Pickaway Township (part 26 of 49)

The paternal grandparents of our subject were George and Susanna Hitler. His grandfather was born in Maryland May 15, 1763, and when a boy went with his parents to Franklin County, Pa., where he subsequently found a wife in the person of Susanna, daughter of John Gay, of London, England. In after years he removed with his family, which then consisted of his wife and two small children, to Somerset County, in the same State, and located in what was^called the "Glades." In April, 1799, he came to Ohio with his family, which had been increased by the birth of two more children. He sent his family down the Ohio River on a flatboat to the mouth of the Scioto River, while he traveled b^' land with a large number of horses, and met them at that point. From Portsmouth the journey was made with team to this county, the goods being sent up the Scioto in a keelboat. Mr. Hitler first located on the Lower Plains in Pickaway Township, but in 1804 entered one hundred and sixty acres of land on the western part of section 33, Washington Township, erecting a house on the southwestern part, in which he dwelt until his demise April 2, 1818. His wife sui'vived him thirty years, her death occurring September 16, 1848, at the age of nearly seventysix years.

Jacob Hitler was the third child born to his parents, his birth taking place during their residence in Somerset County, Pa., December 5, 1796. His boyhood was spent much as that of other pioneers' sons, in the hard work of improving a farm in a new country. Shortly after his father's death, he and his brother George bought a quarter-section of land, for which they paid $23 an acre, and he then entered upon his busy and successful life, which was an honor not onl}' to himself, but to the community of which he was so long a member.

Mr. Hitler and his brother having but a few hundred dollars apiece, found it impossible to pa}' for their farm at the current prices of grain, wheat being then worth only seventy-five cents per bushel, afterward declining to twenty-five cents. They showed themselves to be men of expedience and large enterprise, as they conceived the plan of manufacturinor their wheat into flour for the New

Orleans market. For eleven j^ears they conve^'ed their flour in a tlatboat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to the Crescent Cit}', where the)' sold it for more than double what the grain would have brought them at home. The first trip was made by Jacob Hitler in 1819. The boats in which the flour was conveyed were built at a cost of $120 or thereabouts, having a capacity for carrying from four to five hundred barrels of flour, and were disposed of at New Orleans for whatever they would bring, sometimes only a few dollars. Mr. Hitler made five trips to New Orleans, and after that alternated with his brother in going thither. At the end of the first voyage, he returned from that city to this county on foot, and was onl}' twenty-two days on the way, which was the same time that it took a boat to come from New Orleans to Louisville, Ky.

The father of our subject acquired a fine property, owning at the time of his death nearl}" two thousand acres of land, all in Pickaway Count}. He possessed true nobility of character, was conspicuous for unswerving rectitude of thought and act, was generous-hearted and sympathizing; and untiring industry, a fixedness of purpose, and unusual soundness of judgment, made him successful in everything he undertook, these traits also contributing largely to his potency as one of the builders of Pickaway County, who helped to lay the foundation of the prosperity that it enjoys to-day, and with whose rise and growth his name will ever be connected.

He was elected Commissioner of the county in October, 1858, and served three years, althougli he had but little inclination for public life.

In 1825, Mr. Hitler was married to Miss Sarah Gougar, with whom he lived long and happily. She came to Pickaway County with her parents in 1806 when she was a child, and the rest of her life was passed here, her death occurring several years ago. The following is the record of the brothers and sisters of our subject: George (now dead) was born September 28, 1825; Daniel, November 7, 1827; Susan, April, 1830; Caroline, June 19, 1836; Jacob died in infancy; and Ellen was born February 4, 1843.

Nelson Hitler received a district-school education, and on the old homestead a thorough drilling in agricultural i)ursuits that has been of great benefit to him in his life as a practical farmer. He inherited much of his father's ability in that line, and well understands how to conduct his extensive farming interests to the best advantage. He has a beautiful tract of nine hundred acres of land, lying mostly on the fertile plains of Pickaway County, which is highly improved. Mr. Hitler took up his residence on this farm in 1881, and in 1886 erected the fine, modern frame house, a view of which is shown on another page. It is commodious and substantiall}' built, and his barns and other buildings are of the same order. The farm IS well kept, everything about the place always as it should be, and nothing is allowed to be out of repair. It is devoted principally to raising corn and wheat, of which large harvests are gathered yearly, but in its rich pastures are found some cattle, horses, etc., of good grades. Mr. Hitler is of a retiring disposition, but frank and kindly withal, and his neighbors know him to be accommodating and friendly, always willing to do another a favor. He is a stanch Democrat, but has never had aspirations for ottice.

^ AMES M. EDAVARDS, Coroner of Fayette County, occupies a beautiful residence at No. 415 South Fayette Street, Washington C. IL, where he has surrounded his family with all the comforts and man}' of the luxuries of life. A representative pioneer of the county and a man whose piet}^ and honor entitle him to more than passing mention, he is probably as well known as any of the early settlers, and is respected wherever known. His life has been characterized by ceaseless industry, both as surve3or, stockdealer, real-estate owner and public official.

Ohio is the native State of Mr. Edwards, and he was born at Bellbrook, Greene County, December 21, 1821. His father, William Edwards, was born in South Carolina, but came North on account of the curse of slavery. He located first at Cincinnati, where he married Miss Charlotte, a sister of S. J. Brown, a wealthy and noted citizen of that city. She was born in England, but came to America when quite 3'oung and grew to womanhood in Cincinnati. After their marriage, they removed to Lebanon and afterward to Greene County, later purchasing a farm in Fayette County, in 1832. Until his death, in 1845, the father resided on his farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention. He was a man of great kindliness of heart and probity of life, and occupied a warm place in the confidence of his fellow-men.

Among the familj* of ten cliiklren born to William and Charlotte Pklwards was James M., who was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents to Fayette County. He studied the usual text-books of the countr}- and village schools, and later engaged as a teacher for eight years, meeting with success as an instructor of the young. With the earnings thus accumulated, he purchased a tract of land in Paint Township, near the village of Bloomingburgh, and handled stock quite extensively, although he never made his home on the place, but resided in Bloomingl^urgh. He has sold one estate, but still retains in his possession a well-cultivated and highly-improved place of one hundred and forty acres, the rental of which proves remunerative. In 1884, he removed to AVashington C. H., where he bought a neat and attractive residence and expects to spend his remaining years in that home.

With the public life of the county, Mr. Edwards has probably been as closely identified as any citizen thereof, and is the stalwart adherent of all measures that tend to the general welfare of the people. For eighteen years, he served as Justice of the Peace in Paint Township. He has been Infirmary Director for three years; is serving his third term as County Coroner; is now, and for the past three years has been. Health Officer, and was Assistant Revenue Assessor for three 3"ears. During the Civil War, he was one of the Oliio State Messengers to the army, making One trip to New Orleans and two to Richmond. He was mustered into the United States service as Second I^ieutenant, and resigned after recruiting a compan}'. He went on the Morgan raid with his horse and buggy, and was never idle in the defense of the Union. His interest in educational matters has been unflaggingand deep, and for many years he worked effectively as a member of the School Board at Bloom in gbui-gh and also as School Examiner for the county. His mathematical ability rendered his work for forty years as a surveyor peculiarly successful and accurate.

The first marriage of Mr. Edwards united him with Miss Sarah Stewart, who at her death left a daughter, Mar}^, now a resident of Washington C. H. with her father. March 25, 1852, Mr. Edwards and Miss Jane Amerman were united in marriage. She was born in Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., and came to Frankfort, Ross Count}", Ohio, with her parents at an earl}" day. Mrs. Edwards died April 9, 1892, leaving two surviving children: Erskine S., who is engaged in the mercantile business at Washington C. II.; and Frank E., who is an Episcopalian clergyman of New York City.

For forty-five years or more, Mr. Edwards has been a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an Elder. As a Sunday-school worker, he is especially successful and popular. For thiitysix years, he taught the same class in the Bloomingburgh Sunday-school, and in Washington C. H. he now has two classes of sixty membeis, ranging in age from eighteen to seventy years. He is also interested in mission work and attends a mission Sunday-school every Sunday afternoon. The onl}' two organizations with which he lias ever been identified are the Presbyterian Church and the Republican party, and both in religion and politics he has labored effectively for the advancement of others and the common good of all mankind.

ERRY C. THOMAS is one of the nativeborn sons of Pickaway County, born in Monroe Township, March 12, 1838, coming of one of the earl}^ families of this region, and he is numbered among its farmers and stockmen who form such an important part of the population and are so essential to the continued progress and prosperity of the county. Me is a resident of Muhlenberg Township, where he has a large and finely improved farm.

William Thomas, the father of our subject, was born at Harper's Ferr^^, Va., January 22, 1801. His father brought him and other members of his family to Ohio in 1810, making the journey with a team, and at first settled near Chillicothe. A 3'ear later he removed to this count}^ and took up his abode near C larks ton. The following year he located in Monroe Township, and there his earthly pilgrimage was brought to a close by his death.

Our subject's father was bred to the life of a farmer amid pioneer surroundings. He was married March 12, 1822, to Miss Elizabeth Norris, who was born near Harper's Ferry, May 22, 1802. She came here with her parents in 1810. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas began their wedded life in the most primitive manner, as was the custom in those days for young couples. All the furniture that he bought cost him but $S in money. Poles were placed with one end in the wall of the log house and the other supported by posts so as to form a bedstead, and Mrs. Thomas cooked before an open fire in a rude fireplace. Notwithstanding this humble beginning, prosperity smiled upon them, as the}^ were diligent, persevering and i)rudent, and at the time of his death, Mr. Thomas owned thirteen hundred acres of land, of which he developed a large tract into a good farm. He was widely known and universally respected and liked, and when he died, at scared}^ fifty years of age, his death was greatly lamented and considered a public loss. He was a leader among the Methodists, being a man of earnest Christian spirit, and he was one of the organizers of the old Hebron Church in Monroe Township. His good wife was also a zealous working member of that church, and at her death, April 21, 1873, a true Christian passed to her reward. Uncle Billy and Aunt Betsy, as they were alfectionately called, held a warm place in the hearts of their many friends and their memory is still cherished by all who knew and loved them.

The following is the record of their children: Elizabeth, born January 23, 1823, died in infanc}'; George W., born May 20, 1824, died at the age of twenty-two years; Milton M., born October 25, 1825, died in 1879; Benjamin, born May 26, 1827, died young; Thornton, born February 22, 1829, died young; Jane, born August 12, 1830, died young; Jackson, born December 8, 1831, lives on a farm in Monroe Township; Mary A., born December 19, 1833, married Mr. King, a farmer of Monroe Township; William H., born Maj^ 15, 1835, is a farmer in Monroe Township; Perry C, our subject, is the next in order of birth; Margaret, born September 18, 1839, married Mr. Henderson, and lives in Missouri; Sarah W., now Mrs. Maddox, of Waterloo, Fayette County, was born July 10, 1841 ; Elizabeth J. H. (second) now Mrs. Henderson, was born Fel)ruary 7, 1845.

Our subject was reared on a farm in INIonroe Township. He laid the foundation of a solid education in the district schools which was supplemented b3' a course of study at Dublin Hill, and by a year's study in school at Mt. Sterling. The first school that he attended was a typical pioneer institution of learning, the house being made of logs, heated by an open fireplace with a mud and stick chimney, and the seats were slab benches with pin legs. The school was conducted under the rate-bill system.

At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Thomas began life on his own account. His father had died when he was nine years old, and he continued to live with his mother, managing the home farm until her death in 1873. He at one time owned tliree hundred acres of land in Monroe Township, but he sold it,and coming to this township, farmed his brother's farm until 1879. In that year he bought his present farm of three hundred and thirty-eight acres, all Iiighly cultivated, and carries on a good business as a general farmer, raising wheat, corn, clover and timothy grass, besides fattening cattle, and having his farm well stocked with a good grade of Durhams, and some draft horses of his own breeding.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Donesife, February' 13, 1879. She was born in 1844, and came to this township with her parents, who settled in Darby ville in 1845. She understands well how to make a cheerful and comfortable home, and cordially unites with her husband in making theirs one of the most hospitable abodes known to their hosts of friends. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a great helper in whatsoever of good it accomplishes. Mr. Thomas is a man of fine parts, lias a clear, active, well-trained intellect, a firm character, and his reputation as a practical farmer is of the highest. He is a loyal Democrat in politics, and his popularity is attested by the fact that he was elected Justice of the Peace for a term of three years, cariying the township, which is largely Republican, by fourteen votes. He has also served as a member of the School Board.

eLIFTON R. DRESBACH is a talented and enterprising 3'oung man, who is ably conducting extensive farming and stock interests in Pickaway, his native county. He is descended from an honored pioneer of this part of Ohio, and he still occupies the old homestead, which is a large and valuable farm on section 10, Pickaway Township, on which he was born, August 14, 1855. His father, John E. Dresbach, was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1830, and was a son of the Rev. John Dresbach, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this volume.

John E. Dresbach was a year old when his parents removed to Ohio and settled in the township of Pickaway, on the farm on which his son of whom we write now resides, and here his remaining 3'ears were spent, his death occurring in November, 1864, while yet in life's prime. Pioneer influences helped to mould his character, and he became a valued citizen of the township of his adoption. He was educated in a district school that was kept on one corner of his father's farm. He was trained to the life of a farmer, and carried on that occupation on the old homestead as long as he lived. Both he and his vvifc were membei'S of the Evangelical Church, and were liberal supporters of that and of whatsoever else would in any way promote the highest interests of the community. They were married in 1852, and she survived him nearl}- five years, d^ing in May,

1869. Her maiden name was Mary Reedy, and she was a native of Greene Township, Ross County. Her father, John Reedy, was a pioneer of Ross County, going there from Pennsylvania in 1821. The parents of our subject had two other children beside himself: Clara, who died in infancy; and Miua, who died in March, 1864, at the age of one year.

Our subject is the second child of the family and the sole survivor. After his mother's death, when he was fourteen years old, he went to live with his uncle, Martin Dresbach, with whom he remained until he was twenty years old. He was given fine educational advantages, and after attending tlie district schools, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, in 1873. He was a close student at that institution of learning two years, and brought a well-trained mind to his work, when? in the spring of 1875, he returned to the old Dresbach homestead to take charge of it, and enter upon his career as a farmer, in which he has met with marked success. This farm, which his grandfather purchased of a Mr. Bishop in 1830 in all its original wildness, comprises four hundred acres of choice land, all lying in a body, the soil being red sandy claj', or of limestone constituents, and very highly cultivated. It is finel}^ situated, the land is beautifully rolling and diversified, and is well watered b}' Pumpkin Run, which is fed b}^ springs and was never known to be dry. The drainage is also first-class, as Mr. Dresbach has paid great attention to that, sparing no money to perfect the system, and he has as much as eight miles of tiling, which was put in at a cost of $3,000. The farm is a model of its kind, and many of the fine improvements which greatly enhance its attractiveness and value have been placed here by himself. The buildings are substantially built, conveniently arranged, and room}-; the residence is a large, square frame house, of a handsome and appropriate style of architecture. Mr. Dresbach has engaged largely in feeding cattle the last fifteen years, and also in raising cattle of high grades. He does a large general farming business, and in his methods shows himself to be an enlightened and progressive agriculturist, who already stands among the first men of his calling in his native county. He is brainy and well-informed, has decided and clear opinions of his own on all subjects with which he is conversant, and is manly and honorable in cliaracter. In politics, he is unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party.

Our subject and Miss Pauline Hitler were united in marriage February 7, 1878, and they have one of the most charming and hospitable homes in the community. Four children complete their household circle: Marvin, John, Harry and Shirley. Mrs. Dresbach is a native of Pickaway County, and a daughter of Abraham Hitler. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in an early day of its settlement. He became a prosperous farmer in Washington Township, and there his life was brought to a close in 1869. His wife survived him until 1887, when she too passed away. They had two children, of whom our subject's wife is one, and the other is Mary, who married Frank Dreisbach, and lives in Circleville Township.

^ AMES H. Mc CLIMANS, who is practically living a retired life in Mt. Sterling, has the honor of being a native of Madison County. He was born in Range Township, October 10, 1854, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families. His father, Isaac McClimans, was born in the Scioto Valley, in 1805, and in 1812, when a lad of seven years, came to Range Township with his father. He was twice married, and had eight children. His second wife, wlio bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Claridge, and was a native of Fayette County, was the mother of our subject. Mr. McClimans became an extensive land-owner, his possessions aggregating seven hundred acres, and was one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. His death occurred in June, 1880, at the ripe old age of seventy-five years.

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood upon his father's farm in Range Township and received a good education in the common schools of the neighborhood. When a boy, he began buying calves, which he would laise upon his father's farm and then sell. In this wa}', he got a start in life. Subsequently, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and was engaged in farming in Range Township one year, and for two years in Pickaway County, on land belonging to his wife. In 1884, he purchased his present home and twenty acres of land on the London Road, which he laid out in town lots and named McClimansville. He has now sold over half of the lots and a number of them have been built upon. As his financial resources have increased, Mr. McClimans also bought more land, until the income derived from his farm is now sufficient to enable him to live retired without performing any manual labor for his support.

On the 2Gth of November, 1880, Thanksgiving Day, our subject was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Bennett, of Mt. Sterling, who was born in Monroe Township, Pickaway County, February 26, 1861. Her girlhood daj's were there passed and she came to Mt. Sterling with her father after her mother's death. Unto them have been born two children: Nellie, born in Range Township, Madison County, October 21, 1881, and Vona, born in McClimansville, June 3, 1884.

Mr. McClimans supports the Democratic party by his ballot, his first vote having been cast for Samuel J. Tilden. He is an enterprising and sagacious business man, who by industry and good management has acquired a sufficient cajntal to enable him to spend his remaining days in retirement from labor.

ON. HORACE L. IIADLEY. To applaud * human achievements is a trait of character common to all mankind, and seems espe- ^^ cially appropriate when one has struggled against poverty and discouraging influences, and won a name and fame which is not limited by the arbitrary lines separating counties or States. Such has been the experience of Mr. Hadley, a prominent memlier of the Fayette County Bar, where he has practiced since April 8, 1870.

In the rural lioine of Winthrop and Sybil (Wortben) Iladley, in Sandwich, Carroll County, N. II., May 7, 1837, was born a son, who was named Horace L. The child was reared on his father's farm amid the picturesque scenery of his native State, and was given a good education in the common schools of Sandwich and in Beede's Academy-, which he attended for a number of terms. At the age of twenty-three, he went to Peabody, INIass., where he read law in the office of Sidney C. Bancroft for one year, proceeding thence to Salem, the same State. In that city he prosecuted his legal studies in the office of Perry & Endicott, the former the author of the well-known law book, "Perry on Trusts and Trustees," and one of the finest insurance lawyers in the New England States; and the latter Secretary of War during the administration of President Cleveland.

September 16, 1862, ]\Ir. Iladley was admitted to practice at the Bar of the State of Massachusetts, and in August, 1862, following, enlisted in Company C, Fifth Massachusetts Infantry. With his regiment in October, he proceeded to New Berne, N. C, and participated in the second attack on that place, and also in the engagements at Whitehall, Goldsboro and Trenton. At the expiration of nine months - his term of service - he sailed for Massachusetts, June 26, 1863. Although his term of service was short, he came near losing his life, having been dangerously ill for several weeks.

As soon as he was sufficientlj^ recovered, Mr. Hadley returned to his old home in Sandwich, N. H., in August, 1863, and there spent two months. Returning to Massachusetts, he opened a law office at Dan vers November 1, 1863, having bought out a lawyer in that cit3'. lie was actively engaged in practice there until April, 1870, when he came to Ohio and located in Washington C. H. For four and one-half ^ears he practiced alone, and then formed a partnership with Col. II. B. Maynard, which continued from October 1, 1874, until Ma}" 1, 1885. During that time, the firm enjoj^ed a very large practice in both State and United States courts, it being probably the largest practice ever done in Southern Ohio in one year, outside of Cincinnati and Columbus. From January 1, 1877, until January 1, 1878, their legal transactions

When the new court house was erected, the old otlice of the firm was torn down and the partnership was dissolved, since which time Mr. IIadle\" has practiced alone. When the Midland Block was built, he was one of its chief projectors and one of the three who erected it in 1885. He has since sold his interest, although he retains his office in the block. While his practice has demanded an enormous amount of close and arduous work, Mr. Hadley has also served in various public capacities. He has filled the position of Councilman from the Third Ward. In 1881, he was elected to the Legislature, and re-elected two years later, serving for four years. During the first two 3'ears he was Chairman of the Committee on Privileges and Elections, also a member of the Committee on Railroads and Telegraphs, the Committee on Ditches, Drains and Watercourses, and the special committee of twenty who were appointed to re-district the State.

During his last term as Representative, Mr. Hadley served on the Railroad and Telegraph Committee as well as on the Committee on Ditches, Drains and AVatercourses. During his entire service in the Legislature, be probabh' introduced twenty bills of a general character, of which doubtless one-half passed. He introduced the bill requiring the doing away with seals on deeds and mortgages, which passed the Senate in the form of the Walker Bill.

September 1, 1868, Mr. Iladle}' was united in marriage with IVIiss Lizzie Emerson, of Dan vers, Mass., and they have two children: Olive B. and Hairy L. The religious home of the family is in the Presbjterian Church, in which Mr. Iladley is Deacon and Treasurer. For several years be has been President of the Business Men's Committee-, and is actively interested in the building up of the city. His social connections are with the Temple Lodge, I. O. O. F., Fayette Encampment, and John M. Bell Post, G. A. R. In addition to his property in Washington C. II., he is the owner of three farms in Fa3"ette County, which be rents.

golden opportunities to win success and renown glide swiftly away "like the shade of a cloud on the prairie." It has not been so in the life of Mr. Hadley. He has few equals as a clear-headed man of affairs and judge of human nature. He is keen to perceive and prompt to execute; his sympathies are quick and on the side of right and justice; his energy indomitable and his friendships warm. He is now in the prime of his vigor and usefulness, and it is safe to say that the future will bring to him added honors in the world of action.

WIERRY BRADLY. Among the early settlers of Madison County were the Bradlys and Bakers, of whom our subject is a lineal descendant in the third generation, the Bradlys having lived here for over eighty years. Our subject is a farmer and is the proprietor of a good farm, eight miles southwest of Plain City, in Canaan Township. He was a valiant soldier during the late war and has been for many 3'ears prominent in the public, social and religious life of the community.

Mr. Bradly was born November 9, 1841, in Monroe Township, Madison County, and is a son of William Bradly. His father was born in Virginia, in 1804:, and was in his fourth year when he came with his parents to Ohio. The}^ located in what is now Monroe Township and were among the very first to settle there. The father of our subject grew to man's estate in that place and was there married to Anna Baker, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of AVilliam and Anna Baker, who settled in Little Darby, in Monroe Township, when she was a young girl. After marriage, tiie parents of our subject took up their home on a farm in Monroe Township, where they had been reared. They lived there until 1857, and then removed to Lynn Township, Hardin County, where the father died, June 1, 1862. His venerable widow is still living and is now eighty-one years old. They had eleven children, of whom nine grew to maturity and five are living, four sons and one daughter, as follows: Cassandra Booth, of Madison

He of whom we write is the seventh cliihl and third son of the family in order of birth. In his boj'hood he went to school in a log house in his native township, and finished his education in Hardin County, after the family removed there. He remained with his father until the latter's death, and was well instructed in all that appertains to farming. He watched the course of the Civil War with intense interest, and in 1863, in the 0[)ening years of a vigorous, self-reliant manhood, he enlisted in defense of the Union, and it may well be his pride that he lieli)ed to give victory to Northern arms, and had a part in saving his country's honor. He went to the front as a mcmljer of Company I, Forty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and fought valiantly as long as his services were needed, remaining in the army until after the Rebellion closed, not receiving his discharge until October 7, 1865, at Victoria, Tex., and obtaining his pay at Columbus, the State capital. He accompanied his regiment on the Atlanta campaign, and he took an active part in the fight at Nashville, December 16, 1864, beside being present at numerous other engagements. For two months he was sick at Knoxville, having succumbed to the hardships and privations that he had to endure.

After his return from Southern battlefields, ]Mr. Bradl}' resumed his early occupation, that he had abandoned in order to become a soldier, and soon after his marriage, in 1867, he located on a rented farm, which he farmed one year and then bought a farm of his own west of his present homestead, which he purchased in 1875, having sold the other one at a good price. This contains fifty-nine acres of choice and exceedingly fertile land, which is in a fine condition and is well stocked with cattle, hogs, and other stock. The buildings are kept in good order, and our subject and his wife have established here a very pleasant, cozy home, the seat of an abiding hospitality, with the latch-string always out, and friend or stranger sure of a cordial welcome from the amiable hostess and genial host.

the blessings that have come to them are three children, two daughters and a son. The eldest child died in infancy. The otliers are Ammazeta A., who was born September 4, 1871, and is the wife of James Clunk, of Canaan Township; and Fidelia M., born October 30, 1876, and at home with her parents.

Our subject is a man in whom his fellow-citizens have perfect confidence, as his character is without blemish and his principles are of the highest order. He has figured largely in the public life of the community as an incumbent of various offices of trust. He has been on the School Committee and was School Director, was Trustee of his township for six 3^ears and is now Supervisor of Roads. In politics, he is a strict Republican. He is one of the leading members of the Harry Scribner Post No. 222, G. A. R., of which he was Sergeant-Major at onetime. He belongs to the Urania Lodge No. 311, A. F. & A. M., at Plain City. He is a man of earnest religious thought, and perhaps no one has done more to build up the Methodist Episcopal Mission Chapel, of which he is a member, than he. He is one of the Stewards, Trustees and Elders of the church, is Treasurer of the Sunday-school and has been the Superintendent thereof.

III ,-- - , ily was among the first to settle in Picka- ^^^4) way Count3% and its various members have borne an honorable part in the development of its agricultural resources. Its present representative, of whom we write, who is a prosperous farmer, was born August 11, 1840, upon the farm on section 18, Pickaway Township, which has always been his home.

Thomas Emerson, the father of our subject, was born in Hampshire County, Ya., September 27, 1785. In 1806, he came to Ohio, and located in the primeval wilds of Pickaway County. His father, whose name was the same as his own, came hither with his family at the same time, and he was one of the very first to select the site of his home on the famous Pickaway Plains. Indians still lived here, wild game was plentiful, and the surrounding country was mostly in all its primitive wildness. The grandfather of our subject erected a log cabin for a dwelling, and busied himself in the development of a farm while his life was spared. He died in 1826, at the ripe old age of three-score and ten 3'ears.

The father of our subject was twenty-one years old when he came here, and being in the opening years of a stalwart, sturdy manhood, he was well equipped for his work as a pioneer, and well did he perform it by improving a good farm in Pickaway Townshi]), where he lived an esteemed citizen for seventy years, his death occurring in 1876, at the venerable age of ninety-one }^ears. He married Margaret Kennedy, who was a native of Kentucky, and whose parents settled here in an early day. She was the mother of four children: James; Mary A., wife of Julius J. Wright; one who died in infancy; and our subject, who is the 3'ounggest of the family. She died in 1848, aged fortylive 3^ears.

George T. I^merson attended the district school in the neighborhood of his birthplace in his boyhood, the first school he went to being taught in a log house. As he grew up, he gained a thorough insight into farming, on the old homestead under his father's instruction, and in 1871 he began farming on his own account on his father's farm, which is now his own. B3' his excellent management he shows himself to be a good, practical farmer, who uses intelligently methods best adapted to the soil, and keeps everything about his place in good shape. He has eighty-four acres of well-tilled land, and the farm is adorned with a neat set of buildings, including a substantial brick residence, built in 1879. Mr. Emerson is loyal in his citizenship, taking pride in the flourishing condition of his native count^^, and in him the Democratic pftrty has a faithful adherent.

Our subject was happily married in 1871 to Miss Ruth Ann Lindse3^, who was born in Circleville Township in 1848, and is a daughter of John J. and Mar3' (Harmon) Lindse3'. Her parents were natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. The fatlier died in 1875, aged sixt3'-five years, and the mother in 1873. The latter was of the old pio- neer stock of the State, and a Lutheran in religion. Mrs. Emerson is one of twelve children, ten of whom grew to maturity, and nine of them still living. Her union with our subject has been fruitful to them of four children, whom they have named Mary L., Thomas D., George II. and Ned Ray, respectively.

<^f^^ LIAB L. FORD. There are some men in l^] every community who naturally come to ,'jL-^ the front in spite of the lack of early advantages or the many discouragements which may meet them in their upward career. They i»ossess sutlicient energy and perseverance to overcome the obstacles in their path and win for themselves a foremost position in their vocations. A most worthy illustration of this class of self-made men is afforded by the life of Mr, Ford, a prominent citizen of Fayette County and the owner of a splendid farm in Jasper Township.

When Mr. Ford came to Fayette County, in October, 1846, he settled on his present homestead, making a purchase of one hundred acres, for which he paid $18 per acre. He has since added to the original amount, paying different i)rices, ranging from $18 to $90 per acre, until now he is the owner of sixteen hundred acres of finely-improved land. He has embellished the place with a substantial set of farm buildings, including a commodious and comfortable residence, and a store building in which he keeps a stock of dry goods and groceries. In connection with farming, he carries on an extensive live-stock business, in which he has met with success.

A native of Maine, born in Gray, September 20, 1819, our subject traces his lineage to the Pilgrim Fathers. His paternal grandparents were Nathaniel and Mary (Jones) Ford, natives of Maine. His father, James Ford, was born August 19, 1796, and was reared to maturity in his native State, Maine, where he married Miss Lucy Latham. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Eliab L., of this sketch; James, Jr., born March 14, 1823, died September 3, 1860; Mary J., born July 24, 1824,

During the summer of 1850, James Ford removed from Maine to Warren County, Oliio, where he resided until his demise, April 1, 1865. His death was the result of an accident, he being thrown from a wagon and sustaining injuries which finally proved fatal. The mother of our subject was born December 18, 1798, in Gray, Me., and died December 25, 1891, at Maineville, Warren County, Ohio, having one week before her demise celebrated her ninety-fourth birthda3^

In the public schools and academies of his native State, our subject received a good education and employed the vacation seasons in aiding his father in the store. When twenty years of age, he started out for himself, coming to Montgomery, IIamiltf)n County, Ohio, where he taught school for a coui)le of years. He was there married, June 4, 1843, to Martha M. Snider, a daughter of (xcn. John and Hannah (Moore) Snider, the former a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and the latter of Newburgh, N. Y. John Snider was born August 31, 1798, and served in the Indian Wars, gaining the distinction of Brigadier-Creneral; he also recruited men for the Mexican War. He passed his entire life in his native county, where his death occurred May 24, 1857. His wife was born March 9, 1800, and died July 24, 1832. Two of their nine children are now living: Mary and Martha, The deceased are: Cindory, Rozeny, Ethelinda, Cornelius, John, Harvey and Sarah.

Mr, and Mrs, Ford are the i)arents of seven children, as follows: Sarah L., born June 10, 1844, married John L. Barnes; Lucy E., born June 13, 1847; Mary O,, June 24, 1851; Charles E., born January 23, 1854, is a farmer in Illinois; Frank, born July 22, 1856, is a lawyer in St. Paul, Minn.; James, born March 3, 1862, is engaged in the hardware business at Washington Court House; William S., born December 21, 1864, completes the family circle. Mr. Ford and ids estimable wife are members of the Universalist Church, and are prominent in the social circles of the community.

cupy public positions of trust. For a period of almost tliirty 3'ears he was Townshi}) Treasurer, and in 1872 was elected County Commissioner, serving one term. He was a Director in the Farmers' and Merchants' I>ank, at Washington Court House, for several years. During the late war, he contributed freely to the sn[)port of the Union, but being advanced in 3'ears, and with his family dependent upon him, he was unable to enlist for active service. In 1847, he became a member of Fayette Lodge No. 107, F. & A. M., and has taken the Chapter degrees at Wilmington, Commandery degrees at Chillicothe, and Scottish Rite, Thirtysecond degree.

NDREW JACKSON STROUP. The gentleman of whom we write is engagetl in farming and stock-raising on his fine arable farm, located one mile south of Mt. Sterling, Pleasant Township, Madison County. He was born in Highland Count}', this State, October 29, 1838, and is the son of Clayborn and Mary (Stroup) Stroup, also natives of Highland County. Grandfather Stroup came to Highland County from Pennsylvania, in 1801. His father was a native of Holland, and emigrated to America in 1770. The paternal grandfather, Michael Stroup, was the owner of over three thousand acres of land in Highland County, and was the father of a family of fourteen children. His wife bore the maiden name of P0II3' Walker, and is a native of Fleming County, Ky. The grandparents gave to each of their children one hundred acres of land, the father of our subject's portion being in the possession of his son, Franklin P. Stroup. The father accumulated considerable i)roperty, and at his decease left an- estate aggregating four hundred acres.

Of the ten children included in the i)arental family, seven grew to mature years, namelj-: Louisa, who married Arthur A. Puckett, resides in Kansas;

Armenus, a farmer in Highland County, this State; Margaret, who married George Ellis, died in Dodson Township, Highland County; our subject is next in order of birth; Mary Ann, who married Philip Creamer, keeps an hotel in Ilillsboro, this State; Joseph, who resides on a part of the home farm; and Frank P., who also lives on the home place. Eli died when twelve or fourteen j^ears old.

Andrew Stroup received a fair education in the common schools, and when old enough, aided his father in clearing the home farm. He began life for himself when eighteen years of age, at which time his father gave him a farm of fifty acres, which he placed under excellent cultivation, and which was located near L^-ncliburg. December 25, 1861, Mr. Strouj) was married to Miss Martha Puckett, who was born in Mt. Sterling, March 20, 1840. She is the daugliter of John and Catherine (Busick) Puckett, and removed with her parents to the farm which is the present home of our subject, when thirteen 3'ears of age. After his marriage, our subject located on his own propert}', where he made his home until 1865, then lived for one season with his father-in-law. He then purchased sixty-four acres in Darby Township, Pickawa}' County, which he still owns, and which they resided upon until 1890, when they removed to their present home, which was the inheritance of his wife. The estate includes one hundred and nine wellimproved acres, which our subject has cultivated in a most intelligent manner. IMrs. Stroup was the youngest in a family of four children, her brother and sisters being Arthur, Mav and Sarah.

To our subject and his wife have been born the following seven children: Joseph, who was born January 15, 1866, is married, and is engaged as an engineer on a passenger train on the Pan Handle Road; he has two children, and lives in Columbus, this State. Georgiana, who was born June 8, 1867, married William Simpkins, and resides at Conneaut; Seymour, who was born October 7, 1863, is married, and lives in Columbus; Minnie W., who was born August 26, 1871, is now at home; Alma, who was born March 3, 1874, died May 11, 1891; B3'ron, who was born February 9, 1876, is at home, and Charles Cleveland, who was born April 30, 1885, is the youngest of the family.

James Stroup, the maternal uncle of our subject, was the first male child born in Dodson Township, Iligliland County. He departed tliis life September 14, 1891, when eighty-three years of age. Another uncle, Joseph Stroup, removed to Huntington County, Ind., in 1840, where he became very wealthy, and died in May, 1891, in Warren, tliat State, when eighty years of age.

He of whom we write is a Democrat, in i)olitics, as was his father before him. His grandfathers on both sides of the house, Michael and Antony Stroup, fought in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson, and participated in the battle of New Orleans. Our subject, together with his wife and several of their children, are members of the Christian Church in Mt. Sterling. Mrs. Stroup 's father was the second settler in Mt. Sterling, where he owned a large tan 3'ard. He commenced life as an apprentice, and at his death was very wealthy, owning over six hundred acres of land. He died May 13, 1888, on the place where our subject lives at tlie age of eight^'-three years.

^^ I^ILLIAM R. DUVALL, editor and proprie- \/\j/l tor of tlie U n ion- Herald of Civcieville, was ^^ born in Shadeville, Franklin County, Oliio, on the 16th of July, 1859, and is a son of Thomas B. and Chloe (Chester) Duvall. His matrnal grandfather. Miles Chester, was a farmer and a prominent citizen of Franklin County. The family is of French descent. The paternal grandfather was born in Berks County, Pa., and when a young man emigrated to Ohio, in 1804, locating near South Bloomfield. He was a successful faimer and spent his last da3"s near Shadeville. Thomas Duvall was born in South Bloomfield, and in his early life drove cattle to market in Baltimoie and New York for same ten seasons. He even went to Illinois for parties, driving their cattle from IMonticello to the East. He afterwards turned his attention to general farming in Harrison Township, and bought land, which lie operated from 1859 until March, 1875, when he removed to a farm, which he purchased near Wapakoneta, Auglaize

County, Ohio. He there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death in 1885. His wife was a native of Licking County, Oliio, and prior to lier marriage engaged in school teaching. Slie yet survives lier husband and is living on the old home farm.

Our subject is the eldest of four children, three of whom are yet living. He spent his boyhood days in Harrison Tovvnship until fifteen years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Auglaize County. He attended the common schools until seventeen ^ears of age and then began teaching, whicii profession he followed for five years. During his vacations he attended college in Danville, Ind., and at the age of twentytwo became connected with journalistic work. He spent one year in the office of the Wai)akoneta Bee, and was then with the Auglaize County Democrat as its foreman, from May, 1883, until August, 1887, when he bought a one-third interest in the Auglaize liepublican. He afterwards ovvned a half interest in that ollice, with which he was connected until January 1, 1890, when he came to Circleville, and with Harry E. Lutz, Postmaster of Circleville, became proprietor of the Union-Herald. On the 1st of September following he bought out his i)artner and is now sole proprietor.

The Union-Herald was established in August, 1817, and is the oldest paper in the county. It was originally published under the name of the Olice Branch by James Foster. It is a weekly, sevencolumn quarto, a bright, newsy sheet, which supports the Republican party. With it is connected a good job office, which is run l)y steam power and does one-half of the job work of the county. Mr. Duvall is an easy and fluent writer, has won success in journalistic work and well deserves a liberal patronage.

On the 29th of April, 1890, in Wai)akoneta, Mr. Duvall married Miss Minnie Torrance, who was born amid the Adirondack Mountains in P^ssex County, N. Y., and was reared in Auglaize County, Ohio. Her father, Prof. William F. Torrance, was for a number of years Superintendent of Schools in that count}-, then held the office of County Auditor seven years, retiring in 1891. Mr. and

Mrs. Duvall have a little daughter, Marguerite. They are well known and prominent people of this coninnuiity who rank high in social circles. Mr. Duvall is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the INfethodist Church, and is Secretary of the County Republican Executive Committee. He is a pleasant, courteous gentleman and all who know him esteem him highly.

\fl OHN M. BRADLEY, who was born in one of the pioneer homes of Madison County, June 17, 1833, occupies an important position both in the industrial and public life of Monroe Townshii), where he makes his home on his farm, which is situated ten miles west and a little south of Plain City. He is a son of Alfred Bradley, who was born in Virginia, in 1804. He in turn was a son of Jonah and Susan (Powers) Bradle}^ who came to Ohio in 1805, and were among the first settlers of Monroe Township, where the father of our subject passed his bo}'- hood. After attaining manhood, he was married to Jemima Morrow, a native of New York, who had been brought to Ohio when she was a small child by her parents, who were pioneers of Madison County, where she was reared. After marriage, the Bradleys took up their home on a new farm, and the father worked industriously at its improvement until his untimely death by drowning, at the age of forty-five. The mother died in ]\Ionroe Township when her son of whom we write was ten years old. She had four children that grew to manhood and womanhood, of whom our subject and his sister Elizabeth are the only survivors.

Our subject was the second child Ijorn to his worthy parents, who early instilled into his mind the principles that have been his guide through life. He first attended school in a log house, that was a typical pioneer institution of learning, with rude home-made furniture, the seats being made of slabs, and the desks of the same material, placed against the wall for the convenience of the older pupils in writing. When but ten years old, the little lad was thrown mostly on his own resources and had to work out by the month for a living, so that his schooling thereafter was confined to the winter terms, when he worked for his board that he might have an opportunity to gain an education. He lived with his Grandmother Bradley a part of the time, and also with an uncle, earning his own living entirely after he was twelve 3'ears old. AVhen he was sixteen years old, he crossed the mountains with a drove of cattle, walking all the way to Pennsylvania and back. AYhile still a bo}^, he lived two years in Mercer County, this State, and passed a year in Logan County, 111., but with those exceptions he has always lived in Madison Count3'.

Mr. ]>radley located where he now resides at once after his marriage in the autumn of 1859. There were but few improvements on the place at that time, and he has made the farm what it is today by skillful and untiring labor, working systematically, carrying out every detail carefully and employing none but the best methods in cultivating the soil and in managing his affairs generally. He has one hundred and seventy acres in his homestead, beside eighty-seven acres elsewhere in the township. The buildings are substantial and well arranged, and everything about the place is indicative of the thrift, business energy and practical ability of the owner. He devotes it to general farming, and has it well stocked with fine horses, cattle and hogs.

Our subject was married to Miss Surrild, daughter of David and Sarah (Wever) Morris, in November, 1859. She, too, is a native of Monroe Township, born here June 24, 1839, and here she has passed her life thus far. Her marriage with our subject has brought them four sons and three daughters, of whom these four are living and complete their pleasant home circle: Lorenzo T., Stella M.,M. A'iola, and D. Cushman. Three of their children have passed to the life beyond: DeWitt C, who died at the age of twenty-five j^ears; Lydia, who was twenty years old at the time of her death, and Morris, who died in infancy.

Mr. Bradley is one of the leading public officials of the township, and has played a prominent part in the administration of local affairs, holding va- rious responsible positions, for which he is well fitted, as he has the interests of his township at heart, is possessed of good business habits, and exercises the same skill and careful supervision in civic matters that he does in looking after his own private concerns, and he has never been known to neglect a trust. He was Clerk of the township from 1858 to 1864, and he still holds the office of Trustee, to which he was first elected in 1867, and of which he has been an incumbent continuously since, with the exception of the year 1880. He has also been Supervisor of Roads. In politics, he is first, last and always a Republican. He helped organize tlie first Christian Church in the township, and is one of its most active working members. Socially, he is a Mason, and belongs to Lodge No. 311 at Plain City.

ARTI^ L. M( COY. The subject of this sketch makes his home in Union Township, Fayette County, and is the son of Abraham McCoy, of the same township, who was born near Washington C. II. about 1823. His father, James McCoy, came to Ohio from the Eastern part of the country. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Margaret Iloppes, and was the daughter of John Iloppes, of this county, a prominent farmer and a man of considerable wealth. Abraham and Margaret McCoy reared a family of ten children, and all of that large circle are still living. Elias, the eldest, lives at Washington C. H. and is a farmer; Sarah is the wife of Joseph Briggs and lives in Wayne Township, this county; John resides in Marion Township; James lives in Washington C. II. and is in the grocery business; Nannie is the wife of Al Melvin, a hardware merchant of Washington C. H.; our subject and a twin sister are next in order of age, the latter being Mary, the wife of W. J. Burnett, who is a farmer in North Dakota and President of the Farmers' Alliance there; F. M. McCoy lives in Wa^aie Township, where he carries on a farm; AUie James is in the poultry business in Muncie, Ind.,and Clara married William Cleveland, who lives in the same city, where he is carrying on a clothing business. Mrs. Abraham McCoy died on the 3d of May, 1885, and was followed to her grave at Washington C. H. by her bereaved husband and all her chiklren.

The subject of this sketch was born June 26, 1855, in Union Township, Fayette County, at the old homestead. His education was received in the district schools of his township, where he has always resided. On the 20tli of November, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Annie M., daughter of Elias and Sarah Parrett.

Mr. Parrett was born Februaiy 4, 1811, in Virginia, his native place being in Shenandoah County, six miles north of Woodstock, and his parents were John and Catherine Parrett, who came to Ohio in the fall of 1811, when their son Elias was above eight months old. Tlie}^ traveled by wagon and settled six miles nortli of the Court House in Paint Township, thus becoming one of the earliest pioneers of the county. During the War of 1812, John Parrett was called to serve his country and fought all through that period of conflict. Upon the land which he bought upon Paint Creek he lived from 1811 to 1859, during which year he died. Eight of his eleven children grew to man's and woman's estate, and four of them are still living. The mother of Mrs. McCoy was Sarah, daughter of James and Elsie Conner, and of her five children, all of whom are now living, Mrs. McCoy is the youngest.

Mr. McCoy has a family of two cliihlren, one son and one daughter: Walter E., who was born January 10, 1887, and Florence, May 7, 1891. The splendid tract of one hundred and ten and onehalf acres, which belongs to Mr. McCo}' and comprises his home farm, is in a fine state of cultivation, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising. He also operates a farm of three hundred and fift}' acres adjoining, and this j-ear (1892) he is harvesting one hundred and eighty acres of wheat, and makes a specialty of fine Brahma chickens and has some very fine specimens of this fowl.

Our subject is a member of Temple Lodge No. 227, 1. O. O. F., at Washington C. H. His political views bring him into sympathy with the Demo- cratie party, but he also belongs to the Farmers' Alliance. He ranks as one of the most enterprising young farmers of the count}' and is a most pleasant and agreeable gentleman to meet. His father-in-law, Elias Parrett, makes his home with iiis family and is now eight3'-one years of age.

l^EV. HENRY MITCHELL, B. A., Rector of l|^ St. Philip's Cliurch at Circleville, was born /4i 1 in Plymouth, Devonshire, England, February 4, 1H49. His father, James, is likewise a native of that place and is a stone-cutter by trade. Grandfather Mitchell was killed in a stone quarry in England, and during the cholera plague at Plymouth, in 1849, his wife was the first to fall a victim to that dread disease. In 1853, .Tames Mitchell emigrated from England to the United States, and during the following year his family joined him in Westchester Count}^, N.Y., where he worked at his trade.

In Ma}', 18(n, James Mitchell enlisted in the Seventy-ninth New Yoik Highlanders, and participated in the first and second battles of Bull Kun, A^icksburg, Knoxville, Cliancellorsville,and numerous engagements of less importance, although not less hazardous to life. In June, 1864, he was mustered out as Sergeant, and was offered a commission, but refused on account of his family. He was twice wounded at the first battle of Bull Run, but the injuries were not severe and he was never prevented from active duty on account of sickness. After the close of the war, he continued to work at his trade until old age compelled him to cease from active labors. He still resides in New York, at the age of seventy years (1892). He is universally esteemed, and in the community where he has so long resided is regarded as a man whose word is as good as his bond.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Erastus Stephen, served in the English navy and participated in the Crimean War. His death occurred in England when he was quite old. His daughter, Jane E., was l)orn in Plymouth, England, and now makes her home in New York. Her union with

James Mitchell brought them thirteen children, four of whom are living. The eldest son, William S., served in the Civil War, enlisting as a member of the Twelfth New York Infantry.

The fourth, in this family was Henry, who was a child of about five years when he accompanied his mother from Plymouth across the broad Atlantic in the sailing-vessel "Martha Ann," to New York, the V03'age being a stormy one and occupying eight weeks and four daj's. He received common-school advantages in New York until he was fourteen, when he became clerk in a store. ' In 1865, he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a printer and was emi)loyed in that way for more than seven 3'ears. Feeling the need of a broader and inore liberal education, he entered St. Stephen's College in .January, 1873, and five years later graduated witli the Degree of Bachelor of Arts.

Having resolved to become a minister of the Gospel, our subject entered the General Theological Seminary in New York and completed the course in 1881, after which he was ordained as a minister in St. John's Cathedral, at Denver, Colo., Bishop Spalding officiating. His first charge was as missionary at Pitkin, Colo., and after remaining in that connection one year, he returned East, and during the three following years was .assistant Pastor of the Trinity Church, at Pottsville, Pa. In 1884, while in that city, he was ordained to the priesthood bj' Bishop M. De Wolfe Howe, Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

After being Chaplain of St. Luke's Hospital in New York City one year, Missionary in Pennsylvania the same length of time, and Rector at Phillipsburgh, N. .T., two and one-half years, in April, 1890, Rev. ]\Ir. Mitchell came to Circleville and has since been Rector of St. Philip's Church. This church is one of the oldest in the State, having been organized in 1817, by Philander Chase, and the congregation now worships in a magnificent edifice, erected at a cost of $16,000. The work accomplished by Rev. Mr. Mitchell since he took charge of the church can hardl}' be over-estimated, and through his instrumentality the congregation has increased in numbers. He is a forcible and pleasing speaker, a genial companion and faithful pastor, and, as may well be imagined, occupies a high place in Ihe esteem of his parishioners. lie is prominent in the Diocese of Soutliern Ohio and well known thronyhout the coiinti'v. Ilis ministerial duties occup3' his attention to the almost entire exclusion of public affairs, but he believes it is a part of a man's religion to take an interest and keep well informed on political matters as well as all the great issues of the da^'; therefore he identified himself closely with the Republican party and never loses an opportunity to cast his ballot in its beiialf. Socially, he is a Royal Arch Mason and prominent in the order. He is a welcome guest in the social circles of the city, where his genial disposition and sparkling wit enhance the enjoyment of the occasion.

\i;JJ[| finest and most productive farms for which the famous Pickaway Plains are noted, is a native of this county, and a son of that excellent old pioneer, Jacob Ludwig, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Ludwig was born June 16, 1835, in the first brick house ever built in Pickawa}' County, on the old Ludwig homestead, that stood in the southeast corner of Circleville Township. He attended the district school, but, like man}- of the boys of his time, and even of the present day, was not fond of study and was not anxious to avail himself of the comparatively poor advantages afforded b_y the schools of that day. The one that he first attended was kept in the old-fashioned log house, furnished with slab seats, and a slab hewed with an adz and placed against the wall served as a writing desk for the scholars. The room was ding}' and poorl}' lighted, and evidently- offered poor attractions compared with the elegant modern structures which now dot this fine section of country, and it is little wonder that so many, like our subject, preferred to remain at home and assist in farm work, or spend the time in clearing.

and then, in 1860, he married the lady of his choice. Miss P^liza Jane Young, a daughter of James Young, and a native of this count}-. Her fatlier was also a native of this county, and a son of William Young, one of its early settlers, coming here from old Virginia in 1806. He was a descendant of one of the old families of that State. James Young was reared amid the primitive scenes of pioneer life in this count}', and became one of its prosperous farmers, owning and occupying a farm in Pickaway Township, upon which he died in 1873, at the age of fifty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig have two sons: Jacob L., who Is married and is a prosperous farmer in this township, and Charles E., who is at home with his parents, and has had charge of the farm since 1885. He is well educated, having attended the disti'ict school and the Commercial School at Columbus.

After his marriage, our subject turiied his attention to farming, devoting his whole time to it, and lived in various localities in this township until 1882, when he came into possession of his present fine farm on section 5. He has since added a commodious and well-built frame house, and various other substantial improvements. Tiie soil is a rich, sandy loam, easy of cultivation, and as productive as any in the Scioto Valley. In 1885, Mr. Ludwig turned over the management of his farm to his son Charles, as before mentioned, and has since lived in retirement.

Pickaway Township and County are noted for the numerous traces of the aboi'iginal settlers of the Northwest found within their borders. Several Indian mounds are found near our subject's farm, and he is quite familiar with their locality and distinguishing features. His farm is noted as the site of an old Indian bui-ying-ground, comprising about five acres on the west side of it, the spot being marked by four ancient oaks. Many Indian relics have been found on the farm, and there are parts of it that, if thoroughly explored, undoubtedly would reveal many curious and interesting facts concerning the vanished dwellers of this soil in past centuries.

Mr. Ludwig is prominent in local politics as a time-honored Democrat, who is well known in the councils of his party as delegate to county, dis- trict and State conventions, but he is not an aspirant for office. He is a zealous member of the United Brethren Church, being active in church matters, while his wife is a valued member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

(ACKSON BAKER, a capitalist and one of the wealthiest as well as most successful farmers of Monroe Township, is a native of Pickawa3' County, descended from its early pioneer stock, and is potent in advancing its interests. He was born February 21, 1830, into the pioneer home of Daniel and Mar}' (Davis) Baker, the former a native of Sussex County, Del., born in 1800, and the latter a native of Ross County, a daughter of one of its earliest settlers.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Pernal II. Baker, was a farmer and a miller by occupation, and a native of Sussex Count}^, Del. He came to this county in 1820, journeying across mountains and a wild country generally with a team. He settled in AVilliamsport, this county, and established himself as a miller, being the ^^ioneer of that industry in this part of the State. He built a gristmill on Deer Creek, the first one erected on the banks of that stream, and he oi)erated it some 3'ears. He then bought a quarter-section of land in Perry Township, and erected the first gristmill there on Deer Creek, which is now known as Crownover's Mill, and he had that under his management man}' years. He also partly developed his farm, and died in the comfortable home that he had built thereon at a good old age, leaving behind him a golden record as one of our most useful pioneers. He was a Whig in politics and in religion was of the Methodist faith, a church-member. He and his wife, Sarah Baker, reared three boys and three girls. The mother lived to be over a hundred and four yeais old, and was also a devoted Methodist. The father of our subject had not attained his majority when he accompanied the family to the new home in the wilderness of this count}'. He was married a few years later, and in the course of time became a prosperous farmer, working hard to reclaim his homestead of one hundred and eighty acres, and placing the most of it under cultivation. His farm was just over the line in Fayette County, and there he died at the age of fifty-two years, in the midst of a busy career. He was a worthy member of the Christian Church, interesting himself earnestly in its welfare, and his wife, who died at the age of fifty years, was likewise a member of that church, being quite strict in her religious views. He was a Democrat, sound and true, in politics. The following are the seven children reared by himself and his wife: Sarah, Mi'S. Cutright; P^lizabeth, Mrs. Nye; Mary, Mrs. Kemp; Jackson; Hester A., Mrs. ChalHn (deceased); Lucinda, Mrs. Chaffin; and J. Counts. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Jesse Davis, a native of Delaware. He was one of the early pioneers of Ross County, where he developed a farm of about fifty acres, and there died at the age of seventy-five years, having been the father of five children.

The subject of this biogra2)hical record passed his early life as most other farmers' boys, and was educated in the primitive log schoolhouse of pioneer days, which was heated by a rude fireplace j had a clapboard roof, held down by logs, and was furnished with slab benches, a board against the side of the room serving as a writing-desk for tlie scholars. He was young when his experience of farm work began, and at the age of twenty-one he commenced to work out at twenty-five cents a day. He subsequently obtained possession of a piece of land, comiirising sixty-five acres, lying partly in this county and partly in Fayette County, and after his marriage he took up his residence thereon. A few years later, he sold it, and after renting land for a year in Fayette County, bought his present farm in Monroe Township in 1856. This consists of four hundred and seventeen acres of fine farming land, nearly all under cultivation and in a high state of improvement. The buildings are of a good class, a large frame residence, built in 1878, and a barn, put up in 1868, adorning the place, beside other necessary outbuildings. Mr. Baker devotes his farm to mixed farming, raising grain and stock. He raises and fattens manv cattle each year, but he has made much of his money by raising hogs. He has nearly abandoned that of late years, however, on account of the cholera. He derives a part of his income from loaning mone}^ and is one of our most extensive capitalists. He rightly attributes his success to close attention to business and to judicious m.anagement of his affairs. He has been School Director, but he never aspires to ofHce, preferring the pleasures and comforts of his own cheerful fireside to the cares and vexations incidental to public life. He is a Democrat in his political views, and stands firmly b}' his party.

Mr. Baker was wedded in 1853 to Miss Elizabeth A. Fisher, who was born in Faj'ette County September 15, 1835. She is a woman of great worth, and for over twent3--five years she has been a conscientious and upright nieml)er of the Methodist Church. Her marriage with our subject has been a true union and has been fruitful ot eight children, of whom these five are living: Oren, Rosette A. (Mrs. McCafferty), John AV., Lawson S. and Edward. The names of those deceased ai-e Austin J., Charles U. and Alva.

ILLIAM M. HOTT. No theme is more agreeable to the biographer than that of pioneer times, and the life story of one who passed through that trying period and made his way to comfort and prosperit}- through hardships and privations is of great interest to every reader. Of especial interest, therefore, to the intelligent reader, is this sketch of Mr. Hott, whose portrait ai)pears on the opposite page.

A pioneer of Harrison Township, Pickawa}^ County, Mr. Hott was also one of its most esteemed and respected citizens. He was born in this township, and in such men we find true loyalt}' to the interests of their part of the State. They understand, as it were by instinct, the needs, social and industrial, of their vicinity, and have a thorough knowledge of its resources. They are therefore better adapted to succeed here than a stranger could be and are probably without exception warmly devoted to the prosperity of their native place, at least such was the case of the- subject of this sketch. His birth occurred on the 3d of August, 1829, and he was a son of Jacob and Catherine (Coon) Hott, natives of Virginia and early pioneers of Harrison Township, Pickaway Count}-, Ohio.

The subject of this sketch was early inured to the hardships of pioneer life and was educated in the primitive log schoolhouse of those early days. Although his advantages for receiving an education were limited, he was a great reader, and by his own observations became well posted and un usual 1}' intelligent. AVhen twenty years of age, he started out to fight life's battles for himself, and when his father moved to Circleville, Ohio, and there died, our subject began working as a farm hand. This he continued during the summer months for several years, receiving as compensation $12 per month witii board. During the winter season he received fifty cents per day for chopping, ma'dng rails, and clearing. He was hardworking and a man of indomital)le will, the same being evinced in his youth by his determination to succeed at whatever he undertook.

On the 25tli of February, 1851, INIr. Hott was married to Miss Sarah E. Ward, a native of Walnut Township, Pickaway County, lK)rn January 3, 1834, And the daughter of Richard C. and Matilda AVard. Mrs. Hott is a sister of Sidney J. Ward, of Pickaway County, in whose sketch further mention is made of the Ward family. After marriage, Mr. Hott and wife located on the farm now owned by A. C. Nothstine, in Walnut Township, this county, and seven years afterward they removed thence to Circleville, Ohio. Less than three years later, they came to Harrison Township, Pickaway County, and here Mr. Hott died on the 21st of September, 1890.

In every private relation Mi\ Hott was known as a true friend and affectionate father and husband; he generously responded to every enterprise worthy of note, and has left behind as a heritage a spotless name and fame for those who came after him. In religious work he was active and especially interested in the Sunday-school. He had frequently been solicited to fill local offices in his township, but refused all, preferring to attend to his farming in- terests. He was a self-made man in eveiy sense of that term, for he started with nothing, and what he accumulated was the result of tliriftand energy on the part of liimself and wife. In those early days they had nothing to rely upon except their own willing hands and sturdy independence. In politics, he was a Republican. During the late war, he enlisted for one liundi-ed days as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry. Mrs. Hott was a true helpei-, not only to her husband, but to all who come witliin her influence, and is a faithful member of the United Brethren Church. She is a lady of refinement and excellent business capacity, and superintends her farm of ninety acres so as to secure the best possible results. The confidence in which Mr. Hott was held is proved by the fact that he was administrator for various estates and also acted as guardian frequently. The confidence thus reposed in him was never abused, for he was ever considerate and tlioughtful in his relations with others.

r^ MANUEL AVESTENHAVER is a represental^ tive of tlie old pioneer stock of Pickaway JL^^ County, and for many years he has held an important position among its farmers as the proprietor of one of the large and well-ordered farms of Walnut Township, located on section 12. Our subject was born in Circleville, in one of its early pioneer homes, September 16, 1824. His parents were Jacob and Rebecca (Miller) Westenhaver, wlio were natives of Virginia and both of German extraction. In the early years of the settlement of Pickaway Count}', they came hither, at the same time that the Hedges family came, and located at Circleville, which was tlicn in its infancy and had but few inhabitants, and there Mr. Westenhaver engaged at his trade as a cabinet-maker. Ilis w^ife's father had settled in the woods in the northern portion of Walnut Township, and here came Mr. Westenhaver with his family in 1832, and also took up his abode in the forests, where he died in the year 1846, a most worthy man and an honored pioneer. His wife died in Fairfield County at a ripe age. They were the parents of eight children, of whom our subject and his sister Frances, wife of Absalom Ashbrook, of Kansas, are the sole survivors. The names of the deceased are Nancy, Peter, Elizabeth, Susan, Joseph and Sophronia, respectively.

The subject of this life record was a boy of eight years when his parents came to Walnut Township to live. He grew up to a vigorous manhood, experiencing all the vicissitudes, trials and privations of pioneer life, as well as its compensations, and he early became inured to the hard labor necessitated by their environments. When a boy, lie attended school in a log cabin that was rudel}' furnished with slab seats, and the onl}' desks were boards resting on pegs driven into the walls. He has alwa^ys followed agricultural pursuits and has a farm of four hundred acres that compares favorably with the best in Walnut Township in regard to tillage, drainage and substantial improvements. He is an example of our self-made men, persistent industry, forethought and sensible methods of carr3ing on his work contributing to his prosperity and giving him high financial standing in the community where he has dwelt as bo}' and man for sixty years, and he is known by all the people, who hold him in the utmost respect. In his social relations, lie is a member of the Masonic order.

Mr. Westenhaver has been twice married. His first marriage, which took place in 1845, was with Miss Caroline Doan, who bore him a number of children, of whom three survive: Frances,wife of Simon ]\Iiller; Lorette, wife of John Clements, and Addie, wife of Josephus Oman. Our subject's second marriage with ]\Iiss Sarah Courtright has brought him two children, Jesse and Annie. His pi'esent wife is a sister of John and Judge Samuel Courtright, of whom biographies appear in this volume.

^^, EORGE S. REICHELDEKFER. The village [/[ ,_ - I of Tarlton contains a large number of at- ^^^ tractive residences, and among them there is, perhaps, none more elegant or perfect in every detail than the home of Mr. Reichelderfer, which is a frame building, modern in its st^yle of architecture and neat m its interior furnishings. Besides tliis residence, he owns two hundred and thirty acres of well-improved land in Salt Creek Township, and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of Pickaway County.

The father of our subject, Venus Reichelderfer, was born in Berks County, Pa., in 1823, and accompanied his parents, Jacob and Rebecca Reichelderfer, to Ohio when he was quite small, settling with them in Salt Creek Township, the grandfather residing here until his death, June 25, 1875, at the age of eightj'-two years. Venus R. here grew up, and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until his decease, September 19, 1856. He was the father of two children, our subject and Sarah Jane, who married Stephen D. Crites, and died July 19, 1873.

The maternal grandfather of our Subject, John Mowry, emigrated from Berks Count}', Pa., where he was born August 1, 1805, to Ohio, when he was a lad of five years, and made his home in Pickaway County until his death. His daughter, Leannah, first became the wife of Venus Reichelderfer, and after his decease was united to Elias Crites, her home being at present in the Buckeye State. The birthplace of our sul>ject was in Salt Creek Township, and the date thereof April 18, 1850. He was the recipient of splendid educational advantages, of which he availed himself to the utmost, and, after completing his commonschool studies, entered Ohio Wesleyan l^niversity. at Delaware, in 1868, remaining there for two years, diligenth' engaged in the acquirement of knowledge. He completed his commercial course in Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., after which he embarked in business.

The first occupation of Mr. Reichelderfer was as an employe in a railroad office at Stoutsville for a short time, and afterwards he was with the P^ureka Planing Mill Compan}', at Laurelville, in the capacity of book-keeper for a while. Subsequently, he located at Tai'lton, and has since followed the profession of a teacher, having taught fifteen terms of school during the winter seasons, and in the summer engaging in various occupations. He has an enviable reputation as a thorough instructor and efficient disciplinarian, who gains the affection and confidence of his pupils to an unusual extent, and secures their advancement in tlieir studies through creating a love for knowledge and an enjoyment of mental research.

In 1873, the marriage of Mr. Reichelderfer to Miss Lucy A. Ilousel, of Pickaway County, took place at the residence of the bride's parents, John A. and Catherine (Alexander) Housel. The parents of Mrs. Reichelderfer were born in Northumberland and Columbia Counties, Pa., respectivelj', whence they moved to Oiiio at an earl}' day and were married in Pickawa}' County. During tl;e past forty years he has been engaged in the grocery business, and is a reliable dealer, an enterprising citizen, and an upright man. His wife belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he aids with liberal contributions the various benevolent and religious enterprises, in which he is greatly interested.

In her childhood, Mrs. Reichelderfer received a thorough education in the schools at Tarlton and the Normal at Lancnster, and was a teacher in Fairfield County for nine years. She is the mother of one child, John rfacob, born January 24, 1874, and an intelligent young man, to whose education his parents have devoted constant attention. IMrs. Reichelderfer clings to the faith of her parents, and is a devoted member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, while the belief of Mr. Heiclielderfer is that of the Lutheran Churcli, with wliich he is identified. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and is well informed on all the prominent issues of the day which engage the attention of thouofhtful men.

r^ON. MILLS GARDNER. The official work of this gentlem.an has extended over many years and has brought him prominently before the gaze of the public, and in him his constituents have found a man of ability and integrity and one whose activities have ever been employed for the good of the community. He now makes his home in Washington C. H., with whose interests he has been connected since 1854.

The original of this sketch was born in Russellville, ]irown County, Ohio, January 30, 1830, thus being one day older tlian James G. Blaine. His parents, Setli and Elina 8. (Barreie) Gardner, were natives respectively of New York and Ohio. The father followed the combined occupations of merchant, hotel-keeper and farmer, and, emigrating to Brown County in an early day, departed this life in 1871, aged eighty-one years.

Mills Gardner received a good practical education in the common schools of Highland County, after which he engaged as clerk for an uncle for nine years at New INIarket. During that time, he read law with his uncle. Nelson Barrere, of Hillsboro, and in 1855 was admitted to the Bar. Our subject has built up a \ery flattering reputation, and from 1856 to 1860 was Prosecuting Attorney. In 1861, he was elected State Senator, during wliicli time he served on many important committees in the Senate. He was later a member of the House of Representatives of the Ohio Legislature, during the 3'ears 1866 and 1867, and served as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1872 and 1873. He was also a member of the Fortyfifth Congress, his term beginning on the 4tli of March, 1877, the day on which President IIa3'es was inaugurated. Previous to the formation of the Republican part}', the Hon. Mr. Gardner voted the Whig ticket. In connection with his duties as a lawyer, our subject is a member of the Ludlow Soap Comi)any and the Washington Stamping Company.

October 9, 1851, Miss Margaret A., daughter of John Morrow, was united in marriage with our subject. They have become the parents of two daughters, Gertrude and Edith, both of whom are at home. Mr. Gardner, with his family, is an influential member of the Methodist Episcopal Chvirch, with which denomination he has been connected for over forty years, during that time serving as Superintendent of the Sunda^'-school and as a member of the Board of Trustees. In social matters, he is connected with Fayette Lodge, Fayette Chapter, Fayette Council and Garfield Commandery of the Free and Accepted Masons.

maidenhood as Miss Elma Sands Barrere. She was the daughter of George W. and Abbie (Mills) Barrere and was born in New Market, Highland County, Ohio, July 4, 1806. She was married to Seth Gardner in 1827 and became the mother of three sons, viz.: George B., our subject and Thomas F.

Grandfather George W. Barrere was born at Wheeling, W. Ya., March 17, 1770, and on emigrating to Kentucky was there married. In 1803, he removed to Highland County, this State, and reared a large family of five sons and three daughters, whose average life was seventy-eight I and one-half years. The mother of our subject departed this life July 13, 1891, in this city, and was the last of this remarkably long-lived family to pass to the land beyond. She was a very strong-minded woman, having not only convictions as to right and wrong, good and et^il, the true and the false, but had also the courage of her convictions. She kept herself well informed upon subjects of general interest and always manifested a lively and loving interest in the welfare of young people, who in turn loved, confided in and were devoted to her, finding in her society' a delight and joy that grew as their knowledge of her character increased.

OIIN SOLLARS. This venerable and honored gentleman is one of the oldest citizens living within the borders of Fayette Coun- 15^^ ty, the most of whose growth he has witnessed, as he is a son of one of its early pioneer families, and for sixty years he has been a landholder here, owning and occupjing a farm of one hundred acres in Wayne Township, that he reclaimed from the forest wilds.

Our subject was born in St. Clair, Allegheny County, Pa., in 1806. His parents were Samuel and Elizabeth Sollai's. Samuel Sollars was born in the same place as his son, January 12, 1784, in the home of Isaac and Elizabeth (Blackinore) Sollars, who were natives respectively of England and

INLiryland. The latter was a daughter of vSamuel IMackrnore, who was of Englisli liirtli. Isaac SoUars was of Kevolutionary fame, and was located at Ft. Mcintosh during the struggle of the Americans for freedom from the mother country'. Some time after marriage, be removed to Kentucky, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and settled in the forests of that State, and he was there killed by the Indians in 1792.

Samuel Sollars was very young when the family went to Kentucky, and was but eight years of age when his father was killed. lie continued to live with his mother and relatives in the Kentucky home nntil he grew to manhood. Ills education was quite limited, owing to the absence of schools in that part of the countr}'. He was married to Elizabeth Train, September 20, 1803, in Pennsylvania, Avhither he had returned. She was a daughter of John and Joan (Weiley) Train, who were natives respectively of Scotland and Pennsylvania. John Train came to America after he had attained manhood, and married in Pennsylvania. In 1808, Samuel Sollars brought his family to this part of Ohio, which has since become known as Fayette County, and established a home in the woods within two miles of where his son, of whom we write, now lives. He purchased two hundred acres of land, to which he afterwards added two hundred and fifty acres, and in due time had hewed out a goodly farm. His first house was like all early dwellings of that day, constructed of logs, but was warm and comfortable. He was one of the first to settle in this region, and had no neighbors except the Indians, who were numerous. Wild game was plentiful in the forests, and as he was a good marksman, he had no ditticulty in providing plenty of venison and turkey for the talile. He and his wife reared eight children, named as follows: John, Isaac (deceased), Hiram (deceased), Allen (deceased), Samuel, Jacob (deceased), Matilda, widow of Hamilton Rogers, and Mary (deceased). The father served in the War of 1812 two months. He was a Democrat in earl 3' life, but later joined the Whigs, and was a conspicuous figure in pnblic life, having been Commissioner of Fayette County nine years, and at different times held most of the township offices.

Our subject labored hard to acquire an education, spending his school days in the old log schoolhouse of i)ioneer times, that was furnished with S[)lit log scats, and lighted by greased paper instead of glass. He has always been fond of books, and has supjilemented his early education by a wide range of reading, including much that bears on the topics of the day, and he is especially fond of history, in which he is well posted. He remained v/ith his parents until he was twentythree years of age, and then went into the timber to cut cord-wood. At the age of twenty-six, he took unto himself a wife in the person of Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy (McCulloch) Me Williams, who were natives respective!}^ of Scotland and Pennsylvania, and early pioneers of Belmont County when Ohio was a Territory. John McWilliams was a man of solid attainments, and a school teacher by profession. He arose to l)rominence in his county, which he represented in the Territorial Legislature of Ohio. He served his count}' as Auditor a number of years and in 1796 was engaged by the Government as a civil engineer to survey land near Cincinnati.

Our subject bought one hundred acres of iiis present farm in Wayne Township in 1832, and has since made it his home. He now owns nine hundred and fifty acres of land in this county and in Illinois, and his means are ample to enable him and his wife to enjoy a serene old age in quietness and comfort. He was formerly active in local public life, and has held most of the township otiices, in which he used his influence to forward every useful measure planned for the benefit of the community. Politically, he is a Republican of long standing.

jNIr. and Mrs. Sollars have had eight children: John, Jr.; Samuel and Franklin, deceased, the latter having been a member of Compan}' E, One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Infantiy; William, who married for his first wife Anna Crosby, and for his second Neonla Culy; Lucy and Anna, deceased; Nancy, wife of Samuel Hoppes; and Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of George Blackman. Samuel Sollars gave up his life for his country during the late war. He first enlisted in Company E, Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantiy, and subsequently re-enlisted in the one hundred days' service, was wounded in Kentuck}^ by Morgan's men, and died in the hospital at Covington, tliat State. Our subject and his wife have sixteen grandchildren to gladden their hearts.

HOINIAS KALES has been a resident of Madison County for over half a centur}' and was formerly one of its most extensive farmers and stockmen, owning a large landed estate. lie ac- (luired a fortune by his ably conducted operations, and is now living in pleasant retirement in the attractive village of London. He is a native of the old Commonwealth of A'irginia, born in Frederick County, August 9, 1817.