Washington Township (part 3 of 4)

MARGARET J. KIRK, Piqua. Mrs. Kirk, a native of Pennsylvania, is a daughter of James Johnston, who came to the vicinity of Piqua about 1812 ; she was born in 1810, and grew to womanhood here in the pioneer days of the Miam Valley. She was married, in 1836, to Mr. William R. Kirk ; he was also a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1808, and came to Piqua when a young man ; was prominently connected with the business interests of Piqua until his decease, which occurred in 1849 ; he left a wife, two daughters and a son ; the widow now resides in the residence at the northwest corner of Wayne and Ash streets, and is vety comfortably situated, her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Gabriel, residing on the same street, near by.

HENRY KITCHEN, retired farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Adams Co., Penn., Oct. 16, 1797 ; is the son of Richard and Margaret (Voorhis) Kitchen ; his father was an early English immigrant to New Jersey, where he married, and finally settled in Adams Co., Penn., passing there the remainder of his life. The early education of our subject was obtained in a pioneer log schoolhouse ; at the age of 17, he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and, having learned it, started for Ohio on horseback, arriving in Butler Co. in January, 1818 ; in the spring of 1819 he settled at Piqua ; in 1822, he erected a house. In October, 1823, lie was married and moved into it, residing there ever since ; his wife was Sarah, daughter of Mathew Caldwell, who settled in Piqua about 1805 ; by this marriage there were three children, two of whom are now living ; the son. J. M. Kitchen, is a practicing physician in Indianapolis ; the daughter, Mary Jane, is Mrs. Harvey Clarke, of Piqua ; Mrs. Kitchen died in August, 1831. Oct. 27, 1835, Mr. Kitchen married Eliza Snevely, of Harrisburg, Penn., who was born April 13, 1815 ; her father, Jacob Snevely, came to Piqua in 1820, where he died in August, 1842, aged 62 ; for many years, he was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church ; this second marriage resulted in the birth of four children, three of whom are living ; William, the oldest son, resides on a farm near Piqua ; Anna is the wife of Capt. Henry Leggett, of the United States Army ; Fanny married Henry Starr, of Elyria, Ohio, and Cornelia, deceased, married Angus Campbell, of Piqua. Mr. Kitchen followed his trade for a number of years and then turned his attention to farming, which he followed till about ten years ago, when his age and state of health warned him that he had better rest and live retired the remainder of his life ; he is truly a self-made man ; when he started in life, he had a limited education, as, in that early day, the facilities were very limited ; he paid for the lot upon which his house is built and for the material of which it is made by work at his trade when he was 26 years of age, and was able to place his wife, whom he then married, in a good, comfortable home ; from this good beginning in life, by industry and economy, backed up constantly by a never-faltering energy, Mr. Kitchen, from year to }Tear, has found his wealth constantly and steadily increasing, till now, in his old age, he is able to rest from the severer toils and cares of life, and to enjoy the fruits of his labors ; his long life has been characterized by the strictest integrity, his means freely used for all laudable and charitable purposes, devoted to Christianity, having been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1832, and has held the office of Steward for forty-seven years ; Mrs. Kitchen has also been a member since 1833, possessing the attributes of a Christian wife and mother ; thus, hand in hand, have they traveled the journey of life, working for and blessed with a competency of this world's goods, and, at the same time, working for and laying up treasures for that better life.

H. C. LANDES, book-keeper, Piqua ; is a son of Jacob and Martha Landes ; Jacob was a native of Bucks Co., Penn., and Martha of Ohio ; their marriage was celebrated in Piqua soon after the close of the war of 1812 ; they were among the early settlers of this city, where both passed from the stage of life, Martha in 1829, and Jacob in 1852. H. C. was born in Piqua in 1824, where he has since resided ; in his boyhood days he acquired an ordinary education, which has since been improved and chiefly been the means of his livelihood ; in the earlier part of life he commenced teaching, which occupation he pursued for a short period, after which he was variously engaged until 1852, when he was appointed as Postmaster in the office of Piqua ; eight months later he offered his resignation, which was accepted, and he engaged as book-keeper for the firm of Lawton, Barnett & Co., dealers in produce and flour, and commission merchants, of Piqua ; this position he filled for a period of twelve years ; in 1865, the Citizen's Bank of Piqua was organized, in which he was elected Cashier ; this position he duly and honorably filled for a number of years - in 1878, he entered the woolen-mills of F. Gray & Co., of this city, as book-keeper, where he is now engaged. Mr. Landes has been twice married ; the nuptials with his present wife, Elizabeth Van Horne, were celebrated in 1864 ; they are the parents of two children - Robert B. and Mary ; Mrs. Landes is a daughter of Col. Thomas B. Van Horne, of the war of 1812, in which he was a noble and noted patriot.

B. LEHMANN, physician, Piqua ; was born in Switzerland in 1825, where he grew to manhood ; his early education was obtained in the common schools of his native country ; in 1843, he took up the study of medicine at the Medical University of Berne, where he remained until the fall of 1849, at which time he graduated from the same ; soon after, he commenced the practice of his profession, and was also, for a time, engaged as military surgeon ; in the spring of 1852, he embarked for the United States, landing in New York City, where he resided but a short time ; he made various changes until 1856, at which time .he settled in the wilds of Miami ; not seeing fit to make this his permanent location he returned East as far as Yera Cruz, Ind., where he remained until 1865, at which time he located in Piqua ; here lie has since been favorably known as a physician. The Doctor has five children - three in America and two in Germany, to whom he paid his respects by a visit in 1878, thereby having crossed the Atlantic three different times.

AARON T. LEVERING, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Pennsylvania Nov. 23, 1829 ; is son of Fleeson and Elizabeth (Smith) Levering who were natives of Pennsylvania ; the grandfather, Thomas, was born in the same State ; the parents, Fleeson and Elizabeth, came to Ohio, June, 1835, and located upon the farm where Mr. Levering now lives ; they opened out and cleared up most of the farm, there being but little done before their arrival, and lived and died upon this farm. They were parents of nine children, viz., William S., Thomas C., Amanda, dying in infancy, Aaron T., one without name dying in infancy, Dyer N., living in Darke Co., Benjamin Franklin, Robert C. and Howard. Mr. Levering, our subject, has always remained upon the home place ; he was united in marriage Aug. 10, 1853, with Caroline E., daughter of William and Mary (Wallace) Hunter, who were both born in Pennsylvania ; her parents, William and Mary, came to Ohio in 1811, and located in Washington Township, Miami Co.; here he bought 160 acres of land all in the woods, where he had to commence in pioneer style by cutting out the timber and constructing a log cabin ; in the purchase of the land, he had quite a struggle in obtaining it ; he was short of means to make a complete payment, and was working to make the balance of money sufficient to pay for it, when a man appeared upon the ground wanting the same piece of land ; he had money ready to pay for it and started for the land office on horseback to make the purchase ; Mr. Hunter saw that if he procured the land he must act immediately, so he started out and borrowed enough money to complete the purchase, at once proceeded to the land office (which was then at Chillicothe) on foot, traveled night and da}- , made the distance and purchased before the man on horseback arrived. Thus, through an iron will and constitution he accomplished his object ; he continued to live on the same farm through his life, opening out the forests and making improvements, built a good brick house, fine barn and other buildings for comfort and convenience, finally buying and adding to his first purchase, so that he became owner of 320 acres of as good land as is in this portion of the county, all of which he accomplished by pure industry, diligence and economy ; in April, 1850, he desired to visit California and see something of the world, especially of the mining regions ; he arranged the care of his family and farm, and with James, a younger brother, on above date started for California by the overland route with ox teams ; he remained there about two years working in the mines most of the time, after which he returned to his family and farm, where he remained till his death, Dec. 14, 1879, being 74 years of age. Mr. Levering and wife, by their union, have had six children, viz., William F., married to Mar}' Multz, and living on the old Hunter farm ; Edward C., Mary Ellen, now Mrs. Marion McMaken; Julia C.. Joseph W. and Ward S.

L. LEONARD, grain buyer, Piqua, of the firms of Orr & Leonard and Orr, Leonard & Daniels. Mr. Leonard, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Perry Co. in 1825 ; his parents removed to Miami Co. in 1833, and settled in the vicinity of Covington. When about 16 years of age, he was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade ; after learning which, he was employed in various ways ; he was appointed Postmaster at Covington, by Zachary Taylor, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of his brother Joseph Leonard ; in 1850, he engaged in a general merchandise store at Covington, with Jacob Lehman, afterward was a partner with A. Routson,and continued merchandising until 1868, when he changed and engaged in the grain trade there. In 1869, the firm of Orr, Kendall & Co., of which he was a member, was formed, and in the following year he removed his family to Piqua. The history of this firm, and that of Orr Leonard and Orr, Leonard & Daniels, is the history of Mr. Leonard's business career in Piqua. which has been a very successful one ; their business is vast, and their shipments of oil and oil-cake are not confined even to this side of the Atlantic ; Mr. Leonard has not only been one of the principal partners in those important enterprises, but has also been identified with the friends of Piqua in all matters of general interest and benefit ; he is a quiet, but active and thorough business man, a genial, social gentleman, and a useful, respected citizen. His residence, located at the southwest corner of

Downing street and Park avenue, is a handsome property, elegantly furnished, where his wife presides with womanly grace and dignity. She was Miss Charity Ellen, daughter of William Kendall, of Warren Co. They were married in 1857, and have six children - Milla, now Mrs. J. F. Daniels ; Forest and Lee, now students at the university at Wooster ; Willie, Grace and Lewis, children at home. He also has one son, John H., a resident of Piqua, by a former marriage with Miss Hannah J., daughter of Robert Hamilton, which occurred in 1852, and her decease in 1855. Mr. Leonard is a Director of the Piqua National Bank, Treasurer of the Piqua Straw Board and Paper Co., also a stockholder and Director of the Spiker Wagon Works Co. ; he raised a company of 0. N. Guards, in 1864, and was active in support of the war for the suppression of the rebellion.

CONRAD LICKLIDER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; was born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1821 ; is the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Giltner) Licklider, who were born in Virginia and Kentucky respectively ; about 1812, Daniel came to Ohio, and during the same year visited, with his uncle, some relatives in Kentucky, there making the acquaintance of Elizabeth Giltner, who, in the next year (1813), he made his wife, and located with her in Montgomery Co., where they lived till 1833, when they came to Miami Co., settling about one mile north of the farm now owned by Conrad ; they purchased an improved farm (as it was then called), consisting of 70 acres, at $7 per acre, there being just a log cabin with a split-puncheon floor, etc., everything of the most primitive pioneer kind ; at the same time, many farms could have been bought for $4 per acre, but Mr. Licklider thought he was getting some extra improvements ; he lived on this farm some six years, then sold out and moved into Piqua, where he entered upon the mercantile trade, in which he continued for about thirteen years, when he sold out and again bought a farm of 160 acres, the same upon which Conrad now lives ; here he worked and labored, improving the farm, with Conrad, their only child, till Jan. 6, 1867, when he was taken from labors to reward, his wife living only till the 21st of the next January, when she followed him to that "bourn whence no traveler returns." But now we will digress for a moment to remark that right here, where Mr. Licklider and his neighbors toiled so hard to clear out and make roads, rolling and piling up the logs, and burning them to clear them off the land, they buy wood and coal to burn. Mr. Licklider, the subject of this sketch, an only son, as remarked above, remained with his father till his death. He was united in marriage, Feb. 11, 1841, with Christophen Eckerd, daughter of Christopher and . Jane (Bowles) Eckerd ; Mr. Bowles came from Germany when 12 years of age, and she was born in Pennsylvania ; Christophen's father dying when she was only a child, her mother was married again, and they moved to Miami Co. when the daughter was 10 years of age ; the fruits of their marriage are three children, viz., Abraham G. (who is married to Rachel Irvin, have four children, and live on the old home place), Daniel F. (married to Callie Drake, and living one and a half miles west, who have had three children, but only two living), and George W. (married to Louisa Cathcart, who live on the old home farm, and have one child). Mr. Licklider has a fine farm, with a good brick house, and also his sons on the old home, both have good brick houses, with good barns and other buildings for comfort and convenience ; his health failing, he has retired mostly from hard labor, and rents his farm on shares. Mr. Licklider and wife have been active members of the church for thirty years or more, and are now desirous for the temporal and spiritual welfare of their children, trusting to live in peace and quiet the remainder of their days, looking forward with faith and hope for that better life beyond.

JOHN E. LUCAS, farmer ; P. O. Piqua. Mr. Lucas is a native of Virginia; is a son of Basil and Aphariba (Mussetter) Lucas ; they came from Virginia to Ohio in 1836, and located in Clinton Co., from which they removed to Greene Co., and came to Miami Cq. in 1860, purchased 265 acres of land, known as the Townsley farm, which has since been added, till now the farm contains 316 acres, in an advanced state of cultivation, with good buildings and a nice gravel drive to the house, situated about a half-mile distant from the pike ; Mr. Basil Lucas, now in his 74th year, retired from active labor about twenty years since, and the farm is carried on by John E. and his brother Thornton H. ; Mrs. Lucas' decease occurred in Greene Co. ; she left four children - James W. (a resident of Michigan), the two brothers above mentioned, and Emma ; upon the latter, the care of the house has devolved since the death of her mother.

JAMES McMAKEN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Butler Co., Ohio, in 1S24 ; is the son of John and Lydia (Catterlin) McMaken, he being a native of Kentucky, and she of Virginia ; they were parents of ten children, viz., James, John, Ewing (deceased), Wilson, George, Martha, Ann (now living) ; the grandfather (John) on his father's side, was also born in Kentucky, and the grandfather on the mother's side (Joseph) was born in Virginia ; John and Lydia, the parents, came to Miami Co., Ohio, and located in Newberry Township, four miles west of Piqua, in 1832, November 24, and opened out right in the woods, there being only four houses between them and Piqua ; here they labored, cleared up the land, built their houses and endured all the hardships of pioneer life, amid the howling of wolves and wild beasts ; he lived to shoot the last wolf and the last deer that was killed or seen in that neighborhood ; he lived and died on the same farm, dying in the fall of 1872 ; his wife is still living, about 80 years of age. Mr. McMaken, our subject, lived with his father till about 23 years of age. In 1847, he was united in marriage with Adeline Rike, daughter of John and Catharine Rike, who were natives of Marydand, but came to Ohio at quite an early day ; by this union they had eleven children, seven of whom are living, viz., Marion, Bell, James, Addie, Clara, Alice, Walter Scott and Lydia Catharine ; after their marriage they lived with his father about one year ; then lived on rented farms about five years ; bought 80 acres of land about three miles west of Piqua, where they lived one and a half years, then sold and bought 160 acres in Newberry Township, where they lived about eight and a half years ; finally, sold, and bought 83 acres in Washington Township, where he now lives ; he has continued to labor here, improving and economizing, till now he owns 235 acres of land, besides some property in Piqua ; has erected several buildings on his land, and now has everything comfortable and convenient where he lives ; this has all been accomplished by close application to business, industry and economy having been his mottoes ; starting in life with no means, and now possessed of a competency for the balance of his life.

MRS. MARGARET McWILLIAMS ; P. O. Piqua ; daughter of Absalom and Amelia (Israel) Martin. Mr. Martin was a Captain under Gen. Wayne, and remembering the attractions of the Miami Valley, sought a home here ; they came to Miami Co. about 1839, and resided near Piqua until their decease. The subject of this sketch was born near Martin's Ferry, Ohio, April 8, 1808. Was married there to Samuel McWilliams, Feb. 3, 1823 ; they removed to Wayne Co. about 1830, and came to this county about 1840. Mr. McWilliams was born near Martin's Ferry Aug. 4, 1805 ; he was a miller, and followed milling a short time ; then boated several years, after which he was for many years engaged in buying, improving, renting and selling residence property in Piqua ; his decease occurred here, March 14, 1880 ; Mrs. McWilliams survives him ; her residence is on the corner of High street and Broadway, where a married granddaughter, with two great-grandchildren, reside under the same roof with her.

CONRAD MAY, proprietor hotel ; P. O. Piqua ; is a native of Germany, born in [lessen in 1830 ; came to the United States in 1847, and to Miami Co. in 1848 ; Mr. May came to Troy a poor boy, and by industry and economy has steadily grown to an important citizen ; he commenced work near Troy in the fall of 1848, as a field hand husking corn by the day, and in the following spring commenced work on the Knoop farm, where, in 1849, he bound the first sheaf of grain cut by a reaping machine in Miami Co. ; he continued to work on this place for seven successive yeark ; in September, 1856, he engaged in the grocery business in Troy, which he continued until 1869, when he sold out and removed to Piqua, where lie had an interest in a retail drug store, the firm being May Brothers ; in 1873, ho purchased his brother's interest and continued the business until November, 1879 ; in 1877, he purchased the Leland House property and conducted the hotel until August, 1879, when he sold the furniture, etc., and rented the house, hoping to be released from business, but, the parties having the hotel rented failing, he was compelled to again take charge of the house, and is now " mine host " of the Leland ; thus, he has risen from a farm hand to a good position, able to live at his leisure if he desires, and is one of the substantial men of Piqua ; the hotel property consists of a lot ninety-one feet front on Main street, and 165 feet on Water street ; the Leland House is a three-story brick structure, ninety-one feet front on Main street and 120 feet front on Water ; he also has a livery stable fronting on Water street, and owns a handsome residence on Water street, about three squares west from the hotel. He married, April 8, 1858, Francisca Henne, sister of Joseph Henne, of Troy ; the fruits of this union have been twelve children, eight of whom survive ; the three last born were triplets, and all died in infancy ; his oldest son is now a student of medicine at Philadelphia.

H. H. MEINDERS, grocer, Piqua. Piqua, like all cities of its size, is represented with nearly every branch of business. H. H. Meinders is a native of Hanover, Grermany, born July 25, 1841, and is a son of Gfeorge and Harmten Meinders, both natives of the same country, where Greorge died and she now survives ; their children were twelve in number, of whom six are now living, our subject being the youngest son ; he was raised to European farm life, where he obtained his education ; in 1865, he emigrated to America, landing on the 2d of September in Cincinnati, engaging as farm laborer near the city two years ; he then came to Piqua ; after locating in this place he was variously engaged, among which we mention the employment in Cron & Co.'s furniture factory. His marriage was celebrated with Margaret Ehlers April 25, 1872 ; she was born in Grermany Sept. 8, 1849 ; by this union they have three children - Greorge, Edwin and Wesley ; Mrs. Meinders is a daughter of Jacob and Anna Ehlers.

W. B. MITCHELL, dealer in coal and wood, Piqua. Mr. Mitchell is a native of Miami Co., having been born in Washington Township in 1817 ; he is a son of William Mitchell, who was a native of North Carolina and pioneer of this County, having removed from Tennessee to Ohio in 1806 ; he came to Miami Co. in the following year and settled in Washington Township, where he continued to reside until his decease, which occurred in 1857, he being in the 80th year of his age ; his wife, who was a McCorckle, and a native of North Carolina, died about two years previous ; they had a family of seven children - Moses Gr., Joseph M., Margaret, Samuel S., Mary, Caroline P. and W. B.; W. B. and a sister who lives at St. Mary's are the only survivors ; the McCorckles came to Miami Co. in 1806 ; there was quite a large family of them, but all are now dead ; Martha McCorckle was the wife of Benjamin Level ; their license was obtained at Dayton, and this marriage was the first one celebrated within the bounds of Miami Co. after the county was organized ; Mr. Mitchell comes of pioneer stock ; his grandfather Mitchell was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served seven years, being at home but once during that time ; his wife was a Grant ; two of her brothers were killed in an engagement between a company of Kentucky frontiersmen, to which they belonged and a body of Indians who had committed some depredations in Kentucky and were followed to Hamilton, Ohio ; during the Indian difficulty of 1812, Mr. Mitchell's father had a block-house on his farm, and was Captain of a company of " Home Guards " who were required to scout at least three days in each week ; two of the older boys were soldiers and both narrowly escaped capture by the Indians ; Moses Gr. was a recruiting officer here during the war of the rebellion, and Joseph, though upward of 60, was one of the "Squirrel Hunters " who went to Cincinnati to defend the city in 1863 ; the subject of this sketch has. been a continuous resident of Washington Township, with the exception of about twelve years, during which he was rovihg ; his early life was spent on the farm, and when he had grown to manhood, he continued to farm until about 1856, when he left the farm and came to Piqua and engaged in grain buying ; he built the warehouse which is now the property of E. Farrington and Slauson, and operated in grain, etc., several years ; in 1863, he took a notion to try the West, and tried the grocery trade in Wisconsin, milling in Indiana, and farmed in Kansas about six years ; he returned to Piqua in 1874 and soon after opened a wood and coal yard on West High street, which he is now conducting. He was married in 1835, to Miss Lucilla, daughter of Alexander McCullough, who was an early resident of Concord Township ; his decease occurred in 1857, he being in the 87th}rearof his age ; Mrs. Mitchell is also a native of this county ; they have a family of four children - Sarah J., now Mrs. Charles H. Hill, of Kansas ; Burton C., now book-keeper in the First National Bank of Richmond, Ind.; Agnes M., a teacher ; and Elizabeth C., now Mrs. W. H. Vore, of Champaign Co.

DANIEL K. MOFFETT (deceased), farmer. Among the earliest pioneers of Miami Co. were the Moffett family ; they were natives of Virginia, and, while living there, Daniel's grandfather, George, and his older brother, John, were captured b}r the Indians when boys, from 10 to 14 years of age, and carried off into what was then called the Northwest ; their father afterward settled in Kentucky ; he here entered into negotiations with the French traders to try and buy back his sons from the Indians ; in the meantime, every effort was made through the military and other sources to recover the lost children ; at one time, the Indians were encamped at Piqua, with George in their possession, when Gen. Clarke, with a military force, came upon them by surprise and destroyed everything in their encampment, but the Indians effected their escape and carried George with them ; at the expiration of about two j^ears from the time of his capture, the French traders succeeded in buying him back, and took him home to his father ; John, the older son, was still in their possession, till, at the expiration of about six years, the traders, while at Detroit, succeeded in obtaining John, who was returned to his overjoyed parents ; while in possession of the Indians, he was with Tecumseh, and, it appears, was adopted as one of his famil}r, and it is really a wonder that they ever succeeded in buying him away from them ; J ohn, when returned to his parents, had become a young man, and was finally one of the pioneers of Miami Co., locating on the land now in the corporation of Piqua, where he lived and died ; George also came and located at Piqua, entered the east half of Sec. 11, about two miles west of Piqua, where he lived and died. James D. Moffett, his son, and father of Daniel, our subject, was born in Woodford Co., Ky., Feb. 17, 1798, and, when a small boy, came with his father to Miami Co.; here he grew up to manhood, under the sturd}T influences of pioneer life, and, on Nov. 1, 1825, was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Keyt, who was born in New Jersey July 4, 1799, and was among the early settlers of this county ; after a few years of married life, death came and bereft him of his loved companion ; Nov. 28, 1837, he was married to Elvira Adams. Daniel lv. Moffett, the subject of our sketch, and son of James D. Moffett, was born on the home farm in Washington Township, Aug. 20, 1826 ; he lived with his father till his death, which occurred when he was about 21 years of age, and, at this time, being the eldest son, he took charge of the family and farm ; he was united in marriage in September, 1864, with Mary A. Bennett, daughter of Enoch and Margaret (Withgott) Bennett ; by this union thejr had born to them two children, viz. : Fletcher Scott and Margaret Elizabeth ; Mr. Moffett continued on the home place till his death, which occurred March 25, 1879. Although not of advanced age, yet that terrible destroyer, consumption, had marked him for its victim, and death finished the work when he was only about 52 years of age ; but his life and character were such as to ever be cherished in the memory of his family, friends and neighbors ; he was diligent in business, honest in all his dealings, with commendable public spirit, and uniform sympathy and kindness.

ISAAC S. MORRIS, Editor Miami Helmet , Piqua ; son of John and Ruth Morris ; was born in Clinton Co., Ohio, Feb. 7, 1825, and was brought up as a farmer, having such opportunities of education as were offered at that time by the district school. Graduated at Farmers' College in the year 1850. Married to Edith T. Jenkins, daughter of Jacob and Hannah Jenkins, of Clinton Co., Oct. 16

1851 ; was Superintendent of the Public Schools of Eaton, Ohio, from 1853 to 1860 ; editor of the Eaton Register from Jan. 1, 1861, to Jan. 1, 1874 ; and editor of the Miami Helmet since August, 1874. Mr. Morris has three children, two daughters and a son ; the former are graduates of the high school, one, being also a graduate of the Wesleyan Female College of Delaware, is assistant teacher in the Piqua High School.

WILSON MORROW, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; born in Butler Co., Ohio, Sept. 21, 1817 ; is a son of John and Mary (Robison) Morrow. Our subject is a nephew to the late Gov. Morrow, of Ohio, whose name is prominently known in the State history. Wilson grew to manhood, in his native county, as a farmer's son. In 1842, he married Rebecca Morrow, born in Adams Co., Penn., Feb. 17, 1822. Soon after their marriage, they located in Shelby Co., Ohio, on their farm, consisting of 160 acres of unbroken forest. They spent a quarter of a century on their property, during which time it was taken to a good degree of cultivation and improvement. In 1868, he sold out, and purchased his present lot, of 5 acres in the Third Ward of Piqua, where he is finely situated, with all the conveniences necessary ; the following year he purchased 122 acres in Sec. 22, Washington Township, Miami Co.; this has since been cultivated by renters, but frequently receives his supervision. Mr. and Mrs Morrow have had born to them one child, Mary M. E., June 16, 1864.

ANDREW M. MORROW, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born on the farm where he now resides, Nov. 17, 1833 ; is a son of Richard and Frances (Clark) Morrow, natives of Pennsylvania, who were united in marriage July 5, 1814, and, in the fall of the same year, moved first to Highland Co., Ohio ; thence in spring of 1815, to Miami Co., and settled on a quarter-section of land three miles south of Piqua ; the country was then an almost unbroken forest. In the summer of 1817, they erected a double log house with a two-story front, which they occupied on the 20th of December ; upon this homestead they spent the remainder of their lives, with the exception of a five years' residence in Piqua, returning to the farm in 1861. Mr. Morrow was a millwright in his youth, but after his settlement in Ohio, he devoted his life to agriculture. Their married life covered a period of half a century. He died May 28, 1864, 76 years of age ; and she on the 12th of August, of the same year, aged 75 years. They were the parents of seven children - Joseph M., born March 11, 1815, who was killed by the fall of a roof-pole from the house on the farm of Judge Adams, two and one-half miles south of Piqua ; Robert A., born April 11, 1818, died Nov. 19, 1846 ; Hugh C., born Oct. 9, 1820, died Sept. 5, 1874 ; James, born Dec. 20, 1822 ; Milton, born Feb. 14, 1825 ; William, born July 31, 1828 and Andrew M. Mr. Morrow was one of the early pioneers, and endured his share of their hardships ; was prominent and active in that early day in the organization of the schools, churches and public enterprises of that period, being one of the organizers of one of the first churches of Piqua. He was Colonel and Major of the militia, and was generally designated as Maj. Morrow ; was Township Trustee for many years, also County Commissioner for several years. He and wife were members of the Presbyterian Church for the greater period of their lives. Our subject has always resided upon the old home place, and married, April 8, 1858, Eliza E., daughter of Daniel and Margaret Drake ; the}7- had three children - Ella Frances, born May 16, 1860 ; Margaret Caroline, born May 14, 1862, and Harland D., born Sept. 5, 1873. Mrs. Morrow died Oct. 30, 1873. Dec. 27, 1876, Mr. Morrow was married to Olive L., daughter of James and Sarah Ann (Parker) Dennis, he a native of Ohio, and she of New Jersey ; issue, two children - Clifton P., born Oct. 28, 1877, and Eliza D., born Oct. 14, 1879. Mr. Morrow and wife, like their parents before them, are faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. They have a fine farm of 136 acres of land, with good improvements, constituting a very pleasant home and farmer's residence.

FRANCIS L. MORROW, deceased ; a son of John Morrow, an early resident of Washington Township, and related to the Johnstons and Scotts, of Piqua ; was born on the farm in Washington Township Oct. 14, 1818 ; when about 14 years of age, he entered the store of William Scott, and afterward wa9 given an interest, in lieu of salary. In 1843, he married Miss Mercy, daughter of Samuel and Hannan (West) Winner, who were residents of the vicinity of Piqua; in 1844, he retired from the partnership with Mr. Scott, and established a dry-goods store, which he continued to operate, sometimes with partners, until 1873, when he, with man}7 others, was crushed by the financial pressure of that year ; after this, he was occupied in different pursuits until his decease, which occurred Jan. 15, 1877 ; he was an active, enterprising, useful citizen, often called to fill official positions of trust ; his wife and four children - John, Fanny L., Walter J. and Stephen J. - survived him, and are still an undivided household ; the residence is a handsome property, richly furnished, situated on Caldwell street, between North and Greene streets ; Mrs. Morrow is a native of Warren Co., Ohio, and an intelligent, cultured lady.

JAMES MORRIN, farmer; P. 0. Piqua; born in Washington Co., Penn., in 1809 ; is the son of William and Elizabeth Morrin, he being a native of Ireland, and coming to this country in an early day ; the}7 immigrated to this county on the 9th day of April, 1821, and located at Piqua, where he followed farming for about seven years, when he bought the farm now owned by Mr. Howell, on Sec. 35 in Washington Township, where he lived and died, being thrown from a horse and killed in September, 1839. James Morrin, the subject of our sketch, lived with his father till his majority, when he started out in the world for himself ; he worked by the month at various places for about eight years, when he bought 80 acres adjoining his fathers home place, on Sec. 35. He was united in marriage with Nancy Morrow, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Macklen) Morrow, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day, locating first near Cincinnati, where they lived several years, then in Montgomery Co., and, after a time, came from there into Miami Co., where they lived and died ; by this union they had ten children, and all are now living, viz., William M., who is married, and lives in Pennsylvania ; Thomas D., who married, and lives in California ; George W., married, and lives in Colorado ; James M., married, and lives in Kansas ; Agnes S., single, and living at home ; John W. and Daniel L., single, and also in Colorado ; Barton R., single, and with his brother William in Pennsylvania ; Mary F., single, and living at home; and Watson E., single, and also living at home. Mr. Morrin, when he located on his land forty-two years ago, commenced right in the woods, except a very little opening of about 4 acres ; he started out in pioneer style, built his log cabin, in which he lived several years, toiling on from year to year, clearing up the land and making such improvements as time and means would permit ; finally adding more land, by purchase, to his farm, till now he has 140 acres, a large brick house, good barn, other buildings for convenience and comfort, and all made by his own industry and economy ; he has, in connection with all this labor, assisted his neighbors in their log-rollings, and raising their log houses, in all directions around him ; but now he can sit in peace and comfort, " under his own vine and fig-tree," which has been well earned ; he and his wife have been members of the Church of Christ for forty years.

R. MANARD MURRAY, manufacturer, Piqua ; born in Concord, Lake Co., Ohio, Nov. 28, 1841 ; is the son of Robert Murray, who for many years was engaged in purchasing cattle on a large scale and sending them East for sale. His mother, Sophronia (Parmalee) Murray, came to Ohio lromOtisco, Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was descended from old Puritan stock Her parents emigrated from Connecticut to the State of New York, prior to removing to Ohio. The subject of this sketch received the usual elementary training afforded by the district schools, and, when about 14 years of age, entered an academy at Kirtland, where he remained about one year ; he then became a student at a Methodist institution at Willoughby, Ohio, and in 1857, went to Oberlin College, where he spent two years, not taking a regular course, but selected his studies ; on leaving Oberlin, he attended the Law College at Cleveland, conducted by Judge Hadyn, graduated, and was admitted to the bar. On the outbreak of the rebellion, he enlisted in the 100-day service ; returning to Cleveland, he entered the law office of Ranney, Backus & Noble.

In 1864, he enlisted in the 100-day service, and became a member of the 150th 0. N. G-., who garrisoned the forts about Washington, and participated in the fight before Washington, with a part of Early's rebel corps, July 10 and 11, 1864. After returning from the service, he engaged in the cattle trade in Iowa, remaining there, however, only one year, then returned to Ohio, and became collector for the First National Bank, at Painesville ; in October, 1867, he became book-keeper, and in January, 1871, was elected Cashier. He was a member of the School Board of Painesville three years, and Treasurer of its funds four years. In the spring of 1878, he was elected Mayor, was also at the same time executor of a large estate, and, in addition to these public financial and fiduciary duties, he owned a farm of 100 acres which daily received his supervision. Feb. 1, 1879, he resigned his position in the bank, and arranged his financial affairs with a view to removing to Piqua, for the purpose of engaging in the enterprise known as the Piqua Handle and Manufacturing Co. Having formed a partnership with Mr. 0. D. G-ray, who had previously been interested in a like enterprise, in Wattsburg, Penn., they commenced business, Nov. 10, 1879, the style of the firm being Gray & Murray. The experience and ability of the firm assure the success of the enterprise ; indeed, it has already become one of the substantial and important industries of Piqua. Mr. Murray is a well-informed and public-spirited citizen ; he is also an able speaker, and often called on at public and political gatherings ; social and agreeable as a gentleman, courteous and affable in all business relations, and a royal entertainer at his home.

WILLIAM W. O'FERRALL, of the firm of John O'Ferrall & Co., proprietors of the Piqua Car and Agricultural Works, Piqua. Mr. O'Ferrall, born in 1836, is a son of Hr. John O'Ferrall, Sr., whose history is noticed in the early history of Piqua ; he is a native of Piqua, and has resided here all his life ; when a young man, he was engaged for a short time in the boot and shoe trade ; in 1851, he became a constituent member of the firm of O'Ferrell, Daniels & Co. proprietors of the Piqua Car and Agricultural Works, and has been identified with all the history of these works since, most of his time being occupied in traveling in the interests of the company. He married, in 1859, Miss Mary E;, daughter of C. Foreman ; they had one child, who died ; their residence is a handsome property near the north end of Main street.

JOHN O'FARRELL, M. D., Piqua. Among the leading men of Piqua, Dr. O'Farrell is prominent ; he is the son and successor of Dr. John O'Farrell, Sr., one of the first physicians of Piqua, having located here in 1819 ; the subject of our sketch was born in 1824, graduated from the Louisville Medical College in 1843, and began practice in Piqua the same year ; in 1848, he went to California, whence he was summoned to return by the decease of his father, which occurred in 1850 ; from 1851 to 1862, he was engaged regularly in practice here ; then entered the army, in which he served about two years, being Major of the 11th O. V. C., since which time he has been engaged in practice most of the time ; his attention being diverted by the building of the woolen-mill in 1869, and of the Lock Flouring Mill in 1872, in each of which enterprises the Doctor was a leading partner ; also rebuilt the Car and Agricultural Works in the fall of 1872, the former buildings having been burned that summer. Dr. O'Farrell has been identified with and a prime mover in securing several important industries in Piqua, and has been not only a leading physician, but also intimately identified with the manufacturing interest and measures of public benefit. He was married in 1843, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John McCorkle ; her decease occurred in 1846 ; they had one child, who died in his youth ; in 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Kirk ; her death occurred in 1869 ; the}7 had four children, two of whom survive - Dr. Robert O'Farrell, of Denver, Colo., and John, now 12 years of age ; His marriage with Mrs. Addie L. Thompson was celebrated in 1874 ; she is a daughter of James Edwards ; she had one child by her former marriage - Nelly M. Thompson ; from this latter' union have been born two children - Kate and

Mary. His residence and professional office is located at the corner of Main and North streets, and is an elegant property and pleasant home.

ANDREW PATTERSON, retired, Piqua ; is a son of William P. and Jane (Hamilton) Patterson, both natives of Pennsylvania; their marriage occurred about 1796 ; he .died in 1831, and she in 1838. Their children were nine in number, of whom three are now living, Andrew being the eldest ; he was born in Fayette Co., Penn., June, 1806, where he grew to manhood ; in his boyhood day3 he obtained his education in the subscription schools, as the free-school system was not then known in Fayette Co.; his earlier life was that of a farmer's son ; in

1835, he married Rebecca Craig. In October, three years later, she died, leaving one son, William C. Andrew afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth (Stewart) Sayers ; in 1841, he located in Piqua, and not seeing fit to remain there he returned to Spring Creek Township, where he continued farming until the spring of 1854. Having had (shortly before) bestowed upon him by the citizens of Miami Co., the Treasurer's office, this necessitated him to locate in Troy. This office he duly and honorably filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to the county ; in addition to this, he has held the most prominent offices of his township ; in 1865, he returned to Piqua, opening out a hardware establishment, which he conducted until 1872, then retired from its duties, and now resides in his quiet home unmolested with business thoughts. The children, by his last companion, now living, are John S., engaged in the Piqua National Bank, and Andrew H., engaged in the Railroad office of the D. M., at the crossing of the C., C. & I. C.

JOHN PATTERSON, farmer ; P.O. Piqua ;born in Shelby Co., Ohio, in 1819 ; is the son of John and Elizabeth (Anderson) Patterson, who were both born in Ireland ; he came to this country in 1810, and she in 1815 ; they were parents of eight children, viz., John, William, Martha, now deceased ; Jane, also deceased ; Robert, living in California; Alexander, living in Shelby Co.; James, also living in Shelby Co., on the old farm, and Elizabeth, who is now dead ; John, the father, died in 1849 ; and Elizabeth, the mother, died in 1874. Mr. Patterson lived with his parents till his marriage, which occurred in 1846, when he was united to Mary Ann Hunter, daughter of Joseph and Jane Hunter ; by this union they had two children - William A. and Mary E., both living at home. After Mr. Patterson's marriage, he lived on a rented farm for three years, when he bought the farm where he now resides, having lived on it thirty-one years, during which time he has cleared up a great part of his farm and built all the buildings on the place, having a good brick house, fine barn, and other comfortable and convenient structures ; he has been, like most of his countrymen, a great worker, and his industry and economy have wrought out for him a good home and a sufficient competency. Since his first purchase of land, he has added more to his possessions, till now he owns a fine body of land comprising 247 acres.

WILLIAM PATTERSON, farmer ; P. O. Piqua ; born in Shelby Co., Ohio, Feb. 11, 1821 ; is the son of John and Elizabeth (Anderson) Patterson, both born in Ireland ; he emigrated to this country in 1816, and she came, in 1814, to Penns3rlvania ; they left Pennsylvania and came to Shelby Co. in 1817 ; they were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living, viz., John, William, Robert, Alexander, James. The parents lived and died in Shelby. Mr. Patterson lived at home with his father till 1853, when he went to California, remained about three years, working in the mines, when, in 1857, he returned to Ohio, bought a farm in Washington Township and located. On Oct. 15, 1857, he was married to Margaret Crozier, daughter of John and Jane (Patterson) Crozier ; by this union they had six children, five of whom are living, viz., John, Emma, Anna, Cora and Lee. Mr. Patterson remained eight years on his farm, when he bought the farm where he now lives and moved to it with his family, where he still resides ; Mr. Patterson is a large land-holder, being owner of 360 acres, comprising two farms. Mrs. Patterson departed this life March 21, 1875.

WILLIAM M. PURSELL, manufacturer, Piqua. Mr. Pursell is a native of Indiana, born in Dearborn Co. in 1840 ; his parents removed to Cincinnati when he was a boy, and he received the benefit of the city school privileges until about 15 years of age, when he became engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which he continued about twelve years, then came to Piqua and became connected with the manufacturing establishment with which he is now connected, but then operated by a different firm ; he has continued with this establishment since, and is now the junior member of the firm of John O'Ferrall & Co., proprietors of the Piqua Car and Agricultural Works, and has charge of the details of the business. Mr. Pursell is an honored member of the Masonic Order, and is the High Priest of Piqua Chapter, also Regent of the Ro}^al Arcanum ; he is one of those genial, good fellows who are selected to bear the honors and burdens of non-paying official positions, and is withal a useful, respected citizen. He entered the U. S. Army in 1862 ;- was a Lieutenant on Hen. Mitchell's staff, but rheumatism compelled him to resign. His residence is a handsome property on Wayne street, between Green and North streets. He married, in 1864, Miss Fannie E., youngest child of Dr. John O'Ferrall, Sr., who was one of the pioneer physicians of Piqua, and an esteemed citizen ; they have one child, Miss Clara.

FRANCIS RAIN, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Philadelphia in 1802 ; is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Case) Rain, both of whom were born in Philadelphia, their ancestors coming from England with William Penn ; they were parents of six children, all now deceased except two. Mr. Rain, our subject, was thrown upon the world by the death of his father when he was only 6 years of age ; there were then five little children, and, their parents being without means, the children were placed out and scattered here and there, just as places could be found for them ; Francis was bound out by his mother to Isaac Hawkins, till 17 years of age ; when his time expired, Mr. Rain sought and obtained a situation to learn the blacksmithing trade, at which he served four years, when he arrived at his majority, and hired out at $9 per month ; he continued work at his trade till 1838, when he emigrated to Ohio, locating at Wapakoneta, but, not finding business to suit him there, came to Piqua and went to work at his trade, at which he continued for six years ; then he bought out the shop and tools of his employer, and carried on the business till 1856, when he came and located on the farm where he now lives, having bought the farm about five years previous. Mr. Rain was united in marriage, in 1823, with Sarah Roney, daughter of Silas and Mary Roney, who were both natives of Pennsylvania ; by this union they had thirteen children,, viz., Lewis, Elizabeth, Silas, William (deceased), Thomas (deceased), Deacon C., Mary, Sarah Ann, John H., James Phinley (deceased), Clara Jane, Harriet Eliza and Frances I. Mr. Rain, when locating upon his farm, opened out right in the woods, and had to clear up and erect his buildings and make all improvements, during which he had to endure the hardships and deprivations incident to pioneer life ; he now owns two good farms, consisting of 152 acres, most of which he has brought into good cultivation ; he has good buildings on both farms, and everything for comfort and convenience ; this was all accomplished through his own industry and economy, being thrown upon the cold, unfeeling world when a mere child, having to work his way through without any means and a very limited education ; but now he has a competency, and can live in comfort the remainder of his days.

WILLIAM RAYNER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Sheffield, Eng., in 1817 ; is son of John and Elizabeth Rayner, who were born in England, but emigrated to this country in 1830, and located in Piqua ; he (the father) was a minister in the M. E. Church before coming to this country, remained such during his life, and as a minister was very well known in Piqua and the surrounding neighborhood ; he departed this life in 1871, being about 76 years of age, and his wife died in 1872. Mr Rayner,. our subject, came to this county and located in Piqua about half a century ago, where he lived and followed his trade - that of a carpenter - till about twenty-eight years since, when he moved on to a farm, and has since followed farming ; in 1864, he located upon the farm where he now resides ; he has 60 acres of good land, 50 of which are in cultivation, with a good house, barn, and other buildings, comprising a very pleasant home, situated about two miles from Piqua. Mr. Ra}mer was united in marriage in 1843, with Rachel Scudder Valentine, daughter of Richard Valentine; by this union they had two children, viz., James B. and Anna E. ; he lost his wife by death, in 1849. In 1850, married Catherine J. Barret, daughter of William and Maria Barret, both being born in Connecticut ; by this union they had seven children, of whom five are living, viz., Maria (deceased), Mary, Emma (deceased), Luella D., Edwin B. and John A. Mr. Rayner has, since his marriage, located on and opened out three different farms right in the woods, doing most of the carpenter work in building on each of the three farms ; he has been a constant worker, and by his industry and economy has made sufficient to live in comfort the rest of his life. He was formerly a Whig, politically, and then Free-Soil, and since, a stanch Republican, combined with Prohibition. Mr. Rayner is an active member of the M. E. Church, his membership dating back for nearly half a century ; has been class-leader for many years, and local preacher for about thirty years.

JOSEPH SAWYER, of the firm of Sawyer & Martin, paper manufacturers, a native of Piqua, is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Campbell) Sawyer, and grandson of John and Mary Campbell ; John was born in Ireland and Mary was a native of Scotland ; they came to Piqua about 1810, and bought a large tract of land, comprising more than half of the principal portion of the present city of Piqua ; Elizabeth was born here in 1818, near where she lived, raised a family and died, when 59 }*ears of age ; she was one of the leading women of her day, an earnest Christian, a wise and affectionate mother and an estimable worker in all the departments of church and charitable work ; Joseph Sawyer, Sr., was a native of Warren Co., and came to Piqua in 1831, and married Elizabeth Campbell in 1840, and died here in 1859 ; he was a wool-carder by trade, but, was possessed of more than ordinary education, having been a school teacher in his younger days ; after coming to Piqua, he became a land speculator, and bought and sold many tracts of land in the Miami Valley, and was quite successful, and became quite well off ; he was identified with the interests of Piqua, being a member of the Council a number of years and was President of the Council when he died. The subject of this sketch was one of twin boys, born Oct. 8, 1851 ; he received a liberal education and was a member of the senior class of the city High School, in 1869 ; he spent three years at the carriage and blacksmith trades, and in 1874, on account of ill health, went to California, and after a stay of about six months returned very much improved ; he subsequently established a collection agency in Piqua, which he prosecuted until Jan. 1, 1880, when he closed up all accounts, with a view of engaging in some business enterprise ; the death of H. E. Loomis, who had just got the manufacture of paper bags under way, presented an opportunity which he secured, and in March, the firm of Sawyer & Martin was formed, and at this time arrangements are being perfected for the manufacture of flour sacks and grocer's bags, in which they will employ from twenty to thirty hands ; the firm are also general dealers in paper, twines, etc. ; this firm is composed of young men. but they are not w ithout experience, and their business promises to become an established industry in Piqua. Mr. Sawyer was married Oct. 12, 1876, to Miss Rose L., daughter of Dr. G. S. Hyde, whose biography also appears in this work.

JAMES E. SHELLENBERGER, M. D., Piqua ; was born in Covington, Miami Co., in 1846; his education wras acquired in the schools of that place. In August, 1862, he enlisted as drummer boy in Co. B., 94th O. V. I., under Capt. John Drury, of Troy ; he was mustered out of service in June, 1865, and returned home ; soon after, he took up the study of medicine under Dr. John Sensman, of Tippecanoe City ; this study he industriously pursued until the winter of 1867 and 1868, when he attended the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which he graduated in March, 1869 ; he has since practiced six years in Covington, two years in Tippecanoe City, and since 1877, has been favorably knowm as a physician in

Piqua ; he is a promising young man. His marriage with Emma Chaffee was celebrated Nov. 24, 1875 ; she is a daughter of S. L. Chaffee, of Tippecanoe City.

JOSEPH SCHLOSSER & CO., tobacconists, Piqua. Joseph Schlosser was born in Prussia, in 1849, where he enjoyed the schools of his native country until 1868, when he, with his parents, embarked for America ; they first settled in Cincinnati, and two years later they located in Piqua. In September, 1874, Joseph married Caroline Stelzer, who was born in Piqua in 1853 ; three children are the fruits of this union, viz., Joseph, Jr., Clara E., and G-eorge J. Mr. Schlosser is head of the firm known as Joseph Schlosser & Co., tobacconists ; they have been liberally patronized by country retailers, and fill large orders in their own city.

MAX SCHROEDER, florist and gardener, Piqua. Another of the enterprises of Piqua that deserves more than a passing notice is the floral and vegetable garden of Max Schroeder ; it is located in the northeast part of the city, where he takes particular pride in raising and producing fine flowers, in which his experience here and at other places has enabled him to make it a success ; his garden affords a place of pleasure for many of the citizens of Piqua in leisure hours ; Max was born close to Berlin, Germany, Aug. 6, 1855, where he grew to the age of 15 years, when he, with his parents, immigrated to America, locating in Cincinnati ; about 1874, he went to St. Louis, engaged in his present business, and remained until the opening of his garden in Piqua. May 25, 1880, he married Helen Holtzermann, a native of Piqua, a daughter of J. D. Holtzermann, whose biography appears in this work.

CHARLES SCHROEDER, hardware merchant, Piqua. Mr. Schroeder is one of the young and promising business men of Piqua ; he is a a native of Prussia, born near Berlin in 1856 ; came to the United States in 1870, and to Piqua in 1875, where he was employed as salesman in the hardware store then operated by Shannon & Davis, later by Shannon & Wall, and still later by Wall, of whom Mr. Schroeder purchased it Jan. 1, 1880, and, having added largely to the stock, is now carrying a full line of heavy and shelf hardware at the old stand, 118 Main street ; Mr. Schroeder speaks both Herman and English, and is a wide-awake business man ; his success thus far promises increased prosperity in the future ; should he continue, as he expects to, his experience as a salesman and thorough business habits, will enable him to advance the reputation of this old, well-known establishment. He was married, Jan. 1, 1880, to Miss Amelia, daughter of W. F. Croner.

WILLIAM SCOTT, merchant and banker, Piqua ; was born in Jessamine Co., Ky., Sept. 25, 1801 ; a brother and himself are all that survive of the family of seven children of Hugh Scott and Mary Moffatt ; his father came from North Carolina to Kentucky in 1784, and, in 1808, became a pioneer of Piqua, Ohio, where, for many years, he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, his jurisdiction embracing a circuit of thirty to forty miles, extending from Ft. Wayne to Dayton ; he died in 1850, aged about 80 years. William Scott received his early education in tne old pioneer log schoolhouse, where, in those early days, the facilities were very limited. Feb. 14, 1823, he embarked in business as a merchant, with a capital of $120, without friends or credit, and in competition with a firm with a capital of $10,000, in a small town of about 200 inhabitants ; by economy, industry and close application, he was soon able to extend his business, including within his scope all that pertained to a complete frontier trading-store ; at this time, there were no railroads here; or even pikes, and his goods were hauled in wagons from Cincinnati, the wagons being first loaded, at his store, with produce of various kinds taken in exchange from the surrounding country, for goods, and hauled over the muddy roads to Cincinnati, there sold or exchanged for such merchandise as he needed for his trade, the wagons reloaded and started for home, where they would arrive after a tedious journey of several days ; for twelve years he bought and sold all the pork raised in the county, making large shipments to the best markets ; in 1829, he found it advisable to buy the property upon which he is now located, and built a business house, into which he moved his stock ; here he continued his occupation, which, through his industr}', good management and honorable dealing, had won him many friends and a great increase of trade, which, together with the growth and improvements of the town, demanded that he should build larger and more commodious rooms for the convenience of his growing and extensive business ; in 1855, he built the large brick block known as " Scott's Block," which is three stories high, and where he has very pleasant and commodious rooms, into which he moved his stock, and has since dealt chiefly in dry goods ; in 1847, he was made President of the Piqua Branch of the State Bank of Ohio, and remained such till the State Bank was merged into the Piqua National Bank in the spring of 1865, of which he was elected President, and has so continued to the present time ; in 1872, Mr. Scott built a large extension to the building put up in 1855, being two stories high, all brick, with five business rooms on the ground floor, so that the whole " Scott's Block " now consists of six business rooms on the first floor ; in addition to his regular business, Mr. Scott has also dealt largely in real estate. Here we have recorded an uninterrupted mercantile career of fifty-seven years, extending over a period of time during which several financial panics occurred, sweeping away the property of scores of old and prominent business men, and yet Mr. Scott never experienced a failure in business ; and, during a third of a century in which he has been a Bank President, his name has never been on any of its discounted paper, either as indorser or principal ; it is questionable whether such a record can be found in the history of any business man in the country ; he was formerly connected, as Director and Treasurer, with the Piqua & Columbus Section of the Pan Handle Railroad, and was also a stockholder in the Dayton & Michigan road ; he was formerly a member of the Whig party, but, latterty, a Republican of stanchest cast ; public-spirited and enterprising, he has been a very liberal supporter of local enterprises of merit, and has always contributed freely to the public improvements of the place ; he has ever been a warm friend to educational progress ; was for about twelve years a member of the Piqua Board of Education, and, while serving in that capacity, took a very prominent part in securing the erection of the union school building of that city, furnishing the money for that purpose, and thus most effectually assisting in the success of the enterprise ; he holds his religious connection with the Episcopal Church of Piqua, having been a leading member of that denomination for many years ; he has been specially distinguished for his inflexible integrity and promptness in all his dealings, coupled with great caution and more than ordinary shrewdness in business ; the quiet and unostentatious manner in which he has contributed to worthy objects of charity has also been very marked. On Oct. 4, 1826, he w as united in marriage with Jane, daughter of John and Catherine Morrow, who came from Baltimore, Md., and settled in the neighborhood of Piqua at an early day ; this union resulted in the birth of seven children, two of w'hom died in infancy ; the oldest surviving son, John Morrow Scott, is a partner with his father in the dry-goods house of John M. Scott & Co.; he married Helen Talmadge in 1858; James Scott is a hardware dealer in Piqua, and is unmarried ; Mary L., the oldest daughter, is the wife of Collins IT. Jordan, formerly of Piqua, now a resident of Chicago ; Jane, the second daughter, married James Johnston, of Piqua, in 1857 ; she died in 1864; the other daughter, Sarah Matilda, still resides at home. Mrs. Scott died Feb. 21, 1876, respected and beloved by all who knew' her. We here have chronicled, upon the pages of this history, a life remarkable for all those sterling qualities which insure success, and which will stand forth as a bright and shining example, to be seen and read b}* future generations for all time to come.

Since writing the above, Mr. William Scott has passed away ; having been stricken with paralysis, he died June 1, 1880, after an illness of but two days. John M. Scott has been chosen to fill the positions of President and Director of the Bank, made vacant by his father's death.

ROBERT SHANNON, retired, Piqua ; born in Northumberland Co., Penn., April 18, 1805 ; is the son of David and Jane (Sample) Shannon, who were born in Pennsylvania and were parents of eight children ; all gre^' up to manhood, but three only are now living, viz., Samuel, Elizabeth Scott and Robert, who is the subject of our sketch. He was united in marriage, in 1829, with Mary Defrees, daughter of Joseph Defrees ; they had seven children, of whom three are now living, viz., Elizabeth D., John D. and Man7 ; Elizabeth D. is married to George W. Young, and resides in Piqua ; John D. is married to Bessie McDonald, and also resides in Piqua, and Ma^ is married to Robert Lamb, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, where they reside ; Jane S., who is now deceased, was married to D. L. C. Ball, of Piqua. Mr. Shannon, in 1827, left his native State for Ohio, starting on foot, and walked till he reached Pittsburgh, where he took " deck passage" on a steamer for Cincinnati, and from there he walked through to Piqua, being at this time 22 years of age ; he located here and went to work at his trade (the cabinet trade), which he followed about seven years, when he entered into the mercantile trade, which he followed many years, some of the time in Piqua and a part of the time in Covington ; during his business connections in Covington, his residence was still in Piqua, his brother-in-law having charge of the business at Covington ; for seven years, Mr. Shannon held the office of Constable and also Marshal of Piqua ; after the war, Mr. Shannon engaged in the hardware trade for about three years, when he retired from active business, as his failing health warned him that he needed quiet and rest ; he owns a nice residence, retired from the more active business portion of the city, where he prefers to live in quiet enjoyment the rest of his life.

ENOS SHELLABARGER, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Montgomery Co., Ohio, in 1845 ; is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ward) Shellabarger, he being born in Pennsylvania and she in Ohio ; Samuel, the father, came from Pennsylvania, and located at New Carlisle, Clark Co., Ohio, where he followed the tanning business for about six years ; thence to Covington, Miami Co., where he engaged in the mercantile trade for about six years ; thence to Montgomery Co., where he bought a farm, which he cultivated, residing there up to the present time ; they are parents of twelve children, six of whom are now living ; those deceased are John, James, Ira, Thomas, Joseph and Amanda ; the living - Margaret, William Newton, Mary, Enos, Harriet and Mahlon. Enos, the subject of our sketch, remained with his parents until after his majority, when, on the 13th of June, 1867, he was united in marriage with Rebecca Weybright, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Kinsey) Weybright, who were both born in Ohio ; by this union they have had eight children, viz., Elizabeth, Ada (now deceased), Elmer G., Ira W. (deceased), Alice, Gertrude, Hattie Bell, Maggie May, Almira and Leroy ; Mr. Shellabarger, after his marriage, moved from Montgomery Co. to Miami Co., and located upon the farm on which he now resides ; he has 109 acres of good land, mostty in cultivation ; has made many improvements, remodeled his barn, and now has very good buildings, comfortable and convenient, making him a nice and pleasant home ; he is a member of the German Baptist Church.

RICHARD W. SHIPLEY, butcher, Piqua ; born in Maryland Dec. 7, 1811 ; is a son of Yachel and Mary (Leeke) Shipley, who were born in Maryland ; they had twelve children, of whom three are now living - Columbus I. (living on Agricultural farm, near Washington, Md.), Rebecca (married to John Thompson, living thirty-live miles from Baltimore), and Mr. Shipley, our subject, who lived with his father till 18 years of age, when he went to learn the butcher trade with Isaiah Mercer, at Ellicott's Mills, Md. ; there he remained two years. Aug. 1, 1833, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of William and Ellen (Botomly) Westerman, by whom he has had twelve children, six of whom are now living - Francis M. (born June 2, 1835), Richard W., Yachel R., Mary E., Joshua W. and Lucy M., all married and settled in life, and all living in and near Piqua, except Francis and Lucy, the former living in Xenia, and the latter in Jamestown, Ohio ; Mr. Shipley, after his marriage, or in 1834, came to Ohio, and located in Springfield, where he followed his trade till 1842, when he moved to Piqua, and there opened out in his trade, where he has remained ever since in the same business, thus making the almost or quite unprecedented record of one who has followed the butcher business continuously for half a century. Mr. Shipley is an active member of the M. E. Church, dating his membership back to 1828, thus showing a Christian life of over half a century ; has been class-leader and steward for thirty-two years, and was trustee for several years ; Mr. Shipley is a strong advocate of temperance ; has raised all his children to manhood, and to this time has never known one of them to go into a saloon and take a drink of liquor in their lives. In this sketch of Mr. Shiple}7 we have manifested a continuity of mind, fixedness of purpose and an integrity of character rarely witnessed, and perhaps more rarely among those of his trade and line of business.

JOHN SIIRODES, retired, Piqua; was born in Jefferson Co., Va., in 1817, where he procured his education in the common schools ; in 1833, he emigrated to Fairfield Co., Ohio, where he engaged in farming until 1850, at which time he came to Greene Co. His marriage was celebrated in Fairfield Co., Ohio, in 1834, with Barbara Dessells, wThose death occurred in her native county (Fairfield) ; the issue of this union were two children - John W. and Emanuel, deceased. On March 15, 1877, he married, for his second w'ife, Hannah I., widow of the late Col. Foster, of Piqua ; he was born in Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, Feb. 10, 1821; his early education was acquired in the common schools ; the prime part of his manhood days was devoted to the blacksmith's trade, from which he retired, after several toilsome years, and began the study of law ; this he pursued, perusing the pages of the best authors ; through industry and intellect, he rose to the eminence of a leading attorney. About 1845, he came to Miami Co., locating in Piqua ; after becoming a citizen of the same, he held the most prominent offices of this county ; in the fall of 1861, he entered the United States service as Lieutenant Colonel, where he soon rose to Colonel, which position ill health necessitated him to resign, at the end of eighteen months, and return home ; his illness, contracted while in service, graduall}7 wore him down to the last days of his life, which ended, Feb. 28, 1873, the earthly career of a lo}ral and noble man. Mrs. Shrodes was born in Warren Co., Ohio, Aug. 11, 1823, and is a daughter of Samuel and Hannah I. (Clevenger) Chamberlin, both natives of New Jersey, and died in Lebanon - she in 1851, and he in 1863.

CHARLES W. SIMON, proprietor of Border City Hotel, Piqua, which is one of the needed enterprises of every town and city ; in this business he has been favorably known since 1875. Our subject, born in Piqua in April, 1847, is a son of J. C. and Barbara A. Simons ; there he grew to manhood, and, during his minority, he enjoyed the schools of Piqua to a medium degree ; at the age of 19 years, he opened a restaurant in the Pan Handle depot, in which he met with fair success, and followed until the opening of his present business. In November, 1871, he married Mary L. Kohler, who was born and raised in this city, being five years the junior of C. W. ; they have one daughter - Caroline D., born Dec. 25, 1879.

RICHARD SLAUSON, grain merchant and capitalist, Piqua. Among the business men of Piqua, who deserve more than a passing notice, is Mr. Slauson ; he is a native of Connecticut, born in 1825 ; his parents removed to New York State when he was a lad ; his father was a farmer, but he was schooled to business from the age of 14 years ; he married, in 1846, Miss Maria II. Rexford, and, in 1847, they came to Piqua, where he engaged in the dry-goods trade until 1851, when, on account of his health, he retired from that business, and operated in different ways until 1857, when he became a member of the firm of Farrington & Slauson, grain dealers ; the firm is now' also interested in the oil- mill of Wood, Farrington & Co. ; their business is perhaps the most extensive of any firm in Piqua ; Mr. Slauson has been one of the important business men of Piqua for more than thirty years, and is a respected, useful Christian citizen ; his residence, on the southwest corner of High and Downing streets, is surrounded by a spacious yard, and is one of the handsomest residence properties in the city. Mrs. Slauson died in 1818, leaving one child - a son.

HENRY SMITHMAN, farmer; P. O. Piqua; is a son of Henry, Sr., and Charlotte Smithman, both natives of Germany, where both passed away, he, in 1826, and she about 1843. Our subject was born in Germany in 1816, and raised to village life ; there he procured a good German education ; in 1834, he emigrated to the United States, first locating in Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the iron furnace four years ; at the expiration of this period, he commenced farming, buying and selling land ; this he continued until 1865, when he came to Miami Co., locating in Spring Creek Township ; a few changes have since been made, and he now owns 36 acres in Miami Co., of which the part on which he resides lies in Fourth Ward of Piqua. Nov. 5, 1840 (in Pennsylvania), he married Agnes Wagner, of Germany, born, March 7, 1819 ; eleven children have been born to them, of whom seven are now living, viz. : William, John, Edward, Mary, Lydia, Agnes and Henry.

J. H. H. SPIKER, livery, Piqua ; was born in Alleghany Co., Md., August, 1830, where he grew to the age of 18 years, of which a part was town life ; having access to good schools, he acquired a fair education ; in 1848, he went to Virginia, where he was variously engaged for seven years ; in 1855, he came to Piqua, where he opened a carriage factory, buying and selling horses ; four years later, he sold a part of his interest, and opened the stable he now is operating ; in 1860, sold the last interest in the carriage works, which are now known as the " Spiker Wagon Works ; " his attention has since been devoted to every part of a firstclass livery-stable, and he continues to buy and sell horses ; his ability for his present occupation has awarded him fair success. In July, 1850, in Virginia, he married Eliza McCarthy, a native of the same State (Virginia) ; her death occurred about 1873 ; the fruits of this union are Ella, Elizabeth, Callie, Annetta and John ; Mr. Spiker married for his second wife Elizabeth Painter, of Miami Co., a native of New York.

W. S. and S. K. STATLER, farmers ; P. 0. Piqua ; are the sons of George and Elizabeth (Knoop) Statler ; their father was born in Dauphin Co., Penn., in 1798, and came to Miami Co., Ohio, with his parents about 1804 ; their mother was born in Miami Co. in 1806, and was married in 1829 ; they had four children, all now living, viz.: James W., who is married, and settled in Van Buren, Ark. ; Will Sabin, who is single and lives on the home farm ; Harriet also lives at home with her brother Sabin and is unmarried ; and Samuel K., married to Clara E. Kinsman, and lives also on the home farm, and are parents of one child, viz., Lizzie K. ; George and Elizabeth, the parents, were among the very early settlers of the county ; opening out right in the wilderness ; living in the old log cabin for years, and by dint of hard labor, industry and economy, clearing up the farm, and making improvements as time and means would permit ; before their death they were in the possession of three good farms of 160 acres each, with good buildings and everything needed for comfort and convenience ; she died in 1871, and he in 1873, having fulfilled their mission well and leaving a goodly portion of this world's goods for their children to enjoy, without the hardships and deprivations which their parents had to endure. Elizabeth's brother, Jacob Knoop, was the first white child born in the county, Nov. 30, 1798; Samuel K., is the Land Appraiser for Washington Township, having been elected to fill that office last October ; William S., and Harriet his sister, are members of the Presbyterian Church, in Piqua. his membership dating back about five years, and hers about eighteen years.

D. C. STATLER, farmer and stone merchant ; P. 0. Piqua ; is the son of Christopher and Frances Statler, and grandson of Christopher Statler, who was one of the early pioneers of Miami Co., settling here in about 1801, and died in 1824. Christopher, the father, was born in Pennsylvania probably about 1787, and emigrated with his father to Ohio when he was quite young ; the grandfather was a native of Switzerland. The father, Christopher, was united in marriage with Frances Winans, May 27, 1810 ; she was born in 1791 ; they had thirteen children, of whom four are now living ; in this early da}7 there were but few settlers scattered here and therethrough the county ; Piqua at that time was all in the "bush," there being then only two houses in the town with shingle roofs ; one, a store kept by Armstrong Brandon, the other a tavern kept by a man by the name of Ewing ; the Indians were very numerous at that time, but were generally friendly, still they gave the people much anxiety, and caused them to keep heavy locks and bolts upon their doors ; during the war of 1812, some of the Indians joined with the British, and committed several murders ; a man by the name of Dilbone and his wife were killed by them, living about four miles east of Statler's farm ; and another man by the name of Gerard, about four miles south ; Mother Statler remembers distinctly all these events ; they endured all the hardships and deprivations of such pioneer life ; there were then no churches, but occasionally the Methodist circutit preachers would come around and hold services in some of the settlers' houses ; they carded and spun their own wool, made their own clothes, etc.; were happy and contented, much more so than those of the present day, surrounded with all the comforts and even luxuries that heart need desire ; thus, as time and improvements advance, the ways and modes of living, and desires of the people are constantly changing ; what is now so fine and superb to us, may 100 years hence be far excelled by the people of future age; Mother Statler joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Jersey, in 1808, having been a faithful and firm adherent to the faith for seventy-two years, thus showing a duration of active Christian life almost or quite unprecedented in the annals of the church ; most certainly in the last great day, she will have a crown of rejoicing. D. C. Statler, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage with Jerusha Smith in 1849 ; daughter of Oliver and Ruth Smith, of Dayton, Ohio ; they had seven children, of whom five are now living ; Mr. Statler resides on the old home farm, with whom his aged mother, now 89 years old, lives ; they have all the comforts and conveniencies of life, on the same place where the mother endured so many hardships in early life, but now she can pass the remainder of her days in quiet, peace and happiness, in the care of her loved and devoted children.

JAMES STARRETT, retired, Piqua ; Mr. Starrett, one of the old residents of Piqua, was born in Clark Co., in 1813 ; came, when a boy, with his parents to Shelby Co., where his father died in 1829 ; in 1831, he came to Piqua to learn the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he afterward worked in different places ; while in New York he went on a whaling expedition, which occupied about two years, and during which he witnessed some exciting scenes and was conscious of some narrow escapes ; in 1839, he engaged in the dry-goods trade in Piqua, but, being unfortunate in the choice of a partner, soon sold out ; in 1845, he engaged in the drug trade, Judge Mitchell being his partner ; he continued in the business about fifteen years, then became a partner with Wm. W. Wood in the grocery trade, and also conducted a cooper establishment ; in 1863, he sold out here and removed to Indianapolis, where he was a member of the firm of Sawyer & Co., wholesale grocers, until 1866, when he returned to Piqua, and has resided here since, living a quiet, retired life. Mr. Starrett has been identified with the history of Piqua for a halfcentury, and is now one of its substantial citizens ; his residence, situated on the southwest corner of Caldwell and Ash streets, is a substantial, commodious building, which, by its surroundings and furnishings, indicates culture and comfort. He married, in 1840, Elizabeth J., daughter of John K. McFarland, who was a pioneer of Lost Creek Township, and owned carding and fulling mills, also a saw-mill on Lost Creek ; afterward, became a resident of Troy, and was a leading and influential man in his day ; Mrs. Starrett is a native of Miami Co., one of a large family reared in the early days of our county history, and remembers well when her father's carding machine took the place of the old-fashioned hand cards, and now views with pleasure the comforts of modern improvements.

JOSEPH C. TEMPLETON, retired, Piqua; born in Newberry Township, Miami Co., Dec. 25, 1811 ; is a son of Lemuel and Elizabeth Templeton, both natives of Franklin Co., Penn., where they married ; in the same year that Joseph was born they emigrated to Ohio, locating in the unbroken forest of Newberry Township, where they took their farm to a good state of improvement and cultivation ; Lemuel died Oct. 6, 1836, and Elizabeth July 9, 1842 ; their children were eight in number - Sarah, deceased ; Joseph C., Mary A., Eliza J.. Maria. James, deceased ; Beulah and Malinda. Our subject was raised to farm life and obtained his education in the common schools of Miami Co. ; he remained at home assisting his father until 1839, when he started in life for himself ; twelve years later, he purchased his present farm of 172 acres, in Newberry Township, which he cultivated until 1 865, when he removed from the farm to his present dwelling on Chestnut street, Piqua ; there he is comfortably situated, where he and his younger sister are enjoying a quiet and undisturbed home.

A. J. TEMPLETON, farmer ; P. 0. Piqua ; born in Newberry Township, Miami Co., Ohio, in 1833 ; is the son of David and Eliza (Davis) Templeton, who were both born in Pennsylvania ; came to this couiity and located in Newberry Township, in 1814, about the close of the war of 1812, where they lived and died, he dying in 1858, and she in 1857. The grandparents on the father's side, came from Ireland, and on the mother's side from Scotland. Mr. Templeton remained with his parents till their death, when the home place was sold, and he bought the farm upon which he now resides, which was in the spring of 1862. He was married in the fall of 1856 to Nancy J. Darner, daughter of Jacob Darner, who was a native of Maryland ; by this union they had four children, viz., William L., Charles D., Sallie (deceased) and Harry Edgar. William, the eldest, is now in Covington, this county, studying the profession of medicine, the others are living at home. Mr. Templeton has a good farm of 80 acres, which he has greatly improved since he purchased it, and has erected all the buildings except the house, now having a very pleasant and comfortable home ; he has given great attention to the education of his children, the oldest, as stated above, taking the profession of a physician. He is a member of the Christian Church.

AUGUSTUS THOM A, jeweler, Piqua. Mr. Thoma, a native of Germany, was born in Baden in 1819 ; came to the United States in 1832 ; learned his trade in New York, and worked there several years. In 1838, his health not being very good, he took a trip West for recreation, and was so well pleased with the prospects of this Western country, that he concluded to make it his home, and has been a resident of Piqua ever since. He worked as "jour" for Reimund Wilman a short time, then bought him out, and, following the Franklin maxim, " The shop keep him who keeps a shop," he has attended closely to his trade and business in connection, and has been successful, and is now one of the substantial and respected citizens of Piqua, connected with some of the important industrial enterprises lately inaugurated here. His store is located at 197 Main street, where he keeps a fine stock of jewelry and silver- ware, and, being a practical workman of long experience. he does a large business in repairs, and also manufactures jewelers' tools. His Residence is a part of the store-building, and has been his place of residence since 1845. He married, in 1840, Wilhelmina Sauerman, a native of Hanover, Germany, and, at the time of her marriage, a resident of Piqua ; both she and her husband were orphans from early youth ; they have two sons and one daughter living - A. F., who is traveling and selling jewelers' tools and materials ; Albin, who is also engaged in the business with his father and brother, and Caroline, a young lady at home.

JAMES P. TURK, farmer; P. 0. Piqua; born in the State of New York, in 1810, is the son of James and Rachel Turk, both of whom were born in New Jersey ; the great-grandfather came from Holland ; the mother's ancestry were among the Huguenots who were driven out from Rochelle, France, on account of their religious belief ; the parents lived and died in the State of New York ; they were the parents of seven children, viz., James P.,Mary, William, now deceased, Ann, Elizabeth, Ellen and Oscar. Mr. Turk, the subject of our sketch, was united in marriage with Hester Merritt, daughter of Nathaniel and Elizabeth Merritt ; by this union they have had eleven children viz., Mary, Joseph, deceased, William, Nathaniel, deceased, James, Margaret, Charles, deceased, and four others dying in infancy ; Hester, the mother, died Aug. 2, 1879, aged 71 years. Mr. Turk moved from New York State to Ft. Wayne, Ind., November, 1842, where he lived till September, 1849, when he came to this county and located on the farm where he now resides ; he has a farm consisting of 166 acres, mostly in cultivation. His son James works the farm, and Mr. Turk gives the most of his attention to dealing in stock. He is, and always has been, a great advocate in the cause of education, and has taken a great interest in the schools by his own support and advocacy of good teachers and good schools.