Pickaway Township (part 30 of 49)

On the 19th of May, 1874, Mr. Loofbourrow was united in marriage with Miss Ilulda Kauffelt, of TMt. Sterling. Unto them have been born three sons and one daughter: Ross K., who was born in March, 1876; Lemuel G., John R. and Delle E. The paients are both members of the Presbyterian Church, take an active part in its work, and oui' subject has served as Elder since 1888. He was reared in the Democratic part}^, but. thinks that politics consists mostly of a struggle between the old parties for the spoils. He has served as Township Clerk, but has never been an office-seeker. Mr. Loofbourrow is recognised, as an honorable, upright business man. and the success of the Farmers' Bank is <lue largely to his untiring efforts and his popularity. He is a progressive and public-spirited citizen, who takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community, and has given his support to all enter-, prises calculated to prove of public benefit.

I LLIAM D. GIBSON. The subject of this sketch is engaged in the tobacco and \T/ cigar business at Washington C. H., where he is building up a lucrative trade, carrying the best grade of goods to be found in the city. He is a very pleasant and genial gentleman, whose friends are as numerous as his acquaintances. He is the son of William Gibson, who was born in South Carolina, his parents being respectively Scotch and Welsh. The elder Mr. Gibson later removed to this State, locating in Greene County in 1832. He was married to Miss Margaret Dougherty, who was of Welsh descent, and who bore him six children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, but only one of whom is living at the present time. They bore the respective names of Eliza, James, Jane, Joseph, Rebecca and William D. The father of our subject, when first locating in Greene County, purchased a tract of one hundred and three acres, upon which he resided until his death. In [>olitics, he was a Republican, and in religiou.s lujitters was a, niemher of the Presbyterian Cliurcli, in wliicli denomination he lield tlie ottice of Elder. lie was an active worker and liberal contribntor to the su})port of his denomination, and [)assed from this life firm in his faith. -

AVilliam D. Gibson was born November 4, 1820, in York, S. C, being educated in the schools of that district and in his new liome in this State. When fourteen years of age, he began clerking in a dry-goods store, holding that position for about three months, wiien he started in that line of business for himself, being backed by a wealthy gentleman, who furnished him with a capital of $3,000. lie opened his store at Jamestown, and at the early age of fourteen, had the responsibility of running a large establishment, employing two clerks. A year later, he went to New York City and bought a fresh stock of goods, and continued to have the support of his wealthy friend for six years.

In 1848, the original of this sketch removed to Bloomingburgh, where he continued in the drygoods business until 1871. At that date, he came to Washington C. H. and clerked in the store of J. L. Van Deman & Co., and for other firms, until 1888, when, after a rest of two years, he started out in the retail cigar and tobacco trade.

Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Strong November 23, 1842. Mrs. Gibson was a native of Ohio, and passed from this life March 12, 1848. September 12, 1849, he married Miss Sarah A. Sheets, by whom he became the father of four children, all deceased : P^lla B., Ada, Frank and -James. She died September 10, 1857. The present wife of our subject, to whom he was married August 9, 1858, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Pinkerton. They are the parents of the following-named children : William A., who is a music teacher in the city ; Walter, a telegraph operator at Mussel man ; Lj^da M., married J. M. Minturn, who is a book-keeper for Dahl & Baer, at Washington C. IT.; -Joe M. is a broker, in business at Richmond, Ind. ; Lena Louise, at home; Harry E., residing in Mobile, Ala.; R03' S., at home, and Lucy Irene, who died May 22, 1870, and also James, who died December 27, 1870.

fairs. lie is a memlter of the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs. He has made a success of his business, and ranks among the well-to-do and progressive citizens of the place. ]\Ir. (iibson was a strong Unionist during the war, and was only i)revented from offi-ring his services to defend his country's honor on account of physical disability. He was very patriotic, however, and hired a substitute for ^(lOO. He is the possessor of considerable real estate in this city, and is in fair circumstances.

^OHN MORRIS. This gentleman, who holds the resi)Onsible position of Supenntendent of the Pickaway County Infirmary, is one _ of the most prominent and inlluential citizens of the county, Avhere he is favorably and widel}' known, and where his friends are as numerous as his acquauitances.

Mr. Morris, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is a native of Washington Township, his birth occurring October 7, 1831. He is the son of P^zekiel Morris, who was born in 1801 in Virginia. His father, also named John Morris, hailed from the Dominion and emigrated to Ohio in an early day, where he was among the pioneers of Walnut Township. He entered land from the Government, which he cleared and placed under the best of cultivation. In that early day, when going to market, he was obliged to blaze the trees in order to find his way home through the dense forests. He was a patriot in the AVar of 1812 and passed from this life in 1840. The father of our subject was one in a familj^ of eleven children, four of whom are living. When starting out on his own account, he followed the occupation of a farmer in Walnut Township. Later, however, he removed to Washington Township, where he purchased a farm and continued to reside until his death, which occurred .June 27, 1891, when in his ninetieth year. He was greatly respected in his community and was the incumbent of many positions of responsibility and trust, serving two terms as Commissioner of Pickaway County and

Justice of the Peace many 3'ears. He possessed the entire confidence of his fellow-citizens and was often called upon to settle estates, which he alwa^^s did in a most satisfactory manner, lie was a gentleman who made the most of his opportunities and possessed a good understanding of law, which thus qualified him to occupy positions of responsibility.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Catherine Bowman. She was born in Virginia in 1809 and emigrated to this State in an early day with her parents, who settled in Washington Township, Pickaway County. She passed from this life in 1883, in the sevent3'-fourth year of her age, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The six children of the parental family included four daughters and two sons, all of whom are living with one exception.

The educational advantages of our subject, like those of most pioneer youths, were limited, but he acquired enough to give him an impetus to go on by himself, and ranks to-day among the intelligent and well-to-do citizens of the county. The temples of learning in that early day in this State were rude indeed, being built of logs, with puncheon floor and slab seats. Our subject began to battle with life on his own account when twent}'- flve years of age and operated a sawmill in Ashville for about twelve years. He then abandoned that line of work and, locating in Walnut Township, followed the occupation of a farmer for five 3^ears.

In 1871, Mr. Morris engaged in the distilling business at Circleville, the firm name being Morris, Steele & Co., they operating thus for five years. In 1872, he was appointed to his present position of Superintendent of the Pickawa}^ County Infirmary, which office he fills with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. He was the first to occup}^ the large handsome brick asylum which had just been completed at the time of his appointment, and where he has charge of sixt3"-five inmates. He has also been given the supervision of the Children's Home, which is located on the same farm and is the home of thirty children. This farm contains two hundred and fifty-nine acres on sections 11 and 14, all of which

In 1866, Miss Elizabeth C4ibson became the wife of our subject. She was born in Pennsylvania and is the daughter of Thomas Gibson, who emigrated to this State when she was a child. Her parents died in Van Wert County, where they were residents. Mr. and Mrs. Morris have had a family of eight children, viz.: William (deceased), Mary, Edward, Minnie, Bertie and Alice (deceased) , Nettie, and one that died in infancy.

In politics, ]Mr. INIorris is a Democrat, believing that party to be in the right. Mrs. Morris is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church and is active in all good works. Our subject is the proprietor of one hundred and fifty-three and one-half acres of valuable land on section 4, Washington Township, which bears all the improvements of a first-class estate.

RANSOM DAVIS. The persistent industry and good judgment of Mr. Davis have been rewarded and he is to-day residing on a beautiful farm situated in Greene Township, Fayette County. His estate bears all the improvements which will be found on a first-class farm, and the soil is so cultivated as to bring its owner handsome returns.

The original of this sketch is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurring in Crawford County December 1.5, 1811. He is the son of David and Hannah (Gelden) Davis, natives of Pennsjlvania. The father was a farmer by occupation, and fought in the War of 1812. He came West to Ohio in 1813, and, locating in Pike County, remained there for a twelvemonth, when he removed to Highland County. In 1816, he came to Faj^ette County and made his home on Rattlesnake Creek in Greene Township. This section was little more than a wilderness in that early day, but Mr. Davis, like many of the other pioneers, set about subduing nature, building cabins, and clearing and cultivating his fields. Wild game was plentiful, thus the family did not suffer for fresli meat, as animals of every description could be had for the shooting. The settlers were ver3' few, there being only three houses between that occupied by ]Mr. Davis and Washington C. II., a distance of nine miles. The father of our subject disposed of the above-named purchase and bought a tract on Lee's Creek, same township, where he was residing at the time of his decease, in 1855. His good wife survived him a short time, her death taking place the following 3'ear.

The parental family of our subject included eight children, only two of whom are living. Bransom was reared on the home farm, and received but a limited education in the district school. He has been an important factor in helping to develop this portion of the county, and has watched with interest the gradual evolution of the' land from its original wildness into cultivated and productive fields and thriving towns.

When twenty-one years of age, Bransom Davis started out to make his own way in the world, and, choosing an occupation, became a farmer, to which calling he had been reared. In 1834, he was married to Jane, daughter of John and Polly (Rowe) Draper, natives of Virginia, where they were married and whence they came to the Buckeye State in an early day, being among the early settlers of Greene Township, P^ayette County. Mrs. Davis was born in 1806 and died in 1868. By her union with our subject were born four children, two of whom are living: Maria, Mrs. Benjamin Tudor, resides in Indiana and has two children, and Jane, the wife of Ferrill Patton. The latter make their home in Greene Township, and are the parents of four children.

June 17, 1870, Mr. Davis was the second time married, the lady of his choice being Sidney Ann (Clapps) Draper, the widow of Richard Draper, the brother of our subject's first wife. Of the nine children born to her parents four are now living: James Harvey, Elijah Eddj', Margaret Ann, and Mary Ellen. After his marriage, he of whom we write settled on his father's farm, where he resided for seven 3^ears, at the end of which time he rented property until purchasing a farm of his own, which he did in 1846. Ten years later, he removed to his present abiding-place, which includes two hundred and eight acres of valuable land.

In politics, he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson in 1832, and has served his fellow-townsmen acceptably as Supervisor of Roads. Our subject and his estimable wife are widely and favorably known in this locality', where they are held in high esteem.

.11 Pickaway County, who has made his liome *^^'^ here since 1832. He is of an excellent and highly intelligent famil}-, being a distant relative of William Gibson, the silver-tongued orator of Ohio, and is himself recognized as being one of the best-informed men in the township, having throughout life carried on a course of extensive and judicious reading.

Our subject was born in Dayton, this State, January 9,1823, and his father, Rol)ert CTibson,who was born in Pennsylvania, July 17, 1787, was a son of James Gibson, a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young man, and settled in Pennsylvania. In his early experience in this country, while going on horseback to look up some land, he was taken from his horse and robbed by a highwayman. He bought a farm in Fulton County, Pa., which lay along the creek, and there he made a specialty of hay. His son, the father of our subject, was a fanner, and learned the trade of a tanner. He was a volunteer in the War of 1812, and served under W^illiam Henry Harrison in the Northwest campaign, and while in service helped to erect Ft. Meigs.

Robert Gibson settled in Dayton, Ohio, in 1816, and there opened a tannery and carried it on for some years. It was in 1832 that he settled in this township and began the double operation of a tannery and a farm. He was married at P^aton,

Preble County, Ohio, to Ruhama Williamson, a native of Penns3'lvania, who reared to maturity six children, namely: Eleazer W., James A., Martha, Mary J., Rebecca M. and Sarah M. She died in her seventy-sixth year, and had been from girlhood a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which her husband was an Elder at the time of his death, and of which the}^ were both active members.

iNIrs. Gibson's father, Eleazer Williamson, was a native of Wasliington County, Pa., and served througli the entire period of the Revolutionary War. He had the rank of a Captain, and until his deatli he drew a pension of |4H0 per year. He came to Ohio in 1808, journeying on flatboats down the Ohio River and up the Scioto. He located below Chillicothe, and a short time later came to this township, thus being one of the very first to settle here, if not the verj' first. He erected a log cabin and lived among the Indians and wolves, completing here his eighty-four ^^ears of useful and hardy life. He was a man of fine physical development and unusual natural ability, having the best characteristics of the Scotch-Irish blood, from which he was descended. He was a noted huntsman, and kept the neighborhood supplied with venison.

He of whom we write was in his tenth year when he settled in this township, and through his boyhood he studied in the old log cabin schoolhouse, furnished with slab benches, slal) writingdesks on the wall, and large open fireplace. When the family came here, there was only one man in the tovvnship who owned a wagon. Deer were numerous in those days, and wild turkeys had to be shot to keep them from destroying the corn. At the age of twenty-six, the young man began life for himself, having helped his father up to that time. He learned the boot and shoe trade, and for some time carried on a store.

Our subject was married February 14, 1856, to P^sther A. Crabb, who was born near London, Madison County, Ohio, October 26, 1833. Her parents, 'riu>mas and Sarah (Satchel) Crabb, were both Itorn in Ohio, in Ross Count}-, of which her grandfather, Osman Crabb, was one of the first settlers. Mrs. (Jibson's father was a farmer, and owned one hundred and fifty acres in Ross County, which he sold in 1853, and, coming to Pickaway County, here bought one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he lived until his death, at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Gibson's mother died at the age of forty-one, and as there were seven children in the family, and most of them were small at the time of the mother's death, much responsibilitj^ fell upon the daughter p]sther.

Our subject and his worthy wife have had born to them three children, namely: Sarah R., who is married to Littleton Gochenour, and resides on a farm in this township, and Martha A. and Maiy J., who reside at home with their parents. When our subject settled here in the woods after marriage, he could not see out to the road, the forest was so dense. The}^ lived in a log cabin, and worked hard to clear u[) the farm, and make the improvements which appear here to-day. Upon this farm of one hundred and ninety and one-half acres, he carries on mixed farming, raising both grain and stock. From his large flock of sheep he makes an excellent profit. Mr. Gibson Avas a very hard worker up to the year 1881, l)ut since that time he has been an invalid, on account of rheumatism, and for five years has not been able to bear his weight upon his feet. He is independent in politics, and uses excellent judgment in his choice of candidates and policy of government. He has a remarkable memory, and has thus laid up in his mind much of value, which he has gained from his broad and extensive reading. His wife is an earnest and efHcient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gibson has been Trustee of the township for one or two terms, and has frequently declined other otficial positions which have been offered him.

^ OHN M. DEER. We herewith present the sketch of a prominent and wealthy farmer, whose beautiful estate is pleasantly' situated in Concord Tovvnship, F'a3'ette County, where he devotes his entire time and attention to its cultivation. He is the son of Absalom and

Elizabeth (Wilson) Deer, natives of Madison County, Va., where they were married, shortl}' after which event they came to Ohio and located on Rattlesnake Creek, Highland Collnt3^ There the father cleared and improved a wild tract of land, continuing to make that place his home for about twenty years, Miien he came in 1854 to this county, settling upon the old IMcLean farm in Union Townsliip. There the elder Mr. Deer died in 1865, ills good wife surviving until 1888, when she too passed away.

Of the parental famil}- of eight children, two are now living, our subject and Mrs. Amy A. Patch. He of whom we write was born November 22, 1837, in Highland County, this State, where he was given a fair education in the common schools of his district. He has always followed the occupation of an agriculturist, being thoroughly trained to the duties of that calling on the home estate. He remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority, at which time he was married, December 23, 1858, to Ann Eliza Mc- Clellan, daughter of William McClellan, a native of Maine and an eail}' settler in Concord Township.

Mrs. Deer was born March 9, 1832, in Fayette Count}', the birth of her parents occurring respectively August 7, 1797, and .September 5, 1809. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Deer rented a farm for two years in Union Township, after which he removed to another portion of the township, making a stay of a like period. He made another removal where he remained for ten years, and then occupied the farm of Levi Rovve for five years. In 1878, our subject purchased his present estate, upon which he located the following year. It contains one hundred and thirty acres, and is known as the home farm. He is also the possessor of one hundred and twenty-two and one-half acres north of Concord Township and one hundred and thirty acres in Union Tovvnship, making an aggregate of three hundred and eighty-two and one-half acres of valuable land, which his industry has placed under cultivation. He has erected substantial and suitable buildings on his estate, liaving all the improvements which best subserve the interests of a first-class agriculturist. His property

Mr. and Mrs. Deer have had born to them a family of six children, two of whom are deceased: James W. is a traveling salesman; Edward L. married Carrie Cline, resides in Union Township and has one child; Rufus L. took for his wife Miss Carrie Reed and makes his home in Chicago, 111.; Car3' O. is at home. They have all been given excellent educational advantages, James W. and Rufus L. being graduates of the Valparaiso (Ind.) Normal School. The youngest. Car}-, is a student at Ada, Ohio.

Mrs. Deer departed this life August 24, 1«86, firm in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church and greatly mourned by her numerous friends and acquaintances. Our subject is a Democrat in politics, and has served as a member of the School Board for a number of terms. At the present time he is an incumbent of the office of Township Trustee and is widely and favorably known throughout this section as a man of principles and upright and honest life. His son, James W., while a resident of Washington C. H., was Postmaster of that city.

BEL II. JANES. The beautiful home of this gentleman is one of the pleasant sights which is seen by the traveler along the highways of Jasper Township, Fayette Count3^ His industry and perseverance have made a success of farming, as he is at present tlie proprietor of one hundred and ninety-five acres of land, located in Jasper Township. It is well cultivated, Mr. Janes believing that the best methods and latest improvements in agriculture bring him in the largest returns.

William P. Janes, the father of our subject, was born in 1809, in Pendleton County, Ya., and ten years later accompanied his fatlier's family to Fayette County, locating for a year in Paint Townsliip, later going to Jefferson Township. The present site of the village of Jefferson occupies a portion of that farm which, at the time they located upon it, was in its original wildness; it has been in the possession of the family ever since. The elder Mr. Janes was very prominent in township affairs, and for a number of years served in the capacity of Justice of tlie Peace. In politics, he alwaj^s cast his vote and intiuence in favor of Democratic principles and candidates, believing that pai-ty to be in the right. AVilliam P. departed this life in 1866, greatly mourned l\y all who knew him.

Tlie maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary Ivlock; she was born in Greene County, this State, in lH14,and was the daugiiter of John Mock, a native of North Carolina. The latter was a patriot in the War of 1812, and located in Greene County in an early day. He later removed to .Jefferson Township, Fayette County, where he passed his last days. Mrs. Janes died in 1883, after having become the mother of twelve children, eight of whom are living. Two sons participated in tlie Civil War, Evan L. and he of whom we write. Mrs. Janes was a member in good standing of the Methodist Protestant Cliurch, and died firm in the faith of that body.

Tlie original of this sketch was born February 11, 1839, on tlie old Janes homestead, where he grew to manhood and received a district-school education. He did much hard pioneer work in tlie early days, and, when old enougii, began life for himself on the old homestead. On the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company II, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry, joining his regiment in tlie Shenandoah A^alley. He participated in the engagement at Harper's Ferry, where he was taken prisoner, but was soon paroled. He was then sent to Annapolis, going on foot from Harper's Ferry, and from that city to Baltimore, and thence to Chicago, where he was mustered out. In 1864, Mr. Janes again enlisted in defense of his country, and became a member of Company D, One Hundred and Sixt3^-eiglith Ohio Infantry, being mustered in as First Lieutenant. He participated in the Morgan raid, and received his honorable discharge at the expiration of his term of enlistment. His soldiers were known as the "Squirrel Hunters." They were State militia. While a member of the One Hundred and Sixtv-eisfhth

Regiment, our subject was again taken prisoner, June 11, 1864, at Cynthiana,K3'., while on the Morgan raid, and he received very cruel treatment; he was afterward paroled near Claysville, that State.

Miss Almeda Hays was married in January, 1867, to our subject. She was the daughter of Morgan Hays, a resident of Paint Township. Fa}'- ette County, where he has attained to the ripe old age of seventy-two years. Mrs. Janes was born April 2, 1845, in Fayette County, where she was given a good education and received a certificate to teach. He of whom we write moved on his present farm in 1868, where he has his entire acreage under cultivation, with the exception of fift}^ acres. He is engaged in general farming, and his success in that line has placed him in the foremost rank among the agriculturists in the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Janes have become the parents of five children, four of whom are living, namely : William M., Cass G., Jennie P. and Chester II. They have all been given good educations, and are well fitted to become useful and progressive citizens. Mr. Janes has served on the School Board, and socially is identified with the Independent (Jrder of Odd Fellows at Miliedgeville, having been through all the chairs of that organization. He is a member of the I. Gilbert Grand Army Post, of Jeffersonville, and in politics is a Republican, with which party he has alwaj'S cast his vote. He stands high among his fellow-men, who regard him as a man whose word is as good as his bond, and in public life he has rcjiresented them as Trustee of Jasper Township.

\.Z\\ ORGAN J. JENKINS, M. D. Among the British-American citizens of Plain Cit}' none is more worthy of respect and notice than he whose name appears at the head of this brief narrative, as his private life in our midst and his professional standing place him in the front rank. He was born in South Wales, November 15, 1853. His father, Thomas Jenkins, was a Congregationalist minister of Wales and was located at Merthyr Tydvil. After his emigration to this country, he made liis home in Pennsylvania, and is now in charge of a congregation in Wilkesbarre,

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Ann Jones, and is also a native of Wales. She is still living and is the mother of six children, four sons and two daughters. All have lived to the years of maturity, with the exception of one who died in childhood, and he of whom we write is the second child and second son of this household. It was when he was only ten years old that liis parents moved to this county, and this son had his earh' training and education at .Johnstown, where he remained until he reached the age of seventeen. There he received his first schooling, and afterward became a student in the Ohio AVesleyan Universit}' at Delaware, after which he went to Richwood, Ohio, and there began the stud}" of medicine under the guidance of Dr. P. H. Bauer. During the three years of his tutorship under this able physician, he also attended lectures at the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, spending his winters in that city. His diploma was granted him there in March, 1878, and during the same year he took up his residence in Plain City.

The political tendencies of Dr. .Jenkins have brought him into active S3 mpathy and co-operation with the Republican part}', and his intelligence and professional standing have made him a leader among his fellow-citizens. He is now filling the position of Health Officer, and was for some time a member of the Board of Education. In the Masonic fraternit}^, he belongs to Trania Lodge No. 311, and is also a Ivnight Templar and a member of the Mt. A'ernon Commandery. As an Odd Fellow, he is a member of Lodge No. 193, of Plain City, and he also belongs to the Ivnights of Pythias, being a charter member of the Plain City Lodge No. 159. He was elected Grand Outer Guard in 1890, and the following year was made Grand Inner Guard of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

The marriage of Dr. Jenkins took place in Richwood, Ohio, December 24, 1879, and he was then united witli INIay, the eldest daughter of Oren and Ellen Beem, of that place. 13r. and Mrs. Jenkins have become the parents of two childien, a son and a daughter, to whom they gave the names of Thomas and Rose. The latter was taken from them by death at the age of three years, and in her loss they feel deeply bereaved.

AURICE BRADFIELD owns and occupies a farm of goodl}^ size in Jefferson Township, Madison Count}-, where the work of his hands is plainly indicated by its present condition. The property consists of one hundi'ed and ninety-live acres and bears the usual improvements made by a man of enterprising spirit and good judgment, and presents an appearance of home comfort attractive to the passer-by. Abner Bradfield, the father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania and died in Georgesville, Franklin County, this State, in 1870, where also the mother, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Lnekens, departed this life. Like her husband, she was a native of the Keystone State and reared a family of seven children, of whom Maurice was the fifth in order of birth. He was born in Franklin County, January 19, 1839, and, being reared to farm pursuits, has made that calling his life occupation.

March 13, 1862, he of whom we write and Miss Jane, daughter of Robert and Ann (Stump) Worthington, were united in marriage. The parents of Mrs. Bradfield were natives of Pennsylvania and died in Pleasant Township, Franklin County, this State. They reared a family of six children, of whom Miss Jane was the eldest, her birth occurring in the above-named county, September 20, 1842.

where he made his home until December, 1878, when he took up his abode in this count}' and located on a farm in Jefferson Township, of which he is the present owner. Our subject enlisted in the one hundred da3's' service of 1864, and re-enlisted for twelve months, or to the close of the war, and received an honorable discharge in September, 1865.

The six children comprised in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Bradfiekl bear the respective names of Albert W., Hermann E., Sarah A., Robert M., Bayard T. and May. Albert married Miss Rosa Lilly, Herman married Ella Summers, and Sarah is the wife of William Durflinger. In politics, Mr. r.radfic-ld votes with the Republican party, and, religiousl}^, his good wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which body she has nianv friends.

V.ELSON FAMLLENER was born on the old Famulener homestead in the southeastern ^ corner of Pickaway Township, April 25, 1885, and has always lived amid tlie pleasant scenes of his birth. He is a representative of one of the old families that came to Ohio in the early years of its settlement, and ever since he attained manhood has identified himself with the agricultural interests of Pickawaj', his native county.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Jacob Famulener, and his father, Jonathan Famulener, were natives of New Jersey. The grandfather came to Ohio with his family in a very early day of its settlement and was a pioneer of Ross County, where he reclaimed a farm from the i)rimeval wilderness. There is not one of the original family novv living. The father of our subject was one of the eldest of the children, and, coming to this county in earl}' manhood to cast in his lot with its pioneers, he became a prosperous farmer of Pickaway Township, where he spent the remainder of his life, which was brought to a close in 1875, in his seventy-seventh year. It is supposed that the Famuleners are descended from the old Quaker stock of New Jersey. The mother of our subject, who was born in Pennsylvania, February 21, 1803, and emigrated to Ohio with her parents, is still living at a venerable age. Her maiden name was Anna Long. She is the mother of five children, as follows: "William, a farmer, who is married and lives in Knox County, III.; Jacob, a farmer, who is married and lives in Warren County, 111.; John, deceased; Nelson; and Rachel, wife of Thomas Brundige.

He to whom these lines refer grew up on the old farm amid pioneer surroundings, gaining his education in the primitive log schoolhouse of the times, which was furnished with slab seats, and had none of the conveniences of the modern school. He has always lived on the homestead that belonged to his father, and since it came into liis possession, has kept it up to the same high standard of cultivation and improvement that it liad attained while he was assisting his father in its management in the years that followed his majority. The farm, which contains two hundred and thirty-nine acres of fine, alluvial soil, and is situated on section 36, Pickaway Township, is well watered byKinnickinnick Creek,which runs through it, and is remarkably productive. On another page will be noticed a view of the place. It is amply supplied with buildings of a good class and with modern machinery, and is well adapted to general farming purposes, to which Mr. Famulener devotes it, raising and feeding cattle, and shipping a load or two each year with good profit. Our subject is not only of large physical proportions, tipping the scales at four hundred and fifteen pounds, but he is a whole man in other directions, well balanced in mind, big-hearted, open-handed, a true friend at all times, and one to be thoroughly trusted in all things. In his political views, he is a pronounced Republican.

Mr. Famulener was married, in 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Goodman, a native of Hocking County, Ohio, and a daughter of John and Sarah (Weaver) Goodman, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and had come to Ohio with their parents when young. Her father became a prosperous fanner, and rounded out a long life of seventy-six years in 1876. His wife survived him until 1889, and then she passed away at the age of eighty-three

Portrait And Biographical Rfxord

3'ears. She was a Lutheran in religion, while her daughter of whom we write is a Presbyterian, and an active member of the Cumberland Presb3terian Church. She was the mother of twelve children, of whom ten are living. Mr. and Mrs. Famulener have had four children, of whom two are living, Samuel and Jesse. Those deceased are William, who died October 29, 1890, and Ida.

,E0RC4E G. BLAIR, Postmaster of West Jefferson, is worthy of honor as a veterau of the late war and enjoys the full confidence and esteem of his community. He was eighteen years of age when he entered the army, enlisting in August, 1862, in Company K, Ninetj'-fifth Ohio Infantry, and during his campaign life took part in a number of the most famous battles of the war and others less well known but equally liazardous to those who participated. The list includes Richmond (Ky.), Jackson (Miss.), siege of Vicksburg and Gunstown, Miss. In the last-named engagement, Mr. Blair was slightly wounded, and June 10, 1864, was taken prisoner, but was paroled the following December and exchanged April 5, 1865. He was confined in Andersonville, Millen, Ga., and Savannah, weighing at the time of his capture one hundred and sixty-one pounds; nine da3's after his release he weighed owXy one iiundred and three pounds. After being exchanged, Mr. Blair returned to his regiment and took part in the siege of Mobile, and when mustered out returned to his old home in Jefferson Township.

Among the early pioneers of Madison Count}' was Alex Blair, the great-grandfather of our subject, who was born in Virginia of Scotch parents. He died in this country in 1825, having become the father of eleven children, of whom John Blair, the grandfather of our subject, was one of the younger members. He was born near Harper's Ferr}^ "\"a., in 1788 and was a soldier in the War of 1812. In 1814, he located in Loudon, this county, where he was engaged in the hatter's trade and remained at home until fort^'-five ^-ears of age, then removed to Jefferson Township, where the mother died in 1868 and the father two years later. They were the parents of seven children, of whom George W., the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was born in London, this State, Ma^' 20, 1817, and, when reaching mature 3'ears, was married to Miss Rachael C. Goodson. Two years later, the 3'oung couple located in Jefferson Townsliip, where the mother died November 13, 1883, and the father, March 29, 1886. The elder Mr. P.lair was engaged in the building of the Blair Pike from 1868 to 1870, and operated the first steam thresher in Madison Count3', where also he introduced the first reaping-machine.

Our subject was the second in order of birth in a family of ten children, and was born in tiiis county and township, March 2, 1844. He was reared on the old homestead, and, as before stated, entered the arm}- when eighteen 3'ears old. AVhen he could not longer serve his country on the fields of battle, Mr. Blair returned home and with his father engaged in building the Blair Pike. He later was emplo3'ed as foreman for Smith k Woodward,who were under contract to the Little Miami Railroad Company from 1869 to 1874. Our sul)- ject afterward engaged in the sawmill and lumber liusiness on his own account for several years, and then selling out, rented about eight hundred acres of land in Jefferson Township, which he operated, together with the estate belonging to Samuel Woodward. He was thus employed for some three 3'ears and then began farming on the old homestead.

On removing to West Jefferson, he of whom we write was appointed Justice of the Peace and in addition to performing the duties of that olHce, carried on a thriving insurance business. He was appointed Postmaster of West Jefferson, in May, 1889, under Postmaster-General Wanamaker, and by the satisfactor3' manner in which he discharged the duties imposed upon him, has become ver3- popularwith the people in this communit3'.

Mr. Blair, of this sketch, and Miss Esther A., daughter of William and Maiy J. Clark, were united in marriage in 1866. Her parents were natives of Ireland and the fatiier departed this life in Springfield, this State. Mrs. Blair was born in Springfield, October 15, 1839, and 1)3- her union with our subject has become the mother of three children: Clara M.,the wife of A. L. Hayes; Albert C. and Edith J. In social matters, our subject is Senior Past Grand of West .lefferson Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F.,and is connected with Post No. 389, G. A. R.. He has also served his fellow-townsmen in the position of School Director, and has always been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party.

ARVY I). LOMBARD. We are pleased ji to represent in this volume this veteran farmer of Madison County, who has long been closely identified with its agricultural interests, and has placed under improvement one of the many fine farms for which this section of the country- is noted, his homestead lying in Darby Township, six miles west of Plain City.

Our subject is a native of Kentuckj', and was born on the loth of August, 1822, a son of Jesse I^ombard. His father was born in Windsor County, Yt., in the 3'ear 1793, and was reared to the life of a farmer among the breezy hills of his birtliplaee. His father, David Lombard, was also a native of the (ireen Mountain State. He came to Ohio after his son had lived here several years, but he returned to Vermont to die. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Olive Carleton, and she too was a native of Vermont. She died at the age of sixt3'-six years. She was a daughter of Freeman Carleton, who was born in Vermont, and died there in the fulness of 3'ears. The parents of our subject had six children, three daughters and three sons: Jesse Harrison, who was born in Vermont in 1816; Laura was born in Kentucky in 1820; Harvy D.; David Ransom was born in Kentucky in 1824; Anna was born in Kentucky in 1826; and Olive was born in Ohio in 1828.

The father of our subject came to Ohio on foot, with an ax on his shoulder, and as he passed through New York, he took jobs chopping wood on the way. He stopped first, after his arrival in this State, near the present site of Columbus. Subsequently, he and another man ran a flat-boat on the Ohio River to gather up stones when the water was low. He had left his family in Vermont while he sougiit a suitable place for settlement, and later his father brought them on with him in a wagon, and they located on a rented farm near Covington, Ky., where they remained until they came to Madison County, in 1828. For three years after coming here, the}^ lived in Pike Township, and then the father bought land in Darby Township, six miles west of Plain City, and lived thereon for many 3'ears, transforming it in the meantime into a goodly farm, which he finall}' sold, and passed his last days in Plain Cit}^, dying there at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. He was prosperous in his calling, and accumulated a comfortable property. He paid $1.25 an acre for his land, and after man}' years sold it at $40 an acre, having made many valuable improvements. He began life here as a pioneer, first building a log house, which in after years he replaced by a large frame house.

Our subject is the third child and second son of the fainil}', and he was six years old when they came to Ohio. The first school that he attended, was held in a log house in Darby Township, and his education was completed in a brick schoolhouse in the same township. He remained with his father until he was twenty-one years old, and when he began farming on his own account, he rented a farm in Jefferson Township. Since that time, he has lived on his present farm in Darby Township, and is very pleasantly situated. He has one hundred acres in the liome place, and two hundred and twenty acres elsewhere in the same township. His father gave him fifty acres to start with, and the remainder of the three hundred and twenty acres of which he is i^ossessed he has acquired unaided, and its development from a tract of wild timber land is the work entirel}^ of his own hand. His original dwelling was a comfortable log house, which he replaced by one still better, and in 1889 he built his present substantial and roomy residence at a cost of $1,500. He has his farm well stocked, and does a good general farming business, conducting his affairs witii sound wisdom and with shrewdness, forethought and prudence that have won him an enviable reputation as a good farmer.

He is likewise a <?ood citizen, and has been of much service in the public life of Darby Township, of whicli he was Trustee one year, and for tlie long period of thirty years he acted as School Director. When he was a young man, he was a Whig, and he cast his first Presidential vote for Henry Clay. In later years he has been a true follower of the Republican party.

Mr. Lombard was married in Darl)y Township, in 1844, to Miss Samantha IVIcCumber, who was also born near Covington, Ky.. the date of her birth being October 15, 1820. To her read>' and cheerful helpfulness he was much indebted, not only for all that goes to make a home comfortable and cozy, but for the success that has followed his lal)ors, and her death, February' 4, 1885, closed a long wedded life that had been one of true happiness. It was blessed with four daughters and four sons, namely: Phrebe, widow of Harvy Bradley, and a resident of Canaan Township; D. Lamar, an agent, teacher and trader, of Plain City; Alice, wife of Henry Riddle, of Darby Township; Lucina, wife of J. H. Stewart, of Plain City; Millard F., Frank E., AVilliam A. and Ora I., the latter four residinar at home with their fathei'.

^IIOMAS E. BRADEN. The valuable farming and stock interests of Fayette County are in the hands of men who are gifted with push, business acumen and far-seeing enterprise, and are among the prime factors in the steady and substantial growth of this section of the State. Thomas E. Braden belongs to this class, and his farm in Wayne Township is well kept up, compares with the best in the localit}' in its appointments, and is admirably adapted to stockraising, in which our subject is largely engaged.

Mr. Braden was born in Ross Count}" in 1831 in the home of William and Jane Braden, who were natives of Ireland. The father was born in the northern part of that country, near Dublin, in 1803. His father was a farmer and land-owner there and was a man of considerable importance in his neighborhood, and was a strict Presl)vterian

William Braden grew to a vigorous, independent manhood on his native island, receiving a good common-school education and a thorough drilling as a farmer. In 182(), in the opening years of a promising manhood, he set sail for his old home to the shores of America, and after he landed he made his way to this State, and in Ross County established himself in the hotel business with his brother at Chillicothe. He was thus engaged for thirty 3'ears, and he then came to this county, and at Good Hope, in Wayne Township, followed gardening from 1849 until 1870. The last years of his life were spent in the home of our subject, and in 1881 he passed away at a ripe age. In politics, he was first a Democrat, but in the latter part of his life he transferred his allegiance to the Republican part}'.

The subject of this sketch is one of five children, the others being John, Mary (wife of Jacob Overly), Andrew and Eliza. He Ijegan life for himself at the age of thirteen, being a stout, active, manly lad, and for some seventeen years he was engaged as a farm hand by the month, mostly in Fayette Count}-. In 1861, he was happily married to Nancy, daughter of Jacob and Anna Areheart, and a native of Fayette Count}'. Her parents were natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana. To her and our subject have been l^orn seven children, who have been carefully trained and are well educated. They are named respectively, Louis, Anna, Jennie, Edith, Thomas R., Mary E. and Ralph. Miss Jennie occupies a responsible position as book-keeper for a business firm at Washington C. H.

Mr. Braden lived on rented farms after his marriage until 1868, when he bought his present farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres in Wayne Township. He at once set about the hard pioneer task of clearing and redeeming the land after it came into his possession, and has brought it to a fine condition, both as to cultivation and improvements in the way of fencing, tiling and putting up good buildings for every needed purpose. The first dwelling that he erected, which was a neatly built and commodious structure, was destroyed by fire, and he rei)laee(I it by another equal!}' substantial and well arranged. He is quite extensively engaged in raising stock in connection with other farming operations, and he handles a good grade of Short-horn cattle.

Mr. Braden is an uncompromising Republican, with an intelligent comprehension of politics. He has a good record as a public official who has done good service in various capacities, and is incorruptible. He has been Trustee of Wayne Township nine years and School Director iu one district for twenty-one years. He is at present one of the Directors of the County Infirmary, which position he has held six ^ears.

\f/OHN STEVENSON. In Circleville Township, Pickawa}' County, raaj' be seen a beautiful farm, wliich is adorned by a handsome residence and Jirst-class farm buildings. This is is the propert_y of the gentleman whose name heads this paragraph and who is one of the successful agriculturists of the county. lie was born in County Down, Ireland, November 13, 1JS23, and is the sou of Alexander and Mary Stevenson, both also natives of the Emerald Isle, where the father was a farmer and where the parents passed their entire life.

John Stevenson was the fourth in order of birth of the eight children born to his parents, only three of whom came to the New World. He was given a common-school education, and, makingthe best of his limited advantages, is to-day an intelligent and well-informed gentleman. He remained on the home farm, aiding his father in its cultivation, until 1817, when, being in his twenty-fourth year, he emigrated to America, the voyage hither consuming four weeks and fo\u- days. On landing in New York, our young hero sought and found work on a farm in Orange County, receiving as compensation for his labor $7 per month. Thinking to better his condition, our subject after a few months came West to Ohio, and locating in Circleville Township, PickaAvay County, woiked on a farm, receiving tlie first summer $10 per month.

He soon, however, abandoned farming, and, removing into the village of Circleville, began working at the cooper's trade. In 1853, he returned to his native land, making the voyage in a sailingvessel in nineteen days.

In 1853, the original of this sketch was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of John and Martha (Patterson) Moorehoad, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Stevenson was born in County Down, November 11, 1823, and was the third child of the parental family of fourteen, seven of whom are living. Two remain in Ireland, and the remainder of the family are in Australia. Soon after liis marriage, our subject went to Melbourne, Australia, where he worked by the day on the docks for some time. He then engaged to work in the gold mines, one hundred miles distant from that city, spending about six months in that line of work, and during that time mining about £350 worth of gold. He later purchased teams, and hauled goods and provisions from Melbourne to the mines, cooking his own meals and slee[)ing under the wagon. He owned five horses, each of which cost him $500. The countiy was full of natives, who were very fond of kangaroos and whisky-.

In 1858, Mr. Stevenson thought to tiy his fortunes again in America, and set sail on the "Rojal Charter," being fourteen weeks on the voyage. During a part of that time the eight hundred passengers were put upon one-fourth rations. Our subject and his wife had three small children, who were almost starved on reaching Liverpool. Tliey spent one week in that cit}', and then set sail for Quebec, Canada, where they boarded a train on the Grand Trunk Railroad and crossed into the United States. Mr. Stevenson made his wa}- directly to Ohio, and after spending a short time in Columbus, came to Circleville, making the journey hither in a canoe.

Purchasing a small farm of seventy-nine acres in Circleville Townshii), our sultject was engaged successfully in its cultivation. He later added to his possessions, until he had two hundred acres of valuable land. He put his property under the best of cultivation, and erected a large barn which cost 11,200, and a residence valued at $3,500. Mr. Stevenson bought his present farm in 1880, and here

Portrait And Biographical Rfx'Ord

The seven children born to Mr. and INIrs. Stevenson are Alexander, whose birth occurred in Australia, as did also that of Martha and Hamilton; Maggie, deceased; John, Jane, and Lizzie. Republican in politics, our subject takes an active i)art in local affairs, and is held in high esteem b^' the friends and neighbors. Mrs. Stevenson and four of the children are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Our sul)ject is the proprietor of four farms, aggregating the magnificent sum of six hundred and tifty-five acres. In addition to raising the cereals, he devotes a great deal of attention to breeding Short-horn cattle and draft horses. Mr. Stevenson IS deservedly proud of his present high standing in the agricultural community, as he started out in life poor in pocket, and what he has is the direct result of his economy and good management.

Miss Martha Stevenson, the eldest daughter of our subject, is an artist of rare taste and ability, and has adorned the home with many excellent paintings. "

Cf AY R. GREEN. To those who have given ^ the matter a thoughtful attention, it would v almost seem that the two most important factors in the success which has attended those who are prominent in business circles have been early experiences on a farm and a limited education. Few of the practical men of this age have ever received classical training; the old adage, that it is necessity which makes successful men, is as true in the closing years of the nineteenth century as it was hundreds of years ago.

Among the number of influential business men whose experience has been as above stated, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch. He is a dealer in clothing and gents' furnishing goods at No. 103 West Main Street, in Washington C. H., where he has been engaged as a clerk or in the business for fifteen years. As already indicated, he is the son of a farmer. He was born near Marietta, AVashington Count\', Ohio, March 10, 1858, the son of IMarcus and Sarah (Morris) Green. His paternal grandfather. Smith Green, emigrated to the United States from the Isle of Wight, of which his maternal grandfather, James Morris, was also a native.

After gaining his education in tlie public schools near his home, and at Barlow Academy, our subject, in 1876, removed to Washington C. II., where for two years he worked at the lumber business. Later, he was for eleven years employed as clerk in the clothing establishment of Bing, Bruel & Co., anfl then embarked in business for himself, the firm name being Green, Tharp tfe Co. After the connection had continued one year, our subject purchased Mr. Tharp 's interest, and for two j-ears the establishment was conducted under the Arm title of Green k Flee. February 1, 1892, Mr. Green bought out his partner's interest and is now managing the establishment alone. For excellence of location, his establishment is unsurpassed, and he carries a complete stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods. He is known as one of the leading business men of the city, and his success is the result of his individual efforts.

February 2, 1885, Mi'. Green was united in marriage with Miss Ilattie, daughter of George and Loraine Saxton, of Washington C. H., and they are the parents of one child, Minnie Frances. In his social atliliatioris, Mr. Green is a Knight of Pythias, and is noted no less for his public spirit than for his superior business attainments.

WIOHN P. BOWERS is a native of Madison County, born in the village of Unity, Canaan Township, August 12, 1820, and for more than half a century' he has owned and occupied the same farm in Darb}' Township, situated four miles southwest of Plain City, and has developed it into a valuable piece of property. He is a son of Daniel Bowers, a native of New York, and one of the earlj^ settlers of Madison County, coming liere in 1815. He was a miller by trade, and repaired and put, in operation a mill on the Darby, known as the Sager Mill. He also did carl)enteriiig for a living, and was an important agent in the u[)building of this region, until his untimely death in Darby Township, on the farm now owned by our subject, deprived the county of a ver3' useful citizen. He always took a keen interest in politics, had voted for Jefferson and Adam, and was a gallant soldier in the War of 1812. He was a faithful Christian, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Daniel Bowers, is thought to have been a native of New York, and his last days were spent in Eranklin Count}-, this State. The mother of our subject was Diadama Pliinne_y, aiul she was born and reared in Vermont. She was about eighteen years old when she came to Ohio with tlie Beach famil}'. After the death of her first husband, Mr. Bowers, she married Sjdus Converse, by whom she had one son, Sanford, now deceased. She had three children by her first marriage, namely: John P., Samuel W., and Sarah N., wife of Levi Hager, of Union County. The mother of our subject lived to the ripe old age of eightylive 3'ears.

He of whom we write is the eldest child and son of his parents. He was reared to the life of a farmer m his native county. The first school that he attended was taught in a log house. He cora- ))leted his education in the district schools. At the age of nineteen, well fitted to cope with the struggles before him, he started out in life for himself, facing the world single-handed with good courage. He worked out bj' the day at anything that he could find to do to turn an honest penny, and was often engaged in choi)ping cordwood. After his marriage, in the fall of 1841, he immediatelj' located on the land in ])arby Township, which by down-right hard labor he has since transformed into a fruitful farm. He and his bride began housekeeping in a little log cabin. Since then, he has made many substantial improvements in the way of commodious buildings, and ever}'- thing needful on a well-regulated farm. He has here one hundred acres of excellent farming land, wiiich is under the best of cultivation.

tact in handling affairs, our subject has played no unimportant part in local politics, and in the ofHcial life of his township. He was one of the organizers of the Kei)ublican party of the State, at Columbus, in the Towns Street Methodist Church, in 1854, and ever since that time he has stood firmly by his party in all its triumphs and defeats. The first office that he held was that of Justice of the Peace, to which he was elected in 1842, and of which he was an incumbent about thirty years. He was Trustee of the township many years, and he was Assessor twent}'^ 3'ears. He was real-estate Assessor two terms, was County Commissioner four and a half 3'ears, and has been School Director almost for a life-time. Sociall3', he is a member of Urania Lodge No. 311, A. F. & A. M., at Plain City; of the Pleasant Valle3' Lodge No. 193, A. F. & A. M.; of the Encampment of Odd Fellows No. 251; and of the Daughters of Rebecca Lodge, No. 132. Mrs. Bowers is also prominent in the membership of this lodge, and has been tiirough all the chairs. She is also a member of the Eastern Star, and is one of its State officers, besides holding an office in Lorainne Chapter No. 1, O. E. S., of the State, and the Grand Chapter, and being a member of Lodge No. 119, W. R. C., at Plain City. Mr. Bowers is also a member of the Order of the P^astern Star No. 9. He is a Methodist in his religious sentiments, and a liberal contributor to all good causes, having the interests of his native count3' deepl3' at heart.

Mr. Bowers was first married, September 2, 1841, in Darb3' Township, to INliss Ruhama Ciuy, who was born in Perr3' Township, Franklin Count3', near the Scioto River, September 2, 1819, and died about fifty 3'ears later, her death occurring September 6, 1871. She was the mother of eight children: Silphina, deceased; Betsy L., wife of James P3'- ers, of Ilolton, Kan.; Hannah B., deceased; Daniel E., a resident of Texas; Alwilda A., who died at the age of nineteen; Ruhama A., deceased; John P., deceased; and Adda May, wife of Ler03' Turner, of Cleveland.

Mr. Bowers was married a second time, November 17, 1872, Miss Alvira Newton becoming his wife. She, too, isa native of JNIadison County, born in Darb}' Township, November 9, 1839, a daughter of Abner and Sarah (Sharp) Newton, who were early settlers of Darby Township, coming hither in 1815, and si)ending their remaining years here on a farm. The mother died in her seventy-fourth year. The father was killed while crossing- a railway track in a buggy, in 1890. That worthy coui)le were the parents of three daughters, namely: Clarissa, wife of Charles P. Perkins; Mrs. Bovvers, the next in order of birth; and the youngest, Eltha, wife of James F. Chapman, of Darby Township.

ELA.M A. BLAUGIIER is engaged in general merchandising at Walnut Run, Madison jt -i' County, where he has a good store and carries a stock valued at $3,000. lie is well known to the general public and receives a liberal patronage, resulting from his courteous treatment and fair and honest dealing.

Our subject was born in Paint Township, this county, March 4, 1840, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Mote) Blaugher. They removed to Kosciusko Count}', Ind., but after several 3'ears returned to Madison County. The father is still living in Huntington Count}', Ind., at the age of seven t3'-eight Acars.

Mr. Blangher lost his mother when about seventeen years of age and then began earning his own livelihood, making his home with Amos Gragg, of Union Township. Prompted by patriotic impulses, he enlisted for the late war in 1862, as a member of Company B, Ninet^-tifth Ohio Infantry, and remained at Camp Chase for some months, but was not mustered in. He then returned to Madison County, and in February, 1863, joined Company M, Tenth Ohio Cavalry. He was in the battles of Buzzard's Roost and Resaca, in the Atlanta Campaign, and marched with Sherman to the sea. For six weeks he lay in the hospital in Nashville with lung fever. AVhen the war was over, he was mustered out in Columbus, in May, 1865, and returned to Madison Comity.

1838, and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Strain. Four children graced their union, but Alpheus died at the age of four years; Eddie Ulysses, born in Pulaski Count}', Ind., Feljruaiy 8, 1868, resides with his wife and one child in Newport; Minnie Florence was born April 13, 1870, and Ordie was born January 11, 1882.

After renting a farm for one year, Mr. Blaugher removed to Pulaski County, Ind., where he bought eighty acres of land, engaging in its cultivation for two jears. He then returned to his native township and engaged in various pursuits. He drove a peddler's wagon, gathering up country produce and selling a few goods. This probably led him to embark in merchandising and he opened a small store in Newport. He is doing a good business in this line and is a popular merchant. He also OAvns one hundred and lifty acres of land in Paint Township, and his possessions have all been acquired tlu'ough his own efforts. He cast his vote while in the army for Abraham Lincoln and has since been a stalwart Republican. He has frequently served as a delegate to the county and congressional conventions, and has lilled the offices of Constable, Clerk and Treasurer, holding the last-named for about ten years. Socially, he is a member of the Grand Army Post, and has attended the National Re-unions in Columbus. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows' society and is a Master Mason. Mr. Blaugher is well liked in this community and stands high in the esteem of all who know him.

AVID BRANDT WAGNER enjoys the distinction of having been engaged in the grocery business for a longer period than any other resident of Circleville. He conducts a flourishing wholesale and retail business, and has established an enviable reputation throughout Pickaway County as a reliable dealer, courteous gentleman and public-spirited citizen. He has occupied his present establishment since 1862, when he purchased and re-modeled the building and rented the upper floors as offices. Tlie l)lock is three stories above a basement and is furnished with a complete stock of groceries adapted to the wants of the [)eopIe. In one room will be noticed a patent coffee roaster run by a gas engine, which also operates the Van Cleaf printing press; one room is rented and used as a dr\'-goods store.

Mr. Wagner claims Ohio as his birthplace, having been born in Greenfield Township, Fairfield County, November 14, 1822. He traces his ancestry to German}', whence his grandfather, Adam Wagner, emigrated to the United States and engaged in farming in Penns^dvania. Earl}' in the nineteenth century, he removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, and afterward bought a tract of Government land in Hancock County, where his death occurred, when he was about four-score years of age.

The father of our subject, Jacob Wagner, was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., and in earl}^ manhood located in Greenfield Township, where he operated one hundred and sixty acres. In 1860, lie removed to Hancock County, Ohio, where he improved a farm near Findlay, and spent his remaining years. He was a man of the utmost probity and was prominent in the Evangelical Association, with which he was identified for many years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Brandt, was born in Penns3dvania and died in Hancock County at the age of eighty-six years. Her father, David Brandt, was a member of an old Pennsylvania family and served as a soldier in the War of 1812. He followed the occupationsof saddler and farmer, both in tlie Keystone State and in Fairfield County, Ohio, where he died when about seventy years old.

The family of which our subject is a member consisted of eleven children, namely : David B, of this sketch; Catherine, who married Jacoli Dresbacli and resides in Misstmri; Julia A., Mrs. Whisler, of Hancock County; Adam, a resident of Litchfield, Mich.; Mary, who is the wife of Christian Fogler, of Hancock County; Esther, who became the wife of Rev. C. M. Rhenholdt and died in Circleville; Jacob, of Findlay, Ohio; Samuel, wh ) died in childhood; Caroline, INIrs. Dresbach, of Hancock Count}'; John, who enlisted in 18G2,

The subject of this sketch was about twelve years old when he accompanied the family to Perry Township, Fairfield County, and he early began to assist in the pioneer work of developing a farm. He attended school in a log house, where he studied the three "Rs" in the primitive text-books then in vogue. AVhen twenty-two years old, he bought his father's saw-mill and operated it until 1849, when he bought a farm in Pickaway Township, this county. The place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and was advantageously located six miles southeast of Circleville.

In 1854, Mr. Wagner discontinued his farmingoperations and, locating in Circleville, embarked in business under the firm name of Einsel, Wagner <k Co. After carrying on operations in that way for four years, the firm name was changed to Wagner ct Dresbach. In 1860, the business was sold out, and the firm commenced to operate as grocers, but after conducting the enterjirise for one year, sold tiieir stock, and our subject then engaged in business alone. He is known throughout this section of the State as one of the most reliable and energetic grocers of Circleville, and, undoubtedly, no otlier business man of the city has met with more unvarying success than he.

January 19, 1845, Mr. Wagner and Miss Leah Dreisbach were united in marriage. Mrs. Wagner is the daughter of the Rev. John Dreisbach, of whom extended mention is made in the biography of M. E. Dreisbach. She was a lady of noble character and lovely disposition, and her death, which occurred March 23, 1891, was widely mourned. Three children had been born of the union, as follows: John, who resides near Frankfort, S. Dak.; Jacob, who died at Circleville, July 23, 1890; and Jennie, who was graduated at the new school at Circleville and finished her musical course at Naperville (111.) College; she married Dr. C. Naumann, a prominent physician of Circleville.

1852, he was a Democrat, bat since that year has been identified with the Republican part^'. He served as Justice of the Peace in Pen-y Township, and has also been an Assessor for a number of 3'ears. He was one of the organizers of the Evangelical Association, and at the time of the erection of their church, was chosen Chairman of the Building Committee. He has served for many years as a Trustee and has ))een Class-leader since 1869. He aided in organizing the Sunday-school in 1868, and has served efficiently as Superintendent for twenty years. Not only has he contributed liberally of his time to the Sunday-school work, but he has also been generous with his means, having donated a splendid library to the school and in other ways promoted the welfare of the children. He is one of the most substantial and favorably-known citizens of Circleville, and occupies a prominent place in the regard of the people among whom he has lived for many 3^ears.

^;^\ RS. JANE (CREIGHTON) HEDGES, widow of Cyrus Hedges, and affectionately known in the community wiiere so many years of her life have been passed as "Aunt Jane Hedges," is a daughter of one of the first settlers of Pickaway County, and is one of the few left within its precincts who were born in its early pioneer homes. It is with pleasure therefore that we present her portrait and the following sketch of her life: She was born in Harrison Township, May 22, 1808. Her parents, Hugh and Nancy (Hunter) Creighton, were natives of Ireland. Her father's birthplace was in County Tyrone, and he was nineteen ^ears old when he looked his last on the familiar scenes of his boyhood and set forth for America to found a new home.

For a time, Mr. Creighton resided in Pennsylvania, but a short time previous to the birth of the daughter of whom we write he came to Ohio with his family, and at first located in Harrison Township. When she was a small girl, he removed to Walnut Tovvnship, and from that time until his death was closely identified with its interests. He and his wife and children took up their abode in the woods in a log cabin, where he industriously labored to devel(i|) Ihc fai-m now occupied by Mrs. (ierhnrt and her family. He was a well-educated man, and had been a teacher and surveyor. In religious work, he was active as a member of the IMethodist EpiscojKil Church, and was the first Sunday-school teacher in the community. A very skillful mechanic, he could turn his hand to anything, and his talent in that line was veiy helpful to him as a farmer. Both he and his wife, who was a member of the Presbyterian Church, led good Christian lives, and were very highly thought of by all the people around them. Both lived to be old, his death occurring at the age of eighty-five and hers at tlu> age of eighty-seven. They were the parents of seven children, of whom these three survive: our subject, Samuel, and the Rev. Joseph Creighton. Aunt Jane Hedges was reared amid pioneer scenes and in her gii-lhood experienced all the hardships and privations incidental to pioneer life. She went to school in a log cabin that was furnished with slab seats, a board on pegs driven into the wall between the logs serving as a writing desk, and greased paper taking the place of glass in the openings for windows. She was carefully trained in the various household duties that occupied the time of housewives of that day, blossomed into a wholesome, capable womanhood, and was fully equal to presiding over a home when she gave her hand and heart in marriage to Cyrus Hedges in November, 1825. Although she was but seventeen years old when that important event in her life occurred, she bravely shouldered her share of the labors necessary in the development of a new farm and the upbuilding of a dwelling-place, and well might her husband have attributed to her zealous assistance no mean share of the prosperit}' that followed their united toil. She was likewise active in })romoting the religious growth of the community as a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which she has been identified since sh*^ joined it at the age of sixteen j^ears, her husband also beingprominent in its upbuilding, as the donor of the land upon which the first Methodist Church of Walnut Township was erected. By her marriage she is the mother of two children, Cynthia L. and Ann B., the latter the wife of Albert K. Smith, who conducts the home farm.

Cyrus Hedges was born in Berkeley County, Va., March 29, 1799, a son of Joshua and Mary Hedges. When he was about four years old, his i)arents came from Virginia to Pickaway County and settled among the eai-ly pioneers of Walnut Township on the very farm now occupied by Mrs. Hedges, nearly ninety years later. Their home was a log cabin in the woods, where they were often disturbed b^^ the howls of the wolves at night, and deer and wild turkeys were numerous, as well as other game. There were but very few settlers in the region at that time, and they saw the country almost in its virgin wildness.

Mr. Hedges acquired his education in the rude log schoolhouse typical of pioneer times, whicli did not afford him many advantages, so that he had to depend mostly on his o\vn resources for his learning. He read what books and papers lie could get hold of, and became very well informed; he also liad a natural talent for music, which he cultivated to some extent. He did well as a farmer and left a valuable estate of four hundred acres of as fine land as can be found throughout the length and breadth of Walnut Township. In early life he was a Democrat, but was in full sympathy with the doctrines of the Republican party and joined its ranks after its organization. He was a man of good parts, with a mind evenly balanced, was possessed of excellent business habits, and his character was without a stain. A kind and loving husband and father, a friendly and obliging neighbor, and a citizen who had the interests of the township and county at heart, he was greatly missed when death closed his life, March 26, 1866. He left a great vacancy in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was an earnest working member for many j^ears.

Albert K. Smith, son-in-law of our subject, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., September 4, 1829, and is a son of Peter and Delia A. (Johnson) Smith, who were natives respectively of St. Lawrence and Oneida Counties, N. Y. His grandfather, Peter Smith, was in the English army that was sent to America to fight against the Colonists during the Revolution. After he arrived, becoming convinced that the cause of the Colonists was just, he, with several others, deserted the British standard and, joining the Continental army, did good service in helping his new friends to obtain their freedom, remaining faithful to the Colonists throughout the Revolution. Albert Smith was reared on a farm in his native count}' and obtained his education in the common schools. He came to Pickaway County in the year 1866, and has since resided in this count3^ In 1846, he began to learn the trade of a machinist, at which he became an expert, and was profitabl}' engaged at that calling for about a quarter of a century. During the Civil War, he was employed in a branch of the celebrated Remington Armory, then located at Utica, N. Y., his business being to keep gun machinery in repair. He now has charge of his mother-in-law's farm, and shows himself to be a capable farmer. In politics, he is a true Republican, and a prominent citizen of Walnut Township.

^(AMES H. VALENTINE. Personal popularity, it cannot be denied, results largely from industry, perseverance and the close at- \<^^' tention to business Avhich a person displays in the management of any particular branch of trade; and in the case of Mr. Valentine this is certainly true, for he has adhered so closely to farming, and helped in so man}^ ways to advance all worth}^ enterprises in this communit}', that although young in years, he is classed among the representative men of the county.

He was born in Circleville, Ohio, where his birth occurred on the 12th of October, 1853, and is a son of Israel and Caroline (Stout) Valentine, both natives of Maryland. Tlie mother is now deceased, but the father is living and makes his home in Circleville, Ohio. He is now seventythree years of age but is comparatively strong and active. He has followed agricultural pursuits all

The original of this notice was reared to maturity in Pickaway County, Ohio, and assisted his father in work on the farm until he started out in life for himself. He very naturally preferred the occupation to which he had been reared, rather than to branch out into something altogether foreign, and in agricultural pursuits he has continued up to the present time. That he has been successful can not be questioned for a moment, when a glance is cast over his broad acres. Careful and painstaking in the cultivation of his land, and thorough in everything connected with its management, it is, perhaps, not to be wondered at that he is meeting with success.

He divided his time in youth between attending the district school and working on the farm, and is well informed on the general topics of the day. His marriage occurred February 12, 1880, at which time INHss Priscilla Cromley became his wife. This union has resulted in the birth of two children: William, born November 24, 1880, and James I., born March 20, 1884.

In 1881, Mr. Valentine settled on his present farm in Harrison Township, this county, and is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of excellent land. Everything about the place is kept in good condition, all necessary buildings forming a prominent feature of the imi)rovements. Mr. A^alentine is a loyal Democrat through and through. He and Mrs.Valentine are members of the Lutheran Church.

L^^HOMAS K. ROBISON. Robison is a name y^^^ that has been familiarly known in Pickaway ^^^ County since the early years of its settlement. John R. Robison, the father of the gentleman whose name heads this biographical review, was one of its distinguished pioneei'S, and the son of whom we write holds a prominent position among its leading farmers and stockmen to-day. He is one of the oldest residents of Monroe Township as regards the time of his coining here, which

Mr. Robison was born in Clarke County, March 8, 1823. His father is supposed to have been a native of CJeorgia, while his mother, who l»ore the name of JMary Edmiston, was born in Tennessee. The elder Mr. Robison was reared on a farm, and when a young man came to Ohio to seek his fortune in the virgin wilderness. He at lirst took uj) his abode in INIadison County, but he soon removed to Clarke County, where he married. He only lived there a short time, however, when he came to Madison County and cast in his lot with its pioneers. He was poor at that time, his father and mother having died when he was \oung and left the family in his care, so that he worked out by the day for a time after coining here. He was shrewd, far-sighted, and a capable business man, and he did so well in his undertakings that he became one of the wealthy men of the township. At one time, he owned five hundred acres of choice land in this and Madison Counties, and he farmed extensivel3\ He was widelj^ known, and was prominent in public life as Justice of the Peace, which Curtice he held twenty-four 3'ears. He tried many cases, and so wise and just were his de(!isions he never had one reversed by a higher court. He was a Democrat until Jackson vetoed the Ignited States Bank Bill, and he then became a Whig, when he naturally gravitated to the Repul)lican party. In his religious affiliations, he was connected with the Christian Church as one of its most consistent members. In 1882, his long and honored life was brought to a peaceful close b}- his death. I lis wife, who died at the age of fifty-seven years, was also a member of the Christian Church. They were the i)arents of nine children, all of whom grew to maturity and married; two are deceased: James W. and Mary D. The others are Elizabeth, John S., David 11, Thomas R., Samuel S., Rachel, and Joseph II.

Our subject was only five years old when the family came to this place and made their home in a log cabin in the woods. He was reared under pioneer influences, and can remember well when this part of the country was scarcely more than an unbroken wilderness, there being but one house between the humble pioneer dwelling of his parents and Five Points, four miles distant. He has seen as many as fourteen deer in a drove on this farm, and hundreds of wild turkeys, of which he has killed many, besides shooting an occasional deer. He was educated in the primitive pioneer schools of early times, which were conducted on the subscription plan, and were held in log houses that were heated by means of a firei)lace, and were furnished with rude slab benches that were held up by wooden pins. His schooling was confined to the winter seasons, as at other times he was obliged to work on the farm as soon as he was large enough to make himself useful. He began life on his own account at the age of twenty-one, living in the parental home until his marriage, cultivating the soil and raising and fattening cattle for the markets in partnership witli his father and brothers.

Our subject was married March 22, 1849, to Miss Ellen Sawyer, who was born in Fayette County, Februar_y 8, 1829. The fruit of their marriage is nine children, of whom seven are living: Mary E.,- William H., Alice, Tliomas C, Albert L., Maggie, and Henr}^ F. John F. and George are the names of the ones that died. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Robison kept house for his father one year, and in 1850, settled on this farm, of which but little had then been cleared, an old log cabin and a log stable being tlie only evidences of improvement. Of their children the following are married: Mary E. married John T. Walters, and lives in Madison County; they have eight children; John F. married Hester Willougbby, and at his death. May 9, 1892, left four children; William H. married Clara Dennis, and they live in Monroe Township, and have five children; Alice married Henry Hosier, and they have two children. The other children are at liome. Mr. and Mrs. Robison have six great-grandchildren.

When lie started out for himself, Mr. Robison liad but little means, a team of horses being his only inoperty, but lie had health, strength, ambition to succeed, and the natural talents to do so, together with an amiable, helpful wife to assist him in the upbuilding of a home. He worked hard to put his land under good cultivation, became prosperous, and now has a landed estate of over six hundred acres of finely improved land, of which two hundred and twenty-five acres are in Madison County, and the remainder in this township. He has engaged in mixed farming, and besides raising large quantities of corn, wheat and oats, has raised a great deal of stock, from which he has made the most of his money. He has fifty head of cattle now l)esides other stock. One year he lost one hundred and fifty hogs from cholera. He farms a part of his land with the assistance of his sons at home, but his other sons manage the most of it.

ihw subject and his wife are. Methodists in religion, having been members of the church for many years, and tliey truly live up to their faith in all that concerns their daily life and their relations with others. In politics, he is a true Republican, and during the war he rendered valuable assistance to the Government by using his time and influence in securing recruits for the army. He has been Trustee of the township eight times, and in 1860 was Assessor.

ARNESS RENICK. No family has been jV more iirominently identified with the his- ' ' tory of the Scioto Valley than that of which )l our subject was a member. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, September 29, 1810, and was a son of George Reniek. His father, with two brothers, Felix and William, emigrated from Hardy County, Ya., to Ohio almost a century ago, and were among the most sturdy farmers and pioneers of this localit}', who have done so much for the upbuilding and advancement of the State. The}^ were men of sterling worth, who believed in law and order and in the power of public officials. They were possessed of large estates but claimed no superiority on this account. Their lives were commendable examples of industry' and frugalitj-. Their sons and daughters were instructed in every branch of rural industry and were required to aid in all the labor of the farm and household. They were ])roud of their calling and the honored, up- right lives of the Renick brothers exerted an influence which has not ceased to have its effect upon the community. Further mention is made of the father of our subject in the sketcli of William Renick on another page of this work.

Harness was tlie last surviving son of the brothers, and his noble life of four-score years was like those of his brothers in its virtue and enterprising public spirit. He was reared as a farmer lad and acquired his education in the public schools. He was married in La Fayette, Ind., October 18, 1836, to Miss Elizabeth 8. Seymour, who was born near Moorefield, Hardy County, Ya., as was her father, Garrett Seymour. The grandfather, Abel Seymour, was a A'irginian farmer and belonged to the first families of A'irginia. Her father enlisted in the War of 1812. In 1836, he emigrated Westward, and after six months spent in Ohio, removed to LaFayette, Ind., where he engaged in farming for a few 3^ears. He then retired and came to Bainbridge with his son, R. Seymour, at whose home he died. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah McNeil. Mrs. Renick was the youngest daughter and fourth child in the family of six children who grew to mature years.

After their marriage, our subject and his wife located upon a farm in Muhlenburg Township, Pickaway County, and began house-keeping in a log cabin. This was afterward replaced b}^ a comfortable frame residence, which continued to be their home until 1856, when they removed to Circleville, where Mr. Renick resided until his death. His father and his uncles were the pioneers in the great business of breeding and grading cattle in this locality and our subject was the last survivor of the shareholders of that companj'. He continued in that business until his death. For many years he was among the most conspicuous of American breeders of registered Short-horns. In 185,5, he had a large sale on his fine estate on Darby Creek. The stock were driven from the pastures into the sale yard without any preparation, yevy few of the cattle having been sheltered even in winter; however, they would compare with any herd in any country', and for hardness of constitution could hardly be surpassed.

Church of Genoa and after his removal to Circleville joined the Old-school Presbyterians. He was a man of profound convictions and had the greatest contempt for a mean thing. His life was characterized by charity and benevolence. The poor and needy found in him a true friend, yet there was no ostentation about his giving. He did not let his left hand know the good deeds of his right. If in reading the religious papers he saw an appeal for help for some poor missionary or needy institution, he would meet it with a ready resi)onse. He was very fond of the study of nature, and for nearly forty years he had a meteorological record, which had commanded the attention of the department at Washington, D. C. He also kept a diary, in which he recorded all important events as they occurred. He was a clear, forcilile and ready writer and contributed many interesting articles to leading papers on subjects with which he was well acquainted, such as agriculture, stock-raising, forestiy, in which he took great interest, and on scientific subjects. Mr. Renick was a man of taste and skill and his home abounded with beautiful specimens of his handiwork. He was a great Bible student and spent much of his time in the study of tlie Holy Scriptures, which he believed revealed the will of God and the plan of salvation. He passed away January 2, 1891. "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace. ' '

ON. ACE GREGG, ex-Judge of the Court * of Common Pleas for the Third Sub-division of the Fifth Judicial District, comprising Ross, Highland and Fa3'ette Counties, was born on Rattlesnake Creek, Jefferson Township, Faj^ette County, October 4, 1845, and was a son of John F. and Mary (Liggett) Gregg. The father was one of the early settlers in this locality, having come here at the time of his marriage, onehalf century ago. He was a native of Clermont Count}', this State, and was a farmer by occupation, departing this life at the old homestead, in November, 1890.

The children included in the parental family were our subject; Nye, the present County Prosecutor; Polk, an attorney at Jefferson villo; Mary and May, the latter of whom is the wife of William R. Plyly, of Ross County, this State. The parents of our subject were members of the Universalist Church of Jeffersonville, and were active contributors toward its support.

Ace (iregg, of this sketch, received his earl}' education in the country schools of his district, Avhich was later sui)plemented by attendance at the Normal School at Lebanon. After completing his studies, he taught school for a time, and then returning home, took a course in the business college and subsequently went into the office of M. J. Williams, the i)resent Supreme .Justice of the Supreme Bench, to study law. Mr. Gregg, in 1871, was graduated from the law department of the University of IMichigan, with the degree of LL. B., and, locating in Washington C. II., formed a partnership with A. R. Creamer, which connection lasted until he was elected to the bench. These gentlemen had known each other from boyhood, having gone through college together, and were connected in business for ten years, when one was elected .ludge, and the other to the State Senate.

.Tudge Gregg acted as Count}^ Prosecutor for three successive terras, from 1872 to 1878, and following that, was elected to the Bench in 1880, for a term of five years, fulfilling the duties of that office with satisfaction to the people and honor to himself. He would undoubtedly liave served on the Bench for man}' more years, had there not been a special law under which he was elected, and which law expired with his term. In 188r), he began the practice of his profession, being one of the prominent members of the Bar in this county, and having a large practice. Judge Gregg was one of the cliarter members of the Fayette County Fair Company, of which association he has held all the different positions, and he devotes a great deal of attention to the interests of the same. Politically, our subject is a Republican, .and is Chairman of the Republican Central and Executive Committees. He owns two good farms in Paint Township, Fayette County, the operations of which he superintends himself. The estates are well stocked Avith good

Amelia J., daughter of Reuben and Matilda Jones, became the wife of our subject November 27, 1871. In social matters the Judge is a member of the Odd Fellows' Encampment, and also the Knights of Pythias, of which he was at one time a member of the Uniform Rank. He has been a delegate to the different judicial and congressional, and State conventions, and, all in all, is ranked among the most prominent and wealthy citizens of Fayette County.