Springfield Township (part 33 of 69)

Beard farm, in Miami County, and as a baby was rocked in a sugar trough, hewn from a log. His mother spun the cloth for his clothes until he reached the age of twenty years, and he now treasures among his possessions the old family spinning wheel. He was five years old when his parents moved to near Miami City, and there he grew to maturity, attending the district schools in his younger days. After his marriage, at the age of twenty-seven years, he moved on a farm he had bought in Pike Township, Clark County, from Thomas Meranda. He resided there for eighteen years, laboring hard to establish himself well in a business way, and at the end of that time was enable to buy a tract of 118 acres from the McCagey heirs, which is a part of the farm on which he now lives. He met with success and added to his possessions, until he now ranks among the afiluent citizens of the community. With the exception of the sum of $2,000 which he inherited, and $800 which his wife inherited, what he has was made through their individual efforts. He has retired from the active management of the farm, which is now operated by his son-in-law, Jacob Davis.

Mr. Crawmer was united in marriage September 30, 1875, with Miss Ella Weaver, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Ann (Levina) Weaver. She died in 1902, at the age of forty-two years, and is survived by three children, namely: Iva Belle, who was married October 4, 1906, to Jacob Davis, son of Jacob Davis, Sr. ; Ona, who was married May 27, 1902, to Harry Hunder, a son of Lewis Hunder, and lives in Clark County ; and Alta, who lives at home with her father. Mr.

JACOB MITZEL, a well-known citizen of German Township, who owns a valuable farm of 118 acres, which is situated just west of Tremont, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1831, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Fliuehbaugh) Mitzel.

Jacob Mitzel was reared on his father 's farm in York Cority, where he remained until he was eighteen years of age, when he learned several trades - brick-laying, stone-laying and coopering. In the fall of 1852, he came to Ohio and worked at his various trades for two years and then went to Moorefield Township and engaged for a short time in farming. He was working as a brick-layer when he was married, June 12, 1860, to Elenora Neff, who is a daughter of Adam and Margaret (Turman) Neff. Adam Neff was born at New Market, Shenandoah County, Virginia, and was a son of Abraham Neff, who was an early settler in German Township, Clark County, where he acquired a large body of land. Adam Neff married Margaret Turman, in Clark County. She was born in this section and was a daughter of Isaac Turman, who was a native of New England, who was first a ],ioueer in Kentucky and later in Clark County, Ohio. The mother of Mrs. Mitzel died when she was an infant, leaving two children, Mrs. Mitzel and a son, Turman. They were reared from infancy by a stepmother, their father having married Mary Neff.

]\rrs. Mitzel located ou a farm which had been settled by her grandfather and inherited by her father. It formerly contained 126^2 acres, but Adam Neff gave six acres as a site for the German Reformed Church and cemetery and the D. T. & I. Railroad took four and a half additional acres. Adam Neff owned three farms, one of which he sold, one, just south of Tremont, he gave to his son Turman Neff, and the third he gave to Mrs. Mitzel. Mr. Mitzel has made many improvements on the place, where he has carried on general farming, but ever since 1860 he has also done more or less work at his trades and can point to many substantial buildings, including the Reformed Chui'ch, as proofs of his skill and industry.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitzel have had four children, namely: Arvilla, who died aged seventeen years; Laura, who married George Kohler, has three childx-en, Chester Neff, Quay Harrison and Mary Ellen ; Lucien Chandler, who died aged eight months ; and Adam Jacob. The youngest son is a young man of bright mind and there is every indication that he has a successful future before him. He is a student of civil engineering at the Washington and Jefferson LTniversity.

E. P. FLYNN, postmaster at South Charleston, was born at South Charleston, Clark County, Ohio, December 19, 1858. His grandfather was a native of Ireland. John Flynn, father of E. P., was born, reared and educated in the

State of Maryland, where he owned large properties prior to the Civil War. He came to Clark County after his marriage to Frances Pierce, who was a daughter of William Williams, of Maryland, and they settled near South Charleston, where he followed agricultiiral pursuits until his death, in 1860. His widow survived him until 1900.

E. P. Flynn was the only child of his parents. He was reared on the Pierce homestead farm, three miles from South Charleston, where he resided until 1881. He enjoyed liberal educational advantages, attending Delaware University after graduating from the Delaware High School. When Mr. Flynn left the farm he took charge of the "Sentinel," at South Charleston and conducted it as an able organ of the Republican party until his appointment as postmaster, by the late President McKinley. Mr. Flynn has been very active in politics for a number of years in this section, and served for five terms as township clerk and six times was elected to that important political office, central committeeman.

Mr. Flynn married Josephine Pratt, a daughter of A. G. Pratt, of London, Ohio, who was formerly vice president of the Farmers' Bank at Charleston. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn have one child, who died in 190.3. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. My. Flynn has been connected with the Elks organization and is also a Mason.

P. J. SHOUVLIN, proprietor of The Superior Gas Engine Co., at Springfield, has spent almost a quarter of a century in this city, where he occupies a position of business prominence. He was born February 1, 1863, on the northwest coast of Ireland, and is a son of Daniel and Bridget (Gallagher) Shouvlin.

In 1866 the parents of Mr. Shouvlin came to America and settled in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where the son attended school until he was eleven years of age. He then took upon himself the main support of the family, owing to the death of his father, entering the anthracite mines, in which he continued to work until he was twenty years of age. Then coming to Spi'ingtield, he entered as an apprentice the old Ohio Railroad shops and continued there for several years, completely mastering every detail of the machinist's trade. In 1887 Mr. Shouvlin went to La Crosse, "Wisconsin, where he was i^laced in charge of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad shops, and where he remained iintil the great railroad strike. His next location was at Tacoma, Washington, where he was in charge of the Northern Pacific shops. Later on he returned to Springfield, where he purchased a small machine shop and conducted the same on Washington Street for several years and then moved into the East Street shops. From boyhood his active mind has been given to the invention of mechanical appliances, and in 1893 he succeeded in perfecting the Superior gas engine, and knew that his hopes of success had met with fruition. In 1902 he built his present plant on Sheridan Avenue, which is of brick, its dimensions being 300x75 feet, and it is equipped particularly for the manufacture of his engines. He is the proprietor of the Vulcanized Cup & Valve Co. He owns a considerable quantity of oil land situated in Illinois,

Kansas and Oklahoma. His industry at Springfield is one of large scope and importance and he aft'ords constant employment to 100 skilled workmen.

In 1885 Mr. Shouvlin was married to Catherine Burns, and they have six children, namely, Daniel, John, Raphael, Joseph, Anna and Mary. Mr. Shouvlin is a consistent member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He belongs to the order of Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the old Emmet club and the Lagonda club. He is a good reliable citizen and is a member of the board of trustees of the Spiingfield City Hospital.

CHARLES EDWARD FULLER, extensive farmer and stock dealer of Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, has a valuable estate of 240 acres, on which is located one of the finest brick residences in the county. He was born on his present farm July 14, 1864, is a son of James C. and Maiy Jane (Verdier) Fuller, and grandson of James and Diana (Acres) Fuller.

James Fuller, the grandfather, was born in Montgomery County, Virginia, and in early manhood went to Kentucky, where he was married to Diana Acres. They spent the first few years of married life in the Blue Grass State, and in 1815 moved to Ohio, settling near New Carlisle, in Bethel Township, Clark County. He remained there one year, then came to Pike Township, purchasing the first 160 acres of land from the government for $2.00 per acre. He put up a log house on the clearing which he made, and in a few years replaced it with a brick. He also erected the first bank barn in this vicinity, and it still stands on the place and is in use. He followed farming, and in addition bought and sold land extensively, being considered one of the substantial men of the township. He was a Democrat in politics and served as township treasurer and tilled other local offices. He survived his wife some years, and died in 1883. They were parents of ten children.

James C. Fuller, the father, was born in this old home place in Pike Township, January 19, 1820, and spent all his life in this county. He assisted in clearing the land and followed farming on a large scale, at one time owning as much as 6-10 acres in Pike Township. This success was not accomplished without hard labor, however, as he started with but $1,000 in money, and eighty acres of land. He was married April 14, 1842, to Mary Jane Verdier, who was born in Pike Townshipin 1824, and was a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Verdier, who also came from Virginia. Mrs. Fuller died February 6, 1897, and James C. Fuller Jime 6, 1899. They were parents of eight children, as follows : Altersa, deceased, who was the wife of David Fortney, of Osborne, Ohio ; Columbus, deceased ; Marietta, who makes her home with her brother, Charles Edward; Martha, who is the widow of Josiah Knoop; James H., deceased; Edith, deceased, who was the wife of Edward Hoover; Charles Edward; and Bertha, deceased, who was the wife of Elmer Sultzbach. Mr. Fuller was a Democrat in politics and served in township offices.

Charles Edward Fuller was born on the home place, which had been secured by his grandfather, attended the district schools, and later puv"-d a course of study at the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio. He came into }X)Ssession of his parent farm by buying 1521/4 acres from his father, in 1897, and with his sister inherited the remainder upon the death of his parents. He has followed general farming and stock dealing, but at the present time he rents the farm and gives his attention mainly to the stock business. The tine bank barn was erected by his father in 1879, and was at that time considered the finest in this section of the county. Mr. Fuller is a progressive man and in his business employs new and modern methods, which have proved successful. He is a stalwart Democrat in poUtics, and from 1905 to 1907 he served the township efficiently as treasurer.

HARLEY TITUS, a well known citizen and prosperous farmer of Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio, has a fine farm of 120 acres, a part of the old Titus home farm. He was born in Springfield Township, Clark County, Ohio, January 14, 1863, and is a son of James P. and Eliza (Price) Titus.

James P. Titus, father of our subject, was born in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and at an early age came west to Clark County, Ohio. He was a successful fanner and business man and upon his death left quite a large estate to be divided among his children, our subject's share being a part of the old home place and 120 acres of land. He died March 11, 1900, having been preceded to the grave by his wife some fifteen years. Six children were born of their union, four of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Herman, Harlev, James and Grustavus.

Harley Titus was reared in his native county and received a good common school education. He has always engaged in farming and stock-raising, and is one of the largest stock dealers in this section of the countiy, buying and selling all kinds and grades of live-stock. He lived with his parents until 1885, since which time he has farmed his present place, which his father bought originally of Joseph Newlove.

Mr. Titus was united in marriage with Mary E. Hazzard, who was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, February 14, 1868, and who is a daughter of William S. and Mary L. (Hendren) Hazzard, her father a native of Maryland and her mother of Virginia. She was reared in Vicksburg and attended the schools there until 1881, when she came to Columbus, Ohio, and lived with an aunt, Mrs. J. S. Morton, until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Titus have five children, as follows : Lamar C, l>orn October 20, 1885, who is an auctioneer; Homer T., bom October 1, 1887; Howard P., born August 31, 1890; Morton S., bom November 26, 1893 ; and Malcom, born October 20, 1895. All of the children are living at home. There is living with the family an old colored woman, Rose Anabelle, of the Southern type, who is more than one hundred j^ears old and who has been in the Titus family more tlian half a century. Religiously, our subject and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM J. STICKNEY, residing on the old Stickney homestead, which is situated in Springfield Township, on the Springfield and South Charleston turnpike, some five miles east of Fountain Avenue, Springfield, is a representative member of an old pioneer family of this section. William J. Stickney was born on this farm in Clark County, Ohio, September 27, 1852, and is a son of Henry and Isabel (Baird) Stickney. The grandfather, John Stickney, was born in England and came to Clark County, Ohio, at a very early day, locating and dying' on Ihe farm now owned bv his grandson, William J.

On this farm Henry Stickney, the father of William J., was also born, and in a house which is still used as a residence. When the present fine brick residence was built, the old house was sold and was moved off the farm. Here Henry Stickney was reared and inherited 160 acres from his father, to which he subsequently added, until he had in all about 400 acres. He married Isabel Baird, a daughter of William D. Baird, who was an early pioneer in Harmony Township, to which locality he came probably from Virginia. Henry Stickney and wife went to housekeeping on a tract of twenty-two and onehalf acres of the old farm, which he bought, and this portion is now owned by i\Irs. Robert Rodgers, a daughter. Two children were born to them, William J. and Sarah, the latter of whom married Robert Rodgers and resides in Springfield. Heniy Stickney became a prominent and succesful man. He died on this farm December 30, 1893, at the age of seventy-two years. His widow survived imtil July 17, 1899.

William J. Stickney attended the neighboring schools in his boyhood, and has always given the larger part of his attention to agricultural pursuits. At the age of thirty-five years he was married to Catherine Hut¥mau, who is a daughter of Samuel and Barbara Huffman, and they liave become the parents of six children, namely: Baird, who married Emily Hayes ; Howard, a student at Berea College, Kentucky; and Clark, Mary, Margaret and Isabel. When first married, William J. Stickney and wife settled on the farm in Harmony Township which belonged to his mother, a fine property of 338 acres, on which he remained for seventeen years. In February, 1903, he returned to his home farm. He has been largely engaged in raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and is the oldest breeder of the latter variety in Clark County, making his initial effort in boyhood. Mr. Stickney has done a great deal for this locality in raising the standard of both stock and cattle. He is a stockholder in the W. F. Tuttle Hardware Company of Springfield.

well known citizen of Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, resides on a fine farm of .seventy five acres located near the village of Dialton. He was born in Grreene County, Ohio, October 2, 1861, and is a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Dice) Kneisly.

Daniel Kneisly was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1822, is a son of John Kneisly and a grandson of George Kneisly. The family is an old one in this country and was established here by three brothers, who came from Switzerland, one of whom was the father of George, above mentioned. John Kneislv, grandfather of Aaron S., was born in I^aucaster County, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer and distiller. With his family he moved from his native state to Ohio in 1827, locating near Dayton, in which city he died at the age of seventy-seven and his wife at the age of eighty-seven years. He married Susan ^Vhitmer, by whom he had twelve children, as follows: George, deceased; Daniel; Catherine, deceased; John W. ; Benjamin F., deceased; Jacob, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; Abe; Susan, deceased; William; Emma; and Samuel F., deceased.

Daniel Kneisly was five years of age when brought by his parents to Ohio, who located on Mad River, six miles east of Dayton, in Bath Township, Greene Coimty. They bought the old grist-mill, now known as the old Kneisly Mill, and operated it many years. Daniel grew to maturity there and attended school in the log schoolhouse, which was equipped with slab benches and desks. The legs of the lienches were wooden pins driven into the slabs, while the slab desks were supported by wood pins driven into the walls. The pupils sat with their faces to the wall, the desks being along three sides of the room, and when recitation time came swung their feet over the benches and faced the center. The fourth side of the room was equipped with a fire-place, in which big logs were kept burning. From 1835 to 1850 Mr. Kneisly worked in the mill and in a small store conducted by his father. In the latter year he went west to the gold fields of California, where he mined with some success for four years. He then returned to Bath Township, remaining until 1877, when he came to Pike Township, Clark Comity, and continued aetively in the harness until January, 1908, when he retired and is now living in North Hampton. He was first married in 1845 to Catherine Jane Miller, a daughter of David Miller, and she died in 1848, without issue. In 1858 he contracted a second marriage, with Mrs. Elizabeth ^iJice) Spangler, whose first marriage, in 1850, to Henry Spangler resulted in the birth of two children : Emma, wife of J. W. Haines, and James W. Mrs. Kneisly is a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Weidner) Dice. Her marriage to Daniel Kneisly has been blessed with five children: Edwin Aaaron Spangler, John Franklin, Jennie, wife of Stephen Trout, and IaiIu C. He is a Republican in polities and fraternally has been a member of the Odd Fellows Order since January, 1850. He first joined Buckeye Lodge at Dayton and now belongs to Turner Lodge No. 414 at Osborn.

Aaron S. Kneisly was reared on the home place in Greene County and lived there with his parents until he was married. He has always followed farming and has met with good results, and is now located on seventy-five acres of the old Thackery estate. He was married December 20, 1888, to Emma E. Thackery, a daughter of Duncan and Susan (Ray) Thackery.

Duncan Campbell Thackery, father of Mrs. Kneisly, was born at the home of his father, John Thackery, in Pansgill, Yorkshire, England, December 13, 1813, and was sixteen years old when his parents sold their possessions preparatory to coming to the ITnited States. Leaving Liverpool March 18, 1829, they arrived in New York City after a voyage of twenty-one days, and immediately set out for Ohio, where they expected to make their future home. They came to within one hundred miles of Columbus on the Ohio Canal, then proceeded in wagons to North Hampton, Clark County, where they lived until the following October. They then moved to Champaigii County, and in a single day erected a log cabin on their place in the woods. Duncan was twenty-six years old when his father died, leaving debts to pay, and it devolved upon him to look after the family. Thus handicapped he embarked on life's voyage, and the fact that he subsequently was owner of 900 acres of land reflects the energy of his work and his good business judgment. He niarried Susan Ray, a daughter of Jjewis and Elizabeth (Zeigler) Ray, who came through from Virginia to Ohio with a four-horse team. The Rays located first at Cincinnati, then came to Clark County, where both lived at the time of death. They had the following children: John, Maiy, Henry, Michael, Emil, Susan, Lewis and Sarah. Duncan and Susan Thackery were parents of nine children, namely: Ann Jane, Sarah E., Mary, John, William, Joseph, Eleanor Belle, Finley and Emma Etta. The eldest is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Kneisly have one daughter, Susie. Religiously they all are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, but has never been an aspirant for office. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at North Hampton.

old Tuttle home farm, opposite the Sinking Creek Church, in Clark County, Ohio, August 2, 1838, and died March 8, 1885, in his forty-seventh year. His parents were Caleb and Mary "(Prickett) Tuttle.

Caleb Tuttle was born in Virginia, in 1799, and was seven years of age when he came to Clark County, Ohio, with his father, Sylvanus Tuttle, in 1806. He married Mary Prickett, who was born east of the Allegheny Mountains, but who came to Clark County from Claremont Coimty, Ohio. Caleb Tuttle 's father-inlaw, Nicholas Prickett, operated the first flour-mill at Lagonda. Of Caleb's eleven children nine reached maturity and two are now living, namely: Rachel, who is the widow of Jacob Leslie McClellan, and Miss Laura Tuttle.

William H. Tuttle spent his boyhood on his father's farm and attended the Sinking Creek School. He secured 100 acres from his father and to this he added by purchase until he owned 300 acres of excellent land. Farming was his main business through life, combined with dealing in stock in his earlier years. Like all members of his family, he was a man of many sterling virtues.

On October 26, 1871, Mr. Tuttle was married to Mary Catherine Luce, who is a daughter of John and Martha Ann (Bird) Luce, and they had three children, namely:- Frances A., Carrie and Clarence I. Frances A. graduated from the Springfield High School and later took a select course at Shepardson College, Granville, Ohio. Miss Carrie Tuttle graduated from the Springfield High School, the Wittenberg College and took the labrary Course of the University of Chicago. She taught school for one year near her home and for four years in city schools of Springfield, after which she became librarian at the Manuel Training and State Normal School at Ellendale, North Dakota, where she is still located. Clarence I. Tuttle graduated from the academy connected with Wittenberg College, attended the college proper for one year and later took a commercial course at the Nelson Business College.

Mrs. Tuttle continues to reside at her country residence with her son and daughter. They occupy a beautiful brick mansion which Mr. Tuttle completed so that it was ready for the family's Thanksgiving dinner in November, 1877.

RUSSELL SMITH, owner of a fine tract of seventy-three acres located in Mad River Township, Clark County, Ohio, was born on a farm near Spring-field, Ohio, December, 1877, and is a son of T. A. and Catherine (Miller) Smith.

T. A. Smith, who, with his wife, resides at Enon. Ohio, was born in Clifton and has been a life-long resident of Clark County. His wife was born in Virginia and when a child came to Ohio with her parents, who settled at Catawba.

Russell Smith is one of a family of seven children, namely: George, Alva, Erwin, Russell, Estella, who married E. Crabill, Mary and Myrtle, deceased. When quite young the parents of Mr. Smith moved to Springfield, Ohio, and there his boyhood days were spent. He attended the public schools and also took a course at Nelson's Business College. When a young man he worked for two years in a meat market owned by J. G. Kramer, then was employed for two years by Phillip Folckemer. In 1902 he bought out the meat market at 124 Clifton Street, then owned by C. N. Slyer, and this he operated until he moved to his present home in April, 1907, which he had purchased in 1905 from Mrs. Joseph Baker. Mr. Smith was married June 10, 1903, to Emma Sumner, the only child of Richard and Sarah (Watson) Sumner. Mr. and Mrs. Sumner, who reside near South Charleston, Ohio, are natives of England, where they were married. They came to America in 1880 and settled near Springfield on a farm which was owned by Steven Kirham, a relative. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children - Russell Barton and Norman Edwin.

GEORGE H. FREY, SR., owing to his prominence in the business, political and social life of Springfield for so many years, is rightly numbered with the city's representative men. He was born December 19, 1825, at Philadelphia, Jefferson County, New York, and is a son of Samuel C. and Susan (Calhoun) Frey.

The Frey family is an old one in America and has had many distinguished members. History tells of their connection with matters of the greatest public interest even prior to the Revolutionary War. Philip Frey, the grandfather of George H., was born in the Mohawk Valley, New York, but went to Canada when sixteen years of age. His last years, however, were spent in his native place, where he was engaged in the practice of law. He was married, fir.st, to Marie Louise St. Martin, of Detroit, Michigan, who was a member of the familv of General Montcalm, and, secondly, to Mrs. Elizabeth Howe.

Samuel Challott Frey, father of George H., was born of the second marriage. He followed the trade of jeweler and silversmith at Canajoharie and at Syracuse, New York, until 1830, when he located at Broekville, Ontario, in the Dominion of Canada, where he resided until 1837. He then returned to the United States and settled for a few months at Morristown, New York. In 1838 he removed to Canton, Ohio. In 1857 he came to Springfield, where he was engaged in business until 1870, when he removed to Decatur, Alabama, in which place he died in 1877.

George H. Frey was afforded excellent educational advantages, and in June, 1847, after some time spent in the study of law, he was admitted to the bar at Xenia, Ohio, and immediately afterward opened a law office in Springfield. Here, soon after, he became interested in the "Republic," which was then the leading Whig journal of Clark County. In 1854 Mr. Frey became one of its owners and editors, retaining his interest therein until 1861. Mr. Frey had previously acquired a knowledge of telegraphy, of which he made practical use when, in 1849, he was placed in charge of the office of the Cincinnati & Sandusky Telegraph Company, at Springfield. In 1850 he was elected superintendent of the line, and two years later he became president of the company and served as such until it lost its individuality through its absorption by the Western Union corporation. After retiring from newspaper work, in 1861, Mr. Frey began developing a valuable quarry property which he had acquired along Buck Creek, and which became, in his hands, a very important business. Among other enterprises with which Mr. Frey was connected were the S. M. & P. Ry., in the organization of which he was a prime mover, and which is now a part of the Big Four system ; and the Jackson & Pomeroy Railway, now known as the D., T. & I.

In 1879, after over forty years of activity, Mr. Frey retired from the business field, taking with him the respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens.

In 1851 Mr. Frey was married to Jane Quigley Ward, who was a daughter of Isaac and Mary AVard, of Springfield. Mrs. Frey died in April, 1881, having been the beloved mother of twelve children, the following of whom survive: Isaac Ward, residing at Joplin, Missouri ; George H., Jr., residing at No. 297 East High Street, Springfield, who is president of the Springfield, Wilmington & Cincinnati Railroad Company; Albert C, residing at No. 204 North Fountain Avenue, who is an extensive real estate dealer; Robert R., who is manager of The Grrand Detour Plow Company, at Dixon, Illinois ; and Susan H.

Mr. Frey is a stanch Republican and for many years was active in political life. While serving as county commissioner, some important additions and improvements were made in the county buildings, among them the county Court House and Jail, the Children's Home, the County Infirmary (main building) ; also several turnpikes and many bridges throughout the county were constructed. Mr. Frey was also president of the board of trustees of the water-works department which, in 1881-83, constructed the present water-works system.

Mr. Frey was an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church at Springfield. His name is associated with many of the city's benevolent enterprises and charitable organizations.

CHARLES H. MERRITT, a highly esteemed agriculturist of Madison Township, and owner of 300 acres of fine farming land, was born October 11, 1848, near Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, on the present site of the Springfield waterworks, and is a son of Edward and Maria (Mullen) Merritt. Thomas Merritt, the grandfather of Charles H., came from Mt. Holly, New Jersey, to Clark County, in 1831, and here engaged in farming. He married Jane Gaskill, of New Jersey, and to them were born two sons and two daughters, Edward, father of our subject, being the second in order of birth.

Edward Merritt was born April 8, 1820, in New Jersey, and came to Clark County with his parents, who settled near South Charleston. Here he followed farming all his life, his death occurring near South Charleston, in August, 1906. His marriage with Maria Mullen, of Warren County, Ohio, resulted in the birth of four children, three of whom are living.

Charles H. Merritt was reared in Springfield Township, receiving his primary education in the country schools and completing this by a course of study at Wilmington, Delaware, after which he engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1880 he came to his fine farm of 300 acres in Madison Township, and has resided here continuously since, having one of the finest country homes in this locality.

In 1886 Mr. Merritt married Alice Biiffenbarger, a daiighter of Peter and Elizabeth Buffenbarger, residents of Clark County, who were at one time large land owners in this county. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, namely: Beulah E.; T. Edward; Esther A.; Mary E. ; and Charles H., Jr., all residing at home. In politics Mr. Merritt is a Prohibitionist, but votes independently. Religiously he is a member of the Society of Friends.

CHRISTIAN L. HEISTAND, one of Clark County's most highly respected citizens, resides on a valuable farm containing 1211/2 acres, which is situated in Bethel Township, about six miles west of Spring-field, and owns an additional 165 acres which is located in Springfield Township. Mr. Heistand was born on his father's farm in York County, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1836, and is a son of Abraham and Leah (Lonnecker) Heistand.

The Heistand family in America is cotemporary with William Penn's settlement in Pennsylvania. The first authentic record is when John Heistand sailed from Germany in the ship "Brittania," in 1731, accompanied by his two brothers, Abraham and Balser, and two sisters, Barbara and Anna, to join the Penn colony in Pennsylvania. They had fled prior to this to Switzerland on account of religious persecution. These emigrants landed at Philadelphia in the fall of the above year and they settled in Lancaster County. According to family tradition .the family had been represented in Penn's earliest settlements, but only au- thenticated records are here given. The John Heistand above named took up 500 acres of government land, and 200 acres of this remains in the possession and the name of the Heistand family. John and Abraham remained in Pennsylvania, but Balser went to the South, and all trace of that line is lost.

Abraham, son of the above John Heistand, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he lived to the age of eighty-eight years. His occupations were those of the prosperous men of his day, tanning, distilling and milling. He was a man of robust constitution, and it is recorded that he frequently took a horseback ride of sixty miles between York, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. He also traveled over the country by the same means and visited Niagara Falls. Later in life he removed to York County and engaged in farming, becoming a man of large means for his day. He was twice married, his children being those of his union with his first wife, Elizabeth, Inamely: John, Abraham, William, Balser, Sarah, Nancy and Susan. His second marriage was to Anna Carl.

Abraham Heistand, father of Christian L., was born on his father's farm in York County, Pennsylvania, where his whole life was passed, his death taking place at the age of seventy-eight years. He married Leah Lonnenecker, who survived to be ninety-two years old. They had eleven children, as follows : John, Catherine, Sarah, Christian L., Abraham, Susan, WilUam, Jacob and Amanda, twins, Anna and Alice, all of whom still survive except Alice, who was the wife of J. Robaugh.

Christian L. Heistand remained on the home farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Baltimore and learned the machinist's trade in the Pool & Hunt machine shops, where he sei-ved an apprenticeship of four years. From there, in 1860, he came to Ohio and worked for a short time in the Pitts machine shops at Springfield. His brother, Abraham, then joined him, and together they bought the old General Mason farm in Moorefield Township, situated on the Ui'bana Turnpike, consisting of 220 acres, and on this place they lived for four years.

On December 22, 1863, Mr. Heistand was married to Catherine M. Leffel, who was born on the present site of the Masonic Home, which then belonged to her father, Daniel Leffel.

The latter married Margaret Sintz, a daughter of Peter Sintz, of Clark County. They had four children, of whom Catherine (Mrs. Heistand) was the youngest, and is the only survivor. On the site above mentioned Mr. Heistand then conducted the 0. K. tavern, and is credited with having originated that abbre\dation so generally used. In 1867 Mr. and Mrs. Heistand came to the present farm, having lived during 1866 at Sugar Grove. He bought this land from the Miller estate in 1868 and has greatly improved the place. He has erected substantial farm buildings and has placed the land under a fine state of cultivation. He carries on general agriculture and sells a large quantity of milk by wholesale.

Mr. and Mrs. Heistand have four children, two sons and two daughters, both of the former being physicians. They are as follows: Horace, who is a graduate of the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, is engaged in practice at Donnelsville; he married Anna Minnick. Clinton, who is also a graduate of the Ohio Medical College, married Luella Forgy, and they have two children, Robert and Richard. Nora, who married Frank Carter, has three children, Floyd H., Christian D. and Arthur H., and they reside on the home farm. Anna, who married F. E. Fundeberg, resides on the Springfield Township farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Heistand are members of the Baptist Church. He has served as school director for some eighteen years, but otherwise has taken no particular interest in official life.

CLAUDE F. RICE, residing in Green Township, Clark County, Ohio, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits, is also occupied extensively in the threshing and saw-mill business and is widely known throughout this section of the state. He is a native of this county, having been l)orn a mile north of his present residence May 26, 1874.

Mr. Rice is a son of William and Matilda (Goudy) Rice, and a grandson of Edward Rice, who some time after his marriage came from the East to Clark County. The latter located on the old Rice homestead, now owned by Zella B. Kissell, and later traded it to his son, William. William Rice was born in the East and was three years old when he came with his parents to this coimty. He lived for the remainder of his days on the old homestead. He and his wife were the parents of six children, four of whom

Mr. And Mrs. George A. Spence

Claude F. Rice was reared on the home place and received his educational training in the district schools. He lived at home until after his marriage, then purchased his present farm of eighty acres of the Stewart heirs. His residence is located half a mile distant on a tract of one acre. In addition to general farming, as above noted, he operates extensively throughout this section of the state with a thresher in the season and is operating a saw-mill. His outfit represents an expenditure of $7,000, which exceeds the outlay of any two other men in the county, similarly engaged. He enjoys the patronage of his home community almost exclusively.

November 4, 1896, Mr. Rice was united in marriage with Autice Skilling, a daughter of Lewis Skilling, and they have a son, Fremont Charles. Politically Mr. Rice is a Jicpublican. In religious attachment he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. He is a member and past counselor of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, and a member of Company Eight, First Independent Regiment, Junior Order United American Mechanics. He also is identified with the Patrons of Husbandrv.

GEORGE A. SPENCE, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, who owns a tract of 638 acres in Pike Township, was born January 30, 1852, in German Township, Clark Coimty, Ohio, and is a son of Mark and Mary (Harshbarger) Spence. The Spence family was first established in this coimtry by William Spence, who was born and reared in England and who came to Ohio at a very early period, settling in Clark County, December 25, 1820. Here he spent the remainder of his life and became possessed of large landed interests, acquiring a tract of 638 acres, which is now owned Ijy the subject of this sketch and his mother.

Mark Spence was born in Clark County and died January 8, 1878, aged fifty-seven years. In politics he was a Whig, always taking an active interest in the affairs of his party, and although not seeking political honors, was elected county commissioner just previous to his death. He married Mary Harshbarger, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio with her parents when ten years of age, and who is still living, making her home with her son George.

George A. Spence was just eight years old when his parents came to his present farm and here he has spent his entire life, engaged in agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. He received his education in the district school, and being the only child, much of the work of the farm fell to him. He is the largest landowner in Pike Township, the entire estate having been left to him and his mother. He has remodeled the large seventeen-room house, which was built by his grandfather, and has erected new barns, the old barn, ten horses, seven head of cattle and the faithful old .shepherd dog having been destroyed by fire April 20, 1890. Mr. Spence is extensively engaged in stock-raising, especially horses, cattle, hogs and sheep. He owns Chamberlin De Limelette, known as Jack, a bay stallion, weighing 2,000 pounds, Reg. No. 1568, foaled May 1, 1900, and imported from Belgium May 16,

1904, by McLaughlin Brothers, of Columbus, from whom he was bought by the North Hampton Horse Company July, 1904. Mr. Spence is treasurer and keeper manager of the North Hampton Horse Company. Besides his farming interests he is also financially interested in a hardware concern of Springfield.

Mr. Spence was joined in marriage February 12, 1880, with Anna J. Friermood, a daughter of Reuben and Mary Friermood, and of their union have been born the following children : Mary Etta, who is the wife of Asa Baker, who operates a general store at Dialton, and has two children - Correne and Willard S. ; Delia, who died aged nineteen months; Millie Blanche, a teacher in the Dialton School ; and Russell Mark.

Fraternally Mr. Spence is a member of the Knights of Pythias, White Star No. 292, North Hampton, and of the Junior Order United American Mechanics, Donnels Creek No. 121, and is trustee of both these lodges. Politically he is a Republican.

HON. PHINEAS P. MAST, formerly president of the Springfield National Bank, was also the prime mover in the organization of a number of Springfield's leading industries, and became the head of the great firm of Mast, Foos & Company, manufacturers of the Buckeye lawn mowers, force-pumps, wind-engines and iron fencing. The present members of this company are among the leading capitalists of Springfield, namely : R. H. Rodgers, president; W. H. Rayner, vice president and general manager; C. A. Harris, treasurer; and F. R. Burton, secretary. Scarcely less important is that other great industrial firm known as P P. Mast Company, in which the late Phineas P. Mast was also the leading spirit, and whose president and treasurer is now H. D. Maize, with P. A. Lewis, vice president. Its business is the manufacturing of Buckeye grain-drills, seeders and sowers, cultivators and cider-mills.

Mr. Mast was financially interested in many more of the city's successful business enterprises, was a prominent and useful member of the Spring-field Board of Trade, and as long as he lived, even after he had somewhat withdrawn from the arena of active business life, took a deep and helpful interest in the city's prosperity. Mr. Mast died at his beautiful home in Springfield November 20, 1898. He is survived by two daughters, Belle and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the wife of Hon. Francis B. Loomis, residing on the southeast corner of High Street and Western Avenue, who served under appointments from President Roosevelt as assistant secretary of state. Belle is the wife of George H. Frey, Jr., president of the Springfield, AVilmington & Cincinnati Railroad, and resides at No. 635 East High Street.

Mr. Mast was a remarkably successful man from a material point of view, but he was much more. His intelligence and public spirit constantly brought him into active co-operation with his fellow-citizens on matters pertaining to the general welfare, and he was honored on various occasions by election to public office. For two years he served Springfield as its mayor. Science claimed many of his spare moments, as he was an ardent geologist. He was a man of genial pres-

CHARLES W. FISTNER, who operates a seventeen-acre garden farm, situated three miles southeast of Springfield, on the Burnett Road, was born November 15, 1859, in Clifton, Hamilton County, Ohio, and is a son of Michael and Marie (Thunhorst) Pistner.

Michael Fistner and his wife were both l)orn in Germany, but were married after coming to this country. He was a gardener by occupation, and died when our subject was quite young, after which his widow married Frederick Butz, whom he had employed on the farm for some time. Three children were bom to Michael Fistner and wife: Catherine, who died in infancy; Charles W., subject of this sketch, and Marie, the latter 's twin sister.

Charles W. Fistner was four years old when his parents moved from Clifton to Winton Place. He attended the schools of Winton Place and became a gardener by occupation, assisting his step-father on the farm until the death of the latter in 1878. The step-father left one child, Fred Butz, with whom Mr. Fistner and his sister Marie continued to operate the farm for the two succeeding years, after which they sold out.

Mr. Fistner was married December 25, 1881, to Minnie E. Thiede, who came from Germany to this country with her father, Frederick Theide, the latter locating in Cincinnati. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Fistner came to Springfield and in 1890 purchased his present farm consisting of seventeen acres, twelve of which he has planted in vegetables. He makes a si^ecialty of early vegetables, having a stall in the City Market and in the fall puts up a great deal of krout.

To Mr. and Mrs. Fistner have been born five children: AValter F., Alma Marie, Clara E., Anna M. and Bertha A. Fraternally Mr. Fistner is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the I. 0. 0. F., the F. O. E. and Mad River Encampment, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is a trustee.

CHRISTIAN M. SMITH, a representative citizen and large farmer of Pike Township, where he owns two valuable farms, aggregating 222 acres, was boi-n in Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, October 14, 1837. He is a son of Peter and Jane (Maxon) Smith.

Peter Smith was born in Virginia and was a child one year old when his father, Christian Smith, brought his family to Pike Township, and settled in the woods near the present home farm of his grandson. Christian M. Peter Smith grew to manhood in Pike Township and later bought a farm of his own. which he cleared from its native condition. He married Jane Maxon, a daughter of Jesse Maxon, who was a pioneer on Mud Run, settling there before the Indians had left this neighborhood. For many years Peter Smith remained on his farm, but later retired with his wife, to New Carlisle. He died there aged seventy-four years, but she survived to be ninety-one years old. They had the following children,: C. M., Elzina and Perlina, twins, Christena, Sarah M., Jesse M., Lydia, Charles, Peter ]\L. Mark and Ruth. Several of these children died in infancv.

Christian M. Smith grew to manhood on his father's farm and from early boyhood assisted in the work of clearing and cultivating it. For some five years he operated a water-power saw-mill, but continued to live at home until his marriage. He bought his first farm from Jacob Otewalt and lived on it for seven years, when he traded for an interest in one of his present farms. He lived there from 1878 until 1906 and moved to his present home in 1907. Mr. Smith has always been counted with the successful farmers of Pike Township.

On January 9, 1862, Mr. Smith was married (first) to Mary Jane Zinn, a daughter of Daniel E- and Matilda (Sturgeon) Zinn. Mrs. Smith died March 21, 1883. She was the mother of the following children: Marcellus, residing at Troy, Ohio, married Nellie Tannehill and they have two children, Raymond and Hartley ; Albert Z., residing at New Carlisle, married Laura Fuller and they have three children, Algie, Lona and Elva; Matilda Angeline, residing in Bethel Township, married Frank Shellaharger and they have four children, Delbert, Horace, Adella and Edward ; Oren Z., residing at Portland, Oregon; Adella May, residing in North Dakota, married Charles Funderburg and they have two children, Cletus and Walter; Arthur Z., residing in Pike Township, married Bertha Jordan and they have two children, Harold and Lloyd; Clarence Z., who married Iva Richardson; and Alia Eveleen, who married Casius Schaffner, has two children, Lewis C. and Mary Hetty.

1888. She was the widow of James Tener. On February 26, 1890, Mr. Smith was married (third) to Wilhelmina Dresher, who was born in Clark County and is a daughter of Nicholas Dresher by his second marriage, to Margaretha Suphert, who died aged fifty-four years. Mr. Dresher lived to be sixtj^-eight years old. The children of his first marriage were: Godfrey, George, Margaret, Barbara and Martin. Those of his second marriage were: Catherine, Mary, John, Henry, Peter, Caroline, "Wilhelmina, Clara, Charles and Anna.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have had the following children: Margaretta Jane, Cjtithia T., Vernon D., Helen C, Gilbert and Luther W. Vernon D. died aged nineteen months and Helen C. at the age of six years.

GUS SUN, president of the Sun Amusement Co., and owner of the New Sun Theatre Building, Spring-field, Ohio, is perhaps one of the best known showmen in this country. He has been identified respectively with the circus and minstrel branches of the amusement profession, and now stands at the head of one of the principal vaudeville circuits in this country, Imown as the Sun & Murray chain. He has risen from the ranks of a performer to the eminent position he now holds, and is identified with a dozen or more theatrical and amusement incorporations.

tober 7, 1868. From boyhood he was identified with the show busines, at an early age he, with three brothers, started the well known Sun Brothers' Circus, which is still on the road, although Mr. Sun disposed of his interest in it some years ago. While with the circus he acted as manager and laid the foundation of the present successful circus organization. Also during this time he gained considerable prominence as a skillful juggler, and in 1889 joined the forces of the great P. T. Barnum Circus, and his juggling turn was one of the featured attractions of the circus.

After disposing of his interest in the circus business, Mr. Sun conceived the idea of forming a minstrel company, and in a few months the celebrated Sun Minstrels were touring the country, and incidentally during their existence played every first-class city from Maine to California. On October 1st, 1904, Gus Sun, as proprietor and manager of the Sun Minstrels, came to Springfield, Ohio, and started the first family vaudeville theatre in this section of the country. It was on October 19, 1904, that the pioneer family theatre in the Fisher Building was thrown open to the public. At first it was an uphill battle; the public was skeptical, for heretofore, popular-priced amusements had been considered trashy, and it was some time before any profits were realized. In 1905 the little Orpheum Theatre, now an assured success, was moved to the Barrett Building on Fovantain Avenue, where many new friends were made, as the change was for the better, and several improvements were made in the family theatre. Gradually the family theatres \vere opened in other cities and Mr. Sun went into the vaudeville booking business. While the Orpheum was located on Fountain Avenue, Mr. Sun became associated in business with Mr. O.G.Murray, a prominent broker in Richmond, Indiana, and the firm of Sun & Murray now controls ten first-class family vaudeville theatres m Ohio and Indiana, and are recognized as one of the most flourishing theatrical combinations in the country. On July 1st, J 907, ground was broken in Spring-field on the old Wigwam site for the New Sun Theatre, which was thrown open to the public November 24, 1907, and is known throughout the country as the home of "Approved" vaudeville.

Mr. Sun employs between four and five himdred acts weekly, in houses he books and those of the circuit with which he is identified. Mr. Sun has many interesting mementos of his professional career, and some old programs in his possession recalling the time when he worked on the same vaudeville bill with such well known entertainers as Macintyre & Heath, Walters & Wessen, Billy Van, and others.

His three brothers are also in the theatrical and circus business. George and Pete Sun own and still control the Sun Brothers Circus. On January 16, 1897, Mr. Sun was married to Miss Nellie L. Alfredo, of Youngstown, and they have three children, Louise, Nina and Gus Sun, Jr. Mr. Sun is prominently connected with fraternal organizations, among them being the Masons, Elks, K. of P. and Eagles. As a citizen of Springfield he has been identified with various movements for the good of the community, and is always ready to lend a helping hand in securing the advancement of Greater Spring-field.

JOHN BUTCHER, a prosperous farmer and highly respected citizen of Madison Township, near South Charleston, was born in 1862 near Selma, in Green County, Ohio, and is a son of John Butcher, Sr., and a grandson of Joseph Butcher. The grandfather, Joseph Butcher, was a native of Pennsylvania, and a farmer, who located in Greene County, Ohio, at an early period.

John Butcher, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was one of a family of three children, and was born in 1816 on the old home farm in Greene County, where, also, he was reared, and was engaged in farming during his entire life. He married, first, a Miss Wade, and later for his second wife, a Miss Wise, the latter being a native of Clark County and daughter of Jesse Wise. Of the second union there were born five children, all of whom are still living.

John Butcher, Jr., grew to manhood on the old home farm in Greene County. Although at the present day a well informed man on general subjects, his educational opportunities in youth were limited to a short attendance at the district schools. He remained on the home farm until after his marriage, at which time he moved to Licking County. There he became owner of a farm, which he operated for about sixteen years very successfully. He then sold the farm, and coming to Clark County, purchased his presejit fine property in Madison Township, where he has now. been a resident for six years.

Mr. Butcher married Eva D. Trout, a daughter of Hiram Trout, of Licking County, Ohio. Of this union there have been born three children, all of whom are attending the South Charleston High

School, from which the eldest son will graduate in the spring of 1908. Politically, Mr. Butcher is a Republican and is a member and president of the school board of Madison Township.

MACK FOSTER, a representative citizen and prominent farmer of German Township, who owns 280 acres of valuable land lying in Section 22, about eight miles north and west of Springfield, was boi-n January 26, 1850, in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of John and Eliza (Sampy) Foster. In 1856, the parents of Mr. Foster moved from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, to Fayette County, Ohio. His father enlisted as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War, but was sent home sick in 1865, and died just one month before the company of which he was a member was mustered out of the service. The family continued to reside in Fayette County until 1868, when the mother and children together moved to a farm in Madison County.

Mack Foster remained on the farm there imtil 1885, when he moved to Clark County and rented a farm in German Township. Later he moved to a rented farm in Pike Township, and from there to another, in Harmony Township. In February, 1903, he purchased the Coffin farm, a valuable property in German Township, containing 200 acres, and immediately moved on to the place. In the fall of 1905 he acquired also the Bruner farm, consisting of eight acres, adjoining his foiTuer liurchase, and has ever since been engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising. While the condi- tion of both farms at the time of his purchase was excellent, Mr. Foster saw room for improvement, and he has continued to improve the property in various ways up to the present time. He is a man of practical ideas who understands how to make general agricultural both pleasant and profitable.

In Madison County, Ohio, Mr. Foster was married to Anna Hyer, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, where she lived until she was fifteen years of age, when she accompanied her parents, Samuel and Catherine Hyer, to Madison County. In 1877 they moved to Springfield and embarked in a dairy business. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have five children, namely : Bertie, who married George Jordan and has one child, Ralph; Jennie, who married James Wallingsford and has one child, Anna Ruth; and Sterhng, Charles and Nellie, all of whom live at home. Mr. Foster is a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics.

JOHN L. BUSHNELL, one of Springfield's leading capitalists and progressive business men, was born at Spring-field, Ohio. February 15, 1872, and is a sou of the late Asa S. and Ellen L. (Ludlow) Bushnell.

Mr. Bushnell was reared at Springfield and was educated at Princeton University, where he was graduated in 1894. Upon his return to his native city he entered into business here and now stands at the head of several large corporations and is interested in many others. He is president of the Spring-field, Troy & Piqua Railroad, which was built by his father, the late Governor Bushnell, and is also president of the Champion Construction Company. The officers of these two organizations are the same, namely: John L. Bushnell, president; Frederick J. vice-president and general manager; and Dr. H. C. Dimond, secretary and treasurer.

Mr. Bushnell married Jessie M. Harwood, who is a daughter of the late T. E. Harwood, and they have three children: Asa S., who bears his distinguished grandfather's name, Edward H. and Suzanne. Mr. Bushnell and family occupy one of Springfield's most beautiful and luxurious residences, which is situated at No. 1203 East High Street. Mr. Bushnell's business offices are in the Bushnell Building, which is the finest office structure in the city of Springfield. In political sentiment he is a Republican. He is a member of Christ Episcopal Church and it was his privilege to present to this church a memorial chapel which was given by his mother in memory of her late husband, Asa S. Bushnell. The presentation took place April 24, 1907, and was an occasion long to be remembered, not only on account of the great value of the gift and the distinguished man of whom it is r. memorial, but also for the beautiful sentiments expressed by Mr. Bushnell as his mother's spokesman. The chapel was dedicated by Right Reverend Bishop Vincent of Cincinnati, bishop of the Southern Diocese of Ohio.

History Of Clark Cofnty

When he was nine years old, the parents of Mr. Hopkins moved to Yellow Springs, Ohio, mainly in order that theirchildren might enjoy the educational advantages oifered by Antioch College, at that point. When but sixteen years old, E. B. Hopkins put aside his collegiate studies and enlisted for service in the Civil War, serving four months in the One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Virginia, and then entering Company K, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The One Hundred and Eighty -fourth Regiment went to Nashville as a part of the Army of the Cumberland, and from there to Bridgeport, Alabama, where skirmishing was kept up for about nine months. The One Hundred and Eighty-fourth was then ordered to Texas, but had only reached Memphis when the surrender of General Lee put a practical termination to the war and Mr. Hopkins was mustered out at Nashville, at that time holding rank as orderly sergeant. After his discharge at Columbus, Mr. Hopkins returned to his home at Yellow Springs, going from there to Pittsburg, where he entered the employ of a large wholesale leather firm for four years. Following this he was a commercial traveler for about ten years in the boot and shoe line and then took the Ohio agency for Kingan & Company, pork packers at Indianapolis. In this occupation he continued until 1889, when he came to Springfield and in partnership with Mr. Steele and Mr. Meredith organized the present wholesale grocery business. In addition to the interests above mentioned, Mr. Hopkins is a director in the Spring-field Savings Bank. Since becoming a citizen he has always taken an active interest in good local government, and in the two years during which he served as president of the city council he was largely instrumental in securing the present sewer system and the new depots. He is a member of the Board of Associated Charities and of the Board of Visitors to Charitable Institutions, in Clark County.

November 1st, 1874, Mr. Hopkins was married to Angeline E. McCoy, of Cincinnati, and they have three children, namely: Fannie B., who married Dr. J. F. Dolina, of Dayton, Ohio ; Edna B., who married E. T. Nichols, of New York; and Henry H., who is a resident of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Hopkins is a member of the Lagonda and of the Country Club and is a member and ex-president of the Springfield Commercial Club.

ADAM STONER, a representative citizen of Moorefield Township, where he owns a very valuable farm of 182 acres, situated in Section 22, resides on his mother's farm, which is located in Section 21, on the corner where the Moorefield and Middle Urbana roads meet. He was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 13, 1856, and is the son of David and Mollie (Bookwatter) Stoner.

David Stoner and wife were both born and reared in Lancaster County and all iheir seven children were bom there, namely: Henry, now deceased; Martha, residing at home ; David, deceased ; Maria, widow of Thomas Campbell ; Lucy; Adam, and Amanda.

In 1865, when Adam Stoner was nine years old, bis mother, then a widow, came to Clark County, Ohio, and settled on the i'arm above mentioned in Moorefield Township, where she resided until her death in 1895. AVlien he was twenty-one years of age, Adam Stoner bought sixtyseven acres of his present farm from Henry Greiner and subsequently added the rest. Here he is successfully engaged in general agriculture. He is a well-known and respected citizen and formerly served as township trustee.

JOSEPH E. HOWETT, agriculturist and stock-raiser, residing on his valuable farm of 245 acres, located jointly in Clark and Greene Counties, was born in Clark County, Ohio, near Osborn, June 23, 1847, and is a son of Daniel and Eliza (Hastings) Howett.

Daniel Howett was of Scotch-Irish descent. With his wife and two eldest children he came originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Greene County, Ohio, locating in Bath Township, where he followed farming on a rented farm for the succeeding three years. At the end of this period he removed to near Medway, Clark County, later moving to a farm in Mad Eiver Township, near the one now owned by his son, Joseph E. While living here he met with the accident - a kick by a horse - which caused his death in ] 860, when aged forty-nine years. He married Eliza Hastings, who was of English descent. She lived to be seventytwo years of age. To them were born the following children: Eachel Ann, who died in 1884, married William Maxton; Morris P., who died in 190.3; John A., who lives in Dayton, Ohio; Peter, who has a home in Bethel Township; Mary Ann, who resides with her brother Joseph, who is next younger; James Taylor, who resides in Bethel Township; and Eoberta, who married Thomas Snyder, resides in Osborn, Ohio.

JosepJi E. Howett has been a resident of Clark County since birth, the greater part of his boyhood having been spent in Mad Eiver Township. When Mr. Howett was young the only educational facilities were those afforded in the old-fashioned district school, which he attended in the winter seasons imtil he was about sixteen years old, when in February, 1864, he enlisted in the Eighth Eegiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, under Captain Winger, and served as a manly soldier until the close of the Civil War, being mustered out in August, 1865. Mr. Howett participated in a number of engagements, and although only a boy in years, was one of the men who helped to open the battle of Lynchburg, Vii-ginia. After his return from the war he worked on various farms by the month for eleven years for Henry Coines, of Bath Township, Greene County. During this time he was married, on Christmas Day, to Jennie Molder, a daughter of Michael and Lydia Ann (Koch) Molder. Her death occurred one year later. On Christmas Day, 1878, he married Theresa Molder, a sister of his first wife, and to this imion were born the following children: Harry, who graduated from Antioch College, is now serving in the capacity of superintendent of the Bethel Township schools; Grace, residing at home, attended Otterbine College and was also a piano student at Dayton, Ohio; Ealph, who died aged eleven years;

After his marriage Mr. Howett purchased a tract of sixty-seven acres in Greene County, where he lived a short time, when he sold this property. In 1883, in connection with his brother, Morris P. Howett, he bought his present farm from Reuben Miller and moved on the same the following spring. Mr. Howett and brother operated this farm together until the death of the latter, since when he has had full charge of the place, carrying on general farming and stock-raising.

Politically Mr. Howett is a Republican, and fraternally is a member of the I. 0. 0. F., having belonged to this organization since 1874. He is a member of the Reformed Church and has served as deacon for the past ten years.

HON. WILLIAM S. THOMAS, president of the Mad River National Bank, at Springfield, and jDresident and treasurer of The Thomas Manufacturing Company, has been identified with important business interests in Clark County during the whole period of his active life. Mr. Thomas was born in Springfield, Ohio, April 22, 1857, and is a son of Hon. John H. and Mary (Bonser) Thomas.

William S. Thomas received his early education in both public and private schools, and was fourteen years old when he entered Wooster University, where he was graduated with honors in 1875, being at that time and for years afterward the youngest graduate of that institution. His father, the late John H. Thomas, had been engaged in the manufacturing of agricultural instruments prior to this time, and he subsequently organized, with his two sons, William S. and Findlay B., The Thomas Manufacturing Company, which has long ranked with the leading industrial firms of the state, and of which William S. Thomas became treasurer in 1886, and also president in 1901. The name of Thomas appearing on agricultural implements is a guarantee of excellence the world over, and the products of this company include every kind of useful agricultural implement, with a few manufactured only by this concern. Mr. Thomas has other business interests, being a leading financier of this section, and he is also a very large property owner, both in the city of Springfield and throughout Clark County.

On December 8, 1887, Mr. Thomas was married to Fannie Senteny, who was born at Louisville, Kentucky. They have had three children, namely: John Henry, Wallace Senteny, and Lucretia. The eldest son died June 26, 1906. The family home, at No. 345 East High Street, Springfield, is one of taste and elegance.

Mr. Thomas is an earnest Democrat, and since 1895 he has been continuously a member of the Democra,tic State Central Committee, and for years has never failed to attend all important Democratic conventions as a delegate. He has ably and unselfishly filled many of the important civic offices and in every way he is well qualified for any honor in the gift of his party. He was the president of and most zealous worker in that wellknown organization, the Jefferson Club, from 1880 until 1890. In the various organizations of a benevolent, educational, religious and business character pertaining to Springfield, Mr. Thomas has been more than ready to acknowledge every manly obligation, and has been generous in the contribution of time, advice and money. For many years he served as president of the Board of Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, while the Young Men's Christian Association has continually been an object of his beneficence. He is a member of the Springfield Commercial Club, and recently has been chosen president of the Ohio Shippers' Association.

WILLIAM N. SCAEFF, proprietor of the "While Oaks" farm and nursery, which is jointly located in Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, and partly across the line in Miami County, is an extensive landowner and fruit grower. He was bom in Miami County, Ohio, December 19, 1863, and is a son of John J. and Mary E. (Netf) Searff.

The Searff family has been long established in America, running back to the Colonial days. Joshua Searff, grandfather of William N., was born in Maryland, and when a young man moved to Rockingham County, Virginia, where he subsequently was married to Lydia Stoutemeyer. There he followed farming along the banks of the Shenandoah River until 1830, when he moved, with his wife and children, to Ohio, using three fourhorse teams in making the journey. After four weeks of privation and hardship, during whicb time their food was mainly secured from the game then plentiful in the forests through which they journeyed, they arrived at Dayton, Ohio. During that winter they lived in a rented house on Wolf Creek, and the following spring purchased a farm in Bethel Township, Clark County, where Joshua and Lydia Searff lived the remainder of their days. They had the following children: Emanuel, Mary Ann, John J., Sarah, James, a minister, who lives in New York State ; Bernard, who lives at Tippecanoe, Ohio; William, who is a resident of New Carlisle, Ohio ; Diana, and Elizabeth. The survivors are: John J., James, Bernard and William.

John J. Searff was bom in Rockingham County, Virginia, January 5, 1825, and was five years of age when he was brought by his parents to Bethel Township, Clark County. He purchased the farm on which his son, Wilham N., was bom, of Abraham Rail, who had obtained the patent from the government, a part of the land Mng in Miami County. Mr. Searff cleared the larger portion of the land and erected substantial buildings, and here followed farming with uniform success throughout his active career. He and his estimable wife still reside on the old home place, in a community where they are surrounded by friends of long years standing. John J. Searff was married May 23, 1848, to Mary Elizabeth Neff, who was bom in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was brought to Ohio when eight or ten years of age. Five children were born to this union: Florence; Mark T., of Michigan City, North Dakota; William N.; Grace, wife of Edward Reeder; and James T., of New Carlisle, Ohio. John J. Searff is a man of self -acquired education, and in his younger days he served as a teacher for twelve school years. He is an ardent Republican, politically, and was twice elected county commissioner, serving in that

William N. Scarff, born in Miami County, was practically reared in Clark County, although he lived on the same farm. After completing the district school course, he attended the Ohio State University for two years. In 1887 he embarked in the fruit growing and nursery business which his father had previously followed with good results, and he has met with equal success and now ships extensively to all parts of the country. In 1893 he purchased 300 acres in Miami County; in 1905 a farm north of Dayton; later another tract of 144 acres in Miami County, and in 1900 he and his brother came into possession of the home place, giving him an acreage of 792 acres, all devoted to growing fruit.

On September 16, 1890, Mr. Scarff married Mary Ella Miller, daughter of Dr. E. C. and Mary Jane Miller, and they have three children: Max Miller, Howard Netf, and Lucille. He is a Republican in polities and for four years has sei-ved as a member of the School Board. His residence, which is located one mile south of New Carlisle, on the Bellefontaine road, is a fine modern structure, erected 'n 1903, and presents a very attractive appearance with its large stone pillars in front. A magnificent lawn surrounds the house, adorned with fine trees, shrubs and flowers.

DAVID WILMOT STEWART, scion of one of Clark County's oldest and most ])rominent families, was born on his present farm in Green Township, December 19, 1848. He is a son of Perrv and Rhoda

Perry Stewart, for many years a prominent figure in Clark County affairs, was born on the bank of the Little Miami in Green Township, June 6, 1818, shortly after the county was organized. He remained in the home of his parents until his marriage, then began farming a part of the home farm for himself. In July, 1862, he organized Company A, Ninetyfourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front as its captain. He took part in numerous skirmishes and engagements, and in the battle of Chickamauga was struck by a spent ball He served until November, 1863, when, owing to ill-health, he was forced to resign. Returning home he resumed farming and continued it as an occupation during the remainder of his active career. He identified himself with many liusiness enterprises, among them the Farmers Mutual Aid and Protective Society, an insurance order which he assisted in organizing, and was a director of that company, and he was one of the men who organized a company to build the turnpike from Springfield to Selma, which, excepting the National Pike, was the first one built in the county. He cast his first vote for William Heniy Harrison in 1840, and continued a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, with which he was thereafter affiliated. He served as township trustee and school director a number of years, and as justice of the peace, resigning the latter office at the time he went into the service. After his return from the army he was elected county connnissioner, but after a service of eighteen mouths resigued to accept the nomination of his party for state representative. He was elected to that office in 1867, and served his district one term in a most conscientious and capable manner. In 1872 he was sent as a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Philadelphia and aided in the nomination of President Grant for a second term. He was a man of great capabilities, prospered in business, and was of that class which gives tone and standing to a community.

Perry Stewart was joined in marriage October 15, 1844, with Rhoda Ann ^Vlieeler, who was born in Green Township, December 30, 1824, and was a daughter of Ebenezer and Joanna (Miller) Wheeler. The following children were born to them: Harriet, wife of James Hatfield: Julia Ann, wife of Robert N. Elder; David Wilmot; John T.; Mary E., widow of S. H. Kerr, lives in Washington, D. C; Charles F. ; Jane Ellen, wife of George Nicholson ; Jessie Isabelle, who died at the age of four years ; Perry, extreasurer of Clark County; and Ebenezer Wheeler of Green Township.

David Wilmot Stewart was reared on the home place and attended the district school at Pitchin. When fifteen years of age he enlisted in 1864, in Company D, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being the youngest to enter the service from this county. He was in the 100-day service, being at the front from May 2nd until the 7th of Septeml)er. He began farming for himself at the age of twenty years, tilling a part of his father's farm. He lived on the old Stewart homestead until his marriage, then purchased one hundred acres where he is now located and on which he erected a good substantial residence and buildings. He cleared the farm to a large extent and has operated it with good resi;lts.

February 12, 1874, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Amanda Mc- Clintick, a native of Springfield Township, Clark County, and a daughter of John and Roxy (Melvin) McClintick. They became parents of six children, as follows : Perry McClintick ; Edna, who died at the age of ten months; Myrtle; Delmer; Ruth; and Harry. Politically, Mr. Stewart has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party, which he has represented as delegate to numerous conventions, but he has never held nor sought for public office. He is a member of tlie Grand Army of the Republic, and i-eligiously is an attendant of the Christian Church.

CHARLES RABBITTS. The late Charles Rabbitts was a pioneer citizen of Springfield who long bore an important part in its commercial life, and was identified with a large number of its successful business enterprises. Mr. Rabbitts was born September 7, 1820, near the village of Bath, in Wiltshire, England, and was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to America.

The father of Mr. Rabbitts settled on a farm near Cleveland, Ohio, and the son completed his education in the schools of that section. In 1843 he went to Newark, and was there engaged in a woolen manufacturing business for three years, then coming to Siiringfield, in search of a better location. In 1847, in partnership

^itb hif- brother-in-law, L. H. Olds, lie built a woolen mill on Warder Street, fitting it up with machinery which, on account of the lack of other means of transportation, had to be hauled by wagon. Here Mr. Rabbitts embarked in a large woolen manufacturing business, making a specialty of "Rabbitts jeans and yarns," which business he carried on for over a quarter of a century, his products becoming widely known and in great demand all through Ohio and neighboring states. At various times he was associated with those other well-known manufacturers, a. S. and John Foos and Marshfield Steele. In 1875 Mr. Rabbitts retired from the manufacturing business and, in association with William S. Thompson and Amaziah Winger, old and well-known business men, erected the Commercial Building. For a number of years Mr. Rabbitts was a lai'ge owner and operator in real estate and several of the most desirable additions to the city were platted by him. He was one of the original incorporators, and was much interested in the selection and improvement of the grounds of Ferncliff Cemetery. He was a member of the first board of directors of the Second National Bank of Springfield and was active in the movement which resulted in the erection of the Lagonda Hotel. He was a citizen who took a large measure of pride in his home city and was indefatigable in pushing enterprises which he believed would add to her prestige. On every side, remain monuments to his business capacity and his public spirit.

parents of six children, the five survivors being: James H., who is postmaster at Spring-field; W. S., who is cashier of the Springfield National Bank; Charles, who is a Springfield merchant, and Mary and Anna, residing at home. The death of Mr. Rabbitts occurred at the old family home in Sleepy Hollow, December 16, 1900.

In political sentiment, Mr. Rabbitts was thoroughly identified with the Republican party from its organization. He believed in its principles and supported its candidates, but he never desired office for himself. He was a member of educational and charitable boards and was noted for his liberality. In religious connection he was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was verj- active in building up the Second Church of this body at Springfield. Few citizens of Spring-field more definitely impressed themselves on the city as promoters of all its best interests.

ALVIN E. WILDMAN, a representative citizen of Madison Township, who owns 235 acres of fine land adjoining the farm on which he lives, was born in Clark County, Oliio, in 1864.

John Wildman, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the first of the Wildman name to settle in Clark County, Ohio, which he did in 1814, bringing his family with him from Virginia, and being one of the pioneer settlers in this section. He secured the land which now constitutes the farm on which his great-grandson, Alvin E. Wildman, lives, and this land has never since left the family. He was twice married, first to

And Repkesentative Citizens

Edward Wildman, grandfather of Alvin E. Wildman, was born in Clark County. He began industrial life in Greene County, and later came into possession of the home farm, on which in addition to agriculture he carried on stock raising. He met an accidental death, being gored by one of his own animals. He married Hannah Thorn, who was born in Greene County, and they had four cliildren, of whom a son and a daughter still survive, viz.: William and Rachel (Hollingsworth).

William Wildman, father of Alvin E., was born in Greene County, and was reared and educated in Clark County, where he has made farming and stockraising his life occupation. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch, was in maidenhood Eliza Harrison, a daughter of John Fairlamb and Elizabeth Harrison. She was born in Pennsylvania, and came with her parents to the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio, about 1838. The parents of Mr. Wildman had six children, four of whom survive, namely: Bertha (Hickman); Walter J.; Alvin E.; and Rachel (Elder). Wm. Wildman is still living making his home in Springfield. The mother died April 27, 1907.

Many of the earliest settlers in this section belong to the Society of Friends, and the great-grandfather, John Wildman, together with Seth Smith, and others, established the first meeting here, receiving a grant of land from Amaziah Beeson in 1816. The latter died in 1820 and left property for the benefit of the Society. In 1828, owing to certain differences, the Friends in this vicinity separated, the Hicksites removing to one location, and the Orthodox purchasing other property. For a time the Orthodox meetings were held in the home of John Wildman, Mr. Wildman 's great-grandfather. Anti-Slavery meetings were also held in this meeting house, and great-grandfather Thorn's home was one of the stations of the Underground Railway.

Alvin E. Wildman has always resided in Madison Township, with the exception of the time he spent at school at Richmond, Indiana. He is engaged in operating his father's farm, in connection with his own property. He has a beautiful home here and very pleasant surroundings. This community is a great educational center, and Mr. Wildman was largely instrumental in bringing about the Centralized School District, which has been a pattern for other sections.

Mr. Wildman married Anna White, who is a daughter of Edmund and Emily White, of Indiana, and they have seven children, all now living, namely: Edith Emily, Edna Eliza, William Wendell, Walter Edmund, Winifred Adda, Philip Embree and Austin. Mr. Wildman and family belong to the Society of Friends. Politically, he is an independent voter.

N. H. FAIRBANKS, vice-pesident and treasurer of the Fairbanks Company, president of the American Trust & Savings Company, president of the Indianapolis Switch & Frog Company and president of the Fairbanks Building Company, occupies a very high position in the business circles of Springfield. He was born in Union County, Ohio.

Ohio Wesleyan University and from the Cincinnati Law School, in 1880, Mr. Fairbanks was well equipped for professional life and for ten years- thereafter he practiced law at Chicago, Illinois. In 1901 he came to Springfield and when the Springfield Foundry Company became the Fairbanks Company, he assumed its head and he has ever since been prominently identified with the vast manufacturing interests of this city. In addition to the important organizations above mentioned, he is also president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Springfield. His large interests appear to be easily handled, this being owing to his almost perfect system of management.

In 1887 Mr. Fairbanks was married to Lucy Cruikshank, a lady born at Delaware, Ohio, who graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1883. They have five children, namely: Nellie, George C, Newton H., Marceline and Isabel. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks belong to the First Presbyterian Church. He has membership with the Lagonda, the Country and the Springfield Commercial clubs.

WILBERT S. JENKINS, township clerk and owner of the Brookside Stock Farm, consisting of one hundred and one acres of fine farm land, located on the Springfield and Troy Pike, two miles west of North Hampton, in Pike Township, is one of the most extensive farmers of this section of the county. He not only oversees the work on his own place, but on that of his father as well, and of other tracts which he rents. He was born in Addison, or Christiansburg, in Champaign County, Ohio, February 12, 18fi8, is a son

Wiley Jenkins was nine years old when his parents started from their home in North Carolina in wagons, during the year 1819, destined for Ohio. They stopped at Cincinnati, which was then a small village of but few houses and a log fort, then came on to the northwest part of German Township. There they acquired a tract of land, built a log cabin, cleared and improved what is now known as the Clay Bank farm. There Wiley grew to manhood, experiencing many hardships of pioneer life. He often worked from sunrise to sunset for a paltry twenty-five cents, and remembered the time when a bushel of wheat varied in price from twenty-five to thirty-five cents. He frequently made trips to Cincinnati with produce, and after a time drifted into the live stock business, buying and raising, feeding and selling. After he was forty years old he followed the profession of a veterinary surgeon, and met with the same success that attended his efforts along other lines. After his marriage he located in Pike Township, and at the time of his death, at the age of ninety-two years and ten months, was owner of four hundred and sixty-five acres of land. He married Charlotte Michael, who died aged about seventy years. They reared eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity, as follows: William; Catherine, who married John Maurice; John; Frederick; Ann, who is the widow of John Ream; P]liza, deceased, who was the wife of David Shroyer; George; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Samuel H. Deaton; Samuel; Charlotte, who is the wife of William Gimdolph; and Jesse.

Frederick Jenkins, father of Wilbert S., was born in Pike Township, November 2, 1839, and spent most of his daj^s in this township. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and has two farms in this township, one of twenty acres where he lives, and another of eighty acres farther west. He also owns property in North Hampton. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Sturgeon, a daughter of David and Johanna (Wise) Sturgeon, who came here from Pennsylvania at an early date. Three children were born of this union: Wilbert Sturgeon, Laura (Fisher), and Orrin Clifford. Mrs. Jenkins died when Wilbert S. was six years of age, and Mr. Jenkins was subsequently married to Mrs. Delilah Riuker, widow of John Rinker, and a daughter of Sutton Maxson. She was reared on the farm now owned by Wilbert S. Jenkins, and lived all her life in this township, where she died in 1897. She had no children.

Wilbert S. Jenkins was born in Champaign County, where his father was then located, engaging in the manufacture of shingles. Wilbert S. was but one year old when the family returned to Pike Township, and here he was reared to maturity and has since lived. He attended the common schools, and later completed a course in Nelson's Business College at Springfield, Ohio, and also a normal course at Ada, Ohio. Upon leaving school he engaged in teaching for ten years, then turned his attention to farming, stockraising and dealing. In December, 1890, he purchased the farm he now owns, the Brookside Stock Farm, and resided on it for eight years, but now lives at the home of his father. He keeps from forty to sixty head of cattle through the winter.

and carries on farming on an exte'nsive scale. He oversees all the work, and finds this personal attention to details a very necessary adjunct to the high degree of success at which he aims.

On December 25, 1890, Mr. Jenkins married Clara Ida Getz, a daughter of George and Mary (Bowers) Getz, the former of Avhom died in 1901. Mrs. Jenkins was one of the following children born to her parents: Elizabeth A. (Lannert) ; Amelia, wife of James Furrow; Jacob; William; Mary Etta (Ryman) ; Clara Ida; and Lydia, wife of John Ryman. Five children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, as follows : Ruth B., Nellie B., Warder B., Glendon H., and Edward R. Mr. Jenkins is a Democrat in politics and has served as clerk of Pike Township since April, 1894. He is a member of White Star Lodge No. 292, K. P., at North Hampton, and has served as master of finance and as keeper of the record and seals for the past eighteen years. The family belong to the Reformed Church, of which Mr. Jenkins is a deacon.

DAVID KING, SR., who was one of the progressive and enterprising men who carried on business enterprises and fostered many of Springfield's early industries, was born at Baltimore, Maryland, and after completing his education and serving as a clerk in several mercantile establishments, settled at Tarleton, Pickaway County, Ohio. There he remained until 1841, when he became a resident of Spring-field.

ing village to \vhicli he had come, he had every reason to believe prosperity awaited him. His forecast was a right one and he was soon in the enjoyment of a profitable business on the southeast corner of Main and Limestone Streets, which is the present site of the Gotwald Block. Mr. King invested in property and erected both business and residence buildings. His life at Springfield was one of great activity, but he was not permitted to witness to any adequate degree the results of his public spirit or private effort. When the scourge of cholera visited Springfield in 18-49, through his humane desire to assist the sick, he was himself .stricken, in August of that year, and did not recover from that attack.

On November 9, 1826, Mr. King was married to Almena Caldwell, of Portsmouth, Ohio, who is a daughter of Alexander and Hannah (Hamlin) Caldwell. On the maternal side, Mrs. King came from the distinguished Hamlin family of New England. Giles Hamlin came to America from England as early as 1639. The great-grandfather of Mrs. King, Eleaser Hamlin, married Lydia Bonney, of scarcely less distinguished ancestry, and one of their sons served as an officer in the Revolutionary War, later dying at Waterford, Maine, leaving to a son his membership in the Cincinnati Society. Two other sons had prominent children, one, Hon. Hannibal Hamlin, becoming vice president of the United States, and the other being the celebrated E«v. Dr. Cyrus Hamlin, who was the representative of the American Missionary Board as president of Roberts College, Constantinople,

After the death of David King, his widow erected the present beautiful residence on North Fountain Avenue, where she resided until her death in 1878. The nine children of David King and wife did not all rea.ch maturity, but the survivors are: Mrs. Mary E. K. Gotwald, widow of Luther A. Gotwald; S. Jennie, Robert Quigley, Samuel Noble and David, Jr. The two daughters reside in the old homestead.

Robert Quigley King is a prominent business citizen of Springfield, giving the most of his attention to handling real estate. In 1857 he married Harriet A. Danfortb, and they had the following children : D. Ward, residing on a farm in Missouri; Thomas D., who died in 1889, was an active medical practitioner; Almena, who married H. J. Warrick, residing on a farm in California ; and R. Leflier, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Hancock County, Ohio.

Samuel Noble King, residing near Bloomington, Illinois, served for three years as an officer of the Twenty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He owns property in Illinois and has been interested in raising fine horses. He married Mary Reid, of Ottawa, Illinois.

David King, Jr., is president of the Spring-field Paper and Merchandise Coml)any. at Spring-field, and he is a veteran officer of the Civil War, enlisting twice and leaving the service with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He subsequently entered the wholesale paper business. In 1864 he married Mary M. Danforth, of New Albany, Indiana, and they have two children. Noble C. and Mary J.

David King. Sr., was one of the leading members of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield and was a generous promoter of its work. His children have all remaiued attached to the same religious organization. The family is one that has always been identified with all that is best in the business and social circles of Spring-field.

JOHN M. ZELLER, who owns some eighty acres of land in Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, is an old and respected resident of that community. He is a man who has made his way in the world through hard work and perseverance, making the success he has attained all the more creditable to Mm. He was born in York County, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1828, and is a son of Henry S., and grandson of John Zeller. John Zeller was a native of France or Germany, it is not certain which, and upon coming to America located in York County, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade as a Sadler. He subsequently moved to the blockhouse settlement at the head of the Susquehanna River, where he lived until his death.