Washington Township (part 8 of 21)

After his marriage Mr. Brandenburg took charge of his father-in-law's farm and for eight years operated that place as a renter. In 1884 he purchased one hundred and nine acres of his present farm in Jackson township, Preble county, and here he has since been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. As the years have passed his capital has been augmented and be has added to his farm until now a valuable tract of two hundred and forty acres yields to him a golden tribute in return for the care and labor he bestows upon it. He also engages to some extent in stock raising and this has added materially to his income. His labors are energetically prosecuted, and along the lines of legitimate business he has acquired a handsome competence which classes him among the substantial residents of Jackson township.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brandenburg was blessed with seven children, namely : Edna, wife of Harry E. Irvin, a carpenter of Jackson township; Earl, at home; Samuel, who is engaged in teaching in the district schools; Clyde, deceased; and Hattie, Orpha and Harold, at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Brandenburg is a Democrat and has held several local offices. He served for one term as assistant land appraiser ; for one term as assessor; and is now filling the position of township trustee, to which he was elected in the spring of 1900. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he does all in his power to promote the best interests of the schools. For several years he officially served as president of the board of education, and it was largely through his instrumentality that there was erected at Campbellstown a township high school, which is the pride of this section of the county. Mr. Brandenburg is a member of Eaton Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., and he contributes in a large measure to the support of every movement which he believes will prove of public good. As a citizen he is progressive and loyal, as a business man straightforward and honorable and as a friend he is faithful and consistent.

William Bruce

In William Bruce, the founder of Eaton, a high type of pioneer life and character was exemplified. The name Bruce is so closely interwoven with the history of Eaton and Preble county that no historical record of this section would be complete without mention of the family. As the name indicates, the Bruces are of Scotch lineage, and in the subject of this biography were preserved many of the distinguishing and admirable traits of the Scotch people. His father and five brothers, Highlanders, leaving the land of hills and heather, crossed the Atlantic to the new world in 1746, on account of the Scottish rebellion then in progress. They located upon the banks of the Potomac, in Virginia, where William Bruce was born September 20, 1762, and at the age of nine

He received in his youth a very meager education, but by reading, observation and experience he became a well informed man. When a mere boy he was engaged in packing goods across the mountains, an occupation which by reason of its vigor and peril developed within him a strong physique and a fearless and sturdy character, thus fitting him for the pioneer life he was to lead in Ohio. On attaining his majority, he removed to Bourbon county, Kentucky, and there, in 1791, he married Frances Lewis, a native of Kentucky, born in 1771. In 1793 he removed with his wife to Warren county, Ohio, and for six years lived near Shakertown. Then after a brief residence in Butler county they removed to Montgomery county, whence they came to Preble county, in June, 1806. Here he purchased of the government three sections of land, built a cabin on the hill south of the site of Eaton, laid out the town, and built a saw and grist mill, which proved of great convenience to the settlers in the surrounding country. A former writer has recorded the following :

"The village fast gained population under the proprietor's generous scheme of management, and in a few years, almost entirely through his influence, it excelled in good morals and in true prosperity many of the old rivals which had better natural advantages. Mr. Bruce made liberal donations of land for public buildings, churches and schools, and also gave lots to a number of settlers, besides encouraging the worthy poor by various other methods."

ness he prospered. In matters of public affair he ever stood ready to promote any and all measures tending to benefit the public. In all things he was thoroughly conscientious, did what he believed to be right and expedient, without regard to public opinion to the contrary. So much was this trait of independence a part of his nature that he was openly pronounced eccentric. He was at one time a member of the Christian church, and because he ground corn on Sunday for the poor, and in some cases for absolutely destitute settlers, members of the church remonstrated with him, and in consequence thereof he withdrew from their fellowship. He was a plain, matter-of-fact man, decided in his views and strictly honest. His sterling traits of character were such as to gain for him the unqualified respect of the people, a fact that was evidenced when he was made the first treasurer of Preble county, and in later years by a number of private trusts reposed in him.

His death occurred in 1832, and over his grave, in Mound Hill cemetery, there stands an appropriate monument, formed in part of grinding stones of his old mill. Eaton also stands as a monument to his enterprise, and as long as the city shall endure he will be remembered with gratitude as its founder. His wife preceded him in death, in 1827. She bore him eleven children, of whom James W. was the last to pass away.

James W. Bruce

James W. Bruce, son of William and Frances (Lewis) Bruce, was born April 15, 1813, on the old homestead of his father, in Preble county, and died May 24, 1900. He was reared amid the wilds of the frontier and assisted in the arduous task of clearing and developing the new land. He pursued his education in the country schools and throughout his life he followed farming. The capable management of his agricultural interests brought him a handsome competence. In 1835 he united with the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplified the noble and benevolent principles of the order. There is particular satisfaction in referring to the life history of this honored and venerable gentleman, since his mind bore the impress of the historical annals of the state of Ohio from the early pioneer days, and from the fact that he was ever a loyal son of the republic and his memory went back to the days when the forest stood in its primeval strength and was the haunt of the red man. He watched the trees fall before the sturdy stroke of the woodman's ax, to be followed by the transformation of the land into fertile and productive fields. He experi-' enced the struggles and hardships of pioneer life and felt just pride in the splendid position which Preble county now occupies among the leading counties of this great commonwealth.

Hardin Bruce

Hardin Bruce was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, July 1, 1798. Of his father, William Bruce, extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. He was a lad of eight years when his father came to Preble county. He shared with the family in all the experiences of pioneer life, received a limitd education, chose farming for an occupation, and devoted his life to that pursuit, together with stock-raising. In manner he was quiet and unassuming, but possessed that genuine worth which everywhere commands respect and confidence.

He married for his first wife Jane Cook, and for his second Susannah Swihart. By his first wife he had several children, of whom Mrs. Margaret A. Redmond is the only survivor. By his second wife his children were : John Ervin, of Preble county ; Mary, who first married James K. Deem and is now the wife of George W. Deem; Frances, who was the first wife of George W. Deem; Kate, wife of G. H. Brouse; Emma M. ; and Laura B., wife of Bruce Sayres. The father of this family died in 1879, and the mother passed away in 1896.

John Ervin Bruce

John Ervin Bruce was born in the house which is still his home, on the 5th day of January, 1847. His parents were Hardin and Susannah (Swihart) Bruce. He received his education in the schools of Eaton, and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits on the old homestead. In addition to farming he is engaged in the dairy business. He is energetic and enterprising, and has been successful in business affairs.

On the 20th of February, 1872, he married Miss Ida Mitchell, daughter of T. C. Mitchell, of Preble county. They have five children: Robert, Horace B., Wallace, Ethel and Fannie. Mr. Bruce is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a well and favorably known citizen of Preble county, where his entire life has been passed.

Richard Danily

There is in the anxious and laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career of the business or professional man fighting the everyday battle of life, but little to attract the idle reader in search of a sensational chapter; but for a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence, there are noble and important lessons in the life of the man who, without other means than a clear head, a strong arm and a true heart, conquers adversity, and toiling on through the work-a-day years of a long career finds that he has won not only wealth but also something far greater and higher - the deserved respect and esteem of those with whom his years of active life placed him in contact.

Such a man and one of the leading citizens of New Paris is Richard Dandy. He was born in Shropshire, England, December 26, i860, a son of Richard Dandy, whose birth occurred in the same locality. The father was a farmer by occupation and died in his native land at the age of sixty years. His wife bore the maiden name of Ann Ruscoe and was also a native of England, in which country she died at the age of seventy. In their family were six children : Joseph,

William, Anna and Letitia, who are residing in the mother country; Elizabeth, who died when about eighteen years of age, and Richard of this review.

Mr. Dandy, of this sketch, is the youngest of the family and the only one who came to America. He was reared in his native country until about sixteen years of age, when he determined to seek a home in the new world, crossing the Atlantic to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He thence made his way to Texas, locating in Olston, where lie worked for a time in a lime yard. After a short period, however, he made his way northward to St. Louis, Missouri, and after being employed in that city for a short time went to Illinois. In the Prairie state he worked on a farm until his removal to Preble county, Ohio. He was here again employed as a farm hand by the month until 1885, when he came to New Paris and engaged in the stone business for the firm of Smith & Son, with whom he worked for about six years. On the expiration of that period, in connection with Thomas Mellody and Patrick Carmen, he formed a partnership in the lime business. A year later Mr. Carmen withdrew and Mr. Danily and Mr. Mellody conducted the enterprise for a year longer, when the latter sold his interest to Noah Deem. The new firm then carried on business for little more than two years when Mr. Danily's father-inlaw, C. Hutton, purchased Mr. Deern's interest and the new partnership was maintained until Mr. Hutton's death, when Mr. Danily became sole proprietor. He has since carried on the business successfully and at times employed as many as twenty men. He deals in lime and building stone and has a very liberal patronage, his sales having reached extensive proportions.

Mr. Danily was married in New Paris, in 1884, to Miss Jennie Hutton, a native of Preble county, Ohio, and a daughter of C. Hutton. They now have two children, Fred and Minnie. Their pleasant home is celebrated for its hospitality and the circle of their friends is limited only by the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Danily is a stanch Republican in his political views and has served as a member of the school board, but has never sought or desired political preferment, his time being fully occupied by his business affairs. He is recognized as one of the leading representative business men of New Paris. He worked as a farm hand in youth, but has steadily advanced by his own well directed efforts, and to-day he is classed among the most substantial residents of his community. He owns valuable property, and what he has acquired is the merited reward of his own labors. A man of strong individuality and unsullied probity, one who has attained to a due measure of success in the affairs of life, and whose influence has ever been exerted in thedirection of the good, the true and the beautiful, this honored veteran of our late war assuredly deserves representation in this volume.

John Brower

John Brower is one of the veterans of the civil war and a wide-awake, progressive farmer of Dixon township. His birth occurred October 26, 1842. His father,

Daniel Brower, was born near West Alexandria, the grandfather removing from Virginia to the Buckeye state. For many years Daniel Brower was a minister of the German Baptist church, and his earnest Christian life furnished an example well worthy of emulation. In business affairs he was successful, and in all life's relations he commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Shiverly, died in 1876. They were the parents of five children of whom three yet survive, namely : Christina, who became the wife of William Harvey, of Howard county, Indiana; John, of this review, and Henry W., of Richmond, Indiana.

Mr. Brower, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the common schools and at an early age began earning his own livelihood by working as a farm hand. When his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital he invested it in land, thus becoming owner of his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in 1870. In addition to this he operates the farm of one hundred and sixty acres owned by Carey

Toney. He is a wide-awake and progressive agriculturist whose labors are energetically conducted, bringing to him good financial return. At the time of the civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting on the 20th of May, 1864, as a member of the One Hundred and Fiftysixth Ohio Infantry.

In September, 1866, Mr. Brower was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Marshall, a daughter of Josiah Marshall and a representative of one of the old families of this section of Ohio. Eleven children have been born of their union,, nine of whom are now living, namely: Daniel, William, Josiah, Albert, Ira, Clara, Alice, Ethel and Homer. The eldest son is now in Connersville, Indiana, but the other children are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Brower both hold membership with the German Baptist church, in which he has served as deacon since 1886. They take a very active part in its work, doing all in their power to promote its welfare, and are most highly respected people, justly meriting the warm regard of their friends.

Edward S. Stotler

Among the earnest men whose depth of character and strict adherence to principle excite the admiration of his contemporaries, Mr. Stotler is prominent. He is well known in Eaton and Preble county as a banker, capitalist and agriculturist. Banking interests are the heart of the commercial body, indicating the healthfulness of trade, and the bank that follows a safe and conservative business policy does more to establish public confidence in times of wide-spread financial depression than anything else. Such a course has the Eaton bank followed under the able management of its president, the subject of this sketch. For many years has he been one of the active business men of this section of Ohio, doing much in a quiet way for the substantial improvement and upbuilding of the city with which he has allied his interests.

Mr. Stotler was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, on the 13th of February, 1825, and is of German lineage. His parents, Jacob and Mary Ann (Sorber) Stotler, were also natives of Somerset county, Pennsylvania, where the father was born in 1797. In 1833 he emigrated to Preble county, Ohio, locating on a farm on section 36, Twin township, where his wife died in 1846, in her forty-fifth year, leaving a family of four children, namely: Edward S., of this review; Mrs. Lucinda Earhart, formerly of Darke county, Ohio; Miriam, wife of Joseph Copp, of Twin township; and Margaret J., widow of Bethuel Harris and a resident of Monroe township. The father of this family died at the age of fifty-four years, on the farm upon which he settled in ^33-

Mr. Stotler, of this review, pusued his education in the public schools of Twin township and through reading and study after putting aside his text books. He spent the early years of his manhood upon the home farm, continuing there until twenty-four years of age. In the fall of 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he joined a party of seven gold seekers who went by way of the Isthmus route to California. They were nineteen days on the Gulf of Mexico on a 'small schooner, and seven deaths from cholera occurred among thirty-five passengers. They went over the Chagres river in Indian canoes or "dugout" to a point called Gorgona and thence across to Panama, their baggage being carried by natives. At Panama they took passage on a British brig, called Circassian, and after forty-three days reached San Francisco, being out of sight of land for fifty-two days from the time they left home.

After reaching the Golden Gate Mr. Stotler went to Sacramento and thence to Morman Island, arriving there on the 22d of February, 1850. He worked in the mines there for three days, after which he went to Cold Springs, where he engaged in mining for five or six weeks. In company with his partner, Mr. Cunningham, he then returned to Sacramento and afterward to Nevada City, on the south fork of the Yuba river. On that trip he made a bargain with a merchant to drive a team in case the miningventure did not prove satisfactory. He worked at mining for ten days, at ten dollars per day, and then accepted the position of driver, his route being from Sacramento to Nevada City, a distance of about seventyfive miles. For that service he received three hundred and fifty dollars per month, but after a month and a half he was taken ill and was obliged to give up the position. On recovering, however, he entered the employ of the same merchant, for whom he herded cattle at one hundred and fifty dollars per month. Fie was thus employed for about two months when he was once more taken ill, and during his sickness he paid the attending physician ten dollars for each visit. On recovering lie embarked on board a sailing vessel for home, disembarking at Acapulco, Mexico, and making his way overland by way of the city of Mexico to Vera Cruz. He purchased horses and traveled in that way until he reached the Mexican capital, after which he traveled as a passenger in wagons over the same road which had been traversed by the army of General Scott and was known as the National road. He visited the battle-grounds and saw the natural bridge and puebla. At Vera Cruz he embarked on a Mexican schooner for New Orleans, and during the passage the vessel was overtaken by a disastrous storm which carried away nearly all of the sails, and they were obliged to put into Campeachy for repairs, remaining there for eight days.

On the 3d of April, 1851, Mr. Stotler arrived at his home. His trip had not been very successful financially, but the experience was valuable. He engaged in various kinds of farm labor for several years after his return, and in 1858, in partnership with a Mr. Gale, he rented a country custom-mill, three miles south of West Alexandria, on Twin creek. After operating that mill for a year he built a flour and saw mill at West Alexandria, which has since been in constant operation. In this enterprise he was associated with his partner, Mr. Gale, and with Mr. Glander. They continued to conduct the mill for several years, when Mr. Gale died and the other two partners purchased his interest, Mr. Stotler and Mr. Glander conducting the mill with great success for several years, when Mr. Stotler purchased the other's interest and became sole proprietor. He continued the business for a number of years and about 1890 sold the property, having been identified with the milling business for almost a third of a century. The enterprise proved profitable, bringing to him a good income: He also

Twin Valley Banking Company and was one of the principal stockholders and officials. After two or three years' connection with that institution he disposed of his interest and became one of the organizers of the Eaton Banking Company, which is now in control of one of the solid financial interests of Preble county, with which many of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of the community are associated. The financial responsibility equals five hundred thousand dollars. On the organization of the bank Mr. Stotler was elected president; J. H. Mussleman, cashier; and J. M. Gale, assistant cashier. These gentlemen, by annual reelection, have been continued in office, and in the interests of the stockholders of the institution transact a general banking business, which has steadily grown in volume and importance. It is one of the finest banking houses in the city and its patronage has increased year by year. Its success is no doubt due in a large measure to the wise counsel, careful management and keen discernment of the president. Mr. Stotler has also dealt extensively in real estate and at present is the owner of one thousand and ninety- three acres of farm land, eight hundred and eighty-three acres of which is in Randolph and Blackford counties, Indiana, a portion of this being in the gas belt. He also owns a fine opera house in Union City, Indiana. The Stotler block, of Eaton, one of the most valuable properties of the city, was erected by him in 1896, and in addition he also owns much other valuable property and has other satisfactory investments. He inherited about three thousand dollars, but his vast possessions aside from this have been acquired entirely through his own efforts.

Mr. Stotler has been twice married. He first wedded Sarah Halderman, their marriage taking place in 1857. They lived together until 1861, and two children were born to them, John H. and Sallie E., but the latter died at the age of fourteen years, as the result of an accident in her father's mill. John H. is a physician of New York city, though not engaged in active practice at the present time. He has traveled very extensively. For thirty-six years Mr. Stotler lived a widower and was then married, on the 26th of April, 1899, to Mrs. Hattie Bonner, a lady of refinement and education. She was the widow of David Bonner and had four children by her former marriage.

Mr. Stotler has been a life-long Democrat but has never sought or held office. He has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1851, joining that organization just after his return from California. He takes great interest in the craft and is still active in its work, belonging to Bolivar Lodge, of Eaton. He is one of the best business men of Preble county. A man of distinctive ability and one whose character is above a shadow of reproach, he has been faithful to the highest positions in which he has been called upon to serve and is widely known and respected by all who have in any way been familiar with his honorable and useful career.

Hon. Andrew L. Harris

An enumeration of those men of the present generation who have won honor and public recognition for themselves, and at the same time have honored the state to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make prominent reference to the one whose name initiates this paragraph. He holds distinct precedence as an eminent lawyer and statesman, as a man of high scholarly attainments, a valiant and patriotic soldier; and his knowledge of the industrial interests is scarcely equaled throughout the length of the land. In every relation of life he has borne himself with such dignity and honor as to gain the respect of all. He has been, and is, distinctively a man £>f affairs and one who has wielded a wide influence. A strong mentality, invincible courage and a most determined individuality have so entered into his life as to render him a natural leader of men and a director of opinion. Prominent in the affairs of state and nation, his influence and reputation are by no means limited by the confines of his native state, and yet no history of Preble county would be complete without the record of his career, for it is here that he has spent almost his entire life. While respected and honored throughout Ohio and in Washington city, where he is well known, he has in Preble county the warm friendship of all those with whom he has had connection, and no man is more widely known in the county than he.

Andrew Lintner Harris was born in Butler county, Ohio, November 17, 1835, and was reared on a farm in Dixon township, Preble county. Plis grandfather, Joseph Harris, was a native of the Emerald Isle, and in 1797 crossed the Atlantic to America, taking up his abode in Cincinnati. Soon after the close of the war of 1812 he removed to Butler county, Ohio. His son, Benjamin Harris, the father of our subject, was born in Cincinnati, March 3, 1803, and was married on the 3d of' April, 1829, to Miss Nancy Lintner, of Butler county. He made farming his life work, and was one of the intelligent, progressive, prominent and useful citizens of the community. In his family were seven children, of whom our

Colonel Harris spent his early boyhood days upon the home farm, and through the summer months assisted in the work of field and meadow, while in the winter season he pursued his studies in the district school. His early educational privileges, however, were supplemented by a course in Miami University. While he was very young his father removed to Butler county and purchased the Henry Bristol farm in Dixon township. It was thereon that Colonel Harris, of this review, was reared. During his early manhood he took up the study of law, pursuing his reading in the office and under the direction of the firm of Thompson & Harris, of Eaton ; but before he was admitted to the bar the civil war was inaugurated and he put aside all personal considerations and joined the army. The hydraheaded monster of the rebellion appeared in the south, an attempt being made to overthrow the Union, but when the tocsin of war was sounded men came from the fields, the offices, the work-shops and the countingrooms to offer their services and to aid in maintaining the supremacy of the national government.

Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter cleared away when, in April, 186 1 , Mr. Harris "donned the blue," becoming a member of the Twentieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for three months' service. Before going to the front he was made second lieutenant of Company C, and the following August was mustered out with the rank of captain. In October of the same year he recruited Company C, of the Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry, and was commissioned its captain on the 9th of November, 1861. At the battle of McDowell, West Virginia, which was said to be the bloodiest battle of the war for the number of troops engaged, he was quite seriously wounded. Later he participated in the engagement at Cedar Mountain, and in the second battle of Bull Run. The colors of the regiment were hit ninety times, but never once did the members of tbe Seventy-fifth Ohio show fear, even though in the hottest of the battle. On the 12th of January, 1863, Mr. Harris was made major, and in the terrible engagement at Chancellorsville' the regiment did gallant service. The colonel was killed and Mr. Harris was then promoted to the position. On the 3d of May, 1863, at the battle of Gettysburg, he had command of the Second Brigade of the First Division of the Eleventh Corps and distinguished himself by a daringcharge. His command was under a hot fire for three days, and was the first to enter the city after the battle. Tbe Seventy-fifth lost heavily, and her colonel was badly wounded. On the 18th of August the Ohio Brigade was placed in the trenches of Morris Island, and there remained until the fall of Forts Wagner and Gregg on the 7th of September. On the night of the 6th Colonel Harris, with nine hundred selected men, were detailed to make the assault on the sea front, with instructions to march against the works at daybreak; but the enemy, observing the operations, abandoned the fort. In February, 1864, Colonel Harris was placed in, command of Fort Wagner and later his regiment was sent to Jacksonville, Florida, where it was mounted, doing gallant cavalry service from that time until mustered out. In May, 1864, the Colonel went to head-waters of the St. John and Kissinee rivers and destroyed a large amount of cotton and other Confederate stores, also capturing five thousand head of beef cattle, and all without the loss of a single man. On the 14th of August Colonel Harris was imprudently sent by General Hatch on an expedition to the rear of the enemy with only two hundred men. He obeyed orders and took a few prisoners, but was met by a large force and was compelled to ride night and day to keep out of the hands of the enemy. On the morning of the 17th he halted at Gainesville to rest, supposing himself to be temporarily secure, but was soon attacked by fourteen hundred men. As retreat was out of the question, he either had to cut his way out or surrender. The odds were seven to one, but, desperate as was the attempt, he succeeded in getting away with one-half of his little band. Colonel Harris was a most brave, fearless and gallant officer. He took every precaution to save his men, yet when duty called he never faltered, and again and again his regiment was in the thickest of the fight, where his own valor arid daring inspired and encouraged his followers. He was mustered out of the service as colonel of the Seventy-fifth Ohio on the 15th of January, 1865, and on the 13th of March was brevetted brigadier-general for gallant conduct on tbe field of battle.

At the close of the war, Colonel Harris returned to his farm in Preble county, but wounds he had received disabled him for performing manual labor and he continued preparing for the bar, being admitted to practice by tbe district court of the county in 1865. He continued an active member of the legal profession until 1875, and won distinction as a leading member of the Preble county bar. He was connected with much important litigation and displayed marked ability in handling intricate problems in jurisprudence. In the fall of 1865 he was elected to the state senate, representing Preble and Montgomery counties in the fifty-seventh general assembly for two years. Later the served in the house of representatives in the sixty-seventh and sixty-eighth general assemblies. During his service in the legislature he was on some of the most important committees in both branches and richly merited the high laurels which he won. He gave close and earnest study to the questions which came up for consideration, and his earnest investigation and mature judgment made him a value member of the legislature. He labored earnestly in support of every movement and measure which he believed would proveof public benefit, and the result has shown the wisdom of many of his acts. He continued his law practice in partnership with Robert Miller until January, 1876, when, having been elected to the office of probate judge of Preble county in October, 1875, the partnership was dissolved in order that he might enter upon his judicial duties. In 1878 he was re-elected and proved a most faithful and capable officer.

Still higher official honors awaited him, for in 1891 he became the choice of the Republican convention for the office of lieutenant-governor on the ticket with William McKinley. He was re-elected in 1893, a fact which indicates that his course was commendable and satisfactory to the public. Pie has the statesman's grasp of affairs and his political actions are the result of earnest investigation and careful study. He has given much attention to the labor conditions, and probably in the country there are few men better informed on industrial conditions than Colonel Harris. This fact was recognized by President McKinley, who in September, 1898, appointed Colonel Harris as one of the members of the national industrial commission, with headquarters at Washington, D. C. This position he has since creditably filled, and is recognized as one of the best informed men on industrial questions in that body, which is composed of five senators and five representatives and nine members appointed by the president at large. This body is organized after the plan of the British Royal Commission and institutes inquiries in regard to immigration, agriculture, transportation, labor and general business matters in order that the country may have accurate and authentic knowledge concerning all these important questions, and more particularly that the legislative body of the nation shall be informed thereon. He is at the head of the sub-commission on agriculture and agricultural labor. The work of this commission includes the collection of data concerning the labor conditions and advantages to be secured to all who are in any way connected with agricultural work. I hrough the topical plan of inquiry, information is solicited from all parts of the country so that complete statistics may be made concerning the condition of labor, the wages and methods of payment, the cropsharing, partnership, tenantry, immigration and education, the comparative earnings invested in agriculture, the present condition of agriculturists, the annual production, the cost of production and transportation, the prices paid in local markets and remedial legislation as to existing federal and state laws touching agricultural interests. Each one of these subjects is subdivided and thus information is gained concerning every possible question bearing upon agriculture. That the work is one of the utmost importance no one will deny, and President Mc- Kinley, on account of personal and close relations with Colonel Harris, well under- stood his ability to perform the task which he assigned to him in appointing him a member of the commission. Colonel Harris' knowledge of agriculture is of a personal as well as statistical character, for throughout his life he has been identified with farming interests and today is the owner of considerable valuable land in Preble county, which is cultivated under his immediate supervision. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860, and is able to uphold his political position by intelligent and comprehensive argument.

On the 17th of October, 1865, Colonel Harris was united in marriage to Miss Caroline, a daughter of Eli Conger, and they now have one son, Walter C., who was graduated in the collegiate department of the Miami University, and also took an electrical course in the Ohio State University at Columbus. He was employed as an electrician in the World's Columbian Exposition, and is now an artist and photographer on the New York Herald. He is a very enterprising and energetic young man whose qualities insure success in life.

Colonel Harris retains his interest in military affairs through his connection with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal Legion. He is a cultivated, polished gentleman whose position in life is due no less to his marked social qualities and admirable personal characteristics than to his learning and ability. He has long been a leader in thought and action in the political life of his state, and while he has enjoyed honors and triumphs in his public career he has in private life gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, deference to the opinions of others, kindness and congeniality. He has inscribed his name high on the roll of fame, yet is a very approachable, cordial gentleman.

Jonas Markey

Jonas Markey was born in Washington township, September 5, 1851. His father,. Christian Markey, was a native of Maryland,, his birth having occurred in Carroll corfnty, that state, on the 22d of June, 1826. When a youth of thirteen years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio, settling in Preble county. His grandfather was Amos Markey, who was born at Gunpowder Falls, Maryland, about 1789, and was reared to manhood in that locality. He served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and afterward was married and resided upon the old family homestead until after the birth of two of his children, when he removed to Carroll county, Maryland, there making his home until the spring of 1839, when he came with his family to the Buckeye state, locating just east of Lexington, in Twin township, Preble county. There he purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the German Baptist church and was a highly esteemed citizen. His death occurred in 1844. His father was Jacob Markey, a prominent farmer of Gunpowder Falls, Maryland, where he spent his entire life.

The paternal grandmother, Mrs. Jane (Eby) Markey, was born in Gunpowder Falls, November 6, 1802, and died September 22, 1887. She was twice married. After the death of her first husband, Mr.. Markey, she was married, in 1853, to John Harter. By her first union she had eight children, five of whom are still living.

namely: John H., Joseph and Susan, the wife of Frank Fudge, all of Preble county; Amos, of Johnson county, Missouri ; and Nathaniel, of Montgomery county, Ohio. Mrs. Markey was a daughter of Christian and Susanna (McDonald) Eby. Her father was born in .Virginia, in 1777, of parentage, and her mother was born in Pennsylvania, in 1782. She was of English lineage, her parents having emigrated from England to America some time prior to her birth. After her marriage to Christian Eby she accompanied her husband to Maryland and for a number of years they made their home at Gunpowder Falls, where they reared their twelve children. Later Mr. Eby emigrated to Montgomery county, Ohio, settling at the junction of Twin creek and Lewis river, on the farm where his grandson, James Eby, now makes his home. A short time prior to his death he removed to Lanier township, Preble county, where his last days were passed. Both he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church and were people of the highest respectability.

Christian Markey, the father of our subject, was a youth of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to Ohio, locating in Preble county, where he was reared to manhood and married Miss Anna Crumbaker. She was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1830, and was a little maiden of only three summers when she was brought to Preble county by her parents, Jonas and Elizabeth (Leedy) Crumbaker. They located three miles southwest of Eaton, on the Dayton and Richmond pike, and there remained until called to the home beyond. After his marriage Christian Markey began farming on a tract of land of eighty acres in Lanier township, two miles south of West

Alexandria. He purchased the property and made it his home for two years, after which he bought a quarter section three and a half miles northwest of Eaton, in Washington township, continuing its cultivation juntil 1858. He then purchased and removed to another farm of one hundred and sixty acres at New Hope Station, there residing until his death, which occurred in December, 1897. He survived his wife a number of years, for she passed away in 1873. They were both members of the German Baptist church and enjoyed the high regard of a large circle of friends. Mr. Markey was a very successful farmer, owning at one time about thirteen hundred acres of land. He gave to each of his children a good start in life, and at his death left a very large property. His property was won entirely through the legitimate channels of business, resulting from his industry, perseverance and capable management. For many years lie served as a member of the board of education and his co-operation and aid were very freely given to movements and measures which were calculated to prove of general good. By his marriage to Anna Crumbaker he had twelve children, of whom seven are living, namely : Jane, the wife of R. J. W. Ozias, of Twin township ; Jonas, the subject of this review; Emma, wife of S. A. Brower, of Dixon township, Preble county; Pierce, a farmer of Darke county, Ohio; John C., a farmer of New Hope, Preble county; Christian K., an agriculturist of Preble county; and Clara, who is unmarried and resides with her brother, John Markey, on the home place. After the death of his first wife Mr. Markey was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Zelpliy A. Barnhart, nee Bond. They had three children, of whom two are living: Edward B., a farmer of

In taking up the personal history of Jonas Markey, we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Preble county. His boyhood days were passed under the parental roof, and in the country schools he acquired his education, which was supplemented by a course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. At the age of twenty-one he engaged in farming, renting one of his father's farms for two years. It was in that way that he gained the money which enabled him to pursue his normal course. When his education was completed he returned to his native county and worked by the month as a farm hand for a year. After his marriage he located on his present farm, which he rented for three years and then by purchase became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres. He has since extended the boundaries of his place until it comprises five hundred and sixty acres, being one of the extensive and valuable farms of Jackson township. Although he has not made a specialty of stock-raising, it has been one of his principal sources of income, and there can always be found upon his place good grades of horses, cattle and hogs.

In business he has attained a high degree of success and is widely recognized as one of the leading farmers of the community. Both he and his wife have a large circle of friends in the county and their home is noted for its gracious hospitality.

On the 26th of December, 1876, Mr. Markey was united in marriage to Miss Julia Bloomfield, a native of Washington township and a daughter of Reuben and Amanda (Harbinson) Bloomfield. They now have two children, Josie and Hugh. The latter became a student in the Miami University and had entered upon his second year there when death claimed him. About the 1st of October he returned from the university to his home ill with typhoid fever, and after two weeks passed away he died, October 18, 1900, at the age of nineteen years, seven months and nine days. The funeral services were held the following Sunday and the concourse of people gathered on such an occasion has hardly been outnumbered in the history of the county. Quite a number of the university boys were present, with three of the faculty, to pay the last tribute of respect to a former comrade. The Rev. Stovenour and the Rev. Shoot conducted the services at the home and the remains were interred in Mound Hill cemetery, near Eaton. Perhaps no better estimate of his life and character can be given than to append a notice of his death which appeared in one of the local papers and was written by one who had known him well from early boyhood. The writer said :

"In his childhood he was gentle and kind, and as he blossomed into manhood the same character marked his life. In school he was studious and his countenance was continual sunshine, which won the respect and esteem of his .teachers and schoolmates. At the age of seventeen he graduated from the Jackson township high school with honors, and in the autumn of 1898 he entered the Miami University, where he soon won the love of pupils and faculty by his amiable manner. The president of the university, once being asked by the writer concerning our friend Hugh, gave his true character when he said, 'Everybody who loves what is grand and noble, loves Hugh Markey.' This high aim, linked with love for all and kindness to all, were the traits which made everybody his friend. At home he seemed to live only to obey the wishes of his parents and friends, and during all his life he was never known to disregard an entreaty of his parents. During his short sickness he never complained or murmured, but humbly submitted to the will of one who is able to save, and in his care has fallen asleep to waken in the heavenly home, there to await and welcome his friends when their summons shall come.

Dr. Albert Hawley, an old and prominent physician of Preble county whose home is on section 36, Jefferson township, was born January 22, 1822, in Warren county, this state, on the hills about a quarter of a mile from the Little Miami river, in Deerfield township, twenty-six miles from Cincinnati, and is of English and Irish descent. His paternal grandfather was probably born in England and married in Connecticut. His father, Joel Hawley, was a native of Connecticut and a farmer and local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church. Lie wed- ded Mary Dill, who was born and reared in New York, but when young came to Ohio, where- she died at about the age of fifty-five years and he passed away at the age of sixty. They were the parents of five sons, all of whom grew to manhood, and three are now living, our subject being the second in order of birth. Andrew is a physician of College Corner, Butler county, Ohio, living on the line between this state and Indiana, and Harvey is a farmer- of Clermont county, Ohio.

Dr. Hawley, of this review, spent the first seventeen years of his life in his native county, and acquired his early education in a primitive log school house in Deerfield township. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to Clermont county, where he continued his studies for a time, remaining with his father until twenty years of age. He then commenced the study of medicine with his uncle, Dr. William Hawley, of Oxford, Ohio, and was with' him about three years. In 1846 he opened an office- in Gettysburg, Preble county, where he still resides. For half a century he was actively engaged in practice, and met with marked success in his chosen calling, but since 1896 has lived retired. He attended lectures at the Medical College of Ohio, and was very successful in the treatment of cholera cases during two epidemics of that dread disease.

In 1848 Dr. Hawley married Miss Mary Potterfield, who died in less than a year after their marriage, and in 1850 he wedded Miss Elizabeth M. Watt, who was born near New Paris, Preble county, and diedi in 1895. By the second union he had five children : Dr. Crittenden C. A. Hawley, a physician of Gettysburg; Elizabeth, the wife of B. F. Wehrly, of Richmond, Indiana; Dr. Ashley C., who died in Eaton; William A., a pliar- macist of Union City, Indiana, and James Grant, a farmer, who is living at home with his father. All were born in Jefferson township, Preble county, and were given good school privileges.

The Doctor is one of the old residents of the county, and has watched with interest its wonderful development and progress. On locating here he had but one suit of clothes and five dollars in money, but he soon built up a large and lucrative practice, which extended over a wide range of territory in those early days, and in visiting his patients he rode horseback over roads which would now seem impassable. He steadily prospered in his new home, and is to-day the owner of two hundred acres of valuable land, from which he has cleared: away the timber and which he has placed in a high state of cultivation. Politically he is a stanch supporter o fthe Republican party and its principles, and is a strong temperance man, having taken an active interest in organizing the first temperance lodge in Gettysburg. For forty years he has been an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is honored and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who appreciate his sterling worth and many excellencies of character.

Theodore F. Brower is a self-made man who started upon his business career without capital, but is to-day the possessor of a comfortable competence as the result of his well-directed and honorable efforts. He is now extensively engaged in the livery business, having a liberal patronage.

son of Henry and Catherine (Nevinger) Brower. His father also was born in Lanier township, about 1821, and the grandfather was one of the earliest settlers of this section of the state. Upon the old home farm Henry Brower was reared, and having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Nevinger. He then took up his abode upon a farm adjoining his father's land, and throughout his life, covering a period of seventy years, he remained a resident of Preble county, 'his home being in Lanier and Twin townships. His death occurred in 1891, and the comunity thereby lost one of its valued citizens. In early life he was a Whig and later was a supporter of the Republican party. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Ohio during her childhood, her parents locating in Montgomery county, whence they removed to West Alexandria. There the grandfather opened and conducted a hotel in the early days of the town, but later returned to Montgomery county, where he resided up to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Brower became the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living, namely : Sarah J., the widow of James Bennett, of Eaton, Ohio; Albert, a farmer of Lanier township; Theodore F., our subject; Joseph, who is living in Farmersville, Montgomery county, where he is engaged in the livery business; Alice, the wife of William Kuntz, of Lanier township; Andrew, a farmer of Twin township; William, who is also living in Twin township; Oscar, a resident farmer of Lanier township; Charlie, who is carrying on agricultural pursuits near Anderson, Indiana, and Minnie E.,wifeof Leander Baker, of Dayton. Two children died in childhood, and George Brower, one of the children, was killed at the battle of Nashville, while serving in the civil war.

Mr. Brower, whose name introduces this review, spent the first eighteen years of his life on the home farm, and the labors and duties of the field became familiar to him through actual experience. In June, 1862, he responded to the country's call for troops, as a member of Company H, .Ninety-third Ohio Infantry. He served as a private and participated in many important engagements, including the battles of Stone River, Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Resaca and Mission Ridge, and the almost continuous fighting of the Atlanta campaign. He was in the battles of Pulaski and of Nashville. He was captured at Chickamauga on Saturday, but the following day made his escape and rejoined his regiment. At the battle of Resaca he was wounded and was confined in the hospital at Bridgeport, Alabama, for three weeks, when he again rejoined his regiment. Always found at his post of duty, he was true and loyal to the cause, and with an honorable military career he returned to his home, after being mustered out at Nashville, in June, 1865.

On again reaching Ohio Mr. Brower resumed farming. He was married in 1866, to Miss Catherine Black, and to them has been born a daughter, Ella, now the wife of William Fonts, a proprietor, with his brother, of a woolen mill of Lanier township. They resided upon the farm for six years, after which Mr. Brower engaged in the sewing machine business for a similar period. He then began selling trees, but as that business kept him so much from his home and family he abandoned it and in 1884 entered the employ of Coffman & Burtner, liverymen, with whom he remained for eight years. In 1893 he purchased the business, assuming a heavy indebtedness, but in the ensuing three years he managed to pay off all this, and at the same time saved capital sufficient to enable him to erect a residence property and to build a commodious livery barn. The keynote of his success has been untiring industry. He has not been afraid of hard work and his untiring labor has brought to him the success for which he strove. His honorable business methods have secured to him a liberal patronage, and he now enjoys a good income from the rental of his teams and rigs.

In 1871 Mr. Brower was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. Later he married Miss Belle Dininger, a native of West Alexandria and a daughter of John Dininger, one of the pioneer blacksmiths of the town. Their union has been blessed with three children: Carrie Alice; John R., who is interested with his father in the livery business; and Raymond T. Mr. Brower is a member of O'Kane Post, G. A. R., of Eaton. In politics he gives his support to the Republican party where questions of state and national importance are involved, but at local elections, where only the fitness of the candidates is to be taken into consideration, he votes for the men whom he regards as best qualified for office. His wife and daughter are members of the Methodist church and to its support he contributes liberally. He certainly deserves great credit for his success in life, and his example should serve to encourage others who must enter upon a business career without wealth, influential friends or special advantages to aid them.

Joel S. Steward

commercial interests lias not only been a financial benefit to himself but lias also been of material improvement to the city through the promotion of commercial activity whereon depends all the progress and prosperity of a community. Mr. Steward was born in Darke county, Ohio, May 7, 1843. His father, William Steward, was born in Maryland on Christmas day of 1812, and was a son of John Steward, who was of Scotch parentage. The grandfather was one of the first men who ran a notion-peddler's wagon in Maryland. He was probably born in Baltimore, and was a son of this Scotchman, for the great-grandfather of our subject emigrated to the new world on account of his dislike to certain measures agreed upon by the lords of Scotland and the English diplomats. Among the early ancestors of our subject were Revolutionary patriots. John Steward, the grandfather, married Miss May Link, and they reared a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom were married and reared families of their own and are now deceased. They were William, the father of our subject; Alexander, who went to Illinois as a teamster in the '50s, and one of his sons still lives in Champaign county, that state; and John, who conducted a flouring mill in Miami county.

William Steward also was a representative of the same industry. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Isabelle McSherry, of Pennsylvania, who lived near the Maryland line. In that locality the parents of our subject were married, in 1838, and later came to Preble county, Ohio, with their first born, a daughter, Elizabeth, who became the wife of Tunis Baird, and died in Kentucky, when about sixtythree years of age, leaving a married daughter. In the family of William Steward and his wife were eleven children, eight of whom reached adult age, including three sons and five daughters. Virginia is the wife of William H. McClure, of Greeley, Kansas, and has five children. Mary is the wife of William Thompson, of eastern Illinois, and has two sons and a daughter. Joel S. is the next of the family. Eva B. is engaged in dressmaking in Euphemia, Preble county. A. J. is a widower living in Kansas with two sons and one daughter. John A. served in the civil war and died at Lewisburg, Virginia, while in the service at the age of seventeen years. Minerva is a widow living in Greeley, Kansas, and has a daughter and son, and Abbie, who became the wife of Frederick Seigle and died in early womanhood, at the birth of her son, who is living in Greeley, Kansas. The mother of these children died June 28, 1885, at the age of sixty-three years, and the father survived her two years. He left at his death a small estate, for he had suffered heavy loss in 1873, owing to the fall in wheat. In his later life he sold his property and spent his last days upon a forty-acre farm.

Joel Steward, whose name introduces this review, obtained his education in the common schools, where he pursued his studies until sixteen years of age. He then put aside his text books and entered upon the practical duties of life in his father's flouring and saw mill in Preble county. He possessed much natural mechanical ability and soon mastered the business in all of its branches, and from 1864 to 1866 he conducted Messrs. Werts & Arnold's flouring mill at West Baltimore; then he bought Mr. Arnold's interest and remained several years as a partner with Mr. Werts, and then sold his interest to Mr. Werts and removed to

Brookville in Montgomery county, but returned to Winchester, Preble county, in the fall of 1 88 1. His business affairs have been earnestly and systematically prosecuted and from an humble position he has worked his way steadily upward until he is now accounted one of the substantial citizens of the community. He has two farms in this neighborhood and other small tracts of land elsewhere. His sawmill was located upon a plat of ground of four and a half acres. He lived upon one of these farms for a year, but during the greater part of that time made his home in Winchester, where he is successfully engaged in the manufacture and sale of lumber. Mr. Steward is also engaged in farming and stock raising, making a specialty of the breeding of fashionably bred trotting horses. Pie has a great love for the noble steed, is an excellent judge of horses and has a broad and comprehensive knowledge of blooded stock. He has bred, raised and sold some very high-class horses and now owns some of the best in the United States, and conducts the best appointed breeding farm in the county, his horses always asserting themselves in the speed and show rings.

On the 3d of July, 1864, Mr. Steward was married to Miss Rachel Frame, who was born in Preble county in 1841, a daughter of Silas and Polly (Strader) Frame. The only child of this marriage is Thomas Jefferson, who is now twenty-six years of age. He was married February 25, 1900, to Lucille Conley, of Eaton. Mr. Steward is a Master Mason in his social relations, and in politics is independent. He takes an active interest in township and county affairs and while residing in Montgomery county was the mayor of Brookville. When twentyeight years of age and again when thirtyeight he was elected a justice of the peace of Preble county and discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity. In 1882 he was chosen a township trustee. Prior to 1892 he was in politics a supporter of Democracy. He is a man of sterling worth, capable in business, thoroughly reliable, courteous and accommodating, and his high standing in business circles is well merited.

The late Dr. Isaac Newton Welsh, the eldest son of Dr. James B. and Eva B. (Garber) Welsh, was born January 29, 1843, 011 a farm in Israel township, Preble county, Ohio. His father, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume, was a school teacher in early life and among other places taught at College Corner; but in the spring of 1849, having resolved to put into immediate execution his plan of studying medicine, located near Fairfield, Franklin county, Indiana, and later took up his abode in the village, where he studied medicine under the guidance of Dr. James H. Elliott. This gave the subject of this memoir the opportunity of attending the village school and exploring the hills of the romantic region around, as well as to play along the banks of the White river. At that early day lie proved himself to be a close student and lover of nature. Having finished his studies under Dr. Elliott, his father removed to Falmouth, Rush county, Indiana, where the family remained for six years.

Isaac N. Welsh acquired his elementary education by attending the district and village schools. While in Falmouth he became the possessor of a violin and learned to play with ability most of the old-fashioned tunes then well known. In March, 1857, the fa- ther decided to return to Preble county, Ohio, and purchased the old Garber homestead in Israel township. Thus again Isaac found himself on the banks of the Little Four Mile, but in September of the same year the father sold the farm and with his family removed to Cincinnati to complete his medical education. Here the parents were for a while undecided as to what course of training and study they wished to give their son. He certainly possessed musical talent, and giving him a musical education in violin playing was seriously considered, but the opportunity for improving his literary education was too good to be lost, so he spent his time within the schoolroom and reluctantly gave up the idea of being a violinist. Thereby his native cbunty gained one of the finest dentists it has ever known. In 1858 Dr. Welsh brought his family to Eaton, where Isaac completed his education, showing special aptitude in his studies. He was also one of the best vocalists in the school, being passionately fond of music. Determining to make the practice of dentistry his profession he studied under Dr. Tuttle, passed a splendid examination and received his diploma. His success in his professsion was an indication of his superior skill and ability. He soon won first rank among the representatives of his calling in this part of the state.

At the time of the civil war Dr. Welsh volunteered as a private in Company H, Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, serving for four months, and was mustered out at Delaware, February 10, 1863. He then resumed his studies, preparing for a profession in which he gained enviable distinction.

and they lived together for thirty-two years, four months and eighteen days, when death separated them. To them were born two sons: Charles S., who for the past twelve years has represented the Indiana Dental Supply Company, of Indianapolis, and Frank F., who is one of Eaton's enterprising young business men. In 1873 the Doctor with his family located at Kokomo, Indiana, and during their sojourn of five years there he held the responsible position of cashier in the banking house of Walker, Welsh & Co. In 1878 he returned to Eaton and resumed the practice of dentistry. He and his son, Frank F., established the St. Clair Tile Works, of Eato«, and he was an active factor in business circles. Of all measures intended for the improvement of the city he was an ardent supporter.

About two years before his death he suffered an attack of la grippe, and from that time until the date of his demise his family closely watched the disease that so persistently baffled the skill of the best physicians. With marked devotion to his duty as a practitioner he went to his office many days when he should have remained at home in bed, and not until the 22d of December, 1899, did he finally abandon office work. Thus the familiar form that had been seen on the streets day after day for years with a smile and kind word for every one was seen no more. With heroism, uncomplaining and unfaltering courage he met the fate which ended his conflicts, his triumphs and his pleasures here. On Saturday evening, June 16, 1900, out upon the shoreless sea of eternity his bark drifted. He was then fifty-seven years, four months and seventeen days of age. His was a noble life, for his every purpose and every object was to promote the welfare of his family and the

Frank F. Welsh

Frank Forest Welsh is a leading representative of the industrial interests of Eaton and is to-day one of the prominent business men of the city, whose enterprising efforts have not only been a benefit to him but have also materially advanced the welfare and prosperity of the community by promoting commercial activity. He is one of Eaton's native sons, his birth having occurred on the 1 6th of October, 1870. His father was Dr. Isaac N. Welsh, of whom mention is made above. His preliminary education was acquired in the schools of Eaton, and he was graduated in the high school in the class of 1889. Subsequently he entered the university at Akron, Ohio, where he pursued the studies for three years and then matriculated in the senior class of the University of Pennsylvania. With a broad and comprehensive education that well fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties, he returned to Eaton in 1892 and entered upon his business career in association with his father, assuming the management of the affairs of the St. Clair Tile Company, one of the leading and successful concerns of -the city. Upon the death of his father, the son passed into the full control of the business. He manufactures drain tile in sizes from three to eighteen inches, and also deals in chimney pipe, paving brick, flue tiling, fire brick and fire clay. He also has an extensive coal and wood yard, which with the tile factory is located on Walnut street, adjoining the railroad, thus furnishing excellent facilities for shipping. Here he also carries a large amount of cement, plaster, lime and hair.

Mr. Welsh's capable management of the business is indicated by the excellent success which attends the enterprise. While a large force of workmen are employed and while faithfulness in the performance of duty is required and system prevails, there is nothing of the overbearing taskmaster in him; on the other hand he is quick to note merit in an employe, and as opportunity presents, rewards him by promotion. The business policy which he has always followed has been most commendable. He is methodical, careful and thorough, requiring that the strictest honesty must prevail in his establishment, which course has won him the respect of his business associates and all with whom he has had dealings.

Mr. Welsh has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Emma Danford, of Eaton, She died in October, 1894, and on the 21st of September, 1898, Mr. Welsh married Miss Clarissa Rossman, of Eaton. They now have one child, James. Their home is noted for its gracious hospitality, which is enjoyed by a very extensive circle of friends. In his political affiliations Mr. Welsh is a stalwart Republican and on that ticket was elected a member of the city council in April, 1899. He is wide-awake business man, alive to the best interests of Eaton, and his course as a public official has already proved of benefit to the city of nativity. His business career has been one of marked advancement and of irreproachable honor and his standing in commercial circles in Eaton is deservedly high.

James A. Flory

in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, this state, and is a son of Henry Flory, a native of the same county, born near Trotwood. His father was a cooper by trade, but during the latter part of his life followed farming. On obtaining his majority he became identified with the Democratic party, but in i860 became a Republican, and continued to affiliate with that party until his death. In religious faith he was a Dunkard. He died at the age of forty-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew him. His ancestors were originally from Pennsylvania. In Hagerstown, Indiana, he married Catherine Heffley, a native of that place, and immediately after his marriage brought his bride to the home he had prepared for her in Jefferson township, Montgomery county, Ohio. She is still living, at the age of seventy-three years, and now resides at No. 91 1 West Third street, Dayton, Ohio. To them were born three children, of whom our subject is the oldest; Mary E. is the wife of James Wallace, a retired hardware merchant of Arcanum, Darke county, Ohio; and Albert M., who married Kate Burns, and is engaged in the hardware business in Arcanum.

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed upon the home farm. He was not quite fifteen years of age when the civil war broke out, but on the 1st of September, 1861, lie enlisted in Company H, Fourth Ohio Cavalry, being the youngest soldier in the regiment. With that command he participated in its numerous engagements and marches, the regiment having the advance of General Mitchell's division of Buell's army through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, and again in September, 1862, had the advance in driving Bragg from Kentucky, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Lexington, Kentucky. He was I paroled in October, 1862, and re-enlist- | ed as a private in Company G, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he took part in the siege of Atlanta, the march to the sea, the battles of Bentonville, etc., North Carolina, remaining with Sherman's command until the close of the war, and was in the great review at Washington, May 22 and 23, 1865. He was never off duty with the exception of four weeks when ill. After four long years of faithful and arduous service, he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 17, 1865, and returned to his home in Montgomery county, Ohio.

In 1863 Mr. Flory was united in marriage with Miss Tracy A. Hoover, who died in 1868, and on the 2d of July, 1872, he w|edded Miss Margaret Brock, a native of Arcanum, Darke county, Ohio. They have five children, namely: Harry H., now a law student at Dayton; Perl, who is a private in Company E, Seventeenth United States Infantry, and is now in the Philippines; John, who assists his father in the work of the home farm, and Charles and Mary May, who are attending school. All were born in Preble county.

In 1872 Mr. Flory embarked in the nursery business near Louisburg, where he remained until 1876 and then removed to his present farm on section 24, Harrison township. It consists of seventy-five acres of land under excellent cultivation and since 1885, in connection with general farming, he has again devoted a part of his time to the nursery business and to the raising of small fruits, in all of which undertakings he has been quite successful.

quartermaster several years. He is a member of the Brethren in Christ Church, of which he is a deacon, and politically he is a Republican, having been identified with that party since casting his first presidential vote for General Grant. His loyalty is above question, being manifest in days of peace as well as in times of war, and he is honored and respected by all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life.

Jesse Studebaker

The subject of this notice is certainly entitled to be considered not only one of the enterprising farmers of Harrison township, but also one of its respected and honored citizens. His residence is situated on section 4, where he owns and operates eighty-one acres of land, and besides this farm he has another of sixty-four acres on section 3.

Mr. Studebaker was born in Harrison township, November 7, 1838, and belongs to one of its prominent pioneer families. His paternal grandfather, Peter Studebaker, who was born in Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania Dutch descent, was one of the early settlers of Preble county, Ohio, and here took up land from the government. The father, Jacob Studebaker, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, and was a young man when he came to this county. He purchased land in Harrison township for one dollar and a quarter per acre, and to the improvement and cultivation of his farm devoted his energies throughout life, dying in 1872. In that township he married Catharine Lock, a native of Maryland and a daughter of Philip Lock, who was born in the same state of German ancestry, and at an early day came to Preble county, Ohio, where he, too, entered land from the government and improved a farm. Mrs. Studebaker was the oldest in a family of nine children, and was quite young when brought by her parents to this county. She died at the age of seventy-three years. Fifteen children were born to Jacob and Catharine (Lock) Studebaker, and all but one grew to manhood or womanhood, while thirteen are still living, some residing in Ohio, others in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas and Washington. The ten sons are all farmers.

Of this family, Jesse Studebaker, our subject, is the fifth child and third son. He received only a very limited education, being able to attend school but two months, as his services were needed on the home farm. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which was celebrated December 1, 1861, Miss Catherine Hunt becoming his wife. She was born in Stillwater, Montgomery county, Ohio, November 10, 1841, and is the oldest in a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters, of whom nine reached adult age. Her parents 'were James and Elizabeth (Seybolt) Hunt, natives of Warren county, Ohio. Bazzel Hunt, the father of James Hunt and grandfather of Catherine Studebaker, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, August 4, 1787. Jane Morrow, who became the wife of Bazzel Hunt and mother of James Hunt and grandmother of Catherine Studebaker, was born in the state of Kentucky, December 25, 1797. James Hunt, Sr., the grandfather of James Hunt, Jr., and great-grandfather of Catherine Studebaker, was born in the United States in 1760, his father having emigrated from England in the year 1750. James Hunt, the father of Catherine Studebaker, was born in Montgomery county, and was raised where the military home now is, and where the springs ran out from under the logs in the woods, October 3, 1817. Elizabeth Hunt, the mother of Catherine Studebaker, was born in Warren county, Ohio, October 2, 1822, her parents having emigrated from Germany, and were sold to pay their passage across the ocean.

After his marriage Mr. Studebaker located upon a rented farm with his father-inlaw, and in the fall of 1862 removed to Darke county, where he remained one year. In the fall of 1863 he located upon his present farm on section 4, Harrison township, Preble county, and throughout his active business life has successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as school director, but has never been prevailed upon to accept political office. He is a member of the Grange, to which most of his children belong.

years. Lovina Bell married Elmer E. Riley and died in 1896, leaving three children - Allen, Russell and Uola. Emma is the wife of John Kessler, and they have two children - Jesse and Pearl. Ida is the wife of Vernando Comer, and they have four children - Ora, William, Versie and Symmie. Edward married Mary Geeting. Perry D. married Cora Hoffman and they have two daughters - Estella and Hettie B. Clara Jane died December 17, 1899. Joseph S., a graduate of the Euphemia high school, has successfully engaged in teaching for four years in Harrison township in his home district. He married Pearl M. Sodders. William O., Jesse C., Grace C. and Grover C. are all at home. All of the children were born on the present farm of our subject with the exception of James M., whose birth occurred in Darke county. The sons now carry on

Andrew P. Zeller

This prominent old settler of Preble county, whose home is on section 34, Harrison township, is the possessor of a handsome property which now enables him to spend his declining years in the pleasurable enjoyment of his accumulations. The record of his early life is that of an active, enterprising, methodical and sagacious business man, who bent his energies to the honorable acquirement of a comfortable competence for himself and family and still superintends the operation of his farms.

Mr. Zeller was born November 22, 1824, in the southwestern part of Montgomery county, Ohio, in German township, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Houtz) Zeller, both of German descent and natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Berks, and the latter in Dauphin county. The paternal grandfather, who also bore the name of Andrew Zeller, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and came to Montgomery county, Ohio, in 1806, locating in German township, where he died at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. He served as a drummer in the Revolutionary war, and was the first bishop in the church of the United Brethren in Christ. His father came from Switzerland to the United States about 1740, settling in Berks county, Pennsylvania. Three brothers came about that time, landing at Philadelphia, one of whom remained at that city, one went to Virginia, and one went to the interior of Pennsylvania ; and it is from the last mentioned that the

The father of our subject was fifteen years of age when, in 1806, he accompanied his parents on their removal to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and at the inglorious surrender of General Hull at Detroit during the war of 1812 with Great Britain, he received the message, in the dead of the night, to go to the front immediately for a term of six months in defense of his country and the protection of their homes, which were seriously exposed to the depredations of the savages or Indians, which order he promptly obeyed. October 20, 1814, he was married, in Montgomery county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming until October, 1831, when he removed to Germantown, and engaged in a general drygoods business until 1834, at which time he came to Preble county and settled on a farm on section 34, Harrison township. In 1861 he removed to Euphemia, where he died, in January, 1864. In i-arly life he joined the United Brethren church, but later held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He voted for Andrew Jackson and in 1840 for General William PI. Harrison, but on the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, supporting John C. Fremont in 1856 and Abraham Lincoln in i860. He was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His estimable wife died at the age of eighty-one. She was about thirteen years of age when, in 1807, she removed from her native state to Perry county, Ohio. Her father also was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer by occupation.

dying in childhood and infancy. His education was mainly acquired in the old-time log school-houses. For a time he was a student in the schools of Germantown. Montgomery county. At the age of ten he came to Preble county with his parents and upon the home farm grew to manhood. At the early age of fifteen he commenced teaching, taking charge of his first school in the winter of 1839-40 and his next in 1846-7.

On the 17th of February, 1848, Mr. Zeller was united in marriage to Miss Maria Flickinger, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 30, 1830, a daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Kumler) Flickinger, natives of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, Mrs. Zeller being the ninth in order of birth. Her maternal grandfather was Bishop Henry Kumler, of the Lhfited Brethren church. Pier parents removed to Butler county, Ohio, in 1819, and there she was reared and educated. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Zeller only three are now living, namely : John Jacob A., a farmer and hardware merchant of Waterman, Illinois; Samuel Theodore, a grain dealer living in Sterling, Illinois : he owns two elevators on a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, one at Harmon and one at Walton, ten and sixteen miles east of Sterling, the capacity of which is over one hundred thousand bushels, and also one at Stone Station, on the same railroad; and Ida M., the wife of W. C. Stubbs, a physician of Celina. Ohio. The deceased are: Viola Jane.

to his children as a heritage, provided them with educational privileges. John Jacob A. entered Otterbein University at Westerville, Ohio, in the fall of 1864, but in the fall of 1865 he entered the Wesleyan University of Delaware, Ohio, and was a classmate of Senator Foraker. Samuel Theodore entered the Chicago University in the fall of 1871 and was there during the great fire. Viola Jane entered Wesleyan College at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the fall of 1872, and later became a student in the Otterbein University, and subsequently continued her education in a conservatory of music at Cincinnati, Ohio. Carrie Alice also entered Otterbein University in 1876. Ida Meluzena matriculated in that institution in 1880, and Sarah Luella became a student there in the fall of 1884, while Annie Victoria was afterward in the Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, in the fall of 1889. Those deceased passed away during their college days.

After his marriage Mr. Zeller remained on the old home farm for one year, after which he spent five years on a farm of his own in Franklin township, Warren county, Ohio. At the end of that time, however, he returned to the old homestead in the spring of 1854, on section 34, Harrison township, which he purchased of his father and resided there until locating on his present farm on section 34, in the same township, in 1865. He has always engaged in general farming, and as success has crowned his well-directed and energetic efforts he is now the owner of five hundred and thirty acres of valuable farming land in Preble county, the cultivation of which he still superintends. At different times he has owned other lands in this locality and also property in Iowa and Nebraska. He has some valuable property on Dearborn and State streets, Chicago, and property in Lewisburg and Euphemia, Ohio. He has also given a bonus of five hundred dollars to the Cincinnati & Northern Railroad and right of way through one of his farms as a public benefaction. He is a wideawake, progressive business man, of sound judgment and keen discrimination, and has the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact, either in business or social life.

After the annexation of Texas and the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, he belonged to a volunteer company of light infantry. He received the call to the front in the forenoon while he was plowing corn, being summoned to Eaton, the county seat. He immediately unhitched his horse from the plow, donned his uniform, and with his cartridge box over his shoulder and his musket in his hand, he rode on horseback to Eaton, a distance of ten miles, in less than an hour. There he met Ins company ready for service. Volunteers were called for and the response filled the quota of the county for a call of fifty thousand men issued by President Polk. When its services were no longer needed the company was discharged and the men permitted to return home.

At the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, when President Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand men who were urgently needed to crush out the rebellion, and the treasury was empty, Mr. Zeller donated forty dollars to buy a horse for one who was willing to go - and he went, never to return. Later in the war he always cheerfully paid his quota of money required to raise voluntees and also the war tax. He was fortunate enough to escape the drafting, but during the latter part of the war he hired an alien at a high price to act as his substitute as a volunteer. The man went to the front and he, too, never returned. Mr. Zeller remained at home in active life on a big farm, liberally furnishing money for carrying on the war. During the progress of hostilities, in July, at what was a most inopportune time, Mr. Zeller, having a large harvest of grain in the. shock, received a message that Morgan was making a raid in southern Ohio, and loyal men must go to the rescue. He hastened to Eaton, where the report was received that men had heard cannon booming at Hamilton. With a large company he boarded a long train of box cars and moved rapidly toward that place. The men were armed only with haversacks and tin cups. When they arrived they found Hamilton full of men, but few were equipped for war and the town was ill-prepared to receive them. There were no accommodations for the men and many were compelled to lie upon the bare ground. Mr. Zeller was one of the number, and in this way he contracted ague, from which he suffered for seven consecutive summers. After a short time spent in Hamilton the news was received that Morgan's forces were being scattered and the men were permitted to return to their farms and their homes.

Mr. Zeller cast his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, the Whig candidate, and on the dissolution of that party was a Republican until 1896, when he supported WJ. Bryan for the presidency; but in 1900, the money question being put in the background by the Democratic party, and other important questions coming up, he voted for William McKinley. He has served as township trustee and school director, and also as a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a faithful and consistent member, having contributed for the building and rebuilding of their church the sum of nine hundred dollars. Fraternally he is a member of the Grange. His estimable wife holds membership in the same church, and like her husband has many warm friends in the community where they reside.

Barnett W. Huffman

Barnett W. Huffman is serving as deputy sheriff of Preble county. He was born in Somers township, October 25, 1843, his parents being Alexander and Elizabeth (Walters) Huffman, natives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. They were married in Somers township, Preble county, and the father, a successful and enterprising farmer, occupied a fine property. His great energy and industry enabled him to successfully conduct his business affairs and at the time of his death, which occurred when he was sixty-six years of age, he owned a valuable farm of three hundred acres, which was divided among his heirs. His wife, surviving her husband for two years, passed away at the age of sixty-seven. Their family numbered three sons and a daughter, of whom our subject is the eldest. Joseph, married Miss Nettie Baston, of New Lexington, Perry county, Ohio. He was a graduate of Delaware College, became a lawyer of prominence and was judge of the common pleas court of Perry county at the time of his death, which occurred in 1892. The third of the family is William, a retired farmer residing in Eaton and the owner of a valuable tract of land in Dixon township. Olive Jane, only daughter, is the wife of Minor J. Larsh, a railroad conductor living in Indianapolis.

favorably known in Preble county, pursued his education in the district schools of Dixon township until about sixteen years of age, when he was placed in a select school in Richmond, Indiana. He declined a collegiate education offered him by his father, but completed a thorough English course under private instruction in Richmond. On laying aside his text-books, he returned to his father's farm and assisted in the cultivation and operation of the land until twentyfour years of age. On the 30th of May, 1865, he was married in his native township to Miss Elizabeth Conger, also a native of Dixon township. She was reared and educated within three miles of her husband's home, and her parents were Eli and Lucinda Conger, very prominent and highly respected people of Preble county. Her only brother, James H. Conger, is a grain merchant of Eaton, and her sister Carrie is the wife of Colonel Andrew L. Harris, ex-lieutenantgovernor of Ohio, who served for two terms in that capacity while President McKinley occupied the chair of the chief executive of the state.

After his marriage Mr. Huffman engaged in farming in Union county, Indiana, where he owned and operated a tract of land of one hundred acres. After thirteen years spent upon that farm he sold the property and purchased a quarter-section of land in Dixon township, Preble county, which he still owns. This is one of the most valuable farms in the county, being improved with excellent buildings, natural groves of sugar maple and with all of the modern accessories and conveniences of the model farm. Wishing to retire from the more arduous duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, yet not desiring to be entirely idle, he purchased a forty-acre tract of land near Eaton, to which he removed with his family, living there in comparative comfort and ease for two years. In 1896 he sold that model little home and came to the city, where for four years he was engaged in the sale of farmingimplements and fertilizers, in connection with Colonel Robert Williams. The enterprise proved a very profitable one. Colonel Williams being elected to the legislature, Mr. Huffman conducted the store alone for two years, after which the business was sold. He was appointed deputy sheriff under Albert L. Borradaile, the present sheriff, in 1898, being chosen to the position from among fourteen applicants. In his two years' service he has demonstrated that Mr. Borradaile made a wise choice in his selection of an assistant, for he has ever been found faithful in the discharge of his duties. In the Republican county convention held at Eaton, August 18, 1900, he was nominated for the office of sheriff. He has ever been a man of marked patriotism, and his loyalty to his country was shown in 1864 when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He spent his term of enlistment mostly at Cumberland, Maryland. Another evidence of his patriotism was a gift which he made to a cavalry volunteer, a young friend of his, to whom he presented the first horse he ever owned. The horse was killed in battle, but the rider escaped and is still living. A public-spirited and progressive citizen, national issues as well as local affairs have for a him a deep interest. He is now connected with Mulharen Post, No. 3, G. A. R., of Eaton.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huffman were born three sons and a daughter. The sons are: William, a contractor and builder of Eaton, who married Allie Kimmel; Frank, who wedded Jennie Sliver and is now operating the old homestead farm, and Harvey, a lad of sixteen who attends school through the winter months, while in vacations he assists his brother on the farm. The daughter, Mary, died when twenty-one years of age. Mr. Huffman is a member of the Christian and owes his conversion and his connection with the church to the influence of his wife. On the 31st of August, 1898, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, her death resulting from typhoid fever. She was a most earnest and exemplary Christian woman, and her goodness was like the fragrance of the wood violets. Without pretense, her influence was felt by all with whom she came in contact. She devoted herself untiringly to her husband and children, her first care being to make their home a happy one in which her sons should be well prepared for life's practical and responsible duties. Her loss was an irreparable one to her husband and children, but her memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew her.