Pickaway Township (part 46 of 49)

Jeremiah Deyo was reared to the life of a farmer amid i)ioneer environments, and was educated in the primitive log schoolhouses of the ear!}- 3'ears of the settlement of this county. When he began life for himself, he first settled across Deer Creek, opposite his birthplace, in JNIadison Count}', near i\It. Sterling, on one of his uncle's farms, which he carried on a few 3'ears. He then removed to Ilarrisburgh, Franklin Count}', where he kept a tavern for two years. At the end of that time, he came back to Darby Township and resumed farming, renting mostly. He finally bought land near this village, and farmed it three 3'ears; when his parents died, he sold the home farm and bought two hundred and four acres on Possum Run, cultivating the land until his death, which occurred at the age of fift3'-four 3'ears. He was a hard worker, ver3' ambitious and active, and one of the solid men of the townshi[), in which he held the offices of Trustee and Assessor at different times. He was highl}' regarded b}- his neighbors and friends, vvho sought his counsel and valued his opinions. He was deepl3' interested in religious matters, and was influential in such as a member of the Christian Church. In politics, he was a Whig until the Republicans organized, and he then became one of them.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Hannah Alkire, was born in Madison Count3% across Deer Creek from this point. She is still living at Derby, and is bright and active for one of her advanced 3-ears. She is a member iu^igh standing of the Christian Church, and her daily life shows her to be true to the faith she professes. Her father, Robert Alkire, was born in Kentucky, and was a son of William Alkire, who was born and reared in that State. The Alkires originated in German}', but the American branch of the family settled in this country many years ago. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject was a farmer, and came here in his old age, in the year 1800, from Kane Ridge, K}., and died across the line in Madison Count}'. His son Robert, who fame here the same year, bought sixteen hundred acres of land, built a log cabin in the forests on what is now known as the Harvey Alkire farm, and l)ecame an extensive farmer. He died in middle life, in his home just across the line in Madison County.

Robert Deyo, of this biographical review, is one of six children, of whom three grew to maturity beside himself: Elizabeth (Mrs. Mantle), Jane (Mrs. Anderson) and William. Our subject grew to a vigorous, self-reliant manhood under the wholesome influences of farm life. He was educated in the typical pioneer schoolhouse of the olden times, which in his boyhood had not been replaced by the neat modern structures of to-day. The building in which he acquired his knowledge of the -'three R's" was made of logs, heated by means of a large fireplace, and furnished with slab benches, a slab against the wall serving as a writing desk; the floor was of puncheons, and greased paper served instead of glass to admit the light.

At the age of seventeen, Mr. Deyo supplemented his district-school education by a short course in the college at Westerville. When he was twenty years old, he began life in earnest as a farmer, and had a part of the home farm under his charge until 1859. In that year, he moved to his father-inlaw's farm, in Big Plain. Madison County. He remained there five years, and then returned to the old homestead, where lie was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1885. In the meantime, he became one of the comi)any that bought the land and laid out the pretty and thriving village of Derby, in 1884. He bought an interest in the elevator here with Dr. C. W. Higgins, and they operated it together throe years, under the firm name of Higgins (fe Deyo. They disposed of that elevator, when Deyo & Company built the elevator at Palestine, which is now managed under the name of C. Tanner & Co., our subject still being a member of the company.

Mr. Deyo began buying grain in 1863, and has dealt in it evei- since, and he buys all kinds of grain, which he ships to Eastern and Southern markets. He has likewise dealt in wool since 1863, selling on commission until 1885, and since then on his own account. He has a finely improved farm of two hundred and four acres, one mile northwest of Derby, which he rents to his son. A man of wealth and public spirit, he has materially aided in the progress of the county, and has been one of the prime movers in tlie upbuilding of the village of Derby. He has been Trustee of the township, and for the past five years has held the office of Justice of the Peace. He is an impartial and strictly honest Judge, and has sustained the laws satisfactorily in the number of cases that have come under his jurisdiction. He is a Republican of unswerving loyalty to his party. All good causes find in him an advocate, and especially is he interested in educational matters, having always used his influence to procure good schooling. Religiously, both he and his wife, and all of their children, except Alfred, are members of the Christian Church.

Mr. Deyo is blessed in his domestic relations by the best of wives, who fully understands the art of making home an attractive abiding-place. Mrs. Deyo bore the name of INIary A. Noland, \\\as born in Madison County, and was married to our subject in November, 1855. Their union has been hallowed to them by the birth of five children: George W., Laiira (Mrs. Hamet), Jeremiah, Alfred and Emma (Mrs. Young).

If^ ANIEL UCKER, a prominent and successful I jj] farmer and stock-i-aiser of Walnut Townl}^ ship, is actively performing his share in carrying forward the great agricultural interests of Pickaway County. He is a native of this

State, and first opened his eyes May 28, 1840, in a pioneer home in Fairfield County. He is a son of the late Andrew and Anne (I)uui) I'cker, who were natives respectively of Germany and Pennsylvania, and were early settlers of Fairfield Count}'. In the fall of 1864, the}' came to Pickaway County and settled in Walnut Township, where the father died November 7, 1879. He was a stanch Democrat in politics, and a true Catholic in religion, and was well known and greatly respected for his unswerving honesty and integrity. His venerable widow is still living in Walnut Township, and is now nearly eighty years old. They had a large famil}- of children, of whom these twelve survive: Joseph, a resident of Missouri; Thomas, who lives in Circleville; Daniel, of Walnut Township; Samuel, of Circleville Township; William, a resident of Colorado; Benjamin, in Washington Township; Andrew, of Walnut Township; Amelia, widow of William Stout, of Circleville; Sarah A., wife of John Weaver, of Circleville; Julia, wife of Jerry O'Ryan, of Circleville, and Elizabeth, wife of A. Henrj', of Circleville.

Daniel Ucker was reared to the life of a farmer in his native county. He was educated in the local schools, and is a well-informed man, as he is fond of reading and has always kept himself well posted on general topics. He was wedded October 5, 1867, to INIiss Susan Whiteman, and a congenial marriage has contributed much to his prosperity. Mrs. Ucker is a native of Pickaway County, born November 6, 1845, and a daughter of Henry and Ellen (McDonald) Whiteman. Her father was also a native of Pickaway County, born in Walnut Township, his father coming here from Pennsylvania, and becoming one of the first settlers of the township. He located in the woods, and had to endure many hardships while hewing out a farm from the forests. ]\Irs. Ucker is one of three children, of whom she and her sister, Nancj^ A., wife of Isaac Tobias, are the only survivors. Her father was prominent in the religious and public life of his communit}'. He was a member of the Baptist Church, active in its work. He had served as Justice of the Peace and Township Trustee, and in his death, October 31, 1890, the count}^ lost one of its most venerated citizens, as well as one of its earliest pioneers. When Mrs. Ucker was a few months old, her mother died, and she was cared for by her grand|)arents untd slie was seven }ears old, ;ind then was reared in lier father's family. Mrs. I'cker's grandfather was a Bai)tist in religion. Of the ten children born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Icker, foui- are left to be the comfort and sta^- of their declining years: Alice A., Clara A., Mary K., and John A.

Mr. Ucker has a good farm of ninety-three acres of land of exceeding fertility', which he cultivates after the methods best adapted to the soil. He has neat and roomy buildings, fine farming machinery, and everything about the place betokens systematic and skillful farming.

Our subject possesses many sterling virtues of head and heart, is very much liked by the community, and enjoys the confidence of the business world. He has been School Director for his township, and never fails to promote its interests where he can.

ACOB MARTIN. Among the men who have been potent factors in the business activity of Madison County, mention should certainly be made of Jacob Martin, who is one of the prominent and progressive merchants of West Jefferson. He is the son of the late Augustus L. Martin, who was born in New Brunswick, N. J., while his mother, whose maiden name was Kate ]\IcNeal, was l)orn in Carlisle, Pa. The elder ]Mr. Martin located in West Jefferson during the latter part of the '50s, where he was engaged in trade until his decease, in January, 1891, being preceded to the better land b\' his wife, who departed this life in I860.

The original of this sketch was born February 16, 1854, in West Jefferson, where he was reared, and educated in the common schools. In 1877, he launched out in the mercantile business in company with Benjamin Hoe, the firm style being Hoe &L Martin. They l)uilt up a profitable business, and continued together until September, 1891, when our subject purchased his partner's interest, and has since conducted affairs alone. His store is well stocked with a choice line of goods, and liy his course of honorable and straightforward dealing, enjoys an extensive trade.

The lady to whom Mr. IVIartin was married October 17, 1877, was Miss Etta, daughter of Benjamin Hoe, and to them was born one daughter, Eva. His chief prominence, outside of his business, lies in his political work, he being a leading member of the Democratic party, and has represented his fellow-townsmen four terms as Clerk, and as a member of the Village Council. In social matters, he is a member of West Jefferson Lodge No. 412, I. O. O. F., and is looked upon as one of the respected and useful citizens of the county. Mrs. Martin departed this life April 12, 1889, greatly mourned by her family and numerous friends.

(?^ AMUEL McCLINTOCK, M. D., a well- ^^^ known physician and surgeon of Mt. Sterl|u/_Jr liiigi Ohio, was born on the 1st of February, 1821, in Pickaway Count}^ Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bradle^O McClintock. His father was a native of the Emerald Isle, and was brought to America when about two years of age. His mother was born in the Keystone State, and was of Dutch descent. The educational advantages which our subject received were only those afforded by the common schools. His boyhood days were mostl}^ spent upon his father's farm. Having determined to engage in the practice of medicine, at the age of twenty he began reading medical works in the office of Dr. J. F. Wilson, of New Holland, near his father's home. He continued his studies in that way for three years, and in the winter of 1844-45, took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati. He received some money from his father and borrowed more in order to pay his tuition, and this he repaid in after years. In April, 1845, he began practice in Mt. Sterling, and in a few years had acquired a liberal patronage and did a large business. He has ever kept himself well informed by constant study and reading, and is well posted on everything connected with the sciences.

On the 20th of May, 1847, Dr. McClintock led to the marriage altar Miss Louisa C. Kauffelt, of Palestine, Pickavpay County, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio. Four children have been born unto them, three of whom are still living: Elizabeth is the wife of D. B. Wheeler, of Mt. Sterling, and the}' have two children; Francenia became the wife of John McClay, of Indiana, and at her death left four children; Letitia is the wife of Edward INIiller, of Chicago; and Lola completes the family.

The Doctor was reared as an old-line Whig, but on attaining his majority, cast his first Presidential vote for James K. Polk, and has since been identified with the Democratic party. He has served as a delegate to its various conventions, and has filled the offices of Township and Village Treasurer, and Councilman, and at the present time is Corporation Treasurer. He has also served as a member of the School Board, doing effective work in the interests of education. Himself and wife are active and consistent members of the Presb3'terian Church, in which the Doctor holds the office of Trustee. He is also connected with the Masonic lodge, serving as Treasurer, and Junior and Senior Warden. For many years he has made his home in Mt. Sterling, and is widely and favorably known throughout the communit3^ He has ever been identified with the best interests of the place, and is recognized as a valued citizen.

ILTON D. LAKIN has been so well prospered as a farmer that he has accumulated a comfortable property, and is now residing in a handsome brick residence in Jefferson Township, Madison County. He is classed among the progressive citizens of this section, whose active work in developing its agricultural resources has so materiallj' contributed to its welfare. Through energy and perseverance he has

Daniel Lakin, the father of our subject, was a native of Frederick Count}', Md., while his mother, who was known in her maidenhood as Dorcas Flenniken, was born near Columbus, this State. She departed this life at the home of our subject in June, 1886, thus surviving her husband many years, he dying in Clinton Township, Franklin County, this State, in 1872. The parental family comprised five children, of whom the onl}' daughter died when three years of age.

Milton D. Lakin was the youngest member of the family and was born in Franklin Count}-, P^ebruary 1, 1850. lie was reared on his father's farm and attended the district school, continuing to reside at home until 1880, when he came to Madison County and located on the Middle Pike, just north of West Jefferson, which is his home at the present time. He has erected on his estate a most beautiful brick residence, which is furnished in a manner that bespeaks the high standing of its owner. Mr. Lakin devotes his entire time and attention to general farming and is making a success of his calling on his three hundred and sixt}^ acres of land.

June 17, 1876, our subject and Miss Ida, daughter of the late James Davis, were united in marriage. Mrs. Lakin 's mother bore the maiden name of Mildred C. Armstrong, and departed this life January 9, 1885, while the father died November 12, 1887. They were natives respectivel}' of Madison Covmty, this State, and A'irginia, and after their marriage located in Franklin County, where they lived for a time and then removed to Jefferson Township and made their home a short distance from West Jefferson, where they were residing at the time of their decease. Mrs. Lakin , who was the youngest in a famil}^ of four children, was born June 22, 1856, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two children, one of whom died in infanc}'. The surviving child, who bears the name of James Daniel, was born October 17, 1878.

In politics, our subject is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party and takes an active interest in all local affairs. With his wife, lie is a conscientious member of tiie Episcopal Church and socially' is a prominent ]\Iason, also a Kniglit Templar and Knight of Pythias. By his sincere and conscientious uprightness, he has gained the good-will and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends who will be pleased to notice his biography in tliis volume.

LEMENT SHOCKLEY. Prominent in agricultural circles is tiie gentleman of whom we now wn-ite, and who was born in South Townshii), Clarke County, this State, May 17,1823. He is at present residing on a beautiful estate, located in Stokes Townsliip, ^Madison County. He is a son of Clement and Elizabetli (Scott) Shockley, the former of whom was a native of this county, and the latter of Xenia, Ohio.

The father of our subject came to this State from Maryland when a boy, and located in Xenia. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was at Detroit at the time of Hull's surrender, when he was taken prisoner. After his exchange, he returned to Xenia, and again joining the army, served througliout that entire struggle. After his marriage, I\Ir. Shockley removed to Clarke Count}', and was one of the three men who laid out the town of South Charleston. He became the proprietor of the first lanyard in that portion of the count}', and became one of the wealthiest men in that section.

The five children comprising the parental family are Catherine, Mrs. Andrew Hays, who is residing in Fayette County and has three children; our subject is the next in order of birth; Sarah w s first married to Samuel McCoy, and on his death became the wife of James Mclntyre, and now makes her home in Montgomery County, Mo.: Daniel B. is a successful farmer in Kempton. Ind.; and Emeline, who married Dr. A. Seward, resides near Kokomo, Ind. Our subject was given a limited education, and wiien fourteen yeai's of age went to Kentucky with one John Hedrick, his business being to take horses to near Lexing-

In 1840, he of whom we write began working out by the month on the farm which he now owns, but which was then in the possession of William Ilarpole. He was thus engaged for a period of four years, and November 5, 1843, was married to Miss Matilda Briggs. To them have been born three children, one of whom is deceased. Elizabeth is now Mrs. Eli Mock and makes her home in this county, and AVilliam resides east of South Solon. Sarah, who became the wife of Aaron McCalip, is deceased.

At the time of his inarriage, Mr. Shockley had saved enough mone}' to purcliase a team of horses, a wagon and some furniture. He then rented property- and invested $50 which he had in hogs. At the expiration of a twelvemonth, he purchased one hundred and forty acres, for wliich he paid $1,400. Not having this amount of money, Ills former employer. William Harpole, went on his note, and in this way our subject borrowed capital and got his start in life. His first year on the new farm was rather discouraging, as his crops failed so that the interest on the money borrowed was carried over for the next \^ear.

JNIr. Shockley drained his land and thereafter i-eaped a handsome increase from the soil. He later added one hundred and fifty acres to his possessions and, borrowing enougli money to go to Indiana and Iniy cattle, he in that manner made enough money to meet his payments, at the same time making the acquaintance of men of wealth who were glad to accommodate him in a monied way whenever necessarj-. Mr. Shockley continued to invest in cattle, which he drove through to Eastern markets and sold at handsome profits. His next purchase of land was a quarter-section, for which he paid $3,500 in cash.

Our subject at one time owned fourteen hundred acres of land. He disposed of his first two farms, however, and in 1859 bought five hundred and eighteen acres where- he now lives for which he paid $33,000. In addition to tliat, he bought one hundred acres in Fa3'ette County, which he later gave to his daughter, now Mrs. INIock, and

Mr. Shockley keeps his farm stocked with a good breed of cattle, his herd in 1884 selling for $30,000. About five 3^ears ago, he began the cultivation of a portion of his estate, and now devotes considerable attention to raising grain, and occupies an honorable place among the agriculturists of Madison County. In his political relations, our subject for many 3^ears voted the Democratic ticket, but now votes for the man iiistead of the party.

Wl OEL HICKS. Noteworthy among the agriculturists and stock farmers of Range Town- .^. ship, Madison County, is the gentleman ^^^ whose name we now give. He is a native of this State, having been born in Ross County, May 3, 1825, and is the son of William and Phoebe (Cook) Hicks. When twenty-two years of age, he accompanied his parents to this county, where his father was a farmer, to which calling he was also trained. He was given a fair education in the district school and when reaching his majority began for himself by working out on farms by the month.

The lady to whom our subject was married in December, 1855, was Miss Iladessah McCune, of Chenoa, 111., whither he had gone in the spring of that year. Mr. Hicks purchased a tract of four hundred and sixty acres of land in McLean County, which he improved into one of the best farms in that portion of the State. He met with financial reverses on account of going security for other parties and was obliged to forfeit his entire estate. He then rented the farm of which he had been the former owner and in 1881 returned to Ohio, and has been a resident of Range Township since that time.

The five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hicks bear the respective names of Phoebe, John M., Sadie, Julia and Maggie. Formerlj' a Democrat in polities, he is now in sympathy with the Prohibition party, and while residing in the Prairie

State, served in the positions of Road Commissioner, School Trustee, Assessor, and member of the County Board. He is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, being identified with the cliurch at JMt. Sterling. The father of our subject died in McLean Count}-, in 1873, and the mother passed away in Saline County, Mo., in 1889, her home being with our subject's onl_y sister, Mrs. Mary Harrison, of tliat count}-. While public-spirited and generous, the major part of his attention has alwa3-s been paid to his farm, and he has made a specialty of raising stock, of Avhich all kinds of the finer grades are to be found on his place.

ellRISTIAN MICHEL, a farmer, lumber dealer and tile manufacturer, residing in Pleasant Township, Madison County, is a leading business man of this communit}-. .Since 1880, he has carried on business operations in this place, and has an excellent trade. He w-as born in Franklin County, Ohio, Decenjber 19, 1854, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Layer) Michel. His father was a native of Germany, and emigrated to Pennsylvania with his parents when nine years of age. He there resided until after he had attained his majority, and married Miss La3-er, who was born in the Keystone State, and was of German descent. For thirty-eight years, he engaged in blacksmitliing, and also carried on farming. He and his wife are still residents of Rome, Franklin County, Ohio.

Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. At the age of twelve, he began working in the smithy, and followed the blacksmith's trade for about ten years, but not liking the business, determined to abandon it. His next venture was in manufacturing tile at Spring Hill, Franklin Count}'. He did not have much capital, but was aided by his fatlier, and at the end of a year he removed his works to his present location. He purchased seventy acres of land, and put in a plant in 1880. He is now doing a good business, makes a good grade of tile, and finds a ready sale for liis products. In 1884 he erected his sawmill, and has since engaged in the lumber business. He has also erected a fine brick residence upon his farm, valued at 13,000.

Mr. Michel was married JNIarch 31, 1H80, to Miss Elizabeth Grenner, who was born in Alton, Franklin County, January 13, 1860. Tijcir union has been blessed with four children, a son and three daughters: Christian, born April 3, 1881; Amelia, December 25, 1883; Louise, in December, 1884; and Sarah Frances, February 22, 1887. All were born in Pleasant Township, and the family circle yet remains unbroken.

Mr. Michel and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a great lover of music, possesses considerable talent in that direction, and formerly served as leader of the choir in his church. He cast his first Presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden. and lias since been a Democrat. Mv. Michel is a man of good Inisiness ability, enterprising and progressive, and well deserves the success which has crowned his efforts. He is also a public-spirited man, and takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community.

CHUYLER LEWIS, dec<:^ased. The traveler passing through Madison County invariably pauses to notice the elegant residence and fine estate in Sonierford Township formerly the property of the gentleman whose biographical sketch is here represented. The farm, which comprises two thousand acres of excellent land, is due entirely to the exertions of Mr. Lewis and his worthy companion, for when they commenced the battle of life together, they had no capital except that reyjresented by vigorous health, energetic disposition, and a determination to succeed.

Our subject was born in Rensselaer County. N.Y., February 25, 1812, and was a lad of ten years when his father removed to Vermont. Mr. Lewis, when reaching mature years, was married in the Green Mountain State to Lydia Hazzard, and with her came West to Madison Count}-, this State, about 1835, locating in Somerford Township, Mrs. Lewis departed this life in 1864, and April 3, 1866, our subject was married to Eliza J. Candler, who was born in Clarke County Januar}' 23, 1844. She was the daughter of .Tesse J. and Agnes (Dickason) Candler, natives of Virginia, whence they removed to Clarke County, and later to Madison County, this State, spending their last days in Somerford Township, the father dying January 13, 1871, and the mother surviving him until June 10, 1890. The parental family- of Mrs. Lewis included seven children, of whom she was the youngest but one. To our subject and his estimable wife has been born one son, Howard A. The husband and father died at his home in Somerford Township, August 3, 1887, and thus Madison Count}' lost one of her most prominent and progressive citizens. Our subject left a vast estate of two thousand acres; the place is adorned with buildings of every description necessary on a first-class farm, not the least among which is the elegant residence. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Lewis has operated the fai'ra in a most intelligent and profitable manner, and is very influential in her community, having those social qualities which prepossess people in her favor.

Aj. Thomas Jefferson Stephens

contracting painter and decorator, was originally from Lancaster County, Pa., born in Columbia on the 2d of January, 1831. Ilis parents, James and Mary (Otstot) Stephens, were natives of Lancaster County, Pa., the former of English, and the latter of German descent. The father followed carpentering in his native town, and there resided until 1833, when the great emigration to the Buckeye State tempted him to make his home within its borders. He came overland witli a four-horse wagon, located in Columbus, and there followed contracting and building until his death, in ISaO. lie was a Democrat in politics, and was Marshall of Columbus four terms. The mother died in 1888, when eighty-six years of age. She was a member of the

Methodist P^piscopal Church. Eleven of their twelve children grew to mature years, and became respected and valued citizens. Three sons were in the Civil War, and served their country faithfully.

The subject of this notice was fifth in order of birth of the above-mentioned children. He was reared in Columbus, and received his scholastic training in the public schools of that cit}'. He remembers seeing the canal built through Columbus, and his young eyes saw the first boat that sailed on its waters. When thirteen j^ears of age, he worked two years for A. T. Stewart, a tailor, and at the age of fifteen he began clerking in -Tames AVestwater's queensware store, whei'e he continued until seventeen years of age. From that time until eighteen years of age, he attended school, and in 1848 he was apprenticed to learn the painter's trade, remaining thus engaged until 1851. While in Columbus, he was in Company A, State Fencibles, organized S\\\y 4, 1855, and continued with this as Sergeant as long as he remained in the city, and is still a member. In 1851, he embarked in business for himself, contracting house painting for two years, and then went to Marietta, where he remained six months. From there he went to Pittsburg, and while there painted two boats, but later he returned to Marietta, and from there went to Columbus. In the spring of 1860, he located in Circleville, and was engaged as house painter until 1862, when he left his business and everything else to enter the army.

In August, of that year, he volunteered as a private in Compan}^ A, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry, and two da3^s later was raised to the rank of Second Lieutenant, to form a company for service. He went to work, and in a very short time had a company, which was afterward in the One Hundredth and Fourteenth Ohio Infantr}'. In October, he was sent South to Chickasaw Bluffs, Ark., and to Young's Point, when he was taken sick and compelled to resign. He came home in the spring of 1863, formed a company there, and was made Captain of the Ohio State Militia. In 1864, he was ordered out by Gov. Brougli in Company A, Fifty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and was sent to

West Virginia, where lie guarded the trains through to Washington City, and then went to Norfoll<, Va., wliere he remained until September, 1864. He was mustered out at Camp Dennison. He saw much livel3^ service, and was in many severe skirmishes, but participated in no large battles. He enjoyed the best of health all through camp, and led his command at all times. He had a number of miraculous escapes, but was never injured. After the war, he was continued as Captain of the Count}' National Guards, and later was commissioned Major of the Ohio National Guards, holding that )K)sition until he resigned.

Since the war, Maj. Stephens has followed his trade, and has finished some of the finest buildings in the city. He has also had considerable business all over the county, and is the oldest painter now here. He resides on High, near Court Street. He was married in Columbus, Ohio, November 3, lHf)3, to Miss Oledia Garner, a native of Columbus, and of the eight children born to this union, six are now living, namely: Charles; Mary, at home; Jennie, now Mrs. Moeller, of Circleville; Thomas Y>., who resides in Circleville; .]osei)h, painter and practical paper-hanger; and Edward, clerk in a grocery store. Maj. Stephens is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Columbus, also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of Groce Post No. 156, G. A. R., and is ex-Aide-de-Camp of the Post, and is a member of the INIonumental Association. In politics, he is a true-blue Republican, and has been a delegate to conventions, etc. The Major is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been Trustee and Steward for fifteen years.

,^^ EORGE F. JEWETT, M. D. The calling of (il (_, a physician is one that brings into play as *^^^|( many of the powers of the mind and body as any in which man can engage. The constant strain upon the mental faculties and the nervous energy can scarcely be estimated by one outside a physician's family, and necessarily requires a strong constitution as a foundation. The city of West

Jefferson is the home of a number of men who are exerting themselves as practitioners, and who arc doing a grand work in alleviating suffering and saving life. One of those who has been thus occupied here since 1800 is Dr. Jewett, of whose life history we propose to give a brief outline, and whose portrait is noticed on the opposite page.

Dr. William II. Jewett, the father of our subject, was born in Franklin County, this Stale, ( )ctober 2, 1831, and began the study of mediciiu! in the oflice of Drs. Andrews >Si Johnson, of Worthington, this State, and later gained still further information in the science of medicine under the tutelage of Dr. Piney, of Dublin, Franklin County. Dr. Jewett then practiced for one year at Bell Point, and, on the outbreak of the Civil War, entered the Union service as a member of Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-first Ohio Regiment, for fourteen months. Returning home in 1864, he again entered upon tlie practice of his profession, this time in Hilliards, where he remained until 1872, when he took up his abode in Amity. After a successful practice there of eighteen years, he removed to Elmwood, Franklin County, where he is living retired from active work of any kind.

He of whom we write was the eldest son and second child in the parental family of ten children. He was born in Franklin County, March 17, 1857, and after obtaining a primary education in the common schools, entered the Ohio Central Normal School at Worthington, and later took a course in the State University of Ohio. Choosing the medical profession as his life work, our subject began the study of that science with his father at Amity, and was graduated in the Class of '82 from the Columbus Medical College. During the winter of 1885-86, he took a post-graduate course in New York City. He remained with his father twelve months after graduating, at the end of which time he located at Hilliards, where he resided for six years, and then came to West Jefferson, and has been engaged in active practice here since December, 1890. His ability and skill as a physician have been widely recognized, and in 181)1 he was elected Professor of Physiolog}' in the Columbus Medical College.

April 29, 1885, was Ida M. Forshee, who was born in Brown Township, Madison County, April 28, 1860. To them have been granted a family of three children, namely: Una, Ethel and Gladys. Religiously, Dr. Jewett is an active member of the Christian Church, while his wife holds membership with the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist, and has done much towards furthering the cause of temperance in his locality.

^ OHN L. MILLIKIN, who is classed among the most prosperous farmers of INIadison County, has a well-improved and wellstocked farm five and one-half miles north of AVest Jefferson in Canaan Township. Mr. Millikin isa Pennsylvanian b}' birth, born on Ten Mile Creek, Amwell Township, Washington Count}', August 18, 1842, the youngest child of John and Rachel (Bane) Millikin, of whom an account is given in the sketch of Robert Millikin. He was reared in his native place until he was fourteen 3'ears old, and obtained his first schooling there. At the age mentioned, he came to this count}^ with his parents, and his education was completed in a district school in Canaan Township. He remained at home with his father and mother until he was thirt3--one years old, affording his father valuable aid in carr3ing on his farm until he was twentyone, and then engaging in agriculture on his own account.

Soon after marriage, Mr. Millikin located one mile north of his present place of residence and farmed as a renter three years before he bought a farm. He lived for seven years on that farm, which was one mile north of his present homestead, and at the end of that time he purchased this. He has here one hundred and eleven acres, which are mostl}' under cultivation, and are well supplied with modern improvements, lie devotes his time to mixed husbandry, and has his farm well stocked with horses, cattle, etc.. of tine grades. Our subject is an open-hearted, fair-minded man, who is well liked by his neighbors and all who have dealings with him. He is upright and reliable, and his word is as good as his bond. In politics, he is a firm believer in the polic}^ of the Democratic part}' and gives it his hearty support at the polls.

Our subject was married, March 27, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Rowland and Almira (Hall) Thomas. Her father was a native of Wales and her mother of Franklin County, Ohio. She is still living and resides in Jefferson Township, and is aged sixty-one years. After the death of her first husband, before the birth of her daughter, Mrs. Millikin, who was the only child of that union, she married Nathan Bidwell, of Jefferson Township, by whom she had two children, John and Mary. Mrs. Millikin was born in Jefferson Township, November 28, 1850. Her pleasant wedded life with our subject has been blessed to them by the birth of three sons and one daughter, whom they have named respectively Charles R., Wj'att L., Marvin S. and Maud.

AVID E. ROBISON is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on the Circle ville road, about a mile from Mt. Sterling. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, September 21, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary (Edmonson) Robison,the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. His parents removed to Clarke County just before his birth, and when he was a lad of seven years returned to Madison County and purchased the farm on which our subject now resides. It continued to be their home for sixty years.

The educational advantages which Mr. Robinson received were very limited, but by reading and observation he has become a well-informed man. He was reared upon the farm and was early inured to the labors connected with agriculture. He remained at home and aided his father in managing his property until his marriage, which was celebrated on New Year's Da}^, 1850, Miss Jane Carr becoming his wife. After that time, his father made his home with our subject until his death, in 1877. His mother had previously been called to her final vest. Six children weie born unto Mr. and Mrs. Robison, all having been born and reared on the home farm: John, who was born in 1850, is married and with his wife and five children resides upon a farm in Pickaway County; Mrs. Caroline AVhitlock is living in Pleasant Township and lias seven children; Mrs. Mar}- Bennett, who resides in Pickaway County, has two children; Willis is married, and, with his wife and four children, makes his home upon a farm in Benton County, Ind.; Lincoln is married and resides with his family, which numbers two children, on his father's farm; INIrs. Sophronia Atkins is living in Fa3'ette County and has three children.

Mr. Robison followed in the political footsteps of his father and has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He has served efficiently as Township Trustee for about twelve years, and by his faithful performance of duty has won the commendation of all. He, however, has never been an office-seeker, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church and are people of sterling worth. Mr. Robison had less than one hundred acres of land given him by his father, and with this as a nucleus has constantly added to it and now owns over five hundred acres of valuable land. He is one of the substantial citizens of the community and a leading farmer and stock-raiser.

EORGE H. FLOWERS, residing at No. 214 Columbus Avenue, AVashington C. H.,is jun- ^^^^ ior member of the firm of Flowers & Tobin, confectioners and bakers, at No. 212 East Court Street, who conduct a very profitable business in their line. Our subject was born in the town of Ewing, Hocking Count}^ October 28, 1853, and is a son of Jacob Flowers,who was born and reared in Pennsylvania. He in turn was a son of Heniy Flowers,who was a native of German}', but came to this countiy and settled in Pennsylvania.

Jacob Flowers was a man of good standing in his community and was a consistent member of the Catholic Church. In politics, he sympathized with the Democrats. He was one of the early settlers of Hocking County, locating in the forests and clearing a farm. He sold that property, and, removing to Ewing, engaged in tlie dry-goods and grocery business, continuing in tliat until his wife died. He then sold his store and stock and removed to Champaign County, 111., where he bought a farm. He lived there two years, when his father, who had resided in Periy County, was taken ill, and he went to see him, was suddenly- attacked liy illness himself and died, while his father lived five 3'ears longer, dying in his ninetj'-ninth year, lacking l)ut four months of rounding out a century of life.

Jacob Flowers married ]\Iary Bronstetter, who was a native of Germany and was brought to this country when she was five years old. Thc}' had a famil}^ of ten children, of whom five grew to maturity and are still living: Henry, a farmer in Illinois; Thomas, also a resident of Champaign Count}', that State; Albert, who is in the gardening business in Bloomington, HI.; Eli, a resident of Washington C. H.,and our subject, who is the youngest of the family.

George II. Flowers was educated in the public schools of Illinois, whither he went with his father when a small boy. He was left an orphan at an early age, his mother dying when he was seven years old, and his father when he was ten years of age. After he had completed his education, he learned the trade of a baker at Mahomet, 111., and worked at it in that place four years. Returning then to his native State, he engaged in the bakery business at Sabina nine years. From there he came to Washington C. H. and established himself in business as baker and confectioner, in partnership with his brother Eli, under the firm name of Flowers Bros. They were together six years and then our subject bought his brother's share in the business and ran the store alone for two years. At the expiration of that time, he took Mr. Tobin into partnership and they have since been together under the firm name of Flowers <k Tobin. They have a nicely fitted up establishment, in which everything is to be found that is sold in a firstclass bakery and confectionery store and they carry a full line of cigars and tobacco. In connection with their bakery, they have a lunch counter and they do a large l)U.siness in tiie sale of ice cream, etc., besides having tastefully furnished and attractive parlors for parties and banquets and like gatiierings.

Our subject was married in August, 1877, to Miss Emma Tobin, a daughter of Henry C. Tobin,a pioneer farmer of I\yette County ,Mho is still living in Paint Township. IMr. and Mrs. Flowers are very pleasantly situated in a home where comfort, cheerfulness and true hospitality abound. Their marriage has been blessed to them by the birth of five children, as follows: Violet, fourteen years old; Roy, twelve years old; Clarence, ten years old the 12tli of INIarch, 1892; Asa, who was six years old March 8, 1892, and Albert, who was three years old November 25, 1891. Mr. Flowers remains a steadfast adherent of the religion of his fathers, and the Catholic Church finds in him a valued member and a generous contributor to its expenses. Politicallv, he is a solid Democrat. Socially, his relations are with the United Order of Red Men.

<^f NDREW REID. No matter in what busi- (@//-l I ness a man may engage, if he is industrious ii' and fair in his dealings with his fellowmen, he IS sv;re, sooner or later, to win confidence, respect and liking, and to become in time well-to-do in worldly- goods. Mr. Reid possesses these qualities, and as a consequence stands remarkably ijigh in the estimation of all who know him.

He was l>orn in Madison Township, Pickaway County, Ohio, April 16, 1831, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Reid, the father a native of the Emerald Isle, and the mother of AMrginia. The elder Reid left the land of his birth and emigrated to America when a yonng man. After reaching tliis country, he made his way to the fertile regions of Ohio, and settled in Pickaway Count}', Madison Township, where, like the average pioneer, he began housekeeping in a log cabin in a thickly timl)ered region. To his marriage were born nine children, of whom six are now living: John in Missouri; George in Madison Township, this county; James in Illinois; Andrew and Robert in Harrison Township, Pickaway' County, and Nelson in Illinois. The father of these children was one of the honest, largehearted men of the county, and was prominentljidentified with its growth and development. He held the offlce of Justice of the Peace for some time and discharged the duties incumbent on this office in a very satisfactory manner.

Our subject became thoroughly familiar with pioneer life in boyhood, and assisted his father in clearing the farm of the heavy timber with which it was covered. Hard work was his portion in early life, and has been for the most part ever since, although he is so comfortably fixed at the present time that hard work is no longer necessary. Like other pioneer children, he was educated in a log schoolhouse, very different from the fine structures of to-daj', and in this he was taught " readin', ritin' ami 'rithmetic," the three R's. Although his advantages for receiving an education were not of the l)est, he has improved his time since and is now a well-posted man on all the current topics of the day. He is a very extensive reader and is intelligent and progressive.

As his future companion m life, he selected Miss Mary A. England, who was born on the 6tli of June, 1837, and their marriage was solemnized on the 20th of April, 1854. Her parents were John and Hannah (Fate) England. The four children born to our subject and wife are as follows: James M., Francis M.; Hannah E., wife of James M. Schamerhorn, and Sarah S.

For many years INIr. Reid has been a resident of Harrison Township, Pickawa}' County, Ohio, and has lived on his present farm since 1881. He owns eighty acres of land and is a self-made man in every sense of the term. For four years he served as Trustee of Harrison Township and discharged the duties of that office in a capable and efficient manner. In politics, he is a Democrat.

Mrs. Reid's father was a native of Marjdand and her mother of Perry County, Ohio. About 1853, the}' moved to Hocking County, Ohio, and later to Pickawa}' County, of that State, settling in Madison Township. The father subsequently died in Franklin Connty, Ohio, Januaiy, 1892, and was then in his ninety-second year. The mother passed away in Pickaw.ay County, Ohio, about 1873. ]\Ir. England had been twice married, and of his children the following survive: Isaac; Catherine, wife of James Shannon; INIrs. Reid; Harriet, Mrs. Northington, a widow; William, Wesley, David, and Samantha, wife of Robert Smith. jNIr. England was a member of the IMethodist Episcopal Church, as was also his wife, and both were well known throughout the county as honored and respected citizens.

R. EDGAR F. COLLINS,,a practicing physician and surgeon of Mt. Sterling, is a native of this State. He was born in Highland Countj^ August 29, 1850, and is a sou of George W. Collins, a native of Maryland. He was a carpenter by trade, and when our subject was about two years old removed to Clinton Count}', Ind. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Patton, was a native of Paris, Ky., and her father held an otilce under President Jackson. She was a relative of the Todds and Edgars, of that State, being a second cousin of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. Mr. and Mrs. Collins spent two years in Clinton Count}', Ind., and then returned to South Salem, Ross County, where the father died in 1858. The mother was left with nothing but a little home and two acres of land, but she managed to keep her family together and provide for their support.

Our subject was the third of four children. He was only seven years of age when his father died, and in 1861, at the age of eleven, he began carrying the mail between South Salem and Lyndon Station, making daily trips on foot. That work he continued for six years and at the same time attended South Salem Academ}^ After four 3'ears spent at that school, he began teaching, which profession he followed for nine years, and worked on a farm during the harvest season. He began reading medicine under Dr. A. J. Strain, of London, Ohio. At the age of twenty-five, he entered the

Doctor's ofKce. where he continued his studies for a year and a half. He then entered the Starling IMedical College of Columbus, where he took a course of lectures, and then secured a position as attendant in an insane asylum, where at tiie same time he continued his studies. After comi)leting the course, he was graduated, in the spring of 1879, and located in Stark County, Ohio, wliere he engaged in practice for three jears.

During that period, Dr. Collins was married, June 15, 1882, to IMiss Edith Baker, of London, who was born in that place, and is a daughter of Nelson and Elizabeth (Starks) Baker. Two children have been born unto them: Inez, who was born in Mt. Sterling, March 15, 1887; andTodd, born July 2, 1891.

The Doctor continued to i)ractice in lAIinerva, Stark County, until the fall of 1883, and met with excellent success, but his wife's health failed and be removed to Newport, Madison County, where he spent a year and a half. He then came to Mt. Sterling, where he has resided since 1885. He now has a good practice and his patronage is constantly increasing. He is a member of the Madison County Medical Society and ranks high among his professional brethren. In politics, he is a Republican, and in former years took an active part in political affairs, but OAving to his increased practice does not now have the time to devote to it. He served as Township Clerk while living in Newport and is Health OHicer in Mt. Sterling. He is still a student of his profession, and is a well-informed man.

<jy^D E. COCKERILL. This gentleman, who 1^] started out in life without mone}- or influ- /J' - ^- ence, has by the exercise of fine executive ability succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competency. He is universally known throughout this vicinity as a progressive and wide-awake farmer, who is at present residing in Perry Township, Fayette County.

Our subject is the third son of Thomas G. and Sylvitha (Cochran) Cockerill, residents of the above-named township. He was born January 22, 1837, in this township and is, therefore, greatly in- terested in all measures that pertain to its welfare, lie was reared on his father's farm and, like other pioneer youths, attended the school of his district. On starting out in life for himself, which he did at the age of t\vent3'-one, Mr. Cockerill chose the occupation of a farmer, of which calling he has made so signal a success.

October 11, 1859, Miss Ilerrissa, daughter of George Bincgar, became the wife of our subject. Mr. Bincgar, who is now deceased, was one of the early settlers in Perry Township, where he was held in high esteem. Mrs. Cockerill was born in 1841, and by her union with our subject have been born eleven children, nine of whom are living. Their names areas follows: Dennis C.,Eldridge C, l)oth deceased; Minnie A., Albert G., Cari'ie P., Orville P., Melvin L., Mary Almedia, Harry G., Rellie, and Willard. Minnie A. married Eugene Ilorney, lives in Dayton and has three children; Albert G. is married to Miss Naomi Marks, has two children and lives near the old homestead. Mr. Cockerill rented a farm until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in defense of his country's honor, and joined Company I, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio National Guards, and was mustered into service at Camp Dennison. With his company he was sent to Cynthiana, Ky., where they were captured by Gen. Morgan's force. Being paroled the succeeding day, the company was sent to Cincinnati and thence home. Mr. Cockerill, however, did guard duty at Lytle Barracks until the expiration of his term of enlistment, receiving his honorable discharge in September, 1864.

On returning from the army, our subject was engaged on his father's farm until 1865, when he removed to Madison County, Iowa. After a sta> there of eighteen months, he settled on a farm in Benton County, Mo., remaining there for a period of eight years, when he again returned to Fayette County. Mr. Cockerill purchased his present place in 1881; it comprises one hundred and fifty-six acres, upon which he has placed the best of improvements, lie carries on general farming and by a proper rotation of crops reaps a handsome income.

Mr. and Mrs, Cockerill are united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which society they are active workers, our subject being Superintendent of the Sunda3--school. Socially, he is a member of the Indei)endent Order of Odd Fellows at Martinsburgh, and has filled all the Chairs of that body. The Republican party claims him as one of its influential members as he always casts his vote in favor of its candidates. He has been Trustee of Perry Township and at the present time (1892) is a candidate for County Commissioner. Both ]Mr. and Mrs. Cockerill are greatly esteemed in their community as honest, upright people, and we are [)leased to be able to here present their sketch.

F. SCIILEYER, coal dealer, Circleville, Ohio. Circleville and vicinity are conspicuous for the Germans, who predominate, and their supei'ior methods in business are evident in the success they have achieved. Our subject is one of the large number of that nationality who have become prominent in their different callings, and he is now one of the substantial and successful coal dealers in Circleville.

He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 16th of Ma}^, 1822, and his father, George Schleyer, was also a native of the Fatherland, born in 1798. Grandfather Casper Schleyer was born in Germany, and was a contractor of stone work on the pikes. He died in his native countr}'. The father of our subject was also a contractor of stone work until the last years of his life, when he was engaged in farming. On the 1st of May, 1831, he left his native land for America, taking passage with his wife and two children from Havre, France, in a sailing-vessel, and was sixt3'-six daj^s on the ocean. The}' landed in New York city, and from there went to Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio, and remained there until the spring of 1832, when the}' located in Chillicothe, Ohio. There the father resided until his death in 1865. He was a Lutheran in his religious views, and a AVhig in politics. His wife, whose name was formerl}' Rosena Guuther, was born in Germany, and was the daughter of Matthew G anther, who was a weaver by trade, and who died in his native country, Germany. The mother of our subject received her final summons in Chillicothe. Of the nine cliildren born to this couple, only four are now living. One son, Charles, was in an Ohio regiment as Captain of his company during the Civil AVar, and served until the close of hostilities. He then located at Sabina, Clinton County, Ohio, and was killed by lightning.

J. F. Schleyer, the eldest of thealiove-mentioned children, attended the schools of his native country from the age of six years until he came with his parents to America. He attended school very little after reaching the States, for his parents were l)Oor and he was obliged to assist in getting a livelihood. He first engaged in sawing wood, and afterwards worked at different occui)ations until seventeen years of age. At the last-mentioned age, lie began learning the moulder's trade, and served an apprenticeship of three 3'ears with a Mr. Collins. He afterwards worked for this gentleman for one year, and then was with West & Collins for five years. Subsequently, he was head workman for Mr. Welch, remained with that gentleman ten years, and during that time cast thousands of mouldings.

In 1859, he bought a farm in Ross County, Ohio, and after tilling the soil for four years, concluded to move where his children could liave better educational facilities. In 1863, he located in Circleville, and, in partnership with Peter Schneider, started the wood and coal liusiness in this place. In this he has been very successful, and is now the owner of considerable propert}^ in the cit}'. He continued in partnership with Mr. Schneider for six years, when he bought his partner out, and then built a brick grocery store at the corner of Canal and Mounds Streets. This he conducted under the title of J. F. Schleyer & Son, his son William being in partnership with him, for about five years. He is one of the steady, industrious, business men of the city, and the oldest coal dealer in business here. His coal yards cover two blocks.

her parents in 1810, and settled with them in Chillicothe, Ohio. Mr. and Airs. Schleyer are the l)arents of five children, who are in the order of their birth as follows: William resides in Columbus, a real-estate man and ex-County Sheriff; Ileniy, a tinner by trade, resides in Circleville, and is in the coal business with his father; .John, Prosecuting Attorne}'; Fred, clerk in a dry-goods store; and Gustavus A., Assistant Cashier in the Second National P>ank. For years Mr. Schleyer has been a member of the Lutheran Church, assisted in building the church in this city, and is at the present time one of the Trustees. In jjolitics, he is a Democrat.

WIOHN A. SIMMERMAN, a prominent merchant of South Solon, was born in Stokes Township, .January 18, 1853. He is a son of Alexander and Sarah (Moon) Simmerman, the father, who was a farmer, still residing in Stokes Township, this county. John A. grew to manhood on the old homestead, and received a fair education in the schools of his district. When choosing an occupation for himself, he learned tiie carpenter's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years. He received seventy-five cents a day as wages for his first six months' work, which was then raised to $1 a day, and the last year to $2.50.

At the expiration of the four years above mentioned, Mr. Simmerman engaged to clerk for a Mr. Hayes in a general store at South Solon. Remaining with him but a short time, however, he opened up a small stock of goods In partnership with his father, the connection lasting until 1879, when our subject purchased the entire business, which he has managed successful!}'^ since that time. He is the proprietor of a store, which is stocked with a full supply of general merchandise, and in addition to that property owns a comfortable residence in the cit}'.

and was the daughter of Isaac and Mai\y (Brown) Shingledecker, both of whom are now deceased. To our subject and his wife have been born one child, Gail, who was born in South Solon, September 15, 1878. In his political relations, our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Samuel .1. Tilden. Although not a politician, he has represented his party as a delegate to various State and congressional conventions. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow, and in all points is looked upon as one of the prominent and progressive citizens of the county.

^^EORGE WOOD. One of the most pleasant fij ^^ homes for miles around is that which is to ^^^ be found in Deer Creek Township, Pickaway County, a view of which is shown elsewhere in this volume. It is tastily furnished, and its inmates are surrounded by every refinement and comfort which their culture enables them to enjoy. The landed estate of Mr. Wood comprises about fifteen hundred acres of highly cultivated land, upon which may be found the embellishments of all first-class farms, and such improvements as indicate the owner to be a man of energy of character and perseverence.

Born in Franklin County, Ohio, Mr. Wood is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Kamsey) Wood, natives of the Old Dominion. The father served in the War of 1812, being a noted scout and spy, well known for his skill and daring, and his unerring marksmanship with the rifle. About the beginning of the present century, he removed to Kentucky, and some years later came to Ohio. He and his good wife became the parents of five children, of whom the only survivors are Lewis C, who resides in Colorado; and George, who was the third in order of birth.

When but a child, our subject was orphaned by the death of his parents, after which he was adopted by a bachelor uncle, George AVood, with whom he remained at Chillicothe, Ohio, until he attained his majority. In the year 1840, he accepted the position of clerk in a dry-goods establishment at Chillicothe, and remained for four years thus engaged. At the expiration of this time, he came to Pickaway Count}-, and embarked in the cattle business and general farmiuir.

April 8, 1852, Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Miss Hannah I., daughter of Hezekiah Ingham, a native of Bucks County, Pa. They became the parents of six children, only two of whom are living, William L, and Mary M. The political belief of Mr. Wood accords with the principles of the Democratic part}^, to which he adheres. In his religious convictions, he is in sympathy' with the doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, and is a man of genial and kindly nature, ever willing to extend his assistance to measures of public interest or private charity.

Prior to his retirement from active farming operations, Mr. Wood was one of the most progressive agriculturists, as well as the most extensive stock-raiser, in Pickaway County. Some years since, he retired from business, and his son, William I., has entire supervision of the estate with all its interests. However, he still finds sufHcient to occupy his attention, in the varied enterprises in which he is concerned. His geniality has won him a large circle of friends, and he maintains the respect of all his fellow-citizens.

\I]SAAC F. BARGER. The agriculturists of j Greene Township, Fayette County, have among /li their number many whose intelligence, activity and enterprise are a credit alike to themselves and the county in which they make their home. These help to give Fayette County- a standing for productiveness and business ability which enriches eveiy farmer within its bounds.

Mr. Barger, who resides on section 3,984 of the above-named township, is the son of John Barger, who was bcrn September 10, 1810, a native of this county. His grandfather, Philip Barger, was of German descent, emigrating to this county at an early day from Virginia, settling in Ohio in 1785, long beTore that then Territory was admitted into the Union. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Elizabeth Pave}^, a native of Kentucky, and the daugliter of Isaac Pavey, who hailed from the Old Dominion, ller father, after residing for a time in Kentucky, came to Highland County, this State, sometime in 1790. He was a minister of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, and established a place of worshii) at Pleasant Hill. He met his death by being thrown from a horse manj' years ago. INIiss Elizabeth Pavey was born December 24, 1799, and met and married the father of our subject in Highland County, this State, the ceremony being performed July 4, 1832.

The parents of our subject soon after their marriage located upon the tract which is the present home of Isaac F., and where the father erected a log shanty, 12x14 feet in dimensions, and set about industriously the work of clearing and improving his iturchase. Here they passed their last days, Mr. Barger dying May 28, 1877, being killed by a team of horses, and his good wife March 18, 1879. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of him of Avhom we write. The elder Mr. Barger left an estate at Ills death of seven hundred acres, almost all of which was under cultivation. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which denomination the father held the position of Class-leader for manj' 3'ears. He was very prominent in agricultural circles, where his word was considered as good as his bond.

The original of this sketch vvas born September 18, 1840, on the farm where he is residing at the present time. His primary studies were conducted in the common schools of that period, and were later sui)plemented by an attendance at Oberlin College and at Greenfield, this State. He remained under the parental roof until attaining his twent}'- fourth year, when he was married, October 25, 1864, to Isabel A., daughter of Samuel and Rosana (Willthong) Pavey, the father a native of Highland County, and the mother of Ross County, this State. Her grandparents on the paternal side were Jesse and Sallie (Stafford) Pavey, the former having been born Januar}' 14, 1814. The parents of Mrs. Barger were married in 1833. soon after which event they located in Highland County,

Mrs. Harger was born January 2, 1846, in Highland County, where she was given a good education in the common schools. After her marriage with our subject, they made tlieir home for a time on the old homestead of Jolm iJaiger. Later, however, our subject's father presented him with a farm valued at -^7,000, and upon the death of the latter he came into possession of the home farm. His landed estate now comprises nine hundred and sixty-nine acres, which bear all the latest improvements in the way of buildings and machinery. His present handsome residence was erected in 1880, at a cost of ^7,500, and is the finest in the township. His elegant barn, 48x70 feet in dimensions, was built in 1887, and is sup[)lied with all modern conveniences in the wa}' of ijroviding for his stock. His granary is 32x24 feet in size, and a barn which shelters twelve cows is 24x34 feet. His estate is thoroughly drained, having seventeen miles of tiling, one-third of which our subject caused to be laid. He carries on general farming, giving considerable attention to raising fine breeds of hogs and cattle, of which he has some fine specimens.

Mr. and Mrs. Barger have been granted a family of four children: John W., born March 6, 1868, married Ida Kratzer, and resides in Leesburgh, being Assistant Cashier of the Leesburgh Bank; Harry (}. was born December 18, 1871; Leroy T., June 7, 1880, and Elizal)eth Chloe, September 6, 1882. They are all being given good educations. Harry (^. attended the Portsmouth Military School for six months, and is now a student of the Ohio Wesleyan I'niversity. Mr. and Mrs. Barger are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which society our subject has been an active worker, serving in the capacity of Trustee, Steward and Class-leader. At the present time, he is Superintendent of the Sunday-school Avhere his son John W. is Secretary and his wife a teacher. The latter is connected with the Woman's P\)reign and Home Missionary Society, and is a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. He of whom we write has served on the School Board of his district, and in politics votes the Prohibition ticket. He has been Township Trustee and was elected Justice of the Peace, but refused to qualif,y. The family have an extended circle of acquaintan,ces in this section, where they are admired for their intelligence and uprightness of life.

ON. NP:LS0N J. TURNEY was one of the most jM'ominent citizens that Pickaway County has ever known. The part which he lias played in its development well entitles him to honorable mention in its history. He was born in Circleville, November 7, 1820, and died at his home in this city, March 4, 1883. He is a direct descendant of Daniel Turnej', a Erench Huguenot, who, with his brothers, Peter and Adam, was driven from Erance in the latter part of the seventeenth centur}- by papal persecution. They landed in Philadelphia in 1668. Henry Turney, son of David, was the grandfather of our subject. He removed to Shepherdstown, Jefferson Count}-, Va., where he married Miss Embly. of German descent. They had six children, all of whom died young, with the exception of Daniel, father of Nelson, who was born in Shepherdstown August 15, 1786. The father, Henry, removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, about 1800, and followed the occupation of a potter. His death occurred in 1812.

Dr. Daniel Turney was graduated from the Medical College of Philadelphia and began the practice of his profession in Jefferson, Ohio, in 1806. He was mnrried, November 5, 1816, to Jane Sirling, daughter of Gen. James Denny. They had four children, Henr}', Nelson, Isabella and Samuel, all now deceased. Gen. Denny was one of the most prominent pioneers of the Northwestern Territory. He was born in Chester County, Pa., September 11, 1767, and was in the War of 1812. Hewns married to Isabel Barr, of Wheeling, W. Va., in 1797, and in a keel boat removed to Marietta, Ohio, long before the era of steam navigation. In Marietta, his daughter,Mrs. Turney, was born April 11,1798. Gen. Denny moved to Chillicothe in 1799 and came to Pickaway Count}^ in 1807. He was a Government Surveyor and owned the Eredonia newspaper, the first newspaper published in Pickaway County. In 1813, he was Clerk of the Courts of tliis county. He entered the United States' service in the war Avith Great Britain as Major and rose to the rank of Major-General. He died in Philadelphia November 23, 1815. Eew men of his time filled a more honorable position in Ohio than did Gen. Denny.

The Huguenot emigrants to America contributed more, in proportion to their number, to the culture and prosperity of their adopted country than any other nation, and of his ancestry' Mr. Turney of this sketch may well be proud. No less than thi-ee of the seven Presidents of the Philadelphia Convention during the Revolutionary War were of Huguenot parentage. The members of the Turney family became prominent in their various lines of business. Dr. Turnej' showed the superiority of the race in the skill, intelligence and energy with which he practiced his profession. He was a Surgeon in the War of 1812 and rapidly attained eminence. His distinguishing characteristics were firmness and courage, qualifications indispensable to the successful surgeon. To these he added remarkable energy and great love for his profession, and his skill and nbility were widely recognized. He won a foremost rank among his professional brethren of the State, and his death, in 1827, was considered an irreparable loss to the community as well as to his fainily,which consisted of wife and four children, the eldest of whom was only ten years of age at the time of the father's death. One son, Dr. Samuel D., who died in 1878, was an eminent man in his profession and served with distinction as a Surgeon and Medical Director during the Rebellion, being breveted for his meritorious conduct. He was also Surgeon General of Ohio under Gov. Hayes, and was a prominent and popular member of the faculty of Columbus Medical College.

Nelson J. Turnej^, whose name heads this sketch, was educated in the public schools and in Dr. Washburn's Academy in Eranklin County. He was thrown upon his own resources when fifteen years of age and w\as employed as clerk in the Columbus postoffice under Belah Latham, an intimate friend of his father, and the father of the Hon. ^Milton S. Latham, a millionaire in California, lii 1837, he entered the house of Fay Kilbourne cV- Co.. of Columbus, where he remained until 1840, when, with his mother and her family, he returned to his native town. lie was employed by II. iV W. Bell until appointed by the Board of Public Works as Collector of Tolls for the Ohio it Erie Canal at Circleville, holding the position until superseded at the time of a change in the political administration of this country. In 1843, he entered the employ of the celebrated firm of Neil, INIoore tV- Co., the extensive and widely-known stage-coach proprietors. That was the day of stages. The coach wheeled through the village streets, its bugle awakening the echoes of the night, causing the inhabitants to start forth with more intei-est than a railway train ever occasions. While Mr. Turuey was in the emplo}' of the stage company, a difficult}' occurred with a Missouri company and he was forthwith dispatched to Missouri with a full equipment of coaches and horses to run an opposition line in tliat State and bring the Western company to a realizing sense of their temerity' in assuming to run counter to the will of the more i)Owerful Ohio corporation. This prompt action of the Ohio company brought the Missouri company to terms when i\Ir. Turney had only reached Indianapolis, and he was at once ordered North with his outfit and distributed the horses and coaches along the Lake shore between Sandusky and Detroit. He established headquarters in Toledo and remained in charge until the spring of 1844, when he returned to Columbus. The following year, he removed to Philadelphia and si)ent about a year in the wholesale dry-goods house of Miller, Cooper S: Co., after which he returned to the Buckeye State.

About that time, Mr. Turney married Miss Dorothy, daughter of George Renick, of Chillicothe. He embarked in the mercantile businesson hisown account in Circleville and afterward sold out and went to Chillicothe. In 1850, he was again in Pickaway Country and engaged in farming and stock-raising on an extensive scale. Twenty years after, with the intention of retiring from business, he sold his farm and removed to Circleville and there built a beautiful and commodious residence, which is still the home of his widow. He took a deep interest in agriculture tor many years and tried to secure a higher standard of excellence in farm management. He was an active member of the County Agricultural, Society from its organiization and served for many years as its President. He was a |)rominent member of the State Board of Agriculture from 18(;2 until 1870, and was President of the Board from 18(52 until 1863. He was much interested in the turnpike syslem and built the Circleville Pike to Darbyville. He was Superintendent of the building of the Masonic Tem|)le and was Chairman of the committee on arrangements on the occasion of its dedication, June 2, 1879, an event long to be remembered.

Few citizens of Ohio received a higher degree of respect and confidence than Mr. Turne}-. He ever discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He was appointed a member of the military committee of his county by the Governor in 1864, and performed his work in the most devoted and self-sacrificing wa}'. lie was active in providing for and raising and equipping troops, and otherwise aided in sustaining the State in the dark days of the Civil War. He never received any compensation for his public services, but did all for the love of thecause. In 1859 he declined a nomination for the Legislature. In 1868, he was the Republican candidate for Congress, but the Democratic majority was too great to be overcome. In 1872, he was a delegate to the Re})ul)lican national convention in Philadelphia, which nominated (ien. Grant for a second term. In 1871, he was selected by the Secretary of the Interior to go as a special agent to investigate the business of the Indian agencies of the Upper Missouri River. In the fall of the same year, in comi)any with liie Hon. B. R. Cowan, Assistant Secretary of the Interior, and Col. J. J. Woods, of Kansas, he ai)praised the Cherokee lands in the Indian Territory-. The following year, he visited Sitting Bull's tribe, and, after three months spent in I\Iontana among the savages, without an escort or protection, he led away three thousand of Sitting Bull's warriors and brought about thirty of (he most influential of his chiefs to Washington, D. C. He did othei- service in this line, all of which v/as most ably performed. In

1871, Mr. Turney was appointed by President Grant a member of the celebrated Brotherhood of Indian Commissioners, composed of men noted for their philanthropy, and did much to aid in the reform in the Indian service. He continued a member of the board until failing health compelled him to retire in 1875.

Mr. Turney was appointed b}' Grov. Ha3es as Trustee of the Cincinnati Asylum for the Insane. On account of his well-recognized business capacity and integrity, he was chosen assignee in the bankruptcy of Lemuel Steele's estate, one of the largest in the Scioto Valley. Unassuming in manner, he was undemonstrative in the expression of his opinions, but none the less firm in ])is convictions and unswerving in their support and advocacy. He was brave and generous to a fault, and was not bigoted or puritanical in his creed. No one doubted his integrity, and the sobriquet of "Old Honesty, "which was conferred upon him by his associate members in the State Board of Agriculture, was well deserved. In his life were made evident the best traits of his Huguenot ancestry. Honors were conferred upon him because of his worth, and he became prominent because his ability entitled him to high rank.

EV. J. P. A. DICKEY. Although born m the neighboring county of Ross, Mr. Dickeyhas spent the greater portion of his active life in Fayette County, and since May, 1888, has resided in Washington C. H. For thirtyfive 3^ears or more, he has been closely identified with the history of the county, and doubtless no citizen has accomplished larger results in the way of advancing the religious and moral status of his community. During almost the entire period of his residence in this county, he has served as Justice of the Peace, and has also occupied other positions of trust and responsibility.

In 1867, Mr. Dickey was licensed to preach in the Presbyterian Church, since which time he has filled different charges, among them the pastorates at Bainbridge, Wilkesville, McArthur and llamden, and at present is the minister in the last-named church. Through careful stud}^, he has become well versed in Biblical lore and his deep earnestness and broad knowledge admirably qualify him for the laborious work of a preacher. Prior to his removal to Washington C. IL, he made his home in Bloomingburgh, and still owns property in that village and a farm four miles distant.

Born May 4, 1828, our subject is the son of Alexander and Jane (Henry) Dickey, natives of South Carolina. Removing from their native State, they resided for a time in Tennessee, thence removed to Kentucky, whence, after a short sojourn, they came to Ohio. Grandfather Dickey was the owner of a large plantation in South Carolina, which Lord Cornwallis used for a camp during the Revolution. Our subject gained the rudiments of his education in the district schools of Ross County, and later attended Salem Academy. His schooling finished, he commenced to farm, and removing to the northern part of Fayette County in 1857, followed agricultural- pursuits.

July 31, 1852, Mr. Dickey was married to Miss Hannah C, daughter of Col. Peterson, of Frankfort, Ross County, and the>' became the parents of seven children, as follows: Edith Eliza, who died in Delaware November 6, 1882, and Hattie Ma}-, who died in Delaware, November 26, 1882; Elizabeth J., whose death occurred August 23, 1878; one who died in infancy; Martin Luther, who is a farmer residing on the farm in the northern part of the county; Lieut.-Col. J. L., of West Point, Aide-de-Canip to the Governor of Iowa, and now Professor of Tactics in Griswold (Iowa) College; and Nellie J., wife of Charles Sturgeon, of Washington C. H. The two daughters, Edith and Hattie, were lovel}^ young ladies and were students in college at Delaware, Edith having almost finished the classical course of the Class of '83, when they were stricken with typhoid fever and died within twenty da3-s of each other. Hattie was of the Class of '85.

Mr. Dickey is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted August 15, 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. With the Thirteenth Army Corps, he marched to the South, took an active part in the siege of Vicks- burgh, and was discharged at Young's Point, in 1863, on account of general disabilit3\ He then resumed farming operations, but soon entered the mercantile business, which he continued until he was licensed to preach. It has ever been his aim to help his neighbors and friends with good counsel and substantial assistance, when it was possible, and it is safe to say that he is highly esteemed by everyone with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

One of the most interesting men in Washington C. H. is Kev. J. P. A. Dickey, J. P., supply of the Hamden Presbyterian Church of Vinton County, and who is called bj' his brethren in the Presbyter}- "The Bishop of Vinton County." The story of his life, as I heard it from his own lips, is decidedly unique in the ministerial annals of Presbyterianism. He is of South Carolina ancestry, and carries in his pocket a silver half-dollar Avliose date reminds him of the year of his birth, 1828. He says his father was very poor, and could only give him a long name, John Parsons Alexander, and as he has been a Justice of the Peace for thirty-five years, he has fairly ]Hirchased the degree, J. P., which he adds to his name. He became a member of the Presbyterian Church at tlie age of twelve years. He always wanted to pieach, and used to stand on the fence back of the smokehouse and preach to the sheep, which, he sa^'S, used to listen with as much interest and attention as the people do now.

Brother Dickey took his academic education at Salem Academy, but never went to college or a theological seminary. He says he is "a self-made man, and a little proud of the job." He served in the army during the Rebellion, and at its close was ordained to the ministry. His first field of service was in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bainbridge, Ohio, for one year. He next supplied the I'iketon Presbyterian Church, in connection with Waverl}'-, Avhere he built a church. After six months' service in the field, he supplied the church at Mt. Sterling a few months. Thence he went to Carthage, Athens County, where he was one year, then to Wilkesville, where he built anotlier church. He remained here as supply for five years, and then went to Hamden, where he has now been four years. He also supplied McArthur for six months, where he also built a church. He has occasionally had a little help from the Board of Home Missions, but for the most jxart has chiefly supported himself.

He is highly respected by the whole community, is heard with pleasure in the Washington C. H. pulpits, and "dispenses justice" fully as much to the satisfaction of the people as did John Calvin liimself, to whose picture 'Squire Dickey bears a striking resemblance. He does not wield the sword in vain, and is "a terror to evil-doers." 'Squire Dickey has never been to the (General Assembly, because, he says, "the brethren always want to visit their relatives in the various cities, and I vote for them. But it is understood I am to go vviien the Assembly meets in Denver, as I want to see Pike's Peak." He has not taken a Presbyterian Church paper for twenty-five years, so that his vigorous views on Briggsism cannot be charged to the influence of the religious press, which a speaker at the Detroit Assembl}' held responsible for the whole trouble. However, as a subscriber to the Pkkskv- TEKi.w Bannkr from this on, he will be able to note more accurately the progress of the con trovers}'.

NDKEW CARY. Upon a beautiful and well-im|)roved farm in Darby Township, (t Madison County, is situated the home of Mr. Car}'. This handsome farm house' surrounded, as it is, by fine improvements and excellent buildings, is situated two and one-half miles east of Plain City. Mr. Cary vvas born in Canaan Township, this county, January 21, 1837, and is the son of Solomon Cary, who was born in 1809, in Madison County, and was there reared. His father, Abijah Cary, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came with his father, Luther Cary, to Ohio in 1790, and settled on Darby Creek in Canaan Township. There he died at the age of seventy three years. Luther Cary's father, John Cary, came from Ireland.

The mother of our subject was known in maidenhood as Anna Millikin, and was a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio with her parents, James and Elizabetli Millikin, when she was about sixteen years of age. It was in Canaan Township, Madison County, that she was united in marriage with Solomon Cary, in October, 1835, and they located on a farm there. It was not until 1856 that they moved into Darby Township, where they remained upon a farm until 1877, when the}' moved to Plain City. Here the}" spent tlie remainder of tlieir days, and both died at the age of seventy-three. They lie hui'ied side b}" side in the old Plain Cit}' cemetery. Of their three children, the two sons are living, and the daughter died at the age of nine years.

Our subject was the eldest child in his father's family, and his brother John, who now resides in Plain City, was born October 28, 1840. Mr. Carj^'s first schooling was in Darby and Canaan Townships, this county, and he afterward studied in Plain City. He remained with his father until he reached the age of majority, assisting him upon the farm, and was married October 7, 1858, to Flora E. Purnliam, a native of Ohio, who was born near Rosedale. Immediateh' after marriage, the young couple made their home upon the farm where they now reside, a place upon which but scant improvement had been placed, and of which onl}' about forty acres had been cleared. Upon this place were born their four sons and two daughters: Annie is now the wife of James B. Smith, of Monroe Township, Madison County; Henry is a farmer in Darby Township; Nettie E. is the wife of J. (I. Holycross, a farmer of Darby Township; and Rodney, Burnham and Frank P. reside at home.

Mr. Cary has six hundred and eightj'-two acres of land in Darby Township, and across the line in Franklin Count}-. His home farm consists of four hundred and fifty-seven and one-half acres, and his other place comprises two hundred and twenty-four and one-half acres. There was a dense forest upon his property in Darby Township, and with his own right arm he cleared most of this land. He has placed as much as seven miles of tiling in the farm, beside the main outlets. He has lieen successful in carrying on a general line of farming, and has his place in an excellent state of cultivation. He has helped to make most of the pike roads in the county, and in various ways has helped forward matters of public interest. For many years he was School Director, and has been prominent as Trustee of the township of Darby. His political views are in accordance with the doctrines of the Democratic party, but he is in no sense a politician. Upon his farm he at one time made a specialty of raising fine stock, devoting himself particularly to Short-horn cattle, and Shropshire sheep, but his main business has been in the line of general farming.

ON. WESLEY WORK, who has done cons])icuous public service and is influential in all things pertaining to the welfare of the -^ community with which he has been so long and closely identified, is a man of wide experience and of more than ordinary ability as a farmer and stockman who stands among the foremost representatives of the agricultural interests of Pickaway County, the farm on which he makes his home in Monroe Township being one of the best in its appointments and in the manner of its management in this part of the State.

Our subject was born March 28, 1829, on the shores of Clear Creek, in Fairfield County. Joseph Work, his father, was born in Kishekockley Valley, northwest of Harrisburg, Pa., of which his father, David Work, was one of the first pioneer settlers. He was of Irish birth, and had come to this country after the Revolution. At first, he lived near Harrisburg, Pa., and carried on his occupation as a farmer. He finally came to Ohio with his family in a wagon, and was an early settler of Fairfield County, where but few pioneers had preceded him, and there he spent his remaining days. He left a wife, who lived to be an old lady, and seven children, of whom the following are the names: Joseph, John, Henry, David, Robert, Elizabeth (Mrs. Carey), and Nancy (Mrs. Watson). Henry and David were tanners, and were among the early settlers of Ft. Wayne, Ind. Robert also located near that town on a farm, and became eminent in the public life of the county, which he represented in the State Legislature one term, and he was also Probate Judge.

Joseph Work, the father of our subject, was a farmer and owned a quarter-section of fine land on Clear Creek, in Fairfield County, where he lived manv vears. He finallv removed to Hock- ing Tovvnsliip, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of landed property. He was a hard worker, and was possessed of great mechanical genius, and besides attending to his farming interests, made plows and did some cabinet-work. He dealt in stock extensively, often buying cattle and driving them to Philadeli)hia, where he secured a good market for them. In him the Methodist Church had one of its most earnest and useful members. Politically, he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, and then he joined that. He was a well-known figure in the militar}- circles of Fairfield County as Captain of a company of citizen-soldiers.

The mother of our subject was Ann Harrison in her maiden daj's, and she was a native of Winchester, Va., whence she came to Ohio with her parents in the early j^ears of the settlement of this State, She w^as the mother of these eight children: Mary (Mrs. Geiseman), Martha (Mrs. Walker), John, Silas, William, Wesley, Margaret (Mrs. Schleich) and James. The mother was a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Church.

The subject of this biography passed his boyhood on his father's farm, working on it iu the summer time as soon as large enough, and attending school winters in the primitive log house of pioneer times, furnished rudely with slab benches, and conducted under the rate-bill sj'stem. At the age of seventeen, our subject crossed the mountains on his waj" to Philadelphia, five hundred miles distant, with a drove of one hundred cattle, which was quite a responsible task for one so young. He continued as a drover until 1857, making his headquarters one 3ear in Philadelphia, and driving cattle from there to New York. At the age of nineteen, his father gave him an interest in the stock business and he began life on his own account. In the year 1857, he located at Ashville, this cDunty, and engaged in feedinghogs at the distillery for the ensuing two years. His next venture was to buy a distillery, which he operated until 1864, when he sold it and bought seven hundred and fifteen acres of land here. He has disposed of a part of that tract, and now has five hundred and thirty-five acres of fine farming land, nearly all of which is improved, and nearly all the iinj^rovements are the work of his own hand; neat fences have been put up to divide the land into convenient fields, wiiich are well drained and highly cultivated, and substantial buildings for every needed i)urpose adorn the place, including a handsome and commodious brick residence that was built in 1867-68.