Washington Township (part 15 of 21)

Mrs. Flory had just passed the seventeenth anniversary of her birth when she was married, on the 16th of December, 1825, to Henry Flory. They became the parents of the following named: Nancy, born February 24, 1827, is the first wife of Joseph Brubaker and had thirteen children; Joseph was born December 7, 1828; Elizabeth, December and David, January 13, 1835; Jacob, who was born in 1838, and died at the age of twenty-eight years ; and Daniel, born March 15, 1844, died at the age of nine months. The two sons and three daughters who reached mature years were married and had families, their aggregate number of children being sixty-three. Mrs. Flory's descendants now number two hundred and twenty-four, including eleven great-greatgrandchildren.

Her husband died February 24, 1889, at the very advanced age of ninety year§, two months and twenty-four days. He was a deacon in the Dunkard church for over thirty years. He took an active part in the early development of Preble county and did all in his power for its promotion and upbuilding. He built a part of the present home in 1839 and the large log barn, which is forty by eighty-five feet, in 1829. He cleared away the trees from two hundred and twenty-five acres of land and developed a splendid and valuable farm, of which he willed one hundred and twenty-five acres to his widow. This worthy couple traveled life's journey together for sixty-three years, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity, their mutual love and confidence increasing as the days passed by. The husband died on the day previous to the sixty-second anniversary of the birth of Jheir first child. Mrs. Flory is now well advanced in years, being the oldest person in the township, if not in the county. Her's has been a long life of domestic industry and happiness; and now, in her ninety-second year, she may be found daily with her sewing in hand, piecing fancy bed-quilts. She still has a closet full of bedding, including counterpanes and spreads, which she has herself made. One of these was made by her when ten or twelve years old, and she spun, colored and wove the cloth. Nature endowed her not only with a strong constitution, but also with great energy and courage and a strong mind. Although she had but limited school privileges, she acquired much practical knowledge and was thus able to capably manage and control the affairs of her own household. Hers has been an earnest Christian life, crowned with the blessings which are ever accorded the faithful. Her sight and hearing are still unimpaired, and the years have brought much consolation and happiness, while her Christian experience has secured to her the peace that passeth all understanding.

Samuel M. Griffis

Samuel M. Griffis has for many years been identified with the agricultural interests of Preble county, but is now practically living retired. A well merited success has crowned his efforts and his career has been one of marked industry. He is now enabled to enjoy the rest which should come to all after long-continued labor in any of the channels of legitimate business activity. Honorable and trustworthy in all transactions, he enjoys the unqualified regard of his fellow men.

Mr. Griffis was born on Paris road, Washington township, Preble county, three miles northwest of Eaton, on the 29th of December, 1837. His parents were John and Catherine (Null) Griffis, and in their family were twelve children, of whom three are yet living. The father was born in 1789, in Wales, and when a child of six years came with his parents to America. After traveling over the country in search of a location they finally settled near Springboro, Warren county, Ohio, where the grandparents spent their remaining days. There the father of our subject was reared to manhood and was married. With his bride he came to Preble county, locating on the farm where the birth of our subject occurred. He entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government and to its cultivation and development he devoted his energies until his death, which occurred in 1861. He was a very successful farmer, energetic 'and enterprising, and in the practical affairs of life he acquired a handsome competence. He was a very ardent supporter of the Democratic party and its principles, and while he always refused to accept office for himself he labored earnestly to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, believing it to contain the best elements of good government. He was frequently chosen as a delegate to county and state conventions, and his opinions carried weight in Democratic channels. His wife was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and was a daughter of George Null, who came to Ohio in pioneer days, locating in Warren county, where he became a well-known and prominent farmer. Mrs. Griffis enjoyed the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances., and her death was mourned by all of her many friends!

Samuel M. Griffis, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon the home farm, obtaining his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He pursued his studies in the winter months and in the summer aided in the labors of the field and meadow. After attaining his majority he worked for his father as a farm hand for two years, and on the expiration of that period was given the charge of the farm which he operated on the shares. In 1861 his father died, and he continued farming on the old homestead until 1864. In that year he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Blinn, a native of Warren county born in Clear Creek township. Her parents, George and Susan Blinn, were also natives of Warren county, and there spent their entire lives. Both represented old Virginia families who sent their representatives into Ohio at an early period in the development of the Buckeye state. After his marriage Mr. Griffis took up his abode upon his father-in-law's farm, which he operated for two years, after which he came to Preble county. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, Jackson township, and located upon the place, making ic his home until 1887, when he removed to his present residence on section 11, Jackson township. He had purchased that property two or three years previously, becoming the owner of two hundred acres, of rich land, which is now in a high state of cultivation and improved with all modern improvements and accessories. It is now one of the very best farms in the county, and the substantial buildings on the place stand as monuments of the thrift and enterprise of the owner, the well-tilled fields indicating his careful supervision and golden harvests crowning his labors. His work has been favored with a high degree of success, and he now owns two good farms in Preble county, besides good residence property in Eaton ; but during the past seven years he has practically lived retired, although he devotes some time to the supervision of his investments.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Griffis have been born seven children : Anna F., the wife of Thomas Bowers, a farmer of Jackson township ; George Franklin, who resides in Eaton and is a representative of the De Eaval Cream Separator Company; Albert Roscoe, a practicing attorney at the Eaton bar ; Ida May, the wife of Ora Oler, a 'farmer of Wayne county, Indiana; Emma J., at home; Mary E., the wife of Edward Jackson, who is operating the home farm in connection with John W. Griffis, our subject's youngest child. The mother of these children died January 16, 1899. For thirty-six years they had traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, adversity and prosperity, and as the years passed their mutual love- and confidence increased. The loss of the wife and mother was a sad blow to the family, and throughout the community her death was mourned, for she was a lady whose many excellencies of character won her the esteem and confidence of all. who knew her.

In his political views Mr. Griffis has always been an ardent Democrat, unwaveringin his support of the principles of the party. He, too, has ever refused to become a candidate for office, having no political aspirations, but has many times served as a delegate to the Democratic conventions. He and his wife were for many years membefs of the United Brethren church, in which Mr. Griffis served as steward; but when there was a division in the church they allowed their membership to lapse. Th.e life record of our subject stands in exemplification of what may be accomplished by determined purpose when guided by sound judgment and practical common sense, and today he is classified among the most substantial residents of Preble county, and through his active business career his reputation has remained unassailable, for at all times he has been true to duty and to every manly principle.

and after spending about ten days in New York city he set sail for Paris, France, on June 6, and landed at Southampton the following Wednesday. He visited the Paris Exposition. His son, A. R. Griffis, made the trip with him from New York. They visited London, Liverpool and Chester, and traveled through Wales, and returning to America and landing at New York, passed up the Hudson, visited Newberry, and then Philadelphia, Washington, Gettysburg and other places.

Robert E. Lowry

Robert Eaton Lowry was born in Delaware county, Ohio, November 2, 1845, bis parents being Andrew J. and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Lowry, the latter a native of Delaware county and the former of Ireland, whence he was brought to America by his parents during his infancy. The family located on the James river, seventy-five miles below Richmond, and there remained for seven years, after which they came to Ohio in 1828, locating in Delaware county. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout his active business career. He died in January, 1893, but his wife is still living in Delaware county. They have a family of five children who yet survive, namely : Robert

E. ; Mrs. Julia Grennan, of Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, whose husband has been a teacher in the Oxford high school since April, 1866; Phoebe L., wife of William O. Dixon, of Liberty, Delaware county; Mrs. Mary E. Randall, of Claiborne, Union county, Ohio; and Philo John, who is a railroad conductor, making his home in Wellington, Kansas.

quired his preliminary education in the common schools, continued his studies in the Central College of Franklin county, Ohio, and in the Miami University, being graduated in the latter, on the completion of the Latin and scientific course, in 1871. He then devoted his attention to educational labors, successfully teaching in Butler, Preble and Montgomery counties until May, 1885. He became a resident of Preble county in August, 1873, and in 1884 he was elected county surveyor, serving for six years as surveyor and engineer. In 1891 he began the study of law under Judge J. W. King, and was admitted to the bar in 1893, after which he opened an office in Eaton, practicing alone in this city until January 1, 1900, when he formed a partnership with his old preceptor, Judge King. This firm enjoys a liberal patronage. While alone in practice Mr. Lowry followed civil engineering and surveying to some extent and jtill owns his instruments.

On the 29th of December, 1872, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lowry and Miss Emily Hamilton, a native of Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of Robert and Mary C. (Fuller) Hamilton. The father was a Scotchman and the mother was a native of Connecticut. Mrs. Lowry was educated in the public schools of Kokomo, Indiana, and for several years before her marriage and for five years after her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching. Mr. Lowry is a representative of the Masonic fraternity in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree, and in the chapter has served as principal sojourner. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. During the civil . war he enlisted four times, but was taken out by his father each time on account of his youth. The fourth time, however, he was mustered into the service before his father arrived on the scene and this necessitated a discharge from the service. He is very proud of the old parchment which indicated that he was a member of the army. His father enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortysixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving for one hundred days. By reason of his enlistment Mr. Lowry is entitled to membership in the Grand Army of the Republic, and belongs to the post of Eaton. He has always been a stanch friend of the soldier, having a just appreciation of the great work which the boys in blue did for their country. He is one of the city school examiners of Eaton and has always taken an active interest in educational matters. He served for two terms, from April, 1896, until April, 1898, as mayor of Eaton. His wife is a member of the Disciples church, and he was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but is not now identified with any denomination.

Jacob Miller

This representative agriculturist, who owns and cultivates a well-improved and valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 1 1, Monroe township, Preble county, Ohio, is a native of this state, born near Salem, in Montgomery county, November 24, 1833, and is a son of John and Tena (Hensel) Miller, who were born, reared and married in Maryland, in which state our subject's grandfather, Michael Miller, spent his entire life. At an early day the parents came to Ohio and first settled in Montgomery county, but later removed to Gratis township, Preble county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of seventy-seven years, the mother at the age of sixty-four. By occupation he was a farmer. Of their six children one died in infancy, but the others are still living, namely : Michael, a resident of Darke county, Ohio; Jacob, our subject; Susanna, the wife of George Longman ; Mary, the wife of Sylvester Smith; and John, the youngest, is a resident of Monroe township, this county. Catherine, the next to the youngest, is the one deceased.

The subject of this sketch was very small when brought by his parents to this county, and in Gratis township he was reared and educated in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day. On the 24th of November, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Esther A. Kirkpatrick, who was born in the little town of Jacksonburg, Butler county, Ohio, December 17, 1838, a daughter of John and Kasiah (Eslinger) Kirkpatrick, pioneers of this state. Mrs. Miller was their only daughter, but she had one brother, John, who died in 1898. She was reared in Preble county, near the Butler county line. Our subject and his wife have three children : Cora, at home ; Cloa Jane, a teacher, residing at home ; and Allen Orrin, a photographer of Dayton, Ohio.

For nine years after his marriage Mr. Miller cultivated his father's farm in Gratis township, and then removed to Twin township, where he purchased a farm and lived for seven years. At the end of that period he sol.d his property and bought his present fine farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres on section 11, Monroe township, to the further improvement and cultivation of which lie has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. The success that he has achieved in life is due to his own well directed efforts, and he is now one of the wellto-do, as well as one of the highly respected, men of his community. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, having been identified with that party since its organization, though his first vote was for a Whigcandidate.

Frederick Michael

Frederick Michael was for a number of years one of the enterprising merchants of Eaton, where he conducted a prosperous business, his success now enabling him to live retired. Clearly defined purpose and continued effort in the affairs of life will eventuate in the attaining of a due measure of success, and with a thorough understanding of this fact Mr. Michael applied himself closely to the careful conduct of his business interests.

Maryland has furnished many worthy and prominent citizens to Preble county, and among the number is Mr. Michael, who was born in Frederick county, that state, on the 14th of December, 1823. His father, Jacob Michael, was a native of the same county, where also occurred the birth of Peter Michael, the grandfather. The family, however, is of German lineage and was founded on American soil by the great-grandfather of our subject, who became one of the first settlers of Maryland. He was led to seek a home in the new world on account of religious persecution, and in the colony where he took up his abode lit found the freedom to worship God after the dictates of his conscience. Peter Michael, became a resident of Ohio, taking up his abode in Montgomery county in 1836. Jacob Michael, the father of our subject, was an enterprising farmer and an earnest Christian gentleman whose views were far in advance of his time, for he believed it wrong to hold people in human bondage, and therefore would have nothing to do with the institution of slavery. He wedded Mary Easterdav, a daughter of Christian Easterday, and they became the parents of seven children, but only two are now living, the daughter being Elizabeth, the widow of Levi Jenkins. The father died at the early age of thirty-three years, and the mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1877.

Mr. Michael, of this review, spent the first fifteen years of his life in Maryland and in the common schools pursued his education. In 1838 he came- to Ohio with his mother, the father having died in the meantime. They located in W arren county, where his educational opportunities were quite limited. His training at farm work was not meager, however, for between the ages of nine and seventeen he devoted much time to the work of the fields. The family was large and, as the death of the father left them in quite limited circumstances, his labors were needed in support of the family. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving a three-years apprenticeship. He was married in 1844, to Miss Mary Witheroe, a daughter of Adam Witheroe, and to them were born five children, of whom three are now living, namely : F.

M., a practicing physician of Eaton ; Thomas C., of Fort Wayne; and M. F., who is living in Eaton. The mother of these children died in 1851.

After his marriage Mr. Michael worked at his trade for two years in Warren county, and then conducted a store for a year. He was engaged in the dairy business through one season, keeping on hand one hundred cows and shipping milk to Cincinnati. In 1848 he took up his abode in Winchester, Preble county, where he conducted a shoe store for a time. He then sold out, but subsequently returned to Winchester, where he remained for three years, engaged in general merchandising. He also made his home in Darke county for a time, and in 1873 he came to Eaton, where he opened a drug store, which he conducted for three years. He then sold the business to his son. His pnercantile career has been one of the most honorable, and he has made the golden rule the guide of his life.

In his political views Mr. Michael has been an active Republican, keeping well informed on the issues of the day. He has served as a member of the city council and as trustee, discharging his duties with marked promptness and fidelity. In his social relations he is an Odd Fellow, and has held all of the offices in his lodge. His business ability has been quite marked, and in addition to his mercantile interests he has perfected a number of patents. A man of keen discernment and enterprise, creditable success followed his labors and he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence. One of his chief sources of recreation has been fishing, and many pleasant hours he has passed in the woods with his gun. His honesty is proverbial, and all who have known him have had the utmost confidence in his word. His life indeed has been honorable and upright. Profanity has never issued from his lips, and he has had the strictest regard for morality along all lines. He has never played cards, nor has he indulged in any questionable pleasures which are sometimes harmful. His life is indeed well worthy of emulation, and all who know him esteem him for his sterling character.

world instinctively pays deference to the man whose success has been worthily achieved, who has attained wealth by honorable business methods, acquired the highest reputation in his chosen calling by merit, and whose social prominence is not less the result of an irreproachable life than of recognized natural gifts. We pay the highest tribute to the heroes who on bloody battle-fields win victories and display a valor that is the admiration of the world. Why should the tribute be withheld from those who wage the bloodless battles of civil life, who are conquerors in the world of business ? Greater than in almost any line of work is the responsibility that rests upon the physician. The issues of life and death are in his hands. A false prescription, an unskilled operation may take from man that which he prizes above all else - life. The physician's power must be his own : not by purchase, by gift or by influence can he gain it. He must commence at the very beginning, learn the very rudiments of medicine and surgery, continually add to his knowledge by close study and earnest application and gain reputation on merit. If he would gain the highest prominence it must come as the result of superior skill, knowledge and ability, and these qualifications are possessed in an eminent degree by Dr. Michael.

He was born in Gratis township, December 27, 1849, a son °f Frederick and Mary (Witheroe) Michael. His father was a native of Frederick county, Maryland, and the grandfather and great-grandfather both bore the name of Jacob Michael. The latter was a native of Germany, and, emigrating to America in colonial days, he loyally served his adopted country in the war of the Revolution. Emigrating westward, Frederick Michael took up his abode in Warren county,

Ohio, and in 1840 removed to Gratis township, Preble county. He engaged in merchandising in the town of Gratis and in 1873 came to Eaton, where was also connected with the commercial interests of the city for some time. Dr. Michael pursued his preliminary education in the common schools, after which he continued his studies in Winchester and was also a student in the Southwestern Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, being graduated on the completion of the four-years course. He then went to Dayton, where he was engaged in the drug business, working five years without losing a single day, even Sundays. In 1873 he came to Eaton, where he was engaged in the drug business for six years, when he went to New York and entered the Bellevue Hospital, continuing his studies there from 1876 until his graduation in 1879. Returning to Eaton, he opened an office and engaged in the practice of medicine here until 1882, when he went to Europe, remaining abroad for a year. He continued his studies and investigation in the hospitals of London and Vienna, attending many clinics in those' cities. He now engages in general practice and has always been very successful as a surgeon, and is one of the best informed practitioners in this section of the state.

In November, 1884, Dr. Michael was united in marriage to Miss Minnie V. Foss, a daughter of J. H. Foss. They now have two children - Mary and J. A. Their home is noted for its generous hospitality, and both the Doctor and his wife have a very large circle of friends in Eaton. Socially he is connected with the Masonic and the Knights of Pythias fraternities. In 1880 he was elected coroner and served for one term, but since that time has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his practice, which is constantly growing in volume and importance. He is recognized as the best surgeon and has the largest practice in the county. He is a member of the Preble County Med-' ical Society and is a deep and thorough student who keeps constantly abreast with the times in medical and many other lines. From the faithful performance of each day's duties he finds inspiration and encouragement for the work of the next. His professional skill is comprehensive and accurate, and his reputation is indeed well merited. The Doctor is a social, genial gentleman, interested in all that pertains to the welfare of his county, state and nation, and his friendship is most prized by those who know him best. In his professional capacity he is widely known, his reputation extending far beyond the limits of the county.

Samuel S. Black

The task of writing the biographies of the living representative men of any community is an exceedingly difficult one, because of the prevailing modesty of the successful business man, who almost invariably manifests a certain repugnance to anything that smacks of personal notoriety or prominence and thus discourages even friendly attempts to uncover the secret of his success. Genuine success is not likely to be the result of mere chance or fortune, but is something to be labored for and sought out with consecutive effort. Ours is a utilitarian age, and the life of every successful man bears a lesson which, as told in contemporary narration, perhaps is productive of the greatest good. Thus there is a due measure of satisfaction in presenting even the briefest

Mr. Black is universally recognized as one of the most prominent business men of Preble county, being connected with many of its leading enterprises which contribute to the general prosperity as well as to his individual success. He was born in Preble county, July 22, 1838, and is of German lineage. His ancestors were the owners of Schwartzwald - the Black Forest - in Germany. The first ancestor sought a home in the new world at a very early period in its settlement. The grandfather of our subject, John Black, was one of the heroes of the Revolution. At the age of seventeen he joined the service and fought throughout the entire war for independence. After the colonies had gained their liberty lie came to Ohio, where he entered land from the government and later purchased other tracts, becomingone of the most extensive land-owners in this section of the state. He was the father of nine children, and as each attained maturity he gave to them one hundred and sixty acres of land. He died in 1822, at the age of sixty-six years, his birth having occurred in 1756- Abraham Black, the father of our subject, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, August 30, 1807, and when a child of four years was brought by his parents to Preble county. He was reared on the home farm a half mile south of West Alexandria, becoming familiar with all the experiences and hardships of life on the frontier.

During the civil war ho responded to the i country's call for aid, enlisting in Company i E, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, with which he i served for three years. After the battle of Chattanooga he was captured, but soon made his escape. When the war was ended he returned to his home in Preble county, and here spent his declining days. He married Nancy Stoner, who was born in Preble county, in 1807, a daughter of Benedict and Keziah (Melvin) Stoner, who came to Preble county, Ohio, in 1805, from Frederick, Maryland. They located a half mile east of West Alexandria, where they spent their remaining days. The father conducted a distillery for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Black had six children, three of whom are yet living : David, a prominent farmer of Preble county; Catherine, the widow of Lewis Cupp, of Dayton, Ohio; and Samuel S. Throughout his entire life Abraham Black was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was an active member of the Lutheran church and in early manhood gave his political support to the Whig party. On its dissolution he joined the ranks of the Republican party and was ever afterward one of its stanch advocates. He filled many local township offices, but never sought or desired political preferment. His death occurred in 1875, when he had attained the age of sixtyeight years.

Samuel S. Black, whose name introduces this review, was reared under the parental roof and to a limited extent attended the common schools, but is mostly self-educated, his extensive reading and strong mentality making him a well informed man. After the inauguration of hostilities between the north and the south ho determined to aid in defense of the Union and joined the "boys in blue" of Company G, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, enlisting August 23, 1862, as a teamster. After serving one day he was made wagon master and later became a member of the band, with which he was connected until the band instruments were taken and part of the band captured at Murfreesboro. Mr. Black was then engaged on detached duty until assigned to routine duty at the brigade headquarters. On the 19th of September, 1863, at Chickamauga, while removing teams on the battle-field, it was by accident that he received a fracture of the right leg, in consequence of which he was on the convalescent list in different hospitals for some months. After recovering he was assigned to duty on the hospital boat, Charles McDugle, where he served throughout the remainder of his term of enlistment, receiving an honorable discharge on the 28th of December, 1864. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Murfreesboro, Liberty Gap and Chickamauga, together with many skirmishes.

After his return from the army Mr. Black purchased a photograph car and devoted his attention to the business for some time, after which he opened a blacksmith and wagon shop. Not long afterward, however, he ran an oil wagon and following that was engaged in the sewing machine business for three years, during which time he sold more machines in the same district than any other man in a similar period, his sales amounting to eighteen thousand dollars. In 1873 he began buying tobacco, in partnership with Peter Smith, this business concern being maintained for ten years. Afterward Mr. Black continued in the business on his own account, and in 1893 became associated in the tobacco business with John Block. They are now one of the leading tobacco firms (Block & Black) in Ohio, buying tobacco and shipping it to all parts of the world.

Our subject is a man of resourceful business ability whose efforts have by no means been confined to one enterprise, although that one is very extensive. In 1888 he was the prime mover in the organization of the Twin Valley Bank, which is now conducted by the firm of S. S. Black & Company. In 1900 he was instrumental in organizing the Gem Canning Company of West Alexandria, for the- purpose of canning corn and tomatoes. He is the president of the company, and under capable management the business has already given promise of gratifying success. Mr. Black's property interests are also valuable. He owns three hundred acres of land near West Alexandria, together with much property in the city. His labors have indeed been crowned with a high degree of success, yet it has resulted merely from close application, untiring industry and capable management.

Mr. Black is a member of Lanier Lodge, No. 521, I. O. O. F., and has filled all its chairs. He belongs to Gem City Lodge, No. 8, F. & A. M., of Dayton, and has attained the thirty-second degree in the Scottish rite consistory at Columbus. He also belongs to Parmelee Horn Post, G. A. R., of Lewisburg. He has proved himself in all the relations of life an earnest, honest and upright man and a citizen of whom any community might be justly proud.

John B. Glander

John B. Glander has long been actively connected with agricultural interests in Preble county. He was born in the dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, September 3, 1835, a son of Ludeke and Adeline (Shumaker) Glander. His great-grandfather was John Glander, who was an only son. The grandfather of our subject also bore the name of John Glander, and was born in the dukedom of Brunswick, in 1774. He married Rebecca Kahlenbeck, who was born in the same locality in 1779. His death occurred in 1850, while his wife passed away in 1857. They belonged to one of the wealthy and influential families of their section of Germany and the farm which they owned was an extensive one, which had been in possession of the Glander family for many generations.

Six of their sons emigrated to America. John, the eldest, crossed the Atlantic in the early '30s, locating in Preble county, where he built and operated a distillery, located on the Eaton and Dayton pike, then known as the Cumberland pike, and on the present site of the Claypoole mill. There he engaged in the manufacture of whiskey until 1857, when the distillery was destroyed by fire. Henry and Detrich Glander, two other sons of the family, came to the United States about 1837 and built a distillery on Banta Fork, two miles south of West Alexandria. There they conducted an extensive business, furnishing employment to many workmen up to the time of the breaking out of the civil war, when the enterprise became unprofitable and they retired from the trade.

It was in the year 1851 that Ludeke Glander, the father of our subject, bade adieu to home and friends in Germany and sailed for the United States. He landed at New Orleans, on the 28th of November, and after a ten-days trip on the river arrived at Cincinnati, Ohio, whence he made his way by train to Hamilton and from there by wagon to Preble county. On his arrival here he took up his abode on Banta Fork, in Lanier township, and through the five succeeding years worked for his brothers, Henry and Detrich, making his home with ! the latter. His wife had died in Germany, i and in 1856, when his daughter had reached an age sufficient to assume the care of the household, he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Lanier township and removed with.

his family to his new home, where he resided until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran church and in his political affiliations was a Democrat. His sterling worth won for him the high regard of all with whom he came in contact and he was known .as one of the valued residents of his community. His wife, who was born in the dukedom of Brunswick, in 1808, passed away on the 18th of October, 1849. She was a daughter of Selka and Hadwick Shumaker and belonged to one of the old and wealthy families of that section of Germany, where her parents lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Glander became the parents of five children, all of whom are yet living, namely: John B. ; Henry S., a farmer of Lanier township, Preble county; Detrich S., also an agriculturist of Lanier township; Rebecca, who resides in Montgomery county; and Annie, the wife of John Meyer, a farmer of Lanier township.

Mr. Glander, whose name introduces this review, spent the first sixteen years of his life in the Fatherland and acquired his education in the parochial schools of that country. He then came to America and on his arrival here began working in bis uncle Detrich's distillery, where he was employed for thirteen years. On the 14th of February, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Lehmkuhl, a native of Hanover, Germany, who came to America with her mother when a child of eleven years, her father having died in Germany. The year of their emigration was 1848. The mother and daughter took up their abode in Preble county, living with Richard Myers, an uncle of Mrs. Glander. After their marriage our subject and his wife resided upon the Myers homestead, where the uncle also made his home until his death in 1874. Pie then willed his farm of eighty acres to Mrs. Glander and our subject has since engaged in the cultivation of the land, to which he added a tract of fifty-two acres in 1868. In 1879 he also purchased ninety-one acres, situated on section 10, Lanier township, on the West Alexandria and Winchester pike, where his son, Richard, now resides. In his farming operations our subject has been very successful and is. regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his community. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Glander have been born seven children : Harmon, a prominent merchant of West Alexandria; Richard, who is living on his father's farm; Charles, of the firm of Oxer & Glander, general merchants of West Alexandria; Adeline; George and Caroline, twins, the former on the home farm and the latter in the store of Oxer & Glander; and Frederick, who also assists in the operation of the home farm. Mr. Glander has provided well for his children, aiding all to gain a good start as they reached years of maturity. He is a member of the Lutheran church and for twenty-five years has served either as deacon or trustee in the church. He votes with the Democracy, but is not strictly partisan and has never sought or desired office, although he has been solicited to become a candidate for the office of township trustee. As a citizen he is public spirited and progressive and withholds his support from no movement or measure which he believes will promote the general welfare. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he does all in his power to advance public progress. His success in life has been the reward of his own efforts. He entered upon his business career without capital, has worked his way steadily upward and has overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path by determined and resolute purpose. His life stands in exemplification of what may be accomplished in this land of the free by those who are resolute and determined.

John R. Creager

This thrifty and progressive farmer, residing on section 14, Monroe township, Preble county, Ohio, was born in Montgomery county, this state, March 14, 1832, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Rike) Creager, both natives of Maryland, where their early life was passed. The paternal grandfather of our subject is supposed to have been a native of Germany. About 1825 the father came to Ohio and located on a farm in Montgomery county, where he made his home for twelve years, and then removed to Whitley county, Indiana, where in the midst of the forest he cleared and improved a farm of one hundred and twenty-five acres, making his home there until called to his final rest at the age of seventy-two years. In religious faith he was a Lutheran. The mother of our subject died at the age of eighty years. She was the second wife of Peter Creager. By his first marriage he had six children, three sons, William, Henry and Samuel, and three daughters, Catherine, Sophia and Charlota, all now deceased. The children of the second union were Ezra and Adam, both deceased; Christian, Levi, Peter, Lydia M., deceased, and John R.

The subject of this review was five years old when the family removed to Whitley county, Indiana, where he remained until eighteen, attending the public schools, which were then conducted in a log building with a puncheon floor, slab seats, desks resting on pins driven into the wall, and a huge fireplace, large enough to hold wood six feet long. At the age of eighteen he came to Preble county, Ohio, where he lived with his brother Ezra four years while working as a farm hand by the month and year.

Here Mr. Creager married Miss Julia Banfill, a native of this county, and a daughter of John and Hanna (Price) Banfill, the former a native of New Hampshire and the latter a native of Virginia. She is the youngest and only survivor of their family of nine children, the others being Samuel, Asa, John P., Polly, Lucinda, Jane, Rachel and Elizabeth. To Mr. and Mrs. Creager were born three children, of whom Joseph A., the eldest, is deceased; Jestina Alice is now the wife of Henry S. Clark, of West Manchester, Preble county, and John Oscar Creager, educated at the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, the Ohio State University and Yale College, and is finishing at Harvard College a course in philosophy. He married Leoti Fudge, a daughter j of Wilson Fudge, and a representative of i a prominent old family of this county. She is a graduate of the Lebanon Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and successfully engaged in teaching elocution for a time. Besides * their own, Mr. and Mrs. Creager have reared two other children : Peter Burwell, from the age of five years, and Bert Brenner, from the age of four. Joseph A., the oldest, died in 1895, aged 39. He married May Rodkey, and at his death left a son, Roy Elsworth.

For a year after his marriage Mr. Creager lived on a farm belonging to Allen Risinger in Washington township, and the following two years were passed on the Jacob Swartze! farm in the same township, at the end of which time he removed to a 1 farm near West Manchester, in Monroe township, making his home there for three years. He then returned to Whitley county.

Indiana, and ran his father's old homestead for thirteen years, in the meantime having purchased the property. He also bought eighty acres adjoining, and lived there about three years, at the end of which time he sold both places and bought the farm on section 14, Monroe township, Pre-ble county, where he now resides. He resided there until 1893, when he removed to a farm south of that place, but at the end of three years he sold the latter and returned to his present farm, consisting of one hundred and fifty acres, which he has placed under excellent cultivation. In connection with general farming he has operated a threshing machine for about twelve years, and in both enterprises is meeting with good success.

Mr. Creager cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, and supported for several years the Democratic party and later the Prohibition party, but in 1896 voted for William J. Bryan, the candidate of the Democratic and Populist parties. He served one term as a trustee of Monroe township, and for a number of years as a director of the sub-school districts ; and in all the relations of life has been found true to every trust reposed in him. He and his wife are active and prominent members of the Universalist church of Eldorado, and are highly respected by all who know them. He is the president of the Creager Family Reunion Association.

Dr. Cloyd is a prominent physician and surgeon of West Manchester, and has that love for and devotion to his profession which has brought to him success and won him a place among the ablest representatives of the medical fraternity in Preble county, his

The Doctor was born July 3, 1861, one mile south of Ithaca, in Darke county, Ohio, and is a son of Gordon S. and Susan (Hoops) Cloyd, both natives of Montgomery county, the former born two miles and a half east of West Alexandria, the latter four miles west of Farmerville. On the paternal side he traces his ncestry back to Michael Cloyd, a native of England, who came to America in 1700, and located in Virginia. He was robbed by the Indians, who killed his wife and some of his children. His son was the Doctor's great-grandfather. The grandfather, Stephen Cloyd, was born on Cloyd Mountain, Kentucky, which was named in honor of the family, and at an early day came to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he took up a tract of government land, upon which he spent the remainder of his life. He died at the age of ninety-five years, one month and twelve days. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Daniel Hoops, is a farmer of Montgomery county, and although over ninety years of age is still very active and goes to town twice a week, a distance of four miles. He is of German descent.

Gordon S. Cloyd, the Doctor's father, received a common school education, and became a very prominent and successful farmer and stock raiser both of Preble and Darke counties. He owned a beautiful home in Darke county, which was built at a cost of five thousand dollars. He is now living in Oklahoma and is extensively engaged in stock raising. In his religious views he is a Dunkard or German Baptist, and being elected a preacher of that sect he now has pastoral charge of a church in Oklahoma. To him and his wife were born seven cliil- dren, namely: Stephen H., our subject; Mary Ann; William, a stock farmer of Oklahoma; Ida, the wife of Henry Fellers, of Oklahoma; Perry, a resident of the same territory; Laura, the wife of Albert Carr, of Oklahoma; and Emma, wife of Edgar Hart, of Missouri.

Dr. Cloyd received a good practical education in the district schools of the state, and passed the examination for teacher at Greenville in 1880. For three years he studied medicine with Dr. Welbourn at LTnion City, Indiana, for his preceptor, and then entered the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati, at which he was graduated in 1887. He was first engaged in practice at Cunningham, Kingman county, Kansas, where he remained seven years, and then came to West Manchester, Ohio, where his skill and ability were soon widely recognized and where he was not long in building up an excellent practice.

On the 20th of July, 1882, Dr. Cloyd was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie Fellers, a daughter of John and Sarah Fellers. She was born in Illinois, but was reared in Darke county, Ohio, attended the same school as her husband and passed the examination for teacher at the same time. They have one son, Earl, who will, if nothing should prevent, graduate at the high school of West Manchester in 1901.

The Doctor passed the examination given by the board of medical examiners at Portland, Oregon, in 1890, and now holds five certificates and one diploma. During his residence in Kansas he was the medical examiner for the Modern Woodmen of that state, also pension examiner and surgeon for the Wichita & Western Railroad Company. He is now the examiner for the New York Life Insurance Company and the Brotherhood Accident Company of the I. O. O. F., of Boston, Massachusetts; is a member of the Western Ohio Medical Association and the Alumni Association of the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati; and is the examining physician and surgeon of St. Luke's Hospital at Niles, Michigan. Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 520, of West Manchester, and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a strong temperance man and is independent in politics, at local elections voting for the man whom he believes best qualified to fill the office. As a citizen he ever stands ready to discharge any duty devolving upon him, but his extensive practice requires the greater part of his time and attention.

Bruce Sayres

The spirit of self-help is the only source of genuine worth in the individual. A modern philosophical writer has aptly said : "Within yourself lies the cause of whatever enters into your life. To come into the full realization of your own awakened interior powers, is to be able to condition your life in exact accord with what you would make it.'' It is this understanding of his business ability and the exercise of those forces which are common to the race, or may be cultivated - industry, enterprise and close application - that has made Mr. Sayres successful in business affairs. His qualities as a man and a citizen commend him to the confidence and regard of his fellow townsmen, making him one of the popular residents of his community.

Mr. Sayres is a native of Warren county, Ohio, born September 25, 1851. His father, George W. Sayres, was a native of New Jersey, and in 1840 emigrated westward to

Warren county. He was a farmer and mechanic, and was not only active in his business affairs but also neglected not his duty to his fellow men and was a consistent and faithful member of the Baptist church. He wedded Mary Keever, a daughter of Abraham Keever, and they became the parents five children, of whom three are now living: Mary and Caroline living in Monroe,

Bruce Sayres is indebted- to the public school system for the educational advantages afforded -him, and experience in the active affairs of life has greatly supplemented his knowledge, while reading has made him a well informed man on subjects of general interest. He spent his youth on his father's farm, and early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. In 1882 he removed to Monroe, Ohio, where he began to buy and ship stock, his early experience on the farm having made him an excellent judge of stock, so that he was enabled to intelligently prosecute his labors in his new venture. He prospered in the new undertaking, which he continued in Monroe until 1889, when he removed to Middletown, Ohio, where he remained until 1896, the year of his arrival in Eaton. He buys horses throughout Ohio and other states and ships to New York and other large cities. Purchasers throughout the country also come to Eaton to buy his stock. He does a very extensive business, being one of the largest horse dealers in this section of the country. He has handled many fine horses and succeeded in selling many for high prices. His annual sales have reached large proportions, and his well conducted business interests have brought to him richly deserved success. His business methods are ever honorable, and wherever Mr. Sayres is known his name is synonymous with reliability in trade transactions.

On the 29th of October, 1889, Mr. Sayres was united in marriage to Miss Laura May Bruce, a daughter of Hardin Bruce, whose father was the first settler of Eaton and laid out the town. Mr. and Mrs. Sayres occupy an enviable position in social circles, and their own home is celebrated folds gracious hospitality. They have recently erected one of the finest residences in Eaton, which was planned by Mrs. Sayres. Its pleasing architectural style, beautiful interior finishing and rich adornments all indicate the refined and cultured taste of the inmates, and the walls are adorned with many beautiful paintings which are the work of Mrs. Sayres, whose artistic ability is most marked. She shares her husband's love of fine horses, and always has an excellent specimen of the noble steed for her own use.

Detrick S. Glander

There is no element in our complex national fabric which has contributed in a larger measure to industrial stability and legitimate progress than that furnished by the German fatherland, and as a worthy representative of this sterling stock we revert with satisfaction to a review of the genealogy and personal accomplishments of him whose name appears above. Though not a native of America, he is thoroughly "to the manner born," having been but eight years of age when his parents emigrated from the fatherland to America.

Brunswick, Germany, on the 20th of May, 1843, the son °f Ludeke and Adeline (Shumaker) Glander, both of whom were of sterling old German lineage. The father located in Lanier township and our subject grew to maturity at the old home, receiving his educational discipline in the common schools. Detailed mention of his parents is made in the sketch of John B. Glander, appearing elsewhere in this work, and to the same we would refer the reader. Our subject remained at the parental home until the death of his father, after which he associated himself with John Meyer in the purchase of the homestead farm, comprising eighty acres, and being described as the east one-half of the northwest quarter of section 13, Lanier township, Preble - county. The gentlemen thereafter were associated in farming operations for three years, when Mr. Glander married and thereupon disposed of his interest in the property to his partner. In 1870 he effected the purchase of his present fine farm of one hundred and twentyeight acres, locating upon the property within the following year and having over since continued to reside here, the farm being located on section 14, Lanier township. Here Mr. Glander successfully carries on diversified farming, raising wheat, corn and tobacco, and for three years he also operated a threshing machine, beginning in 1878.

On the 20th of November, 1870, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Glander and Miss Martha J. Ryder, a daughter of T. F. Ryder, to whom specific reference is made on another page of this volume, and of this union eleven children have been born, namely: Annie, David, John, Effie, Wilbert, renders a stanch allegiance to the Republican party and its principles. He served several terms as a member of the school board, and has ever manifested a lively interest in the cause of popular education. Mrs. Glander is a devoted member of the Reformed church, and the family are held in high esteem in the community, contributing their quota to all that tends to conserve the progress and prosperity of the locality.

Oliver C. Gates

This worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Preble county is now successfully engaged in general farming on section 27, Monroe township. He was born in that township, June 7, 1844, a son of George Gates, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, who came to this county when about fifteen years of age with his father, Henry Gates, also a native of the Keystone state. On reaching manhood George Gates married Louisa Fowler, a native of Preble county and a daughter of Joseph Fowler, one of the pioneers of this locality. By this marriage were born nine children, all of whom reached years of maturity and are still living.

In this family Oliver C. Gates is the third child and eldest son. His boyhood and youth were passed in his native township, attending the district schools and assisting in the work of the home farm until he attained his majority. He then went to Indiana, where he worked at anything which he could find to do, and on his return to Ohio located in Lewisburg, where he learned the shoe business, which he followed for many years, carrying on business for himself a part of the time. He spent some time in Gettysburg, and in 1881 returned to Mon- roe township and purchased his present farm of ninety-five acres, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and attention with marked success.

In 1871, in Monroe township, Mr. Gates married Miss Becky J. Bantz, also a native of Preble county, who died leaving two children - Laura J. and James E. For his second wife he married Miss Sarah A. Wilkinson, of Washington township, this county, who died leaving no children. His present wife was in her maidenhood Miss Amanda C. House, a native of this county. The only child born to this union died in infancy.

In his political views Mr. Gates is a Republican, and takes an active interest in public affairs. He is now most capably serving as road commissioner, which office he has filled for many years, and in that capacity has helped build many of the roads in the county. He is progressive and public spirited and never withholds his support from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit, or will in any way advance the interests of the community.

Moses Conger

Of one of the pioneer families of Preble county, long identified with the farming interests of his community, is Moses Conger a member. ' He was born in Kentucky, on the 1 2th of August, 1807, his parents being Josiah and Catherine (Runyan) Conger. He represents one of the old families of the south. His father was born in North Carolina and in early manhood removed to Kentucky. He was of a studious nature and when quite young determined to enter the ministry. To this end he bent all his energies toward the acquisition of a thorough education and became particularly well informed. His school and college privileges were limited, but through his own efforts he acquired a broad fund of knowledge. While still a young man he was married to Miss Catherine Runyan, who was then only fifteen years of age. Her parents opposed the marriage and so the young couple quietly left home, taking upon themselves the nuptial vows without the parental consent. The young lady mounted her horse behind her future husband and they started out in search of a clergyman. It was after his marriage that Mr. Conger was ordained a minister of the Christian church, and up to the time of his death he occupied a pulpit in that denomination. About 1812 he removed with his family to Ohio, locating a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Dixon township, Preble county, now the home of S. A. Brower. There in the midst of the forest he built a log cabin and prepared a home for his family. He was a splendid type of the noble frontiersman, who braves the dangers and trials that fall to the lot of the pioneer in order to prepare an abiding place for his family. His trusty rifle furnished many a deer, turkey or other game for his hospitable board. He was a great hunter, noted for his marksmanship throughout the community, and his death was caused by the accidental discharge of his gun, when he was scarcely past middle life. He was a man beloved by all who knew him for he possessed those manly qualities which c>ver augment friendships and command respect and admiration. In his family were eleven children, but only four are now living, namely: Moses; Eli, who is living retired in Eaton; William, who is hying retired in Missouri ; and Evaline, who

Moses Conger was familiar with the history of pioneer life in Preble county. All was wild and unimproved during the period of his boyhood, but the sturdy frontiersmen with their courageous wives were making homes in the wilderness and laying the foundation for the future prosperity and progress of the countv. His educational privileges were limited to those afforded by the primitive pioneer schools of the time, but his training at farm labor was not meager. Ere he had reached his twenty-first year he was married to Miss Phoebe Price, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Betsey Price. The father was a carpenter by trade and in an early day came from New Jersey to Ohio. Subsecjuently he purchased a farm in Gasper township, Preble county, and there devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. Mr. Conger and his bride began their domestic life in an old log school house on a portion of his father's farm and he engaged in the cultivation of a part of the home place for about twelve years, after which he and his brother, Ross, now deceased, purchased eighty acres adjoining the old home. Not long afterward they bought an additional forty-acre tract, and some years afterward Moses Conger purchased his brother's interest in the land and assumed full control of the farm, which is now occupied by his son, Clayton. About 1870 he built his present handsome residence. He has been very successful in his business enterprises and now owns three hundred and seventeen acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and yields to him a handsome income.

mourn the loss of his wife, and in 1883 he married Mrs. Miranda Gardner, a widow of H. N. Gardner and the daughter of Meeker S. and Ann S. (Wicoff) Morton. Her father was one of the well-known carpenters and contractors of Preble county^ By his former marriage Mr. Conger had nine children, of whom three are living: John, a retired manufacturer of Goldfield, Iowa; Clayton, who is operating the home farm ; and Elizabeth, who resides in Dixon township and is the widow of Lemuel Bennett.

In his political views Mr. Conger is a stalwart Republican and served for one term as assessor. He also filled other township offices, ever discharging his duty in a prompt and capable manner. For many years he has been a consistent member of the Christian church. He is now ninetythree years of age and is one of the oldest citizens of the county and until about two years ago ho enjoyed very vigorous health. His has been a long, active and useful career, characterized by fidelity to duty, by adherence to, upright principles and by all that is noble and best. He has watched the entire growth and development of Preble county, has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful farms, while towns and villages have sprung up and all the conveniences and industries of the older east have been introduced, and he certainly deserves mention in this volume, which would be incomplete without the record of his life.

William Leas

This well known business man of West Sonora, Preble county, is a native of this county, born in Harrison township, October 22, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Bar- bara (Shelter) Leas, representatives of honored pioneer families of this county. His father was born here and was engaged in general merchandising in Euphemia for several years. The grandfather, William Leas, was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and was one of the first settlers of Preble county. Jacob Leas was twice married, his first wife, Barbara Shelter, having died when our subject was only five years old. He was the older of their two children. His sister, Elizabeth A., now deceased, married, first, Mark Crume, a son of Dr. Crume, of Eaton. Her second husband was Dr. Surface.

The early life of our subject was spent upon a farm in Harrison township, Preble county, and in Darke county, Ohio. At the age of sixteen years he attended school in Euphemia, and was later a student at Wittenberg College for six months, after which he taught two winter terms of school. Pie spent one year as a clerk in a store in Marion, Indiana, and then returned to Ohio, being similarly employed at West Sonora for two years. Forming a partnership with John D. Niswonger, he was engaged in business for seven years as a general merchant and grain dealer at the same place, at the end of which time the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Leas served as a railroad agent from i860 to 1890, was also postmaster, notary public, and treasurer of his township for about nine years. In connection with his other interests he conducted a lumberyard. Closing out his general store in 1870, he embarked in the drug business, which he carried on until 1890. The following seven years he lived retired, but in 1897 he again turned his attention to the drug business, and is also engaged in job printing.

first wife being Mary Werts, a sister of John Werts, a merchant of Baltimore, Ohio, and a daughter of John Werts, Sr. By this union were born three children: R. Waldo, a traveling man of Miami City, Ohio ; Lizzie, the wife of Charles W. Recher, a farmer of Harrison township, Preble county; and Alma K., the wife of D. O. French, the cashier of the C. Quick & Company's banking house, at Frankton, Madison county, Indiana. On the 6th of July, 1873, Mr. Leas married Martha E. Rodgers, by whom he had two children: Charles R., a teacher and law student; and Ernest E., who is employed in the National. Cash Register Works in Dayton. Mrs. Leas was born in Virginia and came to Preble county, Ohio, when about five years old.

Like his father, Mr. Leas is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He has served as the secretary and treasurer of the Sonora & Ithaca Turnpike Company during the existence of the company, and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen he takes a deep interest in every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. At the age of fifteen years he united with the Methodist Episcopal church of Lewisburg, and has taken an active part in church and Sunday school work, having served as the superintendent of the Sunday school, and in other official positions. His wife is a member of the same church.

John Brown

John Brown, whose home is on section 12, Monroe township, was for many years one of the active and enterprising farmers of Preble county, as well as one of its most reliable and honored citizens, and now in his declining years he is enjoying a well earned rest, free from the cares and responsibilities of business life. Throughout the county he is widely and favorably known, his entire life having been passed here.

Mr. Brown was born in Monroe township, October 21, 1821, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of the state. His father, George Brown, was a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, and a son of Michael Brown, who was probably born in the same state, of German ancestry, and came to Ohio about 1808, locating first in Montgomery county, but later removing to Preble county. His last days were spent in Monroe township, where he died at the advanced age of eighty-nine years. The father of our subject was only nine years old when he came with his parents to this state, and when a young man the family removed to Preble county. In Monroe township he married Sarah Nethercutt, who was born in West Virginia in 1795, and died at the age of fifty-two years. Her father, William Nethercutt, was born in Virginia, of English parentage, and came to Preble county, Ohio, about 1816. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. After his marriage the father of our subject located on section 12, Monroe township, where in the midst of the forest he improved a farm, making it his home until he died, at the age of sixty-two years.

George and Sarah (Nethercutt) Brown were the parents of twelve children, five sons and seven daughters, all born in Monroe township, and all reached manhood or womanhood, namely : Mary, now deceased ; John, our subject; Elizabeth, deceased; Frederick, a resident of Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Eli Lock, of Kokomo, Indiana ; Matilda, deceased; George W., a resident of

Noble county, Indiana; Doqia, the wife of Jesse Ott, of Noble county, Indiana; Alpha, the wife of Thomas Gaff, of Whitley county, Indiana; William, a resident of West Manchester, this county; Harriet, the widow of Garrett Brumbaugh, of Union City, Indiana; and Daniel, of Pittsburg, Kansas.

During the boyhood of our subject the greater part of this county was still in its primitive condition; wild animals roamed through the forests and useful game of all kinds was plentiful. He attended school in the common log school house with its greased-paper window, slab seats and rude desks made by laying a board across pins driven into the wall. This primitive structure was a mile and a quarter from his home. He aided his father in the arduous task of clearing and cultivating a new farm, beginning work at the age of eight years and continuing to assist in the labors of the home farm until twenty-four.

On the 3d of February, 1847, Mr. Brown married Miss Sarah Banta, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, and when a young girl came to this county with her parents, Henry and Mabel (Gustin) Banta, also natives of Warren county. By this union were born five children : George, deceased ; Henry, a farmer of Monroe township, killed on his farm by lightning June 29, 1900; Mary Adena, the wife of Charles Barmes, postmaster of West Manchester; William Gustin, a physician of Lewisburg, Preble county; and Elmer, who died young. The mother of these children died in 1857.

Mr. Brown was again married, August 4, 1859, his second union being with Miss Sarah Byrum, who was born near Trenton, Butler county, Ohio, February 17, 1832, and at the age of seventeen commenced teaching school, a profession which she sue- cessfully followed for ten years, or until her marriage. Her father, Silas Byrum, was a native of Darke county, Ohio, and a wagonmaker by occupation. In Butler county he married Mary Clark, a native of that county, and they became the parents of eight daughters, of whom Mrs. Brown is the eldest. She was only two years old when her father removed to Darke county, locating nine miles west of Greenville, where she was reared. Her great-grandmother, Phebe Ross, made the first American flag. Sevr eral of her ancestors were soldiers of the Revolution, and her grandfather Clark was taken prisoner by the British during that struggle. One of her great-uncles was a member of Washington's life guard. By his second marriage Mr. Brown had six children, namely: Lucina, at home; Silas E., a farmer of Monroe township ; Harriet E., the wife of A. J. Smith, a farmer of the same township; John A., deceased; Gilbert T., a physician of Philisburg, Montgomery county, Ohio; and Alpha R., the wife of Frank Hodge, of Germantown, Montgomery county.

In early life Mr. Brown learned the cabinetmaker's trade and for three months after his first marriage he followed that occupation in Castino, Darke county, but at the end of that time he removed to Monroe township, Preble county, and located on the Eleury Banta farm on section 13. For about two years he taught school during the winter months, while through the summer season he worked at his trade. His first purchase of land consisted of forty acres in the northwest corner of section 12, Monroe township, on which was a little cabin, where the family lived for a time, while lie devoted his energies to the further improvement and cultivation of his little farm. After residing there for five years lie removed to his present farm on the same section, where he has one hundred and fiftyeight acres of land, upon which he has made all of the improvements. He has cleared over one hundred acres of land in Monroe township, and in other ways has materially 'aided in the advancement of the county. He now resides on his farm, and is living retired from active business cares, enjoying a well earned rest.

Mr. Brown cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren, and has always been a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party. For the long period of twenty-five years he efficiently served as a township trustee ; was township treasurer one term ; and was several times the candidate of his party for county commissioner, but as Preble county has a large Republican majority he failed of election. He is held in high regard by all who know him, and is deserving of honorable mention among the pioneers and representative citizens of his native county.

Wiffiam A. Foos

Among those agriculturists of Preblecounty whose places manifest to the most casual observer the energy and ability of their owner in his chosen calling, is the subject of this personal history. He owns and operates the old homestead farm on section 22, Monroe township, where he was born December 10, 1857, a son of John and Susan (Crisler) Foos. The father was one of the earliest settlers of the county, being the first to locate on the Greenville pike. Eater lie removed to the farm now owned and occupied by our subject. When he located thereon it was a wild tract but he immediate- ly turned his attention to its improvement, clearing away the timber and placing acre after acre under the plow. He was a Democrat in politics and held some local offices. He died at the age of fifty-six years, and his wife, who was a native of Preble county, departed this life at the age of sixty-two. To this worthy couple were born the following children: Elizabeth J., wife of Daniel G.

Petrie, of Madison, Darke county, Ohio; Martin and Sarah Bell, both deceased; Mary, wife of Joseph Campbell, of Eaton, Ohio; William A., our subject, and Anna Cora, wife of A. L. Mendenhall, a lawyer of Dayton, Ohio.

During his boyhood William A. Foos pursued his studies in the local schools, and remained with his parents, aiding in the operation of the home farm, until they were called to their final rest. He now owns the old homestead, comprising one hundred and thirty acres of well improved and productive land, and is successfully engaged in general farming. He is also a stockholder in the creamery at West Manchester.

On the ist of March, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Foos and Miss Rilda Banta, a native of this county, and a daughter of Benjamin and Cass (Yowell) Banta. The mother is a native of Virginia, but the father was born in Monroe township, Preble county, where he still continues to reside. In their family were seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely : Manta, wife of C. D. Parks, of Monroe township; Alice, wife of Nelson Brown, of the same township; Marcus L., a resident of Darke county; Eva, wife of John Brown, of Harrison township, this county; Rilda, wife of our subject; and William H. and Mabel, who reside at home with their parents on section 12, Monroe township. In that township Mrs. Foos was reared, her education being obtained in its public schools. Our subject and his wife have two sons: Leroy B. and Edgar L., who are attending the local schools.

The Democratic party finds in Mr. Foos a stanch supporter of its principles, and although his township is Republican he has three times been elected trustee, a fact which plainly indicates his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He served altogether nine years. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, of which he is a trustee and also assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. He served as superintendent four years and has also been a teacher in the school for some time. In educational affairs he takes an active interest and is now efficiently serving as school director. Socially he belongs to West Manchester Lodge, No. 520, I. O. O. F., in which he has filled all the chairs.

William C. Randall

Among the honored pioneers and representative citizens of Preble county none are more highly respected than William C. Randall, who is now living a retired life in Eldorado. He is a native of this county, born in Gratis township, August 1, 1816, and belongs to one of its oldest and best families, being a son of Jehu and Elizabeth (Conarroe) Randall. His father was born in South Carolina, July 27, 1790, and was only fifteen years of age when, in 1805, he came with his parents to Preble county, Ohio, where his father, Jonas Randall, secured one thousand acres of government land. The latter located in Gratis township, where he

Quaker in religious belief and came north on account of the institution of slavery. Our subject's mother was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1795, but her childhood was mainly passed in New Jersey, and in 1807 came to Ohio with her parents, who located in Butler county, near the Preble county line. She lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years, and spent seventy-seven years upon one farm in Preble county. Her father, John Conarroe, was a native of New Jersey, and one of the pioneers of this state. Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of eight children, the others being Thomas, Eliza Ann and Levi, all deceased ; Mary Ann, a resident of Richmond, Indiana; Verlinda, deceased; Andrew C., a resident of Illinois; and Maggie, of western Kansas.

During his boyhood, William C. Randall pursued his studies in the old-time subscription schools, the schoolhouse being built of logs with a stick chimney and clapboard roof. He began his education at the age of four years and still remembers his first teacher, William Gladen, who boarded in the Randall family. He has continued his education through life, keeping posted in religious as well as secular affairs, by constant reading of books and daily papers. He remained at home until he was married, at the age of eighteen and a half years, to Mary Green, a daughter of Henry Green, one of the first store-keepers in Butler county. After his marriage Mr. Randall located upon a farm in Gratis township, where he resided until 1836, when he removed to Jefferson township, where he resided for seven years, and then became a resident of Monroe township. In 1836, when he removed to Jefferson township, lie located in the midst of the wilderness and at once began clearing and improving a farm. His years of business activity were spent in farming and stockraising. - He has owned a vast amount of land in his time, and has cleared and had cleared several hundred acres, and is therefore familiar with the arduous labor required to transform a heavily timbered tract of land into a highly cultivated and productive farm. He still owns valuable farm lands. As a farmer he was most successful, and in connection with agricultural pursuits he extensively engaged in the live stock business for twenty-five years or more, raising, buying, selling and feeding stock. He always took great delight in horse and cattle, and his were among the best stock of the county.

For his second wife he married Ann Mills, a widow, who died seventeen years later, leaving a daughter, Rebecca Ann, now a resident of Cincinnati. His third wife was Sarah Jacqua, also a widow, who died three years after their marriage, leaving one daughter, Luella, a resident of Richmond, Indiana. On the 10th of December, 1867, he married Malinda Bonebrake, by whom he has one daughter, Flora, now the wife of Dr. Davidson, of Dayton, Ohio. He has also six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In 1880 Mr. Randall removed to Eldorado and has since lived a retired life. When Mr. Randall became a resident of Eldorado no street or sidewalk improvements had been made. He served either as councilman or mayor of Eldorado for several years, during which time he was instrumental in secur- ing many improvements in the streets and sidewalks of the village. He cast his first lived to the age of eighty years. He was a presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stanch supporters. He has served as a delegate to many county and state conventions of his party, and also as a member of the Republican central committee of the county.

For sixteen years Mr. Randall served as a member of the agricultural board of Preble county, and in early life was a member of the state militia, Governor Joseph Vance commissioning him ensign of the Ninth Company, Second Regiment, Third Brigade, Nineteenth Division of Ohio State Militia, on the 25th of September, 1837; afterward he was made second lieutenant, and September 14, 1840, was transferred to the First Company of Artillery, Second Brigade, Nineteenth Division, Ohio State Militia, and was made the second lieutenant of the company to which he was transferred.

Mr. Randall has been a man of great physical endurance. His health, strength and activity at the present time is remarkable. His eyesight is somewhat impaired, but with that exception he is still well preserved. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and as one of its prominent and highly esteemed citizens is certainly deserving of honorable mention in the biographical history of his native county, where his long, useful and exemplary life has been spent. Since 1844 he has been an active and faithful member of the United Brethren church, and has filled almost every church office, including those of trustee, class-leader, steward and delegate to the conferences. He also served as superintendent of the Sabbath school twenty-six years.

William F. Albright

William F. Albright, prominent among the native life-long citizens of Preble county, was born at Eaton, March 20, 1823. He was the eldest son of Jonas and Margaret Albright. His ancestry was of pure Teutonic blood, migrating to this country from the fatherland, in the early history of the United States. The father of the subject of this sketch was born in North Carolina, June 9, 1802, migrating with the family to Ohio previous to the war of 1812, and settling in Harrison township, where he resided until manhood, when he was married to Miss Margaret Meyers, in 1821, and soon thereafter removed to Eaton, where their son William was born and lived all his life.

He went to the common schools of the county during the winter months, receiving a fair elementary education for those) times and working at home with his father during the rest of the year. When ho had attained the age of sixteen years he entered the office of the Register, in his native town, to learn the printing trade with Mr. Tizzard, the proprietor of the paper at that time. He was honest, faithful and industrious as an apprentice, and when he had finished learning the trade he continued in the office as. a journeyman compositor, then became a partner, later sole proprietor and editor, altogether being connected with the journal from "devil" to "boss," a period of about sixty years. In early manhood Mr. Albright, being of Methodist-timber born, attached himself to that church and continued an earnest worker and devoted Christian to the end of his life. He was a bright example of practical Christianity, leading a life squared by the golden rule and showing his faith in his works. There was no ostentatious or noisy

In 1844 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Riner, with whom he lived happily for ten years, when his companion passed away, leaving him with four children, one son and three daughters. He remained a widower for about three years, when he married as a second wife, Mrs. Virginia Stroud, daughter of Rev. Asa B. and Mary Stroud. To this union were given three children, two sons and a daughter. In 1862 his second wife fell asleep and he was again left a widower and remained so until the end of his earthly life. In the closing years of his life, Mr. Albright had several attacks of la grippe which undermined and permanently impaired his health so that his last days were days of much suffering and helplessness. The end came June 18, 1898, at the age of seventy-five years, two months and twenty-eight days. He fell peacefully asleep, surrounded by his family and friends, missed and mourned by many.

During his latter years the business of the deceased was carried on in the firm name of W. F. Albright & Sons, and since that event has been continued without any change by his two sons, Edmond J. and Charles E. Albright. The well earned reputation of the Register, which the father loved and honored more than half a century, is being fully sustained by his estimable sons. They have proved themselves well deserving of the name and fame transmitted to them. By their industry, integrity and fair dealing with the patrons and friends of their sainted father they richly merit the friendship and patronage of the public, whom their predecessor served faithfully and well for so many years. The manner in which the younger Albrights conduct the paper should

During all his life, Mr. Albright was faithful to all his duties as a citizen and church member, and was alive to all public improvements calculated to advance the interests of the people, and did what he could to promote the welfare of the community. As a man he had a large heart with an open door and a free hand, ever ready to sympathize with and help,' when he could, those in need. In every relation in life he was one of nature's nobility, without ostentation, not displaying his benevolence on a cheap bargain counter or in dress parade, but quietly going about doing good, hardly allowing his left hand to know what his right hand did. By his life he leavened those around him and created in his sphere of influence an atmosphere of kindness, making the world better by force of his example. The many testimonials to his worth, with which the neighboring press teemed at the time he passed away were but a reflex of what was felt throughout the circle of his acquaintances and is a monument of which any one might well feel proud. His vacant place is hard to fill, but his memory remains as a benediction to his surviving family and friends. The good that men do lives on when their withered clay moulders in the narrow house and the spirit has flown to its eternal home. Take him as an all-around man, William F. Albright had few peers and no superiors - his goodness made his greatness.

Sylvanus A. Brower

in Jackson township, Preble county, Ohio, on the iotli of March, 1850, and is a son of Jacob L. and Susan (Surface) Brower. The father was born January 2, 1821, his parents being Abraham and Sarah (Long) Brower, who belonged to an old Pennsylvania-Dutch family and came to Preble county at a very early period in its development, locating in Jackson township. The grandfather died March 20, 1875, in the eightieth year of his age. He had inherited a farm from his father, James Long - the property now owned by Isaac Tyler. There he lived and died, and at his death the farm became the property of Jacob Brower, and from him passed to our subject, who sold it to Mr. Tyler.

Jacob Brower, the father of our subject, has spent the last four years in New Paris. He lived upon the old homestead between the years 1868 and 1878, but at the latter date sold the property to his son and purchased a farm of one hundred and ten acres directly west of the old place. In his early life he learned the blacksmith's trade and for twenty years he followed that pursuit in Upshur and Orangeburg, Ohio, also in Connersville, Indiana. It was in that place that he learned his trade from Henry Wetherel. While thus engaged his employer allowed him to have a spirited horse in order to ride home to see his people. When they reached the bridge across White river the horse became unruly and backed off into the water. The animal was killed and Mr. Brower was crippled for life. He was, however, a man of great energy and strong determination, prosecuting his business interests so carefully and diligently that his efforts were attended with success. In this way he accumulated a handsome competence that now enables him to live retired ac his home in New Paris. His life has been very honorable and upright. He has long been strongly opposed to the use of tobacco and liquor and for twenty years never passed inside the doors of a saloon. While not a church member, he has ever been a supporter of church and charitable work, and his word has ever been as good as any bond solemnized by signature or seal. He was a strong anti-slavery man prior to the war, and after the inauguration of hostilities between the north and the south he offered his services to the government, but being a cripple he was not allowed to enlist. In early life he was an enthusiastic supporter of the Whig party, but upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and has. since been one of its earnest advocates.

Mr. Brower married Miss Susan Surface, who was born in Jackson township,, about the year 1824, and died September 13, 1877. She was a daughter of Henry Surface, a native of Pennsylvania, whomarried Miss Long, a native of Germany. On coming to Preble county he located in Jackson township on the farm now owned by Samuel Griffis. There he reared a large family. He was killed by damp in a well on the Benner farm, after which the grandmother reared the family. Henry, the oldest son, assumed the management of the place and affairs were carefully conducted. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brower six children have been born, of whom four are living, namely : Sylvanus A., the subject of this review ; Emma C. ; Amanda E. ; and Horace G., a farmer of Jackson township. The two daughters are at home, keeping house for their father.

liminary education which was supplemented by a course in the high school of New Paris. At the age of twenty he began teaching in the Cedar Springs school and after following that profession for some time he entered the State University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He worked at various times in order to meet the expense of his college course, but spent three years in the university and afterward entered Oxford University. He was also a student for one year at the United Brethren College at Westerville. During his college days he became a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His liberal education well fitted him for life's practical duties.

On the 28th of March, 1875, Mr. Brower was united in marriage to Miss Emma Markey, a daughter of Christian Markey. He then located on his father's farm in Jackson township and there resided for one year, after which he engaged in teaching in the Cedar Springs school. The next year he lived upon his father-in-law's farm, and the following year purchased his grandfather's homestead of one hundred and thirty acres. He also taught school for one year after buying that property, but subsequently turned his attention more exclusively to farming, giving his time entirely to the operation of his land until 1883, when he sold that farm and purchased one hundred and seventy-four acres in Dixon township, upon which he now resides. Later he bought twentysix acres adjoining and afterward purchased another farm, of one hundred and sixty acres, next to the home place. In 1883 the nomination for county commissioner on the Republican ticket was tendered to him. He did not seek the nomination, but when it was offered to him he accepted it. To gether with the other nominees on the ticket, however, he was defeated. In 1894 he became associated with the Bradley Fertilizer Company, of Boston, which is one of the largest concerns of the country. He has represented this house in Preble and adjoining counties for three years and also travels over one-third of Indiana, being upon the road the greater part of his time. He sells the fertilizers in car-loads to dealers, and does an extensive business in his line, being one of the leading representatives upon the road : in fact he is one of the most trusted employes of the house, enjoying the unqualified confidence of his employers and the high regard of his many patrons.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brower have been born the following children: Vesta A., who is the wife of Harry McCulloch and resides on one of her father's places; Frank M., who manages the home farm ; Ada J. ; Stella A. ; and Stanley J. In 1894 Mr. Brower erected his present handsome residence, which is celebrated for its generous hospitality, the members of the family occupying an enviable position in social circles. He and his wife enjoy the high regard of many warm friends and are widely known for their sterling qualities. Mr. Brower sustains an enviable reputation in business circles by reason of his straightforward methods, his genial manner and his unfailing courtesy, qualities which make him very popular.

Josiah Rinehart

In Gratis township, Preble county, on the 1 6th of February, 1864, Josiah Rinehart was born, being one of the twelve children of Enoch and Elizabeth (Young) Rinehart. His father was a native of Lanier township, Preble county, born in 1824, being a son of

Jacob and Susannah Rinehart, both of whom were natives of Virginia and who came to Preble county at an early day, locating in the southwest corner of Lanier township, where they passed the residue of their lives. When a young man the grandfather became a deacon in the German Baptist church and was always an active and consistent Christian gentleman, highly respected for his genuine worth. He lived to an advanced age and acquired considerable property, being the owner of two hundred and ten acres of valuable land in Preble county. His wife survived him for some years, also passing away at a ripe old age.