Union Township (part 5 of 5)

JOHN SCHEAFFEll, farmer and blacksmith ; P. O. Fidelity ; born in Germany in August, 1820 ; is a son of John and Louisa SeheafFer, natives of the same place. His father was a farmer, and a soldier in the king's service, in which he died before our subject was born. His widow, with her family, emigrated to this country in 1831, landing in Baltimore, their voyage occupying forty-five days. They located in Maryland, in which they lived several years. John worked at the cooper's trade, in Hagerstown, for two and a half years ; then moved to Virginia, in which State they lived one year, then returned to Maryland, where they remained nearly three years. They removed to Ohio in 1838, settling in Montgomery Co., in which they remained till 1845, when he came to this township. In the same year, he was married to Susanna Keller, by whom he has had eight children, six of whom are living, viz., Lewis, Margaret A., Nancy E., John, Theodore and Cinderella ; two dying in infancy. After his marriage lie carried on farming for a number of years on his farm above Nashville, after which he removed to the place where he now lives. He owns 440 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation and well improved. He is one of the Elders of the Tippecanoe Lutheran Church, with which he and his wife have been members for a number of years. Their children - Lewis, Margaret and Nancy E., are also members of the same church, which is a source of satisfaction to their parents. Mrs. S. was born in Maryland in 1828 ; she is a daughter of Lewis and Margaret Keller ; her father was born in Germany ; her mother in Maryland. They came to Ohio, in which they lived till their decease ; they were parents of six living children, viz., Susanna, Catherine, Sophia, Margaret, Samuel and Lewis. Our subject was the only child of his parents ; his mother, by her second marriage, had four children, viz., Jacob, Fred, Louisa and Christena. She died in 1874, aged 74 years.

ANDREW SEIBEL, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in the year 1828 ; is a son of Samuel and Martha E. Seibel, of whom mention is made in this work. Our subject was partly reared on the farm, and learned the baker's trade, which he followed but a short time ; he emigrated to America, and landed in Baltimore June 22, 1847, his voyage occupying nine weeks ; from there he went by boat to Pittsburgh, Penn., in which he remained four months, thence down the river to Cincinnati, then by stage to Dayton, and soon after located near Vandalia, where he remained three years; in 1851, he removed to the place where he now resides. April 8, of the same year, he was married to Catherine Airhart, by whom he has had thirteen children, nine of whom are living, viz., Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Abraham, Aaron, Katie, Rufus, Emma and Enos ; Matilda, Samuel, Catherine and Andrew are deceased. He owns 175 acres of land, all well improved. He and his wife have been members of the Evangelical Church since 1847, and take much interest in religious matters. Mrs. Seibel, born in Montgomery Co., in 1834, is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Airhart. both deceased. Mr. Seibel, in his native country, obtained a good common-school education, and in the English language has become proficient so far as speaking, reading and writing our language is concerned.

CHRISTOPH SEIBEL, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in the year 1842 ; is a son of Samuel and Martha E. Seibel, wdio were born in the same State. His father followed farimng in his native country, and oursubject's boyhood days were spent in rural pursuits. In 1849, they emigrated to this country, landing in Baltimore, their voyage occupying thirty-six days ; they came directly to Ohio, and lived one year east of Frederickstown, in this count}7 ; in the fall of 1850, moved to the place on which they now reside ; he owns 80 acres of land, which is well situated and improved. March 28, 1869, he was married to Theresa Steiner, by whom he had four children, two of whom are living, viz., Samuel E. and Emma S. ; Christoph and Daniel deceased. Mrs. Seibel departed this life Jan. 22, 1879, aged 27 years and 10 months. She was a member of the Evangelical Church, with which she had been connected for a number of years ; was an exemplary and devout Christian woman, and died relying fully on the promises of her Savior, and in the triumphs of a Christian faith. Mr. Seibel has also been a member of the same church for many years, his Christian zeal leading him to a re-union with loved ones who have passed the valley and shadow of death. His father was born March 3, 1800, is living and resides with our subject ; his mother died March 9, 1868, aged 59 years. They were parents of eight children, four of whom survive, viz., Andrew, Echardt, Elizabeth and Christoph ; the deceased are Christian, two daughters, each named Catharine, and one in infancy. His father is also a member of the same church, and. though the weight of years hangs heavily, his frame is yet vigorous, his mind unimpaired.

ELI SHE AKER, retired fanner ; P. 0. West Milton ; born in Ashe Co., N. C., in the year 1805 ; is a son of Abraham and Anna Shearer ; his father was born in the same State, his mother in Pennsylvania, but was reared in North Carolina, in which State they were married and resided till their removal to this count}* and township in the year 1813 ; they lived on the east side of the Stillwater till their death ; his father was born in 1779 ; he and his son Absalom were drowned in 1828, by the upsetting of a canoe in the Stillwater River ; five others were with them who escaped ; his mother was born in 1791 and died in 1831 or 1832 ; they were parents of twelve children, who lived to manhood and womanhood, and, so far as is known, six survive, viz., Eli, Mary, Philip, Martin, Hugh and Rebecca. Our subject was brought up on . the farm, and, being a natural mechanic, he engaged in wagonmaking, which he followed in this township for thirty years. In 1826, he was married to Matilda Fouts, by whom he had nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., Henry, Davis, Abijah, Anna, Titus, John and Elizabeth ; the deceased are Susanna and one in infancy. Mrs. Shearer died in 1844, aged 37 years. His second marriage was celebrated with Rebecca (Kintzey) Fouts in 1 845 ; to them four children have been born - two living, viz., Oliver and Cornelius ; he owns 114 acres of land, on which he has resided thirty-three years ; he and his wife have been members of the Herman Baptist Church for many years ; his deceased wife was also a member of the same church. Jesse Fouts, first husband of Mrs. Shearer, died in 1844 ; they had three children, two living, viz., Rachel and Ira ; Silas, deceased

ISAAC SHELLABARGER, farmer ; P. 0. Center, Montgomery Co., Ohio ; born in Union Co., Penn., in the year 1828 ; is a son of David and Catherine Sliellabarger ; his father was born in Juniata Co., Penn., as was his mother ; they resided in their native State, in which they were married, till 1833, at which time they came to New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio, where they lived one year ; then came to Miami Co. and settled in Monroe Township, in which they lived a number of years ; they removed to this township and soon after went to Newberry Township, in which they lived till their decease ; his father died in 1878, aged 87 years ; his mother departed this life in 1848, at the age of 61 or 62 years ; they were parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are living, viz., John, Michael, Jacob, David, Isaac, Julia A., Mary A., Anna, Catherine and Hannah ; the deceased are Sarah, Lydia, Samuel, Solomon and Abraham. Our subject was reared on farms near Tippecanoe and Covington, and, at the age of 21, went for himself ; he followed various pursuits in his younger days. In 1861, he was married to Mary Christian, by whom he has had eight children, four of whom are living, viz., Joseph C., David W., Marley R. and Carrie C. ; the deceased are Philip H., Anna C. and two in infancy. Mrs. S. is a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Christian ; she was born in 1834, and on the place where they now reside ; they have 238 acres of land, which was the old Christian homestead ; their land is in a high state of cultivation and well improved - the beautiful surroundings - the yard full of shrubbery which was planted many years ago - make their home a very delightful one ; he has held the office of School Director and Supervisor ; he is making strenuous efforts to educate his children, believing it to be the key to a successful and highly useful life, thus elevating the mind and placing it in a condition to occupy that high plane on which intelligence sits enthroned. Mr. S. has traveled through the States of Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri, doing a mercantile business.

W. C. SIGrAFOOS, merchant, West Milton ; was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, in 1844, and is a son of Dr. J. Sigafoos, who was born in the same county, and removed to this county, in which he successfully practiced medicine for eighteen years ; after a sojourn of five years in Iowa, returned to Ohio. Our subject was reared in West Milton, in which he received the rudiments of an education that was afterward developed in Lebanon College, where he received the requirements necessary for teaching school, in which he afterward engaged in this county ; from here he ] went to Louisa Co., Iowa, where he assumed the duties of his profession, and was elected Superintendent of Schools in the above county ; in 1873, he returned to West Milton and engaged in mercantile life, in which he has been very successful ; he carries the largest stock in town, exceeding his competitors in the aggregate of sales. July, 1862, he enlisted in the 85th 0. V. I., in which he served three months; was discharged, and 1 afterward re-enlisted in Co. A, 88th 0. V. I., serving till the close of the war. As he was specialty qualified, he was detailed to the Government Detective Force, which hazardous position he held to the satisfaction of the Government ; he was honorably discharged from the service of his country July 3, 1865. Oct. 20, 1873, he married Lucy A., an accomplished daughter of the Hon. J. H. Randall, whose sketch appears in this work. One child is the result of their marriage - Howard C., born Sept. 4, 1878.

D. W. SINKS, merchant, West Milton ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1838, and is a son of Enoch and Catherine Sinks, natives of Montgomery Co.; both are living, and reside in West Milton. They are the parents of ten children, of whom six are living. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, where he assisted in agricultural pursuits until he attained his majority. His marriage with Margaret J. Pearson was celebrated in 1859. She is a daughter of Charles Pearson. The}' are the parents of three children, viz., Edward, Charles and Frank. In 1867, he engaged in a general mercantile business in West Milton, which he has followed since with much success ; by good stock and fair dealing he has always secured his full share of the public patronage. Officially, Mr. Sinks has been highly honored by his townsmen and constituents, they having elected him Treasurer of the township, in which capacity he has handled the people's money to the satisfaction of all, and much to his own credit. In the fall of 1879, he was elected County Treasurer. His long and successful business career has eminently fitted him for the responsible position which he has been called to fill, and that he will acquit himself in a manner satisfactory to the public is the universal verdict of his townsmen.

WILLIAM SMITH, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; born on the place where he now resides Oct. 24, 1828; is a son of John and Elizabeth (Fouts) Smith. His father was born in Ashe Co., N. C., April 3, 1801 ; his mother was born in this township July 3, 1809, and was a daughter of Grandfather Fouts, a pioneer, of whom proper mention is made in the historical part of this work; His father, with his parents, came to this country in the year 1810, and located in Brush Creek, in Munroe Township, where he lived and died, having been born in Germany. John, father of our subject, remained at home till his marriage, which occurred Dec. 4, 1824, after which he removed to this township, locating in the thick woods, being obliged to cut away the underbrush before he could erect a cabin ; here he cleared up a farm and made a permanent home, in which he lived till his death, Sept. 26, 1870 ; his mother departed this life June 19, 1855. They were parents of three children, two of whom are living, viz., Mrs. McCool, widow of Albert McCool, and our subject. Mary, Mrs. Fentress, deceased. Grandfather Henry Smith was born in Baden, Germany, in 1770, and, owing allegiance to the crown, was obliged, in order to get away, to go without means ; on his landing in Baltimore, he was sold to a man named House, of Pennsylvania, to pay his transportation, and after gaining his freedom, removed to North Carolina. He died in 1827 ; he was the father of nine children, three of whom are living, viz., Henry, Rachel and Leah ; the two latter reside in Fairbury, 111. The deceased are George, John, David, Catherine, Salty and Elizabeth. Our subject's boyhood days were spent on the farm, and in a manner usual with youth, and after gaining proper age and strength, he became a valuable auxiliary to his father in the labors of the farm, with whom he labored till he attained his majority. He has been twice married ; first, writh Henrietta Pearson in 1849 ; to them twro children were born, both deceased, viz.. John and

Noah W. Mrs. Smith died in 1851, aged 22 years. In 1853, with Mary Davis he celebrated his second marriage ; to them six children have been born, five of whom are living, viz., Lawson. Martha, Branson, Isabelle and Esly. The deceased - Elizabeth. He owns 190 acres of land, which is all well improved, making a very desirable place in which to enjoy one's declining years. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Davis, who were born in Henry Co., Va., and removed to Montgomery Co.. Ohio, about 1838, where he died June 2, 1852 ; he was born June 11, 1800. Her mother was born in the same month and da}', in 1803, and departed this life April 8, 1872. She was the mother of nine children, four sons and five daughters. She united with the Regular Baptist Church when 18 years of age, of which church she was an exemplary member ; she afterward united with the Christian Church, of which she was a member until her death.

W. H. SMITHMAN, nurseryman, West Milton ; was born in Clarion Co., Penn., in 1841, and is a son of Henry and Agnes Smithman ; his father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1816 ; his mother in Wittenberg, in the year 1820 ; they emigrated to America with their parents and friends when quite young ; they settled in Pennsylvania, where they subsequently were married. In the home of their adoption, they remained until 1865, when they came to Dayton, in which place they resided one year, then moved to Piqua, where they have resided since. They are parents of eleven children, of whom seven are living, viz., W. H. (our subject), John B., Edward, Henry, Luly, Mary and Aggie. The deceased are Maggie, Emma, Charlotte and Walter. W. H. was reared on the farm of his father, on which he labored after he attained a proper age, until his majority, when he left the parental roof and mingled with the affairs of the world. Aug. 1, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, of the 155th O. V. I. The regiment was quartered in Washington for awhile, and finally pushed forward to the front, and took an active part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Va., where his company lost twelve men. The regiment maneuvered around for awhile, and then went with the Burnside expedition, and, after marching through mud for a week, went into winter quarters, where they remained till spring, when they were joined to Hooker's command and were engaged in the fight at Chancellorsville, after which they crossed the Rappahannock and were placed on picket duty. In April they were put on the move in order to intercept Hood, who at the time was making a threatened invasion in the North. The Rebels were met at Snakes Gap, where a slight brush was had, after which they pushed on through Maryland, and coming in collision with the enemy at Hanover, Penn., a sharp engagement took place, after which they plunged into the terrific battle of Gettysburg, where W. H. was struck with a piece of shell, but not seriously injured. They occupied the fortifications from which they could not be dislodged, consequently the loss of the regiment was not severe. After the battle, they passed down the Potomac and engaged the enemy at Beloy's Ford, thence to Culpeper, Va., thence to Alexandria, and finally crossed the Rappahannock and again went into winter quarters. In the spring they were placed under Grant's command, and broke camp May 1. Immediately after, they closed with the enemy in the terrible and ever-memorable battle of the Wilderness, and for three successive days breasted the leaden hail, and received the terrific shocks of the enemy's charge. The regiment lost heavily ; soon after, with thinned ranks and battle-torn banners, they engaged with the enemy again at Laurel Hill, and in the many subsequent sharp and decisive encounters that took place in and around Spottsylvania. In the Anna River fight, the enemy made terrible and repeated assaults upon their ranks, and finally with overwhelming numbers carried their line. Finally, the battle of Cold Harbor was fought, after which they took up position on the banks of the James River, held their ground, and pushed their lines to the opposite bank in the afternoon, and the ensuing night found them on the march to the vicinity of Richmond, where they were fearfully exposed to the scathing fire for two days, and soon after charged the rebels in their intrenchments on the line of the Norfork & Richmond Railroad, which they carried in brilliant style, on the afternoon of June 18, 1864. Here W. H. received a wound in the knee-joint, and was also struck in the side by a spent ball. The wound compelled him to return to the Division Hospital, and soon after to the hospital of the 5th Corps, where he remained for two weeks, after which he was sent to New York City, where he remained five months ; he came home on a furlough and remained one month, then went back to New York, from there to Philadelphia, when he was discharged, April 9, 1865, on account of inability, caused by wounds. In May of the same year, he located in Dayton, where he labored by the month for two years ; he then engaged in the nursery business with Peter Bohlander, which they successfully followed over seven }^ears, when he sold his interest and removed to Piqua, where he purchased a farm in 1871, with the intention of establishing a nurserjq. but sold to T. S. Cox, and in 1874, purchased 84 acres of land where he now resides. His land is well situated, and in every way adapted to his business, which, taken in conjunction with his knowledge and experience, insures a success in the enterprise, thus giving farmers the advantage of buying home trees. He has all kinds of large and small fruits, which are selected with great care, and all who favor him with orders will certainly be benefited by his long experience and superior knowledge. His marriage with Elizabeth Elmore was celebrated in 1868. She is a daughter of David Elmore, who died in 1854 ; her mother is yet living and resides in this county. They are the parents of two children, viz., John W. and Edna Rose.

H. C. SNYDER, of the firm of Snyder & Brother, merchants, Potsdam ; bora in this place in the year 1839 ; is a son of Daniel and Margaret Snyder ; his father entered the land on which this village stands ; he was born in Pennsylvania, his mother in this State, and is yet living; his father died in March, 1879, aged 64 years ; they were the parents of nine children, of whom five are living, viz., Calvin G., Mary, Prances, John P. and our subject ; the deceased are Cornelius, Daniel, Ephraim and Susan. H. C. was raised on the farm, on which he labored for his father till his 18th year, at which time he began life for himself, and engaged in farming for a short time, since when he has followed various pursuits, prominent among which is the mercantile and grocery- business. In 1868, he was married to Barbara Limpert, by whom he had one child, viz., LouellaB., who was born in 1869.. Dec. 1, 1879, he entered a partnership with his brother Calvin and engaged in a general mercantile business ; they carry a full stock, which consists of dry goods,, groceries, hats, caps, boots, shoes, and, in fact, everything usually found in a firstclass retail house ; their long acquaintance with the people, in conjunction with their popular^ business habits, will command for them their full share of the public patronage ; this firm is yet in its infancy, but their facilities for doing business are sure to make their competition felt by their cotemporaries. Mr. Snyder has been Postmaster of this office for three years.

JOHN SPITLER, farmer; P. 0. Potsdam; is another of the old and prominent settlers of this township ; he was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, April 10, 1814, and is a son of John and Barbara Spitler; his father was born in Virginia in 1785, and departed this life in 1875 ; his- mother was born in the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1788, and departed this life in 1872 ; they were married in 1807, and were the first couple married in Clay Township, Montgomer}1- Co. His mother's parents removed from their native State to Kentucky in an early day, in which State they lived some years, and, in about 1800, settled in Montgomery Co., and at that time his mother was the only white girl on the west side of the Miami River ; his father, John, came with his sister Elizabeth to Ohio, first settling in Warren Co. in 1805, making the trip from Virginia on horseback; to his parents eleven children were born, who all lived to be married ; now only seven are living - Mary, Jacob, Joseph, John, Andy, Hannah and Solomon ; the deceased are Susana, Elizabeth, Barbara and Samuel. The early life of these pioneers was spent in a pleasant way, having plenty of everything to subsist on - all kinds of vegetables and grain growing in profusion. Mr. Spitler informs us that, when the Dayton and Greenville road was surveyed, his father was one of the party ; as a means of defense, as wrell as for the purpose of striking fire, the party had two guns, which, from some cause, were lost ; night coming on while they were in the heavy woods of Darke Co., they were without the means to start a fire ; rubbing sticks together was indulged in for a long time, but without success ; no flame blessed their effort, and, as it was in the dead of winter, the party, ax in hand, chopped all night to keep from freezing, clearing or felling over an acre of heavy timber. His grandmother, Mary Roller, was the first person baptized in the German Baptist Church in Miami Valley ; at the time of the Revolutionary war, a company of Tories made a raid on her father's stock and provender, when the heroic girl, ax in hand, disputed the liberty the}' were taking and made them beat a hasty retreat. His great-grandfather, John Spitler, was killed by the Indians about the time of Braddock's inglorious defeat ; he, with his wife and children, were in the field, when they were suddenly attacked by the wily red men ; his wife and children made their escape, while he, in clambering over a fence, was precipitated, by the breaking of a rail, into a dense undergrowth, and was overtaken and instantly killed. His father, John Spitler, attended the funeral of Washington and listened to the preaching of the sermon ; in 1810, he purchased 160 acres of land on the Stillwater, near Covington, on which he had paid $80 ; the war breaking out, he was pressed into the service and was unable to meet his obligations, in consequence of which he lost his land ; after the war, by proclamation of President Adams, all who held certificates of payment to the Government for land were allowed to pay $20 extra, and choose any other land belonging to the General Government ; he was present at the great treaty in Greenville, which was probably the largest congregation of Indians ever witnessed on the soil of Ohio. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored for his father till he was 21 years old ; in 1835, his father sent him to Elkhart Co., Ind., to buy land ; he traveled there on foot, with $6 in his pocket to bear expenses ; young John faithfully performed the duty assigned, and afterward made three more trips in the same manner. In 1839, he was married to Esther Warner, by whom he had fourteen children, eleven of whom are living - Oliver, Barbara, Elizabeth, Susanna, William, Hannah, Lydia, Frank, Ephraim, Flory and Charley ; the deceased are John, Solomon and Mary ; Solomon was a member of the 63d O. V. I.; he was wounded at Decatur, Ga., from the effects of which he died Aug. 9, 1864 - eighteen days afterward - aged 20 years 7 months and 23 days. Mr. Spitler settled on the farm now occupied by his son-in-law, Jacob Kreider, in March, 1841, on which he remained till 1877 ; then removed and built a fine dwelling on the opposite side of the road, where he now resides ; he owns 160 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation and handsomely improved. He has held the offices of Trustee, Supervisor and School Director, and has also been a member of the Board of Education. He and his amiable wife are members of the German Baptist Church, with which she has been connected for thirty-four years, and he for a period of fifteen years ; his daughters Barbara and Hannah are members of the same church. They have had thirty-nine grandchildren, thirty-two of whom are living. Mrs. S. is a daughter of Jacob and Rose A. Warner, who were born in Pennsylvania ; they came to Ohio in 1808, settling in Montgomery Co., in which they lived till their decease - her father at the age of 61, her mother at the age of 46 years ; the}' were the parents of thirteen children, of whom only three are living - Jacob, Nancy and Esther ; the deceased are Barbara, Abraham, Susanna, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Rose A., George, Henry and Catherine. Mrs. S. was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1820.

CHRISTIAN STICKEL, farmer ; P. 6. West Milton ; born in Lebanon Co., Penn., April 26, 1839 ; is a son of John and Catherine Stickel, who were born in Lancaster Co., Penn. ; they removed to Lebanon Co., where they resided for some years, then emigrated to Miami Co. in 1853, in which they lived till their decease ; his father died at the age of 66 years ; his mother departed this life at the advanced age of 73 years ; they were the parents of eleven children, of whom ten are living, viz., Peter, Samuel, Benjamin, Christian, Jacob, Elizabeth, now Mrs. Edward Ruhl; Catherine, now Mrs. Samuel Miller ; Hannah, now Mrs. Levi Pane, and resides in Pennsylvania ; Fianna, now Mrs. John Slepey ; Susanna, unmarried ; the deceased

Gasper. Christian was raised on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 21st year, at which time he began the battle of life, and struggled manfully with contending adversity ; he labored in Montgomery Co. as a farm hand for some time. On the 14th day of November, 1868, he led to the marriage altar Miss Rachel Pearson ; she is a daughter of Benjamin and Anna Pearson, who were among the early pioneers of Miami Co. ; after his marriage, he came to the place where he now resides ; he has 73^ acres of fine land, which is all in a fine state of cultivation, with good, substantial buildings erected thereon. They are the parents of five children, all living, viz., Eiger C., Estella, Harmon, Ellis and Anna M. ; Mrs. S. is a member of the Society of Friend^, and is a consistent Christian woman.

WILLIAM T. STONEBRAKER, farmer and teacher ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born July 5, 1834, and is a son of Arnold S. and Sophia Stonebraker ; his father was born in Virginia, and his mother in the State of Maryland ; they emigrated to and settled in Champaign Co., Ohio, about 1836 ; there they made their home and still reside ; they are parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz., Charles, Minerva, and our subject ; his father, b}r occupation, wTas a miller ; young William, after attaining the proper age, attended the district school, and afterward entered the high school in Urbana, in which he prosecuted his studies three years, fitting himself to perform the duties of teaching, the profession he had chosen, and which he followed in his native count}T from the fall of 1854 to the spring of 1865 ; after that he taught in Montgomery Co. at irregular intervals for eight terms, three in one district, two in another ; has also taught five terms in Miami Co. and one in Darke Co., making in the aggregate fifty-six quarters, for which he has received $6,501.15, and he has paid $370 for board ; the distance traveled to and from school, 5,740 miles (this does not include travel on foot) ; he has the saddle yet in his possession, which he claims will do for a few more quarters ; in the fall of 1870, he moved to the place in which he now resides ; he owns 40 acres of land, which is all in a good state of cultivation, with more than ordinary improvements erected thereon. May 16, 1867, he was married to Emma Baker, by whom he has had four children, viz., Horace G., Claude O., Maurice E. and Edgar A. Mrs. S. is a daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth Baker ; her father is dead, but her mother is living, and resides in this township ; his father was born March 6, 1811 ; his mother Oct. 29, 1810 ; our subject has been a regular attendant at the County Institute, and labors hard to keep himself posted in all new methods of teaching ; he is a frequent contributor to the press ; in all branches Mr. Stonebraker is well versed, and as an educator he stands at the head of his profession. Mrs. S. was born in this county, Sept. 16, 1849.

JOHN STRICKER, dealer in stoves and tinware, Laura ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1827 ; his father, John M. Strieker, was born in German}' ; emigrated to America, and in Maryland lived for awhile, then came to the above county, in which he settled ; he was the father of nine children, four of whom are living, viz., Margaret, Rosella, Susanna and John ; his parents are both deceased. Our subject learned the shoemaker's trade in the villages of Lewisburg and Ithaca, which he followed for seventeen years ; then became a tinsmith, which business he has been engaged in since 1873 ; he located in Laura in the fall of 1875 ; his fair dealing and moderate prices command for him a full share of the public patronage. In June, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Wiles, by whom he had eight children, all living, viz., George W., Susanna, John, Grant, Emmeline, Martha, Amanda and Mary ; Mrs. Strieker departed this life in 1875, aged 35 yTears; his second marriage was celebrated with Eleanor Hess in September, 1878. He makes a specialty of putting up country work ; his business extends over a large territory and is constantly on the increase.

FRANCIS SWANK, farmer; P. O. Center, Montgomer}T Co.; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in the year 1842 ; is a son of Solon and Elizabeth Swank, who were born in the above county, in which they lived till their decease ; his father died Sept. 2, 1877, aged 57 years and 4 months ; his mother, Dec. 24, of the same year, aged 56 years 11 months and 22 days ; they were parents of eight children, three of whom are living, viz., Francis, John and Elmira ; the deceased are Susan. Mary A., Alvin, Judy and Ephraim, who was a member and Corporal of Co. E. 63d 0. V. I. ; he was wounded in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain ; while reaching out from his rifle-pit to remove an obstruction to liis sight, he received a buckshot wound in the wrist, necessitating amputation ; gangrene setting in afterward caused his death July 22, 1864, aged 21 years, having passed through many of the hard-fought battles of the war. Our subject was a member of the same company and participated in all the battles in which the regiment was engaged ; he was one of the fortunate ones, coming home " whole." Sept. 25, 1862, he was married to Leah Ituhl, by whom he has had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Alice C., Jesse M., Clinton C., Dora E. and Ezra J. ; Cora is deceased. He possesses 118 acres of good land, highly improved and in a state of good cultivation; he and his estimable wife are members of the IJ. B. Church of two years' standing. Mrs. Swank was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1841, and on the last day of the year.

ELI TENNEY, M. D., deceased ; was born in Clark Co., Ohio, March 22, 1809 : at 16 years of age, he commenced school-teaching, which he followed for twenty years, several years of which time he read medicine, and attended the Starling Medical College during the winters of 1847-48 ; in 1848, he located at West Milton, and soon gained an extensive practice. In 1855, he was elected to the Ohio Legislature ; in 1871, he was elected Count}' Auditor, serving one term, and received the nomination for the second term, but died before the election ; his death, which occurred Sept. 15, 1873, was very sudden ; he was found by his daughter Florence in his otfice lying on a sofa, a few minutes after breakfast ; she spoke to him, receiving an answer that his head hurt badly ; he died in a few moments. His life was a busy one ; for twenty years he was occupied in teaching, and twenty-three years in his profession. In politics, he was a Whig until the organization of the Republican party, under which standard he was twice elected to official positions ; he was a strong temperance advocate, and an active member of the Washingtonian Society for many years ; as a devout Christian, he was greatly beloved by his associates ; he was never known to utter an oath, and was friendly to everything that promoted moral, social and intellectual development : he was buried at Milton Cemetery, the services being conducted by Revs. J. P. Watson and William Jay. Dr. Tenney was married in 1830 to Margaret Ann Hatcher, who now resides in West Milton ; they were the parents of seven children, viz., Mary J., Washington I., Nancy A., Maria L., Joseph A.. Florence P. and William A. It.; all lived to an adult age ; five are now living.

OSCAR M. THOMAS, landscape, portrait and carriage painter, West Milton : was born in Concord Township, near Troy, in 1847 ; his grandfather was one of the early pioneers, having emigrated from Kentucky to Miami Co. about 1803. locating on land in Concord Township when the primeval forest of Ohio was unawakened from the repose of nature's solitude ; on this land he reared his family, and there he was gathered to his fathers, at the advanced age of 89 years. Our subject's father, John Thomas, was born on the old home place in 1827. but has resided in various places, having dealt quite extensively in lumber, though by trade he was a plasterer ; his mother, Elizabeth (Wingett) Thomas, was born near Greenville, Ohio, about 1835 ; they are the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Oscar M., Charley F., Maple 0., Beecher M. and Addie ; the deceased are Belle and Caroline ; his parents arc living, and reside in Union City, lnd. Our subject was raised on the farm, where lie assisted in agricultural pursuits till his 18th year, and during the time had the advantage of the common schools ; he then entered 8. G. Grier's Commercial School, in Dayton, where he took the full commercial course ; lie then began his trade, and worked under instructions in Cozats Bros.' shops in Dayton, for four years ; in 1872, he removed to Greenville, Ohio, and for one year faithfully labored at his trade ; thence to Troy, where for four years he was actively engaged in his business ; thence to West Milton, where he is now located ; lie is a gentleman who is thoroughly educated in his business, fully understanding every branch of his work, and, from actual observance, we know he is master of his vocations ; he also possesses good musical ability, and is a member of the home band ; as a portrait and landscape painter,, he possesses rare natural talent, and The Four Scenes of Life, which adorn the walls of his parlors, show good artistic skill and originality in characters ; the first vividly portrays free, joyous and happy childhood, just entering the river of life in a bark canoe, with not a ripple of water to mar life's early dream ; the second is neatly and artistically drawn, representing the second scene in life, with the voyagers a little farther down the stream of life, still joyous and happ}^, gliding peacefully along, and unconsciously nearing the breakers where so many lives have been lost ; in the third scene, the voyager is strongly depicted in the midst of the storms of life, his broken canoe is struggling violently with the surging breakers, and the occupant is endeavoring to withstand the fury of the storm ; the weird grandeur of this scene is striking in contrast with the elements all have to contend with ; the fourth is the closing scene of life ; the voyager has drifted into more quiet waters ; the angel of mercy is hovering near ; the hand is palsied,, and no longer controls the craft, which is entirely at the mercy of the waters, and on which angels keep a faithful vigil. His marriage with Miss Minnie Dibra was celebrated Nov. 17, 1868 ; her father, Henry Dibra, was born in New Jerse}" in 1803 ; her mother, Charhy Dibra, was born in Miami Co. in 1813 ; the}" are the parents of seven children, six daughters and one son, viz., Lizzie, Alma. Elijah, Minnie and Nannie ; the deceased are Mary and Susan. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas two children have been given, viz., Claudie, born Sept. 11, 1869, and May, born Aug. 16, 1864. Mrs. Thomas is a member of the Christian Church of Troy, and is an exemplary Christian woman.

JOSEPH THOMAS, farmer and carpenter ; P. 0. West Milton ; he was born in Clay Township, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 4, 1835, and is a son of Isaiah and Elizabeth (Cox) Thomas, who were born in South Carolina - his father, July 30, 1791, his mother, Oct. 2, 1795 ; Grandfather John Thomas was born in South Carolina March 10, 1766, and was a son of Isaac and Mary (Davy) Thomas, who were also born in South Carolina. John Thomas was married to Ann Pemberton ; Elizabeth (Cox) Thomas, mother of our subject, was a daughter of David and Jane (Owen) Cox, who were probably born in South Carolina ; John Thomas, grandfather of our subject, came to Ohio in 1806 and settled in Warren Co., on the Little Miami River, where they resided a few years and then moved to Montgomery Co., where they resided till their death ; he died March 10, 1847 ; his wife departed this life July 22, 1840 ; they were the parents of four children, viz., John, Isaiah, George and Ann, the three latter are deceased ; Isaiah, father of our subject, came to Ohio with his parents, when a young man, remaining with them until his marriage ; he was a farmer by occupation, and the land which he chose for his home was his dwelling-place for many years ; he reared a family of eight children, of whom six are living, viz., David, Ann, Elijah, Susanna, Martha and our subject; the deceased are J ames and Isaac. Many generations ago, the Cox family lived in the mountain fastnesses of their Welsh home, and it is not positively known where or in what locality they first settled in this country ; Isaiah Thomas died May 8, 1862 ; his wife departed her life June 6, 1877. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, on which he labored till his 21st year. On the 22d of December, 1855, he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John E, and Susanna (Coppock) Pemberton ; after his marriage, he engaged in farming in Montgomery Co., for ten years ; disposing of his farm, he removed to near Laura, Miami Co., but only remained a few months, when he sold out and purchased 56 acres of land where he now resides ; his land is all in a good state of cultivation, and his farm buildings are superior in every particular ; his land was entered by his wife's ancestors, in 1803, and is yet in the family connection ; after he moved here, he cut down an apple tree, which had been planted many years ago, measuring nearly four feet in diameter ; he has been much engaged in carpentering since he has made this his home, the work on the farm being performed by his. son, who is

able to superintend all departments of the business ; he and his wife are the parents of seven children, of whom six are living, viz., John, William, Emma, Clara, Francis and Sarah ; Henrietta, wife of Allen McDaniel, deceased, aged 17 years 7 months and 9 days. John united his fortunes with Ada Pearson, by whom he has one child, viz., Orpha Liona.

NATHAN THOMPSON, farmer and stone-cutter ; P. O.West Milton ; was born in Newberry Township, Miami Co., in 1844. His father, William Thompson, was born in North Carolina in 1804, and removed to Ohio with his parents when quite small. His mother, Nancy (Rudy) Thompson, was born in the same year as her husband, and departed this life when our subject was only 2 years of age. The}* were the parents of thirteen children, of whom eight are living, viz., Poll}', John, Sarah, Hannah, Henry, Nathan, Sylvester and Martha; the deceased are Samuel, Margaret. James, Nancy A. and William. He was again married to Rachel Shiller, by whom he had two children, viz., Matilda and Susan. Our subject was reared on the farm, and at the age of 9 years began his battle of life alone and unaided. In 1861, he enlisted in Co. B, of the 44th 0. Y. I., in which he served for nearly three years, when he was discharged for inability to perform duty ; he was twice sunstruck, the last time so severely his life was almost despaired of; he passed through some of the hard-fought battles, of which we mention Louisburg. Fayetteville, Charleston and Knoxville ; he was discharged from the service of his country in September, 1864. After his return from the army, he remained with his brother-in-law, Dr. Hollopeter, of Shelby Co., for one year, thence to near the place where he now resides, in April, 1865. He has 50 acres of fine land, all in a good state of cultivation. He was married to Amanda Muck in 1865 ; she is a -daughter of Jacob and Christianna Muck, who were born in Pennsylvania, but are now residents of Newton Township, this count}'. They are the parents of nine children, of whom seven are living, viz., Catherine, Rebecca, Barbara, Sarah. Samuel, Amanda and Lydia ; the deceased are Henry F. and Caroline. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of seven children, all living, viz., Samuel S., Sarah L., Christiana, Elizabeth, Jacob, Maggie, Lydia and Jane. He and his wife have been members of the Christian Church for twelve years, and are consistent Christian people. He has held the office of School Director for seven years.

THOMAS VORE, farmer and miller ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in the year 1819 ; he is a son of Joseph and Rebecca Yore, who were born in Pennsylvania, in which State they were married and resided until 1824 or 1825, when they removed to this county, in \yhich they made a permanent home until their decease ; he died in 1826, when in middle-age ; she survived her husband a few years, and died at 40 years of age ; they were parents of nine children, six of whom are living, viz., Joseph, Isaac, William, Elizabeth, Thomas and Peter. The deceased are Mary A., Rebecca and Susan A. Our subject was reared on a farm, on which he labored until he was 18 years of age, at which time he engaged in carpentering and cabinet-making, which trades he followed till 1843, when he was married to Susanna Fouts ; to them have been born eight children, of whom three are living, viz., Sarah E., now Mrs. Edwin Eby ; Thomas A. and Elmer E.; the deceased are Alvin E., Harriet 1L, Mary J., William H. and John C. After his marriage, he engaged in farming on the east side of the river, working on rented land for six years, making enough in the meantime to purchase 81 acres of land, and, about this time his wife came in possession of 81 acres more, from her father's estate ; he afterward purchased 165 acres, which made a very large and remunerative farm. Desiring a different field in which to operate, he exchanged 180 acres of his land for a fine mill property, situated a little south of Milton, which he still owns, but is operated by different parties; his home farm is in excellent condition and finely improved ; he informs us 7 acres of his wheat of the crop of 1879 yielded fifty bushels per acre ; he began life empty-handed, and, aside from the 81 acres inherited, the property is the fruit of his own labor. Mrs. Y.'s parents, Henry and Elizabeth Fouts, were among the early settlers ; her father was born in South Carolina, and came to this county in 1S03 ; her mother was born here, and was a daughter of Fred Yount, who will receive a mention in this work ; they were parents of five children, two of whom are living, viz., Aaron and Mrs. V.; the deceased are Milly, John C. and one in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Yore are exemplary members of the Christian Church, with which they have been connected for a number of years. He has been Trustee and School Director in the township for a number of years. On his home place is located a limekiln, in which is burned a good quality of lime.

JACOB WELBAUM, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; was born in Bedford Co., Penn., in the year 1809, and is a son of Charles and Elizabeth Welbaum, who were born in the same State ; their parents, however, were born in Germany. His father and mother came to Ohio in 1813, and settled on land near Salem, Montgomery Co., on which they lived till their decease. His father died in 1847, aged 59 years 8 months and 27 days. His mother departed this life in 1849, aged 61 years 4 months and 16 days. They were parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, viz., David, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine, Christian, Michael, Benjamin and Jacob ; the deceased are" Susanna and Bebecca. Our subject was reared on the farm, and, being only 4 years old at the time his parents came to this State, he has seen his full share of hard work, informing us he has helped to clear up three different farms. He remained with his parents till he was 21 years of age, at which time he began life for himself. In 1832, he was married to Mary Miller by whom he had five children, two of whom are living, viz., Charles and Sarah ; the deceased are Joseph, Michael and David. Mrs. W. died in 1839, aged 31 years and 20 days. His second marriage was with Elizabeth Cron in 1842, by whom he had two children, viz., Bachel A. and Mary A.; the former deceased. Mrs. W. died in 1844, aged 31 years. His third marriage was celebrated with Elizabeth Ruble in 1846 ; to them eight children were born, six of whom are living, viz., Alonzo, Ann, Elizabeth, Catherine, Lewis and Lydia B.; the deceased are Henry and Elizabeth. Mrs. W. departed this life in 1855, aged 44 years 2 months and 12 days. His last marriage was celebrated with Susanna Rudisill in 1858, b}^ whom he had six children, five of whom are living, viz., Martha, Jacob, Laura, Susanna and Benjamin ; Levi deceased. He has fourteen living children ; those who are doing for themselves are settled in life and doing well. In 1833, he settled on the place on which he now resides, and, at the time, his land was all in the woods, but years of incessant toil have brought it to a high state of cultivation. He owns 137 acres at the present time, 80 acres only at the time of settlement. He has held the office of Supervisor and School Director, the latter for a period of fifteen years. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and are exemplary Christian people, his deceased wives were also members of the same church, and died relying fully upon the promises of their Redeemer.

BENJAMIN WEYBRIGHT, farmer ; P. O West Milton ; was born in 1830, in Montgomery Co., Ohio, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fetters) Weybright, who were born in Pennsylvania ; they removed with their parents to the above county about 1805, in which they were married and lived till their death ; his father died Nov. 11, 1865, aged 76 years 5 months and 18 days ; his mother departed this life Sept. 15, 1879, aged about 82 years ; they were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are living, viz., John, Samuel, Joseph, Jacob, Benjamin, Sarah (now Mrs. Puterbaugh), and Elizabeth (now Mrs. Wenger). Our subject was raised on the farm, where in early life he learned the use of agricultural implements ; he is naturally inclined to mechanical pursuits, having considerable talent - nature's gift - which enables him to construct almost anything he desires. Jan. 2, 1852, he was married to Lydia Stoltz, by whom he has had five children, viz., Elizabeth (now Mrs. Baker), John, Jacob, Sarah and David. His land, 87 acres, is in a high state of cultivation and well improved ; he also owns 80 acres in Darke Co., which is improved land. He and his estimable wife have been members of the German Baptist Church for many years ; both take an active part in religious matters, and a pleasure in promoting the happiness and comfort of all with whom they come in contact. Their daughter, Mrs. Baker, is also a member of the same church. David has been one

DAVIS WHEELOCK, farmer ; P. O. West Milton ; was born on Sec. 23 in this township June 16, 1838, and is a son of Lyman and Mary Wheelock, who were among the early pioneers of this county ; his father was a native of Massachusetts ; his mother is from North Carolina ; his early da}rs were spent in the usual way incident to youth, and he labored on the home farm till his 26th year. His marriage with Adelba Morse was celebrated Oct. 8, 1863 ; she is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Morse, and was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 26, 1843 ; he remained two years on the old home farm after his marriage, and then removed to near Laura, where he owned 95 acres of land ; on this he remained about six years, after which he sold out and came to the place where he now resides ; he owns 118£ acres of excellent land, which is well kept and improved, evidencing the enterprising spirit of its owner ; he only had the privilege of attending the common district school, in which he fitted himself to perform and discharge all the duties pertaining to business transactions ; he was a member of Co. D, 148th 0. V. I., 100-day men, whose time of sendee was consumed in doing duty on the Potomac, in the vicinity of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Wheelock are the parents of six children, all living, viz., Harry, Linnie, Ellis, Lutie, Altie and Ethel.

ALEXANDER WIESER, blacksmith, Potsdam. The subject of this memoir was born in Bavaria, G-ermany, in the year 1834 ; his parents, Mathias and Anna Wieser, were born in the same place, and emigrated to America in 1836, landing in New York. They located in Philadelphia, Penn., in which place they remained until 1840, then removed to New York State, from there to Illinois, thence to Missouri, where he entered the army, and soon after died in Benton Barracks, St. Louis, aged 52 }'ears. His mother died in Camden Point, Mo., in 1860, aged 55 years ; the}r were parents of six children, four of whom are living, viz., Frederick, Mary, Valentine and our subject. He learned his trade in Springfield, 111., and St. Louis, Mo., and followed it in the State of New York. In 1861, he located in Georgetown, and since has been successfull}' occupied at his trade. He was a sailor for two years, visiting many foreign parts. In 1858, he was married to Mary E. Shaffer, by whom he has had ten children, three of whom are living, viz., John A., George W. and Mar}r ; the rest all died in infancy. He owns a fine farm of 40 acres in Munroe Township, Darke Co., which is in cultivation and well improved. He also owns a residence, shop and 3 acres of ground in the village. His wife is a member of the Brethren in Christ Church, and an exemplary Christian woman.

GEORGE WRIGHT, farmer; P. 0. Potsdam ; is another of the old and permanent settlers of this township ; he was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in the year 1810. and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Wright ; his father was born in Ireland, his mother in England ; they emigrated to America and settled in Pennsylvania, in which State the}' were married ; in 1830, they removed to and settled in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in which they lived until death ; while passing from the barn to the house, he was struck b}* a passing train and instantly killed, aged 75 years; she died when at the advanced age of 89 years ; they were parents of seven children, four of whom are living, viz., George, Robert, Alexander and Catherine ; the deceased are John, Mary and James. Our subject was reared on the farm, on which he labored till he was 18 years of age ; he then began learning the fulling and carding business, which he followed in Montgomery Co. for eight years ; then came to this county in 1836 and entered 80 acres of land, on which he now resides ; he has a beautiful farm, which contains 192 acres, well cultivated and improved; In 1831, he was married to Barbara Smith, born in Montgomery Co. in 1809, by whom he has had ten children, seven of whom are living, viz., John S., Jacob, Alexander, Robert, Abraham, Henry and Sylvester ; the deceased are William. David and Elhannan ; David was a member of Co. B. 8th (). V. C., and was wounded in the battle of Martinsburg, Va., Sept. 1, 1864 : he lay on the field till the following day, being cared for by the citizens ; mortification setting in, he died on the 3d day of September, 1864, and his remains are at rest in the National Cemetery in Virginia, Mr. Wright has filled the offices of Trustee and School Director for years ; he and his amiable wife have been exemplary members of the Brethren in Christ Church for a period of forty years, laboring long and faithfully in their Master's calling; the majority of his children are members of the same church, which is a source of gratification to their aged parents.

ROBERT WRIGHT, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in the year 1812, and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth Wright. His father was born in Ireland, and, with his mother, emigrated to America, and settled in Pennsylvania ; his mother was born in Philadelphia ; they were married in the above county, in which she was reared, having been left an orphan ; they emigrated to Montgomery Co., Ohio, where they lived till death, which occurred at advanced ages, he being killed by the cars. They were parents of eight children of whom four are living, viz., Alexander, Robert, George and Catherine ; the deceased are John, Mary, James and one in infancy. Mr. Wright was reared on the farm, on which lie labored for his father till his 20th year. In 1832, he was married to Eliza Crawford, by whom he had six children, three of whom are living, viz., George W., John and Susan. George is a minister in the Brethren in Christ Church, in which he has labored for seven years. Mrs. Wright died in 1844, aged 36 years. His second marriage was celebrated with Christena Wright in 1847, by whom he has had six children, all living, viz., Andrew T., Joseph, Samuel, Harvey, Sarah A. and Nora B. Mrs. Wright is a daughter of James Wright, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America, settling in Northern Ohio, both deceased. They were parents of nine children, viz., Mary, Joseph, Robert, Christena, George, Susan, Leah, Anna and Henry. His first wife was an orphan, and of her parents nothing is known ; she was born in Pennsylvania, and had one brother, J ohn, and three sisters, viz., Barbara, Jane and Mollie. Soon after his first marriage, Mr. Wright settled on land in this township, which was all in the woods, and, after clearing it up, sold to his brother George and purchased 178 acres adjoining his first purchase ; this land was partly improved, being the first place opened in this locality ; he has made his home on this farm. He began life with no capital, but, by dint of hard labor, succeeded in making a good home, which is the reward of the industrious. He and his wife are members of the Brethren in Christ Church, with which they have been connected six years. He has been Trustee of the township seven years, and a member of the Board of Education for twenty-one years.

JOHN S. WRIGHT, farmer ; P. 0. Potsdam ; was born in Montgomerj* Co., Ohio, in 1831, and is a son of the well and favorably known George Wright, whose sketch appears on the pages of this township history. His boyhood days were spent on his father's farm, with whom he remained and labored till his 23d year. Nov. 27, 1853, he was married to Susanna Hatfield, by whom he has had ten children, six of whom are living, viz., Lydia, Warren, Elmer, Sophronia, Owen and Noah ; the deceased are Jerome, Allen and two in infancy. Mrs. Wright is a daughter of Henry and Catherine Hatfield, who were old residents of this county ; he died at the age of 73 years 4 months and 24 days ; her mother had resided with our subject for sixteen years and twenty-five days, djing at the age of 91 years, and was buried on her birthday, being two days short of the above age. He owns 77 acres of land, which is in a high state of cultivation. In 1854, he became a member of the Brethren in Christ Church, of which he was an exemplary brother, and in 1874 became a member of the Christian Church. Mrs. Wright has also been a member of the Brethren in Christ Church, but is now a member of the Christian Church ; both are exemplary Christians. He is no political aspirant, but has held the offices of Supervisor and School Director, the latter for a period of nine years.

GEORGE YOUNCE, farmer ; P. 0. West Milton ; was born in Ashe Co., N. C., in 1824, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Younce, who were born in the same State, in which they were married and lived till their removal here in 1842, and afterward removed to Indiana, where they now reside. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living, viz., George, Sarah, Solomon, John and Char-' ity ; Catherine, deceased. Our subject's early boyhood days were spent on the farm in North Carolina ; after his arrival here he learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed about twenty years, then abandoned the work, so far as working for the public was concerned. In 1846, he was married to Lavina Knife, by whom he has had nine children, four of whom are living, viz., David, Caroline, Samuel and Lemuel ; the deceased are William II., Joseph and Oliver, Warren and Webster (twins); William H. and Oliver died only a day apart, the former on the 9th and Oliver on the 10th of July, 1868 ; the twins, Warren and Webster, died from diphtheria. After his marriage he lived in Monroe Township for nine years, worked at his trade, and farmed some, after which he purchased 83 acres of land, on which he now resides. Ilis land is all in a good state of cultivation and well improved. He is one of our self-made men, having begun life without a dollar, and, after the marriage ceremony was performed, he was the possessor of half a dime. Hard work and good management have placed him in possession of a good home. He is no political aspirant, but has held the office of School Director and Supervisor, also been a member of the Board of Education. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church of twenty years' standing, and are every-day Christians, taking a great interest in the welfare of their church and the cause and development of the Christian religion. The pioneer Preacher, Philip Younce, was a great-uncle to our subject, and preached among the very first in the Stillwater Valley. His children, with the exception of one, are members of the same church, which affords their parents much satisfaction. His parents are members of the Disciples' Church.

ELAM YOUNT, farmer; P. 0. West Milton; is another of the prominent and early settlers of this township ; he was born in the place where he now resides in 1813 and is a son of Frederick and Mary Yount ; Frederick was born in North Carolina, where he celebrated his marriage with Miss Mary Mast ; he was a farmer by occupation, and, when the favorable reports of the great Northwest Territory reached the ears of the Southern farmers, he was one of the first to forsake the comforts of his native State and brave the perils incident to frontier life ; he located first on the banks of the famous Ohio, in what was then the Northwest Territory, in 1798 ; here he remained till the spring of 1803, soon after the admission of the State into the Union, when his restless spirit again took up its journey northwestward ; he settled finally on the very spot where the residence of our subject now stands - then on the extreme confines of civilization. We might consume hours in writing interesting incidents of this veteran of civilization, but much will be embodied in the general history of this township. Here in this place h