Pickaway Township (part 29 of 49)

The parents of our subject came to tliis State in 1807, and located on Wabash Creek, near Bowenville, where the^^ made their home for two years. Then they came to Fayette County, where they were among the earliest pioneers. The father entered a farm in the wilderness and set himself industriously about its improvement. Wild animals were plentiful in that earAy day, and thus the famil}' were always supplied with choice meats, although tliev were denied many of the necessities in other directions. The elder Mr. Rowe died in 1865, in his eighty-third year, having ])een preceded to the better land by his wife, who passed away in 1828. He was twice married, having by the first union four sons and one daughter, onlv two of whom are living, and by the second, four sons and two daughters. He was prominent in township affairs and voted the Democratic ticket,

Martin Roe was reared on the old home farm, and remained at home aiding his father in its cultivation until reaching his twenty-fifth year. In the fall of 1838, he was married to Sophia M., daughter of AVilliam and Jane B. (Dowden) Johnson, the father born in Maryland in 1781, and the mother, who was a native of Virginia, was born in 1789. The}' were the parents of thirteen children, six of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson came to Fayette County in 1816, and located in Greene Township, on a wild farm. The father was, in early life, a Whig, and fought in the War of 1812. He was progressive and wide-awake where his township:) was concerned, and served in the capacity of Supervisor and Trustee. He passed from this life in 1833, and his good wife in 1880.

Mrs, Rowe was born in Greene Townshii), this county, March 16, 1819, After her marriage with our sul)ject, the young couple came to Concord Township and located on a wild tract of land comprising one hundred acres. Like many of the pioneers, tliey began subduing natui-e, erecting cabins, clearing the land, etc., but witli all that, were social and happy, and had a care for the education and morals of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are among the few who are left to tell the experiences and hardships of that earl}' time.

Our subject has added to his landed estate from time to time, until lie is now the possessor of two hundred and sixtj-four acres of valuable land, all of which, with the exception of eight acres, is under the i)low. He erected his present substantial residence in 1848, which was at that time theonl}^ brick structure in the township. He has placed good buildings on his estate, and is living in the quiet enjoA'ment of the fruits of his early toil, surrounded by a host of warm friends and acquaintances. His home is located in what is now known as flankins' Run, which was named by his father m an early date. They have been residents of this section for fifty-four years, and celebrated their golden wedding August 14, 1888, on which occasion two liundred guests were present.

Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, namel_y : Melinda J. Van Pelt, Amanda A. Mark, Isaac N. Newton, Mary F. Mark, Eliza E. Stuck}-, John William, Virgil Clark and Martin Elmer. During the late war, Isaac was a soldier in the Fifty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and, being captured at Atlanta, was imprisoned at Andersonville for seven months and twelve days, during wliich time he was cruelly- treated.

Our subject and his estimable wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of fifty years, in which denomination Mr. Rowe has served as Class-leader nearly all of that time. He has also been Trustee of the parsonage and church, and for many years was Superintendent of the Sundaj'-school. In politics, he was in early life a Democrat, but now votes the Republican ticket. He has been greatly interested in township affairs, and has served his fellow-townsmen as Trustee and Supervisor, giving entire satisfaction. He has been Director and Superintendent of Schools, and has done effective work for his district. The 3'oungest son of Mr. Rowe is Township Treasurer.

Before his m.arriage, he of whom we write had earned -tlOO in the employ of his grandfather, with whicii he took an extended trip of six months, and, coming home " broke, " was then married. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are widely and favorably known in this count}', where they have lived lives of usefulness and uprightness.

ARCUS L. YATES, who devotes his entire time and attention to cultivating the soil in Range Township, Madison County, was born August 25, 1832, in Deer Creek Township, Pickaway County. His birth occurred in what is now Gill's Mill, which building was erected by his grandfatlier, David Yates, who came from Shenandoah, Ya., in an early da}'. The latter-named gentleman was a son of Robert Yates, also a native of the Old Dominion and came to Ohio when a voung man, where he was married.

John Yates, the father of our subject, was born December 26, 1805, in Ross County, this State, where his father was married to Miss Christina Edmonson and resided until removing to Pickaway County. He inherited twenty acres of land from his father's estate and was so successful as a farmer that he was enabled to give each of his eleven children one hundred acres of land. Politically, he was a Democrat and served as Justice of the Peace for many years. His marriage with Miss Elizalieth Blue occurred September 4, 1828; she was born May 1, 1808, and departed this life November 5, 1885. Her husband preceded her to the better land, having died in Pickaway County, July 16, 1878.

Our subject was the third in order of birtli of the parental family of eleven children, his brothers and sisters being David R., Emily, DeWitt Clinton, William, John N.,Francis Marion, Socrates, Marinda, Roland B. and Townsend. He of whom we write grew to manhood in Pickaway County, where he attended the first school lield in the Everett building in Circleville. When twenty -two years of age, he went to Paint Township, Fayette County, and took charge of a farm of four hundred and sixtyfive acres, which belonged to his father. He was thus engaged for a number of years, and in tlie meantime was married to Miss Angeline C, daughter of Benjamin and IMartlia (Reeves) Harrison, whose sketch will l)e found on another page of tliis volume.

Mrs. Yates was born October 14, 1841, in Fa}- ette County, and until 1874 resided with her husband upon one hundred acres of land which liad been given him by his father. His estate now comprises two hundred acres which his industry lias placed under an excellent cultivation. In 1882, his tool shed was struck by lightning, thus destroying $1,800 worth of machinery, and in 1891 he suffered the loss of his residence by Are.

To Mr. and Mrs. Yates have been born nine children, viz: Batteal H., who married Miss Susan S. Wissler; Seymour, who married P^mma Ogden; Anna D., Mrs. James T. Timmons; Myrtle W., the wife of Herman McClimans; Pearl M., Mrs. Cassius B. Porter; Charles M.. Alpha A., Martha E., who died in infancy, and Lyle B. at home.

Democr.it and has served as Trustee of his township for tlie past ten years and has also done efficient work as a member of the School P)Oard. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, liaving taken tiie Tliirtj^-second Degree.

R. O. A. ALLEN. Success is the true test of merit, and without in any way rcHecting upon the other talented members of the medical profession who are residents of Washington C. II., we feel sure that our readers who are acquainted with Dr. Allen will bear witness to his being an honorable, conscientious physician, who has, by hard study and indomitable energy, become thoroughly conversant with the details of his profession.

Dr. Allen is one of the oldest phj'sicians of Washington C. II., having come hither in 1850, and, in addition to his large practice, he also for a number of years conducted a drug business. He came to Ohio from New Jersey, where he was born July 1, 1825, the son of John P. and Jane (Adams) Allen. He was only four years old when he accompanied his parents to Mansfield, Richland County, where nine years later lie was orphaned by the death of his mother. Afterward he attended the Granville (Licking County) Academy for two years, and later was a student in the college at the same place for five years.

At the age of twenty, our subject ceased his literary studies and commenced to read medicine in Wilmington, Ohio, with Dr. Davis as his preceptor. In 1850, he came to Washington C. II., where, on March 18 of the following year, he was married to Miss .Tane, daughter of Isaac Jenkins. He attended medical lectures at Cleveland in the fall of 1852, graduating during the following year, and at once opened an oJlice in Washington C. II., where he practiced for ten years uninterruptedly. Then buj'ing out a drug business, he Avas engaged in that line for twenty years, first alone, but much of the time in partnership with Dr. II. C. Coffman. About 1880, lie sold the drug store and has since given his attention wholly to his professional labors. He retains much of the activity of his youth, although he no longer does night work if he can avoid it.

Washington C. H. contains a number of elegant and tastefully furnished residences, and among them the stranger is sure to notice particularly the home on the corner of Washington Avenue and McLean Street, Tiie grounds are five acres in extent, and are beautifully laid out in lawns, gardens, etc. The Doctor erected the residence and has made it his home for twenty-two 3'ears. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Lucy, wife of Capt. E. A. Ramsay, and the mother of two children: Ellis W. and Richard A.; William J. is an undertaker at Washington C. H. The Doctor is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Baptist Church, while his wife holds membership in the Presbyterian Church.

AVID S. LUDWIG. Biographies of successful men are most useful as guides and incentives to others, and hence a volume of this character, containing the life records of the most i)rominent and representative citizens of Pickaway County, serves to stimulate the young and invite their emulation. Mr. Ludwig is well known throughout the county as an inrtuential farmer and business man of Circleville Township. His fine farm, located on section 32, forms a most beautiful picture in the surrounding landscape. His handsome residence, which was erected in 1891 at a cost of $7,000, is equipped throughout with all the conveniences and improvements known to modern arcliitecture. It is heated with hot water and bears all tlie furnishings which indicate its inmates to be people of means and refinement. The estate of Mr. Ludwig is located in the southeastern corner of Circleville Township, on the famous "Pickaway Plains."

given a common-school education and passed liis boyhood da^s on the old farm on which he still resides. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, December 2G, 1H72, at which time Miss Rosa L. Driesbach became his wife. Mrs. Ludwig was born in Pickaway Township September 3, 1851, and was the daughter of Isaac K. and L. C. (Hittel) Driesbach, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in an early day. Mrs. Ludwig acquired a good education in tiie schools of the district, later attending one term at the Northwestern College at Naperville, III.

The six children born to our subject and his estimable wife bear the respective names of Eva D., Fannie D., Edgar J., Lydia I., Mary and Mabel Ct. In political matters, Mr. Ludwig casts his vote and influence in favor of Democratic priucii)les and candidates. For tw^o 3'ears, he served acceptably in the position of Trustee of Pickawa}^ Township.^Mrs. Ludwig is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and takes an active interest in all good works.

The old Ludwig homestead comprised one hundred and sixty acres, which is the property of our subject. In addition to that, he is the possessor of an estate of two hundred acres, just across the road, in Pickaway Townshiji; one hundred and tift}' acres in another portion of that township and fort}' acres in Washington Township, lie is one of the largest landholders in this county, and justly occupies a high place in the agiicultural community. He devotes a great deal of time and attention to the raising of cattle, his favorite being the Polled- Angus. The estate of our subject is splendidl}' developed, Mr. Ludwig believing that the latest improvements and best methods in agriculture always bring in the largest returns.

He of whom we write responded to the call for volunteers during the Morgan raid, being commissioned Captain of Company P^, First Regiment, Ohio Militia, in July, 1864, receiving his honorable discharge in August of that year. On erecting his present handsome residence, Mr. Ludwig tore down the famous old brick house, which was built by his grandfather in 1809, and at that time was the first brick dwelling in Pickaway County. Among the personal characteristics of our subject are those of justice and [)rogress and that cordial, kindly spirit which makes warm friends and stanch adherents. We are pleased to be able to place in the hands of our readers a sketch of so prominent and influential a citizen of Pickaway County as is Mr. Ludwi".

HOMAS F. PARRETT. Fayette County's '^^/^' native-born sons, who are represented in various walks in life, are many of them among the principal promoters of the i)ros|)erity that she enjoys, and of this number is Thomas F. Parrett, a farmer of high reputation, standing among the first of his calling in Wayne Township, and one of our best civic officials. Jefferson ToAvnship is his birthi)lace, and he was born into the home of George and Anna Parrett of that place in 1840.

George Parrett was also a native of this count}', born in 1813, a son of John and Catherine Parrett, who were early settlers in this part of Ohio. They were Virginians by birth, and after marriage came to this State in 1810, and first located in Ross County, whence they came to this county a year or two later and were among its most useful pioneers, buying and improving a large tract of land, Ijing along Paint Creek. He served a short time in the War of 1812. He was a syn of Frederick Parrett, who was a native of Virginia, but was of Swiss descent. The father of our subject grew to manhood on a farm in Jefferson Township. His early education was conducted in the rude log schoolhouse of pioneer times, where he spent many a wear}' hour on a split log seat without any back to it. He remained with his parents until his marriage at the age of twenty-four or twentj'-five, to Miss Anna Fletcher. Her father had died when she was quite young, and she wa^ reared by her mother, with whom she came to Ohio. Mr. Parrett began life by operating the farm that his father had left him. He was very industrious, made every stroke of work count, and was also keen in money matters, so that he liecame well-to-do. He added to the original area of his farm until he had three hundred and fifty acres of excellent farming land, the most of which he cleared himself. He lived to a ripe age, dying in 1872, and thus closing a life that had been well spent, rolitically, he was of the old Whig stock in early life, but the Republican party found in him a strong supporter after its organization. Both he and his wife were people of strict religious views, and the Methodist Protestant Church had in them good and faithful members. INIrs. Parrett, wdio was born in Pennsylvania in 1811, died in this county in 1886. She was the mother of seven children: Elmira, wife of H. Kirk: Thomas F.; Mary C, wife of T. F. lioyd; Caroline E., wife of J. P. Popejoy; Belinda A., widow of J. W. Morris; Susan, wiio died young, and Lucy O., wife of Dr. S. Marshall.

At the age of twenty-one, our subject started out in the world on his own responsibility, beginning life as a farmer. At the age of twenty-four, he married Mary Greenlee, daughter of Samuel and Ann Greenlee. Their union was blessed with three children: Frank L., who married Stella Briggs; Fantie B., and Carey. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Parrett was married to Miss Mary B. Coffman, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Coffman, who were natives respectively of Fayette and Greene Counties. They were the parents of eight children, as follows: William E., deceased; Lewis C; Charlotte J., wife of J. D. Pridy; John M., deceased; Benjamin F., Mary B., Esther A., who married F. P. Willard, and is now dead, and vSarali J., her twin sister, who is the wife of R. W. Merchant. Our subject and his wife have three sons: Ilarrj', Thomas F., Jr., and Louis C.

Mr. Parrett remained m Jefferson Township thirteen years after his first marriage, and then came to Wayne Township, and to his present farm in 1880. He owns three hundred and seventeen acres of well-improved land, and he may well take pride in the fact that its fine condition is the result of his i)ersistent and well-directed labors, the building, fencing, ditching and tiling all of his planning, and much of the work done by his hand.

Our subject has a noble war record, which reflects credit on the soldier of his native State He first entered the service in Company' H. Sixtieth

Ohio Infantry, which formed a part of the Army of the Potomac, and while he was fighting at Harper's Ferry he was captured by the enemy. He had the good fortune to be paroled at Annapolis, Md., and subsequently started for Minnesota to fight the Indians, but on arriving at Chicago he found that peace had been declared with the savages. He remained in Camp Douglas two months, and his term of enlistment then expiring, he was mustered out of the service. His patriotism had not been dampened by the many trials and hardships that he has undergone in defending the Stars and Stripes, and he afterward enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Sixtj'-eighth Ohio Infantry, of which he was made Captain for his meritorious services and for the good soldiership that lie displayed, whether on the march, in camp or in the heat of battle. It was his misfortune to be again captured while engaged with the enemy in Kentucky, by John Morgan, the celebrated rebel raider, and his captivity terminated his usefulness in the field. Politically, our subject is a Republican, and has ever stood firmly by his party in defeat as well as in victory. His fellow-citizens hold him in honor, and have entrusted to him many of the most responsible local olfices, such as that of Trustee, etc. In 1887, he was first chosen as one of the County Commissioners, and he still holds that important oflflce.

EORGE Z WICKER, a retired farmer, is one of the prominent and most esteemed old ^^=i^l settlers of Circleville, having been a resident of this city since 1845. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 15th of February, 1821, and his father, George H. Zwicker, was also a native of that country. The latter followed agricultural pursuits there until his death, in 1824. He married Miss Margaret Forist, also a native of German}^ and the daughter of George H. Forist, who was born in the Fatherland, and who carried on agricultural pursuits there. The mother of Mrs. Zwicker was brought to this country by our

Our subject was second in order of l)irtli of four children, three of whom grew to mature years. The youngest brother, Deibold, died in Germany, and a sister, Margaret, died in Pike County, Ohio. George Zwicker received good advantages in the educational line from the age of six to fourteen, and remained under the parental roof until he came to America. He desired to live in a free and independent country, and in the spring of 1838 he took passage for the United States. He remained in New York City over a month, and then came on to Pike County, settling in Waverly. He was out of money, could not speak English, and was among strangers. However, he did not inherit the til rift, energy and perseverance of his German ancestors for nothing, and he immediatel}^ set to work to find emploj'ment. He worked on a farm during the summer, and then on the State boat until 1844. His mother had secured his release from military service, and after the death of his brother our subject returned to his native country to get the remainder of the family. This was in the fall of 1844, and he took passage at New York on the sailing-vessel " Louis Phillipe," and after a twenty days' ocean voyage, reached Hanover. In the spring of the following year, he returned with the family to the United States, remaining at Waverly, Ohio, until the fall and then located at Circleville. He bought two acres in that cit}^ engaged in gardening, and added to his land from time to time, until he had fifteen acres of fine land in the corporation limits.

Mr. Zwicker had followed gardening in his native country, and consequently was thoroughly posted in this branch of industry. He began raising plants, sold seed, and, being very successful in this, continued it for over forty years. He attended the Columbus markets twice a week, and bought and built a booth atNortii Market; he also hired a booth at Central Market, where he handled vegetables of his own raising. In 1878, he bought the old Valentine Farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty-one and one-quarter acres, and later he bought sixty acres, so that he now has over one hundred and eighty-one acres of land, part in the corporation of Circleville, with good buildings and improvements. He also owns city lots here, and is one of the substantial men of the county, all theresuit of pluck and perseverance. In 1867, he and Michael Kelstadt were selected as assignees for the defunct Marfield Bank, and took as their interest a part of twelve acres between Scioto and Court Streets, which they have platted out as Zwicker & Kelstadt Addition, and have sold a number of lots. In 1888, Mr. Zwicker bought a large brick residence on East Main Street, and has a most i)leasant and comfortable home. He owns real estate on South High Street, in Columbus, and built a residence there, at the corner of Pearl and Willow Streets.

Our subject was an organizer of the Pickaway County New Fair Association, and assisted in buying property and getting it in good shape, and he now owns the propert}'. He has assisted in building all the railroads here, and has taken a deep interest in all other worthy enterprises. After many years of industry and hard work, he has retired from the active duties of life to enjoy the fruits of his labor. He is one of the i-epi-esentative citizens of the county, is social and genial, and is warmly welcomed everywhere. He was educated in the German language in his own country, and although he never attended school here, he speaks the English language quite fluently. During the memorial exercises on the 29th of December, 1891, he was stricken with paralysis, but has now nearly recovered.

He was married in Pike County, Ohio, on the 4th of July, 1845, to Miss Anna M. Palm, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and the daughter of Jacob William Palm, a native of the Old Country. Mr. Palm followed merchandising there until

1847, and there received his final summons. His wife, whose maiden name was Anna M. Sterley, was born in Germany, but died in this country. Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Palm, and of these seven are now living. Mrs. Zwicker, the second in order of birth, was born January 2, 1826, and remained in her native country until the spring of 1844, when she and a sister sailed for America. She became acquainted with Mr.

Zvvicker on shipboaid, and on the 4th of July of t!ie following year became his wife. The3' are the happy parents of one child, J. George, a native of Circleville, born September 18,1848. The latter was well educated in the public schools, later assisted his father on the farm, and afterward was engaged in business for him. He spent one year, from 1889 to 1890, in Columbus, but afterwards returned and engaged in farming and gardening. He was married in 1872 to INIiss Frances Schneider, a native of Worcester, Ohio, and the daughter of John Schneider, a cooper, now deceased. Eight children have been born to them: George H., Annie M., Sarah E., C. Frederick, Harry W., Otto D., Albert and Emma C. The subject of this sketch is a strong member of the Lutheran Church. In politics, he is a Democrat.

RS. ELIZA M. CUMMINS. Among the many intelligent and reiined ladies of Harrison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, we find none more worthy of a place in this volume than Mrs. Cummins, who has been a resident of this State nearly all her life. She was born in Chester Countv, Pa., on the 18th of May, 1830, and her parents, Jacob and Mary (McGill) Wright, were natives of that State also. About 1835 her parents left the Keystone State and emigrated to Ohio, settling ten miles north of Columbus, where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1878 and the mother in 1886. Nine children were born to their union, only the following now surviving: Eliza M.; John; Susan, wife of Robert Brelsford; Charles; Jacob; and Mary, wife of Sylvester Hard. The original of this notice was but five years of age when she came with her parents to Franklin County, Ohio, and here she passed her girlhood and received her education in the i)ioneer log schoolhouse of those days. Thus she was reared to hardships and privations, but this only served to form a character whose kindly influence and gentleness arc made manifest at home and in societ}'. On the 4th of March, 1849, she was married to Mr. Snjder B. Cummins, a native of Harrison Townshii), Pickaway County, Ohio, born June 11, 1818, and the son of William and ]\Iaiy Cummins, natives of Virginia, but early settlers of Pickaway County, Ohio. Young Cummins was also reared amid pioneer surroundings and received a good practical education. For a number of years he was an active worker in educational matters, taught several terms of school, and was an able and very successful instructor.

After marriage, Mr. Cummins and his youthful bride settled upon the farm which his widow now owns in Harrison Township, and began housekeejjing in a log cabin. He then went to work to clear and cultivate the land, which required years of labor and economy, but with the assistance of his prudent and most able helpmate, he pei'severed and became the owner of one of the finest places in the vicinity. A few years after their residence on this place, a fine frame structure took the place of the rude log cabin, cultivated fields were seen in the place of forests, and thus their toil was lewarded. Their union gave them nine children, five of whom are living: Frank; Sn3'der; Arthur; Joseph; and Mary, wife of George Richards. The four deceased were Jacob, Susan, Martha and Hattie.

Mr. Cummins departed this life on the 4th of March, 1876, and his death was the occasion of universal sorrow, for all felt the loss sustained by the departure of such a man. He was known far and wide for integrity and fair dealing, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. No better man had his home in Pickawa}- County, and his honest}^ and uprightness were proverbial in the community. He was one of the prominent members of the United Brethren Church and an active worker in the same. He was a School Director for some time, and was a friend to education, as to all worthy enterprises. He w^as interred in Reber Hill Cemetery, in Walnut Township. In politics, he was a Republican with Prohibition tendencies. A self-made man, Mr. Cummins made all his property bj^ industry and good management and with the assistance of his wife, who is a woman of unus- ual managerial qualities, prudence and industry. She is identified with the United lircthren Church, is a charming lady, and very p()i)ulnr witli her neig-hbors.

NDREW J. KEPLER, M. D., of London, who is one of the foremost representatives of the Eclectic School of Medicine in this part of Ohio, enjo3'S a large practice, and is regarded as one of the best physicians in Madison Count}-. He is a native of Butler Count3%and July 22, 1852, was born into the home of John T. and INIahala (Clemmer) Kepler, also natives of Ohio. They were married in Montgomery County, and the father was actively engaged in farming in the same county for several years, but he and his amiable wife are now living in retirement in Preble County. In politics, he is an unswerving advocate of the Democratic party. Eor six years he held the office of Justice of the Peace, and made an admirable olHcial, administering the law without fear or favor. He and his wife are members in high standing of the Methodist P^piscopal Church, and carry their religion into their everj'day lives. The}' have three children: Samuel, a farmer; Mary, Mrs. Toby; and our subject.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Mary (Horine) Kepler, who were natives, respective!}', of Germany and Ireland. They came to America when young, and were married in Kentucky. Later in life they came to Ohio and located on the Miami River, near Dayton, in an early day, where the grandfather engaged extensively in farming, owning some eight hundred acres of land. He subsequently removed with his family to Butler County, where he continued agricultural pursuits, and also operated a grist and saw mill. Moving to Dayton in the latter part of his life, he lived retired until his demise. He was a Democrat, and served through the War of 1812. His family numbered four sons and three daughters. The maternal grandparents of our subject, Andrew and Sarah Clemmer, were natives of Pennsylvania. The former was a wealthy farmer, and the propri- etor of over a thousand acres of land near Dayton, where he had settled in an eaily day, entering his land, which was mostly timber, from the (iovernment. He was a Justice of the Peace, and was known far and near as "Squire Clemmer." He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and a Whig in politics.

The subject of this biography passed his youth on a farm and laid a solid foundation for his education in the local schools, which he attended until he was sixteen years old. At that age, he suspended his studies to teach school, and was thus engaged eight years. He then attended the Lebanon High School two years, and was graduated therefrom with high honors. Resuming the profession of teaching after his graduation, he devoted his spare time to studying medicine, and for five years applied himself diligently to his books, so that when he entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati he was already well grounded in the principles of medicine, and made rapid progress in his college studies. He was graduated from that institution in 1882, with third honors, in a class of one hundred and twenty-six, and at once opened an office at London, where he has been stationed ever since. By his frank and unaffected manner. Dr. Kepler soon gained favor with the people, and in due time his practical demonstration of skill in administering to various diseases, and his evident knowledge of medicine in all its branches, secured him their patronage, and he now has not only numerous patients in the village, but his practice in the country for many miles around is extensive. Notwithstanding the demands of his profession, to which he is devoted heart and soul, the Doctor is not an unfamiliar figure in public life. He was one of the ^'illage Council in 1886 and 1887, and is now a niemlier of the Board of Health. In politics, he gives his allegiance to the Democratic party. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and a Kniglit of Pythias, He is prominent in the councils of various medical organizations, belonging to the Ohio State Eclectic Medical Society, and to the Ohio Central Eclectic Medical Society, of which he was President in 1888.

Dafler, of Montgomery County, and a daughter of John W. and Rosanna C. (Risley) Dafler, natives of German}', who came to America when young, and were married in Maryland. In 1867, they came to Ohio and settled in Montgomer}^ County, where Mr. Dafler die I in 1889. His wife is still living there on the old homestead. In politics, he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, to which his wife also belongs. They had eleven children, of whom ten are living: John E., David H., Christian C, Lewis P., Wesley W., Charles E., Andrew M., Mrs. Kepler, Elizabeth B. and Margaret C. Our subject and his wife have been blessed in their happy wedded life with three daughters, whom the}' have named Lauretta B., Dora Y. and Maggie E. respectively. All have been given excellent educational advantages, the two eldest daughters being graduates of the London High School. Lauretta B. is successfully engaged in the profession of teaching, and Dora is studying stenography with a view to preparing herself for office work. Dr. Kepler is a good business man as well as physician, and by judicious investments has acquired some valuable property, including a fine tract of land in Guthrie County, Iowa.

^y\\ ILAN L. SMITH is one of the oldest pio. neers living in Fayette County. He was born near Fincastle, AV. Va., February 29: 1810, to Mathias and Christena (Myers) Smith, also natives of West Virginia. They were of German and English descent, respectively. The maternal grandfather was born in England and was in the Revolutionary War and was an early settler of Virginia.

The father of our subject came to Fayette County, Ohio, in 1814, about two or three years after the Indians were driven out. Their mode of travel was by ox-team and wagon. This country was very wild and almost a forest. Wild game was very plentiful and deer were seen in large droves. Mathias Sinith first settled on Deer Creek, near

Waterloo, where he put up a little log cabin, in which he and his family lived until he had made some improvements. He was a wheelwright and mechanic by trade and worked at his trade some time after coming to this countr}'. He passed from this life in the year 1821, at the age of thirty-nine. He was the father of four sons and tlu-ee daughters, five of whom are now living.

Our subject is the eldest child living of his father's family, and was but ten 3'ears of age when he came to this country with his parents. There were very few school advantages in those da^s, but he was enabled to attend a private school for some time. The first schoolhouse he went to was a little log cabin with slab seats and puncheon floor. This young lad helped to clear up his father's farm and subsequently went to work b}' the montli for himself, receiving the small sum of 17 per month in a tan yard. In 1827, he was married and moved to Western Illinois, where he lived eighteen months on a farm, at which time he sold out and moved to his present place. This land he paid $15 an acre for when it was in a wild state of nature and was called the Big Woods. He has made all the improvements on his place of two hundred acres himself, and they are first-class. He donated a half-acre for the erection of a church on his place and has been a School Director and takes great interest in all educational matters and religious affairs.

The subject of this life history was married in March, 1827, to Miss Mahala Armstrong. To this couple, seven children were born, four sons and three daughters, six of whom are yet living. Mrs. Smith passed from life in July, 1878, and Mr. Smith was again married, this time to Margaret Custer, and they are both valued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

^fp»)DWARD R. JOHNSON is Justice of the IW| Peace of Mt. Sterling and a well-known [i - ^ citizen of Madison County. His entire life has been passed in this State. He was born in Greenfield, Highland County, June 7, 1854, and is a son of Col. A. C. Johnson. Ilis father was a dentist b}^ profession. On the breaking out of the late war, he raised a company, of which he was elected Captain, and marched to the front. lie participated in twelve of the most important battles, and for his meritorious conduct was promoted to the rank of Colonel. After the war, he became a banker. Subsequently, he removed to Iowa, where he engaged in the grain trade, and later went to Nebraska, where he engaged in real estate. He married Louisa R. Jones and unto them were born six children, four of whom grew to mature years, our subject being the fifth in order of birth. Mary L. was married, and died, leaving one child; Munson C. is a farmer of Nebraska, where he resides with his wife and one child; Mrs. Ella R. Kearney is living in Linden, Iowa, and has a familj^ of two children.

When our subject was only two j^ears old, his parents removed to Washington C. H., where he grew to manhood. He acquired his literary education in the public schools of that city, after which, he pursued a business course in the Miami Commercial College, of Dayton, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1872. He then engaged in clerking in the Fayette County National Bank for two 3^ears, or until after the panic. In 1874, he organized the Farmers' Bank, of Mt. Sterling, with which he was connected one year, serving as teller. His next place of I'esidence was in Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio, where he organized the Citizens' Bank, in which he held the position of cashier for two years.

On the 27th of August, 1877, Mr, Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Laura Hughes, of Mt. Sterling. He then turned his attention to farming, following that occupation in Union Township, Fayette County, Ohio, where he operated rented land for three years. He then removed to Linden, Iowa, where he engaged in the lumber business for four years and, on selling out, returned to Ohio and came to Mt. Sterling. Mr. Johnson owns a house and lot in Pleasant Township, close to the corporate limits of the city.

Four children were born to our subject and his wife, but two died in infanc}'. The living are: Lillie, who was born in Monroe Township, Pickaway County, April 17, 1879; and Aaron C, who was born in Linden, Iowa, January 4, 1883. In politics, Mr. Johnson is a Republican, and lias served two terms as City Clerk. He was elected Justice of tlie Peace in the spring of 1890. His public duties he has ever faithfully performed. He has several times served as a delegate to the county' conventions of his party and in its success feels a deep interest. Socially, lie is a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America.

ANIEL LUDWIG. This retired farmer of Pickaway Count3^ now residing in Circleville, was born in a large brick house on Kingston Pike, three miles southeast of Circleville, November 23, 1831. The first representatives of the famil}'^ in America were Daniel and Mary Ludwig, natives of Germany, who emigrated thence to the United States, and settled in Berks County, Pa. There the grandfather of our subject, also named Daniel, was born June 4, 1748. For a number of years he was associated with ex- Gov. Joseph Heister, of Penns^'lvania, in a store in Reading.

Having resolved to seek a home in the ra))idl3' growing West, Grandfather Ludwig, in the fall of 1806, emigrated to Ohio, accompanied by his wife and nine children, the journey being made with a two-iiorse team. He brought with him a small stock of goods, with which he intended to open a store. With that object in view, he erected a large brick house, in one portion of which the store was to be kept. But three of his sons, on whose aid he depended, died, and the store was never established, the goods being disposed of. The house alluded to was built in 1809, and was the largest and oldest brick house in the county. It stood until 1890, when the walls became unsafe, and it was torn down by the present owner, a grandson of the original owner. An elegant residence now stands on the site of that pioneer home.

and later entered land in this and adjoining connties, and became owner of abont three thousand acres. He was the original owner of the land on which the village of Logan, Hocking County, now stands, and was a man of great influence. His death occurred June 9, 1825. His son Jacob was born in Berks County, Pa., April 7, 1806, and was but six months old at the time of his parents' removal to Ohio. His education was obtained in the ordinary schools of that day, and he commenced to operate as a farmer in his youth, beginning with two hundred acres of land, to which he added from time to time. He became the possessor of the old homestead, where he resided until his death in October, 1881. By purchasing land at different times, and paying from $35 to $155 per acre, lie became owner of some eighteen hundred acres of improved property. In politics, he was a Democrat, and religiously, was identified with the Lutheran Church.

The maternal grandfather of our subject, Henry Morris, was a teamster in the War of 1812, and was a very successful farmer, continuing thus engaged until his death in 1873, at the age of eighty-five years. Unto him and his wife, Charity, were born several children, one of whom, P^velina, was born in Washington Township, Pickaway Count3\ She was married to Jacob Ludwig, November 18, 1830, and died Februar}' 23, 1848, while still comparatively' young. She was the mother of eight children, of whom six grew to maturity, and are living at the present time, Daniel being the eldest.

The early years of our subject were passed in gaining a knowledge of the "three R's" in the district school, and in becoming practically acquainted with farm work. He remained at home until he was thirty years old, aiding in cultivating the fifteen hundred acres of which it consisted, and then, in the fall of 1860, liecamc owner of the Mt. Oval farm of three hundred and thirty-three acres in Pickaway County, near where the chief Logan lived. Upon that place he successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1883, when he bought his father-in-law's estate of two hundred and twenty acres in the same township, becoming the owner of five hundred and fifty-three acres, divided into two splendid farms. His agricultural operations were rewarded with success, and finally.

in October, 1890, he retired to Circleville, where he purchased the beautiful home on Court Street, valued at $6,000, and one of the most attractive residences in the city. He rents his land totenantson shares, and still ovvns considerable stock. Before he came to the city, he was elected County Commissioner in 1878, and served three years, after which he refused to fill the position longer. He was also Township Treasurer for a number of years. .

The marriage of Daniel Ludwig in 1863, in Pickaway Township, united him to Miss Julia A., daughter of Lemuel Steely, an extensive cattle dealer of Pickaway Count}^ Mrs. Ludwig died in 1887, leaving four children, namely: AVillis, who was graduated with first honors at the Commercial College, of Pouglikeepsie, and is now in business at Pittsburgh, Pa.; Mary, Eveline and Lizzie are at home. The members of the family are identified with the Presbyterian Church at Circleville, and the young ladies are accomplished and well educated, occupying prominent positions in social circles. Mr. Ludwig served two terms as Assessor in Circleville Township, has been School Trustee, and represented his party, the Democratic, as delegate to county. State and congressional conventions. He is a man of probity and honor, whose life has been characterized by integrity, energy, and a desire to promote the welfare of his fellow-men, as well as his own personal advancement.

SAAC M. JOHNSON. Prominent among the prosperous and intelligent agriculturists of Perry Township, Fayette Count}', is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. His fine farm with its excellent improvements forms one of the most attractive features of the township. He is the son of William and Jane B. (Dowden) Johnson, natives respectively of Delaware and A'irginia. The parents were married in the latter-named State and came hither in 1810, which was at an early day in the history of Ohio. They made their first location in Hellard's Bottom, Ross County, and in 1816 removed to Fayette County, where the father purchased one

William Johnson located with his family in Greene Township), where, in addition to the tract already mentioned, he pureliased two hundred acres more, which he cleared and improved. At the time of his death, which occurred about 1832, he was the possessor of a magnificent estate numbering six hundred acres of valuable land, all of which had been accumulated by his untiring industry and perseverance, coupled with his good judgment. The mother of our subject bore her husband thirteen children, only seven of whom are living, and died in the spring of 1880. Two sons, Caleb ri. and Isaac M., were soldiers in the late Civil War. Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the father in politics was a Whig. He was a patriot in the War of 1812, fighting under Gen. William Henry Harrison. The mother of our subject purchased another farm from the proceeds left her by her husband, and after remaining a widow for twelve years, was married to David Woodmansie, who is now deceased.

The original of this sketch was born September 9, 1822, on the old homestead in Greene Township, this county. His school privileges were very limited, he being privileged to attend onl}^ a few months in the year the old log schoolhouse, with slab seats, puncheon floor and greased-paper windows. He remained under the parental roof, aiding his father in clearing the farm, until his twentieth 3ear. Mr. Johnson aided in the construction through this section of the Cincinnati it Marietta Railroad, of which he was a stockholder, and when engaging to work out on farms, received as his first year's wages, -^58. 50 per month.

October 8, 1846, Cassandra, daughter of John Dick, became the wife of our subject. The father was a native of Virginia and after a short residence in this State removed to Indiana, where he passed his last da^'s near Wabash. Mrs. Johnson was born September 18, 1825. After his marriage, our subject woiked land on shares for Jackson Rogei's for another twelvemonth, at the end of which time he passed a like period on the old home farm. In the spring of 1849, he purchased his present farm of Stafford Junkins. Mrs. Johnson died October 27, 1855, after having borne her husband four children, all of whom are living with one exception: Jane .Joseplnne was born October 17, 1847, married David Shimp and resides in Perry Township, being the mother of five children; Mary L., born February 18, 1850, is the wife of Ch.arles A. Stafford, who makes his home in Concord Township, and has three children ; Henson D. was born September 24, 1855, married Killa Brannon and resides in this townsliip, their family including two children.

Our subject was again married, November 11, 1856, this time to Leeann, daughter of William and Matilda (Chambers) Clawson. The father of ]\Irs. Johnson was a soldier in the War of 1812, and passed from this life in 1869. His goov.1 wife bore him seven children and died in 1869. Miss Leeann was born Ma}' 10, 1828, in Ross Count}', this State. He of whom we write is the owner of three hundred and fourteen acres of valuable land, nearly all of which is under fine cultivation. The old log house has long since given way to a large brick I'csidence, which is presided over by Mrs. Johnson, who is a most intelligent and hospitable lady. The farm buildings are numerous and substantial, thus affording ample room for the storage of grain and the shelter of slock. Many rods of tiling thoroughly drain the land, which is some of the most productive in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which body they have been connected the past forty years. Our subject has been a Trustee and Steward in his dedomination and contributes generously of his means for its support. He has been a charter member of the Grange, in which organization he was Chaplain, and his good wife, who was also a member, was Flora. For a number of years he was a large stockholder and Director of the Grange Store. He has served on both the School and Township Board, and, in politics, votes the straight Republican ticket, firmly believing that party to be in the right. Always interested in township affairs, he served for a period as a Trustee.

btruction of his residence, and also in the schoolhouse of his district. He and his wife adopted a little daughter of Dr. Brown, of Buena Vista, who l)ore the name of Ella. Slie was an inmate of tlieir home for eight j^ears, when slie died. Our subject was born in this county, has helped to clear land, build roads and the railroad, has seen this county when it was a wilderness and has aided in all its development, until now, in liis declining years, his eyes look out upon as grand a country as the sun ever shone on.

ARCELLUS LE ROY 15RYAN, the wellknown editor and proprietor of the Madison County Democrat^ published at London? wields a powerful influence upon local politics and in the public life of the county, and for man}^ years has been potent in advancing its interests through the columns of this, one of the oldest established and most ably-conducted newspapers in this part of Ohio.

Our subject is a representative of one of the old families of the State, and was born in the count}^ town of Batavia, Clermont County, March 23, 1829. His grandfather, David Chester Bryan, was born on Long Island in 1771, was united in marriage with Ruth Bryan in 1792, and died in Batavia July 31, 1829. In 1800, he had left his old island home with his family, and after living three years in New .lersey, had migrated to this State, and had settled in Williamsbui'gh, Clermont County, removing his residence to Batavia in 1825, which town he platted and named. In 1806, he was elected a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, but his seat was contested and given to Thomas Morris, who afterward became United States Senatoi'. Mr. Bryan was subsequentl}' elected State Senator, and served as such from 1807 until 1810, when he resigned to become Clerk of the Courts of Clermont County, which office he tilled until his death, nineteen years later, his son Melancthon succeeding him as Clerk.

Chester Bryan, and he was born on Long Island. He was quite young when the family, came to Clermont County. July 14, 1828, he was married to Mary Malvina Moore, a daughter of Capt. Charles Moore, who was an officer in the War of 1812, and was one of the earliest settlers of Clermont County. Capt. Moore came to this State from Philadelpiiia, and bought a large tract of land near Batavia, on which he erected a flouring mill and a distillery on the East Fork of the Little Miami River. The mother of our subject still survives in the eighty-fourth year of her .age. Eight of her ten children are now living, of whom our subject is the eldest. David C. Bryan, Jr., was a man of some prominence in the communit}^ in which he lived. For some years he was the leading merchant in Batavia. About the year 183.5, he moved to Cincinnati and bought out a mercantile establishment on Lower Market Street, which he conducted a few years, or until he failed, owing to a stress in the money market. He afterward returned to Batavia, and a few years later removed to Fulton, which is now embraced in the corporate limits of Cincinnati, where he resided some years. At length, he returned once more to Batavia, and died there in 1869, from the effects of a sunstroke received some time previously. He served as Justice of the Peace for manj^ years, and was Auditor of Clermont County one term. In politics, he was an old-line Whig until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined the Democratic forces and was a good Democrat the remainder of his life.

Marcellus Bryan served an apprenticesliip in the printing office of the Clermont Courier^ edited and pul>lished b^' Andrew Gest, since deceased. At the age of nineteen, he left home and went to Columbus to work as a type-setter in the office of the Ohio Statesman, then edited b}' Col. Samuel Medary. He was afterward employed as compositor on the Daily Fact, a paper conducted by Col. iH John Geary, and during tliat time he was united ^* in marriage witli Martha S^'dney Masterson, daughter of Mr. John Masterson, an educated gentleman, ^^ who came to Columbus from Ireland, and for sev- ^B eral years taught the languages in the Columbus High School. About a year after his marriage, our subject and his wife went to Circleville, where Mr. Brj'an took charge of and printed the Circleville Herald for gne year, returning- then to Columbus..

In December, 1857, Mr. Bi van and Mr. J. A. Kissinger came to London to assume charge of the National Democrat^ a small weekly' paper, owned by John M. Smith, now deceased, and published by Douglas King. After the lapse of about a year, Mr. Bryan bought Mr. Kissinger's interest, and some time after changed the name of the paper to the Madison County Democrat, which name it still bears, and it is conducted by Mr. Bryan and his sons, whose wide-awake and progressive policy has made of it one of the best publications of its kind in the State, always readable, keeping well abreast of the times, and a keen exponent of the principles of the party which it so alily represents.

The veteran editor of the Z>e»u)cranias belonged to the Democracy ever since he cast his first vote, and but few men in the count}^ have a clearer knowledge of politics than he. He is a man of large, round-about common sense, with a keen faculty of judging men and affairs that has been serviceable to him in his long and honorable career as an editor and whenever he has mingled in public life. He has l)een at the head of the village government as Mayor of London two terms, and he was Village Recorder one term.

Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have seven surviving children, namel}': Mary Letitia, Ormond Masterson, Chester Edwin, Charles Moore, Mattie Tenney, Marcellus and Addison Watson. Anna Omega died October 6, 1876, in the seventh year of her asre.

"^ AVID F. BINDER, dealer in gents' furnishing goods in Mt. Sterling, is a popular citizen and enterprising business man, well deserving of representation in this volume. A native of the Buckeye State, he was born in Greenfield, Highland County, August 15, 1844, and is a son of Frederick and Melinda (Heath) Binder. His father was born in Baden, Germany, and at the age of eighteen crossed the

Atlantic, coming on to Ohio, where he met and married Miss Heath, a native of Madison County. The father had learned the trade of a clock maker and for a time engaged in repairing and selling clocks on the road. He afterward embarked in the grocery business in Greenfield Three children of the family are yet living: David, of this sketch; Joseph K., a grocery merchant of Greenfield, and Fannie A., who is also living in Greenfield.

Our subject acquired an excellent education, pursuing a course in the Greenfield High School, from which lie was graduated at the age of nineteen. He received his business training in his father's grocery store.

In May, 1864, Mr. Binder enlisted for the late war as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry. At the battle of Cynthiana, Ky., he was made a prisoner, but was exchanged the following day, so that he continued in service with his regiment. After being mustered out, Mr. Binder returned to Greenfield and began clerking, which pursuit he followed until his removal to Mt. Sterling in 1865. He here secured a position as a salesman in the hardware store of N. J. D. Kauffelt, by whom he was employed for fourteen and a half years, a fact whicli indicates his faithful service and the confidence and high regard in which he was held b_v his employers. He made a popular salesman, his courteous and gentlemanly demeanor winning patronage.

Mr. Binder was married January 31, 1878, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna Timmons, of Mt. Sterling, who was born February 9, 1854. They had but one child, Frederick, who was born February 15, 1880, and died on the 9th of March, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Binder have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in this community and rank high in social circles. He is an honored member in the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken seven degrees. He also belongs to Bostwick Post No. 406, G. A. R., has filled nearly all its ortices and has attended a National Re-union in Columbus. He votes with the Democratic party on State and national questions, but independently at local elections. He has served as City Clerk for seven years, his duties being discharged with promptness and fidelity, wliicb won him thp commendation of all. On the 29th of Nov^ember, 1890, be embarked in his present business and has had a constantly' increasing trade, which has now assumed excellent proportions.

<:<\ MLLIAM H. DIAL, a member of the firm of \/y/l ^^^^ '^ Fullerton, the leading real-estate, \^^ loan and insurance men of this section, is doing an extensive business in that line in Washington C. H., where he has been located for the past seventeen years. He was born in Clermont County, this State, sixteen miles east of Cincinnati, September 26, 1847. His parents, Joseph S. and Lucinda (Weaver) Dial, were early settlers of the Buckeye State, the former being in his sevent3'-second 3'ear. He was a resident of Cincinnati for many years, or until until moving to his pleasant farm, sixteen miles east of Cincinnati, where he is living in retirement.

AV. H. Dial, of this sketch, received his education in Cincinnati, having taken a High School and commercial course, and, soon after completing his studies, located in Washington C. H. He was married in 1870 to Susie T., daughter of Capt. John S. Foster, who for manj^ years resided in Cincinnati but at present makes his home in Greenville, Darke County. Mr. Foster served all through the Civil War, in which conflict he received the title of Captain, and, being very prominent in local affairs, held the various positions of trust within the gift of the people, at one time being Sheriff of Brown County.

He of whom we write, on locating in this city, entered the real-estate, loan and insurance business, and has occupied a pleasant oflice at the corner of Court and Main Streets for the past sixteen years, during which time he has built up the largest business in his line in the count}^ In addition to the business already mentioned, he is President of the People's Savings and Loan Company, of which he was one of the organizers, and has been actively connected with it since that time.

The capital stock of the company is 11,000,000, it having been increased by an amended charter from *200,000. The firm of Dialtt Fullerton represent the largest insurance companies doing busiiness in the United States, and handle large amounts of city and farm property. Mr. Fullerton has been associated with our subject since June, 1887, and being a man of keen foresight and ability in his particular line, is well fitted to be the associate of such a man as our subject.

Mr. and Mrs. Dial are the parents of three children: Sallie F., Georgia M. and John F., respectively. Our subject was a Councilman from the Second Ward at the time Washington C. H. was advanced from a village to a city, and while thus connected accomplished much good in advancing common-sense ideas, which were sustained by scientific experiments.

EMUEL II. LOOFBOURROW, who ranks among the successful and progressive agri- ^ culturists of Fayette County, was born in Madison Township, in the house in which he is at present residing January 31, 1861. He is the son of Lemuel P. and Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow who are still living, making their home in Mt. Sterling. Our subject was reared on the home farm and when reaching his majority went to Summer County, Kan., where he remained about three years engaged in farming.

On his return from the West, our subject was married February 9, 1887, to Miss Alta, daughter of Edwin and Elizabeth (Timmons) Clarridge. She is a native of this county and townshiji, her birth occurring February 3, 1864. To them have been granted a famil}' of four children, viz: Oel E., who was born November 29, 1887; Gertrude, March 3, 1889; (irace Inez, June 10, 1890, and Ruth October 11, 1891. Mr. Loufbourrow has always resided upon the home firm, which includes two hundred and seventy well-improved acres, with the exception of the time spent in Kansas. He cast his first Presidential vote for Cleveland in 1884, and while in Kansas served as

School Director. In social matters, he is a Knight of Pythias and with his wife is highly respected in the county where they make their home.

Mrs. Loufbourrow's father, who is now deceased, was born in Madison Township, this count3% October 9, 1826. He also followed farming for a time, and, having been given an excellent education, taught school for a number of years in Clarksburg, and Waterloo. He was married October 4, 1859, to Elizabeth Timmons, who was also born in this county, April 5, 1835. They became the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Loufbourrow was the second-born. Her sister Inez is now Mrs. B. W. Leavell, and her brother Howard, who was born September 6, 1873, resides at home. Mr. Clarridge died May 6, 1882, and his wife still resides in Madison Township. Previous to her marriage with the father of Mrs. Loufbourrow, she was the wife of John Leavell, by whom she became the mother of one child, Benjamin, who makes his home in Chicago.

MOS J. HOWARD. The name of this gentleman will long be remembered in Southern Ohio as one of the sturdy and true-hearted pioneers who aided in the progress of Summerford Township, Madison County. In many affairs, both public and private, he did good service to the vicinity, developing the material resources of the country and advancing the welfare of the people. Side by side with him, his excellent wife labored for many years, they being thoroughly identified with the progress of the community, with whose most highl}^ respected and useful pioneers they were classed.

The original of this sketch and of the accompanying portrait was born in Grafton Countj^, N. H., March 29, 1803, and was a lad of six years when his parents moved to Virginia, where they remained for one winter. In 1809, they came to Ohio, the elder Mr. Howard locating in what is now Summerford Township. Here Amos J. grew to manhood, his early life being passed in much the same fashion as that of other boys of his age - attending the common sciiools and being trained to farm pursuits. He, however, made the best of his opportunities in an educational way and taught school for a number of years in his district. His chief business in life, however, was thnt of farming and stock-raising, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. At one time he was the proprietor of an estate which comprised fifteen hundred broad acres. He adorned his place with a substantial set of all the necessary farm buildings, and made upon it first-class improvements.

Mr. Howard was married in what is now Summerford Township, December 23, 1825, to Rachael Kirkley, who was born in this township, Jul}^ 8, 1811. She was reared to womanhood in this locality, where she has alwa3'S resided, with the exception of one year spent in Champaign County.

To IMr. and ]\Irs. Howard was born a family of nine children, viz: Napoleon, who was a druggist in Lima, Ohio; Mar}' J., the wife of Judge Lawrence Weldon; Miriam, who died when nineteen j'ears of age; John Mills, a farmer in Champaign County; Clinton, a resident of Pana, 111.; Benton, who died in his twenty-sixth j^ear; Edwin M., who departed this life when twentyfour years of age; Marion, a farmer in this township, and Elizabeth, who departed this life when a young lady of nineteen j'ears. The mother of these children died at her home in this township, September 4, 1858.

The lady whom our subject chose as his second wife was Miss P^lizabeth Ann Cowan, their marriage being celebrated in Missouri, March 24, 1861. Mrs. Howard was born in Delaware Count}', N. Y., July 27, 1821, and was fourteen years of age when she went with her mother to Canada, whence they came, three years later, to Ohio. She began to teach school when fifteen years of age, which occupation she followed much of the time for twenty-four years. She is a most intelligent and cultured lad}' and aided her husband greatly in attaining the high standing which he occupied in this communit}'.

Amos J. Howard departed this life in Summerford Township, April 16, 1882. greatly mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a liberal contributor to the Episcopal Cliurch, and socially, was a member of the Masonic fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. With few advantageous surroundings, with no monied capital, he nevertheless acquired a competence which enabled his family to live in comfort. He possessed those sterling traits of cliaracter that mark a thoroughly conscientious and uprigiitman, and was greatly respected by all about him.

<JI I^ILLIAINI ERE. When a man is known to \/\l/l ''^^^ labored liard to make his way in the ^^ world, it is a source of gratification to his friends to know that he has succeeded in reaching a height that enables him to "take life easy." This is the case with the gentleman above named, whose career should encourage others to renewed energy, as it was not luck Init ])luck that brought a competence. For many years a prominent agriculturist of Madison County, he is now living retired in Lill_y Chapel, where his home is supplied with all the comforts of life.

Martin Erb, the father of our subject, was a native of Baden, (Germany, while his mother, Catherine, had her birth in the same country. She departed this life in Missouri, when our subject was a lad, his father dying in Harrison County, Ind., in 18G2. They were the parents of six children, of whom William, who was born April a, 1827, in Baden, (iermany, was the second in order of birth. He was an infant of eighteen months when his parents emigrated to the New World, and was here reared to farming pursuits. When old enough to do for himself, he engaged in working out for other parties and for several years was employed as fireman on a steamboat plying the Ohio River. In February, 1852, Mr. Erb came to ^Madison County, and for four years worked for the late John Byers. At the end of that time, he went to Pennsylvania, where he was married and resided for eighteen months and then returning to this county, cultivated rented land in Fairfield Township for five years. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and

On returning from the field of battle, our subject purchased land in Jefferson Township, and after a residence there of five years, sold out and purchased another farm of one hundred acres in the same township, which he operated for nine years. In the fall of 1881, he removed with his family to Lill}^ Chapel, where he owns a nice brick residence and is living retired from active work of any kind.

The lady to whom our subject was married in Beaver County, Pa., March 20, 1856, was Miss Caroline Gerhart, who was also a native of Baden, Germany, having been born January 22, 1838. She was the daughter of Christian and Magdalena Gerhart, also natives of the Fatherland, but who are now deceased, the mother passing away in Columbus, and the father while residing in West Jefferson. To Mr. and Mrs. P^rb has been born a famil}' of seven children, five of whom are living. Matilda married Samuel Sidner; Katie became the wife of William Neff; John married Belle Rine; Mary is now Mrs. Frank Horn; and Maggie became Mrs. Wesley Lill3\ Our subject and his wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are enjoying the respect and confidence of their many acquaintances.

Sterling, is one of the self-made men of I'i ]\Iadison County. He was born in ]\Iuhlenburg Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 31. 1850, and is one of nine children who were born unto Kendall W. and Hester A. (INIitchell) Hastings. His father, a native of Putnam County, Ohio, was born December 25, 1826, and his mother was born in Pickaway County, July 8, 1830. Mr. Hastings follows farming and now resides in Van Wert County. Seven children are yet living: John (t., a farmer residing in Auglaize Count}^ Ohio, who has two children; William, who resides with his family upon a farm in the same county; Isaac, a machinist of Payne, Ohio, is married and has two children; Mary J. is tlie wife of Dr. Worley, a practicing pliysician of Wetsel, Ohio; Mrs. Druzella Moore is living in Van Wert, Ohio, and has three children ; and Mrs. Mattie B. Sween resides with her three children in Melrose, Ohio.

Our subject grew to manhood upon a farm, his father having removed to a farm in Madison County, near Range. He acquired a good English education in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life for himself, working by the month for about two years. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Anna A. Woodman, of Range, their union being celebrated February 6, 1873. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, May 2, 1848, and is a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Carr) Woodman.

After his marriage, Mr. Hastings followed various occupations for two years, and then engaged in building fences for three years. After that time, he engaged in farming on rented land for two years. Subsequently, he removed with his family to Mt. Sterling, and established what has developed into his present business. He began with only a bench, and repaired watches and clocks. He is a natural mechanic. As a boy, he was always working in that line, and his genius and enterprise insure his success. Since coming to Mt. Sterling, in 1880, he has constantly' enlarged his business until he now carries a jewelry stock valued at $2,000, and does a large amount of I'epair work, his trade being almost greater than he can attend to.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hastings were born seven children, but five died in infancy. The two still living are Iva Florence, who was born in Range, Madison County, November 21, 1873, and was graduated from the Mt. Sterling High School in June, 1892; and Auloa Anna, who was born in Mt. Sterling, May 4, 1888.

Mr. Hastings cast his first Presidential vote in 1872 for Horace Greeley, and has since been a Democrat. He served as a member of the City Council, but refused the oflice of .Justice of the

Peace, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Mystic Circle. Whatever success he has achieved in life is due to his own efforts. He well deserves the liberal jjatronage which he receives, for his life has been a busy and useful one.

^ OSEPH MARION PARRETT, who is one of the best-known residents of Union Township, Fayette Count}', is a son of Joseph Parrett, who was born in Yirgina in 1811, and spent his early days in the Shenandoah Valley. At the age of eighteen, he came to Ohio with his parents, Isaac and Mary Parrett, about the year 1830, and settled in Ross County, Ohio. After some eight or ten years, the family moved to Fa}'- ette County, where Joseph Parrett was united in marriage with Elizabeth Harper, daughter of .John Harper, a prominent farmer of the county.

After this marriage, the young people settled in Jefferson Township, Fayette Count}', and lived there until their death, the wife passing from earth about the year 1845, and the husband living until the 1st of April, 1876. He was married a second time, to a widow, Mrs. Glaze, of P'ayette County. Joseph Parrett had a farm of four hundred and tweut}' acres of land in Jefferson Township. Three of his children are still living, the eldest of whom, James M., enlisted in the Ninetieth Ohio Infantry, and suffered much in health during his term of service, and finally died of measles, having just returned liome. He was a young man of character and promise, and was deeply mourned by those who knew him. Following him are Emeline, who married Mr. Saucus, and has now passed from life; our subject; Christiana, who married Daniel Webster Kestler, and makes her home on the old homestead, and Lewis Hamilton, who has a farm in Paint Township.

Deacon in tlie Presbyterian Church for twenty years. In his political tendencies, he was a Democrat. His son, our subject, was born May 11, 1843, in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, and had his education at home in the district schools. After concluding his studies, he worked for his father upon the farm about a year and a half before he was married, and then removed to the farm w^here he now lives, which was purchased for him by his father. On the 17tli of August, 1872, he was united in marriage with Ilulda Wright, daughter of a prominent farmer of this county, Allen Wright.

The young coui)le after mnrriage went home to the farm, and it has been their home ever since. In this farm there are now two hundred and fortyone acres, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. Grain is the principal product raised upon the farm, but Mr, Parrett pays some attention to stock. Mrs. Parrett is a lady of more than ordinary amiability and strength of character, and is esteemed most highly in her neighborhood. Mr. Parrett is an excellent manager, and has the respect and good-will of the community. His political views bring him into harmony with the Democratic party, but in local politics he always votes for the man whom his judgment endorses as best for the position. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an active worker therein, and his fellow-members have made him one of the Trustees, for his business reputation and integrity give him the confidence of that l)odv.

=^EORGE II. PONTIUS. It is a trite observation that "there is no royal road to fortune," and this just statement is fully verified by a study of the lives of the successful business men of Ohio. When such a man as George II. Pontius starts out for himself, as he did, with no pecuniar}' help and with no fortune except good healtli and robust strength, and yet succeeds in securing a fine property and that degree of confidence which allows him to live in the enjoyment of the good things of life, we can surely

The original of this sketch is President of the School Board of Circleville, was Clerk of Pickaway County, and is now engaged in the active practice of law, being a member of the firm of Folson Si Pontius. He is truly a self-made man, as he began at the bottom round of the ladder of life and has worked his way up to his present high position in business circles. He was born in Washington Townshi)), just two and one-half miles east of Circleville, August 6, 1856, which was the birthplace of Amos Pontius, his father.

The grandfather of our subject, Daniel Pontius, was a native of Pennsylvania and was one of the early settlers in this State, where he became the proprietor of a large estate, numbering sixteen hundred acres. He was an active worker in the United Brethren Church, to the support of which body he was a liberal contributor. The father of our subject was reared to man's estate in this county and received his education in the primitive log schoolhouse. When starting out in life for himself, he became the proprietor of a quartersection of land, which he improved and operated until his removal to Circleville, He was very prominent in township affairs, holding many of the minor offices, the duties of which he discharged in a creditable manner. The United Brethren Church, of which the familj- were members, was located on a part of the old homestead.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Earnhort; she was a native of this county, her birth occurring in Washington Township. Mrs. Pontius was a daughter of William Earnhort, a native of Mainland, and an early settler on the Pickaway Plains, where he became the proprietor of a large tract of land. He later located in Washington Township, where he made his home until liis decease. He was a conscientious member of the United Brethren Chiu'ch. Mrs. Pontius departed this life in 1889, after having become the mother of six children, five of whom are living. The original of this sketch is the third eldest in the family and remained under the parental roof attending the common schools, until reaching his eighteenth vear. He then began teaching school, thus pa3'ing his own way through college, being a graduate of the National Normal School at Lebanon, finishing with the degree of Bachelor of Science in 1879. Me then returned to Cireleville, where his father was residing, and engaged in teaching school. In the fall of 1884, he was elected Count^^ Clerk on the Democratic ticket with an increased majority. He was reelected to that i)Osition in 1887, and thus has many friends throughout the county.

Immediately on the close of his college career, ]Mr. Pontius chose the profession of law, and while a teacher studied under Judge Winstead, and in March, 1888, was admitted to the Ohio Bar by the Supreme Court. February 9, 1891, he formed his present partnership with H. P. Folson, and is engaged in the regular practice of law, December 8, 1887, Mr. Pontius was married to Miss Ora Hall, who was born in Logansport, Ind., but was reared and educated in Cireleville. She was orphaned at an earl}^ age bj' the death of her parents, and was then taken into the home of her uncle, Stephen Miller, and given a good education at Ladoga, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Pontius has been bora one son. Miller H.

He of whom we write is President of the County Board of Elections and was the first President in this county under the Australian Law. He is also a member and Director of the Opera House Company and a member and Director of the Board of Trade, of which organization he has been Secretary. vSocially, he is identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar and Knights of Pythias. He is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination he is one of the Trustees. His political views led him to identify himself with the Democratic part}', and in 1890 he served as Chairman of the County Central Committee. Mr. Pontius resides in a comfortable home on East Main Street, in the city of Cireleville.

Mr. Pontius has been very successful in all his undertakings and at the present time is a member of the Cireleville Land Improvement Company. He has traveled perhaps more than anv other man of his age in the county, in 1879 spending two weeks in Canada and sailing on the Lakes. In 1886, he crossed the Western plains and the Rocky INIountains, visiting the various places of interest in Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon and Washington, and spent several days in the beautiful and picturesque National Park. In 1887, he took a trip East, visiting the large cities, l)ut returned thoroughly satisfied with his Western home. In 1891, he took a trip to New Orleans, and thus has visited the various States, North, South, East and West. ]\Ir. Pontius has ever taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the localit}^ and State, and is an enterprising business man, of broad and intelligent views. He is deservedly very poi)ular, as he has always proved honest and true to the trusts reposed in him.

CLAY JOHNSON, a grocer of Mt. Sterling, is a successful business man and a prominent citizen of the community. He was yj born in Lancaster, Ohio, January 16, 1857, and is a son of William and Malinda (Hunter) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Fairfield County, Ohio, and were of English descent. The father lost his life by the caving in of a gravel bank and, at the age of two, our subject went to live with his maternal grandfather, Andrew Hunter, a farmer of Fairfield County, with whom he remained until he was al)Out ten years of age. He then went to live with his mother, who had married again. She still survives, and makes her home in Rich Valley, Ind.

Mr. Johnson remained with his mother until about seventeen years of age, when he started out in life for himself and has since been dependent upon his own resources. For a time he operated his step-father's farm in the summer months, and in winter attended school at Lancaster and Royalton, in Fairfield Count}^, thus acquiring a good education. He was married on the 20th of December, 1876, to Miss Anna Williamson, a native of Fairfield County, born September 10, 1856, and a daughter of Isaac N. and Elizabeth (Peters) Will- iamson. Unto them have been born five children, three sons and two daughters: Lillie P., born in Bloom Township, Fairfield County, January 25, 1878; Glenn II., born in Royalton, August 28, 1880; Emma Belle, born in Royalton, November 21, 1882; James Blaine, born June 1, 1885, and died December 8, 1886; and Clay, born in Mt. Sterling, on the 23d of April, 1891.

After his marriage, Mr. Johnson bought a house and lot in Royalton and seven and a half acres of land one mile from the town, where he made his home while engaged in farming. He continued to carry on agricultural pursuits until 1888, when he abandoned that work and engaged in general mercliandising in Royalton. Two years later, he sold out at that place and established a store in Mt. Sterling. Purchasing a lot, he built his store upon it and opened its doors to the general public in May, 1890. He now has a good trade, and by honest dealing has secured the confidence and good-will of the people. His courteous treatment has won him a liberal patronage, of which he is well deserving.

Mr. Johnson exercises his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, his first vote being cast for Gen. J. A. Garfield in 1880. Socially, he is a member of the Patriotic Order of Sons of America. Himself, wife and daughter are all members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Johnson is Clerk of the Board of Trustees. He is a self-made man, financially, and deserves great credit for his success in life, which has been won by industry, perseverance and good management. Mr. Johnson was elected a City Councilman at the spring election of 1892, receiving the largest number of votes of any of the nine candidates.

/p^iEORGE R. FITZGERALD, well known as [|[ ^__| one of the most enterprising farmers in ^^^^ Fairfield Township, is a fine representative of the class that has done so much toward the upbuilding of Madison County, and establishing its prosperity on a firm foundation. He is a son of the late Hon. PMward Fitzgerald, who Avas born in Hampshire County, Va., August 26, 1806. The lady to whom he was married October 15, 1827, was Miss Lacy Ann Taylor, also a native of Virginia, her birth occurring in February, 1810.

Immediately after their mai-riage, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald started for this State, and, stopping in Newark, there remained until the following spring, when the}^ removed to Lancaster, which place was their home until Ai)ril, 1829. After that date, they resided in this township until their decease, the father dying September 25, 1890, and the mother on February 5, 1888. The father of our subject was a very prominent man in his da3^ and was a member of the Ohio Legislature during the session of 1846-47. He was also Associate Judge for two years, and was truly one of Madison Count}' 's leading citizens.

Our subject was the youngest in the [)arental family of eleven children, his birth occurring in Fairfield Township, September 11, 1851. He here grew to manhood, and received a fair education, remaining under the parental roof until his marriage. He was associated with his father in farming and stock-raising until the death of the latter, since which time he has operated his estate, which comprises two hundred and fourteen acres.

November 17, 1875, Mr. Fitzgerald and Miss J^mma L., daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth (Phillips) Crookham, were united in marriage. The mother of Mrs. Fitzgerald died in Pickaway County in January, 1881, and the father, who is a well-to-do farmer, is still living in this county. They reared a family of five children, of whom Emma L. was the fourth in order of birth, and was born September 1, 1852. She was given a good education, and has been of great assistance to her husband in attaining his present high standing in the agricultural community.

Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald have two children: Warnie T. and Seisel P. The wife and mother departed this life at her residence in Fairfield Township December 4, 1891, greatly mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends. In his political relations, our subject votes with the Republican party, and in social matters is a member of Darby Lodge 770, I. O. O. F. Mrs. Fitzgerald was an intelligent and eoiirteous lady, devoted to her family and friends. But it was within her home, however, that her deepest love found exi)ression and her noblest qualities were best appreciated ; she was a devoted lielpniato and loving wife, and was one whose friends were as numerous as her acquaintances.

eIIARLP:8 BRADLEY is an intelligent, wideawake young farmer, a native of Madison County, who has contributed to its growth by improving a good farm that is located in Monroe Township, nine miles soutliwest of Plain City. This township is his birtli place, and he was born August 15, 1855. He is descended from the early pioneer stock of the county, his gran dfatlier, Jonah Bradley, a Virginian, coming here Mdien the country was a wilderness, with but few white settlers. The father of our subject, John Bradley, was born amid the pioneer scenes of Monroe Township, and here, in due time, he was married to Sarah A. Jones, who was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, seventy' ^ears ago, and is living in the enjoyment of a pleasant old age. After marriage, the parents of our subject located in Monroe Township, and here the father spent his entire life, and when he died, at the age of sixty-five, he was greatly missed in the communit}- whereof lie had been a useful and valued citizen, and where he was held in genuine respect.

Our subject is the sixth child and fourth son of a famil}^ of seven children, four sons and tliree daughters, of whom four are living. His boj'hood was passed on his father's farm in performing the labors that fell to his share, and in attending the district school. He continued to live with his parents until his marriage, in the autumn of 1878, and was engaged in working the old homestead on shares. After his marriage, he still continued to reside on the farm for about three years, and then hired from his father's estate his present farm, which comprises two hundred and twenty-four acres of land that is exceedingly fertile, and under Mr. Bradley's skillful cultivation yields abundant harvests. He has made all the improvements, which are of a substantial order, tlie property being covered with woods wiien it came into his i)Ossession. He has put up a good class of buildings, and in 1882 erected a neat and wellbuilt two-story frame house, at a cost of i>l,500. He does a general farming business and has his farm well stocked. Mr. Bradley lias proved himself an honor to the citizenship of his native township and count3% and is looked upon with favor b^' all who have known him as boy and man, and have watched his career as an intelligent, hard-working agriculturist. Politically, he is a Republican of the true stamp ; socially, he is a member of London Lodge No. 70, I. O. O. F.

Our subject was married September 26, 1878, to Miss Maggie, the fifth child and fourth daughter of William and Alice (Wilson) T^aley. She, too, is a native of Ohio, born in Logan County May 4, 1851. She was reared in Champaign, Union and Madison Counties. She is a true wife to her husband, a helpmate and companion, and their wedded life has brought them two children, Marion C. and Raymond D.

ALTER C. DARST. The Democratic Daily \/iJ// ''^"^^ Weekly Herald, which is published in )^J the city of Circleville, is owned by Messrs. Murphy Sz Darst. The paper was established in 1870, by McCoUister cV- Wolfly. In 1876, the sister of our subject, Miss Lillie C. Darst, took charge of the paper, and managed it successfully until 1883, in April of which year she died. The abovenamed firm then purchased the plant, and have successfully operated it from that date.

The original of this sketch was born August 9, 1858, and is the son of Jacob and Anna B. (Brower) Darst. The father was born in West Jefferson, this State, where he was a prominent dry-goods merchant, and there remained until his decease, which occurred in 1883.

Portrait And Biograihical Record

ing office to learn the trade. A few ^'ears later, he purchased the plant of his enii)loyer, and in .Tune, 1884, started the daily. He was married in Norfolk, Ya., in 1888, to Miss Daisy liatcs, a nntiveof Kentucky. Socially, INIr. Darst is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in politics, votes the straight Democratic ticket. He is a consistent member of the Episcopal Church, to the support of which body he contributes liberally and cheerfully.

OHN G. LOOFBOURROW, Cashier of the Farmers' Bank of Mt. Sterling, was born in Fayette County, 111., on the 27th of Octo- ^^^ ber, 1845. His parents, Lemuel P. and Elizabeth (Graham) Loofbourrow, were both natives of the Buckeye State, being born and reared in the vicinity of Mt. Sterling. For a time, the father engaged in farming and merchandising in Illinois, but the year 1857 witnessed his return to Fa3'ette County, Ohio.

Our subject was then a lad of twelve years. He remained upon the farm and aided in its cultivation until 1867, and during that time acquired a good education, his early advantages being supplemented by a course at Holbrook's Normal School, of Le))anon, where he remained a year and a half. He began teaching at the age of nineteen and followed that profession for a year and a half. In the fall of 1867, he came to Mt. Sterling and secured a position as clerk in a drug store, where he remained for three years. He then purchased the stock of drugs and embarked in business in that line for himself, carrying on the store for three 3'ears. tie next became interested in the banking business, securing the position of Cashier in the Farmers' Bank in 1874. He has been its cashier from the organization, a fact which indicates his fidelity and faithfulness. Previous to this, in the fall of 1873, after selling out his drug store, he went to Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and took a course in Eastman's Business College, from which he was graduated with honor in 1874. He then returned and accepted his present position. He is one of ten partners who are equal stockholders in the bank.