Washington Township (part 12 of 21)

John E. Anderson

John Elliott Anderson is a well known farmer of Somers township, Preble county. He was born in Bethany, Butler county, Ohio, on the 27th of June, 1845. His father, William Anderson, was born in Liberty township, Butler county, on the 10th of February, 1816, and was a son of John Anderson, whose birth occurred in Kent county, Delaware. The grandfather was married in Butler county, Ohio, about the year 1811, to Miss Maria Hagerman of New Jersey, and they became the parents of ten children, one of whom died in infancy, while two others died at the age of seven and nine years respectively. Four sons and a daughter reached years of maturity. The grandfather came to Ohio in 1809 and since that time the representatives of the family have been identified with the interests of the Buckeye state. He was an able farmer but a modest and unassuming man who was content to perform his duty to the best of his ability. He died about 1856, at the age of seventy years, and his widow passed away some four years later. Two of the sons of this family are still living - Aaron -and Simon - both residents of Piqua, Ohio.

William Anderson, the father of our subject, was reared in the county of his nativity and married Maria Elliott, who was born in Liberty township, Butler county, in October, 1817. Their wedding was celebrated February 6, 1839, and they spent derson spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in the district schools of the neighborhood he acquired his education. At the age of seventeen he secured a clerkship in the village store at Bethany, remaining there for four years as a most trusted employe. He afterward engaged in clerking for one year in Middletown and subsequently engaged \

1875, he came to his present farm in Somers township, Preble county. It is known as the old Richard Pottinger farm. It comprises one hundred and thirty-four acres of rich and arable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation, yielding to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. He follows progressive methods in his farming operations and in his business transactions is strictly reliable and upright.

On the 22cl of April, 1868, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Sally Maria Murphy, a daughter of Peter and Cyrena (Van Gordon) Murphy. Her parents are now deceased. They were native farming people of Liberty township, Butler county, Ohio, and the father was a prominent and influential citizen who owned considerable property there. He served as a sheriff for four years and was also a state senator for two terms. A recognized leader of public thought and movement, he exercised a strong influence over affairs of public moment and left the impress of his individuality upon the movements and measures which affected the general good. His last years were spent in Hamilton, where he served as the president of the Miami Valley Bank, of which he was one of the founders. His wife died August 2, 1893, at the age of seventy-one years, and he was called to his final rest on the 1st of April, 1896, at the age of seventyfive. They reared four sons and two daughters and also lost two children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been born four children: Charles M., the secretary and treasurer of the Columbia Carriage Company, at Hamilton, Ohio, and is a progressive and enterprising business man, and married Miss Ada Marsh; Edgar Percy, who died in infancy; Carrie Cyrena, who is the wife of George H. Harkrader, an artist, and Nellie May, who is at home. She is employed as a stenographer in the office of her uncle, who was an ex-probate judge of Hamilton.

Mr. Anderson is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Camden, has filled all of its offices and has served as one of its trustees. In politics he is a Democrat and has served for two terms as township trustee, at which time he gained a large

Republican following, else he could not have been elected, for his party is in the minority in this locality. He proved a very capable official and is always true to every trust reposed in him. He has been a member of the County Agricultural Society for fourteen years, was its president for three years, and in 1895 became a member of the Wayne Farmers' Club, of which he was the president from 1896 until 1898. He was also one of the organizers and the 'first president of the Farmers' Institute of South Preble county. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. For the past ten years Mr. Anderson has made a specialty of dairy farming, shipping his products to Cincinnati. He has prosecuted his business affairs with diligence and energy and his labors have been crowned with a merited degree of success. He has overcome all the obstacles in his path by determined effort and perseverance and has steadily worked his way upward until he now occupies a leading position as a representative of the agricultural interests of Preble county.

John W. Ammerman

The gentleman named above, now the postmaster at Eaton, was born on a farm in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, July 15, 1849. His parents were David and Anna (O'Neal) Ammerman. His father also was a native of Dixon township, and his mother of Cincinnati, Ohio. His paternal grandfather was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, of Gorman lineage, and came to Preble county in an early day, settling in Dixon township and remaining on the same farm throughout the remainder of his life, and was buried in the private burying grounds on the farm. He had two sons -

Philip and David ; and three daughters - Nancy, Eliza and Margaret. David was the youngest of the children, and was the last to answer the summons of death. Farming was his occupation. During his active years in business affairs he resided in Preble county, but toward the close of his career he removed to Richmond, Indiana, where he died, in 1890, aged seventy-three years. About one year later his wife passed to her last reward. At the time of her death her home was with a daughter in New Paris, Ohio. She was a daughter of John O'Neal, a native of Ireland, who came from the Emerald Isle to the United States when a boy. On coming to this country Philadelphia became his home. Here he married and later he became a pioneer settler of Dixon township, already referred to, where he lived many years. At the time of his death he was making his home with a daughter in Muncie, Indiana. Unto the marriage of David and Anna Ammerman were born nine children, namely: Mary J., who died in early womanhood; Emma, who died in her youth; William M., of Eaton, who served as a private in the civil war as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry and who for years has been an invalid from rheumatism; James P., of Indianapolis, Indiana ; Simon E. and Albert, residents of Richmond, Indiana; Mrs. Margaret Harr, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Eliza Barnette, of New Paris, Ohio, and John W. Ammerman. The last named is familiarly known to the people of Preblo county as Jack Ammerman, and of his career we now make brief mention.

Mr. Ammerman was reared on the farir), on which he was born. He gained but a very limited education in his youth, for his educational privileges were not encouraging. His school days were few, but lessons of industry and perseverance were well taught him in the duties and labors that fell to his lot as a farmer's son. He remained on the farm until he was twentyone years of age. At that age he left the farm and took up the carpenter's trade, which was followed for about ten years. From 1872 to 1879 his home was in Muncie, Indiana, where he was engaged as a contractor and builder. In 1879 he was ill from typhoid fever, which was followed by a long and severe illness from rheumatism, disabling him from manual labors.

Returning to Preble county, he was residing at New Paris when in 1880 he was elected land appraiser for Jefferson township. This was the first public office held by Mr. Ammerman, and was the beginning; of his public services and what has been an interesting and successful political career. In 1881 he was nominated and elected, by the Republican party, to the office of recorder for Preble county, and in that office his services were very satisfactory both to his political party and to the general public - so much so that in 1884 he was renominated by his party without opposition, and reelected without opposition from the Democratic party. He held the office two terms of three years each, and gained for himself an excellent reputation as a public official.

Going to Chicago, Mr. Ammerman was for a brief period in the employ of the Pullman company, as a Pullman conductor. Later he went to western Kansas, where however, he remained but a short time, being compelled to leave the west on account of failing health. Returning to Eaton, his services were again called into public requisition by his election to the office of assessor for the west precinct of Washington township, an office to which no other Republican had ever before been elected, such was the large Democratic majority in the precinct. To this office he was thrice elected. In the presidential campaign of 1896, Mr. Ammerman, as secretary of the Preble county Republican executive committee, boro an active part in the support of the Republican party, which party being successful, he became an applicant for the position of postmaster of Eaton. There were thirteen other applicants for the same position and the contest waxed warm. However, Mr. Ammerman was the successful applicant, and was given charge of the office as postmaster, August 1, 1898, and is its present incumbent.

Limited space forbids giving anything like a detailed account of Mr. Ammerman's political career, in which he never met with defeat. His faithfulness to duty, fidelity to political party and to friends always made sure his election. A man in politics is never without his political enemies. This has been true of Mr. Ammerman; but his friends have always been so numerous and faithful as to place victory within his reach.

Michael Cotterman

After a long and honorable career as a business man, Michael Cotterman is now living retired at his pleasant home in Lewisburg, surrounded by his family and a large circle of friends, who hold him in highest regard. He is a native of Ohio, botn near Miamisburg, Montgomery county, February 13, 1821, and in both ancestral lines is of Pennsylvania Dutch extraction. His father, Michael Cotterman, Sr., was born September 2, 1782, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, of which state his father was also a native. The former removed to Mongomery county, Ohio, in 1805, and located upon a farm and later in life lived some six or seven years in Preble county. He was living in Germantown, where he died September 11, 1877. In that county he married Eva Schupert, who also was born and reared in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died at the age of fifty-six years. They were the parents of eleven children, ten of whom reached years of maturity, namely : Catherine, born

In the county of his nativity Michael Cotterman spent the first fifteen years of his life, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to this county, his education being obtained in the old-time subscription schools of both counties. When about nineteen years of age he started out in life for himself, and a year later commenced learning the carpenter's trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. Subsequently he engaged in contracting and building, and successfully followed that occupation for about forty years. In 1885 he started a saw mill, and practically retired from carpenter work. He has now laid aside all business cares, and expects to spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet.

On the 19th of February, 1846, Mr. Cotterman was united in marriage with Miss Mary Elizabeth Hapner, who was born in Harrison township, this county, March 19, 1818, a daughter of Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Ott) Hapner, and granddaughter of Gasper and Mary Hapner. The grandfather was a native of Germany and one of the early settlers of Virginia. His wife lived to the advanced age of one hundred and eight years, and died in Twin township, Preble county, Ohio. Mrs. Cotterman's father was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, September 17, 1771, and died April 1, 1855, while her mother was born November 1, 1778, and died November 2, 1861, both being over eighty-three years of age at the time of their deaths. They wore pioneers of Preble county and highly respected by all who knew them. In their family were twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood or womanhood, and all married with one exception ; but Mrs. Cotterman is the only one now living. In order of birth they were as follows : Polly, Abraham, William, Jacob, Katharine, George, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary Elizabeth, Henry, and Daniel and Michael, twins. Mrs. Cotterman was reared in this county, being educated in a neighboring school taught by her father at home.

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cotterman. The eldest, a daughter, born January 5, 1847, died in infancy. Randolph, born December 3, 1847, died October 30, 1859. Almyra, born January 6, 1850, was married December 29, 1868, to Darnel Wikel, Jr. Mary Melissa, born April 19, 1852, and Isadora, born March 16, 1855, are at home. Oliver, born May 20, 1857, married Sarah E. Horne, and they now reside in Chicago. Ella Frances, born October 19, 1861, is deceased, and Caroline, born June 27, 1864, is the wife of Rev. Samuel S. Aikman, a Presbyterian minister of Cincinnati.

Politically Mr. Cotterman is a Democrat, and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as township trustee and treasurer, also the treasurer of Lewisburg, and a member of the city council. Fraternally he is a member of Libanus Lodge, No. 80, F. & A. M., of Lewisburg, and rc-ligiously he and his family are members of the Lutheran church, taking an active and prominent part in its work. He is a worthy representative of that class of citizens who lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives and constitute the best portion of a community. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and is certainly deserving of honorable mention in the history of the county where almost his entire life has been passed.

Frank Homan

Frank Homan is one of the representactive merchants of Eaton, where he has successfully conducted a furniture store. His business qualifications have won him a place among the leading representatives of the mercantile interests of this city and his honorable career has gained him uniform confidence and regard.

Mr. Homan was born near Eaton on the 17th of September, 1847. His father, Benjamin Homan, was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of Keeder Homan, whose birth occurred in New Jersey. In 1811 Keeder Homan came with his family to Ohio, taking up his abode in Warren county, where he followed his trade of blacksmithing. Benjamin Homan, the father of our subject, came with his father to the Buckeye state in 1 8 1 1 , and to Preble county in 1828, locating at Lewisburg. He was a farmer and miller in early life, but afterward became identified with the mercantile interests of Eaton, where he located in 1856. For seven years he successfully conducted a grocery store and then, on the capital which he had acquired through his own well directed and honorable efforts, he retired to private life, his remaining days being passed in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. Throughout his entire life he was a conj sistent Christian and at one time was a trustee of the Methodist church, at the time its house of worship was erected in Eaton. He married Miss Margaret E. Grissom, a daughter of Frederick Grissom, of Virginia, j who belonged to one of the prominent families of the Old Dominion. Mrs. Homan died in 1899, leaving two children - Frank, of this review, and Keturah, the wife of J.

Frank Homan, the well known merchant of Eaton, pursued his education in the local schools and at an early age began to earn his own livelihood working on a farm. Subsequently, when thirteen years of age, he entered his father's store and was there employed until May, 1864, when, at the age of sixteen years, he responded to his country's call for troops. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry and was discharged in the following | autumn. After his return he again entered his father's store, but subsequently was employed as a salesman in a dry-goods house \ in Mexico, Indiana, for nearly six years. Returning to Preble county in 1878, he took charge of the home farm, which he operated for ten years, when, in 1888, he embarked in the furniture business in Eaton. He carries a large and well selected stock and enjoys a liberal patronage. He is now associated in business with J. F. Randall, the partnership having been formed in February, 1899. Fie is known as a very enterprising and reliable business man and occupies a leading position in the commercial circles of Eaton.

On the 19th of May, 1880, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Homan and Miss Fouisa Crist, a daughter of George Crist, of Indiana. They are widely known and have many warm friends in Preble county. Mr. Homan is a Republican in his political affiliations and for eight years served as a township trustee, proving a most competent officer. He has devoted his attention and concentrated his energies toward improving the details of his business, and with a mind to resolve, an understanding to direct and a hand to execute he has steadily carried forward his work, gaining for himself a gratifying competence. His reliability is above question and his place among the substantial and trustworthy merchants of Eaton is assured.

Martha J. Hamilton

Martha J. Hamilton is a representative of an honored pioneer family of Preble county and is living upon the old homestead. Of Scotch lineage, the Hamiltons intermarried with people of Irish birth and thus the ancestry of the family is Scotch-Irish, and among the representatives of the name in the present generation are displayed many of the sterling characteristics of those two strong races of Celtic origin. The first of whom we have record is Alexander Hamilton. His son, Samuel Hamilton, the great-grandfather of our subject, was born about 1772, and the latter had a son, Samuel, who became the grandfather of Miss Plamilton, of this review. Samuel Hamilton, Jr., married Miss Jane Smith, of Israel township, and ten children, six sons and four daughters, were born of their union and reached mature years. One daughter died at the age of eighteen, but the others were married and had families. The grandpar- ents removed from South Carolina to Kentucky, where they resided from 1806 until 1815. The journey to the Blue Grass state was made by team and thence they came to Ohio in the same manner, crossing the river at Cincinnati on a ferry.

On reaching Preble county they took up their abode on section 24, Israel township. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement of any kind made upon the place, but Samuel Hamilton erected there a log cabin and with characteristic energy began the development of the farm. He cleared his land, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, and where once stood the forest trees were soon seen rich fields of waving grain. When his eldest son was married, he removed to another farm, where the village of Morning Sun now stands, leaving the son in charge of the old home place. There he and his wife lived for many years. He died in 1822, and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in Indiana in 1856, at the age of eighty-one.

George F. Hamilton, the father of Miss Hamilton, of this review, was born in South Carolina, in June, 1799, and accompanied his parents in their various removals Until they became residents of Preble county. He assisted in the arduous task of developing the new land and improving the old homestead. Having arrived at years of maturity, he completed his plans for a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Hanna Ramsey, who was born in Kentucky in 1804, a daughter of Dr. John Ramsey. Their marriage was celebrated at the old Ramsey homestead on Christmas day, 1826, and their union was blessed with twelve children, three daughters and nine sons. Two of the sons died in infancy, but the other ten children reached years of maturity and al.1 have married, with the exception of Martha J. Hamilton, who was born in 1827 and is still living at the old family home. Among the other members of the family in this locality is James. Robert Calvin received a college education and won the degrees of M. D. and D. D. He is a physician of the regular school and a minister of the United Presbyterian church. He resides in Randolph county, Illinois, with his family, which includes one son and one daughter. The mother of these children died on the old home farm in 1873, and the father, surviving her thirteen years, passed away in 1886.

He was very successful in his business affairs, acquiring six hundred acres of land and assisted his children in getting a good start in life. - A man of the highest respectability, he was always true to every duty that devolved upon him and enjoyed the warm regard of all with whom he associated.

James Hamilton, a brother of Martha J. Hamilton, is actively connected with the agricultural pursuits of Preble county, owning and operating a tract of land on section 23, Israel township. He was born in this neighborhood in 1842, was reared to farm | labor, and, during the winter season, pur- j

On the 15th of December, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Newton, \ whose birth occurred in Somers township, March 13, 1843, her parents being Asa and Lydia (Cook) Newton. They were farming 1 people of Preble county and had ten ch-il- : dren, of whom five sons and four daughters reached mature years, while two sons and three daughters are yet living. The father J died in 1880, at the age of sixty-nine years, but the mother is still living, at the age of eighty-eight. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have lost one daughter, Ella, who was married and died in her twenty-first year, her only child passing away at the same time. The surviving members of the family are Clara, now the wife of James Kirk, by whom she

(has three sons and two daughters, namely : Mary, William, Ruth, John and George; Mary, the wife of George H. Keaning, by whom she has one son,^ Ernest E., now two years old; and Robert C., who is learning the tailor's trade in Richmond, Indiana.

In 1864, during the civil, war, Mr. Hamilton enlisted as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry and served for four months. He is now granted a pension of eight dollars per month. In politics he is a stanch Republican, unswerving in his advocacy of the principles of the party. He has served for several terms as a supervisor and has been the road commissioner for thirty years, a fact which indicates in an unmistakable manner that his duties are well performed. Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. They have been living for thirty-five years upon this farm, which comprises thirty-five acres, and there he carries on general farming and stock raising, especially the breeding of hogs.

Albert L. Borradaile

Albert L. Borradaile is capably serving in the position of sheriff of Preble county, Ohio, discharging his duties without fear or favor and thus winning the commendation of all concerned. The Borradaile family, of which he is a representative, is probably of French origin and was established in America several generations ago. This is the only family in America spelling the name in this way.

Our subject was born in Dixon township, Preble county, on the 12th of September, 1850. His father, Joseph H. Borradaile, was a native of New Jersey, and during his childhood came with his parents to Ohio, the family locating near Waynesville, Soon afterward, however, he came to Preble county, where he spent his life as a farmer and mechanic. He operated a machine shop on his farm, preferring work there to the pursuits of the field. He worked his farm by means of hired hands and in the control ot his business met with creditable success. He died in Israel township, Preble county, at the age of sixty years, respected by all his neighbors. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann Brown and was a daughter of William Brown, one of the pioneers of the county. The marriage was celebrated in Israel township, where Mrs. Borradaile was born and is still living. Their family consisted of three children, who yet survive, and twins, who died in infancy. Albert L. Borradaile, of this review, is the eldest. The second, Sarah Elizabeth, is the wife of Zeno Roberts and resides on the old family homestead. Edwin G. operates the home farm.

In taking up the personal history of our subject we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He pursued his education in the public schools near his home and when about eighteen years of age entered the Eaton high school, where he continued his education for two years. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for five years, terminating his professional labors of that character as a teacher in the village schools of Morning Sun, in Israel township. He afterward turned his attention to merchandising, conducting a general store in Camden, where he

(lid a flourishing business for about twenty years. His earnest desire to please his patrons, bis well directed efforts and his unfailing courtesy secured to him a large trade, which brought to him a good income. He also served as an express agent at Camden for twelve years of that time. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. He was three times elected justice of the peace, serving for about seven years, and his course was marked by the utmost impartiality and fairness. He was also the treasurer of the corporation of Camden for nine years and carefully guarded the city exchequer. In 1896 he was chosen on the Republican ticket as a candidate for the office of sheriff, and, although opposed by a very able man on the Democratic ticket, he was elected by a plurality of sixty-five votes. So faithfully and promptly did he discharge the duties of the office that he was re-elected in 1898, and a queer coincidence was that he was opposed by the same Democratic candidate and received the same maority as at the first election. He has made a very popular and efficient officer, counting his friends by the thousands. In the administration of his official duties he is careful and considerate, yet at all times just, giving due regard to the rights of all concerned.

Mr. Borradaile was married in Preble county, in 1874, to Miss Carrie S. Taylor, a native of Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio. She was visiting in Preble county at the time Mr. Borradaile formed her acquaintance and their friendship terminated in marriage. Their union has been blessed with four children, but the eldest, Ada, died in infancy. Taylor A. is a student in the public schools, born May 8, 1885; Myrtle K. was born December 1886; and Trevia

S. was born March 4, 1889. Mr. Borradaile was formerly identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, but has withdrawn from that society. He is a charter member of Camden Lodge, No. 259, K. of P., of which he is past chancellor commander and still retains his membership in that organization. He was reared in the faith of the Friends' church, his mother being a lifelong member of that organization, but neither he nor his wife is identified with any religious denomination, although they give earnest support to gospel work. They are widely and favorably known in Preble county, and Mr. Borradaile is a public official in whom the community has the utmost confidence.

Silas Dooley

Silas Dooley is a farmer of Preble county whose birth occurred on the 2d of May, 1825, on the farm which is now his home. His father, Silas Dooley, was born in Harrod's Station, Kentucky, in 1786, and was a son of Moses Dooley, who removed from Bedford, Virginia, to Kentucky in 1781. The family is of Welsh lineage, the original ancestors having emigrated from Wales to the new world during the colonial epoch in our country's history. In 1805 the parents of our subject removed from Kentucky to Preble county, Ohio, locating on what is known as the Brower place, near Friendship Church house and graveyard, in Gasper township. At that time the Indians were numerous here, having not as yet left for their reservations in the west. Mr. Dooley secured a tract of government land, receiving a deed to the same in 1811. The original parchment document is now in possession of our subject and is signed by James Madi- son and James Monroe, who were then serving as president and secretary of state respectively. The father of our subject was a hardworking man, noted as a successful woodchopper. He not only cleared his own farm but aided in clearing the land upon which the cities of Eaton and Camden now stand. For many years he operated a saw mill and was thus actively identified with the industrial interests of his adopted county. He served as justice of the peace for a long period, was trustee of Gasper township for many years and in many respects was regarded as one of the most prominent and influential residents of his community. It was in Ohio that he married Miss Johannah Westerfield, theirs being the first marriage certificate issued in this county. Mrs. Dooley was a daughter of Samuel Westerfield, a minister of the Presbyterian church in Kentucky, who during the Revolutionary war had loyally aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. His daughter, Mrs. Dooley, often related to her son Silas stories of her father's Revolutionary experiences and of their pioneer life in Kentucky. The Indians in that state were very treacherous and warlike and the settlers had to live in block-houses for protection. In a fight with the Red men Mr. Dooley's great-grandfather was killed. His wife and two of her daughters escaped from the house but were soon captured. Later, however, they again made their escape. Silas Dooley, the father of our subject, died in 1877, at the age of ninety-one years and four months, and his wife passed away in 1858, at the age of seventy-two years.

common schools, such as were common in those early days, and the labors of the field occupied much of his attention during his youth. On the 7th of May, 1864, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, at Eaton. He participated in several battles in Maryland and was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant in recognition of meritorious service on the field of battle.

Returning to his home Mr. Dooley resumed farming and is to-day the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, the richly cultivated fields yielding to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits and his diligence and close application have brought to him that financial reward which ever crowns well directed and honorable effort.

Mr. Dooley was married on the 27th of September, 1846, to Miss Isabel McCracken,, of Washington township, and their union was blessed with two children, one of whom is now living, Emma I., widow of William Morgan, and a resident of Preble county. Mr. Dooley casts his vote with the Republican party but has always refrained from accepting public office, desiring that his time and energies shall be given to his business affairs. He has been junior vice commander of the Grand Army post to which he belongs, and is a supporter of the church and of all measures calculated to prove of public benefit. In business affairs his word is as good as any bond that was ever solemnized by signature or seal, and such a man certainly deserves recognition in the history of his native county.

Charles E. Gay

The expression "the dignity of labor" is exemplified in the life records of this gentleman - a well-known lumber, tobacco and coal dealer of Lewisburg - whose success in life is attributable to his untiring industry. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimination and sound judgment are shown ii: the capable management of his business affairs.

He was born in Dayton, Ohio, August 22, 1852, and is of the ninth generation of the Gay family in America, being able to trace his ancestry back to John Gay, who come to this country from England with Governor Winthrop, in 1630, and first settled in Watertown, Connecticut, but later established one of the plantations at Dedham, Massachusetts. Our subject's greatgrandfather, Luther Gay, was born in Killingly, Connecticut, in 1740, and his grandfather, Coburn Gay, was born in New Hampshire; in 1770. His father, Hiram Gay, was also a native of the latter state, born May 1, 1818, and was a shoemaker by trade, carrying on that business in Johnsville and Lewisburg, Ohio, for some years. He came to Lewisburg in 1867, and died here at the age of sixty-nine years. He took quite an active and prominent part in public affairs, serving as a township trustee, a member of the village council and a member of the school board. He was a great reader, always kept well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day, and was especially interested in educational matters. He married Maria Reed, a native of Scotland, who came to this country with her parents when a child of five years, landing in Baltimore, Maryland. She was left an orphan at the age of sixteen and later was brought to Dayton, Ohio, by a family with whom she lived for a short time. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children - four sons and four daughters - all of whom reached mature years, namely: Anna E., the wife of F. L. Wood, of Lewisburg; George B., a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana; Charles E., our subject; Frank P., Mary E. and John W., all residents of Lewisburg; and Lucy J. and Bithia, both deceased.

Charles E. Gay spent the first eleven years of his life in Dayton, and then removed with the family to Johnsville, Montgomery county, where he remained about ten years, working by the month as a farm hand for different parties. In 1871 he came to Lewisburg, and commenced raising tobacco, which pursuit he followed until 1884, when he turned his attention to buying and selling tobacco on commission, in which trade he is still successfully engaged. He also became interested in the lumber business in 1886 and the coal business about the same time, and still carries on operations along those lines. He is a wide-awake, energetic and progressive business man, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well merited.

On the 6th of July, 1877, Mr. Gay was united in marriage with Miss Izora Hapner, who was born in Lewisburg, November 1, 1858, a daughter of Michael Hapner, one of the early settlers of Preble county. By this union has been born four children : Russell

Democratic party. Like his father, he takes a deep and commendable interest in educational affairs, and has been an efficient member of the school board for twelve years. He is also a member of the village council, and is eminently public-spirited and progressive, giving his support to every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit.

Lewis F. Parmerlee

Success is determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor, and the man who thus accomplishes bis purpose usually becomes an important factor in the business circles of the community with which be is connected. Mr. Parmerlee, through such means, has attained a leading place among the representative men of Lewisburg, and his well-spent and honorable life commands the respect of all who know him.

He was born in Boonsboro, Washington county, Maryland, November 15, 1837, and on the paternal side is of Scotch-Irish descent. His father, William C. Parmerlee, was a native of New York city, where he grew to manhood, and learned the hatter's and furrier's trade, which he later followed in Boonsboro, Maryland, whither he removed about 1834. He continued in business there until his death, which occurred in 1848, when he was thirty-eight years of age. In Meadville, Pennsylvania, he married Catherine J. Bierly, a native of that city; and to them were born four children : John H., who died at Shiloh, in 1863, while a soldier of the civil war; Lewis F., our subject; William, a resident of North Manchester, Indiana, and Mary C., who wedded Adam A. Rice and died in 1898. The mother was again married, her second husband being George Marker, by whom she has a daughter, Georgiana, now the wife of Charles E. Singer, of Lewisburg, Ohio. The mother died in Lewisburg, at the age of seventytwo years.

Mr. Parmerlee spent the first eighteen years of his life in his birthplace, and there acquired a rather limited education, leaving school at the age of nine years. At the age of ten he began the battle of life for himself, empty-handed, and in 1855 came to Preble county, Ohio, where he worked at anything which he could find to do. Learning the carpenter's trade, he was employed at the same for twelve years. For his first year at the trade he received sixty dollars, and for eleven years he and a partner successfully engaged in contracting and building in Lewisburg. He also engaged in the nursery business until 1880, and has since been interested in the real estate and loan business. In 1884 he became connected with the leaf-tobacco trade, and a member of the firm of Smith & Parmerlee is still interested in that industry. Besides his city property he owns a fine farm of one hundred and four acres in this county. In 1891 he was one of the organizers of the People's Bank, of which he was elected president; Samuel Oldfather, cashier, and W. C. Moore, assistant cashier. The stockkholders are Lewis F. Parmerlee, H. P. Smith, Lewis Fonney, E. C. Crider, A. T. Horne and Grant Sheller. The bank is now on a good paying basis, and is one of the solid financial institutions of the county.

In 1862 Mr. Parmerlee married Miss Hargaret Hanna, but she and their only child are both deceased. Pie was again married, in 1867, his second union being with Miss Joan F. Emeus, a native of Lewisburg,

Socially Mr. Parmerlee is a member of Libanus Lodge, No. 80, F. & A. M., and politically an ardent Republican, having served as presidential elector in 1896. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man of known reliability and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He belongs to that class of men whom the world terms self-made, for, coming to this county without capital, he has conquered all obstacles in the path to success, and has not only secured a handsome competence but by his efforts has materially advanced the interest of the community with which he associated. He is a prominent figure in business circles and ranks among the leading men of Lewisburg.

Alfred Denny

There is particular satisfaction in reverting to the life history of the honored and venerable gentleman whose name initiates this review since his mind bears the impress of the historic annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he has been a loyal son of the republic and has attained to a position of prominence in the thriving little city of Eaton. He was born in this locality and is now one of the revered patriarchs of the community. He has traveled throughout the state when it was a sparsely settled region, the Indians being far more numerous than the white settlers in many sections. His mind is stored with many interesting incidents of the frontier, and his long, active and honorable identification with the county makes it imperative that the record of his

Mr. Denny was born near Banker's Mill,, in what is now Butler county, on the 2d of October, 1819. His father, James Denny,, was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, and during his boyhood removed with his parents to Pennsylvania. The family is of Irish lineage and was founded in America by James Denny, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, who on leaving the Emerald Isle took up his abode in Baltimore, in 1770. His father, John Denny, came to America about the same time. The latter was a highly educated man and an Irish flax-spinner. His home government did not wish the Irish to export flax, and accordingly John Denny sought a home in the new world, where the spirit of liberty and independence was gradually growing stronger and stronger until it resulted in the overthrow of British rule. After the inauguration of the Revolutionary war John Denny joined the American army and served with the colonial forces until American independence was achieved. On the maternal side our subject is also of good old Revolutionary stock, for his grandfather, Jonas Hunt, was also a loyal member of the American army. A surveyor by profession, he took an active part in surveying the wild land of Washington county, Pennsylvania,, and was at one time the owner of large tracts in the wealthy coal region of that state. A leader in public thought and opinion, he was recognized as one of the most prominent residents of his community. He had twentyfive hundred dollars in continental money at one time, which was never redeemed by the government; but in recognition of his services he received thirty dollars per month pension money.

westward in 1808, taking up his abode on Elk creek, in Butler county, Ohio. Later, however, he removed to Twin Valley, making his home at Postown for a time. In 1838 he went to New Paris, Preble county, and in 1840 settled at Pendleton, Indiana, where he died in 1858. He was a farmer, miller and millwright, and although he started in life empty-handed he possessed a comfortable property, at the time of his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Hunt, was a native of New Jersey, and died in 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, of whom two are living, Jonas, who resides in Wichita, Kansas, and is eighty-four years of age, and Alfred, of this sketch.

Amid the wild scenes of frontier life Alfred Denny spent the days of his boyhood and youth and experienced the usual hardships and trials that fall to the lot of those who became pioneer settlers. He pursued his education in the old brick schoolhouse in Middleton, Butler county, and in early life learned the printer's trade. In 1836, however, he came to Eaton and accepted a clerkship in the employ of Ellis Mitchell, who was the proprietor of a drug store. For three years he served in that capacity, after which he spent three years in Greenville, Ohio. On the expiration of that period he returned to Eaton and for twenty years was engaged in business on his own account, failing health forcing his retirement. In 1844 he became agent for the American Fur Company, of New York, and in that capacity traveled through Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Under his superintendence there were one hundred and fifty agents engaged in buying furs through those states. They secured the pelts of deer, coons, foxes, both red and gray, wolves, bears, beavers, otters and wild-cats, and in a single year obtained forty-four thousand coon skins. Mr. Denny remained with the company for fourteen years and can relate many interesting stories concerning the experiences with fur traders in this section of the country at an early day. He made judicious investments in real estate and is now the owner of three farms, comprising respectively one hundred and sixty-four-, seventy and twentythree acres.

In his political views Mr. Denny has been a stalwart Republican since the organization of the party and has exercised a strong influence in its behalf. He has been prominent in its councils and conventions, and was a delegate to Columbus, Ohio, when the Republican party was organized in that city in 1854. Judge Rufus P. Spaulding, Hon. John Sherman, Joshua R. Giddings and Hon. Benjamin F. Wade, together with other public men, were his lifo-long friends ; and the frequent interchange of letters were the means of continuing their social relations. Tie still owns a bed which was once occupied by "Ben" Wade. In 1855 Mr. Denny was very active in advocating the election of John Sherman to congress, and on every occasion when he has been a candidate for office since that time has been his earnest supporter. He says that the opinion that Mr. Sherman is of a cold and unsympathetic nature is utterly unfounded, and his long acquaintanceship, covering more than half a century, has certainly enabled him to be an excellent judge of the characteristics of the Ohio statesman. In 1869 Mr. Denny was appointed the doorkeeper of the senate, which position he acceptably filled for four years. In ante bell inn days he was very 1 active in promoting the "underground rail- road," and his home was a "station" on that line. He aided more than a hundred slaves in making their escape from Kentucky through Ohio to Canada. The black men were taken to a house on the top of Vine street hill in Cincinnati and from there to Elkton, a little Quaker town in Prehle county, where they were sheltered by Alonzo Stubbs. In the night they were conveyed through Eaton to New Paris, Preble county, where they were cared for by Mr. Grimes until the next night, when they were sent on their way to Newport and thence to Cabin creek, Indiana, proceeding thus step by step to the free northern country. As many as nine negroes at a time have been conveyed through Eaton on their way to freedom, and Mr. Denny gave of his time and money to promote the work. During the civil war Mr. Sherman secured his appointment to the position of captain and assistant quartermaster, and in 1864, through the influence of Mr. Sherman, he was appointed Indian agent for the Sioux Indians. This appointment was confirmed by the senate, but he did not accept the office.

In early manhood Mr. Denny was united in marriage to Miss Frances B. Holliday, who is now severity-nine- years of age. She is a daughter of James Holliday, one of the early settlers of Preble county, and a granddaughter of William Bruce, who founded the town of Eaton. He purchased seventeen and a quarter sections of land here in 1805, and the following year the town was laid out and the county was organized. In 1821 the population of the town was two hundred and seventy-five. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Denny were born three children, two of whom are living, Hannah and Laura, the former now the widow of John Beatty. For fifty-six years Mr. Denny has been a valued member of the Odd Fellows society, aided in organizing the lodge in Eaton, and is now one of the oldest representatives. His life has been a very active and useful one. Although he has attained the age of eighty-one years his mental faculties are strong and vigorous, and his life record forms a link between the primitive past and prosperous present. For many years he was an active factor in business, social and political life, and upon the progress and advancement of Preble county he has left the impress of his strong individuality. He certainly deserves to be mentioned among the founders of Preble county, and his name will ever be engraved among its honored pioneers.

Martin S. Sayler

Martin S. Sayler, a farmer of Somers township, was born in the house which is still his home, on the 19th of July, 1850. His father, Abraham T. Sayler, was born in Lanier township, March 5, 1812-, and was a representative of one of the early pioneer families. The grandfather of our subject was Christian Sayler, who was born in Maryland, of Swiss parentage, the date of his birth being 1785. In 1806 he accompanied his parents on their removal to Franklin county, Pennsylvania, but the same year he and his brother John came to Ohio, locating in Lanier township, Preble county, where he was united in marriage with Mary Teal, a daughter of Samuel Teal. She was born in Frederick county, Maryland, September 11, 1789, and their wedding occurred in 1811. The same year they removed to a farm at the mouth of Otterman creek, where, in 1805, one of their relatives had entered land. In 1814 they removed from that farm to the old family homestead upon which our subject now resides. It was then in the midst of a dense forest, the land being heavily timbered. Abraham T. Sayler, the father of our subject, was at that time but two years old. His parents tied a bell to him lest he should be lost in the woods ! There were but few settlers in this section of the county at that time. No roads had been made and only bridle paths led from the various homes to mill or market. The settlers carried their grists on horseback to mill, and went long distances to secure store supplies. Abraham Sayler aided in cutting the roads and clearing the land, and during one season he went to seventeen log rollings on seventeen successive days. He was one of a large family and the eldest who reached years of maturity. The others were : Elizabeth; Joseph, who died in childhood; Maria; Jacob; Katie, who died in childhood; Melissa, who had two sons and two daughters who were married and had children of their own; Joseph, who is now living in Monroe township, Preble county, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years ; and Maria, the wife of John W. Allen, also of Monroe township. The grandfather of our subject died at the age of sixty-seven years, and his wife died at the age of ninety-one, their remains being interred in Young's cemetery.

Abraham Sayler was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and experienced all the hardships and trials of pioneer life. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Elizabeth Rinehart, who was born May 25, 1817, a daughter of Abraham Rinehart. She was born near Winchester and was married August 26, 1838. Their first child, William H. El., was born in 1840 and died in infancy; Mary Magdalen, born February 8, 1843, became the wife of Nelson S. Bennett, and died June 10, 1898, soon after her mother's death; Benjamin F., born in 1845, died December 26, 1873; Minerva was born in 1847, is n°w Mrs. Guakian ; Martin S. is the next of the family; Fanny Ann, born October 22, 1852, died January 14, 1864; Salina was born in 1855 and died in 1856; Cicero, who was born in 1857, died in 1864, at the age of seven years; and Adrian, who was born in 1861, died in 1864, when three years old. Of the nine children all have passed away but our .subject and his sister Minerva, wife of Patrick Guakian, a native of Ireland, who is now following farming in Gasper township, Preble county. The father was a Whig and Republican, but never sought office and never held a public position save that of school director. The cause of education found in him a warm friend and he took an active interest in every movement that would promote the effectiveness of the schools. He aided in building the first log schoolhouse in his neighborhood. It had an earth floor, greased paper windows, a mud-and-stick chimney, and one end of the room was occupied by an immense fireplace in which huge logs were burned. The desks were boards laid upon pegs driven into the walls, and the seats were puncheon slabs on wooden pins. This rude schoolhouse was built on short notice, having been begun on Friday morning and was ready for occupancy by the next Monday morning, at which time the teacher had been engaged to open school. Mr. Sayler served as a captain of militia for many years, of the Light Infantry. He was a man of military tastes and soldierly bearing and drilled recruits for the civil war in i86r. He was known throughout the community by the title of captain. In the fall of 1862 his eldest son went to the war, serving for three years as the color-bearer of the Eighty-first Ohio In- fantry. Captain Sayler was a believer in the divine truths, but never held membership in any church. He died March 6, 1899, and his wife passed away June 29, 1898. They now rest side by side in the Young cemetery.

Martin S. Sayler, whose name introduces this review, was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that devolve upon the agriculturist. His school privileges were limited to attendance during two summers and one winter term, owing to sickness and death in the family. The father, however, was a scholarly man who read extensively and his influence proved of great benefit to the son. Our subject has never left the old homestead, but throughout his entire life has carried on agricultural pursuits there. He was married May 20, 1875, to Sarah Ann Swihart, of Preble county, a daughter of James and Mary (Miller) Swihart. Her grandfather was David Miller, an .elder in the Dunkard church. Mr. and Mrs. Sayler now have five children. Charlie A. and Hugh J. were twins. The former died at the age of seven months, but the latter is still at home. Theodore S. is the third of the family. The only daughter is Mary B., who was born February 17, 1893. George H., the youngest, was born November 2, 1897. The home occupied by Mr. Sayler and his family was built by his father in 1852 and contains a part of the old log house, the remainder having been torn down in 1862. The famous large log barn which is still in use was built by his grandfather seventy-five years ago. The farm comprises one hundred and fifty-eight acres, which was entered by the grandfather, Samuel Teal, about 1800. Mr. Sayler carries on general farming and makes a specialty of the breeding of good cattle and hogs.

He grows wheat and corn and raises as high as from thirteen to eighteen hundred bushels of wheat and from twelve to eighteen hundred bushels of corn annually. He has an excellent orchard, which was planted by himself, and all of the other improvements and accessories of a model farm are there found. Mr. Sayler is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the third degree of Camden Lodge, No. 109. He is a Democrat in politics, has served as a school director for the past twelve years and has also been the clerk of the district. He is one of the charter members of the Wayne Farmers' Club. The history of the Sayler family was published in 1898, in which the ancestry is traced back for a period of nearly two centuries, and the family has been founded in Preble county for one and a third centuries. They were Dunkards at an early day. The record goes back to 1575 in Germany, and the first American progenitor, Daniel Sayler, was born in Switzerland, June 15, 1708. Throughout a long connection with Preble county representatives of the name have taken an active part in its growth, development and progress, and have contributed greatly to its material advancement. As a member of this honored family and as a leading and influential citizen, Mr; Sayler well deserves mention in the history of his native county.

Daniel Brown

Daniel Brown is engaged in the livery business in New Paris, and is an enterprising citizen of this community. He was born in Harrison township, Preble county, on the 14th of July, 1835. His father, George A. Brown, was a native of North Carolina, and during his boyhood was brought to Preble county. His father, Adam Brown, was one of the pioneer settlers of this community. There were only three men in the county when he located within its borders, and he left the impress of his individuality upon the pioneer development of the state. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier George A. Brown was reared and later he married Miss Mary Ebersole, a native of Maryland, who came westward to Preble county with her parents during her girlhood. Her father, Feltz Ebersole, was a native of Maryland and followed the occupation of farming in Preble county for many years. Both the father and mother of our subject were of German descent, and the latter could speak only the German language when she came to Ohio. By their marriage were born eight children, all natives of Preble county, and Daniel Brown, of this review, is the fourth in order of birth. He was reared upon a farm in Harrison township and remained at home until he had attained his majority. During that period he pursued his education in the district school and engaged in farming until twenty-two years of age, when he removed to La Salle county, Illinois, spending a year in the Prairie state. On the expiration of that period he returned to Preble county and engaged in farming, a pursuit which he followed for some years. About 1870, however, he removed to Noble county, Indiana, where he spent two years in connection with the agricultural interests of that locality. He then returned to Harrison township, and in 1892 he came to New Paris. The following year he embarked in the livery business, which he has since carried on and in his undertaking he receives a liberal patronage.

wife of James Harris, a resident of New Madison, Darke county, Ohio, employed as a traveling salesman ; Logan L., a successful teacher now serving as the clerk of the courts; and Cordelia M., at home. Mr. Brown exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never aspired to office, his attention being fully occupied by his business affairs, in- which he is meeting with good success. His life has been a quiet yet useful and honorable one, commending him to the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

William Hambidge

William Hambidge, the popular manager of the Hotel Rossman, of Eaton, is one of the best-known residents of the city. His long connection with the interests of Eaton and his prominence in business and social circles have gained him prestige which few enjoy, and through his efforts the Hotel Rossman has become the most popular and paying enterprise of the kind in Preble county.

Mr. Hambidge was born in Warwickshire, England, January 11, 1848, and is the eldest son of John and Annie (Ellis) Hambidge, also natives of Warwickshire, where they were married. In 1854 they bade adieu to their old home and crossed the Atlantic to America, taking up their residence upon a farm in Dixon township, Preble county, where they lived until 1865. They then removed to Newton county, Indiana, where the father now owns and operates a fine farm. The mother died on that farm in 1887, since which time the father has resided with his children to a great extent. He

Richmond, Indiana ; Mrs. S. A. Rossman, who is the widow of James W. Rossman and owns the Rossman House ; William, of this review ; Richard, a well-to-do farmer of Nebraska; Thomas, a successful agriculturist living near Lafayette, Indiana ; John, who lives on the home farm ; and George, who resides at Brook, Indiana.

William Hambidge, whose name introduces this review, was ten years old when his parents came to America, and since that time he has been a resident of the Buckeye state. During the civil war he enlisted, in May, 1864, as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, and served his four-months term in Virginia. He afterward re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Ohio Infantry, serving for one year in Georgia, under General Wilson, being mostly engaged in fighting guerrillas, in following Sherman's army on the Atlanta campaign and in constructing railroads. At the close of the war he went to the old home in Indiana, where he remained for about a year, when he became a resident of Eaton, where he has since lived. For some time he has been associated with his sister, Mrs. Rossman, in the conduct of the Rossman Hotel, and in carrying on a bakery business and restaurant.

Mr. Hambidge is well fitted for his present occupation, being a genial, whole-souled gentleman who makes friends wherever he goes. Emerson says "the way to win a friend is to he one," and undoubtedly this is the secret of Mr. Hambidge's having a large host of admiring friends who entertain for him the highest regard. He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Eaton, and no new enterprise is undertaken in which his counsel and material assistance is not sought. Not only does he capably conduct the hotel, but, as before stated, is associated with his sister in other enterprises. The hotel building is a new, three-story brick, handsomely finished and finely furnished. I he guests there are always sure to receive courteous treatment from the employes of the house and are enabled to enjoy comfortable rooms and an excellent bill of fare. Hotel Rossman is the traveling man's home in Eaton. In connection with the house there is also a fine bakery which not only supplies the hotel but sells to the general public. In every possible way Mr. Hambidge labors to promote the comfort and happiness of his guests and his patrons are always glad to return to him, knowing that they will receive a hearty welcome and considerable attention.

In public affairs Mr. Hambidge is quite prominent and has frequently been called to various positions. He served for eight years as the assessor of Washington township, which includes the city of Eaton. He also served for one term as the township treasurer. He was a charter member of Mulharen O'Kane Post, No. 3, G. A. R., and always attends the national encampments of the organization. In politics he is a recognized leader in Democratic ranks and has been a delegate to several state, county, congressional and judicial conventions. In business affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably reliable. Tireless energy, keen perception and honesty of purpose are his chief characteristics, and added to this is his genial and jovial manner, which has made him a most popular citizen.

Willard A. Eidson

The ancestors of our subject were among the band of heroic Pilgrims who crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower and made the first settlement upon the bleak shores of New England in 1620. The Eidsons, however, resided in Virginia at an early day, and the great-grandfather of our subject, Boyce Eiclson, was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church in the Old Dominion. Henry Eidson, the grandfather, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, and at an early period in the development of Ohio emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, where he followed farming. He was one of the pioneers of the Methodist faith in this locality, was an earnest Christian gentleman and erected a church on his farm near Enterprise. His son, Boyce Eidson, the father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in 1802, and during his boyhood came with his father to the Buckeye state. He, too, was an agriculturist and assisted in reclaiming the wild lands for purposes of civilization. He became a prosperous and enterprising farmer, and at one time served as county assessor, which was at that time a county and not a township office, as now. His death occurred in 1847. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Ann Griffin, was born in 1808, and was a daughter of Jacob Griffin, of Delaware, and of Quaker extraction. Unto Boyce and Rebecca Ann (Griffin) Eidson the following children were born: Griffin H., of whom mention is made elsewhere in this volume ; Henry B. and Charles B., deceased ; Nancy Jane, the widow of C. P. Rensman, of Eaton ; Francis Marion, of Darke county, Ohio; Priscilla, the wife of James Gable, of the state of

Washington; Willard A., of this review; Hannah, deceased, the only one of the children dying in childhood; Lucy E., the wife of H. H. Payne, of Camden, Ohio ; Olivia, the deceased wife of W. Shewman; and Rebecca A., the deceased wi'fe of Benjamin Smith.

Willard A. Eidson was born in West Alexandria^ Lanier township, and having acquired his elementary education in the public schools continued his studies in the Normal School at Lebanon. Subsequently he engaged in teaching for three years. On the 23d of July, 1863, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Eidson enlisted in the United States naval service, and was assigned to the gunboat Naumkeag, which rendered much service in convoying on the Mississippi, Red and White rivers. In this service our subject remained for the greater part of a year and then, on account of disabilities, was sent to Pinkney Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained for six weeks. He was then transferred to the gunboat ram Avenger, on which he remained until the close of his service, which included the exciting Red river expedition, after which he was tendered a naval commission for meritorious conduct, but on account of disabilities received in line of duty, was prevented from accepting.

After the war Mr. Eidson went to the west, and for a time was engaged in cattleraising in Kansas, but he lost everything in a prairie fire. In 1867 he returned to Eaton, where for twenty-three years he was engaged in merchandising. Failing health then forced his retirement, but for a time he engaged in the wholesale leaf-tobacco trade. Through a quarter of a century lie was regarded as one of the most prominent and influential business men of the city, his af-

In his political relations Mr. Eidson is a Republican and a zealous worker in the ranks of his party. He was for nine years the city treasurer of Eaton, also served as a member of the city council, and in 1892 contested with John W. Cook, of Dixon township, Grant Sheller, of Harrison, and William Dove, of Washington, for the nomination for county auditor, securing the nomination and election. He was re-elected in 1895, by an increased majority of nearly five hundred votes over his majority on his first election, and much exceeding the majority over the head of his ticket - Governor Bushnell. This was a fitting endorsement of his efficiency and his many economic official reforms. On the close of his last term the Eaton Democrat, which had bitterly opposed his election, said, editorially : "While differing with Mr.

Eidson radically politically it gives us pleasure to bear testimony to his fitness for the position in which the people of the county placed him and to say with absolute truth that no man ever held office in the county who discharged its responsible duties more efficiently, faithfully and satisfactorily, or who retired with cleaner hands or a cleaner official record. He turns the office over to his successor with the good will and best wishes of the people of the county, regardless of political predilections, for his success in whatever business he may engage." The Eaton Register said : "His conservative, respected course in the conduct of his office has brought strength to the party, and Ave voice the sentiment of our people in saying that he has conducted the office efficiently, economically and satisfactorily. 'Well done, good and faithful servant !' " lived retired although he superintends the operation of his farms and other affairs. He has been active in politics ; was chairman of the county committee during the critical political events in Ohio in 1897 and was instrumental. in securing the election of Mark Hanna as United States senator, owing to his effective organization, as chairman, of the working forces of his party in Preble county, it being a pivotal and doubtful county that year. He keeps well informed on the political, literary and economic questions of the day.

Mr. Eidson has ben twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Wyatt, a daughter of Levi Wyatt. She died in June, 1873, leaving one child, Charles W., who served as deputy county auditor under his father, and is still holding the same position. His second wife was Elizabeth, the daughter of Riley Pugh. They were married May 31, 1877, and had three children, but only one is now living, Joseph P. The other two boys died in childhood : an infant, and Riley B., who died when about three years of age. In his social relations Mr. Eidson is a Mason, and is regarded as one of the exemplary members of the fraternity in Eaton. He was the commander of the Grand Army Post in 1892-3, and greatly enjoys the meetings where, amid the "boys in blue," he recalls the scenes of army life when the Union was endangered and brave men throughout the north left their homes and battled for the supremacy of the national government. In his business affairs Mr. Eidson has been very successful, and the capable control of those interests with which he has been connected has brought to him deserved success. He is public-spirited and has borne a commendable part in the advancement of his native county, and may be fairly classed as a self- made man; for, starting out in life a poor boy, without friends or means and beginning business without capital, yet by industry, economy and perseverance he has, in spite of fire, achieved success. He is of a retiring disposition, hates frauds, shams, hypocrisy and affectation. To do right is his religion, and he believes with Pope that "An honest man is the noblest work of God." Regarding material and educational developments in the county, he says : "I remember the period of homespun fabrics from wool and flax, the spinning-wheel and loom, when the sickle was used instead of the selfbinder, and the flail instead of the steam thresher; the era of log school houses with slab seats and big fire-places, when it was a distinction for a boy to cipher in the rule of three; before the rod was superseded by moral suasion ; when it was incumbent on the master to sustain his sway and standing by physical force; when quill pens were in general use; when there were log churches with big seats and high pulpits from which the minister vehemently and with vigorous gesticulations preached hell fire; when stages were the means of travel; hoop-poles and coonskins among the commodities; cornhuskings, log-rollings, apple-cuttings and wood choppings the social events; flint-lock muskets amongst the firearms, and before the advent of railroads, telegraphs, electric motors, telephones and the innumerable laborsaving and civilizing inventions of the present day." In every feature of industry, what a contrast !

Logan L. Brown

as clerk of the courts of the county, having been elected to that office in 1899. He was born in Noble county, Indiana, January 13, 1869, and is a son of Daniel and Mary E. (Lock) Brown, who are represented on another page of this volume.

Our subject was only two years old at the time of the removal of the family from Noble county, Indiana, to Preble county, Ohio, and in the district schools of Harrison township he began' his education. He next attended the Euphemia grammar school, and for a time was a student in the high school at Lewisburg. He began the profession of teaching in Georgetown, Preble county, but desiring to obtain a better education he only taught one term at that time, after which he took a classical course at the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Hardin county, H. S. Lehr being president of the institution at that time He afterward returned to Georgetown, where he successfully taught school for seven years. He taught one term in Montgomery county, this state, and then resigned his position there to become a teacher in the high school at New Paris, where he remained one year, and then became the principal of the West Sonora schools, a position he was holding at the time he was elected county clerk.

In 1893 he was graduated at the Miami Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio, which was one of the ten colleges represented at the World's Fair, and he was the corresponding secretary for the fair exhibit for that institution. He took the required examination and received a diploma from the World's Fair board. For eleven years he successfully followed the profession of teaching, and was prominent as a member of the Teachers' Association of Preble county.

Brown was elected the mayor of the city, and most creditably filled that office for one term. As a Democrat he has always taken an active and prominent part in local politics, and was a member of the election board of his township from the time he became a voter until his removal to New Paris. In 1899 he was elected clerk of the courts of Preble county, although he made no canvass, for he was teaching at the time, and he is now most capably and satisfactorily discharging the duties of that office. Since 1894 he has been a member of Harmony Lodge, No. 396, K. P., of New Paris, and has held all offices in the subordinate lodge and been a representative to the grand lodge of Ohio. He is one of the most prominent young men of the county, a leader both in social and political circles. Whether in public or private life, he is always a courteous, genial gentleman, and well deserves the high regard in which he is held.

Frank Campbell

Frank Campbell, the city marshal of Eaton, was born in Jackson township, Preble county, on the 13th of May, 1856, his parents being William and Patsy (Fisher) Campbell. His father was born in Tennessee, January 8, 1816, and is now living on the farm where the birth of our subject occurred. The mother died June 16, 1878, after which the father married Miss Iveziah Brubaker, of Jackson township. He is a well-preserved old gentleman and enjoys excellent health. In the family were three sons and a daughter, of whom our subject is the youngest. Harvey, the eldest, died in 1894, in middle life, leaving a widow to mourn his loss; Benjamin F. is a farmer of Jackson township; and the sister is Mrs. Sallie

Mr. Campbell, whose name introduces this review, was reared upon the home farm and pursued his education in the country schools. After laying aside his text-books he engaged in farming on his own account in Jackson township. He inherited from his father fifty acres of land and purchased twenty-two acres additional. For about ten years he continued its cultivation and from the rich and fertile fields gathered good crops, which brought to him a desirable income. He then traded his property for a livery business in Eaton, but soon sold that, accepting a dwelling in partial, payment. Later he was engaged in various lines of business until 1896, when he was elected city marshal by popular ballot. On the expiration of his first term of two years he was re-elected in 1898, and after serving a second term with satisfaction to the public was again re-elected in the spring of 1900. He is a faithful guardian of the public peace, and his worth as an official is widely acknowledged.

In Washington township, on the 26th of September, 1877, Mr. Campbell was united in marriage by Rev. Hiram Johnson, of the Methodist Episcopal church, to Miss Cora Monosmith, a native of Iowa, but residing in Jackson township at the time of her marriage. *Her father was Emanuel Monosmith, who was a blacksmith by trade, and is now deceased. Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca Loy, is a resident of Eaton. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have two children : Leonard, who was born in ing school. Mr. Campbell is a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 143, K. of P., and in politics was a Democrat until 1892, when he allied himself with the Republican forces and has since supported that party. Both he and his wife are active and consistent members of the Christian church, and Mrs. Campbell takes a zealous interest in its work, being associated with the various church societies. Mr. Campbell is a man of fine physique, being about six feet one and a half inches in height and weighing two hundred and five pounds. He enjoys excellent health and is well fitted for the responsible and important duties devolving upon him.

John M. Lefferson

John M. Lefferson, who is conducting an undertaking establishment in Eaton, was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 17, 1850. His father, Garrett Lefferson, was a native of the same county, and the grandfather, Arthur Lefferson, was born in New Jersey, whence he emigrated to Ohio prior to the year 1814. Garrett Lefferson has made farming his life work, following that pursuit throughout his active business career. He is still living, at the age of eightysix years, his home being near Middletown, Butler county. In his business affairs he was quite successful, accumulating a comfortable competence. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, and is a man of high respectability. His wife bore the maiden name of Rachael Clayton, and was a daughter of Thomas Clayton, of Butler county. She died in i860. Of her twelve children five are still living, namely: William B., Thomas C. and Arthur D., all residents of Butler county; Alice, who is the widow of William Bailey, and is also living

Mr. Lefferson was reared upon the home farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. After the crops were harvested in the autumn, he entered the public schools and there pursued his studies until the return of spring caused him to enter the fields again. Not desiring to make farming his life work, however, he left home in 1881, and learned the undertaking business in Franklin, Warren county. He was graduated at the Oriental School of Embalming at Cincinnati, November 25, 1891, and ha'S taken other courses, namely, at Richmond, Indiana, and a second course in Cincinnati. On the 26th of March, 1885, he located in Eaton, and has since been a leading undertaker of this city, doing a liberal share of the business in his line.

On the 2d of December, 1872, Mr. Lefferson was united in marriage to Miss Mary S. Denise, a daughter of Daniel and Eliza Denise, of New Jersey. Four children have blessed their union: Bertha; Lida, the wife of Frank Saylor, of West Alexandria; Ethel and Glenn. The family are well known in Eaton, and the members of the household occupy leading positions in social circles. Mr. Lefferson and his family hold membership in the Presbyterian church, in which he is a trustee. He is also a valued representative of various fraternal organizations, belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the order of Rebekah, the Masonic fraternity, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Independent Order of Foresters. Throughout an active and useful business life his honorable career has won him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact, and he is known as a reliable citizen and a

Simon Geeting

The subject of this personal narrative is one of the most successful and progressive farmers of Monroe township, his home beingon section 24. He has made his special field of industry an eminent success and is highly esteemed and respected by those who know him.

A native of Preble county, Mr. Geeting was born in Twin township, June 15, 1849, and is a son of David and Tenne (Bickel) Geeting, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. It was during his boyhood that the father of our subject came to this county, and here he was mostly reared and educated. After his marriage he located on a farm in Twin township, which he improved, but spent his last days in Monroe township, where he died at the age of seventy-two years, his wife at the age of seventy-one. In their family were four children: Simon, our subject; Susanna, the wife of Adam House, a farmer of Monroe township; Jacob, a farmer of Jay county, Indiana; and Lavinia, the wife of Charles Fry, a farmer of Darke county, Ohio.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were principally passed in Monroe township, and in the common-schools of the district he acquired his education. He early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and aided his father in the operation of the home farm until his marriage, which was celebrated November 17, 1870, Miss Amanda Winternine becoming his wife. She is a native of this county and a daughter of John G. and Sara Winternine, early settlers here. To Mr. and Mrs. Geeting were born five children, one son and four daughters, namely : Sarah C., still at her parental home; Laura and Mary, twins, the former the wife of Charles Laird, the latter of Rufus Weaver ; and Harvey and Perly, at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Geeting began their domestic life on her father's farm in Washington township, where they lived about two years, and then moved to his father's farm, where the following two years were passed. At the end of that time he purchased ninetysix acres where he now resides, and has since added to it two eighty-acre tracts and another of three acres, making in all about two hundred and sixty acres, all under cultivation. Mr. Geeting has made the most of the improvements upon that place, including a good barn, erected in 1876, and a comfortable residence in 1877. He carries on general farming, and has also operated a threshing machine for the past twelve years, meeting, with marked success in both undertakings. He is an enterprising and progressive agriculturist and a business man of more than ordinary ability.

Politically Mr. Geeting is a stanch Republican and has been called upon to serve as school director and road commissioner, the duties of which offices he has most capably performed. In his religious views he is a Lutheran, and he is widely and favorably known throughout the county.

John G. Oxer

The name of Oxer figures conspicuously in connection with the commercial and agricultural interests of Preble county, and John G. Oxer's worth as a citizen has long been demonstrated, for he belongs to that class of enterprising Americans who contribute to the public good while advancing individual prosperity. His life record contains many valuable lessons showing the possibilities that are before young men who desire to advance in life. He was born in Dixon township, Preble county, October 20, 1838, his parents being George W. and Phoebe (Gard) Oxer. His father was born in Madison county, Kentucky, March 28, 1810, and the parents of the latter were James and Elizabeth (Ewing) Oxer. The grandfather of our subject was a native of Virginia and when a young man removed to Kentucky, where he married and followed farming. In 1830 he removed with his family to Preble county, Ohio, settling about one mile northwest of Camden in Somers township, and there he resided until 1852, when he took up his abode in Warren county, Indiana, near Williamsport, continuing to reside there until he was called to the home beyond. He was a very bitter opponent of slavery, strong in his convictions and fearless in upholding what he believed to be right. He was of English descent, while his wife was of French lineage.

Their son, George W. Oxer, was twenty years of age when he came with his parents to the Buckeye state. On attaining his majority he began working for Zimri Stratton, an old Quaker farmer of Dixon township and was employed as a farm hand until the time of his marriage, which occurred June 5, 1834. He began his domestic life on a small farm which he purchased about that time and which was located near his employer's farm. There he resided until the spring of 1839, when he moved across the Indiana line to a place about three miles agricultural pursuits until 1861, when he returned to Dixon township, of which locality he was a resident until the time of his death, December 21, 1870. He was a successful agriculturist and a lover of fine stock, making a specialty of the breeding of high-grade horses, cattle and sheep. His wife was a native of Dixon township and the daughter of Levi and Sophia (Barkdull) Gard. Her father was born in North Carolina and became one of the pioneer settlers of Preble county, locating in Dixon township in 1806. Her mother was a native of Pennsylvania and belonged to one of the old Dutch families of the Keystone state. By the marriage of George W. Oxer and Phoebe Gard nine children were born, of whom five are living, namely : John G. ; Mary J., the widow of John O'Neil, of Dixon township ; David, a merchant of Ivirksville, Missouri; Lucinda, the wife of John Gennebeck, of Kokomo, Indiana; and William N., a farmer of Boston township, Wayne county, Indiana.

In taking up the personal history of John G. Oxer we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Preble county. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools and was supplemented by study in Miami University at Oxford, where he was pursuing his education at the time of the inauguration of the civil war. One hundred and twentyseven students in that institution put aside their text books and enlisted, forming Company C of the Twentieth Ohio Infantry, but Mr. Oxer's services were not accepted, and, the college being closed, he returned to his home. On the 5th of June, 1862, he was joined in the bondsof matrimony to Miss Lucinda Paddack, and after his marriage located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Dixon township, continuing th£ operation of his land until 1864, when he again attempted to enlist and this time became a member of Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, on the 5th of May. The regiment was mustered in for one hundred days' service at Camp Dennison and proceeded thence to Kelton barracks at Cincinnati, where Mr. Oxer was detailed for service in the commissary department, in which capacity he was engaged until the time of his discharge on the 2d of September, 1864.

After being mustered out our subject returned home, and in 1865 traded his land in Dixon township for a farm in Jackson township, to which he removed, there residing until 1871, when he purchased another farm of seventy-six acres. It was his place of abode until 1884, and during that time he extended its boundaries by additional purchases until it embraced four hundred and fifty acres. When his son Orange returned from school in 1883 they began conducting a butchering business on the farm and continued there for a year, after which they removed to Richmond, Indiana, carrying on the same business for four years. The father then sold out and returned to the farm, but his efforts have been by no means confined to agricultural lines. In 1892 he organized the Whitewater Valley Canning Company and built the plant at New Paris, Ohio. In this enterprise he is associated with J. S. Middaugh as partner, and the enterprise has proven a substantial success. In 1899 Mr. Middaugh sold his interest to Mr. Oxer, who soon afterward admitted his sonin-law, John P. Deardorff, to a partnership in the business.

Rosa Lee, and Elmira P. The last named became the wife of John P. Deardorff. The elder daughter is a graduate of the Normal School at Richmond, Indiana, also of the State University at Bloomington, that state, which conferred upon her the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and then she entered Cornell University for post-graduate work; but after a year was obliged to leave that institution on account of ill health. Later she continued his studies at Hiram College, at Hiram, Ohio, and subsequently matriculated in the Medical College at Cleveland, where she was graduated, at the head of a class of forty-four students. In the succeeding autumn she was assigned to duty by the Christian Woman's Board of Missions, to Mahoba, India, and is now practicing there. Her assignment was made in November, 1896.

In his political views Mr. Oxer has always been a stalwart Republican. For many years he was township clerk and for seventeen years was clerk of the elections. He is a member of the Colonel Marker Post, No. 656, G. A. R., of New Paris, and is a member of the Christian church. He withholds his support from no movement which is calculated to advance the material, social, educational or moral interests of the community, and for three years effectively served on the school board. His career has been one of public activity in the business world, of faithfulness in private life and of fidelity as a citizen. Over his record there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and his life is well worthy of emulation.

John C. Riner

township. He was born April 7, 1848, on the farm which is still his home. His grandfather, John Riner, was a native of the Old Dominion, born near Martinsburg, Virginia, about 1780. In 1805 he removed to Ohio, taking up his abode in Gratis township, Preble county. His death occurred there on section 14, in the year 1840. He was twice married, his first union being with Virginia Huffman, a native of the state whose name she bore. They had two daughters - Sarah and Catherine, the latter being the mother of Milton, Nilson and Judge John Riner Sayler. Milton Sayler, deceased, served two terms in congress from the third district. Nilson Sayler and Judge John Riner Sayler at present are one of the best law firms of Cincinnati, Ohio. John Riner's second wife was Mary Osborn, of Shepardsburg, Virginia, and she died in 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. She v/as the mother of seven children^ of whom four are living: Mrs. Julia Ann Chrisman, who is living near Eaton, at the advanced age of eighty-four ; Henry, the father of our subject; Wesley, a retired farmer of Morrison, Illinois, who is living there, at the age of seventy-nine, and has two children ; and Rebecca, the wife of Perry Rinehart, who resides near Eaton.

Henry Riner, the father of our subject, was born on the farm adjoining that upon which he yet resides, February 5, 1819. His parents had made the journey westward in 1814, in the usual emigration style, with a covered wagon and four horses. The father purchased three hundred and thirtyseven acres of land of Alexander Pugh and was one of the pioneer settlers of the community. Amid the wild scenes of pioneer life Henry Riner was reared and early became familiar with the arduous task of developing and improving the property. He wedded Elizabeth Chrisman, who was born December 10, 1822, on the farm adjoining the Riner home on the north. Their marriage occurred in the latter part of. March, 1844. Mrs. Riner was a daughter of John and Susanna (Fishburn) Chrisman, of North Carolina, who were among the early settlers of Preble county. -Daniel Chrisman, the maternal grandfather of our subject, came to Preble county about 1785, bringing with him his wife and their first child, who was the grandfather of our subject. They were of Presbyterian faith and were farming people. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Riner were born three children, two sons and a daughter, namely: Susie, who was born February 21, 1845, and is the wife of Dr. Quinby, a physician of Omaha, Nebraska; John C., of this review; and Charles W., who was born February 7, 1854, and is now engaged in business as a real estate and coal dealer in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He has been married three times and has four children.

John C. Riner spent the first nine years of his life in Preble county, and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Butler county, but at the age of twenty years he returned and was married to Miss Lizzie A. Speer, on the 18th of June, 1873. She was born at Seven Mile, in Butler county, September 26, 1851, and is a daughter of Jaques and Aurelia. (Hawley) Speer, both of whom are now deceased. They began their domestic life upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and their home has been blessed with the presence of seven children : Charles