Urbana Township (part 2 of 6)

A. F. VANCE, Jr., Assistant Cashier Third National Bank of Urbana, Ohio, |f was born in Salem Township, Champaign Co., January 26, 1840 ; he was raised on his father's farm and enjoyed the benefit of the common schools. During the greater part of the late war he was clerk of Maj. George Pomeroy, Paymaster, U. S. A., and later he was promoted to the position himself, which he held until the close of the great struggle; then he engaged in the boot and shoe trade in New York City, where he remained until the fall of 1869, when he settled on his farm, a short distance south of Urbana ; this he has since cultivated and superintended. In June, 1875, he was elected to his present position, which he has filled with respect and honor. His father, Judge Alexander F. Vance, Sr., is a son of Gov. Vance. His grandfather, Joseph C. Vance, was one of the first two men who became residents of what is now Urbana, and surveyed the town in 1804. They afterward became " Directors." and were intimately connected with the early settlement and formation of the town. He had a family of nine children - two daughters and seven sons, of whom George Vance was the third eon. His decease occurred in 1809. At that date Governor Vance was a young married man, with the advantages of being brought up in one of the first families of Urbana; he had married Mary Lemon, a native of Virginia. During the war of 1812, he was Captain of a company of riflemen, and built a block-house at Quincy, on the Miami, and connected with the Quartermaster's department. He several times drove hogs and cattle to Fort Meigs (Perrysburg) for the supplies of the army. He became a member of the State Legislature in 1815, and a member of Congress from 1820 to 1836 ; afterward was called to the Governor's chair, and in 1845 and 1846 was again in Congress, and a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1851. On his way home from Cincinnati he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis, at Springfield, from which he never recovered. His death occurred in 1852, in the 67th year of his age. He had a family of twelve children - three daughters and nine sons - of whom the Judge is now the only survivor. He was born in 1811, and the second son grew to manhood in the early days of log-rollings, husking bees and quiltings, attended with horse races, and ending with an evening frolic. He was a pupil in a high school at Columbus, in 1822, under the tutorship of Rev. Russell Rigelow, a pioneer Methodist minister of considerable ability. From 1827 to 1830, he was in attendance at the Miami University, henceforward was on a farm until 1859, when he located in Urbana. Two years later, he was elected Probate Judge, and re-elections have since followed, to 1878. During all his proceedings he had but one decision overruled. He married, Aug. 6, 1835, Mary R. Ward, grand-daughter of the original proprietor of Urbana; six sons and seven daughters have been born to them, of whom A. F., Jr., the subject of this sketch, on Feb. 18, 1868, "married Mary G. Jamison, a native of this city, born Sept. 5, 1848, and daughter of William Jamison, a deceased merchant of Urbana. They have one daughter - Louisa J., born in July, 1872:

S. H. WALLACE, school teacher, Urbana. S. H. Wallace was born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1825, of Scotch parentage on the paternal and German on the maternal side. He received a very limited education at the pay and district schools of that, early day, which were none of the best. In the year 1840, he was indentured to W. II. McFarland, of Westville, Ohio, and served a period of six years' apprenticeship to the saddle, harness and collar making trade. July 5, 1846, he married Mary, eldest daughter of the Hon. John Taylor, of Defiance Co., Ohio. Mrs. Wallace was born in this county June 15,1 827. Seven children blessed this union, viz., Anna, Mary (died young), Emma G., John T., Ida May, Edward L. and Charles L. Mr. Wallace, while serving his term of appn nticesbip, did not neglect every favorable opportunity of improving his mind, and, at the close of his term of service, was considered a fair scholar. Commenced teaching in the fall of 1847, and has followed that profession almost uninterruptedly for a period of thirty-three years. Having been his own teacher, and actuated by a laudable ambition to stand at the head of the profession, he has, by hard study, risen step by step from the little log schoolhouse in the woods to occupy a responsible position in the people's college - the Urbana High School - and it is universally admitted that he possesses three important elements to successful teaching, in an eminent degree, viz., educational qualification, power to govern, and the ability to secure the love and respect of his pupils.

Mr. Wallace was appointed and served as Postmaster at Tremont a number of years. Was one of the census-takers in 1860 ; also, during his residence in Urbana, from the year 1854 to 1860, was a student of medicine, and took a full and thorough course of reading with Dr. Edward P. Fyffe as preceptor. In conclusion, Mr. Wallace's physical culture was remarkable. He succeeded, by constant practice at athletic sports and feats of strength, in lifting the enormous weight of one thousand one hundred and twenty pounds ; could hold at arm's length sixty pounds, and could straighten his arm above his head holding in his hand one hundred pounds, and now, at the age of 56, turns hand-springs, runs foot-races, and says that he has no knowledge of what it means to be old.

HON. W. R. WARNOCK, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, is a native of Urbana, and belongs to one of the pioneer families of the city. He is the son of Rev. David and Sarah A. Warnock, and the grandson of Rev. Samuel Hitt, who, in the year 1809, settled on a farm which is now within the corporate limits of Urbana. Judge Warnock was born at Urbana, Aug. 29, 1838. By teaching and other employments, he secured an education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, where he graduated in July, 1861. He then commenced the study of law with Judge Ichabod Corwin, and continued in his office a few months, when, feeling the claims of his country to be supreme, he recruited a company, and was commissioned as Captain in July, 1862, and assigned to the 95th 0. V. I. After one year's service he was made Major of the regiment, and, for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Nashville, in December, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and assigned to duty as Chief of Staff for the Eastern District of the Mississippi, in which position he served until August, 1865, when he was mustered out of the service. During his army service he was slightly wounded in the right ear, and, at another time, while making a charge with his regiment on a rebel battery, he had a horse killed under him. During the three years and two months of his service, he was never absent from his regiment, except on one short leave of twenty days, and participated in every march, skirmish and battle in which his regiment was engaged. At the close of the war he returned to Urbana and resumed his law studies with Judge Corwin, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1866. He opened an office and began the practice of law in Urbana, forming a partnership with George M. Eichelberger, Esq. They soon built up a large and profitable practice, and continued as partners until Mr. Warnock was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1879. He held the office of Prosecuting Attorney from 1868 to 1872, during which time there were an unusually large number of very important criminal cases, in all of which he successfully and acceptably represented the State. In the fall of 1875, he was elected to represent this district in the Ohio Senate and served in that body during the years 1876 and 1877. While there, he was a member of the two most important committees - those on the Judiciary and Corporations - and took an active part in molding and shaping the legislation of those two years. When Gov. Hayes was about to leave Columbus to go to Washington to be inaugurated as President of the United States, the General Assembly of Ohio tendered the President elect a farewell reception, and to Mr. Warnock was unanimously accorded the high honor of making the farewell address on that occasion, on behalf of the Senate. He married, Aug. 20, 1868, Miss Kate Murray, of Clark Co. They have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Warnock are both members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Warnock was a delegate from the Cincinnati Conference to the General Conference of the M. E. Church held at Baltimore in 1876. Judge Warnock is a Republican, and previous to his being on the bench, was an active and influential politician. He is regarded as an able lawyer, well versed in the intricacies of the law, and, as a jury advocate, is one of the most successful members of the Urbana bar. Being a man of fine presence and an earnest, clear, fluent and logical speaker, he has great weight with a jury, carrying conviction to the minds of his hearers, and convincing them that his conclusions are correct and unassailable. He is at all times courteous in debate, cogent and logical in argument, and always fearless and faithful in the trial of a case. Since donning the judicial ermine, he has demonstrated that he is a wise aud impartial jurist, and his decisions have given general satisfaction, being always founded on the law, and the evidence in each case is carefully weighed, and his deductions logically arrived at, making his charge to the jury plain and easily understood. He is well liked by the bar of his circuit, and when off the bench is an affable gentleman whom to know is to admire, and he is respected wherever known.

REV. DAVID WARNOCK, of Urbana, was born Feb. 14, 1810, in Ireland, and came to the United States when 18 years of age ; he was educated at the Strongsville Academy, near Cleveland, and became a member of the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1832. At that time Ohio was comparatively a new State, and he shared, with others, the privations and hardships which are incident to the life of a pioneer Methodist minister. During his ac ive ministry, he has supplied many important charges, among which were Urbana, Bellefontaine, Sidney, Delaware, Circleville, Zanesville, Columbus and Cincinnati. He has resided in Urbana for the past twenty-five years, having been Presiding Elder of the district, and having served two different terms as Pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, remaining each time the full period allowed by the rules of the church. He is now much sought after to hold special meetings, and, although he has retired from the active ministry, he is seldom without an appointment on the Sabbath. He is remarkably active and vigorous for one of his age, and is spending a peaceful and happy old age, surrounded by his family and a host of friends. Fie was married in October, 1837, to Miss Sarah A. Hitt, sister of Samuel Hitt, a woman well qualified by natural and acquired abilities to fill the difficult position of a minister's wife. They have had nine children, of whom eight are still living.

WILLIAM WARREN, manufacturer, Urbana. Mr. Warren is a native of England, where he was born, in 1828, and came to America when a lad, living in New York State until 1853. In the spring of 1854, he came to this county, in company with Mr. Gaumer, with whom he had been associated in trade, and they engaged in the manufacture of carriages. They first rented property in the east part of town ; about 1 860, they purchased the ground on Court street which they now occupy, and have since built their commodious shops. The long experience and reputation they have established, secured a large trade, as their work is favorably known throughout this region. They employ about twenty-five hands constantly, and their salesroom presents a creditable display of carriages and light spring wagons. Mr. Warren, the senior member of the firm, is a bachelor, a thorough and competent mechanic, and, withal, a very genial and pleasant gentleman.

LEMUEL WEAVER, capitalist, Urbana. The Weaver family have been prominently identified with the history of Urbana from its earliest days. Henry Weaver was a native of Virginia, born in 1788, and a son of Christopher Weaver, a soldier in the Revolution. Henry early removed to Lexington, Ky., and from there to Champaign County, in 1802, settling in Mad River Township. His wife was Nancy, a daughter of William Chapman, also a pioneer, residing in the same township. They raised a family of four children, three of whom survived the father. Samuel is the eldest son, and only member of the family now living ; he was born on the old farm, in Mad River Township, in 1808 ; his father removed, in 1813, to Urbana, and conducted a boot and shoe store, and was a prominent and successful business man. He died, March 3, 1872, leaving a very large estate. Lemuel was trained to business, and subsequently, with his two brothers, succeeded his father in the business of general merchandise. About 1855, the brothers divided the stock, Lemuel taking the hardware and groceries, and continued that business a few years, then sold out, and, retiring until 1860, when he again purchased the hardware stock, and became established at the old corner, and has ever since continued business there, in addition dealing largely in real estate and money investments. He married Eliza G. Hoit, in 1841, who was a native of Belfast, Me. They have had four children, of whom George A. is the only one now living. George A. studied law and practiced his profession a short time, but for several years has been associated with his father. He married, in 1875, Eleanor E. Thomas, at Newburg, N. Y. They have one child - Beatrice. The Weaver House, the principal hotel of Urbana, was rebuilt by Mr. Lemuel Weaver, in 1870, but has since been greatly improved. He is probably the wealthiest and most extensive business man in Champaign County.

W. H. WHARTON, teacher, Urbana; is a son of William (deceased) and Margaret Wharton ; was born Oct. 2, 1846, in Powhatan, Champaign Co., Ohio. He lived at home until 21 years of age, working in the woolen-factory during the summers, and in winters attending the district schools. When 17 years old, he served with the 100-day men in the late war ; also in the State service four years, holding honorable discharges from both. In 1867, he commenced teaching, in which profession he is still engaged, having taught in different district schools, and, the winter of 1879-80, taught in the high school of Urbana. His nuptials were celebrated Sept. 25, 1872, with Miss Emma, daughter of Stephen V. and Mary A. Barr. Stephen was killed in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, and Mary A. died March 12, 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton have one child, Frank B.,born in Mechanicsburg, this county, Aug. 1, 1876.

J. H. WHITE, of the firm of Hitt, White & Mitchell, dry goods merchants, Urbana ; is a son of Joseph and Rebecca (Smith) White. They were married in 1812 ; she was a native of Pennsylvania and he of Hamilton Co., Ohio. After a companionship of nearly half a century, the silent messenger of death called Joseph hence, Nov. 23, 1855, aged 66 years. Twelve years later, Nov. 30, Rebecca, too, was called hence, aged 77 years. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was born July 17, 1834, in Urbana, and is the youngest of a family of eight children. He was raised in. his native place, and enjoyed the schools of the town. In the year 1852, he engaged as a clerk with Ross, Hitt & Co., in the house where he now has an interest. After a clerkship of seven years, he engaged in the boot and shoe trade ; thus he continued until 1872, when he and Mitchell associated with Hitt, and formed the present firm. They at present, as well as in the past, enjoy a fine patronage and carry a full line of the best dry and fancy goods, and conduct it on a systemized plan. In the business, Mr. White has charge of the financial department and detail matters. His membership with the First M. E. Church has passed over a period of twenty years. His marriage was solemnized with Miss Anna Hitt, Oct. 15, 1858. She is a native of this city and two years his junior. They have two children - Lin C. and Fannie W.

WILLIA.M WILEY, capitalist, Urbana. He was born in Mad River Township, Champaign Co., in 1807. His father, John Wiley, was a native of New Jersey, but removed with a colony to Kentucky at an early day, and there married Hattie Rouse. They came to Champaign Co. in 1804, and settled in Mad River Township. In 1811, they removed to Urbana Township, and owned the farm upon which the County Infirmary now stands. They had a family of five daughters and three son**, all of whom, except one son, are still living. William was the third child and second son. He had but little opportunity for education, and most of his time, when old enough, was spent working as a carpenter with his father, which he continued until 1837. He then began operating as a broker, and, from 1849 to 1872, was engaged in pork-packing and grain-dealing. He was one of the stockholders and directors in the Citizens' Bank, organized in 1864, but sold his interest in 1872. Since then he has been a stockholder and Director in the Third National Bank. He married, in 1829, Margaret, daughter of William Glenn, a prominent citizen of Urbana. Her family was also from Kentucky. They have three children - Nancy G., now the widow of W. F. Mosgrove ; E. G., Cashier of the Third National Bank ; one son who died in infancy.

E. G. WILEY, Cashier Third National Bank, Urbana; is the son of William Wiley ; he was born Sept. 11, 1832, in this city, where he was raised and had the benefit of the schools, and two years in Springfield under Rev. Chandler Robbins' instruction. In 1851, when the old Champaign County Bank was organized, he was employed as teller of the same a period of ten years ; then engaged as Cashier in the Armstrong Bank until 1866, when the Citizens' National Bank was organized, in which he was elected as Cashier. There he continued until the organization of the Third National Bank in 1873, and was elected to the position he now holds. He has a life-long experience in the banking business, accompanied with honorable credits. His marriage with Miss L. Magrew was celebrated March 13, 1856. Mrs. Wiley was a native of Urbana, born in 1837, and died in April, 1878, leaving two daughters - Maggie and Nannie.

THOMAS F. WOODS, Deputy County Recorder; St. Paris. Among the old residents of this county who deserve a more than passing notice, is Mr. Woods. He is a son of Joseph H. and Sarah H. (Heaverine) Woods. Joseph H. was a native of North Carolina; his father, who was a soldier with Marion in the Revolution, removed to Kentucky while Joseph was a boy, and afterward removed to the vicinity of Chillicothe, Ohio, but soon returned to Kentucky. He was a Dunkard preacher and a man of more than ordinary education and talent. Joseph H. came to Urbana in 1813, with William Dunlap, with whom he worked and learned the trade of millwright. After remaining here about three years and establishing himself in business as a manufacturer of spinning-wheels, he returned to Kentucky and married Sarah Heaverine. In 1819, he returned to Champaign Co. and settled on a tract of land in Jackson Township, where he followed his business of spinning-wheel maker for many years, and where, in 1871, both he and his wife died within three days of each other. They had a family of five children, all of whom are still living. Thomas F. was the second child and first son, and is now i the only member of the family residing in this county. He was born in Jackson Township in 1822, and grew to manhood there in the days of subscription schools and limited facilities. He attended the first school taught in their neighborhood ; James West was teacher, followed, the next summer, by Miss Eliza McCrea. Mr. Woods learned wheel-making of his father, but, as that business gave out about the time he attained ! his majority, he turned his attention to farming. He married, in 1844, Anna, daughter of John Merritt, Jr., who, with his father, John Merritt, Sr., were very early residents of Jackson Township. Soon after his marriage, he built a cabin on 80 acres of forest land which his father had given him, and which he subsequently cleared and improved, and to which he added 20 acres. He taught seven terms of district school in his younger days, and was Township Clerk twenty-eight years. In 1861, the Auditor being sick, he was appointed Deputy Auditor, and discharged the duties of the office for two years with great satisfaction. In 1865, he was elected Commissioner, and was re-elected in 1868. In 1873, he was again called to the Commissioner's office, and was re-elected in 1876. In 1877, he purchased a residence in St. Paris, to which he removed, leaving his farm to the care of his son, Yau Orlando. Mr. Woods is now Deputy Recorder. He has been a member of the M. E. Church since 1843, and is a useful, respected Christian citizen. He has had six children, four of whom died in youth, and two survive - Samuel M. and Yan Orlando.

JOHN H. YOUNG. Few men have the good fortune to win the honest regard and kindly sympathy of the community in which they live as has John H. Young among the people of Champaign Co. He was born at Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, Sept. 15, 1813. His father was Gen. Robert Young, a native of Dauphin Co., Penn., who settled in what is now Warren Co., Ohio, in 1796. He was an officer in the American army in the war of 1812, and, subsequently, an early resident, prominent citizen and attorney of Piqua, Miami Co., Ohio, filling many important public trusts, among others that of State Senator. John H., when about 15 years of age, began life in a printing office, but afterward received a collegiate course, completing his studies at Oxford, in 1835. He read law in Urbana, with Gen. Israel Hamilton, and was admitted to the bar in 1837, since which time he his continued in the successful practice of his profession. He was married in 1838, to Elizabeth J., daughter of Joseph White, a pioneer of the Miami Y alley, and afterward a resident of Urbana. They have three children living, viz.: Frances, the wife of Frank Chance, a leading attorney of Urbana; Carrie, tbe wife of M. E, Barber, of New Haven, Conn., and Robert, who resides in Urbana. In July, 1844, he was admitted to practice in the United States Courts for Ohio, and, tbe same fall, was the Democratic candidate for Congress in this district, his opponent being Ex-Gov. Joseph Yance. Some years afterward he was again a candidate for Congress, Moses B. Corwin being his opponent. The popularity of Mr. Young can be judged from the fact that he always ran far ahead of his party ticket. He was a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention of 1873, and bore a prominent and important part in its debates and deliberations, being a member of the three most important committees, and Chairman of the Committee on Amendments. He has been a Presidential Elector several times, and has filled many local offices devolving on men of known character and ability. During the rebellion, he was an active supporter of the Government, and favored all measures for the vigorous prosecution of the war. He has been the honored and trusted President of the Third National Bank since its organization. Mr. Young is a member of the Presbyterian Church, but, while giving his active support and sympathy to that denomination, is a generous supporter of all organizations and efforts for advancing the public welfare. He is a man of modest, unassuming character, urbane and pleasant in his social relations, slow to arrive at a conclusion, but firm as a rock in adhering to the result of his deliberations. As a lawyer, he stands deservedly high, and, being well versed in legal lore, his law points are always well taken, and his advice can be safely relied upon by his clients. He is an impressive speaker, a successful advocate and safe counselor, and has a well-merited reputation for skill and integrity in his profession.

JOSEPH ANDERSON, farmer; P. 0. Urbana. The father of Mr. Anderson emigrated to this county in 1825 ; his name was John, and he was born in Page Co., Va.; his wife's maiden name was Nancy Lower; they were married in Virginia, and their bridal tour was taken, Mrs. Anderson riding a horse and John walking by its side, until their arrival in Clark Co., in 1825 ; their beginning in life was one of the hardest; having no money, they were obliged to shift as best they could; John frequency worked for 12 \ cents per day : this manner of living was continued for eight years, when they concluded to look for a better location ; he had saved a small sum during this time, and, being of an energetic sort, he determined to have a home ; his little cash was invested as part payment for 160 acres of land, upon which was a little cabin, with perhaps an acre cleared ; the first work was in building a comfortable log house, after which, clearing up the land was continued, until a large portion was, in a few years, under cultivation ; children grew up around them, and the eldest were able to aid very much in the work ; Maria and William were born in Clark Co.; Betsy, James, Albert, Joseph, Mary, Angeline, Susan and Louisa were born on the farm now owned by Joseph, our subject; eight of these children are living. Prosperity seemed to dawn on John and his wife from the date of their coming to this county ; their stock throve wonderfully, and their crops were good, and he was always ready to meet the payments on his land as they came due; his energy was remarkable, and his success was such that, at one time, he owned 1,500 acres of land, and was possessor of 260 acres at the time of his death, which occurred in 1877 ; his widow resides in Urbana. Mr. Anderson dealt largely in stock, and made much of his wealth in this way ; he served, during the war of 1812, fourteen months; we are not able to state under whose command. Joseph was married to Mary Overhulser in 1865 ; they have, by their marriage, three children - Annie, Harvey A. and Charles ; by his first wife, he was the father of Isaac, Erastus, George, Wiley, Jasper and Elmer; Mary and Elizabeth are not living. Mr. Anderson purchased the old home farm in 1877, and is very comfortably situated, hav* mg a productive farm, and is one of our enterprising men ; his wife also represents a family who were pioneers of Ohio, but they died during her girlhood. Mr. Anderson devotes his time to agricultural pursuits, the rearing of stock, etc.; he owns 190 acres of land, on which are several of the finest springs in the township ; he is a Republican of the substantial sort - a rarity among residents of this township.

SIMON BAKER, Terre Haute. Simon Baker was born Nov. 17, 1791, in Frederick, Md., and emigrated with his parents, Elizabeth and Peter Baker, to Virginia, in 1796; in 1816, they again moved, this time to Champaign Co., and entered land in 1816, President James Monroe's signature being affixed to their patent; their children, Frederick, Simon and Peter, were born in Maryland; Rebecca, Betsey, Polly, John and Jacob were born in Virginia; six of these are still living. Mr. Baker can lay just claim to being the oldest man in the county, and is now 89 years of age ; he has seen the entire development of this country from its infancy, and the most sanguine dreams of his youth are more than realized ; he has seen the heavy forests that were inhabited by the wild deer and Indian, disappear, and in their stead stand fields of waving grain ; the little frontier towns have grown to be prosperous cities, and the log cabins have given way to the aristocratic 'farm residence. His parents were among the most industrious pioneers, and left their children a legacy of honor and uprightness ; they have long since passed away, and their representatives take their places. Simon was married to Catharine Darnell in 1823 ; they were parents of eleven children, all of whom were reared except two. He now resides on the old home, that was cleared by his own labor, and rendered doubly dear by the birth of his children and the death of his wife ; he worked by the month for money to pay for his land, and is now owner of 100 acres; his son Nathan takes care of the farm, and Mr. Baker makes his home with them. He was always noted for his honor and fair dealing with his fellow-men, and will leave behind a name of which his children should ever feel proud.

JAMES H. BAKER, manufacturer of wagons and job-work, Westville. This gentleman stands foremost among the mechanics of Westville, having the most extensive manufactory in the township, and makes a large number of road wagons. The shop*employs six skilled workmen, and their goods find a ready sale. Mr. Baker has been engaged in business in Westville ten years. When he came here in 1870, from Shenandoah Co., Va., he had no capital, and Allen Loudenback, Thomas Chance and Elias Stover purchased a lot and built a small shop, in which was one fire. Mr. Baker at once commenced blacksmithing and succeeded well. By honesty, energy and perseverance he gained a large trade, and, his reputation as a workman being second to none, he soon found his quarters too small, and purchased the lot on which his manufactory now stands. Soon a commodious building was erected and suitable machinery procured for the purpose of doing the woodwork for wagons. The experiment is proving a decided success, and the capacity for doing business will be a source of profit to the proprietor. All the planing, sawing and turning is done by steam ; the engine is a sixteen horse-power. Mr. Baker has a large local trade in axes and steel-work, and now manufactures them at his establishment. His reputation for this class of goods is excelent. He enlisted in the Confederate army soon after the commencement of the war, and served faithfully for the cause he espoused ; his Southern blood was fired with the enthusiasm that seemed to pervade the first families of Virginia as well as the extreme South, and they did battle for the cause they loved. He was in the battles of Win-"' Chester, Brandy Station, Culpeper Court House, Gettysburg, and Hagerstown, besides many other hot skirmishes, the names of which places have been forgotten. He enlisted in the 7th Va. V. C., under Col. Ashby, and was wounded with a saber twice during the war ; he was also twice taken prisoner and confined at Camp Chase and at Fort Delaware, from which place he was discharged at the close of the war. He was married to Miss Eliza F. Little, of Virginia, in 1867. They have been parents of eight children, of whom five survive - Lura V., Bertha M., Eliza C., Josephine, and Essie, the survivor of twins. Mr. Baker is President of the township School Board and Clerk of the Local Board of Directors. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and both himself, wife and eldest daughter are members of the Universalis! Church. The family are a great acquisition to the society of Westville, and the enterprise and integrity of Mr. Baker will do much to further the business interests of the place.

SIMON BEERY, manufacturer and farmer; P. 0. Urbana. Should we tail to mention Mr. Beery in connection with the prominent men of this township, great injustice would be done. Many who are not pioneers, furnish the intellect and capital to further the enterprises that have been conceived and put into successful operation since the country was first settled by those energetic pioneers, whose names we revere, and who will have ample justice done them in the perpetuation of their names in the history of this county. The father of Simon, George Beery, came to Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1801. He was a native of Rockingham Co., Va., and his marriage to Miss Catharine Cradlebaugh was celebrated in 1809. She was a woman of more than ordinary force of character, positive in her opinions, and free to express them ; loving right and hating wrong, prompt and active in every duty, a mother of the old type in every sense of the word. Simon Beery (our subject) is of Revolutionary stock on his mother's side. Her father, John Cradelbaugh, was born in Germany, belonging to one of the aristocratic and highly educated families of that country. He was educated by an uncle, and was to have been his heir, but, hearing of the struggle made by the American people to gain their independence, and fired by the enthusiasm of youth, and imbued with feelings of sympathy for the oppressed, he left his home and all that could be desired by way of position, and came to America and enlisted under the American flag. He was in several hard-fought battles, in one of which he was taken prisoner by the British troops, and confined in a prison near Baltimore. Of forty-three men taken prisoner at the same time, only himself and one other escaped. After independence was declared and the war at an end, he settled in Fayette Co., Penn., and there married a Miss Moonschauer, and afterward emigrated to Fairfield Co. Being so highly educated (speaking five languages fluently), and conceiving it to be his duty, he entered the ministry, in which he remained until his death. His daughter, Catharine, the mother of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania in 1785, and her parents emigrated to Fairfield Co. in 1806 or 1807. Her marriage to George Beery is previously spoken of, and they were parents of twelve children - Samuel, John, Dinah, Joseph, Mary, Anthony and Isaac (twins), George, Simon, Noah, Solomon and Thomas Ewing; nine survive. Mrs. Beery died in 1870, her husband in 1856. He was pressed into service during the war of 1812, and did duty as a teamster, which was a very hazardous business. In 1834, he laid out the town of Bremen, in which Simon Beery did business for many years, being the successor of his father and brothers who had carried on the mercantile business so long at that place. Our subject came to this county in 1867, and located upon the farm which is now one of the most productive and upon which more taste is displayed than presented by any farm residence in the county. Neither is there a residence equaling this in any town in the county. The barns and outbuildings are in harmony with the substantial character of everything belonging to the farm. Mr. Beery prides himself upon his practical farming, having reclaimed what was considered a worn-out farm, until the products averaged one-fourth more than any in the neighborhood. He has made the improvements excepting the house since arriving, and this suburban residence is the abode of a family among whom harmony and prosperity reign. Mr. Beery was wedded to Mary M. Grove, March 5, 1846. Their children are six in number - Samuel E., Angeliue, Ann 0., George, Marietta and Perry G. The eldest and youngest sons are engaged in the mercantile business at Dayton, Ohio. Mr. Beery makes no assumption of being anything but what he really is, a plain, practical man, loving right and hating wrong, and ever sympathizing with the poor and oppressed.

LEROY L. BLOSE, farmer ; P. O. Westville. The grandfather of our subject, John Blose, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated to this township in 1815, when the heavy timber covered what are now our beautiful fields. He was married previous to his coming, to Amelia Pence, and they were afterward parents of seven children - Daniel, Lewis, Susan, John, Louisa, Henry and Margaret. He settled three miles south of Westville, where he continued to reside until his death. He cleared off and otherwise improved this land, and made it one of the most desirable farms in the Mad River Valley. Three of his children still survive - John, Louisa and Margaret. John is the husband of Delilah Strickler, Louisa is the wife of Isaac Funkhouser, and Margaret is the widow of Charley Brown. Daniel, the father of Leroy, was married to Miss Louisa Colbert, and by her has had eight children, four of whom are not living - Leroy, the eldest, James I., Emily T. and Daniel W. all reside in the ^county. Mr. Blose was married previously to Eva Pence; they had four children, two, John H. and Enos' are living. Daniel was a very energetic man, and from a capital of $50, amassed by his own energy a large fortune. He owned and operated two distilleries, had an interest in an elevator at Urbana, and raised a large amount of stock. He also owned a large number of shares in an oil well in Pennsylvania, but this was a non-paying investment. When his death occurred May 25, 1871, he was owner of 1,200 acres of valuable land, which left his children amply provided for. Leroy married Miss Marietta Beery, a daughter of one of our most substantial men. Leroy and his wife are parents of one child - Nellie H. He has the old home farm, and is considered one of our most prosperous young farmers, endowed with the good business characteristics of his father, and in every way worthy of representing him in this work.

JOSEPH BROWN, farmer; P. 0. Terre Haute. This gentleman is one of the pioneers of this county. The older men have to represent their ancestors who are gone, but who have left their record behind in this beautiful land, which is the pride of Ohio. Their work has been well done, and their graves are hallowed by the memory of both old and young. The father of Joseph (John Brown) was bora in Virginia ; his wife (Margaret Davis) was one of the girls that helped decorate Trenton bridge, over which Washington and his army passed after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, at Yorktown. She remembered Gen. Washington well, and the scenes of the Revolutionary war. Her father was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought bravely through the struggle for liberty, never receiving a wound. She was born in New Jersey in 1777. Her parents came to this county in 1806, and settled near where Mr. Brown now lives, where the timber was so thick that the sun's rays could hardly reach the ground. Mr. Davis felled enough timber to build him a cabin, after which they felt pretty well " fixed up." The Browns were neighbors to them, and John settled on the land, and built the first cabin, almost on the spot where Joseph now lives. Two of the Davis boys went into the woods one day, and took the gun along, thinking to get some game while they looked for the horses. They were both small, and as they walked along a bear and two cubs were seen. Fearing to shoot, lest the old one should only be wounded, and afterward pursue them, the eldest boy (Andrew) waited, but finally took aim and fired. Taking his younger brother by the hand, they ran to the house, and told their father that they had shot at a bear. The party set out to look after the success of the shot, and, sure enough, the bear lay dead, and the cubs had gone away . Many reminiscences might be given illustrating the wild character of the country, but this will suffice. Deer were plenty, and furnished many a savory meal to the pioneers. Joseph did his share of work when a lad. He was born in 1824, and has lived all his life within thirty feet of his birthplace. He was married, in 1845, to Miss Mary Bridgeman, and they were parents of one child - Alcia Isabel. She was born in 1850, and was married to John H. Stevens in 1870. She was the mother of one child, and they now lie side by side in the quiet cemetery, where the gentle winds sing their sad requiems over the loved ones who were the joy of their parents' home. Mr. Brown is one of our prosperous farmers, and enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, and is well worthy to bear the name of his father. For twenty-five consecutive years Mr. Brown has run a thresher. At one time he worked continuously, day and night, for 150 hours, never sleeping during the time. This was done in a saw- mill, and well shows the pluck and endurance of our pioneers.

NATHAN BROWN, farmer; P. O. Terre Haute. The parents of Nathan* came to this county from Virginia in 1807 ; their names were John and Margaret Brown. She was a daughter of Andrew and Sarah Davis, who came to this county about the same time the Browns did, and settled where Eli Allen now lives. The Brown family settled on the farm now owned by Nathan and Joseph Brown. The first cabin built in this part of the township was erected where William Kessler now lives,, and is still standing. This house was headquarters for seven families who had come to this county seeking a home in the new Northwest. The nearest cabin was five miles distant, and the woods were still the home of the Indians and wild animals. There was no trace of a settlement when they came, and the first pioneers in this part of the township were the Brown, Davis, Blue, Kelly, Kane and Grafton families. They all came to this neighborhood about the same time. Many were the pranks the youngsters used to play on each other, but all was taken in good humor, and the " apple cuttings," corn huskings, and other festivities were made the scene of much merriment. When the girls went to church, they all went barefoot until near the church, when the shoes were put on and worn until after services, when they again took them off and carried them home. Economy was the order of the day, and, in those days of wooden chimneys and puncheon floors, they left pride entirely out of the question. The parents of Nathan had eight children, of whom only four are living - Joseph, Nathan (our subject), Andrew and Loruhama. She was born in 1811, and was never married. Nathan was married to Hannah Nitchman in 1854 ; they have had twelve children, six of whom are living - Charles, Margaret, John, Rachel, Emmett and Ida. All the sons are engaged in farming and are doing well. Their father is one of our prosperous men,, and his wife is one of the most genial ladies that we have met. His sister, Loruhama, makes her home with them, and the family are well cared for. Nathan is a conscientious Republican. The table of the pioneers was a puncheon slab, laid upon two stumps. One time Mrs. Brown had baked a lot of peach pies, for a " raising," to be done that day. While her back was turned an old mulley cow came up and finished the pies, and the boys who were working were rather short on their rations. So many inconveniences were they subject to that we cannot name them all, but their labors were not in vain, and the country that was cleared by them, and their noble lives, shall ever be a matter of history.

PARKER BRYAN, farmer and miller; P. 0. Urbana. We take pleasure in: writing the biography of this gentleman, who has so long been a resident of Champaign County, and reminiscences gleaned from him are reliable. He is at this time 59 years of age, having been born April 21, 1821, and has lived in this county since his birth. His father, Levi Bryan, was a native of Virginia, and came here in 1812. He purchased, the southeast quarter of Section 35, in Urbana Township, of a Mr. Olivar, who had previously entered it. He had no means at his disposal when he first came to this county, but worked by the day, and, although wages were small, contrived to save money enough to buy the tract above named, which was largely added to until he was, at the time of his death, the owner of 670 acres. He married Rachel Powell, and they had eight children, four dying in infancy. The survivors all live in this county - Mary A.,, the wife of Gabriel Kenton ; Parker (our subject), John H. wedded Elizabeth Grove, and Rachel E., who married T. I. Oroark. Levi Bryan devoted his time to improving his land, and dealing in stock, and of course did much in this way to help develop the country, which was almost a wilderness. His death occurred in 1852, and his wife's in 1859. When Parker, our subject, was 15 years of age, he commenced dealing in stock on a small scale ; as he grew in years he engaged in other business, and when he was 21 years of age, by his own efforts, he was possessor of $1,750. In 1852, he was married to Rachel A. Grove ; subsequently, in connection with his brother John and others, a tannery in Urbana, and a distillery and mill in Clark County was carried on. In 1856, Parker purchased his present farm, upon which was built the first distillery in the county, owned by David Kite. It was a small structure built of logs, the product of which hardly sufficed for home consumption. Farmers carried in their jugs, to which, was attached a card bearing their name and the number of their order. Frequently they would have to wait a week to have it filled. Mr. Bryan now carries on the milling business in connection with his farm, and does custom work. This is of great convenience to farmers. Since his earliest recollection, a mill has occupied the present site, the first being built of logs. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan have five children living - Levi, Mary E., Emma V., John H. and Frank Gr. ; the three eldest are married. The farm now owned by Mr. Bryan is one of the finest tracts in the Mad River Valley ; it is especially well adapted for grazing, and is very desirable. He has cheerfully aided in the giving of facts connected with the early history of the township, and is withal one of the most cordial gentlemen we have met. His grandfather, John Bryan, came from England as a British soldier during the Revolutionary war. His native country was Ireland, and his wife was a native of Wales, whose maiden name was Parker.

ISAAC BULL, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Mr. Bull has lived in this township during the last quarter of a century, and of course, in his acquaintanceship with the old settlers, can relate many personal reminiscences of events happening during the early settlement of this county. Many of the people living here are natives of Virginia, in which State Mr. Bull was born, in Rockingham County, July 14, 1818. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He left Virginia in 1855 and moved to Franklin Co., Ind.; here both himself and wife died. Isaac came to Urbana in 1853, and in 1859 he was married to Miss M$ry Hess, by whom he had two sons and one daughter - Benjamin F., Elmore H. and Elizabeth A. Benjamin went to Virginia City, Idaho, in 1864, in company with twenty-four men from Springfield, Ohio ; all returned except three, and all are living except Benjamin, who died in Helena City, Sept. 11, 1878. He had accumulated quite a fortune. Elmore is now in Denver, Col., aod Elizabeth married E. F. Fleming; they reside in Chicago. Mrs. Bull died Jan. 19, 1855, and Mr. Bull was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Joseph Pence, Oct. 1, 1868. They have two children - Joseph T. and Charles E. L. They reside on a part of the estate of Joseph Pence, six miles southwest of Urbana. Mr. Bull is a practical farmer and an energetic business man. Joseph is attending Buchtel College, and intends graduating at that institution. Isaac is a stanch Democrat and never misses an election ; he has been for nine consecutive years Assessor of this township, and has for many years been a prominent auctioneer in the county, and is a dealer in stock. There are 236 acres all under fence, which brings in a nice income. The farm is a splendid one in the Mad River Valley, and is managed entirely by Mr. Bull. He is a genial gentleman, and we are under obligations to him for favors. Since his coming, there have been changes in every family between Fremont and Westville, by reason of death, change of residence or other causes.

UHLICH Gr. BURKE, farmer; P. 0. Westville. Mr. Burke, although not a native of Ohio, is entitled to a representation in the biographical department of this history, as his wife is the daughter of one of our oldest and most influential families. From her father, David Pence, much information has been obtained that forms a part of this history, and a sketch of his family, together with personal reminiscences of early times, will appear in another part of the work. Mr. Burke is a native of Indiana, and was born in 1844. He was principally engaged in farming in that State, and also in Ohio. His marriage to Miss Amanda, daughter of David and Priscilla Pence, was celebrated at the home of the bride's parents, Dec. 23, 1868. The parents of Mrs. Burke, wishing their children to' be near them, prevailed upon Mr. Burke to settle upon the " Pence homestead." The residence now occupied by Mr. Burke is a neat twostory frame, erected in 1879. The farm is comprised of 123£ acres, one mile from Westville, and is highly improved. Mr. and Mrs. Burke were parents of three children - Viola, dying in infancy ; Clement P. and Orin T. are living. Mr. Burke is a quiet, unassuming man, whose opinions are not given hastily, but are in the main correct. Both himself and wife are members of the Nettle Creek Baptist Church, as were their parents before them. He is one of our practical farmers, and the neatness of his farm betokens

JOHN BUSHONG, farmer ; P. 0. Terre Haute. We are pleased to notice such men as the one whose name heads this sketch, as he is every way worthy to be represented in the history of the county in which he has resided during the past thirty years. As a man of correct habits, he is without a peer, and, as a gentleman, suffice it to say that Old Virginia blood flows in his veins, and his reputation among those that know him is of the highest order. His parents, Peter and Elizabeth (Fatick) Bushong, were married, probably, in 1814. Peter was born in Virginia, and Elizabeth in Pennsylvania. Peter was engaged in farming in Virginia, coming West and settling in Indiana in 1859. His death occurred in 1867. He was a prosperous man, making a good living, but accumulating slowly. His wife, Elizabeth, died in Virginia, in 1855. Their children were eight in number - Lydia, John, Catharine, Philip, Mary, Andrew, Hannah and Elizabeth ; all are living in Indiana except John, our subject. He came to Ohio in 1847. He was married in Virginia to Miss Sarah Dingledine ; their two eldest children - Mary and Catharine - were born in Virginia ; Hannah, Martha, James and John were born in this county ; Mary is the wife of John Davis; Hannah married William Michael, and Martha wedded Josiah Smiley. The children all live near or with them, and the family circle is unbroken. The first settlement of Mr. Bushong was on the farm now owned by Samuel Dibert, but was previously owned by his wife's father, Philip Dingledine. Mr. Bushong has made the most of his money by hard labor and good management. His present home is an elegant farm of 248 acres in one tract, and is one of the most home-like places we have seen ; a comfortable, neatly furnished house, splendid barns and outbuildings, a happy family and well-stocked larder serve to make life enjoyable in the highest degree. His record is such that his children may point to it with pride, and they may well profit by his experience. Himself and wife have been members of the Lutheran Church for more than a quarter of a century.

CAPT. TANDY S. COLLINS, farmer ; P. 0. Tremont City, Clark Co.; is the son of Jerome B. and Jane S. (Burruss) Collins, of Orange Co., Va.; Jerome B. Collins was the son of Francis and Margaret (De Horner) Collins ; Francis Collins was the son of James and Mary (Kirtley) Collins ; Jane S. Burruss was the daughter of Capt. William Tandy and Martha (Slaughter) Burruss, of Bevolutionary fame ; William T. Burruss was the son of William and Frances Tandy Burruss, they being of Huguenot origin ; the Slaughters are of English origin, and were among the first settlers of Jamestown, Virginia. The subject of this sketch was born on Cherry Grove Farm, Orange Co., Va., Oct. 12, 1832, remaining at home with his parents until his 18th year, working upon the farm and at the carpenter's trade, and attending school during the winter. In 1850, he went to the Shenandoah Valley, where he lived three years, at which time he came to Ohio; Jan. 1, 1854, he landed in Urbana, with good health, and $6 in his pocket, at which place he continued carpentering and running an engine, until Dec. 13, 1855, when he was united in marriage with Mary Catharine, daughter of David and Mary (Evers) Hawes, natives of Bockingham Co., Va., who emigrated to this county in October, 1853. Feb. 22, 1856, he moved upon a farm in Concord Township, where he lived until March 4, 1860, when he moved upon Sec. 7, where he has lived since that time, working upon his farm. By this union they were blessed with four children, two sons and two daughters, two now living, viz.: James F., born Jan. 15, 1860; Ida C., born Oct. 5, 1861. Mary C. Hawes was born in Bockingham Co., Va., Oct. 27, 1838; Mary C. (Hawes) Collins died Oct. 27, 1861, he remaining a widower until Sept. 2, 1862, when he was united in marriage with Sarah Jane, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Yarnal) Kizer, whose biography appears in this book ; by this union they were blessed with five sons, four now living, viz.: Charles was born March 28, 1843. They are both acceptable members of the Regular Baptist Church. He has held a number of positions of honor, with credit to himself and his fellow-men. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have, through their indomitable perseverance, strict and honorable business habits, secured for themselves and their children a beautiful home, where they enjoy the highest respect and esteem of their neighbors and many friends.

HOWARD W. CONRAD, farmer and plasterer; P. 0. Terre Haute. Mr. Conrad is an enterprising man, to whom we are pleased to give a place in the history of Champaign Co.; his native State is Pennsylvania; he was born in Gettysburg in 1838, and emigrated to this county in 1858 ; he is a plasterer by trade, and, when he came to this township, he had no money - was without a cent, away from home, among strangers ; yet, notwithstanding all this, he went to work with an earnestness that soon found him friends, and to-day he ranks among our prosperous men. He worked ten years at his trade, saving each year $100, which was judiciously invested in land. During this time, he became engaged to and married Miss Amelia J., a daughter of William and Susannah Lee; the marriage was celebrated in 1861 ; housekeeping was commenced in a cabin on Mr. Lee's farm, and they afterward moved to the house now occupied by them. They have six children - William A., Firman 0., Charles V., Arta A., Allie G. and Jacob A. Mr. Conrad still works occasionally at his trade, but turns his attention mostly to agriculture; three years ago, he purchased the " Bell farm," one of the first farms opened in this neighborhood; it was entered by Mr. Bell in 1813; he had no neighbors near at that time, and, hearing a rooster crow one morning, started to find what afterward proved to be a new-comer by the name of Davis ; blazing the trees with his ax as he walked, this family was found a quarter west of what is now Terre Haute ; the distance was fully two miles, and neighbors were welcome. We know of no young man who has, in the same period, accumulated more property by his own exertions than Mr. Conrad, and his children should ever feel a just pride in the excellent business qualifications of their parents, backed by honor and integrity, which none possess more fully. He has, for a number of years, been connected, in an official capacity, with the public schools, and has served the public well ; he ranks to-day among the intelligent men of his neighborhood, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.

CALVIN COOK, farmer ; P. 0. Terre Haute. Lewis Cook was a native of Vermont, and lived in that State until he was 21 years of age, at which time he went to Western New York, and there married Annie Peck, a native of that State; her parents, accompanied by Lewis and his wife, started for Ohio on a flatboat down the Ohio River ; they passed Cincinnati and stopped at North Bend, fifteen miles below ; here Lewis engaged with Gen. Harrison to work his farm, and continued in his employ four years ; he then, in company with his brother-in-law, Ethmore Warren, came to this county and entered the quarter-section where Mr. Cook now lives ; they all came to this neighborhood about 1817, and, in 1823 or 1824, the Peck family moved to Lake Co. Lewis Cook's wife died in 1823, leaving five children - Percy, William, Jane, Calvin and Melinda ; in 1825, Lewis again married Boadicea Fay ; they were parents of Clarissa, Louisa and Lewis; she died in 1830 or 1831, and Lewis was again married, in 1833, to Mrs. Mary Hartwell ; they had no children. Of the whole number of children, only Percy, Louisa and Calvin are living. He was reared on the farm upon which he was born and still lives. He married Miss Elizabeth Hupp in 1842 ; she was a native of Virginia, and was born in that State April 23, 1819, and Calvin, April 12, of the same year ; he purchased the 80-acre tract of his father, who went to Hancock Co., 111., where his son William was living, and died there a few months later. Calvin and his wife were parents of eleven children, of whom Amanda, William, Raper, Lewis, Wesley, George, Mary and Samuel are living; all but two are married, and live in this neighborhood. Mr. Cook has traveled extensively through Kansas, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana, but still remains true to his old home in Champaign Co.; he has been one of our most successful farmers, and owns a large tract of land, which has been accumulated by his own industry ; he is a man noted for his correct business habits, and to his children will leave a patrimony of which they may well be proud - a name unsullied by fraud, which has never been brought into disrepute. He is still actively engaged in farming, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.

HENRY FOLTZ, farmer ; P. 0. Terre Haute. The parents of Henry Foltz, David and Christina Foltz, were natives of Shenandoah Co., Va., and came first to Clark Co. in 1835. They have three children living that were born in Yirginia - Martha, Sarah and Nathaniel ; Henry was born in Clark Co. David Foltz was a tailor by occupation, and worked at his business in Yirginia previous to his removal, and subsequently carried on the business. He came to Mad River Township in 1848, where he had previously purchased a farm, and has principally engaged in agriculture since living here. His children are all living near him except Martha, who wedded Noah Zerkle ; they reside in Clay Co., 111. Sarah married Elias Neese. Nathaniel is the husband of Sarah C. Leonard, and Henry married Sarah A. Zerkle ; they reside on the home farm with the old people, and the farm is managed by the two sons. All the children have married into the old families of the township, most of whom are represented in the history of this county. Henry and his wife are parents of Hester Alma, Emory Harlan and Charles Anson. The boys are bright little fellows, and give promise of much intelligence ; Hester will soon complete her studies. The farm has been cleared since Mr. Foltz came, and the substantial improvements have been made by him. His sons have been of much service, and are now reaping their reward. They are substantial men, and enjoy the confidence of the community in which they reside. They are ardent Democrats, and are strong advocates of the party principles. They are all members of the Lutheran Church, and are prominent in the furtherance of every good work.

HENRY G-IDEON, retired. Henry Gideon lived a number of years in Mad, River Township, but for many years has resided in Iowa. He was a native of Loudoun Co., Ya. ; was born in 1796, and came to this county in 1822, being soon after married to Miss Nancy, daughter of Valentine and Sarah (Conrad) Miller. They lived in Mad River Township, on part of the land owned by his father-in-law. Their children were eleven in number - Jacob, Alfred L., Joseph, Peter, James, Ann, Valentine, Sanford, David, Oliver and Elizabeth. All these were born in Mad River Township. Valentine Miller's descendants are numerous in this county, of which he was an early settler. The father of Henry, Peter Gideon, was a Revolutionary soldier, serving during the entire campaign. His eldest son, George Gideon, came to this township in 1818, and was married to Elizabeth Miller, a sister of the wife of Henry, his brother. George, with his family, emigrated to Clinton, Dewitt Co., 111. They reared a large family of children - Armstead, George W\, John W\, Jacob, Samuel, Kitty, Ann, Sally and Elizabeth. Henry Gideon, with his family, emigrated to Illinois in 1845, settling near Mechanicsburg, Sangamon Co. In 1854, he again emigrated, to Madison Co., Iowa. His son James wedded Kitty Blue, of Sangamon Co. Ann, the eldest daughter, married Samuel Garvey, and Alfred L. wedded Elizabeth Clark. Henry Gideon is still living, being now 84 years of age. George, his brother, died in May, 1880, having reached the ripe old age of 91 years.

David C., the only child of Alfred L. and Elizabeth Gideon, was born Nov. 27, 1848, in Sangamon Co., 111. ; he was reared in Logan Co., where his education was completed. He afterward studied medicine with his uncle, Dr. John Clark, who was one of the pioneers of Logan Co., and whose continuous practice in Mt. Pulaski extended over a period of forty-five years. He died in January, 1877, leaving behind the record of a life pure and blameless. David C. graduated with honor at the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati in February, 1873, and engaged in the practice of medicine in Illinois ten years. In March, 1880, he moved with his family to Troy, Ohio. His marriage to Miss Sadie, youngest daughter of J acob and Sarah Row, was celebrated Sept. 27, 1868, Dr. John Clark ofliciating. They have two sons, Alfred L. and Clark McKenzie, both intelligent boys, promising to do credit to their family name. Jacob and

Sarah Row were natives of 1 ickaway Co., Ohio, and were the parents of John, George, Mary, Jacob, Carrie, Lydia ai.d Sarah. They emigrated to Logan Co., 111., in September, 1865, purchasing a fine faim near Mt. Pulaski. Jacob's death occurred in August, 1871, and his wife's death in February, 1879. Alfred L. Gideon, Sr., was a soldier during the Mexican war, under the command of Gen. Winfield Scott. He participated in the battles of Cerro Gordo, New Orleans and Yera Cruz. His wife, Elizabeth, died Aug. 10, 1875. She was a cultured lady, of sterling social qualities, and a Christian in precept and example, beloved by her neighbors, and noted alike for her hospitality and efforts to advance the educational and moral interests of society. She rests in a lovely spot in the beautiful cemetery near Mt. Pulaski. Her parents, Rev. David Clark, and his wife, Sally Winans, were pioneers of Sangamon Co., emigrating from Miami Co., Ohio, to that county, in 1833. Their children - Winans, John, Carman and Elizabeth are all deceased, leaving many descendants bearing their name. Rev. David Clark and his wife were natives of New Jersey. He was born in 1776.

ELIJAH HANNA, farmer; P. 0. Westville. Mr. Hanna is not one of the oldest settlers, but has lived in Champaign Co. long enough to have a representation in its history. His parents, Nathan and Elsie Hanna, were natives of West Virginia, but the only representatives of the name here are of the family of his elder brother, Andrew, who came to this neighborhood in 1838. He died in 1876, and his family reside on the home farm. Elijah came from Virginia in 1850, and purchased the farm where he now resides. His marriage to Miss Emily J. Haller was celebrated in 1851. She was born and reared on the farm now owned by her husband. Her parents were ranked among the early settlers, her father, William Haller, being born here sixty-nine years ago. His father was John Haller, whose arrival dates back to the first settlements in the Mad River Valley. Discovering that his large family could hardly be supplied with homes (as he was not very wealthy), he sold his farm and emigrated to Defiance Co., Ohio, where there was still Government land, and all his children could be provided with a home. Mr. Hanna had three children by his first wife - William, Sarah J. and Fletcher. Mrs. Hanna died in 1861, and in 1863 his marriage with Miss Mary Arrowsmith was celebrated. She was the daughter of Mason Arrowsmith, who died in 1879. Ezekiel Arrowsmith was her grandfather, of whom prominent mention is made in other parts of this work. They have four children - Charles, Frank, Edward and Laura. Sarah J. and Fletcher, children of the first marriage, are not living. Mr. Hanna came to this county a poor man, and by hard work and careful management, aided somewhat by others, he purchased his first farm. Later, he has added 124 acres of splendid land to his possessions, which was paid for by his own exertions, and completes a valuable homestead. His reputation is second to none in the neighborhood, and he, together with Simeon Taylor, Lemuel Hoah, and one or two others, have been the means of sustaining the Methodist Episcopal Church at Westville, through a long period of depression. Through their united efforts, the new church was built, which will be a monument to their memory for many years to come. Mr. Hanna is a prosperous, intelligent gentleman, and has done much for the society in which he lives.

WILLIAM S. HUNT, physician and surgeon, Terre Haute. Dr. Hunt is a resident physician of Terre Haute, and enjoys an extensive practice and excellent reputation. His father, Isaac W., and his wife, Jane Mars, were parents of four children - John M., Cynthia E., William S., and his twin sister, who died in infancy. Cynthia married John McCroskey, and her death occurred in 1866. John is living in Adams Township. The mother of Dr. Hunt died in 1848, and Mr. Hunt married Emmeline Wooley in 1850 ; their children were named Nancy A., Hannah H., Mary E., Clara A. and Ulysses S. G. Three are living - Nancy is the wife of Robert Street, Hannah of Lewis Hines, Ulysses is still single, and the other two are dead. The father was a native of New York, and both his wives of Ohio ; all the children were born in Ohio. Dr. Hunt commenced teaching school in 1866, during which time he began the study of medicine, and continued his teaching during the winter for five years. He attended lectures and graduated at the Cincinnati College of Med, cine and Surgery, in 1870. He commenced practicing medicine at Terre Haute in March, 1871; he was Postmaster in 1877-78. His marriage to Miss Nancy L. Lee was celebrated May 23, 1872. She is the daughter of John G. and Mary Lee, who represent one of the old families who settled here long ago, and have done their part in developing this country that is now so beautiful. Hr. and Mrs. Hunt have one child - Lillian. He has a good library ; his knowledge of medicine is extensive, and his reputation as a physician is an enviable one.

BARNET JENKINS, farmer ; P. 0. Westville. One of the most interesting biographies will be that of Barnet Jenkins, not only from the fact of his being one of the prominent men of the township, but also that his reminiscences of incidents related by his ancestors and others of the occurrences taking place in the early settlement of Champaign County, can be correctly given. Among the earliest settlers of this county were Thomas Jenkins and his wife, Nelly Sisk. They were natives of Virginia, emigrating from that State in 1806. He entered a quarter-section on Owen's Creek, in this township, and was one of the first to erect a cabin. There were only a few settlers, with cabins miles apart. Dense woods, wild deer and Indians were plenty. Indians would frequently pass the cabins in squads, and sometimes would show signs of committing depredations, although they never did any actual violence. Somewhere about the year 1812, a number of the settlers from this locality were called to do duty at the blockhouse that was built at Defiance, to which many of the people had taken their wives and children for safety. Horses running loose in the woods during that winter became almost famished for want of food, and, when squirrels were killed and their skins thrown away, they were greedily eaten by them. This is remarkable, but could be vouched for by numbers of men whose veracity was beyond question. One of the first churches built was known as the Nettle Creek Baptist Church. The children of Thomas and Nelly Jenkins were nine in number - Philip, Elijah, Jesse, the father of our subject, Edin, Thomas and Russell, Millv, Ellen and Dica. All of these children are numbered with those that sleep the sleep that knows no waking. Jesse was married in 1815, to Annie Pence. The Pence family were numerous, and will be spoken of at length in this history. Jesse was next to the youngest child, and, during the lifetime of his parents, lived on the home farm and cared for them. Shortly before their death, he purchased a farm in Jackson Township. They had seven children - Barnet, Presley, Elijah, Thomas, Rhoda, Elizabeth and Rebecca. The three eldest were born in Mad River Township. The death of Thomas, the grandfather of Barnet, occurred in 1830, and his wife, Nelly, long before that period. Jesse died in 1869, and his wife in September, 1868. They had done much toward the development of this county, and lived long and useful lives. Six of the children are yet living, the four sons in Champaign Co., and they well represent the name of the man who first settled in the beautiful valley of Mad River. Barnet is one of the influential and wealthy men of this township, and resides near Westville. Thomas Jenkins, after the death of his first wife, married Mrs. Susannah Maggert. Her maiden name was Pence.

GABRIEL KENTON, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. The name of Kenton is familiar to every school-boy in the land, and the services of Simon Kenton were invaluable during the war that existed in his time. Gabriel Kenton, of whom we write, was nearly related to him, Simon being his grandfather's brother. The grandfather of Gabriel came to Champaign Co. from Kentucky in 1801 with his family, and settled near Springfield; afterward moved to Urbana, and from thence to the farm now owned by Harvey Kenton. The family were accompanied from Kentucky by Thomas Kenton and family. Soon after their arrival, other families came and settled near them. The lands they settled on were not open for sale and were not surveyed until 1806. The nettles grew so high on the bottoms that when they wanted to go from one place to another, they had to harness a horse to a brush and drag a road through them. The Indians were plenty in Gabriel's time, and they frequently camped near his father's farm. Mad River and its tributaries were favorite hunting and fishing grounds of the Indians, and they watched the new settlers with a jealous eye, but in this immediate neighborhood never resorted to actual violence. The customs of the people were of the primitive type, every one trying to help his neighbor, and their opening up of the heavy-timbered lands required a hearty and united effort on their part. William Ward was a partner of Simon Kenton., and was one of the first settlers. Three grandsons represented the family name. Ezekiel Arrowsmith was another of the first settlers, and his descendants will be represented in this work. Mark Kenton married Susannah Markley Aug. 31, 1814. They had seven children, four of whom are living, our subject being the oldest, Harvey next, Samuel lives in Illinois, and also their only sister, Sarah J. Caraway. Harvey is still a bachelor, with one of the finest residences in the township. Our subject, Gabriel Kenton, was married to Mary A. Bryan July 18, 1854. They were parents of one child that died in infancy. They have reared several children, but have adopted none. The parents of Gabriel died - the father May 6, 1851, and the mother Sept. 12, 1858. They were very energetic people, commencing life in poor circumstances, but by energy accumulated considerable property. Both Harvey and Gabriel are very wealthy men, and are noted for their good qualities. They have both engaged largely in the stock business, Harvey in Ohio and Gabriel in Illinois, where he has a large farm. He superintends his large business and rarely makes a mistake. The family are mostly Republican in politics, and have always been numbered among our most influential citizens. Elisha Harbor, William Harbor, Mark Kenton, Sampson Talbott and William Custar entered the land in the north part of Mad River Township. The land Westville was built on was virtually entered by Arch McGrew.

JOHN KISER, retired farmer; P. 0. Tremont City, Clark Co. The Kiser family were natives of Switzerland. Jacob and his wife emigrated from there previous to the Revolutionary war ; they settled in Virginia and reared a large family, of whom Philip, the father of John, our subject, was one. He came to this county in 1805 and settled where the old Kiser mills were located. He was a very wealthy man, and when he left Virginia he purchased a flat-boat and loaded his things, intending to locate near Cincinnati. The river was high, and Mrs. Kiser being very timid, induced her husband to land near Gallipolis, and she afterward refused to board the boat, and Mr. Kiser was therefore forced to unload his goods and rent a cabin. He lived here only a few months and then came to the property previously purchased by him. This was the best mill site on Mad River, and he built a new mill, which did a good business. During the war of 1812, he built a fort near his house, and people came from every direction for security. Philip was Captain of a company during this war, and did duty on the frontier. He was one of the first Justices in the county, and was a good official ; he was a very prominent man, and was one of the largest landowners ; he died in 1817. His widow lived until 1837 and reared her family ; she was one of the best business women of her time - buying stock, superintending the mill and attending to many other duties that are usually performed by men. John Kiser was given a good education and graduated at Urbana, in 1825 ; he studied medicine one year, but, upon his mother's account, gave up the idea of practice and commenced the agricultural business. He was born Sept 7, 1809, and was married, Jan. 31, 1831, to Elizabeth Darnell, of Champaign County ; she was born ii^ 1815, in Virginia. They were parents of ten children, two of them died in infancy ; the living are Lucinda, Philip, Annie, Jane, Victoria, Emma E., Lewis C., the inventor of the celebrated air motor, and Thomas. Mrs. Kizer died in 1875, since which time his daughter Emma has been his housekeeper; she was married, in 1878, to Adam Frantz. Mr. Kiser has been liberal in giving information of the early life of their family, and we are glad t© assign them a place in the history of this county. He is owner of 1 87 1 acres of choice land, that brings him a nice income. He is 71 years of age, and has plenty of this world's goods to enable him to live at his ease.

GEORGE W. KITE, retired farmer ; P. 0. St. Paris. George Kite represents one of the oldest families in Mad River Township ; his father, Adam Kite, emigrated in 1807, from Rockingham Co., Ya., and from him has sprung the large number hearing his name in this county ; he entered a part of the farm now owned by our subject, of which a portion (a pre-emption claim) was purchased from a party who had previously settled upon it. Mr. Kite has in his possession the patent granted, bearing the signature of Thomas Jefferson. A large number of Indians were still in the neighborhood, and an Indian town was located a half-mile west of Millerstown, on a tract of land now owned by Brubaker. Adam and Elizabeth had four children born in Virginia, and six in this county, three only are now living - our subject, his sisters, Sarah and Margaret, the wife of Dr. Thomas, of Pleasant Hill, Ind. George was reared on the farm ; his first school-teacher was named Sutton, and the log schoolhouse was located where David Frank's house is built. The light was admitted by having one of the logs taken out and the space covered with oiled paper ; slab seats were used, and the teacher knew well how to use the birch. One of the tricks the boys were in the habit of practicing was that of barring the teacher out during holidays. This happening during a term of George's attendance, the teacher compromised by treating the scholars to a quart of whisky. Our subject was married to Peniah Fusson, in 1831 ; their children were ten in number, all living to adult age ; three are now deceased. Mrs. Kite died in 1877, and Mr. Kite married Mrs. Overhulse, in 1878 ; they now reside a half-mile west of the Myrtle Tree Church. Mr. Kite has helped build three churches on the site of the elegant one now completed, which will ever be a monument to his memory. He is one of our most influential and respected citizens, and enjoys the confidence of a large circle of acquaintances, When George was first married, his father-in-law, Rev. William Fusson, made him a present of a bedstead made of fence-rails, their first article of furniture. Their cooking utensils consisted of one skillet, and their dishes were few and of the cheapest kind. There were none poorer financially, but, being well mated, tjie young couple went to work with a will, and their labors were crowned with success.

WILLIAM LEE, retired farmer; P. 0. Terre Haute. One of the noble pioneers who still live in this township is the man whose name heads this sketch ; he is so well known in the county that his name is familiar to all ; his life has been of that energetic sort that was characteristic of the first settlers, who have contributed the best years of their life to the development of this country. His father, John Lee, emigrated to Ohio with his family, from Virginia, in 1810 ; he purchased a tract of land of William Copps, and settled upon it, soon after which he died, and, his widow not being able to pay for it, Copps again took possession ; she rented a little tract, which was cultivated by the children for two years, when she purchased 80 acres in the vicinity of Mr. Lee's present residence ; this was paid for, and the children, five in number, thereby obtained their start in life ; they were named James, Richard, William, Fanny and John. The mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Lowman ; she was born in Maryland ; she afterward married Philip Stout; her death occurred in 1846. Four of the children are still living, William being the only one residing in the vicinity of the old home. His marriage to Miss Susannah Blose was celebrated in 1832 ; they started in life on a cash capital of $100 ; by hard work and economy, William managed to pay for 24 acres, which was constantly added to, until he is now one of our large land-owners, having a half-section of valuable land, nicely improved, most of which was done under his supervision. His children, John, Philander, Mary A., Elizabeth, Milly J., Susannah, Henry, Dica, James A., Margaretta L., Eliza E. and Iva are living ; two are dead. All live in Ohio except Susannah' who lives in Iowa. Mrs. Lee died June 15, 1880, after living to see her children grow up to be useful men and women ; Margaretta manages the house since her mother's death. Mr. Lee is a cousin to the late Gen. R. E. Lee, one of the ablest Generals the United States ever produced; his life has ever been characterized by strict integrity, firmness of purpose, economy and strict adherence to business principles ; he is now 71 years of age, as genial as when a boy of 20, and lives on his farm, caring little for the winter's storm, as he is well provided for. We are glad to record his name among those deserving of having their names perpetuated in history.

WILLIAM Y. LEE, farmer; P. 0. Terre Haute. Our subject is a grandson of one of the pioneers of Champaign Co., who came here when a boy, when wild deer and Indians were plenty in the dense woods, that were untouched by the settler's ax ; his grandfather came here in 1810, and settled on Dugan Prairie, which is a beautiful tract of land in the center of the county ; his grandfather is said to have seen the soldiers of Gen. Hull, who lay at Urban a during the war of 1812-15 ; his grandfather was one of those men who wagoned from Springfield to Bellefontaine and West Liberty before there were any railroads in this country ; he is esteemed in the best of society, and counted an honest, industrious and intelligent man ; he has forty-nine grandchildren and, one great-grandchild. The father of our subject, Philander Lee, was married, in 1858, to Miss Maria Evilsizor, of Champaign Co.; they have four children living, of whom William, our subject, is the eldest; four children - Elmore W., Sarah J., Woda N. and Loda L, (twins) are deceased ; William V., Effie J., Amos R. and Nancy E. live with their parents.

DAVID LOUDENBACK, real estate and loans ; P. 0. Westville. There is, perhaps, no man in Mad Biver Township so well known as Squire Loudenback. For many years he has served the public, and now takes front rank among the pioneers of the township. His age is 72 years ; he was born March 20, 1808, in Page Co., Va., and came to this township, together with his parents, David and Susannah Loudenback, Nov. 1, 1817. They were parents of eight children, five sons and three daughters - Benjamin, Ann, David, the subject of this biography, Rebecca, Emanuel, Barbara, John and Martin. They were well known to all the older people living in the township, and it is presumed that they are all living. Squire David Loudenback was wedded to Miss Charlotte M. Hebbard, in 1838, by whom he had ten children, of whom Eugene F. and Hylas D, are living-. Those that are now deceased were named Noah, Eliza, David H., Henrietta, Charles G., Lucy A. and Devilla 0. Mrs. Loudenback died June 26, 1857. Her married life extended over a period of nineteen years. Mr. Loudenback was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Smith ( nee Custar), July 22, 1858. Three children were the result of this union - Rienzi, the eldest, was born May 10, 1859, and died May 7, 1863; Rolla, Feb. 24, 1862, and Glendora, who was born at the same time, but died in infancy. The early life of Squire Loudenback was similar to that of all young men who have helped in the development of a new country, until June 1, 1829, when, from the advantages derived from close application to study, he commenced teaching school, and for fourteen consecutive terms taught in this and the adjoining district. He then formed an engagement as clerk in a grocery store at Westville, which was continued for three years. During this time he began loaning money, which has been continued until this time, the success of which has made him the wealthiest man in Champaign county. He was also Deputy County Surveyor, and paid attention to the selling and settling up of estates ; for ten years he acted as Township Clerk ; in 1842, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and his re-election was continued for thirty-six years, and during this long term of office never had one of his decisions reversed. No man can show a better record than this. He has also been Township Treasurer for twenty-six years, which office he still holds. He has settled more large estates, and is guardian of more children, than any man in the township, lie is also the largest land-owner, having now 1,200 acres, all under cultivation. His present residence is a handsome frame house, near the village of Westville, and here Mr. Loudenback passes his time when not engaged in business cares. Much of the township history has been obtained from him. Squire Loudenback commenced teaching school June 1, 1829, for $10.50 per month, and out of this had to pay his board. At this time he was $6.25 in debt, which was paid out of his first quarter's salary, and from this small beginning has grown, by energy and fair dealing, to the position of one of the most prominent as well as the wealthiest man in the county. In addition to all his other business, he is connected with the Third National Bank of Urbana, of which he owns one-tenth interest. He has, since 1830, been an ardent Universalist, and made a princely donation of between $5,000 and $6,000, for the purpose of building the church of that order in Westville.

He also pays a yearly dividend of $300 toward the support of the ministry. He takes a great pride in having been from boyhood a Jacksonian Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson, and has helped elect every Democratic President since that time. As a man of correct business habits and unswerving integrity, he is, without doubt, the equal of any man in the State of Ohio. We are proud of his biographical sketch, and know it will be read with interest by every supporter of this history, which will be the authoritative one to this date and for all time to come.

ALLEN LOUDENBACK, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. The gentleman of whom we write is not only one of the prominent men, but also one of the first children born in the county. He was born Aug. 11, 1813, in a cabin, at a time when there were a number of Indians living in this vicinity. The last of the Miami tribe left in 1821 or 1822. Daring their stay they were quite peaceable, and were engaged in the manufacture of baskets, etc. Allen frequently made visits to their wigwams, and can now point out the places where their lodges stood. He was personally acquainted with all the Kentons, Pences, Powells, Hallers, McGrrews, McShenys, Mullans and Baggs. These men were the first settlers of this township, and numerous descendants of some of these families still remain. The Mad Elver Valley was a favorite hunting ground of the Indians, and they left with much reluctance. Squirrels and deer were very numerous, and the squirrels were especially destructive to corn. Mr. Loudenback killed the last wild deer ever seen in Champaign Co. in the fall of 1837. The farm now owned by him was entered by Arnold Custar, one of the first men coming here. Every part of it was covered with woods, and now it seems almost incredible to believe that the fields covered with waving grain were the home of the savage and the wild deer. His father, Daniel Loudenback was a native of Shenandoah Co., Va.,and was married in 1812 to Mary Pence, a representative of one of the first families. They had four children - our subject, Jonas Loudenback, Elizabeth and Sarah who died in 1874. Allen Loudenback was married, in 1837, to Elizabeth Kiblinger, of Clark Co. They had eleven children, six of whom are living - Martha, Louis, Abram, Mary, Isabel and William (twins). Daniel Loudenback died May 3, 1876. His widow makes her home with her son Allen, and has now reached the ripe old age of 89 years. The wife of Allen died on June 3, 1874. Allen was two years Township Trustee, and has the ability to fill official positions, but refuses to have any further business in that capacity. His first vote was polled for Van Buren, and he has voted the Democratic ticket ever since.

JOHN LUTZ, retired; P. 0. Terre Haute. For more than a half-century, this worthy gentleman and his wife, Hannah, have been residents of this township. They came from Virginia in 1825, and have lived long enough in this country to see the beautiful fields of waving grain take the place of the mighty forest, and the log cabin replaced by the magnificent farmhouse ; the freight carried to and from market by the steam engine instead of the cumbersome wagon; and the country developed into more than they, in their fondest dreams, could at that time imagine possible. They came to this county the next year after their marriage, their possessions consisting of one horse, a wagon and $200 in money, each possessing a pair of strong and willing arms. Soon after settling here, Mr. Lutz purchased a piece of land, cleared it up, and afterward sold it, and purchased the land that he now owns. Part of this he improved, and has since built a nice brick house, large barns and commodious outbuildings, and has made this a very desirable farm indeed. He has been one of the men that has prospered by his own industry, and, in all his business relations, he has ever been honest, and has the entire confidence of those with whom he has done business. Of their children one is dead ; those living are Ananias, Josiah, William, John G-., Elizabeth M. and Mary E. All these are well married and prosperous. The aged couple still enjoy each other's society, and, as they journey down the hillside of life, hand-in-hand, loving and trusting each other, happy in the peace that passeth all understanding, and waiting for the time when they shall be called to a higher life, with their children and grandchildren near them, they may surely think their work has been well done. Of their parents the children may ever feel a just pride, and their memory should ever be sacred. The life-time of toil undergone by our energetic pioneers, is what has made this beautiful county tbe pride of Ohio. We are glad to have thus an opportunity of perpetuating their names in the history of their county, which they have beautified and enriched with their labor and their purse. To each of their children, Mr. Lutz and wife make a present of a copy of the history of Champaign Co. In this they can know of the growth, prosperity and advancement since the first settlement to the present time, and this sketch of their parents will serve to remind them of their goodness and upright lives.