Washington Township (part 10 of 21)

Jacob Urich

Jacob Urich is a well-known agriculturist of Gratis township, and the success which he has achieved is the merited reward of his own labors. He has worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles in his path by determined purpose. His resolute spirit has enabled him to advance steadily, and to-day he is one of the most substantial citizens of the commu-

Mr. Urich claims Ohio as the state of his nativity, for his birth occurred in Montgomery county, on the yth of May, 1851. His father, John Urich, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, July 12, 1819, and the grandfather, Christian Urich, and the great-grandfather of our subject, were both natives of France, having been born in Strasburg, Alsace Lorraine, which is now a part of Germany. The paternal grandfather of our subject married a Miss Houts, whose father was a large distiller and the son-in-law engaged in business with the elder man. Coming to America, he followed the same pursuit and took the products of his still by team to Philadelphia, whence he brought back merchandise. In 1833 he left the Keystone state, removing to Ohio. He was accompanied by his wife and four children, and after their arrival in the Buckeye state the family circle was increased by the birth of another child. The record is as follows: John was the father of our subject. Elizabeth became the wife of John Eagle, now an octogenarian. She died in Montgomery county, at the age of seventy-seven years. The third of the family was a daughter who died in early life. Lydia became the wife of Mr. Gottshall, farmer of Montgomery county. Jonathan also carried on farming in Montgomery county. The grandfather of our subject died in 1878, and his wife survived him for six years, passing away at the advanced age of eighty-three.

John Urich accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio and was actively identified with the work of developing a pioneer farm. Having attained man's estate he wedded Mary Shade, a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. She was born January 22, 1822, and their wedding was celebrated in Ohio in 1843. They lived for one year upon the old Urich homestead and then took up their abode in Jackson township, Montgomery county, but in 1883 removed to Gratis township, Preble county. Their old farm of seventy acres in the former county is now owned by the mother of our subject, who lives in Preble county with Jacob Urich, her only son. She also had but one daughter, Mary, who became the wife of Henry Rumbarger and died in 1870. She had two children, who died in infancy. Mr. Urich, the father of our subject, passed away on the 14th of August, 1888. He began life without property, but by industry and economy secured some capital which he invested judiciously. To his first purchase he added from time to time and ultimately became the owner of seven hundred acres in Montgomery and Preble counties. His capable management, his untiring industry and his thrift secured to him marked success, and he was widely known as a most enterprising and progressive agriculturist. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.

Jacob Urich, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the common-school system for the educational privileges which lie enjoyed. He remained upon the home farm in Montgomery county and assisted his father in its cultivation and improvement. He was married in 1883 to Miss Alice Bear, who died in 1885, leaving an infant son, John, who died when eight months old. On January 24, 1899, Mr. Urich was again married, his second union being with Miss Caroline Prugh, of Indiana, a daughter of Abner and Nancy (Matthews) Prugh.

Her mother died about 1885, leaving eight children, five sons and three daughters. The father is still living and yet resides upon the old homestead farm.

Mr. Urich is successfully carrying on agricultural pursuits and for twenty-five years has made a specialty of the raising of tobacco, planting from sixty-five to seventy acres to that crop. It had proved a very paying one, and in order to better continue his labors along that line Mr. Urich has erected six large' tobacco sheds. The sales of that plant annually brings to him from four to six thousand dollars. The first purchase which the father made in Preble county was a tract of one hundred and thirty-five acres, upon which was a brick house and mill. In June, 1888, he bought an adjoining farm -of three hundred and eighteen acres, upon which was a brick residence and also a frame house. Later he built a large barn here. Mr. Urich has inherited much of this property and is now operating in all six farms, -aggregating over eleven hundred acres. He raises about five thousand bushels of wheat annually and now has a like amount on hand -in his own warehouse. He has never made a specialty of stock-raising. His corn crop is from ten to' twenty thousand bushels annually. Mr. Urich is the largest landowner in his township, and his farming interests, carried on on an extensive scale, have brought to him a handsome financial return. He also loans money on farming property. His political support is given the -Republican party and he is a member of the Lutheran church. His life has been one of great activity and his widely recognized ability has brought to him splendid success. He has a very wide acquaintance in this section of the state and his honesty in all trade transactions, his reliability in

Clement V. Wilkinson

One of the most progressive of the younger representatives of the agricultural interests of Preble county is Clement V. 1 "Wilkinson, who was born in Dixon township, on the 6th of April, 1864. He belongs to one of the pioneer families of the state. His paternal grandfather, Gideon Wilkinson, was a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came to the | Buckeye state in 1808, locating in Butler | county, where he purchased a tract of land ! from a Mr. Covait. It was located in Riley I township, and was unimproved, but with characteristic energy he cleared and developed it and thereon made his home until * his death, becoming one of the substantial citizens of the community. He owned also | three quarter-sections of land in Franklin county, Indiana. He married Abigail Warren, a native of New Jersey and a daughter of Joseph Warren, who was a slaveholder in the early days when it was customary to keep negroes in bondage.

Elisha Wilkinson, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Butler county, Ohio, De- ' cember 27, 1816, was reared upon his fath- j er's farm, and in 1836 was married to Miss Rachel Hand. The only child of that mar- I riage is now deceased. After the death of the wife in 1838 Mr. Wilkinson was again i married, Miss Rebecca Hazeltine becoming : his wife in 1840. She was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and a daughter of 1 Ross well and Wealthy (Fenton) Hazeltine, the former a native of Massachusetts and i the latter of New York. She was a sister of one of New York's governors. After his marriage Mr. Hazeltine purchased a small farm near College Hill, Ohio, and later removed to Butler county. Some years later he took up his residence in Oxford, Ohio, where he made his home until called to his final rest.

After his marriage Elisha Wilkinson located on a farm of one hundred acres in Franklin county, Indiana, given him by his father. It was a tract of timber, but he cleared ' away the trees and continued the cultivation of the fields until 1856, when he sold the property and came to the farm now owned by his son - a tract of two hundred and twenty acres - to which he afterward added by additional purchases at various times, fifty acres, one hundred and thirty acres and sixteen acres, making his landed possessions aggregate four hundred and sixteen acres. This he subsequently deeded to his children. In addition to farming he purchased and sold live stock and found this a profitable source of income. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and in former years served for some time as a school director. He is one of the well known men of the county, and through the long years of his residence here has ever commanded the esteem and confidence of his fellow men. He has now passed the eighty-fourth mile stone on life's journey, and has retained his mental and physical faculties almost unimpaired until recently, when his eyesight failed. Of his ten children, five are yet living: Thomas J., of Eaton; Roswell H., of Camden, Ohio; Franklin P., a farmer of Dixon township; Daniel V., who is also engaged in agricultural pursuits in Dixon township, and Clement V.

indebted to the common school sjltem for the educational privileges he received. On attaining his majority he took charge of the old homestead, operating it on the shares. This he continued until the time of his marriage, which was celebrated June 11, 1891, Miss Hettie V. Lamb becoming his wife. She is a native of Union county, Indiana, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Leonard) Lamb. Her father was horn in Wayne county, Indiana, March 9, 1838, and in now a prominent farmer of Gasper township, Preble county. He came here in 1882 and purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land. His parents were Joseph Boone and Jeanette (Mustard) Lamb, the former an own cousin of Daniel Boone, while the latter was a native of Scotland. William Lamb first married Jane Starr, and after her death wedded Sarah Leonard, who was born in Union county, Indiana, August 18, 1850, a daughter of Jefferson and Eliza (Marshall) Leonard, the former a native of New Jersey. They were farming people.

After his marriage Mr. Wilkinson continued the operation of the old home farm, which he cultivated on the shares, until 1895, when he purchased the home place of eightytwo acres, devoting his energies entirely to the improvement and cultivation of the place, and he is regarded as one of the most practical and progressive agriculturists of his community. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson has been blessed with one daughter, Mabel I., who was born May 11, 1892. In his political views Mr. Wilkinson is a Democrat, but is not a strict partisan ; and though he supports the men and measures of the Democracy at state and national elections, he often votes irrespective of party at local elections where no national issue is involved.

John H. Blackford

Rev. John H. Blackford, an honored and highly respected citizen of Eldorado, is a native of Preble county, born in New Westville, Jackson township, April n, 1843, and on the paternal side is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, Reuben Blackford, was born in New Jersey, in 1786, and on leaving that state went to New York, but at an early day came to Butler county, Ohio, where he continued to make his home until his death, November 4, 1859. By occupation he was a farmer.

Jeremiah Blackford, the father of our subject, was born in Butler county, June 23, 1815, and came to Preble county about 1838. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that business in Orangeburg and Westville. In religious belief he was a Methodist. He died January 24, 1880. In early manhood he married Sarah Ann Kennedy, who was born in Jefferson township, Preble county, August 14, 1820, and died at the ago of thirty-four years. Her father, Robert Kennedy, was a native of Ireland, who came to America when a young man.

Our subject is the third in order of birth and second son in a family of nine children. He was reared in his native place and began his education in the public schools. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching in the schools of this county, and continued to follow that pursuit until 1866, when he turned his attention to farming, his time being devoted to that occupation until 1871. During the latter year he entered the ministry of the Universalist church and was ordained two years later. Pie continued to engage in preaching until 1899, since which time he has practically lived retired, having no regular pastorate, though occasionally filling different pulpits. He located upon his present farm in 1874, and has since devoted a part of his time to its management.

On the 8th of October, 1865, Mr. Blackford was united in marriage with Miss Julia [ A. Kesler, who was born in Monroe township, Preble county, November 30, 1840, a 1 daughter of Jacob and Susan (Blackford) Kesler. Her father also was born in Preble county, of German descent, while her mother , was a native of Warren county, this state, and was a child of three years when brought to this county. Her maternal grandfather, Jeremiah K. Blackford, was born in 1791, while his parents were removing from New Jersey to Kentucky, and in 1896 removed with them to Warren county, Ohio. In 1820 he came to Preble county and located [; in Monroe township, where he took up gov- i eminent land and improved a farm, making | it his home until his death. His first home > here was a log house, which in 1831 was replaced by a good brick residence, which is still standing. He, too, was of Scotch descent. The wife of our subject is the younger of two children, and was reared on the old [ homestead in Monroe township.

October 17, 1866, is a graduate of the National Normal at Lebanon, and the Divinity School at Tufts College, at Boston, Massachusetts, and is now the pastor of the Walnut Hills church at Cincinnati. He is I married and has one child, Ralph Ellis, born | in Monson, Massachusetts. Lenore, born June 26, 1868, is a graduate of the Eldorado schools, and for four terms has taught in ; this county. She resides at home. Rev. Frank, born January 31, 1870, is a graduate of the Lebanon Normal and Tufts

Divinity School, and is now the pastor of the Universalist church at Mason, Ohio. Grace, born January 21, 1873, is the wife of William L. Ricketts, who is engaged in the manufacturing business in Monson, Massachusetts. She, too, is a graduate of the Eldorado schools. Charley, born July 24, 1875, died at the age of four years. George, born June 10, 1881, was educated at the National Normal at Lebanon, Ohio, and is now a student at the Homeopathic Medical College at Cincinnati.

Mr. Blackford is a member of the Grange and is justly regarded as one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community, ever ready to give his support to any enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. He is a strong temperance man and an ardent supporter of the Prohibition party, taking quite an active and prominent part in its work. Originally he was a Democrat in politics, and in 1868 was the candidate of that party for representative. In 1875 his name appeared on the Prohibition ticket as candidate for the state senate, for congress in 1886, and for clerk of the superior courts in 1883. His life has been exemplary in all respect, and he merits and receives the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

A large patronage indicates Dr. Beane's standing in professional circles, for as a physician and surgeon at Eldorado he is well and favorably known. He was born in Twin township, Preble county, on the 3d of October, 1851, and represents one of the early families of the community, his father and grandfather having been identified with the development of this section of the state from pioneer days. The Beane family is of Dutch lineage. Henry Beane, the grandfather, was born in the Keystone state, whence he removed to Virginia and thence to Preble county, this state, about 1820. His son, Samuel Beane, the Doctor's father, was born in Virginia, about 1810, and when ten years of age came to Ohio. Here he was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and later he became actively connected with the agricultural interests, following farming throughout his life. At the end of an active and useful career he passed away at the age of seventy-one. He had married Miss Sarah Mills, a native of New Jersey, who came to Montgomery county, Ohio, with her father, Joshua Mills. She, too, was reared in the Buckeye state and died at the age of eighty-two. On the maternal side the Doctor is of Scotch and Irish lineage. He belonged to a family of fourteen children, but five died in infancy and only six, three sons and three daughters, are now living.

The Doctor was the thirteenth in the family and the youngest son. He was reared in Twin township and began his education in the district schools, after which he continued his studies in Lebanon, Ohio. Subsequently he was a student in the normal school at Medina and was graduated in 1875. Later he engaged in teaching for two terms, but desiring to make the practice of medicine his life work, he began preparation for that calling at the age of twenty-three, pursuing a course in the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati and was graduatd in 1881, but began practice three years before his graduation. He has since been numbered among the representatives of the medical fraternity in Preble county and is now the oldest practicing physician in Monroe township in years of continuous connection with the profes- sion. He is a member of the State Eclectic Medical Society of Ohio and does all in his power to perfect himself in his chosen calling, realizing its importance and responsibility.

The Doctor was married in Twin township, in 1879, to Miss Ida Shaw, a native of that township, and they became the parents of one son, Carl Wye, whose birth occurred August 12, 1882. He attended the schools in Eldorado and ' was graduated in 1900. The mother died July 24, 1893, and Dr. Beam was again married July 7, 1895, his second union being with Miss Ella Potterf, a native- of Illinois, who came to Preble county during her childhood. In his political affiliations the Doctor is an independent, being no partisan. He holds membership in the Universalist church of Eldorado, is one of its trustees and has served as clerk of the church. His manner is ever courteous and kindly, qualities which promote his success in a professional way. His life has been one of industry and benevolence and the systematic and honorable business methods which he has followed have won for him the support and confidence of his fellow men.

John L. Swain

John Linsey Swain was born on a farm where he yet resides, his birth having occurred on the 25th of April, 1834. For more than six decades, therefore, he has been a witness of the growth and development and has taken deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community, giving his support to all measures which he believes to be of public good. His father was Ira Swain, his grandfather Jacob Swain ; the latter was a native of Pennsylvania, and the former of Ohio. The latter brought his family to the Buckeye state at an early day and became a farmer of Jackson township, Preble county. Ira Swain was then a boy, and amidst the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared, experiencing all the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life as well as the pleasures that were common at that day. He became a farmer and industriously managed his business affairs so that they brought to him a good financial return. He married Miss Jane Shidler, daughter of George Shidler, one of the early settlers of the county and a pioneer minister of the Christian church. Mr. and Mrs. Swain became the parents of twelve children, of whom four are now living, namely: Violetta, widow of Jacob Baker, of Indiana; John Linsey; Jacob, who makes his home in Kansas, and Elizabeth, wife of John Vorhees, of Marion, Indiana. The parents of this family were long consistent and faithful members of the Christian church | and for many years Mr. Swain served as deacon. He died in 1875 and his wife f passed away in 1849.

John Linsey Swain, whose name intro- i duces this review, worked on the farm dur- ; ing the summer months, following the plow and later assisting in harvesting the crops. When the work of the fields was practically over for the year, he pursued his education in the schools near his home. He started out in life on his own account with only seven hundred dollars, but in 1862 he became the possessor of the old homestead, his property now comprising three hundred and eighty-three acres - one hundred and twenty acres in the old home farm, one hundred acres in another tract, eighty-three acres in a third tract and eighty acres in his fourth farm. His life has been one of industry and enterprise and lbs untiring labor has brought to him splendid success. His property is very valuable and the income therefrom enables him to live retired, his sons operating his land.

Mr. Swain was married on the 19th of November, 1857, to Miss Sarah Hapner, daughter of John Hapner, one of the pioneers of Preble county. They became the parents of five children, of whom four are now living, namely: George B., a resident of Eaton ; Hernandez, who wedded Dora Mitchell and is living near the old homestead; Ira E., a resident of Kansas, and Martin, who is also living in Washington township. Mr. Swain is a member of the Christian church and his life is in harmony with his professions. Elis career has been characterized by honesty in all business dealings and by honor in every public and private relation. Throughout a residence of almost three score years and ten in the county he has become widely known, and that his life has been well spent is indicated by the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his earliest years. His prosperity is not the result of fortunate circumstances, but has come as the logical sequence of earnest labor continued through many long years.

David F. Heaton

David F. Heaton was an active participant in the wonderful and amazing progress of the state of Ohio for a period of more than sixty years. He was a citizen of Preble county from 1816 to 1836, a period of twenty years.

and came to Ohio and opened a tailor shop at Franklinton, about 1812. He had not long resided at that place, however, when he was. offered a position on the staff of General Duncan McArthur, the commander of troops, called into the service of the United States during the war of 1812, and upon the close of that war Mr. Heaton located at Lebanon, Ohio. Here he engaged in the study of law, and was admitted to the bar in 1816. Locating at Eaton, he began the practice of his profession and soon arose to prominence.

In 1817 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, and, by appointment or election, held this position for eight or ten years. In 1824 Mr. Heaton was elected a member of the state senate of Ohio, from the district comprising Preble county and all the counties on the north of it to the Michigan line. Three years later he was elected to the house of representatives, from Preble county, and in 1828 was re-elected to the senate, and was re-elected again in 1830, thus servingsix years in the senate and one year in the house of representatives of the Ohio legislature. He bore a prominent part in politics, was an ardent admirer and supporter of Henry Clay and of the Whig party, and later of the Republican party.

In 1836 he removed to Washington citv and thereafter, until 1845, was in the employ of the general government, holding a clerkship in the land office department. In 1845 Mr. Heaton located at Portsmouth, Ohio, and there resumed the practice of law. In Portsmouth his death occurred, in 1 87 r .

He was twice married, for his first wife choosing Miss Celia Coggswell, who lived less than a year after her marriage ; and his second wife's maiden name was Maria Shannon.

Theodore Brower

Theodore Brower, a well-known stockman of Preble county, claims Indiana as the state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Warren, Huntington county, on the 1 2th of October, 1851. He was one of a family of eleven children born unto Christopher and Mary (Bloomfield) Brower. The family is of German lineage. David Brower, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Saxony to America in early manhood, and from Virginia removed to Ohio in 1800, taking up his abode in Montgomery county, where he lived until 1 81 1. Pie then came to Preble county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 29, Washington township, where lie developed a farm, making for his family a good home.

Christopher Brower, the father of our subject, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio. July 31, 1808, and was reared on the old family homestead in Washington township, Preble county. He assisted his father in the distillation of spirits, the latter conducting a distillery in connection with the operation of his farm. Christopher also learned the carpenter's trade, and after his marriage removed to Eaton, where he engaged in merchandising until 1840, and then he removed to Warren, Indiana, where he resided for eighteen years, engaged in contracting and building. During that time lie also served for sixteen years as a justice of the peace, and was recognized as one of the leading and influential men of the locality. About 1858 he returned to Preble county and took care of his wife's parents, living on their farm on section 30, Washington township. Three years later he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres on section 36, Jackson township, where he made his home until his removal to Eaton, in 1877. There lie resided until after his wife's death, when lie went to live with his sen, Theodore.

O11 the 1 6th of August 1831, Mr. Brower was united in marriage to Mary Bloomfield, a daughter of John and Susan (Hopkins) Bloomfield, of Washington township, Preble county. She was born there February 13, 1815, and was therefore numbered among the honored pioneer women of this section of the state. She witnessed almost the entire growth and development of the county, and with her people shared in the hardships and trials of frontier life. Her death occurred at her home in Eaton, September 11, 1898, and Mr. Brower passed away at the home of his son Theodore, July 24, 1899, when almost ninety-one years of age. In his early life he had experiened the hardships and difficulties which fall to the- lot of those who seek to make a home on the frontier, and during that period he developed habits of industry, economy and honesty which proved to him of great value in later years, enabling him to acquire a handsome competence. He was a man of domestic tastes and his residence possessed a real spirit of home, being a place of rest, pleasure and shelter. Six of the children of the family are still living, namely : Syrina, the wife of Marshall Kilander, a shoe merchant of Winamac, Indiana; Judith, the wife of James R. Bennett, who is living retired in Bluffton, Indiana; Milton, a retired farmer, whose home is in Morrisville, Missouri; Melissa, the wife of Wesley Maddock, a retired farmer of Oakley, Kansas; Susan A., the wife of Joshua Williamson, a carpenter of Noblesville, Indiana; and Theodore.

The last named spent his youth in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period. He attended the common schools, aided in the labors of the field and meadow and enjoyed the sports in which boys of the time engaged. On attaining his majority he assumed the management of the home farm, and about four years after his father's removal to Eaton he purchased the homestead, which he still owns. Immediately afterward he began buying and shipping stock on a small scale, but as the years passed by he extended his labors in that direction, his business assuming considerable magnitude, constantly increasing in volume and importance. In order to secure better shipping facilities he rented his farm in 1889 and moved to his present home at New Hope Station, in order to give his entire attention to the stock business. His purchase, sales and shipments are extensive and his business is profitable. In 1893 he was made one of the employes of the Union Stock Yards at Chicago and filled that position until the summer of 1894, when he returned to his home in New Hope Station and again assumed business on his own account as a stock dealer.

On the 9th of February, 1874, Mr. Brower married Alice Eidson, a native of Olney, Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas and Rachel (Foutz) Eidson. They had two children, one of whom is living, Le Roy, now engaged in the cigar business in Eaton, Ohio. On the first day of August, 1896, Mr. Brower was again married, his second union being with Miss Anna Wise, a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and a daughter of August and Thresa (Luebkert) Wise. They have one son, Hugo.

and at various times has served as delegate to the county and state conventions. He is one of the well known residents of Preble county, where he has long resided. Long and actively connected with the agricultural and stock dealing interests of community, he has become widely known in business circles and his straightforward methods have ever commanded the confidence and support of the public.

John Acton

John Acton was born in Maryland, October 23, 1781, and died in Eaton, Ohio, July 26, 1849, cholera. In Rockbridge county, Virginia, he married Nancy Buchanan, a native of Virginia, born October 31, I773- She died in Eaton, January 31, 1855. This worthy couple, with their three children, came to Eaton in 1816, and here Mr. Acton immediately opened a small shop and began making hats. He was a good hatter and prospered, continuing in the business many years and suspending it only a short time before his death. It has been recorded of him that he was a very hardworking man, frugal and prudent. However, he was open-hearted and liberal, and in every sense a respected and valued citizen. Though not a member of any church, he gave of his means toward the support of church, school and every public measure tending to public benefit. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian church and was a woman of sterling qualities.

In politics Mr. Acton was a Democrat, though never an aspirant for office. However, not long before his death he was honored with the appointment by the governor to the office of associate judge of the Preble county court of common pleas. To him and his wife were born three children, namely: Mary R., who married Samuel Robinson; Isabella H., who became the wife of S. H. Hubbell ; and John P. Acton, of whom personal mention is here given.

John P. Acton

John P. Acton was the son of John and Nancy (Buchanan) Acton. He was born September 4, 1812, and was but four years of age when his parents located in Eaton. He had little schooling, because of failing eyesight, in part, and then, too, he very early developed a condition of usefulness in his father's shop. Learning the hatter's trade, his father placed him very early in charge of the shop, his father turning his attention to other affairs and only retaining an interest in the business. The younger Acton did not remain in the hat business long, however, for from 1836 to 1843 ^ie was en~ gaged in the grocery business ; and during a portion of this time he was associated with his brother-in-law, S. H. Hubbell, as a partner. Disposing of his grocery interests, Mr. Acton engaged in the business of buying and selling and manufacturing lumber, a business which occupied his attention for many years thereafter. He was a successful business man, and the independence to which he attained financially was reached by the slow, sure, laborious process of legitimate business. Many other enterprises than the lumber industry received a share of his attention and activity. I11 1872 he was one of four men who established the Preble County Bank. For many years be was a very influential promoter of public improvements, doing much toward giving Preble county its railroads and turnpikes. During his long career in business, such was bis spirit of enterprise that he left his name indelibly stamped upon the pages of the county's history. He was a man of unusual ability, and his business sagacity, energy and integrity won for him an enviable reputation. Plis life was characterized by qualities of kindness and benevolence.

May 16, 1841, he married Burthenia M. Stephens, and to them six children were born, namely: John Thomas, Nancy Margaret, Harvey H., Joseph W., Mary Isabella and Elizabeth Ann. Mrs. Acton was a daughter of John and Margaret Stephens, who came to Preble county in 1817,. from Bourbon county, Kentucky, and located near Eaton. They were among the early settlers of the county and were highly respected. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a native of Kentucky, while his wife was a native of Maryland.

John Risinger

John Risinger, one of the best-known and most successful lawyers of Preble county, was born and reared in this county. February 9,' 1856, he was born on a farm near Eaton. His parents, Allen and Caroline (Hart) Risinger, were also born in Preble county. His father, a farmer, died in 1863, when our subject was but seven years of age. His widowed mother remained on the farm and her son was brought up to farm work. Tie had no brothers and but one' sister, who is now Mrs. Anna Lander.

In the public schools young Risinger received his first scholastic training. He then entered Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio, and at this institution graduated in 1877.

He began the study of law in Eaton, in a law office, and was admitted to the bar in 1878. Going to Kokomo, Indiana, he began there his professional career. Two years later, on account of failing health, he left Kokomo and returned to Preble county, where for four years thereafter he was engaged in farming. In 1884 Mr. Risinger resumed the practice of the law in Eaton, and has steadily advanced to the fore in his profession. In 1887 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the county, and reelected in 1890, and held the office two terms, making for himself a splendid record as a prosecutor. He has always been active in politics, the men and measures of the Republican party receiving his unqualified support.

He has served as the chairman of the county Republican central committee, ancl has done effectual campaign work both as a speaker and organizer. In 1888 he was a delegate to the national Republican convention, held at Chicago. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

In 1878 Mr. Risinger married Miss Mattie S. Brouse, of Preble county. Their only child, a daughter, is now Mrs. Mabel Schneider, and with her husband, Philip Schneider, Jr., resides in Richmond, Indiana.

John P. Banicerd

1 he record of Mr. Bankerd is that of a man who hy his own unaided efforts has worked his way upward to a position among the substantial men of the community in which he lives. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and tbe systematic and honorable methods he has followed have won him the support and confidence of many. Pie is now successfully engaged in

Mr. Bankerd was born January 30, 1849, in Carroll county, Maryland, of which his father, Abraham Bankerd, was also a native. It was in 1856 that the latter brought his family to Preble county, Ohio, and located at West Sonora, Harrison township, where he conducted a hotel for many years and also engaged in farming. He was a member of the Lhiited Brethren church, and died in that faith near Georgetown, Miami county, at the age of seventy-five years. He was three times married, his second wife being Susan Masonhamer, also a native of Maryland, by whom he had five children, but of these our subject is the only one now living, the others having died when young. The mother died at the age of seventy-two. Her father, Peter Masonhamer, is supposed to have been a native of Maryland and the son of a German emigrant, who came to this country when a young man and spent the remainder of his life as a farmer in Maryland. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Our suhject's paternal grandfather was a lifelong resident of Carroll county, Maryland, and a farmer by occupation, while his father, also a native of Germany, was an early settler of Maryland and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, the ancestors of our subject being well represented in the early wars of this country.

John P. Bankerd was only seven years of age on the removal of the family to Preble county, Ohio, where he was educated in the district schools. On the 2d of May, 1S64, although only fifteen years of age, he enlisted in the one-hundred-day service in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio National Guard, and re-enlisted in Sep- tember, 1864, as a private of Company K, One Hundred and Seventy-ninth Ohio V olunteer Infantry. He served until the war ended, being honorably discharged in July, 1865. He was dispatch-carrier for General John F. Miller, who became United States senator from California, and died in Washington, D. C.

After his return home Mr. Bankerd engaged in farming in Harrison township for a time and later turned his attention to the manufacture of tile at West Sonora for two years, after which he was interested in the tinware and peddling business for three years. He next opened a grocery store in West Sonora which he conducted twelve years, and in 1891 came to Euphemia, where he has since successfully engaged in general merchandising. Besides his village property he owns a good farm of eighty acres on section 15, Harrison township, well improved and highly cultivated.

On the 6th of November, 1870, Mr. Bankerd married Miss Matilda Blackford, who is the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, live of whom are still living, their parents being David and Sarah Ann (Bottles) Blackford. Mrs. Bankerd was born in Montgomery county, but reared in Miami county, Ohio. Our subject and his wife have four children : Anna is the wife of George F. McAlley, an attorney of Baker City, Oregon, and they have one child, John Henry. Howard R. is president of the Cookman Institute, at Jacksonville, Florida. Both he and Mrs. McAlley are graduates of the Ohio Normal University, of Ada, Ohio. Mary is deceased. John A. Logan, the youngest, is attending school in Euphemia.

been a delegate to state and county conventions of his party. Socially he is an honored member of Post No. 622, G. A. R., of which he was commander two years, and also belongs to Libanus Lodge, No. 80, F.

A. M., of Lewisburg. He is efficiently serving as postmaster of Euphemia, and has always faithfully discharged every trust reposed in him, whether public or private, thus winning the commendation of all concerned.

Levi G. Gould

Levi G. Gould, the editor of the Eaton Democrat, was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, December 17, 1831. He was a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Rice) Gould, both natives of the Keystone state. He was one of thirteen children, and, his parents being poor, our subject was obliged to support himself from a very early date in life. His educational advantages were only such as he could make for himself under the circumstances, and were poor enough. When a boy thirteen years of age he began to learn the printer's trade. The printing office afforded him opportunity for gaining a practical education, and, applying himself closely, he both learned the printer's trade and obtained such fundamental information of a general character as well fitted him for what has been his life pursuit in the main, that of newspaper publishing.

In April, 1850, Mr. Gould, then aged eighteen, came to Eaton and was employed for about two years in the office of the Eaton Democrat, then under control of his brother, W. C. Gould. He afterward purchased the Lebanon (Ohio) Citizen, and in 1855 traded offices with his brother, thus becoming proprietor of the Eaton Democrat, which he at present owns and publishes. In 1858 Mr.

Gould retired from the Democrat, and for twelve years was engaged unsuccessfully in mercantile business and in speculating. In 1870 he again became identified with the Democrat, which has since then had the benefit of his constant attention and with good results. In the newspaper business Mr. Gould has been successful, being well and favorably known throughout all of Preble county.

The subject of this review was married January 15, 1855, to Emily, a daughter of Cornelius Van Ausdal, Eaton's pioneer merchant. Two daughters were the result of this marriage - Edith L. and Mary V. Gould. The latter is the wife of C. F. Brooke, Jr., of Eaton.

John Wright

The fitting reward of a well-spent life* is an honorable retirement from labor, and after many years' connection with the agricultural interests of Preble county Mr. Wright is now enjoying a well earned rest at his pleasant home in College Corner. He was born in Somers township, Preble county, April 24, 1824. His father was born in the north of Ireland, in 1788, and when only three years of age was brought to America by his parents, John and Jeanette (Orr) Wright. The father was born on the Emerald Isle, in 1764, and was a farmer in limited circumstances. He had two sons, John and James, who at his death were left to the care of the widow. In 1807 the little family removed from South Carolina to Ohio, locating in Butler county, near the boundary line of Preble county. Two years later they purchased and located upon an adjoining farm in this county. The father of our subject was thus reared to agricultural pursuits and after attaining man's estate he wedded Margaret Cook, who was born in Pennsylvania, about 1801, and died in 1878, in her seventy-seventh year. Their marriage, which occurred in 1821, was blessed with five children: John, whose name introduces this review; James R., who died at the age of six months ; James C., who died at the age of thirty-two years, leaving a widow and one son, who was left an orphan two years later, and is now a business man in College Corner; William, who is living on the old homestead farm in Somers township; and Eliza Jane, the wife of James Jeffers, of Butler county, Ohio. The father of these children was called to his final rest in 1854.

John Wright is indebted to the commonschool system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He assisted in the operation-of the home farm through the years of his minority, and he gained a practical experience which enabled him to successfully carry on business for himself in later years. In October, 1847, he married Miss Isabella H. Ramsey, who died twenty months later, and on the 9th of October, 1850, he wedded Martha J. Johnston, of Israel township, a daughter of William and Eliza Johnston. They began their domestic life upon a farm of eighty acres, to which Mr. Wright added from time to time until he owned there two hundred and fifty-six acres. He still has in his possession two hundred and six acres of that farm, the rental therefrom bringing to him a good income. He successfully managed his property, his industry and untiring perseverance being indicated by the way in which he added to the eighty-acre tract of timber land that he had inherited from his father. His fields were well tilled and all of the improvements and accessories of a model farm were there found. He raised good stock and kept everything upon his place in a neat and orderly condition. There he remained until 1896, when, having acquired a handsome competence, he took up his abode in College Corner, havingerected there a pleasant residence on the Indiana side of the town.

farmer of Israel township who is married and has four living children; John C., who died at the age of nine months; a son who died in infancy; Margaret E., who is at home and relieves her parents of much of the care of the household; William T., who died at the age of seventeen years; Elmer J., who died at the age of sixteen months ; Oliver McLeod, who is operating the home farm, where he is living with his wife and five children, three sons and two daughters; and Enros Cooper, who also lives on a portion of the home farm with his wife and one son. Mr. John Wright and his wife celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding on October 9, 1900.

Mr. Wright has given all of his sons farms, thus enabling them to gain a start in life. He has also provided his children with excellent educational privileges, realizing the value of advanced education as a preparation for life's practical and responsible duties. His early privileges in that direction were such as were afforded in a log school building, with its bench seats, crude writing desks and oiled-paper windows, and the methods of instruction were little better than the furnishing. Mr. Wright, however, was endowed by nature with strong mentality, and his broad experience in the practical affairs of life made him a well informed man. He is a Republican in his political views, and for several terms served as township trustee of Israel township. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church, and both Mr. and Mrs. Wright are people of sterling worth who deserve the rest which is now vouchsafed them in their pleasant home at College Corner.

James Alexander Gilmore

An able advocate before a jury, logical in presenting his cases before the court, and distinguished as a speaker, Hon. James Alexander Gilmore, of Eaton, has long since held high rank in the legal profession of Ohio.

Eli Gilmore, was a native of Virginia, who removed from that state to Preble county in 1825. The Gilmore family is of Scotch- Irish lineage. The mother of our subject f was Clarissa Mosby Clayton, a sister of Alexander M. Clayton, who for many years was the presiding judge of the high court of errors and appeals of the state of Mississippi. ,

After obtaining a rudimentary education in the public schools, he began the study of law, at the age of eighteen, in the law office of his brother, William J. Gilmore. During the time he studied law at Eaton he did considerable clerical work in the various county offices. In 1854 Mr. Gilmore entered the Cincinnati law school, where he graduated in 1855, and was admitted to the bar by the district court of Butler county on the day after he had attained the age of twenty-one. He commenced the practice of law at Eaton, in association with his brother, but in 1858 went to Greencastle, Indiana, and opened a

In the fall of 1861 Mr. Gilmore enlisted in the Forty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for service in the war to suppress the rebellion. Soon after his regiment was mustered into service, he was detailed in the quartermaster's department, where he served during the term of his enlistment, three years. His regiment was one of the first to enter Memphis. Afterward the command went to Helena, Arkansas, thence to Little Rock, Camden, etc., remaining, however, most of the time at Little Rock. Upon the expiration of the term of his enlistment he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864, and soon thereafter he re-enlisted in the Ninety-first Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, one of the regiments forming the Twenty-third Army Corps, and with this command he went to North Carolina. He was again detailed from his regiment and served his time principally in the judge-advocate's department. A part of the time, however, he was a clerk under Captain Phineas R. Minor in the commissary department.

After his discharge in 1865, at the close of the war, Mr. Gilmore spent a year in the west, and then returned to his old home in Eaton, and here formed a partnership with Judge J. V. Campbell, again taking up the practice of law. About 1870 he went to Hamilton and practiced for two years, and then again returned to Eaton, where he has since resided. In the spring of 1879 he was elected an additional judge of the court of common pleas, an office he held for one term. He has gained an enviable reputation in the legal profession. He has a strong analytical mind, is a strong argumentative speaker and of marked ability to state a legal proposition in torse terms. His the author of Gilmore's Probate Practice, a standard work used extensively in Ohio, which was first issued in 1884, and again in 1890 in a second edition.

Judge Gilmore has long been prominent in political circles. He is a stanch Democrat and has done much active work for the party. He has been frequently a member of the county central committee and has attended many political conventions and done much efficient speaking in political campaigns. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and a Knight .of Pythias.

While practicing law at Greencastle, in 1859, Mr. Gilmore was first married, choosing Miss Lizzie Applegate, who died while he was serving in the army during the civil war, leaving one son, Clayton A. Gilmore. In 1869 he married for his second wife Miss Ada M. Hendricks, a daughter of General George D. Hendricks. Unto this marriage were born the following children : Anna, now Mrs. William Ford; Lida, now Mrs. Don Dickson; Grace, Allen, James, Joseph and Hugh R.

James E. Paxton

James E. Paxton is engaged in blacksmithing in College Corner and is an enterprising young business man whose industry is bringing to him creditable success. He was born thirty-two years ago on the old Paxton farm, the date of his birth being May 22, 1868. His father, Alexander Paxton, was born in Israel township, Preble county, in April, 1826, and Jonathan Paxton, the grandfather of our subject, was the founder of the family in this locality. He was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1777, and in 1793 emigrated to Virginia, whence he came to Ohio, taking up Iris abode in Columbus. About 1800 he came to Preble county. He was married in 1795, when eighteen years of age, to Nancy Gilmore, of Rockbridge county, Virginia, and they had seventeen children, namely: Robert, William, Patsy, James, Thomas, Eli, Madison, Jonathan, Rachel, Sarah, Sabina, Sina, Mary, Eliza, Alexander, Nancy and Samuel. Of these Robert G. and William G. were born in Virginia, and the latter died in Mercer county, Illinois. There were sixty-three grandchildren and in the winter of 1852 there were five deaths in the family from typhoid fever, the parents and three of their daughters passing away.

Alexander Paxton, the father of our subject, was reared to manhood upon the old family homestead in Preble county and was married in 1844 to Rosanna Wilson, of Israel township, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Roche) Wilson, both natives of South Carolina, whence they came to Preble county about 1821. They had nine children, one of whom died in early life in South Carolina. The other eight were born in Ohio. James became a soldier in the civil war and was killed while on picket duty at Dallas, Georgia, where his remains were interred. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Paxton, was David Wilson, who was born in Pennsylvania and died at the age of ninety years in Florida, to which state he removed from South Carolina. He was married at the age of nineteen to Mary Sturgess, who was of Scotch lineage, and they had three sons and a daughter.

Alexander Paxton and his wife were married in 1848 and located upon the old Paxton farm, comprising two hundred and fifty-two acres. In 1856 Alexander and his brother Jonathan became joint owners of the property, for which they paid ten thousand dollars. In 1858, however, the former purchased the old homestead upon which his widow now resides, becoming owner of one hundred and twenty acres of rich land, which he transformed into a valuable farm. Upon these two farms the eight children of the family were all born: Mary Narcissa is the wife of John C. Herron, of Kansas City, and they have five children; David B., a merchant of Blackton, Iowa, married Martha Smith : John Wilson, a resident of Fayetteville, Indiana, wedded Melissa Brown and has four children; Nancy Catherine is the wife of Dr. George T. Gregg, of Sullivan, Ohio ; Sarah Parmelia died in infancy; Sina McCandless is the wife of John W. Graham, a farmer of Israel township, and has five children ; Cora resides with her mother upon the old home farm; and James Emery is the- youngest of the family and the subject of this review.

The last named was married October 11, 1833, to Miss Eva C. McOuiston, a daughter of William and Mary (Bonner) McOuiston. Their union has been blessed with two children, Glenn P. and Martha.

Ira Fudge

Deeply engraved on the pages of pioneer history of Preble county is the name of Fudge, for the family of which our subject is a representative has long resided in this section of the state and has borne an important part in the substantial development ancl material improvement of the county.

Ira Fudge was born January 31, 1851, in Lanier township, on a farm adjoining his present home. Many years before that his grandfather, Jacob Fudge, had taken up his abode in this county. He was a native of

Rockingham county, Virginia, and was born December 26, 1779. His father died when he, Jacob, was only three years 'of age, leaving a widow with two little sons - Jacob and David. She, however, again married and the family removed to Kentucky, where they resided until Jacob was fourteen years of age. In the year 1793 they emigrated to the wilds of Warren county, Ohio, locating where Lebanon, the county seat, is now situated. In 1799 they settled on Clear creek, near Springboro, in the same county, and a few years later Jacob and his brother, having attained the adult age, started out in life for themselves. They made their way through the forests to what is now Lanier township, Preble county, and purchased five hundred acres of land on Twin creek, on sections 34 and 35. This tract is now owned and occupied by Jacob Urich and Ira Fudge, of this review, and is as rich and fertile a portion as can be found in any part of the state. When the purchase was made, Jacob Fudge went to Cincinnati to make payment and receive the patent for the land, transacting his business in the upper story of a log building. The city at that time was a small village on the very outskirts of civilization. Mr. Fudge then refused an offer of real estate that would have proven a most valuable investment in the course of time, but he preferred his broad acres in the woods on Twin creek to property in the little village. Later he exchanged land with his brother until he became the owner of the entire fivehundred-acre tract. A large part of this land was overllowed nearly every year and he built a large and expensive levee which protects much of it. He was one of the organizers of Preble county and its first sheriff, l ie did not, however, seek or desire office - in other interests. He possessed a retiring disposition, but was industrious and systematic, paying close attention to his own business, and this application, guided by sound judgment, formed the secret of his success. His school privileges were meager, but he was a man of strong intellectuality and good judgment and was most successful in the conduct of his business affairs. In his religious belief he was in accord with the Universalist faith.

Mr. Fudge was married November 14, 1810, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Gasper Potterf, who was a pioneer of Gasper township, which was named in his honor. Mrs. Fudge was born February 10, 1790, in Rockingham county, Virginia, and after their marriage was installed mistress of the little log cabin home, which stood upon a hill, until about 1810. In 1819, however, her husband erected a brick residence, which V'as torn down by her son Jacob about 1879, the brick being used in the construction of the new residence at the foot of the hill. The grandfather of our subject died March 27, 1863, at the advanced age of eighty-three years, but his widow survived him until the 3d of February, 1869, when she, too, was called to the home beyond. Their thirteen children all reached mature years and were married with one exception, and there were about seventy grandchildren.

Franklin N. Fudge, one of the children, was the father of our subject. Plaving arrived at years of maturity, he married Miss Susanna Mar key, the wedding taking place on the 30th of September, 1849. She was born in Frederick county, Maryland, August 5, 1830, and when seven years of age was brought to Preble county. Franklin Fudge, however, was a native of this county, his birth having occurred in Lanier township, whose name introduces this review ; Ada, born May 9, 1852, and is the wife of J. W. Kinsey, a farmer of Lanier township; Eliza Ann, who was born June 27, 1854, and became the wife of V. J. Drayer, whom she left with three children at her death on the 3d of June, 1893; Nancy, who is the wife of Id. C. Butterbaugh, of Clay township, Montgomery county, by whom he had six children, four yet living; Samuel, a farmer of West Alexandria, who has had five children, four of whom survive; Laura Elizabeth, who married Daniel Ulrich, of Lanier township, by whom she has eight children ; Amos, who is living on the home farm; and Susanna, the wife of Lorin Brubaker, of Lanier township, by whom she has two children. The father of these children died February 6, 1896, but the mother is still living and is yet active in body and mind.

Ira Fudge received fair educational privileges in the public schools and was reared to the work of the home farm, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields until twenty-four years of age. He has always made farming his life work and is to-day the owner of a very valuable property, consisting of two hundred and twenty-eight acres of choice farming land and forty acres of timber land. In 1885 he erected a beautiful and commodious brick residence, and the other improvements upon the place are in keeping with his home. He built an extensive barn, sixty-four by forty-nine feet, with eighteen-foot posts, and thus secured ample shelter for grain and stock. His residence is octagonal and is surrounded by a beautiful lawn and shade trees. There are two fine fruit orchards and fertile fields under a high state of cultivation. He spares no effort or expense to make his home as good as any in this fertile section and has indeed an attractive and valuable property. He raises corn and wheat and also makes a specialty of the cultivation of tobacco, raising annually fifteen acres of that crop. He breeds polled Durham cattle and thoroughbred horses and sells considerable stock. He also raises and sells about forty Poland China hogs annually and much of his stock could be registered.

On the 31st of March, 1875, Mr. Fudge was married to Miss Ella K. Clark, of Montgomery county, Ohio, who was born October 26, 1853, a daughter of Jesse F. ! and Nancy (Halderman) Clark. The father [ died in November, 1857, leaving a wife and , one son and one daughter. The mother is j still living, at the age of sixty-eight years, j and has ever remained true to the memory ; of her husband, making her home with our 1 subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Fudge have been born four children : Edna S., who is the !

wife of M. M. Brubaker, of Winchester; Ada N., who is a student in the Winchester ! high school and is pursuing a musical education; one daughter who died in infancy; and Jesse L., a comely boy of thirteen years , who is a diligent student in the public ; schools.

Mr. Fudge is a Democrat and has been a 4 township trustee for three years. He has [ also been a member of the school board for twelve years and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He gives his j support to every measure which he believes j would prove of public benefit and his worth as a man and citizen is widely acknowledged.

Amos Fudge

Amos Fudge is one of the young representatives of the agricultural interests of Preble county. He was born June 22, 1868, on the farm where he yet resides in Lanier township and is a representative of one of the early families of the county. When this section of the state was just being opened up to civilization Jacob and David Fudge came to the county and took an active part in laying the foundation for its present prosperity and progress. Jacob Fudge, the grandfather of our subject, was the father of thirteen children.

Franklin N. Fudge, the father of our subject, was bora December 15, 1826, on the farm adjoining that upon which his son Amos now makes his home. He was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, was trained to habits of industry and economy and became a representative agriculturist of his community. He married Susanna Markey, whose parents were Amos and Jane (Eby) Markey. Mr. and Mrs. Fudge took up their abode upon a farm adjoining the old homestead and in 1854 he began clearing the land upon which Amos Fudge now resides, locating thereon in the spring of 1855.

Amos Fudge obtained his education in Winchester and has always lived upon the farm which is now his home. Under the direction of his father, who was an energetic and successful farmer, he became a practical and enterprising agriculturist. The father built two large barns, one forty-four by seventy-six feet and the other forty-eight by fifty-two feet, and Mr. Fudge, of this review, has added other buildings to the place, including large tobacco sheds. In connection with his brother he is extensively and successfully engaged in the cultivation of tobacco. His farm comprises two hundred and ninety-six acres, for he has added eighty-two acres to the old home property. He raises also considerable stock, including some pure-blooded Durhams and Southdown sheep. His farm is one of the finest in the entire community and a glance at the place indicates the owner to be a man of marked enterprise and thrift. Not only is he regarded as one of the most capable representatives of agricultural interests but is also a well-known and reliable business man whose efforts have been extended to other interests. He is a charter member of the Winchester Telephone Association and one of its directors.

On the 30th of March, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fudge and Miss Mary Meyer, of Lanier township, a daughter of J. H. and Ellen Meyer. Mr. and Mrs. Fudge have lost an infant daughter. They have three living daughters : Susie Catherine, Grace Anna and Doratha. The family is one of prominence in the community, the parents having the warm regard of many friends. Mr. Fudge is a Democrat in his political faith, yet is not strictly partisan. He has never sought office or desired political preferment, giving his time and attention largely to his business affairs, in which he has met with gratifying success. As a leading and influential citizen and a man of sterling worth, he well deserves representation in this volume.

Margaret Smith

As a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the Buckeye state, and as being herself worthy of all distinction through her identification with the early history of Preble county, and with the annals of later development and marked prosperity, it is certainly incumbent that in this work there be accorded a .review of the life of the venerable lady whose name appears above.

On the old homestead where she resided up to the time of her death, Miss Smith was born, on the 16th of February, 1828, being the daughter of Jacob and Martha (Evans) Smith, to whom six children were born, the subject of this sketch outliving all the others of the family. The father was a native of either Pennsylvania or Virginia and was born on the 23d of March, 1777, being the son of Samuel and Rachel Smith.

Jacob Smith grew up under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of the farm, and in the course of time assumed individual responsibilities and began the practical work of life. He was twice married, his first union having been with Miss Sarah Spencer, daughter of Nathan and Hannah Spencer, and the young couple began their wedded life in Loudoun county, Virginia, where they carried on farming operations. Of this marriage. there were born seven children, all of whom are now deceased. Mirs. Smith was summoned into eternal rest on the 25th of May, 1815, and subsequently Mr. Smith wedded Miss Martha Evans, the mother of the lady whose name introduces this article. They shortly afterward removed to Belmont county, Ohio, later taking up their abode in Wayne county, Indiana, whence they eventually came to Preble county and settled on the farm which is now occupied by their daughter, in Jackson township. Here the father of our subject effected the purchase of two hundred acres of land, which he reclaimed and placed under effective cultivation, holding precedence as one of the influential men of the county and as one whose integrity in all the relations of life was beyond peradventure. From that early pioneer epoch until the present day, representative of advanced methods and electrical progress, the old homestead has remained in the Smith family, and it is but consistent that she who owned and occupied it until the present year should be held in the highest esteem and affection in the community where her entire life was passed, a life filled with usefulness and kindly deeds.

Jacob Smith resided on the old homestead until death released him from his labors, venerable in years and in the fullness of honors won as a man worthy of the con- , fidence and high regard of his fellow men. j In his political adherency Mr. Smith was an ardent supporter of the Republican party \ and its principles, being zealous in the ad- f vocacy of the abolition of the institution of human slavery in our fair land, but he did 1 not live to see this object accomplished or to witness the glorious victory of the Union arms, perpetuating the integrity of the na- j tion. His death occurred on the last day of January, 1859, in the eighty-second year of his age.

Martha (Evans) Smith, the mother of the immediate subject of this review, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 3d of February, 1784, the daughter of Richard and Phoebe Evans. Her father was a miller by trade and occupation, owning and operating a grist and saw mill in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, for many years, and there passing the closing years of his busy and useful life. The mother of our subject lived to attain the venerable age of eightysix years, her death occurring on the 3d of August, 1870.

Margaret Smith, to whom this review is dedicated, was reared on the old homestead in Jackson township, acquiring her education in the common schools. After the death of the father the family was comprised of the widowed mother and our subject and her two brothers, Seth and Elisha, all of whom remained on the homestead. Seth passed away on the 25th of September, 1877, and on the 25th of October, 1881, Elisha also died, leaving a widow, Mary Ann, who is now the wife of William Ray.

Thus left as the only survivor of the family, Miss Smith continued until her demise to abide on the old farm, so endeared and hallowed by the associations of the past, and in the community her friends are in number as her acquaintances. She conducted the business of the farm with signal ability and discrimination. Miss Smith was a devoted member of the Hicksite church, in whose work and collateral charities she maintained a lively interest. She was deserving of all honor as a worthy representative of the pioneer stock which played so important a part in the development of this favored section of the Buckeye state. She passed away May 20, 1900.

James McDill is the owner of a valuable tract of bottom land along Four Mile creek, the farm being situated on section 33, Israel township. His entire life has been passed in Preble county and he is therefore widely known to its settlers. In consequence he needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for his career has been an honorable and upright one and has gained him the confidence and good will of a large circle of friends. Idis birth occurred on the 29th of December, 1819, on section 28, Israel township, one mile east of his present home. His father, Hugh McDill, was born in Appleby district. South Carolina, and the grandfather, David McDill, was a native of the Emerald Isle, whence he was brought to America by his parents when about nine years of age. His father was Thomas Mc- Dill, a man of considerable means, who took up his abode in South Carolina and there spent his remaining days. He died December 4, 1791, at the age of sixtynine years, and was laid to rest in a cemetery of that state. His wife died in the same state, in 1827, in her eighty-seventh year. Their son, David McDill, was reared to manhood in South Carolina and there married I sabel McQuiston. They became the parents of six children: Thomas; David; Peggy, the wife of James Faris; John, Hugh and Archibald. The father of these children was one of the heroes of the Revolution who fought the Tories in South Carolina. The family was originally of Scotch origin, but on account of the encroachment of the Catholics in Ireland emigrated to South Carolina. On account of slavery they left that state and removed to the north. The grandfather owned several quarter-sections of land in Ohio, and the different members of the family had usually been well-to-do and substantial citizens.

Hugh McDill, the father of our subject, was born in South Carolina, December 9, 1794 and in 1806, when twelve years of age, came to the Buckeye state with a colony of McIDills, McQuistons and Elliotts. These people organized an Associate Reformed church and the first meeting was held in David McDill's barn ; but a hewed-log church was soon erected. Hugh McDill was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life and married Drusilla Brown, the wedding taking place in March, 1819. They had eight children - four sons and four daughters - but three of the daughters died in early childhood. Caroline, the remaining daughter, became the wife of Jacob Cooper and died soon afterward, leaving one daughter. William, one of the sons of the family, died at the age of four years. The surviving children are: Tames; David, who is one of the professors in the Theological Seminary at Xenia, Ohio ; and John, a physician at Camp Grove, Illinois. The father of these children died in 1873, anc^ his widow in 1879.

James McDill, their eldest child, obtained a liberal education and afterward engaged in teaching in the common schools, following that profession through the winter months. He was married October 3, 1844, to Miss Agnes T. Paxton, who was born in Israel township, in 1825, a daughter of Robert and Mary (McDill) Paxton. They were distant cousins. Mr. Paxton was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, in 1799, and his wife was born in 1800. In 1818 they emigrated from the Old Dominion to Preble county, Ohio, locating on section 18, Israel township. The father served as justice of the peace from 1840 to 1846, inclusive, and was a prominent and influential citizen at an early day, exercising a strong influence on public affairs. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McDill have resided upon the farm which is now their home, with the exception of two years spent in College Corner. Here Mr. McDill owns one hundred and ninetytwo acres of land, constituting a very valuable property. He raises corn and wheat.

and has a large drove of hogs, but for some time past he has made the raising of cattle more a specialty. All that he has he has acquired through his own efforts, as the result of his untiring industry and perseverance. Each year he has added somewhat to his capital, save the year when the cholera carried off so many of his hogs. During the war he sold one thousand bushels of corn for a dollar per bushel. At one time he determined to leave the farm and erected a good residence in College Corner, but after two vears his wife decided that she preferred the old homestead, where so many happy years had been passed and which had become endeared to them through many; associations.

It was upon this farm that they reared their children. William, their eldest child, died in 1848, at the age of two years. John, horn January 28, 1847, died September 24, 1893. Hugh, born May 3, 1849, is now at home, but was formerly in Colorado, where he occupied the position of state superintendent of the fisheries. He is a graduate of Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois. Samuel Newton, born November 5, 1851, went from Clifton, Illinois, to Columbus, Nebraska, and there died on the 3d of January, 1890. Mary Jane is the wife of Clinton Douglas, of Chicago, and has two daughters and two sons and also lost two children.

Mr. McDill was in early life a Whig, casting his first presidential vote for the candidate of that party in 1844. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has since been one of its stalwart advocates. He has served as county commissioner for three years, but bas never been an office-seeker, preferring that his time and attention shall be g.ven to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable and gratifying success. Untiring labor has been the secret of his prosperity and his life | should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who are forced to start upon their business career without capital or the aid of influential friends.

Hon. William J. Gilmore

Hon. William James Gilmore was born in Liberty, Bedford county, Virginia, April 2, 1821. The family of which he was a representative is of Scotch-Irish lineage, and in early colonial days was established in Virginia. His parents were Dr. Eli Gilmore and Clarissa Mosby (Clayton) Gilmore, natives of Virginia. His father was an able physician, and with his family settled in Israel township, Preble county, in 1825, at which time the subject of this review was but four years of age. After obtaining such rudimentary education as was at that early day afforded by the pioneer teachers in the log-cabin schoolhouse, he attended Westfield and Hopewell Academies. Determining to make the practice of law his life work, Mr. Gilmore began the study of law in the office of Thomas Milikin, a lawyer of Hamilton, Ohio. Later he was a student in the law office of Hawkins Brothers, of Eaton, and in 1847 was admitted to the bar. After his admission he formed a partnership with Colonel Thomas Moore, and commenced the practice of his profession in Hamilton. A year later, this partnership being dissolved, he removed to' Eaton and opened an office, and in 1849 formed a partnership with J. S. Hawkins, which continued until that gentleman's death in 1852. In that year he was elected prosecuting attorney for Preble county, and was re-elected to the same office in 1854. In the year 1857 Mr. Gilmore was appointed to fill an unexpired term as judge of the court of common pleas, and having served out the term resumed the practice of his profession, in partnership with Judge J. V. Campbell, with whom he remained associated until 1866, when Judge Gilmore was elected to the common pleas bench, to which he was re-elected in 1871. In 1874 he was elected a judge of the supreme court of 'Ohio, serving for a term of six years. On the expiration of that period he established himself in Columbus, where he resided until his death, which occurred August 9, 1896.

He was one of the strongest legal minds ever upon the supreme bench of the state, and his written opinions are still quoted among the best that have ever been produced. A man of unimpeachable character, of unusual intellectual endowment, with a thorough understanding of the law, patience, urbanity and industry, Judge Gilmore took to the bench the very highest qualifications for these most responsible offices of the state government, and his record as a judge was in harmony with his record as a man and lawyer, distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem that was presented for solution. He was much interested in the Historical Society, and for a number of years, under different governors, served as a trustee of the Ohio Plistorical and Archaeological Society. From 1871 until the time of his death he w'as a trustee of Miami University, and the cause of education found in him a warm friend whose strong influence made his labors very effective in its behalf. He was one of the organizers of the Ohio State Bar Association, and served as its president in 1886-7. He was remarkable among lawyers for his wide research and provident care with which he prepared his cases, and his marked ability in the line of his profession won him high honors, which were well merited. Of the Scotch-Irish Society of America he was a valued member, and was also an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Templar degree. In manner he was very genial and kindly, and always approachable. These qualities, together with his broad knowledge, made him a very companionable gentleman and one whose circle of friends was limited only by the circle of his extensive acquaintance. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and the fact that he was elected to office in a strongly Republican county speaks much for his popularity among his. fellow citizens.

He was, moreover, a man of domestic tastes, finding his greatest enjoyment in the pleasures of his own fireside. He was a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and of splendid intellectual attainments, and, though he won honors in public life, he possessed those sterling traits of character which inspired strong personal friendships.

On the /th of September, 1848, William James Gilmore and Miss Sarah Ann Rossman were united in marriage. Their union was blessed by the birth of two sons, namely : Jackson H. and Clement R. Gilmore. Mrs. Gilmore's death occurred in 1885, the Judge surviving her eleven years.

Jackson H. Gilmore

Jackson H. Gilmore, the eldest son of Judge William J. Gilmore, was born in Eaton, Ohio, March 4, 1850, and was educated at Miami University, studied law in the University of Virginia, and graduated at the Cincinnati Law School. Upon the certificate of the latter institution he was admitted to the bar in the district court of Cincinnati in 1875, and commercial practice in that city, but owing to failing health he was soon compelled to give up the practice and go to Colorado, where he spent about two years, and then returned to his home in Eaton, very much improved in health. Later he was associated in the practice of law with his father in Columbus. His death occurred October 24, 1880.

Clement R. Gilmore

Clement R. Gilmore, the only survivor of Judge William J. Gilmore's family, was born in the city of Eaton, September 12, 1858. His elementary education having been acquired in the public schools, he afterward pursued his literary course in the Wooster Universitv, of Ohio. He entered upon his business career in the employment of the Panhandle Radroad Company, and later was in the state insurance department at Columbus. After his mother's death he became a student in his father's law office, was admitted to the bar in 1888, and then continued in practice with Judge Gilmore in Columbus until the father's death. Our subject remained a member of the bar of the capital city until 1898, when, on account of his wife's failing health, he went to California. In the fall of the same year, however, he returned to Ohio and entered into partnership relations with his uncle, Judge James A. Gilmore, at Eaton.

On the 29th of October, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gilmore and Miss Ellen Gardner, a daughter of Mayor G. W. Gardner, of Cleveland, Ohio. Three chil-

Gardner, William Stevens and Rosanne. Mr. Gilmore is a member of the Congregational church at Columbus, and belongs to one of the college societies. His many social qualities have made him popular both in professional and private circles, and at the bar he has obtained an enviable position. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has a remarkable power of concentration and application, and his retentive mind has often excited the surprise of his professional colleagues. As an orator he stands high, especially in the discussion of legal matters before the court, where his comprehensive knowledge of the law is manifest, ancl his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquirements. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made him one of the most successful attorneys in Preble county.

Alfred Augustus Lovett, M. D., of Eaton, was born August 14, 1849, near Colerain, Hamilton county, Ohio. His parents were William Taylor Lovett and Eliza Ann (Larrison) Lovett. His father was born in Leicestershire, England, in 1808, came to the United States when a young man, drifted to Cincinnati, and married Eliza Ann Larrison, who was born near Cincinnati, in 181 1. The name Lovett is of English origin, the family bearing the name being one of the oldest of England. The Larrisons are of German lineage, and the mother of our subject possessed that strongwill power and force of character peculiar to the German people. She was a woman of sterling qualities and remarkable memory, especially for events, dates and faces. William Taylor Lovett was a man of deep convictions, firmness of character and high moral nature. He led an industrious, useful and upright life. Farming was his life pursuit. When the subject of this review was less than one year old, his parents removed to Franklin county, Indiana, and located on a farm near Brookville, and here they remained for sixteen years, at the close of which they removed to Oxford, Ohio, where the father lived retired from active business affairs until his death, which occurred in the year 1878. His wife survived him several years. Her death occurred in 1893. This worthy couple spent their lives mostly in farming, and by means of their industry and frugality they were rewarded with an ample competence for old age. Unto them were born two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living and succeeding in life, though none have become eminent. It is our pleasure to now write, in brief mention, of one of these sons.

.Dr. Alfred A. Lovett was born and reared on a farm, and farm work was the work of his youth. On the farm he learned lessons of industry and perseverance which have characterized his whole life; and his love for the pursuits of his youth has been permanent, so much so that at present we find him largely interested in farming, owning and operating some three hundred and sixty acres of fine farm land in Preble county. Until he was sixteen his schooling was confined to the country schols. At the age of seventeen years he entered Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he spent five years, graduating with the degree of A. B. By reason of his pursuing, during the last two years of his college course, an extra course he received the honorary degree of A. M. He graduated at Miami University in the class of 1873, and for the succeeding school years he taught successfully as superintendent of the public schools of Goodland, Newton county, Indiana.

During this year, as well as previous years, when spare time would permit, he read medicine. In the fall of 1874 he entered Hahnemann Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated with distinction in March, 1876.

Locating at Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, shortly after his graduation, he began there the practice of medicine. Two years later the Doctor was called home on account of the illness from which his father died in the fall of 1878. In that same fall Dr. Lovett located in Eaton, where he has since resided and been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. Soon after coming- to Eaton, the Doctor had gained a remunerative practice. He has been a close student, which fact, together with a wide range of experience in practice, has gained for him a position among able and skillful physicians. For many years he was the only homeopathist in Preble county, and his success resulted in bringing several other physicians of the same school of medicine into the county. For many years Dr. Lovett has held membership in the Southwestern Ohio Llomeopathic Medical Society, and also in the Ohio State Medical Society. Fraternally he is a Royal Arch Mason, and politically an ardent and uncompromising Republican. In matters of education the Doctor has taken a deep interest, and for several years he was an efficient member of the Eaton board of education, serving a part of the time as the president of the board.

Dr. Lovett to Miss Nettie F. Minor, a daughter of Dr. W. H. H. B. Minor, a physician of distinction and a man of learning, strong individuality and force of character. Mrs. Lovett inherited his traits of character, and is a lady of refinement, and culture and impress of her sterling qualities rests upon her children and in the social circles in which she has moved. Her family lineage is traced to Welsh origin. To her and the Doctor have been born two children, viz. : Martha P. and W. Lloyd E., bright and interesting, giving promise of success in life. Religiously the family is of the Presbyterian church persuasion, and socially they sustain high relations.

John Mills

New Paris has no more honored or highly esteemed citizen than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is a native of Preble county, born in Monroe township, January 27, 1824. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Mills, a farmer by occupation, was born in Ireland, and on his emigration to America in 1810 at once located in Clinton county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life. Among his descendants were thirty-five school teachers, some of whom have been distinguished educators and principals of. colleges. Two of his descendants have been members of the Ohio legislature.

John Mills, our subject's father, was also a native of Ireland, and was seventeen years of age when he came to America in 1810. During his early residence in Clinton county, Ohio, he worked at anything he could find to do. He was married in Warren county, to Miss Elizabeth Compton, a native of South Carolina, and a daughter of Amos

Compton, who, being a member of the Society of Friends and opposed to the institution of slavery, came north in 1805, during the childhood of Mrs. Mills, and settled in Greene county, Ohio. He was probably of Irish and English descent. In 1820 John Mills came to Preble county and took up a quarter-section of land in Monrae township, forty acres of which he cleared and erected thereon a log house, making his home there until the spring of 1829. He then moved to what is known as the Mills farm, two and three-quarters miles south and east of New Paris, Ohio, and he cleared forty acres of that tract. He died there in 1835. In politics he was a Whig, and he held office in Monroe township before receiving his naturalization papers. His wife died at the age of fifty-six years.

To this worthy couple were born eight children who grew to manhood or womanhood, of whom our subject is the third child and third son. Only four are now living. His brothers, William C. and Joseph, both deceased, were prominent men of this county, the former having served several years as a justice of the peace, and as county commissioner two terms. Amos is a resident of Illinois, and Henry F. makes his home in Greene county, Ohio. Joseph, deceased, served in the same company as our subject during the civil war. George is a resident of Warren county, Ohio. Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of William Graves, and Rebecca, deceased, was the wife of Elijah Hill.

John Mills was reared on the home farm, and was married August 24, 1848, to Sarah Brodrick, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, December 8, 1828, and is the second in order of birth in a family of five girls. Her parents, John D. and Mary (Wilson)

Brodrick, were natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. To our subject and his wife were born five children, namely: Mary E. is the wife of John Davis, of Green's Fork, Indiana, and they have two daughters - Leona A. and Blanch. George W., a resident of Williamsville, Illinois, married Ola Wooften, and they have three children - Roy, Walter and Vera. Wilson P. married first Rosella McWhinny, by whom he had three daughters - Olive L., Jessie M. and Clara B., and for his second wife married Ida Davidson, by whom he had one daughter, Irene. Charles F. married first Telia Daily and secondly Hannah M. Painter. Ella J. is the wife of Samuel Wilson, a farmer and stock-raiser of Warren county, Ohio.

On the 2d of May, 1864, during the civil war, Mr. Mills enlisted as a private in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio National Guards, and was promoted as corporal, being mustered out as such after four months' service, in September, 1864. He made his home on the Mills farm until 1883, when he retired from active life and moved to New Paris, which has since been his home with the exception of two years spent on a farm three-quarters of a mile south of that town. The greater part of his life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, but he also taught as many as seven terms of school when a young man, both in Darke and Preble counties. E:ghteen dollars a month was the highest wages he ever received, and while teaching in a log schoolhouse in district No. 6, Jefferson township, Preble county, he received only thirteen dollars a month. It was while teaching in Darke county that he became acquainted with the young lady who became his wife. He owned the first twohorse corn-planter ever brought to Jefferson

Mr. Mills cast his first presidential vote for Taylor in 1848; voted for Scott in 1852; for Fremont in 1856; and Lincoln in i860 and 1864. He is still a stanch supporter of the Republican party, has served as school director for about twenty-seven years, and has also filled the office of justice of the peace. Both he and his wife are active and prominent members of the Christian church of New Paris, he having united with the same in 1849, wife in 1846. For thirty years he has filled the office of elder.

Michael Cahill

Michael Cahill, who is now occupying the position of prosecuting attorney of Eaton, is one of the leading members of the Preble county bar. Fie was born in Euphemia, this county, on the 13th of September, 1861, and is of Irish lineage. His grandfather, James Cahill, and his father, Patrick Cahill, were both natives of the Emerald Isle, and in 1846 the latter came to America, crossing the Atlantic to New York, whence he made his way westward to Cincinnati and Dayton. In 1854 he took up his abode in Euphemia. He was a hard-working man, very industrious and energetic. He married Miss Bridget Fennessey, a daughter of James Fennessey, of Cincinnati, and a representative of a prominent old family of Ireland. They became the parents of five children, of whom four are yet living, namely: James, a farmer of Preble county; Alice, the wife of L. P. Sodders, of Montgomery county, Ohio ; John, who is a dealer in monuments at Lewisburg; and Michael, of Eaton. Mary Ann died aged about eighteen years. The father of these children died in February, 1892, and the mother was called to her final rest in April, 1899.