Washington Township (part 13 of 21)

Edward Johnson, who was born in August, 1878; Clifford Chrisman, who was born in November, 1880; Nellie, born December 31, 1884; Edith, 'who was born in August, 1889; and Glenn, who was born in March, 1893. Mr. Riner follows general farming, making a specialty of the raising of corn, wheat and tobacco. In 1899 he had one hundred acres of wheat, making an average of twenty-two bushels per acre, and forty-five hundred bushels of corn from seventy-five acres, while twelve acres were planted to tobacco, yielding thirteen thousand pounds. He also raises hogs, horses, cattle, sheep and mules and breeds them all. He has twenty-one horses, mules and jacks. His hogs are of the Duroc Jersey breed, of which he has some very fine specimens, annually selling from fifty to seventy-five head. His cattle are short-horns, and he keeps on hand from fifty to one hundred head of Oxford Down sheep. He has one of the best farms in this fertile section of Ohio. In 1879 he began the erection of his present home, a commodious and substantial residence. His barn was built by his father fifty years ago. The place is well, improved and everything about the farm is kept in first-class condition.

Mr. Riner is a Republican in his political affiliations, and has served for six years and one month as a county commissioner. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. They have an interesting family of children, of whom they may well be proud. They enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes in the community, and have a very large circle of friends. Mr. Riner has met with very creditable success in his business dealings, his work having been carried on along well defined lines of labor, guided by sound judgment and characterized by sterling honesty.

John Anderson Gruver

A leading representative of the mercantile interests of Eaton is John A. Gruver,. whose name introduces this record. He was. born in the city of Greenville, Darke county, Ohio, January 15, 1843, and is a son of John A. and Elizabeth (Bowman) Gruver. Both parents were natives of the Keystone state, but were married in Greenville, Ohio, about 1835. The father was born in 1809 and became a shoemaker and farmer, following those pursuits until within ten years of his death. He spent the last decade of his earthly pilgrimage in retirement from business cares and died in Plymouth, Indiana, in 1894. His first wife died in Greenville in 1857, and he also survived his second wife. Six children were born of the first union, namely: Mrs. Katherine Chase, who is living in Jackson, Michigan; Joseph, who follows farming near Eldorado, Preble county; John A., of this review; William B., a farmer of Plymouth, Indiana; Amanda, the wife of Benjamin Fritz, of Eaton; and Henry M., of Eaton.

John A. Gruver is indebted to the public school system of Greenville, for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He was reared on a farm until more than sixteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's trade and that of carriage-trimmer. He was thus employed at the time of the inauguration of the civil war, and, putting aside all personal considerations, he enlisted, on the 30th of April,

1861, joining the "boys in blue" of Company C, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, in which he served for three years and four months. His duties called him to West Virginia, where he remained until the beginning of land Army under command of Generals Buell, Rosecrans and Sherman. He participated in the battles of Rich Mountain, Carnifex Ferry, Virginia; Shiloh, Pittsburg, Perryville, Stone River, Silver Springs and Chickamauga. He was severely wounded at the battle of Stone River and had his first and second fingers and part of his left hand shot off. He was afterward on detached duty, performing clerical work in the quartermaster's department until honorably discharged in September, 1864. He was a loyal soldier, always found at his post of duty, and his military record is one of which he has every reason to be proud.

Mr. Gruver returned to West Alexandria, where he lived at the. time of his enlistment, and there resumed his trade. Soon afterward he went to Arcanum, thence to Greenville and subsequently to Winchester, Indiana, coming from that place to Eaton. He engaged in merchandising on his own account in this city from 1867 until 1896. He then went to Marion, Indiana, where he carried on the harness and the carriage trade for a year and a half, when he sold out and returned to Eaton. For a year thereafter he was not connected with any business enterprise, but in June, 1899, he opened the Racket store on Barrow street, where he carried a large stock of queensware, china, granite, tin and wooden ware, notions and novelties. He also carried a full line of light hardware, whips, robes and blankets. His stock is valued at about three thousand dollars and he employs from two to eight clerks according to the season.

Mr. Gruver was married in Greenville, Ohio, October 18, 1864, to Miss Emma Hervey, a native of West Alexandria, Preble county, a daughter of Samuel Plervey, who was a bookkeeper by profession and died in California while engaged in mercantile pursuits there. Mr. and Mrs. Gruver had but one child, Paul Halsey, now twentyseven years of age. The mother died March 11, 1894, and Mr. Gruver afterward married Mrs. Mary Wysong, a native of this county. She had four children by her first marriage, one of whom is still with her mother. MV. Gruver is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being past grand and past chief patriarch of the fraternity. He is also a member of the Grand Army of Republic, is a strong Republican and served for nine years as postmaster of Arcanum and also as a member of the city council of Greenville, Ohio. His son is also a member of the order of Knights of Pythias, and is engaged in business with his father. He is a young man of strong mentality and takes a great deal of interest in amateur theatricals. His social and business qualities render him popular in both circles. Mr. Gruver receives attention and recognition for his army services. He may be truly called a self-made man for his prosperity is the crown of his own labors. Industry has been the golden key that has opened to him the portals of success, and perseverance, careful attention to details in his business and a determination that has overcome all obstacles are numbered among his chief characteristics. Success in life is something to be proud of and the world is better for every successful man.

Andrew Hiestand

In modern ages, and to a large extent in the past also, banks have constituted a vital part of organized society, and governments, both monarchical and popular, have depended upon them for material aid in times of depression and trouble. Their influence has extended over the entire world, and their prosperity has been the barometer which has unfalteringly indicated the financial status of all nations. Of this important branch of business Andrew Hiestand is a worthy representative. He is the ^resident of the Preble County National Bank, and has contributed toward making this institution one of the most reliable institutions of the kind in western Ohio.

Mr. Hiestand is numbered among the native sons of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Montgomery county on the 14th of March, 1827. The family is of German lineage. The father of our subject was John Hiestand, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who emigrated westward in 1812, becoming a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio. There he spent his remaining days, passing away in 1858. He was a cabinetmaker and farmer and very successful in his business affairs. He married Miss Barbara Cochrin, who was of Scotch lineage and died in 1871. She was the mother of nine children, four of whom yet survive, namely : Elizabeth, who is living in Warren county, Ohio; Jacob R., of Wisconsin; Julia B., of Warren county, Ohio; and Andrew.

Mr. Hiestand, of this review, pursued his education in the local schools and in early life learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for some time. Subsequently he conducted for six years a saw and grist mill in Montgomery county. During the period of the civil war he was very active in taking care of the soldiers' families and contributed most liberally toward their support. After the death of the brother, H. C. Hiestand, in 1884, he came to Eaton to superintend the banking business, which he and his brother had organized, and which had been conducted by the brother for a number of years under the firm name of H. C. Hiestand & Company. In 1894 the business was reorganized under the national banking system and the name of the Preble County National Bank was assumed. Of this institution our subject has since been the president.

The efforts of Mr. Hiestand have by no means been confined to 0110 line. He has been the president of the board of water works since its organization, and it was he who conceived the idea of transforming the fourteen acres of land surrounding the water works into a beautiful park that may be enjoyed by the citizens in Eaton for generations to come. He has also been an activefactor in the upbuilding and material advancement of the city by erecting an excellent class of buildings here, including the St. Clair office building, in which enterprise he was associated with several other prominent business men of the town. He is certainly a public-spirited and progressive man, and his labors have secured marked advancement along social, educational, material and moral lines in the city of his adoption.

Mr. Hiestand was united in marriage to Miss Ruth Witridge, a daughter of Dr. Witridge, of New Paris, Ohio. They enjoy the hospitality of the best homes in Eaton, and their circle of friends is very extensive. Mr. Hiestand has been a successful man in business affairs and his success has been the result of earnest and persistent effort in the line of honorable and manly dealing. His aim has always been to attain the best and he has always carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. His life has marked a steady growth and now he is in possession of an ample competence, and more than all, has that contentment that comes from a consciousness of having lived for a noble purpose.

John Schneider

As a young man this gentleman came to America, and without capital started out in a strange land to overcome the difficulties and obstacles in the path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have been realized, and in their happy fulfillment he sees the fitting reward of his earnest toil. After many years of active labor he is now living a retired life at a pleasant home in Euphemia, Ohio.

Mr. Schneider was born in Germany, May 25, 1819, and is a son of Jacob and Agnes M. Schneider, who spent their entire lives as farming people in that country, where the father died at the age of eightyseven years, the mother at the age of eightvthree. The maternal grandmother lived to the advanced age of ninety-four years. Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of three children, and the only one to come to America. His brother George died at the age of about forty years, and his sister Agnes at about the same age.

At the age of fourteen years John Schneider commenced learning the baker's trade, and after serving a two years' apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman in his native land for one year. He then went to Switzerland, where he was similarly employed for a time. On leaving there he returned to Germany in 1847, but after spending one week with his family he sailed for the new world. He landed in New York city and proceeded at once to Cincinnati, where he was first employed in a pork-packing establishment, but later found work at his trade, remaining there until 1850, when he came to Preble county. For about three years he was engaged in the bakery business at West Alexandria, and in June, 1856, took up his residence in Lewisburg, whence he removed, in 1882, to Euphemia, where he has since made his home. In January, 1857, his bakery and its entire contents were destroyed by fire, and he came very nearly losing his life. Later in the same year, with the assistance of friends, he erected a building and again engaged in the bakery business, until 1861, when he built a hotel and carried it on successfully until 1881. He then sold out and bought his present comfortable home at Euphemia, where he is now living retired, enjoying the fruits of former toil.

On the 24th of January, 1853, Mr. Schneider married Miss Mary Schlotterbeck, who was born in Germany, November 5, 1833, and came to the United States with her parents in 1847, first locating in Pennsylvania. Later she removed to Washington county, Ohio, from there to Montgomery county, and to Preble county in 1852. To Mr. and Mrs. Schneider were born four children, three sons and one daughter, namely: John, now engaged in business in New

Politically Mr. Schneider was first a Republican but is now a Democrat, and religiously both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. His course in life has ever been such as to command the confidence and respect of all with whom he came in contact, and lie justly merits the high regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens.

William H. Davis

William H. Davis is conducting a large and profitable business as a dealer in fine horses at West Elkton, and is recognized as a very enterprising and capable business man whose systematic methods and honorable policy have secured to him a place among the well-to-do citizens of his community. He was born in Union county, Indiana, July ii, 1854, and was a son of Thomas Clarkson Davis, a farmer who emigrated to this state from North Carolina. Henry Davis, the paternal, grandfather of our subject, was also a native of North Carolina, but in early life removed from that state to Indiana, where he became a wealthy agriculturist. The farm which he owned is still in the possession of, and is occupied by, his sons and daughters. The grandfather wedded a Miss Macy and they had eight children - four sons and four daughters - of whom two sens and the daughters are yet living. Five of the number were married and had families. Henry Davis died on the old family homestead in Indiana, when about sixty-five years of age, and his widow long survived him. He started out upon his business career empty-handed and steadily worked his way upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path until he had acquired a handsome property, leaving to his family at his death a good estate. Thomas Clarkson Davis was reared in Indiana. Arriving at yearsof maturity he married Rebecca Blanchard, who also was a native of North Carolina. Their marriage occurred in 1845, and at the home of their son, William H., was celebrated their golden wedding in October, 1895. Their union was blessed with nine children, of whom seven reached adult age, namely : Angeline, the wife of Isaac L.

Taylor, died in Denver, Colorado, at the age of fifty years, leaving nine children; Laura is the widow of Enoch E. Stubbs, and lives near Frankfort, Indiana, with her daughter and two sons; William H. is the next of the family; Elwood resides in West Elkton and has three children; Florence is the wife of Joseph Elliott, of Sterling, Kansas, and has three children; Albert resides in Stafford county, Kansas, and has eight children; and Huldah is the wife of Max Julian, of Hudson, Colorado, by whom she has seven children. The father of this family resided for brief periods in the states of Indiana, Ohio, Iowa and Kansas, and devoted his life to the pursuit of agriculture. In the last named state he resided at the time of his death. In politics he was first a Republican and afterward, on account of his views on the temperance question, supported the Prohibition party. He took an active interest in public affairs, believing most fully that it was the duty of every citizen to labor toward securing good officials. He died January 18, 1899, at the age of seventy-five years, and is still survived by his widow, who is now in her seventy-sixth year.

William H. Davis pursued his elementary education in the public schools of Indiana and Iowa. He was fifteen when his parents removed to New Providence, Hardin county, Iowa, and there completed a high-school education. The work of the farm early became familiar to him, and from early spring until crops were harvested in the autumn he assisted in the labors of the field. He was married December 13, 1877, to Rebecca Taylor, a native of Preble county, Ohio, and a daughter of Lewis and Martha (Stubbs) Taylor, both of whom are living, together with five of their six children.

Mr. Davis came to Preble county in 1877 and engaged in farming until 1896, since which time he has devoted his energies exclusively to the purchase and sale of horses. From childhood he has been a lover of fine horses and has always dealt in them to a greater or less extent. With the exception of the period which he spent in Denver, Colorado, for the benefit of his wife's health, he has resided in this section of the country since 1877. He has had many highgrade horses and has succeeded in selling them for good prices, selling one horse for six hundred dollars. He sold a fine matched team to the Honorable J. W. Goudey, minister of the United States to France, and received over a thousand dollars for the pair. He usually has from fifteen to twenty head at a time, and within a year he has sold horses to the value of eighteen or twenty thousand dollars. He personally superintends the business, making all of the purchases and sales himself. He is an excellent judge of fine horses, understands the treatment they should receive and carries on the business along progressive lines, so that his labors have been crowned with a gratifying degree of success. Few if any have won a higher reputation in this line of business than Mr. Davis, who is especially well known to dealers throughout the country, enjoying a very enviable reputation in stock circles.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the Friends' society. They have resided at their present home during the greater part of their married life. Having no children of their own, they have reared two children of other people - Maud and Lewis Taylor, to whom they have given the most loving care and attention. Excellent educational privileges have been afforded them, and they are now students in Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana. A niece, Mamie Taylor, now a maiden of twelve years, is also living with Mr. and Mrs. Davis. The great kindness of their hearts has prompted them to bestow parental attention where otherwise it would have been denied. They are certainly deserving of the filial gratitude of their adopted children. Their many excellencies of character are well known; and while their lives are free from ostentation they have ever enjoyed the warm confidence and regard which is extended to true worth.

Adam Ehrhardt

One of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Somers township, Adam Ehrliardt, has so ably conducted his business interests that success has crowned his efforts and given him a place among the substantial citizens of his community. He was born in Cincinnati, March 22, 1850. His father, Adam Ehrhardt, Sr., was a native of Germany, who married Rebecca Vogel, a native of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. She was reared, however, in Cincinnati, and in that city her marriage was celebrated, about 1846. His father's birth occurred in 1821, and his mother's in 1823. At the age of twenty-two years his father had sought a home in the new world, reaching America without capital. His brother, who had crossed the briny deep to New Orleans some years previously, had sent him money in order to pay his passage. He did not long tarry in the Crescent city, however, but started north for Cincinnati. He followed his profession of landscape gardening and reared his three sons in the same business. Fred and Henry Ehrhardt, brothers of our subject, are still engaged in that occupa- tion. The mother survives her husband and is now living in Cincinnati, with her three daughters. All of her six children are married and have families. The enterprise of the father brought to him a comfortable competence, and the mother is now well situated financially, so that she has been able to assist her children in getting started in life. Recently she gave to her son, Adam, two thousand dollars.

At his parental home our subject spent the days of his boyhood and youth, becoming an able assistant to his father. He was married in 1876 to Miss Minnie Seeger, and to them have been born the followingchildren : Fred, who died at the age of six years; Ada A., at home; Ollie, the wife of Winfred Johnson, by whom she has John, Levi, Rebecca, Carrie, Lida and Edmond.

Mr. Ehrhardt is now the owner of two valuable farms, one comprising one hundred and sixty-three acres, the other one hundred and sixty-seven acres. He has a good house and barn upon the farm which he rents, and his own fine new residence is a two-story frame dwelling, which he erected in 1890. It stands on a natural building site and can be seen for several miles. All of his improvements are in keeping with those of a model farm and everything about the place is neat in appearance, indicating the careful supervision of the owner. He raises the crops best adapted to this climate, making a specialty of wheat and corn, and annually harvests about two thousand bushels of wheat and three thousand bushels of corn. He gives considerable attention to the raising of hogs and finds that a profitable source of income. He has Poland China hogs upon the farm and Duroc Jerseys, and sells annually about one hundred and fifteen head. He also has graded Shropshire sheep and ten horses. His life has been an industrious one and indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature. He has accumulated a fine property, to which has been added a handsome sum of money. When this sturdy farmer, in his working clothes, deposited two one-thousand-dollar bills in the bank recently the clerk was quite surprised; but Mr. Ehrhardt has carefully husbanded his resources, and his enterprise, supplemented by economy and good management, has brought to him deserved success. His political support is given to the Democracy and for three years he has capably served as road commissioner. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive, withholding his support from no measure or movement which he believes would prove of public benefit.

Benjamin D. Moses

The task of writing the biography of a living representative man is a most difficult one, because the prevailing modesty of American manhood shrinks from personal prominence and invariably discourages even the most friendly attempt to uncover the secret of success or popularity in life. The subject of this sketch is a typical representative of western enterprise and progress who has won success through well directed business efforts. He is now engaged in business in Eaton as an insurance, real-estate and loan agent and is meeting with creditable and gratifying success along those lines.

Mr. Moses was born in German township, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 30, 1845, and is a son of Robert and Mary (Christ) Moses, the former a native of Augusta county, Virginia, and the latter of Rockingham county, that state. They were married in the Old Dominion and soon afterward emigrated westward, taking up their abode in Montgomery county, Ohio. The father became the owner of a fine farm in German township and was regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of his community. He was a man of fair education, possessing excellent judgment, and was universally esteemed for his integrity and straightforward dealing. Throughout almost his entire residence in Montgomery county he held either a township or county office, and no trust reposed in him was ever betrayed. In 1865 he removed to Preble county, locating at Enterprise, Lanier township, where he engaged in merchandising. He died in that village in 1875, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife survived him for several years, passing away at the age of seventy-nine. She was born in 1802. The father was of English descent and the family was established in America by the greatgrandfather of our subject, whose son John was the grandfather of Benjamin D. Moses. Twelve children were born unto Robert and Mary Moses, of whom four sons and three daughters are yet living, three having died in infancy, while two died after reaching mature years. Those who still survive are : John B., a resident of Saginaw, Michigan; Henry C., who is a retired farmer of Germantown, Ohio; Elizabeth, who is now Mrs. McKean and resides in Winchester, Preble county; Mrs. Eliza Lane, of Olathe, Kansas ; Columbus, a real-estate dealer of Dayton, Ohio; and Mrs. Lydia Huffman, also of Dayton.

Benjamin D. Moses of this review is the youngest of the family of twelve children. Pie obtained a common school education, receiving his first instruction in a little log schoolhouse in German township. At the age of sixteen he became an apprentice to the tinner's trade in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, and while so employed he was prompted by a spirit of patriotism, and though under the age of eighteen years and without the knowledge of his parents, he tendered his services in the defense of the Union, and on the 30th day of September, 1863, he was mustered into the service as a private in Company B, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and continued at the front in active service until the close of the war without missing a single day's duty, and was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, including the raid under General Kirkpatrick entirely around the city of Atlanta before its capture. On this expedition the federal troops were entirely surrounded at Love joy Station and they cut their way out with a sabre. They were five days and nights on that expedition without stopping to cook anything or to sleep. They ate their hardtack while riding along and fed their horses while on the march from nose-bags carried for the purpose. This was one of the most exciting campaigns of the war.

On the left flank of the army in front of Atlanta Mr. Moses was one of ten selected by Captain Cilley to make a reconnoisance into the enemy's country. After they had gone for several miles they suddenly came upon a detachment of mounted rebels, who were seen only by the captain, because of the dense undergrowth of the timber through which they were traveling. The captain gave the command to halt and ordered his men to fire. They not seeing the enemy hesitated, and were urged by a second order to fire. Mr. Moses fired his revolver in the direction the captain was looking and then dashed the spurs into his horse's side and followed the bullet; and, hearing shuffling of horses' feet ahead of him, he fired again and continued in pursuit of some thirty or forty rebels, chasing them until recalled by his captain. There were but these two shots fired. It was all over in a minute, but that minute was a desperate one and gave evidence of Mr. Moses' presence of mind and unfaltering courage under trying circumstances. Almost sooner than it takes to tell the story the sally was over and the rebels were on the dead run for safety.

One other incident of Mr. Moses' service may with interest be here related. On one occasion he was sent out to carry dispatches, and on his way during a dark night he came to a pond of water through which his road passed. The pond was covered with a thin crust of ice. Before crossing he halted, and hearing from the other side the splashing of horses' hoofs in the water and the breaking of the ice, he feared the party .might be a bushwhacker, at least an enemy, and he decided to await the approach of the rider and capture him. When the stranger had approached to within six feet Mr. Moses commanded him to halt and throw up his hands, which command was obeyed very promptly, with the assurance that he was "only a poo' old niggah." Mr. Moses then ordered him to come nearer, and as the stranger did so and the horses were side by side, Mr. Moses threw his arms around the man and found a wooly head and in consequence released the prisoner.

In all the engagements of his regiment Mr. Moses participated, including the great Wilson raid from Gravelly Springs, Alabama, to Macon, Georgia, resulting in the capture of Selma, Alabama, where they charged the enemy's works. They dismounted and found well built and well planned fortifications. This was an important military movement, and embraced a ride through the heart of the Confederacy, ending only with the close of the war. After the fall of the Confederacy Mr. Moses was one of two men detailed from his company to go in pursuit of Jefferson Davis, and was prevented from doing so only by the entreaties of a sick comrade who begged him to remain with him. The chief regret in all his army experience is that he was not permitted to be one of the party to pursue and capture the president of the Confederacy. He was always ready for scouting duty and was usually placed upon details where courage and coolness were required. He served as regimental postmaster, and, though for this reason was not required to go into battle, yet he took a carbine of a comrade and went on the skirmish line and into the engagement at Selma, Alabama, and participated in all other engagements with his regiment.

The few incidents of the army service rendered by Mr. Moses are related that the reader may gain an idea of some of the experiences which one in army service undergoes.

Returning home after the war, Mr. Moses located with his parents in Enterprise, where he engaged with his father in merchandising. Later he purchased his father's interest and conducted a store alone for a few years, but sold out in 1869 and went to Dayton, where, in connection with his brother, C. C., he engaged in the whole»- sale dry goods business. As that did not prove to his taste, however, he sold out to his partner and returned to Preble county. Here he purchased the old Shideler farm, in which his wife had an interest, and for fourteen years thereafter made his home on that place, devoting his energies to its cultivation and improvement. In 1888 he sold that property and came to Eaton, where he has since been engaged in the insurance, loan and real estate business, meeting with creditable success.

In 1868 occurred the marriage of Mr. Moses and Miss Anna Shideler, a daughter of Judge Peter and Catharine Shideler, early residents of Preble county, who are now dceased. Mrs. Moses was educated in the common schools and in the Germantown College. Three children were born of the marriage, but only two are now living: Robert S., who is holding a responsible position with the Flint & Walling Manufacturing Company, of Kenclallville, Indiana; and Homer C., a graduate of the Bellevue Medical College, of New York. He enlisted as a private soldier of the One Hundred and Fifty-seventh Indiana Regiment for the Spanish war, and served as such for a few I months and was then discharged to be appointed as an assistant surgeon in the United States army. He is now serving as an assistant surgeon in the Philippines. The only daughter of the family, Grace Lucile, died at the age of two years and eight months.

Mr. and Mrs. Moses have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for more than twenty years and he has long served as an official member and has taken a very active and creditable part in the church work. While living on the farm he served for nine years as a justice of the peace. In politics he is a Republican and is the present honored commander of Mulharen O'Kane Post, No. 3, G. A. R., of Eaton. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias. His life has indeed been upright and honorable, characterized by fidelity to duty in every relation. He is a gentleman of high moral character, genial and affable in manner, his views of life being broad and comprehensive, and he is independent, genial and public-spirited, admiring all that is best and highest in life.

Frank M. Davisson

This influential citizen and enterprising agriculturist of Monroe township ' is the owner of an excellent farm on section 14, and his management of the estate is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterizes the modern farmer. He was born upon that farm, February 21, 1847, and is a worthy representative of an honored pioneer family of this county.

Josiah Davisson, the father of our subject, was born in Harrison county, Virginia, October 6, 1808, but was only eight years of age when brought to Preble county, Ohio, by his father, Josiah Davisson, Sr. The latter was born either in Virginia or New Jersey, about 1743, and became one of the prominent men of Rockingham county, Virginia, where he served as sheriff for a time. In 1816 he came to this county, bringing with him his slaves, whom he set free. He entered land on section 14, Monroe township, where our subject now resides, and where he continued to make his home throughout the remainder of his life, dying there in 1825, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years. Much of the land which he secured from the government is still, in the possession of his descendants, our subject owning two hundred and seventy-five acres of the tract. Upon that farm the father of our subject lived until he, too, was called to his final rest in 1863, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Foos, was born in Warren county, Ohio,

February 13, 1819, and came to this county when three years of age with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Roberts) Foos, natives of Pennsylvania. When they located here there were only three houses on the road between Eaton and Greenville, and in one of these lived a horse thief ! Mrs. Davisson died July 15, 1896, at the age of seventy-seven years, five months and two days. Both she and her husband were of English descent. They were earnest members of the Baptist church, and in politics Mr. Davisson was first a Whig and later a Republican. He was quite a prominent and influential man in his community, and was called upon to serve as justice of the peace for sixteen years, and township treasurer twenty-two years. He w*as the fourth in order of birth in a family of five children who lived to maturity. His brothers, Absalom and Jonathan, were born in Harrison county, West Virginia, the former in 1802, the latter in 1806. Jonathan was also one of the prominent men of this county, and served as a county commissioner and as assessor of Monroe township.

To Josiah and Hannah (Foos) Davisson were born five children, of whom our subject is the oldest; Amelia Elizabeth lives with our subject upon the old homestead, they being the only representatives of the family now residents of Preble county; Oscar Fulton is married and is now a prominent attorney of Dayton; Edward Clinton is a physician of that city; and Sarah Alice is a resident of Preble county.

Reared on the home farm Frank M. Davisson acquired his primary education in the district schools. For two years he was a student at the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis, now Butler University, of Irvington, Indiana, and for about three years attended the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, taking a special course in civil engineering. Fie successfully followed that profession for ten years and for six years served as the surveyor of Preble county - from 1879 to 1885. Since then he has devoted his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. He owns the old homestead of two hundred and seventy-five acres, on section 14, Monroe township, and also fifty-four acres on section 11. His residence, which is one of the finest country homes in the county, was erected by him in 1886, at a cost of six thousand dollars. Upon this place are good and substantial barns and outbuildings, and everything about the farm testifies to the skill and ability of the owner in his chosen calling. He is engaged in general farming, but makes a specialty of stock raising, having upon his place a high grade of Oxford sheep, Poland China hogs and shorthorn cattle. As a progressive and public-spirited citizen he takes an active interest in public affairs and votes the straight Republican ticket. Socially he is a member of Libanus Lodge, No. 80, F. & A. M., of Lewisburg, one of the oldest lodges in the state.

John Meyer

Among the enterprising and valued citizens which the German empire has contributed to our republic may be mentioned the subject of this sketch, who is one of the prosperous and influential agriculturists of Preble county, being located on section 13, Lanier township. He was born near the city of Bremen, dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, on the 4th of June, 1840, being the son of Garrard and Margaret (Voge) Meyer, who were the parents of ten chil- dren, four of whom are living at the present time, namely : Annie C., wife of John Heisman, of this county; Henry, who is a carpenter by trade and is a resident of Lexington, Ohio; John, the immediate subject of this review; and Margaret, wife of Detrick Voge, a farmer of Twin township, this county.

The father of our subject was born in Emptinghausen, Germany, in 1811, and grew to maturity in the fatherland, where he learned the trade of cabinetmaker, which he followed prior to his removal to the United States. In i860 he emigrated to America, in company with three of his children - Alice, now deceased ; Margaret ; and John, our subject - three others of his children having preceded him, namely : Detrick, now deceased, Anna and Henry.

On his arrival in Preble county Garrard Meyer settled in Lanier township, making his home with his children from this time onward to the hour of his death, which occurred in December, 1870. He was a zealous and devoted member of the Lutheran church and was a man of sterling Christian character, having the esteem and high regard of all who knew him. Margaret (Voge) Meyer, the mother of our subject, was born in Emptinghausen, dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, about the year 1820, being the daughter of John Voge, who was a well-to-do farmer of Germany, where he passed his entire life. The mother of our subject died in her native land in 1856.

John Meyer, to whom this review is dedicated, grew to maturity in his native land, in whose excellent schools he received his educational training. Upon his arrival in Preble county, in September, i860, he entered the employ of his brother, Detrick, continuing this association until the following April, when he was employed as a farm hand by Dr. Nesbit, of West Alexandria, Ohio, for a period of one year ; then worked ten months for Jacob Deardoff, of Lanier township; was then employed about three years as a farm hand by a Mr. Halderman; and following this he entered the employ of Detrick Glander, who operated a distillery, remaining thus engaged for three years, when he associated himself with Detrick S. Glander, his brother-in-law, in the purchase of the old home place, where they continued partnership farming operations for three years, when Mr. Glander married and our subject purchased his interest in the farm, where he has ever since continued to reside, bringing to bear much discrimination and most progressive methods in handling the various details of the farm work, and having met with most marked success in his efforts. Since 1891 he has been engaged in buying and shipping tobacco, the raising of which has become quite an important industry in this section, and in this branch of his business he has been successful. To his original purchase Mr. Meyer has added twelve and one-half acres, so that his farm now comprises ninety-four acres, the entire tract being under a high state of cultivation and well improved in every particular. In 1899 Mr. Meyer erected one of the handsome and substantial farm residences of the county, the same being of modern architectural design and of distinctly attractive appearance.

Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Glander, a daughter of Ludeke Glander, and a sister of John B. Glander, of whom mention is made on another page of this work, and of this union two children have been born - Mary A., who is at the parental home; and Charles, who married

Miss Mary B. Claus, by whom he has one child, Forrest. Charles is a dealer in agricultural implements, and is a young man of marked business ability. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are active and devoted members of the Lutheran church, in which our subject has served as deacon or elder for a period of about fourteen years'. In politics he gives his support to the Democratic party.

George H. Kelly

A real estate, loan and insurance agent of Eaton, Ohio, George H. Kelly was born on a farm two miles west of the city, July 2, 1848, his parents being Matthew B. and Nancy Stevens (White) Kelly. His father was a native of Butler county, Ohio, born February 21, 1810, and the mother was born in Alexandria, Campbell county, Kentucky, March 4, 1812. They were married at Alexandria, Kentucky, in June of 1829, moved to Preble county, Ohio, in 1830, and took up a government claim on section 3, Dixon township. They remained on this claim several years, and then purchased a farm on section 32, Washington township, where they remained until death claimed both of them. He died August 25, 1869, and she passed to her reward September 15, 1875. Matthew B. Kelly, during his early residence in Preble county, did much teaming, hauling produce from Eaton to Cincinnati and returning with merchandise from that city for the Eaton merchants. Most of his life, however, was spent in farming, in which he was successful. In their family were seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely : Nancy M., now the wife of John D. Campbell, of Eaton ; J. Clinton, who is now living on the home farm; Francis Marion, a farmer of Sugar Valley, Dixon township; George

George H. Kelly pursued his education in the public schools of Washington township, and was reared upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when he abandoned the labor of field and meadow to engage in merchandising. He was for ten years connected with the grocery trade in Eaton, and from 1880 until 1884 he was employed in the internal revenue department of the United States government, with headquarters at Dayton, Ohio. In 1885 he began business in his present line as a real estate, loan and insurance agent. He is a man of strong determination, and has carried forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken. He is widely and favorably known as a reliable business man in Preble county, and since December, 1886, he has been in partnership with Benjamin D. Moses. The firm makes a specialty of fire and cyclone insurance. In the loan department they handle local funds mostly. The business has developed rapidly, and the growth has been a healthful one. They now have a large clientage and their efforts are attended with prosperity. Mr. Kelly is also financially interested in the Electric Light & Ice Manufacturing Company, of Eaton, and for many years has been a director of the Preble County National Bank. His wise counsel has proved an important factor in the successful management of those enterprises and his opinions carry weight in business circles.

On the 20th of December, 1870, Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Alice Emma Rhea, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, and a daughter of John and Mary Rhea. Her father was a mechanic in early life and later engaged in merchandising, but is now living retired in Eaton. Mrs. Kelly was educated in Richmond, Indiana, and is a lady of superior education, being highly accomplished in music. She is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, and holds membership in the society known as the Daughters of the American Revolution, at Washington. Her great-grandfather, Major William Gray, served as captain of a cavalry company under General Francis Marion, and later was a major on the staff of General Washington. Her ancestors were of German, French and Welsh blood and belonged to early families of America.

In his political views Mr. Kelly has always been a stalwart Republican, although he was reared in the Democratic faith. He has served as a member of the board of city water commissioners since 1898, yet has never been a politician in the sense of officeseeking, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. During his connection with the revenue department of the government, he traveled throughout the third congressional district of Ohio. Socially he is connected with the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been recording secretary of his lodge in the latter for a quarter of a century. He is also a member of the encampment and Patriarchs Militant, ranking as first lieutenant in the latter, his membership in those being at Camden. He was reared in the Baptist church, but both he and his wife are leading members of the Presbyterian church of Eaton, in which he is serving as a member of the board of deacons. He is a liberal contributor to charities and benevolent institutions and has been a prominent factor in the prosperity of Eaton through a long period. Educational, religious and social interests owe their promotion in a considerable degree to him. Thirty years has this city been his home and he is loyally devoted to the public good.

Wilson Royer

Sebastian Royer was the progenitor of the Royer family in America. About 1718 he emigrated from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania. The name Royer was originally spelled Reyer or Reier. This ancestor of the Royers settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and here lived and died, his death occurring about 1758 or 1759. He had four sons, the youngest of whom was Arnos Royer, who separated himself from his father's church, the Lutheran, and attached himself to the German Baptists or Brethren. He left seven children, viz. : Philip, Christopher, Peter, John, Daniel, Elizabeth and Catherine. Peter Royer, a son of Amos Royer, had two sons - Benjamin and Peter; and five daughters - Catherine, Mary, Martha, Susanna and Elizabeth.

Benjamin Royer lived and died in Pennsylvania, but his brother, Peter Royer, married Anna Roop (also of German lineage) and about 1800 removed to Frederick, now Carroll, county, Maryland ; however, he did not remove to Maryland until several years after his marriage. He had a large family. His two oldest children - Catherine and Christian - were born in Pennsylvania. In Maryland there were born the following children : Jesse, Anna, Mary, Peter, Louisa, Lydia, Jehu and Lucinda. Peter died before he was two years of age; Lydia, also, died in her.infancy; and Lucinda, also, died young, but not until she was grown. Catherine married Philip Wampler; Christian married Mary Geiman; Jesse married Su- sanna Eby; and Anna first married John Isett, after whose death she married John Weybright; Mary married Jacob Maring, after whose death she married John Burgard ; Louisa married David Englar ; and Jehu married Margaret Troxel. All the children have passed away in death. The last survivor was Jesse, who died February 23, 1885, in his eighty-fourth year. He was born in Carroll county, Maryland, in 1801. As a companion and helpmate he chose and married Susanna Eby, a daughter of Christian Eby, of Baltimore, Maryland. Her father belonged to a very old and highly respected family of Maryland, and was a prosperous farmer, who capably managed his business affairs and won thereby a very desirable competence.

In the year 1854 Jesse Royer removed from Maryland to Preble county, Ohio, and took up his abode in Twin township. He was a minister in the German Baptist church and one of the leading representatives of that denomination. He was also an enterprising and progressive farmer and in his business affairs met with gratifying success. His wife preceded him in death, passing away in September of 1878. Unto them were born nine children, and besides rearing their own children they reared two orphan children. Their own children were as follows: Anna Louisa, the wife of John TI. Markey, of New Lexington, Preble county; Jane, the wife of E. Roop, of Johnson county, Missouri ; Susanna, whose first husband was Abram Stoner, now deceased, and whose present husband is Daniel Houser, with whom she resides in Lordsburg, California ; Lavina, the wife of J. A. Ozias, of Johnson county, Missouri; Catherine (deceased) married Peter Ozias; Elizabeth, the wife of Jonas Leedy, of Johnson county,

Missouri ; Agnes died aged about thirtyone, unmarried; Jesse married Katie Elliott and resides in Monroe county, Missouri ; and Wilson Royer, of whom we now write as the subject of this review.

Wilson Royer was born in Carroll county, Maryland, June 15, 1849, spent the first five years of his life in the state of his nativity and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Preble county. He pursued his education in the common schools and aided in the work of the home farm, and reaching mature years engaged in farming on his own account. He continued in agricultural pursuits until 1891, in which year he came to Eaton, purchased the hardware stock of G. H. Eidson, and embarked in mercantile pursuits. In 1893 Mr. Royer erected what is known as the Eagle block, a substantial two-story brick building, having two fine store rooms on the ground floor. One of these rooms Mr. Royer occupies. He carries a large stock of hardware, seeds and fertilizers, and does a large volume of business. He has never participated to any extent in politics, for he has given his time exclusively to business affairs, and has met with creditable success. He had no special advantages in youth, nor has his success been accomplished by means of extraordinary talent or genius, but by means of industry, frugality, enterprise and keen discrimination. By means of ceaseless toil and earnest endeavor has he attained a marked degree of success in business affairs. Mr. Royer has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens, and his worth as a - man and citizen is widely acknowdedged. He belongs to that class of men who look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the future and give their support to those measures tending to the im-

On the 2 1 st of September, 1876, Mr. Royer was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Homan, a daughter of Vincent Homan, and a member of one of the old and respected families of Preble county. Nine children have been born of their union, eight of whom are living, namely: Jesse Homan, Charles W., Vinnie M., Fannie N., Edna S., Ruth E., Robert H. and Carl James. Grace died at the age of thirteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Royer are widely and favorably known, and their family are numbered among the representatives of Eaton.

Jacob W. Trone

This well-known farmer and influential citizen of Monroe township, Preble county, residing on section 10, was born near Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, May 3, 1848, and is a son of Abram and Sarah A. (Wishard) Trone, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born and reared near Fredericksburg, his father being engaged in farming there. During his early life the former followed the occupation of miller, but later turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. In 1852 he removed from Maryland to Preble county, Ohio, locating on the farm in Monroe township, where our subject now resides. In connection with farming he bought and shipped stock. He was a Democrat in politics, was well and favorably known and was elected the constable of his township. He died at the age of forty-eight years, but his wife is still living, at the age of eighty-one, and now makes her home in West Manchester, this county. Her father was also a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer by occupation,

To Abram and Sarah A. (Wishard) Trone were born eight children, of whom only four are now living, our subject being the oldest of these, though the fourth in order of birth in the family. Rachel is the wife of Henry Kisling, of Nebraska. Abraham is a resident of Wyoming. James B. is represented on another page of this volume. Alice, the oldest of the family, died at the age of three years; George was killed at Monroe Cross Roads, North Carolina, while a soldier of the civil war. Mary died at the age of eight years, and John at the age of four years.

The subject of this sketch was only four years old when brought by his parents to Preble county, and his education was acquired in the school of district No. 2, section 10, Monroe township. As soon as large enough to be of any assistance he commenced to aid his father in the operation of' the home farm, and has continued to devote his energies to its cultivation and further improvement up to the present time. He owns one hundred and four acres of land and engages in general farming. He is also general agent for the Loudenback Company's fertilizers in Preble and a part of Miami and Montgomery counties.

Mr. Trone was married, December 28, 1870, to Miss Mary Crisler, a native of Darke county, Ohio, and a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Brown) Crisler. Her father was born in Preble county and was a son of William Crisler, a native of Virginia and one of the early settlers of Monroe township, this county. Pier mother was also born here, as was her father, George Brown, while the latter's father, William Brown, was a native of Germany, and a pioneer of Preble county. Adam Crisler died at the age of sixty-three years. He was married three times and by his first union had six children, of whom Mrs. Trone was the third in order of birth. She was about seven years old when her father returned to Preble county, where she grew to womanhood and attended school.

To Mr. and Mrs. Trone have been born the . following children : Clarence A. and Myrtle, both at home; Sada, who married O. P. Wolverton, of Castine, Darke county, and has one child, Irene; Minnie, who married William Buck, the principal of the Eaton high school, and has one son, Marquis Augustus; Winson O., a resident of Springfield, Ohio; William B., who is attending school; and Sylvia, at home. All were born on the old homestead in Monroe township.

By his ballot Mr. Trone supports the men and measures of the Democratic party and has been called upon to serve as a trustee of Monroe township three terms, the duties of which office he discharged in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. He is an active member of the Christian church of West Manchester, and is now serving as a trustee of the same.

Samuel E. Morton

Actively identified with the stock raising interests of Preble county is Samuel Elmer Morton, of Camden, and his name is also well known in connection with political interests. He was born in Dixon township, this county, on the 2d of February, 1859, and is descended from one of the old New Jersey families. His grandfather, Benjamin Morton, was a native of that state, born about 1788. Emigrating westward, he took up his residence in Clinton county, Ohio, in 1811, making the journey on foot. Hispeople were poor and he had to depend entirely upon his own efforts for whatever he secured and enjoyed in life. He was married in Clinton county, about 1815, to Hannah Jennings, and with one or two of their children removed, about 1818, to Preble county, locating in Israel township. As the years passed the family circle enlarged. They were the parents of eight sons and five daughters, all of whom reached mature years, with the exception of Mary D., who died when a young lady. Of their twelve children ten were married, and John Morton reared a large family of nine children. He removed to Edgar county, Illinois, where three of his brothers and his sister, Sarah, also located. The father of these children died about 1858, and his wife passed away some years previously.

Hannah J. Van Skiver, who was born in Israel township, their marriage taking place in 1852. They had four children: Minnie, the wife of Clayton Borradaile, who is living on the old Morton farm, where the grandfather built his first log cabin; Sarah J., the wife of Levi Brown, a farmer of Dixon township; Samuel Elmer; and Mary Alice, the wife of Joseph C. Test, of Israel, township. The mother died June 16, 1897, at the age of sixty-six years, but the father is still living, residing on one of his six largfe farms. His success seems almost phenomenal, as it has been acquired entirely through his own well directed efforts. He inherited a few hundred dollars from his father's estate and with that exception all that he owns has been acquired through his capably directed labors. He served as township trustee and a member of the school board , and is a leading and influential citizen of his community.

Mr. Morton, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the Lebanon Normal School, and at the age of eighteen began farming on his own account. Since 1880, however, he has engaged in the breeding and raising of Duroc Jersey swine and is one of the most successful and extensive breeders in this section of the state. He was one of the leading prize winners of the Chicago World's Fair and conducts several sales annually. He has always held these sales in Camden until February, 1900, when he held a sale at Liberty, Indiana. His stock brings very high prices, he having secured two hundred and ninety dollars for a female. Since 1893 Mr. Morton has been associated in business with two partners, Walter Abernathy and E. M. Borradaile. These gentlemen breed and handle about four hundred head of hogs annually and ship them throughout the United States. Mr. Morton owns a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Israel township, but for sixteen years has made his home in Camden. His business has grown to large proportions and yields to him an excellent financial return.

On the 1 2th of January, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Morton and Miss Ella B. Sturgeon, of Allen county, Indiana. Her father, Arthur T. Sturgeon, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1838, and was a son of Robert Sturgeon, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1794, and died in Ross county, Ohio, in i860. The greatgrandfather was William Sturgeon. Robert Sturgeon wedded Mary Briggs and they had ten children, of whom five sons and three daughters reached mature years, while three are still living - Phoebe A. Martin, of Kansas ; Arthur T. ; and Samuel H., a resident of Bluffton, Indiana. Arthur T. Sturgeon, the father of Mrs. Morton, wedded Mary R. Lipes, of Allen county, Indiana, the marriage taking place on the 12th of January, i860. They had two children - Ella B. and James R. - the latter a liveryman of South Whitley, Indiana. The mother died June 12, 1898, at the age of fifty-five years, and was laid to rest in the Eel River cemetery in Allen county. Mr. Sturgeon is still living. He has been a lifelong farmer of Allen county, but in the fall of 1899 sold his property and removed to Camden, where he- is living with Mr. and Mrs. Morton, he being a decided favorite with his five grandchildren at that home. He had five brothers in the war, one of whom died from the effects of his army service. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Morton have been born five children - Arlie, Arthur PI., Myron, William Leslie and Floyd. They constitute an interesting family and are the life and light of the parents' home.

Mr. Morton is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity and in his political views is a Republican. He served for one year as a constable, as record clerk for four years and for two terms as mayor of Camden, and in these positions has proved a creditable official, understanding fully the responsibilities devolving upon him and meeting every obligation in the most honorable and trustworthy manner. For sever! years lie has been the secretary of the American Jersey Record Association and for five years he has served as county commissioner. He has always been prominent in public affairs and no one has been more actively or commendably interested in the welfare and development of this section of the state. He is a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy, strict integrity and liberal views, and has been fully identified with the growth and prosperity of Preble county. His life is exemplary in many respects and he has the esteem of his friends and the confidence of those who have had business relations with him.

Charles Peter Thum

The fitting reward of a well spent life and an honorable business career is a period of retirement in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. This has been vouchsafed to Mr. Thum, who is now resting from his labors, having in former years acquired a competence that now supplies him with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life.

He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, on the 1 2th of May, 1829. His father, Ludwig F. Thum, was a native of the same locality and died when our subject was only four years of age. He was born in 1770 and was a good business man, but incurred failure during the war of 1815, owing to the conditions of the times. He was both a baker and a farmer, and in the community where he resided was recognized as a prominent citizen.

In accordance with the laws of his native land, Charles P. Thum pursued his education in the public schools. He remained in Germany until 1848, when, at the age of nineteen years, he determined to seek a home in the new world, and took passage in a westward-bound sailing vessel that, after a voyage of forty-two days, reached the harbor of New York. His uncle loaned him the money to pay his passage. He had worked for three years at the wagonmaker's trade in his native land, and, believing that he might better his financial condition in the new world, he availed himself of the opportunity to come to the United States. Making his way to Baltimore, he entered upon an apprenticeship to a tailor, securing the position through an advertisement which he saw in a newspaper. He remained in that city from the fall of 1848 until February, 1851, when he made his way by stage to Cincinnati, where his uncle resided. The latter wished him to attend school, and accordingly he pursued his studies for a few months in that city, after which he entered a wholesale clothing house in Cincinnati. There he learned cutting and remained as a trusted employe with one firm until 1857, during which time, as the result of his industry and economy, he saved sixteen hundred dollars. This he hoped to invest judiciously and looked about him for a favorable location. In August, 1857, he visited Eaton, and, being pleased with the town and its prospects, he purchased the store of A. V. Auter. In 1859 his store was destroyed by fire. He continued, however, in business, in a small way, until he again was enabled to launch out on a larger scale. This he did in 1867, when he erected his present store building and therein conducted a first-class tailoring, clothing and furnishing establishment, until 1894, when he retired, his son, Charles Algert, succeeding to his business. He became a recognized leader in his line, his large and well selected stock and his honorable business methods securing to him a liberal patronage. He soon won a very high reputation in business circles and throughout Irs active career he enjoyed the confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen.

Mr. Thum was united in marriage on the 27th of December, 1859, to Miss Mary Katherine Centner, who also was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. They had five children : Charles Albert, who succeeded to his father's business; Mary, Dorothea, Tilly and Carl L. In his political views Mr. Thum was formerly a Republican, but is now independent. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day and is therefore able to give an intelligent reason for his political preferences. Of the Odd Fellows society he is a valued and representative member and is now its treasurer. He was long a member of the Turnverein and is a member of the Universalist church. He has given to his children good advantages and has made for himself a creditable record. From the little German home across the sea he made his way to the new world and entered upon a career which seems most marvelous ; yet it is not the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win prosperity.

The merchant-tailoring, clothing and furnishing establishment of which Mr. Thum is now the proprietor is the second oldest store in Eaton, and was established by his father in 1857. Its owner is regarded as one of the most enterprising business men of his native city. His birth occurred here on the 6th of December, i860, his parents being Charles P. and Mary Katherine (Centner) Thum, whose record is given above. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and his business training was received under the direction of his father, who was one of the first merchant tailors of Preble county. Mr. Thum began work in his father's establishment -when only twelve years of age, and was thoroughly instructed in various branches of the work. In 1876 he went to Cincinnati, where for. five years he was employed in a wholesale clothing house. In 1881 he returned to Eaton, but afterward again went to Cincinnati, where he remained for a short time, learning the cutter's trade. He then returned and served as cutter for his father until 1887, when he went to Broken Bow, in Custer county, Nebraska. For five years he was identified with the business interests of that city, and in 1894 he returned to Eaton, succeeding his father in business on the first day of March of that year. He has since successfully conducted the store, doing a large business as a merchant tailor, clothier and furnisher. Many of his patrons are numbered among the leading residents of Eaton and Preble county, the work which he turns out is of a high grade and accords with the newest and best styles.

On the 4th of January, 1888. Mr. Thum was united in marriage to Miss Blanche Smock, a daughter of James Smock, of Union City, Indiana, and to them have been born three children : Florence, Marie and

Charles A., Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thum are well known citizens of Eaton, having a very wide circle of friends. Mr. Thum is a progressive and public spirited man who gives an earnest support to all measures which he believes will prove of public benefit. In business affairs he is thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, and his ability in his chosen line, combined with his laudable energy and resolute purpose, have gained to him a liberal patronage and secured him a comfortable competence.

Oliver P. Brown

Oliver P. Brown, of Camden, is the present secretary of the Building & Loan Association of that place and one of the most prominent citizens of Preble county, holding an enviable place in business, political, social and fraternal circles. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, near the city of Dayton, on the 29th of April, 1842. His father, Jason M. Brown, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of January, 1792, and was a miller by trade, following that pursuit in Pennsylvania and at Pennington, New Jersey. While at the latter place he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Conrad, a native of New Jersey. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown wore descended from old American families that were founded in the new world in colonial days. Their marriage occurred about 1829, the bride being then eighteen years of age. She was Mr. Brown's second wife. They had ten children - five sons and five daughters - eight of whom reached years of maturity, while two died in infancy. Seven of the number are now living and all are married. In 1850 Jason M. Brown came to Camden, Preble county, Ohio, and in 1864 removed to Franklin, Warren county, this state, where he died in his ninety-third year, retaining his mental faculties unimpaired until the last. His widow is still living and is a well preserved old lady of eightynine years.

Oliver P. Brown, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the common schools and in early life learned the trade of house and carriage painting, which business he carried on in Camden with excellent success until failing health caused his retirement in 1878. He employed from two to eight men, according to the season, and did a large and profitable business. At the time of the civil war, however, he put aside all personal considerations in order to aid in the preservation of the government, enlisting at Richmond, Indiana, on the 1st of September, 1861, and becoming a member of Company F, Thirtysixth Indiana Infantry. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant on the 22d of September, 1864, having for three years faithfully followed the old flag upon southern battle fields and fought for the cause it represented. Upon his return to Camden he resumed work at his trade and was thus actively connected with the industrial interests of the city until 1878. Since 1883 he has been the secretary of the Building & Loan Association, which was organized in 1882, and has capably conducted its affairs. He was also one of the originators of the Electric Light Company and is now its president. He is likewise serving as a notary public, and thus his time is largely occupied with various duties which he faithfully discharges.

On the 25th of February, 1868, in Camden, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Lide Robinson, a daughter of John and Ann (Young ) Robinson, both of whom are now deceased. They had one son, Carlos L., who was born in 1869 and died of consumption in 1894. He was a young man of marked ability and strong mentality, and at the age of sixteen was graduated in the high school of Camden. He passed an excellent examination and received a firstclass teacher's certificate; but, preferring commercial to professional life, he became his father's bookkeeper and assistant postmaster during the five years in which Mr. Brown filled the office. The latter resigned the position owing to his son's failing health, as he wished him to be free from the confinement of office life. However, consumption had undermined his constitution and he passed away at the age of twentyfive years, mourned by a large circle of warm friends. The esteem in which he was held throughout the community was shown by the fact that all business houses were closed during the time of the funeral services. Mr. and Mrs. Brown occupy a very pleasant home on Lafayette street, which he erected in 1890. It stands upon the site of the old Robinson homestead, where Mrs. Brown was born and reared and where her parents resided for many years. Her father died there in middle life, leaving a widow with five sons and two daughters, of whom three are yet living, namely : Mrs. Mary E. Thurston, a widow living in Camden; James Harvey Robinson, also of this city, and Mrs. Brown.

A very prominent and valued member of several social organizations, Mr. Brown has been connected with the Odd Fellows society since 1865. He has passed all of the chairs in the local lodge and is the captain of Nonpareil Patriarchs Militant. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and has served for several years as the commander of Reese-Mitchell Post, No. 361, G. A. R. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has long been recognized as one of the leaders in the party. He gives close and earnest study to the issues of the day and, therefore, by intelligent argument supports the principles in which he believes. For four terms he served as mayor of Camden, and his administration was indeed progressive and beneficial. No other incumbent has ever received more uniform commendation from the public, and many reforms and improvements -which he inaugurated time has shown to be of incalculable benefit. For twelve years he served as justice of the peace, and his decisions were marked with the utmost impartiality. He resigned that position, however, in 1889, when he was appointed postmaster of Camden, in which office he served for five years. He was also clerk of the township for several years, resigning that position to become postmaster. He is now serving a third term. as a member of the city council, and in all these positions he has discharged his duties with the promptness and fidelity that have awakened the warm indorsement of the majority of the citizens. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are consistent members and active workers in the Universalist church, in which he has- served as trustee, while his wife occupies the position of church clerk. In all his business affairs he is very systematic and methodical, and every duty devolving upon him, either in public or private life, is discharged with strict regard for the ethical relations of man. Surrounded at his home by those who are his warm personal friends, and favorably known by hosts of men who for a third of a century have transacted business with him, his career is one to which his family and friends may refer with just pride. He stands to-day in his mature years a strong man, strong in the consciousness of a well spent life, strong to plan and perform, strong in his credit and good name, and a worthy example for young men to pattern after, as showing what intelligence and probity may accomplish in the way of success in life.

Samuel Wolf

He is a prominent farmer and is now serving as a trustee of Lanier township, a fact which indicates the confidence and regard reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He is numbered among Preble county's native sons, his birth having occurred on the 7th of December, 1846, in the township where he now resides. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Shafer) Wolf. In their family were thirteen children, nine of whom are yet living. The father was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1803, and was a son of Michael Wolf, who removed to Preble county, Ohio, when David was but two years of age. A settlement was made a mile and a quarter southwest of West Alexandria, where the grandfather purchased one hundred and sixty acres of government land. Michael Wolf was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was reared upon a farm there and carried on agricultural pursuits in his native state until his removal to Preble county, in 1805. As already stated, he entered land here and made his home thereon until his death, which occurred in 1852, when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-six years. In early life he was personally acquainted with George Washington. Upon his father's farm David Wolf was reared to manhood and in the district schools of the neighborhood obtained his education. After he had reached mature years he purchased ninetyseven acres of land adjoining his father's farm and there for many years he carried on agricultural pursuits, adding to his land from time to time as his financial resources increased until he became the owner of a valuable tract of three hundred and seven acres. There he resided until his death, which occurred in i860. He was a man of considerable prominence and influence and was held in the highest regard. Never a politician in the sense of office-seeking, he however, was elected to a number of minor township positions. He voted with the Democracy and in his religious belief was connected with the Lutheran church. His wife was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1812. Her parents were Peter and Anna Marie (Bricker) Shafer, who emigrated to Montgomery county, Ohio, when Mrs. Wolf was a maiden of ten summers. There they resided on a farm until after their daughter's marriage, when they came to Preble county, making their home with their children throughout their remaining days. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf became the parents of thirteen children, of whom the following are living: Mary A., the widow of Mahlon Ludwick, of Preble county, Ohio ; Catherine, the widow of John Kirkpatrick, of this county; Sarah, the widow of Samuel Kuntz, of West Baltimore, Ohio; David ; Christina, the wife of Samuel Davis, a farmer of this county; Samuel, the subject of this sketch; John, a resident farmer of Preble county; Susanna, the wife of Robert Mitchell, an engineer on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad living in Dayton, Ohio, and William, a resident of West Alexandria, Ohio.

Samuel Wolf, the subject of this review, was reared on the old homestead farm and in the common schools pursued his studies. At the age of seventeen years he began farming on his own account by renting land of his uncle Samuel. He was ambitious, energetic and reliable, and in his undertakings he prospered. After three years he purchased a threshing machine, which he operated in connection with farming for seven years. When he was about twenty-two years of age he and his brother-in-law, Mahlon Ludwick, purchased one hundred acres of land, upon which Mr. Wolf now resides. The brotherin-law at first operated the farm while our subject engaged in threshing. In this way he obtained a good start, and as the years have passed he has added continually to his income. After his marriage he located on his uncle's farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 9, and cultivated that land for five years. He then purchased his partner's interest in his present farm and removed with his family to his new home. Later he exchanged forty acres of his place for city property in West Alexandria. In 1892 he purchased sixty acres of land from his uncle's estate, the tract being located few miles south of his present farm, so that his landed possessions compries one hundred and twenty acres of the richest farming land in Preble- county.

On the 1 8th of August, 1872, Mr. Wolf united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Stover, a native of Lamier township, Preble county. Their only child is now deceased. Mrs. Wolf is a daughter of William Harrison and Chloe A. (Siler) Stover. Her father was a native of Virginia and came to Ohio with his parents when a boy of five years, and the family locating in Lanier township. For forty years he was a consistent and prominent member of the Bethlehem Baptist church and was one of the highly esteemed men of the county.

In 1890 Mr. Wolf was elected a trustee of Lanier township and discharged his duties so capably and faithfully that he was reelected at each succeeding election, a fact which well indicates his personal popularity and the confidence repose 1 in him by his fellow townsmen. Socially he is connected with Eaton Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F. He is regarded as one of the leading and influential men of his community, is strictly upright in all his dealings and his word is as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. He is a supporter of all worthy charities and is a public-spirited and progressive citizen who withholds his aid from no movement or measure which he believes will contribute to the public good.

George W. Rehfuss

The business interests of Eaton are well represented by Mr. Rehfuss, who is an enterprising grocer. He was born in the town which is still his home, June 3, 1857, and is a son of John M. and Susan (Goldsmith) Rehfuss. His father was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1849, taking up his abode in Eaton. He was a tanner by trade and followed that pursuit for some time in Eaton, after which he removed to Indiana. In 1858, however, he returned to Ohio, locating in West Alexandria, where he died in 1861. In his business affairs he prospered, becoming the possessor of a comfortable competence. He held membership in the German Reformed church and socially was a member of the Masonic fraternity. His wife was the daughter of William Goldsmith, who came originally from Delaware, and belonged to one of the old families of that state. His father was John Goldsmith, who secured land from the government in 1804, and this land is still in the possession of his descendants. John Goldsmith was a teamster, hauling most of the goods from Cincinnati to Eaton, in the early days. He died at the age of ninety-one years, and his wife passed away at the advanced age of ninety-six years. William Goldsmith was also a hard-working man and prospered in his undertakings, accumulating a comfort- able competence. His daughter, the mother of our subject, died March 27, 1899. By her marriage she had five children, of whom three are living, namely : William, who resides in Eaton; George W., and Albert E., who is engaged in farming.

George W. Rehfuss pursued his education in the common schools until fourteen years of age, when he put aside his text books and learned the blacksmith's trade. He followed that pursuit until 1884, and his excellent workmanship secured to him a liberal patronage. He then turned his attention to the grocery trade and for eight years conducted business along that line. In 1893 he was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland, which position he held for five years, after which he purchased his present grocery store, which he is now successfully conducting. He enjoys a large trade and his prospeity is assured on account of his honorable dealing and his reasonable prices.

On the 2 1 st of November, 1878, Mr. Rohfuss was married to Miss Anna Flora, a daughter of Chris Flora, and they now have two children- - Ernest C. and Pearl S. In his political views Mr. Rehfuss is a stalwart Democrat and does all in his power to promote the growth and secure the success of his party. He has served as school director and as a constable, and for two terms was the treasurer of his township, his service continuing over a period of six years. He was also a member of the board of health six years and filled the positions of town treasurer and postmaster of Eaton at the same time. Some of his political opponents objected to this and tried to get him to resign as town treasurer, but did not succeed in their endeavors and he continued to fill both positions. He is a valued member of several fraternal organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; the Odd Fellows society, of which he is the financial secretary; the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he is trustee; and the Improved Order of Red Men. He holds membership in the Christian church and was one of its trustees. His public and private record aro alike commendable and at all times he has been true to the trust reposed in him.

Charles E. Barmes

The present well known postmaster of West Manchester, Ohio, was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana, November 16, 1848, and is a son of Michael and Eliza (Wood) Barmes. His father was born in Germany and was eleven years old when brought by his parents to the United States. The family were among the first settlers of Bartholomew county, Indiana, and there Michael Barmes was reared upon a farm. He followed agricultural pursuits throughout life and died at the age of forty years. His wife, who is supposed to have been a native of West Virginia, survived her husband only a week. They were the parents of six children - five sons and one daughter, namely: John, Charles E., James, Michael, Willard and Mary.

Being left an orphan at an early age, Charles E. Barmes began the battle of life for himself at the age of thirteen years. For five years he lived with Ebenezer Hitchbourn at Hope, Indiana, and while there learned learned the cooper's trade. He next went to Union county, Indiana, where he made his home with a great aunt for seven years, during which time he engaged in farming. The following two years were spent in Richmond, that state, and in 1879 he came to West

Manchester, Ohio. Here he successfully followed farming until 1897, when appointed postmaster under President McKinley's administration, and is now most creditably and acceptably filling that office.

Mr. Barmes was first married in 1881, to Mary Braddock, and for his second wife wedded Adena Brown, a daughter of John Brown. They have no children. Socially Mr. Barmes affiliates with the Knights of Pythias at Eldorado, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He has served as township clerk of Monroe township, being elected four times, and has also filled the office of road commissioner and trustee of West Manchester. He is recognized as one of the most valuable and useful citizens of his community, always ready to aid any enterprise for the public good.

Jesse Eby

The Eby family have been long and actively connected with Preble county and its history and the name has figured conspicuously in connection with its substantial developments and with the agricultural interests of the community. He whose name introduces this review resides in Gratis township and was born within its borders on the 4th of January, 1866. He represents one of the old families of the south. His grandfather, Christian Eby, was born in Gunpowder Falls, Baltimore county, Maryland, August 13, 1808, and came to Ohio in 1831. Seven years later, his father, Christian Eby, Sr., arrived in Ohio. He was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1777, and was a son of Christian Eby, whose birth occurred in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1743. The first ancestors of the family in America came from Zurich, Switzerland, crossing the Atlantic in 1724, and his father was born in Zurich in 1660. Thus through many generations the ancestry can be traced back to the land of the Alps. In the subject of this review are manifested some of the sterling qualities of his Swiss ancestors. The. mother bore the maiden name of Eliza Eikenbery, and was born in Lanier township, Preble county, January 6, 1842. She was a daughter of Peter and Eliza (Morningstar) Eikenbery, who removed from Pennsylvania to Lanier township, where they became enterprising and progressive farming people. The former was born in 1802 and died in 1871, and the latter was born in 1806 and passed away in 1885. This worthy couple became the parents of five sons and two daughters, of whom five are now living, namely: George, a resident of Peru, Indiana; Elizabeth, the wife of Jacob Jones, of Mexico, Indiana, and David, Eliza and Peter M., residents of Eaton. The parents of our subject were married on March 12, 1865, and their union was blessed with six children, but their son Christian died at the age of three years. Those still living are Jesse, of this review, Henry E., Vernon W., Edith and Elizabeth. The father is one of the most extensive and prosperous farmers and stockraisers of Preble county. He makes a specialty of the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs and sells more of this breed than any other man in the county. He inherited a good property, to which he has added from time to time, becoming one of the most successful agriculturists and real estate owners in this section of the state. He has a number of fine farms, which continually augment his income, and throughout the community he is recognized as one of the most progressive business men.

Jesse Eby we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this section of the state, for he has long lived in this neighborhood. He attended the district schools until eighteen years of age and was reared to farm life and labor, through the summer assisting in the work of the fields and meadows, and continuing with his parents until twentysix years of age. He was married on the 14th of February, 1892, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah B. Reese, a native of Warrensburg, Missouri, born on the 10th of December, 1870. Her parents were A. W. and Susan E. (Baile) Reese, now residents of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Four children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs. Eby: Effie E., born January 4, 1893;

Mr. and Mrs. Eby began their domestic life upon his present farm, where he owns two hundred and fifty acres of rich and arable land. The place is improved with a fine frame residence, which was built by Hon. D. C. Stubbs. There are also good barns and outbuildings and all modern improvements and accessories. He successfully carries on general farming and is also a successful stock raiser. He raises Duroc Jersey hogs and sells about a hundred head annually. He feeds his stock all of the crops which he raises with the exception of wheat. He produces each year about twelve hundred bushels of wheat and twenty-four hundred bushels of corn. He has a flock of South Down sheep and has about eight horses which are used in the work of the farm. Although he is a young man he has already taken rank among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of his county and possesses qualities which insure further success. He is very energetic and determined and carries forward to completion whatever he undertakes. His business methods are honorable and commend him to the confidence of those with whom he is associated. Politically he is a Democrat and is now serving as treasurer of the village school district. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he withholds his support from no measure or movement which lie thinks would prove of public benefit.

Andrew Copp

Andrew Copp, a retired farmer living in West Alexandria, has attained tb a position of affluence through his own untiring and honorable efforts, and the competence which he acquired now enables him to rest from the more arduous duties of life. He is descended from one of the old Pennsylvania families. His great-grandfather, Andrew Copp, was a native of the Keystone state, whence he emigrated to Virginia in early life. There he was married and reared his family. He became well-to-do, owning extensive land interests, but by trade he was a blacksmith. During the war for independence he loyally responded to the call for troops and aided the colonists in their struggle to secure liberty. George Copp, the grandfather of our subject, became an influential planter and slaveholder in Virginia.

Andrew Copp, the father of our subject, was born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, about 1795, and on the old home plantation was reared. After his marriage he located on a farm of eighty acres given him by his father, the place being situated about two miles from the old homestead, on the Shenandoah Valley road. There he conducted a tavern for more than fifteen years, when he sold it and purchased a farm at what is known as Gooley's manor, in the same county. He made his home there for nearly two years, and in 1832 he emigrated to Ohio, having previously visited the state in 1829. Well pleased with the country he determined to make a location in the Buckeye state, and with a four-horse wagon he made- the journey westward, locating two and a half miles east of West Alexandria, in Twin township, Preble county, the eastern boundary of his farm forming a part of the county line. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, and with characteristic energy began the development of a farm.

In 1836 he went on a prospecting tour to Iowa, to look at land in what was known as the Black Hawk purchase. While there he heard of the contemplated opening of the Platte purchase in northwestern Missouri and started for that country in order to be among the first on the ground. He was one of four men who reached that section prior to all other white settlers, and when the land was thrown open to settlement lie took a squatter's claim, upon which he built a cabin and made the necessary improvements to hold the tract. He then returned home to sell his farm and move his family to this wild western district. While making arrangements he sent his son Andrew and a son-in-law to Missouri to hold the land, but on their arrival they found that the man who had been left in charge had sold the claim for two hundred dollars in gold ! They gave up the attempt to recover it, and after remaining for about a year they i returned to Ohio.