Washington Township (part 17 of 21)

The younger son, Philip A. Saylor, spent his boyhood days in his parent's home, pursuing his education in the West Alexandria high school, in which he was graduated in the spring of 1888. The following fall he entered the Ohio Wesleyan University, where he pursued a classical course until reaching the senior year. He then entered Buchtel College, at Akron, where through one term he pursued the studies of the classical course. During his college days he took a very active part in athletic matters, and for three years during his attendance at Wesleyan University he was "varsity pitcher" of the base ball nine. Well qualified by his superior educational privileges for professional life, he began teaching in 1891, and after leaving Buchtel College, in the spring of 1893, he resumed the duties of the schoolroom, his career as an educator covering a period of eight years, six years of which time was passed as the principal of the Lexington schools. For two years he was the superintendent of the Lanier township high school. He was a most successful educator, for he had the ability to impart clearly and readily to others the knowledge which he had acquired. He made his way through college by money obtained as a member of the base ball team, and by teaching, and the determination which enabled him to get his education in this way is a marked characteristic which will lead to a very successful career. In 1897 he began reading law under Senator Oscar Sheppard, of West Alexan- dria, and in the fall of 1899 he abandoned the teacher's profession in order to give his attention more exclusively to his preparation for the bar. In September of that year he was chosen as the nominee on the Democratic ticket for the state legislature, and, notwithstanding the fact that his party has long been in the minority here, he was elected by a good majority, a fact which indicates his personal ability and the high degree of confidence reposed in his ability by his fellow men. In the house he manifested a patriotic spirit by his support of the various measures which he believed would prove of public benefit, and to all questions that came up for consideration he gave careful and earnest study, so that his advocacy of a measure is the result of an intelligent understanding of the situation it involved. In the fall of 1900 he entered the University of Cincinnati as a student in the law department, and is now completing his preparation for the bar. He was a member of the incorporated firm known as the Gem Canning Company, which is meeting with considerable success.

In August, 1899, Mr. Saylor was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Huggins, a daughter of Dr. Huggins, of West Alexandria. Their pleasant home is celebrated for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by a large circle of friends. Socially Mr. Saylor is connected with King Hiram Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M., and in the order he has filled all of the offices with the exception of that of master. A recognized leader in political circles, he has the qualities which will also make him a leader in his chosen profession. Gifted by nature with strong mentality, his concentration, determination and common sense will enable him to win a place among the representatives of his chosen calling. In manner he is genial and courteous and his many admirable characteristics have made him very popular citizen.

Well known as a prominent citizen of West Alexandria, and is a most able representative of the medical fraternity, Dr. Huggins is deserving of representation in the history of Preble county. He is numbered among its native sons, his birth having occurred in Lexington, on the 6th of September, 1836, his parents being James and Nancy (Clayton) Huggins. His father was born in Pennsylvania, on the 13th of April, 1797, and was reared to manhood in the Keystone state, there learning the trade of a carpenter and builder. After his marriage he engaged in contracting and building for a short time in Pennsylvania, but subsequently removed westward, locating in Cincinnati, where he spent several years. He also resided in Indiana for some time, and about 1834 took up his abode in Lexington, Preble county, where he continued to dwell until 1843. He then took up his residence in West Alexandria, where he passed his remaining days, departing this life in 1885, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. He was long an active and consistent member of the Methodist church, and was one of the leading representatives of the Masonic fraternity of West Alexandria, where he served as the senior warden for years. He found opportunities to exemplify the helpful spirit of the craft, and was accounted a leading Mason. His political support was given the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the Republican party. His wife, who was born February 22, 1797, in Pennsylvania, was of Scotch descent and died in 1878. They became the parents of six children, of whom three are yet living, namely : Maria, Lydia and the subject of this sketch.

Dr. Huggins spent his youth amid the refining influence of a good home and in the common schools acquired his elementary education, which was supplemented by a course of study in the Oxford College. Determining to adopt the medical profession as his life work, in 1854, he began reading medicine under the direction of Dr. R. P. Nisbet, of West Alexandria, and in 1858 matriculated in the Cincinnati Colege of Medicine and Surgery, in which institution he was graduated in the spring of 1859, on the completion of a thorough course. Returning to West Alexandria, he then opened an office and began practice. From the beginning his patronage increased as he demonstrated his ability to successfully handle difficult cases. The years passed and he maintained his place among the foremost physicians of this section of the state until 1898, when he retired to private life.

On the 25th of March, 1866, the Doctor was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Hoke, a native of northern Ohio and a most estimable lady, whose death in November, 1892, was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances as well as by her immediate family. They had two children : William, who for the past thirteen years has been a druggist of New York city; and Bertha, the wife of Hon. P. A. Saylor, of West Alexandria. In his political views the Doctor has ever been a stanch supporter of the Republican principles and in the '80s he served for four years as the county coroner, elected on the Republican ticket. Socially he is connected with King Hiram Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M., of West Alexandria, and of Lanier Lodge, I. O. O. F. As a physician and as a man and citizen Dr. Huggins takes high rank, his prominence being well merited on account of his sterling worth.

Eli Conger

Eli Conger, a retired farmer living in Eaton, was born in Dixon township, Preble county, on the 20th of December, 1819. The family is probably of Irish lineage, and it is thought that John Congor, the grandfather, was born on the Emerald Isle. He became a farmer of North Carolina and owned a number of slaves, but becoming convinced that such a practice was wrong he freed his slaves prior to the war. His son, Josiah Congor, the father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, and in the year 1806 emigrated westward, taking up his abode in Dixon township, Preble county, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the community and was an active factor in the early progress and upbuilding of the county. He had received a liberal education and at intervals engaged in teaching school. He also labored earnestly and continuously in the ministry, preaching for fourtoeen years in Preble county and in Wayne and Union counties, of Indiana. He preached the dedicatory sermon for the first Christian church ever built in Eaton, and his labors in behalf of Christianity were far-reaching in their beneficent influence. Early in life he gave his political support to the Democratic party and later joined the Whig party. In business lie was quite successful, becoming the owner of a valuable property. Ho married Catherine Runyon, a daughter of Barfoot Runyon, who was of German descent. Mr. Conger died in 1846, and his wife passed away in 1848. They were the parents of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, but only three are now living : Moses, who resides in Sugar Valley, and has reached the age of ninety-three years; Evelina, the widow of Jacob Marshall and a resident of Greenville, Ohio; and Eli, of this review. On both the paternal and maternal sides our subject is descended from good old Revolutionary stock, for his grandfathers, John Conger and John Runyon, were both valiant heroes in the American army during the war for independence.

Eli Conger, whose name introduces this review, received a good practical education in the common schools and began work on the farm at an early age. He was married when only nineteen, the lady of his choice being Lucinda McWhinney, a daughter of William McWhinney, of Tennessee. The wedding took place November 1, 1838, and through almost a half century of happy married life she was to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate. They had three children, of whom two are living: Carrie, now the wife of Colonel A. L. Harris, of Eaton; and James H., also of this city. In early life the parents united with the Christian church and Mrs. Conger was an active worker in its interests, doing all in her power to promote its welfare. She reared her children in that faith, teaching them both by precept and example. Her death occurred October 3, 1887, and her loss was mourned throughout the entire community, for she had many warm friends.

that office for nine years. At the age of twenty he was elected justice of the peace and served in that capacity for twelve years. He also served as county commissioner from 1872 until 1878. With the exception of the time he has given to official duties he has followed farming and auctioneering, and, although he is now living retired he is still the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land in Preble county, which he rents. In all his business dealings he was honorable and straightforward, winning the confidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. For a half century he has been a member of the Christian church, has held all of its offices, and has been most faithful to its teachings. He is one of the honored and respected pioneer residents of the county and well deserves mention in this volume.

William C. Singer

A well known farmer of Twin township, William Collins Singer, was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 8, 1847, and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Jane (Needham) Singer. His father was born in Harrison township, Preble county, on the 5th of August, 1820, and was a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Rape) Singer. The grandfather was also a native of Ohio, having been born in Muskingum county, and his father, Joseph Singer, came with his wife to America soon after their marriage. They had no capital with which to pay their passsage, and, as was the custom in those days, they were sold to one who would pay for the trip over. Thus they entered the service of a Mr. McCarty, for whom they had to work a given time in order to compensate him for the passage money. When they had fully met their obligation they came to Ohio, locating in Muskingum county, in the vicinity of Oldtown. It will thus be seen that the Singer family is one of the honored pioneer families of the state. The grandfather of our subject was reared near its borders and after attaining his majority he came to Preble county, entering a half section of land from

I the government in Harrison township. The townsite of Lewisburg now covers a portion of his old homestead. He took up his abode thereon in 1802 and continued the cultivation of his land until his death, which occurred in 1841, when he was in his sixty-eighth year. He was one of the sturdy and reliable early settlers of the community who endured hardships and trials in founding a home on the frontier. He was thus active in laying the foundation for the present prosperity and progress of Preble county and his name deserves a place upon the pages of this history. During the war of 1812 he responded to the call for troops and was a loyal member of the American army. He married Elizabeth Rape and they became the parents of thirteen children, five of whom are yet living, namely : Henry ; Jane, the wife of Monroe Hollinger, of Marion, Indiana; Solomon, a farmer of Harrison township ; Lewis, a farmer of Winthrop, Iowa, and Isabelle, the wife of Dr. J. Barnett, of North Manchester, Indiana.

Plenry Singer, the father of our subject, was reared on the old family homestead and acquired his education in the subscription | schools common at that day. The father died just before the son attained his majority and he and an older brother continued I upon the home farm, cultivating the land and performing the other work necessary to the successful conduct of the place. On the 13th of September, 1846, Henry Singer wedded Miss Elizabeth J. Needham, a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, and a daughter of Ivy and Sarah (Henderson) Needham. The grandmother Needham was a daughter of James Henderson, who was of Scotch descent. His wife, Sarah Henderson, was a daughter of Isaac Peters, who came to America from England during childhood. The great-grandmother bore the name of Willis. Jesse Needham was born in North Carolina and came to Ohio in an early day, locating on Twin creek, in Lanier township, Preble county. Later he removed to Flat Rock, Indiana, where he resided until his death. He was a tailor by trade and followed that pursuit for some years, but afterward engaged in farming. The grandfather of our subject had a brother, James Needham, who was a noted minister and preached his last sermon only a few months before his death, and he lacked one month of being one hundred years of age at the time of his death. For many years he was a presiding elder in the Methodist church. He devoted more than seventy-five years of his life to the work of the ministry and accomplished great good through an active career that extended over three-quarters of a century. Mrs. Singer's father was a native of Randolph county, and her mother of Guilford county, North Carolina. They came to Preble county when she was only six years of age. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Singer was a cabinet maker in early life, but on emigrating to Ohio located on a farm near Winchester, in Lanier township, Prehle county. In 1845, however, he removed to Piqua and became well known as a horticulturist. After the death of his wife in 1877 he removed to Dayton, Ohio, where he lived retired until his death in 1885.

tinned upon the old homestead with his brother for eleven years and then sold his interest in the farm to his brother, purchasing one hundred and five acres of land in Monroe township. After carrying on farming there for five years he exchanged the property for his present farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres, upon which he has since resided. His efforts have been attended with success and he is one of the most highly esteemed farmers of the county. He holds membership in the United Brethren church and in politics was formerly a Whig but joined the Republican party on its organization and has since been one of its stalwart advocates. His wife has been a member of the Methodist church since her thirteenth year and has been connected with the congregation at Lewisburg for the past fiftysix years. She is an earnest Christian woman and enjoys the high regard of all with whom she has been associated.

William Collins Singer spent his boyhood days in his parents' home and to the common schools he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. At the age of twenty he went to Dayton, where he worked for an uncle at gardening for a year. On the expiration of that period he rented land and began gardening on his own account, making a specialty of the raising of potatoes and melons. During the summer season he bought and shipped melons and fruits on a very extensive scale, carrying on a large business, hut after ten years spent at Dayton he removed to Jackson county, Indiana, passing the succeeding decade at Brownstown and Seymour in the same business. For two seasons he also represented the Madison Packing Company, buying fruit throughout southern Illinois for that firm. In February, 1883, he returned home and

On the 3d of January, 1896, Mr. Singer was united in marriage to Miss Florence Brown, a native of Preble county and a daughter of Jacob Brown, who was one of the early teachers of this county and later a successful business man of Lewisburg. Mr. Singer is a member of Libanus Lodge, No. 88, F. & A. M. He gives his political support to the Republican party and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He possesses excellent business and executive ability and in the conduct of his affairs is winning a creditable success.

Frank O. Dunlap

Among the farmers of Dixon township whose enterprising efforts have won him success is Frank O. Dunlap, whose birth occurred in Lanier township, on the 30th of May, 1846. His father, Abner Dunlap, was a native of Frederick county, Virginia, and the grandfather was born on the Emerald Isle. On crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he took up his abode in Virginia, whore he spent his remaining days. Abner Dunlap removed to Ohio, locating in Lanier township, Preble county, in 1830. For forty years he was actively and successfully engaged in farming, but in 1870 removed to Eaton and became the president of the Farmers & Citizens' Bank in that place, holding the position for eight years. By trade he was a cooper and in his business affairs was very successful, steadily working his way upward by determined purpose and unfaltering energy. He was an excellent financier and a man of keen discernment, certainly meriting the proud American title of a self-made man. He voted with the Democratic party and was a man of much influence in political circles. He contributed most liberally to the support of the church, aided in the erection of the house of worship of the Christ church, in Eaton, and served as one of its trustees. His judgment was rarely at fault and he was a prominent and public spirited man who gave his aid and encouragement to all movements which he believed would prove of public benefit. He died September 30, 1897, respected by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Sample and was a daughter of Samuel Sample, of Virginia, died in 1887. They had nine children, of whom four are living, namely : Melissa, wife of Perry Alexander, of Eaton; Warren, of Eaton ; Alice, wife of H. M. Markley, and Frank O.

The last named pursued his education in the common schools, was reared to farm life and in 1885 purchased eighty acres of land and began farming on his own account. As his financial resources increased, he has added to his property and is now the owner of five hundred and seventeen acres of valuable land upon which he successfully carries on general farming. From 1871 until 1874 he was in the furniture and undertaking business in Eaton, but with this exception he has always given his attention to the tilling of the soil and has found it a profitable source of income.

Mr. Dunlap has been twice married. On the 5th of December, 1872, he married Miss Nettie Johnson, of West Alexandria, who died December 2, 1887. They had three children, Charles A., Samuel J. and Mary E. On the 2d of February, 1890, Mr. Dunlap was married to Mrs. Minnie (Goldsmith) Taylor, a widow, having one child,

Glenn M. Taylor. By the second marriage of our subject there are four children: Stella, Lester L.-, Leila and Joseph H. The family attend church at Concord and Mr. Dunlap contributes liberally to its support and encourages all movements and measures that are calculated to secure- advancement along material, social, moral and educational lines. He is known as one of the leading farmers and one of the reliable business men of Preble- county, and enjoys the high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Werter D. Singer

Among the successful and influential farmers of Preble county is the subject of this review, whose fine- homestead is located on section 22, Twin township, and he is a worthy scion of the sturdy pioneer stock which had so important an influence in laying broad and deep the foundations of the county's prosperity. It is thus signally appropriate that the family should find distinct repre-sentatiion in this work, and on other pages will be found detailed mention of the father of our subject, with complete genealogical records and other pertinent data.

Werter Davis Singer, the immediate subject of this review, is a native son of Preble county, having been born in Harrison township, on the 1 8th of October, 1849, the- son of Henry and Elizabeth (Needham) Singer, who were the parents of six children, of whom four survive, namely: William Collins, of Twin township, this county, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits; Werter D., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary E., the wife of Franklin Beam, a farmer of Twin township; and Francis IT, a farmer and dairyman of Harrison township. The long identification of the family name with the annals of Preble county may be inferred when it is stated that the father of onr subject is likewise a native of Harrison township, where he was born on the 5th of August, 1820. Here he was reared to maturity, growing up under the invigorating discipline of the farm, and here he married and has passed his long and useful life. He began farming on the old homestead after his marriage, later selling his interest to his brother and removing to a farm west of Lewisburg, where he resided until 1859, when he became a resident of Brennersville. this county, where he still makes his home, secure in the respect and esteem of the community.

Werter D. Singer grew to maturity at the farm home of his parents, receiving his educational discipline in the common schools. On the 1 8th of June, 1876, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Bean, a native of Twin township, this county, where she was born on the place which is now her home, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Mills) Bean. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, the date of his nativity being 1809. When he was a boy of nine years he accompanied his parents on their removal from the old Keystone state to the wilds of Preble county, his father, Henry Bean, settling on the farm now occupied by our subject and becoming one of the honored pioneers of the county. The land was purchased from the government, and here the father and grandfather of Mrs. Singer lived and died, the former having been a resident of the town of West Alexandria for three years.

After his marriage our subject continued to reside in Harrison township for one year, after which he rented a farm in Twin township for a year, then removing to the home farm of his father-in-law, renting the place for twelve years and working ceaselessly and with excellent discrimination, he was signally successful in his efforts and was able to effect the purchase of the homestead in 1891, and here he has one of the finest farm homes in the county, being recognized as one of the progressive and influential farmers of this section of the state and being held in the highest estimation in the community. He has recently remodeled his residence, building an addition to the same and making its appointments modern throughout. The home is one of attractive order and here a genial hospitality is dispensed to the large circle of friends. In politics our subject supports the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for public office, preferring to devote his attention to his private interests.

To Mr. and Mrs. Singer six children have been born, namely: Vermont D., a successful farmer, married Ova Ryder and they have one child, Ralph R. ; Nellie G., deceased; Ethel L., deceased; Charles H. B., at home; Josie L., at homo; and Chester H., deceased.

David E. Hendricks

David English Hendricks, the father of General George D. Hendricks, of whom extended mention follows this sketch, was born in Middletown Point, Monmouth county, New Jersey, June 15, 1765. His death occurred in Eaton, Ohio, September 8, 1845. His father, grandfather and others of the family emigrated to America from Holland early in the eighteenth century. The family of which David E. was a member, settled in New Jersey and our subject grew to man- hood in that state. Making his way to Pittsburg, we find him next participating in General Wayne's expedition in the northwest against the Indians. This military service brought him into southwestern Ohio, and after the treaty of Greenville, in 1795, he married Rosanna Stackhouse, lived for a time at Milliken's Bend, Butler county ; later at Camden, Preble county, and in 1806 he became the first permanent settler of the town of Eaton, the second house of which place was built by him. He served with distinction in the war of 1812, raising a company for that struggle and being made its captain. After the close of his service in this, our second war with Great Britain, the Captain spent the remainder of his life quietly in business pursuits, continuing for the most part his residence in Eaton.

George D. Hendricks

Among the notables who were born, lived and died in this county few, if any, have been so universally known to our population, in his day and generation, and so generally acquainted with the inhabitants, as was General George D. Hendricks. His paternal ancestors were Dutch, who came from Holland prior to our Revolutionary war, settling in New Jersey, while it was a British colony. His father, Captain David E. Hendricks, was born there in 1765, and served as a soldier in the western Indian wars with Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne. After the treaty of Greenville, in 1795, be married Rosanna Stackhouse and lived for a time at Milliken's Bend in Butler county, from which place he moved to Camden, where George was born, on the 3rd day of October, 1805. It is claimed that the subject of this sketch was the first white male child born in the county. While he was still an infant in arms, the family moved to Eaton, then just laid out by William Bruce. Captain Hendricks built the second house on the town plat, on West Main street, and kept the first tavern of the town. Very early in life young George manifested a love for books and a desire for learning, making such progress in school that in his 'teens he was found to have acquired education enough to fit him for teaching in the schools of the country. In his early manhood he taught not only the common "three-R" schools, but had also acquired knowledge of English grammar, lectured upon the sciences, and gave writing lessons ali over the country, earning many an honest penny in this way. He was not long in drifting into politics, and from his natural adaptation, genial nature and popularity became a leader among men. Soon we had in our local politics what was known as the "Hendricks' party'' pitted against the "Hawkins' party'' that dominated our county. This contest was more a matter of personality than any difference of principles. The tact and management of the leader of the new party soon gave him the ascendancy over the old. His debut into public life was as a candidate for auditor, to which position he was elected by an overwhelming majority of votes. He was subsequently elected to the lower branch of the general assembly, to the state senate and the sheriffalty, besides divers minor offices, in all of which he gave general satisfaction.

For a time he owned, edited and published the Eaton Register, and by his acquaintance and influence increased its subscriptions considerably. He inaugurated a system of free delivery by a private post, boys distributing the papers on horseback over the county. Being of military descent, he seemed to inherit a taste for military life, and held sundry offices, from the minor ones to that of brigadier-general of militia. When the Texas people- were struggling against Mexico for independence, the subject of our sketch, fired with military ardor, left his home and hied away to join the Texan army as a private soldier. He did gallant service under the Lone Star flag beside General Sam Houston, and Albert Sidney Johnston, of Confederate fame, who fell at the battle- of Shiloh. The military experience in Texas fitted him for being of great assistance in the time of the civil war, recruiting the ranks and giving instructions to raw soldiers in their duties.

After the restoration of the Union he engaged in a land agency in the west for some years, and when he began to age returned to the place of his nativity to spend the closing years of a long, active life, amid the scenes of his childhood and among the friends of his young manhood. The last few years of a long, well-spent life in varied lines of usefulness found him stricken with severe physical ailments that finally impaired his mind and he lingered and suffered for a long time, being a great care to his faithful and loving daughters that were with him like ministering angels to the end, which came on the 4th of May, 1900, at the advanced age of almost ninety-five years. His remains were laid in the beautiful Mound Cemetery that he had seen grow from a single grave to a city of the dead with thousands of population. He was laid beside his wife, who was buried nearly twelve years before, being borne to his last resting place by his grandsons as pall bearers.

This man of mark and many noble deeds was an eccentric character, the like of whom will not be seen again. He was a person of infinite humor who like the Shakespearean character set many a crowd in a roar of laughter, never omitting a chance to practice a joke or have a bit of fun. He knew no fear and it could well be said of him, "He was brave as a lion and as tender as a woman." His genial and sympathetic nature made him a general favorite, and preeminently so among the young. In the sense that age is a matter of feeling rather than of years, Mr. Hendricks was young until late in life. He was an attendant at all manner of gatherings in all parts of the county, always welcome, and the hero in work or play. At reunions, log-rollings, house-raisings, wood-choppings, corn-huskings, apple-parings, quiltings, wool-pickings and weddings he was ever ready to take a hand, and, whether it was work or fun and frolic, he was well to the front. He could jump, wrestle or sprint with the best. I hough small and having a crippled arm, few men were ever able to put him on his back, leap further or outrun him. Both in physical and mental activity, there were few that equaled him. His heart was large and his hand open to help those in need, none of whom were turned away empty when he could give. According to his means he favored as many of his fellows as any one in the county. He did not always wait, but often sought out objects of charity. No doubt he had faults, as none are perfect, but his manifold acts of charity and loving kindness were enough to hide many. The good that men do should live after them, and the evil be buried with their dust. So let it be with this benevolent man !

seventy-three years, respected by all who knew him. He was a native of this locality and was the second white child born in the comity. His father, Isaac Stephens, was a native of Tennessee and came to this town at a very early clay, when Indians were still numerous in western Ohio. He was prominently connected with the pioneer development of the county, took an active part in opening up the way for civilization and was the first postmaster and justice of the peace in Eaton. He followed farming and also shipped produce on flatboats down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans. In all matters of public concern he took a deep interest and was a recognized leader of public thought and movement. For many years he served as recorder, and, no matter what political party was in power, his influence was very marked.

Dr. Stephens was reared in a pioneer home and was familiar with the history of the early development and progress 'of Preble county. He pursued his preliminary education in the common schools and afterward pursued his studies at Oxford. He prepared for his professional career as a student in the Cincinnati Medical College, in which institution he was graduated. After traveling in Darke county for a time, he located in Eaton, where he engaged in practice until 1849. He then went to Camden, Preble county, to aid in relieving the sufferers from the awful cholera epidemic and continued his residence in that city until the war. After the inauguration of hostilities between the north and the south, he offered his services to the government and in September, 1861, was commissioned a surgeon in the Sixth Ohio Infantry, known as the Guthrie Greys, of Mexican fame. He participated in many battles and had charge of large stores. He was also in charge of hospitals at different times, and during some portions of the war his wife was with him and assisted in caring for the sick and wounded.

Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Dr. Stephens returned to Preble county and was numbered among its most able, skillful and successful medical practitioners until his death. He was an active member of the County Medical Society and was an honorary member of the different medical organizations. In 1881 he was appointed to take charge of the Soldiers' Home and continued in that position for four years. From the time of the war until his death he served as county coroner, proving a faithful officer. One of the older members of the medical fraternity in Preble county, he was one of the most prominent and at all times he was a student and was not only a close follower of advance but was also a leader in investigation and carried his research into new and untried fields.

On the 1 2th of September, 1850, Dr. Stephens was united in marriage to Miss Ann G. Hutchins, a daughter of George E. Hutchins. Her father was a native of Monmouth, New Jersey, and belonged to an old Quaker family. His father became one of the early settlers of Butler county, Ohio. Mrs. Stephens' father purchased land in Preble county, but she was born in Butler county. She is a consistent member of the Society of Friends, has been active in charitable work and is a leading member of the Woman's Relief Corps. She also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Home Missionary Society and has taken a leading part in its work. Having passed the allotted age of three score years and ten. Dr. Stephens' professional career was a long as well as an active, useful and honorable one. Throughout the county he was held in the highest regard, and his worth as a man, a citizen and a physician was widely recognized.

Alexander Barr

This representative farmer and progressive citizen of Orangeburg now owns and manages a well improved and valuable farm on section 34, Jefferson township, Preble county, Ohio. He was born in that township, December 1, 1832, and belongs to two of the old and honored families of the county, both of Scotch descent. His father, Christopher C. Barr, was a native of Pennsylvania and a son of Alexander Barr, who w?as born in Scotland and on his emigration to America, located first in Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Warren county, Ohio, and in 1813 to Preble county. He was a well educated man for his day and taught the first district school in Jefferson township, where he made his home until called to his final rest at the age of fifty-five years.

The father of our subject was quite young, when, in 1813, he accompanied his parents on their removal to this county. In Jefferson township he married Jane P. Johnson, a native of the county and a daughter of Gavin Johnson, who was born in Pennsylvania and took up his residence here in the spring of 1813, his home being in the same school district of Jefferson township where our subject's paternal grandfather settled. Mr. Johnson was the first to locate there and was the founder of Orangeburg, which village he laid out. He was a farmer by occupation and a hard working man, who died at about the age of fifty-six years. After his marriage Christopher C. Barr continued to make his home in Jefferson township, until his death, which occurred in 1835, when only twenty-eight years of age. In his family were only two children, the daughter being Nancy Eliza, who died many years ago.

Our subject is the only son and only representative of the Barr family living. In his native township he was reared and educated, and on reaching the age of twenty years purchased the old homestead, which he successfully operated until 1876, when he bought his present farm, known as the Jacob Wisenbarger farm, and here he has since resided. He now owns two hundred and twenty-seven acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved, and in connection with farming he is engaged in the manufacture of brooms, to which he has devoted a part of his time for thirty-five years. In both undertakings he has been successful.

On the 25th of October, 1859, Mr. Barr was united in marriage with Miss Achsah Curry, who was also born in Jefferson township, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county, being a daughter of John and Nancy Ann (Brinley) Curry, who came here from New Jersey about 1820. Our subject and his wife have nine children, five sons and four daughters, namely: Alice J., the wife of William D. Benner; of Jackson township, Preble county; John C. and Clarence P., both at home; Myrtle L., the wife of William Ervin, of Eldorado; Frank A., who is with the Adams Express Company, at Chicago; Mary A., the wife of Herbert Harshman; William A., who is clerking for Marshall Field, of Chicago ; Pearl M., a graduate of the high school of New Paris, and Bruce O., at home.

traveled extensively, but at the end of that time returned to his native county, with whose interests he has since been identified. He was instrumental in getting the national pike through the county, which was at first known as the Orangeburg & State Line Pike, and has taken an active interest in all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit, He was a school director twenty-three years, and clerk of the district most of that time. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian.

Jacob Sterzenbach

For half a century Jacob Sterzenbach has resided upon his present fine farm in Somers township, two and a half miles east of Camden. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1829, and was brought to Somers township in 1831, about sixty-nine years ago. The family is of German lineage. His father, George C. Sterzenbach, was born in Bavaria, on the 1 2th of December, 1796, and in 1821 came from South America to the United States, locating in Philadelphia. He left his home in Germany when sixteen years of age and traveled throughout the fatherland, working at his trade of coopering, and when about twenty years of age lie became a member of the German army and was taken to South America, for the country anticipated war there. Not wishing, however, to remain in the army, he left without asking permission and took passage on board Commodore Perry's vessel. Thus they were brought to Philadelphia, where Mr. Sterzenbach arrived about 1820, without means, having spent all he had in getting away from the war-ship in southern waters.

Heller, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, born in 1807. They located in Somerville, Butler county, Ohio, in 1831, making the journey from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, with a horse and jolt wagon. They journeyed westward with a party, bringing with them some bedding and a few hundred dollars. The latter was invested in the purchase of a home in Somerville, where the father engaged in coopering, manufacturing barrels and other things along that line. He built up a good business, his trade reaching extensive proportions. He furnished employment to eight hands and the seventeen years which he spent in Somerville was a prosperous era in his life. In 1848 he came to Preble county and purchased the farm adjoining that upon which our subject now resides. He thus became the owner of seventy-five acres, for which he paid seventeen hundred dollars. Upon the place was a good hewed-log house. He also paid thirteen hundred dollars for eighty acres of land, and upon that farm was also a hewed log-house. In his family were ten children - three sons and seven daughters - and, with the exception of our subject all were born in Somerville. The other chidren were : Susan, who died at the age of seventeen years; Caroline, who became the wife of George Haywood and died in 1895, at the age of sixty-two years, leaving five children; Franklin, who died in early childhood; Catherine, who died when seven years of age; Christian, who also died in childhood; Elizabeth, the widow of Alexander Wood, of Madison county, Indiana; Charlotte, who died in early womanhood; and George, who was in the civil war, enlisting first in Illinois and afterward with a company from Preble county, Ohio. He was married but had no children. The fa-

Mr. Sterzenbach, whose name introduces this review, received but limited school privileges, for during his boyhood he began work at the cooper's trade in his father's shop, his time being largely given to that pursuit. He was married April 24, 1850, to Rexel Frederika Houle, who was born May 17, 1829, in Stuttgart, Germany, a daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Weinner) Houk, who became residents of Pennsylvania about 1830, and in 1832 took up their residence in Somerville, Ohio. They had six children, but only three grew to mature years. Mrs. Sterzenbach has one sister, Mrs. Sarah Earhart, who is living in Eaton. Our subject and his wife have lost two children, an infant son and Willie, who died at the age of three years. The living are : Caroline, the wife of Adrian Welter, a farmer of this neighborhood, by whom she has two children; Samuel E., of Camden, is married and has three children; Margaret E., the wife of Irwin Roody, of Eaton, by whom she has one son, and Mary Irene, a bright and intelligent young lady, at home.

Mr. Sterzenbach is a quiet, unassuming man who devotes his energies to farming. He has followed the oven tenor of his way as the years have passed by, his attention being given to the raising of stock and grain. He keeps the soil in good condition by the rotation of crops, which are planted in the following order: clover, corn and wheat. He feeds all his fodder to his stock and cuts his cornstalks fine, thereby causing the least possible waste. His darge barn is one of the solid old buildings of the county, being constructed of heavy hewed timbers. It also has a basement which furnishes good shelter for his stock. In his social relations Mr. Sterzenbach is an Odd Fellow and in politics is a Democrat where national issues are concerned, but at local elections, where no national issue is involved, he frequently votes independently. He served as township trustee from 1872 until 1891 and was the first Democrat ever elected to that position in this Republican district, a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the high regard in which he. is held by his fellow townsmen, as well as the trust which they repose in him.

Samuel Hawkins

Colonel Samuel Hawkins, one of the foremost pioneers of Preble county, was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, in the year 1762, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the colonial army and continued his services in the struggle for independence until the close of the Revolutionary war. He married a Miss Washington, a sister of a companion-in-arms, and without returning to his home joined a company of emigrants and went to the territory of Kentucky, settling in Bourbon county. Here he bore the part of a hardy pioneer and was prominent and active in the campaigns against the Indians in Kentucky and Ohio. Soon after Wayne's treaty was made, Colonel Hawkins removed to Ohio and settled on the Miami river in Butler county. In 1799 he removed to Montgomery county and thence to Eaton in 1806. In Eaton he built a tavern and was its proprietor until the war of 1812 came on, and in response to a call for volunteers Colonel Hawkins again gave up the duties of civil life and engaged in the conflict with the Indians on the frontier. The following is quoted from history :

"After the surrender of Detroit, the Indians, under Tecumseh besieged Forts Wayne and Harrison, and an express beingsent to General Harrison, informing him of the danger that menaced these posts, he called for volunteers to join him on his way to relieve the seige. On the 8th of September he was joined by Colonel R. M. Johnson with two hundred men from Kentucky, and on the 9th at the Shawnee crossing of the St. Mary's river, was joined by Colonels Hawkins and Adams with eight hundred men from Ohio. From this point they made their way as fast as possible toward the unprotected forts. Colonel Hawkins was in advance, and when he had reached a creek about nine miles from their destination he called a halt for the purpose of feeding and watering the horses. Just as he was stooping to pour out some oats for the fine animal which he rode, the head of the Kentucky battalion arrived in view, and a soldier in the front ranks, unaware that the other troops had halted, catching sight of the Colonel through the brush, supposed him to be an Indian, and fired upon him. The rifle ball was true to its mark : it struck Colonel Hawkins upon the right shoulder and inflicted a terrible wound, from the effects of which he died two years afterward (1814), at the house of his second son, John J. Hawkins. His wife's death occurred about a year before the Colonel's. And so at an early day passed away this pair of brave, true pioneers."

Joseph C. Hawkins

Joseph C. Hawkins was born in the year 1784, in Bourbon county, Kentucky. Of his father, Colonel Samuel Hawkins, extended mention is made in the above sketch.

Our subject came to Ohio with his father's family. He married near Germantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, and in the year 1806 came to Eaton, where his eldest child, who became Mrs. Mary Gray, was born the same year, one of the earliest births in the town of Eaton. Mr. Hawkins' wife, nee Isabella Pogue, died about the year 1820.

Joseph C. Hawkins was for many years one of Preble county's best known and most prominent citizens. He held several positions of honor and trust, and was universally respected by a wide circle of acquaintances. He lived to the age of sixty-five years. During the war of 1812 he was made the captain of a company of Preble county militia called out to defend the frontier against depredations of the Indian allies of Great Britain.

In 1815 Captain Hawkins was elected to the house of representatives, and held the position of representative until 1819, when he was elected county clerk, and this office he filled until 1833. Mr. Hawkins was an ardent Whig and was appointed by the elder Harrison administration register in the land office at Fairfield, Iowa. He died in Eaton, March 12, 1849.

Joseph Sevier Hawkins

The subject of this sketch was a native ot Eaton, born October 24, 1812. His father was Captain Joseph C. Hawkins, and his grandfather was Colonel Samuel Hawkins. Sevier Hawkins, as our subject was universally called and known, received a commonschool education, which was supplemented by a course in the Miami University, at Oxford. At this institution he did not graduate, for he was suspended by the faculty for some youthful error. For a short time thereafter he was employed in the wholesale dry goods store of Van Ausdal & Gray, in Cincinnati. Returning to Eaton, he began the study of the law in the- office of his brother-in-law, John M. U. McNutt, and in 1834 was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession in partnership with Mr. Mc- Nutt, which partnership continued until the death of Mr. McNutt, in 1837. After the death of his partner, Mr. Hawkins continued the practice- alone until the admission of his brother, A. J. Hawkins, with whom and with William J. Gilmore he was associated in business until the date of his' death, August 4, 1852.

Intellectually he was the equal of any of his contemporaries, hie was a profound lawyer, able debater, superior advocate before a jury, and was possessed of a wide range of information. In politics he was an active and earnest Whig. In 1840 he was elected a member of the house of representatives from Preble county in the state legislature, and was re-elected to the same office in 1841, and again in 1843 and I847, and in the session of 1847 was elected speaker of the house. Again in 1849, he was re-elected to the legislature, and on the assembling of that body he was the Whig candidate for speaker of the house, but was defeated, the Democratic candidate being elected by the union of the Democrats and Free-soilers.

When the Mexican war began Mr. Hawkins recruited a company for service in the army, and was made its captain; but, although he marched his company to the rendezvous at Camp Washington, Cincinnati, his company was not accepted, as the requisition for the state- had already been filled. His company was returned home and disbanded.

Andrew J. Hawkins

Andrew Jackson Hawkins, a son of Captain Joseph C. Hawkins, was born in Eaton, Ohio, July 15, 1815. After receiving a fair common school education he was employed for several years in the wholesale dry goods house of Van Ausdal & Gray, at Cincinnati. In the year 1835 his father opened a dry goods store in Hagerstown, Indiana, and our subject and his father together remained there until 1841, when the father was appointed register of the- land office at Fairfield, Iowa, and took his son with him to that place, as a clerk in his office. A few years later young Hawkins returned to Eaton and began the study of law with his brother, and after he was admitted to the- bar he was associated with his brother in practice until his death, February 16, 1849. He gained a fair reputation as an attorney, his noted character for candor gaining for him a great prestige before a jury. He was quiet and unobtrusive in manner, respected and appreciated. In politics he was a pronounced Whig, but never sought or held office.

Isaac A. Tyler

Among the native sons of Ohio who through an active business career have been identified with the Buckeye state and have ever contributed toward its material improve- ment, progress and advancement, is Isaac A. Tyler, who now follows farming on section 4, Jackson township, Preble county. He was born in Newbury township, Geauga county, on the 9th of September, 1832. His father, Cutler Tyler, was born at Western, now Warren, Massachusetts, on the 19th of November, 1794, and his tastes were in the line of mechanical pursuits. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and at the age of eighteen bought his time of his father and entered upon an independent business career. He was not only self-reliant and resolute, but possessed great energy and physical power of endurance, as evidenced by the fact that he walked from Western to Boston, a distance of over seventy miles - in a single day, returning the following day.

In 1818, in company with Marsena Munn, his family and others, he came to Ohio, leaving Munson, Massachusetts, May 19th and reaching Newbury on the 28th of June. During the following autumn or winter he returned on foot to the Bay state, and in 1819 again started for Ohio with a horse and sleigh, but was obliged to leave his sleigh and secure a wagon before reaching his destination. Here, while others leveled the forests, he used the timber in the erection of dwellings for the pioneer families, and some of the earliest and best buildings in Burton and Newbury stand as monuments to his thrift, industry and capable workmanship. More for the purpose of securing a home than the following of agricultural pursuits, he purchased a farm in the southern part of Newbury township, Geauga county, and on the 13th of November, 1825, lie was married to Miss Sarab Fisher. The young couple began their domestic life in their log-cabin home situated near the site of their frame house which

Mr. Tyler afterward built and which he occupied until his death. It is now occupied by his daughter Ruth and her husband, John B. Waterton. There Mr. Tyler gradually gave more and more attention to the agricultural pursuits, frequently, however, finding use for his carpenter tools in making improvements on his own and his neighbors' farms.

His work was durable and substantial and many of the structures which he erected still stand as monuments to his handiwork and bid fair to outlast even another generation. Such was not only the nature of his work but also of his word, which was as good as a "gilt-edged bond. He was just and fair in all his dealings and his opinions and judgments commanded the respect and confidence of all. For several years he filled the office of justice of the peace, and on other occasions filled different township offices. He reluctantly accepted these and never sought political preferment, but his fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability and his integrity in the discharge of official duty, greatly desired that he should serve them in some such capacity. When between the ages of forty and fifty years he made a public profession of religion and was baptized, but united with no church. He was, however, a firm believer in Christianity, was a liberal contributor to the support of the gospel and maintained family worship in his own home. His wife was an active and devoted Christian woman, holding membership in the Congregational church. They were also warm friends of the cause of temperance, of education and of true reform, and not only ministers but temperance and scientific and antislavery lecturers also enjoyed the generous hospitality of 'Squire Tyler's home. Reared amid such circumstances and home teachings, it is not strange that of his six children who lived to years of maturity not one has ever used tobacco or alcoholic stimulants as a beverage. The poor and needy- found in Mr. and Mrs. Tyler their greatest friends and never sought their aid in vain. He was indeed a charitable man whose benevolences were executed in the spirit of the mandate, '"Let not your right hand know what your left hand doeth." He was one of the first and most active in planning and furnishing funds for the brick house and school room at Newbury, and his funeral was the first service held in the church room.

One little incident in his life shows that his disposition to overcome difficulties is worthy of mention. During one season, when he was building one of his barns, he was also having a well dug, and on a certain day while looking into the well he fell in. As he did so some of the toes on one of his feet wore bent over backward. Dr. Ludlow proposed setting them, an operation which Would require him to keep quiet for some time and thus keep him from his work. Mr. Tyler, however, wished them to be cut off. This the doctor refused to do; so with the chisel and mallet with one blow Mr. Tyler severed them from his foot, after which the doctor dressed the injured member and with a block nailed to the sole of his shoe and the upper leather cut from the toe, the father of our subject resumed work on his farm again.

Death came to him unexpectedly and he passed away April 3, 1857. He was returning from Cleveland and while he was descending the hill west of Chagrin Falls he was observed in a reclining position in his wagon, and when help reached him he gave a few gasps and all was over. Thus at the age of sixty-two he quickly passed away, leaving many friends on this side the dark river sorrowing, but not without the bright hope of meeting him in the home beyond. His memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him, and surely the world is better for his having lived. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Fisher, and to her husband was ever a faithful companion and helpmeet on life's journey, aiding him in all his work that tended to make the world better. She carefully reared her family of eight children, four of whom are yet living, namely : Isaac A. ; Ruth, wife of John B. Waterton, who resides on the old homestead ; Reuben, an attorney in Wyoming, Ohio, and John W., an attorney of Cleveland.

On his father's farm Isaac A. Tyler spent the years of his minority and in the common schools acquired his preliminary education, which was supplemented by study in the Oberlin College and in the Burton Academy. At the age of twenty he began teaching, following that profession through the winter seasons, while in the summer months he worked upon the farm until his father's death. After his marriage in 1859 he removed to Butler county, Ohio, but in i860 came to Jefferson township, Preble county, where he purchased eighty-eight and a half acres of land and engaged in farming on his own account. He continued his teaching through the winter of 1864 and then abandoned that profession in order to devote his time exclusively to the operation of his land. He continued in Jefferson township up to 1883, when he took up his abode in Jackson township, where he has since resided, here having two hundred and sixty acres of land,

On the 31st of March, 1859, Mr. Tyler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Hetzler, a native of Germantown, Montgomery county, born October 9, 1830, and a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Hetzler. Her father was one of the native sons and well known agriculturists of Montgomery county, whither his father had come in an early day. The latter took up his abode on Brown's run and there spent his remaining days.

Mr. and Mrs. Tyler had two children : Samuel C.,a hardware merchant of Norwalk, Ohio; and John William, at home. The mother died in 1877 and in 1879 Mr. Tyler married Miss Louisa Jane- Downing, a native of Darke county. Her mother belonged to the Morrison family, who were among the earliest settlers of Jefferson township, coming from Kentucky to this county in the year 1806. By the second marriage there was one child, now deceased. Mrs. Tyler also passed away July 3, 1895.

In his political views Mr. Tyler is a stalwart Republican. In early life he was a member of the Congregational church, but since coming to this locality has not identified himself with any organization, tie is, however, an earnest Christian gentleman, contributes of his means to the support of the church and is one of the well known and highly respected residents of Preble county. In his business affairs he has prospered and is to-day one of the substantial agriculturists of his community. Although sixtyeight years of age he possesses great energy and physical endurance and does as much work as any man on his farm. His characteristics have led to the development of a worthy manhood, and in all life's relations he

John M. U. McNutt, a native of the province of Nova Scotia, was born in Halifax, July 25, 1802, and his death occurred in Eaton, Ohio, September 25, 1837. His parents were natives of the state of New Jersey, and had emigrated to Nova Scotia some few years after the close of the war of the Revolution.

Our subject received a collegiate education. He was a thorough classical scholar, of fine literary taste and broad intellectual endowment. He came to Preble county in 1822 and first took up his residence in the village of New Lexington. Here he engaged in the business of teaching soon after his advent into the county, and continued the occupation in the village of New Lexington or vicinity for some two or three years. During this time he pursued the study of the law, with a view of adopting that as a profession. In 1825 he was admitted to the bar as an attorney and counselor at law. After his admission to the bar he took up his residence in Eaton, and engaged in the practice of his profession in partnership with his preceptor, Lazarus Miller. In February, 1828, he was appointed to the office of prosecuting attorney. Pie was continued in this office until the summer of 1833. I11 the year 1828 he was elected to the legislature, and re-elected in 1829. In 1832 he was elected to the state senate from Preble and Montgomery counties, serving two terms in that body. In both branches of the legislature he served with distinguished ability. After the expiration of his senatorial term Mr. McNutt

He was married in 1828, to Miss Jane C. Hawkins, daughter of Joseph C. Hawkins. One son was born to them, namely, Joseph Gideon McNutt, who also became a lawyer.

Mr. McNutt was a man of strong intellectuality. He was quick in conception, rapid in his deductions, and logical, terse and compact in his arguments. In debate he was strong and ready rather than ornamental. His was a brilliant career and he rose rapidly in his profession and in public life.

David Swartzel

This well known farmer residing on section 7, Monroe township, Preble county, is a native of this state, born near Farmersville, in Jackson township, Montgomery county, March 25, 1839, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Ruby) Swartzel, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. His pate>rnal grandfather was Henry Swartzel, a native of Pennsylvania and a pioneer of Montgomery county, Ohio. The parents of our subject were both very young when brought by their respective parents to this state. Jacob Swartzel grew to manhood in Montgomery county, where he engaged in farming and lumbering in early life and also operated a sawmill. In 1846 he removed to Washington township, Preble county, where he built a sawmill, which was first run by water power and later by steam, and this he carried on for many years. He died at the age of seventy-two, his wife at the age of seventysix years, honored and respected by all who knew them.

child and second son in a family of five children. He was seven years of age when brought by his parents to this county, and was reared on a farm near Eaton. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Miss Martha. J. Pence, a native of Monroe township, Preble county, and a daughter of Nimrod and Elizabeth (Kesling) Pence, who were early settlers here. She is the oldest of a family of ten children, and by her marriage to our subject has become the mother of four children who are still living, namely: Mary; Kate, wife of Frank Blackford; Edith and Charles.

After his marriage Mr. Swartzel located in Jefferson township, where he made his home until 1873, and then removed to his present farm on section 7, Monroe township, where he owns eighty-four acres of highly cultivated land. His comfortable residence was erected in 1884. He is engaged in general farming, and is meeting with fair success in his labors. Fraternally he is a member of the Grange, and politically is identified with the Democratic party.

William Campbell

William Campbell, one of the earliest pioneers of Preble county, was originally of' Greenbrier county, Virginia, but was reared to manhood and educated in Kentucky. He came to Preble county when it was still a portion of Montgomery county, in 1807. He settled in Lanier township, then unorganized and unnamed, and known as township 5, range 3. There he carried on farming and stock-raising, and continued to reside the rest of his days. He was regarded by his neighbors as a man of sterling qualities and worth.

he participated in the war of 1812. He was born July 27, 1780, and died June 16, 1837, being nearly fifty-seven years of age at the time of his death. He came to Preble county a single man, twenty-seven years of age. Two years after he came to this county he was united in marriage to Catherine Van Ausdal, a native of Berkeley county, Virginia, and sister of Eaton's pioneer merchant, Cornelius Van Ausdal, of whom mention is made elsewhere. She outlived her husband many years, dying at the age of seventythree years, in 1859. William and Catherine (Van Ausdal) Campbell were the parents of five children who reached adult age, namely: Maria, James, John I., William and John V.

John V. Campbell

John V. Campbell, a son of William Campbell, was born in Preble county, Ohio, December 27, 1815. He attended the log cabin schools of pioneer days, and then the Eaton schools, and we find him teaching school at the early ago of sixteen. When but a youth, too, we find him serving as deputy county clerk, and while thus employed he began the study of the law. In 1831 President Tyler appointed him the postmaster at Eaton, an office which he held for about ten years. While in this office he kept a bookstore and did more or less legal business, and had charge of the first express and first telegraph offices established in Eaton. During the Mexican war and the war of the Rebellion Mr. Campbell did service in the pay department. Although long prepared for it Mr. Campbell did not seek admission to the bar until 1852. Very soon thereafter he was elected probate judge of Preble county, which be held for two terms, making for himself a reputation of which any one might well be proud. After leaving the bench. Judge Campbell followed without interruption the practice of law until his death. He was elected county prosecuting attorney in 1873. He served as an efficient member of the Eaton school board for a long term of years; for several years he served as the secretary and treasurer of the Preble County Bible Society; was an active supporter of temperance organizations; was a prominent Odd Fellow and supporter of other fraternal and benevolent societies, and took a deep interest in all movements for the public good. Politically he was a Whig until 1841, when he became a Democrat for the rest of his life. Religiously he was a firm and ardent supporter of the Christian faith.

In the year 1842 Judge Campbell married Ann E., a daughter of Robert Martin, then one of the judges of the court of common pleas in Preble county. The offspring of this marriage were three sons and eight daughters, namely: Francis A., Eva Belle, Mary S., Birdie, Gertrude, William H., Robert E., John B., Belle Maria, Emma and Sarah M.

Samuel Reid

Samuel Reid is one of the well known farmers of Preble county and deserves great credit for the success which he has achieved and wh ch has won him the respect of his fellow townsmen. He was born of slave parents in Rockbridge- county, Virginia, on the 9th of October, 1829. His parents were John and Ruth (Brown) Reid. In this family were nine children, five of whom are yet living, David, Charles, Samuel, Liggins and Hastin. Both parents were natives of Rockbridge county, Virginia, and were born in bondage. The father died while still a slave, just prior to the breaking out of the war, but the mother lived to enjoy freedom. The close of the- civil war found Samuel Reid a free man, after having spent thirty-five years serving a master. He had belonged to Mr. Davidson and he early acquired a good knowledge of business methods, gaining his owner's confidence, and at the age of eighteen was made the foreman and manager of the plantation, having under his entire charge property to the value of forty thousand dollars. In June, 1864, when General Hunter made his raid through the Shenandoah valley Mr. Reid joined the army and remained with it until the following April. He was assigned to Company I, Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, and served with that comand until the following April, when when he was discharged on account of physical disability, caused by rheumatism.

Having a brother-in-law living in Preble county, Ohio, Mr. Reid wended his way to this county, where he remained until the latter part of the following July, when he returned to Virginia for his family. He immediately brought them to Preble county, arriving in New Paris on the 13th of August, with his wife, seven children and his mother. His cash capital consisted at the time- of only five dollars. He made his way to Campbellstown, Jackson township, and began operating a farm for Thomas Mc- Whinney, who gave him one-third of the crops in return for his services. During the following year Mr. Reid worked almost night and day in order to gain a start. He remained upon Mr. McWhinney's farm for five years and two months and then removed to a farm in Jefferson township, owned by Ralph Wildredge. Here he furnished his own stock and implements and in return for the cultivation of the farm received one-half of the products. Five years later, as the result of his thrift, economy and industry, he was able- to purchase the farm, of seventy and a half acres. In 1882 he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he now resides and the following year removed to his new home. In 1889 he purchased ninety-six acres adjoining his seventy-acre farm, partly in Jefferson and partly in Jackson townships. In 1892 he bought another adjoining farm of fifty acres, and in 1895 he acquired through mortgage a residence property in Richmond, valued at eighteen hundred dollars. In April, 1900, ho purchased twenty-three acres adjoining his home farm, and thus from time to time he lias added to his property until he is now one of the extensive land-owners of the county.

When he came to Ohio with his large family and but five dollars in his pocket many would have said that he did not have a very bright future before him; but success rewards all who are diligent and enterprising and whose labors are guided by sound judgment, and, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path, Mr. Reid has by determined purpose worked his way upward and is to-day the owner of three hundred and seventeen acres of valuable land.

In 1851 Mr. Reid was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Huston, and unto them have been born nine children, five of whom are yet living: David P., at home; Charles H., who is egaged in the feed business in Springfield, Ohio, and is meeting with success; Samuel J., a farmer of Jefferson township; Hastin C., a farmer and representative of the Reid Fertilizing Company, of New York, now living in Jackson township; and Liggins, a farmer of Jefferson township. The sons are all prosperous and promise to do honor to their father's memory, bringing no shadow or discredit to the good name he left to them. In his political views Mr. Reid is a stalwart Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist church and contributes liberally to church and charitable work. He recently lost his wife, who was ever to him a faithful companion and helpmeet. This has been the greatest sorrow of his life and her place in the household is one which cannot be filled. She carefully managed her household affairs and was earnestly devoted to the welfare of her husband and children, and all who knew her esteemed her for her many excellent qualities. Mr. Reid is one of the well known men of Preble county and all who are at all familiar with his record admire and respect him for all he has accomplished. His life record contains many lesons which may well be heeded, for it illustrates what can be accomplished through energy, enterprise and earnest purpose. He is to-day the owner of valuable land, and all his possessions stand as a monument to his thrift and enterprise.

Abner Haines

Abner Haines, a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, was born March 26, 1804. His parents were Friends or Quakers, and his mother was a noted preacher of that denomination. Abner was the third child of a family of four sons and two daughters. When he was but four years old his father's family emigrated to Ohio and made their permanent settlement in Clinton county. Young Plaines worked on the farm and attended the common schools. Before attaining his majority he began school teaching. In 1826 he came to Eaton, then a village of some six hundred people. Here lie was employed as teacher of the village school, and during the next two or three years he accumulated a small amount of means. With this sum to pay his way, he entered Miami University, at Oxford, where he pursued his studies until he had acquired a good knowledge of the higher mathematics and of the dead languages. He did not graduate at this institution, however. He began the study of law in the office of J. M. U. McNutt, of Eaton, and was admitted to the bar in 1831, in Preble county. Immediately he went to Centerville, Indiana, and there began the practice of his profession. Later we find him in partnership with Hon. Oliver H. Smith, then living in Connersville, and afterwards United States senator from Indiana. Mr. Haines remained at Connersville until the year 1837, and then for a short time merchandised in the village of Boston, Indiana. We next find him in Eaton, again in the practice of law, which he vigorously pursued, becoming one of the best known and most successful lawyers of this section of the state. In 1851 he was elected circuit judge. He occupied the bench with credit and distinction between three and four years, resigning before the expiration of the term for which he was elected to serve.

Politically he was of the old Whig party up to the year 1844, when, on account of some disaffection, he held aloof from politics for several years but finally identifying himself with the Democratic party, and in the Democratic convention of 1848, as a member, lie was the author of the celebrated "mitigate and finally eradicate" resolution, which, being passed, was the means of temporarily uniting the Democrats and Freesoilers. But in 1856 he espoused the cause of the Republican party, and thereafter he continued a true and loyal Republican until

1872, when, believing, as he did, that it was expedient to elect Horace Greeley president, he gave his support to the Democrats. In 1876 lie was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of state senator from the district composed of Preble and Montgomery counties. His death occurred at Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 1877.

In the year 1829 he married Nancy Thornberry, and soon after the birth of a son to them the wife and child died. This was a little less than a year after her marriage. In 1832 Mr. Haines married Lydia Leas, a daughter of George and Mary Leas, pioneers of Preble county. Five sons and two daughters wore the fruits of this union.

David Morehead

The honored subject of this review has been for half a century a resident of Preble county, whore he has lived and labored to goodly ends, and it is with gratification that we offer in this publication a brief review of his genealogy and personal career. Mr. Morehead is a native son of the old Keystone state, having been born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1825, one of the four children of James Morehead, and at the present time the only survivor of the family. His mother died when he was not quite two years of age, and he was thereupon taken into the home of his uncle, James Cunningham, a resident of Chester county, Pennsylvania, where he lived until he had attained the age of fifteen years, when his foster parents removed to Richmond, Indiana, whither he accompanied them. In this section the youth was employed at farm work, giving his attention to this line as an employe of various farmers in the vicinity of Richmond, where he remained until the year 1851, when he came to New Westville (Progress), Ohio, and has ever since been a resident of Preble county, where he has gained prestige as one of our successful farmers and valued citizens. On his arrival here Mr. Morehead secured employment with a huckster, driving a three-horse team between this section and the city of Cincinnati, which was the nearest market point of importance, and for nearly a decade he continued to be identified with this line of work, as an employe of different huckstering firms. His last employer, for whom he worked more than six years, conducted a general store in New Westville, in connection with which he operated peddling wagons in this section, selling goods to the farmers from the stock thus transported, as was the common custom in the early days. Our subject thus became a salesman on his route, and his long retention of the position gives unmistakable evidence of his ability and his fidelity to the interests of his employer.

In the early '60s Mr. Morehead effected the purchase of the mercantile and huckstering business of his employer, incidentally assuming an indebtedness of more than a thousand dollars, which was a large amount for those days, but within eighteen months he had liquidated all indebtedness and from that time forward was prosperous in his operations, which he carried on with keen business acumen, bringing to bear the most progressive methods and gaining a reputation for absolute integrity in all relations of life. His business expanded and dignified itself with the development and advancement of this section of the state, and Mr. Morehead was known as one of our most successful business men until advancing years and successes won led him to retire from active labors in this line in the year 1895. He is well known throughout Preble and Darke counties, Ohio, and Wayne county, Indiana, and his popularity is based on long years of association with business interests and with those enterprises and undertakings which ever tend to conserve the public welfare.

In the intervening years Mr. Morehead began purchasing land in this county, where he now has a fine farmstead of one hundred and twenty-six acres, on section 5, Jackson township, where he conducts operations according to the most approved methods, his farm being one of the most attractive in this section, being well improved and under a high state of cultivation.

The marriage of Mr. Morehead was solemnized in 1857, when he was united to Miss Nancy Kissinger, and they are the parents of two children : Mary, who is the

In politics Mr. Morehead gives allegiance to the Republican party and in religion is a consistent member of the Methodist Church, with which Mrs. Morehead also is identified. In his fraternal relations he has been identified with New Paris Lodge, No. 303, I. O. O. F., since 1857, having taken a lively interest in the work of the order. Widely known and enjoying a distinct popularity throughout this section, this review of Mr. MorChead's life will be perused with interest by the many readers of this work.

Smith J. Danser

One seeing Smith J. Danser would hardly credit the statement that he is in his eighty-fifth year, so vigorous and well preserved is he. His eight decades and a half rest lightly upon him. Throughout Preble

He was born in Nottingham Square, Burlington county, Newjersey, Junesq, 1816, His father, James Danser, was born in the same state, January 26, 1782, and was a blacksmith by trade. He married Miss Mary Mount and their children were : Samuel B., who was born September 2, 1803, and bocame a blacksmith; Mathias, who was born February 16, 1805, and was also a blacksmith ; Rebecca, who was born May 22, 1806, and became Mrs. Hammell, three of her five children surviving her at her death; Lucy, who was born January 14, 1808, and died in 1847, sixty-one years of age; David, who was born May 25, 1809, and is survived by his wife, who is ninety years of age ; John, who was born January 24, 1811, and died in childhood ; Lea and Rachel, twins, born March 13, 1812, and James, who was born December 12, 1814, and died at the age of forty years in New York city, where he conducted an oyster booth.

Mr. Danser, whose names heads this record, left home several times during his youth, and at the age of fifteen left the parental roof, not returning again for twelve years. He began learning the blacksmith's trade in early boyhood. He possessed a mischievous spirit, such as is common in boys, and was not fond of the irksome duties of the school room, enjoying much more the pleasures of the playground. He, therefore, neglected his studies, but since attaining man's estate ho has become an extensive reader and is well informed. He worked at the blacksmith's trade for thirty-two years. The first shop which he ever owned was located at Venice, Butler county, Ohio, where he remained for ten years. O11 the expira- tion of that period he purchased a grocery in Hamilton, Ohio, and after conducting it for more than a year engaged in the* dry goods business at that place. A few days later, however, he sold the latter store at a profit of fourteen hundred dollars. His next venture was in the livery business in Hamilton, and for two years he supplied the people of that vicinity with teams and vehicles. In 1862 he began dealing in horses, purchasing them for the army. He was thus engaged throughout the war and found the enterprise a profitable one. In order to educate his children he removed to Oxford, where he conducted a livery for some time. Subsequently he purchased a hotel in Camden, about 1873, and on selling that he returned to Hamilton. A year later, however, he again came to Camden and once more took charge of the hotel, which he conducted for a number of years. He then again sold the property and at the present time 'he is living retired. He has dealt in horses to a considerable extent, buying, raising and selling them, and also trained them on his own tracks in Camden and in Hamilton for racing purposes.

Mr. Danser was married in 1843, to Miss Lucretia Wile, of Hamilton county, where the wedding took place. Nine children were born of their union, three sons and six daughters. They lost an infant daughter, but reared the following : David, who is a resident of Camden; Weller, who died in Oxford, Ohio, at the age of twenty years; Mary, the wife of Samuel Gath, of Oxford, by whom she has three children ; Ida, who died at the age of twenty years; Janet, who married Dr. De Mand, and died leaving one son; Caroline, the wife of W. W. Schultz, of Richmond, Indiana, by whom she has one son; Emma, the wife of Franklin Landis, died leaving one son ; and Lee, who married Miss Amy Pugh and is a jeweler of Camden. The mother of these children died in July, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years, and since that time Mr. Danser has made his home with his son Lee.

He enjoys excellent health and although he has attained the advanced age of eightyfive years lie bids fair to enjoy life for many years to come. He is a Master Mason and formerly belonged to the chapter in Hamilton. In politics he is a Democrat, exercising his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party.

Samuel Wikle

One of the venerable and honored citizens of Preble county is Samuel Wikle, a retired farmer of Twin township, where for many years he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which his efforts were attended with so great a degree of success that he is enabled, in the sunset years of his life, to relegate the active management of the homestead to his sons, who are among the most enterprising and progressive young farmers and business men of the county.

Our subject was born on the farm where he now resides, the date of his nativity having been February 24, 1823. He is the son of George and Catherine (Herman) Wikle and is one of the three survivors of their ten children, the other two being Philip, a resident of Manchester, Ohio, an,d Solomon, of Lexington, all three of the brothers being now practically retired from active business. George Wikle was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, where he was married. The young couple removed from the Old Dominion to Ohio in 1810, and George Wikle took up his abode in Dayton, where he was

SOSengaged in carpentering for one year, after which he came with his wife to Twin township, Preble county, and there he entered a quarter section of land, where our subject now resides. This farm he eventually divided 'betwen two of his sons, he making his home with them until his death. He erected a shop and devoted much of his time to wood working.

Samuel Wikle grew to maturity at the parental home, acquiring his education in the common schools. When he had attained manhood his parents were advanced in years, and as he was the only child then at home he remained to care for his aged parents, according to them the utmost filial solicitude. On the 29th of January, 1850, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Reader, who was reared by John Woodring. She was a native of Liberty, Montgomery county, Ohio, and they became the parents of six children, namely : Luther, a resident of Emporia, Kansas; Warren, deceased; Fannie, the widow of Orlando Ridenour, is a resident of Lyon county, Kansas; Ella is the wife of Edward Jordan, a farmer of Twin township, Preble county, Ohio, and Allen and Harry, twins, who have charge of the old home farm. The two youngest sons have superintended the operation of the parental homestead for many years and also own seventy-seven acres in their own right. They received excellent public school education and are young men of fine character and distinct ability. They were born May 11, 1868, and Allen was married November 25, 1895, to Miss Effie Davidson.

After his marriage the subject of this sketch settled down on the home farm, which he shortly afterwards purchased, subsequently adding forty acres to the place, which now includes one hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under effective cultivation and has permanent improvements of excellent order. For the past twenty years he has lived a retired life, his sons relieving him of the various details involved in the management of the farm and proving their ability to successfully cope with all exigencies that may come up in a practical or business way, but relying at all times upon the counsel and mature judgment of their father. In 1894 the family residence was remodeled and rebuilt and it is an attractive and commodious domicile in which comfort and good cheer are ever in evidence. Mr. Wikle enjoys excellent health, having never had recourse to the services of a physician in his entire life. Politically he supports the Democratic party, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Reformed church. His sons are members of Lewisburg Lodge,. No. 695, Knights of Pythias.

Dunham Hart

On the list of leading farmers of Preble county appears the name of Mr. Hart, who was born in Dixon township, July 6, 1844, a son of Silas and Hannah (Eslinger) Hart. The father was born near Somerville, Preble county, about the year 1810 and is therefore a representative of one of the honored pioneer settlers of that locality, his father, Thomas Hart, having located here at a very early day. When a boy his parents removed to Dixon township, settling on the Concord road, where they spent their remaining days. The grandfather was thrown from a horse, which occasioned his death. The father of our subject was reared on the old family homestead, and after his marriage he purchased a farm in Somers township, on which he located, and the town of Camden now occupies a portion of that place. Here Mr. Hart lived for five years, on the expiration of which time he sold that property and came on to Dixon township, purchasing the northeast quarter of section 35. Until i860 he made his home there and then purchase:! another farm of one hundred and sixty acres - the tract upon which his son Alexander now resides. There he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1869. He. was one of the leading and enterprising men of the county, was a prosperous and public-spirited citizen and served as a member of the school board for a number of years. In 1852 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold, and for six years was engaged in mining on the Pacific slope, carrying on operations on Feather river. He made some money, but later lost it in mining speculations. He married Hanna Elsinger, who was born east of Somerville, in Somers township, Preble county, in 1814. She died in 1870, at the advanced age of seventy-four years. She was a daughter of John and Hester Elsinger. Her father, a prominent farmer and early settler of this county, came from North Carolina in 1805. The parents of our subject had nine children, of whom seven are still living. Mentioning all, we make the following record: John E., a farmer in the state of Washington; Thomas J., a farmer of Linn county, Iowa; Isaac N., a farmer of Kansas ; Rebecca, deceased ; Alexander, a farmer of Dixon township, this county; Dunham, the subject of this sketch; Finnie M., a farmer of southeastern Kansas; Mary E., deceased, and Joseph R., of Indiana.

Dunham Hart, whose name introduces this review, acquired a limited education in the common schools and on attaining his majority he went to northern Missouri, where

He then purchased a team and began farming ,on his own account on rented land. After two years thus passed he returned to Ohio a few months after his father's death to aid in settling up the estate. When that work was accomplished he purchased a tile factory from his brothers and was engaged in the manufacture of tile for two years. On the expiration of that period he and his brother Alexander purchased from the other heirs the home farm, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of land, and together they engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1880, when the property was divided, Dunham Hart taking the homestead, while Alexander took the farm upon which he now lives and which had become the father's property in i860.

On the 20th of January, 1880, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Mary E. Button, a native of Gasper township, Preble county, and a daughter of George and Allie (Zimmerman) Button. Her father was a veteran of the war of 1812 and was one of the well known farmers of Gasper township, having come to Preble county from Kentucky at a very early period of the development of this section of Ohio. After his marriage, Mr. Hart located upon the home farm, where he remained for four years, and in 1884 he purchased his present farm, becoming the owner of seventy acres of rich land. After his mother-in-law died he purchased the estate of one hundred and twelve acres in Gasper township, so that his farming land now com- 1 prises four hundred and seven acres. He : has been very successful in his business pur- ( suits and through hard work and good management has risen from a humble posi- j tion as a farm hand to a place among the substantial residents of his native county.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Hart has been blessed with five children, as follows : Leroy, deceased; Dora; Earl, deceased; Walter D. and Allie H. They are all at home and have been provided with good educational privileges, fitting them for life's practical duties. In his political views Mr. Hart is a Democrat and gives his party loyal support. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success.