Urbana Township (part 1 of 6)

Urbana Township

in Urbana, to Rachel Kirkpatrick, a native of Pennsylvania, born in December, 1795. Seven children were the fruits of this union, four of whom are yet living, viz., three sons - E. B., W. R. and Alexander - and one daughter - Mary Ames, who is the wife of John B. Happersett, the boot and shoe merchant of Urbana. For the space of nearly half a century, Judge Patrick enjoyed the companionship of his faithful wife, but on the 21st day of August, 1865, death claimed her as its victim, leaving a void in the household and heart of her companion that has never been filled. Mrs. Patrick was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died with a strong and abiding faith in a blissful immortality. Judge Patrick has been in official position nearly all his life, and as early as 1819 was appointed Township Clerk of Urbana Township, and was re-elected to the same position thirty-two consecutive years. From 1824 to 1830, he was Commissioner of Insolvents ; in 1831, was elected Justice of the Peace for Urbana Township, and re-elected five times, holding that office until it was superseded by the Associate Judgeship in 1848, which he occupied until 1852. In 1841, he was elected Mayor of Urbana ; served one year, and declined a re-election. In 1859, he was again elected Mayor, and re-elected six times consecutively, at last declining to be a candidate for the office. During his mayoralty, he was also Justice of the Peace, which position he held for two years after his term as Mayor expired. In 1875, although not soliciting the honor, he was again elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected in 1878, which position he now holds. Besides those mentioned, he has held many minor offices, such as Assessor, Recorder, etc., and was a member of the Council one year. Of his father's family, but three are now living, viz., himself, John B. and J. H. Patrick. Judge Patrick has been a life-long member of the Baptist Church, and in his younger days was a Whig and afterward a Republican, but was always independent in his views on political subjects, and never a partisan. During the rebellion, he was an outspoken Unionist, and advocated the vigorous prosecution of the war. We are glad to be able to place before our readers the record of a man who, in every capacity, has exhibited such unswerving rectitude and integrity of character as this old pioneer in his long years of usefulness, and few men of Champaign Co. are more widely known or more universally respected for the many traits of heart and mind which it is his fortune to possess.

II. C. PEARCE, Jr., M. D., Urbana. Dr. Pearce was born in Champaign Co., in Union Township, in 1833, and is the son of H. C. Pearce, Sr. He received a common-school education, and then read medicine, first with Dr. Carter, and afterward with Prof. Dawson, and graduated at Starling Medical College in 1857. He commenced practice at Mutual, in this county, but removed to Urbana in 1863, where he has since remained, and has practiced in this county nearly a quarter of a century. He was Professor of Physiology and Histology in Starling Medical College for eight years, and is now, and has been for the past five years a member of the Faculty of the Columbus Medical Colbge, of which he is one of the founders and Trustees. He has been for many years a member of the Urbana School Board. He was married in 1853, to Sarah J. Morgan, of Mt. Vernon; she died April 22, 1872. On the 17th of June, 1873, he married Binnie A., daughter of William Keller, an old resident of Urbana, a Justice of the Peace and Mayor of the city. He had four children by his first marriage - Mrs. George E. Lee, of Piqua, Miss Laura Etta, Charles and Henry, and by his second marriage two sons - Willie and Frank.

JACOB PENCE, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Jacob Pence, Sr., was married to Miss Maria Coffman, in Shenandoah Co., Va., and came to the farm where our subject now lives, in 1805. This was afterward entered by him, and considerably improved. He built the first cabin near Mad River, and had many Indian neighbors. Jacob, Jr., had for playmates the young Indians, with whom he frequently went hunting. Life was of the free and easy sort, money was scarce, and so was food. The Indians made a great many baskets of ash wood, which was considered legal tender for anything to eat. Corn was frequently sold for 61 cents per bushel, on nine months' time. Money was almost impossible to get, and the pioneers had to help each other raise their cabins, cut and roll their logs, and assist in many other things. The Indians were friendly, but if when visiting the settlers they saw anything they wanted, they would give a grunt or two, quietly appropriate it, and walk away. Perhaps in a few days the Indian would come walking in with a fine piece of venison, which would be deposited with the same kind of a grunt. The children of Jacob and Maria were nine in number, only two of whom are now living; our subject and his sister, Ann Albin, who lives in Tremont, Clark Co. The most wonderful thing connected with the Pence family was, that the parents of Jacob, Sr., Henry and Mary Pence, had seventeen children, all of whom lived to adult age, and all but two came to this county. Jacob, Sr., died in June, 1828, and his wife in February, 1815. The land was left to the four children, which was afterward purchased by Jacob, Jr. He was married to Miss Sarah Dugan Sept. 15, 1833. They were parents of two sons and nine daughters. The sons, John and Clay, enlisted during the war of the rebellion, and their lives were both offered at their country's shrine. They never again saw their loved home, and the sad hearts of the parents can never feel at ease when thinking of their untimely end. Six of the daughters are married, and live in Ohio. Mr. Pence is a very prosperous farmer, and has a splendid home-like place, with a model house-keeper for a wife. He is one of the quiet, unassuming men, who think deeply and act correctly. The children living are named Mary A., Elizabeth J., Eliza A., Sarah J., Nancy M., Maggie, Emma, Ida and Lucinda.

JOSEPH PENCE, farmer; P. 0. Urbana The Pence family are largely represented, as the remote ancestry came to this county at an early date, and their descendants have been connected with its interests from its earliest history ; the primeval forests have been converted into well-tilled fields, and the log cabins have given way to the modern farmhouses, during the last half-century; this has all been accomplished during the time of the second generation, and still some of the pioneers live to see the wondrous works their hands have wrought. The father of Joseph Pence, Jr., was one of the first pioneers who came to the wild woods of Ohio ; he settled here in 1802 ; he entered a section of land, the homestead being that now owned by Joseph ; his first cabin was erected in the yard south of the substantial brick residence now gracing the farm ; he returned to his native State, Virginia, for his wife, Miss Magdalena Coffman, to whom he was married in 1803; their wedding trip was the journey from her father's house to the forest home, that was still the abode of wild animals and the Indian ; his nearest neighbor was a man by the name of Sherry ; their nearest trading-point was Upper Sandusky, where they went for their scant supplies of coffee, sugar, etc.; they toiled early and late, clearing up the land and living on meager fare until the breakingout of the Indian war of 1812, when Joseph was drafted, and served under Gen. Harrison a short time ; he hired a substitute, war not being congenial to his nature. Their life was full of hardships, and their children (nine in number) all learned to work, and were of great assistance in clearing up the land ; five of these children are now living - - Maria Fleming, Eliza Newell, Matilda Bell, Jane Bull and our subject. The Pence family were an enterprising people, and to this day they enjoy a reputation equal to any in the country ; he gave each of his children a good farm, and left behind an honorable record as a gentleman and upright business man ; his death occurred in July, 1855, and his wife's in January, 1874. Joseph, Jr., wedded Miss Jane Sifers in 1858 ; she was a native of Ohio ; her parents also represent early settlers, but they are long since dead. Joseph and his wife have been parents of five children, of whom Effie and Harry are living ; the old home is still graced by their presence, and a happy family are within its walls. Mr. Pence is a jolly host, and his wife is a fit companion for such a man ; their name will live in the history of this county, as long as time shall last, as being not only pioneers, but reputable and worthy citizens as well.

PHILANDER R. POWELL, farmer; P. 0. Urbana. Among the prominent families in this township may be mentioned the Powells, whose arrival dates back early in the history of the county, while an almost unbroken wilderness, when nothing but log cabins, with their wooden chimneys, were to be seen, and wild game was plentiful ; the parents of our subject seitled near where he now lives, about 1808 ; they were full of enterprise, and worked with a will to make a home in the new Northwest - and well did they succeed ; little did they dream of seeing this country developed as it is to-day, with our beautiful fields stretching far away in the distance, covered with immense harvests, that was then only a dense forest. Abram Powell and Mary Osborne were married Oct. 14, 1818, and had eleven children; only four sons are now living - Samuel, James M., Abraham C. and Philander R.; Abram was Wagonmaster during the war of 1812, and did efficient service ; he was born March 2, 1789, and is still living, at the ripe old age of 91, and has, until latterly, been characterized by great activity and industry; his wife died in 1872, aged 73 years; the old gentleman makes his home with his son, Abram C., within sight of the place where he has toiled so many years. Philander was married, *Feb. 26, 1861, to Miss Minerva S., daughter of Demovil and Sarah (Snider) Talbert ; Mrs. Talbert was carried on horseback all the way from Virginia, when only 6 months old ; Demovil was born in Concord Township, and always lived in this county, with the exception of a few months spent in Iowa ; they had nine children, five of whom are living - Joseph, Elizabeth, Minerva, Eliza and William B. The husband of Minerva, Philander R. Powell, is one of our prosperous farmers living near Urbana ; one of the coziest homes in the county is the elegant farm residence so ably presided over by Mrs Minerva Powell, who is a model hostess, and her courtesy well defines the Kenton blood that flows through her veins. They have no children, but are happy in each other's love.

SAMUEL S. POWELL, farmer; P. 0. Urbana. The entire family bearing the name of Powell are represented in this history, and none, perhaps, in the county can show a better record for honor and gentility than the three sons named. Samuel was born in this township July 4, 1819, and during his long life has lived near his present home. His father was a wonderfully energetic man, and kept his boys at work to the neglect of their education. Correct habits were inculcated, forming the basis of substantial characters, which show prominently in those who now represent the pioneers. Samuel remembers well when the little clearings were tilled with wooden plows, and when there was no market for what little produce was raised. His stories of early times are characteristic of the way in which families who had no money could get along. Pewter dishes were used, to prevent breakage, and the food was of 'the plainest sort. There were only two stores in Urbana when Samuel was a boy, and the goods were carted from Cincinnati, taking nine days to make the trip. He remembers when wheat was sold for 30 cents per bushel. Threshing was done in a very primitive manner ; tramping it out on the ground, and afterward cleaning it on a sheet. Improvements were introduced, until now we have our harvesting and threshing done by machinery. Wages were very low, and it is surprising to think how the early settlers, with families, could work at wages ranging from 10 to 25 cents per day, and support a family and then save money enough to buy a farm, even at the low price of $2 to $4 per acre. Samuel was married Oct. 22, 1846, and, in the following month, moved to this farm. His wife's maiden name was Eliza A. Showers. Their children were fifteen in number, of whom six are now living, four sons and two daughters, named, respectively, G-eorge, W., James A., Lincoln, Charles F., Fanny A. and Amanda J. The three oldest sons are married. Mrs. Powell died Sept. 15, 1878, after living along and useful life. She was the comforter and an earnest helper in every trial and enterprise, a loving mother and a wife of whom any man could feel proud. In 1880, May 14, Mr. Powell was again married to Mrs. Elizabeth Houtz, of Urbana. She was the mother of seven children. Of the reputation of Mr. Powell, nothing need be said. His record left to his children will be such as they will feel proud of, and the world will be the better for his having lived in it. His industry has made him wealthy, and he has a model farm.

ABRAHAM C. POWELL, farmer ; P. O. Urbana. We have given in the sketch of Philander R. Powell a brief notice of his father's life and early settlement in this county. Being now far advanced in years, he has retired from active business, and is passing the remainder of his days in quietness at the home of his son, whose name heads this sketch. His boyhood was passed on the farm, and his education was obtained at the common schools. The other children have been spoken of in connection with Philander B. Powell's biography. Abraham, Jr., was wedded to Miss Elizabeth A. Goodrich May 8, 1861. She was a native of Virginia. Her parents, James Goodrich and Elizabeth Ogle, were married Jan. 26, 1815. He was born in 1782 ; she in 1792. James was a soldier during the war of 1812, and endured great hardships during his term of service. He was under command of Gen. Harrison at Ft. Meigs, and his accouterments are still in possession of the family. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are parents of two children - William Osborne and Albert Goodrich. Albert has a great liking for the farm, and will, no doubt, follow in the footsteps of his father. William was killed by accident in his 11th year. The farm that was settled upon first by his father, in 1808, is how the property of our subject. He was in the battle in which Tecumseh was killed, being near him when he fell. His home is made happy and pleasant by his children, who do all for his comfort that is possible. Our old pioneers are nearly all gone, but we are pleased to still take by the hand a few who have done so much to make this beautiful country what it is. Abram Powell, Jr., was born Nov. 4, 1830 ; his wife, Elizabeth A. Goodrich, Dec. 29, 1833.

THOMAS B. PRICE, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Among the leading farmers of Urbana Township we mention the name of Thomas B. Price, who is a son of Joel and Elizabeth (Brown) Price, both born in Pennsylvania, he in 1791, and she one year previous. They married in their native State, where they lived their entire life. He died in 1864, and she in 1876. Joel was a prominent farmer, and the father of eight children, of whom six are now living, our subject being the fourth, and was born in Fayette Co., Penn., in 1824. There he grew to manhood on the farm, assisting his father, received his education, and, in the year 1850, married Margaret A. Craft. The same year, he moved to Ohio, locating on the farm he now owns in Urbana Township, Champaign Co. At that time it belonged to his father. Of this farm it can be truly said it is a good location, fine land, well improved and conducted by an enterprising farmer, who is a genial and Christian father. His wife died in thQ spring of 1854, leaving two children - Mary and George - the latter now deceased. Mr. Price married for his second wife, in 1856, Amanda E. Talbot; the issue of this union is four children - Charles, Jennie, S. Ella and John T., the eldest now deceased. The parents of his first wife were George and Eliza (Workman) Craft, both natives of Pennsylvania, where they remained until quite old; then located in Knox Co., Ohio, where they both died, he having been a patriot in the war of 1812, and had been prominently identified in all the public interests of his native county in Pennsylvania. The parents of the second wife were John and Lucy (Bowen) Talbot, both natives of Virginia, but came to Greene Co., Ohio, about 1840, where they both died at an advanced age. Thomas B. and family have for many years been consistent members of the First INf. E. Church of Urbana.

JAMES RAWLINGS, retired farmer, Urbana. For more than a half-century Mr. Rawlings has been identified with the business interests of this county, and has been one of those whose labors have been crowned with financial success. His life has ever been characterized by an earnestness in his business that makes a success of life in its many phases. His parents, Thomas and Mary Triby, were married in Loudoun Co., Va., from which State they emigrated to Fleming Co., Ky., as early as 1795. Their children were named Elizabeth, William S., Barbara, Melinda, James, Sarah, Austin and John E. Five of these came to Ohio and settled in this county. William came in advance of the others, settling on the land adjoining that which is now the home farm of our subject. His arrival dates back to 1814. James came in 1822, and the others at later dates, all being unmarried when first coming. The marriage of James to Miss Susannah I. McRoberts was celebrated in 1829, and soon after his first purchase of land was made. The farms in this neighborhood skirted the tract known as Pretty Prairie, and were at an early day overrun with brush, instead of the heavy woodlands that covered most of the county. Mr. Rawlings has made nearly all the improvements on the farm. He is one of the self-made men of this county, having commenced life with a very small capital, but economy, backed by judicious investments, has brought its reward, and for the past thirty years he has been a prominent money loaner, having disposed of most of his land, and he has for a number of years made his home with his son-in-law, J. P. Knight. The children of Mr. Rawlings are six in number - William J. W., Mary M., Jane E., Thomas, James H. and Douglas. W. William is the husband of Miss Elsetta Mumper ; Mary ]\f . wedded Thomas M. Todd ; Jane E. is the wife of John P. Knight; Thomas married Emily Humes; James H. married Laura Townley, and Douglas W. married her sister, Alice Townley. All aro living near the old home, and are numbered among the successful business men of Champaign County. There is surely no more pleasant part of Ohio than the immediate neighborhood in which Mr. Rawlings resides, and the fine improvements made by the energetic farmers present a strange contrast to the wild woods and log cabins of those who first settled the country, of whom numerous descendants are left that represent their name. Mrs. Rawlings died May 2, 1849, leaving behind a record of a pure and stainless life. In 1864 Mr. Rawlings was again married, to Mrs. Jane Osborne, whose death occurred February 25, 1865. The father of our subject, Thomas Rawlings, was born in 1758, and died in 1839. James was Born in 1803, and his wife, Susannah, in 1810. The record made by Mr. Rawlings should ever be a source of pride to his children, and his memory cherished as a sacred gift. James H. and D. W. Rawlings were both soldiers in the war of the rebellion, and served with honor in Co. "G," 134th

James II. Rawlings is the third son of our subject, and is in every way worthy of having a biography follow the history of his father's family. He is a substantial farmer, living near the farm upon which he was born and raised, and inherits his father's enterprise and industry. His wedding was celebrated in May, 1865, he leading to the marriage altar Miss Laura Townley, of Wyandot County. , She represents the Hedge family, one of the pioneers in the county, her father, Gilbert C. Townley, being a Methodist minister, belonging to the Cincinnati Conference. James and his wife have five children - Frank T., Irby E., Emily H., Edmund B. and Gilbert. The father of Mrs. Rawlings was a native of New York ; his death occurred in November, 1854. Her mother resides with her daughter Alice, the wife of D. W. Rawlings, of Clark County. Mrs. Laura Rawlings was born April 12, 1846.

William J. W. Rawlings is also a farmer, and in completing the family history we incorporate the sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings with that of his father and brother, James H., which, with that of other members of the family, makes their genealogy almost complete to date from their grandfather's time. William is the eldest son, and was married in 1863, to Miss Elsetta Mumper. Their children are six in number - Annie L., James D., Thomas C., Ralph and Ruelle (twins), and Warren. Mr. Rawlings is also a prominent farmer, and has inherited much of the sagacity of his father in business ventures. His home is one of the neatest in his neighborhood, and the well-tilled farm is a source of much revenue. Politically, the family are all Republicans, but are somewhat divided theologically. We are proud of such a record as this family possesses.

Thomas Rawlings is also engaged in agriculture. The sons all live near enough their father's home to hear his dinner bell, and, without flattery, we can truly say, that their superiors for courtesy and hospitality cannot be f und in the county. Thomas Rawlings and Miss Emily Humes Were married March 6, 1864. They have no children. Mrs. Rawlings' parents, Samuel and Mary A. Humes, are both natives of Virginia; they have lived for more than a half-century in Union Township, and reared a family of ten children, of whom Sydney E., John S., Nannie M., Samuel R., Emily, William A., Mary E. and Edwin K. survive. Their mother died in 1867. Mrs. Emily

Biographical Sketches

JOSEPH A. REYNOLDS, retired, Urbana; is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1802. His father, Judge John Reynolds, removed with his family to Champaign County about the year 1807, and settled first in Mad River Township, but afterward became a resident of Urbana, and the most extensive merchant and stock-dealer of his day. He was a man of wonderful business capacity, remarkable for a strict sense of honor and integrity. Judge Reynolds was married, Nov. 9, 1797, to Jane Leman, and they had a family of eight children, of whom Joseph A. is the only surviving member.

His ancestors were originally from Wales and Ireland, and at an early day settled in Pennsylvania, removing later to Maryland, on the Potomac near the now famous Antietam. Judge Reynolds died Dec. 21, 1855, and his wife followed him March 5, 1857.

The subject of this sketch received rudimentary education in the common schools, and afterward attended college at Cincinnati. On the 12th of July, 1825, he married Mary P. Tiffin, a most excellent lady, and daughter of Edward Tiffin, the first Governor of Ohio. Mr. Reynolds was trained to mercantile business, but afterward turned his attention to agriculture. He at one time lived in Chillicothe, but for a number of years has been a retired citizen of Urbana. His amiable wife died July 1, 1862. They had but one child, also deceased. Mr. Reynolds still resides at the southwest corner of High and Reynolds streets.

WILLIAM RICHARDS, retired farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Very few men who arrive at the age of Mr. Richards can say they were born, reared and still live on the j old homestead of their father. Mr. Richards is in his 69th year, and but for a slight ! attack of paralysis a short time ago, would still be as sprightly as many men at 40 years of age. His parents, Andrew Richards and Elizabeth Carter, were married in 1809, and were closely identified with the birth, growth and development of Champaign County. Andrew was a native of Virginia, afterward going to Kentucky, and subsequently coming to this county, where the three brothers, Andrew, Elijah and Josiah, were located on 400 acres in one body. They came here as early as 1806, when the forests swarmed with game, and the Mad River Valley was the Indian's favorite hunting ground. The first child born to Andrew and his wife was a daughter, Melinda ; William was born March 1, 1812, and his father was a teamster during the Indian war commencing that year. The Indians often came to their house, but always seemed friendly, being great traders and always wanting to swap for something to eat. There were five children, of whom William is probably the only one living. His mother died first and Andrew, his father, in 1839. The marriage of William and Martha Powell was celebrated June 25, 1839, Rev. John C. Pearson officiating. They commenced housekeeping in the old home of his father. Sons and daughters, twelve in number, were born to them, but six only are living - Melinda, Ruth, Mary, Phoebe, Sarah P. and Emma G. I They are all well settled in life ; Emma, the youngest, being the only one unmarried. The family residence is a cozy, home-like place, neatly furnished. Peace and a sufficiency of everything that makes life desirable are to be found in this happy home. Mr. Richards has always been a successful business man, and during his long and useful life has retained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has done business. His children should ever revere the memory of their parents who have done so much for them and provided so many comforts and luxuries for their benefit.

ROBERT E. ROBISON, farmer ; P. O. Bowlesville. This gentleman is a native of Ohio, and was born in Warren Co. in 1821. His parents, Robert Robison and Elizabeth McMeen, were both natives of Pennsylvania, and were married in Lancaster Co., Ohio, about 1803. They were early settlers of Ohio, and their children, with the exception of Maria N., were born in Warren Co. They were nine in number - Jane T., John M., Grizella E., William P., Nancy D., Elizabeth H., Robert E. and James T. Three of these are living - the two youngest sons and Maria. The parents died long ago. Robert has been a resident of Champaign Co. for thirty-four years, and has, since co ming here, become one of the wealthy men of the neighborhood. He was married to Miss Nancy A. Todd, of Champaign Co., in 1844. Her parents came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1840, and settled on Buck Creek, where the Union Mills are located, Robert Robison, the father of our subject, was in the war of 1812. Robert E. also has a war record, being a volunteer in Co. G, 134th 0. V. I., serving as Captain of the company. He has three farms in this neighborhood, one of which is in Clark Co. Their children are eight in number, they having lost two. Those now living are named, respectively, Samuel T., Robert C., William A., Thomas C., Annie M., Nancy E., John E. and Carrie S. The three eldest sons are married, Samuel wedding Miss Clara Miller, Robert married Miss Matilda Rogers, and William Miss Mary, daughter of Newton and Elizabeth Hedges. Mr. Robison has an elegant farm residence, with a commanding view of the country on the south. He still manages the farm, which is highly cultivated and brings him a good income. He has made the greater portion of his money by his own industry, and his neighbors all speak of him in universal praise.

JOHN D. ROCK, dry goods, TIrbana. Mr. Rock is a native of Champaign Co., born in Urbana in 1831. He was trained to business in his youth, and, in 1850, entered the dry goods store of W. D. & C. McDonald, and continued in the same store with the different firms who succeeded one another until he became a partner with H. D. McDonald, with whom he is now associated. Their stock is complete and their business a continuance of the success which has attended their predecessors who have at different times owned and operated this old-established and reliable dry goods house. Thus it will be seen Mr. Rock is emphatically a self-made man, having, by close attention to business, passed up through all the stages from u store-boy " to proprietor of one of the principal business houses of Urbana. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is an Elder and active worker, and is now, and has been for the past fifteen years, Superintendent of the Sunday school connected with that church. He married, in 1854, Miss Mary N., daughter of Rev. David Merrill, who, at an early day, was for a number of years Pastor of the Presbyterian Church here. Mrs. Rock is also a native of this county and an esteemed member of the church. The issue of this union has been two children - Alice G. and William M.

DR. B. A. ROSE, dentist, Urbana. Among the leading dentists of the city of Urbana, we record the name of Dr. Rose, who was born in Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1826. There he resided until about 16 years of age, and acquired his primary education, after which he located in Wheeling, W. Va., where he matured, and, in 1849-50, was employed as Superintendent of the bridge-work of the B. &.O. Railroad across the North Branch of the Potomac Elver, which he conducted. Removed thence to Cumberland, where he commenced the study of dentistry under Dr. J. D. Davis, a well known and worthy dentist. He completed his studies, returned to his native county and formed a partnership with Dr. Burlin, and, in 1852, started on travels, which he continued until his location in Urbana, in 1856, where he has since been favorably known. He is located in the northeast corner of the public square, second floor. He has been twice married - the first time in 1854 and the second time in 1865, to Miss Isabelle Fielding, of Lansurvive.

GEORGE M. RUSSELL, of the firm of Russell Bros., dry goods, Urbana. Mr. Russell is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun Co. in 1830 ; his parents, Aaron and Tamzon (Underwood) Russell, removed from Virginia to Ohio in 1833, and settled in Concord Township, this county, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In the spring of 1854, he entered the store of A. Brown & Co. as clerk, and, one year later, he purchased an interest, and the firm became Brown & Russell ; in the fall of 1856, he went to Sidney, where, in connection with his brother, James M., he did business about eight years ; he returned to Urbana in the spring of 1865, and became a partner with O. T. Cundiff, who had established a store in 1830, on the site of Russell Bros.' present establishment; this partnership lasted until 1871, when Mr. Cundiff re- tired, and the present firm, composed of George M., James M. and William M. Russell, was formed ; the success of this firm is noteworthy, as all were country boys, who began as clerks. George M. is the senior member, and a business man of energy, wisdom and experience, and the firm now ranks with the best in Urbana. Mr. Russell is a member of the First M. E. Church, of which he has been Treasurer and Secretary several years ; he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, and one of Urbana's most respected citizens. He married, in 1855, Miss Eliza J., daughter of 0. T. Cundiff; their children are Fanny V. (now Mrs. T. J. Price), Clifford M., Floy B. and George C.

HON. JOHN RUSSELL, deceased; the subject of this memoir, was born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Sept. 22, 1827. He was the fourth son of Robert and Mary Russell, who emigrated to this county from Loudoun Co.,Va., about the year 1818, and settled near the farm where John was born. During boyhood, John Russell worked on his father's farm, assisting his parents, to whom he was very much attached, with his older brothers. When quite young, he exhibited a breadth of intellect and of good common sense which marked him for future usefulness. He acquired a common-school education at the district school near his home. After arriving at sufficient age, he taught school in winter time, and, by industry and economy, saved means, so that, in the fall of 1849, he was enabled to enter the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, where he remained for two years, graduating in the scientific course ; then returned to his home, and soon after married Margaret M. Russell (who survives him), the daughter of Aaron and Tamzon Russell, and sister to Messrs. George M., James M. and William M. Russell, now prominent merchants of Urbana, and John M. Russell, attorney, and a prominent business man of that city. The two families, though of the same name, were not related. John Russell was a Christian boy, and at an early age united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he remained an efficient and worthy member until his death, exemplifying all the Christian graces in an eminent degree in all his relations of life. In 1854, without his solicitation, he was nominated and elected Clerk of the Court in his native county by the largest majority ever given to any candidate in the county. His ability, courtesy and integrity so commended him to the court, the bar and the people, that he was continued in this office for nine years. Soon after the expiration of his last term as Clerk, he was appointed Chief Clerk to the Secretary of State, and, upon the resignation of Hon. William Henry Smith as Secretary of State, Gov. Hayes appointed Mr. Russell to fill the vacancy. At the expiration of his term of office, he returned to Urbana, and was occupied in the office of W. W. Wilson, Esq., Collector of Internal Revenue for that district. In the fall of 1869, he was nominated by acclamation and elected Senator for the district, composed of the counties of Champaign, Clark and Madison, but before the meeting of the Legislature he was suddenly cut down by a stroke of paralysis, and died on the 16th of December, 1869, in the 43d year of his age. Mr. Russell was a man of the most abstemious habits. He was active in the support of the Government in the prosecution of the war to suppress the rebellion, and in him many a wounded soldier found a sympathizing friend and a liberal heart and hand. He was active and diligent in every good word and work. His rare capacity, unbounded integrity, uniform courtesy, coupled with his firm convictions of duty and his adherence to the right, caused him to be beloved in an eminent degree by all who knew him. At his death, the whole community joined in mourning his loss, and all the officers of the State met at Columbus and passed resolutions of deepest regret and highest eulogy upon his life and character, at which meeting Gov. Hayes, now President of the United States, presided. The officers of the State attended his funeral in a body, with Gov. Hayes at their* head, who, on that occasion, united with the ministers of all the Christian Churches in giving his testimony to the many virtues and rare character of John Russell. Champaign County has produced many men of talent and distinction, but it has produced but few who equaled and none who excelled, in all the qualities of a truly useful Christian gentleman, the lamented subject of this brief sketch. His aged mother and his esteemed widow are yet living at and near Urbana, his mother being now over 90 years of age, having for a long life impressed her Christian character and noble womanhood upon her entire family and the neighborhood in which she lived.

JOHN M. RUSSELL, lawyer, son of Aaron and Tamzon Russell ; was born in Concord Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, on the 31st day of October, A. D. 1839. Attended the schools in the neighborhood until the year 1856, when he entered the Urbana High School, where he remained about two years. In the month of September, A. D. 1858, he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio. He remained at college about two years. During the years 1861 and 1862, he was employed as teacher in the Urbana Union Schools, and, while thus engaged, he commenced the study of the law with Levi Gerger, Esq. On the 27th day of May, 1862, he resigned his position as teacher and volunteered as a private in Company H, 86th 0. V. I. Was appointed Orderly Sergeant of his company, and accompanied his regiment into Western Virginia about the 1st of June. 1862, where he shared the exposures, privations and hardships incident to the life of a soldier, until Sept. 15, 1862, when the regiment was ordered back to Delaware, Ohio, where the entire command was mustered out by reason of the expiration of the term of service. He then returned to Urbana and resumed the study of the law until Nov. 26, 1863, when he was appointed an acting Master's Mate in the United States Navy, and assigned to duty on board the United States steamer Gazelle, attached to the Mississippi squadron, under command ol Admiral Porter. He participated in several naval engagements on the Lower Mississippi, and accompanied the naval expedition up Red River, in the spring of 1864. On the 27th day of January, A. D. 1865, he resigned his position in the navy and returned to Urbana, and continued the study of the law until the 24th day of March, 1865, when he was admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of Ohio. On the 24th day of October, 1867, at Urbana, Ohio, he was married to Frances M. Cramer, granddaughter of the late Joel Read, of Champaign Co,, being at that time engaged in the book trade, which he continued until the year 1872, when he sold out his mercantile interest and entered upon the practice of the law, which he has continued to the present time. He has an interesting family of four children - Josephine, aged 12 years; Grace, aged 9 years; Pauline Matilda, aged 6, and John Weldin, aged 3 years, respectively.

RUSSELL BROTHERS, Urbana, Champaign Co. The dry goods house of Russell Brothers dates its origin back to January, 1871, at which time it succeeded to the business of Cundiff & Russell, Oliver T. Cundiff, of the latter firm, having founded the mercantile business on the present site more than fifty years since. The legitimate outgrowth of the trade then begun is the popular and enterprising firm of Russell Bros. By careful, prudent and thoughtful attention to the best interests of their trade, it has risen gradually to the most gratifying proportions, and now occupies a conspicuous place among the attractions of Urbana. The history of a firm like this, which from a small trade has grown into a large and prosperous business, is both interesting and instructive. It shows our young business men what energy, perseverance and pluck will accomplish in the world. George M. Russell, the senior member of the above firm, embarked in the dry goods trade in 1854. Two years subsequently went to Sidney, Ohio, accompanied by his brother, James M., and continued in the same business for eight years, returning to Urbana in 1865, where he has resided ever since. James M. Russell, of the above firm, in the year 1862, entered the 118th 0. Y. I. as a private soldier, enduring all the hardships and privations incidental to an active and aggressive campaign, his regiment accompanying Sherman to the sea. In September, 1862, he was appointed Sergeant Major of his regiment, and, on the 3d of January, 1863, he was commissioned 2d Lieutenant, and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant April 24, 1873, and made Adjutant of the regiment. Commissioned Captain in October, 1864, retaining that position until he resigned. The rapid promotion conferred upon him indicating his efficiency and competency in war as well as in peace. William M. Russell, junior member of the firm, was appointed, in 1868, United States Internal Revenue Inspector, and was sent to an important post, where the most trusty men were needed in those days of fraud and corruption. Later, he was connected with the United States mail service, on the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, which positions afforded him an excellent opportunity for development in the rapid and accurate transaction of business, and enabling him to act efficiently and promptly, and especially fitting him for a business that brings him in contact with the masses. It is a rare thing to find a trio of men possessing more business experience, and better calculated to conduct a large and profitable business.

JOSHUA SAXTON, editor and real estate dealer, Piqua. Mr. Saxton is a native of Pennsylvania, bom in Huntingdon, Dec. 11, 1807; his father was a hand manufacturer of nails; he assisted his father until 1822, when his mother died, and he came West, to Canton, Ohio, where John Saxton, an elder brother, was editor and proprietor of tie Canton Repositor ; after serving a six-years apprenticeship there, he was a " devil " in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Columbus and other points, and returned to Canton in 1830, and, in 1831, became a partner in the proprietorship of the Repositor , in which he continued until 1838. In 1830, Mr. Saxton made the first composition roller used in Canton, and, it is believed, the first used in the Strte. Mr. Saxton came to Urbana in the spring of 1838, by the solicitation of the leading Whig citizens, to take charge of a paper, and purchased the office and established the Western Citizen , now Urbana Citizeri and Gazette , with which he has been connected until recently ; he is now retired from the paper and editorial labor, being in his 73d year, and the oldest continuous editor in the State, having been engaged in editorial work since 1831. Mr. Saxton is emphatically a self-made man, for, in his youth, he received but the bare, rudimentary education obtained at the subscription schools of that day, and afterward educated himself while apprentice - " devil " - and editor ; he began the issue of his paper in Urbana with a list of 300 subscribers (the citizens had promised him 500) ; he retires with a list of 1,500, and it was as high as 2,000 during the credit times Mr. Saxton has been a worthy and active member of the M. E. Church for upward of fifty years. He married, in 1834, Miss Margaret A. Hemphill, a native of Pennsylvania and a childhood acquaintance, who visited friends at Canton, and thus the friendship of childhood grew into wedlock ; they have had five children - John L., who died at 7 years of age; Frances R. widow of the late W. A. Brand; Emma, now Mrs. J. M. Knight; Sarah P., now Mrs. Edwin S. Hedges, of Springfield ; Kate R., now Mrs. Frank M. Wood, also of Springfield.

MOSES M. SAYRE, attorney. Moses M. Sayre, son of Martin Sayre and Jane C. Sayre, daughter of the late Moses Mcllvain, of Salem Township, was born Nov. 2*1, 1849, in Harrison Township, Champaign Co., Ohio. He was brought up on the farm, working and going to school in the country until March 5, 1869, when he entered the Preparatory Department of Oberlin College, in which he remained until the fall of 1870, when he entered the college department. He passed successively through the Freshman and Sophomore years and the first and second terms of the junior year, when he applied to the Faculty for a dismissal from the college, which was granted May 11, 1873. He at once applied for admission to the senior class of Yale College, and, after several days of scathing examination in all the studies which the class had pursued, he entered the senior class unconditionally - a thing rarely accomplished. He graduated June 25, 1874, with distinguished honor in a class of one hundred and twenty-three members. Although the roll was called four or five times every day, he never failed in a single instance in either college to respond to his name. He also holds an honorary degree, which the Trustees of Oberlin College presented him Aug. 8, 1874, on account of his scholarship, punctuality and general conduct while a member of the college. After graduating, the profession of teaching engaged his attention six months, but, not being satisfied with the occupation, he abandoned it. He has since been tendered several good situations, but has declined all offers to teach. He next read law with Judge William Lawrence, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar May 12, 1877, by the Supreme Court of Ohio. He began practicing his chosen profession Jan. 15, 1878, in Urbana, Ohio, where he now remains, doing a successful business. He is a prominent politician and an enthusiastic Republican. He does considerable business in negotiating loans. He also gives close attention to his farming interests, having 205 acres of land, well watered with Mad River and Glady's Creek. He keeps his farms in good condition and well stocked with select stock, mainly cattle, in which he deals quite extensively.

A. M., President of the Urbana University, Professor of Intellectual and Moral Science in the same institution, and minister of the New Church, in Urbana, since 1870, was born in Bath, Me., in the year 1837, and is the son of Wm. D. Sewall, of that city. He was educated in the public schools, and, at the age of 16 years, entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me., where he was graduated in the degree B. A. at the age of 20. The same year, 1858, he went abroad ; spent a winter in Rome and other parts of Italy ; the following summer, went to Germany, where he was matriculated a student in the university of Tubingen in Wurtemberg, and pursued his studies in theology, philosophy and literature under the direction of the learned scholar and eminent Swedenborgian, the late Dr. Frederick Immanuel Tafel, then professor of Philosophy and Librarian of the university. From Tubingen he went to pursue his studies at the university of Berlin, where he attended lectures under the eminent Orientalist, Bopp, the historian Ranke, the theologians Hengstenberg, Nitzch and others. He also traveled extensively in Germany, Switzerland and France, passing considerable time in Paris attending lectures at the Sorbonne, and subsequently making a sojourn at St. Amand, in Cher, enjoying the intimate society of the eminent French New Churchman, the late M. Le Boys des Guays. Returning to America after three years' absence, he received from Bowdoin College the degree of Master of Arts, and he then entered upon his preparation for the ministry of the New Church, in which faith he had been nurtured by his parents, studying under the direction of the Rev. Samuel F. Dike, - his Pastor, and the ordaining minister of the Maine Association of the New Church.

In 1862, he received license to preach, and accepted a call to the parish of the New Church in Glendale, Ohio. In the following year, at the request of his parish, he was ordained to the ministry of the New Church by the Rev. Samuel F. Dike, the ordination taking place at Gardiner, Me., at the meeting of the Maine Association there. In 1869, he married Thedia R. Gilchrist, daughter of William Gilchrist of N. Y. City. He continued in the pastorate of the church of the New Jerusalem in Glendale, until the year 1870, when, being elected President of the Urbana University, he removed with his family to Urbana, and took up his permanent residence in this city. His duties embrace the pastorate care and religious instruction of the students of the college, and also the teaching of the several branches of study assigned to his department of intellectual and moral science. The society of the New Church in Urbana, uniting their public worship with the college, came also under his ministry. He has, meanwhile, in 1865, made a second visit to Europe, enjoying an extensive tour, and meeting especially in England, a number of prominent members of the New Church. On this tour, he held services of Divine worship in the various cities of the continent where he and his friends would be passing the Lord's Day, and for a number of Sundays conducted worship and preached in Rome, where a considerable number of New Churchmen and others assembled to worship together. In 1862, Mr. Sewall was elected a member of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence of the General Convention of the New Church in America, and was some years ago made chairman of that committee, a position which he still holds. He was Clerk of the Ohio Association of the New Church for the four years 1866-70, and was President of that body for the years 1870-71, and is at present and for a number of years past, the Chairman of the Board of Missions. Mr. Sewall is the author of the following works: " The Christian Hymnal,"

" Hymns with Tunes for the Services of the Church," published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., in 1867 ; " The Prayer Book and Hymnal for the use of the New Church," 1868; "The Pillow of Stones, Divine Allegories from the Old Testament," 1876;

"The Hem of His Garment; Spiritual Lessons from the Life of Our Lord," 1876. Also the following stories for youth : " Moody Mike ; or, The Power of Love : a Christmas Story," 1869 ; " Angelo, The Circus Boy," 1879. The above are all published by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. In 1878, Mr. Sewall had published by Appleton & Co., of New York, his new aid in learning Latin by the "natural method." " The Latin Speaker, Easy Dialogues and Selections for Memorizing and Declaiming in the Latin Language." Mr. Sewall is also the author of a widely circulated pamphlet entitled " A Talk about Swedenborg," containing familiar explanations and defense of the doctrines of the New Church, and is a frequent contributor to the periodical literature of that religious body.

JOHN M. SHAUL, merchant. Among the business firms of Urbana who deserve more than a passing notice is Shaul & Co., dealers in stoves, tinware, queensware, glassware and house-furnishing goods. Their store is located at No. 9 South Main street. Mr. Shaul, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Ohio, born in Clark Co. in 1831, and son of Jeremiah Shaul, a resident of Wayne Township. Before engaging in business for himself, he was with a large jobbing house some two years, and commenced in the retail trade at Cable in 1860, where he continued in business until September, 1879, when he removed to Urbana. Here he formed a partnership with John Mayse, and the firm of Shaul & Co. has become one of the important business firms of Urbana. Mr. Shaul married, in 1860, Miss Almira Beatley, of Franklin Co., Ohio. They have five children - George, Hattie, Charles, Allie and Bessie. Nettie died in childhood. Mr. Shaul began business without capital, and, by economy and careful management, has increased it to goodly proportions, his being the first establishment exclusively of this kind in Urbana. His residence is at No. 79 North Main street.

JOHN SHOWERS, retired; P. 0. Urbana. His paternal grandparents were of German extraction, born and raised in Pennsylvania. They moved to Berkeley Co., Va., in an early day, where they died. His maternal grandparents were natives of Maryland, where they were raised, married, reared a family and died. Abraham, the father of our subject, was born and raised in Virginia. Furnished a substitute in the war of 1812, and, early in the nineteenth century, married Elizabeth Miller, born in Maryland. After their marriage they settled in their native State, where they remained until after the close of the struggle of 1812. Having followed blacksmithing until about 1814, he then engaged in farming in Virginia. This was ever after his occupation. In October, 1834, he, wife and eleven children located in Champaign Co., where he purchased a farm. His death occurred in 1847 ; his wife died in 1858. Five of their children were born in Maryland, but John, the sixth, was born in Virginia, March, 1820; was partly raised in his native State and matured in Ohio. Here he, in 1846, married Martha A. Osborn. Six years later, death seized her and she was consigned to the silent tomb. One child was born to her, which preceded her. Mr. Showers married, for his second wife, Elizabeth Heflebower, a native of Ohio, born in 1831. She had born to her four children, of whom two are deceased. When a young man, Mr. Showers engaged in the carpenter trade, which he followed until after his first marriage, when he commenced farming, in which he was active, live and practical. Three years since, he removed to Urbana, where his wife died, in March, 1878.

J. F. SHUMATE, Secretary of Ohio Mutual Relief Association, Urbana. He was born, 1842. in West Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio, and is a son of B. E. and Elizabeth A. Shumate ; he is the last of a family of nine children, of whom one died in infancy. J. F. was raised in his native county, and obtained his education in his boyhood days. He engaged in the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1862, at which time he enlisted in Company I, 96th O. V. I., going in service and remained until the close of the great struggle. In the meantime, he participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bluffs, Vicksburg, Ft. Morgan, Ft. Gaines, Mobile and others. He was one of the few who returned home uninjured; he was discharged at Camp Chase, then returned home, where he soon engaged with Griffith Ellis, of Urbana, in merchant tailoring, but after- ward was in the insurance business. In 1868, he married S. Isabelle Parckchus, of this city. In 1872, when the association of which he is Secretary was organized, he was elected to his present official department, and annual re-elections have since followed. The association is the oldest of its kind in the State ; is favorably known far and wide, with a large membership, which has been steady and firm from its start. Mr. and Mrs. Shumate have had three children.

CHARLES G. SMITH.* Chicago is a great city, but her greatness consists not -nearly so much in the area inclosed by her municipal boundaries, or the numerical aggregate of her population, as in the fact that she is the focus of the Northwest - the receiving and distributing point where centralize the energies and wants of the millions of people who live beyond. The men who have so successfully labored through a long course of years to bring about this result are the true benefactors of Chicago. To bring hither the products of the whole world, outside of the Northwest, to show to the people that they could be served here with as good material, as varied selections, as new styles, and at as moderate prices, as at the East, saving the cost and the risk of carriage, and the time and expense of journeys thither, was to do a great part of the work of building up our city. The trade in drugs is immense. Within a few Years, it has risen from nothing to the prominence it now occupies. The wholesale drug merchants of Chicago now supply the physic and perfumery of the great West, and subserve a large portion of many other wants. This fact is largely due to the exertions of one man, who is noted as having done more than most others to extend the business of the city, by showing to the people of the surrounding country that they could rely on the integrity of Chicago merchants to serve them with whatever they required, and on their enterprise for offering better facilities than could be found elsewhere.

This man is Charles G. Smith, who was born in the town of Nelson, Madison Co., N. Y., July 23, 1831. His father, George Smith, was a native of Orange Co., N. Y., his grandfather having emigrated from Scotland to that county in early manhood, and there married into a highly respectable family. His mother was a daughter of J udge Ebenezer Lyon, of Nelson, one of the first Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Madison «Co., his term of office being in the years 1806, 1807, 1808 and 1809. He was also Supervisor for fifteen years. The American ancestors of Mr. Smith were all farmers, and both of his grandfathers served with honor in the Revolutionary war. They were among the most highly respected members of the community in which they lived, and were men of the strictest integrity of character.

When Mr. Smith was 5 years of age, his father died, leaving him, the youngest of seven children, to struggle through the world without the advantage of paternal aid or counsel. The widow's work was no ordinary one, but she undertook it bravely. She sold the farm and removed to Cazenovia, that she might secure to her children better advantages of education than were possible at their birthplace. After a stay of rather more than a year there, she, by the advice of friends, removed to the western part of the State of New York - Rushfield, Allegany Co. - and there the greater portion of Mr. Smith's early life was spent.

Those early years were spent to good purpose. His only educational advantages were those offered in the village schools of that early day, but the existing lack was more than supplied by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a determination to acquire everything that lay within his mental reach. Every spare moment was devoted to reading and writing, his object being especially to perfect himself in business qualifications. Multitudinous scraps of paper, covered with business forms and penmanship studies, attested his attention. His whole boyish ambition was centered on this one goal, and, while other boys played or slept, he was engaged in preparing himself to step out into the busy world and take his place as one able to compete for the prize of business success.

His eldest brother had removed to Chicago, and, in the summer of 1 849, procured for him a clerkship in the drug store of Mr. L. M. Boyce ; before Mr. Smith arrived in Chicago, Mr. Boyce died of cholera, and the establishment was bought by the firm of Sears & Bay. Mr. Smith commenced his apprenticeship to the drug business under them, his advent in Chicago being made in October, 1849. At this time, the entire jobbing drug trade of the city did not amount to more than $100,000 per year, but, as the population of the country increased, and the means of communication with the great West beyond were extended, this branch of business grew with corresponding rapidity. Six years thereafter, in 1855, it had increased tenfold, amounting to at least $1,000,000. Mr. Smith very soon acquired a knowledge of the business, and gained the confidence of his employers by his strict attention to business, and his unremitting regard for their interests. On the retirement of Mr. Bay from the firm in the year 1852, he was advanced to the position of head clerk. During this time he attended Bell's Commercial College. On the 1st of January, 1854, he became a partner in the firm, assuming the place made vacant by Mr. Bay. The business was henceforth1 conducted under the firm name of Sears & Smith, they occupying the same store as previously, No. 113 Lake street.

During the first year of the partnership the business doubled, and, the opportunity for trade extension appearing to be good, they, in February, 1855, took into the firm Mr. Edwin Burnham, now the senior partner in the firm of Burnham & Van Schaack. This partnership, under the name of Sears, Smith & Co., continued for two years, when Mr. Sears retired, and the business was continued by the remaining partners, under the firm name of Burnham & Smith, a removal being effected to No. 23 Lake s reet. This place was held for three years, when the growing demands of the business imperatively called for more room. A removal was made to No. 16 Lake Street, which place was held until March, 1864, when the firm was dissolved, and Mr. Smith established himself alone, at No. 259 South Water street, pending the erection of the spacious edifice he now occupies, for the building of which he had contracted with the Hon. J. Y. Scammon.

January 1, 1866, Messrs. C. Henry Cutler and Henry T. West became his partners. The business, now conducted under the firm name of Smith, Cutler & Co., has attained to mammoth proportions. As a continuation of one of the oldest wholesale houses in the city, and a pioneer in its branch of trade, the firm occupies a really commanding position among its fellows, transacting the lion's share of the exclusively wholesale drug trade of our city, which, for the year 1866, amounted to between $5,- 000,000 and $6,000,000, and now extends over twelve different States and Territories. Mr. Smith's business motto has always been " Deal honorably with all." He has always endeavored to prevent the introduction into the trade of inferior qualities of goods, and has uniformly exercised the utmost care to secure the purity of drugs purchased by him. He has aimed, all through his business life, to merit the confidence of his patrons, and so to deal with them that they shall at least be satisfied that they cannot do better elsewhere. Among all those whose strict business integrity has won so honorable a name for the merchants of Chicago, none has done more than Mr. Smith. This conscientious business trait is but the legitimate sequel to the youthful manifestations of his character in the family of his mother. He was always thoughtful and amiable, kind and considerate, as he has been in the family that have been raised around him in his mature years.

Shortly after his arrival in Chicago, Mr. Smith's attention was directed to the subject of his religious duties. His mother being a Baptist, he joined the First Baptist Church of this city, and for two years the greater part of his time not devoted to his business was occupied in the study of theology. He, however, became dissatisfied with the Baptist faith, being persuaded that it was too indefinite for him. His partner, Mr. John Sears, was a member of the New Jerusalem Church, and conversation with him and the reading of " New Church" books enabled him to solve many doubts that he had previously entertained on doctrinal points. A thorough investigation of the teachings of the New Church resulted in convincing him of their truth, and, in the year 1853, he became a member of the Church of the New Jerusalem, worshiping in the temple on Adams street, near the lake, with which he is still in communion. The writings of Swedenborg, in particular, made a profound impression on his mind, and were very influential in molding his character. Mr. Smith is one of our most highly respected citizens. He has never tried to make a noise in the world, being simple and unobtrusive in his manner, but he has wielded an influence which has been very widely felt in this part, and is now as potent as ever. His business abilities are universally recognized as of the highest order, and his judgment, although he is yet a young man, is regarded as almost infallible in all matters to which he has directed his attention. He is a man of strong will, but mild in expression, and invariably true to his friends.

Mr Smith was married January 7, 1855, to Annie E. Cooper, a daughter of Alexander Cooper, of Peoria, 111. She died January 17, 1861, leaving two daughters, aged respectively 2 and 4 years. On the 16th of August, 1866, Mr. Smith married his present wife, Eliza L. White, only daughter of Moses White, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and for many years a prominent merchant in that city. By his present wife he has seven children - four sons and three daughters.

In the year 1868, Mr. Smith retired from the drug business in Chicago, and removed to a country seat at Wilmington, 111., where for one year he resided, but at the end of that time removed to Urbana, Ohio, for the purpose of educating his children at the New Church school located in that city. He retired from active business in Chicago, principally on account of failing health, but soon after locating in Urbana he regained his health, and his life-long business habits soon compelled him to again enter an active business career. He purchased an interest in the tannery on the corner of Main and Water streets, with the intention of increasing and developing the leather manufacturing interests of Urbana to a greater extent, but in 1871, the great fire of Chicago having destroyed Mr. Smith's property in that city, and being able to collect only a small amount of the insurance, on account of the failure of the insurance companies, he was compelled to use the money intended for the development of his new business in the erection of business houses in Chicago, which, with his usual energy and promptness, lie immediately carried into effect.

In 1874, having, to some extent, recovered from his losses in Chicago, he purchased the balance of the tannery, becoming sole proprietor, since which time he has rebuilt, added and extended the buildings and increased the business to more than fourfold what it was when he first took hold of it, thus demonstrating that he still possesses those same eminent business qualifications and characteristic energies that won for him a leading place among the foremost merchants of the great metropolis of the West. He manufactures an extra fine quality of oak leather, which is in large demand by wholesale dealers in many leading cities throughout the United States, the demand being greater than he can readily supply.

Politically, he is an earnest Republican, believing that the interests of the country demand the continuation of that party in power. He has taken a deep and active interest in the growth and progress of the New Church college of Urbana, and is one of the Trustees and Treasurer of that institution. He is also connected with several other institutions, in which he exerts his influence for good. He has now the leading manufacturing establishment in Urbana, and his position among the business men of this city is one in which he and his descendants may feel a just pride.

DAVID W. SOWLES, capitalist and proprietor Exchange Hotel, Urbana. Mr. Sowles is a native of New York State, born in Schoharie Co. in 1811. He started West in 1833, and arrived in Urbana in December, when, by reason of sickness, he was compelled to remain until May, 1834, at which time, out of funds and indebted $50 for the expenses of his sickness, he went to Springfield and engaged as clerk in a hotel. The following September he returned to Urbana. and became clerk in charge of the Exchange Hotel. While so engaged, he began a career which proved a financial success. Gen. Jackson having ordered that all lands should be paid for in specie, and the Urbana Bank not being compelled to exchange for other than their own issue, refused specie on all other bills. Mr. Sowles conceived the idea of picking up bills on the Urbana Bank and selling them at a premium to those who had not provided themselves with specie. In this way he got his debts paid and something ahead. He married Polly Ann Hite in 1835 ; she died in 1839, leaving one son, Royal J., now a business man of Delhi, Texas. During the financial pressure of 1840 to 1843, Mr. Sowles operated extensively in the money market, clearing a handsome profit on his transactions, forming the foundation of a fortune, which he has managed so successfully that he now ranks as one of the solid men of Urbana. In 1845 he married Miss Sallie Hunter, daughter of George Hunter, deceased, whose widow was proprietor of the hotel when he was a clerk, in 1835. He purchased the interests of the respective heirs, and, in 1860, took charge of the house. He afterward purchased the property adjoining on the east, and united the two buildings, and added thereto until the present Exchange Hotel is the result. The success of Mr. and Mrs. Sowles, as host and hostess, is attested in strongest terms of compliment by a grateful traveling community. They have had five children, viz.: George H., now in Texas ; Della, wife of John R. DeCamp, banker of Cincinnati ; Frank B., a graduate of the law school at Ann Arbor, lately engaged in the lumber business in Cincinnati ; Charles W., proprietor of the Urbana Soap Factory; and Willie, a promising lad of 16, and an adept on the piano-forte. Mrs. Hunter was a Fitch, descended from the Randolph family of Virginia, and related to Maj. Oliver, of Ft. Meigs fame.

STONE BROS., hardware merchants, Urbana. S. L. P. Stone, the senior member of the firm, was born July 24, 1838, in Virginia, where he was raised in his father's grist-mill and received instructions in the business from his father. In 1858, he came to Champaign Co. and took charge of the Vance & Crane Mill, on Buck Creek. There he remained four years with good success. He then engaged in the grocery trade in Urbana, with D. O'Connor, in the Glen Building. Some time after, he purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor. Eight years later he sold it and formed the partnership indicated at the opening of this sketch. F. F. Stone, the junior member of the firm, was born April 2, 1841, in Hampshire Co., Va., where he grew to the age of 17. In the meantime, he acquired a fair education in Emmetsburg College, Md., and engaged as clerk in a store, in 1858, he came to this city, and soon after became employed in the hardware store of William M. Young, a prominent merchant of Urbana at that period. From 1863 to 1868 he was engaged in the hardware trade in Colorado and Montana. In the fall of 1869, he married Miss Agnes Lee, of Urbana, who came from New York State in 1858. Soon after, he moved to Mansfield and carried on the hardware trade until the association with his brother was formed, in May, 1872. They bought the stock of J. H. Patrick, on N. Main street, in the building they now occupy, and have added to their stock and now carry, in connection with it, all articles found in a first-class hardware store, pumps and bent work. Since in business here, S. L. P. has been identified with nearly all the public interests of the city. Stone Bros, are thoroughgoing business and sociable men. S. L. P. married, Sept. 23, 1871, Miss Julia, daughter of Levi Geiger, whose biography appears in this history. She was born in 1843. The issue of this union are Ida Maude and (twin sons) F. F., Jr., and L. G. The children of F. F., the junior member of the firm, are Montana and F. L., a son.

W. J. SULLIVAN, physician, Urbana; born July 7, 1824, in Greene Co., Ohio, and when but a child his parents brought him to Logan' Co., Ohio, where he matured and received his primary education. He read medicine in East Liberty under Dr. J. W. Hamilton, and graduated from the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, in the spring of 1853. He immediately located in West Middlebury, Logan Co., and commenced practice, but ten years later removed to Bellefontaine, where he remained until 1866, since which time he has been a resident of Champaign Co., and two years ago located in this city, corner of Main and Court streets. He has passed through twenty-seven years' practice, enjoyed a favorable patronage, and has been very successful. As a military man, he was Assistant Surgeon of the 96th 0. V. I. for eight months, when ill health caused him to resign and return home, where he remained until 1864, when he enlisted as Surgeon of the 132d 0. N. G. for one hundred days, serving until the close of the term. He married Sarah J. Allen April 17, 1859. One son - Edward N. - was born to them March 4, 1862. Mrs. Sullivan is a native of Logan Co., Ohio, born in West Middlebury Nov. 21,1837.

JOSIAH G. TALBOT, hats and caps. Mr. Talbot belongs to one of the old families of Urbana. He is the son of Josiah Gr. Talbot, who was a native of Maryland, and served as a Lieutenant in the war of 1812. He was a hatter and furrier, and removed from Xenia to Urbana, in 1823, for the purpose of getting nearer the fur supply, and continued in business here until his decease, in 1854. His wife was a daughter of Capt. Forsythe, of Canada. She could speak the French, English and Indian tongues. She once dined with Tecumseh and Little Turtle at Ft. Wayne, and was present at Hull's surrender, the Captain who was then in command having married her only sister. She afterward came to Dayton, where she met Lieut. Talbot. The subject of this sketch was born April 26, 1828, while his mother, with other members of the family, was visiting her people at Thames, Canada. He has been occupied in merchandising since 1851, with the exception of six years spent in farming. He engaged in the hat and cap business in 1877, which business descended from his father through the hands of several members of the family. The store is located at No. 35 Monument Square, and is the only exclusively hat and cap establishment in the city. He married, in 1860, Mrs. Lavina Lapham, by whom he has three children, one son and two daughters. Ha is a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the organizer of the Howard- Weaver Mission in 1866, and has had charge of it since. Mr. Talbot is an earnest Christian worker and an estimable and worthy citizen.

C. W. L. TAYLOR, deceased. The stroke of the mallet chisels the firm marble into a shaft of beauty, and artistic skill fashions the letters that tell of the birth, years and death, but time covers the monument with mosses and defaces the inscription. J^s we well know, change is constant and general. Generations are rising and passing unmarked away. As it is a duty to the child and a present gratification to the parent, we here place on record a true sketch of C. W. L. Taylor and a brief outline of his parents. His father, William S., was born in Jefferson Co., Va., where he was raised, and married Mary Hickman, of Shepherdstown, Va., in the spring of 1831, and immediately emigrated West, locating in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, where he soon became prominently identified in the interests of the county, and was known as a Christian and a true and honest man. About 1854, he sold his farm and located in Urbana, and in the fall of the same year was elected as County Surveyor, which office he filled until within a short time of his death, in the fall of 1856. His wife, too, passed away, in October, 1871. She was of noble talent and good spirit. C. W. L., the subject of this sketch, was born in Union Township, Champaign Co., Ohio, Dec. 9, 1831. He was raised and mostly educated in his native county, though he enjoyed a course of engineering and surveying at the Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. In the summer of 1856, he was his father's deputy, and after the death of his father he was appointed to fill the vacancy, the same fall being elected to the office, which he filled by re-elections until his death, except a short period, during which time he was his successor's deputy. In the midst of the term, the successor enlisted in the late war, and he filled the unexpired term. Thus has he been identified as a county official for nearly a quarter of a century, and at his death, April 19, 1880, his only son, W. H. L., who is of competent ability, was chosen to fill the vacancy. He is a bright and promising young man. Thus has the office passed down through three generations. C. W. L. Taylor married, Dec. 11, 1856, Elizabeth C. Detwiler, a native of Champaign Co., Ohio.

JAMES TAYLOR, attorney, Urbana. Mr. Taylor is another of the life residents of Champaign County; he is a son of John Taylor, who was a son of John Taylor, Sr., who emigrated from Virginia and settled in Mad River Township, in 1806, where John, Jr. grew up, married and resided a long time. Subsequently he resided in Concord Township, where his family was mostly raised. He was an active, intelligent citizen, and at one time edited the Western Dominion , the first Democratic paper issued in this county. In 1848, he received the appointment of Register of the Land Office, and removed to Defiance, where his wife, daughter of Ezekiel McAllister (also a pioneer of Mad River), died, in 1873. The father still resides in Defiance, being in his 84th year. The subject of this sketch was born in Mad River Township, in 1823, and has always resided in this county ; when his father removed to Defiance, he was Postmaster, which prevented him from accompanying the family. He remained on the farm during his youth, and also taught school. When he became of age he had saved money enough to attend the Springfield High School, under the tutorship of Chandler Robbins. He read law with Gen. J. H. Young, and was admitted to practice in 1854 ; subsequently he was elected Sheriff. He was again Postmaster during the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan, and did not commence the practice of his profession until 1862. In 1863, he was a candidate for Probate Judge, and was also a candidate for Presidential Elector from this district in 1876. In January, 1863, Mr. John S. Leedom became a partner with him in the practice of law, a relation which has since continued. He, as were his ancestors, is a Democrat, and has always taken a prominent part in public affairs. Since 1863, he has been Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee, and was at one time a candidate for State Senator from this district, but being opposed by a popular candidate and a standing Republican majority, was defeated. He married, in 1855, Miss Frances G. Ralston, who resided near Philadelphia, Penn. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

REV. H. H. THOMPSON, D. D., Urbana. Rev. H. H. Thompson, D. D., minister of the United Presbyterian Church, was born October 13, 1819, in Belmont Co., Ohio. He was reared on a farm, and in early life only enjoyed the advantages common to such a lot, and the country schools of that day. In the Fall of 1837, he entered Franklin College, Ohio, where he spent two and a half years. The remainder of his collegiate training was received at Madison College, Guernsey Co., Ohio. Having completed his collegiate course in the fall of 1842, he entered the Associate Reformed Theological Seminary of Allegheny, Penn. After passing through the usual course of instruction, he was licensed to preach the Gospel, on the 23d day of April, 1845. During the following summer he was engaged as a missionary among the hills of Northwestern Virginia. The succeeding winter was again spent at the seminary. His second summer was spent in preaching to the vacancies in Southeastern Ohio ; he was then transferred to Northwestern Pennsylvania; here was called to take charge of a congregation at Cochranton, Crawford Co., Penn. He was ordained and installed as Pastor of this congregation Sept. 9, 1847. Here he spent the prime and vigor of his days, laboring with zeal and earnestness till the 11th of February, 1865, at which time he was released from the pastoral care of the congregation. During the period of his pastorate at this place he also served the congregation of Sandy Creek, in Venango County, for one-third of his time, during a period of eight years. He was then released from this congregation, and the same portion of his time given to the congregation at Meadville, for a period of four years. The remaining years spent in Pennsylvania his labors were given to the congregation of Cochranton. On the 1st of April, 1865, he removed to Urbana, Ohio, and took charge of the United Presbyterian congregation of that place, where he continued to labor as their Pastor till April, 1878, a period of thirteen years. At this time his health became so impaired that he was compelled to surrender his pastoral charge, and cease for a time the active service of the ministry. He still continues to reside in Urbana, and, his health being restored, is again actively engaged in his Master's service.

D. W. TODD, Probate Judge, Urbana. Mr. Todd is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Dauphin County Dec. 31, 1835. His father, David Todd, came with his family, consisting of wife and ten children, to Ohio, in 1846. Leaving his family with a brother, in Warren County, he prospected, and in the following year settled in

Pretty Prairie, near Urbana, where his decease occurred, in 1868, and where his widow, who was Miss Sarah McCormick, still resides, being in the 84th year of her age. The subject of this sketch remained on the farm until about 19 years of age, receiving such rudimentary training as the district schools afforded ; he then entered the Miami University, at Oxford, from which he graduated in 1860, after which he read law in the office of Shellabarger & Goode, of Springfield ; served about one year in the army, and was admitted to the bar in January, 1863, and in the following month opened an office in Urbana. In the fall of the same year he was elected Prosecutor, and re-elected in 1865. From 1873 to 1875, he was Superintendent of the Urbana Machine Works - a losing venture. In October, 1878, he was elected Probate Judge, which office he now administers creditably and satisfactorily. His residence is situated on Scioto street. He married, in 1863, Virginia H. Hamilton. He was again married, in 1870, to Ellen W., daughter of David H. Hovey. By his first wife he had two sons - Lee II. and Robert M. By his second wife he has three children - Nanny H., Frank W. and William McC.

JOHN E. TODD, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Among the many beautiful farms skirting the Pretty Prairie is the elegant one of Mr. Todd. There is perhaps no finer landscape presented to the view from any residence in the township, and the taste displayed in the grounds and buildings are of that exquisite kind seldom seen outside of the larger cities. The parents of Mr. Todd were natives of Pennsylvania and emigrated from that State to Warren Co., Ohio, in the spring of 1846. Their children, ten in number, came with them, and eight are still living. Their names are given in the biography of T. M. Todd, of this township. David Todd was one of those quiet, unassuming men who loved his home, his wife and his children more than anything else on earth. He was an ardent temperance men and taught his children the beauties of truth and honor by a life-long example that has shown its fruits in those who now represent him. The date of his death is named in the sketch of Thomas M. Todd. He died as he had lived, trusting in that promise made to those who live humbly and walk uprightly. John E. Todd and Miss Jennie M. Mumper were married in 1859. They have eight children - Winfield Scott, Clarence M., Sadie, John H., Annie, Marion R., Percy C. and Jennie. They were all born on the beautiful homestead of their grandfather, that is now rendered dear to their parents by the associations surrounding them. Mr. Todd was one of the Ohio National Guards, 134th Regiment, but saw no active service. He is rather an active local politician, and is an acknowledged leader of the Republican party in his neighborhood. His life thus far has been a quiet one, he having no desire for official honors. His farm was the drill-ground and his house the armory of the company of National Guards during their organization.

THOMAS M. TODD, farmer ; P. 0. Urbana. Mr. Todd takes a place in history among the prominent men of this township, as his family is one that has been foremost in advancing the business interests of the county, and noted alike for energy and honor. The parents of Thomas M., David and Sarah Todd came to Urbana Township in 1847. They were natives of Pennsylvania, and their children, twelve in number, were born there. Two died in Pennsylvania, and ten came with them to Ohio - Jane, Mary, Eliza, Henry M., Thomas M., John E., Sarah M., David W., Rebecca N. and James S. The old gentleman was a soldier during the war of 1812, and his brother, James, was Captain of the company. The death of David Todd occurred in 1867. His wife still survives and makes her home with her son John. Three children still remain in this county - Thomas M., John and David W., who is Probate Judge of this county. The sons have all the energetic characteristics of their sire, and three of them engage in agriculture ; John lives on the old homestead ; James S. is a Presbyterian minister and resides in California. Thomas M. Todd was married in 1857, to Miss Mary M. Rawlings, a daughter of one of our pioneers. Their children are named David S., James R., Alma, William II., Thomas R. and Pearl. Mr. Todd has been Infirmary Director for the past eight years, and has been Clerk of the school board several terms.

All his official duties have been discharged with credit, and his reputation as a business man is of that high order that engages the confidence of every one.

S. S. TWICHELL, Superintendent of Infirmary, Urbana. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch occupies a very important position in this county, having in charge its paupers and the management of the large farm and business interests of the establishment. In this he has shown an aptitude for the business that has never been equaled perhaps in the history of the Infirmary. He is now filling the second term as Superintendent, and his re-engagement is sufficient evidence of his appreciation by the Board of Directors. This farm comprises 173 acres of choice land, situated two miles from Urbana, and is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it is employed. At present, there are forty-four inmates - twenty-three males and twenty-one females. The building is large and admirably arranged, and has a capacity for accommodating one hundred patients. Under the skillful supervision of Mr. and Mrs. Twichell, it presents an air of neatness and comfort rarely seen in institutions of like character. The capacity for insane persons amounts to thirty beds, but since the new asylum was built at Columbus, more of that class are admitted. Everything is raised on the farm that is necessary to supply the table, and in this respect the farm is self supporting. Clothing, groceries, etc., are supplied by the county, there not being surplus enough to sell to supply this need. The baking is done in a large oven that contains ninety loaves at one time. The sleeping-rooms are neat, and the dining-rooms are divided into two compartments, in which the sexes are separated. The women occupy the rooms over the main building ; the men the hall attached to a building termed Gents' Sitting-room. The family history of Mr. Twichell will be given, as he is especially deserving of mention. He is a native of New Jersey, coming to Ohio in 187 L He married Miss Virginia Hedges in 1868. They are parents of two sons - Clayton and Foster. Mr. Twichell resided fourteen years in Minnesota, with the exception of three years, which he spent as a soldier in Co. K, 8th Minn. V. I. The first two years was spent on the frontier, where he participated in two of the hardest- fought Indian battles of the war. He engaged in the battles of Murfreesboro and The Pines, and was with Sherman's army when Johnston surrendered. He was also under Gen. Sully when his army crossed the plains in 1864, and was in every engagement, escaping without a wound. He took charge of the Champaign Co. Infirmary in 1879, and has filled the position with great credit.

M. J. & J. E. VALENTINE, farmers; P. 0. Urbana. These gentlemen are numbered among the prominent farmers of Champaign Co., and, although not long residents, are, without doubt, permanently settled, and are a valuable acquisition to the society in which they live. Being natives of Pennsylvania, they came to this county in 1861, and purchased their present farm in the fall of 1863. One of the most commanding brick residences in the township adorns this tine farm, which has been put under a high state of cultivation under their ownership. Morris Valentine was married in Pennsylvania, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Climenson, of that State. Her parents, John and Ann Climenson, were natives of England, and came to America about 1820. There were four children (three sons and one daughter), in the family of George Valentine -

Alice A., Morris J. and John E., our subjects, and Joseph T., who still lives in Pennsylvania. The daughter, Alice, and her mother reside in Urbana. Morris and his wife have five living children - Joseph D., Frank E., Charles W., Gustavus L. and Williami M. Those deceased were named Annie C., John and George S. John E. Valentine was a volunteer in Co. A, 134th 0. V. I., during the war of the rebellion, and was 1 honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Those of the children 1 who are old enough have acquired a good education. Frank is engaged in the drug 1 business in Urbana. John E. makes his home with his brother Morris. They farm together. They are very prosperous, social gentlemen, and have the entire confidence of their acquaintances as being men of undoubted integrity and correct business habits.