Washington Township (part 16 of 21)

Under the parental 'roof Enoch Rinehart was reared and to the common school system of the neighborhood he was indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. After his marriage he purchased one hundred acres of the old home farm and devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He was long a deacon in the Conservative German Baptist church, holding the office for about nineteen years. A man of unflinching integrity, his word was as good as his bond and he was ever found reliable and trustworthy in all life's relations. He possessed a very genial and jovial disposition and was hospitable almost to a fault, the latch-string always hanging out to those who called at the Rinehart homestead. His many sterling qualities made him popular and he enjoyed the high regard and friendship of all with whom he came in contact. His death occurred in May, 1899, and he was sincerely mourned throughout the community. His wife was a daughter of Adam and Catherine (Brubaker) Young and was born in Preble county, Ohio, about 1831. Her father was a native of Virginia, and when a child of seven years was brought to Ohio. He was a son of Henry Young, who entered a claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Gratis township, near Winchester, there developing a farm upon which he spent his remaining days. It was upon that place that the father of Mrs. Rinehart was reared. After his marriage he lived upon a rented farming adjoining the old homestead for a year, and then purchased eighty acres of land north of Eaton, in Washington township. After two years he sold that property and bought eighty acres in Gasper township, which he successfully cultivated until his death. His financial resources were annually augmented and as his capital increased he added to the farm until it comprised two hundred and sixty-five acres. He prospered in all his undertakings and won an enviable reputation for his reliable business methods. From early manhood he was a consistent member of the German Baptist church, and was a man of social, genial disposition, his home being celebrated for its hospitality, his life for its charitable and benevolent spirit. His wife was born in Maryland and was a daughter of John Brubaker. She was broug'httoOhio by her parents when a little maiden of seven years. While en route they spent two days at Cincinnati, although the place at that time contained but one log cabin. Her father hesitated to take up land in that locality and made his way to Gratis township, just west of Winchester. There her mother soon afterward died, and the father subsequently married Miss Mary France. There were eight children by the first union, of whom one is still living, Henry, who resides on the old homestead in Gratis township. Of the seven children of the second marriage two are yet living: Joseph, of Twin township, and George, who follows farming in Howard county, Indiana. In the family of Adam and Catherine Young there were eight children, of whom four are living: Henry H., a prominent agriculturist of Dixon township; Eli, a retired farmer of Lanier township; Elkanah, a retired farmer of Gasper township, and Sallie, the wife of Isaac Jones, of Redmond, Illinois. Mrs. Rinehart was in her forty-eighth year at the time of her death. The father of our subject afterward married Mrs. Rebecca Hickson Barwick. By the first marriage there were twelve children, eight of whom are living: Jacob, who follows farming in

Gratis township; Susannah, the wife of Peter Kitterman, a farmer of Gratis township; Eli, who owns and operates land in Darke county; Elzina, the wife of Stephen Petry, a farmer of Dakota; Josiah; Edwin, a resident farmer of Gratis township; Frances E., wife of Samuel Royer, a farmer of Darke county, and Abraham E., who is farming in Gratis township.

Josiah Rinehart spent his youth amid good influences in his parents' home, and in the common schools acquired his elementary knowledge of the English branches of learning. On reaching his twentieth year he left the parental roof and entered upon an independent business career as a farm hand, being thus employed until the time of his marriage. In the spring of 1891 he removed to Connersville, Indiana, with his father-inlaw, with whom he was associated in farming interests for a year, but in the spring of 1892 he settled upon his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Dixon township, where lie has since made his home. In connection with the cultivation of the fields he has engaged quite extensively in the raising of cattle, making a specialty of the breeding of fancy stock. Pie

Mr. Rinehart was united in marriage to Miss Almeeta O. Toney, a daughter of Carey Toney, and their home is blessed with the presence of three children : Emma May,

Franklin C. and John E. The parents hold membership in the Conservative German Baptist church, and in his political views Mr. Rinehart is a Republican; but the honors and emoluments of public office have had no attraction for him, as he prefers to devote his energies and time to his business interests, in which he is meeting with creditable success. His prosperity is the result of his own well directed efforts, for by determined purpose, unflagging industry and keen discrimination in business he has worked his way upward to the plain of affluence.

Henry C. Blackford

Idenry C. Blackford, the well known proprietor of a livery and sale stable in Eaton, through many years has been identified with the business interests, of this city, so that his public career is well known to his fellow townsmen. That he enjoys their high regard is an evidence that his business affairs have been honorably conducted and that in all life's relations he has been worthy of the trust reposed in him.

Mr. Blackford was born in Dixon township, Preble county, Ohio, on the 7th of June, 1854, and is of Scotch lineage, the ancestors of the family having crossed the Atlantic from Scotland to New York, whence representatives of the name afterward came to Ohio. Ephraim Blackford, the father of our subject, was born in Butler county, Ohio, and in early life engaged in merchandising at Stony Point, Dixon town- ship. After his store and stock were destroyed by fire he engaged in farming in Preble county and subsequently became a produce shipper in Sugar Valley. He was very prominent in public affairs and was recognized as a leader of public thought and movement. The strength of his character was shown at the time when he suffered heavy loss by fire : he was left with nothing, but with hopeful spirit he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions and became a ' substantial citizen of his community. His death occurred in 1892. Plis wife bore the maiden name of Mary Enos, was a representative of one of the pioneer families of Butler county, Ohio, and died in 1891. She had eleven children, of whom four are living, namely: William, a resident of West

Manchester, Ohio ; Sarah, the wife of George Woods, who is living in Camden, Ohio; Henry C., of this review, and Laura, the wife of Thomas Hamylin, of Butler county, Ohio.

Mr. Blackford, of this review, attended the county schools and therein mastered the elementary English branches which fitted him for life's practical duties. At the early age of thirteen, however, he started out in life on his own account as a farm hand and was employed in that capacity until twentytwo years of age. Pie was then married and rented land in Gasper township, Preble county, near Camden, and for seven years devoted his time and attention to agricultural pursuits. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of a produce and commission house of Cincinnati. He spent four years in this employment, after which he embarked in business for himself in Eaton, being connected with the produce trade in this city until 1892. In 1894 he purchased a livery barn and has since been its owner.

He has many horses and a fine line of stylish turnouts, and enjoys a liberal patronage which is accorded him by reason of his accommodating manner, his earnest desire to please his patrons and his honorable dealings.

On the 20th of January, 1876, Mr. Blackford led to the marriage altar Miss Mary Wright, a daughter of Samuel Wright, of Camden, one of the early settlers of the county. She was a woman who possessed many excellencies of character, and her death, which occurred in August, 1889, occasioned deep grief among her many friends as well as in her immediate family. She left two children : Dora, who is now the wife of Dr. L. R. Pryor, of Eaton, and Samuel, who is living in Eaton. Mr. Blackford is independent in his political and religious views, yet gives quite freely to the support of the church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and to the Independent Order of Foresters. Realizing the value of education, he gave his children the best advantages in that direction. A self-made man, he has advanced entirely by hard work, and close application to business, and his prosperity is certainly creditable and well deserved.

Henry S. Glander

One of the leading and influential farmers of Lanier township, Preble county, Henry S. Glander is noted among the worthy citizens that Germany has furnished to the Buckeye state. He is a native of the dukedom of Brunswick and was born at Bremen on the 2d of February, 1838. The first thirteen years of his life he spent in the fatherland and his education was acquired in the schools of that country and in America. Early in life he was taught the value of industry and during the summer of his fourteenth year he began to earn his own livelihood by picking wool in the woolen mill owned by Martin Fouts. The following summer he worked in his uncle's distillery, and during the years 1854-5 he was employed as a farm hand by George Wagoner. When his father removed to a farm in 1856, Mr. Glander went with his parents to the new home and there assisted in the labors of field and meadow for five years, after which he found employment as a teamster for his uncle Detrick, in whose service he remained for two years and five months. On the expiration of that period he began farming on his own account, as a renter, and so continued until the fall of 1870, when he purchased eighty-two and a half acres of land on section 23, Lanier township, where he now resides. With his young wife he removed to the new home, and as his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his farm by the purchase of an adjoining thirty acres, so that his present property comprises a little more than one hundred and eleven acres. His is one of the well improved places of the county, its fields are under a high state of cultivation and good buildings shelter the grain and stock. A substantial and attractive brick residence adds to the value of the place and everything is modern and kept in good repair. In past years Mr. Glander has given considerable attention to the breeding and raising of horses and hogs and this industry has proved a remunerative one. On the 5th of May, 1865, Mr. Glander married Miss Mary Ryder, a daughter of John and Hannah (Gdbhart) Ryder. Their marriage has been blessed with six children : Laura L., the wife of John Unger, of Jackson township, Montgomery county; Thomas F., at home; Elvia, wife of John Voge, of West Alexandria, Ohio; Clara' B., the wife of Minford D. Johnson, of Lanier township, and Lucy R. and Ruth O., at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Glander is a Democrat, supporting national Democratic candidates, although in local elections he votes without regard to political ties. He has served as a member of the school board for a number of years and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and during the past decade he has been a trustee of the church and has been a deacon or elder for a number of years. He co-operates in all movements that he believes calculated to promote the intellectual, material, social and moral development of his community and is a public spirited and progressive citizen who ranks among the representative men of Lanier township by reason of his straightforward methods of business and his fidelity to duty in all life's relations.

Levi Miller

Levi Miller, a well known citizen of Monroe township, is one of the oldest residents of Preble county. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1817. His parents were George and Catherine Miller. His father died in Pennsylvania, and about 1831 the widowed mother, with her three sons and four daughters, came to Preble county and settled in Monroe township. The mother passed away in death at the extreme old age of ninety-two years.

In early life Levi Miller learned the carpenters' trade, and during the early pioneer development of the country ho worked at that pursuit, building many log houses and

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, Mr. Miller chose Miss Susanna Welirly, a native of Preble county. Her father was Samuel Wehrly, an honored pioneer of the county, who lived to be ninetytwo years of age. Throughout a long period Levi Miller and his wife have traveled life's journey together, sharing with each other its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity. Their marriage was blessed with thirteen children, and, with the exception of two who died in infancy, all yet reside in Preble county. These are Samuel, Andrew, Isaac, George, Amanda, wife of Samuel G. Hensel, of Monroe township ; Polly Jane, wife of Lewis Richards, of Monroe township; Catherine, wife of Norman T. Sayler, of Monroe township; Lydia A., wife of Clarence A. Baker, of the same township; Mary, wife of Solomon Emrick, of Monroe township; Ermina, wife of William S. Guenther, of Monroe township, and Melzenia, wife of J. C. Ayers, of Eaton, Ohio.

Isaac Miller

A worthy representative of the financial interests of Preble county is Isaac Miller, whose business and executive ability is of high order, making him fully competent to occupy his present position as cashier of the Eldorado branch of the Farmers' Bank of New Madison, Ohio. He was born in Monroe township, Preble county, on the 19th of January, 1855, and is a son of Levi Miller, of whom mention is just made. He was reared in his native township, acquiring his education in the common schools of the neighborhood and farming was the occupation that claimed much of his time and attention in his early manhood. On the 1st of January, 1887, however, he began dealing in agricultural implements in connection with his brother-in-law, W. S. Coblentz, an association which was maintained for three years, after which Mr. Miller returned to the farm. He became the cashie>r of the Farmers' Bank of Eldorado in June of 1899, and in this capacity has since acceptably served.

On the 22nd of May, 1879, Mr. Miller married Miss Martha A. Beard, daughter of Jacob and Mary E. (Byers) Beard, both natives of Maryland and now deceased. Mrs. Miller was born in Preble county. Unto the above marriage were born three children, namely : Hallie, Maud L. and

Public spirited and progressive, Mr. Miller has withheld his support from no measure or movement which he believes will prove of general benefit. In 1887 he was elected justice of the peace and for twelve years has held the position, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. His decisions are fair and impartial, and neither fear nor favor can cause him to turn from a course which be believes to be right. He has also settled many large estates, and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed. Pie served for two years as township trustee, has for many years been a member of the school board and for four years has been treasurer of the Eldorado school district. He is now serving his third term as mayor of Eldorado and exercises his official prerogatives in support of such measures as will promote the substantial growth and improvement of the locality. In politics he is a Democrat, believing firmly in the principles of the party. Socially he is connected with the Odd Fellows society, at West Manchester, and with Eldorado Lodge, No. 389, K. P., in which he has filled all the offices. He has been chosen to represent his local lodge in the grand lodge of Ohio, at Columbus and Piqua, and in his life he exemplifies the benevolent principles of the fraternity. Such is the record of one who has been an important factor in the public improvement as well as the business interests of his native county. His code of morals is such as to impel him to a just consideration of the rights of all with whom he has been brought in contact and to a conscientious observance of all the proprieties of life. Thus he has retained throughout his career friendships which have grown stronger with more intimate acquaintance and all who know him esteem him for his sterling worth.

Samuel Miller

Samuel Miller is a leading representative of the agricultural interests of Monroe township, where he owns and operates a most desirable farm of two hundred acres, on section 32. Of excellent business ability and broad resources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of his part of the county, and is a recognized leader in public affairs. He has won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the prosperity that has come to him is certainly well deserved.

Mr. Miller was born on the farm where he now resides, January 8, 1847, an(l 's the oldest son of Levi Miller, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. When he was four years old the family removed three miles east of his present home, in the same township, where he passed his boyhood and youth, attending the common schools of the neighborhood. He remained with his father until after his marriage.

On the 13th of January, 1870, Mr. Miller wedded Miss Lydia Stiver, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, October 21, 1844, a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Bickel) Stiver, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. They located in Montgomery county, when Cincinnati was a mere hamlet containing only thirty houses. This was about 1801. Mrs. Miller was the seventh in order of birth in their family of eleven children, and was reared in her native county. To our subject and his wife were born the following children: Jennette B., now the wife of H. A. Spitler, a farmer of Monroe township; Charles M., who died at the age of nine months ; Levi F., who died at the age of six years; William O., who died at the age of twelve years; and Henry N., Martin O., and Clara Pearl all at home.

For about two years after his marriage Mr. Miller engaged in farming upon his father's place, but since 1872 has made his home upon the farm where he was born, most of which is under a high state of cultivation. He raises both grain and stock, and in partnership with his brother Isaac deals in fertilizers, representing the firm of Hess & Brothers, doing a large business. In 1891 he assisted in organizing the creamery company at West Manchester, of which he has since been a stockholder and director, and he also handles the Page wire fence, being agent for Monroe township. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability, and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.

part in local affairs. He was elected infirmary director in 1899, was trustee of the town throe years, and has been a member of the school board about eighteen years. He has been thrice elected a member of the Preble county agricultural board. He also belongs to the Grange, and religiously is a member of the Evangelical Association. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school, and is an ex-presidont of the township Sunday school association.

Richard L. Glander

Richard L. Glander was born in Lanier township, Preble county, Ohio, November 10, 1865, and is a son of John B. Glander,. of whom mention is made in this volume. Mr. Glander carries on agricultural pursuits on section 10, Lanier township, being one of the enterprising and wide-awake farmers of his community. He was reared to manhood under the parental roof, early becoming familiar with the labors of field and meadow, and in the district schools he accpiired his education. Throughout his entire life he has carried on agricultural pursuits. At the time of his marriage he located on the farm where he now resides, on section 10, Lanier township, and has since devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of the land, which, in return for his labor, yields to him good harvests. His farming methods are practical and progressive and upon his place are found all modern accessories and conveniences. He is also one of the stockholders of the Gem Canning Company, of West Alexandria, and is a young man of sound business judgment and of resolute purpose.

of Thomas and Jennie (Baer) Hildebrand. Pier father was a native of Maryland and when a young man came to Preble county, locating in West Alexandria, where he was engaged in the cultivation of tobacco. Later lie made his home in various places in Preble county and is now residing a mile and a half west of the city in which he first located. His wife is a native of Twin township and a daughter of Henry and Polly (Ereeman) Baer, who were early pioneer settlers of Preble county. They took up their abode in the midst of the forest, where they entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, the northwest quarter of section 25. There Mr. Baer built a log house, made a clearing and developed a good farm. Deer were to be had in abundance at that early day and this entire section of the state was upon the very border of civilization. Mr. Baer bore his part in the work of development and upbuilding and was a valued citizen of his community until his death. His widow is still surviving,- in her ninetieth year, and yet resides upon the old homestead. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Glander was blessed with one child, Howard H., who was born June 11, 1899, but is now deceased. In his political views our subject is a Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. Both he and his wife are highly esteemed by all and enjoy the hospitality of the best homes in this section of the county, the circle of their friends being almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.

Martin L. Fudge

ii, 1841. His father, Daniel Fudge, was a native of Warren county, Ohio, and a member of one of the early families of the Old Dominion. The grandfather, David Fudge, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, and was of German lineage. On leaving his native state he removed to Kentucky and in 1786 came to Ohio, establishing his home in Warren county. His brother, Jacob, was the first sheriff of Preble county. David Fudge was a very successful man. He removed to Preble county in 1812, becoming prominent in the early affairs of that locality. Daniel Fudge was born in 1808, and was therefore only four years of age at the time of his parents' arrival here. He lived and died in Monroe township, his death occurring in 1875. For fifteen years he served as justice of the peace and discharged his duties with such fairness and impartially that he awakened general commendation. He was an earnest Christian gentleman and a man of the highest respectability. He wedded Sarah Kisling, a daughter of Henry Kisling, one of the early settlers of Warren county. She is still living, at the age of eighty-three years. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, six of whom yet survive, namely: Martin L., of this review; Elizabeth, widow of George Cyrcle, of Illinois ; Daniel, who is living in Johnson county, Texas; Henry, a resident of Wells county, Indiana ; Albert, who makes his home in New Paris, Ohio; and Fanny, who is still with her mother.

Mr. Fudge, of this review, received such educational, advantages as the common schools afforded. Throughout his life he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, and in 1866 he purchased the farm upon which he yet resides, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty-three acres of land, which he has made a very valuable property. The well tilled fields yield to him a golden tribute in return for his care and labor, and all modern accessories and conveniences are found upon his place. His business affairs have been energetically conducted and have been crowned with a high degree of success.

On the 23d of November, 1865, Mr. Fudge was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Swartzel, a daughter of Jacob Swartzel, of Montgomery county, Ohio. They now have two living children and have lost one. Lawrence, the elder, is a graduate of Capital University, of Columbus, Ohio, and is a minister of the Evangelical church in Chicago. Anderson C. is a fanner of Jackson township, Preble county. The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion church, of which Mr. Fudge has long been a trustee. He takes a very active and earnest interest in its work, doing all in his power to promote its growth. His political support is given the Democracy. In his business affairs he has been very successful, and to-day he is classified among the substantial citizens of his native county. His life has been well spent and his activity in business affairs ranks him among the enterprising and wideawake agrculturists of Washington township.

In the subject of this review we have one who has attained to distinction in the line of his profession. He has been an earnest and dscriminating student and lie holds a position of due relative precedence among the medical practitioners of Eaton and Preble county. lie is a native of Feesburg, Brown county, Ohio, born on the 3d day of July, in 1866. Of Scotch-Irish ancestry, he represents families that were established in America in an early day. Plis grandfather, Thomas Conley, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died at the age of seventy years. Pie was a son of Thomas Conley, who was born in Scotland, was a soldier in the American Revolution and a pioneer settler of Clermont county, Ohio. Plis parents were Rev. Oliver P. and Mary E. (Tatmin) Conley, both natives of Clermont county, Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in 1865. The father was for twenty years or more a successful teacher and holds a life certificate in the state. On abandoning that profession he entered the ministry of the United Brethren church, and at present is connected with the United Brethren Church Publishing House of that denomination, making his home in Eaton. Plis education was acquired almost entirely through his own efforts after leaving the common schools, but he is now a man of broad, scholarly attainments. Both the parents of our subject are living. In their family were three sons and three daughters, and the circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of death. Dr. Conley is the eldest; Eva E., the second, was for several years a teacher, but is now the wife of U. A. Frame, a farmer of Preble county; Uucile is a graduate of the Mercy Hospital Training School, of Chicago, and is now a proficient nurse; John T., Grant and Ueona are still under the parental roof. The children have been given excellent educational advantages and, with the exception of the youngest, each holds a diploma from some college or high school. Ueona is a student

Dr. Conley acquired his elementary education in the common schools and later pursued his studies in the Eaton Normal School. For six years he worked by the month as a farm hand in Preble county and for eleven years he was engaged in teaching, proving a capable educator, whose ability to impart clearly and concisely to others the knowledge he had acquired was most marked. While concerned with the duties of the school room lie began the study of medicine, pursuing his first course of lectures in the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. Subsequently he resumed teaching, and also continued his studies along professional lines for eleven years. He completed a four-years course in the Eclectic Medical Institute in 1894 and began practicing as a representative of that school of medicine. He afterward took a course in Rush Medical College, of Chicago, in which he was graduated in 1898. He combines the two schools of medicine in his practice, taking the best from each. He followed his profession in New Hope, Preble county, from June, 1895, until 1898, and then came to Eaton. He has established a large and lucrative practice in the county, stands among the leaders of his profession in this city and is rated as a successful physician. He makes a close and earnest study of the science of medicine, and the success which has attended his efforts is but in natural sequence. His heart is ever in his work, and he has gained not only the respect and confidence, but the appreciative affection of his patients, his humanity being ever paramount to his professional and scientific instincts. He is very careful in diagnosing diseases, and his knowledge of the science of medicine is comprehensive and accurate. He possesses the only X-ray machine in Preble county, and it has proven of great value to him in his practice. He al.so possesses one of the most perfect microscopes manufactured and has a finely equipped office and a large professional library. He is a member of the Ohio State Medical Society and of the Chicago Medical Society.

Dr. Conley was married, in 1887, to Miss Elmetta N. Curry, a native of Preble county, and a daughter of John P. and Martha Curry, also natives of this county and representatives of early families here. Two children grace their union, Lowry M., who was born July 20, 1888, and Fern, born July 13, 1893. The Doctor is prominently asociated with several fraternal societies, including the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. Although his father and brothers are Republicans, he votes with the Democratic party and has stanch faith in its principles. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. He is a physician of great professional delicacy, and no man observes more closely the ethics of the unwritten professional code or shows more careful courtesy to his fellow practitioners than does Dr. Conley. In his professional work he has done great good and his advancement is assured.

Albert M. Crisler

Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that the members of the bar have been more prominent actors in public affairs than any other class of the community. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law, also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. Holding marked precedence among the members of the bar of Eaton is Mr. Crisler whose ability has gained him a place of distinctive preferment among the representatives of the legal profession in Preble county.

He was born in Hartsville, Indiana, February 12, 1857. His father, Albert Crisler, was a native of Culpeper county, Virginia, and a son of William Crisler, a native of the same locality. The great-grandfather was Adam Crisler, and his father was Fawet Crisler, a native of Germany, who crossed the Atlantic and founded a home in the New World. The year 1815 witnessed the arrival of William Crisler in Ohio. He located in Monroe township, being one of the early settlers there. Albert Crisler, the father of our subject, was a farmer and teacher and in business affairs met with creditable and gratifying success. He was recognized as one of the prominent residents of the community, and his fellow townsmen honored him with a number of public positions of trust and responsibility. His death occurred in 1857, and his wife passed away in the same year. She bore the maiden name of Anna Foos and was a daughter of Jacob Foos, of Monroe township, Preble county. In their family were eleven children, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Jessie L., a resident of Lebanon, Indiana; Jacob F., who makes his home in Sherman, Texas ; Jennie D., widow of L. D. Meeker, of Greenville, Ohio; William H., of Carson City, Nevada; Rev. Levi H., of Olando, Florida; Lizzie, wife of William Hopkins, of Greenville, Ohio; and A. M., of this review.

In the public schools A. M. Crisler acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a year's study in both the State University and the Wooster College. Determining to make the practice of law his life work he matriculated in the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann A.rbor, and was graduated in the class of 1 88 1. Admitted to the bar, he at once entered upon the practice of his profession and from the beginning was unusually prosperous in every respect. The success which he has attained is the result of his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself, nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. Those qualities he possesses to an eminent degree, and in his career he has been faithful to every interest committed to his charge. In the year of his admission to the bar, 1881, he was elected prosecuting attorney, and on the expiration of his term was re-elected, in 1884. In 1893 he was again chosen for that office, which he filled altogether for three terms, or nine years. He was at one time the candidate for judge of the court of common pleas, and, although defeated, he succeeded in largely reducing the usual Democratic majority. In October, 1898, he was appointed by Judge Thomson, of Cincinnati, to the position of referee in bankruptcy for Preble county. This position Air. Crisler resigned in the spring of 1900, to accept the position of mayor of Eaton, to which he had just been elected. He engages in general practice, and is one of the most prominent and able members of the Preble county bar. His knowledge of law is comprehensive, accurate and exact; his preparation of cases is thorough and effective; and before court or jury his power of argument is noted with telling effect. He is a very eloquent, logical and convincing speaker, and this has made him particularly successful as a trial lawyer. He has tried all the murder cases in the- county since 1881 and has been prosecuting attorney for not less than six cases tried for capital punishment. His clientage is large and his devotion to the interests of his patrons is proverbial.

Mr. Crisler has long been recognized as one of the leading advocates of Republican principles in Preble county and has taken a very active interest in political affairs, his efforts resulting greatly to the benefit of his party. He has a wide reputation as a campaign speaker and his addresses, while always entertaining and frequently amusing, are founded upon a substratum of logic and fact that never fails to carry weight with his audiences. Since 1881 he has been a very prominent member of the Masonic fraternity exempifying in his life the beneficent principles of the order, whose cardinal teachings concern mutual helpfulness and charity. He has held all the offices of his local lodge and is now secretary of the chapter. He is also a member of the Phi Delta Theta, the Greek letter society of his college. His social qualities and many admirable characteristics have won him the confidence and regard of his fellow men and made him a popular citizen.

Adam Shade

On one of the well-improved and highly developed farms of Gratis township resides Adam Shade, an enterprising German farmer who in the new world has found opportunity to work his way upward, and by determined purpose and unflagging energy has reached a position of affluence. He was born in Baden, Germany, at Kolbach, on the ist of April, 1843. His father, John Shade, was a native .of the same locality, and came to America several years prior to the time when he sent for his family. He had two sons and two daughters, who, with the mother, crossed the Atlantic about 1850. He became a foreman in the Wolf Rolling Mill in Newport, Kentucky. When the cholera epidemic broke out about 1853 his wife fell a victim to that disease. He also died, and one of, their sons, leaving our subject and his two sisters, Margaret and Rachel, alone. Adam Shade was placed in an orphan asylum at Mount Auburn, Cincinnati, by the Lutherans and received his education there. At the age of fourteen he was bound out to Lewis Wagner, of Butler county, Ohio, but as he was not pleased with his new home he left his employer, at the age of sixteen years, and went to the Little Miami district, where he secured work as a farm hand for five dollars per month.

Later he entered the employ of Jacob F. Stover, of Preble county, for whom he worked by the month until May, 1861, when, at the call of his country, he responded and' joined Company C, Thirteenth Ohio Infantry, under command of Captain B. P. Runkle. He enlisted for three years, and in 1863 reenlisted in the same regiment. At Stone River he was wounded and was sent to the hospital, where he remained for six months. He participated in the battles of Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing, and the engagements at Stone River. At different times he was under the commands of Generals Rosecrans, Buell and Thomas, the latter being corps commander. On the 5th of December, 1865,

For a year thereafter Mr. Shade remained at Seven Mile, Butler county, Ohio, and then went to Texas, where he was employed as a cowboy for two years. On the expiration of that period he returned to his old employer, Mr. Stover. In the fall of 1869 he went to Colorado, where he worked on the farm until, the spring of 1871, and returning then to Preble county he was, on the 14th of September, 1871, united in marriage to Sarah E. Simpson, of Preble county 4 a daughter of William and Susanna (Wagner) Simpson, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Virginia. The Wagners were of German lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Shade went to Colorado soon after their marriage, where our subject engaged in the cultivation of rented land for eleven years. The children born unto them are: Wilson, a native of Ohio ; Charles, married and engaged in farming; Royal and Florence.. Returning to the Buckeye state, Mr. Shade purchased the old Chrisman farm, on the 21st of June, 1882. The place comprises one hundred and sixty-two acres, and the purchase price was sixty-four hundred dollars, of which he paid down one-half, incurring an indebtedness of three thousand dollars. In course of time this was paid off and lie has since made many excellent improvements, transforming the property into one of the finest farms of the neighborhood. Fie has an attractive and substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings and excellent orchards. He has rebuilt the residence, which was a log structure and one of the oldest in the state. It was built by Daniel Chrisman, who settled there in 1808. The deed from the United States government to Mr. Chrisman is dated Tune 23,

Mr. Shade carries on general farming, growing corn, wheat, tobacco and oats. He feeds his oats and corn to his stock, selling his other products. He has raised three thousand bushels of corn, six hundred bushels of wheat and six hundred bushels of oats in a single season. He annually sells about fifty or sixty fine Jersey Red hogs. Upon the place are also two excellent orchards, of apples and other fruits, and the trees are in a thrifty condition. They were planted by him and will yield their fruits long after he has passed away. Mr. Shade is a very industrious and energetic man who believes in doing well whatever he has to do. He attributes his success in life largely to the influence of Grandfather Chrisman, who proved to him a tried and true friend, and to his wife, who has indeed been to him a faithful companion and helpmate. Mr. and Mrs. Shade have many warm friends through the community and well merit the high esteem in which they are uniformly held.

Thomas Buck

Among those once active in the business affairs of Preble county is one who at death left an untarnished name as a priceless heritage to his family, Thomas Buck, who died on the 1 8th of June, 1879, at the age of fifty-four years. His father was Samuel Buck, of South Carolina, who, when only ten years of age, came to Preble county, Ohio, taking up his abode here in 1811. This district was then a frontier settlement, with the work of civilization and progress scarcely begun. His father died in South

Carolina and his mother afterward married a Mr. Stewart. Some years after the death of the latter the widow brought her family to Preble county, locating on wild land, which was transformed into a good home.

Samuel. Buck was the youngest of his father's family. Some of the children remained in South Carolina, but he and three sisters, together with a half-brother, came to the Buckeye state at that early period of its pioneer development. Having arrived at years of maturity, he married Miss Margaret McDill, a native of South Carolina and a daughter of Thomas McDill, who was brought to the county in her youth. Her father served in the war of 1812 and died in his thirty-seventh year. Samuel Buck took up his abode in Indiana, but afterward removed to Israel township, Preble county. By his marriage he became the father of nine children, of whom two daughters are yet living. In his business affairs he prospered and at his death left an excellent estate, Thomas Buck, of this review, inheriting a valuable farm.

The latter was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads of that time and enjoyed such privileges and advantages as were afforded in pioneer settlements of that day. He early became familiar with all the duties and labors of developing and improving land, and on entering on his business career followed the pursuit which had occupied his attention in his youth. He was married in January, 1850, to Miss Margaret Williamson, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, a daughter of Alexander Williamson, of Sugar Creek. Her father lost his wife in Iowa and was left with a family of children to care for, there being five children by that marriage, of whom three are yet living. Mrs. Buck has two sisters, Mrs.

Mary Jane Hayes, a widow living near Fair Haven, and Mrs. Rhoda Hayes, also a v/idow, who is living in Monmouth, Illinois. The father of these children died in Louisa county, Iowa, after which Mrs. Buck was brought by her people to Preble county, where she was married. Of the ten children bora of their union, three are yet living. Samuel died at the age of thirty-three years, leaving a widow; William died, leaving a widow and one son; Charles died in his twenty-fifth year; Anna resides with her mother; Minor died leaving three children; Armitta is the wife of Rev. J. H. Miller, the pastor of the Peter's Creek church; and Charlotte is at her parental home. The children were all provided with excellent educational privileges. Mrs. Miller was graduated in Muskingum Colege and was a successful teacher prior to her marriage. Her husband is also a graduate of the same school and is now in charge of the church at Peter's Creek, Pennsylvania. Samuel and Charles Buck were educated in Monmouth College, Illinois. Samuel engaged in preaching for several years. Charles graduated in the literary course, but died before he had completed his first year in the theological seminary at Xenia, Ohio. The youngest son, Minor, superintended the farm until his death at Anthony, Kansas, in 1895, after which Mrs. Buck and her two daughters assumed entire control. Mrs. Buck is onjoying excellent health for a lady of her years and has a large circle of friends.

Henry F. Ehlers

A well-known representative of the agricultural interests of Preble county, Plenry F. Ehlers, is the owner of a fine farm on section 7, Twin township. His place is well improved with all modern accessories and conveniences, the fields are under a high state of cultivation and abundant harvests are garnered. He also makes a specialty of stock-raising, and in both branches of his business meets with success. His methods are progressive and practical, his work is vigorously prosecuted, his affairs are capably managed and he is justly regarded as one of the best farmers in his section of the state.

Mr. Ehlers was born in Newport, Kentucky, November 6, 1852, a son of Albert and Rebecca (Kosson) Ehlers. As the name indicates, the family is of German origin. The grandfather, Henry Ehlers, came to America and made his home with his son Albert and another son living in New Orleans. The father of our subject was bom in amt Hedinghausen, Germany, October 22, 1822, and was there reared to manhood. At the age of fourteen he apprenticed himself to a tailor and after the completion of his term of service worked as a journeyman until 1848, when he crossed the Atlantic to America upon a sailing vessel, which ultimately dropped anchor in the harbor of New Lork. Among his fellow passengers was Rebecca Kosson, whom he afterward married. He arrived in this country with only fifty cents in his pocket. He went from New York to Baltimore, where he worked for one year at his trade, after which he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio. There he was employed for three years as a journeyman, and then crossed the river into Newport, Kentucky, where he opened a tailoring establishment of his own, carrying on business for three years.

On the expiration of that period he removed to West Alexandria, Ohio, and soon afterward purchased thirty acres of land in Twin township, near the county line. For some years following- he engaged in the tailoring business through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he cultivated his farm. Later, however, he disposed of that land and purchased eighty acres west of Scuffletown, where he lived until his retirement from business life. He is now a resident of West Alexandria. In politics he is a Democrat, and for many years has been a leader in the Lutheran church, of which he has been a life-long member. His wife was born in Hanover, Germany, October 24, 1820, and is a daughter of Henry and Adeline Kosson, both of whom were natives of Hanover. Mr. and Mrs. Elders had nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: Anna, the widow of Henry Lang, of Dayton, Ohio; Henry F., of this review; Sophia, the wife of John Pufogle, of Lanier township, Preble county; John H., a prominent business man of West Alexandria; Ella, the wife of David Ryder, of Twin township; Lizzie, the wife of Elmer Huffman, of Lexington, Ohio; and George W., who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business at West Alexandria.

Mr. Elders, whose name begins this sketch, was reared at his parental home and acquired his education in the common schools. At the age of fourteen he began earning his own livelihood, working by the month in order to aid his father in paying off his debts. When twentv years of age he began business on his own account on .a small, scale, planting a crop of tobacco, and at the same time assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He was thus engaged until his marriage, when his father gave him a horse, saddle and bridle.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Sarah C. Kaylor, the wedding being celebrated on the 4th of February, 1877, at which time Mr. Elders was twenty-four years of age. The lady is a native of Preble county jmd a daughter of William and Rebecca Kaylor. Her father was born in Virginia, September 23, 1808, and with his parents came to Preble county when about six years of age. He was reared in Washington township and later purchased the old homestead on which his father located when he came to Ohio. Mr. Elders is a representative and prominent agriculturist of the county. By the marriage of our subject and his wife nine children have been born, of whom seven are living, namely: Edward, Clara, Lawrence, Harvey, Ida, Lottie and Flora. The children are all at home and are being provided with good educational privileges that they may be fitted for life's practical and responsible duties.

After his marriage Mr. Elders rented a farm of eighty acres near Pyrmont, and after cultivating that land for a year he had another (rented) farm, near his present home, for a year. In March, 1880, he purchased one hundred and thirty-four acres of land and has since devoted his time and energies to the conduct of the place. He has been very successful, has made a specialty of the raising of tobacco, and is also a successful stock-raiser, feeding nearly all of his grain tc his stock. He has a well improved property and in 1896 he erected a very commodious and pleasant residence. In addition to his own farm he operates his father's land, and is justly regarded as one of the prominent and prosperous agriculturists of his community. For fourteen years he has served as a member of the school board and has done what he could to secure excellent schools that the children might be well fitted for life. He and his wife hold member- ship in the Lutheran church, in which he served as a deacon for four years. They are worthy and highly esteemed residents of the community, and their many excellencies of character have gained for them the high regard of all with whom they have been brought in contact.

Henry H. Farr

The prosperity, upbuilding and progress of a community depends upon its enterprising business men whose keen judgment and close application enable them to carry forward to successful completion whatever they undertake. One of the most prominent representatives of the financial, commercial and industrial interests of Eaton is Mr. Farr, who is now engaged in the insurance business, and is known as a capitalist whose creditable place in business circles has been obtained by his own efforts. He was born in Franklin county, Indiana, May I, 1846. His father, Price Farr, was a native of New Jersey and a son of Elias Farr, who removed to Oxford, Indiana, where he died in 1859. He was a tailor by trade, and also followed agricultural pursuits. In early life Price Farr engaged in teaching school, and was also connected with a store. Later he turned his attention to the farm and engaged in the operation of a valuable tract of land until 1861, when he retired from the farm and active business affairs. His efforts were crowned with a high degree of success, and at the same time he won that good name which is rather to be chosen than great riches, for his career was characterized by the strictest fidelity to duty and honesty. Pie died in 1896, highly respected by all who knew him. He married Elizabeth Bake, a daughter of William Bake, who was one of the early settlers of Franklin county, Indiana. She died in 1894. Both Mr. and Mrs. Farr were liberal supporters of the Universalist church, and earnest Christian people, charitable in thought and action. They had two children, the elder being William L., a resident of Liberty, Indiana.

Henry H. Farr, the youngest son, pursued his education in the common schools of Oxford and in the Miami University, where he was graduated in the class of 1867. He afterward engaged in teaching in Union county, Indiana, for six months, and in July, 1868, he came to Eaton, where in connection with his brother he opened a drug store which they conducted for one year. At the expiration of that period Mr. Farr, of this review, purchased another drug store and continued as its proprietor until 1871, when he sold out, for the close confinement of the store did not agree with him. He then turned his attention to the insurance business, and in 1873 went to Decatur, Alabama, where he conducted a sawmill for three years. Returning to Eaton in 1876, he once more entered the insurance business and was a representative of leading old-line companies until 1886, when he sold out and established a grocery and queensware store which he conducted for five years. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned to his insurance agency and is now representing a number of the leading fire insurance companies of the country. He is a man of resourceful business ability whose efforts are by no means limited to one line, and with a number of paying enterprises he is now connected. He is operating a stone quarry near Eaton in connection with M. W. Nation, taking out limestone. He holds an interest in the Eaton Canning Company; is also interested in an incandescent light plant of Cincinnati ; and is treasurer of the Eaton Loan & Building Association. He became one of the charter members on its organization, and since that time has been in charge of financial, affairs. He has also been secretary of the Preble County Agricultural Association for twenty years. He carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. The development of the west is due to such men whose indomitable energy and progressive spirit have overcome all obstacles and reached the goal of success. He is not so abnormally developed as to be called a genius, but is one of the strongest because one of the best balanced, the most even and self-masterful of men, and he has acted so well his part in both public and private life that Eaton has been enriched by his example, his character and his labor.

On the 1 8th of November, 1869, Mr. Farr was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Minor, a daughter of W. H. H. B. Minor, a very successful practicing physician of Eaton. They now have three children : Elizabeth, wife of Lee R. Kinnear, of Henry, Illinois; and Minor and Loring, at home. Since attaining his majority Mr. Farr has been a member of the Masonic fraternity,- and has held a number of offices in his lodge. He is most true and faithful to the principles of Masonry, exemplifying in his life its beneficent teachings. As a man of business his ability has been constantly manifest in one phase or another, showing excellent power and executive strength, and today he stands amon? the capitalists of his adopted city - a position which he well merits. His life has indeed been a commendable one, and be enjoys the good will and respect of those with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact.

Wilson Fudge

Among the native sons of Preble county is Wilson Fudge, who gives his time and attention to agricultural pursuits in Washington township. He was born in Monroe township, on the 5th of October, 1840, and is a grandson of David Fudge, who was a very prosperous farmer of Ohio. George Fudge, his father, was born in Washington township, Preble county, in 1816, and throughout his entire life carried on agricultural pursuits in order to support his family. His business interests were so carefully and so ably directed by sound judgment and practical common-sense that he became a very prosperous farmer and acquired large tracts of land. In religious belief, he was a Universalist and became a charter member of the Monroe church. He served as trustee of his township and at all times took a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. His death occurred in 1864 and his wife passed away in 1899. She bore the maiden name of Mary Disher, and was a daughter of Daniel Disher, of Virginia. Unto that worthy couple were born ten children, of whom three are now living, namely: Wilson; George, a resident of Kansas; and Jane, wife of J. O. Beard.

Wilson Fudge, whose name heads this sketch, is indebted to the common schools of Preble county for the educational advantages which he received. He pursued his studies through the winter season, but in the summer had to remain at home for he was the oldest son and his services were needed in the work of cultivating the home farm. In 1880 he began farming on his own account, purchasing the land upon which he now resides. He has one hundred and sixty acres divided into two tracts and the greater part of this is under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields giving him golden harvests. He is a man of marked energy and force of character who realizes the importance of continuous and well directed labor in gaining prosperity.

On the 5th of November, 1863, Mr. Fudge was married to Miss Catherine Creager, daughter of Ezra and Delilah Creager, of Montgomery county, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with eleven children, ten of whom are living, namely : Lulu, who attended the high school and subsequently was a student in Yale College, is now the widow of Noah Ware and lives with her parents; Charles resides near the old homestead. Leoti, who attended the National Normal School at Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, is an excellent elocutionist, having traveled in the interest of her profession as well as having given private instructions in the art, and is now the wife of J. O. Creager, at Dobbs' Ferry, New York ; Jennie and Bertie are yet at home; Hattie is engaged in teaching in Preble county; Pearl is the wife of Benjamin Pence and resides near her father's home; Joseph, Frank and Mary are still under the parental roof. Mr. Fudge is an independent Democrat. He frequently votes the Democratic ticket but does not consider himself bound by party ties and is not strongly partisan. He holds membership in the Universalist church, of which he has been a trustee for six years. He is a member of the Preble county vigilance committee and socially belongs to the Odd Fellows society and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed and his worth as a citizen and as an individual is widely recognized by all who know him.

John E. Jordan

The noble art of husbandry has ever been the conservator of our national progress and prosperity, and among those prominently concerned as its votaries in Preble county is the subject of this review, whose fine farmstead is located on section 13, Twin township.

John Edward Jordan is a native son of the township in which he now figures as a successful farmer and influential citizen, the date of his birth having been September 23, 1856. He is the son of John and Elizabeth (Vance) Jordan, to whom were born five children, all of whom survive, namely: Joseph Harvey, of West Alexandria, Ohio; John E., subject of this review; Mary M., wife of David Ludwick, of Dayton, this state ; Orion E., who resides at the old homestead ; Laura B., wife of John Bixler, a farmer of Darke county, Ohio.

John Jordan, the father of our subject, was born in Buckingham county, Virginia, in 1816, and he was a lad of sixteen when he accompanied his father, Henry Jordan, on his removal from the Old Dominion state to Preble county, Ohio, where they settled in Lanier township, near Enterprise. Here John Jordan was reared to maturity and here was celebrated his first marriage. He married Miss Catherine Stiver, and to them five children were born, of whom two survive, namely: Amanda, wife of Simon Geeting, of Twin township, this county; and Catherine, wife of George Williams, also of Preble county. Those dead were Caroline, Jane and Henry.

Immediately after his marriage John Jordan purchased one hundred acres of land on section 14, Twin township, where he engaged in farming upon an extensive scale, being- signally prosperous in his efforts and eventually adding another sixty acres to his estate, which thus comprised the southeast quarter of section 14. Here he lived until his life's labors were ended and he passed to his reward. After the death of his first wife he married Elizabeth Vance, the mother of our subject. He was a member of the Reformed German Baptist church, in politics was a Republican, and was known and honored as one of the upright and representative citizens of the county. His death occurred in 1888. Elizabeth (Vance) Jordan was born in Twin township, Preble county, on the nth of January, 1828, being the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Vance, who were numbered among the early settlers of Preble county, whither they came from Pennsylvania, which was their native state. The mother of our subject is still living and resides with her son on the old homestead.

John E. Jordan was reared under the sturdy discipline of farm life, growing to maturity on the parental homestead and acquiring his education in the public schools of the county. On the 19th of February, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Wikle, daughter of Samuel Wikle, of whom a personal sketch is incorporated on other pages of this work, and after this important domestic event in his life he settled down to the work of farming on his present estate of one hundred acres, which was given to him by his father. Here he has prospered through progressive methods and marked discrimination in the management of his business affairs, having given special attention to the raising of tobacco and breeding of high-grade swine, in both of which lines of enterprise he has been very successful, as has he also in general farming, his place being under a most advanced state of cultivation and yielding excellent tribute to the labor and attention bestowed. Mr. Jordan is a man of sterling character, is one of the progressive citizens of the county and is held in high esteem in the community where practically his entire life has been passed. Pie is public-spirited in his attitude and gives a ready support to all worthy enterprises. He and his wife are members of the New Lutheran church, in whose work they maintain a deep interest. In politics Mr. Jordan exercises his franchise in support of the Republican party and its principles. Fraternally he is identified with Lewisburg Lodge, No. 625, Knights of Pythias. The family circle is brightened by the presence of two interesting children; Charles E. and Clara M.

Isaac Ware

Prominent among the citizens of Preble county who have witnessed the marvelous development of this section of the state from pioneer days, and who have, by honest toil and industry, succeeded in acquiring a competence, is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He has been prominently identified with the upbuilding and advancement of the county, but is now practically living retired at his comfortable home on section 21, Monroe township.

Mr. Ware is a native of Preble county, born in Twin township, October 6, 1826, and is a son of John and Sarah (Coble) Ware. His father was born in Tennessee, and when about eighteen years of age went to North Carolina, where he married. Later he came to this county and took up his residence in Twin township, where he reared fourteen children, six sons and eight daughters, all of whom reached manhood or

Ann, all now deceased ; David, a resident of West Alexandria, Preble county; John Coble, deceased; Jacob, of Palestine, Darke county; Sophia, the widow of John Boner, of Dayton; Abby, deceased; Isaac, our subject; Sarah, who is the widow of Harrison Wilkinson, and lives west of Eaton ; Andrew and Emeline, both deceased; Mary Eve, unmarried; and Martin V., who lives on a farm near West Alexandria, Ohio.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in the usual manner of farmer boys on the frontier, and he pursued his studies in the little log schoolhouse so common at that day. He remained under the parental roof until he was married, at the age of twenty-three years, to Miss Julia Ann Shining, who was born in Germany and was about three years old when brought to America by her parents. By this union were born six children, three of whom are now living, namely : Mary, the wife of Sylvester Petery, of Preble county ; Alice, the wife of Jacob Trassel, of Monroe township; and Joseph H., who resides with our subject, attending to the latter's business and is now serving as a trustee of Monroe township.

Mr. Ware began his married life in Twin township, where he operated a sawmill and worked at the carpenter's trade. For almost a quarter of a century he successfully engaged in contracting and building, and is well known as a barn-builder, making a specialty of the large bank barns. He has erected more barns in this county than any other man, and has also built a large number in Darke county, besides many of the early residences, including a large number of brick houses in this county. He has never had a law suit in his life, always having amicably settled all business affairs. Success has attended his well-directed efforts, and he is now one of the most prosperous and substantial men of his community, owning three hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in this county.

Politically Mr. Ware is a Democrat. Although liberal in his religious views, and though, not a member of any denomination, ho built the Evangelical church on his own land near his home, and /donated it to the society. During the long years of his residence in Preble county he has championed every movement designed to promote the general welfare, has supported every enterprise for the public good, and has materially aided in the advancement of all social and inoral interests. After a useful and honorable career he can well afford to lay aside all business cares and live in ease and retirement.

George Kimmel

This prominent and representative citizen of Monroe township, who throughout life has been identified with the agricultural interests of Preble county, was born in Jackson township, April 30, 1827, and belongs to one of its highly respected old families. His father, Jacob Kimmel was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1805, and was a son of Jacob Kimmel, Sr., who also was born in that state, but the latter's father was by birth a German. On coming west Jacob Kimmel, Sr., located first in Montgomery county, Ohio, but spent his last days in Wayne county, Indiana, where he died at a good old age.

When about twonty-one years of age the father of our subject removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he married Julia A. Gephart, a native of that county and a daughter of George Gephart, -who also was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. In religious faith both families were Lutherans. Soon after his marriage Jacob Kimmel came to Preble county, and located in Jefferson township near the little villageof Gettysburg, where he purchased eighty acres of land. Pie was a carpenter by trade and built many of the houses and barns in his locality, hewing the timber with a broad-ax. He finally sold his first farm and moved two miles farther north, where he lived for some time, but died at the home of our subject, May 7, 1854. His wife had passed away October 8, 1847, M the age of thirty-eight years. Both were reared in the Lutheran faith and were honored and esteemed by all who knew them. In their family were seven children, all of whom were born in Preble county, our subject being the oldest; Jacob is a resident of Eaton. Ohio; Sarah is the wife of William Potter, of Christian county, Illinois; John died June 22, 1854, aged twenty years ; Peter is a farmer of Monroe township, this county, and Elizabeth and William are both deceased.

Amidst pioneer scenes George Kimmel grew to manhood, while his education was obtained in the rude log school house so common in those early days, with its huge fire place, slab benches and puncheon desks resting on pins driven into the wall. At the age of nineteen he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, but remained at home assisting his father until he attained his majority, when he began contracting and building on his own account. He employed a large force of hands and superintended most of the building in Washington and Jefferson townships until 1856, since which time he has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits.

On the 27th of June, 1849, Mr. Kimmel married Miss Lettecia Harshman, who was born in Washington township, November 19, 1830, and was reared there. Her father,. Peter Harshman, was a native of Virginia, and was a young- man of twenty-one years when he came to this state, locating in Warren county, where for a few years he was compelled to live alone, the hostile disposition of the Indians who inhabited the forests by which his cabin was surrounded making it too dangerous for women to venture into the new country. After his marriage he came to Preble county and cleared and improved a farm in Washington township, where he died in 1862. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was twice married and by the first union had seven children, one of whom is still living, namely : John Harshman, of Eaton, this county. For his second wife he wedded Mary Glines, who was born in New Hampshire, in 1803, and lived to be eighty-nine years of age, while her sister, Mrs. Morgan, of Eaton, lived to be ninety-six. Both retained all their facnlties and were well preserved at the time of death. Mr. Harshman was of German descent. By his second marriage he had nine children, of whom Mrs. Kimmel is the third in order of birth. The others who are still living are Lewis J., who resides on the old homestead north of Eaton; Samuel D.,. who is- also living there; Mary A., the widow of Joseph Mills, of New Paris, and Harriet, the widow of John Mills, of Eldorado.

For about three years after his marriage, Mr. Kimmel lived in a little house on his father's farm. In 1851 he purchased his present farm of two hundred and fifteen acres on section 16, Monroe township, which has since been his home. When he took up his residence thereon it was almost entirely a native forest, and the improvements consisted of a couple of log huts, but the rich soil is now under excellent cultivation, and the improvements are substantial and commodious. In 1872, while the present handsome residence was being built the frame house in which the family then resided caught fire, and, with most of the household furniture, was consumed.

Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel are the parents of seven children, namely : John Martin, born August 25, 1850, married Fena Ritterihour and is engaged in the clothing business in Eldorado. William Albert, born September 20, 1852, married first Sally Bowen, by whom he had one daughter, May Cody, and secondly Mary (Molly) Zeigenbine, and he now lives in Dayton, Ohio. Mary Frances, born May 25, 1857, is the wife of Horace Horne, of Eldorado. J. Peter Lincoln, born June 16, i860, is a resident of Eldorado. Ozroe Franklin, born June 1, 1863, is engaged in the grain business in New Weston, Darke county, Ohio. Orlando Perry, born December 25, 1866, is a physician of Campbellstown, Preble county. Flora Viola, born December 28, 1873, is the wife of Rev. Lauren Fudge, a well educated man and a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran church, now located in Farmersville, Ohio. There has never been a death in the family. 1 he parents celebrated their golden wedding June 27, 1899, when all of their children and grandchildren were present with the exception of William. The family is one of the best known and most highly respected in Preble county. Besides their own children, Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel reared his niece, Sarah Ellen Potterf, who was born March 29, 1 859, and came to live with them at the age of six years. She is now the wife of Dr. B. F. Boane, of Eldorado.

Mr. Kimmel has always lived within three miles of his present home, and no man in the community is more highly respected or esteemed, having always been one of its leading citizens. He and his wife have traveled extensively, visiting the Centennial in 1876, the World's Fair in 1893, Washington, and different places in the west. He cast his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor; later voted for Abraham Lincoln, and continued to support the Republican party until 1884, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He held the office of trustee of his township fourteen years, and was township treasurer for three years. Both he and his wife are active and prominent members of the Universalist church, and he is now serving as trustee and deacon of the church.

William Waters

William Waters, a well known resident of Eaton, who for some time was the capable sheriff of Preble county, was born in Monroe township on the 14th of June, 1847. His father, William Waters, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, and the grandfather, James S. Waters, was a native of Virginia. The latter secured land in Kentucky through warrants given to Revolutionary soldiers, and after improving his farm he was forced to give it up. He theretore moved to Preble county about sixty-three years ago, becoming one of its earliest settlers. John Waters, the father of our subject, made farming his life work and is still living in Monroe township at the age of seventy-five. In his business affairs he has prospered, acquiring a comfortable competency. He wedded Mary Blackford, a daughter of Jeremiah K. Blackford, of Warren county, Ohio, and in 1899 was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. In their family were thirteen children, eight of whom are yet living, namely: Elizabeth; Thomas M.,

William Waters, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the common schools and almost as soon as old enough to reach the plow handles began work in the fields. In April, 1865, when only seventeen years of age, he joined the army and served for nine months, being stationed in Georgia, during a portion of the period of reconstruction. On being mustered out he returned to the home farm. For two years he was in business in Indiana, selling fruit trees, but during the greater part of his life he has been identified with agricultural interests in Preble county and is now the owner of eighty acres, which he rents. He also has considerable town property.

In his political views he is a stanch Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day. He was twice elected township trustee, serving for five years, when he resigned in order to enter upon the duties of sheriff, to which position he was elected in the fall of 1888, for a term of two years, and on the expiration of that time was re-elected and was filling the office of sheriff when Elmer Sharkey was arrested for killing his mother and when John Bell also committed a similar offence. He discharged his duties fearlessly and ably. Such officials are the bulwarks of a community, imparting a feeling of public safety to law abiding citizens and of fear to those who keep not within the pale of the law. Mr. Waters has also served as a school director for two terms,

Socially our subject is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic and has served in a number of offices, including that of commander of the local post. He married Margaret J. Howell, a daughter of Arthur Howell, of New Jersey, the wedding being celebrated on the 7th of December, 1872. Their union has been blessed with three children: Clarence V., who is now engaged in the drug business in Eaton ; Minnie Maud and Myrtle Mary. Mr. Waters has a very wide acquaintance in his county and is a popular citizen, winning friendship through his many sterling qualities.

James Murray

James Murray, one of the well known, farmers of Preble county, Ohio, is a native of Washington township, this county, and was born February 28, 1843, a son °f Mitchell and Lydia (Brasier) Murray. Of their large family of twelve children, six are now living, namely : Joseph, a farmer of Jefferson township, this county; Lemuel, a shoemaker of Darke county, Ohio; John, a farmer of Jefferson township, this county; James, whose name introduces this sketch; Henry, a farmer of Wayne county, Indiana, and Sarah, the wife of John F. Ervin, a contractor and builder of Eldorado, Ohio. The six that are deceased were David, Alfred, Amos, Leven T., Isabella and Julia.

Mitchell Murray, the father, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, in 1805, a son of John Murray, a prominent farmer of that place, where he lived and died. In his native county Mitchell was reared and married and settled down to farming there, as did his father before him. About 1835, however.

he became dissatisfied, and, thinking he could do better in the west, came to Ohio, Eaton his destination, the trip requiring several days. Arriving at Eaton, he had just money enough to buy an ax. Here he located and by day's work succeeded in providing for his family. In 1854 he removed to Darke county and began farming, as a renter, remaining there four years. At the end of that time he returned to Preble county and rented the farm which the subject of this sketch now owns, and during the following nine years he made enough money to buy a place of his own, and he again went to Darke county. There he purchased eighty acres of land, and resided on it until a year prior to his death, when, having lost his life partner, he left the farm and took up his home with a daughter in Eldorado, Ohio, where he spent his declining days. He died in February, 1881. His wife, a native also of Sussex county, Delaware, was born in 1810. Her father died when she was a child, and her mother, whose maiden name was Mary McCabe, came with Mr. Murray's family to Ohio, and spent the rest of her life in Preble county.

James Murray in his early youth acquired such education as he could get in the primitive schools of those pioneer days in Preble county, and at the early age of eleven years he was hired out to a farmer to work, for three dollars a month and his board. F'rom that time forward hard work was one of the chief factors in his existence.

Reaching his majority, he enlisted, May 2, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. There were then seven brothers in the service. He was sent to Kentucky, and from there to Maryland, and was in the battle at Cumberland. During the four months of his service he proved himself a brave, true soldier, and at the expiration of his time of enlistment was honorably discharged.

Returning from the army he spent the winter at home, and in the spring rented a farm and began farming operations on his own account. The next year he farmed with his father, receiving a certain share of the crop. Then he engaged in the tile business in Eldorado.

In 1868 Mr. Murray was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Mills, a native of Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio, and a daughter of George and Elizabeth Mills. George Mills was a native of Ireland, and came from there with his parents to Ohio, settling in Clinton county and later in Preble county, Ohio. The spring following his marriage Mr. Murray purchased a two-fifths interest in the old Mills homestead, and the next 'two years he and his wife lived with her parents. At the end of that time they removed to a farm in Jefferson township, owned by Mrs. Murray, and on it they spent two years. After this Mr. Murray, in partnership with his brother John, bought eighty acres of land and a sawmill and engaged in the saw mill and lumber business, which they continued one year. The next year was spent on Mrs. Murray's farm. In the meantime Mr. Murray bought a farm of one hundred acres on the Whitewater, near New Paris, to which they moved and where they lived two years, removing thence to New Paris, where they spent the summer. Mr. Murray then, in 1875, purchased the interest of the heirs to the Mills homestead, one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he resided till 1884, when he purchased two hundred and ten acres, . known as the old Edmond Kin- caid farm, in Jefferson township. After living on this place fonr years, he made an exchange of property whereby he acquired two hundred and seventy-two acres, the farm upon which he now resides. He still retains the old Mills homestead, has one hundred acres adjoining it, making two hundred and sixty acres in one body, and his wife has one hundred and sixty acres in Jefferson township. Thus by years of toil and good management he has been constantly accumulating and to-day he has a financial standing with the leading men in the county. In connection with his farming he has made a specialty of the stock business, in which he has been very successful.

home; Edwin O., with the Farmers' Bank, New Paris, Ohio; Charles A., a teacher in the public schools of Jefferson township; Elwood, farming with his father; Cora A,, a teacher in the public schools of Preble county, and Ethel and Elbert, at home. Mr. Murray is a Republican and has for years figured in local politics, serving several times as delegate to county conventions. Few tnen, if any, in his locality, are better known or more respected than is James Murray.

Benjamin Hubbard

A member of the Preble county bar now residing at Eaton, Mr. Hubbard has won a distinguished position in connection with his chosen profession. He was born in Princeton, New Jersey, on the 16th of September, 1809. The family is of old Holland lineage, the grandfather of our subject, John Hubbard, having been born in the little country of dikes, whence he came to America in colonial days. At the time when the colonies made the attempt to throw off the yoke of British oppression lie enlisted in the American army, loyally bearing his part in the war which brought independence to the nation. His son, Benjamin Hubbard, Sr., the father of our subject, was a native of Princeton, New Jersey, and in 1811 emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Hamilton county, Ohio, whence he came to Preble county, in 1832. Here lie located in Milford township, where he died in 1848, at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife was Mary McIntyre, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in Eaton, at the age of ninety-nine years and eleven months.

Mr. Hubbard, of this review, received but limited educational privileges. He learned the carriage-maker's trade in Cincinnati and followed that pursuit until 1840, during which time he devoted his leisure hours to reading law. He pursued his studies under the direction of Abner Haines, of Eaton, and was admitted to the bar in June, 1844. He has practiced for sixty years, and with the exception of two years passed in Greenville, he has always been a member of the Eaton bar. He is now the oldest practitioner in the county, but his mind is still strong and his knowledge of law is comprehensive.

In public affairs Mr. Hubbard has been a prominent, active and valued factor. He was the first secretary of what is now the Cincinnati & Richmond Railroad. He was also the mayor of Eaton, filling that important position during the period of the civil war. In 1853-4 he was a member of the state legislature of Ohio, and his influence has been marked in molding public opinion. His wise counsel and sound judgment have gained support to many measures that have largely contributed to the public

On the ioth of June, 1830, Mr. Hubbard was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Morey, of Butler county, Ohio. They had ten children, only one of whom is still living, Albert Edgar, who is connected with the Farmers' and Citizens' Bank at Eaton. Mrs. Hubbard died October 24, 1872, but Mr. Hubbard is still living, at the ripe old age of ninety-one years, and receives the veneration and respect which should always be accorded one who has traveled far along life's journey and has left behind an honorable and commendable record.

Rev. John H. Spitler

Rev. John H. Spitler, a well known and successful farmer residing on section 20, Monroe township, Preble county, Ohio, was born in Montgomery county, this state, December 14, 1835. The first representative of the family in America was Jacob Spitler, who came from Germany, but back of him the family originally came from Switzerland. Jacob Spitler was the paternal greatgrandfather of our subject. His paternal grandfather, John Spitler, was born in Virginia and came to Ohio when about twentyone years of age. He was soon afterward married in Montgomery county, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there at the age of eighty-nine years. Pie entered land from the government and when he located there the county was principally inhabited by Indians, who were always on friendly terms with him, exchanging with him venison and other wild meats for corn and other grains. John Spitler was a generous, kind-hearted man, and respected and beloved by all who knew him, and in business affairs was most successful. He was a man of strong mentality, and his descendants inherited his characteristics in many respects. It is worthy of note that seven of his grandsons have become skillful and successful physicians. He married Barbara Rohrer, a native of Maryland and of German descent. Joseph Spitler, the father of our subject, was born and reared in Clay township, Montgomery county, and continued to make his home there, engaged in agricultural pursuits, until called from this life at the age of seventy-six years. He married Barbara Limpert, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry Limpert, who also was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He came to Montgomery county, Ohio, when his daughter Barbara was but three years of age. She died at the age of fifty-five years. She was the mother of ten children, three sons and seven daughters, one of whom died at the age of two years.

In this family our subject was the second child and second son. Reared in his native township, he obtained his education in a primitive log school house with slab benches and a stick and mud chimney. He remained at home assisting in the operation of the farm until twenty-five years of age, when he was married, in i860, to Miss Emma Taylor, by whom he had one son, Elmer E., who died at the age of three months. The wife and mother died June 1, 1862, and in 1864 Mr. Spitler was again married, his second union being with Eliza Shurley, a native of Monroe township, Preble county, born on the farm where she now resides. Five children blessed this marriage: Mary L., now the wife of John farm implements, of Brookville, Montgomery county; Hawley A. married Nettie B. Miller and is a farmer of Monroe township; one child, a little son, died in infancy unnamed, and C. Shurley, who died at the age of twenty years. He was a promising man, of good education, being graduated at the Richmond Business College.

Mr. Spitler now owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-eight acres in Monroe township, Preble county, and the success that lie has achieved in life is due to his own well-directed and energetic efforts. In 1864, during the dark days of the civil war, he joined "the boys" in blue, enlisting in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served about five months. He was also a member of the home guards of Montgomery county two years, and held the rank of corporal. Later he enlisted in the United States army and held the rank of corporal until the close of the war. His regiment was a member of the Middle Division, Eighth Army Corps, and was under the command of Generals Sheridan and Wallace.

In i860 Mr. Spitler commenced preaching as a United Brethren minister, and has done much service as a local preacher. He has devoted much of his time to the work of the church, and is now serving as trustee of the United Brethren church at Eldorado, Ohio. Since casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln in i860 Mr. Spitler has been an ardent Republican. He has held several local offices in his township. Socially he is a member of Judy Shewman Post, No. 74) G. A. R., of Eldorado, and is now serving his ninth term as chaplain of the same. He has traveled extensively over the United States, visiting some sixteen of the states.

Hon. Philip A. Saylor

Hon. Philip A. Saylor has attained to a position of distinction in connection with the affairs of Preble county and is now ably serving as representative to the general assembly. His strong mentality, close study of the questions of the day and sound judgment well fitted him for leadership, and his course has been marked by patriotic devotion to the public good.

Mr. Saylor was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, on the 2d of January, 1871, and is a son of John W. and Lucinda (Shaffer) Saylor. His paternal grandfather, John D. Saylor, was a native of Pennsylvania, of German lineage, and became one of the early settlers of Preble county, Ohio, where he was soon known as a prominent contractor and builder. Many of the homes and the wooden bridges which he constructed are still in use and stand as monuments to his skill and enterprise. Not only was he well known in business circles but was also recognized as a leader in the Methodist Episcopal church, and took a very active part in establishing the cause of Methodism in this section of Ohio. His life, ever honorable and upright, commanded uniform respect. He died in the early '80s, at an advanced age, leaving to his family an untarnished name. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Philip and Elizabeth (Wescoe) Shaffer. He, too, was born in the Keystone state and was of German descent. At an early epoch in the pioneer history of Preble county he established a home within its borders and was actively identified with its agricultural interests for many years. He had a family of eleven children, ten of whom are still living, while nine are residents of Preble county. His honesty was proverbial, and throughout his long and active business career his word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature and seal. John W. Saylor, the father of our subject, was born in West Alexandria, Ohio, in 1831, here spent his boyhood days and obtained his education in the common schools. He apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade when about seventeen years of age, and on the completion of his term he began contracting and building. He erected many of the district schoolhouses in Darke and Montgomery counties and also took contracts for many other buildings. He was well known for his excellent workmanship and his reliability in all trade transactions, and therefore won a liberal patronage. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Shaffer, who was born in Preble county, in 1842. After the breaking out of the civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in the Twenty-second Ohio Infantry, in 1861. He became a member of Company E and with his command took part in the battles of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth and many minor engagements. He served for three years and three months, and, always being found at his post of duty faithfully defending the starry banner and the cause it represented, he returned to his home with an honorable military record. He then resumed contracting and building. In 1867 he removed to Van Wert county, where he resided until 1872, when he returned to West Alexandria and was again identified with the buildinginterests of the city until 1892. Since that time he has lived retired, in the enjoyment of about eighteen years he served as assessor of Lanier township, a fact which well indicates his fidelity to duty. Socially he is connected with Lanier Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., of West Alexandria. In his family were but two children, the elder being McClellan A., a farmer of Preble county.