Pickaway Township (part 37 of 49)

In the consolidation of the One Hundred and Fourteenth and One Hundred and Twentieth Regiments Ohio Volunteers, the bearer. First Lieut. Mark B. Radcliffe, at his own request, was mustered out of the service. He has been connected with the One Hundred and Fourteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteers since August, 1862, at which time he entered the service as Sergeant of Company A, and was commissioned and mustered as Second Lieutenant of the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio, May 11, 1863, and was commissioned and mustered as First Lieutenant November 15, 1863, in which capacity he has served since that time. As a Sergeant, Lieutenant, and in all his relations with the service, he has done every dut}^ faithfully and diligently, and has acquitted himself honorably, and with credit to himself and beneficially to the service. He is a good soldier and an efficient officer. He is a man of good moral character, temperate habits, gentlemanly deportment, fine social qualities, and of undoubted integritj', patriotism and loyalty. He is well qualified and worth}' for any position in a regiment to which he would aspire. I therefore, with great pleasure, cheerfully recommend him to the favorable consideration of

John. II Kelly, Colonel, commanding One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantiy. Ei'iiRAiM Brown, Major, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer infantry. After severing his connection with the ami}-, Capt. Radcliffe returned home, and when he had sufficiently recovered to attend to business, he resumed his position as clerk, and was thus emplo.yed several years, but finally turned his attention to farming and has since lived in Pickaway Township. He has here a fine estate of four hundred acres of land, bordering on the famous Pickaway Plains, and extending into the fertile bottoms of the Scioto River, the soil being of a sandy loam, and remarkably productive. The situation is fine, the residence commanding a wide and beautiful prospect. Looking eastward, the eye falls on Black Mountain, where the Indian warriors congregated to hold their councils and to declare war or peace. Our subject was married July 29, 1869, to Miss Lizzie Crouse, a native of Ross County, and a daughter of Nelson Crouse, a farmer of that county. She is a woman of much strength of character and true refinement, who is a fit companion for her hus))and, to whose interests she is devoted, as well as to those of their children, of whom they have two: Eva T., a graduate of the Circle vi lie High School, and now the wife of Frank Cox, of the firm of Cox Bros., merciiants at Lancaster; and Frank C, at home with his parents.

Capt. Radcliffe is a Republican in whom there is no guile. A man of superior intelligence, he is well informed on all historical and political subjects, and in all things pertaining to the late war. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbjterian Church, and he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Grand Army of the Rej^ublic. He has been President of the Soldiers' Monument Association of Pickaway County for some time, and he was ver}^ influential in securing the erection of the Memorial Hall and Library Building at Circlevilie, dedicated December 29, 1891. He is one of the Trustees, and was Secretary and Treasurer during the construction of the building. It is a noble structure tli:it vvoiild ^vavQ. any city in the land, combining strength, beauty and simplieit}' in its architocture, and it will be a perpetual reminder to the people of the fallen lieroes whose lives it is intended to commemorate, as well as of the veterans who are still among us, who sacrificed so much and fought so well to preserve the Tnion; and Avithin its walls their children and children's cliildren, from generation unto generation, sliall learn many a lesson of patriotism from the history of the past and from the inspirati<m of the present.

^) found of what may be accomplished by energy and well-directed efforts, than is strikingly exemplified in the successful career of the leading art gallery of tlie city, of which Mr. Jones is the j)roprietor. His photographic studio is located at the corner of Main and Court Streets, in an elegant suite of rooms formerly occujiied by different artists of the city', but recently remodeled for his use. T'revious to 1H'J2, his gallery was in the Dahl lUock, where he established an enviable reputation for the excellency and elegant finish of his work.

Mr. .Tones is one of the youngest business men of Washington ('. M., for he only recently attained to his majority. He w.as born in Ijloomingburgh, Fa3'ette County, Nf)vem))er 1'.), 1869, the son of Charles and INIoUie (Meyers) -Tones. Tlis father, who was an attorney hy profession, was compelled to remove to a farm on accountof his failing health, which was somewhat recuperated by his out-door exercise. He afterward lemoved to Washington C. IT., and there died in 1K7,''). His wife survived him about ten years, her dealh, Septcnil)er (S, 18H.5, being the I'esult of accident. On that day a terrible cyclone swept over the cit}- and destroyed (he house, in which she was alone ;it Iho time, killing her instantly.

The parental family comprises two sons beside our subject. I h >mer is stenographer for the Cashier of the I-'^irst National T'ank at Ivansas Citv; Howard is learning photography with our subject. Ileber Jones received liis education at Washington C. H., where he entered the art gallery of C. S. Snyder in the early part of 1884, remaining with him until the cyclone of 1885 destroyed the gallery. He afterward continued his studies at school for a time, and then commenced to work for W. F. Willett, then a prominent photographer of Washington C. II., but now of Chicago. When Mr. Willett sold out the business to Mr. Spencer, our subject remained with the last-named gentleman for a shoi't time, until he w\as sufficiently acquainted with the business to start out for himself. He opened an art gallery in the Dahl lilock, where he conducted a ver^- successful business until the date of his removal, February 1, 1892.

The pleasant home which Mr. Jones has established on West Market Street is presided over by his cultured wife, who was formerly Miss Ada Paul. Prior to her marriage, which took place November 18, 1891. she resided in Washington C. H., where she received a good education. Sociall}^ Mr. Jones is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in his religious preference is a liberal supporter of the IMethodist Episcopal Church, which he and his wife attend.

'^ OIIN R. SOLT. This gentleman occupies a I very high position among the farming community of Walnut Township, Pickaway _ County. He is ex-Trustee of the township, and is at present residing on section 21, wiiere he owns and operates a fine tract of land. He is a native of the above-named township, his birth occurring I^'ebruary 1, 184 0. His parents, Paul and Rebecca Solt, were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and this county.

The great-grandfather of our subject on the paternal side was born in Germany, and, on emigrating to tins country, participated in the Revolutionarj^ War. I'aul Solt came to this State, in compan}' with his mother and sister, when about sixteen years of age, in 1825, his birth occurring in 1809. They made settlement in Fairfield County, where they made tlieir home a short time, and then came to Pickaway Coiiut>', locating in Wahiut Township when it was practically in the woods. A log" cabin was erected, in which the^' resided for a time, when it gave way to a more comfortable and commodious abode. The elder Mr. Solt worked for a time on the Ohio Canal, helping to build that vfatcvway.

Eight of the ten children born to Mr. and INIrs. Paul Solt are still living and are, respectively: Elizabeth, John R., William; Celanta, the wife of H. H. Brown; Thomas; Eveline, Mrs. David Heist; Ruphina and Charles. In township affairs, the father of our subject occupied a prominent position, being Assessor of his township a number of years. He was a Democrat, politically, and aided greatl\' in the upbuilding of his community, his name heading all lists which had for their object the betterment of his fellowman. He was a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church, in the faith of which body he died, June 25, 1891, and in his death Pickaway County lost one of its representative citizens.

Our subject grew to mature jears in this township, and remained at home assisting his father in grubbing, clearing and improving the home farm, until starting out to battle with life on his own account. His opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited, and he was disciplined mainly in the stern school of experience, which prepared him to meet every emergency with a steady and a ready hand.

September 1, 1867, our subject and Miss Menna, daughter of Absalom A. Peters, were united in marriage. Tiie father of Mrs. Solt was born in tiie Dominion, but at the time of his decease was residing in Walnut Township, this countj^ To our subject and his estimable wife have been born ten children, namely: Clayton, Harvey, Carrie, Milton, Louaraa, John, Laura, George, Mattie and Hugh.

Mr. Solt is the possessor of an estate containing one hundred and forty acres, which b}' his industry has been brought to a good state of cultivation. In politics, our subject is a Democrat, and served as Trustee of his township for three years. He is a Lutheran in religion, and socially is identified with the Masonic fraternity at Circleville. Mr. Solt is ranked among the prominent and leading citizens of Walnut Township, where his word is considered as good as his bond. By energy and [)erseverance, united with economy and good business (jualifications, he has secured a competency, and is now living in the enjoyment of the comforts of life.

\f/OHN P. NOECKER is a native of Pickaway County, born August 5, 1849, and has won his way to an honorable place among J its intelligent, industrious, business-like fanners, who form so important a proportion of its population. He has an excellent and well-managed farm on section 2, Walnut Township, which is a part of the old homestead that his father, a pioneer of the township, reclaimed from the wilderness.

Our subject is a son of Henry and Maria (Kroninger) Noecker, who were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was eari^' left an orjjhan, and was bound out to learn the trade of a carpenter in his youth. He became a very skillful workman, and was engaged at that calling for years. When a young man, he came to Ohio, and he assisted in building houses in Columbus when the State capital was a small town. He finally settled in Pickaway County among the pioneers of Walnut Township, and in the busy years that followed, improved the farm on which his son of whom we write resides. He lived to a ripe age, dying August 7, 1881, and thus closing a life spent in well-doing, in which he had won the respect due to his merits as a man and a citizen. He was a straight Republican in his })olitics, and in religion was a Lutheran, belonging to the church of that denomination at St. Paul, being prominent in its work as an Elder. Ilis wife died several years ago. These are their surviving children: Sylvester, Nathan; Christia, wife of Lewis Reed; Henry, John, Daniel, and Mary, wife of Emanuel Burger.

reared to uiaiihood on tlie f;irin wiiere he first opened lii.s eyes; to the light. He was well trained in the management of a farm, and when he came into ])OSse.ssion of a part of the old homestead, he was perfectly eom[)etent to earry it on jndieioMsly and profitably, and he has done so. He is mostl}- self educated, as his advantages were somewhat limited in his boyhood, although he had an occasional op[)ortunity to attend a school in the home district. His farm, which contains one hundred and forty acres of good land, is well cultivated, and its im{)rovements are of a substantial order.

Mr. Noecker was married to ]Miss Sallie Baum in October, 1872. Like her husband, Mrs. Noecker is a native of Pickaway- County, IMadison Townshi}) being her birthjjlace, and she is a daughter of Lewis and I^llizalieth Baum, of that township, who were early settlers of the county. Our subject and his estimable wife are the parents of two children: Clarence B. and Howard C.

Mr. Noecker is a man of pure and honorable character, unites firmness with a just consideration for the rights of others and lives up to his Christian principles in thought and act. lie and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran Church, which he is serving as Deacon, and they are highly regarded 1)3' all wlio know them. In politics, he is a Republican.

\('KS()N THOIMAS, one of the citizens of pidniint iKH'. wcaltii and influence, whose home is m Monroe Township, where he has a large and linely-e<iui]iped farm, l)ears the i-e[)Utation of licing one of the most sagacious, [ii-aeticai, and progri'ssive of the farmers and stockmen of Pickaway County. He represents an old and lionored family of this section, and he was born December 8, l,s3i. \\\^ father, whose given name Avas AVilliam, was a native of Virginia, as was his father, also.

In 1S07, the grandfather of our subject, Jeremiah, witii Netty, his wife, aecomj)anied by bis family, sot out fiom liis old home in a waii'on, toperform a momentous and somewhat perilous journey that was to lead over the mountains into the wilds of Ohio. He thus became a pioneer of Pickaway County, settling on Deer Creek, this township, when there was scarcely an inhabitant in the region, and the surrounding country was a wilderness. He developed a small tract of land, and died here when in middle life. He was on friendly terms with the Indians, who trusted him, and often several tribes could be seen from the hill on which he lived. He used to hunt some, and occasionally killed a deer.

The father of our subject was a boy when he came with his father to Ohio. He was brought up under pioneer influences, and did not have any educational advantages during his boyhood. When he married, he could not write his name, but he learned to write under the instruction of his wife and hired men, became quite a proficient penman, and could keep his own books. He was ver}' poor at the time of his marriage, and he and his wife began housekeeping in an old log house, with home-made furniture, the bedstead being made by boring holes in the wall, into which poles were inserted that rested on wooden legs. Mr. Thomas was a man of great natural ability, and when once he obtained a good start he progressed rapidly in the acquirement of w^ealth, so that at the time of his death he had fifteen hundred acres of land, and was making enough to buy a farm each year. He made the most of his money in stock, never selling any corn, but feeding it all to his cattle and other stock. He died the 10th of January, 1849, when scarce!}' past the prime of life, and his lemoval was regarded as a serious loss to the material interests of the county and to its higher interests as well. He was a man of serious religious views, a strong Methodist, and he was ver^y helpful in organizing the society- and in building the first house of worship of that denomination in the neighborhood, which was known as the Hebron Church. In early life, he was a Democrat in politics, but he later identified himself with the Whigs.

The mother of our subject, who was a native of Virginia, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Norris. She came to Ohio when quite young, with her jiarents. She was a hard-working woman, and her husband owed much of his success to her help and intiuence. She used in the early days of their marriage to drop corn in tlie field after two teams, and then go home and prepare dinner for tlie men, and in many otlier ways she braveh^ put her shoulder to the wheel and performed her share of the labors that resulted in the upbuilding of a comfortable home and the accumulation of wealth. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Cliurch nearly all her life, and she was noted for her kind heart and hosi)itable, charitable nature. She was the mother of these ten children who grew to maturity: Eleanor (Mrs. Truax),now deceased; George AV., deceased; Milton M., deceased; Mary A. (Mrs. King), .Tackson, Margaret (Mrs. Henderson), Sarah W. (Mrs. Madox), Eiizabctii J. (Mrs. Henderson), William IL, and Perry C. Tliree others died in infanc}'.

The birthi)lace of our subject was on a hill one hundred and thirty feet high, near the waters of Deer Creek. He was educated in the primitive log schoolhouses of those early days, with thenlarge open fireplaces, slab benches, writing-desks consisting of a slab, or slabs, placed against the wall, and window made by taking out a log the whole length of the building; the door opened out instead of in, as now, and hung on wooden hinges. Mr. Thomas began life for himself at the age of seventeen, his father having died the i)revious 3'ear. His mother gave him and his brother Milton all the\' could raise on part of the farm after pa^dng the living expenses of herself and the younger children.

Our subject left home when he married, in 1855, he and his bride beginning their married life on the Foster Farm,. on which the}' lived a .year, and then he settled on this farm, which adjoins the old homestead, moving into a log house. That humble abode was replaced l)y his present fine, large frame resijjence in 1875, he having built a good frame barn in 1867, and he has his farm well supplied with buildings for every needed purpose. He has made the most of the improvements himself, clearing nearly all the land, which comprises seven hundred and twenty-one acres, he having started with one hundred and sixt3^-six acres. Five hundred and forty acres of his landed property lie in one bod}" in

Monroe Township, and he has one hundred and eighty-one acres at Clarksburgh, in Ross County, which is well improved, and a fine, commodious brick residence of ten rooms adorns the place.

Mr. Thomas carries on mixed farming, and employs a number of men, allowing twenty acres to a man in carrying on his varied operations. When he began farming, he raised one hundred hogs every 3'ear, wisely feeding his corn to his stock, never selling but one lot of corn. For the past twenty years, he has aimed to keep three car-loads of cattle all the time, one of 3'earlings, one of two-yearolds, and one of three-year-olds, which he ships annually. He is one of the solid moneyed men of the county, and rightly attributes his prosperity to close attention to his business, to thrift}' and economical management, and to the judicious methods tiiat have characterized his manner of carr\'ing on farming and stock-raising, and the handling of his funds, in loaning money, etc. He has been very fortunate in all his enterprises, as he has never had any reverses. A man of his calibre and aptitude for affairs is eminently fitted for civic life, and he has been drawn into it as County Commissioner, which position he held for six years, and as Township Trustee. In politics, he is an uncompromising Democrat. Religiousl}', both he and his amiable wife are connected with the Hebron INIethodist Church as two of its most effective working members.

Mr. Thomas was married April 2(3, 1855, to Miss Christina, eldest daughter of Josiah Reeves, who was an early settler of and an extensive farmer in Deer Creek Township, where Mrs. Thomas was born, October 14, 1835. Her wedded life with our subject has been fraught with much real happiness and many blessings, but they have had to bow beneath the chastening hand of sorrow so common to the lot of mortals, in the death of three of their five children, their religion, however, sustaining them in the firm belief that somewhere, somehow, they will again meet their loved ones in God's own good time. The following is a record of those deceased: Ruflna J., born June 20, 1856, died March 9, 1875; George W., born September 30, 1857, died June 10, 1882; Lily Lorette, torn February 17, 1861, married Smith Beal, and died in 1891, leaving one child, Ilarrv <1. The two .surviving chililten of IMr. and Mns. Tliomas are Loton F., who married iMi.ss .lennie Hosier, and lives on hi.s father's farm at Clarksbiugh; and Albert Seymour, born I\Iay 22, IHGT, who is a good scholar and an expert b(jolv-kee[)er, and acts in the latter capacity for a coal syndicate at Kansas City, Mo. He married Ida Swain, of that city, February w.'}, IH[)2, and now makes his home with his father.

f^AAMD B. SAINT, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio, is a well-known citizen, well deserving representation in this volume. He was born in Massi Ion, Pa., March 10, 1835, and is a son of .John and Elizabeth ((iilmore) Saint. His father V as a blacksmith by trade, and when our subject was only four years old, he brought his family to Ross Count}', (Jliio, and engaged in operating a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, live miles east of Ciiillicothe. lie also worked at his trade, building a smithy on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Saint died wlien David was nine yeavs old, leaving four children, who were then scattered.

Our subject was sent to live with James Little, witii whom he remained until eighteen years of age, wiien he was bound out to a blacksmith in Chiilicotiie, with whom he remained four months, wiien he concluded that he must either run away or starve. He chose the former, and started burefottted, altliough it was tlien in the middle of winter. (Joing to Adelphi, Ross County, he entered a blacksmith-shoj) to learn the trade. He was to iiavc -i<l \n'v mouth for tiie lirst year and his board and washing. His master was old and he did not advance very rai)idly, but lie now had a good home and disliked leaving it, so there he remained for two >i'ars. He then went to Hasseni)lugh, where he liiied out, working for *8 per month the first year, ^20 the next and the third.

On the 5th of December, 1858, Mr. Saint married Nancy E. Boggs, who was born in Pickaway County. December ."3, 1840, and was a daughter of William and Lavina (Byerly) Boggs. Mr. Saint then established a shop in Pickaway County ,whicb he carried on for two and a half ^ears with excellent success. The late war having broken out, he enlisted August 8, 1862, as a member of Compan}^ B, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, where he was left on picket duty when Sherman was forced to retreat, and came very near being captured. With seven comrades, he was chased four miles, and, with the exception of our subject, all of the boys lost their guns, knapsacks and coats. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post and Arkansas River. For some time, he was sick in Van Buren Hospital at Milliken's Bend, where he remained from the 5th of April until the 31st of Jul}', 1863. lie was appointed General Wardmaster and never lost a da}- while there. On acaccountof his disability, he received his discharge.

During Mr. Saint's absence, his wife and two children had resided with her grandfather in Miami County, Ind., and he started for the place, but was so ill that he could not travel and had to remain at Vincennes, Ind., for three days under the Doctor's care. Three years elapsed before he was able to endure any hard work. As soon as possible, he established a shop at five points, Pickaway County, where he remained for four ^ears, doing a good business. He then removed to Yankeetown, Fayette County, where he remained for about twenty years. Coming to Mt. Sterling, he purchased some land and built a house, he and his son doing all the work except the plastering. His home is commodious and pleasant and is situated in a good location. He also built a shop and follows his chosen trade.

Unto Mr. and INIrs. Saint were born five children, four of whom are still living: William Lewis, who was born in Pickaway County, September 30, 1859, is a blacksmith and wood-worker, residing at Deer Creek with his wife and three children: Edson B., who was born in the same count}', December 22, 1861, died July 28, 1885; James Rutherford was born in Pickaway County, April 1, 1866; George Leroy, who was born in Yankeetown, April 3,1869, is a blacksmith and wood-worker who aids his father in the shop, and David Wilson, who was born in Yankeetown, September 16,1871. The children were all provided with good educational advantages, fitting them for the practical duties of life. Mr. Saint cast his first Presidential vote for James Buchanan and has since been a Democrat. He served as School Director in l)0th Pickawaj^ and Fayette Counties, was Pike .Superintendent for two years and is now a member of tlie City Council of Alt. Sterling, lie joined the (Irange in

1880, of the encampment since 1883, and is now serving in his fourth year as Scribe. lie is also District Deputy Grand Patriarch of the order. He is a charter member of Bostwick Post, G. A. R., m which he has filled all the offices except (Quartermaster and has now been Adjutant for four jears. He attended the national reunion in Columbus. With the Patriotic Order of Sons of America he is also connected, has filled all its offices and is now District President of the order, serving a third term, lie and his wife are members of the Christian Church and are liighh' respected people, widely and favorably known in this community.

LP:XANDER gray, it is gratifying to the biographer to present the portrait and sketch of a man who, in every walk of life, religious, social and business, is esteemed as foremost among the valued citizens of Commercial Point. Mr. Gray was born in Licking Count}', Ohio, not far from Newark, February 17, 1827. His father, John Graj', was born in County Armagh, Ireland, in 1786, and was sixteen yeai"S old when he came to America with his brother-in-law, Joseph Hughes, who located in P'airfield Count}', Ohio. He had a little monejbut invested it unfortunately- in land which had a defective title, and lost it all. The country was then a wilderness, abounding in Indians, deer and wolves. He leased land for a time after his unfortunate experience m attempting to purchase, and eventually owned eighty acres. He was a member of the Covenanter Church. In politics, he was a Democrat, although he took no part in

The mother of our subject, who was born in Fairfield Count}', Ohio, bore the name of Sai-ah McDonald. She reared to maturity seven of her ten children. One died m infancy, and the names of the others were as follows: James, Delilah, Jane, Alexander, Elizabeth, Margery, Dorcas, John Calvin and Isabel. This mother was also a member of the Covenanter Church. Her father, Alexander McDonald, a native of Ireland, came to America in his 3'outh and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married. He came to Ohio in a very early day with a team and wagon and settled in P'airfield County. He owned al>out twelve hundred acres of land, from which fine estate he gave each of his ten children eighty acres, and at his death, when about seventy-six j^ears old, left a handsome ])roperty in addition. He was a hard worker and a good manager and was highly esteemed in Fairfield County, where he was well known. He was an Elder in the Covenanter Church and took an active interest in religious affairs.

In his infancy our subject was taken from Licking to Fairfield County, and at the age of eleven went to Mercer Count}^, where he resided with his parents until he was in his nineteenth year. At that age he was ai)prenticed to learn the carpenter's trade in Butler County, Ohio, and was thus bound out for three years, his wages being ^3 per month. After completing his apprenticeship, he worked at the trade until fifteen years ago.

In Julv, 1853, Mr. Gray located at Commercial Point, and after he ceased working at his trade followed the occupation of a merchant for three years. His marriage, which took ])lace May 23, 1853, united him with Wilhelmina Miller, who was born in Nassau, Germany. They have had four children, namely: William A., Ermine, Lester, and Miller (deceased).

The farm which Mr. Gra}' purchased in 1876, and upon which he now makes his home, contains two hundred and sixty-five acres of land, most of which is in an improved condition. Upon it he carries on mixed farming, raising wheat, oats and corn, besides stock of all kinds. At one time he dealt largely in raising and selling hogs, but hav- ing lost heavil}- through cholera, finally abandoned that branch of his ))usiness. His large frame residence was erected by him in 18S7, and he has also put up all the buiklings except the barn.

Mr. and Mrs. Gra^^are etKcient and active members of tlie PresV)ytarian Church at Commercial Point, in whicli he acts as Trustee. lie now is, and has been for three years past, the Superintendent of the Sunday-school and is active in all religious work. His first Presidential ballot was cast for Franklin Pierce, and he has ever since been a supporter of the part}^ which placed tliat candidate in the Presidential chair. Starting out for himself, when nineteen years of age, he has gained his property by his own unaided efforts, and he is now recognized as one of the best business men in tiie township.

ImS \\\ ing on a beautiful farm in Jasper Town- ^'^jship, has been a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of thirty-three 3^ears. He is the son of David Osburn, a native of Kentucky, who was liorn in 1787. His father, David Osburn, hailed fr(tm Mrginia and removed to the l')lue (irass State in an early day. He was one of liiose wlio were Itesieged in the fort there, and was released by Gen. Anthony Wayne. He later removed to this State and, locating on a farm in Clermont County, imjjroved his tract and there passed his last days.

The mother of our subject was known in her maiden days as Miss Precosia Gatch, a native of \'irginia and tiie daughter of the Rev. Philip Gatch, who was a memlter of the first Methodist Episcopal Church held at Baltimore, Md. After his marriage, the father of Mrs. Osburn located in Virginia on the .himes River, whence he removed to Ihickingham County. In 1800, he came West to Clermont County, this State, where he died.

removed to Greene County, where they made their liermanent home, the father dying in 1843 and the mother in 1864, at the age of eightj'-five years. To them were born four children, two of whom are living. The original of this sketch was born May 2, 1819, in Clermont County, where he was reared on his father's farm, l)eing trained to all the duties pertaining to a farmer's boy.

Our subject began life on his own responsibility Avhen twenty \'ears of age, at whicli time he was married to IMiss Cynthia Jackson, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, in 1821. Our subject then settled in Greene County, in what is now Jefferson Township, on a wild tract of land, which his energy and i^erseverance brought to a good state of cultivation. Mrs. Osburn died in 1852, having become the mother of six children, one of whom is deceased. Rebecca Ann is the widow of Cargell Chitty and has nine children; Nathaniel C. married Susannah Griffith, is the father of four children and makes his home in Missouri; Charity P. became the wife of Harrison Williamson, lives in INIontgomery County, this State, and is the mother of six children; Nancy J. is the wife of J. C. Ogburn, has two children b^' her 2:)resent marriage and five by a former marriage, and resides in Iowa; William J. is single.

Our subject was again married, in 1853, this time to Narcissa Car|)enter, who was born in Greene County in 1830. She departed this life the year following her marriage, after having borne her husband one child. Miss Charlotte Ferguson Avas married to INIr. Osburn in 1855; she was born in A^irginia in 1831, and by her union with our subject became the mother of one child; she died in 1859. The present partner of our subject was before her marriage Miss Susannah Christy, to wliom he was united in 1861. She is the daughter of Samuel and Rosanna (Creamer) Christy, natives of Berkeley County, Va., the father born in 1780 the mother in 1790. Mr. Christy was a soldier during the War of 181 2, coming three 3'ears later to Washington C. II., where he opened a blacksmith-sho)). The Creamer family came to Ohio in 1807, and resided for three years in Ross County. Later, they removed to Jefferson Township, Fayette Count3% locating on a wild tract of land, and there passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1826 and the mother in 1810. This was the family to which Mrs. Osburn's mother belonged. ]Mr. and Mrs. Christy located in Jasper Townsliip in l8;3o, where the father, at the date of his death, was tlie owner of five hundred acres of valualtle land. To them were born five childi'cn, of whom Mrs. Osburn is the only survivor, her birth occurring December 14, 1825.

To Mr. and JMrs. Osburn has been born t)ne son, David F. Our subject is the possessor of one hundred and fift^'-two and one-half acres of land, which he has brought to a good st<ate of cultivation, having placed thereon numerous and substantial outbuildings. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which bod}' he is Chaplain. Politicall}', he votes with the Repuljlican party and has served his fellowtownsmen in the cap'acity of Justice of the Peace.

Two sons of Mr. Osburn, by his first wife, served in the late war. Fllihu B. being a member of Company I, Thirty-first Ohio Infantiy, served all through the conflict and was killed in 1875 by Indians at Ft. Sill. Nathaniel C. was a member of the Twelfth Ohio Battery, and fought in defense of his country for more than four years. Our subject is an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has done active work in that body since twenty-three 3 ears of age. Grandfather Philip (iatch was Justice of the Peace and also Associate Judge in Clermont County for twenty -one 3'ears. (Trandfather Creamer was also Justice of the Peace and very prominent in local affairs.

^7 AMES R. RANDOLPH, whose sketch now invites attention, is the proprietor of a fine drug store in "West Jefferson, and, possessing the necessary qualifications for a successful business man, has been greatly prospered in his dealings. The parents of our subject, James and Jane (Pugsley) Randolph, were natives, respectively, of Hampshire County, Ya., and Maine. The grandparents removed to Ohio in 1801, while it was 3'et a Territory, and located in Zauesville, while his parents made their home on a farm in Atliens County, this State, from 1821 till 1810. The father there l)egan the practice of medicine, which he followed until his decease.

Tiie parental family of oiu- subject included nine children, of whom he was the seventh son. He was born July 28, 1837, in Nelson ville, Atliens Count3', and attended the common schools until nineteen 3'ears of age, when he supplemented the knowledge gained therein by taking a course at an academy in New Albany, and for one year was a student at the Ohio Lniversitv at Athens. On the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Randolph enlisted, April 21, 1861, in Company B, Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. Owing to a railroad accident which occurred jNIay 30, 18(51, he was severely injured, on account of which he received his honoraljle discharge.

On returning from the arm3', December, 1863, our subject read medicine with Dr. J. T. Colliver for a period of two vears, and in 1865 went to Noble Countv, where he was employed 1)3' his uncle, in a tannery, at the same time continuing his studies, being thus engaged for five 3'ears. During that time, Mr. Randolph took a course of lectures at Cincinnati in the Eclectic Medical College, and afterward began the practice of medicine. He remained in Noble Count}' until 1871, when he returned to West Jefferson, and on account of ill health operated a farm for the following six years. In 1878, he took up his abode in Plain Cit3', where he operated an hotel as mine host for two years, at the end of which time he went to Mar3'sville and for six months Avas emplo3'ed in handling walnut timber. He later entered the employ of the U. I. X. L. Windmill Company, of Kalamazoo, Mich., with which he remained for about four 3'ears, after which he was engaged in the marble and granite business in Mechanicsburgh, this State. After following that line of work for two years, Mr. Randolph came to Madison Count3- and for three 3^ears cultivated the soil in this localit}'. Finallv locating in West Jefferson, he opened up a drug store, which he has managed successfullv since.

son Township, in 1840. To them liuve been born a family of five children, namely: Mary ,T., Mrs. James li. Hilton; Ella, the widow of G. J. Frey; Minnie; .Tames 1., and Thomas, the latter of whom died when an infant. Mr. Randolph is classed amonj^- the puiilic-spirited citizens of this county, and in the various places in which he has lived has filled most satisfactorily various offices of honor and trust. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow, in which order he has taken all the degrees, is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Grand Army of the Repul)lic.

E^'. FATHER A. F. SOrRI), pastor of St. Coleman's Catholic Churcli, Washington -Ai \y C. H., was born in Stone Lick Township, ^^^ Clermont County, Ohio, March 15, 1853, tiie son of Augustus and Christina (F'em^-e)') Sourd. During his childhood, he aided his father in his diy-goods store, and gleaned the rudiments of his education in the common schools. He carried on Ills studies at Dayton, Ohio, at St. Mary's of Nazareth, and later pursued his classics at Mt. St. Mar3''s Seminary of the West. His theological studies were prosecuted with all the ardor and fire of his enthusiastic nature, and he was a student in St. Xavier's Theological Seminary, and St. I\Iary's Tiieological Seminary at Laltimore, from which he was graduated in 1885.

On Christmas Day, 1885, Eather Sourd was ordained in Cincinnati, l»y Bishop Mays, of Covington. His first cliai-ge was at Carthage, Ohio, where hi; was appointed assistant, his duty being to attend to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Afterward, he was assistant pastor of the Church of the Atonement at Cincinnati for a short time, and filled the same position for five months at the Church of Assumption on Walnut Hills. Li that city, he became well and favorably known among his parishioners as a pious and zealous [)riest and upright man. For two years, lie was assistant to Father .loliii Murray, at Urbana, aiding him in increasin"- liie membershii) of the church, and i)'ronioting its usefulness in various depai'tments of work.

St. Coleman's Catholic Church, of which Father Sourd became pastor in 1889, now numbers about sixt3'^-seven families, and is one of the most enterprising and active congregations in the State. The pastor's residence and the church are located on the corner of North and East Streets, where a substantial brick structure was being built in 1885, but was torn down by a c^'clone, during the process of construction. I'ndaunted by the misfortune, the congregation rebuilt the edifice the following year, and have furnished it elegantly' and appropriately.

Not only among his parishioners, but throughout the community in general, the position occupied by Father Sourd is one of prominence and influence. He is a diligent laborer in the work of his church, sparing no pains to secure its advancement and doing everything in his power to" promote its efficienc3'. He has proved himself in every way reliable and useful to the community, and his many friends bear testimony to his worth and ability.

\fj OIIN REIF is an enterprising young mer- I I chant of Washington C. H., and was born February 23, 1856, in Piketon,Pike County, and is a son of Frank Reif, a resident of this city, where he has made his home for the last twenty-seven years. John Reif came to this county with his parents when he was three years old, and the next few years of his life were passed on a farm seven or eight miles from this city. In 1863, the family came to Washington C. H., and he completed his education in the cit}' schools, which he left April 5, 1869, at the age of thirteen j^ears, to enter upon his mercantile training in his father's grocery store. In the 3'ears that followed, he gained a thorough insight into the business in all its details, and he continued with his father until his marriage in the winter of 1881. After that, lie went into the restaurant business, and was in that three years. He then entered the employ of John Blackmore, grocer, with whom he remained several years. His next venture was a business partnership with J. P. Wyatt, under the firm name of Wyatt & Reif, to conduct a grocery. They remained together two years, and then our subject bought Mr. Wyatt's interest in the establishment in September, 1887. He takes an interest in politics, as all good citizens should, and is to be found with the most stalwart of the Democrats.

Our subject was married in February, 1881, to Miss Ida, daughter of Henry Shubert, and their home is cheerful and cozy, Mrs. Reif being a true home-maker, and it is the center of a pleasant hospitality. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Reif was a dressmaker in this city, and did a good business in her line. Mi\ Reif is now engaged with his father in the grocery business.

OHN C. CARTMILL. An old settler of Madison Countj^, Mr. Cartmill has materially contributed to its wealth and high standing as an agricultural center and has been prominent in its civic and political life, and in its various important offices of trust and responsibility. He has long been associated with the leading farmers of P\airfield Township and has been active in promoting its growth by clearing and developing a fine farm within its borders.

The parents of our subject, William and Isabel (Ferguson) Cartmill, were born in Virginia, and, desiring to see something of the Western country, in 1825 came to Ohio and made their home in what is now Oak Run Township, Madison County. They reared a famil}' of seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was third in order of birth. Alfred and Thomas Cartmill, brothers of John C, are represented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. William Cartmill departed tliis life in Pike Township, where they held an enviable position among its best residents.

John C. Cartmill was born in Franklin County, this State, August 30, 1813, and, like other farmer lads in this localit}^, received a fair education in the primitive schools of that period. When attaining his nineteenth j^ear, he learned the carpenter's trade, receiving as compensation for his services the first two years $10 per month. He was thus employed for six years, when he established a home of liis own, and choosing the life occupation of a farmer, settled in Fairfieki Township, on the farm where he is at present residing. Mis estate includes two hundred acres, which his industry and good judgment have placed under the best cultivation, thus giving it rank among the valuable estates in the townships.

In London, this State, Mr. Cartmill was married, December 13, 1838, to Miss Sarah A. Black, and to them were born a family' of seven children, viz: Margaret, Isabel, A^irginia, Edson, William, Charles and Ilenr}'. Isabel is the wife of I. N. Davidson; Virginia married William Strain and died in this township, March 30, 1880; Edson married Clara Mithoff; William became the husband of Miss Gertrude Walker; Henry married Mary Noland. Mrs. Sarah A. Cartmill departed this life July 13, 18/38.

The lady whom our subject chose as his second companion was Rebecca Williams, who became the mother of one daughter, Jessie, and passed from earth March 27, 1868. Mr. Cartmill, in September, 1870, was married to Miss Adeline Walker, who was born in Virginia, September 28, 1828.

In local affairs our subject has held the office of Township Trustee and has always taken an active part in politics, voting a straight Democratic ticket. A man of public spirit and enterprise, he is justly regarded as one of the most valuable citizens of Fairfield Township, toward the prosperity of which he has contributed his untiring efforts. His portrait on the accompanying page will be welcomed by his many friends throughout the county.

ENRY S. LEWIS. Among the most beautiful and attractive homes in Pickaway Count}' is that of Henry S. Lewis, situated on the Chillicothe, Circleville and Columbus Turnpike, four miles south of Circleville, on the famous Pickaway Plains. He has here a large and valuable farm, which is truly historical ground, and, with its broad and well-tilled fields, handsome modern buildings, and all the conveniences for conducting ever}' brancli of agriculture, is, indeed, a model of its kind, and one of the finest places in the county.

Mr. Lewis is a native of Ohio, l)Oi'n in Chillicothe, May 25, 1864, and one of the 3-ounger generation of farmers who have stepped to the front within recent 3'ears and infused new energ\' and enter[)i'ise into the various business interests of their native State. Ilis grandfather, who ))ore the same name as iiimself, and was a native of New Jersey, was one of tlie early settlers of Ross County, where his life was passed for the most part as one of its leading public officials, as he was for ni;ni\ yt'ars an incumbent of the various offices of Count}' Recorder, Treasurer and Auditor. He was a half-))rotlier of tlie noted family of Daytons, of New .lersey.

'I'he father of our subject, Mathias Lewis, was liorn in Chillicothe, IMarch 17, 1821. He began life as a school teacher, having l)een well educalt'd, securing a position at twent}' dollars a montli, which was tiie first money that he earned, and winch he used as capital to establish himself in liusiiiess as a lumber merchant at Ciiillicothe wlicn lie was a young man. He devoted many ycnrs to the successful pi'osecution of that line of liusincss, and then turned his attention to the li;irdw:ii-t' mid imiilemcnt liusiness, in which he engaged iiiilil JMSO, when he retired permanentl}- from liusincss. He was also during that time emplovcd in the manufacture of news and wrapping pHpcr at Kiiinickiniiick. having i)urchased the old liigliaiii ,'(iid ('rouse mills in 1,S()'J, and, refitting llieiii, operated them for some time. He accumulated a handsome property, and is now livino- in retirement in Ciiillicothe in the enjoyment of his wealth. lb' was at one time a large land-holder, and had some nine hundred acres of land in this connty, a pait of which lay on the J'ickawa}' I'lains, and extended to the Scioto River, embracing a large tract of alluvial In.ttoin land in the famous Scioto N'alley. He divided this land between his sons, giving four hundred and twentytive acres on the east end to our subject, and about four liuii<li-ed and seventy .acres to his elder son Charles. His whole career shows him to lie a man of more than ordinary business enterprise, and he has been a potent agent in advancing the prosperity and growth of his native count}^, and has contributed to the upbuilding of this to a certain extent. During the Rebellion, he showed himself to be intensely patriotic, and was very influential in rousing the same sentiment in the breasts of his fellow-citizens. He was Captain of an organized compan}' of militia that did effective service at the time of Morgan's raid. He was prevented b}' ph3-sical disabilit}- from going to the front, but he organized and equipped with his own means a company known as the "Ciiillicothe Grays," with which he marched into Kentucky at the time of the Smith raid, and in other wa3'S did a great deal for his beloved countr3' in the hour of her deadliest peril. Mr. Lewis married Miss Annie M. Cosad, a native of Bellefontaine, and the daughter of Judge Anthon}' Cosad, who was born in France. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born six children, of whom four are living.

Our subject was carefull3' reared under good home influences and was given good educational advantages in the Chillicothe High School, of which he is a graduate. He inherited much of the push and business tact characteristic of his father, and when he selected farming as the occupation to which his tastes most inclined him, his father gave him a good start in life, deeding him the farm that he owns and manages on the Pickawa3' Plains, and on which he located in 1884, devoting himself since then to tilling its rich soil and to raising standard grades of stock. For the past six 3-ears he has given considerable attention to breeding draft horses of the Percheron variety, and more recently' has interested himself in raising blooded horses, of which he has several that are very promising.

Mr. I^ewis has added extensive improvements to his farm, erecting a large, palatial frame residence, which stands on an eminence somewhat back from the turnpike afore-mentioned, which runs along tlie east line of the farm, and commands a magnificent prospect of the beautiful Scioto ^"allev and the Avhole of the level Pickawa3' Plains, where once stood Indian villages, this view being said to be the finest in Pickawav County.

Our subject's home is perfect in its appointments and elegant in its furnishings. His barns and other buildings are modern, and his stables are especiall_y well arranged. He has alread_y won a high place among the most progressive farmers of this section, and he is popular among his associates. He is imbued with true public spirit, and has the interests of his county at heart. lie is well informed as to the political situation, and is a representative young Republican.

Our subject was married in 1888 to Miss May C, daughter of O. W. and Emily (Comstock) Shipman, both natives of New York. Her father is a prosperous merchant of Detroit, Mich., where he is engaged in a large wholesale and retail coal business, and he is also the proprietor of hard and soft coal mines in Pennsylvania, and is prominent in the business world.

Mrs. Lewis is a native of Waverly, N. Y. She is a refined and well-educated young lady, and presides with true grace over the beautiful home in which she and her husband live, cordially seconding his courteous and genial hospitality whenever friend or stranger is entertained beneath their roof. They have one son, Sanford, born October 23, 1889.

i)HOMAS JEFFERSON MORRIS, Auditor of Pickaway" County, was born in Walnut Township, this county, March 11, 1854. His grandfather, John Morris, was born in Pennsylvania in 1797, and removed to Virginia, where he spent five years. He came to Ohio about 1802, and cast in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Walnut Township, rented land, and upon that farm resided for a number of years, his first home being a log cabin. He became an extensive land-owner, having about one thousand acres. His son, James Morris, the father of our subject, was born on the home farm in Walnut Township, acquired his education in a log schoolhouse, and on attaining his majority, came into possession of one hundred and sixtv acres of land, wiiich he himself cleared. As his financial resources increased, he added to his possessions until he became owner of four hundred acres. He wedded Mary Davis, a native of Walnut Township, and a daughter of William Davis, who was born in Pennsylvania, and became an earl}^ settler of Pickaway County. Tlie parents of our subject are still living. Mr. INIorris is now eighty-one years of age, and his wife has reached the age of sevent3'-nine. The}' are among the oldest native citizens of the county. In politics, he is a Democrat, served as Justice of the Peace for eighteen 3'ears, and was Trustee for a number of years.

Our sul)ject was the third in a family of nine children, seven of who7n are now living. He was reared in tlie usual manner of farmer lads, beginning work in the fields as soon as old enough to handle the plow. In the winter season, he attended the common schools, and in 1875 was a student in the Worthington Normal School, after which he engaged in teaching successfully for thirteen years. Subsequently, be turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Clara K. Ritt, a daughter of Benjamin Ritt, a native of Penns3lvania. The lady is a native of Walnut Township. By their union have l)een born three children: Mary F., Emniett C. and Clara Helen.

After his marriage, Mr. Morris operated a jjart of his father's farm for several years in connection with school teaching, which he followed until 1889, when he embarked in the grocery business in Circleville, purchasing a half-interest in the store of Henry Pontius, of Court Street. Business was conducted for a year under the firm name of Pontius &, Morris, when our subject withdrew and was nominated by the Democratic party for County Auditor. He made a strong canvass, and was elected by eight hundred and seventy-two majority for a term of three years. He is proving an efficient and popular otticer, and the prompt and faithful manner in which he discharges his duties has won him the commendation of all. He served as Justice of the Peace of Walnut Township until he resigned on removing to the cit}'. Socially, he is a member of tlie Knights of Pythias. He has frequently' served as a delegate to the countj' con ventions of his party, and was the youngest man who ever served in this locality as a member of the Democratic Central Committee of the county. He is a wide-awake and enterprising citizen, and well deserves representation in this volume.

^ ENRY C. WILSON. The chief use of biograpliy consists in the noble models of character in whicli it abounds. Our great ancestors still live among us in the records of tlieir deeds, and in the same manner, when the present generation shall have passed from earth, tliey will still live in the hearts of their descendants, furnisliing examples of industry and patience for tlieir posterity to imitate and admire. The record of the life of Mr. Wilson is calculated to increase a man's self-reliance, fortify his hopes and elevate his aims. He is one of the prominent agriculturists of Jefferson Township, Madison County, and we are pleased to note the evidences of liis prosperity and success.

Tiie great-grandfather of our subject, Valentine Wilson, was born near Harper's Ferry, Va., in 1785, and was a lad of five years when he accompanied his father to Kentucky. When seventeen 3'ears of age, lie came to Ohio, and in 1806 was married to Miss Eleanor Judy, of Greene County, this State. He was afterward twice married and of his tliree unions nineteen children were born, seventeen of whom became heads of families. A man of great wealth, he at one time owned about seven thousand acres of land, beside his personal property, which was valued at 1^60,000.

The eldest of the six children born to Yalentine and Eleanor Wilson was William D., who was born in Bath Township, Greene County, Februaiy 27, 1807, and departed this life on what is now known as the Darby Plains, March 25, 1873. He accumulated a vast estate, and so straightforward was his life, so honorable his dealings with all, and so energetic his work for the best that life affords, that even his enemies, if lie had any, had nothing to sa}^ against him, but ou all sides his praise resounded. A full historv of Valentine and William D. Wilson may be found in the history of Madison County, published in 1883 by William M. Beach, M. D.

The grandfather of our subject was married to Miss Nancy Moore, who died in September, 1882. Thej-^ were the parents of eight children, of whom Alexander, the father of our subject, was the eldest. He was born in this county, February 22, 1829, and when attaining mature years was married, in 1854, to Martha J. Millikin, and located on the tract where his father was then living. He later, however, removed to Plain City, and in 1863 settled near West Jefferson, where he died, June 29, 1881. He gave his entire attention to farming and stock-raising, and at the time of his decease owned two thousand five hundred acres of land. The mother of our subject, who still survives, is the daughter of Daniel Millikin and had her birth in Washington Count^^, Pa., in 1829. By her union with Mr. Wilson four children were born, namely: Henry C, our subject; Lovina, tlie wife of William E. White, who resides in California; Grant, who died in infancy; and Albert W., who makes his home in Canaan Township and whose sketch will be found on another page in this volume.

A native of Canaan Township, Madison County, our subject was born April 23, 1856. When a lad of seven years, his father settled in Jefferson Township on the National Pike, just east of the village of West Jefferson. Four 3^ears later, in company with others, he crossed the Alleghany mountains on horseback with a drove of cattle, and visited different points in the Keystone State and Maiyland. During his boyhood he also traveled extensively through Indiana, in compan}' with some of his father's employes, who bought cattle there and afterward disposed of them to stockmen in Ohio. Mr. Wilson grew to manhood in this township and received his early education in the common schools of West Jefferson, the knowledge gained therein being later supplemented b}^ attendance at the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He has alwa^'sbeen engaged in agricultural pursuits and at the present time is the owner of seven hundred broad acres, to the carrying on of which he gives his personal atten- tion. He also makes a specialty" of raising slock, having some vei}^ fine animals on his place. His homestead, a view of which is elsewhere shown, is one of the most attractive in the township anrl contains all the modern improvements.

November 29, 1883, Henry C. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Kate, the daughter of the late John Farrar, formerly a prominent citizen of London. Mrs. Wilson was born in London, July 29, 1857, and b}' her union with our subject has become the mother of a son, Walter F., who was born September 11, 1886. Mr. Wilson takes an active part in local affairs and has served his fellow-townsmen most acceptably as a Trustee of Jefferson Township. In politics, he casts a Republican vote, believing that party to be in the right. Religiously, he is a devoted member of the Methodist P]piS(jopal Church and gives lil)erall3' of his means towards its support. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and is also a Knight Templar.

y^JLLIAM P. SMITH, who is engaged in cultivating the soil of his excellent farm, ,, ^, which is pleasantly located on the Mill Road in Oak Run Township, Madison County, five miles from London, also devotes considerable time and attention to breeding a fine grade of stock, and by energy and perseverance has placed himself in the front ranks among the agriculturists in this section.

Our subject was born on the farm which he now owns and occupies July 20, 1861, and is the son of Jacob Chrisman and Amanda J. (Evans) Smith, the former of whom was born in Christian County, Ky., April 7, 1817. He was the son of William Smith, a native of Virginia, who removed to the Blue Grass State, and after residing there a short time, returned to Virginia, where the father of our subject grew to mature years.

William P. Smith is the younger of the two sons who are still living of the parental family of nine children. His brother resides in Douglas County, Kan. He of whom we write received his earlv education in the district schools, and later took a two years' course in OI»erlin College, which institution he entered when about eighteen 3'ears of age. He then returned to the farm, and when twenty-two years old, engaged in partnershii) with his father, receiving a fair percent, of the proceeds for his share.

MissMattie Baughan and our subject were united in marriage July 20, 1886. The lady was l)orn in Pickaway County on the 13th of April, 1863, and was the daughter of David and Catherine (Adkins) Baughan, by whom she was given an excellent education. William P., of this sketch, remained with his father until the death of the latter, which occurred January. 14, 1888, and since that time has acted as administrator of the estate, which includes three hundred and eighty-three acres in this township, and eight hundred and sixty acres in Douglas County, Kan., where his brother and mother are residing.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Smith include the following five children: Lillie Leah, who was born June 16, 1887; Willier Glenn, July 4, 1888; Agnes Mabel, September 15, 1889; Amanda Bessie, December 1, 1890; and Earl William, January' 20, 1892. July 9, 1889, Mr. Smith's dwelling was destroyed by fire, but he soon replaced it with a handsome commodious residence, which cost about $2,500. His place is supplied with all the needful outbuildings, and is thoroughly drained with many feet of tiling. In his political relations, Mr. Smith cast his first vote in 1884 for James G. Blaine, and although not in any sense an office-seeker, was appointed as delegate to count}^ conventions, but did not serve, as he preferred to devote his attention to his private interests.

ENRY B. MORRIS, agent for the Cincinnati & Muskingum Vallej^ Railroad Compan}' since January 1, 1880, is a successful liusiness man, and one of the jovial, largehearted citizens of the county. He is a native of Pickaway County. Walnut Township, Ohio, born

Our subject was reared between the handles of a plow, it might be said, for, when seven 3'ears of age, he was made to harrow, and ten years of age found him grasping the plow handles. A limited education was received in tlie common schools, but seeing the necessity for a better education as he grew older, he entered Otterbein Ihiiversity when twent3'-one years of age, and remained there one 3'ear. Later, or in the winter of 1863, lie went to Illinois, and began teaching school in INIcLean County, and after one term taught in that county, he retiu'ned to Walnut Township, this count}', and taught school here for four winters. In 1867, he went to St. Louis and took a commercial course in Lr^ant tt Stratton Business College, was graduated from that institution, and then went to Memphis and bought three hundred and twentj^-seven head of Texas cattle for Morris & Longhry, extensive cattle feeders. During the fall of that year, he made a dozen trips to Pittsburgh with cattle. On tlie 1st of April, he became book-keeper for Morris & Longhry, at this place, and continued with them until October, 1874, when he was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of County Auditor, which position he held for two terms, being re-elected in 1876. His ability and rare judgment and his peculiar fitness for this position made his terms veiy successful ones.

After leaving the auditor's office, Mr. INIorris engaged as book-keeper for Heffner & Co., and remained with this lii'm until January 1, 1880, when he was appointed to the agency b^' the General Superintendent, who came to his office to solicit him to take the position. He took charge of the oftice, and has held the position since under the fourth superintendent. The business has more than doul)led since then, and he has four men under him. Both the freight and new depot are the finest on the road. In 1871, Mr. jNIorris erected a fine brick residence on Union Street, between Court and Scioto Streets, and has a veiy comfortable and pleasant home.

Township, Pickaway Count}', Ohio, and their nuptials were celebrated in Walnut Township in 1869. She was the daughter of Thomas Scothorn, who died on the 24th of March, 1848, when Mrs. Morris was small. She was educated in the Circleville High School, and is a lady of more than ordinary ability. Mr. Morris is a Democrat in politics, and lias been delegate to county and State conventions. He is a member of the county Democratic Central Committee, and is a member of the Democratic Club. He is one of Pickaway County's most successful and popular citizens, and has a host of warm friends. Sociall}', he is a Knight of Honor.

^^^^ Count}' is held by our subject, who was born in Madison Township, April 5, 1860. He is the son of William and P^lizabeth (Mace) Mc Cafferty, tlie former of whom was l)orn August 14, 1819, in the above-named township, while the mother, who is still living, had her birth in Ross County, June 16, 1824.

The father of our subject was six years of age when his father, John IMcCafferty, removed to Ross County, where he made his home until his marriage, February 14, 1845. Having inherited a small farm in Madison Township from his father, he located upon it and was so successful in all his undertakings that at his death he was the owner cff two thousand acres of land. He became identified with the interests of Fayette County in 1845, arriving within its limits with one team, a bed, and 'i^50 in money. With pluck and energy for his weapons for conquering circumstances, he soon won a foremost place among the farmers of this locality, and through wise investment and good management became a wealthy man. He was a Democrat, in politics, and was an ardent advocate of the stanch principles of that party.

He of whom we write was the youngest but one in the parental family of six children, all of whom are living and married except the youngest. Charles Clavton, in addition to receiving a common-school eclncation, took the entire course of study in the Mt. Sterling school. When reaching his majority, he spent a year and a half in Colorado, and for three succeeding years worked in the stock-yards at St. Louis, for Hunter, Ivans A Co. His business in the West was to select cattle from the ranches of that firm in Colorado, Nebraska, Montana, and other States and Territories.

Mr. McCafferty returned home in 1885, and on October 6, of the following year, was married to Miss Mary Crotty, who was born in Mt. Sterling, June 16, 1866, She was the daughter of John and Mary (Timmons) Crotty, and became the mother of two children: Mary Elizabeth, born September 30, 1887, died August 18, 1888; and Lewis P:dward, born December 1, 1890. About a year after his marriage, our subject located upon his present farm, inheriting about two hundred and seventyfive acres from his father's estate. Although not a politician, Mr. McCafferty votes the straight Democratic ticket. He is a member of the INIasonic fraternity and, in church matters, is a Catholic.

OIIN T. ANDERSON. The simple record of an honorable life is the best monument that can be reared to any citizen, and we shall therefore not attempt to enlarge upon the history' of the gentlemen above named, who is a retired farmer and at present residing in Ijilly Chapel. His parents, William A. and Susan (Cumpton) Anderson, were natives of Virginia, and, coming to Franklin Count}', this State, in 1834, lived there for three years, and then took up their abode in this count}^ where their death occurred in Jefferson Township.

Our subject, who was born in Prince William County, Ya., November 15, 1819, was the third in order of birth of the parental fainih' of nine cliildren. He accompanied Iiis parents to this State and made his liome with them until he was twentytwo 3'ears of age, at which time he was married to Elizabetli Welsh, by whom he became the father of four children, only" two of whom are living, William W. and Sarah J.

After his marriage, Mr. Anderson located in Franklin County, where he resided for several years, and where his wife departed this life. Two years later, our subject came to Fairfield Township and made his home with his father for several years. The lady whom he chose as his second wife was Mrs. Anor Jackson, and to them were born a family of three children, viz: Charles E., John F. and Rox,ylana. Mrs. Anor Anderson passed to the land beyond in this township, July 1st, 1882. The lady who is the present wife of our subject, who was formerly Mrs. Maria Maybiish, Avas born in Pickaway County, October 18, 1847. Thej' are the parents of one child, a daugliter, Lj'da. IMis. Anderson was known in her maidenhood as IMaria Johnson, and by her union with Mr. INIaybush became the mother of two cliildren, Ilattie and William W., the latter of whom died in infancy.

Being solicited frequently to enter politics, Mr. Anderson has represented his townsliip in the positions of Trustee and Road Supervisor. He carried on mixed farming until 1873, when, having managed his affairs very profitably, lie [)laced liimself in comfortable circumstances and has lived retired in Lilly Chapel since that date. He still owns one hundred acres of land and also a neat home in the village. With his wife, he is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, witji which denomination he has been connected since eighteen years of age. Mr. Anderson enjoys the confidence of the peo[)le in his community to the fullest extent and the universal esteem of his large circle of acquaintances.

farmer of Darb^" Township, Pickawa\' Count}', has made his own way in the world, and has achieved prosperity' to a remarkable degree for one of his age. He is veiy active and progressive, and is a i)opular man in Derby, near which he makes his home. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, November 26, 1862, and his father, Charles Breyfogle, was born in Kutztown, Pa., February 28, 1815. He was the son of Sol- onion Bi'e3'fogle, a native of Pennsylvania, and the first ancestor of the family in this conntry was the great-grandfather of our subject, who came from Virginia before the Revolutionar}' War with a family of three children, and located in Berks County, Pa. He lived on a farm there, wliich he cultivated, and also worked at liis trade as cabinetmaker, continuing in life until he had compassed more than ninet}^ j^eais.

The grandfather of our subject was a farmer, and lived and died in Berks County, Pa. He was successful in the cultivation of his land, of which he owned some two hundred acres. His life was sadly cut short b}' means of a tumor in his face, wiiich ended his da3'S at the age of thirty-live. After his decease, his wife was united in marriage with his brother George, w^ho lived to be ninetyeight years of age. She had by her first union one daughter and eight sons, and by the second marriage one son and eight daughters, eighteen in all. She lived to be a good old age, and brought up her numerous family in the faith of the Methodist Church, to which she belonged, and of which tliey all became members.

The father of Mr. Breyfogle was reared upon a farm, and subsequent!}' learned the tailor's trade in Columbus, Oliio, to which city he walked from Pennsylvania at the age of sixteen, in company with his brothers. He then followed his trade througliout life, continuing active until he reached an advanced age. He was well known there, and was a member of the City Council for twelve years. For several terms, lie was one of the Directors of the State Penitentiary. His political views made him a memlier of the Republican party, and he was a devoted adlierent of the Methodist Church. His death occurred December 22, 1884.

The mother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Matilda Cloud, and was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Januarj- 4, 1819, living in that county until she was twelve years of age, at which time she removed with her parents to Columbus, where she met and married Charles Breyfogle. Of her ten children, eight grew to years of maturity. Their names are Charles, William, Selfa (deceased), Elsther (deceased), Flora (INIrs. Grumman), Edward, Frank, Callie, Ernest and Frederick.

She still resides in Columbus, and is an earnest and devoted member of the Methodist Church, to which slie has belonged since she was twelve years old, and in the affairs of which she took an active interest until old age prevented. Her father, Robert Cloud, came from New England to Ohio at a very earl}' da}', and here pursued farming.

The Cloud family originated in America with one who came over in tlie " Mayflower " in 1620. That ancestor was the great-great-grandfather of our subject, and bore the name of Robert Cloud, and he brought with him his son Robert, who was then a boy, and who became the great-grandfather of Mr. Breyfogle. The name of Robert Cloud is mentioned in history as one of the Pilgrim Fathers, and the family on that side is of Ihiglish stock. The sturdy qualities of this ancestor have been reproduced from generation to generation in his descendants, who have mainly followed agricultural and professional pursuits.

Our subject was reared in Columbus and educated in the public schools. From the time he was ten years old until he was fourteen, he devoted himself during liis vacation to learning the confectioner's trade, and also put in two years of steady work at it. He became independent of his father's support at the age of fourteen, and when sixteen years old went to Johnson County, Kan., and worked for three years, after which he returned to Ohio, and worked on the farm in Fayette County for eighteen months. Later, he spent a year in Kansas, but after that returned and married in Fayette County, and took his wife with him to Kansas. He sold out there in 1886, and returned to Ohio in August of that 3^ear, making his home in JNH. Sterling until March 1, 1887, when he bought the present farm and settled here.

Miss Ella Jones, who became the wife of our subject, Januaiy 27, 1885, was born in Pickawa}' County, Ohio, September 23, 1861. She is a daugliter of James Jones, a sketch of whose life will be found elsewhere in tliis volume. She is the mother of two children, Edwin and Annette. Mr. Breyfogle has one hundred acres adjoining the village of Derby, and it is all tillable and richly productive soil. lie has raised a few Percheron horses, and contenii)lates making something of a specialty of raising that breed of horses. He has a large farm residence and an excellent frame barn, and everything about the farm bespeaks the thorough and systematic farmer. ]Mr. Breyfogle is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Mt. Sterling, and his political views are in accordance with the doctrines of tiie Republican pftrty. His good wife is an active and efficient member of the Methodist Church, and a genuine favorite in social circles.

BRAHAM ROSE. It is with genuine pleasure that we include Mr. Rose in this work, for he is not only one of the pioneers of Pickaway Count}', Ohio, but a man who is universall}' respected for his many estimable qualities. He was born in Fairfield C'ounty, Oiiio, December 20, 1822, and is a son of Anthony and Mary (Woodring) Rose, natives of the grand old State of Virginia. His maternal grandfather Woodring was a Revolutionary soldier, and reached the remarkable age of one hundred and three years.

Anthony Rose, father of our subject, came with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio- and resided there a number of years. After his marriage, or about 1828, became to Pickaway County and settled in Madison Township, which was then but sparsely settled. He began his pioneer life in a log cabin and experienced the usual liardships and privations of the early settlers. His marriage was blessed b}^ the birth of seven children, six of whom are living at the present time: William, in Indiana; Abraham, our subject; Catherine, wife of Josiah Wist, in Indiana; Isaac, in Illinois; Peter who died in the late Civil War; John, in Indiana; and Samuel, in Illinois. The father of these (niildren died in Pickaway County, and in his death the county lost one of its pioneers and an honored and worthy citizen.

The original of this notice was I'eared to man's estate in Madison Township, tliis county, and knows thoroughly the meaning of pioneer life, for from early boyhood he became i«ured to the hardships experienced by early settleu'S. He grew up in the midst of the forest, and remembers when he used a wooden mole-board plow, and tlie oldfashioned sickle for cutting grain, etc. He received, a limited education in the early log schoolhouse with slab seats, boards on pins for desks, and otlier rude contrivances, and is mainly self-educated, for he has observed much and is a great reader.

He selected his wife in the person of INIiss Sarah Crum, who has borne lum three children: Calvin U., Clerk of INIadison Townshi[), this county; William J. and Elbert M. In 1877, JNIr. Hose lost his devoted helpmate and counselor, his wife, and her death was the occasion of universal sadness, for she was loved and respected in the community. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, was active in all churcli matters, and had many warm and sincere friends.

Hy hard labor and excellent management, ]\Ir. Rose has accumulated a comfortable competency, and is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land. He is prominently identified with the agricultural affairs of the county and is public-spirited and enterprising to an unusual degree. No worth}- movement is allowed to drag for want of support on his part, for he possesses generous, true-hearted and hospitable instincts. He is a firm believer in the Christian religion, a member of the Lutheran Churcli. He is a stanch friend of education and has served as School Director for some time. In politics, he is a Democrat.

One of the pioneers of the county, he has seen the wilderness bloom and blossom like the rose, and has done his share towards its advancement. Mr. Rose has three grandchildren: Claude C, Lynn C. and Earl G., these being the children of Calvin U. Rose, who married Miss Sallie E. Griffith.

^^ 7\.MUEL IIOPPES. This sterling and lead- ' " ing citizen of Perry Township, Fayette County, who has proved his worth as a successful agriculturist, is at present residing on his farm in this township. He is the son of Ilinton and Sarah (Ciarringer) Hoppes, natives of Wayne Township, Fayette County. The father was born in 1810, and is the son of John Iloppes, who was born in North Carolina, and at an carl}^ day removed to this county. The mother of our subject was the daughter of David and Serena (Yeoman) Garringer, her birth occuri'ing in 1826.

Mr. and Mrs. Hinton Hoppes lived upon a farm in Union Township until 1881, at which time they moved to Rockville. They were members of the Old-school Baptist Church, in which body Mr. Iloppes was Deacon. Our subject was the eldest in the parental family of eight children, only five of whom are living. His birth occurred June 15, 1846, on the farm in Wayne Township, llis primary studies were conducted in the common schools in Union Township, and were supplemented l)v a course at Washington C. II. lie remained under the parental roof until reaching his majority, when he taught one term of winter school in Union Township.

When starting out in life for himself, our subject purchased fifty-four acres of land in Wayne Township, which he farmed with signal success. He was married, January 27, 1874, to Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy (McWilliams) Sollars. The father was bora in Washington County, Pa., February 9, 1806, and the mother in Washington County, this State, March 22, 1808. They were married in Clermont County, this State, soon after which event the}" located on a wild farm in Wa^-ne Township, Fayette County, which is their present al)iding-place. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are living. Two sons, Samuel and Franklin, participated in the late war. The former was fatally wounded at Paducali, Ky., and the latter died in the service, at Baltimore, of typhoid fever. Another son, John, took i)art in the Morgan raid.

Mrs. Iloppes was born November 3, 1848, and was given a good education by her parents. After her marriage with our subject, the 3'oung couple lived on tlie Milton Yeoman Farm in Wa3qie Township, Fayette County, and in 1881 moved to their i)resent place of residence. Mr. Hoppes has a line barn, 40x68 feet in dimensions, with basement, wliich was erected in 1887. He is tlie owner of one hundred and nft3'-five acres in the home farm and one hundred and eighty-seven at Rockville, seventy-five of which are in timber. lie is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and so manages the operations of his estate that he reaps a fine income.

To our subject and his good wife have been granted a family of six children, all of whom a e living: John Ilinton, Charles Hess, Samuel James, Nancy Ann, Robert Newton and Sarah Elizabeth. The}^ havo all enjoyed the best school advantages which the district afforded and are destined to become useful citizens. Politically, Mr. Hoppes is a Democrat und has served his township efficiently as Supervisor. His interest in educational matters has caused him to be placed on the School Board. He has been a hard worker all iiis life and the reward of his persistent industry is seen in his beautiful farm, which is one of the most productive in this section.

OHN W. WILSON. Wasliington C. H. has furnished many examples of the success attendant upon persistent industry, fortified by the intelligence which impels to the improvement of opportunities. Notable in its history is the fact that man 3' business men, while still quite 3'Oung, have attained to success in their chosen occupations and have become important factors in the financial circles of the communit3^ Among the successful young business men who are contributing to the rapid advancement of the city, may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who is, perhaps, tht3 youngest business man of the place. Mr. AVilson was born near Leesburgh, Highland County, this >State, April 24, 1869. He was less than one 3^ear old when deatii entered the parental home and removed from earth his father and mother, Joseph and Emma (Cox) Wilson. Thus sadly orphaned when too 3^oung to realize the extent of his bereavement, he was taken to the home of friends and lived at several places during his childhood. His education was acquired principally in the scliools of Greenfield, although after coming to Washington C. H,, in 1882, he attended school for a short time.

Portrait And Btographical Record

Early eompellefl to be self-!Sup|)oiting-, our snl>- ject entered the shoi) of the Washington Stamping- Company, where he remained four 3'ears. Later, lie was in the em{)loy of Messrs. Iluling ife Stubl)s, in the stove and tinware business, for two 3'ears, during which time he learned the business thoroughly, and, being a tinner by trade, w.ns fitted for first-class work in that line. In 1S90, lie opened a stove and tinware store, in which he carries a full line of cook, heating and gasoline stoves. He also does all kinds of tin work, as roofing, spouting, etc., and has worked u[) a large and fiourishing business in his chosen occupation.

June 15, 1890, Mr. Wilson and Miss Rosa Fults Avere united in marriage, at the bride's home near Parrott Station, Fayette County, and one child has blessed their union, Emma May. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are identified with the Presbj'tcrian Church at Washington C. II., and take an active interest in religious and charitable projects. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men of America, in both of which organizations he is prominent and popular. He owns two residences in Washington C. II., and has every prospect of gaining wealtli in the prosecution of his business affairs.

^^ APT. EPIIRAIM IIENKLE was at one time (li n f^'^^i'ii^S ^^^^ Rebellion in command of a com- ^^^' pany of volunteers who rendered a good service in the most trying period of their country's history. He is now, and has been for many years, interested in agriculture in Faj'ette C^unt}^, owning a goodly farm in Union Township, of which he is a native. He had many obstacles to contend with in his pioneer labors, but he builded well, and now in life's decline has a competenc}' as the result of his diligence, frugality and wise management in his earlier manhood.

The Captain was born April 23, 1818, in an humble frontier home on the banks of Paint Creek in the towniship of which he is still a resident, his birthplace being three miles from Washington

C. II. His father, William Ilenkle, a native of Virginia, came to Washington, Ohio, with his purents, about the time that that city was founded. The n.other was a daughter of Isaac Ilenkle, who was born and reared in Pendleton County, Va., and was one of the early settlers of Union Township, locating on the banks of Paint Creek. Like his father, William Ilenkle became a pioneer of this county, and while he lived did good work in reclaiming a portion of the soil from its original wildness. Puit liis career was early brought to a close by his untimely death. He had married Barbara, daughter of one Isaac Ilenkle, who likewise came from Pendleton Count}-, Va., very early in the settlement of this county. The mother of oui' subject married a second time after his father's death, becoming the wife of William Ilidy, ])y whom she had three children, of whom but one is living, Jesse, a resident of Indiana.

Our subject was the onl}' child born to his parents, and he had the misfortune to lose his father when he was very young. There was no im])lic schools in his early daj'^s, and, though he went for a short time to a select school, he did not learn to read and write until after his marriage. Ilisj'outh was mostly passed in his native township, with the exception of five 5^ears that he spent with a relative near Jeffersonville. After the death of his mother, he went to live with Jesse Fisk, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority. At that age, he took an important step in life, marr^ying Miss Mary Carr, a daughter of Joshua Carr, who also came to these jiarts from Pendleton County, Va. After his marriage, the Captain settled on a rented farm, a mile north of Washington C. II., and lived thereon eight years, in the meantime clearing and fencing much of the land, and putting it under cultivation. At the end of that time, he bought seventj^-seven acres of his present farm in Union Township from Robert Randolph of national fame. The land was covered with the primeval forests that formerly abounded in this region, and our subject set to work with a good will to clear it. He felled the trees, placed the land under fine tillage, added to his original purchase, and now owns a choice farm of one hundred and forty acres of as well cultivated and finely improved land as is to be found in the township. He devotes it principally to graiu-raising, but he also raises some hogs and cattle of good grades.

Ma}' 2, 1864, is the date of the enlistment of our subject in the One Hundred and Sixt3^-eightli Oliio Infantry as Captain of Company V, which had been gathered together by his active influence to repel the advances of the bold rebel raider, Gen. Morgan. That leader's band was met at Cynthiana, Ky., by our subject's command and four other companies, and some hard fighting took place, without definite result, however, until the next day another force of Union troops came up, and Morgan and his men were obliged to beat a retreat. Having successfully accomplished its mission, Company F was disbanded September 5, 18G4, after five months' honorable service, and the gallant men composing it returned to their homes and quietl}" resumed their ordinary vocations. In that campaign, Capt. Henkle displayed admirable qualities as a leader, evincing true courage and self-possession when danger menaced and the battle was raging the fiercest. He has always been a devoted adherent of the Republican party, and has held public olHce with credit. He was Assessor of the township for four years, first elected in 18-46, and he was a Director of the County Infirmary eleven j-ears. He is interested in the religious welfare of the community as an active member of the Methodist Protestant Church, towards whose upbuilding he has contributed liberally.

The home of our subject was made desolate by the death of his beloved wife March 4, 1871, after a happy wedded life of thirty 3'ears. She was the raotiier of ten children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, and seven of them are still living. They are William, a farmer, in Union Townshij); Jasper F., a resident of Sabina, who is President of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church; Noah S., a farmer in .lay County, Ind.; Jesse C, who works in a machine shop in Springfield, Ohio; Katherine J., wife of Ezra Ilyre, a farmer of Union Township, who was reared in Jas)[»er Township, and is a son of Amzi H3're, who was also a native of Fayette County, and whose people came from Virginia; Amanda S., wife of W. L. Dowder, a blacksmith at Sabina; and Ehncda, who married John Cohagan, and lives with him on her father's farm. Ellen, Mary Jane and Joel are the names of the children of our subject who j.re dead. Mary was the wife of James Bush.

^^^IDNER J. AVARD. This prominent resi- ^^^ dent of Pickaway County is a wealthy IxL^Lj!) ^^^'^ influential citizen of Walnut Township. He is a native of the county, his birth occurring January 13, 1823. He is the son of Richard C. and Matilda Ward. The father was a native of Virginia, and when a bo}^, his parents emigrating to Pickaway County, he also came hither and located in Walnut Township with the family on the farm now owned by James AVard. Here the elder Mr. Ward died, December 9, 1857, greatly mourned by all who knew him.

We make the following mention of the parental family who survive: Our subject; Sarah E., the widow of William M. Holt, and Elizabeth, Mrs. A. C. Nothstine, Sidner J. AVard of this sketch was reared to man's estate amid the pioneer scenes of this county, and has watched with interest the gradual evolution of the country from its original wild state into productive farms and its present prosperous air of rural comfort. He has done his full share in developing this section, assisting his father in clearing and improving the virgin soil.

Our subject had not the advantages offered to the youth of to-day for securing an education, and his first schooling was obtained in a log cabin with slab seats and puncheon floor. He was an apt pupil, however, and, making the best of his limited opportunities, is to-day a well-educated and intelligent gentleman. He was married March 5, 1857, to Catherine AVard, who was born April 1, 1838, in Fairfield Count3\ She was the sister of James AVard, a resident of AValnut Townshii), and for a sketch of whom the reader is referred to another portion of this volume.

Mr. Ward of this sketch is the proprietor of a magnificent estate comprising over seven hundred acres of valuable land. He has placed good improvements on his farm, and standing conspicu- ously among his substantial and convenient farm buildings will be noticed the comfortable residence which is presided over by Mrs. AVard, who is a most excellent and hospitable lady. She has greatly assisted her worth}' husband in attaining to his present high standing in the agricultural community, and he gives her all due praise.

In his political relations, Mr. AYard is a Rei)ublican, and has been actively interested in all measures which had for their object the upbuilding of his community. Mrs. AVard is a consistent member of the United Brethren Church, and, with her husband, is enjoying the peace which comes to those who have led an honest and upright life, respected b}' all their friends and neighbors.

GEORGE T. SILA^ER. Among the men who are doing well financially through cultivating the soil in Madison County is Mr. Silver who owns a fine estate in Jefferson Township. He has erected substantial buildings on the place and from his three hundred acres of carefully-cultivated land a plenteous harvest is gathered at the proper season.

John Silver, the father of our subject, was born July 1, 1801, in Pennsylvania, and at his death in July, 1882, left a magnificent estate. He occupied a prominent place in church affairs and held the position of Deacon in the Baptist Societ^^ for a number of ^^ears. He was first married to Miss Mary Koontz, who bore her husband three children, Richard, Henry and Asa. A sketch of the latter appears elsewhere in this volume.