Springfield Township (part 35 of 69)

Mr. Ricks was twenty-two years old when he came to Springfield, in 1875, and entered into the service of the old C, S. & C. Railroad and Pennsylvania & Panhandle Railroad, and he continued in railroad work for eight years. Following this he was connected with the Springfield Malleable Iron Company and other like industries, for about twenty years. On January 22, 1907, The Reama Silver Plating Company was organized and incorporated, and of this Mr. Ricks became president and treasurer, giving his main attention to this business, atlhough he is also identified with other concerns. He has taken an active interest in politics, and during 1896-7 he was councilman-atlarge and a very valuable member of that body.

In 1883 Mr. Ricks was married to Sarah A. Hall, who is a daughter of James W. Hall. They have one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth. Mr. Ricks is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and has served on its board of trustees. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and he belongs to the Springfield Commercial Club.

CHARLES ADDISON YOUNG, who has a fine farm of 265 acres in Mad River Township, Clark County, Ohio, is traveling representative of the Peters Cartridge Company of Cincinnati, and is famed throughout the United States and Canada as a champion gun shot. In 1893, in competition with the world's greatest marksmen at Detroit, Michigan, he won the championship of the United States and Canada at artificial targets, breaking 99 of a possible 100 birds. In 1904 he won the live bird chami^ionship of the United States and Canada, killing 124 out of a possible 125 pigeons. In addition he has won numerous medals and cups in competition in different parts of the country.

Mr. Young was born in Frederick County, Maryland, September 10, 1866, and is a son of William A. and Sophia E. (Strawsburg) Young, the former a native of Frederick County, Maryland, and the latter of Washington Coimty, Maryland. In 1866 William A. Young, with his wife and only child, our subject, came to Ohio, .first stopping at Vandalia a short time and thence going to Mad River Township, Clark County, where they rented of Susan Funderburg a part of the farm Charles A. Young now lives upon. He had farmed up to this time, but subsequently engaged in the agricultural implement business at Spring-field, going back and forth between his farm and store each day. He was quite successful and continued thus occupied until his death, in 1899, at the age of fifty-two years. Mrs. Young, after the demise of her husband, carried on the business in partnership with her son, under the name and style of Young & Young, and still resides on the old home place.

and after completing the prescribed course of study in the district school, was a student for some time at Nelson's Business College, Springfield. He then became identified with his father in the agricultural implement business as Yoimg & Son, and later with his mother as Young & Young, continuing in the business for thirteen years. In his boyhood he took great delight in shooting, being naturally a good marksman. His enthusiasm and persistence developed him into an expert, and his success at the traps attracted the attention of the manufacturers. He accepted a position as demonstrator with the Baker Arms Company, of Batavia, New York, remaining with them three years. He was then with the Eobin Hood Powder Company, of Swanton, Vermont, two years, and since 1904 has been connected with the Peters Arms Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has given exhibitions of shooting in every town of any importance in the United States, and in the larger towns and cities of Canada, working in the South during the winter months, and in the North during the summer. Of the 265 acres owned by Mr. Young, his first purchase was the David Funderburg place of 100 acres, of which the old home jDlace forms a part, and on which is located "Enon Mound." The remainder of his farm is made up of the R. L. Miller, Eliza Haines and John Harshman places, which he purchased at different times. He built his present commodious residence, which is on the north side of the Dayton Pike, seven miles west of Springfield, and many other substantial improvements.

Minerva (Albin) Winget, both natives of Clark County, Ohio. Squire Winget lives at Enon and has served as Justice of the Peace for many years. Four children were born of this union: Chella Fern, Thurl, Reba, and Rolla. Fraternally Mr. Young is a member of Lodge No. 51, B. P. 0. E. ; Tribe No. 711, Knights of Abel, at New Haven, Connecticut; and also of an order for marksmen known as "Indian Lodge," its membership being limited to seventy in the United States.

EDWIN M. BAIRD, one of the well known and highly respected retired farmers of South Charleston, was born in February, 1864, in Harmony Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Samuel E. and Mary (Bonner) Baird, and a grandson of William D. Baird.

William D. Baird, a native of Kentuckj', was born in 1803, and in 1807 was brought to Clark County, Ohio, by his parents, who settled on Beaver Creek, in Harmony Township. Here he spent his entire life engaged in farming, and became possessed of large landed interests. He married Sarah Hodge of Harmony Township, whose parents accompanied the Baird family from Kentucky in 1807, but located on Sinking Creek, in Pleasant Township. William D. Baird and wife reared a family of seven children, all of whom are now deceased.

Samuel E., the second eldest and father of Edwin, was born in 1832, in Harmony Township, where he spent his entire life. He was united in marriage with Mary Bonner, a daughter of Matthew and Ann (Roberts) Bonner, the former of whom was bom in 1799 and came to Clark

Couutj- in 1830. He was a large landowner and a surveyor of considerable prominence. Three children were born to Samuel and Mary Baird: Edwin M., Frank, and Mary.

Edwin M. Baii'd was reared on his father 's farm, receiving his education at London and Yellow Springs, Ohio, after which he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and with the exception of fourteen years s^Dent in London, Madison Count}', has alwaj's been a resident of Clark County. Besides owning valuable farm land in this county, he owns also his fine residence property in South Charleston, where he is now living in retirement. He was married in 1891 to Annette Emery, a daughter of Benjamin Emery, and has one child, Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Baii'd attend the Presbyterian Church of South Charleston. He is fraternallj^ affiliated with the Masons and Elks. Politically he is a Republican.

CHARLES LUDLOW, whose recent passing away deprives Springfield of one of her early residents and most reputable business men, was a native son, born in Springfield February 3, 1842, son of Dr. John and Elmina (Getman) Ludlow. He was a grandson, on the paternal side, of Cooper Ludlow, who came to Ohio as a pioneer from the State of New Jersey.

Dr. John Ludlow, the father of the subject of this sketch, learned in Cincinnati the trade of druggist, which he followed in Springfield for many years, prior to 1851 being proprietor of the first and only drug store here. He was one of the promoters and for some time president of the Springfield Bank, and was one of the founders of the Ferncliff Cemetery, and in many ways heli>ed to advance the material prospeiity of the city. By his wife, Elmina, who came from an old family of Herkimer County, New York, he was the father of three children : Ellen, who is the widow of the late Gov. Asa S. Bushnell; Frederick G., who died January 18, 1906, after having been for a number of years a resident of Los Angeles, California ; and Charles, whose name appears at the head of this article.

Charles Ludlow, the date of whose nativity has been already given, was reared and educated in the city of Springfield, Ohio. Under his father's supervision he learned the drug business, and on the death of Dr. Ludlow, succeeded to the latter's interests. This pioneer drug store, with which Mr. Ludlow was connected for over fifty years, was situated on East Main Street, near Limestone Street. Here Mr. Ludlow conducted a prosperous drug business from 1865 to 1896, and during much of this time was also associated in business enterprises with his brother-inlaw, the late Gov. Asa S. Bushnell, of Ohio. A few years ago he practically retired from all active business enterprises, except that he remained interested with his son, Frederick B., in a pine-apple plantation in Florida. Shortly previous to embarking in this enterprise he was engaged for some time in a wholesale oil business, which he gave up on account of ill health. In 1905 Mr. Ludlow received a warning of his approaching end in a stroke of i^aralysis, which was afterwards followed by a nervous breakdown which resulted finally in his death.

as the Sons of the Revolution, ancestors of his having taken part in the war that delivered this country from British rule. He was also a member of the Ohio Pharmacy Society. Though he never took any active part in polities, he was a stanch Republican and a warm supporter of every movement calculated to advance the moral or material interests of Springfield. The Ferncliff Cemetery Association, his father's connection with which has been already noticed, always received his cordial support. Like his father, also he was a member and vestryman of Christ Episcopal Church, to which all the members of the family belong.

Mr. Ludlow married Ella R. Spencer, who is a daughter of Richard S. Spencer, formerly a prominent citizen of Springfield. Of this union there are three children: Frederick B., now a resident of Caxambas, Florida, where, as already intimated, he is engaged in pine-apple culture; Eleanor S., who married J. B. Pauley, of Chicago; and Charles R., who is associated with the First National Bank, and who married Nellie Hollenbeck.

CONRAD KAPPENBERGER, a general farmer and representative citizen of German Township, residing on his fine farm of 149 acres, which is situated on the Troy Turnpike Road, about six miles northwest of Springfield, was bom September 18, 1848, in Germany. His parents were Philip and Elizabeth (Fetter) Kappenberger.

Mr. Kappenberger was sixteen years of age when he came to America, making the voyage alone and proving his courage thereby, for it was not an easv matter to take up life among strangers, with a new language to learn and new conditions and customs to get accustomed to. Mr. Kappenberger came to Springfield Township and learned the blacksmith's trade, at Sugar Grove Hill. He woi'ked at it for two years and then began farm work, and later went to work in the Hoakem stone quarry, where he was employed for sixteen years. In 1888 he bought sixty acres of his present farm and moved on to it, and subsequently purchased fiftyeight acres more, still later adding thirty additional acres. This land is kept in fine condition and Mr. Kappenberger is one of the most successful farmers and stockraisers of the township.

When twenty-three years of age Mr. Kappenberger was married to Barbara Shaffer, who died after the birth of two children, namely: Kate, who married Michael Rader; and George. Mr. Kappenberger was married (secondly) to Anna Grube, and they have six children, namely : Ida, who married Edward Frederick, and has two children - Ralph and Savilla; Elizabeth, who married Willis Stickle; Effie, who married George Gwin, and has one child, Floyd; and Philip, Jolm and Maggie. Mr. Kappenberger and family belong to St. John's Lutheran Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow.

WILLIAM TROXELL, in former years a well known and prosperous farmer, of Harmony Township, Clark County, was born in Augusta County, Virginia, December 16, 1816, son of George and Elizabeth (Miller) Troxell. His paternal grandfather was Peter Troxell, of Pennsvlvania, who was of German descent and who married Eachel Chambers, a native of Chambersburg, Maryland. Peter and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom George, the father of the subject, was the second in order of birth. Peter Troxell was a Revolutionary soldier. He removed to Augusta County, Virginia, soon after his marriage, and there he and his wife spent the rest of their days.

George Troxell was born in Augusta County, in the Old Dominion, and was there reared to maturity. He married Elizabeth Miller, of that county, whose father, Adam Miller, was a native of Germany, who had settled in Virginia. George fought against the British in the War of 1812. He and his wife were the parents of seven children : Daniel, Andrew, John, William, Hettie, Eli and Elizabeth.

William Troxell, the date of whose birth has been already given, was reared on the farm and trained to agricultural pursuits. His boyhood, however, was spent among strangers, and he received at different times for his services all the way from $1.50 to $8.00 per month. His opportunities for obtaining an education were very limited, especially in his earlier years. When twenty years old he accompanied his brother Daniel to Ohio and resided for about a year in Pike Township, Clark County. In 1837 he removed to Harmony Township, where he worked on a farm. Here he had a chance to attend school, which he did for about four years. In 1846 he went to Illinois, where he bought 160 acres of land, then returning to Ohio.

and who was a daughter of Nathan Hammond, a pioneer of Clark County, Ohio. Mr. Troxell had worked as a farm hand (m his wife's farm, and after his marriage he settled permanently on the property, of which he subsequently became the owner by buying out the heirs. His wife died July 26, 1878, and on July 28, 1874, he contracted a second marriage, with Dora V. Shryack, a daughter of John and Matilda Shryack, of Clark County. She was born in Harmony Township, January 18, 1S49, and has here resided all her life. Her father, John Shryack, was born in Urbana, Ohio, in 1816, and in after life became a resident of Clai'k County, where he died in 1896. His wife, Matilda, was born in 1822 and is still living. They were the parents of ten children, namely : Elder J., Jane, Charles, John, Dora V., George, William, Alfaretta, Robert and Ruric N. Charles and John died in infancy. George died in Africa in 1895, he being engaged in mining in that part of the world. The others are still living.

After his second marriage Mr. Troxell continued to carry on the farm, and was very successful, both in that respect and in acquiring agricultural property. When he came to Clark County his sole capital was $25.00, but he succeeded in accumulating 5.50 acres of land, besides paying over $15,000 as security debts. He and his step-son, Andrew Brooks, did an extensive business as stock dealers and shippers, being thus engaged for about twelve years He was a man of strictly temperate habits and was universally respected. He was a Republican in politics and served as township trustee for ten years, and as school director for a number of years, filling both offices with abil- ity. He was also road supervisor for twelve years and constructed the road on which his farm is situated. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church, as are the surviving members of his family, and when he died the community lost a good man and a useful, public-spirited citizen.

By his second wife, Dora, who survives him and who is now residing on the farm, Mr. Troxell had six children, whose record, in brief, is as follows : Pearl C, born in 1875, married Bruce Cruickshanl?, and is now residing in New Mexico. She has had one child, Glanville T., who was born September 8, 1904, and died February 18, 1908. George W., born September 29, 1877, died in 1894. Jessie M., born April 28, 1880, married Charles Mitsch, and resides in Harmony Township. She has two children, Dora and Charles B. Virginia J., born in 1882, is the wife of Clarence Laybourn, and is a resident of Clark County. Her two children are named, respectively, Troxell and Elizabeth. William^ P., born March 18, 1886, resides at home with his mother and assists in the management of the farm. Paul E., born October 8, 1887, also resides at home, and is occupied with the work of the farm. Mr. Troxell died May 14, 188?. Mrs. Troxell has two of her children still with her, and all but one residing within easy distance. The farm on which slie lives consists of 320 acres, and there are besides 140 acres owned by her children, and 140 acres that were purchased from the widow Bennett, all in Harmony Township. The property is in a high state of cultivation and Mrs. Troxell is numbered among the prosperous residents of the Township, as she is also one of the best known and most popular. Her popularity is shared by her children, who are all worthy members of the respective communities in which they reside.

JOHN S. PROSSER, wliose fine farm of over 128 acres is situated in Section 13, Moorefield Township, was born in Monmouthshire, England, February 18, 1868, and is a son of George and Esther (Evans) Prosser. The parents of Mr. Prosser came to America in 1880 and settled at Springfield, where the father was engaged for a short time in a brick business in partnership with a Mr. White, but later went into market gardening in Springfield Township. He was born in Monmouthshire, England, November 11, 1840, and died in Ohio, October 6, 1887. His four children were: John, Stephen, George, Thomas, Hall and William.

John S. Prosser was twelve years old wlieu his parents came to Clark County. Here, after completing his education, he engaged in dairying, and later in general farming, together with dairying and raising Duroc Jersey hogs. February 28, 1894, Mr. Prosser married Edith Holcomb, daughter of a prominent and old time Clark County settler. They have three sons, namely: George Holcomb, John Evans and Arthur Jennings. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Prosser settled on the W. S. Thompson farm on North Limestone Street, where they lived for eighteen months, moving thence to the Peter Sintz farm on the National Road, and three years later to the present farm, which Mr. Prosser liad bought in 1898. He keeps about thirty cows and sell's his milk by wholesale. Mr. Prosser is a Republican

FRANK HADDIX, owner of 133 acres of fine land situated in Mad River Townshop, one mile east of Osborn, was born on his present farm January 20, 1863, and is a son of George and Harriet (Cascad) Haddix.

John Haddix, the grandfather of our subject, was born in "Virginia and came to Ohio with his parents at the age of twelve years. They entered the present Haddix estate from the government and here John spent his active life, retiring in his old age to Osborn, where he died aged ninety-four years. He was married to Sarah Cox, whose father, John Cox, was an early settler of this section, and who originally came from Virginia. John and Sarah Haddix had seven children, among them George, the father of our subject, who was the youngest member of the family.

George Haddix was born on the farm now owned by his son Frank and resided here all his life, with the exception of seven years spent in Indiana, where his father had a farm. On this farm he operated a saw and grist-mill and also bred cattle. He was married to Harriet Cascad, who was born in Fairfield, Ohio, and upon leaving Indiana returned to Clark County, Ohio, where the rest of their lives were spent. Mr. Haddix died in 1892, aged sixty-four years. He is survived by his wife, who resides near her son Frank. They had nine children, as follows: Belle, who married F. Thayers, now deceased; Martin; John, who died voung;

Lillian, who married Joseph Nadiu; Emma, now deceased, who married Edward Williamson, also deceased; Charles; Frank, subject of this sketch; Jennie, who died young; and George, also deceased.

Frank Haddix received his education in the district schools and has always made farming his occupation. He worked on his grandfather's farm imtil his marriage and after his father's death bought out the other heirs. He named the place "Hillside Stock Farm," and all the substantial buildings have been erected by him. He keeps the farm well stocked and (luring the winter feeds from twenty-five to forty head of cattle.

Mr. Haddix was married in February, 1885, to Lamella Gephart, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, a daughter of Michael and Rachel (Wadoner) Gephart. Seven children have been born of this union, namely: Josephine, William, Guy, Clifford, Robert, Harvey and Thelma. Politically Mr. Haddix is a Republican.

GEORGE SHELLABARGER, whose 144 acres of fine, fertile land in German Township is divided into a tract of 100 acres lying on the division road separating German and Pike Townships and another tract of fortj--four acres one mile north of the residence farm, is one of the well known and substantial men of this section. He was born October 27. 1853, in Spring-field Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Littlejohn) Shellabarger.

he accompanied his father, John Shellabarger, to Betliel Township, Clark County, where he was reared. In early manhood he married Elizabeth Littlejohn, who was born in Virginia and was brought to Clark County in girlhood. They had three children, namely: George; Mary, who married Ezra Heck; and Amanda, who died aged four years.

George Shellabarger was a school boj^ when his parents moved to a farm near Osborn, Montgomery County, Ohio, where they lived for eight years, and he was thirteen years old when they came to the present farm, which has been his home ever since. The father built the house .and farm buildings, but Mr. Shellabarger has made all the excellent improvements and has reason to take pride in his fine home. He is a practical, up-to-date farmer and successfully raises grain and excellent stock. The property has been his since the death of his father, in 1903, the latter being aged eighty-one years. The mother died in March, 1867.

Mr. Shellabarger married Ella Baker, who is the daughter of Joseph Baker, and they have two children, Mildred and Noah. Mr. Shellabarger takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs relating to his neighborhood, but his main interest has always been centered in his home and familv.

JOHN WILLIAM COLLIER, a well known agriculturist of Mad River Township, residing on a farm of 149 acres, situated in the southeastern part of Section 17, was born on his present farm October 24, 1854, and is a son of John and Matilda (Husted) Collier.

Thomas Collier, his grandfather, came to this country from Ireland when sixteen years of age with two brothers, who were ship carpenters by trade. Shortly after arriving here he was discarded by his brothers because of religious differences, and was subsequently imprisoned in New Jersey for debt. After coming to Ohio he earned money which enabled him to return to New Jersey and pay his debts. Thomas first located in Mad River Township, Clark County, and twice each year walked to Cincinnati to attend Mass, but later he became a Presbyterian and assisted in building the Mud Run Presbyterian Church, which has since been torn down. Thomas Collier was the father of seven children: Richard, Thomas, William, John, father of our subject, James, Charlotte, wife of Jacob Martin, and Fannie, who married John Hagan, all of whom are now deceased.

John Collier, father of John William, was born in Mad River Township, on what was then the old Robert Love farm, now known as the John Drake place. He was reared on this farm and became a blacksmith by trade. His father had willed the farm to his brother Richard, who was to have each son taught a trade. He continued on the farm three years, from his eighteenth to his twenty-first year, after which he learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked all his life, conducting a shop of his own. At the time of his marriage he owned nothing, and was married in a borrowed shirt. He subsequently became the owner of two fine farms, one of 345 acres in Illinois and one of 114 acres in Mad River Township. At one time his shop burned down leaving him with nothing but a "pair of willing hands." He then had the patronage of such men as Stephen Willson, Jacob Athey, Lem Van Meter, etc., all of whom were historic characters of Clark County. They came to his assistance, each giving him ten dollars, which was to be returned when he found himself in better circumstances. They were all paid with interest, and in 1852 he purchased from his father-in-law, Joseph Husted, some farming land, which now forms part of the present farm of the subject of this sketch. lie then returned to Mud Run, bought the old Drake farm and operated a saw-mill and blacksmith shop until his death in 1884, when he was aged seventyfour years. He married Matilda Husted, who was born in a log house on John Collier's present farm and Avho died in 1887. John and Matilda Collier became the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom died when young. Those living are: Hanna Ann (Mrs. E. Flohre), Joseph C, Andrew J., Charlotte Frances and John William.

J. William Collier was born on his present farm, where the greater part of his life has been spent. He conducted it for his father until 1873, when he went west for one year, returning home in 1875, after which he engaged in farming, his sister acting as housekeeper for him. Mr. Collier also spent some years at blacksmithing and after the death of his mother bought his farm from the heirs.

Mr. Collier was married in August, 1876, to Rebecca May, a daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth May, and of this union have been born seven children - one child for each day of the week, and each born on that day. They were as follows: Matilda Josephine; John Folger,

Mr. Collier has been a member of the school board for the past thirty years and is fraternally associated with the Knights of Pythias, the P. of H., and the I. 0. O. F.

JOHN W. PARSONS, superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home, of Springfield, and a native and life-long resident of Springfield, was born in 1838, a son of Israel and Ann C. (Cox) Parsons.

Israel Parsons was born in 1799 in Frederick County, Maryland, and in 1830 emigrated to Springfield, where he was engaged in general contracting during his active career, and died in 1883.

John W. Parsons was reared in Springfield, and his educational training was received in the public schools of this city. Early in life he learned telegraphy, at which he worked for a period of twentynine years, being for eighteen years manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company, of Springfield, Ohio. He served two years as telegraph operator in the United States Military Telegraph Corps in the Army of the Potomac, and has in his possession many original telegrams of General George B. McClellan and other military officers of high rank.

In 1876 Mr. Parsons was elected treasurer of Clark County, and two years later he was again elected to the same position. He has served all together four terms in this office, as he was elected to it again in 1884, serving two consecutive terms, the last of Avhich expired in 1888. During 1891-2 he served as a member of the board of public affairs and was one of the most active and prominent members of that body. Three years later, in 1895, he was elected superintendent of the Ohio Masonic Home, in which capacity he is still serving very efficiently. Mr. Parsons is a man of public spirit and enterprise and has always taken an interest in all matters pertaining to the advancement of the county. Politically he is a Republican and has served as chairman of the Republican central committee.

Mr. Parsons was united in marriage in 1867 to Miss Lida Enoch and they have two children: Jessie M. and Orrin L., who lives in Indian Territory. Fraternally Mr. Parsons is a Mason, having attained the thirty-third degree, which he took in 1887 in Providence, R. I. He is a member of St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, of Springfield.

JOHN HENRY KOBELANZ, residing on a well improved farm of 160 acres, situated in Springfield Township, Clark County, Ohio, was born March 15, 1839, in Springfield, Ohio, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Duhme) Kobelanz.

Frederick Kobelanz was a native of Hanover, Germany, and his father, who was born in Poland, was an officer in the German Army. Frederick Kobelanz was married in Germany, and in 1834 he and his wife came to America. They located at Buffalo, New York, for a time, after which they came to Springfield. Frederick then went down the Ohio River and obtained employment on a steam-boat for a while and after he returned to Springfield he was engaged in the lime and stone business on North Market Street. Mr.

Kobelanz subsequently moved to the farm on which his son, John Henry, now resides, and he built the brick house, which is still on the place. Here he died, aged eighty-two ^ears. His wife died in August, 1864.

John H. Kobelanz was a small boy when his parents moved to his present farm and here he was reared, and he attended the country schools. He was married to Anna Maria Snyder, a daughter of Abraham Snyder, of York County, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Kobelanz came to Clark County in 1861. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kobelanz: Elva May, who married Peter A. Dillahunt; Charles Edwin, who died aged two and one-half years ; Harry, who lives at home ; Daisy, who also lives at home ; and Mary, who married H. G. Miller. Politically Mr. Kobelanz is a Democrat and at one time was a candidate on that ticket for county commissioner in a Republican stronghold, but was defeated. In November, 1907, he was elected township trustee on the Democratic ticket.

CHARLES R. MILLER, a well known general farmer of Mad River Township, whose property contains 1441/4 acres, was born on his present farm May 9, 1851, son of Charles Dickerson and Belle M. (McClelland) Miller.

Moses Miller, great-grandfather of Charles R., came, with his family, from New Jersey at a very earlj^ period and settled in the timberlands of Mad River Township, near our subject's present farm. He lived here for the remainder of his life, passing away a few years after his arrival in this localitv. Davton Millei% his eldest son, and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a young man when he came to the wilds of Clark County with his parents. He cleared the farm now owned by Charles E. Miller, built the residence and planted the trees, which are still standing in front of the house. He was married in Miami County to Eliza Morrison, a native of New Jersey, and after his marriage came to live on the property that now forms our subject's present farm, residing for a time in a hewn log house, which then stood on the land. He died here in 1860 at an advanced age, and his widow survived him until 1874. They were the parents of five children, namely: AV. D. Miller, who was a manufacturer of plows at Enon ; Henrietta, who is now deceased; Charles Dickerson, father of Charles E. Miller ; Maria, who married H. Tannehill, and, with her husband, is now deceased; and Eobert, who died at the age of five years.

Charles Dickerson Miller was born and reared in the old log house on the farm where his son, Charles, now resides. He followed the occupation of threshing for twenty years. He married Belle McClelland, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and they reared a family of four children, one of whom died in infancy. Of the others, Mary E. married J. E. Wooden and resides in Iowa; Agusta, married H. Jacobs, of Clark County, Ohio; Charles is the direct subject of this sketch; and Frank B. is a resident of Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Miller died in 1868 and his wife in 1904.

Charles E. Miller was reared on his present farm, remaining at home until thirty-six years of age. He then spent nine years in Darke County, Ohio, where he bought a quarter section of land. Subsequently returning home, he purchased his farm from the Miller estate in 1897, and has been engaged in general farming, also raising many hogs. Mr. Miller was united in marriage February 29, 1885, to Tillie E. Hamaker, a daughter of John Hamaker. Of this union there are two children: Lucy Florence, and Mary E. Politically Mr. Millei:. is an independent voter, but was elected township trustee in 1905 on the Eepublican ticket.

SAMUEL SNYDEE, a prosperous farmer of Springfield Township, i-esiding on a farm of 108 acres situated about two miles northwest of Springfield, on the St. Paris Pike, was born February 18, 1837, in York County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Henry and Mary (Frey) Snyder.

Mr. Snyder's parents were prosperous farmers of York County, Pennsylvania, where they both died, the mother passing away when our subject was quite young. The father died at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.

Samuel Snyder spent his boyhood days on his father's farm in York County, and on October 1.3, 1859, was married there to Lydia Ginter, a daughter of John Ginter, who died when she was very young. In 1864 Mr. Snyder, his wife and one child, came to Clark Coimty, Ohio, where he rented for twenty-seven years the old Maria Snyder farm, in Springfield Township, and engaged in general farming. In 1894 he bought and moved to his present farm of 108 acres, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and although now past 71 years of age, still operates his own farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Snyder reared a family of six children, of the eldest child was born in Pennsylvania. They are: Alice, Henry, Ida, Samuel, Lydia, and Ward. Alice, who married John H. Sanders, of Lawrenceville, has four children, namely : Lydia, wife of Harry Helfrish; Samuel D., Walter, and William Dewey. Henry married Cora Lorton and has two children, Robert and Mildred; they reside in Springfield. Ida, wife of Christ C. Grauer, lives with the subject of this sketch ; Samuel and Lydia are twins. Samuel married Pearl Hook, and has four children, Oris, Paul, Harold, and an infant son; Lydia, who married Rev. William Rilling, pastor of the Millersburg Lutheran Church, has a family of four children, Reginald, Pauline, John, and an infant son. Ward Snyder is a resident of Toronto, Canada. He is connected with the National Cash Register Company, of Dayton, Ohio. Mrs. Snyder died September 22, 1899.

ABRAHAM MARTIN, a much esteemed resident of Bethel Township, residing on a farm of fifty-six and threequarters acres, was born October 23, 1827, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of David and Esther (Martin) Martin.

David Martin was born and reared in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In his earlier years he engaged in farming, after which he conducted an inn until a railroad line was built through that section of Lancaster County, when, finding this interferred with his business, in 1840, packed his belongings into a two-horse wagon and brought his family to Ohio.

They came on the newly-built Dayton Turnpike through Springfield to Dayton, where they had relatives, and thence to Enon. Mr. Martin remembers that there his mother sent him into a store to buy eggs, and he received just 100 eggs for twenty-five cents. The little store where the i^urchase was made is still in existence. They then proceeded to Tippecanoe City, Miami County, then to Medway, Bethel Township, and finally purchased land in Donnelsville. Mr. Martin conducted a hotel at Medway for some time, but later followed gardening. His death occurred in 1864, when eighty years of age. He was survived by his widow until 1866, when in her eighty -first year. There were ten children born to David and Esther Martin, namely : Fanny, who married Frank Hawthorn, both deceased; Hattie, who married Dr. Miller, both deceased, her death occurring in Cahfomia when in her ninety-first year; Ann, who married John Steele, both deceased; Christian, deceased; David, deceased; Magdaleua, who died in youth; Mary, who married George Alban, both deceased; Henry, who is a resident of Dayton, Ohio ; Eliza, who married James Allen, both deceased ; and Abraham.

Abraham Martin was a lad of thirteen years when his parents removed from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, to Clark County, Ohio, Springfield being at that time a very small village. He received his education in the district schools of the pioneer type, with the slab benches, and he assisted his father in clearing the land and chopped many cords of wood for others at twenty-five cents per cord. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until about fifts' vears old. and

Mr. Martin was married October 12, 1818, just eleven days previous to attaining his majority, to Sarah Ann Allen, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Allen, both of whom came to this county at an early age, the former from New Jersey in 1801, at the age of four years, and the latter from Kentucky when young. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had five children, namely: Minerva, widow of Lewis Schatfner, who died in 1887, has two children. Bertha, who married W. Ebersole, and has four children, and Cassius L., who married Alice Smith, has two children ; David, who died aged 35 years, married Fanny Ziegler, also deceased, and had four children, Thui'za, Sadie, Abraham, and Roscoe; Mary (Mrs. W. Hicks) has three children, Abraham 0., Gertrude, and Ruth; J. Cassius married Rosette Miller, and has seven children, Harry, Viola, deceased, Irene, Ethel, Delia, Abraham, Edna; Nora, deceased wife of Willis Morningstar, is survived by four children. Otto, Fern, Frank, and Nellie. Mr. Martin is the great-grandfather of fourteen and the grandfather of twenty children.

In the year before his marriage Mr. Martin had purchased one acre of land upon which he erected a small house, and since then has always owned his own home. In 1862 he pui'chased forty acres of his present farm from Frederick Gordon, later adding sixteen and three-quarters acres. In May, 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until September, 1864. Upon his return to Clark

County he engaged in carpenter work for several years, building bank barns as a specialty, his sons in the meantime operating the farm for him. Mr. Martin subsequently conducted the farm himself for a time, but acquired the larger part of his ample fortune by loaning money. For some time he has rented his land, taking care to have reliable tenants.

Mr. Martin is one of the oldest men in the township, and although past eighty years of age, is still remarkably hale for a man of his years, and has but once since his marriage I'equired the services of a physician for himself. Politically he is a Republican, and has served his township in various offices. He is a member of the Mitchell Post, G. A. R., and has been a member of the Masonic order since 1857.

BENJAMIN F. MELLINGER, a much esteemed citizen of Mad River Township, who is engaged in general farming on a tract of seventy-eight acres, was born July 17, 1851, in Mad River Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of John E. and Mary Elizabeth (Pfoutz) Mellinger.

John E. Mellinger was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was the eldest of a large family of children, of whom those now living are as follows: Johu, father of our subject; Jacob, Henry, a resident of St. Louis, Mo.; David; Mrs. Beard; and Elizabeth, who is unmarried and lives in Pennsylvania. The father, Benjamin Mellinger, followed farming in Pennsylvania all his life, also operating a small distillery and mill for some years.

father's farm in Lancaster County, and assisted in the work of the mill, distillery" and farm. He was married in Hagerstown, Maryland, to Mary Elizabeth Pfoutz, a native of that village. In about 1851, when forty years of age, he and wife came to Ohio and settled on a farm in Clark County. They subsequently bought the farm, which the subject of this sketch now owns, from the Martin heirs, and there his wife died shortly after, leaving two children: Benjamin F., and Ann Elizabeth, the latter of whom is unmarried and lives at Yellow Springs, Ohio. Mr. Mellinger subsequently married Sarah A. Lewis, who died twenty years later, in 1870. There were no children born of the second union. Mr. Mellinger died in June, 1901, at the advanced age of'ninety-one years.

Benjamin F. Mellinger has spent the greater part of his life in Mad River Township, where he has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. His early life was spent on the home fann, assisting in Its work, and he attended the Rock Point district school for three months during the winter. He was married January 10, 1878, to Emma L. Johnson, who was born at Yellow Springs, Green County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Asahel and Mary A. (Gilmore) Johnson. Her father came to Ohio from Kentucky, and here married Sarah E. Elwell, who died leaving no children, and he later married Mary A. Gilmore. Mr. Johnson's occupation in early life was that of a wagon-maker, but he subsequently conducted a general store at Yellow Springs, during which time he was appointed ticket and freight agent of the Little Miami division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, conducting that part of his business in the store. The last few years of his life were spent on a farm, where he died at the age of seventy-two. He was the father of three children: Emma, wife of our subject; Frank W., who lives on the home place in Green County, Ohio; and Charles S., who conducts an undertaking establishment at Xenia, Ohio, and is coroner of Green County.

After Mr. Mellinger 's marriage he spent four and a half years on his fatherin-law's farm in Greene County, and on April 1, 1881, returned to the old home farm in Mad River Township and purchased his sister's interest in the farm. Here he has since been successfully engaged in general farming, and is recognized as one of the township's substantial and representative citizens. The large brick house which he and his family occupy was erected in 1869 by his father, who had the brick burned on the place. Mr. and Mrs. Melhnger have one child, Charles J., who was born July 16, 1881. He passed the Boxwell examinations at the age of thirteen years, attended the Springfield High School for two years, as a graduate of Wilts Commercial College of Dayton, Ohio, and also attended the Ohio State University a short time. Politically Mr. Mellinger is a Republican.

REUBEN SCIFERS, one of Moorefield Township's representative men, residing on his excellent fann of fifty-six acres which lies on the Springfield-Urbana turnpike, one mile north of the corporation limits of Springfield, was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, February

The Scifers family originated in Germany. It was establislied in Loudon Covmty, Virginia, by the grandfather of Reuben Scifers. Grandfather Scifers, wishing to escape military service, ran away from home and gained a vessel which brought him to the American colonies during the Revolutionary War, in which he served for six years. Jacob Scifers, father of Reuben, was born in Loudon County, Virginia, in 1787. He served in the War of 1812. He married Nancy Romick, who was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, where her father owned a large plantation. They had eight children born in that county, Reuben being the youngest, and seven more were added to the family after settlement was made in Mad River Township, Champaign County, Ohio. One of his sons, James H., served four years in the Civil War.

Reuben Scifers was less than one year old when his parents left the old Virginia home, in September, 1833, and crossed the mountains in wagons to Champaign County, Ohio, where they settled on a rented farm. The father had previously bought a farm, but had never moved there and later sold it. He was a man of sterling character and reared his large family to respected maturity. In 1844 he contributed, with his neighbors, to assist in the building of Wittenberg College, his contribution taking the form of a load of lumber, and it was his son, Reuben, then a boy of eleven years, who delivered this first load as a beginning of that notable edifice.

and went to Urbana to learn the plasterer's trade, at which he worked until 1856, and then came to Springfield, where he worked as a journeyman plasterer until 1860 when he went into plastering contracting, for several years being associated with David Stevens. From 1872 until 1880 Mr. Scifers continued in business alone, doing a great deal of the plaster work on Springfield buildings. It was done with the slow, careful methods which make for permanence, rather than with the cheapening hurry of the present day, which too often entirely destroys the substantial character of a building. In the spring of 1868, Mr. Scifers bought his present farm, to which he moved in the following fall and resided on it until 1876, when he spent two years at Springfield, in order to give his children city school advantages. In 1878 he returned to the farm and resumed agricultural pursuits. On January 30, 1859, Mr. Scifers was married to Mary Hulinger, who is a daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Maggart) Hulinger. Mrs. Scifers was born and reared in Mad River Township, Champaign County, where her parents had married, although her father was born in Pennsylvania and her mother in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Scifers have two children : Alice Ada and Ulysses G. Alice Ada Scifers married Charles 0. May, who is a contracting plasterer at Springfield. They have four children, namely: Ford A., who married Ross Poysell ; Margaret ; John R. ; and Blair, the latter of whom was accidentally drowned on Decoration Day, in 1904, when within one week of being twelve years of age. This was a sad blow to everv member of the familv and aroused the sympathy of the whole community. Ulysses G. Scifers resides at Springfield. He married Mary Clouse, and they have one sou, Robert B.

Mr. Scifers is a Republican, and he was elected township trustee and faithfully served through his term of three years. For the space of eighteen years he was a member of the Board of Agriculture. With his family he belongs and gives liberal support to the Fourth Lutheran Church at Springfield.

HARRY S. KISSELL, one of Springfield's leading business man, president and treasurer of The Kissell Real Estate Company, and identified with other Spring-field interests, was born in this city September 24, 1875, and is a son of the late C. B. Kissell a native of Maryland who came to Clark County in childhood.

Harry S. Kissell was educated in the Springfield schools and at Wittenberg College graduating from the latter wellknown institution in the class of 1896. After his graduation he entered his father's real estate office, the latter having been engaged in this line of business for some twenty years. A partnership was formed under the style of C. B. Kissell & Son, which continued until the death of C. B. Kissell, which took place in 1903. Harry S. Kissell was the organizer of The Kissell Real Estate Company, which was incorporated in 1906, with a capital stock of $10,000. This firm deals entirely in Clark County and Springfield property, doing some platting and building. and their honest, straight-forward methods have built up for them an extensive business. Mr. Kissell is a director and was one of the incorporators of The American Trust & Savings Company, and he is identified with other successful enterprises, being vice president of The Fairbanks Building Company, and also of the Springfield Commercial Club.

In 1901 Mr. Kissell was married to Miss Olive Troupe, who is a daughter of Theodore Troupe, one of Springfield's leading citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Kissell have one son, Roger Troupe Kissell.

Fraternally he is a 32nd degree Mason and is an officer in the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M., of Ohio, and is a past master of Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M. He is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and is president of its Ijoard of trustees. His social connections are with the Lagonda and Country clubs.

GEORGE H. FREY, JR., a prominent business citizen of Springfield, who is closely identified with the city's railroad interests, was born at Springfield, Ohio, August 27, 1856, and is a son of George H. and Jane Q. (Ward) Frey.

For many years the father of Mr. Frey was prominent in the business life of Spring-field, in which city he now lives retired. The mother of Mr. Frey was a member of one of the old established families of this section. She died in 1881. Of the twelve children which made up the family, five still survive, George H- being the third in order of birth.

George H. Frey, Jr., acquired his literary education in the schools of Springfield, at Wittenberg College and at Wooster University. He prepared for the legal profession, but later went into business, in

1879, succeeding to his father's quarry interests. For some years he was engaged in a banking business at Omaha, Nebraska, where he continued until 1885. He then returned to Springfield and for the following two years served as treasurer of the Mast-Foos Manufacturing Company. He then went again to the West and for three years carried on a stone business in Kansas, but in 1890 he came back to Spring-field and has since been identified with railroad and other important business enterprises

Mr. Frey married Belle Mast, a daughter of the late P. P. Mast, and he and his wife are the parents of three sons. Mr. Frey is a Republican in politics.

ARTHUR Z. SMITH, one of the enterprising and successful farmers of Pike Township, who ably operates his father's farm of 200 acres, which is situated thirteen miles northwest of Springfield, was born July 15, 1873, on the farm in Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, which is now the property of William Sturgeon. His parents were Christian and Mary Jane (Zinn) Smith.

This Smith family came to Ohio from Virginia and it was the great-grandfather of Arthur Z. Smith who brought the family first to Pike Township. The parents of Arthur Z. Smith were born in Clark County, where the father lives retired, having long been one of Pike Township's most substantial citizens. The mother of Mr. Smith was a daughter of Daniel R. and Matilda (Sturgeon) Zinn, and she died March 21, 1883. There were eight children born to Christian Smith and his first wife, as follows: Marcellus Z!, Albert Z., Matilda A., Orren Z., Delia May, Arthur Z., Clarence Z. and Alice E., the last named being the wife of Cassius SchatTner. The second marriage of Christian Smith was to Carolina D. Tener, who died in tlie following year, and his third marriage was to Wilhelmina Dresher. To this last union were born the following children: Margaret, Cynthia, Helen, Vernon, Gilbert and Luther. Helen and Vernon are deceased.

Arthur Z. Smith was three years old when the family moved to the present farm and he attended the old Yale School in this district. He assisted in clearing this farm and has devoted himself to its cultivation and improvement ever since boyhood. He engages in a general agricultural line, raising fine stock and growing grain.

On December 2, 1900, Mr. Smith was married to Bertha Jordan, who is a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Myers) Jorcjan, old pioneers of Pike Township. Mr. Jordan still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons, Harold C. and Lloyd Parker. In politics Mr. Smith is a Democrat and in January, 1908, his party elected him a member of the School Board of Pike Township. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Junior Order of American Mechanics and to the National Protective Legion.

WILLI A:M MILLER, who is now living in retirement at his home in Springfield Township after many years of business activity, is owner of considerable property in different jiarts of the county. He has seven or eight acres within the limits of the city of Springfield, a tract of twenty-five acres across the road in Spring-field Township and another tract of eighty-two acres in the same township, and in Moorefield Township has a farm of ninetj^-two acres. He is a native of Clark County, Ohio, having been born on the old Isaac Miller farm, April 10, 1846, and is a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Sitz) Miller.

The paternal grandparents of William Miller came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, of which they were natives, to Ohio, and took up their residence in German Township, Clark County. The grandfather, a hardy old pioneer, sowed the first clover seed in Clark County, having brought it in from Butler County.

Isaac Miller was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Clark County. He attended the primitive schools of German Township, and at an early age learned the trade of carpenter with James Humphrey, who lived on the ITrbana Pike. He eijjoyed a long and useful life, being nearly ninety-two years old at the time of his demise. He married Elizabeth Sitz, whose father. Henry Sitz, was a farmer and an early resident of the county. This union resulted in the following issue: David, who died at the age of forty-two years; AA^illiam and Henry, twins; and Mary, wife of James M. Sheatf.

William Miller received an excellent education in the district schools of his native township, and throughout his long and active business career engaged in agricultural pursuits. He farmed the home place rmtil his marriage, in 1871, then rented a place south of the city of Springfield. After a short residence there he moved down toward Clifton, and later to the old Charles Stroud farm at Donnelsville. He then purchased twenty-six acres of land from his father, for which he paid $2,600 and after residing there three three years sold out at $154 per acre, almost doubling his money on the investment. He then lived on the farm left by his father-in-law, Henry Gram, for four years, at the end of which time he moved to his present place.

Mr. Miller was first married to Miss Anna Rebbert, a daughter of Andrew Rebbert, who lived south of the city of Springfield, and one son, Andrew J., was born to bless this union. After the death of his first wife he formed a second union October C, 1875, with Miss Elizabeth Gram, a daughter of Henry Gram, who was a speculator and a well known citizen of this county. She was one of the following children bom to her parents: Catherine, deceased; Rebecca, deceased; Elizabeth (Miller); Sarah; John, deceased; and Cornelius. This second union was also blessed with a son, Henry G., who operates the home farm. The latter was joined in marriage with Mary Kobelanz, a daughter of Henry Kobelanz, and has a son, Karl C, aged three years. Religiously Mr. Miller and his family are members of the Lutheran Church.

LEWELLEN TAYLOR, a highly respected citizen and retired farmer of Mad River Township, was born on his father's farm in Ross County, Ohio, March 5, 1829, and is a son of John and Mary (Pierce) Taylor.

to Mary Pierce, whose people came from Pennsylvania. After marriage John Taylor and wife went to Ross County, Ohio, where he bought a large, uncleared farm in Paint Township. From tilling his acres here he went to serve as a soldier in the War of 1812, and on account of his knowledge of horses was made overseer of a wagon train. He survived all the dangers of war and returned to his family and resumed clearing and cultivating his land in Eoss County. In 1853 he removed from there to Clark County and died at the home of his son Lewellen in 1863. His wife had died in Eoss County. They had eleven children, namely: Washington, Hettie, William, Eachel, Neicey, Pierce, Emily, Sallie, Andrew, Simeon and Lewellen all of whom reached maturity and married, and many left descendants.

Lewellen Taylor was the youngest born of the above family and is the only survivor. He assisted to clear up his father's 240 acre fann, in the meanwhile gaining a subscription school education in a log school building. His father paid $2.50 for three months' instruction for each of his children. In those days there was no free system of education as at present, when children cannot evade going to school and having advantages, even if they desire to do so. He was married November 15. 1855, to Delilah Barefield, of Highland County, Ohio, and to this marriage were born four children, namely. Jefferson, Mary, Alfred and Birch. Jefferson married May Phillips and they have five children. Mary is deceased. She was the wife of Robert Patten and the mother of three children, all of whom married and have children of their own. Alfred married Rose Sheets. Birch married Margaret Cahill and they have three children. Thus Mr. Taylor's family has expanded into the third generation and he is very proud of his four great-grandchildren.

In 1855 Mr. Taylor moved with his family to Clark County, Ohio, where he bought 160 acres of land in Mad Eiver Township. It was uncleared, unimproved property and the Eebert Turnpike Road which now skirts it was then but a rough, muddy highway. Mr. Taylor soon changed the appearance of his farm and surroundings. He erected all the buildings now standing and continued to add to his land until he owned 500 acres. That represented years of industry and good management. This land he has apportioned to his children and has been permitted to live to see them in the enjoyment of their heritage.

Mr. Taylor has an honorable military record. When the Mexican War broke out he, with two companions, endeavored to enter the service, but he did not succeed, although he was well developed for his age. He waited until 1864 before h6 made a second attempt to become a soldier, being accepted at this time. He was assigned to service on the gunboat, the "General Grant," on the Tennessee River, and he participated in the numerous battles that marked the river campaign, receiving his honorable discharge on June 30, 1865. He escaped all injury and was able to return to his family unharmed. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1893 Mr. Taylor retired from farm work and built his handsome residence, which is pleasantly situated three miles south and west of Springfield. Mr. Taylor is one of the representative men of his section and has reared a family which is creditable both to the parents and to the community in which they have their homes.

one of the early pioneers of Clark County, Ohio, who is living in retirement at New Carlisle, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest after years of unceasing activity, was for many years one of the most prominent stock dealers and breeders of thoroughbred cattle, sheep and hogs in the county. He was born May 28, 1823, at Lisbon, Clark Coimty, Ohio, and is a son of Isaac and Polly (Harriman) Chamberlin.

Isaac Chamberlin and wife came from Vermont to Ohio in 1817, leaving there in January in a sled made by removing the wheels from a wagon. After reaching the Western Resei"\'e the wheels were again put into use and the trip finished by wagon, arriving at Clark County, Ohio, in March, when they settled in the timberlands near Lisbon. Polly (Harriman) Chamberlin was a daughter of Stephen Harriman, who was a soldier in the War of the Revolution, and who had been in Ohio the year before the Chamberlins came here and bought a tract of timberland near Lisbon. He then returned to Vermont and bought the farms of Mr. Chamberlin and three other farmers. Isaac Chamberlin was a comparatively poor man when he came to Ohio, where he engaged in farming and dealt extensively in stock, often taking stock to Detroit. Michigan, and other points. He was born April 14, 1782, at Strafford, Vermont, and died near Lisbon July 25, 1863, at the age of seventy-nine years. Six children were born to Isaac Chamberlin and wife, namely: Stephen, deceased; George C, deceased; Caroline, married J. Henry, both deceased; Walter N. ; and Sarah, who was the wife of Dr. J. S. Sprague, both now deceased.

Walter N. Chamberlin was reared on his father's farm and attended the district schools of the township and later the Springfield High School and Wittenberg College. He then taught school at Plattsburg and vicinity for a period of ten years, 1842 to 1852, inclusive. On December 25, 1851, he was married to Sarah Jane Osborn, a daughter of William and Jane (McDaniel) Osborn, who came on horseback to Ohio from Kentucky and settled near Plattsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Chamberlin were the parents of eleven children, but seven of whom were reared to maturity: Emma: Melton; Olive, who is an instructor in the schools of Toledo, Ohio; Norton, who lives in Columbus; Frank, who lives in San Francisco; Orphia; and William, who died aged twenty-one years.

Mr. Chamberlin has always been interested in handling stock, and when nineteen years old drove hogs from South Charleston to Richmond, Virginia, for ex- Sheriff A. Maddocks, and also drove horses from Clark County to Philadelphia for his father. Later, in connection with his brother, he drove cattle to Dutchess County, New York. Soon after his marriage he engaged in farming and stockraising, first making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, and Chester White hogs, later of Poland China hogs and American Merino sheep. He has had many very successful exhibits at Ohio State Fairs and ' was once offered $1,000 for one of his sheep. He has often been called npon to act as judge of stock at various fairs, and at the age of eighty years was one of the judges of stock at the Clark County Fair, and was also one of the five judges of stock at the largest state fair, which was held at Dayton, Ohio. After being convinced of the advantages of pedigree stock, he became instrumental in establishing the records of Poland China hogs, calling a meeting of all the large breeders of that particular breed of swine in the state, of which meeting he was appointed chairman, and in 1879 the first record of Poland China hogs was published. Upon first entering the stock business Mr. Chamberlin rented a large farm in Hardin County and there held annual stock sales for about fiive years, after which be located at Plain City, Ohio, where he continued in the stock business, holding sales there for six years. In 1880, after selling out, he went to London, Ohio, where he lived for some years. He then operated a large farm in Adams County, Ohio, for eighteen months and in 1885 he came to New Carlisle and purchased his present residence property, which is located on the corner of Church and Jackson Streets, where he has since been living in retirement after a long, active bnsiness career.

Politically Mr. Chamberlin is a Republican and has served as township trustee, school director and in various other minor to^vnshil) offices. He is a member of the Masonic order, with which he became associated in 1850, and was formerly also an I. O. 0. F., with which order he affiliated in 1847. Religiously Mr. Chamberlin is a member of the Universalist Church, and has always taken an active interest in the Sunday-school work. He lias been active in the advancement of educational interests and was one of the first to introduce teachers' institutes in the county; also centralized High Schools. He favored music in the common schools and mental arithmetic in the district schools, and has lived to see many of his 'ideas incorporated in the public school svstem.

ARTHUR GERLAUGH, a life-long resident of Bethel Township, Clark County, Ohio, residing on a fine farm of 350 acres, where he has always followed farming in connection with breeding and importing short-horn cattle, was born March 15, 1883, on his present farm near the village of Medway, and is a son of Charles L. and Julia A. (Hower) Gerlaugh.

Charles . L. Gerlaugh was born on a farm near Dayton, Ohio, where he was married to Julia A. Hower, a native of Fairfield, Ohio. In 1881 they came to Clark County and purchased 257 acres in Bethel Township, to which was later added ninety-three acres. Here he engaged in general farming, and breeding and importing short horn cattle until his death, which occurred in 1905, when he was fifty years old. He was survived by his widow until April, 1907, when she died in her forty-seventh year. He was a member and a director of the American Short Honied Breeders' Association. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gerlaugh, namely: Arthur, the subject of this sketch; Howard, who also lives on the

Arthur Gerlaugh has spent his entire life on his present farm, and here he and his brother, Howard, have continued in their father's occupation as breeders and importers of short horn cattle. He is a member of and stockholder in the American Breeders' Association. Mr. Gerlaugh was educated in the public schools, is a graduate of the Ohve Branch High School and attended Wittenberg College for two years, after which he entered the Iowa State Agricultural College, where he remained until the death of his father. He then returned to the Woodberry farm, of which he took charge, and has since met with considerable success in all his under-

Politically Mr. Gerlaugh is a Republican. In 1906 he was appointed a member of the school board to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, and in 1907 was elected president of that body.

June 19, 1907, Mr. Gerlaugh was joined in marriage with Margareta Butts, a daughter of C. J. and Margareta (Marshal) Butts, of Osborn, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Gerlaugh are members of the Lutheran Church, of which the former is also a deacon.

CHARLES A. BAUER, for many years was one of the remarkable business men of Springfield - a man whose broad and comprehensive knowledge of everything in the line of mechanics and mechanical construction, caused him to be identified with some of the most important manufacturing undertakings of this section. Mr. Bauer was a German, born in Wurtemberg, August 16, 1846, and his father's name was Frederick Bauer.

The parents of Mr. Bauer emigrated to America when he was six years of age, landing at New Orleans in 1852. Here the father died three months later of yellow fever, when his widow and son removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, whei'e the former resided until her death, in 1900.

Left a fatherless boy in a great city and a strange country, the late Charles A. Bauer had few of the advantages or enjoyments of ordinary youth. At the age of twelve years he became, with justifiable pride, entirely self-supporting. His father had been a skilled draughtsman and successful bridge-builder, and the son inherited a positive genius for mechanics which caused him to seek employment in this direction. After a short period of work in the Pyrotechnieal Manufactory, at Cincinnati, he became an apprentice to the gunsmith trade, and three years later, in 1864, circumstances made it possible for him to enter the machine shops of Miles, Greenwood & Company, at Cincinnati. There he learned to be a practical machinist, extending' his studies far into applied mechanics.

Mr. Bauer's unusual ability did not fail to attract attention, and in 1867 he was offered a position at the Ohio Mechanics' Institute as an instructor in mechanical drawing and applied mechanics, which position he retained while also filling that of superintendent of the Nile Tool Works, at Hamilton, and acting as consulting engineer for the firm of Lane & Bodley, at Cincinnati. In 1875 Mr. Bauer became superintendent of the Champion Bar and

Knife Compauy, at Springfield, and from that time until his death, which occurred in June, 1899, he continued to be connected with Springfield enterprises. In 1883, he became general manager of the Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Mower and Reaper Works, and three years later, when the business was incorporated, he became a partner in the concern, still retaining, however, his position as general manager. Mr. Bauer was a very valuable assistant and advisor in the installation of the city's various utilities, and for nine years he served as a member of the board of trustees of the Springfield water-works system.

His experience covered a wide range, including most prominently the design and practical execution of nearly all kinds of machine tools, stationary and river engines, rolUng-mills, furnaces, pumping, mining and general milling machinery. He was particularly well fitted for superintending the establishment of plants and the arrangement and details of buildings on ground for manufacturing purposes.

In 1868 Mr. Bauer was married to Louise Haeseler, who was born in Prussia, and who accompanied her parents to America in 1851. Mrs. Bauer survives her husband and resides at No. 825 East High Street, Springfield. Three sons were born of this marriage, namely: Charles L., who is president of the Foos Manufacturing Company of Springfield, and who resides at No. 1215 East High Street; William A., who is treasurer of the Foos Manufacturing Company, and resides at No. 1427 East High Street ; and Louis E., vice president of the Foos Manufacturing Company, who resides at No. 1217 East High Street.

The late Charles A. Bauer was one of the vice presidents of the National Founders' Association, refusing the presidency of the same. He belonged also to the Fifth District committee of the American Foundrymen's Association, and was one of the charter members of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, serving as one of its managers for four years. He was a Mason of high standing, having attained the 32nd degree, and he belonged to Anthony Lodge, No. 455, F. & A. M. He was also identified with the Ivnights of Pythias. The death of Mr. Bauer called forth many expressions of regret and appreciation from those who had enjoyed his personal acquaintance, and also from those who recognized the extent and value of his professional work, both in America and in Europe.

JAMES K. KERSHNER, dairy and food inspector at Spring-field, who has filled this important office since 1906, was born in 1844 in Springfield Township, Clark County, Ohio, and is a son of Jacob Kershner.

Jacob Kershner was born at Hagerstown, Maryland, and came from there to Clark County, Ohio, October 28, 1827, settling on two sections of land which his father had secured from the government in 1804. The grandfather lived on this land until his death, in 1852, and he was succeeded in its ownership by his son, Jacob, father of James K., and he became one of Springfield Township's leading men.

came to Springfield, where he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for a time, and subsequently he went into the horse business, which he has developed into an important industry. He both deals in horses and breeds fine saddle and trotting horses, and the products of his stables are in demand throughout all this section. He has taken a good citizen's interest in politics, but his present position is the first public office he has been willing to accept, and to its duties he devotes his most careful attention. He is a member of the First Lutheran Church at Springfield.

GEORGE W. OLINGER, one of Harmony Township's well known citizens, who is engaged in general farming, owning a fine property containing ninety-five acres of valuable land, was born in Clark County, Ohio, May 27, 1857. He is a son of Joseph C. and Mary (Smith) dinger.

Joseph C. dinger was born in Augusta County, Virginia, May 8, 1816, and was a son of George and Rachel dinger. In 1846, when he was thirty years of age, he came to Clark County, Ohio (his parents and the rest of the family having come in 1832), and worked by the day for farmers, living in the meanwhile on the old Baird place. After buying and selling some land he acquired 500 acres in Harmony Township, near Brighton, and on that land he spent the remainder of his life. He married Mary Smith and they had nine children, six of whom survive, namely : Jacob, born in November, 1854, married Lizzie Hartman and they have one child, Joseph V. ; George W. ; William Henry, bom January 10, 1859; Jasper W., born April 11, 1861, on the day that Fort Sumpter was fired on, who married Alta Wilson, and they have two children, Ralph and Raymond; Clinton S., born January 27, 1864, an attorney in practice at Springfield, who married Mary Elizabeth Sparrow, and they have two children, Frances and Robert; and Joseph C, born February 24, 1868, who married Celia Shaffer.

George W. dinger was reared and educated in Harmony Township. For a number of years he traveled all through the eastern and western states, selling electric supplies, but at present is managing liis farm. He purchased tJiis property of the William Williamson estate, but through some litigation a part of it had to be repurchased. Since 1890 he has been the sole owner. He carries on general agriculture and is ably assisted by a young man by the name of John Rineheart, whom Mr. dinger has reared from childhood.

In 1889 Mr. dinger married Eva Tippie, who was born March 2, 1864, and died May 29, 1895. Their one daughter, Mary, who was born September 1, 1891, resides with her maternal grandparents, George and Orcha Tippie. Mr. and Mrs. Tippie have three children living - Decatur, Owa, and Etna. Mr. Olinger is a member of the Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 345, at Vienna, in which he has passed all the chairs. He is a leading member and liberal supporter of the Christian Church at Vienna.

The Gilbert family is of Scotch descent and has been long established on American soil. The grandparents came to Greene County, Ohio, at an early period and there resided until death. Lewis Gilbert, father of C. J., was bom in Eastern Ohio and was reared there on his father's farm. He served four years in the Union army during the Civil War and participated in many of the important engagements of that struggle. Upon his return to peaceful pursuits he engaged in the timber business, which he followed with success for many years. He now resides at Cedarville, where he takes rank among the leading and substantial men. He married Anna McLean, a native of Greene County, and they became parents of four children, all of whom are living.

C. F. Gilbert was educated in the public schools of Greene County, and remained on the home place until twenty-one years of age. His connection with the lumbering business began early, and after a period of nine years in it he entered into partnership with Joseph Van Horn, under the tirm name of Van Horn & Gilbert. Their sawmill was first located about a mile east of South Charleston, but after the formation of the partnership was removed to the village proper.- They do a general sawmill business and deal extensivelj^ in all kinds of hard lumber. It is the only mill in this vicinity and is operated at its full capacity all the time. In addition to the sawmill, Van Horn & Gilbert conduct a general store which enjoys a liberal patronage.

Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage with Anna Wilson, a daughter of Timothy Wilson of Madison Township, and they reside in a comfortable home in South Charleston. Politically Mr. Gilbert is a Republican. He is prominent fraternally, being a member of the Masons, having attained the Knights Templar degree, and of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He is one of the substantial men of affairs in his vicinity and in addition to town property which he owns, he and his partner have large landed interests in Mississippi and own also 120 acres in Greene County, Ohio.

JOHN W. LEATHERMAN, one of German Township's representative agriculturists, resides on his well cultivated farm of sixty acres, which is situated on the Springfield-Northampton Turnpike Road, about fonr miles northwest of Springfield. He was born in Hampshire County, West Virginia, June 26, 1853, and is a son of Charles and Catherine (Shoskey) Leatherman.

The parents of Mr. Leatherman came from West Virginia to Clark County, Ohio, when he was eighteen months old, and settled on a farm about nine miles northeast of Springfield, on the old Major Hunt place. The father rented that farm for two years and then moved to the neighboring one belonging to Nathan Trotter, which he rented for ten years, moving from there to one on the Yellow Springs Turnpike. This farm belonged to John Perrin, and one year later they moved to a farm two miles north of Clifton, and from there a vear afterward to the James Ander- son farm, and thence to Dr. Marquart's fai'm, near Osborn, on which they lived i'or eight years. Their next move was to the Jolm Harris farm, near Dayton, where the mother died. The father and sons had worked the various farms up to this time, but from that time on up to the time of his marriage, John W. Leatherman worked by the month. After that event he rented a farm in Pike Township, on which he lived for five years, and in 1886 he bought and moved on to his present farm, which he has continued to improve up to the time of this writing. He has done a large amount of tiling and fencing and some clearing, and has remodeled the residence, and in 1904 he built a new barn, the dimensions of which are 40 by 50 feet. He takes an interest in his surroundings, and his improvements each year add value to his place.

In 1881 Mr. Leatherman married Mary E. Dresher, a daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Siefreid) Dresher, who was born south of Springfield, in Clark County. Their oldest child died in infancy. The survivors all are at home, namely: Otho, Kolland and Raymond, twins, and Irven. Mr. and Mrs. Leatherman are members of the German Baptist Church.

WILLIAM HENRY OLINGER, a representative agriculturist of Harmony Township, in which he owns 295 acres of valuable land, was born in Clark County, Ohio, January 10, 1859, and is a son of Joseph C. and Mary (Smith) dinger.

their children in 1832 to Clark County from Rockbridge County, Virginia. They resided for a time near Charleston, and then removed to Illinois, where both died in the fullness of years. Their children were: Peter, John, George, Robert, Joseph, Rachel and Eliza.

Joseph C. Olinger was born in Augusta County, Virginia, May 8, 1816, and from 1846 until his death, in 1894, he lived in Clark County. He bought his first land in 1834, near Catawba, but he subsequently sold that tract, after which, in 1855, he bought 484 acres from the Bailey heirs, and on this farm he lived until his death. He was married (first) February 28, 1853, to Mary Smith, who was born in ]828 and died in 1868. He was married (secondly) to Eliza Wilson, who survives him. The children were born of the first marriage, three dying in infancy and the following surviving to maturity: Jacob, born March 27, 1854, married Lizzie Hartman, and they have one son, Joseph; George, born May 25, 1857, married Eva Tipple, who died in 1895, leaving one child, Mary; William Henry is the subject of this sketch; Jasper W., born April 11, 1861, married Alta Wilson, and they have two sons, Ralph and Raymond; Clinton S., born January 27, 1864, is an attorney at Springfield, married Libbie Sparia, and they have two children, Frances and Robert; and Joseph C, born February 24, 1868, married Celia Shaffer.

In the division of the father's property the step-mother and the six sons each received a just share. William Henry remained on the home place, where the stepmother keeps house for him. In 1898 he purchased his brothers' shares and has managed the whole place ever since.

When the Ohio Electric Line ran through here Mr. Olinger sold five acres to the railroad. This is a very interesting old farm, and, besides an old Indian mound, many relics of by-gone days have been found, but whether of peace or warfare, it is not easv to decide.

Misses Luella And Sarah

MISSES LUELLA AND SARAH ELIZABETH VERITY, who come of one of Pike Townships most prominent families, are descended from pioneers of Clark County, on both sides. Their paternal grandfather, Matthew Verity, was born in Yorkshire, England, and accompanied by his wife and family of four children, came to the United States. They settled in the woods near Dialton, in Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, but later moved farther west, near New Carlisle, in the same township, where Matthew Verity died at the age of eighty years. He often told of his journey to Clark County, which was then regarded as very far west, and his wanderings were attended with hardships and he found himself frequently in trying situations. His first night in Clark County found him occupying a bed with a stranger. He had placed his money under the pillow and when his bedfellow persisted in using Mr. Veritj^'s pillow the latter became so anxious about his money he could not sleep. His fears were groundless, however, as his money remained undisturbed. He first married Elizabeth Nickelson, who died after coming to Clark County, leaving seven children, four of whom were bom in England: Jolm and William, both deceased ; Matthias, residing in Wisconsin ; David, Henry and George, all deceased; and Jonathan, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Matthew Verity subsequently married a Miss Otewalt. This union resulted in no issue.

Henry Verity, father of the Misses Verity, was born in the woods of Pike Township, August 11, 1832, and during his life time witnessed a wonderful change in conditions in this locahty. He and a brother rode horseback to Springfield to see the first steam engine enter the village. He followed farming all his days and acquired 100 acres of land, one mile west of Dialton, a part of which he cleared. He also taught school for a short time. He was joined in marriage August 30, 1860, to Louisa Jenkins, who was born in Pike Township, and was a daughter of Levi and Sarah (Shaffer) Jenkins, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Pike Township, Clark Coimty, her people having come from Virginia at a very eai'ly period. The father of Levi Jenkins came overland from North Carolina in a wagon and was possessed of but fifty cents in money when he arrived. Levi Jenkins was industrious, and living frugally accumulated a handsome property, from which he gave each of his children a farm. Mr. Jenkins moved to Kansas in his latter years, but returned after his wife's death, dying six years later, to the day.

Henry and Louisa Verity were parents of three children : Albert B., who is now in California; Luella; and Sarah Elizabeth. The elder daughter was born on the farm of Levi Jenkins in Champaign County. Ohio, and the younger was born in Pike Towushi]:), on the farm which was the birthplace of her motlier. All three children attended London Hill Academy at New Carlisle, as did their mother, who for some years was a school teacher. Hen^y Verity died at the home place January 14, 1900, and was survived by his widow, who died December 3, 1904, aged seventy years. Prior to the death of their mother, the Misses Verity purchased a home in Dialton, where they now reside. They rent the seventy-five-acre farm inherited from their mother, as well as one of one hundred acres left by their father. Religiously, both are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MILTON L. EVANS, who owns sixty acres of some of the best farming laud in German Township, which is favorably situated only five miles northwest of Springfield, just off the Jordan Turnpike Road, was born in Elizabeth Township, Miami County, Ohio, June 2, 1872. He is a son of William Perry and Mary Jane (Loughrige) Evans, William Perry Evans being a well known farmer in Miami County.

Milton L. Evans remained on the home place until his marriage on August 22, 1894, to Emma F. Garst. Mrs. Evans was bom in Pike Township, Clark County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Mary (Bozart) Garst. When she was five years old she accompanied her mother and her step-father, John Filbrun, to Miami County, her own father having died when she was very young. For two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Evans lived with Mr. and Mrs. Filbrun, during which time Mr. Evans was engaged in teaching school. In the fall of 1895 he purchased his present farm and in the following spring they moved to it and have nowlived here for the past twelve years. Mr.

Evans is both a practical and progressive farmer, making use of modern methods and improved machinery. He and his wife have a family of eight children, namely: Robert Chesley, John Lebert, William Harold, Jasper Milton, Russell Frank, Ira Homer, Mary Caryl and Mor^ ris L. Mr. Evans is giving his children every advantage in his power and they show the effect of the parental care bestowed upon them.

ADAM GRUBE, a leading citizen of Springfield Township, where he owns one hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable land, is proprietor of the Adam Grube & Son brickyard, which is situated on North I;imestone Street, just north of the limits of Springfield. Mr. Grube was born in Mackenbach, Rhine Bavaria, Germany, June 20, 18.33, and is a son of Jacob and Philipena (Shaar) Grube.

In 1835 the parents of Mr. Grube came to America and settled in Tiffin, Ohio, where they lived for two years. During this time the father worked very hard, walking the whole distance to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he secured employment on the Wabash Canal, and later worked on the Maumee Canal. In 1837 Jacob Grube decided to remove his family to Springfield, where there was a chance for him to secure work as a day laborer, and after this removal, Adam Grube had a chance to go to school. He also began to assist in the care of the family, earning his first money selling produce from house to house, before and after school, his honest measure and pleasant manner soon making friends for him among the housewives of Spring-field.

Just as soon as his strength permitted he began to at day labor, in the meanwhile gaining a knowledge of the brick business. When he was only twelve years old he worked in James Robinson's brickyard for his board and three dollars a month. He was patient, persevering, honest and saving, and it was a proud day for him when, in partnership with his brother, he was able to buy fifteen acres of land. Later he bought his brother's seven and one-half acres, and this remains his home place. For fourteen years he lived in a log house and then built his present fine brick residence. When he went first into the brick business he was associated with his two brothers, Jacob and Christian, and they continued together for six years, after which he followed farming and gardening for several years and then started his brickyard, later entering in partnership with his son, Charles Elmer Grube. The plant is fitted with the Quaker brick-making machinery, and employment is given twelve men and five boys. The output is building brick, and the business is one of importance.

When he was about twenty-two years of age, Mr. Grube was married to Annie Mary Wilch, and they had born seven children, the three survivors being: John Adam, who is a farmer and brickmaker; William H. ; and Charles E., who is in partnership with his father. After the death of his first wife, Adam Grube married Gertrude Eettig, who is also deceased. Of their nine children, four are living, namely: George Peter, Samuel, Frantz- Joseph, and Gertrude.

Joseph and Samuel David. In addition to his residence already mentioned, Mr. Grube owns four other houses which he rents. His property is all of considerable value. A review of Mr. Grube 's life tells a story that carries its own lesson. It proves the value of industry and prudence. It is a long step from the little lad carrying his basket of produce from his parent's garden, from door to door, to the substantial citizen whose name at the bottom of a legal paper represents large and honestly earned thousands of dollars.

EDWARD H. RITCHIE, general farmer, residing in Pleasant Township, owns two farms, comprising 240 acres of valuable land. He was born in Loudon County, Virginia, and was six years old when his parents came to Clark County.

The father of Mr. Ritchie settled first on a farm three miles west of Catawba, which he rented for one year. He then removed to the J. Chance farm, one and one-half miles west of Catawba, a year later moving to what was known as the Yeazle farm. From there he removed to the Baumgardner farm and while living on the latter property commenced to build a house on a farm that he had purchased in 1859. It contained 101 acres and the father of Mr. Ritchie bought the land for $16 an acre. It now belongs to Edward H. Ritchie, and he would not sell it for $70 an acre, it being now very valuable property. Wlien the Ritchies settled on that land it was covered with timber and brush and it required a large amount of hard work to clear, cultivate and improve it. The father died on that farm in 1901, the mother having passed away in 1889. There were four sons and one daughter in the family, namely : Mary, who is now deceased ; Martin Luther, who died at the age of five years; John, who died in the army during the Civil War, aged twenty-six years; William, who resides in Champaign County, Ohio; Charles, who resides in Pleasant Township; and Edward H., the direct subject of this notice.

Edward H. Ritchie was married in Pleasant Township, December 17, 1875, to Lucinda Jane Curl, who was born November 1, 1849, in Clark County, Ohio, where she has passed her whole life. She is a daughter of John and Malinda (Frankelbery) Curl. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie have had four children, namely: Nina, bom January 8, 1877, who married Edgar Evans, April 9, 1902, and they reside on the Evans homestead in Champaign County; Ora born September 23, 1879, who married Oscar Mumper, April 18, 1900, they residing on what is known as the Rollins farm in Champaign County; an infant daughter, who was born January 5, 1882, and died unnamed aged three weeks; and Elta M., born January 21, 1884, who married. May 29, 1906, Edgar Wood, a son of Henry Wood. The last mentioned reside on a farm near that of Mr. Ritchie.

Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie live on the old homestead farm of the Curls which Mr. Ritchie purchased in 1882. He is one of the leading citizens of his town.ship and has filled many of its important offices at various times, just now being the president of the board of trustees of Nation Chapel. He belongs to the order .of Knights of Pythias, Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 474.

THOMAS A. PAINE, of the firm of W. E. Tiattle & Company, grain merchants, has been a resident of Springfield, Ohio, since 1900, and takes rank among the most active and successful of the younger generation of business men of the city.

Mr. Paine was born in London, Ohio, in 1865, and was a .small boy when his father, Bushrod Paine, was killed by a stroke of lightning, leaving his mother with three small children to look after. As a result he was obliged to enter the field of business at an early age, his educational training being limited to the common schools of London. He began as a messenger boy and while thus engaged learned telegraphy, after which he became operator and assistant agent at London. He continued in that capacity six years, then became identified with the grain business of James Hamilton in 1888. He continued in the service of Mr. Hamilton and his successors imtil 1900, when he moved to Spring-field, Ohio, and began his connection with W. E. Tuttle & Company. He has continued here since, giving ample demonstration of superior business ability. He moves in the best circles, enjoying a wide acquaintance and a host of friends.

GEORGE J. TIPPIE, a representative citizen and successful farmer of Harmony Township, owns one hundred and ninetyfive acres of fine land in this section, on which he has resided since 1881. He was born March 9, 1838, in Athens County, Ohio, and is a son of Joseph and Anna (Wilkins) Tippie.

County, Ohio, in 1809, and was a son of John Tippie. In 1829 he married Anna Wilkins and he died in 1894. Their family consisted of eight children, namely: Sylvina, who married Ephraim Sayers, and whose children were Agnes, OUie, Orran, Julia, Lizzie and George; Wesley, who married Elizabeth Brolley, and has five children - Addison, John, Warren, Silas and Nettie ; Eliza, who married William Ogg, and has three children - Sarah, AVesley and Joseph; George J.; Julia, who married William Keeffer, and whose children are Frank and Kittie ; John, who died aged thirty-one years; Silas, who married May Bruner, and has three children - Ollie, Grace and John ; and Martha, who married James James, and has two children - Freddie and Florence.