Pickaway Township (part 40 of 49)

]\Ir. Mallow came to his present place of residence in 1870, and has here one of the best-appointed farms in all Wayne Township. Its area is five hundred and ten acres of well-improved land, amply supplied with modern and conveniently arranged buildings, including a brick dwelling-house and substantial barns; and our subject has put up neat fences, and has drained the land by a complete system of tiling.

tlie Republican party ever since he cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has held many of the offices of his township, and has in various vvaj's been j)rominently indentified with its advancement.

^ J^ I. BALLING ER, M. D. We here present a \/-\j/l life sketch of one of the prominent citizens V^/^ of Plain City, who is an Ohioan by birth, having l)een born in Zane Township, Logan County, October 18, 1828. His father, Josliua Ballinger, was born in 1803, in Burlington, N. J., and became a farmer. Li earh^ life, he came to Ohio with his parents, making his home, in 1810, in what is now knoAvn as Logan County, and remaining there until his death, which took place in 1873. This honored parent was in his political views a Whig in his early life and later a Republican. For many 3'ears he was an active and earnest membei- of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but in his later 3^ears was an earnest worker in the Protestant Methodist denomination. His father, Samuel Ballinger,who was a native of Burlington County, N. J., died at the age of seventA'-five years.

William Ballinger, an ancestor of our sultject, was I)anislied from France and found his new home in England. Later, he came to America, where his descendants have since found a congenial home. The mother of our subject Itore the maiden name of J^elilah Inskeep, and is a native of Ohio, ])eing born in Logan County in 1808. This venerable lady still makes her home upon the farm where she was born, and is the oldest native-boin resident in that county. Her father, John Inskeep, was a native of Culpepcr, Va.,and both from her family and from that of his father our subject is of Quaker stock. The grandfather of the Doctor was a preacher among this godl}^ and enlightened people.

The parents of Dr. Ballinger were united in marriage in Logan County, Ohio, and there reared a family of eight children, three daughters and five sons, all of whom are still living. W. I. is the second child and eldest son, and until he reached the age of nineteen, his life was spent upon the farm.

After attending the district school, he entered the academy at Marysville, Union County, Ohio, in ' 1848, and after two 3'ears in that excellent institution he took a three-years' course in the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. It was in 1853 that he commenced the study of medicine, reading with Dr. D. W. L. Henderson, of Marysville, remaining with him for three years, and at the same time attending lectures in the Starling Medical College, of Columbus. Later, he studied at the Cleveland Medical College, where he received his diploma in March, 1856.

The 3'oung Doctor's first location for practice was in Plain City, in April of the same yeav, and he has remained here during all the 3'ears of the past quarter of a eentur3'. Besides attending to the claims of his medical practice, which has been extensive, he has engaged in the milling business. In company with R. AVoodrulf, of Plain Citj, he built a mill in 1873, and when his partner died two years later. Dr. Ballinger bought his interest and has since continued its sole proprietor. This mill has been a great help to the farming community, as it was the first one in the vicinit3' and was the first enterprise to give Plain Cit3' a start in business progress. Since its erection, there are probably a thousand acres of wheat raised where there were ten acres before. Its capacity' for the manufacture of flour is seventy-five barrels dail}", and the mill now has the roller process. The Doctor found himself over-burdened on account of the millingbusiness and in 1883 gave up his medical practice. He has a fine farm of one hundred and fift3--nine acres in Darby Township. This he carries on prosperously and is also interested financially in a furniture factory, which is a prominent enterprise of Plain City.

The lady who presides over the home of Dr. liallinger became his wife February 18, 1857. Her maiden name was Matilda Ta3dor and she is a daughter of John and Eliza (Mark) Ta3'lor, and was born in Darby Township. Her mother, who is still living, has reached the good age of seventy-nine years and still makes her home in Darb3' 'J'ownship. Of the five children of our subject, two died in infanc3^ The eldest son, John, now lives in Plain Cit3', as does also the second son, James L. Miss

Eva, the only daughter, a lad3' of unusual accomplishments, especially in the musical line, is at home with her parents. The Doctor is prominent in the Masonic lodge and active in the Methodist J^piscopal Church, of which he is a Trustee. His political alliliations have ever been with tlie Republican part}', and his first Presidential vote was cast for Gen. Winlleld Scott.

AMES WILLI AIM DUEEEE is a member of the firm of J. W. Duffee tt Co., grocers ^^^, and provision dealers at Washington C. II., y^^J one of the most solid and prosi)erous business firms of the city. Our subject comes of a family that was well rc[)resented during the late war, in which he himself fought, though only a mere boy when he entered the army.

Mr. Duffee was born January 17, 1846, and is a native of this State, his birthplace being in Hocking County. He is a son of Charles Duffee, who is also a native of Ohio, born in Meigs County in 1822, his parents, who were Pennsylvanians, having been among the pioneers of that county. When he was about eleven years old, the}' I'emoved to Hocking County, and settled in Stark Townsliij). He remained there until he was twenty-nine years old, and then went to Vinton County, where he learned the trade of a shoemaker. At the end of six years, which were emplo^'cd at his trade, he came to Washington C H., and was engaged in the manufacture of shoes here until the summer of 1861. The breaking out of the war roused his patriotism, and in August of that year he enlisted in Company A, Eirst Ohio Cavalry. He served most of the time on detached duty, winning an excellent record as a soldier, and was honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment in December, 1862, at St. Paul, Minn.

After he retired from the army, INIr. Duffee resumed his trade at Washington C. II., and carried it on until 1875, when he became a manufacturer, and was so engaged for seven 3'ears. At the expiration of that time, he went into the grocery business with his sons, and is still interested in that. He is prominent in public life, and is a member of the Indei)endeiit Order of Odd Eellows, having been AVarden of his lodge, lie has been IMarshal of the city for two years, and is a man greatly respected. In politics, he has been a Republican since the war. Mr. Duffee has a wife and two sons, our subject and G. W. The latter is engaged in the shoeinaking liusiness. He is an honored veteran of the war, who was quite young when he first enlisted, in 1861, in Company' C, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry. He was with that regiment one year, and was then mustered out. In 1863, he again enlisted, becoming a member of Company A, Eirst Ohio Cavalry, and served with fidelity throughout the remainder of the Rel)ellion, receiving his final discharge in August, 1865. He then returned to this city, and has been engaged as before mentioned ever since. His war record is commemorated l)y his membership in the Grand Army of the Repulilic.

The subject of this biographical review was young when his parents came to Washington C. II. and took up their permanent residence here, and his education was completed in the excellent schools of this city. He learned the trade of a shoemaker, and made shoes for a living until his enlistment in November, 1861, in Company C, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry. Although so 3"0uthful, he displayed fine soldierly qualities, and did good service until taken i)risoner with his brother at Harper's Eerry, where he had done some good fighting. He and his brother were paroled, and mustered out at Chicago in December, 1862. He returned to Washington C. XL, went back to his trade, and continued at it until 1875, when he secured a [)Osition as clerk in a shoe store, Avhich he held al)Out two 3'ears. We then find him in Inisiness on his own account with his father as grocer and i)rovision dealer. They have a well-fitted up establishment, in which they carry a full line of groceries and provisions, and they are doing a fine business, as they are attentive to their customers, supplying them always with the best to be obtained, keep a careful run of the markets, and are strictl}' honorable in their dealings.

of this city, who keeps a gentleman's furnishing and dothing store. Mr. and Mrs. Duffee are greatly esteemed in social circles for their many amiable and agreeable (jualities, and true hos[)itality is found in their home, which is brightened by the presence of their two daughters: Grace, who is twenty-three years old; and May INIargueretta, who is eleven 3'ears old. ]Mr. Duffee is a charter member of John Bell Post No. 119, G. A. R., and he belongs to the jMasonic order. Politically, he is a Democrat, and, religiously, a Presbyterian, who works heartily with his fellow-memliers in promoting the welfare of the church and of the community at large.

^ EWI8 R. LESIIER. The farms of the I (j^ Plum Run A^alley are unsurpassed for fer- /l^^ tility of soil and beauty of location by any estates in Pickaway Connty. Among them, one of the largest and best improved is the farm belonging to Mr. Lesher, and comprising four hundred and thirteen and one-half acres, which are under good cultivation. Tlie place is watered by the Plum Run River, a beautiful stream that never goes dry, and even when ]iarching droughts destroy crops in other sections of the State, still Hows on tranquilly and contributes to secure the bountiful harvests of this locality. A view of the homestead is shown on another page.

A native of Berks County, Pa., Mr. Lesher was born September 12, 183'J, and is descended from German ancestors, who, in the second generation before him, emigrated to the United States and made a settlement in the Keystone State. His father, Samuel, was boi'u in Berks County and learned the trade of a mason in his youth, although he was principally^ engaged as a farmer, and became quite wealthy. His death occurred in 1865, when he was about three-score and ten. His wife, Sarah Ann Raber, likewise a native of Berks County, died wlien about forty years old. Both were identified with the German Lutheran Church and were consistent Christians. The family of which our subject is a member consists of eight children, five sons and three daughters. Lewis R. received a somewhat limited schooling but has gained a good education through attendance in the school of experience, where toil and hardship were his severe but eflicient instructors. When eighteen, he commenced to learn the trade of a carpenter, but never followed it to any considerable extent. At the age of twenty, he commenced to clerk in a store, but after engaging in that way for three years, his health failed and he was obliged to seek other emplo3'ment.

In the spring of 1862, Mr. Lesher removed to Pickaway County, and located in Salt Creek Township, Avhere he has since resided. He purchased land and immediately commenced to farm and raise cattle. August 2, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lutz, daughter of the venerable Samuel Lutz, mentioned in this work. Mrs. Lesher was born and reared on the farm where she still lives, and is highly esteemed b}' a host of warm personal friends. She is the mother of three children, namely: Samuel H. who is married and lives near the old homestead; and Lizzie and Charles, who are at home.

In political matters, as in all affairs of general interest, Mr. Lesher keeps thoroughl}' posted and affiliates with the Republican party. He has served as delegate to county and district conventions and was Township Treasurer for two years, and at present is serving as Trustee. In 1891, he was nominated for County Commissioner, and although the county has a Democratic majority of between eight and twelve hundred, he was defeated b}^ only one hundred and fifty votes. Sociall}-. he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Eello^s. In the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he has been Deacon and Treasurer for several 3^ears, and Treasurer of the Sunday-school for some time, being a pillar in the church and an active promoter of all good works.

In addition to his homestead, Mr. Lesher owns sixty acres in Hocking County, and his landed interests are extensive and valuable. He engages in stock-raising and makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, in which he has been successful. He commenced in life without means, but by sturdy in- tegrity and unremitting {perseverance, he has become well-to-do. He is a close observer of men and things and possesses a deep insight into affairs of moment. Since 1862, he has been a subscriber and reader of the daily Cincinnati Commercial Gazette^ and formulates opinions only after careful study and close observation.

^\ OHN A. GROCE was born amid the pioneer scenes of Pickawa}' County, October 23, 1825, and for many j-ears contributed to its ^ jirosperity by his practical work as an intelligent farmer who has a well-managed farm on section 35, Walnut Township. He is a son of George and Catherine (Souders) Groce, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of this county. They came here when there were but few other whites here, the countiy in its original wildness with but few settlements, and in the flourishing town of Circleville there were but three cabins. They took up their abode in a log cal)in in the woods of what is now Walnut Township, and underwent the usual hardships and privations in building up their home. Further mention of them is made in the biography of their son Amos, which appears on these pages.

When our subject was a boy, Indians were still lingering around their old hunting-grounds and homes in this region, and wild game was plentiful. He is mainly self-educated, as the rude log schoolhouses of his day were not the seats of learning that the modern school buildings are, educational facilities being rather limited. However, he was well endowed with a clear brain, and a healthy, active nature, together with a good capacity for sustained and well-directed labor, and he lias done well in the prosecution of his calling as a farmer, having a valuable farm, which yields him a goodly income. It is well supplied with a good class of buildings, that are neat and well kept, and he has all the appliances for carrying on farming to good advantage.

native of Pennsylvania, and in the earl3' years of the settlement of Pickaway County, came hither with her [tarcnts. She was the mother of Hve children, of whom these two are living, George V. and Julia A., the latter the wife of Winsan Corder. The names of the three deceased are John A., Emanuel and Catherine. December 6, 1883, our subject was married to Mrs. Susan Bolan, widow of Thomas J. Bolan, formerly' of Scioto Township. She was born in Walnut Township, December 31, 1822, and is a daughter of George and Mary Brinker, natives of Penns3ivania, who at an earl}' period in the settlement of Pickawa}^ County came here and located in the woods of Walnut Township. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven survive: Nancy, Mrs. Groce; Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Compton; George, Sarah ;^ Lovina, wife of Nelson AVarren; and John.

It has been the privilege of our subject and his wife to witness much of the growth of Pickaway County from its original wildness, and in them we have good types of that fine class of people developed by the environments of pioneer life. They have always lived uprightly, in true friendshii) with all about them, and none know them but to respect them. Mrs. Groce is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its most active working members.

'iJfl'OlIN FLORENCE is conducting a profitable business as farmer and stock-i-aiser, his interests centering in Monroe Township, where he has a good-sized, (inel}' managed farm, situated nine miles west, and a little south, of Plain City. He is a native of JMadison County, and was born October 5, 1845. His father, Robinson Florence, was a native of Virginia, and a son of AViliiam and Fanny Florence, who came from that State to this when he was young, and were among the pioneers of Pickaway Count}', locating on land that they developed into a farm.

her parents, John and Mary "Williams, were also early settlers of tins region, locating in Paint Township, this county, where the mother of our sul)ject grew to womanhood and was married. ^Vfter marriage, the Florences settled on a farm in Paint Townshii). and in their pioneer home their son of whom we write was l)orn. The father died on the old homestead in his eightieth year. The aged mother is still living there, and is now eightyone years old. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven grew to maturity, and six are still living: E. R., William, Fanny, .John, Charles and Edwin.

John Florence of this sketch is the seventh child of the family. I lis boyhood days were pleasantly passed on the old farm that is his birthplace. He was a good scholar, and was given excellent educational advantages, attending first the district school, and then the public school and academy at London, finally becoming a student at the Ohio Universit}' at Delaware, where he |)ursued a fine course of study. Thus well equipped for the battle of life, he returned to the farm and gave his father valuable assistance in its management for some years. In 1877, he located on the farm in Monroe Township that he has ever since owned and occupied. It comprises two hundred and twent}^ acres of rich and well-tilled land, and is in a fine condition generally as to improvements and all that goes to make uj) a good farm. ^Ir. Florence devotes it to mixed husbandry, and has it well stocked. lie keeps from C)ne hundred and fifty to four hundred sheep all the time, and has a goodl}' number of cattle and horses of high grades. He is an active, wide-awake, industrious man, who looks carefully after his interests, and is eminently deserving of the success that has crowned his labors, placing him among the substantial men of the county. He stands well as a man and a citizen, his neighbors always finding him pleasant and obliging, and he favors all things likely to benefit the township. He was formerly a Democrat, in politics, but he now votes the People's ticket, being keenly interested in political matters.

J. B. and Harriet (Tuttle) Morgridge. She, too, is a native of Madison County, born in Darby Townshii), Decemlier 4, 1854. She is finely educated, having been a student in some of the best schools of this, and a neighboring State. She first attended the district school m her native town, was then sent to Marysville, Ohio, from there to Ridgers Seminary, of Springfield, whence she went to Indiana to pursue a course in Earlham College, at Richmond, and she was subsequently a pupil at the university at Delaware. Her marriage with our subject is a congenial union, and the}^ have established a home that is the centre of true culture and refinement, in which the}' dispense a delightful hospitality to their numerous friends. They have two children, "Walter and Mary. The son is at home, while the daughter is attending school at St. Mar3"'s Convent, at Columbus, Ohio.

^ ESSE TUMBLISON is a retired farmer, who has been a factor in the develoimient of Madison County's agricultural interests, and is now quietly passing the declining years of a long and well spent life in his i^leasant home on "West High Street, London. A native of Ohio, his birthplace is nine miles south of Chillicothe, in Ross Count}', and he was born October 28, 1816. His parents, Jesse and Elizabeth (Soders) Tumblison, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Kentuck}', were married in Ross Count}', and began their wedded life there amid pioneer surroundings. The father was a bricklayer, and he built up a prosperous business in Chillicothe as a contractor and builder, employing a good many men, and he was thus engaged throughout life.

Our subject is the only surviving member of the family. He lived in Ross County until nine years old, and then his mother removed to Pickaway County with her family, and he was there reared on a farm. He remained at home with his mother until he was twenty-one, attending the local schools in his boyhood, and at that age he went to work as a farm hand, continuing thus employed for some six years. At the expiration of that time, he had gathered together enough to enable him to marry and make a home, and lie was wedded to Miss ]Mary IMcKinney, of Pickaway Count}^ daughter of Samuel and INIargaret (Lewis) McKinney. Her [)arents were also natives of Pickaway County, born there in the very earliest days of its settlement, and her father was numbered among its practical farmers until his death.

After marriage, Mr. Tumblison rented a farm in Pickaway County for several years, and then another for ten years. After that, he purchased one hundred acres of that same farm, which he operated a year and then he sold it. He next bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres, which he disposed of at a good price after living on it five years. Coming then to Madison Count}', he carried on agriculture on rented land the ensuing nine years. He then invested in a farm of one hundred and fifty-four acres in Union Township, which is still in his possession. It is provided with fine buildings, is highly cultivated, and is one of the best farms in the township. Our subject lived on it ten 3'ears, but as his wife died in 1886, he rented it, and has since made his home in London, the income that he enjoys being the fruit of his diligence and practical skill in agricultural pursuits. He is a man of high principles and unswerving rectitude in thought and act, and wherever he has lived has always been regarded as a very desirable citizen, one who could be de- ))ended upon to fill places of public trust with fidelity, and to act lionorabl}^ in all the relations in which he stood toward others. He has held the ollices of Supervisor and School Director, and in both capacities served the township well. In his younger da3'S, he belonged to the old Whig party, but of late years he has been a Republican. Socially, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously, he is a member of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife of sainted memory, who was well beloved for her many virtues.

Our subject has seven children: Frank, who married Ella Reed, and has five children: Charles, Merda, Hany, Blanche, John; Baxter E., who married Ann Hunter, and has three children: Ethel, Ada and Edna; Marcus, who married Liza

Woodhouse, and has four children: Willie, Howard, Mary, and Thomas; Fletcher, who married Kate Weaver, and has two children: Bessie and Claude; Marinda, Mrs. Albert Botkin; Martha; Dema, who married Samuel Hunter, and died IMay 1, 1892, leaving two children: Charles and Ilorence.

^ of the growth of Madison County, but to also materially aid in its advancement as a commercial center. He is possessed in a rare degree of those sterling qualities which mark him as a man of uprightness of character, while his unassuming kindness has won for him the esteem of his fellowcitizens. The political issues of the times are always interesting to him, and he gives his unswerving allegiance to the Republican party. For many years the proprietor of a large gristmill in West Jefferson, our subject is now living retired from active business, and makes his home in a comfortable residence with his only daughter and child.

The original of this sketch is the son of William and Isabel (Ferguson) Cartmiil, the former of whom was born in Virginia in 1779. The parents came to Ohio in 1825, and made their home for a number of years in what is now Oak Run Township. Madison County. Later removing to Pike Township, they si)ent their last daj-s in that locality, and were ranked among the pioneers who did much toAvard opening up this section of country.

The parental family of Mr. Cartmiil included seven children, of whom he was tlie eldest, his birth occurring in Bath County, Ky., October 23, 1808. He accompanied his parents on their removal to this county in 1825, and grew to maturity in Oak Run Township. When ready to establish a home of his own, he was married in January, 1829, to Sarah Ann Postle, who was born in this county, April 23, 1815.

fourth year, wlien be came to Jefferson Township and worked at the carpenter's trade for about fifteen years, and in lH4!t came to AVest Jefferson. Six years later, lie erected the flouring mills at this place, which he oi)erated in a most proii table manner until 1881, since which time he has lived a retired life. He is the i)r()i)rietor of an estate which includes three hundred acres, together with a nice residence in West Jefferson.

(Jur subject makes his home with liis daughter, Emerica, widow of William P. Reddick, b}' whom she became tlie mother of three children, namely: Sarah, now iNIrs. Marion Kimlterlin; Catherine, the wife of A. Colvin and Jennie, ]Mrs. A. Karns. IMrs. Sarah A. Caitmill departed this life in Indiana, August 21, 18G7.

Our subject is a devoted raemlier of the ^Methodist Episcoi)al Church, and regarding other issues of the day, manifests the true public spirit which he manifests in the affairs of his neighborhood.

'^^^y ettc County, and one of the oldest practitioners of Washington C. II., was born in Windliam County, Vt., February 21, 1842. His i>arents, Cliarles and I.avina (Thompson) Foster, removed to Ross County, Ohio, in 1854, and there Charles A. coiiiiilotcd his education at Kingston Academy. For ten yeai>, he followed the profession of a tenclier, for wliicli his breadth of knowledge and uiiusu;il tact as !i disciplinarian admiiabh' (pialilied liim.

While Superiiiteiideiit of Schools at Cardington, Morrow County, our subject employed his leisure iiours in reading medicine with Dr. Wetherby a prominent physician of that village. Afterward, he entered the medical department of Columbia College, frf)m which he was graduated in 1870, liaving aeipiiied not only a good theoretical knowledge of tliera[)eutics, Init added to it an extensive practical experience in hospital work. At once, after comi)U'tiiig his college course, he located in Circleville, this State, where he entered

Immediately after establishing himself in this city, the Doctor entered upon a lucrative and extensive practice, which included a large number of patients in the city besides a wide range of country practice. His reputation is established as a successful physician, public-spirited citizen and honorable-minded man. The Fayette County Medical Society has called him to the Presidency of their Association, and he is likewise cTosely identified with the State Medical Society. May 10, 1892, the Doctor was elected to the Chair of Ophthalmoscopy in the medical department of the Ohio ^Medical University, at Columbus. Although he has never mingled in the political life of the county, he has the i)ublic welfare at heart and gives his influence and assistance to projects of material value to the community.

In his social connections, the Doctor is numbered among the active members of Fayette Lodge, Fayette Chapter, and Garfield Commandery. He is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His marriage, December 2, 1875, united him Miss Mary A., daughter of William Bauder, a retired citizen of Circleville. Mrs. Foster was there born in 1852 and was reared to womanhood in the parental home, which she left to enter that of her husband. Her amiable disi)0- sition and kindliness of heart win friends wherever she goes, and she is prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she has been a member for many years.

Dr. Foster was appointed a member of the Board of Pension Examiners by President Hayes and served until the election of President Cleveland. He was re-appointed during the administration of Benjamin Harrison, and is now President of the Board. He has always made a specialty of Opthalmology and gives special attention to fitting glasses in a scientific manner, in which he has been remarkably successful.

The family of wdiich our subject is a member consisted of the following children: Charles A., of this sketch; Alson, a resident of Pickaway Count}'; Highland and George, who make their home in

Ross County; and Elizabeth, who lives in Ross County and is caring for her aged mother. The father of the family resided in Ross County until he died at a good old age, mourned by a large circle of friends and remembered with affection b}' his children, who owe to his influence and training much of their success in life.

^^(' Mahoning County, Ohio, August 21, 1835, and comes of an old Connecticut family. His grandfather, Gersham Bostwick, was born in that State and afterward became a fanner of Vermont, where he spent fourteen 3-ears. Subsequently, he became a resident of I'ortage County, Ohio, where he remained until his death, at the age of sixtyeight.

Joseph R. Bostwick, father of the Captain, was born in New Milford, Conn., learned the trade of a carpenter and followed that pursuit some years. He married Ann Maria Hunt, who was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Count}", Pa., and was a daughter of AVilliam Hunt, a native of Connecticut. He removed from Pennsylvania to Mahoning County, and his last years were spent in Ashtabula County, Ohio. Three years after their marriage, Mr. Bostwick removed with liis family to Ashtabula County, where, in connection with Jiis trade, he followed farming. He had served in the War of 1812, and was a Whig in politics. He helped raise the first log barn in Cleveland, Ohio, and was otherwise identified with the history of the State. He died at the home of our subject at the age of eighty-four 3'ears, and his wife passed away when seventy-nine years of age. Thej- were highly respected people, and the lady was a member of the Christian Church. They had three children: Charles B., who served throughout the late war, and is now a broker of Omaha, Neb.; B. H., of this sketch; and Perry G., an attornej' of Circleville.

money to pay his tuition in college. When twenty years of age, he entered the Western Reserve College at Hiram. In the fall of 1857, he engaged in teaching in Circleville, then returned to college. In 1858, he went West to Kansas and Iowa, spending al^out a year in travel. In 1859. he I'eturned to Circleville, where he again taught school.

In 1861, on the first call for troops to crush out tlie rebellion, Mr. Bostwick joined Company D, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, was mustered in at Camp Chase and sent to West Virginia. He was made Orderly Sergeant, and after serving three months was mustered out in Columl)us, August 30,

1861. He then proceeded to assist Capt. John Brown, Jr., in raising a company, and was mustei'ed in again at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., as First Lieutenant of Company K, Seventh Kansas Cavalry. He participated in many important battles, including the engagement on the Little Blue, the battles of Independence, Neosha, Corinth, Holly Springs, Oxford, Water Valley, Coffe3^ville, Salem, Tupelo, Ripley, (run town. Buzzard's Roost, Pine Creek, Florence, Hamburg Landing, Savannah, Swallow Bluft', and man}' others. He was commissioned Captain of the company September 4,

1862, and his own bravery and daring inspired his men with courage and made them do their best. At Little Blue, he was shot in the head, and his horse was killed at t!ie same time. At Corinth, his horse fell with him and four of his ribs were broken. At Wyatt, a liorse was shot from under him and one at Sandy. The regiment in which Capt. Bostwick enlisted was known as the "Jayhawkers." Tbeir motto was"Union and Laws, "and their banner bore the words "Flag of the Free." He was mustered out at Ft. Leavenworth, September 29, 1865.

Immediately after the war, Capt. Bostwick returned home, and in 1866 came to Circleville. The same year he married Miss Hattie A., a daughter of Jeremiah Hall, and a native of Ross County. He then returned to Ashtabula County, where he engaged in farming one year, but his health was so badly impaired by his army life, that he had to abandon that work. He then began the study of law under Mr. Hall, his wife's father, and was admitted to the Bar in 1869. He at once began practice, and the law lii-m of Hall ci- liostwick was formed, the pai'tnerslup continuing until 1885, when Mr. Hall removed to Lancaster, Oliio, where he now resides. Capt. Bostwick has won excellent success in his chosen profession. In the early part of his practice, he dealt considerably in real estate, but on account of his increased jiatronage, was forced to abandon that business. His skill and abilit}' have won him an enviable position, and he is one of the l)est-read lawyers in Circleville.

The Captain and his wife have a pleasant home on the corner <tf Pickaway and Mound Streets. Their union has been blessed with four children: Ninnie B., who graduated from the Circleville Hii;h School, is now ]\Irs. J. C. Zinser, of Joliet, 111.; lUur J., a graduate of the Circleville High School and the Cincinnati Law School, was admitted to the Ohio Bar, Novcndter 12, 1891; Mabel died at the age of two years and three months, and Linck C. is a student in tlie High School.

Capt. liostwick is a Mason, belonging to the lilue Lodge, Cliapter and Commandery. He is also a prominent member of Groce Post No. 156, C A.R., and was Trustee of the Memorial Hall building. In politics, he is a stalwart Hepublican. untlinching in supi)ort of the party i)rinciples. He served as a member of the State Central Committee, was Chairman of the County Central Committee, and has l)een Delegate to the count}', congressional and Slate conventions. He was nominated as Prosecuting Attorney and as Judge of the Court of Common Ph'as. but as his i)arty is in the minority, lie failed of election, ('ai)t. P>ostwick may well Ite proud of his army record. He was a brave and faithful soldier and is a true and valued private citizen. Iiigiily esteemed throughout the communit V.

AUL SOLT, late of AValnut Town.sliip, with J whose agricultural interests he was closelv identified for many years, until death removed him from the scenes of his usefulness, was a pioneer of Pickaway County, who was greatly respected u\ tlie peojile among whom lie lived and lal»ored for more than half a century. He was born in Pennsylvania, December 27, 1807, and was a son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Nagle) Solt, both of whom were of German extraction.

Our subject's educational advantages were comparatively limited, but he later in life made up for his early deficiencies in schooling b}' intelligent reading, and he was endowed with those sturdy mental characteristics that led him to prosperit}-. He also had his own fortune to make, as he had no means with which to begin life. When he was seventeen years old, he came to Ohio witli his mother, his father having died in Pennsylvania, and for several years the}' lived in Fairfield County. Earh^ in the 'oOs he came to Pickawa}' County to settle among its pioneer environments, and from that time until his death he was a valued citizen of Walnut Township.

With the active co-operation of his capable wife, our subject built up one of its most comfortable homes, and redeemed a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres from the wilderness, improving it extensively^ so that it compares favorably' with the best in its vicinit}- in every respect. lie lived a long and honorable life, and had passed his eighty-third milestone on the journey from the cradle to the grave, when, on that summer day, the 25th of June, 1891, he closed his eyes in the sleep that knows no waking, dj'ing lamented not only by his wife and children, to whom he had been a loving husband and a tender father, but by the entire community, where he was known as a kind and obliging neighbor and steadfast friend. His honesty was proverbial, all who knew him placing perfect trust in his word, and his life was guided by true Christian principles, as he was a most worthy member of the Lutheran Church. Socially, he was a member of the Masonic order. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he was in favor of whatsoever would promote the growth of the county or advance its higher interests. He was Assessor of Walnut Township eleven years, and discliarged the duties thus incumbent upon him with strict integrity.

Mrs. Solt, the wife of our subject, still resides on the home farm in Walnut Township, and in her declining years is enjoying the fruit of a life spent in well-doing. She is a consistent Christian, as is shown by her everyda}^ life, and in her the Lutheran Church has one of its most faithful members. Her maiden name was Rebecca Brown, and she was born August 27, 1819. She is a daughter of William and Rebecca Brown, who came to Walnut Township in the early da3'S of its settlement, and founded a new home in the forests. The marriage of our subject and his wife, which took place .June 9, 1835, and endured fifty -six years, was blessed to them by the birth of these nine children: Elizabeth; .John R.; William; Sillanthia, wife of Henr}' Brown; Thomas; Eveline, wife of David Heist; Charles; Ruflna, and Sarah A., deceased.

and favorably' known, not only in Wayne Township, where he resides, but also in Pickaway County. A man of great energy and untiring industry, it was nothing unusual for him, when operating as a renter, to farm as much as three hundred and seven t^f-five acres m corn, and he is now the owner and manager of three hundred and thirty-five acres of splendid land, the soil of which is black sandy loam and exceedingly fertile.

Pearly in the '40s, -John Coffland, father of our subject, removed from West Virginia, where he followed the trade of a miller, to Ohio, where he located in Monroe County, but subsecjuently removed to Morgan County. He operated a gristmill and also followed farming pursuits, being successful in both vocations. Eor a time he operated a farm in Hocking Count}', which he owned, and thence, about 1865, removed to Marshall Count3% Kan., where he resided upon a tract of land purchased after his location there. His death occurred in the Sunflower State in 1876, when he was sixty-eight years old.

A prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, John Coffland was Class-leader for many j^ears and took an active part in i-eligious services, which were often held in his house. He was also the incumb(;nt of the office of -Justice of the Peace, and served his fellow-citizens with efficiency in various positions of honor. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Eowler, belonged to one of the F. E. Vs., and died in Ivansas in 1883, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she had long been an earnest member. Grandfather James Coffland was born in Germany, whence he crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and, settling in Virginia, followed agricultural pursuits until his death.

Three of the nine children comprising the parental family still survive, ]Mr. Coffland being the fourth ill order of liirtli. He was born near Wheeling, W. Va., April 9, 1837, and gained a limited education in the schools of the early 3'ears of this centurv. When he was fourteen years of age, he started out to earn his living and secured employment on a farm at |13 per month. He continued in that wa}' until he reached his majority, when he began farming for himself in Hocking County, Ohio, and two years later removed to Pickaway Count}-, locating in Salt Creek Township, one mile from Leistville. Two years afterward, he removed to Jackson Township and there engaged in farming for twenty-two 3'ears, removing thence in 1885 to Wayne Township, where he still resides.

In 1858, Mr. Coftland was married to Miss Mary A. Hockman, of Hocking County, Ohio. Mrs. Coffland is the daughter of Noah and Catherine (Bucher) Hockman, natives of Virginia and Ohio, the mother now residing in Hocking County, the father having died in ]March, 1892. l^^leven children have been born to 3L'. and Mrs. Coffland, namely: Theodore, Elmira. Electa, Benjamin, Samuel, Daniel, Hariy, Courtney, Eranklin (deceased). Nelson and Ida. Samuel attended college at Lebanon, Ohio, and is now engaged in the grocery business at Tulare, Cal.

Although ]Mr. Coffland is a politician, he is by no means a partisan, and guards the honor of his chosen party as sacredly as his own. He has served as Delegate to county and State conventions; Trustee of Jackson Township for seven years; School Director for a number of 3'ears, and is greatly interested in educational matters. Eor three years he has served as Justice of the Peace, and is now filling that resi)onsible position to tlie satisfaction of all interested. lie was elected Director of the County Infirmary in the fall of 1881, and served two terms of three years each. Mrs. Coftland is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Churcli, and is active in promoting its welfare.

In connection with farming, iMr. CofHand has always devoted considerable attention to stock-raising and each year makes sliipments of cattle to the Eastern markets, often shipping as many as three ear-loads. He has introduced an excellent system of drainage upon his farm and every modern improvement wliich reduces manual labor, making his farm one of the best in the communit3\ The family residence is an attractive brick structure, wliose cozy interior arrangement indicates refined tastes and domestic happiness. In his social connections, INIr. Coffland is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men, liaving held the various Chairs in lioth orders.

;OBERT S. WATERS ranks among the successful and progressive agriculturists of Madison Township, Fayette County. The acreage is all under cultivation, ai.d even the passing stranger will note the orderly arrangement of substantial buildings and the evidences of thrift that pervade the entire tract.

Our subject is a native of Massachusetts, having been born .lanuary 7, 1821), in Berksliire County. He is a son of Levi and Lucinda (Twining) Waters, also natives of that State and county, the father being born April 9, 1796, and the mother November 9, 17i>8. Thomas Waters, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a patriot in the War of 1H12, and died in the Bay State about 1836 or 1837.

The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and remained in his native State until aliout 1862, when he moved to Copenhagen, Lewis County, N. Y., and there made his home until his decease, December 11, 1882. The mother dei)arted this life in the above-named i)lace .Tanuar3' 1,

1886. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living. Lyman is a farmer in Copenhagen; William also follows that occupation in Champaign County, 111.; .Joseph is a hardware merchant in Oakland, Coles County, 111., having fornnerly been engaged in the grocery business in New York Cit}; our subject is the next in order of birth; Nelson lives in Marshall County, Kan.

Robert S, Waters grew to manhood in his native State, and in addition to attending the common schools, took a course of study in a select school at Otis. When reaching his majorit}^, he came West to Ross County, this State, and made his home in Chillicothe for three years. July 20, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Mariame Leach, of Madison Township, Fayette County, where she was born March 10, 1832. Mrs. Waters was the daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bostwick) Leach, her father being born in Virginia, November 2, 1803, and her mother in Vermont, July 21, 1805.

He of whom we write located in Cincinnati in 1853, where he made his home for ten years, being engaged in a wholesale jobbing house. In 1863, he settled upon his present estate, which then contained one hundred and thirty acres, but to which he has since added until he is the proprietor of a tract of five hundred acres. He has placed his farm under excellent cultivation and as an agriculturist he has been very successful, ranking among tlie worthy and rejiresentative citizens of this township.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waters, one of whom died in infancy and one when seven years of age. Ciiarles A. was born June 16, 1858, and died May 21, 1863; Byron B., born June 18, 1860, died February 14, 1862, Charles B., born June 7, 1863, was given a good education, and September 6, 1883, was married to Mattie Durham, and to tliem have been born two children; Frankie, born January 11, 1868, married John M. McCafferty, whose sketch will be found on another page in this work.

Although reared a Whig, our subject joined the ranks of the Democratic party when reaching his majority. He has represented his township as Clerk one year but has since refused all political honors, as he prefers to devote his time and attention to his private interests. AVith his wife, he is a member of tlie Grange, and l\y liis honorable course in life has won the universal resj^ect and esteem of all who know him.

188 MARY M. KING. This well-known and highly-esteemed resident of INIadison Township, Pickaway Count3%came to Ohio with her parents from her native home in Pennsylvania when only three years old, and when al)Out seven years old they removed to Madison Township and located on the farm where she now resides.

The birthplace of Miss King is in Berks County, Pa., and she is a daughter of Henry and Barbara (8tump) King, who were also natives of Berks County. The famil}' is of German descent, as the great-grandparents of our subject on both sides came from Germany. Her great-grandfather 8tump is said to have engaged as a soldier in the Revolutionar}' War under Washington's command.

Henr}' King, the father of our subject, did not live long after coming to Ohio, as he died about a year and a half after his emigration. 8ome three 3'ears after his death, his widow and daughter removed to the farm where Miss King now lives, in Madison Township, thus becoming pioneers of section 35. They took a quarter-section of land, which was largely in timber, and endured great hardships and self-denial in their sturdy efforts for self-support and their endeavors to subdue the wilderness and derive a maintenance from their new farm.

A number of 3'ears after settling here, the widow was again married, becoming the wife of John Souser, a native of Penns3'lvania, who came to Pickaway County at an earlj' da3'. He was an esteemed citizen and highly regarded on account of his upright character and intelligence. He was a consistent and earnest member of the German Reformed Church, and in his political views espoused the doctrines of the Democratic party. For some time, he served the communit3^ as 8chool Director, but died in 1877. His wife, the mother of our subject, passed from earth May 12, ]«'.>-2, initunicd by all who knew her.

Miss King is an active and ellicient member of the German Reformed Church, and her inlluence is alwa3'S cast for good in the community, she being ever ready to help on ever3' worth3' cause. 8he owns about one hundred and fort3'-rive acres of land, which she is cultivating in a thorough manner and from whicli she obtains excellent croi)S. 8he has a large circle of friends, whose attention is invited to her portrait.

\|[ AMES G. BEATTY. The main features of our subject's life are those of many another, ^^ he having had Init few opportunities as a ^^^l) bo3\ His educational advantages, though consisting of but a few months' schooling in each year and at such odd times as he could be spared from the duties of the farm, were improved as far as possible, and in later years, possessed of a strong individuality and perseverance, by reading and investigation so 1)roadened and enlarged his earlier studies as to become an intelligent student of the topics of the day, as well as a wide-awake business man.

James Beatt3', 8r., the father of our sul)ject, was born in Virginia in 1793. He, in turn, Avas the son of Charles Beatt3', who was also a native of the Old Dominion, where the family were among the F. F. V's, and of P]nglisli descent. The latter-named gentleman died September 27, 1X50, and the wife September 2, 1826. The father of our subject came to Ohio in 1818, and, locating a few miles southeast of Bloom ingburgh, began life in the woods b3' erecting a cabin and clearing his land. He then returned to Virginia, brought his father's famil3' to this section, and here made a permanent home, where they were among the earliest residents.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Margaret Gibson, a native of Virginia and a daughter of Robert Gibson, a prominent pioneer of this

State. She was boi'ii in 1800, and passed from this life July 28, 1828. To them were born six children, three of whom are living, and bearing the respective names of Isaac Newton, Charles M., and James G. The father of our subject was a soldier in the War of 1812, and also an officer in the State militia. After the death of Mrs. Margaret Beatty, he Avas married to Elizabeth P^vans, b}' whom he became the father of three children, all of whom are deceased. Mr. Bealty died in January, 1878. He was an influential member of his community and served as Appraiser of the county. He was also Associate Judge of the county, and his wise and judicious decisions are known wherever he was known. The original of this sketch was born May 2.'3,

1828, on the home farm near Bloomingburgh, where he was reared to man's estate and attended the district school. He remained at home until attaining his majority, and in April, 1852, was married to Miss Airy House, daughter of Isaac and ]\Iary (Winegardner) House, natives respectivelj- of Virginia, and Fairfield County, this State. The parents were married in the latternamed county, and, settling in the woods, passed through all the privations and hardships which fall to the lot of the pioneer. Mrs. House died in 1831, and her worthy husband in 1850. They were the parents of six children, four of whom grew up and three are now living: Mrs. Jane Zimmerman, Mrs. Charity Plyley and Mrs. Beatty. Tiie latter-named lady was born September 1-1,

1829, in this county. Soon after her marriage she located with her husband on the old homestead, wliich they operated until 1856. In February of that year, they settled upon their present farm, Avhich comprises two liundred acres of valuable land, which the persistent industry and good management of our subject have placed under excellent cultivation.

To Mr. and Mrs. Beattv have l)een born one child, Talcott, who married Frostie Evans and resides in Greenfield; they are the parents of two cliildren. Our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination they have been identified since l)-;55, and in which body INIr.

Beatty has been Steward, Class-leader and Trustee. He is also active in Sunday-school work, and has been Superintendent of the same. In school matters, he has served his district as Director. His son has been given a fine education, having attended college at Delaware, Ohio, also at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. In politics, Mr. Beatty is a believer in and supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party.

^^ ARDNER A. AVILDER, M. D. This promi- II (=-, iient physician and skillful surgeon is en- ^^(|l gaged in the practice of his profession at Circleville, and has probably met with greater success than any physician in the city. It is a remarkal)le and peculiar fact that any case which he may read about in medical history, its treatment and success, dwell in iiis memory in the form of a panorama passing before his eyes, while the language of the article and the work in which it appeared have been entirely forgotten.

A peculiar fact in the history of the Wilder family is that our subject's father, grandfather and great-grandfather are buried in the same graveyard, side b}^ side. The great-grandfather was a farmer, and one of tlie earliest settlers of Buckland, Franklin County, Mass. He owned several hundred acres of land, upon which he built a frame house, 12x14 feet in dimensions, which is still standing. The grandfather, whose name was Gardner Wilder, occupied the same place and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty-five. He was Captain in the State militia and a prominent citizen of Franklin County.

Hon. Gardner Wilder, father of our subject, was also born in Buckland, where he was reared and gained a good education in the common schools of the village. He and his brother became owners of the old homestead, which they divided. The father of our subject built a commodious house upon his half and cultivated the land, which was beautifully located in the Deerfield Valley. He was a man of influence in the community and rep- resented his district in the State Legislature. His interest in educational matters was great, and while a member of the School Committee, he was the first to insist upon the public securing the services of some one to build (ires in the schools, and inaugurated the plan by pa3'ing the first fee himself. A man of liberality and enterjirise, prompt in attendance at the services of the Congregational Church, of which he was a member, a stanch advocate of the Union during the late war, and an old-line Whig in early days, he was universally mourned when he died in December, 1888, at the age of eighty-two 3'ears.

The mother of our subject was Fidelia, daughter of Joseph Griswold, who was born in Luckland, Mass. The first representatives of the Wilder and Griswold families came from P^ngland in 1638 and settled in the old Bay State. Grandfather Griswold was a carpenter b\' trade, and was Major in the State militia. Mrs. Fidelia Wilder died when scarcely forty years old, leaving five children who grew to mature years. Lorenzo is a bridge builder and contractor, and resides in Caldwell County, Tex.; Jane, Mrs. Davis, lives in the vicinity of the old home; Joseph enlisted during the Civil War. in the Fifty-second Massachusetts Infantry, and, contracting lung trouble while in the service, died in New Orleans; Maiy, Mrs. Hawkes, resides in the East.

The subject of this notice was born in Buckland, Mass., March 23, 1837, and was reared to manhood upon the old homestead. He was fitted for college in select schools, and remained at home until he was nineteen. In the spring of LS56, he came West to Circleville, where he became clerk in a drug store and read medicine with (iriswold il: Ballard, the former gentleman being his uncle. He employed his leisure hours for seven years in reading medicine, and in 1863 entered Berkshire Medical College, where he graduated in the following year. Upon completing the course of lectures, he i-eturned to Circleville and commenced to practice with Dr. Griswold, w^th whom he remained in partnership some three years. When Dr, Bowers entered the firm. Dr. Griswold retired, and the partnership has since continued for twentyfive years under tlse firm name of Wilder & Bowers.

Our subject practices in ever}' township of Pickaway County and in adjoining counties, and has had some ver}' intricate cases, in which lie has met with success.

In August, 1885, Dr. Wildei' was appointed Postmaster at Circleville and lilled that position foiuyears, during which time he advanced it from a third-class post-otHce. with sales amounting to 86,700 per year, to a second-class office, with $8,000 worth of sales. He has served at different times as member of the Board of Pxlucation, and was its President for six years. In 1862, he was married at Circleville to Miss Martha Wilkes, a lady of intelligence and amiability, who received her education in Circleville, and at the Ohio Female College, at College Hill, Ohio. Her father, Joseph Wilkes, was born m England, and emigrated thence to America when about nineteen years old.

Dr. and Mrs. Wilder are the parents of six children, namel}': Joseph (Gardner, who is in the drug business at Circleville; Wayne (Jriswold, who resides at home; William Lallard, who is in partnership witli his brother as druggist; Fidelia, Arthur Lorenzo and ]Mary Emily, wiio are at home. The family residence on Mound Street is a commodious structure, erected by the Doctor, and the center of true hospitality. Politicall}', Dr. Wilder is a Democrat, and has served .as a delegate to county and State conventions, and as Secretary of the County Central Committee.

ILLIAM M. TWAY, who occupies a high place among the representative farmers and stock-raisers of Range Township, Madison County, is residing upon his beautiful estate located one-half mile from Chenowith on the old Federal Road. He was born in Paint Township, Fayette County, August 10, 1848, and is the son of John and Elizalieth (McMillen) Tway.

The father of our subject was born in Madison County, while the mother was born in West Virginia, and came with her parents to Ohio when a child. The father started out in life a poor man, and at liis death left an estate of six hundred broad acres of land, which was the direct result of his indiistr}^ and good judgment. Me was born August 4, 1814, alid cast his first Presidential vote in 1836 for William II. Harrison. He was opposed to slavery, and in 1856 voted for John C. Fremont, and during the War of the Rebellion was a firm supporter of the Union cause

The parental family included the following children: Catherine married James Whiteside and died in Fayette County, leaving seven children; Allen served in the army from 1862 to 1863 and died daring the siege of Yicksburg; Morgan departed this life in Fayette County in 1881; Mar}' E. became the wife of Ezekiel Whiteside and at her death left ten children; our subject was the next in order of birth; Margaret married William Durllinger and is the mother of three children; John W. makes his home in Faj^ette County, is married and has two children; David is a farmer in that county and has a family of two children, as lias also James Austin, who is also an agriculturist in Fayette County.

William M. Tway was given a fair education in the schools of his day and remained under the parental roof until his marriage, October 17, 1877, at which time Miss Amanda R. Wilson, of Pleasant Township, Madison County, became his wife. She was born in Darby Township, Pickaway County, December 23, 1853, and was the daughter of William E. and IMary A. (Creath) Wilson, natives respectively of Virginia and Madison County, this State, the father being born April 23, 1829, and the mother Fel)ruary 11, 1834. Mr. Wilson was one of the prominent farmers in Madison County, and is a stalwart Republican who is always found at his post during campaigns. Mrs. Tway was the eldest in tiie famih' of five children; Milton H., the next in order of lurtli,died at the age of sixteen years; Mary J. and Ota M. reside at home, the latter having been a school teacher for some time; William F. died when twelve months old.

Mr. Tway was for many 3'ears Townsliii) Trustee and has represented his party as delegate to county conventions many times. He took an active part in raising men for the army during the war, and in this manner saved his township from the disgrace of being drafted. At the time of his marriage, our subject had $700 in money and owned several head of stock, which rei)resented his earnings. He rented land from his father three or four 3'ears, and in 1 880 moved to liispresent home, which he inherited from his parents. He has thoroughly drained the estate and added to the dwelling which now takes on the air of a more modern structure. The three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Tway are Edward M., born in 1879; John M. in 1881, and Yonna Lee in 1886. Our subject and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which bod}' he is Trustee, and takes a leading part in Sunday-school work. In politics, he cast his first vote in 1872 for U. S. Grant, and since that time has voted the straight Republican ticket.

r^^RANCIS M. CHENOWETH, retired farmer rriG)) and capitalist, has materially added to the l\ wealth of Madison County by his skill as an agriculturist, by his enterprise in the stock business and by his sagacity as a financier. The home that he has built up in London, pleasantly situated on Elm Street and surrounded by well-kept grounds, is one of the finest in the county.

Mr. Chenoweth is a native of this county, born in 1833, on Deer Creek, in Fairfield Township. He is a son of the Hon. John F. and Margaret (Ferguson) Chenoweth, who were of Kentucky birth. The paternal grandfather of our subject, I^lijah Chenoweth, and his wife, who was a Foster, were born in Kentucky; in the earliest d.ays of its settlement, and they, too, became pioneers, crossing the Ohio into this State in 1796 and locating" in Franklin County, near Ilarrisburgh, being among the first to settle in that county. There the grandfather lived, and died at a ripe old age, and left behind him a good name as a Christian gentleman. The Hon. John F. Chenoweth was one of the foremost men of Madison County in his day, taking the lead in business and in public life. He was one of the extensive land-holders of this part of Ohio, owning over three thousand acres of realtv, and he was a large stock-dealer, often in early life driving cattle over the mountains to Pennsylvania markets. He was Justice of the Peace for thirty jears or more, and in an early day was a Representative for his district in the State Legislature. He was known far and near and was held in high honor. The latter part of his life was spent in London. ( )f his lifteen children, only seven are now living, namely: Mrs. Rachael I)ales, .leremiah, Mrs. Isabel Warner, Lewis F., Mrs. Mary Warner,- Elijah and our subject.

He of whom we write attended the local schools in his boyhood and was reared under wholesome home influences. He remained with his parents until he took upon himself the responsibilities of domestic life by marrjang, in 1856, Miss Margaret, daughter of Mathew and Ann (Amos) Rea, who were natives, respectively, of Mrginia and Maryland. They had come to this count}' with their parents, who were among its original settlers, and they were here married. They settled near London and Mr. Rea was one of the large farmers and stockmen, and one of the wealthy citizens of the county in his day. He was a Democrat and was prominent in local politics. He gave liberally' of his m'eans to support churches and all good causes. His worthy wife was a member of the Methodist Church. They had a family of seven children, of whom only two are living beside Mrs. Chcnoweth, Jeremiah and Robert.

When he married, our subject settled on a farm of three hundred acres in Oak Run Township, to which he afterward added seventeen hundred acres, a part of which lay in Fairfield Township. He lived in the former township fifteen years and then spent fourteen years in the latter township, and in the meantime was engaged in the cattle business and in raising hogs with corn that grew on his land. He had several tenants, renting a good deal of his land, and he employed many hands hy the month to look after his immense farming and stock interests. Six j^ears ago, he left the farm and, coming to London, selected a few lots on Elm Street and built the handsome residence in which he now lives retired. He still superintends his property, and is connected with some of the leading Interests in the city. He was one of the organizers of the Central Bank of London, and is one of the stockholders of that institution, and President of the Building and Loan Association. He has been a member of the Bonrd of Education and iuis been an incumI)entof various public itositions, to which he brought the same Inisiness acumen, promptitude and habits of accuracy that have characterized the administration of his own aft'airs. His political views are in full accord with those promuigatecl by the Democratic party.

In his wife, our subject has one of earth's choicest blessings. She is a i)ure, noble-hearted woman, of serene and kindh' bearing, and she understands ful well how to guide her household affairs so as to contribute to the well-being of all underneath her roof. Her husband and sons may well be proud of her. She and our subject are identified with every good work of the Presbyterian Church as among its most earnest meml)eis. Two of their eight children are living: Robert F. and Rea. Robert, Avho lives on and manages his father's farm, was educated at Keny<m College. He married Genevieve Kennedy and they have one son, Austin K. Rea lives at home with his parents and is a student at the London High School. The following are the six children of Mr. and INIrs. Chenoweth who have passed to the land of the immortals: p]mma A., Ada, Annie E., Myrtle, Ella, and an infant unnamed.

HOMAS H. BALDWIN, who holds an lion- ^A\ orable place among the farmers and stockraisers of Fayette County, was born in Range Township, INIadison County, on the farm, where he now lives, June 5, 1852. His farm, which consists of one hundred and lift3-two acres, the greater part of which is under the plow, shows signs of good management and intelligent improvement.

The parents of our subject were William and Maiy Jane (Howsman) Baldwin, the former of whom was born February 12, 1817, in IMadison Township, Fayette County, and the latter born March 6, 1825, in Range Township, Madison County. The father died September 11, 1887, and the mother, August 28, 1886. The grandfather of our siilijecl, William Baldwin, was a twin-brother of Jonah, who is mentioned in the sketch of J. M. Baldwin on another page in this volume.

Our subject's father grew to manhood in this settlement and March 26, 1846, was united in marriage with Miss Howsman. He was very energetic in prosecuting his affairs, as is shown by the fact that he inherited only eighteen acres of land, but at the time of his death was the owner of an estate comprising seven hundred acres. In politics, he was a Democrat but in nowise could be called an ofHce-seeker.

The brothers and sisters of our subject were eleven in number and bore the respective names of Isaac, Sarah C, Nancy Margaret, William II., John R., Martha Jane, Elizabeth Arabella, George M., Enoch, Mary Erances and James Harrison. They were all given good educations, which fitted them to become useful citizens. As a citizen, our subject stands deservedly high in the esteem of all who know him and has been a strong advocate in whatever measures he deemed were calculated to advance the interests of his community.

AIMES PERRILL. Belonging to that class of emigrants whose industry and econom}' soon placed them in comfortable and responsible positions on coming into the new country, our subject has taken advantage of every circumstance that he could turn to his own account, and the consequence is that he is in a most comfortable financial position, and a farmer and stock-raiser who has accumulated a handsome competency in the pursuit of his calling in this State.

Hugh Perrill, the father of our subject, was a native of Virginia and a millwright by trade. His father was John Perrill, also a native of the Old Dominion and a soldier in the War of 1812. The famil}' originall}^ came from England and located in Virginia, where they were among the E. E. V.'s. The latter-named gentleman came to this State seventy years ago and made settlement in Highland Count}'. The maiden name of our suljject's mother was Margaret Colwell; she was born in \ivginia, where she was married, and died in 1833. Her husband departed this life in 1848, being the father of six children, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Nathan, who makes his home in Indiana; our subject; John, who resides in Jasper Township, and Mary (Mrs. Joseph P. Brown), who lives in Ross Count}'.

The original of this sketch was born March 4, 4821, at Winchester, A^a., being brought when an infant b_y his parents to the Bucke3'e State. He received a good education in the log schoolhouse in Highland County, and was thrown upon his own resources w4ien quite 3'oung, working out on a farm in Ross Count}' for ^7 per month. He then engaged in the cattle business, driving the animals to market in New York City, Philadelphia, Boston and other large cities, making three trips each season and being thus employed for ten years. He was very economical and industrious, and with the 12,000 which he had saved, bought a drove of cattle for himself, drove them to New York City and cleared on them 1 1,600. He was similarly engaged for five years, when, in 1845, lie purchased wild land in Eayette Count}', upon which he i-emoved in 1850.

James Perrill was married November 4, 1855, to Miss Ann Nichols, a native of Ross County, this State, by whom he became the father of two children, now deceased. Mrs. Perrill departed this life in 1860, and September 3, 1862, our suliject was married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Al)raham and Jemima (Blackstone) Chenoweth, natives respectively of Pike and Ross Counties. Her father was the son of Abraham Chenoweth, Sr., a native of Virginia and of English descent. He M'as a soldier in the War of 1812 and was a very prominent man in Pike County, this State. Mr. and Mrs. Chenoweth were married in Ross County and later removing to Pike County, located on the old homestead, where the father passed his last days, dying in May, 1878. ]\Irs. Chenoweth still survives and is in her seventy-seventh year. To them were born a large family of thirteen children, ten of whom are living. IMi'S. Perrill was born October 30, 1840, in Pike County, and was given a good education in the schools of that period.

granted a family of seven children, only one of whom is deceased. ,Iennie P>. married ,). I). Sh(K^»|) and resides in Illinois; Mary M. was the second child; James T. married INIary N. Ilenkle and rr Ikes his home in Fayette County. The remain-

\ children are John W., Carrie E. and (iilbert '- They have all l)een given excellent educans and Miss Mar\- is very expert with enil)r(>id-

Mr. Perrill removed to his present beautiful farm in 1872, where he is the jiroud possessor of a tract of fourteen hundred acres, all of which is ' iider cultivation. lie has placed good and sub- .antial buildings on his estate, not the least among which is the farm residence, a neat and commodious structure and which is presided over by his f^xcellent wife, to whom he owes much of his present high standing in the agricultural community. She is economical and judicious in the expenditure of money and is noted throughout this section as an excellent housewife and caretaker.

He of whom we write has always been greatly interested in educational affairs and has served efiiciently as a member of the Board for a number of terms. In politics, he is a strong Republican and during the Civil War was one the "Squirrel Hunters." He feeds every season about one Jiundred and fifty head of cattle, being one of the largest stock-dealers in this section. Mr. Perrill can be justl}' proud of his vast possessions, as he started out in life empty-handed, and his good judgment and progressive spirit have resulted in the accumulation of his vast possessions. We are pleased to be able to place his sketch in the hands of our numerous readers as an example of a selfmade man.

\l| - !5] LIJAH BRAGG, an enterprising and progressive citizen of Pleasant Township, Madison County, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, claims Ross County, Ohio, as the place of his nativity. He was born in Buckskin Township, June 18, 1810, and is a son of William and Juditli (Lightfoot) Brago-. His father was horn in X'irginia. aliout 17;>1. and was a soldier in the Hevolutioiiary ^Var. He was twice mariied. By his first union he had six children, and our sultject was the eighlli in a family of nine. His mother died in 1811.

i\Ir. Bragg of this sketch grew to manhood in the county of his nativity. His father died August 27, 1831, and he made his home witli his mother for aliout three years afterward. He began to work foi' himself at fifty cents per day. and was also employed by tlie month at -i?!*. He was engaged in digging the canal from Portsmouth to Cleveland, and worked on it after it was comi)leted. lie was married in November, 183r), to Miss Melinda Kmmons, and unto them were l)orn seven sons and four daughters, who are yet living, with one exception. The}' made their first home in Chillicotlie, where thej- remained until 1813, wlien Mr. Bragg settled upon a farm belonging to Gen. Worthington. He w'as to superintend the building of some barns and other buildings. In 18I!>, he formed a partnership with the General in farming and stock-raising, and at the end of two years a sale was made. Having made some money, Mr. Bragg [)urchased two hundred acres of land of a sister of the General, and from time to time has added to this until his landed possessions now aggregate six hundred acres, and he is the owner of one of the fine farms of the community.

Mrs. Bragg died March 5, 1862. JNIr. Bragg was again married, INIarch 1 7, 1864, to Miss Letitia Howsman, who was born in Range Township, April 4, 1838, and is a daughter of John B. and Mary (Foster) Howsman. For a number of years she made her home with her uncle, Benjamin Harrison. Of the sons of the first marriage, Alexander enlisted in Compaii}' G, One Hundredth Ohio Infantry. He was in the hospital at Franklin, Tenn., for some time, and in 1863 his father went for him, but he died soon after being brought home. By the second marriage, three children have been born, two yet living. The daughter, Lizzie F., who was born ]March 19, 1867, was married January 13, 1892, to Thomas F. Slettery, who was born April 16, 1867; and Maggie L., who married J. M. Edwards, November 5, 1890. and resides in Mt. Sterling.

Mr. Bragg casl hi.s fiist vole for Andrew .Jackson in 1828, when only a boy. He has since been a supporter of Democratic principles, and has filled various offices of lionor and trust, having served as Road Supervisor and School Director for over thirty years, and has been Township Trustee for seven years. Ilis long-continued service well indicates his faithfulness to duty, and tlie confidence in which he is held. lie has also served as a delegate to the various county conventions. Sociall}', he is a member of the IMasonic fraternity, with which he has been connected since 1861.

I \ residing on a valuable estate situated on section 8, Circleville Township, where he is cultivating the soil in a most profitable manner. He was born in Amanda Township, Fairfield Count}^, this State, .June 5, 1819, and is the son of Henry Glick, a native of Pennsylvania.

The grandfather of our subject was a native of Germany, emigrating to this country in an early day and making his home in the Iveystone State. He there followed his trade of a blacksmith, in connection with which occui)ation he farmed to some extent. On removing to Ohio, he purchased land in Fairfield County, paying for his farm ^8 per acre. He died when on the return trip to Pennsylvania. His large family of eighteen children subsequently came to the above-named countv where thej^ resided for a number of years.

Henry Glick, the father of our subject, was a young man when the family came to this State, and, having acquired a good education, taught school in his early life. He later followed agricultural pursuits, and died in 1872, in the seventyfourth year of his age. He was very prominent in township affairs, and held the responsible position of .Justice of the I'eace for several 3'ears. He was well informed upon all events of interest, and was a man whose advice was much sought after. In religious matters, he was a consistent member of grew to mature years. Philip was the eldes^ family, and received limited advantag schooling, his privileges being limitec, t<- three months in the year. The house v in that early day was not supplied \ conveniences and comforts which are a orded the youth of to-day, for the seats were made of slabs and the floor of puncheon. He remained on the homestead, aiding his father in its cultivation, until reaching his eighteenth year, when he went to Circleville to learn the trade of a brewer, having clerked in a store in Royalton during the previous winter months. In 1838, he rented the brewer}' from his former employer and carried on business for himself. In 1843, he erected a building suitable for his line of work on the banks of Hargus Creek, in the northern limits of Circleville, and there was engaged in business until 1868. In the fall of that 3'ear, he removed to his present home in Circleville Township, which he had purchr ed many years previous and which he has impro "d by the erection thereon of a fine brick residen- ^ Elsewhere in this volume is shown a view ol homestead.

September 13, 1842, Miss Nancy Hoover becan the wife of our subject. She is a native of th county, having been born in that part of Madiso Township which is now included in Walnut Town ship, January 8, 1822. Mrs. Glick is the daughter of .Jacob and Ann M. (Rollman) Hoover, natives of

Virginia, who emigrated to Pickaway County in au early day, where they were among the i)ioneers of Madison Townshi]). Mr. Hoover died in 1825, and the mother in 1862, when eighty-three years of age. The father was a patriot in the War of 1812, and was a gentleman greatly esteemed in his community. Mrs. (Uiek was the youngest in the parental famil}- of ten children, seven daughters and three sons. Only three of the daughters are living at the present time.

Of the live children born to our subject and his estimable wife, Caleb married Anna Fisher, and is farming in Washington Township, Pickaway County, lie served three years in the late war. Joshua married Mary Crist, and is also engaged as an agriculturist, his place of residence being in Walnut Township, this count3\ Jacob married Mary Westenhaver, and cultivates his father's farm as well as the farm adjoining. The remaining two children, Joseph, and one unnamed, died in infancy.

Formerly a Whig, Mr. (ilick now casts his vote in favor of Republican candidates and principles. Sociall}', he is an Odd Fellow, with which order he has been connected for many years. In religions matters, he is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in which body he has lieen Deacon. Ilis landed estate comprises one hundred and eighty-two and one-half acres of valuable property in the home farm, ninety-two acres in Walnut, and two hundred acres in Washington Township. Mr. Click began in life for himself empty-handed, and his persistent industry has been rewarded, for his farm ranks among the finest in Circleville Township. He is a gentleman whose word is considered as good as his bond, and his friends are as numerous as his acquaintances.

aHARLES SOLLARS is connected with the ^ rich agricultural interests of his native ' county, Fayette, as the fortunate proprietor of a well-appointed and highly productive farm in Waj^ne Township. He was born January 9, 1857, and is a representative of the earl}' pioneer stock of the count}-. His father, Allen Sol- lars, was also a native of Fayette County, his l)irth occurring in 1811. Ilis education was limited to the schooling that he obtained lu the primitive pioneer schools of his day, and his boyhood was passed in clearing ;iway the forest on his father's farm, wiiich was his iiome from birth to death.

Alh'u Sollars began life on his own account by taking charge of tlie old homestead after his father's death, and previous to his marriage, at the age of thirty-live, he purchased it of the other heirs, and enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity in tilling the soil and raising stock until his untimely demise in 1868, ere old age came u[)on him. He was a Whig in his younger days, and later in life the Republican part}^ found in him a sturdy supporter. His wife, Sarah J., daughter of Anslum and Abigail (Jackson) Ballard, survived him until 1885, when she too passed away. They were people whose many excellent traits of head and heart -won them the regard of the entire community of which they were members for so many 3'ears. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Henry Fustier; Charles; Emma L., wife of J. C'. Schrock; and two who died in infancy.

Upon the old homestead where he was liorn, Charles Sollars remained witli his mother until he was twenty-seven years old. At that age, he married and established a home of his own, taking as his wife Emma E., daughter of Franklin C. and Sarah A. (Bush) Finch. She belongs to one of the oldest families of Fayette County, and her father was born on the same farm where he died. He was a son of John and Elizabeth (Brackney) Finch, natives of Kentucky, who came to Fayette County in 1790. Elizabeth Finch was a daughter of Benjamin Brackne}', a Kentucky frontiersman. Sarah A. Finch was a daughter of William and Nancy Bush. Our subject's wife is one of eleven children, of whom the following beside herself grew to maturity: Laura A., wife of J. B. ]Mc- Connell; Eliza; Mary; Nanc\'; Sadie (Mrs. A. W. Junk); John, and Reece. Mr. and IMrs. Sollars are the parents of two children. Hazel and Hugh.

Portrait Akd Biographical Record

and attends strictly to bis business as a tiller of tbe soil and stock-raiser. He lias a one bundred and ninety acre farm, amply supjilied witb modern improvements in tbe sbape of a bandsome brick residence, roomy barns, and neatly-built outbouses for various purposes, and is well fenced and drained. On anotber page is sbown a view of tbis place. ]Mr. SoUars stands well financially, and is popular socially as one of tbe leading members of Greenfield Lodge No. 318, A. F. and A. M., and Garfield Commandery No. 28, K. T., at Wasbington. Politically, be is a Republican, and bas represented bis townsbip as Assessor.

^^|] sured position among the best representatives of tbe medical profession in Obio. He is a close student, devoting tbe few leisure bours allowed bim by tbe demands of bis large practice to the sludj' of tbe best medical and scientific authorities, and taking advantage of any new discoveries that will in any way aid bim in bis work. At tbe commencement of bis professional career, be placed his standard of success so high that be was not content witb mediocrity, but aspired to a broad knowledge of medical investigations and research.

The family to which our subject belongs bas resided in Circleville for man}' years, and was first represented in Pickaway County by Grandfather Peter Row, who was a very early settler of Washington Townsbip, and there improved a farm from a tract of wild land. The father of our subject, Samuel Row, was liorn in Pickaway County in 1811, and during bis entire active life followed farming pursuits in Washington Tow-nsbip. He is now retired from tbe arduous labors which formerly engaged his attention, and, at a venerable age, is making bis home in Circleville, where be is highly esteemed h}' bis fellow-citizens. Politically, he is a Democrat. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran Church.

of Flan nab Ta3'lor, and was born in Circleville during the opening years of this centur3\ Her father, William C. Taylor, was a direct descendant of William Cromwell, and thus traced his lineage to one of Engband's oldest and most famous families. Mrs. Hannah Row attained to the age of three-score and ten when she closed her eyes to the scenes of earth, leaving to mourn her loss a devoted husband and eight of the ten children born of her marriage. One of her sons, Reuben by name, now a resident of Kansas, enlisted in 1862 in defense of tbe Union, and served until tbe close of tbe war, being breveted First Lieutenant in recognition of bis valor.

Born in Circleville, June 13, 1846, our subject was reared on the home farm in Washington Township, receiving a common-school education and gaining a practical knowledge of agriculture. After stud3ang for some years in tbe neighboring log schoolbouse, be attended the Circleville High School until be had almost completed the course of studv there. He remained in the parental home until be was twenty-five years old, when, in 1871. be removed to Seymour, Jackson County. Ind.,and there operated a farm for three 3'ears.

Having resolved to enter the medical profession, our subject came to Circleville, where be began tbe study of medicine under Dr. Samuel Turney. In 1875, he entered the Medical College of Obio, at Cincinnati, attending two terms and graduating at tbe University of Maryland in 1877. Thus admirably equipped witb a thorough theoretical knowledge of the profession, tbe 3'oung Doctor opened an office with Dr. Thompson for active practice. Three years afterward, tbe connection was dissolved, since which time Dr. Row bas been alone. His practice is not limited to Circleville, but extends into the neighboring counties of Fairfield, Ross, Hocking, Franklin, Madison and Fayette. He is a member of the Pickawaj' County Medical Association and tbe Ohio State Medical Society. During the administration of President Cleveland, he was Pension Examiner for this district, which embraced five counties, and he is now examiner for various insurance organizations.

Elks. Although not a partisan, he is a firm supporter of Democratic principles and candidates, and conscientiously upholds the party platform. In religion, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Not a little of his success may be attributed to his wife, whose affectionate assistance and cheerful counsel are constantly exerted in his behalf. Prior to 1878, the year of her marriage, she was known as Hannah Dishong, and her birthplace is in Perr}- County, this State. She is the mother of two bright daughters, Minnie and Jennette, who are being carefully trained in the schools of Circleville, as well as beneath the shelter of the parental home.

\T'/0HN SCHLEYER, a. B., a. ]\I., Prosecuting Attorney of Pickaway County, who is suc- ^^ cessfully engaged in the practice of law in ^^^^ Circleville, is a native of the Buckeye State. He was born in Chillicothe. Ross County, December 16, 1851. and is a son of John F. Schleyer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The father was born near Stuttgart, Germany, and after his death, his wife married a Mr. Schleyer, whose name the children took. She brought her family to America when John was only eight years of age, and settled near Cleveland, Ohio, whence she removed to Ross County. The father of our subject had to make his own way in the woild. He sawed wood until sixteen years of age, and then became a m older. He afterward invested his earnings in a confectionery store, but failed in this line and later located in Huntington Township. He wedded Margarette Schneider, and after some years spent in that locality, came to Circleville in 1862. Since that time, he has been a coal and wood dealer of this city. In the family were six children, five of whom grew to mature years. The eldest, William, served as a private during the late war, and is now engaged in the real-estate business in Columbus.

Our subject was the third in order of birth. The first six years of his life were spent in his native State, after which he went to Huntington with his parents, and with the family came to Circleville in 1862. His education has been acquired in the common schools and in the High School of this city, and he studied pharmacy under William W. Ballard, continuing in his drug store for six \ears and two months. He then accepted a position in Camlnidge City, Ind., and afterward spent a year and a half in the drug business in Ft. Wayne, Ind. In 1875, he entered the I'niversity of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated in 1871), with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, after which he continued his studies in the theological department of the same school for a year and a half. During the second year, he had to fill temporary engagements as a minister, and preached both in CJerman and English.

Subsequent to this time, Mr. Schleyer determined to make the practice of law his life work, and to this end began studying with the firm of Smith ct ]\Iori is, with whom he remained two 3^ears, being admitted to the Ohio Bar on the 2d of Januaiy, 1883. He then continued with his preceptors for seven months, after which he opened an olHce and engaged in practice alone until February, 1891, when the firm of Schleyer iV Abernethy was formed. They have a [)leasant office in the Masonic Tcmi)le building. In 1886, our subject was elected Cit>- Solicitor on the Democratic ticket, was re-elected in 1888, and in the autumn of 1890, was elected Prosecuting Attorney, which position he still holds. Mr. Schleyer possesses much natural ability as a lawyer, and this has been supplemented by thorough preparation, so that he has steadil\' worked his way upward, and has already won an enviable reputation at the Bar. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is Secretary of the Association.

ON. JOHN GROCE is one of the most lion- |] ored and highly-respected citizens of Circleville. He is now President of the Third National Bank and senior member of the firm of John Groce S: Son, pork packers of this cit}'. He was born in this city when it was a mere hamlet, January 29, 1818. His grandfather, Charles

Groce, was a native of Mar^^land, of German descent and followed farming in Frederick County, that State. The father, John Groce, was born in Frederick County, and learned the carpenter's trade. About 1805, he emigrated AVestward and located in Pickaway County. He there worked until 1810, when tlie city of Clrcleville was platted. Mr. Groce then returned to liis native State and married Elizabeth Jacobs, a native of Loudoun Count}', Va., after which he returned to Ohio and located in the new city. He built many of the first buildings of the city and was engaged as a contractor until his death, which occurred in 1834, at the age of fifty-five years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Clhurch, and was a prominent pioneer of this locality. The deatli of his wife occurred in 1824.

John was the fourth in the parental family- of six children. He has only one sister now living, Mrs. Lydia Atwater, of Circleville. Mr. Groce attended the subscription schools until the academy was built in Circleville, of which his father was one of the principal owners. He was left an orphan at the age of sixteen years, and thus thrown upon his own resources, he sought the counsel of his father's intimate friend, Matthew McCrea, who advised him to learn a trade, so he served a fouryears' apprenticeship to John A. Wolfley, a saddler. He afterward worked as a journeyman, and on the 13th of June, 1839, commenced business for himself at Kingston, Ohio, with a capital of 885. For nine years, he engaged in trade in that line, when he determined to give his attention to other business.

In August, 1848, our subject came to Circleville. He at once began dealing in grain and pork with R. D. Atwater, and in the summer of 1852, went into partnership with Mr. Atwater in the drv-goods business. Li the fall of 1852, Mi. Groce went to Milton, Ind., to pack pork, while Mr. Atwater attended to the business in Circleville. In tlie winter of 1852-53, Mv. Atwater died and Mr. Groce purchased the Atwater interest and took Jacob Helman in as partner, without capital. La the fall of 1853, Mr. Groce again took up the pork trade and this time his venture proved profitable. In 1860, he exchanged his interest in tlie drv-goods store for