Pickaway Township (part 41 of 49)

On the 12th of Novemlier, 1872, Mr. Groce admitted to partnership his onh' son, Charles PI, and the firm name of Groce ct Son was assumed. In 1870, he built the present brick block at the foot of High Street. There is a main building, 40x130 feet, and wing 40x90 feet, with engine and boiler room, killing room, packing room, curing and smoking rooms and all the modern improvements for carrying on a successful business in that line. This has become one of the leading industries of the city and has made Mr. Groce a wealthy man.

On the 19th of December, 1839, in Kingston, Ohio, Mr. (Jroce wedded Elizabeth E. Graham, who was born two miles west of Kingston, September 25, 1820, and is a daughter of Robert J. Graham, a native of Virginia, who followed farming in Ross Count}'. Five children were born unto them, four of whom grew to mature years: Mary E., wife of B. Foresman,of La Fa3'ette, Ind.; Ellen G.,wife of F. ]\L Schuze, a wholesale grocer of Circleville; Jennie, wife of L. Boggs, of Pickaway Township, Pickaway County, and Charles E., an enterprising business man, associated with his fathei'.

Mr. Groce has been prominently identified with the cit}' interests for many years. He was one of the organizers of the cit}^ and served several times as Alderman. He was instrumental in securing the Scioto Yallej' Railroad through this place and was a stockholder and Director. He took an active part in securing subscriptions for the purchasing of the beautiful grounds for Forest Cemetery and has been one of its Directors since its oi'ganization in 1858, and is now President of the association. He owned an interest with his brothers and sisters in the Franklin and Groce Addition to Circleville, and has other real estate in the city, including his magnificent home.

Mr. Groce cast his first Presidential vote for William Heniy Harrison. He joined the Republican party on its organization ai\d was Chairman of the Count}' Central Committee for man}' years. He served as a delegate to the National Convention in 1876, when R. B. Hayes was nominated, and again in 1880, when Gen. Garfield became the Presidential candidate. Durin<j' the war, he was

Cliairmaii of the Relief Committee. Mr. Groee is truly a self-made man. He started out in life empty-handed, but has made the most of his opportunities and has worked his way upward to success. He is now known throughout tiie countr3\ His honesty is proverbial and he is highly respected hy all with whom he has come in contact. In 1889, himself and wife celebrated their golden wedding. Not one who witnessed their nuptials fifty years before was then living. Their lives have been happy and prosperous and none are more worthy of representation in this volume than this worthy couple.

RS. ANN (HILL) MONTGOINIERY, a resident of Jackson Tovvnship, where she has a well-conducted and a well-appointed farm, is of the old pioneer stock of the county of Pickaway, and is a worthy representative of the daughters of its early settlers. She was born in Muhlenberg Township, one mile east of Darby ville, October 12, 1826. Her father, Francis E. Hill, was a native of Virginia, born in Hampshire County in 17'J7, and he was a son of Leroy Hill, who is supposed to have been of Scottish birth. Tiie latter owned land in A'irginia. which he sold in 1815, in order to l^egin life anew in the primeval wilderness of Ohio. He journeyed thither with wagons, accompanied by his family, making but slow progress over the mountains and through interminable forests until he at last arrived at his destination, and made a purchase of about a thousand acres of land in this and Clark County. He made his home across Darby Creek from this township, and at once entered upon the pioneer task of developing a farm, the one now owned by J. B. Wright and others. He was one of the first to settle in this region, and he built a double log cabin at the foot of the hill, wiiich was the first erected in this vicinity. In 1824, he erected a house on the top of the hill, and here he dwelt until his death, October 1, 1837. He was a stanch member of the Baptist Church, and in his political relations, was a true Whig.

The father of our subject came to this county in the vigor of early manhood, well fitted for the pioneer life before him l)otli by constitution and temperament, and by reason of a natural capacity for laboring wisely and well. He took unto himself a wife the year after the family came iuM-e, and with her ready assistance acquired a goodly amount of property, being worth $20,000 at the time of his demise. He erected one of the first saw and grist mills on Darby Creek, and did a great deal of custom work in early days, besides engaging extensively in farming. The year before he died, he erected a four-story custom mill for the manufacture of Hour. He attended closely to his business, and was growing richer every daj', when death closed his career in 1837, while he was yet in the prime of life, and his community lost one of its most useful and highly respected citizens. He was of a quiet, peace-loving disposition, alwa3'S glad to oblige anyone in every way possible, and he was a right royal neighbor and a friend as true as steel. His jjolitical views found expression in the platform of the Whig part}'.

The mother of our subject was Nancy, ilaughter of William Florence, who is distinguished in the history of the early settlement of this county as one of the first to locate within its borders. He came here in 1806, and took up his abode on the banks of Darby Creek, in Muhlenberg Township, and at one time he owned fifteen hundred acres of land. He bore an active part in tlie development of the agricultural interests of the county as a farmer and stock-raiser. At his death, in March, 1870. at the venerable age of ninety-seven years, one of our earliest pioneers passed to his long rest. The mother of our subject was born in 1709, and was a child of seven years when the family removed to this count}-. Her education was conducted in the typical pioneer log schoolhouse of the earl}- years of the settlement of the State, that was heated by means of a large open fireplace and furnished with slab benches, that were supported by wooden pins. The rate-bill system of schooling was then in vogue, as there were no free schools. She was carefully trained to be a good housekeeper, and w.as well fitted to preside over a home of her own when she was married in 1816. She became the inothei- of ten children, of whom seven grew to maturity, namel}': Robifeon, Sarah, William, Matilda, Ann, C'atlierine and Mary. The good mother died at tlie age of seventy-two 3^ears. She had led a true Christian life, and for forty years was an active meml)er of the Baptist Church.

Mrs. Montgomei-y was given excellent educational advantages in the district school and in a school at Darlnville, and her home life was well calculated to make her a good wife when she left the home of her girlhood to preside over one of her own, her marriage to Joseph Wardell takingplace August 16, 18G(). Mr. Wardell died September {>, 1<S()9, and she was married January 1.5, 1873, to David Montgomery, who was a native of New York, born in that State in the year 1818. After coming to this State, he settled in Chillicothe, following the dry-goods business a few years, when he removed to Circleville, and later to the farm where Mrs. Montgomer}' now lives.

Our subject bought her present farm in 1877, and located on it at that time. She has twice since returned to Circleville to live, but finally sold her city property and has settled permanently on her farm, having here a very pleasant home. She owns two hundred and fourteen acres of land, which is nearly all well improved, and a part of it she farms herself, while she rents the remainder. In 1877 she built a commodious frame residence, and has other substantial buildings, .and under her thrifty and able management the farm is in a fine condition.

^^^EORGE W. BAUDER is one of the most prominent business men of Circleville. He is President of the Board of Trade, a member and Secretary of the Board of City Control, and one of the most extensive dealers in carriages and buggies and agricultural implements in the county. Ilis energy and enterprise have made his life a success, and the manufacturing interests of Circleville would be much inferior to what they are to-day iiad it not l)een for our subject.

Mr. Bander was born in Circleville, on the 22d of May, 1850, and is a son of William Bander, one of the honored early settlers of this place, whose sketch appears elsevvhere in this work. When a lad of about thirteen, he raised and drilled a compan}'^ of some sixty Republican boys, he acting as captain. Young George wrote the Governor that he was ready to go South (for the war was then in progress), and be mustered into service. The Governor replied, complimenting him for his bravery, but said that he could not accept the company on account of their 3^outli.

]Mr. Bauder graduated from the High School at the age of fifteen, and began serving an apprenticeship in his father's shop, learning the trade of carriage-making. In 1871, he went to Rochester, N. Y., where he finished his trade with the firm of Cunningham & Son. The following 3'ear, he returned, and in Januar^^, 1874, was admitted to partnership with his father, under the firm name of William Bauder & Son, and continued in the manufacture of carriages for seven years. In January, 1884, our subject bought out his father, and became sole proprietor of tlie extensive and lucrative business. Since that time, he has also become a dealer in agricultural implements, keeping on hand a large stock of ever^'thing in that line, from hand-seeders to steam-threshers. He has a large assortment of buggies, and makes a specialty' of those manufactured by the Columbia Buggy Company-. He also engages in the harness business, and, as in the others, has the largest stock in the cit3^ His goods occupy two stories and a basement in a large building, 70x150 feet, and his warehouse, on the Scioto Valley Railroad, is 40x72 feet, and two stories in height. He emi:)lo3'S two or three men all the time as commercial travelers.

Not these enterprises alone engross the attention of ]Mr. Bauder. He has been instrumental in promoting man}' of the leading interests of the city. He was one of the prime movers in building the Opera House, and was President and Superintendent of the company who had the enterprise in charge. The work was completed in 1888, at a cost of $18,000. He is a member and Secretary of the Board of Control, vvas one of the organizers and is President of the Board of Trade of

Circleville, is Director and Vice-president of the Circleville Building and Loan Association, and is a Director of tlie Building and House Association. He also owns considerable real estate, having invested quite extensively in Western lands. He owns a number of residences in Circleville, and in 1882 he erected his fine residence, at a cost of 17,000.

In Monroe, Butler County, Mr. Bander was united in marriage, October 22, 1873, to Miss Adelia Clark, daughter of James Clark, a farmer of that county, who came to Circleville in 1882, and is now living a retired life. Two children have been born of their union, Cora and Georgia. The home of the family is one of the tinest in Circleville, and is the abode of hospitality.

Mr. Bauder joined the Odd Fellows' society at the age of twenty-one, and has since been connected with it. He was a charter member of the Royal Arcanum, also belonged to the Knights of Honor and to the Red Men, but at present holds membership only with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Elks. In politics, he is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist Church, in which he has served as Steward. He contributes liberally to the advancement of any enterprise calculated for the public good, and has the best interests of the community at heart. Pickaway County finds in him a valued citizen, and one it could ill afford to lose. His straightforwardness and upright life have won him the high regard of all, and his industry and enterprise have gained him a well-deserved prosperity.

DWARD MASKELL MORGAN, the Vicepresident of the Farmers' Bank, of Plain City, was born in Salem Township, Champaign County, Ohio, June 19, 1839, and until Jannary, 1890, he remained a resident of that county, l)assing his life up to that date upon the farm where he was born. The death of his son, Charles F. Morgan, called him from this life of comparative retirement to a more active business career, and in 1890 he removed to Plain City to assume

Our subject is the third in a family of four children. The father of this household died when Edward was but ten years old, and as both the elder brothers were delicate in health from early childhood, the hardships and responsibilities of the farm devolved upon this more rugged son, while still very young. Before he arrived at the age of fifteen, both brothers and the sister died, leaving to him the care of his mother and the entire management of the farm. His education consisted of what he was able to obtain at the district school, which he attended for a few months in tlie winter of each year.

At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Morgan was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth B. Walters, a native of Virginia, and to them were born two sons, Charles Forrest and Albert Hugh. The youngest son died in infancy, but Charles lived to manhood and became not only the pride and comfort of his parents, but a young man of great popularity, and most highly esteemed l)y all who knew him. This son was born January 6, 1864, and after studying in the district school, attended the High School at Urbana, and in 1879 entered the University at Urbana, remaining there until January, 1880, receiving during his attendance there a gold medal as a reward for proficiency in his studies. He then entered the Ohio State University at Columbus, and undertook a course in civil engineering, but a severe attack of lung fever during the ensuing winter resulted in a change of his life plan.

In April, 1881, Charles Morgan took a temporary position in the Farmers' Bank, of Fontanelle, Iowa, and after a nine-months' experience in that line of work, he returned to Ohio and took a commercial course in Nelson's Business College at Cincinnati. His subsequent business career was characterized by marked ability and integrit}'. He served the Ohio Mutual Relief Association at Urbana and the American Sewing Machine Company at Cincinnati, and when the Home Savings Bank began business in Urbana he entered its office, and before he was twenty years old, was promoted to the responsible position of Cashier, hold- ing that position until October, 1885, when he resigned to accept a similar ofHce in tlie Farmers' Bank, of Plain City. This young man was very prominent in Masonic circles, and also in the order of the Knights of Pythias, and in both social and business circles won the respect and friendship of hosts of the best citizens of tlie community. It was in the summer of 1884 that an attack of hemorrhage of the lungs presaged his death, Avhich took place .Tanuar}' 3, 1890. The winter of 1888- 80 he spent in California, hoping for benefit from the climute there, but returned in the spring with slight gain in strength. His death left his parents childless, but their grief is assauged b}' the memory of wliat liis life has been, and by the universal affection and esteem with whicli lie was regarded b_y his fellow-citizens.

Tiie political afHliations of Mr. Edward M. Morgan are with the Democratic part}", and the confidence with which he has ever been regarded b}^ the people of his neighborhood made him, in 1880, the nominee for County Commissioner in Champaign County. He is universally conceded to be a man of good judgment and strict integrity-, capable of filling well an}' position wiiere decision of cliaractcr is refpiired. In the hands of no man could the affairs of the county be more judiciously l)laced than in his, but his desire has ever been for a more ([uiet life, and although he has been repeatedly urged to accept the nomination formeml)er of the State Legislature, he has invariably declined. The farm upon wliich Mr. ^Morgan has spent his life was obtained from the Government by his grandfather in 1824, the patent to it being signed In' James Monroe, and it is still in the possession of the jMorgan family. This [)roperty has never l)een in the hands of any but the Morgan family. George \. ]\Iorgan, the father of our subject, migrated with his father's family to this .State in 1813 or 1814, settling at that time upon this tract of land. lie was a cousin of the late Senator Thomas Ewing, who spent a portion of his boyhood days in the family of the ^Morgans.

Socially, Mr. Morgan is held in the liighest esteem, and in the Masonic lodge to which he belongs he has served several terms as Worthy Master. He is also a member of the Frbana Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, and of the Roper Comraandery of the Knights Templar. He is largely interested, financiall}', in the Farmers' Bank, and b}' his straightforward business dealings and unassiiming manners, has made many friends in his new home in Plain City, where he and his estimable wife will, in all probability, spend the remainder of their lives.

LI MOCK is a farmer residing in Jefferson Township, Fayette County, where he has a beautiful place that is under an excellent state of cultivation. He is a son of Daniel H. and Elizabeth (Robinson) Mock, both of whom are nafives of Ohio. Our sul)ject was born in this county, on the 30th of April, 1838. The paternal grandfather, John Mock, came from North Carolina and settled in Fayette County, where he was among the pioneers. The maternal grandfather, AVilliam R()l)inson, was also an earh' settler of this county, and both these grandparents died in this count}", were lieroes in the AVar of 1812, and were farmers by occupation.

The fatlier of our subject carried on farming all his life, and died October 22, 1885, the mother dying soniC years previous, in 1878. They had five children l)orn to them, our subject being the eldest son. He was reared and educated in this county, and learned all the details of farming, which vocation he cliose as his life work. He is now the fortunate possessor of four hundred and four acres of line fertile land, and one of the best farms in the county, and has made nearly all the improvements on the i)lace with his own hands. On his place mixed farming is carried on with more than ordinary success, and some stock is also cared for.

Mr. Mock was united in marriage December 14, 1865, to ]\Iiss Elizabeth Shockley, a native of Madison County, this State, and to this union three children have been born, one deceased. Ginevra, who is married to G. INI. Simmerman, and has one child living, Carrie; and Herbert, who resides with his father, and assists him on the farm. The es- timfvble wife of our subject is a member of the Metliodist Protestant Church. Mr. Mock is a representative farmer of Fayette County, and his surroundings show him to a man of tlu'ift and enterprise who keeps everything in first-class shape. In his political views, he is astancli Democrat, and has never been an oftice-seeker.

BSALOM J. WELCH, M. D., a piominent physician and surgeon of INlt. Sterling and a self-made man, was born in Paint Township, Madison County, Ohio, JMarch 24, 1851. He has an older brother still living, James W., a resident of this county.

Our subject was born and reared on a farm, and his early education was supplemented by a cours^e in the High School of London. He began teaching in the district schools at the age of twenty-four years and taught for five years, during which time, in his leisure hours, he began reading medicine under Dr. A. D. IVIorris, then of London, but afterward in charge of the Insane Asylum at Columbus. He completed his private studies under Dr. Higgins, of California, Madison County, and then attended a course of lectures in Starling INIedical College of Columbus, from which institution he was graduated in March, 1881. He opened an office and began practice in Palestine on the 20tli of April of that year, and there i-csided until the autumn of 1882.

While in Palestine, Dr. Welch Avas married, September 15, 1881, to Miss Nellie M. Crossley, of Clyde, Ohio. She was born in Seneca County, in 1862, and is a highly educated and refined lady, who previous to her marriage successfully engaged in teaching and since her marriage has taught for one year in Mt. Sterling. Three children, who are yet living, have been born unto them: David Rupert, who was born in Mt. Sterling, October 18, 1882; Nellie May, who was born in Mt. Sterling, June 5, 1886; and Carleton, born in 1891. Charles W., the second child, died at the age of eleven months. Dr. Welch came to Mt. Sterling in 1882, and has here met with excellent success in his practice. He has been enabled to purchase a good office besides his pleasant residence. He is a meml)er of the Madison County INIedical Society, tlie Fayette County ]\Iedical Society and the State Medical Society. In politics, he is a stalwart Republican, has served as a member of the City Council and as a member of the School Board for about six years. The Doctor is a self-made man, who by his unaided efforts has made his own wa}' in the world. He Iiegan to work by the month at the age of nine years, educated himself, and has made his life a successful one of which he may well be proud.

1 FORCE W. IIITLER,one of the prominent and substantial men of the county, was born in Pickaway County, Circleville Township, Ohio, on the 29th of April, 1845. His father, George Hitler, was a native of the Keystone State, born in Somerset County, on the 27th of September, 1798, and the latter 's father, George Hitler, Sr., was born in .Maryland, and moved with his parents to Franklin County, Pa., when quite young. The senior George Hitler settled in Somerset County, Pa., in 1793, began farming, and there resided until April, 1799, when he came to Ohio, by tlatboat down the Ohio Kiver to Portsmouth and the rest of the way with w'agons. He settled m Ross County, in a wilderness, at a time when neighbors were few and far between, and became thoroughly familiar with the privations and trials of new settlers. There he resided until coming to Pickaway County, when he purchased section 33, Washington Township, and became one of the substantial farmers of his locality, owning over two hundred acres of land. He died on the 2d of April, 1818. His wife, whose maiden name was Susanna Ga}', was born in Pennsylvania, and died on the IGtli of September, 18-48. Her father lived to be one hundred and three 3'ears of age and is buried in Pickawa}' County.

sixty acres of laud in South Washington Township in 1819 and iDegan raising wheat. They manufactured flour tliere and sliipjied it to New Orleans by flatboat, realizing a much greater proflt in that wa}' than by selling the grain at home. He followed this for ten years, making one trip each 3'ear. He became the owner of one thousand acres of land, with improvements of all kinds, both in Washington and Circleville Townships, and resided in the former township until 1838, when he moved to the latter. Honest and upright in every particular, he was one of the most highly respected citizens of the county and had a host of warm friends. No worthy movement lagged for want of support from this honored man and in his death the county lost one of its best men. He died January G, 1884, and his death was the occasion of universal sorrow, for all felt the loss to be sustained by the departure of such a man. In politics, he was a Democrat. He married Miss Hannah Ludwig, a native of Penns3'lvania, and the daughter of Thomas Ludwig, also a native of the Keystone State. The latter came to Circleville Township with his father, Daniel Ludwig, at an early day (see sketch of Daniel Ludwig), and died here when comparatively a young man. He was the father of one child, Hannah, our subject's motlier. She died in 1863, when fifty-seven ^'cars of age, and was a worthy member of the Lutheran Church. Of the seven children born to this much esteemed couple, five grew to mature years and three are living at the present time: Susanna, now Mrs. Ross, in Michigan ;Thomas, in Washington Township, this county, and our subject.

The original of this notice was reared in Circleville Township and received a good i)ractical education in the common schools. At an earl^^ age, he became thoroughly familiar with the duties of the farm and assisted his father in tilling the home place until twenty-one years of age. After his marriage, in 187H, he took charge of the farm of one hundred and fifty-seven acres and has carried it on successfully ever since. He is now the owner of two hundrd acres of good tillable soil in Circleville and Washington Townships, and is one of the substantial and progressive men in his section. His buildings are all large and commodious and everything about the place indicates the owner to be a man of enterprise and thoroughness. In connection with his farming industry, he is engaged in stock-raising and has met with success in this as in all else. He has a stock farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Wayne Township, on Darby Plains, and has a fine brick residence. In 1890, he erected the fine residence in Circleville and has since made liis home in this city. He rents his land and is now^ prepared to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

He selected his wife in the person of Miss Ida M. Lutz, a native of Circleville Township, Pickawa}' County, Ohio, and their nuptials were celebrated in 1878. Her father, Eli Lutz,was a native of this county and his father, Jacob Lutz, was born in Pennsylvania, and was a prominent old resident here. Eli J^utz was a farmer of Circleville Township and became quite wealthy. He died in 1882. To our subject and wife have been born five children, three living: Bertha, Guy L. and May. Mr. Hitler has served on the grand jury two terms and also on the petit jury for some time. In politics, he is a Democrat and has been a delegate to county conventions. Mr. Hitler's wife died April 6, 1892.

\fjEREMLVH L. HALL, who has extensive I tile works at Derln, is distinguished in the brief history of this wide-awake and prosperous village as one of its foremost citizens, who built the first house within its corporate limits, whose public and progressive spirit has been the means of extending its improvements and of forwarding its educational and religious interests, and whose influence is felt in all good causes that will in any way benefit this part of Pickaway County.

Mr. Hall was born July 6, 1833, two miles south of the village of Bremen, in Fairfield County, of which his father and grandfather, both named James Hall, were early pioneers. His grandfather was born in 1760, and is supposed to have been a native of this country, although he was of English descent. He carried on his occupation as a farmer in Maryland until his removal to Virginia, where he lived a few years prior to taking the long and eventful journe}-, with a cart and horses, which led him over the mountains to the wilds of Fairfield Count}', in 1811, He took up his residence in a log cabin among the i)ioneers near Rushville, and at the time of his death, in 182(1, had cleared and improved a small part of his land.

After the family came to Ohio, the father of our subject returned to West Alrginia, was there married and sul)secj[uently came back to Ohio. He owned a quarter section of land two miles soutli of Bremen, from which he felled the trees, placed it under a good state of cultivation, and made of it a wellimproved farm. He was an eas^-going man, but a constant worker, and though he started in life poor, he acquired a handsouie com[)etence liy his excellent management. He took an active interest in church affairs and was an ardent Methodist, who was greatly missed by his fellow-members when he departed this life in 1868, leaving behind him the blessed memory of a thoroughl}' good man. His politics were of the Whig stamp. Elizabeth Lockwood was the maiden name of his wife, and she was born in Connecticut, March 31, 17i>2. Her life was prolonged to the age of sixty-two years and six months. She too was of English antecedents. She was strict in her religious belief, and was a devoted membei of the ]\[ethodist Episcopal Church. To her and her husband were liorn these ten children; Benjamin (deceased), David L, (deceased), Susanna (deceased), James, Isaac (deceased), Mary A., Caroline, Isaiah (deceased), Jeremiah L., and Elizabeth.

The early life of our subject was passed on a farm, and as he was naturall}' thoughtful and studious, he eagerly seized every opportunity to gain an education. His first schooling was ol)- tained in his native county, in an old log school house, that was furnished with slab benches, a board resting on wooden pins driven into the wall being the Avriting-desk, while a hole made in the wall by cutting out a log served as a window. At twenty years of age, Mr. Hall entered the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, and was a student there for several terms for four or five years, having to stay away a part of the time to teach in order to get money to pay expenses, but he contrived to complete most of the studii's of the scientific course. He taugiit in all, during the early part of his life, twenty-five terms, having charge of the schools in Hocking, Pickaway and Franklin Counties at different times. He taught several terms after his marriage, and until upwards of thirty-eight years of age, when he abandoned the profession entirely. Two of his children had the benefit of his instruction as his pui)ils in schools that he taught. He used to sell fruit trees at intervals wltile teaching. About twenty years ago, when tile was a new thing, in a laudable spirit of enterprise he established a factory for its manufacture in Jackson Township, Franklin County, and operated it some fifteen years in the summer seasons, while he taught occasionally in the winter. March 12, 1884, he removed to the site of the present village of Derby, erected the first house herein, and his was the first family- to select this locality as a home. The same year he established a tile factory, which he still continues to operate with undiminished success, and with fine profits. He now manufactures about fifteen thousand rods of tile, or about two hundred and fifty thousand tile a year, making all sizes, from two to fifteeninch bore, and sells it over a scope of country for ten miles south and east. He has a large and comfortable residence erected in 1884, and his surroundings are very i)leasant.

Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Miller April 8, 1863, and in her he has a congenial and companionable wife, who looks care fully to the comfort and happiness of her household. Mrs. Hall is a native of Jackson Township, Franklin Count}', and was born August 16, 1838. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the birth of five children, of whom these four arc living: Bertha B., Isaac C, James M., and Klmmet M. Lovet is the name of the child that has passed on before.

Mr. Hall has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of his adopted village, and his fellowcitizens owe him a debt of gratitude for his zeal in securing educaticmal and religious advantages. He is School Director, is very much alive to the need of a good education for the young people of tiie village, and he spent much time and money to have tiie present High Sciiool, an excellent institution of learning, established here. He and liis family are all members of the Methodist Church, towards the upbuilding of which he has contributed generously, he being one of the leaders in procuring the erection of the neat and attractive house of worship in which he and his fellow-members congregate for divine services. He teaches in, and is Treasurer of, the Sunday-school, while his eldest son, Isaac, is Superintendent thereof. Our subject carries his religion into his politics, and is a Prohibitionist of no uncertain stamp.

[|[ |__ the extensive land-owners of Madison ^^^^( County, was born November 29, 1814, in Range Townshi}), where he still resides. His grandfather, Henry Johnston, was a Revolutionary soldier, who served for seven years in the Colonial army. At one time, he was chasing an Indian and another redskin took after him. He tripped and fell over a root, and while the Indian stood over him with uplifted tomahawk, an Irishman shot the savage, wlio fell over Mr. Johnston.

William Johnston, the father of our sul)ject, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa.. April 12, 1781, and in early life emigrated to Ohio, locating in Ross County. He bought about four hundred acres of land in this vicinity. On the Dtli of May, 1H().5, he wedded Margaret McClimans, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., January 10, 1784, and was a daughter of John and ]\Iary (Crevistine) McClimans. Her father was born April 29, 1756, and her mother IMay 27, 1765. On coming to Ohio, they located in Range Townshij), Madison County. The father's death occurred August 8, 1829. In the family Avere the following children: Mrs. Johnston; William, who was born September 29, 1786, and died February 10, 1842; George W., born April 20, 1789, died August 22, 1850; Sara]i,born August 28, 1792, became the wife of Isaac Houseman, and is now deceased; John, born

In Ross County, three children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Johnston: John, born March 13, 1806; Mary, October 1. 1809 and William, September 24, 1812. In 1813, tliey removed with their family to Madison County. Our subject was the first child born in this county. He was followed l\y Henry, born May 2, 1816; James, December 23, 1817; Sarah, July 26, 1819; Hannah, July 29, 1822; Joseph, September 19, 1824, and Margaret, January 28, 1827. James died September 29, 1823, but the others all grew to mature years. Those now deceased arc Mary, who died July 24, 1839; Sarah, April 13, 1854; John, in July, 1882, and William, in April, 1889. The mother of this family passed awaj^ in February, 1862, and the father was called to his final rest October 29, 1866. He was a Democrat in politics and cast his first vote for Thomas Jefferson in 1804. He was a prominent man and held the office of Justice of the Peace for eighteen years.

Our subject grew to manhood on his father's farm. He was married December 24, 1835, to Barbara Bean, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Roose) Bean. On botii sides, she is of German descent. Her parents came to Champaign County, ( )]iio, when she Avas about twenty years of age. She was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., September 4, 1812.

For a year after his marriage, Mr. Johnston resided upon his father's farm and tlien lived upon rented land for twelve years. His l)rothers and sisters having then mostly left home, he returned to care for his parents and at their deaths he purchased the interest of the heirs in the farm which he now owns. He has added to this until his landed possessions now aggregate nine hundred and eighty-seven acres, whicii are operated in partnership by his sons.

I'nto INIr. and Mrs. Johnston have been born seven children: Margaret M., born Januarj' 1, 1837. is the Avife of D. B. Foster, whose sketch ai> pears in this work. William T., her twin brother, died September 21, 1850, at the age of thirteen years. James, born FelK'uary 25, 183',l, was married, December 21, 1871, to Miss Lenora llarnheck, of Stokes Township, Madison County. She was born Jannar}^ 26, 1852, and died April 18, 1874, leaving one child, Carrie, born October 30, 1872. Rachel E., born January 26, 1842, died March 2;», 1845. Henry Bean, born April 28, 1844, was married, December 24, 1874, to Emma Froud and resides in Range Township. Susan 11., born ]\Iarch 8, 1848, became the wife of "William Cannon, of Range Township, September 2, 1874. John W., born November 7, 1850, was married, December 24, 1876, to Lizzie Gregg.

Mr. Johnston is a Democrat. lie cast his (irst vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836. and has never failed to vote at a fall election. He has never aspired to public office and when once elected paid his fine rather than serve. His son James has been Township Trustee. Our subject is one of the prominent and influential citizens of the community. His entire life has here been passed and he is one of the oldest native citizens of Madison County. He well deserves representation in this volume and with pleasure we record his sketch.

^'OHN OITINCY ADAIMS, a member of the firm of Jenkins A: Adams, local agents of the White Sewing ^Machine Company at AVashington C. H., is honored as a veteran of the late war, and for his merits as a man and a citizen. He is a native of this county, and was born December 9, 1839, on the old homestead that belonged to his father, Albert Adams. The latter was born in Pennsylvania in the 3'ear 1807, and was of mingled English and German blood. When he was two 3^ears old, his father, Robert Adams, brought his family to Ohio, and settling in the sox;thern part of Fa3'ette County as one of its earl^- pioneers, spent his remaining daj's there. He took up several hundred acres of land in the forests, felled the trees and cleared a goodl}' farm. His father and mother had accompanied him to tlieir home in the wilderness, and his mother fell a victim to the Indians, who were then numerous in this i)art of the countr}-. There was a little spring house near their dwelling, to wliich she re})aired for water on tluit fatal day, and she was shot b^' an Indian just as she had arrived at the door on licr return Avith the water. Robert Adams had two sons: Albert and Robert J., the latter of whom died in 1843.

Albert Adams' iKnhood was passed amid the wild scenes of frontier life. He remained with his father until the time of his marriage, at the age of twent^'-five, to Miss Nancv Coffev, a daughter of John Coffey, who came to this part of Ohio witli a colony, and located on the banks of Paint Creek, on the line between Ross and Fayette Counties, at a ver^' early da^- in the history' of this section. He was the first white settler to set foot on the banks of Paint Creek, and his little son William was the first white child buried in the county of Highland. Albert Adams continued to farm on the place that his father gave him in Perry Township at the time of his marriage until 1883, when he bought a farm in Highland Count}', having sold his other one, and he died in that county in 1885, He was a Republican from the time of the formation of the part}' until his death. He was active in the administration of public affairs, holding the office of Trustee of Perry Township, and serving as its first Constable. He was likewise a conspicuous figure in the Presb3'terian Church, which he faithfull}' served as an Elder fort3'-seven years. His wife departed this life in 1858. They had a family of eleven children, of whom four daughters and two sons are living. Our subject's brother, tJie Rev. R. W. Adams, a resident of Minneapolis, Minn., is prominent in the Presb3'terian ministiy, and has charge of the S3'nod work in that State. He is also known and honored in military circles for his record as an officer during the late war. He entered the arm3- as a private, and rose to the rank of a General soleh' through personal braveiy and merit.

Our subject is the fifth child of the family in order of birth. He was educated in the district schools of this count}-, and had entered upon a promising manhood when the war broke out. As soon as possible, all personal aims and ambitions were laid aside tliat he might talve part in the great contest, and on tlie 25th of August, 1861, his name was enrolled as a member of Compan}' C, Eight^'-tirst Ohio Infantry, which was commanded by his brother, who then bore the title of Captain.

The regiment was first enlisted as Fremont's Independent Rifle Regiment, was attached to the AYestern Army, and was sent to Missouri. It was stationed in that State until the following spring, when it was disi)atched to Pittsburg Landing, to take part in the battle at that point. After that, our subject and his comrades went to Corinth to help besiege that, and subsequently took part in several skirmishes with the enemy. The followingyear, they went to Chattanooga, and from there to Atlanta, and did valiant service in the capture of that citj'. Mr. Adams' efficiency as a soldier won him promotion to the rank of Corporal, and he retired from the army on the expiration of his term of enlistment, while fighting at Atlanta with a good reputation as an officer.

Our subject returned from Southern battlefields to his father's home and found a glad welcome from his friends, and the following spring he was well rewarded for his loyalty to his country by the hand and heart of Miss Eliza J. Anderson, in whom he has found the best of wives. They have one son, Isaac Newton, eighteen years of age, wiio is attending school. After his marriage, Mr. Adams staid on his father's farm a year, and then bought a farm six miles from Wilmington, to which he removed, and lived thei-eupon the ensuing three years. He then embraced a good opportunity to sell a half of the place, and with the l)roceeds he purchased a flouring mill at Vienna, in Clinton County. After operating the mill two years, he traded it for a farm in Missouri. lie spent the ensuing six years in Greenfield, and then bought one hundred and seven acres of land in Fayette County. A year later, he sold it, and removed to the Joe Rodgers' farm of sixty acres, which he purchased, and which lay along the waters of Paint Creek. Ten j^ears were passed on that place, but in 1884, he abandoned farming, and coming to Washington C. IL, represented the Singer Sewing Machine Company in this city for five or six months. At the end of tliat time, he went into business as a dealer in agricultural implements in grain and feed, and was thus engaged a year. After that, he resumed charge of the Singer office, and worked for the interests of that company the following three years. Since that time, he and Mr. Jenkins have had the agency for the White Sewing Machine Company, and are doing a good business in introducing that machine in this county and vicinity. Mr. Adams and his wife and son stand high in social and religious circles in this city, and are valuable members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Adams belongs to the Grand Army of the Re})ublic, and is deeply interested in its welfare, as well as in all things that will in any way benefit the community.

ORNELIUS G. LEAYELL was one of the most practical and successful farmers of Faj'- ette County, his farm in Madison Township being one of the finest in that vicinity. His birth occurred November 7, 1825, on the farm where his last da^'S were spent. He was the son of John and Cynthia (Hedges) Leavell,both of whom were natives of Virginia. The father was born in 1774, and when thirteen years of age, started for Kentucky in company with his parents. The Indians l)eing very hostile,the grandmother became alarmed and the party then stopped in Greenbrier County, Va., where the grandfather departed this life. The next 3^ear they floated down the Kanawha River, and located near Lexington, Ky., soon after which the mother met her death bj^ a tree falling upon her. The grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary arm}', serving through the entire conflict.

The father of our subject in 1797 came to Ohio, and located either in Ross or Pickaway County. He was married in the last-named county in 1822, soon after which he took up his abode in this county. His estate, which originally comprised ninety-eight acres, was added to from time to time, until at his death Mr. Leavell was the possessor of nine hundred and sixty-eight broad acres.

Of the eight children comi>rising the parental family, our subject was the third in order of birth. He was given a fair education in the district school, and, when reaching his majority, began to Itattle with life on his own account, farming on property which had been given him by his father. Ai)ril 17, 1849, he was married to Miss Emma, a daughter of James and Mar}' (Harr) Phillips, who was born in Chillicothe May 23, 1829. Mr. Lea veil inherited one hundred and forty acres of land from his father and added to that tract until at his death, which occurred April 12, 1892, his estate included seven hundred acres. On this property is located the old log house which was erected in 1816.

To Mr. and Mrs. Leavell were granted a famil}^ of two children: John P., who was born March 25, 1850, is a graduate of the Ohio ]\Iedical College at Cincinnati, but did not long follow his profession on account of ill health, and is now farming in Fayette County. He is married, and has two children. Benjamin Ward, who was born May 12, 1856, is also engaged in farming in jMadison Township, is married and has three children. He of whom we write in politics was a true-blue Republican, and in township affairs had been Trustee, Clerk and Treasurer, and had represented his part}' in various county and State conventions.

E. SILCOTT. In reviewing the leading business houses of Washington C. H.,more than passing notice belongs to the firm of Bragg ct Silcott, dealers in boots and shoes. It has always been the aim of the proprietors to keep abreast of the times, and their high standing has been attained by unremitting attention to the wants of customers. The}' are men of high ability and strict integrity and are universally respected in the financial and social circles of Fayette County. The Silcott family is of sturdy Scotch descent, and has been represented in America for many generations. The father of our subject, Jacob Silcott, was a farmer in the Old Dominion and owned a large plantation there. Owing to his aversion to slavery, he freed his slaves in 18.S6, and with his wife, whose maiden name was Tainar Cowgill, removed to Ross County, Ohio. There he bought a large tract of wholly unimproved land, from which he evolved a splendidly cultivated farm, that continued to be his abode until his death in 1846.

Our sultject was born in Loudoiui County, ^'a., INIarch 8, 1832, and was a child of four years when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. He grew to manhood in Ross County, receiving his education in the common schools and at Salem Academy. In 1846, he commenced to clerk for a firm inBainliridge, this State, where he remained until 18.")1, with the exception of one year spent in Cincinnati. He came to Washington C. H. in 1854, and found here a small village wliich, however, had favorable prosi)ects for growth. He established a di-y-goods store on Court Street, where he remained in business until 1861. Being elected County Treasurer during that year, he sold out his business, and during the entire period of the Civil War gave his whole attention to the duties of his office, which he held two terms. A great deal of money being distributed at that time increased his responsibilities. In September, 1865, at the expiration of his term of office, he purchased a stock of dry-goods from a firm of the city, and once more embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on until 1886.

At the time of his election to the position of Sergcant-at-Arms of the Ohio Senate, INIr. Silcottsold out his mercantile interests and devoted himself to the duties of his position during 1886-87, after which he returned to Washington C. II. and formed a partnership with James Bragg in the shoe Imsiness, which he has since conducted. Throughout his long business career, his course has been such as to win the confidence of all with whom l»usiness brings him in contact, and he is known as one of the most enterprising and successful merchants of Washington C. H.

November 25, 1851, Mr. Silcott and Miss Lucinda Taylor, of Bainbridge, Ohio, were united in marriage. The l)ride was the daughter of Jared Taylor, a prominent citizen of Ross County, and the niece of Dr. James Taylor, the founder of the dental college at Cincinnati. Mrs. Silcott was a lady of lovable disposition, and her death, which occnrred December 16, 18!>1, was dee[)l3' and widely monrned. She left four children: Effle, wife of Loren Wilson, of Lawrence, Kan.; Charles E., foreman in D. H. Chambers' Carpet House, at Catlettsburgh, K^-.; James, who is a dentist at Washington C. II.; and Nina, Avho is at home with her father. The religious home of the family is in the Methodist p]pisco[)al Church, of which they are regular attendants.

<:<1 n^/ILLIAM M. WILSON, who is descended \w// ^^'*^"^ early i)ioneers of Madison County, \yW of which he is a native, is one of the leading representatives of its agricultural interests, being an extensive land-holder, and having one of the largest, best-equipped and finest farms within its borders, situated six miles south of Plain City, in Canaan Township. In this township he was born, August 10, 1841, a son of William D. Wilson, a former well-known and prominent citizen of this locality.

The father of our subject was born in Greene County, and was a son of Valentine Wilson, who was born in Kentuck}' very early in the history of its settlement. He came to Ohio when young, and after living for a time in Greene County, he settled in this county, in Summerford Township, when there were but few pioneers in this part of the State, and he spent his remaining 3ears in the pioneer home that he established in the wilderness, dying in his sixty-sixth year. The mother of our sul)ject bore the maiden name of Nancy Moore, and she, too, was a child of an early pioneer family of Ohio, her birthplace being amid the primitive scenes of Clarke County, where she grew to womanhood.

After their marriage, the parents of our subject took up their residence in Canaan Town hip, in a log house, which humble dwelling was rei)laced by Mr. Wilson with a more commodious brick house, in 1842. Here he led a busy and prosperous life, accumulating a goodly amount of property, until death closed his successful career in his sixty-seventh year, and the county was deprived of one of its most worthy pioneers, who had materially increased its wealth by his industiy. His wife died in her seventj'-fourth ^'car. They were the parents of eight children, two daughters and six sons, all of whom grew to maturity, and three sons and one daughter are yet living.

The subject of this biographical sketch is the fifth child and fourth son of the family. Canaan Township has always been his home. He was educated in its schools, and grew to a vigorous, selfreliant manhood under the influence 'of good home training at the hands of his parents. He helped his father in carrying on his farm, and continued to live with him some two years after his marriage, in 1867. He then established himself where he now resides, in his native tow^nship, beginning with but little capital as to mone}', but well equipped with brain and energy, ambition and enterprise, and in the quarter of a century that has since elapsed, he has risen to be one of the foremost men of his class in this part of the county, and one of its most successful stockmen. In his home place there are thirteen hundred and eighty-five acres, and he owns the old homestead on which he was born, which comprises one hundred acres, making fourteen hundred and eighty-five acres of choice farming land that he owns in Canaan Township. He rents about three hundred acres of it, and attends to the management of the remainder himself.

The farm is amply supplied with buildings of a good class, including four neat and well-built dwellings, and the same number of barns, and Mr. Wilson has every improvement and convenience to be found on a model farm. A view of the place is shown on another page. The most of his land has been improved by himself and his father, and is under a high state of cultivation. It is finely adapted to stock-raising ])urposes, to Avliich our subject partly devotes it, engaging quite extensively in that line of business. He handles on an average one hundred and fifty head of cattle a year, from twenty-five to thirty horses, and shii:)S a number of hogs and cattle to the Eastern and Western markets. He is a man of marked business ability and a cool calculator, forethought and careful discrimination characterizing his dealings, as well as promptness in seizing every advantage offered to make a good investment or to increase his wealth, and his name stands high in financial circles wherever he is known. Politically, he is a Republican, and always exerts his influence in favor of his party, and to advance all schemes that will in any way enhance the prosperity- of his count}'. During the Civil War he enlisted, July 14, 1863, in Company B, Eighty -sixth Ohio Infantry, and was mustered out February 14, 1864.

Mr. Wilson was married January 10, 1867, to Miss Mary Slyh, a daughter of Mathias and Sarah Slyh, and a native of Canaan Township. They lived happily together for more than twenty years, and then she passed out of his life October 3, 1889, leaving behind her a golden memory of true wifehood and motherhood that is cherished in the hearts of her loved ones. Two children were born to our svibject of his marriage, a daughter and a son: Ella A., wife of Ernest Beach, both of whom reside with our subject, and Lero}', who was born May 3, 1888.

ONAH WOODS is a native of IMadison County, the value of whose citizenship has been proven not only b}' his patriotic course as a soldier during the Civil War, but also by his career as a farmer and stockman in later years, his good-sized farm, twelve miles north of London, in Monroe Townshi}), comparing very favorably in point of cultivation and equipment with the best in the neighborhood, and it is well stocked with a good class of horses, cattle and hogs.

Mr. Woods was born in Monroe Township, December 26, 1837, a son of Jacol) AVoods, who was a A'irginian by birth and was reared in the Old Dominion. He was still a young man when he came to Ohio in pioneer times, and was eventuall}' married in this county to Mar}- Bradley, a native of this county, and a daughter of Jonah and Susan Bradley, who were among the earl}'' settlers of this region. After marriage, they settled in Monroe Township on a farm, but they were destined not to be very long-lived, as he died at the age of thirty-eight, and she when she was twenty eight years old. They were the parents of five children, the youngest of whom was but a month old when the little tlock was left motherless. Three of these children are still living: our subject; Olive, the wife of David Stephens, of Seattle, Wash.; and Mar}', wife of Xewton Thompson, of this county.

He of whom we write is the second child and the only son of the family. He was about nine years old when his mother died, and eleven when he had the further misfortune to lose his father. For two years thereafter, he lived with his uncle, Samuel Baker, and then went to reside with his uncle John Bradley, with whom he remained until the war broke out. lie was filled with ardent enthusiasm for the cause of his country, and desired strongly to serve in defense of the Stars and Sti-ipes. Accordingly, he enlisted in Company A, P'ortieth Ohio Infantry, and for three years and one month he acted well his part as a loyal soldier, and fought with true courage in many a hotlycontested engagement with the enemy, taking an active part in all the i)rincipal battles in which the Western army participated, the terrible and disastrous conflict at Chickamauga being the most noted battle at which he was present. At the close of his term of enlistment, he was honorably discharged at Altoona Pass, Ga., and was 'there mustered out of the service.

Before the war, Mr. Woods went across tiie Alleghany Mountains to Lancaster, Pa., with a drove of cattle, with "Uncle" Billy Wilson. After he left the army, he came back to his native county, and about a year later, he went to McLean County, 111., where he spent one year. Returning then to Ohio, he has ever since engaged in farming, and when he married in the early winter of 1870, he settled on his present farm, having previously bought the place. He has here two hundred and thirty acres of choice land, the most of which is under good tillage, and he has made all the improvements that are of any value, with the excep- tion, perhaps, of a fine old orchard that was set out soine sixty 3'ears ago. There was a house on the place when he took possession of it that was one of the oldest in the count}-, one of the original pioneer habitations of tliis section. His business is that of a general farmer, and he has his farm fully stocked with standard breeds of horses, cattle and hogs.

Mr. Woods was married in February, 1870, to Miss Belle Bennett, a native of this county, her birthplace being in Fairfield Township. She filled in a perfect measure the offices of wife, mother and friend, and her death, September 15, 188fi, was a sad loss to her household, and to others who had known and loved her. She was the mother of these four children: Leora and Juliet, at home with their father; Winnie, wife of William Guy, of Canaan Township; and Jessie, who died at the age of eighteen months.

Our subject is a man of good mental calibre, sound and sensible in his views on all subjects with which he is conversant, and plain-dealing and probity are among his characteristics. Politicall}', he stands with the Republicans, and socially, he affiliates with the Masons, belonging to Leonore Lodge No. 311, Plain Cil}'. He has held various offices of trust and responsibility. He was a Trustee of the township three terms, was Appraiser of Land in 1890, and has been School Director for many years.

ENRY MAY is an old and honored resident of Pickaway County, who has been identified with its interests for years, and has an attractive home on his fine farm on the edge of Kingston. Mr. May is a native of Ohio, born in Chillicothe June 27, 1817. His father, Henry Ma}', was a native of Virginia, and was a son of James May, who was of Irish birth, and came to Ameiica in early life. He located first in Mrginia, but subsequently came to Ohio and settled in Chillicothe, when it was a mere hamlet, with but one shingle-roofed house. He was a gunsmith, and made guns for the War of 1812. takino- his pay in Continental money, which proved worthless. He acquired considerable property, but eventually lost it all. His death occurred in Pickaway County in 1825.

The father of our subject was the youngest of three sons, all of whom married and had families. He was young when his parents settled in Chillicothe, where he was reared, and in his youth learned the trade of chair-maker, serving an apprenticeship of three years. For several years thereafter, he manufactured chairs in that city. He finally purchased ten acres of land two miles north of Chillicothe, and carried on his calling there many years. He subsequently built a hotel to accommodate the travel, which was very extensive in those days. In 1822, he came to Pickaway County, and, buying a quarter-section of land, only partly improved, he built a comfortable house thereon, and spent the remainder of his days here, dying in 1861, in the sixty-fourth year of his age. He was a prominent man in his day, a gallant soldier in the War of 1812, a trusted office-holder, and one of the most active members of the Presbyterian Church of Kingston, which he was active in helping to upbuild, and of which he was a Trustee. The mother of our subject was Susan Mc Cutchen in lier maiden days. She was a native of Kentucky, whence she came with her parents to Ohio in an early day of its settlement. Her father, John McCutchen, was also a Kentuckian by birth. After he came here, he built a large dwelling and kept a pul)lic house, beside managing his two hundred-acre farm. The mother of our subject died in 1859. She was a true Presbyterian in her religious belief. Three of her children are living.

Our subject is the eldest of these three. He received as good an education as the times then offered. He had to remain at home and work much of the time, as he was the eldest of the family, but he occasionally found an opportunity to attend the old log school house, with its slab seats and other primitive furnisliings. In his youth he learned the trade of a currier, and when he became of age he was given full charge of the tannery, which he purcliased after a time of his father, and was engaged in the manufacture of leather very successfully for a quarter of a centur3^ At the expiration of tliat time, he turned his attention to farming. lie purchased a lar^e tract of land just across the county line from Kingston, in Pickaway Count3% where he has since lived. His farm comprises two hundred and seventy acres, lying on section 34, Pickaway Townsliij), and eighty acres in Green Township, Ross County, and it is under excellent cultivation and well supplied with modern improvements. The buildings are of a neat and tasteful style of architecture, and the commodious residence, which is built of brick, has all the conveniences that make life comfortable.

Fiftj'-three years ago, February 20, 1839, Mr. May and Miss Margaret Steele were united in marriage, and for over half a century have lived together in true wedded hapi)iness, he finding her an able helper and a sagacious counselor who shows unfailing devotion to his interests, and she fin dingin him a kind, considerate and affectionate husband. They have been abundantly l)lessed in their children, of wiiom they have six, and to whom they have been wise and tender parents. The following is recorded of then- offspring: Jane is the wife of James Machir, of Kingston; Ilattie died April 16, 1891; Laura is the wife of Alson C. Foster, a farmer of Pickaway; Edward P., who is Deacon of the Presbyterian Church, is unmarried and lives with his parents, and Kate L. is dead.

INIrs. May was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March 22, 1817, and is a daughter of Thomas Steele, who was a prominent man in the early pioneer history of Ross Count}', of which he was at one time Sheriff. Her parents died when she was quite young, and she went to live with William Renick and his wife, in Pickaway Township, by whom she was reared.

During a long and busy life, in which he has had the making of his own fortunes, as he began with no means, our subject has adhered to the principles of truth and righteousness that were early instilled into his mind, and is a man of honor - simple, unpretentious and reticent in his manner, yet alwa3's pleasant, thoughtful of others, and friendly in his relations with all about him, and strictly conscientious in his dealings. He was formerly an old line-Whig, and he cast his maiden vote for Gen. Harrison (grandfather of our present President) for tlie Presidency. He is now an unswerving Republican. P>oth he and iiis wife are Presbyterians, and have l)een exemplary church members for many ^ears.

THOMAS K. SMITH, who is engaged as a blacksmith in jNIt. Sterling, claims Clifton, '^J CJreene County, Ohio, as the place of his nativity-, his birth having occurred June 2.5, 18,t8. His father, Thomas Smith, was a laborer. Himarried T>eah Littleton, a native of Warren County, Ohio, and his death occurred when our subject was a little more than a year old. At an early age, I\Ir. Smith of this sketch had to begin life's battle Avith tlie world. He made his home with his mother and his wages were given for her support. He attended school for a short time each winter, and in this way acquired his education, which has been greatly suj)plemented by reading and observation in subsetjuent years. At the age of seventeen, he began to learn his trade in North Lewisbui-gh, Champaign County, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He received his board all of the time and the first year was paid ^5 per month, the second %% and the third year 87.50 per month. Mr. Smith then worked as a journeyman for six months for his old employer, after which he went to Clifton and started a shop, where he carried on business for two years.

On the expiration of that period, Mr. Smith went to North Lewisburgh, where he was married on the Ist of June, 1882, to Miss Ella Einbrey, of that place. The lady was born in West Liberty, Logan County, Ohio, January 29, 1860, and is a daughter of Enoch and Abliie (Daw) Embrey. Two interesting children have been l)orn of their union: Edna, born in Pleasant Township, Madison Count}-, March 4, 1886; and Goldie. born in 3It. Sterling, on the 25th of January, 1890.

For about two years after his marriage. Mr. Smith was employed in the llouring mill of his father-in-law. He then rented the mill in ]\It. Sterling for three years and engaged in business in that line. When that period had elapsed, he went to Columbus, where he was employed with the Columbus Bugg^- Company for four months. He then established a shop in Mt. Sterling and has here since followed the trade with good success. He purchased his residence in 1889, and has a pleasant home, which is the abode of hospitality.

]Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Presbyterian Church. They are people of sterling worth, highly respected in the community and have many friends. Mr. Smith served as Deacon in the church and takes an active part in its upbuilding. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, having cast his lirst vote for James A. Garfield. He has served as a member of the Citj' Council for three years and his public duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelit}', as his re-election indicates. Sociall}', he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Mystic Circle, and has held various offices in these lodg^es.

UMPHREY JONES. The legal fraternity of Fayette County finds a worthj'^ and successful representative in this gentleman, who is a prominent attornej-at-law in Washington C. H..and is also interested in loaning money for Eastern capitalists. Mr. Jones was born in the count}' of which he is still a resident, his birthplace being near Jeffersonville and the date of his birth January 31, 1858. He is therefore at present (1892) in the prime of manhood and the full vigor of a successful career.

The father of our subject, Dr. William H. Jones, emigrated to the United States from Liverpool, England, and i)racticod ihe medical profession at Jeffersonville, whiliier he removed prior to 1850. There he was married to Miss Olavi, daughter of Joseph Hidy, Sr., an old resident of the county. He continued actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Jeflfcrsonville until recently, when on account of failing health, lie was compelled to retire. He has been a man of firm convictions, more than ordinary intellectual ability, and stands deservedly high in the estimation of all his fellowcitizens. He was at one time Commissioner of the County and occupied numerous positions of trust and responsibility, wherebj- he was enabled to do considerable effective service for others.

The family of which our subject is a nember comprised six children, namely: Mary J., wife of Luther M. Irwin, of Jeffersonville, this State; William H., Jr., whose occupation is that of civil engineer and abstractor; our subject; Emma and Minnie. Humphrey received a good education in the Jeffersonville schools, after which he followed the profession of a teacher for about five j^ears, then commenced the study of law, and for three years read under the preceptorship of Mills Gardner, at Washington C. H. In May, 1883, he was admitted to practice at the Bar of the State of Ohio and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession,except during the years 1887-88-89, at which time he was acting as the special loan agent of the Northwestern Mutiaal Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee for Southern Ohio, his duties being to examine securities, close up loans and look generally after the financial interests of the company' in his district. In October, 1889, he resigned this position and resumed the practice of law, opening his office in the Melvin Block, where he has since remained.

The marriage of our subject, June 18, 1888, united him with Miss Laura B., daughter of James M. Willis, a prominent citizen of Bloomingburgh, this State, and the young couple have established a pleasant and attractive home in Washington C. H.

\|j OHN M. McCAFFERTY, who is a fine representative of the native-born citizens of ^;^ Madison Township, Fayette County, is one ^^IIJ of the most industrious and useful farmers and stock-raisers within its limits, where he has a well-improved and well-stocked farm. He was born December 4, 1849, his parents being AYilliam and Elizabeth (Mace) McCaffert3% and was reared on the home farm. In addition to attending the country schools, he took a course of study at

Mei'oni, Ind., after which he made his home with his parents until 1887. He lias been a great traveler, and has visited many of the Western States and the Pacific Coast.

June 20, 1886, Miss Frankie E., a daughter of Robert S. and IMary E. (Leach) Waters, and our subject were united in marriage. The lady was born January 7, 1868, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two children: Tweed, who was born May 29, 1887, and Thad, born October 29, 1889. Mr, McCafferty soon after his marriage moved to his present home, wliich contains nearly three iiundred acres, two hundred and fift3^-one of which were inherited from his father. He has placed his estate under excellent tillage, and has one of the l)est-cultivated and most desirable farms m the neighborhood, having it well supplied with buildings and machinery, and everything necessary for carrying on agriculture to the best advantage. Beside tilling the soil quite profitably, Mr. McCafferty has another source of income in the fine graded stock which he raises.

Politically, our subject is a stalwart Democrat, and gives steadfast adherence to his party. He has been Trustee of his tOAvnship for four j-ears, and in social matters is a Mason, belonging to the Blue Lodge at Mt. Sterling.

ARON TEECIARDIN. There is little need to portray the virtues or defend the memory of this gentleman, for he lives in the affection of his family and friends as a devoted husband, kind neighbor and public-spirited citizen. A native of the good old State of Penn- S3'lvania, he was born in Westmoreland County on the 23d of February, 1810, and was about a year old when he was brought to Pickaway County, Ohio, by his parents, George and Christina (Brobst) Teegardin. The elder Mr. Teegardin located in Madison Township, this count}', and there followed agricultural pursuits for many years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died shortly after returning from service. His wife followed him to the grave about two vears later.

Thus our subject was left an orphan at a tender age and he made his home with his grandfatlier, Aaron Teegardin, until he had reached his tenth year, when the latter died. After this he made his home with an uncle, Jacob Teegardin, until twentyone years of age, when he commenced for himself and began working on the Ohio Canal, lie received a limited education in youth, but his remarkable powers of observation and naturally line mind remedied this in a great measure. As he was an extensive reader and a man of studious habits, he became one of the most intelligent and best-p(,)sled men of his section.

On the 2r)th of March, 1833, Mr. Teegardin was married to INIiss Sarah Hoy, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born February 17, 1814, and the daughter of Philij) and Elizabetli (Eyer) Hoy, who were pioneers of Fairfield County, locating there in the early part of the present century, about 1806, when the country was wild and unsettled. The mother lived to be seventy-three 3-ears of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Teegardin were born nine children, six of whom are living: Ephraim, in Indiana; Mahala, at home; Augustus, in Madison Township, Pickaway County; Mary, at home; Philip and Levi, who reside in Pickaway County.

In Mr. Teegardin the community had a faithful and unswerving friend, ever alert to serve its best interests and generous in his contributions toward every movement tending to the general advancement. He served for a year as Trustee of ]Madison Township, also as Justice of the Peace, and as Captain and Major in the militia. He was deeply interested in educational matters, a stanch advocate of schools, and served as School Director for some time.

This worth}' and highly respected citizen, after a life of success and usefulness, was called from the scenes of his earthly labors on the 26th of November, 1887. He was known throughout the section as a man of kind disposition and an intelligent and respected citizen. He was a Democrat in politics and took an active interest in all local political affairs. While not a member of any church, he contributed liberally to the cause of Christianity, and his word was as good as his bond. In character he was generouis, free and frank, and as he was keenly nlive to the sufferings and misfortunes of others, no one ever appealed to him in vain for aid or consolation. lie was a hard worker all his life and tilling the soil was his chosen occupation. Socially, he was identified with the Masonic order. His widow resides on the home place and is now enjoying the fruits of a life spent in usefulness and well doing. She is well known in ^Madison Township, and highly respected as a lady of culture and refinement.

ILIJAM HENRY TYLER, who is engaged in farming and stock-raising in Paint ^^ Township, ^ladison County, claims New York as tlie State of his nativity. He was born in Monroe County, November 16, 1837. His parents, Benjamin and Catherine (Kelley) Tyler, were both natives of Herkimer County, N. Y., the former born September 1, 1810, and the latter .Tanuar}^ ;3(), 1807. Their oldest son, Benjamin E., was born July 12, 1835, after which they left Herkimer County and removed to JNIonroe County. Here our subject was born. The otiier son resides in I'arkersburg, W. \a., and is an oil refiner. He is married and has two daughters, Carrie and Mabel. On emigrating to Ohio, Mr. Tyler purchased one hinidred and thirty-seven acres of land in Paint Township, Madison County, where he resided until his death, wliich occurred April 13, 1879. The paternal grandfatlier of our subject, William Tyler, was born in Massachusetts in 1765, and, at the age of fifteen, entered the Colonial army during the Revolutionary ^yar.

We now take up the personal liistory of Mr. Tyler, of this sketch, who was educated in the common schools and assisted his father in the cultivation of the fai-m until his death. He now resides on the old homestead, and his home is supposed to be the oldest in the county. During the late war, he enlisted in 1861, in the second company organized in Madison County, but as the required quota was filled, he was not mustered in. Shortly afterward, he was attacked with inflammatory rheumatism and confined to his home until the next winter. In April, 1864, he again offered his services to the Government, and became a member of Company I, One Hundred and Eiftyfourth Ohio Infantry. He was principall}' engaged in guard duty with the Arm}' of West Virginia, and was mustered out in September, 1864. Since the close of the war, he has been engaged in farming with good success.

On the 8th of January, 1863, Mr. Tyler led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah M. Sifrit, of Paint Township, a daughter of Jacob and Emily (Hall) Sifrit. She was born Ma}- 6, 1844. Their union has been blessed wdth five children: Minnie, born October 29, 1865, married Charles B. Sougli, of Union Township; Owen D., born September 22, 1870; Katie, born May 5, 1874, died September 1, 1879; William Henry, born June 5, 1879, and Mar}- Emma, December 25, 1883.

Mr. Tyler cast his first Presidential vote in 1860 for Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a stanch supporter of the Republican party. His son expects to vote for Benjamin Harrison in 1892. Mr. Tyler is a well-known farmer of this community, is an enterprising and successful business man, and has won the confidence and good-will of all with whom he has come in contact.

here present the life sketch of one of the most prominent and well-known residents ,5^^ of Plain City, who owns a large and valuable farm in Darby Township, where he was born, September 6, 1821. Beside this fine property, he has considerable property in mortgages on farms and other real estate. His father, Richard Morgridge, was born at Amesbury, Mass., November 18, 1771.

When twentj^-one ^-ears old, the father went to A^ermont, and there married in May, 1800, Miss Sally Emerson. Tliey came to Oliio in 1816, and first located in Licking County, where the}^ remained three 3'ears, and then removed to Madison Count}', and made their home in Darb}' Township, establishing themselves upon a farm. The father died here, August 10, 1843. He was a Democrat of the Jackson ian type. His father, Samuel Morgridge, was a native of Massachusetts, and a ship carpenter by trade, a son of John Morgridge, who was born in England, and settled in Massachusetts at a place which was afterward known as Morgridge Point.

Our subject's mother, Sally Emerson, was a native of New Salem, N. H., where she was born August 18, 1781. She was the eldest child of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Bailey) Emerson. Mr. Emerson was born in Massachusetts, May 7, 1756, and carried on farming throughout life. He was the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Emerson, the former of whom was killed, or died in service, during the French and Indian War, leaving this onl}' son, who became the grandfather of our subject.

The parents of our subject had nine children, five of whom were sons, and four were daughters. Their eldest, Charles Grandison, was born June 23, 1801, in Washington County, Vt., and died in 1872 ; Samuel was born November 17, 1802, and died June 21, 1817, in Licking County, Ohio; Fannie, who was born April 4, 1805, and Anna, who was born June 24, 1807, have both passed from earth, and Sally, whose birth took place June 11, 1812, died October 21, 1836, in Madison County; William Jacman was born January 12, 1810, and died October 16, 1836; Joshua Bailey was born August 2, 1814, and Harriet Byron, who is dead, was born March 27, 1817.

Our subject was the 3'oungest of the household, and received his education in the log school house in Darb}^ Township, and that was tlie only institution of learning with which he was connected as a scholar. It was, indeed, a primitive school, with rude benches and puncheon floor. He remained with Ills father until he reached tlie age of twent3'-one, and after that lie taught in the district school for five winters, part of the time in Clarke County, Ohio, and he cherishes as a souvenir of those early times a certificate, which he received from Peter Smith, in Clarke County, in 1840.

After closing his career as a teacher, Mr. Morgridge devoted himself to farming and cattle-raising, and he has fed cattle for market for forty winters. In 1861, he left the farm upon which he had lived from childhood (with tiie exception of the time he was in Clarke County), and located where he now resides. He commenced his stockraising witli about five head of young calves, and has wintered, some seasons, as many as eighty head of steers. He is now a man of wealth, and has reached this position by economy and a strict attention to business. He has a fine estate of five hundred and seventy-five acres, which is well-improved, and much of this land he has in the hands of tenants. Beside his property here, he has an estate in Marysville, Ohio. He voted the Democratic ticket until the Civil War broke out, but since that time has been a stanch adherent of Republican principles.

jJ/_^ON. JOHN B. KOONTZ, the present Mayor '"'^^ of Washington C. H.. was elected to that honorable position April 5, 1890. He is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Shelby Count}', August 22, 1845, and is a son of Joseph W. and Hannah (Baldwin) Koontz, natives respectively of Rockingham and Greenbrier Counties, A'^a. The father of our subject emigrated to Shelby County about 1815, and the mother accompanied her parents on their removal to the same county about 1812.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Koontz remained in the above-named count}- for a number of years, and in the spring of 1846 removed to Madison County, which was their home for a period of twenty-one years. They then came to Fayette County, wiiere the father died in July, 1870.

Mr. Koontz of this sketch was given an excellent education, finishing his studies in the schools at London, and the Lebanon Normal, from which latter institution he was graduated. He was engaged in teaching school for a period of five years, during which time he determined to follow the profession of a lawj'er, and, pursuing a diligent course of reading, was admitted to the Bar in May,

1872. Mr. Koontz located in this city for practice and has been activ^el}- identified with its interests since that time, with the exception of three 3'ears. He has built up an extensive clientage, and devotes his entire time and attention to his profession.

1873, and is still serving. In politics, he is a Democrat, and, although this city is Republican by five hundred majority, 3'et our subject has the confidence of the community to such extent that he has been elected five times to the Mayoralty'. He has been Justice of the Peace for some time and takes an active interest in the progress of public events. He is an enterprising business man, of broad and intelligent views, and enjoys tlie entire confidence of the communit}'.

February 11, 1872, our subject and Miss Mary B., daughter of Joseph and Nancy Adams, of Highland County, tliis State, were united in marriage. They are both members of the JNIethodist Episcopal Church, and in social matters Mr. Koontz is an Odd Fellow, and a Knight of the Golden Eagle.

^HEODOR MATTHAES. The citizens of Ohio Avho have come from Germany have invariably brought with them such traits and habits of life as have rendered them of value in their new home. Their industry, frugality, and rugged perseverance have helped to achieve such a degree of success as enhances the prosperity of their neighbors. Such an one do we find in the man before us, who, twent^'-two years ago, began life a poor boy, and to-day is one of the wealthiest citizens of Darby Township, Pickaway County. His large estate has been accumulated through his persistent industry, whicli almost invariably wins success.

Mr. Matthaes was born in Saxony, Germany, on the 18th of June, 1830, and is the son of Ilenr^' M. Matthaes, also a native of the Fatlierland, wdiere lie followed the occupation of a farmer. Of liis father, the grandfather of him of whom we write, but little is known, other than that he was a prominent physician in his native land. Henry M. Matthaes departed this life when sixty years of age, firm in the faith of the Lutheran Church. He had married Miss Anna Si fert, also born in Saxony, Germany, b}' whom he became the father of six children: Henry, Charles, Caroline, Margaret, John, and Tlieodor. Mrs. Matthaes also died when about sixty years of age.

The original of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and, like all German youths, was given a good education, attending school from the age of five to thirteen. AVhen reaching his twentieth year, he served for two j^ears in the regular army, and embarked alone for the New World in 1852, being twenty-six days en route. On landing in New York City, he made his way directly to Columbus, this State, near which city he found employment in a sawmill. He was thus engaged for a twelvemonth, when he changed his occupation, and for four 3'ears worked in the State Stone Quarry, four miles west of Columbus. When abandoning that line of work, he began farm labor, being in the employ of one man for two or three years, and later worked ten 3'ears, by the month, for another party.

Mr. Matthaes, after having cultivated a rented farm for two years, returned to Germany, in 1857, where he spent the winter. On, coming again to his new home in this State, he purchased, in 1870, his present farm, which then was little more tlian a wilderness, bearing but slight improvements. He borrow^ed money, for whicli he had to pay ten per cent, interest, and with a family of eleven children to care for, he often became discouraged, fearing that he would not be able to pull through. But, in his voeabulaiy, there was no such word as "fail," and he bravely pushed on, overcoming every difHculty and surmounting every obstacle that beset his path, until he was able to pay both principal and interest of his borrowed money, and la}^ b}^ a handsome competency to be enjoyed in liis later 3ears.

May 10, 1858, Miss Anistene Schilling became the wife of our subject. She was born in Saxon}^ Germany, and on coming to the United States, wlien

Mr. Matthaes is engaged in mixed husl)andry, and, in addition to raising tlie cereals, breeds numbers of cattle, hogs, and horses, making a specialty of the Norman breed in t!ie latter. He is the owner of two valuable estates, the home farm containing one hundred and twenty-two acres, and the farm located one mile north numbers one hundred and thirteen acres. His present large frame residence, a view of which is shown elsewhere, was erected in 1878, and bears all the comforts and conveniences which indicate its inmates to be people of means and culture. His barn, which is one of tiie best in the township, was built in 1873, and is admirably adapted to the storage of gram and shelter of stock.

Both our subject and his estimable wife are members in good standing of tlie Methodist Church at Harrisburgh. Coming to this country a poor bo}', with no other means of gaining a livelihood than strong hands, Mr. Matthaes to-day ranks among the wealthy and progressive citizens of Pickaway County, and it gives the biographer pleasure to be able to herewith present to our numerous readers a sketch of so worthy a gentleman.

OSHUA MAHAN. One of the most conspicuous figures among the agriculturists of Madison Township, Fayette Count}-, is the gentleman above named, who makes a specialty of breeding Polled-Angns cattle, for which he receives the largest prices paid. As is usually the case with one who makes a specialty of anything, he is something of an enthusiast regarding the stock which is his favorite, and has many statistics to give showing their superiority over other breeds.

Our subject was born near Chillicothe, Ross County, this State, December 18, 1836, and is the son of Joshua and Sophia (Beck) Mahan. His father, who was born near Richmond, Ya., was a farmer, and died when Joshua was eighteen months old. The parental family included three children, of whom Martha Jane, the eldest, died when eighteen years of age; Harriet married a ]\Ir. McCoy, and makes her home near Chill i(;othe.

The original of tliis sketch was given a fair education in the country schools, and, wlien eleven or twelve years of age, his mother was married to James McCoy. His step-father dying four 3'ears later, his mother sold her interest in the estate, and located upon a farm in Ross County, which our subject aided her in paying for. In 1858, they traded that property for the estate where Mr. Mahan is at present residing, the mother taking as her share one hundred acres, and our subject sixty.

The lady to whom Mr. Mahan was united in marriage, September 13, 1859, was Miss Margaretta Plyly. She was born m Ross County, September 23, 1836, and is the daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Baldwin) Plyly. To them have been born a family of six children: John Carrey, who is engaged in farming in partnership with his brother, Spencer; Hattie Jane, who was born May 29, 1868, and died July 31 of that year; Mary Belle, who was born July 17, 1869, and died January 8, 1885; Roscoe Lee, December 26, 1876; and Delia May, April 25, 1878, now at home with her parents. The mother of our subject made her home with him until her decease, March 21, 1877. His half-sister, Mary McCoy, was also an inmate of his household until her marriage. Mr, Mahan purchased the home farm from his mother, and now has an estate which comprises two hundred and ninety acres. He has erected thereon a handsome dwelling and all the necessary outbuildings, and by thoroughly draining the place has made of it one of the best in the township. A view of the estate is shown elsewhere in this work.

Originally- inclined toward tlie Whig party, Mr. Mahan east his first Presidential vote in 1860, for Bell and Everett. In 1864, he voted for George B. McClellan, the Democratic candidate, and was a member of that party until 1891, when he joined the ranks of the Earmers' Alliance. In 1878, he was elected County Commissioner, which office he filled most acceptably, and has also served as a Delegate to the various county, congressional and State conventions. In 1873, he became a Mason, holding membership at Bloomingburgh with Lodge No. 449.

"ill OHN WALLACE, the versatile and genial editor of the London Enterprise, whose energetic character and indomitable will ' have triumphed over the affliction of the loss of e_vesight that would have been an insuperable bar to further progress to most men, has had a wide experience in public life, and is one of our best-known and most honored journalists.

Mr. Wallace is a native of London, and was Iwrn June 4, 1839. He was onl}' twelve years old when he left school to enter the office of the London Sentinel, a paper published liy G. W. Sprung, and during the five years that he was there he acquired a thorough knowledge of jn'inting, beside gaining a good insight into the methods of conducting a newspaper. In the winter lH55-r)6, friends secured him the appointment of page in the Ohio Senate, through Lieut.- CJov. Myers. At the organization of the Senate in January, 1860, through the influence of the Hon. R. A. Harrison, he was elected Second Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, and was given charge of the postoffice department of the Senate.