Washington Township (part 18 of 21)

Alexander Hart was born in Dixon township, February 6, 1842, and there in the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared to manhood. He was twenty years of age when, on the 27th of August, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in Company D, Forty-seventh Ohio Infantry. He was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea and participated in the battles of Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. On one occasion he was taken quite ill and was sent home on a sixty-days furlough. The general told him not to return, but he disobeyed his injunction and again went to the field, where he participated in the following engagements: Dallas; Resaca; Nika jack Creek; Kenesaw Mountain; siege of Atlanta, when more than half of the regiment was lost; Ezra Church; Fort McAlister, which was taken by only one-half of the division, and Bentonville, South Carolina. At Washington, D. C., on the 15th of June, 1865, he received an honorable discharge, having for almost three years followed the starry banner on the battlefields of the south.

When the war was over Alexander Hart returned to his home and the next day went to work in the tile factory, purchasing an interest in the business of his brother Isaac N., and continued operations along that line until 1869, when he wont to Illinois and purchased a saw mill. Three months later, however, he returned to Ohio and engaged in the operation of the home farm until 1871, when he went to California, wishing to see the country and also visit his brother John, who was living in that state. After nine months had passed he returned home, and in 1872 he and his brother Dunham purchased from the estate the two home farms'', which they jointly operated until 1880, when a division was made, Dunham taking the old homestead, while Alexander received as his share the farm upon which he has since resided. He operated the tile mill for five years during the '70s, but now gives his attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, which are carefully managed and bring to him a 'handsome financial return. He is a very energetic, enterprising man and in his business is making a creditable success. I11 March, 1879, Dunham , Hart went to California, visiting friends in Los Angeles county, and from there to Butte county to visit his brother John, where he spent the remainder of the summer.

On the 14th of December, 1880, Mr. Hart married Miss Emma Griffith, a native of Jackson township, Preble county, and they have had four children, of whom three are living - Elsie, John and Ralph. In his political views Mr. Hart is a Democrat but has never been an aspirant for office. Socially he is connected with the Western Star Lodge, No. 109, I. O. O. F. He served at one time as township treasurer and has long been a public spirited man whose devotion to the general good is sincere and earnest. He withholds his support from no movement or measure which he believes will prove a pub- lie benefit, and, like his brother Dunham, is recognized as one of the leading and substantial farmers of the county, commanding the respect of all with whom he is associated. Throughout almost the entire century the name of Hart has been connected with the history of the development and progress of this county, for in an early day the grandfather and the father of our subject bore their part in the work of advancement and at a later period the sons have contributed largely to the work that promotes the welfare and upbuilding of the county.

Cornelius Van Ausdal

Cornelius Van Ausdal, deceased, was the pioneer merchant of Eaton, and his career as a business man extends through the period from 1806 to the time of his death in 1870. Beginning with a small stock of goods in a cabin situated in the woods, with the scattered pioneers of a large section of country and roaming Indians for his patrons, he continued his mercantile career through all the varying conditions of development down to an era of multiplied advantages and enlarged scope. His long life linked the era of western beginnings with that in which the full and grand results of pioneer labors were flourishing in fruition.

On the 2d day of October, 1783, in Berkeley county, Virginia, was born the subject of this biography. His childhood and youth were spent in his native state, and about the time he had attained his majority Mr. Van Ausdal came west and spent a winter with his brother Peter, who had but recently settled in the wilds of what is now Lanier township, Preble county. Pleased with the country and forseeing the great opportunities for a young man in this new locality, he decided to return east and lay plans for entering upon a mercantile career on the frontier. With this object in view, he returned east in the spring of 1805. He bought a quantity of furs and skins, and, packing them upon horses through the sparsely settled region of southern Ohio, and across the mountains, sold them in Baltimore. Returning to his home in Virginia, and acting under consent and advice of his father, he took a load of wheat to Baltimore, and selling it, increased his means with which he purchased a wagon-load of plain, substantial goods, the few honest staples of pioneer life, and slowly made his way westward, reaching Preble county in the spring and was then being laid out by William Bruce, early summer of 1806. The town of Eaton and was already talked of as a prospective county seat. Mr. Van Ausdal opened his first store in a small log cabin, and thus became the first merchant of Eaton, and continued in the mercantile business here for sixty- four years. From the very beginning he prospered, and for many years he carried on a wholesale as well as retail trade. His energy was not confined to one branch of business, large though that branch was made. Various enterprises engaged his attention. A man of broad and liberal views and of public spirit, Mr. Van Ausdal sought to benefit the public as well as himself. Benevolent, he was ever ready to help his fellowmen. Honest and sincere, he won the love and respect of all who came in business and social contact with him. His character in a general way was as admirable as it was in a business sense.

In 1810 Mr. Van Ausdal was appointed United States deputy marshal and in that capacity took the first census of Preble county. In the year 1812 he was a pay- master of the army, faithfully discharging his duty. In 1819 he was elected to the legislature and represented his county with credit to himself and constituents. About this time he owned The Western Telegraph, a weekly paper published at Eaton, which he afterward sold to William Tizzard. Hq died August 10, 1870, loved and revered, and leaving to his aged helpmate and children the rich legacy of an untarnished name.

In 1812 Mr. Van Ausdal married Martha Bilba, who shared his joys and sorrows for fifty-eight years. She was born in Virginia November 12, 1793, and removed to Kentucky with her parents in an early day. She bore her husband ten children and lived to a ripe old age, respected and beloved by all who knew her. Of her children but three are living, namely : Isaac Van Ausdal, of Dayton; and Mrs. Lucinda Donohoe and Mrs. Emily Gould, both of Eaton.

T. J. Wilkinson

T. J. Wilkinson is a retired cattle dealer, living in Eaton. He is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Franklin county, on the 21st of February, 1844. The family emigrated westward from Pennsylvania, where Gideon Wilkinson, the grandfather of our subject, was born. He sought a home in the Hoosier state and became a leading farmer and citizen of the locality in which he maintained \ his residence. His son, Elisha Wilkinson, the father of our subject, was born in Butler county, Indiana, and reared to agricultural | pursuits, carrying on farming throughout his active business career. In 1855 he came to Preble county, locating in Dixon township, where he cultivated a tract of land for many years. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-three years, one of the venerable and highly respected citizens of the community. In 1894 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who in her maidenhood was Rebecca Hazleton, a daughter of Roswelh Hazleton. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom have passed away. Those still living are T. J., of this review; R. IT, a resident of Camden; Frank P. ; Daniel V. ; and Clement L., all of whom are living in Dixon township.

Mr. Wilkinson, of this sketch, spent the first eleven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then came with his parents to Preble county. His educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools, and at an early age he began work on the farm, so that when he began farming on his own account he was well prepared for the work by practical experience. In 1880 he began shipping stock which he purchased throughout the county, shipping to Cincinnati and Pittsburg. I11 1881 he took up his abode in Eaton, in order to facilitate his business affairs, and annually handled about two hundred car-loads of stock, his sales bringing to him a good profit. His business was carried on with marked success until December, 1899, when he retired.

On the 3d of October, 1877, Mr. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Miss Abbie H. Brasier. She died in January, 1892, and one of her two children has also departed this life. The surviving daughter is Elsie R., the wife of R. G. Conley, of Cincinnati. In his political views Mr. Wilkinson is a Democrat and in 1894 was complimented by his party with the nomination for county sheriff, but though he polled a large vote he could not overcome the Republican majority.

When we look into his life- history to find the secret of his success we see that his prosperity has come along the legitimate channels of trade, being the result of close application to business, earnest purpose and capable management, qualities which may be cultivated by all. It is certainly all the more creditable to know that one has gained prosperity with no better advantages than others and that his success is merely the reward of his own labors.

Herman Voge

Herman Voge, who is engaged in farming on section 34, Twin township, is a native of the dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, his birth having occurred near Bremen, on the 17th of December, 1837. His parents, John Henry and Margaret (Bohlman) Voge, had nine children. The father was born in the dukedom of Brunswick, March 15, 1813, was there reared to farm work and after his marriage engaged in farming on his own account. In 1847 ^ie emigrated to America, taking passage on a sailing vessel bound for New Orleans. After a voyage of forty-six days the family reached the Crescent city and then made their way up the river by boat to Cincinnati, from there by canal to Dayton and on to W est Alexandria by wagon, finally locating in Twin township, a half mile north of the last named city. There they resided for two years and the father worked in Munro's distillery.

Subsequently he removed to the farm now known as the old Wysong farm, and as our subject had then attained a considerable age he was put to work at the plow while the father drove a team for John Glander, a distiller. They lived for two years on the Curry farm, adjoining the present home of our subject, and later removed to a farm south of West Alexandria, in Lanier township, known as the John Gale property. There they resided for ten years and on the expiration of that period the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on the Dayton and Western pike, in Montgomery count}'. Removing to his new home, he there continued to reside until .called to his final rest, October 22, 1874. A monument in the West Alexandria cemetery marks the place of his interment. He was a member of the Lutheran church and was one of the highly esteemed men of the county. His wife, who also was a native of the dukedom of Brunswick, was born July 12, 1815, and died September 6, 1888; and she, too, held membership in the Lutheran church and was an earnest Christian woman. Seven of their nine children yet survive, namely : Herman ; Christian, a farmer of Montgomery county; John, a farmer of Twin township; Detrick, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Twin township; Henry, who follows farming in Washington township; Anna, the wife of Henry Wiger, of Montgomery county; and Charlie, an agriculturist of Twin township.

Herman Voge was reared at his parental home, acquiring his education in the common schools. At the early age of fourteen he began earning his own livelihood, working as a farm hand. Some three years prior to his marriage he began farming on his own account on rented land, and on the 23d of June, 1864, he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's journey Miss Sarah A. Sauer, a native of Preble county and a daughter of George and Anna M. (Kissling) Sauer. Her father was a native of Germany, born in Weisenham on the Rhine, in 1801. When eighteen years of age he camo to the new world with his parents, the family locating in Butler county, Ohio, near Trenton, on the Hickory Flats. They were well-to-do German people, and after coming to America the grandfather Sauor extensively engaged in farming, becoming the possessor of valuable property. He resided in Butler county until two years prior to his death, when he came to Preble county, making his home with his son George. He made three trips to Germany, visiting his native land. For three years George Sauer resided on his father's farm in Butler county, but after his marriage came to Preble county and purchased seventy-five acres, which joins the farm upon which our subject now resides. There he remained until his death and acquired extensive realty holdings. He married Anna Mary Kissling, whose father, Henry Kissling, was one of the early settlers in this section of Ohio. He and a Mr. Miller took up some six hundred acres of land, which they later divided into equal shares. Mr. Kissling built a log cabin and cleared a tract of land. In a hollowed-out stump they tramped the corn, sifting out the finer meal for johnnycakes, while the coarser was used for hominy. He and his wife were very active members of the Reformed church and often walked to Lewisburg to attend church services. He was noted for his charity and benevolence, the poor and needy always finding in him a friend. On one occasion he found a man stealing corn, and instead of seeing that he was punished he gave him an acre of land on which he might raise a crop for himself! He was very fond of hunting and fishing and obtained considerable skill in those directions.

operated his father-in-law's land as well as his own, the latter being a tract of one hundred and fifty-five acres given him by his father-in-law. He added to that by purchase a tract of forty-three acres and six years later he removed to his own home, where he resided until 1890, when he purchased the old family homestead, erecting thereon a handsome residence and a large barn. He now owns two hundred and seventy acres of land and has one of the best improved farms in the county, everything about the place being neat and thrifty in appearance. .

George Copp, a farmer of Twin township, Preble county; Lizzie, the wife of Daniel Coppas, a druggistof Tipton county, Indiana; Charlie, who is engaged in farming a part of his father's land; Callie, the wife of Irvin Coffman, of Dayton, Ohio; and Laura, John, and Ruth at home. Mr. Voge and his familyare active members of the Lutheran church,, doing much to aid in its growth and upbuilding. The cause of education finds in our subject a warm friend, and he has efficiently served for many years as a member of the school board of Twin township. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, in which he has met with creditable prosperity.

devoted to agricultural pursuits and to the work of the ministry. He- was born upon the farm where his brother William now lives, April 29, 1842. His father, Harmon Toney was a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, and the grandfather, Carey Toney, was also born in the same locality, whence he emigrated to Ohio in 1810. He became a very prominent man in Dixon township and was recognized as a leader of public thought and movement. True to his duties of citizenship, he took an active interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. He was particularly prominent in church work and served as a deacon in the United Brethren church. Harmon Toney, the father of our subject, was reared in Preble county amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Fannie Kinzey, a daughter of Jacob Kinzey, who came from the Old Dominion to the Buckeye state. Her death occurred October 16, 1856, and the father of our subject died in 1895. They had six children, three of whom are now living, namely: William, a resident of Dixon

Carey Toney pursued his education in the country schools near his home and worked upon the home farm, assisting in the labors of field and meadow from the time that the planting was begun in the early spring until crops were harvested in the late autumn. In 1863 he began farming on his own account. He purchased the Clinghamfield farm and occupied it until 1889, then moved to the farm known as the Cunningham farm and lived there until the spring of 1891 ; next until the spring of 1896 he lived near Connersville, Indiana, and finally moved to his present place of residence, which he purchased of William C. Hart. He has aided both of his daughters by giving to them valuable tracts of land, and yet owns over six hundred acres, divided into several farms, which are carried on under his immediate supervision. His property has been acquired entirely through his own well directed efforts. He has ever been an industrious and energetic man, to whom indolence and idleness are utterly foreign. His work has been carefully and diligently prosecuted, and as a return for his honest toil he has gained a comfortable competence.

Mr. Toney has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Sarah Moss, their union being celebrated on the 20th of October, 1863. The lady was a daughter of Edmund Moss, of Indiana, and her death occurred August 10, 1887. By her marriage she had become the mother of seven children, of whom three are living, namely : Almeda, the wif of Josiah Rhinehart, who is living near the old homestead; Emma, the wife of Cornelius Petry, a farmer of the same neighborhood; and John E., a resident agriculturist of Dixon township. On the 8th of October, 1891, Mr. Toney again married, his second union being with Mrs. Hannah Riley, a daughter of John Petro, of Indiana. They had one son, Harmon. For thirty years Mr. Toney has been an active and consistent member of the German Baptist Brethren church, and for many years has been one of its ministers. His labors in behalf of the church have been very effective, and by precept and example he has influenced many to seek the better way of life. His labors in the church and on the farm have been most untiring, and his own honorable career has commende-d him to the confidence, respect and esteem of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Eli Ozias

Eli Ozias, one of the venerable citizens of Preble county, has passed the ninetieth milestone of life's journey and in the evening of life receives the respect which should ever be accorded to one of advanced years whoso life has been upright and honorable. He is a native son of the county and probably is the oldest living person born in this locality. His birth occurred in Twin township, April 25, 1810, on the farm whore his son now resides. He is the only surviving member of a family of eleven children, whose parents were Jacob and Susan (Christman) Ozias. His father was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, and was a son of John and Elizabeth Ozias, who removed from the Keystone state to the old North state. In 1803 the grandfather emigrated with his family to Ohio with a colony who were six weeks upon the journey over the mountains. The trip was a long and tedious one and they were very weary when they at length reached their destination. They made a settlement in Warren county, Ohio, near Springborough, but after a short time came to Preble county and the grandfather purchased three half-sections of land, giving each of his children a half-soction farm.

He devoted the winter of 1803-4 to seeking a location and then selected for the Ozias family eighteen hundred and eighty acres of land on the big bottom of Twin creek, directly south of Lewisburg. Upon his land Jacob Ozias located and began the development of a farm, clearing away the timber and transforming the wild tract into richly cultivated fields, which he continued to cultivate up to the time of his death. He was. very prosperous and by his well directed and energetic efforts he acquired about eight hundreds acres of land. The Ozias family v\ ere prominent in promoting the upbuilding and progress of the county and bore their share in all the hardships and trials of pio^- neer life. On one occasion John Ozias and his wife, the former a brother of Jacob Ozias, were returning to their home, having that day aided Jacob in butchering. It was nearing night and they carried with them spare ribs and sausages given them by Jacob. Wolves, attracted by the smell of the fresh meat, started in pursuit and John Ozias and his wife were hardly able to reach their own cabin. The wolves were almost upon them when they closed the door of their little home. On another occasion, while her husband was away, Mrs. John Ozias, on looking up from her work, saw that a rattlesnake was coiled up in the middle of the floor. She was an inexperienced little woman and did not fight the snake as many a pioneer woman would have done, but, snatching her babe from the cradle, she ran to a neighbor's. Later the puncheon floor of the cabin was removed and a number of the poisonous reptiles were found under the house and killed ! The Ozias family also experienced the plague known as milk-sickness, from which not only the people but their stock suffered, occasioning heavy loss to the pioneers who were attempting to establish homes in the wilderness.

Eli Ozias was reared amid the wild scenes of frontier life, and his educational privileges were very Imited, for the schools of these days were inadequate. The lessons were taught by incompetent teachers, who ruled in little log cabins and maintained discipline by the aid of the birchen rod. Having arrived at the ago of maturity Mr. Ozias was married, on the 6th of April, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth A. Wikle, a native of Twin township, who was born January 29, 1828, a daughter of Frederick Wikle and a granddaughter of Philip Wikle. The latter came to Ohio at a very early day from Virginia and cast in his lot with the pioneers of Preble county. After his marriage Mr. Ozias and his bride located on the farm which is still his home. He purchased one hundred and ninety acres of the old home place and through many years was actively identified with the agricultural interests of the community. His home was blessed with the presence of eight children : Parthena D., now deceased; Leonidas, who is operating the home farm and married Melissa Hamilton, by whom he has four children - Raymond R., Jesse G., Frederick E. and James H. ; Mary S., Thomas M., Van Rensselear and Benjamin S., all now deceased; Frederick Elbert, who resides on the old Ozias place where our subject was born, and Jacob P., a farmer of Harrison township, Preble county.

In his political views Eli Ozias has long been a stanch Republican, but has never been an office seeker, although he served for several years on the school board. He has done much toward the building of good roads in the county, and was road commissioner for about sixteen years. He believes in progress and improvement and has withheld his support from no movement calculated to advance the general welfare. He is familiar with the history of the county from its pioneer days, has seen its wonderful growth and development and has ever borne his share in the work of improvement. His has been a long, useful and active career, and he continued to engage in the work of his farm until about two years ago. He is now enjoying a well earned rest, and though he has reached the age of ninety he appears

Levin T. McCabe, deceased, one of the most active merchants of Eaton, and a prominent promoter of public improvements, was a native of Worcester county, Maryland, born December 23, 1807. His parents were Amos and Zipporah (Jones) McCabe, natives of Delaware and Maryland, respectively, and he was the elder son in their family of two sons and four daughters. The first eighteen years of his life were spent on his father's farm, and his education was a limited one.

Walking nearly all the way from Maryland, young McCabe landed in Eaton, Ohio, May 10, 1826, and here became a farm laborer in the employ of William Bruce, with whose sons, Charles and George, he engaged in the business of buying and fattening cattle for the eastern market. It was in 1829, three years after his arrival in the county, that he was engaged in this latter business. In 1835, in company with Henry Mont fort, he opened a general store in Eaton and from that time until i860, when he retired to private life, Mr. McCabe was actively engaged in mercantile lines; and for a greater part of the time he was engaged in the grocery business, and was also a grain dealer for a short time.

owed daughter of William Bruce, became his wife. She preceded him in death, passing away in 1873. He died April 1, 1892, aged eighty-four years, three months and nine days.

Herman Steinmeyer is one of the prominent farmers of Twin township. He- deserves great credit for his success in life, and that he now occupies a position among the substantial residents of his community is due entirely to his own efforts. Gradually he worked his way upward, overcoming all difficulties and obstacles in his path by determined purpose and wresting fortune from the hands of an adverse fate. Industry, perseverance and good management have formed the elements of his success and his life illustrates what may be accomplished by one who has the will to dare and to do.

Mr. Steinmeyer was born November 27, 1840, on the farm where he now resides, his parents being Frederick and Caroline (Schreel) Steinmeyer. The father was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1802, was there reared to manhood and was employed as a cook. In the fall of 1839, in company with his wife, her parents, her brother Charles and her sister Alvina, he crossed the Atlantic to America, landing at New Orleans, whence he made his way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis. There he spent the winter and the following spring proceeded by boat to Cincinnati, thence by canal to Dayton and by wagon across the country to Pyrmont, where his wife had two brothers living, Frederick and George Schreel. A short time afterward Mr. Steinmeyer, his fatherin-law and two brothers-in-law purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in part- nership, a portion of which is now included within the home farm of our subject. There Mr. Steinmeyer and his wife's parents, Christopher and Catherine Schreel, took up their abode. The latter, with their son Charles and daughter Alvina, came to America at the same time Frederick Steinmeyer sought a home in the new world. Mr. Schreel was a cooper and wagon-maker by trade and after coming to the United States followed coopering and farming. He passed away in 1854, and his wife died in 1857. Frederick Steinmeyer continued the operation of his land and became a prosperous agriculturist. He lived to a ripe old age, passing away in 1887, at the age of eightyfive. His wife, who was born in 1808, died in 1862, at the age of fifty-four years. They were both active members of the Lutheran church and were people of the highest respectability, enjoying the warm regard of friends and neighbors. He and his wife had four children : Frederick, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Edward, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Herman, our subject ; and Caroline, the wife of J. P. Sauer, of Preble county.

Herman Steinmeyer was reared under the parental roof amid the influences of a good home and to the common-school system of the neighborhood is indebted for the educational privileges he enjoyed. As he neared manhood ho assumed the burdens of the farm, being the only son, and at the age of twenty-four took entire charge. In 1875 he purchased eighty acres adjoining the home place and in the fall of 1880 purchased seventy-two acres of land, a portion of which was a part of the original quarter section of land purchased by his father and his uncles. In that year he built a barn on the place and in 1885 erected his present commodious brick residence. In later years he has purchased additional land until his farm property now aggregates four hundred and fifty acres, including a quarter section in Somers township, sixty-two acres across the line in Montgomery county and two hundred and twentyeight acres in Twin township. He has been very successful in the operation of his land and golden harvests have rewarded the care and cultivation which he bestowed upon the fields. He has always given considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of the raising of cattle, and this has been to him a profitable source of income. In 1890 he purchased a half interest in a sawmill and tile factory near his residence, and about five years later became the- sole proprietor. He is still the owner of the enterprise, which is operated by a foreman whom he employs.

On the 4th of August, 1864, Mr. Steinmeyer was united in marriage to Miss Christina Sauer, a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Potterf) Sauer. Her father was a native of Germany who with his parents came to America when a lad of fifteen years, the family locating in Butler county, Ohio. In 1846 he came to Preble county, settling near West Alexandria. Mr. and Mrs. Steinmeyer have had two children; Ida M., who was born March 23, 1867, and died June 9, 1885 ; and Sarah Caroline, wife of J. B. Unger, who is now operating her father's farm.

Mr. Steinmeyer has served as school director for many years and has done all in his power to promote the cause of education. He is a member of the Lutheran church and for the past six years has served as its elder. In politics h'e is a Democrat and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, yet has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to devote his energies to his business interests, in which he has met with excellent success. His life has been one of marked industry and enterprise, in which a resolute spirit and untiring labor have enabled him to advance steadily step by step until he occupies an enviable position on the plane of affluence.

Richard T. Acton

Richard T. Acton is now serving for the third term as the mayor of Camden, and no higher testimonial of his faithfulness can be given than the fact that he has twice been reelected. His administration has been marked by progressiveness, and under his guidance the city has made marked improvement and advancement along many lines. A practical business man, he understands thoroughly the needs of the municipality and conducts his affairs along straightforward business principles. His marked loyalty and devotion to public good have won the recognition and commendation of even his political opponents, and he is regarded to-day as one of the most honored and esteemed citizens of Camden.

A native of Preble county, Mr. Acton was born in Eaton, on the 16th of October, 1851. His father, Joseph P. Acton, now living in Camden, is a native of Rockingham county, Virginia. The grandfather, Joseph Acton, was also born in the Old Dominion and on leaving that state took up his abode in Eaton, Ohio, in 1834. His wife was in her maidenhood Miss Cobb. Both died in Eaton of cholera in 1849, leaving a family of four sons and five daughters. With one exception all are yet living, William having passed away in the prime of life, leaving one son. Of the eight who yet survive the youngest is now seventy years of age. The grandfather of our subject was a wagonmaker and trained his children to habits of industry and economy. Joseph P. Acton became a cooper and for many years followed that pursuit, but is now living retired in Camden. He has been a resident of Camden since 1859, and during the period of the civil war he joined the Union army, enlisting at Camden in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, with which he served for a short time as a non-commissioned officer. He wedded Martha J. Black, who was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1827, and they became the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters, of whom the following are yet living : Richard T., of this review; W. P., who is a superintendent of one of the departments in the American Tin-Plate Works at Elwood, Indiana; Catherine, the wife of F. A. Wysong, a farmer of Preble county, by whom she has four children; and Elizabeth, the wife of Charles Ecker, of Hamilton, Ohio, by whom she has three children.

Richard T. Acton, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the common schools, but attended only about five years. Flo entered school at the regular age, and when a youth of eleven years began working at the cooper's trade in his father's shop. When thirteen years of age he had the care of the family, during his father's service in the war. He lived at home until he had attained the age of sixteen years, when I10 started out to work at the cooper's trade on his own account, but after a short time he returned to his old home. Not a week has passed since that time in which he has not visited his parents, the family ties having been strengthened with the passing years. Although he followed his trade in his earlier life, he had both the taste and talent of a musician, and this love of music was in his mind and heart as he worked with the cooper's mallet. He has embraced every opportunity to advance his musical knowledge, and for four consecutive years he was employed as the leader of a circus band. For the past eleven years he has served as superintendent of music in the public schools of Camden, and under his guidance great progress has been made in his particular line by the students of the city. It is believed that no art has a more ennobling influence upon men than that of music, and it is a language which is understood by all nations. In this regard Mr. Acton has certainly done a great work for his fellow townsmen by inculcating a love and knowledge of music among the younger generation. He is a valued addition to all musical circles and his performances have contributed much to the enjoyment of many public entertainments in the city.

On the nth of December, 1877, Mr,. Acton was united in marriage to Miss Laura Barnet, of Camden, a daughter of Alexander and Sarah Ann (Wesco) Barnet. Her father died October 22, 1859, at the age of thirty-five years, his birth having occurred on the 4th of June, 1824. He left a widow and five small children. Mrs. Barnet afterward became the wife of John Bryant, their marriage being celebrated in 1892. Mrs. Acton has a brother in Washington, Charles C. Barnet, who is engaged in the salmon-canning business. Mr. Acton is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to both the subordinate lodge and the encampment, and has been elected as a representative to the grand encampment at Lancaster, Ohio, in 1900. In politics he is a stalwart Republican and is a recognized leader in the ranks of the party. He has served as a member of the city council, and, as before stated, is for the third term filling the office of mayor. His duties of citizenship are ever faithfully performed and no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed. Both he and his wife are members of the Universalist church. His success in life may be attributed to his strong principles of honor and integrity, his indomitable energy and his close and assiduous attention to both the principles and details of his business. In manner he is courteous and genial, and his kindliness, worth and fidelity have gained him a very large circle of friends. -

Samuel Coovert

Ex-county commissioner and one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Preble county, Mr. Coovert, has spent his entire life here, his birth occurring in Monroe township, April 25, 1826. His father, John Coovert, supposed to have been a native of Delaware, came to Preble county, Ohio, at an early day and entered a tract of government land on section 10, Monroe township, the farm now owned by Jacob Trone. Mr. Coovert made many improvements upon the place, but sold it in 1835 and bought another farm adjoining it on the east. In 1855 he disposed of his property here and moved to Missouri, where he died at the age of seventy-two years. In early life he was a Democrat in politics, but was always a strong Union man, and in 1863, while residing in Missouri, he joined the Republican party. He was well posted on the questions and issues of the day, and was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His father was of Dutch and his mother of Irish descent. The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Kittie Earnest, was also of Irish lineage. She died when Samuel was only six years old, he being next to the youngest of the eight children of the family, four of whom reached adult age. William, the oldest, is still living at the age of eighty-seven years, and makes his home in Newton county, Indiana. Abram is a resident of Oregon. Jane is the widow of Benjamin Steel and a resident of Logansport,- Indiana.

Samuel Coovert was reared in his native town and was educated in the log school house so common at that day, with its greased-paper windows, slab seats and huge fire-place. At the age of twelve he started out to earn his own livelihood, and made his home with his brother until sixteen years of age, when he commenced serving a fouryears apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade with a Mr. Orendorf in Monroe township. At the end of that time he opened a shop of his own on section 14, the same township, and conducted the same for about four years.

While engaged in business there Mr. Coovert married Miss Amelia Hendrickson, who was born in Harrison township, Preble county, September 31, 1829, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Wilt) Hendrickson, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. She was the youngest of their four children, two sons and two daughters, and like her husband was educated in a primitive log schoolhouse. To them were born four children, namely : Elizabeth Jane, the widow of William Slosser and the mother of three living children, Lucretia, Charles and Frank; Martin L., who married Hulda McCoy and has two children, Minnie and Edward ; Curtis, who lives at home with his parents; and Samuel J., who married

After four years spent in business on section 14, Monroe township, Mr. Coovert removed to Scuffletown, Twin township, where he conducted a shop for one year and later successfully engaged in business at Hamburg, Monroe township, for twenty-three years. In the meantime the civil war broke out and he served one year as a member of Company F, Fifth Ohio Cavalry. While working at his trade- at Perda, Tennessee, he was injured by a mule he was shoeing, and was soon afterward discharged on account of disability. Returning to his home he engaged in blacksmithing at the old stand until 1875, when he removed to his present farm on section 8, Monroe township, where he has since made his home.

Mr. Coovert has ' always taken an act- I ive and influential part in local politics, and being one of the most prominent and popui! lar men of his community, he has been honored with important official positions, the duties of which he has discharged in a most commendable and satisfactory manner. About 1866 he was first elected county commissioner and served as such for three years at that time. In 1878 he was elected to the same office, and at the end of his three-years term was re-elected for the same length of time, making nine years in all. He was chairman of the board the last two terms, and was instrumental in building better roads and bridges throughout the county. From 1869 until 1878 lie served as trustee of his township, and has filled many other local offices. He cast his first presidential vote for the- Whig candidate in 1852, in i860 supported Lincoln, and has since been an ardent

Republican. He is an honored member of Judy Shewman Post, No. 2747, G. A. R., of Eldorado, and affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for about seven years.

James Carroll

The fellow citizens of Mr. Carroll have manifested their confidence in him by electing him to office, and as a member of the board of county commissioners he loyally labored for the interests of his constituents. He is recognized as a farmer of Twin township, his home being on section 8. In Kings county, Ireland, on the 28th of July, 1846, he was born, and he came to the United States in 1849. His parents, James and Margaret (Carroll) Carroll, had but two children, the younger being Mary.

James' Carroll, whose name heads this biographical review, was a lad of eleven years when his father emigrated from Ohio to Kansas. He was of a very independent nature and wished to remain in the Buckeye state. Subsequently he made his way to Brennersville, in the fall of 1856, and became an apprentice at the stone-cutter's trade, to B. W. Whipple, with whom he was to serve until he attained his majority. In the fall of 1863, however, he quietly slipped away in order to join the army, his foster father having refused him permission. He enlisted in the service at St. Louis, Missouri, was sent to the front, and on reaching Chattanooga was assigned to duty in the quartermaster's department, in which capacity he served until mustered out at Bellefontaine, Ohio, in 1864. He then returned to Preble county and began work at his trade of stonecutting in the employ of Mr. Negley, in Twin township. He was thus engaged for two

In 1871 Mr. Carroll was united in marriage to Miss Laura, a daughter of B. W. Whipple, but the fololwing year his wife died, leaving him with an infant daughter less than a year old. After Mr. Whipple's death Mr. Carroll purchased the old Whipple home and mill where he has since resided. The mill is one of the landmarks in Preble county, being one of the first steam mills erected in this part of the state, the machinery being put in in 1858. Mr. Whipple had become the owner of the property in 1864. After the former's death our subject continued the operation of the mill until 1884, when the dam was washed away and the operation of the gristmill was discontinued, but he still runs the sawmill. He is also the owner of one hundred and ten acres of land and conducts his farm in connection with his other business interests. His daughter is now grown to womanhood and presides over her father's home.

For the past few years Mr. Carroll has been numbered among the office-holders in his section of Preble county. For twelve or fifteen years he served as township trustee and was elected justice of the peace, but after six months' service resigned. In 1891 he was chosen by popular ballot as county commissioner of Preble county, and was re-nominated for a second term, but was defeated. He has served as a member of the school board, and in the various positions which he has filled has discharged his duties with promptness and fidelity. He has always been an earnest Democrat and is ever loyal to the principles of the party.

and of Royal Lodge, No. 320, K. of P., which he joined on its organization. His has been an industrious and enterprising life. He is a man of strong determination and unfaltering purpose, and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He started out in life for himself at the early age of eleven years and whatever success he has achieved is the reward of his own labors. The same loyalty which he displayed when he followed the starry banner on the battle-fields of the south he has ever manifested in all life's relations and the people of Preble county have high regard for him on account of his sterling worth.

Joseph S. Ramsey

Joseph S. Ramsey, a representative farmer of Israel township, was born December 12, 1838, in the neighborhood where he yet makes his home. The Ramsey family is of Irish lineage and the original American ancestors took up their abode in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whence representatives of the name went to Rockbridge county, Virginia. William Ramsey, the grandfather of our subject, resided in Kentucky for a year prior to his arrival in Preble county, Ohio, in 1805. When he came to this locality his nearest neighbor resided at College Corner. He was born in 1787 and was twice married, his first union being with Miss Rebecca Miller, also a native of Virginia. They were married in the Old Dominion and Mrs. Ramsey died August 18, 1813, at the age of thirty-six years. By her marriage she had become the mother of four daughters and three sons, but one son died in 1819, at the age of nine years and five months. The father of our subject was the youngest of the family, and was a babe at the time of his mother's death. The grandfather afterward married Miss Mary Harton, but had no children by that union. He died in 1 86 1, when an octogenarian. His first child, born in 1799, sleeps in the Beechwood cemetery. The journey of the family to Ohio was made with horse teams. The grandfather had but limited capital, but he entered a quarter-section of land and after making good improvements on the property sold it, at a profit. The first corn which he raised was ground into hominy and meal by an ingenious water-power wheel made from a log with an iron pestle on one end, the log being balanced on a pivot so that it operated like a trip hammer. The corn was placed in a mortar, which was made by hollowing out a log, and in that mortar some of his sheep were killed when he was absent. The sheep put their heads into the mortar in order to eat the corn and when the pestle came down the animals' heads were caught and they fell out. The first table which Mr. Ramsey owned was made with a split log or puncheon placed on pegs. He was a man of genius and energy and his excellent ability enabled him to devise many ingenious contrivances which proved of great advantage in carrying on the farm work.

Among his children was Thomas L. Ramsey, who was born in Somers township, Preble county, in 1812. He was reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and bore his share in the arduous task of developing the farm. He married Miss Jane Steel, about 1831, before he was twenty-one years of age. His wife was born in 1811, and the children that graced their marriage were as follows : William Taylor, a carpenter and mechanic, lives in Monmouth, Illinois, is married and has two sons and one daughter. Mary Ann is the wife of D. A. Gray, at College Corner, and has five children. Rebecca Jane became the wife of William Caskey and died in Israel township in middle life, leaving three children. Joseph S. is the next of the family. John Knox joined the Union army in 1862 and died in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1863, at the age of twenty-two years, as the result of the hardships of army life and of injuries sustained on the march from Memphis, Tennessee, to Chattanooga. Samuel Miller is a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian church in Los Angeles, California, and the editor of the California Voice, a Prohibitionist paper : he is a graduate of Miami University, Ohio, is married and has one child. Elizabeth A. is the wife of John B. Johnson, of Oxford, Ohio, and by her former marriage to H. L. Cramer, she has two children. Martha A. died at the age of ten years. Thomas Gavin, the youngesr of the family, died in childhood. The mother of these children died about 1851, and the father was again married, his second union being with Miss Margaret McCollum, by whom he had seven children, three sons and two daughters reaching mature years. One son, Hugh Henry, was preparing for the ministry as a student in college, when he died, at the age of twenty-two. Nathan L. is a farmer at Cedarville, Greene county, Ohio, and has one son and two daughters. Maggie became the wife of Addison Reid and they have two daughters. Harriot died in early womanhood; and George is a mechanic in Massachusetts.

No event of special importance to our subject occurred during his boyhood and youth. He lived upon his father's farm, became familiar with the work of field and meadow and bore his part in the task of improving the land. During the civil war he and bis brother, William Taylor, responded totlie country's call for troops on the 15th of July, 1861, enlisting as privates in the Fortyseventh Ohio Infantry and William rose to the rank of first sergeant. They served for four years and four months, belonging to Company D, Forty-seyenth Ohio Infantry, and Mr. Ramsey, of this review, was under command of Captain Wallace. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Dennis, Ohio, and the first battle in which he participated was at Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia. He also took part in the engagement at Big Soul Mountain in the fall of 1861, and spent the following winter at Gauly Mountain, Virginia. He served under General Cox in the engagement at Louisburg, Virginia, and did much scouting duty in that section. In the winter of 1862 he marched with his command to Vicksburg, aided in digging the canal and participated in the siege of the city, where he was struck by a hand grenade but not seriously wounded. He afterward went to Jackson, Mississippi, was in the battle of Missionary Ridge and then went to Maryville to relieve Burnside in the winter of 1863-4. The command went into camp at Larkinsville, Alabama, and Mr. Ramsey re-enlisted in 1864, and, after thirty days' furlough, rejoined his regiment and participated in the Atlanta campaign. He also marched with Sherman to the sea and at the capture of Fort McAllister was in Hazen's division. He has always had great admiration for General Sherman,, believing him one of the most skillful commanders of the war. The troops were shipped to Beaufort, South Carolina, and Mr. Ramsey took part in the battles of Columbia, South Carolina, of Goldsboro and of Raleigh, where he was stationed at the time the news of General Lee's surrender was received. There, too, they learned of the assassination of President

Lincoln. Marching on to Washington, Mr. Ramsey participated in the grand review in that city, thence went to Louisville, Kentucky, and on to Little Rock, Arkansas, where in July, 1865, he received an honorable discharge, being mustered out at Camp Dennison, Ohio, on the 24th of August following. His was a very excellent military record and one of which he has every reason to be proud.

After his return home Mr. Ramsey was married, on Christmas day, 1866, in Israel township, to Miss Sarah Rachel McQuiston, who was born near Hopewell church, January 30, 1843, a daughter of David and Janet (McDill) McQuiston. She is of Scotch descent and an estimable lady, having many warm friends. The children born of this marriage are as follows : Leila is the wife of C. C. Lemon, of Detroit, Michigan, where she is well known and recognized as a woman of strong character and intellectual force. Rolla Roy was graduated in the Bloomington (Indiana) University, where he has 1 taken the degree of M. A. and is now working for the degree of Ph. D. He is also teaching in his alma matey and has won prominence as a student and teacher of physics. Arthur is at home with his parents. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the Grand Army of I, the Republic and in his political views is a j! stalwart Republican. He has served as a school director, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his business affairs, in which he has met with creditable success.

He is known as one of the enterprising farmers of his community, honorable in all his dealings, trustworthy in every relation of life and as loyal in citizenship as when he followed the old flag upon the battle-fields of the south. He is also a loyal member of the

C. F. Brooke, Jr

Prominent in the business, social and political circles of Eaton, and highly esteemed for his many admirable characteristics, Mr. Brooke certainly deserves representation in this volume-. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 21st of March, 1857, and is a representative of oi\e of the old families of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, John C. Brooke, on leaving his home in Rockingham county, Virginia, took up his abode in Warren county, Ohio, on a farm, afterward removing to Preble county and later to Eaton, where he lived until his death. He died of cholera at the home of his son, C. F. Brooke, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1866. He had been living in Warren county, however, for some time prior to his death. The maternal grandfather of our subject was James B. Finley, a prominent Indian missionary whose life was devoted to work among the red men of Kentucky in an early day. Fie wrote a number of books and was a devout Christian gentleman whose influence was most marked and beneficial.

C. F. Brooke, Sr., the father of our subject, was numbered among Ohio's native sons, his birth having occurred near Waynesville, in Warren county. There he was reared to manhood and in early life he engaged in teaching school. He afterward lived in Germantown, Ohio, for some years. He was a hatter by trade and after following that pursuit for some time, taught school at West Alexandria, Preble county. In 1850 he went to Cincinnati, where for a number of years he occupied the important position of superintendent of the Bradstreet Mercantile Agency, his territory being the western states. While his parents resided in Cincinnati, the birth of our subject occurred there in 1857. He began his education in the public schools there, and when ten years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Eaton, where he continued his studies. In 1873 he matriculated in the Ohio Wesleyan University at' Delaware, and later he attended Pierce's Union Business College in Philadelphia, being thus well cpialified for the practical and responsible duties of life. In 1878 he accepted the position of bookkeeper in the employ of the Excelsior School Furniture Company in Cincinnati. In 1879 fie became a teller in the First National Bank in Eaton, serving in that capacity until 1883, when the cashier died and he was appointed to fill the vacancy. In July, 1884, the bank went into voluntary liquidation, soon after the Farmers & Citizens' Bank was organized, since which time Mr. Brooke has been its cashier. Its growth and success is due in no small measure to his business ability, his untiring efforts, his accommodating manner and his courteous treatment of the patrons of the bank. He is also the president of the Eaton Telephone Company, which purchased the plant of the old company, doubled its facilities and is now doing a very rapidly increasing business. It is one of the leading enterprises of the town.

In his political affiliations Mr. Brooke is a stanch Democrat, taking an active interest in the questions of the day and doing all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party. He was for some years the chairman of the Democratic executive committee of the county and his labors were very effective in promoting the interests of the political organization with which he is allied. He was offered the nomination for congress in the fourth congressional district of Ohio, then largely Democratic, in 1890, but refused to accept it. He was also offered the nomination for state senator in 1897 and again refused the proferred honor. A valued member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, he has filled all the offices of the local lodge, has been very active in its work and has served as a representative to the grand lodge. He joined the organization in Eaton when it was very weak, having a membership of only forty, but largely through his efforts it has become a very strong society, with a membership of two hundred and sixty. He is the deputy grand chancellor of the district comprising Warren, Preble and Butler counties, and with a thorough understanding of the benevolent principles of the order he labors earnestly for their promulgation, and his life exemplifies the teachings of the fraternity. One of the leading social organizations of Eaton is known as the Gridiron Club, of which Mr. Brooke is a prominent member and one of its chief cooks. He has been the president of the club since its organization in 1896. The membership is limited to fifteen, and at their weekly banquets no townspeople are ever invited ; but many invited guests from a distance are entertained weekly at its meetings, and the club on this account has a wide reputation.

On the 28th of August, 1888, Mr. Brooke was happily married to Miss Mary V. Gould, a daughter of L. G. Gould, who is the editor of the Eaton Democrat. They enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of the city and their own pleasant residence is the center of a cultured society circle. They are noted for the many social gatherings given at their home, and are spoken of as prince and queen of entertainers.

John G. Unger

The sturdy characteristics of the German race are manifested in Mr. Unger, who displayed in his life work the enterprising spirit and methods of perseverance so common among the people of the fatherland. He was born in the dukedom of Brunswick, near Bremen, on the 14th of May, 1832, in a family of six children. His parents were John H. and Senia (Walters) Unger. His father was born in Emptinghausen in the dukedom of Brunswick, near Bremen, about 1803, there grew to manhood and was married, making his home in that locality until 1852, when he came with his family to the new world. They made the voyage across the Atlantic to New Orleans and there took passage on a river steamer for Cincinnati. While en route for the latter city the father was taken ill and died soon after reaching Cincinnati. The family, however, proceeded on their way to Preble county, where John G. Unger had located about a year previously, his home being near West Alexandria. The mother of our subject was born in Feltinghausen, about 1811, and died in 1878. Her last years were spent in the home of her son John. In the family were six children, five of whom are yet living, namely : John G. ; Harmon, a farmer residing at Lexington, Ohio; Henreich, deceased; John H., a retired farmer of Lewisburg, Ohio; Detrich, who carries on agricultural pursuits in Harrison township, Preble county; and Margaret, wife of John H. Glander, a farmer of Lanier township.

John G. Unger had but limited educational privileges in his youth, for his parents were poor and he was early forced to earn his own livelihood. At the age of fourteen he began work as a farm hand and was thus employed for four years in Germany. In 1851 he resolved to seek a home in America, believing that his opportunities for advancement would be increased thereby. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic, arriving in Baltimore after a voyage of thirty-five days, and then made his way to Cincinnati. After staying there for about a week he went to Eaton and from there came to West Alexandria. On arriving here he saw a sign which informed him that a German was living at that place by the name of A. Schlingman, who befriended him and aided him in finding employment. With fifty cents in his pocket he made his way to a point near Enterprise, where ho found employment, given him by Henry Eidson, who was then the owner of the farm upon which our subject now resides.

Mr. Unger worked here for about four years, and on the expiration of that period he and his brother Harmon began renting land. They engaged in farming, their mother keeping house for them. In 1858 they purchased ten acres of land and a small house adjoining the Eidson farm, and there the family took up their abode. During the following year Mr. Eidson offered his farm for sale and Mr. Unger and his brother Harmon purchased the place in i860. The farm comprised one hundred and twenty-two acres. They gave a mortgage on the farm, but as the years passed they wore enabled to pay off all indebtedness as the result of their industry and strong determination. Some years later the property was divided between the two brothers, and afterward, as Harmon desired to purchase land in Lexington, our subject purchased his brother's share and became the sole owner of the place where he was first employed. He added to the property as his financial resources increased, and at one time it comprised two hundred acres, but of this he has donated some to the Cincinnati Northern Railroad and sold some to Ingomar Station, so that it is now one hundred and ninety-five acres in extent. In 1888, in partnership with H. S. Glander, he built a warehouse in Ingomar. This they rented for three years, but since that time Mr. Unger has occupied it and is successfully engaged in the grain business there in connection with his son-in-law, H. G. Durkle. He rents the tobacco warehouse, which was built the year following the erection of the other one. He has been largely interested in the cultivation of tobacco, wheat and corn, and he formerly raised and sold some hogs, although he did not make a specialty of raising stock. For thirty years or more he has manufactured sorghum molasses. An active business man, he has through his well directed efforts gained a very comfortable competence and is now a retired farmer.

On the 22d of November, 1862, occurred the marriage of Mr. Unger and Miss Anna Hattie Glander, a daughter of John Harmon Glander. She was born in Tetinghausen, in the dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, December 13, 1837, and with her parents came to America in 1855, the family locating in Lanier township, Preble county. Four children have been born of their union: Mada; Henry H., who is operating the home farm and married Altha Shafer, by whom he has one child, Wanda Estella; Anna Rebecca, the wife of H. G. Durkle, a grain merchant and station agent at Ingomar, by whom she has three children - Grace E., Ethel and John Howard; and Ella, the wife of John IT. Elder, a merchant at West Alexandria, by whom she had one son, Luther Lawrence. Mr. Unger is an active member of the Lutheran church and for many years has served therein as elder. His wife and children aro also members of the same church. In politics he is rather liberal in his views, but usually votes with the Democracy. His son, Henry H., is now land appraiser of Lanier township, to which office he was elected in November, 1899, for a ten-years term. Mr. Unger is a good man, a representative citizen, a prosperous farmer and 'a Christian gentleman. His success has resulted entirely from his unfaltering purpose, his marked energy and his sound business judgment, and to-day he is recognized among the most substantial residents of Preble county.

Thomas Fenton

Thomas Fenton follows agricultural pursuits in Israel township and has attained a fair degree of success, acquiring a comfortable competence through his unflagging industry and unfaltering perseverance. He was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 2, 1843, and is a grandson of Stacy Fenton, a Baptist minister, whose birth occurred in New Jersey. Becoming a preacher, he carried the "glad tidings of great joy" to many congregations in New Jersey and Ohio and died in Butler county, of the latter state, when about sixty-five years of age. On coming to the west he entered a half-section of land, which remained in the possession of the family until 1878, and forty acres of the tract is still owned by John Fenton, a brother of our subject. Stacy Fenton, Jr., the father of our subject, was born in Maryland, in June, 1808, and accompanied his parents on their various removals through the days of his boyhood and youth.

Simpson, who was born in Maine, in 1816, and when a little maiden of six years was brought to the west by her parents, the family locating near Mount Carmel, Indiana. Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Fenton, four sons and four daughters; but one daughter died in infancy. The others are: Mary, the wife of Henry Walling, a farmer of Edgar county, Illinois, by whom she has three children; Thomas, of this review; John, a capitalist of Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, who has one son, Harry A., now a prominent lawyer of Indianapolis; James, who owns four hundred acres of land in Edgar county, Illinois, where he resides with his wife and two sons; Amanda, the wife of Henry Hall; Cordelia, the wife of George Anthony, of Cicero, Indiana, by whom she has one son ; and Ella, the wife of John Shafer. The father of the above named children was called to his final rest in 1890, and the mother passed away in Illinois, November 10, 1895, while visiting her children in that state. Their remains were interred side by side in Scipio cemetery. They began their domestic life in limited circumstances, but their united efforts enabled them to acquire a comfortable competence and to assist their children in getting a start in life. In every relation they were true to the trusts reposed in them and were recognized as people of the highest respectability who well merited the regard which was uniformly given them.

Thomas Fenton pursued his education in the common schools, which he attended it intervals until seventeen years of age, but his entire attendance probably did not amount to more than three years. Reading, experience and observation, supplemented by an observing eye and retentive memory, however, have made him a well informed man. At the age of twenty he left home to secure work as a farm hand by the month in Franklin county, Indiana, receiving thirteen dollars per month in compensation for his services. During the war he was paid thirty dollars per month. He worked for five years as a farm hand and then engaged in farming on his own account for one year prior to his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 20th of December, 1869, Miss Catherine Abrams becoming his wife. She is a native of Franklin county, Indiana, born on the 1st of August, 1844, and a daughter of Griffin Abrams, now deceased. Her father was a farmer, who also operated a sawmill. In his family were three sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Fenton began their domestic life upon the William Lovett farm in Franklin county, Indiana, which property our subject rented for eleven years. His industry and economy during that time enabled him to acquire some capital, and in 1882 he purchased eighty acres of land in Israel township, Preble county, for which he paid seventy dollars per acre. Upon the place is a good residence and large barn, and Mr. Fenton erected other necessary and substantial outbuildings, so that he has ample shelter for grain, stock and farm implements. His property is well improved and is now one of the most desirable farms of the neighborhood, its well tilled fields yielding to him a good return for the care and labor he bestows upon them. As do most of the people of this section of the country, he makes a specialty of the cultivation of corn and wheat, realizing from four to eight hundred bushels of wheat and from eighteen hundred to two thousand bushels of corn annually. He is also engaged in the raising of hogs, of the Poland China breed, and sells about fifty head annually. Ho works four horses in the operation of his farm, has from ten to twelve head of cattle and a flock of fine Shropshire sheep. The latest improved machinery is used in the cultivation of his farm. He has his own feed mill, a fine orchard of apples and other fruit and in fact all modern accessories and conveniences are found upon his place.

The home of Mr. and Airs. Fenton has been blessed with two children, but Ora died at the age of twenty-four years. She was a good student and a few weeks later would have graduated in the Richmond Business College. Otho, now a youth of seventeen years, is attending school at College Corner. Mr. Fenton is a Democrat in his political views, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to devote his energies to his business cares, in which he has met with creditable success. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian church of College Corner and their lives are in harmony with their professions. Mr. Fenton certainly deserves great credit for what he has achieved. With limited educational privileges and no other advantages to aid him in his business career, he started out in the humble capacity of a farm hand and has steadily worked his way upward, undeterred by the obstacles and difficulties in his path. His resolution has enabled him to overcome these, and to-day he is accounted one of the well-to-do and representative farmers of his community.

Jeroaie W. Woolery

Among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Harrison township none are better known or more highly respected than the gentleman whose name introduces this review. Flis home is on section 28, where he

Mr. Woolery was born on the 20th of July, 1841, in Westminster, Carroll county, Maryland, of which county his parents, Christopher John and Matilda (Beaver) Woolery, were also natives. His greatgrandparents on both sides are supposed to have been born in Germany and came to the new world prior to the Revolutionary war, locating in Maryland. His grandfathers, Jacob Stofel Woolery and John Beaver, were both soldiers of the war of 1812, and the latter was a prominent man and large stockdealer of Carroll county, driving his stock in those early days to Baltimore, Maryland, and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. The mother of our subject died when he was about seventeen years of age, but the father, who was born in 1818, lived to the ripe old age of seventy-two years. He was a farmer by occupation and a Democrat in politics prior to the civil war, when he became a stanch Republican. During that conflict he served as a detective and provost marshal. Religiously he was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, served as a class-leader, and took a very active part in church work.

Jerome W. Woolery is the second in order of birth in a family of ten children, seven of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. He was reared and educated in his native county and remained at home until March, 1861. He then went to New Jersey, where he operated a truck farm belonging to his uncle, Nimrod Woolery, who was the judge of the orphans' court of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and while in New Jersey, October 15, 1861, he enlisted for the government in Company K, Ninth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Sharpshooters, as a private. He was in the service for three years and three months, and participated in twenty-nine battles. He received three slight wounds and was ill for a short time, but was with his company in every campaign with one exception, and in that no fighting was done. He was honorably discharged at Trenton, New Jersey, in 1864, and returned to Carroll county, Maryland, where he turned his attention to farming.

On the nth of September, 1865, Mr. Woolery was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Orendorff, who also was born in Westminster, Maryland, March 29, 1846, a daughter of David and Rebecca (Reese) Orendorff. She was the fourth child in their family of twelve children, eight of whom reached years of maturity. To Mr. and Mrs. Woolery were born the following children : Tabitha E., now the wife of Charles A. Burris, of Montgomery county, Ohio; Mary E. F., the wife of William Haines, of the same county ; Elias Edwin, who married Anna M. Parks and lived in Harrison township, Preble county; Ada M., the wife of Stephen Welbaum, of Preble county; Dora R., Hattie L., and Benjamin H., all at home; and Jerome W. and Laura B., who each died at the age of one year, six months and five days.

Mr. Woolery continued his residence in liis native state until 1880, when he removed to Taylorsburg, Montgomery county, Ohio, but later spent a year in Miami county, after which he returned to Montgomery county, this time locating near Phillipsburg. He next came to West Baltimore, Preble county, where he made his home about eight years, and at the end of that time purchased the farm on section 28, Harrison township, which has since been his home. Throughout his active business life he has followed general farming.

In political sentiment he is a Republican and has efficiently served as a school director in his district. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lewisburg, of which he has been a trustee many years, and also belongs to Parmalee Horn Post, No. 622, G. A. R., of Lewisburg, of which he has been the chaplain eight years ; Libanus Lodge, No. 80, L. & A. M. ; Ithaca Lodge, No. 677, I. O. O. L. ; and the Daughters of Rebekah, to which Mrs. Woolery also belongs.

Robert J. Brown

Robert J. Brown makes his home on the farm where his birth occurred, near Morning Sun, and is a representative of one of the j old families of the community. He pursued his elementary education in the village and afterward enjoyed superior advantages in the Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, at I which institution he was graduated in 1862.

Throughout the period of his youth he re- 1 mained at home, and on the 13th of May, 1864, prompted by a spirit of patriotism, he voluntered for four months' service in Company A, One Hundred and Lifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, in which he held the rank of corporal. He took part in the skirmish at Cumberland, Maryland, but was mostly engaged on guard duty. He is now engaged in agricultural pursuits on the old home farm, which comprises one hundred and sixtythree acres. The property has always been in possession of the family since the original parchment deed was conveyed by the government to the purchaser. It bears date December 30, 1 8 1 1 , and is signed by James Madison, then the President of the United States, and by James Monroe, secretary of state. Mr. Brown and his family have moved but once and that was when they left the old house in which the parents began their domestic life after their marriage. They took up their abode in their new residence in 1891, which is situated on the farm. The old home is now occupied by tenants and is kept in good condition. Mr. Brown follows mixed farming, as did his father, who at one time was the owner of eight good farms, four in Indiana, two -in Iowa and two in Ohio. These he sold, however, some years prior to his death.

On the 20th of October, 1875, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Vinolia A. Shaw, a daughter of Robert and Marietta (Robertson) Shaw. The father was born in Pennsylvania, in 1830, and in September, 1862, during the civil war, enlisted, becoming a private in the ranks of the Thirtieth Regiment of Iowa Volunteers. He died August 9, 1862, of typhoid fever, which he contracted in the rifle pits before Vicksburg, and his remains were interred there. After the death of her first husband Mrs. Shaw was again married, becoming the wife of Nathan Sloan, who died in 1882, since which time she has resided with her daughter, Mrs. Brown. Our subject and his wife lost one daughter, Helen, who died at the age of five months. Their only living child is Ethel E., who is now a student in Monmouth College, of Monmouth, Illinois. Mr. Brown is a Republican in his political affiliations and he and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church.

Eli J Api Field

Elijah Field, who carries on farming in Somers township, was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, June 3, 1852. His father, Charles R. Field, was born August 17,

1822, on the farm where the grandfather of our subject was reared from the time he was eight years of age. The father bore the name of Elijah Field and was born December 19, 1793, while the grandfather, Benjamin Field, was born June 21, 1771. He was the son of Elijah and Mary Field, the former born June 24, 1739. His death occurred in New Jersey, April 28, 1828. This record is obtained from an old family Bible which was published over one hundred years ago and is printed in the old style of literature, with the long s. It was purchased about 1817, but belongs to the first editon that was dedicated fully and sacredly to King James 1, of England. Benjamin Field, the grandfather of our subject, died November 15, 1826. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Robbins, was born April 6, 1774, and their first child was Elijah Field. This worthy couple reared but three of their seven children, two daughters and one son. Benjamin Field had but one son and one daughter and the latter never married. Elijah Field was maried November 7, 1821, to Miss Lydia Hendrickson, and they had two children : Charles R., who was born August 17, 1822; and Harriet Ann, who was born November 2, 1829.

Charles R. Field, the father of our subject, married Mary Ann Miller, of Monmouth county, New Jersey, who was born September 22, 1825. Their marriage occurred December 4, 1845. Her parents were Thomas and Tabitha (Britton) Miller, and they had ten children, eight sons and two daughters, nine of whom reached mature years and are still living, with the exception of Mary Emma, who died at the age of twenty-five. The members of the family who still survive are Anna M., the wife of John Chamberlain; George R. ; Edward B. ;

Elijah; Thomas; Charles B.; Abraham M., who is operating the old home farm of two hundred acres; and William H. All of these children reside in New Jersey near the old homestead and have small families averaging two children each. The mother survived the father some years and died in 1895, at the age of seventy. The grandfather and his wife died when eighty years of age, the former on his eightieth birthday. All were buried in New Jersey in what is known as the East Branch Quaker churchyard, the grandfather having been a member of that church.

Elijah Field, of whom we write, obtained a good common school education and was reared amid the refining influences of a good home. He spent his youth upon the farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married on the 6th of November, 1878, to Miss Mary Chamberlin, of Warren county, Ohio, a daughter of Stephen J. and Nancy T. (Anderson) Chamberlin. Her father was a native of New Jersey, a farmer by occupation, who died near Franklin, Ohio, in 1881, at the age of sixty-nine years, leaving a widow and six children. Mrs. Chamberlin still resides on the home farm in Warren county.

Mr. Field resided near Franklin, Ohio, for three years, and in 1881 came to Preble county, taking up his abode upon their present farm in Somers township in March, 1882. This farm comprises one hundred and thirtyfour acres of choice land, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation and yields a good return for the enterprising efforts of the owner, who is a progressive agriculturist. In addition to his general farming he engages in the breeding of blooded stock, much of which is registered, in- eluding Hereford cattle and Dttroc Jersey hogs. He is the only man in the county raising Hereford cattle. He has on hand from ten to twenty-five head of registered hogs and has sold specimens as high as one hundred dollars per head. He made one sale of seven for seven hundred dollars. He breeds six or eight sows, with two males. He has raised about sixty head of hogs annually, which bring him from ten to twenty-five dollars per head. His methods of farming and stock-raising are progressive and enterprising and in his business dealings he is honorable, enjoying the warm regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.

Mr. and Mrs. Field have two children : Stephen J., a youth of seventeen years; and Mary A., a maiden of thirteen, who was named for her grandmother. Theirs is one of the most atractive and convenient homes in the locality, having been thoroughly remodeled inside and out. Porches have been built, steam-heating apparatus has been put in, and everything is modern and convenient.

Mr. Field was reared in the faith of the Whig party, was afterward a Republican and is now independent in politics. He neither seeks nor desires office, preferring to give his attention to his business. His wife is a member of the Baptist church. Fie belongs to the Wayne County Farmers' Club. The first and preliminary meeting for this association was held at his home in January, 1893, and tho club was organized at the home of Josiah Flory on the 15th of February following, the members being Martin Sayler, F. Lantis, Josiah Flory, Richard Francis, R. C. Pugh, Elijah Field, Samuel Young, W. E. Murphy, W. K. Swan, Clayton Pugh, who has since resigned ; and since the organization J. E. Anderson and G. W.

Hanger have become members. Mr. Field was its first president, filling that position in 1893, 1894 and 1895. He is one of the wide-awake, progressive, active and energetic agriculturists of his community and his name is closely associated with advancement along agricultural and stock-raising lines. He is held in high esteem for his sterling worth, his reliable business methods and his fidelity to the duties of citizenship and in this volume he well deserves mention.

James Scott Brown

James Scott Brown is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Israel township. He was born near Morning Sun, November 23, 1830, and is a son of James Brown and a grandson of Nathan Brown, both natives of South Carolina. He is the second child and son in a family of twelve children, of whom four sons and four daughters reached years of maturity.

Mr. Brown of this review remained at home upon the farm and received an ordinary district-school education. He has always followed the pursuit to which he was reared. He was married October 11, 1859, to Julia A. Robertson, a native of Spring Hill, Decatur county, Indiana, born in July, 1841. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Robertson, were married in South Carolina, and removed to Iowa in 1846. Our subject and his wife located on their present farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres, which had been purchased by his father in 1852, They located here in 1859, and here they have reared their nine children, namely: William M., a physician now in the mining regions of Idaho, whither he went from Omaha, Nebraska, began his practice in the latter state and six years later went to the northwest. He was educated at Oxford, Ohio, in Monmouth, Illinois, and Cincinnati. He married Emma Sherman, who was born on the Hudson, in New York, and they have two daughters. J. Clayton Robertson, the second son, resides on the old home property. He wedded Mary Edna Gilmer and they have one son and one daughter. Bertha E. is the wife of C. C. McCreary, and they have one living daughter. N. Stanley is a commercial traveler residing in Omaha, Nebraska. J. Arthur Scott went to the west in 1898 for his health, leaving the Xenia, Ohio, Theological Seminary, where he was then pursuing a course of study. Ina M., Edith Etta and Lois Julia are at home, and Oliver Elliott died at the age of six years.

During the civil war Mr. Brown manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting, in 1864, in response to the call for one-hunclred-day men. He joined Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Infantry, of which he was a lieutenant before the call. He went to the front as a sergeant, for on joining the United States service all of the officers resigned and their regiment was reorganized. Upon his return Mr. Brown resumed farming and is regarded as one of the enterprising agriculturists of the community. Wheat and corn are his leading crops. He rotates his crops, planting his corn on clover sod and then raises one or two crops of wheat, after which he "seeds it down." He harvests from six to fifteen hundred bushels of wheat annually and has about thirty or forty acres planted with corn, which averages fifty bushels to the acre. He follows progressive methods of farming and his enterprising efforts have secured to him a comfortable competence.

support to the party. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he belongs to that class of enterprising citizens who withhold their support from no measure or movement which they believe will prove of public benefit. His life has been quietly passed, yet his history lacks not that interest which is ever found in the record of the man who is true to his duty, to himself, his neighbor and his country.

Nathan L. Ramsey

The excellent farm which is owned by Nathan L. Ramsey is pleasantly located on section 14, Israel township, not far from the village of Morning Sun. This is the old Ramsey homestead, a place endeared to him through the associations of his boyhood as well as his later years. He was born on this farm sixty-nine years ago, his natal day being April 30, 1830. His father, George Ramsey, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, January 21, 1801, and in 1806 he was brought to Preble county by his parents, William and Martha (Ochletree) Ramsey. The grandfather was born in Ireland, in 1749, and in early life crossed the broad Atlantic to the new world, taking up his abode in Virginia, whence he emigrated to Kentucky and in 1806 to Ohio, settling on section 14, Israel township, Preble county. He was twice married, his second wife being Martha Ochletree, who was born in Virginia in 1769. He died upon the old homestead here in 1837, in his ninety-first year, and she passed away in 1850. They had seven children, but only one is now living, the venerable David Ramsey, of Fair Haven, now in his eighty-ninth year. He was the youngest of the family and has attained a greater age than any of the others, although some of the other members of the family lived to be octogenarians. By his first marriage, which was to Miss Lackey, the grandfather had eight children. William Ramsey and his second wife were laid to rest in the beautiful Hopewell cemetery, where many other representatives of the family are also sleeping. William and Nathan Ramsey, two of his sons by his first marriage, came to Ohio the year before their father and made a little clearing in the woods on section 14, Israel township, and then returned to Kentucky. The next year the grandfather and his brother, John Ramsey, came to the Buckeye state, and the latter located near Pleasant Run, in Hamilton county, Ohio. For two years past the Ramseys have held a family reunion, at which have been present about one hundred and fifty representatives of the name.

George Ramsey was a little lad of five summers when he came with his parents to Preble county, and amid the wild scenes of the frontier he was reared. He knew what it was to aid in the arduous task of developing new land and to live in a little log cabin; but, though there were many hard trials and hardships to be borne, there were also many pleasures to be enjoyed that are not known at the present day. He married Miss Martha Ramsey, a distant relative. She was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, May 4, 1806, and their marriage occurred in 1826. They were always farming people, whose lives were quietly passed and whose sterling characteristics won them the confidence and good will of all with whom they were associated. They became the parents of nine children, but one daughter died at the age of eleven months, and another, Esther Maria, died in her fifteenth year. Their eldest son, Asa Harvey, was a United Presbyterian minister. He had preached but four sermons after leaving college when he was stricken with consumption, that dread disease terminating his life in his twenty-eighth year. He was a man of strong intellectual force, a graduate of two colleges and was well qualified for an important life work. The six living children of the family are Eliza A., the wife of John C. Ramsey, of Iroquois county, Illinois, by whom she has three children: Nathan L., of this review; John M., who is living in Israel township, has five children; Mrs. Lucy Ann Bailey, a widow who resides near Mulberry, Indiana, and has one son; William H., a retired farmer of Peoria, Illinois, who has had three children, two yet living; and George S., a retired farmer, making his home in Onarga, Illinois, who has one daughter. He is the youngest of the family and is fifty-six years of age.

Nathan L. Ramsey, of this sketch, received a common school education and throughout the period of his youth assisted in the operation of the home farm, performing his share of the work of field and meadow. His father died in his fifty-eighth year, and Mr. Ramsey remained at home to care for his mother until her death in 1874. He did not marry until after she passed away, but on the 22d of June, 1876, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary E. Calderwood, of Middleport, Ohio. She was born in Cincinnati, in 1848, and lived in that city until eight years of age. Pier father, Andrew Calderwood, married a Miss Thornburn, and both parents are now deceased. The mother died at the age of forty-five years, leaving seven children. The father afterward married Miss Agnes Fords, and they became the parents of four children. Of this family three sons and seven daughters reached mature years and all are yet living, with the exception of Robert. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have been born three children : George A., who assists his father in the operation of the home farm; Nathan Harvey, a student in the Richmond Business College; and Martha Elizabeth, a' most estimable young lady, whose death at the age of seventeen years came as a great blow to her parents and brothers, and she was mourned throughout the community by her many friends.