sagacity, has amassed a large fortune ; he has 1,440 acres of land in one tract, lying in the horseshoe bend of Honey Creek, Bethel Township, all under the best of improvement ; he also owns " the model " farm of Central Ohio, of 1,000 acres, for which he has been offered $60,000, and a few years ago paid the largest real estate tax in the county ; when the Wyandot reservation of Ohio was sold, he purchased 2,700 acres of the land, and afterward disposed of it in two tracts at a great profit ; he has been equally successful in stock-dealing, and has established a wide reputation as a dealer in fine horses, his judgment in the selection of horses being regarded as par excellence ; while buying horses in Kentucky, he became acquainted with Henry Clay, at whose house he frequently dined, and one time, to convince Clay that the farming implements of the Miami Valley were far ahead of those of Kentucky, expressed him a patent Wilmington plow, which he much appreciated, and afterward sold him what he said was the finest horse he ever owned ; during the late war, he took large Government contracts to furnish mules, and among the many hundreds which he supplied, so well had he selected them, not one was rejected by the Government Inspector ; he is now 78 years old, with his mental and physical powers remarkably well preserved ; coming from a stock of " Old-Line Whigs, he naturally became a Republican at the organization of the party. He was married, May 30, 1821, to Eleanor, daughter of William P. and Mary Barkalow ; she was born Nov. 19,1803; their golden wedding was celebrated May 30, 1871, with many, guests and valuable gills ; of the six sons and four daughters born to them, three sons and three daughters have died.

AARON F. THOMAS, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; is one of our prominent men, and was born in Concord Township June 12, 1836 ; his vocation mainly being that of a farmer, he has for the past sixteen years (during the winter months) been engaged in teaching vocal music. His father, Samuel Thomas, was born in Kentucky, Feb. 24, 1790, and came to this county in 1805 ; his neighbors were Indians, of whom the nearest was the noted chief, Kilbuck, who figured prominently in the war of 1812. At one time his father sold this chief some whisky, and Samuel carried it to him. Kilbuck became intoxicated ; his son and Samuel were wrestling, and, as Samuel appeared to be getting the better of him, the chief became very angry, attempting to kill him ; Samuel's life was saved only by his fleetness of foot. During the war of 1812, he helped capture both this noted chief and his son, which was a great degradation in their estimation. His wife, Elizabeth Gearheart, was born in Virginia May 15, 1796 ; she came this county in 1812, and they were married Dec. 26, 1815, and settled near Troy. Their outfit consisted of two knives and forks, two plates, and tin cups to match ; their furniture consisted of two puncheon stools, a board being mortised in one for a back, which was used by Mrs. Thomas in spinning ; all their clothing was manufactured by her skillful fingers. They were the parents of Silas A., Maria, John M., Charlotta, Charles and Aaron F. Thomas, all of whom are living. Samuel was a plasterer by trade, and worked at the business for more than a half-century, plastering the first house in. Troy, and also the first one in the county. He owned 160 acres of land, and was on the pension list of the old veterans of the war of 1812 ; his death occurred in July, 1878, at the advanced age of 88 years. Aaron F. Thomas was first married to Miss Belle McCain ; they had three children - Harry E., Edgar S. and Frankie, who died in infancy. Mr. Thomas enlisted in the navy, during the war of the rebellion, under Commodore Farragut ; he was discharged in June, 1864 ; soon after his return, his wife died ; his health was much injured in the service, but he is now nearly recovered. His marriage with Miss Susan Patty was celebrated November, 1865 ; he resided on the Thomas home farm until 1879, when he purchased a farm of his father-in-law, Enoch Patty. Mr. Thomas has built a fine residence and barn upon it, and now lives at his ease. They have four children living,, viz., Lizzie, Lucella, Omer and Mary. His wife's father, Enoch Patty, was born in 1815 ; he was married to Miss Catharine Kessler in March, 1841 ; her parents,, John B. and Susan Kessler, also being pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Patty were the parents of seven children, six of whom are now living. His first wife was Miss Curtis, by whom one son, William H. Patty, was born. Enoch is one of the wealthy farmers of this county, and his honorable dealings for a long period of years, have greatly endeared him to the people. Since his wife's death, in 1875, his daughters have kept house for him. We cannot hope to have him long with us,, as he is afflicted with an incurable disease, but we wish to put his name on record among the first families of the county.

CHABLES TBUPP, contractor, builder and manufacturer, Tippecanoe City ;; one of the well-established business men of Tippecanoe ; was born in Saxony,, Germany, in 1833, and is the son of George and Caroline Trupp, both now deceased. George was a contractor and builder, and carried on the business quite extensively. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native country, and from the age of 16 to 18 he took a thorough course in architecture, having, outside of this obtained valuable experience and instruction in his profession, under the direction of his father ; at the age of 18, he immigrated to this country, landing in New York City, April 7, 1851, where he engaged at carpentering for one year ; he then came direct to Tippecanoe, and followed his occupation for four years, and the three subsequent years had charge of the machinery in Chaffee's distillery ; he then began contracting and building, which he continued until the outbreak of the late rebellion, when he responded to Lincoln's first call for troops, enlisting in the 10th 0. V. I., and in 1862 in the 94th O. V. I., in which regiment heserved till the close of the war, participating in the battles of Perryville, Stone- Biver, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Bidge, Atlanta campaign and with Sherman in his march to the sea, sharing in all the hardships of that journey.. After his discharge, he returned to Tippecanoe and purchased a one-third interest in the sash and blind factory with which he has been connected, and since 1867 as the principal member of the firm. Since 1877, the firm has been known under the style of Trupp, Weakley & Co. (see card in directory). Their firm is the largest of the kind on the D. & M. R. R. from Dayton to Toledo, and by their integrity and careful attention to business, they have built up a large and increasing trade, and enjoy the reputation of being first-class workmen. Mr. Trupp is the largest established manufacturer of Tippecanoe, and one of its most enterprising men ; he is found identified with whatever pertains to the welfare of the community. He is a Republican in politics, and has had his share of offices of honor and trust ; has been a member of the Town Council for twelve years, was Township Trustee for five years, has been for five years a member of City School Board, a member of band since its organization in 1858, and is Chief of the Fire Department. He is a member of the following orders : A., F. & A. M., I. 0. 0. F. and D. 0. H. Mr. Trupp has been twice married, first, in 1853, to Caroline Barth, of German)', who died in 1864, leaving two sons and one daughter - one son, Herman, died after reaching manhood. His second marriage was with Clara Falke, of Montgomery Co., in 1865, to whom have been born one son and two daughters.

ROBERT WEAVER, wagon manufacturer, Tippecanoe City ; was born in 1818 in Bethel Township, where he passed half his life, and with the exception of a five-years residence in Dayton, Ohio, he has lived a life-time in this county ; Peter Weaver, his father, was a native of Maryland, and one of the pioneers of Miami Co., locating in Bethel Township several years previous to the present century ; his mother, Jane Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, came down the Ohio with her parents, by flat-boat, soon after the Northwest Territory was opened up to civilization ; they pioneered their way up to the present site of Franklin Co., where they entered land under Symmes' purchase ; the Rosses were pioneers of this county, and are noted for their adventures with the Indians, one Taff being a captive among them for twenty-seven years. Peter Weaver was married twice, and had three sons and one daughter by the first, and two sons and one daughter by the second union ; our subject was the oldest child of the second marriage; at the age of 11, he was apprenticed to the trade of coverlet weaver, and served a term of seven and onehalf years ; then he learned the trade of wagon and cradle maker, which he has since continued, a period of forty-one years ; he is now located on Second, between Main and l)ow streets, Tippecanoe City, where he has been for three years. He enjoys the reputation of a first-class workman, and is a much-respected citizen. His political inclinations are with the Republican party, with which he has been identified since its organization. He was married Jan. 9, 1843, to Antimus Fitton, of English descent, and a native of Cincinnati ; of the four sons and six daughters born to this union, three sons and one daughter are dead. We find the spirit of patriotism strongly manifested in the Weaver family. Peter, the father, was a Revolutionary soldier, and two of his sons, by first marriage, John and Peter, were soldiers in the war of 1812 ; Milton, a son of our subject, enlisted when quite a boy in the late war, as a member of the 74tli 0. V. I. ; he enlisted in October, 1861 ; in September, 1864, he fell dead, pierced by the enemy's bullet, while at his post of duty as color-bearer of regiment, in the battle of Jonesboro, Tenn.

S. S. W ELLS, farmer ; P. 0. Ginghamsburg. S. S. Wells is quite a noted man in this county, and his ancestry dates back early in the county's history ; his grandparents emigrated to this county in 1816, and settled near Ginghamsburg; they had six children - William, Levi, Silas, Martha, Willie and John W. ; none are now living ; Silas was the father of the man whose name heads this sketch, and married Miss Alesa Skinner in North Carolina ; afterward moved to Virginia, and finally came, together with all the Wells family, to this county. They were the parents of the following children - Thomas, Richard, William, Samuel S., John. Daniel, Robert, Levi, and two other sons who died in infancy ; their daughters were Martha J. and Sarah Isabella ; all are living except Richard and Daniel ; the farm where Hitzman now lives was the one settled by the Wells family in 1816. Samuel S. Wells married Miss Caroline Lavy, in 1842 ; their children are Harriet, Matilda, Emily, Margaret,

Evaline and Martha E. ; all except Emily are living ; Mr. Wells is a very prominent man, and is quite a local politician, being an ardent Democrat, a G-ranger, and Township Trustee. Both himself and wife are members of the Disciples Church ; for fifty-nine years he has been a resident of Miami Co., and the vast improvements to him seem almost magical ; very few of the pioneers are now living who first settled the Miami Valley, but Mrs. Sarah Brooks, an aunt of Mr. Wells, can almost claim that distinction, as she is past 81 years of age, and is hale and vigorous ; she was born in North Carolina in 1799, and her memory is as bright as though she was only 20 ; man}* things of interest can be learned from her concerning early times in Ohio ; she was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Skinner, and was married to John W. Wells in 1818, they being the parents of the following children - John W., Elbert, William H. H., Kitty F., Martha, Isabella and Elizabeth. Mrs. Skinner's father died in 1862, and her mother in 1842. She was married to Isaiah Brooks in 1843 ; they had no children ; he died in 1872. The family is a large one, and they are good and honest people.

A. H. WESLEB, Justice of the Peace and Mayor, Tippecanoe City ; was born in Chester Co., Penn., Jan. 15, 1826 ; his father, John G., was also a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation ; he died in November, 1876, at the advanced age of nearly 97 years. He was married to Maria, daughter of Hezekiah Davis, of Bevolutionary note ; he was taken prisoner while engaged in the struggle for American liberty, and confined in a prison on Long Island, and while here wrote his name on a pane of glass in the window of his cell, which pane was secured a few years ago by a grand-daughter. John Gr. was Captain of a company in the war of 1812, and was stationed at Philadelphia, Penn. ; he had four sons and three daughters, all still living. Our subject is the sixth child, and was brought up on a farm till he was 17, when he went to the city of Philadelphia and entered an apprenticeship as a joiner and carpenter ; he was engaged here about three years, and, in the spring of 1850, came' to this State, locating temporarily in Lost Creek Township till the following spring, when he located in Tippecanoe, where he now lives ; since coming here, he has been variously engaged at carpentering, surveying, etc. ; he has surveyed a larger part of the lots of Tippecanoe City ; he is a Democrat in politics, and, although no office-seeker, has held his share of public offices ; he has been a number of times elected to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Mayor, and this is a town which gives from 200 to 300 Bepublican majority, a mark of the confidence and esteem which he has won from the community ; he is at present Justice of the Peace and Mayor. He was married in January, 1853, to Mary, daughter of Henry Krise, an early settler ; five sons and three daughters have been the issue of this union.

JOHN B. WESTLAKE, farmer ; P. 0. Troy ; is a son of Josias Westlake, of whom mention is made in the biography of Gr. K. Westlake ; from the Colonel, we have many items of interest, which will appear in the history of Monroe Township. John Westlake first married Miss Lucinda Earnhart ; she died July 4, 1868, leaving William J., less than 1 month old. The second marriage, to Miss Mary J. Bobbins, was celebrated Oct. 24, 1873, at the residence of the bride's parents, Bev. L. F. Griffith officiating ; they are the parents of two children - Samuel C., born May 16, 1876, and Blanche P., Nov. 17, 1878. The neatness eyery where visible, betokens the good taste and industry of both parties, and we know Mr. Westlake to be an excellent farmer ; he is the owner of 50 acres of land, upon which he resides. During the war of the rebellion, he enlisted in Co. G, 147th O. V. I., and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service ; he is now Township Trustee, and fills the position with credit. Both himself and wife are members of the Christian Church, and John is one of the stanch Democrats of this county ; his tuition, politically, was engrafted upon his mind at an early age, as his father is one of the leaders of that party in Monroe Township ; his character is above reproach, and his daily life harmonizes well with his profession.

FBEDEBICK YOUNT, retired farmer ; P. O. Fidelity ; is perhaps the oldest living resident of Monroe Township ; he was born July 30, 1799 ; and his parents,

John and Mary Yount, emigrated from North Carolina to Miami Co. in 1802 ; the}' were the parents of five children - Henry, Delilah, Solomon, Frederick and Rebecca ; the two latter are still living. With the Younts also came the Hoovers, Masts and others from North Carolina, and settled in different parts of the count}'. The land was entered by them at $2 per acre. They had to cut a wagon-road through the woods, from Dayton to the place which they had selected as their future home, and they were probably the first white men that trod the native forests. Frederick's father settled among the Indians, who were quite numerous ; they were not molested in the least by them, and their relations were always of the most friendly character. Dame abounded everywhere bears, wolves, panthers, deer, turkeys etc., furnished the early settlers with food, and jerked venison was a staple diet. Their moccasins were made of deer-skins, with soles of leather sewed on with " whang strings." Their corn was pounded on a stump until it could be made, into bread, and this, with a few potatoes, was their usual diet. The Indians about Covington were disposed to be treacherous, and the men did their work with their guns in their hands, or else under the surveillance of a guard, and nearly all of them slept in "Williams" block-house at night for better protection. Frederick married Miss Catharine Ingle Feb. 1, 1821. Their children were fourteen in number, only five of whom are living - Clark, Eli, Emily Smith, Elizabeth Eidemiller and Rebecca Martindale. Mrs. Yount was born in 1802, and died Oct. 11, 1873; from long acquaintance with the Indians, she spoke their language fluently. The stories told by Mr. Yount are of the greatest interest, and would fill a volume had we time to write them. Both himself and wife belonged to the Society of Friends, and have ever lived noble and upright lives. He has been very prosperous, and now lives at his ease. His farm consists of 1 51 acres, pleasantly located. Since the death of his wife, his grand-daughter, Catharine Yount, acts as housekeeper. He can hardly realize this to be the wooden country of his boyhood. He is one of the most pleasant gentlemen in the country, and will, we hope, live to see his centennial birthday celebrated.

GEORGE K. YOU ART, engineer, Tippecanoe City ; one of the enterprising citizens of Tippecanoe, was born in Concord Township, this county, in 1841, and is the son of James and Mary (Kerr) Youart ; the latter, a daughter of George Kerr, who died in 1861. James was born in 1804, in the county of Antrim, North of Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1819, and at once found his way to Miami Co.; worked from 1820 to 1827 in the Kanawha salt works of Virginia ; was a carpenter by trade and a farmer by occupation. He had a family of eight children, four of whom grew to maturity, and two of whom still survive ; he died in 1874. Our subject lived on a farm till the age of 13, attending the common school,

Tippecanoe Citv Business References

Bowman, J. W\, Dealer in Standard, Staple and Fancy Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Hats, Caps, Notions and Furnishing Goods, also Agent for Mme. Demorest's Reliable Patterns, Morrison Block.

Cushwa, B. F., Dealer in Cigars and Tobacco, all kinds of Bread, Pies, Cakes and Confectionery, also has a neatly arranged Ice Cream Parlor, in which Ice Cream is served at all times in season.

Galloway, S. & H. A., Dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Perfumery, Soaps, Fancy and Toilet Article*), Books, Stationery, and all kinds of School Supplies, Wall and Window Paper, Family Medicines, and Physicians' Prescriptions accurately compounded at allhourSj Room 3, Chaffee's Block.

Huber, Fred, Dealer ill Fresh and Salt Meats. Special attention given to Curing Hams and the Manufacture of Sausage, " Bologna," etc. All Orders promptly filled.

Merkle, F. C., Manufacturer of and Dealer in Harness, Saddles, Collars, Bridles, Whips, Halters, etc., etc., north side of Main street, between First and Second streets.

Miles, A. W., Postmaster, and Dealer in Wooden and Willow ware, Light and Fancy Groceries, Canned Goods, Confectionery, Oysters, Fruits, etc. Cash paid for country produce at the Post Office.

Rhodehamel & Bro., Manufacturers of Linseed Oil. Always pay highest price for Flax Seed, and keep on hand clean Flax Seed to loan to Farmers in season.

Trupp, Weakley & Co., General Manufacturers and Builders, Dealers in Lumber, Lath, Shingles. All kinds of Building Material always on hand. Tobacco Boxes, two kinds of Bee Hives, Extension Tables, Bedsteads, etc. All kinds of Scroll Work, corner of Walnut and Fifth streets.

Business References

Weaver, Robert, Wagon-Maker and Repairer of Wagons and Farm Machinery ; Manufacturer and Repairer of Grain Cradles. Shops on Second, between Main and Dow streets.