Washington Township (part 14 of 21)

short distance from his old home, where he carried on agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. By the purchase of an additional eighty acres he extended the boundaries of his farm, making it his home until called to his final rest in 1849. He married Elizabeth Huddle, who was also born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, and was a representative of an old family there. Mr. Copp left his native state because he was adverse to slavery and wished to rear his family apart from its influences. His brothers and his father were all slave holders. Mr. and Mrs. Copp became the parents of six children, three of whom are yet living : Lucy, the widow of Jacob Stover and a resident of Twin township; Andrew, of this review, and Joseph, who is living a retired life in West Alexandria. The parents were consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Copp was an old-line Whig in his political affiliations.

Reared upon the home farm amid the wild scenes of frontier life, Andrew Copp, of this review, early became familiar with all the duties, labors, hardships and trials which fall to the lot of the agriculturist who casts in his lot among the pioneer settlers jn a new locality. He received only such educational privileges as were afforded by the primitive schools of those days, but through extensive reading and observation he has become a well informed man, his knowledge being broad and practical.

On the 7th of April, 1844, Mr. Copp was united in marriage to Miss Matilda E. Klinger, a native of Twin township, Preble' county, and a daughter of William and Catherine (Bean) Klinger, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. They came to Ohio with their respective parents, and were among the pio- neer settlers of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Copp became the parents of one child, but lost it in infancy. After their marriage Mr. Copp operated his father-in-law's farm for two years and then purchased the old home place, on which he had been mainly reared. Removing there, he made it his home for fifty-four years, and throughout that period was regarded as one of the most progressive and practical agriculturists of the community. In October, 1899, desiring to rest from the more arduous duties of life, he removed to West Alexandria, where in the summer previous he had purchased a handsome residence. His labors have brought to him a very desirable competence, and he is numbered among the substantial citizens of the community. In politics he is a Democrat, and is liberal in his views and sympathies. Both he and his wife are very active members of the Lutheran church, in which he has held the offices of deacon and elder for many years. His life has been an active and useful one, characterized by fidelity to duty in all relations. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed, and he stands as one whose sterling characteristics commend him to the regard and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Jacob S. Benner

Jacob S. Benner, ex-county commissioner of Preble county and a leading agriculturist of Jackson township, living on section 14, was born in this township, on the 28th of October, 1855, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Halderman) Benner, who had but two children, the younger being William D., who resides on the old family homestead. The father was born in Miamisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, May 9,

1827, and was a son of Samuel and Susanna (Dunkerly) Benner. The former was born near Miamisburg, Montgomery county. His father, Jacob Benner, married a Miss Boeher, a native of France, and a relative of Madame Booher of Baltimore, celebrated in history in connection with the war of the Revolution. Her family owned some eight hundred acres of land on which the city of Baltimore now stands, and it was leased by her parents for ninety-nine years. The children are now trying to obtain possession of the same. Having arrived at years of maturity Samuel Benner married Susanna Dunkerly, who was born in Devonshire, England, and came to America with her parents, who located at Baltimore. Later they removed to Indiana, settling near Attica, where her father engaged in merchandising until his death, which occurred in 1858, when he was fiftyfour years of age. Samuel Benner, the grandfather of our subject, died in 1854, at the age of fifty-six. Throughout his life he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, and was very successful in his undertakings. When a child of six years Samuel Bennett, the father of our subject, was taken by his parents in their emigration to Jackson township, Preble county, where his grandfather had entered three quarter-sections of land in 1808. Here Samuel Benner was reared to manhood, and on the 20th of March, 1854, at the age of twenty-five years, he wedded Mary Halderman. He then purchased eighty acres of land near New Hope and took up his abode on that farm in 1856. His parents both died in 1858, and in i860 Samuel Benner disposed of his first farm and purchased the interest of the other heirs to the old homestead, to which he removed, there spending his remaining days, his death occurring on the

22(1 of March, 1887. He was a successful agriculturist, and as the years passed added to his farm until within its boundaries were comprised two hundred and thirty-eight acres. He was not a politician, yet his fellow townsmen frequently called him to serve in minor offices. He was a man of influence in his community and was a stanch supporter of the Republican party. His wife was born on the old Halderman farm in Washington township, Preble county, February 18, 1828, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Swiliart) Halderman. She died October 22, 1875. Her father was born in Bottetourt county, Virginia, and his parents were slaveholders and influential people of the Old Dominion. They came to Ohio in an early day, locating on Twin creek, in Lanier township, Preble county, on the farm now owned by the Abraham Halderman estate. At the time of his marriage Jacob Halderman took up his abode in Gasper township, three miles south of Eaton, where he resided for a number of years, and then removed to Jackson township, settling near New Hope Station. There he became general agent for Whetstone & Company, of Cincinnati, which firm distributed flax-seed sent to farmers and purchased their products raised therefrom. He represented that firm for thirty-five years, during which time he established for them many agencies in Indiana. While thus engaged he also turned his attention to the lumber business, establishing a lumber yard at Columbia City, Indiana, in the '40s. That enterprise proved a very profitable one, and he established branch yards in various other Indiana towns, becoming well-to-do as the result of his success in that enterprise. Idis wife, Catherine Halderman, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and was a daughter of Jonathan Swihart, who came to

Jacob S. Benner was reared to manhood on the old home farm, acquiring his education in the district schools and later attending the A. D. Wilt Commercial College, in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of sixteen he beban working for his grandfather Halderman in the lumber business at Columbia City, Indiana, and was thus engaged during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he aided in the operation of the fields on the old home place. His time was thus spent until his marriage, which occurred on the 26th of December, 1878, Miss Eliza Deem becoming his wife. She was a native of Washington township, Preble county, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Harshman) Deem, who removed from Warren county to Preble county. Her paternal grandparents were Joseph and Mary (Tarr) Deem, and her maternal grandparents were Daniel and Isabel (Erhart) Harshman, who removed from Virginia to the Buckeye state.

After his marriage Mr. Benner took up his abode on the farm of two hundred and thirty acres, on which he now resides and which at that time belonged to his father. He first purchased forty acres, on which tract stood the house, and at his father's death he inherited the remainder of the place. In June, 1897, the residence was destroyed by fire, and soon afterward he built his present commodious home, one of the most modern and splendidly equipped farm residences in the county. It is supplied with steam heat, hot and cold water and all modern conveniences, and indicates the progressive spirit of the owner. The home has been blessed by the presence of two children, Mary and Walter.

In connection with his farming interests Mr. Benner is interested in other business enterprises. He is president and owns a controlling interest in the Eaton Electric Light & Artificial Ice Company, having been at the head of the enterprise for the past ten years. He is engaged quite extensively in stock-raising, and upon his place are to be found fine grades of cattle, horses and hogs. In public affairs he has always taken a deep interest, and when only twenty-four years of age he was elected to the office of township trustee, in which position he served for twelve consecutive years. In 1892 he was elected to the office A county commissioner and for two terms served in that capacity. He studied closely the questions which came up for settlement by the board, and gave his support to the measures which he believed would prove of material public benefit. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party, and is most earnest in his advocacy of its principles. Socially he is a valued member of Waverly Lodge, No. 143, K. P., of Eaton. Throughout his entire life he has resided in Preble county, and is highly regarded both in business and social circles by reason of his straightforward dealing and upright life.

William D. Benner

William D. Benner was born November 26, 1862, on the farm where he still resides, and is a brother of Jacob S. Benner, whose sketch anpears above. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof, and the common schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges. On the 2d of August, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Barr, a native of Orangeburg, Jefferson township, Preble county, and a daughter of Alexander and Axie (Curry) Barr. The father was a prominent farmer of Jefferson townshin. where he was born December 1, 1832. He was married October 29, 1859, locating on the old homestead, and there resided until 1880, when he purchased an adjoining farm, which he has since made his place of abode. His parents were Christopher and Jane P. (Johnston) Barr, and his grandfather was a native of Ireland. He became the founder of the family in America, crossing the Atlantic in the early part of the nineteenth century and taking up his abode in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, where he wedded Miss Mary McElhenny. Soon afterward they removed to Indiana county, Pennsylvania, where were born unto them three sons and five daughters. About the year 1815 they emigrated westward, locating in Jefferson township, Preble county, near the present site of the town of Gettysburg, on the farm which is now the home of John Murray. There Mr. Barr cleared and developed a wild tract of land in the midst of the forest and in the intervals of outdoor labor taught a neighborhood school. Many of the older residents of Jefferson township and of the northern portion of Jackson township were among his pupils. Not only did Mr. Barr bring with him from the Emerald Isle a good education, but also those sterling Christian virtues which characterize the denomination of the Associated Reformed Presbyterians. He was a devoted member of that church, as was also his wife, and their children were reared in the same faith.

After his marriage William D. Benner began his domestic life on the old homestead, where he has since resided. He inherited the property from his father and is the owner of one hundred and eighty-two acres of rich land, under a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern accessories and conveniences. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Benner has been blessed with one daughter, Olive Marie. Mrs. Benner is a member of the Presbyterian church, and like her husband shares in the high regard of many warm friends in the county. He is recognized as one of the leading young farmers of his township, and is a substantial and enterprising citizen who gives an earnest and loyal support to every movement calculated to prove of public good.

James B. Trone

James B. Trone, the efficient and popular treasurer of Monroe township, is a native of Preble county, born in Monroe township, February 14, 1857, and is a son of Abram and Sarah Ann (Wishard) Trone, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in York county, the latter in Franklin county. The father was of German descent. About 1852 he came to Preble county, and located upon a farm in Monroe township, where he made his home until his death in 1867. He was a Democrat in politics and was held in high regard by all who knew him. His estimable wife is still living, at the age of eighty-one years, and now makes her home in West Manchester. Of their eight children only four are now living : Jacob W., a farmer of Monroe township ; Rachel A., the wife of Henry Kisling, of Nebraska; Abraham T., a resident of Wyoming, and James B., our subject.

James B. Trone passed his boyhood and youth in his native township, and pursued his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood. Ho remained at home, assisting in the labors of the farm until he attained his majority, and then went to West Manchester, where, in 1880, he embarked in the grocery business, opening the second grocery store in the town. During President Cleveland's first administration he was appointed postmaster and filled that office from 1885 to 1889, and again in 1893, serving till 1897. He continued in the grocery trade for about sixteen years, but finally closed out in 1897, and has since retired' from active business, giving his entire time and attention to his official duties and private business affairs. In the spring of that year he was elected township treasurer, was re-elected in 1899, a position he is now filling with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the general public. In 1898 he was elected treasurer for West Manchester, holding the position one term. Socially he is a member of Eldorado Lodge, No 389, K. P.

On the 23d of April, 1880, Mr. Trone was united in marriage with Miss Ilda G. Enoch, and to them was born asonwho died in infancy. Mrs. Trone was born in Richmond, Indiana, but reared in Harrison township, and is the younger of the two children of Lewis Evens and Lydia Enoch. As her parents died when she was very small she was reared by her maternal grandparents, William and Mary Brown, early settlers of Preble county.

Mrs. Diana Eby

Mrs. Diana Eby, deceased, owned and occupied one of the desirable farms of Somers township, the place being pleasantly located three miles east of Camden. Her husband, Christian Eby, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, on the 13th of August, 1808, and died April 28, 1891. Mrs.

Eby bore the maiden name of Diana Murray and was born in Maryland, January 9, 1814, and died April 28, 1900. Her parents were John and Sarah (Baizeman) Murray and they had a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom - three sons and nine daughters - reached years of maturity, were married and had families of their own. One daughter, Keturah-, became the wife of William Chenoweth and had eleven sons and two daughters, and at her death, which occurred in her eighty-seventh year, her daughters and seven of her sons were living and had families. The representatives of the Murray family are now widely scattered. John W. Murray, her brother, is a resident of Hampstead, Maryland, in which place Mrs. Eby was born and reared. Her father followed farming there and was also a merchant. He took an active part in public life, was a recognized leader in thought and action, and, though he did not enjoy rugged health, was a man of great energy, intelligence and influence. In his business affairs he prospered and accumulated a comfortable competency. His death occurred December 5, 1836, when he Avas about sixty years of age, and his wife survived him about ten years. All of her children were married at the time of her husband's death, and making her way to the west she took up her abode in the home of her son Joshua, who was then living in Ohio, but who afterward went to California, where he died. The sisters of Mrs. Eby who are still living are: Isabel, the widoAV of Adam Hendricks, Avhose son, Eugene, is the Rev. Bishop Hendricks, of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, and Mrs. Harriet Garner, of Columbus City, Iowa.

creek in Montgomery county, Ohio. They removed to Gratis toAvnship, Preble county, in 1855, and to Somers township, Preble county, in March, 1878. Mr. Eby was a frail man, but a good manager, and his capably conducted business affairs brought to him a handsome competence, which enabled him to leave to each of his children a good farm. His only surviving brother, Adam Eby resides near Dayton, Ohio, and is now nearly eighty-six years of age. He also has a living sister, Avho is in Warrensburg, Missouri. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Eby were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy. Those still living are: Joseph, who has five children and owns several farms in Preble county; Samuel, AVho is a man of wealth, having large real-estate interests in Oregon; John C., of Nashville, Tennessee;. Jane, the wife of A. C. Prugh, Avho is living on the Eby farm and has three sons ; Mrs. Rebecca Eikenbery, a Avidow living in this neighborhood; and Agnes, the wife of Samuel Wampler, Avho resides near Dayton, Ohio, and has six children. Mrs. Eby Avas a Avell preserved old lady, and retained her faculties until her last sickness, which lasted only three or four days, she dying from a stroke of paralysis. She had an excellent memory for events of her early life. She Avas long a member of the Dunkard or Brethren church, to Avhich her husband also belonged: On the farm which she owned and occupied is a fine brick residence. The place is the old Thomas Pottinger farm and is one of the best in this rich section of the Miami valley. This venerable lady enjoyed the esteem and love of all with Avhom she had been brought in contact, and a biographical record of Preble county Avould be incomplete without a record of her life, for she was a resident of the county for forty-five years.

Nathan Brown

Nathan Brown was born in Abbeyville district, South Carolina, in 1774, and married Mary Sloan, who died in 1813, aged thirty-six years, an infant son being buried with her. The remaining children were : Grizzella, Catherine, James, Margaret and Elizabeth, all of whom came with their father to Ohio the same year and located on a part of section 23, Israel township, Preble county. The father married the second time Janet Brown, who though of the same name was not a relative. Of this union were born two sons and one daughter - Joseph, John and Nancy. Joseph married Jane Buck, who died leaving four daughters. He married, the second time, Eliza Cunningham, to whom were born three daughters. He died in 1897. John never married, owned the old homestead during his life and died a few months before his brother, in the same year. Nancy, with her husband, Samuel Bell, crossed the plains to Oregon in 1852, and died just before reaching her new home. One son had been buried in Ohio and two daughters were left motherless. Of the family of Nathan and Mary Brown, Grizzella married John Buck; Mary married Hugh Leslie; Margaret became the wife of Archy McDill ; and Catherine and Elizabeth remained unmarried. The father died in 1849, M the home of his daughter in Dixon township. The son, James, was about eleven years of age when he came to Preble county from Abbeyville, South Carolina, where he was born November 20, 1802. He and Elizabeth Scott, of Butler county, Ohio, were married January 16, 1828, and their golden wedding was celebrated January 16, 1878. She was born March 20, 1806, and died July 7, 1885.

James and his wife settled on a farm near the old home, where they lived until 1875, when they left the farm and moved to the village of Morning Sun. To these parents were given twelve children. William Sloan, the eldest, was born March 11, 1829, and left home when a young man, going to Oregon, and from there southward to California, Panama and on to South America. He never returned home, as he died in Arequipa, Peru, November 8, 1885. James Scott, the second child, is represented on another page of this work. Mary Rebecca, born November 7, 1832, married David Faris, who died, and the second time she was united in marriage to J. H. McQuown, and died February 7, 1889, leaving one son, Scott B. McQuown. Margaret J., born January 9, 1834, died October 3, same year. Nathan Richey, born October 7, 1835, enlisted at the begining of the civil war and served his country until he died in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee; is buried in the Hopewell cemetery, near Morning Sun. N. Maria was born July 1, 1838. The seventh child, a son, died in infancy. Robert J., whose name appears elsewhere, resides on the old home farm. Elizabeth C., born November 1, 1845, died August 17, 1850. Twin children, a son and a daughter, died in infancy. Clara J., the youngest, was born October 7, 1852, graduated at Oxford Female College, in the class of 1871. She and her cousin, N. Elizabeth Bell, reside in the village of Morning Sun.

The sixth child of James and Elizabeth Brown, N. Maria, was married October 16, i860, to Rev. J. B. Foster. Mr. Foster was born in Indiana, July 6, 1837, graduated at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in the class of 1858, finished his theological course in the United Presbyterian Seminary, at Mon- mouth, Illinois, united with the Presbyterian church in 1867 and died at Due West, South Carolina, February27, 1873. Four sons were born to them - Harry Y., Frank B., William H. and Leslie M ; Frank and William graduated at Bloomington (Indiana) University, and both studied theology in Allegheny (United Presbyterian) Seminary. The latter died July 24, 1890. Frank B. is at the present date (1900) the pastor of the First United Presbyterian church at Omaha, Nebraska.

James and Elizabeth Brown left to their family an honorable record and that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches. They also gave to their children considerable property, which had been accpiired through their well directed efforts. They reared a family who do credit to their name and no family in the entire community is more respected than that of the Browns. Through many years the representatives of the name have been actively connected with agricultural interests and with the progress and upbuilding of tbe county along many lines and their work has been of great public benefit.

Among the worthy citizens of Preble county, upon whom the residents of this locality have bestowed the honors of public office, is Mr. Heeter, the well-known and efficient county treasurer. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, June 8, 1847, and is of German lineage. The grandfather was Sebastian Heeter, who, in 1813, emigrated westward to Ohio, taking up his residence near Dayton, where he engaged in farming. His son, Jacob Heeter, the father of our subject, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and during his early childhood was brought by his parents to the Buckeye state. He, too, became a farmer, and throughout his active business career carried on agricultural pursuits. In tbe midst of the forest he developed an excellent farm, cutting down the trees and preparing the land for the plow, after which he planted his crops and soon garnered abundant harvests. He has been a lifelong and consistent member of the Lutheran church and is yet living, at the advanced age of eightyeight years. His residence in Preble county dates from 1863, and he has therefore witnessed much of its growth. He married Susanna Keener, a native of Pennsylvania, and she is still living, at the age of seventy-eight years. In their family were ten children, six of whom yet survive.

Mr. Heeter, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the common schools, and until twenty-three years of age engaged in farming. He then learned the trades of cabinetmaking and house building, becoming an expert carpenter. He followed that occupation for six years, after which he engaged in clerking and later carried on merchandising on his own account in Lewisburg, Preble county. In 1889 he was elected assessor of Harrison township, and proved a most capable and efficient officer. In September, 1890, he took up his abode in Eaton, where he assisted O. B. Eikenberry to open a store, of which he has since been the head salesman and manager, conducting the enterprise with marked ability and success. At the last election, however, he was chosen to the office of county treasurer on the Democratic ticket - the first Democrat elected to that position in ten years. He overcame a majority of four hundred and fifty-two, a

Mr. Heeter has been twice married. He first wedded Elnora Hapner, a daughter of Michael Hapner. She died in 1886, leavingtwo children, Clarence and Earl. On the 15th of August, 1888, Mr. Heeter was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie, a daughter of Michael Rumbough, a prosperous farmer of Pennsylvania. They now have one child, Charles R. Mr. Heeter is a member of the Odd Fellows society, and has long been a consistent member of the Lutheran church, in which he has served as a deacon and the treasurer for fourteen years and as the Sunday school superintendent for eighteen years. His integrity is above question, and all who know him have for him the highest respect and confidence. It will thus be seen that the public trust has been well placed in choosing Mr. Fleeter for the position of county treasurer, in which capacity he is now acceptably serving.

Father McNamara is the priest of the church of the Visitation in Eaton and is greatly beloved by the people among whom he labors. He was born in Belfast, Ireland, March 19, 1852. His grandfather, John McNamara, and his father, James Mc- Namara, were both natives of Belfast, and the latter was a very prominent and successful linen merchant there, a member of the well known firm of McNamara & Hanna. He married Margaret Hanna, a cousin of the partner and a daughter of Samuel Hanna, an extensive grocer in county Down, Ireland. Her mother was Sophia Hanna.

Both Mr. and Mrs. McNamara were zealous members of the Catholic church. The father died in 1871 and the mother, surviving him some years, passed away March 23, 1893. They had thirteen children, of whom six are yet living, namely: John J., who is engaged in the flax trade at Belfast; Patrick, who is the proprietor of a hotel in that city; Hugh, who is also connected with the flax trade in Belfast ; Bridget, the wife of Thomas J. Welsh, a .pork merchant of Belfast; Margaret M., the wife of W. J. Farrell, a grocer of the same city; and Sophia T., the widow of Thomas J. Ryan, who was in the civil service at Belfast.

Father McNamara, whose name introduces this review, entered St. Malachi Seminary when ten years of age and there pursued his studies for three years. He afterward spent five years as a student in St. Coleman Seminary, at Violet Hill, in county Down, and then went to Cambria, the Grand Seminary of France. There he continued until seventeen years of age, after which he completed his studies at St. John's, in Waterford, Ireland. He was ordained to the priesthood when twenty-three years of age and was appointed assistant pastor of the parish of Seagoe, in county Armagh. He served as assistant to Dr. Morgan, who was vicar general, acting in that capacity for nine years. On the expiration of that period he went to Dunmore parish, where he remained for five years. On the 7th of July, 1888, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and has served as priest at various places. He was at Urbana for two years, where he also had charge of the churches at St. Paris and Bradford, and for five years he was assistant to Father William Hickey, of St. Joseph's church, in Dayton, Ohio. On the 15th of January, 1897, he came to

Eaton and has been very successful in his work, his labors in this parish being very acceptable to his people. He has secured the earnest co-operation of the members, many of whom drive for long distances in order to attend church. There are now three hundred communicants in the church at the Visitation. When he took charge a heavy indebtedness rested upon the church, but he has greatly reduced this and the various working forces and organizations of the church are now well organized. Father McNamara is a man of strong personality, a forceful character and scholarly attainments, and his devotion to the cause has been of great and widespread benefit.

Samuel C. Parks

Among the representative citizens of the county none are more deserving of representation in this volume than Samuel C. Parks, who was for many years connected with its agricultural interests, but is now living a retired life in West Manchester. Through his well directed efforts he gained a handsome competence that numbers him among the substantial citizens of the community.

A native of Preble county, Mr. Parks was born in Monroe township, May 3, 1850, and is a son of Samuel and Lydia (McDonald) Parks, also natives of this county, their early home being south of Eaton. Our subject's paternal grandfather, Samuel Parks, Sr., was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler of Preble county. The maternal grandfather, Hugh McDonald, was also a pioneer of this county, and aided materially in its development and prosperity. He was one of the best Bible scholars within its borders, and lie was a stanch Republican in politics. Our subject's ancestors were all of English descent. His father remained near his birthplace about two years after his marriage, and then located on section 12, Monroe township, where he successfully engaged in farming for some years, owning at one time three hundred acres of valuable land, most of which he cleared. In 1880 he retired from active labor and moved to West Manchester, where he died in 1897, at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years. He was well known throughout the county, and was highly respected and esteemed. In politics he was a Republican, and held some local offices in his township. For a time he was a member of the United Brethren church. His wife also died in West Manchester, in 1891, at the age of seventy two.

In the family of this worthy couple were seven children - six sons and one daughter, namely: John, deceased; Henry, a resident of Eaton; Stephen M., a farmer of Monroe township; Margaret, the wife of John P. Elliott, of Cass county, Indiana; Thomas H. and Samuel, twins, the former a resident of Lewisburg, Preble county, the latter, our subject; and Clinton D., who resides on the old homestead.

During his minority Samuel C. Parks remained on the home farm on section 12, Monroe township, and attended the district schools of that locality. On the 21st of November, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Davisson, also a native of this county, who was reared in the same neighborhood as her husband and attended the same school. Her father, Jonathan Davisson, was born in Virginia, and came to Preble county, Ohio, at an early day, and was one of the prominent men of Monroe township, holding many offices, including those of county commissioner and township trustee. He wedded Mary Shields, a native of Preble county and a representative of one of its old families. Mr. and Mrs. Parks are the parents of six children: Clinton M., who married Laura Gauch and is engaged in farming in Monroe township; Minnie A., the wife of Edward Wolf, who operates our subject's farm on section i2, Monroe township; Harry C., a farmer of the same township; John C. and Frank E., who are attending school; and Mary B., who died at the age of six years, nine months and two days. The three oldest were born in Cass county, Indiana, the others in this county.

It was in 1873 that Mr. Parks removed to Cass county, Indiana, arriving there, August 12, and on the 12th of August, 1880, he returned to Preble county, Ohio. He purchased the old homestead of Jonathan Davisson, upon which he made many improvements, including the erection of a good residence, substantial barns and outbuildings, transforming it into one of the most desirable farms of its size in the locality. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and he also has twenty acres near and joining West Manchester, where he has lived retired since March 2, 1892. While engaged in farming he made a specialty of the raising of fine horses, most of which he sold at from one hundred to two hundred dollars per head. He also gave considerable attention to cattle and hogs, and in all his undertakings met with excellent success. Keen discrimination, unflagging industry and resolute purpose are numbered among his salient characteristics, and thus he has won that prosperity which is the merited reward of honest effort.

local offices, the duties of which he most capably discharged. He is a prominent member of the Christian church of West Manchester, and is now serving as a trustee of the same.

Samuel E. Shellenbarger

Probably no man connected with the agricultural interests of Preble county is more widely known throughout the United States than Samuel E. Shellenbarger, who is successfully and extensively engaged in the breeding of Poland China hogs. Few men have done more to improve the grade of hogs raised in this country than our subject, and as a reliable business man, enterprising and honorable, he well deserves representation in this volume. He makes his home in Camden, where he is also engaged in conducting a shoe store.

He was born in Butler county, Ohio, December 14, 1848. His father, Daniel C. Shellenbarger, was a native of North Carolina, born in 1809, about ten miles from Raleigh. He died in Butler county, in the fall of 1869. The grandfather of our subject was of German descent and the father spoke German as well as English. Though not a college-bred man, lie possessed strong mentality and through reading, experience and observation became well informed. About 1839 he married Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of Daniel Smith, of Pennsylvania. Daniel Shellenbarger was a carpenter and builder by trade, following those pursuits in early life, but after coming to Ohio he carried on farming in Butler county, owning and operating there one hundred and ninety-two acres of land. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. The latter survived her husband about seven years and died in 1878, at the age of sixty years. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are yet living: William is an extensive farmer of Butler county, Ohio, and has three children ; David, who operates the old family homestead, has two children living and has lost two; Mrs. Eliza Fulkerson, a widow, has three children; Daniel, who died in Tipton county, Indiana, left two children; Jacob is a farmer and stock and grain shipper and dealer of Butler county, and had six children, of whom four are now living; Samuel E. is the twin brother of Katie Shellenbarger, the latter the wife of L. Caldwell, of Garnett, Kansas, and has one daughter ; and Sophia, the youngest of the family, is the wife of William Young, of Oxford, Ohio.

Mr. Shellenbarger, whose name introduces this review, obtained a liberal education in the common schools and remained at home until eighteen years of age, when he took a trip to the west, residing in Missouri and Kansas. He was engaged in farming and in the grocery business for about two years, and then returned to Butler county, where he was married on the 9th of February, 1870, to Eliza J. Duffielcl, of Butler county, a daughter of James B. Duffield, who is now one of the most extensive farmers and land owners of Preble county. He owns several valuable farms and is engaged in breeding Poland China hogs. He was one of the pioneers in this business, which he began in 1840, and which he still continues to some extent, although he is practically living retired, having attained the advanced age of eighty-two years. He has held a number of town offices, and for many years was a leader in public affairs in his locality. He had eight children, four of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Shellenbarger have lost one son, James, who died at the age of nine months. Their living children are : Vinnie May, who is a graduate of the Camden high school and has also pursued a course in a business college; and Bessie L., who possesses considerable musical ability, in which direction she is being trained.

For some years Mr. Shellenbarger has been engaged in breeding and dealing in registered Poland China hogs. He has spared neither pains nor expense to secure the very best grades. He owns and breeds the best stock in the country, and had the distinction of carrying away from the World's Fair eleven hundred and seventyfive dollars in six first premiums and one second premium, and four of the six were grand sweepstakes. The stock business is carried on under the firm name of S. E. Shellenbarger & Company. I11 the shoe business he is associated with Mr. Sebert, and they have their store at No. 120 Main street, where in 1894 they bought and remodeled a fine business block, containing two store rooms. They are the largest recorders in the Ohio Poland China Record. They have paid as high as seven hundred and fifteen dollars for a boat, Big Chief Tecumseh, which is no doubt the best representative of Poland China stock in the United States. For the boar named J. H. Sanders they were offered eleven hundred and fifty dollars. They conduct annual and semi-annual sales in Camden, where they have a large pavilion specially fitted up for this purpose, and the amphitheater is the scene of much excitement and high bidding when their stock is sold at auction. They dispose of from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty hogs in this way each year, and have so done for the last six or seven years. Their business is indeed extensive and brings to them an excellent income, and in stock circles throughout the United States the firm is widely and favorably known, enjoying a most enviable reputation for honesty in all trade transactions.

Mr. Shellenbarger now owns four large farms, including the home farm, and his property is the merited reward of his own labors. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and a man of sterling worth, who enjoys the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact. His marked industry, unflagging energy and resolute purpose have been the salient points in his prosperity, and his life should serve to encourage and inspire others who must depend upon their own exertions for advancement.

William Gregg

The name above suggests much of local history in Preble county, Ohio, where the Greggs have been pioneers and prominent farmers since the early days. William Gregg, a son of Silas and Susan (Fudge) Gregg, was born in Gratis township, Preble county, Ohio, two miles south of Winchester, April 17, 1837. His father was born in Georgia, January 4, 1801, and when but four years of age came to Ohio with his parents, who lived there until their death. Mr. Gregg's father, Silas Gregg, Sr., was born April 29, 1759, and his mother, Rhoda, was born March 6, 1764. They had eight children, three girls and five boys. The old people, who were of English descent, both died about 1850. Silas and Susan Gregg went to housekeeping on the old home farm, where they lived five years. In 1838 they removed to the Gregg farm, in section 27, Lanier township. At the time of their removal to this place only about seventy acres were cleared. The residence into which they moved consisted of what is now known as the old brick portion, which was erected in 1830, by Jacob Brower, the building assuming its present dimensions in 1852, when Mr. Gregg built the frame addition. The barn was erected in 1840, and later received an addition. February 27, 1856, Mr. Gregg was called away by death and his widow occupied the place until her death, October 2, 1892. They left seven children, four hoys and three girls, one of whom is dead. The eldest, Nancy, was born May 25, 1834, and married Washington Ozias, and died in 1861, leaving two children. Eliza A., born January 6, 1836, married Noah Coler and lives in Montgomery county, and they have five children. William is the immediate subject of this sketch. Mary A., born January 21, 1841, lives with her husband, Robert H. White, just west of the homestead. John, who was born March 13, 1843, married Sarah A. Young, and they have two children and live on the home place. Elijah, born January 5, 1847, married Eliza Morningstar, and they have one child and live in this county.

Mr. Gregg at his death left his family in comfortable circumstances. He was a faithful member of the Christian church at New Lexington, to which church Mrs. Gregg also belonged. Mr. Gregg, by an upright course through life, marked by many kind deeds, established for himself an unsullied reputation and won the esteem and hoijor of his fellow citizens. Plis widow, finding herself in charge of the large farm, did not flinch from the responsibilities which were suddenly thrown upon her, and it is greatly to her credit that, instead of allowing the prop- erty to decrease, as is so often the case under similar circumstances, she largely added to its value. She purchased, subsequently to her husband's death, eighty acres across the pike, just west of the home place, and one hundred and sixty acres of land in Wabash county, Indiana. She brought also, with her son John, the old Dennison mill on Twin creek. Mrs. Gregs', in the management of her property, had the cordial assistance of her children, whom she raised to habits of industry and economy.

Susan Fudge, who married Silas Gregg, was the second child of Jacob and Elizabeth Fudge. Her parents emigrated from Virginia at an early day and settled in Lanier township, where she was born November 9, 1812. She received the best education which that early community afforded, in a little log schoolhouse of the true pioneer type. Though her father and mother had thirteen children, ten of them were girls and not until the seventh child was born was there a boy in the family. On this account much of the heavier work fell to the lot of the girls. Mrs. Gregg had vivid remembrance of helping her father in the work of clearing away brush, going to mill and the like. Nor was she idle in the domestic circle. The spindle and shuttle were her companions in the manufacture of linen, flannel and cloth for home use. She was also accustomed to braid straw for her hats and bonnets.

Jacob Fudge, her father, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, December 26, 1779. His father died when he was about three years of age, leaving a wife and two small boys, Jacob and David. The mother subsequently remarried and the family removed to Kentucky, where they lived until Jacob was about fourteen, when they emigrated to Warren county, Ohio, and settled where Lebanon now stands. Some six years afterward they settled on Clear creek, in the same county, near Springboro.

After living there a few years Jacob and his brother David, having attained their majority, concluded to strike out for themselves. 1 hey made their way to what is now Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, and purchased five hundred acres of land on Twin creek, in sections 34 and 35. At the time of the purchase Jacob Fudge was obliged to go to Cincinnati to make a payment and receive a patent for the land. Cincinnati was then a mere village on the outskirts of civilization, and the court-house in which Mr. Fudge transacted his business consisted of the upper story of a log building. While there he was offered a real estate investment, which, had he accepted it, would have proved a most fortunate one for him; but he preferred his broad acres on Twin creek in the wilderness to a few acres in the embryo city. Mr. Fudge finally became possessed of his brother's share in the Twin creek tract, having exchanged for it land on Price's creek. When Preble county was organized Mr. Fudge was elected its first sheriff, but he had no liking for official life; and it is related that he bought an admirer a gallon of whisky on condition that he would not urge his nomination for a certain office. Mr. Fudge married, November 14, 1810, Elizabeth, a daughter of Gasper Potterf, the pioneer in the township which received his given name. Mrs. Fudge was born February 10, 1790, in Rockingham county, Virginia. They began married life in a log cabin on the hill west of the Jacob Fudge place. In 1819 Mr. Fudge erected a brick dwelling, one of the earliest brick houses in the county. It was a two-story structure with a story-and-a-half wing, and was considered a stately building for that time. He died in his eighty-fourth year, March 27, 1863, and his wife died February 3, 1869. They were the parents of thirteen children : Malinda, who became

Mrs. Pence, born August 23, 1811, deceased; Susan, now Mrs. Gregg; Mrs. Nancy Pence, born February 16, 1814, deceased; Lucinda, born September 6, 1815, died unmarried; Sarah, who became Mrs. Kesling, born July 28, 1817, deceased; Mrs. Eliza Ann Christman, born September 6, 1819; David, born June 26, 1821, died in California in 1859; Mrs. Elizabeth M. Harlan, born June 29, 1823; Mrs. Margaret Wieland, born May 23, 1825, deceased; Franklin N., born December 15, 1826 ; Seraphina, who became Mrs. Shaw, born April 8, 1829; Armina, who became Mrs. Gifford, born April 18, 1832; and Jacob, born July 13, 1837. Mr. Fudge was a hard-working, unostentatious man who attended strictly to his own affairs. His early education was necessarily neglected, but he was a man of sound judgment and prospered in his worldly interests.

William Gregg was reared on his father's farm, and acquired his education in the common schools. He was nineteen years old when his father died, and he remained with his mother, assisting her in the management of the estate, until 1867, when he married Miss Lavina Smith, a daughter of John Smith, a native of Virginia who came early to Ohio and settled in Montgomery county and became a well-to-do farmer and influential citizen there. Mrs. Gregg died April 28, 1876, leaving one son, Willard V., who is a member of his father's household. December 4, 1879, Mr. Gregg married bis present wife, who was Miss Catharine Smith, a native of Montgomery county, Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob Smith, also a native of that county, and a son of John Smith mentioned above. Mrs. Gregg was brought up on her father's farm in Jackson township, four miles southwest of Germantown. By this marriage Mr. Gregg has four children : Clarence E., Noah O., Jacob S. and Hannah Altie, all of whom are still at their paternal home.

In 1865 Mr. Gregg bought his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, in section 26, Lanier township, Preble county, and there he located immediately after his first marriage. In 1891 he bought one hundred and twenty-two acres adjoining his first purchase, increasing the acreage of the place to two hundred and eighty-two. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Kearney county, Kansas, which he bought in 1893. A man of good business ability and versed in all the science of agriculture from boyhood, he has made a success of farming and tobacco culture, and has also made a reputation as a tobacco buyer. As the administrator of the Eikenberry estate he settled it so ably and impartially as to win the approbation of the court, the heirs and the public. After the death of his mother he administered her will and disposed of the Gregg property to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Politically he is a Democrat, but is admired for the liberality of his views and his respect for the views of those who oppose him. He has been sent as a delegate to county conventions, and otherwise has had an important part in Democratic affairs in his township. For nine years lie has been a member of the school board of Lanier township. Though not a member of any church, he contributes bis full share to- ward the maintenance of public worship, and is a liberal supporter of the conservative Dunkard church, of which Mrs. Gregg is a communicant.

Henry J. Taylor

Henry J. Taylor was born in Somers township, Preble county, June 30, 1840, a son of Aaron and Margaret (Conroe) Taylor. His paternal grandfather, Asher Taylor, was a native of New Jersey and emigrating westward took up his abode in Gratis township, Preble county, where he worked at the weaver's trade. His son, Aaron, was also a native of New Jersey and accompanied his parents to Ohio during his boyhood. He learned the brickmason's trade, and also followed the occupation of farming. During the greater part of his life he resided in Somers township, Preble county, and was recognized as one of the leading, enterprising and successful agriculturists of the community. He married Margaret, a daughter of John Conroe, one of the early settlers of Preble county, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom four are yet living, namely: Mary Ann, the wife of Abraham Van Trump, of Elkton; Caleb, who is living in Camden, Ohio ; Henry J. ; and James A., who is also a resident of Camden. The father of these children died in 1852, and the mother, surviving him for many years, passed away in 1871.

Mr. Taylor, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the local schools of Somers township. His boyhood days were passed in the usual manner of farmer lads, the work of the fields and meadows occupying much of his time and attention. In 1879 he removed to Eaton, where he engaged in teaming until the 27th of May,

1889, when he was made the superintendent of the city buildings. In this capacity he is most faithful, giving careful supervision to all matters connected with his office. He drives the hose wagon to fires, and is in charge of that department day and night. Throughout the eleven years of his connection therewith he has missed driving only two times, and on both those occasions he hitched his team to the hose cart and let his son drive. He has served as a school director and is a progressive citizen, deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community.

On the 1st of October, 1863, Mr. Taylor married Miss Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of David Williams, who came to Preble county at an early period in its development. Four children have been born to our subject and his wife : Curtis, who is living in North

Baltimore, Ohio ; Cora, the wife of H. D. Cormier, of Oxford, Ohio; Charles A., of Eaton; and Cassius M., who also is living in Eaton. Mr. Taylor is a man well known for his reliability and fidelity and is a worthy public officer.

John Nisonger

Prominent among the representative citizens of Monroe township who have made their own way in the world unaided, is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is now living a retired life on section 2, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserved by reason of his industrious efforts of former years. Accomplishment and progress ever imply labor, energy and diligence, and it was those qual- . r ities that enabled our subject to rise from the ranks of the many and stand among the successful few.

Mr. Nisonger was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, March 19, 1830, a son of George and Frana (Rasner) Nisonger, both natives of Pennsylvania. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject are supposed to have been natives of the same state and of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. His grandfather Nisonger was probably a soldier of the Revolutionary war. During his boyhood the father became a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, where he made his home throughout life, dying there at a good old age. By occupation he was a farmer and powder-maker. In early life the mother of our subject lived in Cincinnati, and at the age of eleven years went to Dayton, at which time that city contained but one house. She, too, spent the remainder of her life in Mongomery county, and died there at the age of sixty-five years, In the family were eleven children, nine of whom reached man and womanhood, but only three are now living, our subject being the youngest of these. His sistei Polly is the wife of Hugh McCibbin, of Darke county; and Sallie is the widow of Levi McCibbin and a resident of the same county.

The educational advantages of John Nisonger were such as the public schools of this state afforded during his boyhood. The schoolhouse was built of logs, with slab seats, and a writing desk made by laying a board across pins driven into the wall. Leaving home at the age of eighteen years, he went to Dark county and engaged in farming in Twin township until 1888, when he came to this county, taking up his residence at his present home, a half mile north of West Manchester on section 2, Monroe township. He still owns a valuable farm in Twin township, Darke county, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation.

On the 17th of March, 1851, in Preble county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Nisonger and Miss Mary Fleagle, who was born in Harrison township, March 13, 1833, a daughter of Abraham and Isabel (Dutchman) Fleagle, also natives of Pennsylvania and of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. They were early settlers of this county, and the parents of ten children, three of whom are now living, namely: Jane, the widow of Jonas Philips; John, a resident of Sonora, Ohio; and Mary, the wife of our subject. The- last named is the youngest of the family. Ider father was a soldier of the war of 1812.

Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Nisonger; George, born January 17, 1852, is a farmer of Twin township, Darke county; Isabel, born September 30, 1853, died January 10, 1856; William' born January 21, 1856, resides on the old homestead in Twin township, Darke county; Mary J., born June 31, 1858, is the wife of Van Odle, of the same township; Abraham, born February 28, 1861, and Perry, born November 9, 1863, are both residents of Darke county; Delia, born June 20, 1866, is the wife of George Shofner, of Twin township, Darke county; and Charles, born January 1, 1872, is still with his parents. They also have thirteen grandchildren, eleven boys and two girls, all born in Darke county where they still reside.

Throughout his entire business career Mr. Nisonger followed agricultural pursuits, and being a man of sound judgment, good business ability and industrious habits, he steadily prospered, and succeeded in accumulating a comfortable property, which enables him to spend his declining years in ease and quiet. He reared a largo family and provided them with good educational ad- vantages. Like his father, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the United Brethren church.

George W. Hanger

George W. Hanger, one of the successful and extensive agriculturists of Preble county, was born July 24, 1842, in Gratis township, upon the farm which is still his home. Lie represents an old German family that was founded in America at an early period in its history. His paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and removed to Virginia, where, in Augusta county, George Hanger, the father of our subject, was born August 17, 1793, and he came to the Buckeye state in 1811 on a prospecting tour. He spent one winter on Price's creek, in Monroe township, Preble county, and then returned to the state of his nativity. As a member of a militia company he took part in the war of 1812. He was married in his native state, about 1812 or 1813, to Catherine Loop, and to them were born four children, all natives of Preble county with one exception, the oldest, Elizabeth, who was born in Virginia. The mother died in February, 1828, in the prime of life, and the father was again married, September 30, 1830, his second union being with Mary Ann Shrackengast, of Rockingham county, Virginia, a daughter of David Shrackengast, who was of Holland lineage. Unto this second marriage there were born two sons and four daughters, namely : Rebecca, Evaline, Joseph, Sarah M., George W. and Harriet C., all deceased excepting the last two.

The father of our subject came to Preble county about 1815. He made the journey to his new home with a five-horse team, bringing with him all of his household goods. He was six weeks upon the road, traveling with a colony who sought to establish homes in the west. Upon reaching his destination he "traded" his horses and wagon in partial payment for his land, comprising seventy-six acres. Only two acres had been cleared, the remainder being covered with a heavy growth of timber. Mr. Hanger cleared the farm and for several years lived in a log house in true pioneer style. Later he replaced the cabin by a frame residence, and as the years passed by added all of the improvements and conveniences known to the older developed east. He was a Whig in his political affiliations, and served as a township trustee, but was never an aspirant for office. In his religious belief he was a Lutheran, and his second wife was a Methodist, which church he attended with her.

George W. Hanger, whose name introduces this record, was reared to farm life, early taking an active part in the work of developing the fields, clearing the land and harvesting the crops. He received a good common-school education, and on the 12th of August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the civil war as a member of the One Llundred and Twelfth Ohio Infantry, which was consolidated with the Sixty-third Ohio, which command the former regiment joined at Holly Springs, Mississippi. Mr. Hanger served throughout the remainder of the war, and with his command went in pursuit of Forrest. He also took part in the siege of Atlanta and was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea, which broke the backbone of the Confederacy. He was afterward taken from Savannah by way of the sea, and to Beaufort, South Carolina. He joined the command at Goldsboro, and was at Raleigh, North Carolina, when Johnston surrendered. He was always found at his post of duty, and was often in the- thickest of the fight. Many times his clothing was pierced by rebel bullets and his canteen was several times struck by the enemy's balls, but he remained uninjured. He was serving as a non-commissioned officer. His command marched from Raleigh to Washington, where he participated in the grand review, where wave after wave of bayonetcrested blue passed by the stand on which the president was standing to watch the return of the victorious army. As a member of Company G, Sixty-third Ohio Infantry, he received an honorable discharge at Louisville, Kentucky, July 8, 1865, and with a most creditable military record returned to his home.

Mr. Hanger has since resided upon the farm where his birth occurred. He was married October 7, 1868, to Miss Catherine Judy, a daughter of Samuel and Mary Magdalen (Beam) Judy. She was born in Pennsylvania, but was reared in Maryland and Ohio, having been brought to the latter state when very young. Mr. and Mrs. Hanger have seven children, namely: Mary Lillian,

Samuel Ernest, George LeRoy, Clara Catherine, Charles Arthur, Wallace Edwin and Lizzie Evelyn. The children are still at their parental home, and the family circle yet remains unbroken, with the exception of Charles Arthur, who died in childhood.

The large and commodious residence which the family occupy was erected by Mr. Hanger in 1885. He has made other substantial improvements upon the place, including the remodeling of the old barn, which was built by his father. He has erected other substantial outbuildings, and has one of the best improved farms in the community. He makes a specialty of the raising of

Duroc Jersey hogs, and has some very valuable registered stock, having sold many head at high prices. He raises wheat, corn and tobacco and feeds his corn to his stock, but markets his wheat and tobacco. He is a member of the Wayne County Farmers' Club, which he joined in 1898, and in the present year, 1900, is serving as its vicepresident. In his political views he is a Republican and served for nearly seven years as county commissioner, proving a most capable and efficient officer. He and his family hold membership in the United Brethren church, and he is serving as a trustee of the Greenbush church. Mr. Hanger withholds his support from no measure or movement which he believes will prove of public good and his labors have been of great benefit to the county of his nativity along various lines. A progressive farmer, a competent officer, a valued soldier and a man whose social qualities commend him to the friendship and regard of all, he is both widely and favorably known in Preble county.

Jacob Chambers

Jacob Chambers is now living retired in Eaton, and probably no single individual of Preble county has clone more to advance its interests along material lines of substantial development than he. He was born in Hanover, York county, Pennsylvania, July 22, 1813. His father, John Chambers, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and, returning to his home in broken health, he died in Hanover, Pennsylvania, January 2, 1815. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Magdalen Eyler, never married again and died in Eaton in October, 1849, in her sixty-first year. In their family were three children, the eldest being George, who was horn May

4, 1812, and is now living in Eaton, in his eighty-eighth year. The youngest, Sarah Ann, became the wife of Theodore Harbaugh and died in Eaton, April 30, 1897, at the age of eighty years and twenty days.

Jacob Chambers was the second of the family. He obtained a limited education in such common schools as were offered in his youth. The family were left in rather limited circumstances at the time of the father's death, and at a very early age Mr. Chambers was obliged to earn his own livelihood. This in consequence prevented his attending school and his experience as a student would probably not cover more than nine months. He has, however, throughout his life added to his knowledge by reading, observation and experience and is now a well informed man. In his youth he worked on a farm and in a tobacco shop, receiving in the latter about seventy-five cents per week. He boarded at home and his wages enabled him to clothe himself. He became an apprentice to the jeweler's trade in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was employed between the ages of seventeen and twenty one years. In 1835 he started for Chicago, which city then had a population of two thousand. There was not a railroad in the state of Ohio. He made his way as far as Detroit, Michigan, where he found that the boat for Chicago did not leave for ten days. This circumstance led him to abandon his trip and he made his way to Dayton ; but after a few days' residence there came to Eaton, arriving in this city at one o'clock on the 14th of September, 1835. Here he has since made his home, covering a period of sixtyfive years. He came to Eaton because he was informed that there was an opening here for a watch-maker and jeweler and was the second to establish business in that line at his new home. Here he conducted a store, carrying a general line of jewelry, clocks, watches, toys and notions. He met with a fair degree of success and continued in active business for about fifty-five years, since which time he has lived retired.

Mr. Chambers has been three times married, his first union being with Miss Ann Catherine Bell, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, whom he wedded May 24, 1836, their marriage being celebrated at her old home. Two children were born to the union, Ezra B. and Mary, but the latter died at the age of four years. The son learned the jeweler's trade and followed that business for many years, but died in Santa Barbara, California, at the age of sixty-three, leaving a widow and two daughters, all of whom are still living in Santa Barbara. Mrs. Chambers died in Eaton, July 25, 1858, and on the 15th of June, 1859, Mr. Chambers again married, his second union being with Mrs. Esther H. Harvey Tabor, whose maiden name was Cone. She was a native of Vermont, born January 15, 1820, and is still living.

Mr. Chambers has been a life-long student and is a recognized authority in this community upon current history, local events and upon the pioneer annals. Among his records he has preserved the funeral cards of every person who has died in Eaton in the last thirty years and can give the name and age of each one. For sixty-four years he has been a subscriber to the Methodist Christian Advocate and has every copy except a few which he sold to Mr. Deering, of Chicago, for use in the historical library at Evanston. He has also been a subscriber to the Eaton Register for sixty-three years and has all the copies of that paper. He has also preserved and filed away many volumes of their publications and cherishes this library as a sacred heirloom. He believes that the public press is a national educator, a recorder of events as they occur in proper chronological order.

Mr. Chambers joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Hanover, Pennsylvania, June 8, 1828, and has been a communicant in that organization for nearly seventy-two years. His life has been that of a consistent Christian, active in the work of the church, and upright in all his relations with the world. He has ever believed in reform and was a stanch Abolitionist in ante bellum days. His home was a station on the underground railroad and he was active in the liberation of the slaves who made their way from the south across the Ohio river. He has always been a warm friend of the temperance cause and has done all he could to aid his fellow men in throwing off the shackles of intemperance. He is an uncompromising Prohibitionist and for many years has been very active and zealous in advocating the principlos of that party, believing most firmly in complete and universal prohibition. In 1853 he was a candidate for the Prohibitionist party for the office of state senator. In 1853 he served as assistant judge, being appointed to that position by Judge Reuben Wood. In 1881 he was appointed by Governor Foster one of the trustees of the Eaton Asylum, the appointment being confirmed by the state legislature. Since 1856 he has been a member of the Preble County Bible Society and has filled every lay office in the church.

He is an old gentleman of broad culture, extensive reading and a retentive memory having gained him comprehensive knowledge. His mental faculties are still unimpaired, and his strong mind and broad fund of information make him an entertainingf companion. He has been an active, publicspirited citizen of Eaton, has erected twentyone homes in the city, and has probably been instrumental in bringing more people to the city than any other one person. He has contributed of his means to the erection of every church edifice here and has done all in his power to encourage the feeling of public improvement by buying pike and railroad stock and by supporting many other measures which have led to the general good. His name is inseparably connected with the history of the community and he certainly deserves honorable mention in connection with the history of Preble county. He has now reached the advanced age of eightyseven years and is regarded as one who is in many respects worthy of emulation. He is a modest, unassuming man, caring not for notoriety, yet he richly deserves the praise that is usually given a self-made man and the high regard which is accorded him by his many friends.

Joseph W. Bower

Joseph W. Bower is successfully engaged in the milling business in Lanier township, his home being on section 3 of that township. He has a thorough understanding of his trade, and his excellent workmanship and courteous treatment of his patrons have secured to him a liberal patronage. His entire life having been spent in Preble county and his career having been one worthy of emulation, he is both widely and favorably known in this section of the state.

He was born January 3, 1834, on the farm where he now resides, and is one of the eight children of John and Delilah (Wysong) Bower. His father was born near Germantown, Ohio, in 1810, and was a son of Jacob Bower, who came from Pennsylvania to the Buckeye state at an early epoch in the development of this section of the country. Amid the wild scenes of the frontier he developed a farm near Germantown, Montgomery county, and there remained for a number of years. Later he took up his abode in Twin township, Preble county, settling on Twin creek, three-fourths of a mile north of the Dayton and Eaton pike. Some years later he removed to Indiana, but soon afterward returned to Twin township, and here spent his last days. John Bower, the father of our subject, was reared upon the home farm and early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of those who establish homes in the western wilderness. His educational privileges were extremely limited. He probably attended school not more than nine months in his entire life, but he had a strong craving for knowledge, and he improved every opportunity that would enable him to add to his store of learning. With the aid of candlelight in the long winter evenings he acquired a thorough practical education, and his set of books, which are still in the possession of his son Joseph, indicates that he was a good bookkeeper. In his early manhood he learned the miller's trade, and when he had mastered the business he secured employment in the mill now owned and operated by the subject of this review. A year later he took charge of the Mumma mill, located on Twin creek, one-half of a mile north of the Dayton and Eaton pike, and subsequently he purchased the property and conducted the mill until 1850, when he sold out and removed to West Alexandria. There he erected a business block and opened a grocery store, which he conducted up to the time of his death, on the 19th of March, 1879. He was one of the well-known men of the county, prominent in public affairs and a recognized leader of public thought and movement. For many terms he was elected and faithfully served as township treasurer, and of the Masonic lodge he was a valued representative. A man of the highest respectability, his example was well worthy of emulation. He married Miss Delilah Wysong, who was born in Virginia, April 13, 1813, a daughter of Joseph and Susannah (Kitchen) Wysong, who left the Old Dominion in the early Dos and came to the Buckeye state, making the journey by wagon. They located on a farm of one hundred and three acres in Jackson township, Montgomery county, where they resided until 1850, when Mr. Wysong purchased the mill on Twin creek from John Bower,- his son-inlaw. He gave to his own sons an interest in his mill, and they operated it until the time of their father's death. Mrs. Bower still survives her husband, and is now living in West Alexandria, in her eighty-eighth year. She became the mother of eight children, three of whom are living, namely: Joseph

W. ; Sarah E., wife of Adam Kendig, a resident of West Alexandria; and Eliza J., the wife of John M. Kendig, a minister of the Reformed church of Youngstown, Ohio.

On the home farm Joseph W. Bower spent his childhood days and in the common schools of New Lexington acquired his education. He received his business training under the direction of his father, with whom he learned the miller's trade. On the 22d of August, 1855, he secured as a helpmeet and companion on life's journey Miss Mary A. Slane, a native of New Lexington, Preble county, and a daughter of Thomas Slane, who came to Ohio from Virginia at an early day, taking up his abode on a farm at New

Lexington. After his marriage Mr. Bower took charge of the mill on Price's creek, operating it on the shares, but after three months, finding that the owner was exceedingly unpopular in the neighborhood, he withdrew and took charge of the mill which he now owns, operating the mill for John Early for four years and five months. On the expiration of that period he left his employ and took charge of the mill on Twin creek at West Alexandria, continuing its operation for seventeen years, although it changed hands during that period. In 1876 he purchased the mill, which he now owns, and thus entered upon an independent business career, which has been attended with success. His thorough and practical understanding of the business, combined with his capable management, his reliable methods and his fair dealing with his patrons, has secured to him a large and profitable business.

Charles Brickley, an agriculturist of Farmland, Indiana; and Sarah E., the wife of H. C. Glander, a merchant of West Alexandria. The mother died in June, 1887, and on the 17th of January, 1890, Mr. Bower was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. (Berry) Bower. She is a native of Funkstown, Maryland, and during the time of the civil war she came to this state with her mother, one brother and one sister, for their southern home was in the midst of the hostilities and they sought safety in the north. By this marriage there was one son, John PI. For sixteen consecutive years Mr. Bower has held the office of township treasurer, and no higher testimonial of his faithful, service could be given than his long continuance in the office, for the American people do not long keep unworthy officials in places of public trust. I11 politics he is a Democrat, and has always supported the men and measures of his party. He is well known as a reliable business man, a public-spirited and progressive citizen and faithful friend, and as one of the representative residents of Preble county he well deserves mention in this volume.

Orange' E. Oxer

The progressive spirit of Mr. Oxer has been an important element not only in securing his own success, but in advancing the material welfare of the community with which he is connected. He stands today as one of the leading business men of West Alexandria, and is at the head of one of its most important mercantile concerns. He was born in Preble county, July 24, 1863, and is a son of John G. and Lucinda (Paddock) Oxer. His grandfather, George W. Oxer, was a native of Virginia, and emigrated westward in early life, taking up his abode in Union county, Indiana, where he resided for some time. In the early '50s, however, he came to Preble county, where he made his home until his death. He was a prominent worker in the Christian church, and a man whose integrity in all the affairs of life was above question. He married Phoebe Gard, who was a native of Pennsylvania, her parents belonging to an old Pennsylvania family. She survived her husband for about ten or eleven years, and after his death became the wife of Vincent Rose.

John G. Oxer, the father of our subject, was born in Indiana, near the Ohio state line, about 1840, and when a boy in his 'teens accompanied his parents on their removal to Preble county. After his marriage he located in Dixon township, where lie engaged in farming until 1 86 c;, when he removed to Jackson township. There he resided until 1884, when he established his home in Richmond, Indiana, where he conducted a meat market. In i8qo, however, he returned to the farm upon which he now resides, and in 1893 he embarked in the canning business at New Paris, Ohio, being successfully engaged in the canning of corn and tomatoes. His business affairs are well conducted, bringing to him a comfortable competence. In his political views -Mr. Oxer is a Republican, and has held some local township offices, but has never sought or desired political preferment. He is an earnest and zealous member of the Christian church, and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of the new Christian church at Campbellstown in 1899. His many excellent characteristics have made him a highly esteemed resident of his community.

Mr. Oxer, whose name introduces this review, spent the first sixteen years of his life on the home farm, acquiring his elementary education in the public schools. He then went to Columbus and entered the State University, where he pursued his studies three years, employment which he secured having enabled him to pay his way through college. In the spring of 1882 he returned home, and after remaining on his father's farm for a year he accompanied his parents on their removal to Richmond, Indiana, where he also remained for a year. He then returned to the old homestead in Ohio and boarded with a family that had rented the place until his marriage. On the 13th of January, 1884, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Ella Van Tuyl, a native of Preble county, Ohio, and a daughter of Charles and Jane (Hansel) Van Tuyl. Her father was the proprietor of a sawmill. After their marriage Mr. Oxer purchased a farm in Jackson township, and for four years gave his time and energies to the cultivation of the land, after which he removed to West Alexandria, where he engaged in the lumber business. Pie purchased a sawmill and eighty-six acres of timber land near the town, and devoted his time to the manufacture of hardwood lumber. Prosperity attended the new enterprise, and he continued his efforts in that line until 1894, when he entered into partnership with D. R. Wampler and purchased the mercantile business of Eikenberry & Christopher, conducting the store under the firm name of Oxer & Wampler for five years. On the expiration of that period his partner sold his interest to Charles D. dander and the firm title has since been Oxer & Glander. This is the leading mercantile firm of West Alexandria. Business is carried on according to the most progressive methods, and the establishment would do credit to a city much larger than W est Alexandria. They carry a large and well selected stock of goods, and their fair dealing, reasonable prices and uniform courtesy have secured to them a very liberal patronage. In the fall of 1899 Mr. Oxer agitated the question of establishing a canning factory in West Alexandria, and as a result of his efforts a company was formed and a building constructed, and business begun in August, 1900, which is being transacted under the firm name of The Gem Canning Company, canners of corn and tomatoes, and the outlook bids well for splendid success in the business. Both Mr. Oxer and Ins partner, Mr. Glander, are heavy stockholders in the enterprise.

hospitality, and the circle of their friends in this community is a very extensive one. Socially Mr. Oxer is connected with Royal Lodge, No. 329, K. of P., of West Alexandria, and with Gem City Lodge, F. & A. M., of Dayton. He usually votes with the Republican party, but is not a bitter partisan, and his close study of the questions and issues of the day enable him to give an intelligent support to the principles which he advocates. He has repeatedly been a member of the town council and of the school board, exercising his official prerogative to advance the intellectual and material welfare of the community. He owes his success entirely to his own efforts. He is a man of keen discrimination whose judgment is rarely at fault, and to these qualities, as well as untiring industry, he owes his success in a large degree. He is regarded as one of the most progressive residents of Preble county, and belongs to that class of representative Americans who enhance the general prosperity while laboring for individual success.

Samuel Beelman

Every community has its enterprising men to whose business ability, determined purpose and unfaltering energy the township or county which they represent owes much of its prosperity and progress. To this class belongs Samuel Beelman, who is successfully conducting a grocery store in New Paris, and whose honorable business methods, unfailing courtesy and straightforward dealing secure to him a liberal patronage.

1834. His father, Samuel Beelman, was a native of the same locality and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth. By occupation he was a farmer. His grandfather, Christian Beelman, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and was of German descent. Having arrived at years of maturity, Samuel Beelman chose as a companion and helpmeet on life's journey Miss Hettie Henry, a native of the Keystone state and the daughter of Samuel Henry, who also was born in Pennsylvania. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Beelman was blessed with three children, all of whom are yet living, namely : David, a resident of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; Samuel, of this review; and Christian, who is living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The father died in New Orleans, at the age of fifty-five years.

Samuel Beelman, the second of the family, was reared in the county of his nativity until eighteen years of age, and pursued his education in the common schools of the neighborhood until sixteen years of age, when he entered upon his business career by learning the miller's trade, which he followed for two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Ohio,- locating in Springfield in 1851. He followed millingon Buck creek and Mad river, and in 1856 he came to Preble county, Ohio, where he conducted the steam mill at Eldorado for about three years. His next place of residence was in Greene county, where he engaged in the milling business for one year, after which he returned to Eldorado and established a grocery, which he conducted until 1862.

Mr. Beelman then responded to the. country's call for troops. Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he joined Company C, Fiftieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and was promoted to the rank of first ser- geant and remained with the army until the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and afterward, on account of failing health, did duty on recruiting service. In August, 1865, he received an honorable discharge and came at once to New Paris, where he has since engaged in the grocery business. His connection with this line of commercial activity antedates that of any other merchant in the town. He also deals in feed and does an exchange business, his patronage being extensive land bringing to him a good income.

In Eldorado, Preble county, in January, 1857, Mr. Beelman was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Wilcox, a native of Preble county, where she was reared and was a daughter of Abram Wilcox, an early settler of the community. They now have one child, Margaret, who is the wife of A. K. Cartwright, a resident of New Paris. Mr. Beelman is a member of Caleb Markes Post, G. A. R., and is now the junior vice commander. He also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a valued representative of Fellowship Lodge, F. & A. M. In religious faith he is a Universalist. His political' support is given to the Republican party, of which he has been a stanch advocate since its organization. He has served as the township treasurer, and for many years has been a member of the town council of New Paris. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, he withholds his aid from no measure or movement which he believes would prove of public benefit along material, educational, social and moral lines. His life has been well spent, and his industry, commendable business methods and devotion to the public good have made his record one well worthy of emulation.

There are no rules for building character; there is no rule for achieving success; the man who can rise from the ranks to a position of eminence is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that surround his path. The essential conditions of human life are ever the same ; the surroundings of the individual differ but slightly; but when one man passes another on the highway to reach the goal of prosperity before others who, perhaps, started out before him, it is because he has the power to use advantages which probably favor the whole human race. To-day among the most prominent business men of Preble county stands Mr. Markley, and his name at once brings to mind one of the most important industries of this locality. The history of such a man can not fail to be of wide interest, for he ranks high in industrial and financial circles and belongs to that class who owe their prominence entirely to their own efforts.

Mr. Markley was born at Smithville, near Canton, Ohio, January 5, 1848. His father, Benjamin Markley, was a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and, after arriving at years of maturity, wedded Miss Eliza Nicols, also of Harrisburg. In 1840 he emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Richland county, Ohio, where he died in January, 1875. He was an honest, conscientious and upright man and a very active member of the United Brethren church. His wife still survives him and at the advanced age of eighty-eight years is able to do her own housework. In the family of this worthy couple were twelve children, of whom four are now living, namely : Susan A., the widow of Albert Walker, of Washington, D. C. ; H. M., of this review; Emma, the

In the common schools of the neighborhood H. M. Markley pursued his education, but when very young was obliged to begin work, and aid in supporting the large family of which he- was a member. When a youth of only fourteen he began work in a brickyard, and thus, although a wealthy man, his career had an humble beginning. The story of his life can be plainly told, a history of close application to business, of resolute purpose and unfaltering industry. He worked as a farm hand and also sold nursery stock, and as the years passed he increased his capital through industry and economy. In 1872 he entered into partnership with a man who was engaged in buying figured walnut in Ohio. Since that time he has dealt in hardwood lumber, and the enterprise has proved a very profitable one. In December, 1872, he removed to Eaton, where he has since made his home. The scarcity of walnut lumber has made it more valuable. In 1873 he purchased a walnut tree of a man near Columbus for twentyfive dollars and sold it for fifteen hundred dollars ! He conducts hardwood lumber yards in Eaton, Urbana, Springfield, Osborne, Xenia, and other Ohio cities, and exports considerable lumber to London. His business has grown constantly in volume and importance and his sales are- now extensive. He has recently discovered a tract of land on which are six hundred walnut trees and has purchased his choice of four hundred trees. This is a remarkable find at this time, owing to the scarcity of walnut groves. In addition to his large and important lumber business, Mr. Markley is engaged in farming.

On the 26th of November, 1875, occurred the marriage of our subject and Miss Mary A. Dunlap. Their union has been blessed with four children, of whom three are living, namely: Dora A., the wife of Fred C. Filbert, of Eaton; Mabel L. and Walter R. His residence, recently completed and finished throughout in hardwood lumber, is one of the finest in the city.

Mr. Markley is a very public-spirited and progressive man, whose aid and co-operation are generously given to every measure which he believes will prove of public benefit. He has served as a member of the school board for ten years and school board treasurer for three years. He has also served in the city council. In his character there is something that might be termed solidity of purpose and which is a characteristic worthy of emulation. His school privileges were meager, yet in the school of experience he has learned lessons that have made him a well informed man, broadminded and liberal in his views and with a charity that reaches out to all humanity. He is truly benevolent, and the poor and needy count him among their friends. His contributions to the church are liberal, and, though not a member of any Christian denomination, all churches have his respect and good will and often receive from his open purse substantial aid. He has made good use of his opportunities, has prospered from year to year and has conducted his business affairs carefuly and successfully, displaying in all his acts an aptitude for successful management. He has not permitted the accumulation of wealth to affect in any way his

Genealogical And .Biographical Record Mrs. Marylis Flory

Mrs. Marylis Flory resides on one of the fine farms in Preble county, her home being in Gratis township. She is the widow of Henry Flory, who was born in Bedford county, Virginia, on the 30th of November, 1798, and died on this farm on the 24th of February, 1889, at the very advanced age of ninety-one years. Mrs. Flory was born in Tennessee, near Harper's Ferry, on the 12th of November, 1808, and when only sixteen and a half months old was brought to Preble county, in March, 1809. Her parents were Joseph and Susanna (Fortier) Pagin, both natives of Virginia, their marriage having been celebrated near Harper's Ferry, in that state, about 1806, the bride being seventeen years of age, the groom twenty-five. They removed to Tennessee and thence came to Ohio, the farmers entering eighty acres of land in Preble county, the purchase price being a dollar and a quarter per acre. After a long, hard struggle they managed to pay for this and purchased an adjoining eighty acres of Jesse Frame, a worthy Dunkard, of which religious faith the early settlers of the locality were all representatives. When the Pagins came to Preble county this was a vast, unbroken wilderness, and the red men had their homes in the forests, through which the wild beasts also roamed. The pioneers had to face great dangers, privations and toil, which none but the brave and sturdy could have borne. The only roads were bridle paths and grists were taken a long distance on horseback to mill. The salt used in curing the meat was brought from Cincinnati on horseback and other supplies were hauled from long distances. The first wheat which they raised was threshed on the bare ground, smoothed and beaten down, and the grain was winnowed with a sheet, shaken by two persons, one at each end. The first house was built of logs, with a stick-and-clay chimney, through which the smoke made its escape from a largo fireplace, capable of holding immense logs. In the family were seventeen children, nine sons and eight daughters. The first death was that of Jacob, the third child, who passed away at the age of fourteen years. The other sixteen were all married and reared families of their own. The five surviving representatives of this family are: Mrs. Flory; Mrs. Susanna Bailey, a widow residing in California; Mrs. Drusilla Pagin, of New York city; David, who is a practicing physician in South Bend, Indiana, and Samuel, a physician of Valparaiso, Indiana, who is now a widower with five sons and one daughter.

The father of these children removed to La Porte county, Indiana, where his wife died of paralysis when about seventy-six years of age, he surviving her and passing away at the age of eighty-one years. Their son, Lewis, died at the age of eighty-one ;' Nancy at the age of seventy-five; and Henry, who practiced medicine both in Illinois and Indiana, was born in 1843, and died in January, 1899.